Amos T. Akerman to George S. Boutwell, 14 December 1871

Dec. 14, 1871. Hon. George S. Boutwell, Secretary of the Treasury. Sir: Your letter of the 12th instant enclosing a communication from Captain Gillespie, Engineer of the Tenth Light House District, in relation to the removal of sand from the Government bounds near the Light House on the north pier of entrance to Monroe Harbor, Michigan, by parties from Monroe and Toledo, to the threatened injury of the Government piers, has been received; and the District Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan has been instructed to inquire into the facts, and to proceed against the offending parties civilly or criminally, or in both ways, if he shall find that the facts warrant such proceedings; and the Marshal has been instructed to resort to summary proceedings against the trespassers, if, in the judgment of the District Attorney, the facts shall warrant such proceedings. Very respectfully, &c. A. T. Akerman, Attorney General.