October 17, 1861
THE RESTRICTION OF TRADE.
Surveyor Hornbrook's Instructions in Relation to Shipments of Goods.
The following instructions have been issued to Surveyor Hornbrook. Our citizens may thus see what this officer is obliged to do in discharging the duties of his position.
We think these regulations will give very general satisfaction.
WHEELING, VA., Oct. 16th, 1861.
Sir: I desire to inform you that it is the wish of the Treasury Department that the commercial intercourse of the other loyal States with Western Virginia, and especially that the trade of Wheeling, shall be as completely unrestricted as is consistent with the determination to prevent contraband goods or army supplies from reaching the enemies of the government.
I would therefore recommend that no permits be required of merchants for shipments of goods into loyal States. But as Western Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri, though adhering to the Union, still abound with disloyal men, you will require shippers to procure permits for all goods shipped or forwarded to those States; and you must unhesitatingly and promptly refuse permits to ship contraband articles, especially powder, lead, pistols, percussion caps, &c., to persons residing in either of those States, who are known to be disloyal to the government.
You will also cause to be examined all trunks, baggage, packages, &c., passing through this place, whenever you suspect a design to smuggle contraband articles through to the enemy; and when parties desire it seal up the trunks packages, &c., so as to obviate the necessity of examination at other points.
Very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,
THOS. HEATON,
Special Agent.
TO THOS. HORNBROOK, Esq, Surveyor of Customs.
Timeline of West Virginia: Civil War and Statehood: October 1861