Department of State Sir, December 7, 1816 The enclosed paper has just been received at this Department. I have to request, that you will immediately on getting it, case the blank to be filled up with the names of the Offices of the customs at Baltimore, who signed the ships papers (particularly the Register and the clearance of the Schooner Romp, last Spring), probably about the month of April, and have it regularly served and return made. You will observe that no time is to be lost, as the trial in which these gentlemen will be wanted as witnesses, s to come on at Richmond at an early day-so early, that it is scarcely possible they can get there in time, unless, as there is reason to believe will be the case, the court should be induced to postpone the trial on their account A letter has been written to the Collector of the Customs, to give ou every facility in his power, in ascertaining the names of the persons alluded to in this letter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, Sir, Your most obt. Servt. Jas Monroe Thomas Rutter Esqr. Baltimore