The Lonely Sentinel of Deception Pass
Federal authorities place a single, ill-equipped sailor on Smith's Island to guard against opium and immigrant smuggling.
What is looked upon as one of the most childish moves ever undertaken in the work of suppressing smuggling on Puget Sound occurred last week, when authorities established a revenue station on Smith's Island to guard Deception Pass. A small shelter was constructed for a single revenue sailor. Investigation showed that one man armed with a six-shooter had been left to guard a body of water across which one of Krupp’s largest pieces could hardly put a shot. No boat was left, leaving the sailor essentially a 'Robinson Crusoe' without any means of communication or defense against potential smugglers.
“Friends here of the one sailor left at the new station are fearful lest some daring smuggler go ashore on the island some night and steal him, together with his pistol and provisions.”
This reflects the absurdity of early federal efforts to patrol Puget Sound. While the tone is mocking, it highlights the porous nature of the border and the desperation of the era's 'revenue' enforcement.
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