Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-12-14

require this testimony of his gallant brethrcs
ia place him high in the estimation of the peo-
pie of New-Orleans, by whom he has been long
known aud descryedly respected--but we are
happy that the malice of his enemies and those
OF our country, have brought ont this complete
refutauon of every suspicion that has been en-
gendered abroad BY their letters TO printers
who, not knowing the circumstances Of tho
case. gave publicity 10 tissue of ialschools,
respecting his conduct in his late cruise in the
Gulph OF Mexico, as uniounded as they were
base and cOwardv
Here, no one ever believed for "A moment
that there the slightest ground for the
charge on which Mr.. Cunningham was tried or
for an Instant doubted the correctness of his
conduct IN the affair with the Spanish squad
ron, and the pleasure with which his brother
officers and a number of respectable citizens,
heard Yesterday his honorable acuuittal, shows
how fully his well-carned reputation is appre-
ciated BIZ them, and the handsome compliment
paid him by our gallant commodore, was equal
ly honorable to each of them.
The Court being now cleared took into ma
ture consideration the evidence on the part
of the prosecution, as also that introduced by
the accused aud after due dcliberation there
upon, the Court pronounce Lieut.. Condt.
Thomas s. Cunningham, NOT GUILTY of
breach OF the 9th article of the act for the bet
ter government of the United States Navy, or
any part thereof; and the court do now mani
mously honourdbiy dcquH 1t. i. =. Cunningham,
of IMPROPERLY of conduct during has rhsle cruise,
commencing on the 18th August, and ending
the 18th September of the present year, and
particularly on the 9th Aug in the rencontre
with the Spanish ship Diana and brig Cassa-
dor; the court are in Justice bound to the feel
ings of this injured officer, to state that his
conduct throughout the whole of the affair
with this overwhelming force, has been highly
honorable to himself and to the nag under
which he served; nor can the court refrain
from observing that the unexpected and das-
tardlv attack made by his Catholic Majesty's
ship Diana and brig Cassador has proved an
unparalleled, unjuStitiab!e and unprovoked in
suit and outrage upon the flag of the Unitel
States. The court now request that the sword
may be restored to this officer from whom il
has unjustly and without cause been taken.
II. V. HOFFMAN,
!. NiEEEVER,
CHARLES +. GRAVITY,
G.. HAMERSLY,
VIM \. WEAVER.
JonN NIcuorsoN, Judge Adrocate. Neio-Or-
leans, Nor. ,, 1916.
The commanding officer feels great satsfac-
ton iii confirming the full and honorable ac-
quittal TINS pronounced ny the cOnrt-mariial,
before which Lieut.. Com6t. JhoS. s. Canning
nam has been arraigned, and which, While il
places his conduct in a highly credtable and
honourabIe point view, also reflects honor on
the court.
The sentence Of the court-martial of which
1t. Comdt. Is. V. Hoffman is president being
thus confirmed, said court is hereby dissoly-
ed, and Lieut.. Comdt. Cunningham will reas-
sumo the command of the u. 5. schr. Fire
brand.
(SignedO
DANIEL r. PATTERSON.
Commanding T.. S. Nardl Forces,
NeU- Orleans Station.
Newt Orleans, Nov. 3.