Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-04-09
DOM ESrlC.
Eromthe Boston Pafriot of March 26.
~ SHAMEFUL OUTRAGE.

On Thursday last most disgraceful scene
took place in this town One of the officers
of the customs, having received information
that some goods illegally imported were sup,
posed to be secreted in a certain Wagon.
stopped the teamster in Cambridseport, for
the purpose OF searching for them. A trunk
containing goods apparently British, was
found and on the Transfers refusing to
show certificate of the goods, the officer
drove the Wagon to the Customs House, a
mob assembled who several fines sfruck the
officer, and likewise most shameiuly abus-
ed Mr. Ford. From the savage disposition
manifested by the mob it was easy to per
ceiye they were ripe for bloodshed.
We are happy to learn that the Collector
has directed prosecutions to be commenced
by the u. District Attorney against the
ringicaders of the mob; and that however
audacious such men may be. they will find
that the Laws of the United States are not
to be tramPied upon with impunity.
The following is the statement of Mr..
JOHNSON, the Custom House Officer, made
to II. A. S. DEARBORN, Esq. Collector of
this Port.
BosToN, March IS, 1914.
!" received information that Jerc.
miah WetherIy, was on the road from Ca.
NADIA, with goods which had been introduce.
ed into the u. D. contrary to law. went
to take possession of the same. Some con-
versation took place. / told Wetherly had
authority as a Custom House Officer to exa-
mine his load. He asked me to shew him my
authority. which did. by reading my con,
mission. His vile got out. Wctherly said
had no authority TO search his load without
warrai {, and he would be dem,s'd if
should. Iexamined it, although Wetherly
number of times clinched me, and forcibly
endcavored to prevent me from so doing.
found trunk which contained apparently
British goods, consisting of broadcloths,
silks, stockincts, shawls, cambrics and files
asked him il he had any certificate, aud he
did not produce any. l told him if he could
produce certificate, should give him up
the goods, and he said he would be daran'd
it he would show me any, for had no au-
thority 10 take them. then ordered Mr..
Ford, whom had called on, to assist me to
drive the team to the Custom House. A
number of men, from IS, to 90, followed me,
who assaulted and abused me on the way.
When reached the Custom House, a mob
assembled of two OF thee hundred people,
who endeayored to rescue the team, and 1
7uas struck a number Of fines, but the load
was taken out, and put into the Custom.
House after which the mob took away the
team, and Ford, who was hustled, thumped
and most grossly abused amid loud huz2as
which were continually repeated by the mob,
Carried about the streets with scandalous la
beis placed on his hat, while he was pelted &
outraged in most horrid manner.
Last night, my house was surrounded by
a mob, who threatened me, and declared
that should be Jared and jeafhered.
hat no officer Of the Customs should live in
Cambridgeport, or come there to seize
goods. Since ] left home this morning to
come into town, have received by mes.
senger, information that FORD has been Ia.
kea nh. on COMPLAINT Of said Wefbeyly, for
hisrh way robbery, and thar qvoryanf had
been issued for my arrest.
GEO. JOHNSON, INSPECTOR.
Henry n. s. Dearborn, hsq.
Collector, District Boston and
Charlestowno