112 FISHERMEN'S MEMORIAL AND RECORD BOOK. 



All over town the cry was heard that the Horton had arrived, and 

 the event was made the occasion of a general jubilee. The Glouces- 

 ter Cornet Band was promptly on hand, and after performing several 

 stirring national airs on Front street, proceeded to Rocky Neck, es- 

 coi'ted by the torch-light procession and a drum corps, and serenaded 

 the gallant Capt. Knowlton at his residence, who duly acknowledged 

 the compliment. Notwithstanding the blustering, disagreeable weather, 

 crowds of people joined the procession, giving vent to their enthu- 

 siasm by hurrahing, firing guns and sending up rockets. It was an 

 evening long to be remembered. Salutes were also fired Thursday 

 morning and evening. There was also a display of fireworks, and 

 the band, accompanied by a large procession, paraded the streets, 

 playing patriotic airs. At eight o'clock a congratulatory meeting 

 was held at the Town Hall, which was filled to its utmost capacity. 



Benj. H. Corliss, Esq., was chosen chairman, and made a speech, 

 reviewing the many grievances of our fishermen, and the persistent 

 course of aggravation and aggression maintained .by the Dominion 

 Government. He was followed by B. H. Smith, Esq., and others. 



Mr. Corliss presented Capt. Knowlton and his crew the sum of 

 $1,000, which had been subscribed by the citizens of the town as a 

 mark of esteem, and a slight testimonial of the great service they had 

 rendered the fishing interests in thus daring to take possession of the 

 Horton. 



The speaking was interspersed with music, and the meeting was a 

 lively one in every particular, and fully demonstrated the sentiment 

 of this community on the fishing question. 



THE HOBTON WAS NEVER GIVEN UP. 



It was supposed that the British government would make active 

 efforts for the return of the Horton, and would petition our govern- 

 ment to that effect ; but nothing of the kind was done. Collector 

 Babson at once applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for another 

 set of papers, on the grounds that the United States government had 

 no claim upon any vessel coming into port having lost her papers. 

 The vessel he considered in the condition of one served by due proc- 

 ess of law, and a keeper placed on board. On the departure of the 

 keeper or guard in the fancied security of insufficient water to float 

 the craft, her owners were at liberty to go on board and assume pos- 

 session. No violation of law had been committed, as the vessel was 

 virtually abandoned by the officers who had her in charge, and no 

 violence was used in her recapture. 



