Newspaper Page Text
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BY O.fc W. ROBERTSON,
tVSLIRHKRS or TIIK UW* or THE UNION.
d'aii.y paver, :
COUNTRY PAPER,t
EIGHT DOLLARS,
! riVE DOLLARS.
THURSOAV MORNING, IUI.Y2l ,1 ties.
No northern letter tn.il was received
yostorday—the bag; containing it having
been sent by mistake from tho Charleston
office to Augusta, and tho bag for the latter
to this place,
Poster's Trial.—The four first day’s
proceedings of tho Court Martiul on Com*
mndore Porter, wore published in the Na
tionnl Journal, when an order was passed
•gainst permitting a further daily report for
publication. That part of it reported, how
ever, is of so much interest, that we have
determined, for the gratification of our rea
ders, to publish it as far as it goes. It will
be found in our subsequent columns. The
Court Martial, on the 12th instant, finished
the examination of witnesses in regard to
the Foxardo affair, and adjourned at i n
early hour to give an opportunity to the
Jdtige Advocate to collect and arrange the
documentary testimony relating to the
charge against Commodore Porter, on that
ground. The other charge, of insubordin
ation and unofficer-like conduct, has not yet
been touched.
jotter IVuni Havana of tho Dili instant,
in tire Charleston Mercury states that, or
ders are expected at Havana from Spain
to discontinue tho arsenal at that place,
and recalling ull naval officers not attached
to vessels—siaOO troops were shortly expect
ted at Havana from Cadis. Commodore
Luburdo was to take command at Havana.
A Dutch ship arrived at Havana from
Antwerp, was attacked off Cayo Ulanco by
an opon piratical boat containing 26 men—
j they beat the boat off, and killed 10 or Id
ofhor crew. There is a report that tho
pirates have taken two vessels in that neigh
borhood.
Tho Prince-s Anne arrived at Havana
from Norfolk, on the tfth inst. bringing in
iart of the crew of the Aniericau schooner
danger, from Norfolk bound to Havana,
captured by the Colombian schonnor Re pro-
snlic, (recently in the port of Savannah,) for
beiug loaded with powdor. Tho same Co
lombian has likewise taken five or six drogh
ers, and thus, says the writer" has made
irobably 20 nr 30 pirates, who may have
ost their all by the rapacity of these’ priva
teers. The conduct of some of (liereColom-
bian vessels is ver/ unjustifiable.”
moil exception, which enuU not hi sustain-
d either by reason or prncmlant. Ae
dried against the pnWr
iengo tho Judge A'd
Court ,therei
of the acci
vocutn.
After the'
tered. tho Oh
read by I he J
Latest from France.—By the arrival
of the ship Bayard, at New-York, Havre
papers to the 1st of June, and Paris to the
31st May, inclusive, are received.
The intelligence from Greece is favora
ble—it confirms the accounts that Ibrahim
Pacha had been reduced to great extremity
It was said the Vice-Roy of Egypt was lit
ting out an expedition of 17.UU0 men for
bis relief, but it was thought tiiey would be
too late. The intelligence of the deteat
of the Scraskier, near Arts, his raising the
scige of Missolonghi, and his ultimate re
treat to Janiux. is also confirmed.
The details of the coronation of Cbnrlei
X ai Rheims, fill s large space.
The King embraced the occasion to pro
claim an act of pnrdon and amnesty to a
large number of the partisans of Bunuparto
and others, who had been convicted of po
litical offences, or had emigrated.
The news from Spain continues to re
present tliato country ns in a disturbed
(tatc. Parties of Guerriilns, the remains
of the Constitutional Army, are travelling
the country in different parts. The regu
lar troops are deserting for want ofpay and
•upport.
Vom that which (is gave before the
* Il
nlLfr
Mbtof Inquiry. He stared, that __ ....
ifiwio 24th of October last, that Mr. Bed-
ird, a clerk ill the employ of Messrs. Ca
nt, Baily. Si Co. commercial agents tit Hi.
hud boon adminis- Thomas, came oil board the Beagle, with a
time, that the King’s House was the moat
genteel house in the place, invited Mr.
Ritchie, and even the pilot, to accompany
mu. On approaching nuar enough to dis
cover that it woe a mere guard-house, well
calculated to produce yellow lover or plague
ind Specifications wore loiter, while that vessel was under Lieu- 1 declined taking up my lodgings there, un
dvneate. \ tenant Platt’s cnminuud,which letter staled lose they forced me to do so,
of tho village.
the Commodore said it wuu his first"
lion to have entered the villuge, after" 11 "k
•a pressing invitations but tliinkir,.£
-nuie difficulty might arise among i|, c ”
lore and men of the place, he thought'i
on .M and
would be bottor to return
# „ ! . , a eo. After some Imve refreshments brought to the bcick"
The first charge is Disobedience of Or- that those gentlemen had been robbed, on minutes, tlioy consented to let me return to Refreshments were brought tothek.,.,
. , . .1— u..c— 1 1 • * - *• ' -<• <•- 1 — • -d the emsn.1
Gen. Bernnrd, and tho U. S. Surveyors
fruin Ncw-Orleans, recently pftssnri through
Athens, in this stutu. He is now examin
ing the second or middle course, proposed
for tho great National road. It gives us
pleasure to state, says the Centinol, that
this distinguished engineer lias expressed,
altho’ casually, his conviction, of the facility
of cunalling which the multitude and size
of our rivers afford. .The lime may come
when even a casual remark on this subject
from such a man will huve weight with a
wise Legislature.
to the Head oftlic Department, and lias do- j Port, to Lieut. Piatt, to go on shore, lle-
ratigedtho discipline of thu Navy i tliut he 1 ing fearful I09I the character of his vessel
has published a pamphlet of the proceedings should be mistaken, lie took much pains to
Four sons of the into Emperor of Mex
ico, came passengers in the Ciucinus
tus, from London, arrived at Ncw-York, to
reside with their mother, in that city.
It wns reported in New-Orleans, that the
natural sinall-pax prevailed to a considera
ble extent in that city.
Franklin. (Missouri) June 11 .—Latest
from Nea-Mexko.—By the arrival of Cap
tain Beekuel, from Santa Fo, we learn that
the company who left this place lust sum
tner for the purpose of trapping, have been
unsuccessful. Three or four of the parly are
reported os missing, and one killed. The
young gentleman who has thus fallen a vie.
tint to the hostility of the Indians was Geo.
Armstrong, the son of Mrs. Men s, of this
town, an amiable young min. uhnso daring
and enterprising spirit led him to explore
tho muuutains of a distant land for the ini
proveincnt of his fortune. Wo feel much
regret in having to record this unhappy ca
tastrophe. The tnide, however, ill tors and
merchandize to that country is still carried
on with increasing vigor, ntrd promises the
adventurer a riclt reward far his dangers &
privations.
Latest from Europe.—Amsterdam pa
pers to the 6th of June, kayo been received
at Boston, by the arrival there of the ship
Liverpool Racket, Copt. Coffin, in 27 days
front Amsterdam.
Tho papers contain the particulars at
length of the Coronation of the King of
France, at Rli 'ims. which took place on
the 29th of May, with all the potnp and
ceremonies usual on such occasions. The
Archbishop blessed the crown and placed it
on his Majesty’s head. The Prelate gave
him the sword oft 'harlenipgne—the Cham
berlin put un the purple boots—the Dau
phin put on the spare, Sic. The horses of
the King’s carriage ranaway with him. and
he owes his life to the skill nf his postillion
and coachman. Gen Curia) was thrown
from his horse and had rilis broken. Gen.
Bordeselle was thrown twice, but received
no injury
In England, the speculations in foreign
stocks a lid various projects, soetn to have
produced a scarcity in the money market,
Tho Dutch frigate Pallas, with the Duke
of Saxe Weimar as a passenger, sailed from
Falmouth, England, May 27th, fur Nuw-
y,.rk
A Frankfort aricle of May 31, fates i
that the Egyptian army, sent ugainsl the
. Greet s.was in a perilous situation at Modnn.
Norfolk, July 11—The United States
store ship Decoy, dropped down to Hump
ton Roads yesterday, preparatory to 1
sailing for Thompson’s Island. Tile
lowing officers are attached to her:
Lieut. Comd’t Dulnny Forrost.
Lieutenant—George F. Weaver.
Acting Master—William Green.
Do. Surgeon—Gideon White.
Midshipmen—Augustus Kelty, George
B. Wilkinson, Alexander Aikin, — Yancey
Master's Mate—Benjamin Richardson.
Gunner—Thomas Stanley.
Boatswain—John Welch.
Passengers.—Wm. Miller, Esq. Charge
d’ \ ffaires to Guulimalii, and son; Doctor
Frederick C. Baker, Secretary of Legation,
and Midshipman Joseph S. Cornwell.—Ben.
Desha’s Trial.—Frankfort, June ID.
dera, and conduct unbecoming an Olficor ; the night before, of goods worth at least the Alcade’s office, under tho chi rgo of t wo returned on board the vessel, am)
and the Specification alleges that Captain 1 jLotlO. Lieut. Platt was requested in this aontry. Boiug thou fully aware of my un- under weigh. “ S 01
Porter, in violating the territory el Hi».)I*ttnr to go ill quest of the property. Bo- pleasant situation, 1 again, although ropug- ft. W,*a the object of your visit t„ p
Catholic Majesty, the King of Spain, .by fore lie assented, however, to this proposi- mint to iny feelings, did ask the interpreter ardo to recover tho property that lu,| ,
landing troops in a hostile manner, and by tion, he wont on shoro to ascertain from the what more was required ? llisanswer waa Btolen at St. Thoinas, or to apprehega ;
committing divora acts nf hostility there, merchants there, whether ho would be jus- after making inquiry of the proper author)- persons who had perpetrated the robk
acted in contravention of the Constitution i titiod in taking such n step. Having satis- ties, that I had shown nothing but t com- or both ? “ e, Jt
of the United States, and of the Laws of fieri himself, as far as possible, that the mission as lioutouant, and not filled up for A. The object of my visit was to rtr
Nations, as wellas in opposition to his in-1 goods were bciiI off to Foxardo, he took on a lieutenant-commandant, and they wore the property supposed to he stolen, eroi"^
strttetions. . j board the clerk of Messrs. Cabot, Buily, Si determined to keep me until they could I it could he done through i| lu .,J| u,t ’:
The second Charge is—Insurbordinate Co, and a pilot, and got under weigh for hear from St, Johns, or get something front I through t hem only. 1
Conduct, and conduct unbecoming nn Otfi- Foxardo. About 6 o'clock on tho evening me more satisfactory. I asked leave to) ft Was tho United States flag fl..;,,,
eer ; and the various Specifications embra- of the 20th, the Beagle entered tho harbor send on board Mr. Bedford aguin. I Hi- j board the Beugle, during her stay ? n
ced in this charge, allego that hd has writ- of Foxardo with her colors flying. Lieut, rectoil him to firing all my papers on shore, 1 harbour of Foxardo i •’ ' Iue
ten and gent letters ofa disrespectful char-, Platt was unable to get on shore that night thinking I might find something there lo{
A. The United Stutes flag (IJ)l j
pendant
actor to the President nf the United Stntea j — and early on tho morning of the twon-. satisfy them, which it would not bo im-1 were dying on board the Beagle'wll!
and to the Secretary of the Navy, by which . ty-seventli, a boat came along side with a proper to show. I produced to them on entered, and at the proper hours nfierwai I
ho Ires violated the respect due from officers' polite invitation from the Captain o. tho thereturn of Mr. Bedford, orders from Coni., l left orders to that effect, uuil helir.v., s '
A— A I. _ If...?.I on.I lisn .In ! tn f ■ .... 4 1)1...4 4n on n ■. elwir - II.« ^1 1 »— —A A - —..A -• — I!— ~ • nnl> 1 —— -I .-.I
before such publication was authorized hy
the Executive; has given to the world par-
tial and incurred statements of tile proeoe.
dings; and lias also published official com-
inform the messenger that she was a United
Porter to mb, to act us linutcnant-coin.
msnduut, and to take the emmnaud of the
Bougie. They told me an appointment of
that kirn) could not emanate trom any one
Slates vessel of war; and this information, | less than an admiral, and they were now
with the name of the vessel, he desired to
he communicated to hie commanding ottieor
municatinns to the government, and corres-1 —From this man, Lieut. Platt, understood,
poiulenceof an official character, and nr-1 that tho character of his vessel was already
lore and instructions which he has received
from lhe f) pnriment.
When these charges anil their sperifica-
ions hud been rend, and Cnpiain Porter
wus required to plead “ Guilty,” or “ Not
Guilty," he fished leave to postpone hisplea-
hng until to-morrow morning, and to have
the privilege allowed him of being heard by
counsel, to have a clerk to take minutes of
the evidence, and. also, to have a copy of
the Charges end Specifications furnished hy
tile Judge Advocate. The Court acceded
o those requests; and Cnpt- Porter having
mimed Waller Jones, Esq. for Ills counsel,
tlie court adjourned till 10 o’clock to-mor
row morning.
Second Day— Friday, July S.
After some preliminary busines had been
gonethrongh the Court adjourned, to meet,
at the Marine Bnrracks; and, shortly after
wards, recommenced its proceedings, when
Alexander J Dallas a Master Commando til
in tile Navy ofthe U ited States, was call
oil up, and examined.
Tlie evidence given by Captain Dallaswas
very similar to that given before the Court
of Inquiry. He commanded the John
Adams, bearing ihe Commodore's pondant:
and arrived at the Island of St. Thomas
some time inthe month of November last.
Outlie daynfher arrival. Mr. C.ibfit, an
American gentleman, residing at. St Tlie-
inns, and reported to bn the Commercial
Agent ofthe United States for that Island,
came on board, accompanying Limit. Platt.
Tlie object of their visit was to report to
the Commodore that Lieut. Piatt had, dur
ing a vist to Foxardo, been very harshly
treat- d. In consequence of this informs
lion, the Commodore determined to pay
a visit to tlie place, in order to compel I he
authorities who had thus misbehaved to
make some atonement. Ca t. Dallas was
accordingly directed, the next day, to get
the John Adams under weigh, and, in com
pany with the Grampus and the Beugle, to
get into Foxardo. Owing, however, to
great draught of water, the John Adams
known in the village. On landing. Lieut.
Platt was. for a short time, Impeded by a
set of ragamuffins; but, ifio respectable
part of the citizens interposed in his behalf,
and procured Imrses for him and his party
to proceed to the village. Lieut. Plutt, on
reaching tho village, reported himself, ns
had been advised, first to the Captain of
they
the port, and made known In him his b si
nes* ; mid delivered liis letter to Mr. Corn-
pis, a man, who. from his wealth, stood on
a high ground of respectability. The Cap
tain appeared to lie satisfied, and directed
him to cull on tlie Alcade. He did so, made
similar explanations, and apparently satisfi
ed that officer also, who expressed himself
much pleased that Lieut. Platt had conic
on shore in a citizen’s dress, lie seemed
confident ns to the recovery ofthe goods,
and staled that he thought he might be a-
b'e to o', lain them before night.
The Court, not seeing the possibility of
getting through Lieut. Platt's evidence to
night, adjourned till 10 o’cluck lo-inorrow
morning.
Third Day—Saturday, July 9.
Captain Elliott was excused on account
of sicknuss, no objection being made by
Captain Porter.
The proceedings of yesterday having been
read, the examination of Lieut. Plait was
resumed us follows—
The Alcade then slated to nte that the
recovery of the goods might probably lie
attended with some expuusu—that it miglii
be necessary to oner a reward. I said if it.
wus uccessury to oiler a reward, I was au
thorized to oiler a reward tint to excuud
£ I,Orel. ] then proposed to the Alcade the
propriety of my visiting thu stores with tlie
police and clerk 1 had brought with ino, in
order to sec if tiie goods were there, us 1
could identify them by means of the clerk
of Messrs. Cabot and Baily. The Alcade
observed that I ltad very properly come on
shore in a citizen’s dress; to prevent any
Owing, however, to her suspicion, it was advisable for me to go by
mvself without tho clerk. I then left his
could not approach the beach veiy near, but! office, under tho impression that the goods
was obliged to come to anchorunder one of] would be procured before night by thu po
the Passage Islands ; where the CnmmO'
dure ordered a considerable detachment of
bunts and men for the expedition. It was
not, however, until the next morning alter
herarrival at tier .inchorage, that her pre
parations were so far completed as lo send
off the detachment. Tlie boats were ta-
The June Term of tlie Harrison Circuit ken in tow by the Grampus, and got into
Court, commenced on Monday Inst. Our
attentive correspondent at Cynthiann, in
forms us that Mr. Wall, attorney for the
Commonwealth, moved a continuance of
Deslia’s case, on the ground ofthe absence
of material witnesses. The motion, it ap
pears, met witli opposition, and an agree
ment was made, that the cause should lay
over until Friday, (yesterday) and the at
tachments should issue, in the mean time,
for the abseuL witnesses, returnable on that
day. The Governor and other connexions
iiftlie prisoner, were in uttondance, and his
counsel, Mr 'Paul, expected he would be
! ready for trial.
The understanding at Cynthiana was,
The great timber ship Columbus, on tier i ^ Kre w0,| 1d be no difficulty in relation
Way from England to St. Johns, N. B. was j t0 t * lc ^ ur y • ani * t l’ nt l bo trial would pro-
Rbuncioned at sea a wreck, on the 17th of c . e . e< * - . Ba )i?J? ur .‘'‘"■respondent; but non-
May.
On the 9th inst. Mr. E. Robertson, the
Son ofProfessor Robertson, of Paris, as
cended from the Castle Garden, NewYork,
in a balloon, in the presence of General La
fayette, and about 40.000 spectators —
The ascension is represented as huving
been very fine. The teronaut passed over
tlie city and landed about one mile beyond
Newton, (L. 1.) at seven o’clock, and re
turned to Castie Garden the same evening
The excursion lusted from half ati hour to
an hour.
The aa me afternoon, General La Fayette
was received hy the Whitehall boatmen,
under an elegant canopy on board the boat
American Star, which won the race with
tho boat ol’Capt. Harris. The boat was
manned by tho same crew as on that ocoa
aion. by whom, in company with the Craw
ford, the winning boat on the 4th July, and
several others elegantly dressed,he was row
ed to Jersey City, and back. The Ameri
can Star was then presented wi h an address
to the General, who replied in his usual
luppy style. The Genera] was to leave
New-Yorkon tho 14th instant, for Philadel
phia and Baltimore, visiting Joseph Bona
parte on the way.
sidering the difficulty of collecting such a
host of witnesses as attended the former
trial and were deemed necossary ; the im
probability that the commonwealth will re
ceive any jurors who do not declare them
selves free of bias with the improbability
that a sufficient number con bo obtained,
who have not formed opinions; and that
the remaining seven days of the term would
according to past experience bo wholly in
sufficient to complete tlie trial, it appears
to us very unlikely that there can be a ver
dict rendered at this term Commentator.
A letter from Buenos Ayres, dated the
2d of May, published in the National Intel
ligencer, states, that the war Imd been ter
Ojiimted in Uppor Peru, hy the defeat of O
laneta, who was killed at the commence
went of the action, it wns believed by one
of hia own men. A large part of Ins 'force
deserted during the action. Gen. Sucre had
taken possession of Potosi.
The Thermometer at Philadelphia on the
Jtth instant, stood at 911—in some places il
*ose to 120. This 1b far wanner :lmn wi
"pave had it in this part nf the country.
Jt is stated in s Ncw-York paper, that
(etwnen forty sod fifty thousand strangers
•ore in that city on tho BBoiverwTy of in
dependence;
From the National Journal,
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURT-
MARTIAL ON COMMODORE
PORTER.
Firti Day.—Thursday, July 7.
The Court met at the Navy Yard, at ten
o’clock.
Captain Porter, on being asked ifhe had
any objections to make against any ot'tlie
Court, submitted a paper which contained
sundry objections to the Judgo Advocate.
Not having had access to thin paper, we
cannot give a copy of it; but we understand
(hut his objections appeared to be tounded on
tlie original appointment of tho Judgo Ad
vocate, which lie contended to be illegal, and
on the assumption that Mr. Coxo ia still fur
ther disqualified, in consequonce of his hav-
inpr expressed an opinion on the subject.—
1 he Court was cleared and on its being re
opened, and the proceedings made known,
it appeared that a motion was made to refer
the question to the Attorney General; but
this motion was negatived. Another ques
tion wns then propounded by one of the
members, as to the existence of any privi
lege by which the party accusod could clml
'ange the Judge Advocate. At the reqne:
ot tho Court, wo understand, Mr. Coxe gav.
Ilia opinion that the appointment of tin
Judge Advocate being vested in tlie sain
power which appointed tho Court itself
neither had the party accused any right to
o’ . / x fj , l l, i°n to the appointment, me
gad the Court itself gny right to decide ou
xardi) harbour about 8 or 9 o’clock, A.
M. The bouts were immediately prepared
for landing ; and, soon afterwards, a bat
tery being observed on an eminence, at
which a number of men appeared, whose
designs were ofa doubiliil character, one
ofthe bents was ordered hy tho Commo
dore to proceed thither, and to dislodge Lite
men, and Bpiko the guns. The men were
then landed on the beach, and formed into
line, andLicntt Crabbo, with n detachment
of marines, wns directed to advance towards
Foxardo, and to take up a position near
the village. Lieut. Stribling was sent by
the Commodore with a flag of truce, and a
lcl.tc-r to tlie Alcalde, who was the chief m.i-
gistrule ofthe village. Soon after iiis de
parture the troops marchi d towards tlie
town, leaving Lieat. Barton with a guard
of murines to protect tho heals. When
within about twenty or torty yards ofthe
station which was taken hy Lieutenant
Crnbbo’s division, the oilier troops onine to
a halt, to wait the result of Lieiil.Stribling’s
message. Tho battery of two guns was
spiked during this inarch. Before the
troops had waited long, Lieut. Stribling
was seen returning fVoin the village, with
the Alcalde and the Captain of tlie Port;
when they came up, a conversation look
place, by means of an interpreter, between
tlie Commodore and these persons Tlie
issue of this conversation was tho making
of an apology for the insult offered to Lieut.
Platt, to the Lieiiteiiunt himself; and the
officers, being all asked if they were satisfi
ed, by tho Commodore, replied in tho Affir
mative. The Commodore was then invited
by tlie Alcalde to visit tho town. The Cum
mndore merely accepted this invitu
tion so faroa to make an advance, until he
had passed the body of armed men whicli
had been collected; after which ho return
ed, witli tho men, and ordered all to return
to tho beach, where tho whole of the de
tachment was treated witli refreshments,
after which the men got into tho boats, and
returned to the vessols.
The only new facts which were eleoited
in the cross-examination of Capt. Dall.is,
were—that the resenting ofthe insult to the
American flag wns the ostensible objoct of
tlie visit of Commodore Porter to Foxardo ;
that near two hundred officers and men
were landed; that they wero armed witli
muskets, bayonets, pistols, cutlasses, slid
hoarding pikes; that the Spanish force con
sisted of only about sixty or seventy men.
out of uniform ; that there wbb not an in
dividual in sight on the beach, when the
'-arty landed ; that the Commodore did not
nonsuit Capt Dallas, previous to his land
ug; and that in the conversation which
look place between the Commodore and the
-uthoritiee of Foxardo, there was nothing
leard by Capt.Dallas, on the subject of any
demand for pirates, or proporty plundoroi
y them.
The examination of Lieut. Charles T.
Platt was then commeneud.
Lieut. Platt’s evidence varied scarcely at
lice nf the place. A short lime after, I re
ceived a message from the Alcade, saying
that lie wished to see me at Ilia office. 1
was then already under the impression that
lie hod made some discoveries which would
lead to the recovery of Ihe goods. With
these impressions, I went over to tlie office
with Lieut. Ritchie and the pilot. On my
arrival at tlie office, I inquired of tiie Al
cade whether ho hail S' nt fur me, and for
wlmt purpose? I was answered by the
Captain of the Port, in the must resulting,
provoking, aggravating manlier possible;
saying, that he hud Bent for me himself, for
the purpose of demanding my register, ou
the refusal of which lie would confute me
to prison. I told him that I imd already, as
I thought, satisfied him us to the character
of the"vussel: that u man of war had no
register to shew My commission, my uni
form, and colours, were ull I had to show
the character of my vessel; that I had al-
rendy ottered to exhibit these; and they
hud appeared to bo satisfied without. 1
then expressed my astonishment ut the
course of conduct they Imd pursued ; so en
tirely unexpected to me, imd so unprece
dented : Furthermore, I considered ii a du
ty I owed to myself, my brother officers,
and my country, to make a foinml report of
their conduct to Commodore l’orter. Lest,
however, they might deny having confined
ine. I left tlie oliice, in order to return to
my vessel, tlm.t I might leave the port, not
conceiving myself a prisoner. I imd pro
ceeded about five rods, perhaps, nil my re
turn to my vessel, when I was pursued hy
tlie Alcade himself, and two soldiers; the
Alcade himself seized me by the collar. I
was brought back and placed under a sen
try’s charge. After, perhaps, an hour’s)
debate amongst themselves, I inquired nf
the Alcade wlmt course they meant to pur
sue. They informed me they wore not
satisfied of my character ; I had given no
evidence of it: and I should be confined un
til I could produce something, or they could
hear from St. Johns. I then requested per
mission to go ou board, accompanied by any
officer they might choose to send, and I
would pledge myself to satisfy them of my
character, which they refused. I then re
quested that I might send Mr, Ritchie on
board, or the pilot, and they might keep
me in bondage if they chose.* All wns de
nied me—there was no rhunce left. I then
made another propositian to them. I pro
posed to give a note to any officer they
might choose to send on board, and if he
did not return with a satisfactory answer,
they could prnisli me in any way they pleas
ed. This they also denied. Perhaps af
ter another hour had elapsed they conclud
ed to allow me to send Mr. Bedford on
hoard to bring my commission, which they
said wns nil that was required. I directed
Mr Bedford, however, to bring my com
mission and uniform. So soon as Mr. Bed
ford relumed I produced to them my com
mission. and put on my uniform. They,
after consulting again, perhaps for half an
hour, pronounced my commission a forgery,
and myself und officers a d—d pack of
liars. I then, finding I might be kept there
confident they hud to deal with a pirate.—
As to Com. Porter, there was no such man
in our navy; they knew it well; and I
should not hoax them in that way. I still
continued to be confined till a late hour,
till near sun-down ; for whut reason I
knew not. They then let me go on board
again, without giving any reason. I left
them mortified—hissed at by the roiqfh-
scuffof the place. I then got under weigh
after sun down, and proceeded tu St- Thom
as. On the 12th of November. Com. Por
ter arrived at Si. Thomas iu the John Ari-
utns. As Boon us he came to anchor, I vis
ited the vessel and reported myself to him,
and mentioned to him the circumstances
which caused my visit to Foxardo, and the
particulars of my treatment. The Com
modore informed me it would bo necessary
to make out a written report; I HKid it
■should Imve been ready for him. Imd I anti
cipated his arrival so soon. The Coin, said
circumstances justified iny going in, in the
manner in which I went: und said lie would
visit Foxardo, and obtain redress for tlie
insult wliHi had been offered to himself and
to the flag of tlie United Hiatus. I referred
rlie Commodore to Messrs. Cabot and Ba.-
iey, and to Mr. Carnes, fur information,
iw.li being commercial houses in that place.
1 went on shore, at the direction of the
Commodore, and requested Mr. Cabot lo
comoon board, Mr. Carnes being nn hoard,
and to get a pilot to pilot ine Lo Foxardo.
As soon us I went on shore, 1 saw Mr. Ca-
jot, who returned on board the Commo
dore’s vessel. Next morning, 1 got under
weigh at tlie Peak with a pilot, ou hoard,
and stood out of tho hurborof Hi. Thomas
lo join the John Adanlg, then under weigh
Delivered my written report to the Commo
dore, and was directed hy him to proceed
ahead to Foxardo. Thu wind, however,
proved light, and wo were obliged to lay to.
off and oil during the night. Next morn
ing at day light, I received an order from
tlie John Adams to proceed ahead as be
fore. For reasons uuknown to me, we
cumn to anchor under the lee of tlie Pas
sage Islands, no a signal from the Commo
dore. about nine o’cluck oil the morning of
liio 13th. At midnight of the 13th, the
Grampus, Beagle, the barges and boats
from the John Adams, with as many offi
cers and men us could be conveniently spar
ed, got under weigh ; and about eight o’
clock next morning arrived in tlie harbour
of Foxardo. The barges wore manned
anil officered—o ib barge was sent to attark
the tort on a ; a nineuce wit-i two p ft —
Tiie rest ot the men landed on the beucii.
were obeyed.
Q. Was theretany flag, ensign, or otl- e ,
distinction exhibited at the time of n
landing ? ' lur
A. Nothing but the light pendant, Tl
flug was flying before 1 wus arrested I
wus asked if tho Hug should be hunt../
when I luntied ; but I replied, net fijj
o’clock, the proper hour.
ft. When you lauded, do you >n p . ww
tho Beagle was known on shore, as ii n
vessel of war?
A. I feel fully satisfied the fit was known,
ft. Were there many persons on simre
who saw you laud from tier ?
A. Perils pa lour or 2b. One man, with
a cigar re his mouth, and an old culhiss in
his hand, und a iiniidkerdiiefon lfi s 1,^,1
advanced, hut he did nut luok like an oiB-’
cor.
ft What was your object in landing in
the dress of a citizen ?
A. To prevent any suspicion on the part
of the boats lying iu the harbour, uf wlirh
there might, huve been .»U. 1 suppused the
goods might, he lauding.
Q. Gould not the flag Imve been ns wall
seen and known from tiie boats as from ihe
village ?
A No—ail merchant vessels carry the
same pendant, it is impossible to tell fie
cluiraeter of tiie vessel from it,
ft. Had you when yon landed any doai.
nient of uuy description to certify the cha-
ructer of your vessel f If so, wlmt was it
A. I hud a letter in tuy passossiini from a
gentleman of Hi. Thomas, representing my
character, und thui of my vessel to .,ir.
John Cainpis.
ft Was tliut an open nr a sealed letter I
A. It was a letter which lied been retd
to me, and sealed aterwards, nud wns given
to alford me ail opportunity of going on
shore in the disguise of a citizen. Tiii“ I
was assured wus sufficient to testify my
olmructer, owing to the standing of dir.
Canipis.
ft Did you see Mr. Campis, when you
went on shore ? v
A. Yes—I saw him as soon ns I entrred
the village, before lsaw the Captain ofilie
Port and Alcalde.
ft. When did you hand him the letter?
A. The moment of my arrival,
ft. Did he accompany you to the bouse
ofthe Captain ofthe Port and ihe Alcaide!
A. Yes. I ain sure he went with me to
tlie Alcalde—I am mil sure as to tiie oilier
—and read the letter of both iu my pre.
aence.
Do you know whether Mr. Cnmpir
The Grampus anchored affthe point, and
the Beagle further up the hay to cover tire
landing. I was directed by tlie Commo
dore to get out my boat, and pass by tlie
Beagle, and tuke as many men as I could
carry in my boat. Liiiut. Btribling, about
tlie same time, was despatched to tho shore
with a Hag of trace, with a communication
f. otn Commodore Porter, lor tho authorities
of the place, iu ultoiit fifteen minutes af
ter our lauding, tire Commodore directed us
to form tho line. We marched up, and got
nuar the town in about twenty minutes af
ter our starting. I hud mentioned to Com
modore Porter tliut there were two guns
planted ou a causeway betwixt us and the
village. Tlie Commodore directed some of
ficers and men to spike them. After arri
ving within forty yards ofthe village, wo
halted. A short time aft m scov t dawhile
dag, which proved lo he flic flag with Limit.
Stribling, accompanied hy the Alcade. ilia
Capiain of the Port, officers, and a number
of citizens. Wheu they met Commodore
Porter, they professed ignorance as to the
subject of his visit. The Commodore said
they ought lo have known the object of his
visiL from the tenor of Ins note. Hu came
here for the purpose of obtaining redress
of tlie proper authorities, for the insult of
fered to the flag of the United States, in
iny person (pointing to me.) This seemed,
at first, to cause some asionishment on their
part—that they should bo accused of treat
ing me improperly. The Commodore then
asked tlie Alcaide, in a very pnssitive man
ner, whether lie had not imprisoned me ?—
His unsw- r was, that he had, after knowing
my character us an officer of tlie United
States Navy ; but lie was not to blame ; lie
had bcun forced to it by the people. He
acknowledged that lie knew my diameter
as an American officer, and confined mo,
knowing this—but he could not explain the
reasons which compelled him thus to act.—
Tiie Commodore then told him that as he
was tlie Alcalde, or chief magistrate of tlie
place, lie had nothing to do witli any one but
him, and should hold him responsible ; that
there was no time then for any altercation,the
time whicli he had given, h or 7 minutes,
had nearly expired, und be must have an
auswer. An apology was necessary—such
a one as Bhould be dictated by iiiui; a re
fusal of which would compel him to resort
to force of arms, and terminate in the filial
destruction of the place. An apology was
made. It was that they had imprisoned me
wrongfully, that they were sorry for it, and
in future, that they would respect United
States’ Nava) Officers as their character
deserved. After that, we returned to the
beach, nttor having been invited very pres-
singly by the Alcalde and Captain or tlie
Port, to go into the village—Commodore,
officers, and men—and take same refresh.
mentB. The Commodore did advance a lit.
nine length of time, proposed going to a ! tie way, and passed by a six pounder, pri
-Ircent lodging, where thoy might place a jmeri, and a man standing by with a lighted
-entry over me. In answer to this, the match, and a number of armed men. The
King's House waa recommended to me. I Commodore then ordered us to return to
being fully under the impression at] the the beach, without euterigg into any gyt
had or had not at that time in Ins possu»iun
the goods lor which you sought?
A. I do not know, except from tlie testi
mony 1 brought home ; but I ain firmly un
der tiie impression tliut lie had tile goads ia
his possession at that lime.
ft- When you wore interrupted on tlie
beach when you lauded, do you siippoja
those who did it knew you to be un Aiuvri-
cun Officer?
A. Yes. A boat was sent to invite moon
shore by persons who admitted they know
my character to he tliut of mi American
ifficer. 1 also sent word beliiro 1 lauded,
wlmt was the character of tlm vessel.
ft. Did you inform the citizens ivfio ap
peared in your behalfnu the bench, who and
what you were, and tlie object of your visit?
A. I iiiforinud them l was un A.noric.in
officer, undthai my business waa to see live
proper authorities ofthe village.
ft. Did you in person proceed to any of
the stores on the town to inquire after Ihe
goods which had been stolen ?
A. I was in no store but one, and that
was tho store of Mr. Canipis, whore l went
to sen him ; and in the store of the |icr.-"ii
who lent me his horse; I imd to jiu.-s tiirongh
it to go into his house, hull did not vn «t
the hou-e. 1 saw some goods in (lie store,
and looked at them to see if I hey enrrespur
ded with the description. This wus acci
dental, and not done with a view In hunt*
fere with the civil authority.
ft. Did you see Mr. Campis. alter veil
first left, the office oftlm Alcalde ?
A. Yes—I saw Mr. Campis when I nil
recalled to tlie Alcalde, after I was sent lor
I saw him in conversation—he seemed niu.dt
confused.
ft. Did you appeal to him to verify y our
character, and what was his reply ?
A. Yes—He stated my cnaracler i bet
supposed they would have been sntisfieB
without it. He urged me to go to another
port, about 15 miles further, to look for tin
goods, and procured horses, and was wry
urgent that I, and Mr. Ritchie, and Mr-
Bedford, should go.
Q. During tiie period which elapsed b*
tween your first visit to Foxardo and yen’
seeing Com. Porter at St. Thomas, h id vrt
made any report of the affair to him l " s
government ? ,
A. None whatever. I waa ordered »
remain ut St. Thomas until 1 saw Como*
dore Porter, but did not expoct him there*
soon as he came. .,
ft. Did you during the period consul*
that the flag of the United States had re
ceived an insult which required atoncincuw
A. Yes, I did.
ft. Did Mr. Bedford or any olher perf°#
accompany you on your second visit to Fei"
»rdo, ami ftir what purpose ?
A. Mr. Bedford went with me on the®*
cond visit, but did not laud. His 0 “J' C J
was to identify the goods in case they wvre
met with. r
ft. In tho conversation between t-om.
Porter and the authorities of Foxardo ofi
tho subject ofthe goods, did you hear soy
ofthe particulars, and what ? ,
A. 1 do not recollect any conversation
tho kind. . _ (k ,
ft. What was tho distance between t»
beach where you landed and the villAg e n
A,- About a aula and a half.