The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-01-12

From the Baltinl0re .4nleriean
LOSS OF BRIG FAIRFIELD OF NEW
YORK-RELEASE OF 4 WO AMERI-
CAN CITIZENS AT IIAYTI
Captain George III. Wilson, of the brig Fairfield
arrived here yesterday in the steamer from Norfolk
The officers and of the Fairfield came from
Nassau, N. F., in the schooner James Power, which
latter arrived 10 Hampton Roads Tuesday. Capt
Wilson reports that the Fairfield was east away on
the Island Of SANTANA, the night OF the 18th Of De-
cember-the vessel and cargo a total loss. On the
morning OF the l4th the crew succeeded in getting
ashore 10 the boats where they remained till the l7h
without receiving any assistance. On that day the
gale moderated, and the mate MIR Scott proceeded
int the boat to Crooked Island, for assistance Here
he met with the sloop Lively which sailed immed
ateiy Tor SANTANA, and carried the captain and crew
of the Fairfield to Nassau The Fairfield was owned
BY Messrs. Shedding * Ferris, of New York.
We learn from Capt. Wilson that during his stay
al Nassau, The Y s. Revenue Cutter Nautilus arrived
there TO demand the slaves who fled from Florida
some time since, committed murder at Key Bis
cayne, and then took refuge at Nassau. The Naut
lus was commanded however, to sail again without
accomplishing her object. The authorities Of Mas
sau refused to give up the iugitivcs from justice on
Us Rsa A9as Ine 81 lKtsligsnce ~
very gratifying nature, and calculated to reflect the
highest credit little Navy which proves itself
in time of peace as Jealous in protecting fellow
cznes from the oppressive acts of foreign govern
ments it would be in time of war in maintaining
the honor and dignity of flag. 1t is well known
that two of our countrymen, Messrs. Thomas g.
Curtis late master and mate of the brig Zebra,
have been lying in prison at Gonaives, in the
island of Hayti, since early in last August, on
charge OF shooting English Captain who
came alongside the Zebra during the night,
TO entice portion of her crew to desert The poor
fellows had made several applications to the Govern
ment of the United States for relief and instructions
were sent out to the American Agent al Cape Hayen
to call the Immediate attention of the Hayten autho
rites to the subject, but all without effect The tr
bunals of justice at Gonaves were in state of dis
organization; our unfortunate seamen bad already
been incarcerated more than four months, and yet
ther' appeared no prospect Of their liberation for
many months TO come.
They were almost beginning to despair of ever be-
ing brought to trial liberated so dilatory were all
the movements of the revolutionary Government
In this conuncure the United States brig Bainbrdge
Commander Madison, arrived at Gonaiyes, and the
aid OF that officer was of course at solicited by
Capt. Thomas and his mate. They were visited in
prison by Captain Madison and his officers whose
feelings shocked at beholding two of their
countrymen confined in the midst Of the ntole-
rable filth and surrounded by desperadoes of every
age, sex, and color. Their condition was found 10
be miserable in the extreme. All the prisoners
many of whom were confined on the gravest charges
were allowed to range the prison at large, and had
free to the apartment in which Messrs. Tho
ana OurllS were confined, well as all OlneT
parts. The Haytien Government it appears, allow |
ed them but hall dollar per week for their suppot
sum manifestly inadequate to subsst them a single
day. Had it not been for the possession of small
amount of money of their own, and friends they
found amongst the fore On residents, they would very
soon have persisted from starvation.
Having satisfied himself fully of the unfounded
character OF the charge which they confined,
Captain Madison determined to take decided stand,
and without delay to relieve them from their suffer
| L. II.
tary Commandant, and in the most decided manner
told him that the American Government would not
tolerate for single instant the least act of injustice
towards its citizens and demanded the release of the
prisoners, else their trial according to the laws of
the country. But the authorities of Gonaiyes could
do nothing Of themselves; and it is understood refer
red the Captain TO Port Prince, the seat of Gov
ernment
Captain NJ, determined not to be foiled in his OBJ.
ect, at once proceeded to Port au Prince and there
made similar demand on the Provincial Govern
ment which, convinced by his emphatic language
that he MT TO be rihed with made the most sat
isactory response, and Issued order for their
lease from prison and delivery Into his hands Hav-
ing accomplished this object, the cambridge sailed
the 9Th oil December Tor GoGaiyes 10 take board
the two prisoners who by this time are undoubtedly
relieved from confinement and on their way to their
own country.
Captain Madison deserves the greatest praise for
the successful termination Of his affair His conduct
prompt, energetic and manly, and must have the
happiest effect on our commercial intercourse with
that Island.
Wetnnex a list Of the officers Of the Bainbridg", |
at Port au Prince on The 9TH ult:
J. M.TTsoN, Commander.
G. Thomas and G. w. Harrison, Licutenants; f. |
Lloyd Wrnder, Acting Lieutenant; J. Bcale, Passed
Assistant Surgeon; O. II. White, Purser; E. Z.
Stiles X. J. d. Price, and J. L. DeHavtn Mdship- !
men; G. Dauriter, Masters Mate j. Nj. Melck /
Captains Clerk Anterior, Pulsers Steward