same, and will bear dispalched from the government, as an express. D. C. Barrell, Clum.
Rex Thomson G. A. Pattillo E. Collard J. D. Clements
(1905] [COLLINSWORTH to COUNCIL]
Matagorda Jan 24th 1836
District & Port of Matagorda Custom House Department To the President of the Genl Council
Sir-I take the liberty of addressing you on the Subject of Two Vessells now in this port which are Subject to duty or Tonage dues one of which I do not think should pay any tonage dues, To wit the Schooner Brutus. Capt W. A Hurd has arrived with her as a Merchant Man, although she is regularly fitted out as a Government Vessel mounting seven guns & is well armed. She only brought in about fifty Bbls of freight for the purpose of preventing suspision on the part of the Government of U. S. as they tried very hard to prevent her from clearing. Capt Hurds instrnctions are to dispose of his Vessel in Texas but he intends returning and cancelling his bonds which he was compelled to give before sailing & return immediately for this coast again-Capt Hurd has given bonds for the Tonage duty of his Vessel but I should deem it extremely unjust to compel! him to pay the Bond as I am satisfied she did not design speculation for she imported only forty Bbls freight & 100 Volunteers or thereabouts & I would be glad your honorable boddy would pass a resolution to cansel her bond which she has given here as I deem it altogether contrary to the intention and poljcy of the Law collecting tonage &c-The Sehr Congress having arrived previous to the Establishing of the Custom House in this place hut not previous to the promulgation of the first Tarif Law the agent is of opin[ion] that she should not be subject to Tonage She also saild previous to the Recpt of the tarif at this place but did not leave the port & Return to her proper anchorage & the tonage dues have been secured, but for the satisfaction of the persons interested I have agreed to leave the Matter with your honorable body & trust you will respond to this communication by the Next Mail-the
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