Jan 14 1836 to Mar 5 1836 - PTR, Vol. 4

peculiar situation of the Bay, boats passing through the bay in all directions and the only place to secure the duties and prevent fraud is at Galveston Island which is the key to all other landing places in the Bay- If the Govt would purchase the Steamer Cayaga which is offered I think at a moderate price I believe it would he of great benefit to the Govt [illegible] have her for Revenue purposes and for Towing in and out, watering and wooding vessels of war, communicating with the main land in case of and for the conveyance of Troops, Volunteers &c, Mr. Wiles the owner will lake her from here if She is not purchased or chartered by the Govt and al limes il will take many days to get from here to the Island and back with any other means than Steam. The boat properly and economically managed will pay for herself if there should be much to do here for the Govt. besides facilitating all naval opperations. The government I have no doubt upon examining the map of the Coast will see the necessity of having the boal, and when that necessity does not exist it can be arranged to heller advantage the boat can be disposed of at a very little less- The price is $5,000 for the boat tackle and apparel and the charter is $300 per month- If taken at sale I should recommend the purchaser please write me by the rel11rn of Capt. Wilson whom I have prevailed upon lo go to SanfiUipe to have the boat purchased or to get authority for that purpose. Please write me all the news you have I am Gentlemen with Great Consideration Yr obt Servant Wm P. Harris [1842) [HARRIS to SMITH]

Harrisburg 19th January 1836.

To his Excellency Henry Smith Governor Sir

Immediately after my arrival in this place I proceeded to Galveston on the discharge of my official duty, and found there had arrived Two Schooners from New York and one English Schooner from Grenada no cargo on board, the Schooner from New York with merchandize consigned to Mr Morgan who refused to pay the duties under the then existing Law, as it was not published and

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