The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-09-20
RELEASE OF AMERICAN PRISONERS ON
VAN DIEMAN'S LAND.

Thomas o. Larkin, esq, the United States consul
at the port of Monterey has transmitted despatch
to the government Of this country, under date Of
May 80, 1845, in which he communicates intelli-
gence that will prove intensely interesting to the
friends of many Of the unfortunate young men who
have been so long confined by the British authori-
ties in Van Dieman's Land, in consequence Of their
connexion with the wellknown Canadian troubles
The substance of the information is as follows
which Mr.. Larkn received by letter and the "Poly-
nesan'' from the Sandwich Islands
The American whale-ship Steiglitz, belonging to
Bridgeport (Conn.,) put into Oahu on the 9Th Of
April last, from Hobart-town, in New South Wales
having on board TwENTY-sEvEN of these Canadian
prisoners, who had previously been set at liberty by
the English government. 1t appears that the
commander of the steglitz, Captain Young, at
his individual expense, brought these men in
his vessel to Oahu, whittier he had come from
New South Wales, on whaling cruise to the
Northwest coast. Arrived ut Oahu, he Immediately
apprized the Sandwich Island authorities of the fact
and requested permission for the released prisoners
remain until they could find opportunity to embark
for the United States in whale-ships, which would
doubtless be the in the of few months.
In jhe mean time, Captain Young took portion Of
his precious freight (en of the late prisoners along
with him the Northwest coast, form part Of his
expedition; leaving the rest behind, under the guar
anted protection of the authorities Of the Sandwich
Islands. We have been politely furnished from the
State Department with copy ofthe correspondence
which passed on this occasion between Captain
Young, of the Steglitz, and the Sandwich Minister
of State for Foreign Affairs, Robert G. Wyle; and
spread it before readers, as disclosing pro-
ceeding eminently creditable to both parties.
"HoNoLuLu, April %, ls45.
"SIR: arrived here in the ship Steigitz, under
my command, having on board twenty seven pas
sengers, whom | brought from Hobart-town.
They are Americans, who were taken prisoners,
| and transported, as having been concerned in the
Canadian troubles, but have recently been pardoned
by the British government.
"They are DESTROYS of returning to the United
States, and have given them passage to this
port, whence am bound on whaling cruise to the
| Northwest coast.
"My object in addressing you, is 20 request for
them and in their name, permission 10 remain here
until they can have an opportunity Of getting pas
sage to the United States, which will undoubtedly
offer by whaleships in the course of few months.
Some of them will 60 with me to the Northwest
coast-perhaps ten which will be as many as l can
accommodate ON board They are, as far as have
had an opportunity Of judging during the three
men of quiet and orderly habits and as shall
touch at this port on my return home, which will
be in a few months from this time will engage
to take with me all those who will not have left
| there before my arrival.
4 81 shall feel much obliged by an early attention to
this request, my ship is nearly ready to proceed
IN her voyage.
| "With respect, remain
| "Your excellency's most obedient servant
| 'tSELAH YOUNG.
ellis excellency RoBERT C. WrLuE,
| II. M. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
| "FoREIcs ArrArRs, April %, ls45
"SrR: In reply to your letter Of yesterday, l have
to inform you that his Majesty's government, hav-
ing taken into consideration what you say and en-
gage to perform, behalf Of the twenty pas
sengers whom you have brought to this port, have
agreed to grant to such of them you may leave
behind, or as may not be able Immediately TO find
passages by other ships, permission to remain until
they find an opportunity to proceed to their homes
| in the United States.
''In doing SO, his Maesty's government gives a
proof to the government ofthe United States of their
consideration for these citizens of the Union, who
have been long absent, and who are returning to
their relatives and friends under the cemency Of her
Britannia Majesty.
.Your Kindness to these men is highly creditable
to you; and feel confident that by their good con-
duct on shore, they viii prove themselves worthy
of the character you have given them.
j 81 have the honor to be, sir,
"Your very obedient servant,
! f ar. G. WILLIE.
"Capt. SELAH You've,
| 'Am. ship Steiglitz, Honolulu
PROFESSIONALLY the most interesting par, of this
intelligence has, however, yet to follow. We refer
to the names Of these iwenty-seven Americans who
are now returning to their native land after such
fearful season of exile These we have also been al