Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Letter from Cork, Ireland, dated July 25, 1786, describes aggressive anti-smuggling enforcement by customs officials led by Mr. Gahan, resulting in seizures of 17-18 ships, including the Liberty under Mr. Hartley, facing high legal costs for minor infractions. Warns captains to avoid Cork to protect property.
Clipping
OCR Quality
Full Text
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Cork, to his correspondent in this town, dated July 25, 1786.
At the time I last wrote you we were absolutely prevented from proceeding to sea, though the ship was not seized, but every effort made by a very rascally attempt for that purpose; and I verily believe if it had not been for the fear they had of the respect the passengers' evidence would carry on trial, they would have detained her, although there was nothing illegal on board. It is at present reduced to a certainty, that all vessels, guilty or not, are taken into possession, and proof of smuggling made, if possible, by a Mr. Gahan, surveyor-general of Munster, and his banditti from the west part of this coast, who are ready to swear the vessel was smuggling, if they can but get on board her, or find out that she came very near the land. They have at present seized 17 or 18 ships, amongst which is the Liberty, Mr. Hartley's ship, and now on trial, for taking up at sea one hoghead of tobacco, which was sold for £6. 6s. The fact is acknowledged, and though trifling, I think the expense of defending the suit will cost at least £1000, provided he recovers his ship, which is doubtful. They have already been four weeks on this trial, and the witnesses not yet all examined. The decision of Mr. Hartley's ship will determine the fate of many more. Indeed some owners who are here, have declared they will not, nor can they defend their property, seeing to what an expense the trials will run to. This is too severe a law to last long, and lately made here in Ireland, knowing how much had been run by ships formerly; and if prosecuted to its utmost rigour, which seems to be the case just now, it will be fatal to many merchants, the innocent as well as the guilty. Pray inform all Captains of vessels, for the sake of their own and owners property, not to touch at Cork, if possible, or at any rate, not to suffer any boat to board them; if they do, the consequences may be fatal.
What sub-type of article is it?
What keywords are associated?
What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Cork
Event Date
July 25, 1786
Key Persons
Outcome
seizure of 17 or 18 ships including the liberty; liberty on trial for one hoghead of tobacco sold for £6. 6s.; potential legal costs of at least £1000; doubtful recovery of ship; trial ongoing after four weeks.
Event Details
Aggressive anti-smuggling enforcement in Cork, Ireland, by Mr. Gahan, surveyor-general of Munster, and his men, leading to possession of all vessels regardless of guilt; false proofs fabricated if possible; recent severe law causing fatal consequences for merchants; warning to captains not to touch at Cork or allow boarding.