The Delaware register, or, Farmers', manufacturers' & mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1829, 1829-05-23
Translated from '-Le Semaphore," Marsekes Journal
of .U0yeh %. 1929,


of March "a, 1929.
occuRRENcEs AT M AHoN-Some distressing occurren-
have taken place at Mahon, which, incorrectly reported
might seeds of dscord and trouble between two
tions made another The Spanish authority,
charged with this affair." will examine it with justice, and,
when the facts better known, it will be that the
American Nation merits of the reproaches which have
been poured against Without pretending anticipate
the Judgment which may emanate from this authority, we
think duty TO make facts extracted from
Letter written by one whose character as man OF honor
beyond question.
On the 25h of January last ARRAY took place at
Mahon French and American sailors, both par
ties being unamed On this the Governor Of Minor
issued Ordinance requiring that all sailors coming
shore should eembak board their vessels every evening
before He addressed this ordinance all the Con-
sus residing at Mahon, requiring OF them to communicate
the the commanders of the vessels of of their
respective nations
In conformity to this act, until the 18th February,
sailor belonging the American vessels of in port OBJ
tanned leave from their officers to shore Al this date,
the Commander of the Java ~ s. gate) was authorized
BY the Go permit his TO be shore for
week. Il cngh be observed that, Notwithstanding the
Governors order the French sailors had come ashore every
night, armed
q has been pretended that the American Officers had
taken steps put end to the disputes which had arisen
To repel this 1T enough TO recall TO mind
mpor fact. Immediately after the affair of the 25th of
January the Governor the request Of Captain DO,cnes,
commander of the java proposed to the French Consul re-
sid ug NJ hon; arrangement. by which the French
sailors should shore for certain number of days; that
in then the American sailors should enjoy The prv
ege for the number of days. and alternately In
this would be impossible that the peace OF the
should be disturbed, meeting could take place be-
the sailors of the IF this arrangement
was put in execution, the fault of the Com
mander Of the J1sa. This fact arising from the disputes
which had already taken places sufficient to demonstrate
that Capt Docnes did all that it possible fer him to do
avoid all conflict and that if unfortunate have
followed, it is not upon him that the blame ought to fall.
There not the least Fermentation in the event of
which Lieutenant Mesnard (o the French Navy became
victim II thus that occurred This officer, followed
hy many French Sailors conducting along the
American sailor, with the Intention they said TO lead him
before the Governor, but for what purpose know
The American sailor whom they maltreaing cried
Mnrder!' At his cries, many of his comrades
his assistance, and in the skmsh which hence arose. Lieut.
Mesnard was hit on the head by chance bullet"
The death of this brave officer caused much regret
abe American officers could have caused the French
and, every will see, there nothing in all this affair
that resembles assassination All those who know the
American Nation, know that such a does belong
either to its habits or IFS character
The death of Lieut. Mesnard is the only that
have regret sailor of the Java also the victim OF
these deporable conflicts He pierced through and
through with sword and expired few hours afterwards
Capt D0,oaes has acted in these circumstances with
prudence and moderation, which, without doubt, entle
him TO the esteem Of all men, ~ho before making up
opinion any affair." desire understand properly the de-
tails of it, Since his arrival Touon this prudence
moderation has been lost sight of he has offered
Admiral not to permit his officers go Shore
In