Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

VILLAINY EXPOSED.

On the 11th of August, 1805, John Roberts, master of the schooner Aurora, of Baltimore, sailed from Norfolk with 500 bushels of Coal, taken at City Point from on board the ship Bellisle, John Hair, master, from Glasgow.

The said Coal was shipped for Mr. Merry, the British minister at Washington; but instead of proceeding to that place, the said Roberts went round to Philadelphia, and there disposed of the Coal on his own account; after which he sold the vessel, and has not been heard of since. It was stated by him at Philadelphia, that the Coal was Virginia produce, and he entered a protest on oath before Nicholas Diehl, Esq. Notary Public in Philadelphia, asserting that he sailed from Norfolk bound to Baltimore, with the Coal on board as ballast; and having in a heavy gale of wind sprung his fore mast, was drove out to sea, and compelled by stress of weather to put into that port. Being bound to an adjoining state, and the cargo under the value specified in the 14th section of the Coasting Act, he was authorized to proceed without a clearance; but on his arrival at Philadelphia, being other than a district in the same or in an adjoining state, in order to his being permitted an entry he made the said protest, and reported his vessel agreeably to the 2d section of the said act, declaring at the same time that the cargo was shipped by and consigned to himself.

Should the said John Roberts have returned to Baltimore, or his residence elsewhere be ascertained, it will be subserving the cause of justice to make it known to the Collector of that port, or those of Philadelphia, Norfolk or Petersburg.

February 28.