New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-07-01
A Custom uou-e E,IupdsT Attempted Sri2-
u.r Of ~ pri,a,s Yacht.

An extraordinary attempt was made on Mondar
afternoon 10 seiI~ the Gyr-y tse private yacht "i
Anthony ". Morse, a well-knowa banker ~ VIII
ham rireet hvpg on Staten Isxnd. The Gyl-y
wAs living at P.rt Rchm Id 'or rrphrs, NJ None
beng lui about 70 sa with bis family on nNoyage
10 England and the Mediterranean. A Custom
House officer came Oh board, displayed a revolver
but neither sho Ned any paperr asked for those
Of the yacht. which be sht have fesn # he Lad
chosen. in perfectly regular shape, be told The mate
the yes,el wa in his custody, and ordered The
la,ches ~ 10 sealed "p. Mr.. Morse, on being
informed that the ye-sel was seized, won't On
board and demanded the officers authority. lie
made DO answer, except 10 show h- oihcihi
badge. and Mr. More unable 20 discover suy legal
pretens- for he act and suspeciipg him 10 be a
pirate about to steal bio ycose ordered him ashore
He Il, lrst refused but a d-tinc, in,ltnaiOn that
Mr.. More meant to clear bic ship, peoceaby If he
could but iorcby II be must the tresparser CONSENT
ed 10 he Landed. II the ship had been taken 10 the
enemy, they could not have secured more iormida-
be engine Of destruction TO prey upon our com
mefce. Hence i! necessary chat Mr. Morse
should exercse the utmost vigilance and he wanted
something more than mere badge, which could be
ceedipgs.
II this is specimen Of Custom. House vigilance,
il If very curious one. What ground OF suspicion
was there against the yacht She was known t.
belong to Mr.. Morse, and he is as well known ~
ANYBODY in Wall street, wealthy, and OF loyalty
no, only beyond suspicion, but abundantly attested
by generous gifts in sid Of the war, aud by an out
spoken hatred of traitors and Rebel fympathizerS.
The Gyp.y took part IN the recent regatta Of The
New.York Yacht Club, and Wac being fitted ont TO
take part in the regatta 81 The Royal Yacht Club.
The VOYAGE she was shout 70 make WAS legitimate
one. and Mr.. Morse armed his vessel for protection
against pirates. The mate aud others on board the
Yacht having in view tie recent performance oil
the pirates in Portland, were Impressed win the
idea that the Cusom-IIouse officers were Rebels IN
disguise who came TO steal the vessel.
Tho Custom.IIouoe officers say their suspicious
were awakened by finding two cannon and ten
ling earbines on board. They ALTO fonnd n
man measuring the cannon in order to furnish shol
and shell for them. Vessels are constantly endeav
oring TO sai from this port 70 81. John, Nts'au
Havana, and elsewhere, with supplies and arms,
which taken through tie blockade 10 the Rebels
Mr.. Morse does not justify the reported remarks
made by his mate ian Englishmau). and will prob
ably discharge him. The Yacht is one Of the best
known vessels in harbor, and has been lyinl
where sbe now is for tho last three manufacturing
these very guns at every sunset.
No loyal man will complain Of the vigilance Of thu
revenue officers. When properly directed it il
worthy Of the highest commentator; but this woul'
seem 10 have been case where zeal might have
=. been tempered with a little more discretion.
very simple inquiry would have fuiIiced TO learn III
character Of the vessel and her owner.