The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-12-19
is MR.. WOODBURY. A WRECK MASTER

10 MIX. WOODBURY. A WRECK-MASTEkf
We published some time since notice from
the Treasury Department that the Revenue
Cutters would be employed during the winter
along the coast in assisting vessels in distress.
This was humane direction, and an employ
ment in which that branch Of the service pro
perry ought to engage. II would seem, however,
il we may judge from one case, that these cut
tiers manned and paid by the General Govern
ment are TO be regarded as common ioreckers,
and to claim sairage as in ordinary cases of re-
lief Of vessels in distress, by private persons
II this is, or ever has been the legimate right
or character OF the Revenue Gutter service, we
are not aware Of il. If il is, this feature Of il.
ought 10 be abolished, in our opinion, as deroga-
tory TO the Government Of the United States
II also makes the command of cutter one of
the most lucrative berths in the gift of the Exc
cutive, as vessels, with private owners, engaged
in commerce, would not be able to compete with
the Government. The case we aude to, is de-
scribed in the following terms by the Boston
Mercantile Journal, and TO say the least, it needs
explanation
II seems that the 18th Of October last, the ship
Hercules of Boston, Capt Gregerson, laden with a
valuable cargo, on her passage from Boston to Savan
nah, unfortunately got ashore the Gaskin bank
about ten miles to the northward Of T. bee light The
Captain, on his TO Savannah procure
to get her of, fell in with the Revenue Cutter Craw
ford at anchor IN the river, commanded by Captain
Rudolph, and went on board, explained the dangerous
situation of the ship and requested assistance. His
request was promptly acceded to, and the cutter got
under weigh, and proceeded down the river Captain
Rudolph sent Of his men on board the ship who
assisted the crew OF the ship in getting out the long
boat They assisted, also in discharging into the long
boat, and into the cutters boats, 40 Of hsts
being all the cargo which taken out in order to
tighten the shipand at high tide assisted ia heavng
her off into deep water which was easily effected; and
1t appeared that the ship cargo had not been mate
| rally injured.
The Hercules proceeded up the river to Savannah,
and Captain Gregerson, of course felt exceedingly
grateful to the captain officers and crew of the
venue cutter for the service they had rendered. and
| doubtless admired the wisdom of government in
stationing such vessels the coast but his surprise
and perplexty may be imagined when he received Off
cial information of the fact that Captain Rudolph in
behalf Of himself officers and crew claimed SALVAGE
for hapng rendered assistance TO The ship lrhen in
dangerous situation and had filed libel in the t. s.
1 District Court, dccordingiy
/ Here was awkward piece Of work A law suit
| had commenced-counse learned in the law were to
be employed, witnesses to be detained for exa-
nation, &c &c. In this dilemma, Capt. Gregerson
very properly addressed letter to the Secretary Of the
| Treasury Department at Washington, complaining Of
the proceeding, and soliciting his interference. But
Mr.. Woodbury. declined assuming any responsibility
the case and very cooIly addressed Captain Greger-
son the following letter in reply
| " Treasury Department,
/ Oct. 81 1910.
| Sir-Your letter of the oath inst, in which you
complain of the libeling for salvage Of the ship Her
cules, under your command by Capt Rudolph, Of the
Cutter Crawford has been received and have to re-
mark in reply, that the question being now pending in
the proper tribunal to try and decide upon the rights
of the parties any interference by this Department,
would only beimproper but without any beneficial
effect; and that however much may regret your mis-
fortune and the inconvenience to which you sub
ected is not in the power of the Department to af-
ford you relief