The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-01-24

a representation Of frauds upon the Government.
committed by Joseph w. Reckless, Collector OF The
Customs nj Perth Amboy, in New Jersey.
:" Mr.. Van Hook is 4 gentleman Of high standing
for integrity, and, in addition 10 his representation,
do not hesitate 10 add my own belief 81 the charges
made by him 10 their full extent. WI the facts
relating TO the tonnage duty on The schooner PACING
! am personally acquainted; and The rectiPt OF The
amount OF Sl47, and The Withholding me credit ior
TO the Government, are facts OF which no doubt
exists
The overcharge Of wages to the crew Of the re-
venue boat, as detailed by Van Hook, Is no doubt
coriect. My personal observation and knowledge
OF Tue employment Of that boat (being In view OF my
own house) would satisfy me that the account rem
derea grossly oyerchaIged, were not aPprized oil
Circumstances, unnecessary here TO be detailed
have delayed The making OF these charges officially
before This time but proper examination into The
conduc OF the Collector will subSantate these, and
probably other frauds.
am, with great respect, sir, your obedient SER
want,
JAMES PARKER.
Hon. LEVI WOODBURY.,
".Seeretary ot ne Treasury, Washington.
Such were the charges of Mr. Van Hook, vouched
by the Hon. James Parkar, then a member Of the
House of Representatives, and partis0n Of the
administration! On the 9th Of January, 1885, Mr..
woodbury. notified Reckless Of the charges, and
asked him Tor explanations January %, 1885,
Reckless replied, as follows:
WASHINGTON, Jan. %, 1885.
SIR have the honor 10 acknowledge the re-
ceip OF your letter Of The G,h inst covering copy Of
charges made against me- in my official capacity to
the Department over which you preside, by William
Van Hook, and requesting 10 be furnished with NJ
explanations in regard 10 the same. In accordance
with that request, have the honor to state. a rea-
.ioi 20 ,hs FIRST charge that when came INTO ONCE
as collector az Peuh Amboy, l. found me schooner
Pdcihc under SEIZURE by my pred ceSsor fr vio.
lation OF The laws OF the Uped States. This vessel
was for ign bottom employed in carrying stone
from South A boy 10 New York, and was destitute
Of papers al The tire she was seized
Soon after entering upon the du is Of my office,
consulted the diSircr attorney, G. D. Wall, Egg as
To the course | should pursue He advised me 10
adopt tn course BY which could ob'ai the value
of the vessel without further DELAY. In accordance
with that advice, | made comprom Sc with Messrs.
F. Secor g. Son, who represented tbs owners, and
received from them the sum of two hundred dollars,
which considered The full value OF the schooner,
and sum about what ship-carpenier valued her
at. This sun was held 10 meet the various ci inns
which then existed AZ ms, the ell and for which
! had made myself liable and, when paid, The oi-
lance be brought to the credit of the Government
in my acc UNITS. The charges which have peid are
as per recrips accompanying, viz:
Angus I. 1893 NJ Br,en for Wharfage 1923 90
Sept % 1888, D. G. Wall district at orney,
tor advice and directions al 40
Dec. 80, 1884 b. Maurice, wharfage. % 90
% SO
The wed in