Great excitement prevailed at Dover on September 18, owing to the capture of a Dutch "cooper," the Mary, of Dhort, Holland. She had been seen off Dover for some days previously, and on the day named was observed within the three-mile limit by the cutter Francis. A she was flying the Dutch colours, the captain called her to heave-to. The "cooper" did not comply, and the cutter opened fire upon her. The Dutchman still continued her course, however, and then a secoDd-shot was fired' when >he ;hove-to. When the crew of the Francis boarded her they found 7001b of tobacco, 25,000 cigars, 100 gallons of gin, 100 gallons of brandy, and 100 gallons eau-de- Cologne. She was towed into Dover, her crew being taken prisoners and the cutter detained by the Customs authorities, bat subsequently released on the question of jurisdiction.
