To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, [18–25] March 1794
From William Ellery
Newport [Rhode Island] March [18–25] 1794. “On the 17th. instant the Sloop Hannah of New york an enrolled and licensed vessel James Underhill master arrived in this Port from Long island in ballast only; but without a Manifest or Permit, and by his neglect has incurred the forfeiture of fifty dolls. As he lived out of the State, I issued a Writ against him, and he has petitioned the Judge of the District Court,1 &c. agreeably to the mitigating Act.2 I have seen his Petition and have no reason to suspect the truth of what he has therein alledged. On the same day the Schooner Arethusa of Freetown Edmund Valentine arrived here from the District of Dighton, and on the next day the Sloop Wealthy of Freetown Guilford Grinnel master arrived here from the said District, both duly enrolled and licensed, and both laden with the Produce of the United States, but both without manifests subscribed by the master. Each of the masters deeming it more eligible to pay the fine of 20 dolls imposed by the 18th. Sec: of the Act for enrolling and Licensing Vessels3 &c. than to apply to you in the mode prescribed by Law for remission have paid the same but not without much complaint and murmur.…”
LC, Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
1. Henry Marchant.
3. Section 18 of “An Act for enrolling and licensing ships or vessels to be employed in the coasting trade and fisheries, and for regulating the same” provided in part that “if the master of such ship or vessel shall not be provided, on his arrival within any such district with a manifest, and exhibit the same, as is herein required, if the lading of such ships or vessel consists wholly of goods, the produce or manufacture of the United States (distilled spirits excepted) he shall forfeit twenty dollars” ( 312 [February 18, 1793]).