Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-09-16


lie did not do so, and therefore he cannotbe sur
prised that he was answered AS he deserved
The I'd specification accuses me OF being grossly
and publicly isulted by Col. Davis, at New Or
leans. The only evidence in this case. Is, the
Colonel himself, and 10 his testimony, so honoura-
Die to him as u man, andjust to me, refer the .
Court, and ask, how could this charge have ever |
been preferred,
The Sd, 4th, and 9th specifications, I submit TO
the Court, upon the testimony of the witnescss.-
Fhey relate to subjects dislike to dwell on; nor
can so Er lower r,yself in my estimation, as
TO attempt any relritation OF them.
The 9Th specification charges me with having
made 10 the Department, a false and imperfect ac
count OF the sffir with two Spanish briggs OF war;
and with conceang of the iniisniiies received
from them. ASH have before remarked, this affair
has been strictly Investigated; and on comparing
my letter 10 the Navy Department, with the testi-
,nony in the case, it will be perceived have stated
most correctly the force of guns and men OF the
B,vs, reported 10 me, by Me- Curtis, and
that oil the other brig unknown TO us.all, and
her name and force only stated by me from the ac-
Couais which the Spanish officer brought on board.
The 7;h specification charges with emitting
10 take proper measures 10 vindca;e myself, after
Knowing thai my conduct had been implicated on
some OF the foregoing occasions. The evidence of
f-ieuts Cellers aud Skinner, and tile correspon-
dence tLieut Gregory, will, trust, fully acqnit
me OF siiis charge.
TIE THIRD AND LAST CHARGE IS,
IN Oppressive Conduct;
Z And the single specification under it, that had
Arbitrarily and oppressively arrested Lieut.. VOL
t,ss,. have only 10 state that it was my opinion
then, and it is my opinion now, that he merited
great praise for his exertions in saving the brig
-Ann; but richly deserved being arrested for
his Subsequent conduct. / refer to the opinion OF
tie case, expressed by the Secretary of the Navy
In his letter 10 me, now before the Court.
i have thus, Gentlcmen, briefly noticed the
charges and specifications against me, and made
such observations thereon trust will be found
supported by the testimony of the several witnesses.
Such mass OF evidence appears to me irresistible,
and leaves nothing to rejecting, minds bit regret
that the bad passions OF the human heart, unrestrain
el by reason, should have had such influence
over officer TO have induced him To prefer such
charges against me. have been here led, unin-
tei,ioaally, allude 10 my accuser; but, believe
me. Gentlemen, 1t was very lar from my purpose
to notice him; he merits none from me, nor shall
he ever hereafter be honoured by any mention of
mne. 1t is not by recrimiaation that innocence il
Rroved.
Were i; necessary 10 call any new testimonies
20 my character, could this day appeal TO thou
sands of my fellow-cizens to attest that my
whole lie has been of lihblemished honour,
and uns,illied reputation. Although born in ano-
Their land, land pervaded by universal love of
liberty aad hate OF oppression, every foot of the
soil of which is consecrated by patriot blood shed
IN the sacred cause of which the institutions
Of this, my country, present splendid exem-
piincation. / the son oil an American citizen,
nurtured and educated in this sacred abode of ber-
ty. Here my mind received its earliest impress
sions-Eere all my associations have been formed;
here IL ny affections fixed. Ii il were asked,
II l have always done my duty, when opportunity
has brought me into conflict with the enemies of
my country might call on the magnificent river
which washes the shores of this Metropolis in
viii t ysitin fla ~.
this point the despatch OF Com. Rodgers 10 the Sc
cretary of the Navy, of the 9th Sept, 1874 will
afford sufficient evidence might also appeal to
my services at Baltimore, under the same Com
msnder, during the attack of the British on that
City. The certificate Of Captain Anglers to my
conduct while under his command in 1913, embra-
ces still further retrospect of the services have
rendered my country, and the manner in which
have acquitted myself OF the duties committed to
may add the l XaEStsi given by all the witnesses
who have been examined during this trial, on the
siDJect Of my general conduct and character. And
al This body OF evidence is encountered, by what
Bya specification or two, not only uns,Istained by
the very Witnesses called and Intercepted TO sup
port them, but, in many and essential points, abso
iuteiy contradicted and oyerhrown by those very
witnesses In opposition 10 charges and snecifica-
lions, serious indeed in their aspect, but founded
ehlfeiy upon Individual Prescriptions, and wanting
In all the necessary correlaves OF proof present
10 the Court areputation OF many years, which has
stood unimpeached before my feow-offcers and
my country; an experience, which presents nothing
10 mpeach either the obedience or the fidelity
winch implicitly pledged to the nation when
received my word and my commission. and The
testimony and friendship OF my commanding off,
GERS, who have witnessed my conduct, and sane
toned 1t with their appreciation.
ohouta II, however, appear to you, Mr. Presi-
oen' and gentlemen OF the Court, that the motive
. "a
siId Tor The national honour, and lust and noble
indignation, reused by repeated and scandalous de-
Ienctons OF character and duty, on my part; ardI
mai the testimony has sustained both the motive
ana The facts; Tar be II from 10 divert the ord
Justice' or TO break its force, by any appeals to
e ch",ac'ef ana services OF my past life. Pas,
reputation and services would but make INV deu-
feS more shameful, and my unworthiness more
,ePIoach!ul, as the deepest shadows are produced
by the strongest light.
iSut II, outhe contrary, this public srruir n,o.,
o. my conduct can be traced to 40 such high and
honorable motives: if private enmity and personal
feeling instead OF the love of national glory. and
desire to sustain the purity of the navy injured in
my delinquency, have led to this solemn impescb- |
ment OF my character: and if these views are borne
oa' by the very nature OF the evidence produced a.
gainst me; then, indeei, have right this day. to
Ask rom your hands that prompt, UNQUALIFIED and
unanimous scquittal, which will most effectuallv
oissipa.ethe foul msk with which individual ca
iumny and industrious malice have attemn,e,l IN on.
scure ana sally my reputation, and will repl,ce me
IN the estimation OF my feow-oIicers .nd n,,
country, OF that high ground where it has bepn M
past ambition, and which will ever be nv fn,nrs
pride, 10 stand.
such, Mr.. President and gentleman of the Court
are ihe conclusions which have presented Them
selves 10 my miud from an attentive in es,;o,,oo
Oh tne SUBJECT Toyour more mature and impartial