Mcculloch to Wm. Lowry, December 16, 1822

Mr. McCulloch, collector, to Mr. Lowry, surveyor.

Sir: Please to direct an officer to examine minutely the equipment of the Colombian schooner General Paez, Jno. Chase commander, to ascertain that her repairs have not exceeded what our neutrality permits; that is, that the work here done to the vessel has not added to her military strength or fitted her for receiving additional armament, or that they confer any other or more capacity than she possessed at her entrance here, except as replacing spars and other furniture or tackle unfit for safe navigation. [152]

The officer must also exercise a particular vigilance as to any men or articles of armament being clandestinely put on board or in preparation, as far as possible, and report seasonably to this office.