Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-08-26
In the Wrong Shop.

About a fortnight ago, Capt. Stone in the Schr'
Boston of Belfast, came into Prospect Harbor, and
very cody displayed his colors as an evidence of
a readiness to trade with the trade loving ma
tives." And the opportunity for profitable inuesi-
ment seemed duly appreciated and improved by
multitudes from adjoining fishing districts, more
particularly by those who bow to His Alcoholic
Majesty sin spirit and in truth" From these nu-
merous and prolonged visits to said schooner, and
from the frequent show OF rum jugs and rum heads,
in connection with rum-or that the "Boston"
had been carefully inspected and pronounced suit
ably equipped for the cod fishery and entitled to
the benefit of the bounty act, the citizens of P
Il. having been obliged to witness similar pro-
ceedings till forbearaece had ceased to do them
credit, resolved forthwith to investigate the mat
ter, and learn, if possible, whether the liquor traf
c had become so essentially beneficial to the peo-
pie as to receive gratuity from government for
its encouragement. They therefore called the
attention of Deputy Collector Hammond to the
seeming fraud; who went onboard and expressed
wish to view the ships papers, which the gen
tlemanly commander seemed very willing he
should 40, "if they could be toHad' But after
making dilisent and fruitless search in every box
trunk and locker where perchance they might
repose, the careful Captain, relying the PROM
Use, "seek and ye shall fin Id, induced the intrud-
ing Deputy and posse to retire and await the re.
suit Of renewed search; acknowledging, however
that his vessel was under fishing license, and that
he was doing very small business ia groceries
and rum; but with no views to obtain bounty
therefor 1t is said that the Capt. found his doc
uments and made it "ali right with the Custom
house. But this tended to ehrage more than to
appease the feelings Of the vigilance committee,
who then made complaint to J ustice Sargent, and
procured warrent for a seizure Of the liquors and
the arrest Of the gallant fisherman. On being
taken into custoday by officer Cole late in the eve.
ming, the Capt. promising to make his appear
ance in court next morning, was allowed to re-
main on board till needed. In the morning the
officer found that the WORD and honor Of rum
seller are far from being sufficient suretes; for
only thing he offered to redeem the promise was a
billet to the officer from the respondent, stating,
that he hal concluded to go to Ellsworth and &c,
some good counsel in his case before submitting
to trial.
Subsequent proceedings of the fugitive show
safe COUNSEL was suggested without visit to the
shire town; for he remained slowed away in the
bushes till opportunity was afforded to slip his
cable and scud.
The rum eask seized, having more sput aud
courage wthin, than it's owner, was easily persuad
ed to remain and undergo a trial. On being ar,
raigned, it pleaded to the jurisdiction Of the
court, claiming that being put onboard the Boston
by the C-stom House at Belfast to be retailed, i,
was under protection of the federal government
and therefore not within the reach Of the Maine
Law. But the court allied to see how this couli
assist it, and declared the cask and contents for
flied to the town, according to the provisions Of
Law in such case made and provided. The people
of Prospect determined to administer a dose OF
the Maine law to all fishermen that show such COL
in that vicinity, notwithstanding the pateInad
care OF the BsIfaa Custom House may DO invoke
to prevent. c.
Prospect Harbor, Aug. 10Th, 1859.