The Captain’s Defense: Fighting the Customs House

To the Hon. the Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C.: I am in receipt of a copy of the report of Mr. J. C. Horr, Special Agent of your Department at Port Townsend, relative to my claim for damages in the matter of the detention of the ship City of Brooklyn. The extraordinary character of this document, which purports to be a report of facts, is in fact but an attempt to shield the custom-house people from the consequences of their inexcusable conduct by attacking me. The ship City of Brooklyn arrived in Seattle just after the seizure of the steamer Lone Fisherman. There was at that time a rumor of the presence of more opium. After I had discharged my inward cargo, I went to Victoria. I returned to Seattle, and heard a rumor that a lot of opium had been put on board the City of Brooklyn. This rumor naturally alarmed me. As master and part owner, it was my duty to take immediate steps to protect the vessel. I went at once to my consignees, Harrington & Smith, and asked their advice. I am informed and believe that their bookkeeper, Frank Hanford, went at once and reported to his brother, the Assistant U. S. Attorney, C. H. Hanford, who immediately telegraphed the Collector at Port Townsend. The ship was taken in charge. I protest that the whole story—that I was involved in smuggling—is a fabrication. I agreed at their request to discharge all the coal, costing me about $500, yet no opium was ever found. I have but discharged a duty to myself in setting these matters before you.