Sir: In obedience to an ordinance recently adopted by a convention of the people of
Alabama, I have to require you to surrender into my hands, for the use of the
State, the revenue cutter
Lewis Cass, now under your command, together with her armaments, properties and provisions on board the same.
I am instructed also to notify you, that you have the option to continue in command of the said revenue cutter, under the authority of the
State of Alabama, in the exercise of the same duties that you have hitherto rendered to the
United States, and at the same compensation, reporting to this office and to the
Governor of the
State.
In surrendering the vessel to the
State, you will furnish me with a detailed inventory of its armaments, provisions and properties of every description.
You will receive special instructions from this office in regard to the duties you will be required to perform.
I await your immediate reply.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
