Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-12-07
Lexington, Ry.) -Sovem5er 90.
THE FIBEREAND

Lexington, NJ. } November 90.
THE FIREBRAND.
The official account Of the attack on
this vessel by Spanish squadron, has not
yet been given to the public, and we are
still unable 10 reconcile the various con-
Trajectory newspaper statements. The
particulars of the affair, forwarded 10
us from NEw-ORLEANs, are said TO be
incorrect; and Mr.. Duncan furnishes the
following reply. We insert it in the Re-
porter, as he requests us to do, but with
this remark-that 1t would have been
more acceptable TO us and the public, il,
instead OF his abuse and denunciation of
the author ofthe letter i'll question, lie
han shew,, III what respect the facts were
mls-stated But lie does not contradict
them--nor does he furnish any statement
OF the case, to reiute the charges. The
affair may have been grossly misrepresen-
ted-tor the honor Of the navy we hope
1t has, and we would be happy TO pub
iish any information TO clear up the ilnpu-
tations cast upon IFS officers But until
we receive Il statementin an official shape,
we must get at the truth III the best way
we can-tlie pro and the contra, though
the navy may he implicated, must be
freely published. Mr.. d. we believe is
wrong IN supposing, that the gentleman
who communicated an account of the af-
fair TO this paper, is attached 10 party
In New-Orleans, inimicaI 10 the republi-
can cause i'll Mexico.-We are assured
that he belongs 10 this state, and Happen
Ell to be IN the city at tie time ON bust
ness. Reporter.
To the Printers ofthe Reporter.
GENTLEMEN-
Your paper of the 18th inst. contains
an extract of letter from this place,
the evident intent of which is to CON
meet commercial expedition lately
made from this port for the coast of
Mexico, with the attack on the United
States Schooner Firebrand. | was CON
taken not only with legal views, but will
add from meritorious motives.-No law
of the United States forbids the exporta-
ton OF arms and ammunition, and |
rlsked "A considerable sum in sending
them TO be employed in as noble cause
as has ever engaged the exertions of
freemen. Your correspondent is anony-
nous TO me and the public; know not
whether he has disclosed his name TO
you; the tenor of his letter however,
would lead one TO believe, that he be-
longs to a worthy band i'll this city who
honestly adhere to the beloved Ferdinand,
and whose endeavours are unccasing to
restore the reign of despotism and super
stltlon in the western world; such par
~ exists, and | think it proper that
the American people should be guard
Ell against their mere presentations and
efforts to traduce the republican cause,
and destroy the germ of liberty that be-
gins toexpand iii the fertile regions of
Spanish America.
( h.va fon
poor efforts of your correspondent even
TO ask disclosure of his name-bnt
design that this contempt should be
made known, and | therefore request
YOU to publish this letter.
The charges made against the navy
on this station, are of much more Sc
rIous nature, and 1 think might have
induced YOU TO refuse disqualification
until theywcrc accompanied By the proof.
The correct conduct of the comm ander
and the officers he commands, does not
need any vindicatiOn; but the public
ought To know, that the Spanish coast as
well as that of the United States, has long
been infested by cruisers having no legal
commission that many of this descripti-
on have been taken by the active exerti-
ons OF the squadron stationed here, and
that the commander has frequently recei-
we'd The thanks of the royal Spanish Off
GERS for these services. When these facts
are known, better motive may be found
for the cruize of the Firebrand than an
association with the jackson. This yes
sci Is not taken as your correspondent
would seem to wish, but is, believe, sold
to the republican government, and if she
should prove Instrumental IN its estab iisll-
ment, If the arms and ammunition with
which she was loaded, should serve 20 the
destruction fthe tyrants who Cypress the
falrcst part of the globe, far from being
conscious OF any improperly, | should
look on this as one OF the most fortunate
occurrences of my life.
Very respectfully, yours,
A. L. DUNCAN.
New-Orfeans, 3lSt Oct. 1916.