Mr. Boutwell,
Secretary of the Treasury, to Mr. Fish, Secretary State.
Treasury
Department,
Washington, May 12,
1872.
Sir: In addition to the information which I
had the honor to submit on yesterday’s date relative to the steamer
Quaker City at New York, I herewith inclose copy of a letter from
the collector of customs at that port, dated the 11th instant.
[51] *Very respectfully,
GEO. S. BOUTWELL,
Secretary of the
Treasury.
Hon. Hamilton Fish,
Secretary of State.
[Page 783]
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Grinnell,
collector, to Mr. Boutwell,
Secretary of the Treasury.
Custom-House, New
York,
May 11,
1869.
Sir: Since my letter of yesterday with
reference to the steamship Quaker City, I have the honor further
to report that I have been informed that a change in the
ownership was made on the 5th day of May, last, for the sum of
$125,000, and that on May 8, one Mr. Albon M. Jefferson,
claiming to be a British subject, went before the British consul
and took the oath of ownership of the said steamer, under the
new name of Columbia.
I would further add that the vessel is closely watched, and that
there is no possibility of her making any movement of which I
shall not be promptly advised.
The air is thick with rumors of the secret preparation of other
vessels for similar enterprises, of which I shall promptly
inform you should the circumstances warrant an active
interference.
Very respectfully, &c.,
M. H. GRINNELL,
Collector.
Hon. G. S. Boutwell,
Secretary of the Treasury.
