Butler,) — to whom I have ali:eady shown this deposition — ^that it proves that
he was correct in ihinking that a question of saloage entered into the par-
ticular case which was described in the letter ; but that it proves, also, that
the case was adjudicated by the Chamber of Commerce, of Charleston,
(S. C.)« who bore testimony to the good conduct of Captain Ranlett on the
occasion.
But I will not trespass further on the indulgence of the Senate, except to
repeat that, with the simple view of vindicating the character of an honest
Boston shipmaster — of most respecthble connections, who has been in the
merchant service for thirty years, discharging his duty without fear and
without reproach, and whose character for humanity is attested by the fact,
that, within two years past, he has saved iwenty-three persons from a sink-
ing ship, whigh had been previously passed by another vessel, — I intend to
place upon the same record which contains the imputations which have been
cast upon him, the statements which have been furnished me in regard to
the law, and the facts in question.
