JOHN HARLEY, Collector to the Receiver General, December 18, 1863
Mr. Harley to the Receiver General.
Sir: The Chesapeake sailed about 9 a. m. on Wednesday.
She has landed here by permit twenty-five bales of cotton, ten half-casks (300 gallons) of port wine, and a church bell, entered as worth $100.
I placed a confidential person on board of her to see that nothing was landed without my knowledge, and remained on board nearly two days myself.
She sailed at 6 p. m. on Tuesday, with the ostensible purpose of going to sea, when my officer returned and reported to me about 9 p. m.
On Wednesday morning I despatched a constable to follow her down the river, with instructions to board her and remain if she were still in port; he returned in the afternoon and stated that she had left as above.
The constable, who provided himself with a horse and wagon, has charged 7s. 6d. for his services.
The ypung gentleman who acted as my lieutenant (two days and one night) will, I doubt not, be satisfied with whatever you may think proper to award him.
The officers appeared to be solicitous to give no offence to the government, and expressed their willingness to abide by the regulations of the port.
I am, &c.,