speak a vessel outside the capes, before they received half
pilotage.

10.   Are you sufficiently advised as to the receipts of the pilots,
to enable you to speak understandingly of the protection afforded
by the act of 1853.

11.  What were your reasons for your answer to the 6th inter-
rogatory, to which you answer, "I do."

12.  Do you, or do you not, believe the cruising at sea, by the
pilots a protection to human life and commerce.

13.   What is the business of a master of a vessel in approach-
ing the coast.

14.   Do you believe forty dollars, a sufficient compensation to
pilots, in view of their service and the wear of their boats.

15 Do you, or do you not, know that there have been many
disasters since 1853, outside and near cape Henry.

By Mr. Contee.—What are your reasons for your answer to in-
terrogatory, No. 6, to which you answer, "I think not."
16. By Mr. Lynch.—State what have been your opportunities
for forming an opinion upon this subject, and what effect the pre-
sent pilot system, has upon the commerce of Baltimore, as com-
pared with the old system.

17.  By Mr. Baker.—State whether or not, in your judgment,
the number of pilots might be decreased, without detriment to
the commercial interests of Baltimore.

18.   State what is your occupation, and whether or not you are
interested in any ship or vessel.

19.   Where did you usually speak vessels, under the regula-
tions, prior to 1852, and where do you now usually speak them.

20.   State whether it is not the constant practice of masters of
vessels, to navigate their vessel up and down the bay, without
any aid from the pilots.

21.  Were you, or were you not, in favor of a change in the
pilot laws of 1852.

22.   Do you, or do you not, believe that an efficient number of
pilots is absolutely necessary to the commerce of Baltimore.

23.   What number of pilots in your opinion, are necessary to
perform the pilot service of Baltimore.

House of Delegates,

February 15th, 1858.

Proceedings had by Special Committee in relation to the Pilot
Bill now pending before the Legislature, Mr. Goldsborough,
Chairman, Mr. Contee, Mr. Dail, Mr. Baker and Mr. Lynch,
present:

J. H. Cooper, Pilot, sworn.

To the first interrogatory he answers and says that he files
statement marked A, purporting to be an answer as to the

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