Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-05-11
blockade of abe Ohio and mississippi
Rivers.

Rivers.
From the Louisville Courier. Msy 10.
The following document is that which was re-
ceived at the office of the Surveyor of Customs in
this city yesterday
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, May I'd, 1861.
On the 10Th of April, 1861, the President of the
United States by proclamation, declared the ports
of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mis-
sissippi Louisiana, and Texas under blockade; and
on the 27th of the same month. by another procla-
nation, declared the ports of Virginia and North
Carolina also under blockade, since which procla-
nation this Department has received reliable in
formation that attempts frequently made to fur
nsh arms, munitions of war, provisions, and other
supplies to persons and parties IN those states IN
open insurrection against the constitutional author
tiles of the Union.
1t becomes my duty, therefore, to instruct you
to cause a careful examination to be made OF the
manifcsts of all steam and other vessels departing
from your port with cargoes, whose ultimate des-
tination you have satisfactory reason to believe is
under the control of such insurrectionary parties,
and to compare the same with the cargo on board !;
and if any such manifest be found to embrace any
articles of the description before mentioned or any
such articles be found to constitute part OF the car
CO. you will take all necessary and proper measures
to prevent the departure of the vessel, and TO de
tain the same in your custody until all such art-
cles be removed therefrom, and for further pro~
ceedings according to law.
You will also make a careful examination of all
hat>bOats and other water craft without MANIFEST,
and of railroad cars and other vehicles arriving at
or leaving your port, laden with merchandise the
ultimate destination of which you have good reason
to believe is for any port place under nsurrecton
ary control: and if arms, munitions of war, proYi-
sons or other supplies are found having such desti
nation YOU will seize and detain the same to await
the proper legal proceedings for contscaton or for
feiture.
In carrying out these instructions, you Will pear
in mind that all persons or parties IN armed lnsur
recton against the Union, however such persons or
parties may be organized or named, are engaged IN
levying war against the United States, and that all
persons furnishing to such insurgents arms, NUM-
tons of war provisions, or other supplies, are CIV
ing them aid and comfort, and guilty OF treason
within the terms of the second section of the third
article of the Constitution and you will therefore
use your utmost vigilance and endeavors to prevent
the prohibited shipments and 10 detect and bring to
punishment all who are in any way concerned in
furnishing to such insurgents any OF the articles
above described.
You will. however, on the other hand, be careful
not TO interrupt vexatiously or beyond necessity
by unwarranted or prOtracted detentions and exam
nations, the regular and lawful commerce of you
port.
You will report forthwith whether any anC
if any. what additional measures may b.
necessary in your judgment to carry into full efec
the foregoing direotiOns and you will report TIN
Department from time to time your action under
these instructions. S. p. CHASE.
Secretary of the Treasury.
W. n HAIDEMAN, Surveyor of Customs, Louisville
Kentucky