434 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 



be, and usually are misunderstood or misconstrued, and can seldom 

 be correctly repeated; and indeed, taking for granted that the admis- 

 sions sworn to have been made by the masters of these vessels, I 

 cannot understand that they amount to evidence to authorize a 

 seizure. 



I may observe that these vessels have all been fitted out on shares; 

 that is, each man on board in lieu of wages receives a share of fish 

 at the termination of the voyage. This circumstance may be of im- 

 portance, as it probably may affect their evidence in the court of 

 vice-admiralty. 



I have at present at this consulate two destitute American seamen 

 of the boat Hart, (James Rich and Albert Douglas,) who, if not 

 contrary to j^our instructions, I have to request that you will receive 

 on board the cutter Hamilton, and land them at some convenient port 

 in the United States. 



The crews of the Java, Magnolia and Independence were put by 

 me on board of a British schooner, the master of which landed them 

 at Castine, in the State of Maine. They were in a perfectly destitute 

 condition, the provisions and stores of the vessels having been seized. 

 I had therefore to provide for them while they remained in this 

 place, and to find them a passage to the United States. 

 I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant. 



Henry A. Grantham, 

 Consular Agent U. S. for the Port of Yarmouth, N. S. 



Josiah Sturgis, Esq., 



Commander of the American Revenue-Cutter Hamilton. 



Custom-House, 

 Boston, June 27, 1839. 



I certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the original ad- 

 dressed to Captain Sturgis by Henry A. Grantham, Esq. 



G. Bancroft, Collector. 



Consul Morrow to Mr. Forsyth. 



(Xo. 78.) Consulate or the United States of America, 



Halifax, N. S., August 8, 1839. 



Sir: Since I had the honor to address you, under date the 27th 

 June, (No. 77) several proceedings have been had with respect to 

 the vessels therein named; some have been released on payment of 

 expenses, and others have been condemned. 



I beg leave most respectfully, to recapitulate the fate of each 

 vessel : 



The schooner Eliza, of Portland, has been released on payment of 

 expenses, amounting in all, to £84, 17s. 10d., (this currency,) of 

 $339.56; this, however, contains my commisison on cash advanced to 

 release her, and incidental charges connected with a bottomry. 



Schooner Shetland, of Boston, released in a like manner; her ex- 

 penses about $000; but the money was paid by a house of business 

 here, and I do not know the exact amount. 



Schooner Charles discharged without any expense. 



