Thomas Mathews to the Governor Aug. 23, 1794

I acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 18th instant with its enclosure.
It is with great regret that I inform you, that the process issued against the Schooner Non Pariel has not been served. The Schooner had for some day's previous to the receipt of the process been removed to the neighborhood of Crany Island, and beyond the reach of any of the cannon at Fort Nelson. At the request of the Deputy Marshal, I attended him for the purpose of seeing the process executed, but on our arrival near the vessel we were forbid to approach — the officer declaring that the orders he had received from his Captain were, to admit no Boat whatever to board the Schooner. Mr. Hunter, the Marshal, then enquired if the Captain was on board, declaring that he had a process from the Judiciary of the United States against the Vessel. The Officer replied that the Captain was not on board, and again repeated his prohibition that we should not be permitted to approach nearer. At this time, forty or fifty men presented themselves on the Gun whale of the Vessel with their boarding Pikes in hand. I informed them that we should not, as we were situated, attempt to board them and retired.
I felt very strongly for the indignity offered to the Law, & was determined, if called on by the Coll. or Marshal, to take the most effectual measures to enforce obedience.
The Collector, the Marshal and myself repaired to the Fort shortly after for the purpose of sending to Crany Island and Lambert Point two twenty-four pounders on each to prevent their retreat, but we were much disappointed when we heard from Capt. Hannah that they had neither Cartridges, Spunges, Rammers, Prickers or Horns. The Collector then declined, calling on me officially for the aid of the Military, supposing it better to decline any effort unless it could be attended with probable success. In this I concurred with him. I have been particular in stating this business, in hopes that measures will be taken to enable the Officers of Government to enforce obedience to the laws.
I am, &c.

 

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Source of Information

CALENDAR of VIRGINIA STATE PAPERS and OTHER MANUSCRIPTS, FROM JANUARY 1, 1794, TO MAY 16, 1795, PRESERVED IN THE CAPITOL AT RICHMOND. ARRANGED AND EDITED BY SHERWIN McRAE and RALEIGH COLSTON, UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND DIRECTION OF Hon. H. W. FLOUENOY, SECRETARY Of THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, AND STATE LIBRARIAN. VOLUME VII. RICHMOND: J. H. O.BANNON, SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC PRINTING. 1888