Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1842-03-22
the CREoLECAsE.


addressed BY Mr.. Webster to our Minister
in England, in relation to the case Of the
"CreOle."
Department of State, jan. 29th, 1912.
EdSard EUerett, ESQ. &c. &c.
SIN; lregret to be obliged to acquaint
you with very serious occurrence, which
recently took place in port of one of the
Bahama islands.
Il appears that the Brig "CreOle," Of
Richmond, Virginia, Insor, master, bound
TO New Orleans, sailed from Hampton
Roads on the 9th October last, with a
cargo Of merchandise, principally tobac-
co and slaves, [aboul 1876 in number,)
that on the evening Of the 7th of Nov.
some Of the slaves rose upon the crew Of
the vessel, murdered passenger, named
Howell, who owned some Of the negroes,
wounded the Captain dangerously, aud
the first mate aud two Of the crew Sc.
verely, that the slaves soon obtained com.
plete possession Of the brig which under
their direction was taken into the port of
Nassau, in the island Of New Providence
where she arrived on the morning Of the
9Th OF the the same month; tha, at the
request OF the American Consul in that
place tho Governor ordered a guard on
board, 70 prevent the escape Of the mutt.
neers, and with a view to an Investigation
OF the circumstances Of the case, that
such an investigation was accordingly
made BY two British magistrates, and that
an examination also took place by the
Consul, that on the report Of the magis.
tfates, nineteen Of the slaves we're i'm.
pTIsOncd By the local authorities as hav-
ing been concerned in the muiiny and
murder, and their surrender to the Consul
TO be sent to the United States for trial
for those crimes, was .efused on the
ground that the Governor wished first to
communicate with the government in
England on the subject, that through the
Interference Of the Colonial authorities,
and even before the military guards we're
removed, the greater number Of the re.
naming slaves we're liberated, and en-.
couraged to 60 beyond the power Of the
master Of the vessel, or the American
: Consul, BY proceedings which neither Of
them could control This is the substance
Oftbe case, as stated in two protests, one
made at Nassau aud one at New Orleans,
and the Consul's letters, together with
sundry dispositions taken by him, copies
o. ell which papers are herewith trans.
mitted.
The British Government cannot but
see that this case, as presented in these
papers, is one calline loudly for redress
The "Creole" was passing from one port
Of the United States 10 another, in q Voy.
ags perfectly lawful, wit h merchandise
on board, and also with slaves, or persons
bound to service, natives Of America, and
belonging to American citizens,an which
are recognized as property by the consti.
tuition Of the United State in lhoseStaies
in which slavery exists. In the cOurse
OF the voyage some Of the slaves rose up
on the master and crew, subdued them,
murdered one man, and caused the vessel
to be carried to Nassau. The vessel was
thus lskel TO British port, not vOlunta-
Tily, those who had the lawful au.
thOFIty over her, but forcibIy and VIC.
lently, against the masters will, and with
the consent OfnobOdy but the mutineers
and murderers: for there is no evidence
that these ontFageS were committed with
the concurrence Of any Of the slaves, ex-
eePt those actually engaged in them
Under these circumstaaces,it would seem
% have been the plain and obvious duty
OF the authorities at Nassau, the port Of
. friendly Power, 10 assist the American
consul 10 putting an end 10 the captivity
OF the masierand crew, resorting TO them
the control Of the vessel, and enabling
them to resume their voyage, and to take
the mutinesTS and muFdererst to thsir own
country 10 answer for their crimes before
Che proper tribunal. One cannot con.
eeive how any other course could Justly
be adopted, OF how the duties imposed
By that part of The code regulating the
intercourse Of friendly States, which is
generally called the comfy Of Nations,
could otherwise bs fulfilled. Here was
no violation Of British law attempted or
intended on the part Of the master Of the
'CreOls," J" nor any infringement of the
principles Of the law Of nations. The
vessel was lawfully engaged In passing
from port to port, in the United States
BY violence and crime she was carried,
against the masters Without other course
inlOa friendly Power. All was The result
OF force. Certainly, ordinary comfy and
hospitality entitled him TO such assist.
ance from the authorities Of the place as
should enable him to resume and prose. |
cute bis voyage and bring the offenders
70 iustice. But, instead Of this, IL the |
facts be as represented 10 these papers,
moi only did the authorities give no aid for
any such purpose, bu: they did actually |
Interfere TO set free the slaves, and to en-
able them TO dispsrse themselves beyOnd