“They will always keep in mind that their countrymen are freemen, and, as such, are impatient of everything that bears the least mark of a domineering spirit. If obstacles occur, they will remember that they are under the particular protection of the laws and that they can meet with nothing disagreeable in the execution of their duty which these will not severely reprehend. They will endeavor to overcome difficulties, if any are experienced, by a cool and temperate perseverance in their duty--by address and moderation, rather than by vehemence or violence.”
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U.S. Revenue Marine cutter
The officers of the Revenue Marine were authorized to board any vessel at sea without probable cause, to enforce customs laws and collect taxes. Hamilton’s words defined these commanding officers as servants of the people; the very people over whom they would exercise broad enforcement authority. Although entrusted with great authority under U.S. law, the commanding officers would adhere to a policy of restraint and the utmost level of professionalism.
In 1772, the year Alexander Hamilton arrived to New England from St. Croix, the old world was about to be taught a lesson and Hamilton absorbed it all. On June 9th of that year, Rhode Island colonists set fire to the HMS Gaspee, a revenue schooner for the British crown. The Gaspee’s captain, Lieutenant William Dudingston had exercised his authority with
ruthless efficiency and distain. The Rhode Islanders had had enough. So when the Gaspee ran aground on the evening of June 9, they set her afire and pledged to resist all future government efforts to police them without their consent.
HMS Gaspee
Today we still keep in mind that our countrymen are freemen. We endeavor to overcome difficulties with a cool and temperate perseverance of duty. Thanks to Alexander Hamilton’s letter of instruction to the commanding officers of the first 10 cutters.
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