The thud of the official ax is heard in the New York Custom House. At 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon Collector Arthur formally transferred his office to General E. A. Merritt, the newly appointed Collector of the Port, who immediately entered upon the discharge of his duties. His first official act was to summon the deputy collectors before him and swear them in. The following gentlemen were reappointed as deputy collectors: Richard Wynkoop, Fourth Division; William A. Morris, Fifth Division; Benj. F. Wyman, Sixth Division; Dudley F. Phelps, Seventh Division; Samuel M. Blatchford, Eighth Division, and Knox McAfee, Deputy Collector of the Rotunda. John B. Lydecker, Deputy Collector in charge of the Third Division, was not reappointed, and in his place John J. Osborn, who has been a deputy collector in the Rotunda and formerly was in charge of the Third Division. General Nelson G. Williams, who has filled the position of Entry Clerk, was appointed to the position of Deputy Collector in the Rotunda, made vacant by Mr. Osborn's appointment in the Third Division.
    President Hayes yesterday appointed Charles K. Graham, of New York, as Surveyor of the Port, in place of General Merritt, appointed Collecor.

Source:

Unknown, "Custom House Changes, The Deputy Ax Taking Effect" Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, Monday, 22 July 1878, p. 4.