Such returns shall be signed by the inspectors respectively under whose superintendence the deliveries have been made; and, after examination, and on being found correct, shall be countersigned or certified by the surveyor of the port, if any, at the port where the deliveries have been made. The returns shall be transmitted by him to the naval officer, if any; who shall compare the same with the manifests and entries in his possession; and if any difference appears, the particulars thereof shall be noted by indorsement on the returns; and if no difference appears, it shall be so noted by like indorsements. The naval officer shall transmit the returns to the collector of the district; and on being returned to the collector, shall be by him compared with the manifests and entries of the merchandise, which have been made by the owner, consignee, or his factor or agent; and if any difference appears, the same shall be noted by indorsement on such manifests, specifying the particulars thereof; and if no difference appears, it shall be noted by like indorsement, that the delivery corresponds with the entry or entries thereof. The indorsement or memorandum shall, in each case, be subscribed by the officer by whom the comparison was made. (R. S., 2889.)
If any vessel from any foreign port, compelled by distress of weather, or other necessity, shall put into any port of the United States, not being destined for the same, the master, together with the mate or person next in command, may, within twenty-four hours after her arrival, make protest in the usual form upon oath, before a notary public or other person duly authorized, or before the collector of the district where the vessel arrives, setting forth the cause or circumstances of such distress or necessity. Such protest, if not made before the collector, shall be produced to him, and to the naval officer, if any, and a copy thereof lodged with him or them. The master shall also, within forty-eight hours after such arrival, make report in writing to the collector, of the vessel and her cargo, as is directed hereby to be done in other cases. And if it appear to the collector, by the certificate of the wardens of the port, or other officers usually charged with, and accustomed to ascertain the condition of vessels arriving in distress, if any, or by the certificate of two reputable merchants, to be named for that purpose by the collector, if there are no such wardens, or other officers duly qualified, that there is a necessity for unlading the vessel, the collector and naval officer, if any, shall grant a permit for that purpose, and shall appoint an inspector to oversee such unlading, who shall keep an account of the same, to be compared with the report made by the master of the vessel. (R. S., 2891.)