The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-09-11
From the Boston Courier

The AFRICAN CAPTIyEs. We do not re-
collect any incident. for many years. the occur
renee OF which has caused so general a feeling
OF deep interest III the community, as the ease
of the Africans captured in the Spanish
schooner Amstad. Where and for tcjidt are
they to be tried, are questions that have been
discussed IN some of the newspapers some
contend that they must be tried in the district
Of New Iork-others, in that of Connecticut.
Some suppose they must bo tried for murder
others for piracy. We are not sufficiently
familiar with the principles Of law involved in
these questions, to arrive at conclusion salts
factory to oursclC, much less. to present an ar
gumcnt that may satisfy others.
These unhappy wretChes are now in gaol.
The crime, for which they are committed in
the technical language Of the law, is called
murder or pirdcy--porhaps both and the pun
ishmcnt OF either is death. la the language of
humanity they have committed no crime At all.
They have attempted TO regain the liberty, in
which they were born, and which has been
wrested from them by robbers, pirates, and
inurdcrers. In making this attempt they have
done nothing more than every other man in
America would have done in similar crcum-
stances, he had courage enough 10 do IL -
nothing more than the laws of God. the laws
Of man, aud the instincts of nature, justify and
demand. The unSophistcated common sense
of manaind reyolts at the idea of their having
committed any crime.
The next step TO be taken in regard to these
capu,es, we presume, will be to present the
case to a grand jury, anl. if twelve men can be
found, to say that they are guilty OF murder OF
piracy. they must then De arragncd, aud tried
by another Jury, before whom all the argu-
mcnts that the ingenuity Of lawyers can devise,
will be urged with all the eloqucnce of the
most accomplished orators OF the land, 10 obtain
4 conviction. Can a Jury of twelve men be
found in the free states, that will convict these
captives Of a crime that will subject them 10
the punishment of death We hope not
For the honor ol a people, who call themselves
enlightened and free for the honor of human
nature, il human nature be not totally deprayed
and past all redcmption.--wc hope that there
are not twelve men in our county, who would
disgrace the name of an American by render
lug verdict OF guilty.
But perhaps the Court will decide that the
case is not within its jurisdiction. aud that the
prisoners must be delivered up TO the Spanish
government, To be disposed of rs that mercitul
,ribun, may decide. We all know, in such a
case, what the end would be.
We are aware that, in the view OF the conveu-
tional laws OF nations, the case presents points
OF great difficulty subjected to the laws Of
humanity, or morals, or religion, the case is as
simple one "a can be ina ginrd and requires
no casuistical argument. Every mau, whatev-
er be his nation, profession, OF complexion,
feels that the prisoners performed deed of
chvalry, that would, If they were not Jldcb,
command admiration and applause.
Joseph Cingue:, the daring leader Of this
band OF cap,ves, is hero, worthy TO stand by
the side of the noblest Roman, whose name
ever graced the pages Of history. Aud shall
he be hung for striving 10 regain his liberty and
give it to his fellow.csptiyes Shame, shame.
on the law or the country, which shall bring
his life to such a termination. lf they h6ng
this noble fellow, the scafiold. on which he
suffers will be throne more brilliant than ever
Alexander or Napoleon sat upon. lie ought
20 eujoy the liberty for which be 50 brsvely
contended. amid the plaudits Of fifteen million
free Americans.
The following letter from a gentleman. ap-
pointed by some Of the citizens Of New York
TO visit the African prisoners at New Haven, we
found in the New York papers of Friday -
To the committee behalf of the African pris.
oners at New Haven.
Gentlemen-llaying been deputed to visi
the company OF African csptives now iu con.
fnement at New Haven, hasten TO Law befor,
you few particulars respecting their situation
found them occupying four or FIVE apartments
under the care OF the U. s. marshal, N. vii
cox. ESQ. and his assistant, Mr. Pendleton.-
They seem to be made as comfortable as !,
consistent with their situation, eIceptiug ths,