To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Purviance, 22 April 1790
From Robert Purviance1
Custom House, Baltimore
April 22d. 1790.
Sir
The Snow St. Martin from St. Ubes bound to Charleston put into this port the 10th. March in distress, upon an examination she was found insufficient to be repaired. A Sale of the vessel and Cargo has since taken place. The Collector2 considers the Vessel and Cargo exempt from paying the Tonage & fees, in conformity with the Act providing for vessels in distress.3 I think the provision made by that Act, to provide for Vessels in distress dont fully comprehend the present case, I consider the Act in part to guard against the payment of Tonnage and fees twice on the same Voyage. Had she arrived at her destined port, no doubt the Tonnage and Fees must been paid, Altho insufficient to undergo a repair, Here the Voyage ends.
Its some what remarkable this Vessel should come so far up the bay and passed so good a port as Norfolk in her situation.
I wish for your sentiments on this subject.
I am Sir with great respect Your most Obedt. humble servant
R. Purviance N. Officer
Alexr. Hamilton esquire
Secretary of the Treasury.
Copy, RG 56, Original Letters to the Collector at Baltimore, National Archives.
1. Purviance was naval officer at Baltimore.
2. Otho H. Williams.
3. Section 12 of “An Act to regulate the Collection of the Duties imposed by law on the tonnage of ships or vessels, and on goods, wares and merchandises imported into the United States” ( 29–49 [July 31, 1789]).