Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-06-13

We have already published, as our readers
will doubtless recollect, Toe official and perfect
ly satisfactory state mrnt OF Captain Downes, of
the. United States frigate lava, relative to the
ARRAY which occurred a, NAHUM in Febu ary
last between the American and French sailors,
and which resulted in the death Of French
lieutenant A copy of this statement was for
warded TO The Hon. Mr.. Brown. our Minister
al Paris by whom it was laid 5efor the French
Minister OF Marine I he resuI, Of the interview
held on The occasion is detailed in the annexed
letter from Mr.. Brown to captain D The
French Minister, il will be seen, for him and
on behalf Of his government, bears the most
conclusive testimony to The good oonduc, Of
the gallanl Downes and his crew IN this affair,
and, in frank and honourable manner, acquits
them Of airy blame wha'eve, in relation TO it.
The pleasure we lake in publishing this letter
WILL we are assured, BE- equally telt by or
readers in its perusal-Bnf timer.
PARIs. March 23d, 1929.
SIR: have had the honor of receiving your letter
Of The 18th instant in which you gave detailed
and correct account of the unfortunate affair which
occurred at Mahon on the 18th February last. and Of
which i.icuI enant MesnarL was the victim The news
papers had given such incorrect accounts of this affair."
that they had served to name the public mind the
subject, and as without the means of effec,uay
removing erroneous impressions, ! waited with much
anxiety for the explanations contained in your letter,
which am happy to assure youlr perfectly satisfac
tory. . 80.
On the 2lst instant, asked an interview with the
minister of the Marine and Colonies, which was grant
ed Immediately. called on him, AMI after expressing
the regret felt at the unfortunate occurrence,
guested him TO examine the statement contained i'll
your letter, and to inform whether it correspondent
with that which he had received from the French Off
the same subject After reading your letter,
he, with the utmost fnkness, declared tina, it contain
ed fair statement of the facts and that no blame
whatever could attach to any American officer on ac
of the dispute which had been followed BIZ such
deplorabe consequences. lie said that your conduct
throughout had been prudent and Srcumspect and
that might state to my government that such
trankness which foTsa part of his character declar
ed that the statements in the papers should
be corrected and justice done to the American officers
enclose you extract from the Moneur of this day,
in viii h you wi! perceive that this has been done
observed to the Minister Of Marine that although !
disposed to make some allow for the preIudi.
ces excited at rouon by the false accounts published
in the newspapers, yet could not refrain from
pressing to him my regret that YOU had not received
the uSsi attentions bestowed on Conmodores Of
ed vessels arriving in irt nhy ports lie said that he
regretted II also, because existed for refus.
ny to extend them TO you, your conduct had been
perfectly correct, and the good understanding
listing between the two nations requires that the ves-
sells of both should receive every usual courtesy and
attention.
II gives me sincere pleasure TO find that under
barrassng and trying crcumsiances, conduct has
been such as to satisfy all ehecting Of both
tons.
have the honor to be with great esteem, Sir your
faithful and obedient Servant,
(signed) JAMES BROWN.
To Captain joan DowsEs,
Commanding u s shin lara, Aiaton.