TEA LEAVES: - Yesterday Image

Cap t. Curling arrived here the 2 d inst., with 257 chests of tea. There were many meetings
of the merchants and planters, but by the result they came to no determination; the
gentlemen that the tea was consigned to refuse receiving it. The tea staid on board 20
days. We then gave the captain a permit to land it by sunrise. In the morning I went on
board, and called the captain out of his bed, begged he would begin to get the tea out of
his vessel. I expected that he would not have been permitted to land it, but we
immediately got six chests into the warehouse, and the sailors hard at work hoisting out
the rest. We began about 7 o'clock, and had by 12 about half the tea in the warehouse,
and the rest before the door. There was not the least disturbance; the gentlemen that came
on the wharf behaved with their usual complaisance and good nature to me, and I believe
the same to the rest of the officers that were there. I thought it my duty to exert myself on
this occasion, which I did with great pleasure, (as I was serving my old masters,) as well
as doing my duty as a revenue officer.
I am, &c., &c.,
John Morris.[57]
Corbyn Morris, Esq r.,
Custom House.
[343]
LETTER FROM Cap t. ELLIS,
Of the New York Establishment, to the Chairman.
Cox & Mair's Office, 4 th Feb y.
Sir:
By the English papers I learn you are fully apprised of the proceedings of the people of
Philadelphia and Boston, and the resolves of the New Yorkers. I have, notwithstanding,
sent you the latest papers. The ship with the teas bound to Charles Town, is made the
property of the customs, having neglected the usual forms of office in that port. This
intelligence I had by a ship from Carolina to New York, the 1st Jan y., and may be
depended on. I left New York the 2 d ultimo; the ship bound to that port was not then
arrived.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Your very humble servant,
J.J. Ellis,
18 th Regt.[344]