Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1844-02-21
From the Courier and Enquirer.
U. S. MARsHALL's OFFICE.

The Seizure Case We adverted briefly
TO this case yesterday. and at the request
Of Mr.. Rapa!je, U. S. Commissioner, re-
Trained from going into the full particulars,
fearing lest an unlimeIy publication might
defear the end of justice, and we are de-
sired 10 say that the various publications
in some Of the papers were entirely unau-
thorized by him. An examination was
yesterday held, at which The following
facts were elected Michael McAuley and
Patrick Laughlin. two boatmen, who have
been arrested, stated that on Saturday
night week they were engaged by Mr.
Sutton who owns some small boats, to 60
along side Of The packet ship Oxford, and
bring ashore some small bales Of goods,
which would be delivered to them. Nc
Auley went on board in the day time, aad
had an interview with Mr.. Jacob Gates,
the mate OF the vessel, telling him, that as
McA.) was the man engaged by MIR. SUIT
ION. Al nigh, he went along side and
brought one boat load, which he landed at
the lower side Of Peck ship, where they
were received by Sutton and Larghlin,
and conveyed in carriage, to Sailor
boarding house, No. 76, James street, kept
by Benz. F. Parker, Day Police Officer of
the 4th Ward. On Sunday night another
load was also landed. but on this occasion
The carriage which conveyed them was
watched by two Custom House Officers
and the whole affair was discovered.
A par, of the guods landed were found
at Parker's in the cellar, and part on the
Ninth Avenue, at place called the Cross
Keys. Twenty three bales of the same
lot, inteUded to be smusgled, were found
en- board the Oxford, and information was
gained which led to The seizure of six more
bales on board the MDnleZuma, which
vessel arrived on Monday.
A warrant was issuced for the arrest of
Mr.. Gates, but he managed 10 keep out Of
The way, until yesterday afternoon, just as
the examination of McAuley aad Laugh
lin was closed. when he was brought in.
Mr.. Curtis, the Collector, consulted with
him few minutes in private, when he
stated he was perfectly willing to be ex-
amined, and MIR. Curtis said he was fully
authorized TO state that Gates confessed
his guilt. His examination will be held
TO day, and, 10 The mean time, there is no
doubt but that The prime mover and owner
of the goods will be in custody, and on
him will fall the weight of the heavy pen
atty provided by Congress for this offence.
When the goods were first discovered
on shore, great efforts were made 10 bribe
the Custom House Officers 10 allow those
on board The ship 10 be landed or Destroy
ed, but 10 their credit ii ssaid, they resis-
led The temptation.
The number Of packages seized is about
forty FIVE thirty nine were from on hoard
the Oxford, aud six on hoard the Monte
yuma, the total value OF all, being about
5000.
McAuley and Laughln, under the advice
of their Counsel, answered freely all gues
,ions put to thom, bur they could not he
brough to swear cs TO the identity Of Mr..
Gates. They were held to bail $500 each,
aud MIR. Gales was required to give secu-
rly in ten thousand dollars for his appear
ance to be examined 10 day.
The Oxford has been seized by the Col
lector, but as the goods were smugsIed
without the knowledge or assent OF the
Captain or owners. it is very doubtful if
The u. S. can maintain their claim to her
con6scation.