The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-01-11
E1om Tie baltimore .4nIsricag.
LOSS OF BRIG FAIRFIELD OF NEW
YORK-RELEASE OF TWO AMERl-
CAN CITIZENS AT HAYTI nu

CANAAN George H. Wilson, of the brig Fairfield,
arrived here yesterday in the steamer from Norfolk
The officers and crew OF the Fairfield came from
Nassau, NJ r., in the schooner James Power, which
latter arrived in Hampton Roads on Tuesday Capt.
Wilson reports that the Fairfield was cast away on
the Island Of SANTANA, the night Of the 18th Of De-
cember--thc vessel and cargo total loss. On the
| morning OF the l4th the crew succeeded III getting
ashore the boats, where they remained I'll the i1th
| without rccsivng any assistance. On that day the
gale moderated, and the mate Mr.. Scott, proceeded
ia the boat to Crooked Island, for assistance. Here
he met with The sioop Lively, which sailed immedi-
atey for SANTANA, and carried the captain and crew
Of the Fairfield to Nassau. The Fairfield was owned
by Messrs SHIELDING & Ferris, Of New York.
We learn from Capt Wilson that during his stay
at Nassau the u. s. Revenue Cutter Nautilus arrived
there TO demand the slaves who fled from Florida
some time since, committed murder at Key Bis
caync and then took refuge at Nassau. The Nauti-
lus was commanded however, to sail again without
accomplishing her object. The authorities OF Mas
sau refused TO give up the fugves from justice on
the plea that the proofs were not sufficient.
Capt. Wilson also brings an item OF intelligence OF
a very gratifying nature and calculated to reflect the
highest credit on our little Navy, which proves itself
in time Of peace jealous in protecting our fellow
citIznes from the oppressive acts Of foreign govern
ments as il would be in time Of war in maintaining
the honor aud dignity of our flag. II is well known
that two OF our countrymen, Messrs. Thomas d
Curtis, late master and mate of the brig Zebra,
island of Hayti, since early in last August, on
charge OF shooting an English Captain who
came alongside the Zebra during the night,
TO entce 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 out to the American Agent at Cape Hayt en-
TO call the immediate attention Of the Hayten autho-
rites to the subject, but all without effect The tri-
bunals Of Justice at Gonaives in state of dis
| organization; our unfortunate seamen bad already
b,en incarcerated more than four months, and yet
Tiers appeared prospect Of their liberation for
! many months to come
| They were almost beginning to despair Of ever be-
ing brought to trial or liberated SO dilatory all
| the movements Of the revolutionary Government.
In this conjuncture the United States brig Banbridge
Commander Mattison, arrived at Gonaives, and the
aid of that officer Of at solicited by
| Capt. Thomas and his IN ate They visited in
prison by Captain Madison and his officers, whose
feelings were shocked at beholding two Of their own
countrymen confined in the midst of the most ntole-
rable filth and surrounded by desperadoes Of every
sge, sex, and color. Their condition was found to
| 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 access TO the apart nent in which Messrs Tho.
mas and Curtis were confined, we'll rs all other
parts. The Haytien Government, it appears, allow
ed them but hall dollar per week for their support,
q sum manifesty inadequate to subsist them single
day. Had it not been for the possession Of a small
amount of money Of their own and some friends they
found amongst the fore On residents they would very
soon have persisted from star, alton.
Having satisfied himself fully of the unfounded
character OF the charge on which they confined
Captain Madison determined to take decided stand
and without delay TO relieve them from their suffer-
/ ing condition He Immediately called upon the Mill
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 the laws OF
the country. But the authorities Of Gonaiycs could
do nothing Of themselves; and, it is understood refer
red the Captain 10 Port Prince, the seat Of Gov
eminent
! Captain NJ, determined not to be foled in his oh
ject at proceeded TO Port au Prince and there
made similar demand on the Provincial Govern
ment, which, convinced by his emphatic language
that he n, TO be triicd WITH made the most sat.
isfactory response, and issued order for their
lease from prison and delivery ihto his hands Hav
ing accomplished this object, the Bainbridge sailed
the 9th OF December Tor Gonaivcs 10 take board
the two prisoners, who by this time 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
was prompt, energetic and manly, and must have the
happiest effect on our commercial intercourse with
1 u,st Island.
4 We annex list Of the officers Of the Bainbrdgc
at Por, au Prince on the 9TH ult
! J. M.rrsos, Commander
/ G.. ! homas and G.. w. Harris 70, Lieuiensnts; l.
Lloyd W,nder, Acting Lieutenant; J. Besle, Passed
i Assistant Surgeon q. III. White, Purser T.. G.
Stiles, X. J. ID. Price, and J. 4. DeHswn, M'dship
Capans Clerk u Anterior, Pu,sers Steward.