To Alexander Hamilton from William Ellery, 19 August 1794
From William Ellery
Newport [Rhode Island] August 19, 1794. “The Sloop Aurora Hersey Bradford of Bristol master arrived not long since at the Port of Bristol in this District from the Port of Boston without a Register, or Enrollment and License, but with a Certified manifest from the Custom house there. By said proceeding both the Vessel and her cargo became subject to seizure and forfeiture;1 and upon Notice being given to me of this transactn. by the Surveyor of the Port of Bristol2 I directed him to take the Vessel into his Custody until the District Attorney3 could be consulted in the Case.… The District Attorney has been applied to, and inclosed is a copy of his Advice.…”
LC, Newport Historical Society, Newport, Rhode Island.
1. This is a reference to “An Act for enrolling and licensing ships or vessels to be employed in the coasting trade and fisheries, and for regulating the same” ( 305–18 [February 18, 1793])
2. Samuel Bosworth.
3. Ray Greene.