The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-06-19
NAVAL GENERAL COURT MARTIAL
JUNE 10, 1S45.


JUNE IS, 1S45.
Trial Of Captain p. F. Voorhees,.
The cross-examination of Lieutenant Browning
was continued by the judge advocate and concluded
A written statement by Lieutenant Browning, of tn,
conversation he had with the Argentine commander
Commodore Ftton which he made on the Goth OF
November, 1874, was shown him; and he was ques
toned by the judge advocate relative to the contra
dction he had, in his examination in chief attribu
ted to Commodore Elton in his conversation with
Captain Voorhees, in the cabin of the Congress, and
with Lieutenant Browning board Commodore
Fitton's ship. Lieutenant Browning had testified
that, on board the Congress, Commodore Elton
when asked by Captain Voorhees, respecting the
firing by the Sancala into the barque Rosalba, re-
piled that he disclaimed it, and knew nothing of it.
He had also said, in the same conversation in the
liz he had fired into the Rosalba, and he said he had
| not.
Previous to this, on board his own vessel, Com.
modore Elton had told Lieutenant Browning that
the captain Of the Sancala reported to him that he
had fired when the fshing-boat was alongside the
Rosalba and that he Commodore Fitton) told hin
he had done right, and to fire again.
In the written statement Of the Witness it appear
ed that Commodore Elton said he had told the cap
tain of the Sancaa to fire again at them, (meanins
the enemys fshing-boas,) if they were protected
by the Rosaba; that she had no right to proec
i their enemies; and that the other squadrons and
Commodore Turner conceded this right, if Captain
Voorhees, did not.
With this explanation, elected by the cross-exam-
nation, there does not appear to be any contradic
ton or material difference between the two state.
ments of Commodore Elton.
Lieutenant Browning also testified that there was
no notice board the Congress Of the firing of the
Sancaa into the barque Rosalba, (of which there
has been no proof, except the written statement oil
Sias E. Burroughs, the owner, sent to Capt. Voor-
hees;) and that the Argentine squadron were much
farther off from the Rosaba than the Congress. II
answer to question to that effect, he also said tina
he did not mention that fact, did Captain Voor
bees, as reason for presuming that the Argentine
commander could not have seen any such occurrence
and for calling upon him to disclaim it. previous tt
capturing his whole squadron, without giving any
opportunity for explanation.
Passed Midshpman Blair was called by the &C
cused, and proved the handwriting Of letter from
j. M. Moss, of Montevideo, to Captain Voorhees,
8after the transactions.
The Judge advocate objected to the admission OF
{ the letter evidence, and the objection was sus
taned but, at the request of the accused, the lette
was allowed to be appended to the record. Thu
: Judge advocate also read letter from Mr. Vlada
| al a.. TI.,tn
States consul at Montevideo, (Mr Hamton,) argu
ing with much force and ability against the lawful
ness of the capture of the Sancala; and Mr.. Hamil
toms reply to the same was also read.
The accused here closed his testimony; and The
+ Judge advocate called Lieut.. Bache, who was thu
only witness who understood the answer of Com
modore Elton to the hail Of Capt. Voorhees, order
: ing him to strike his flag. The answer was, tina
he desired conversation first; which was refused.
Lieut.. Browning had estimated the distance of thu
Il Argentine squadron from the Rosalba, when the fl
ring took place, at quarter of a mile. In answe
to the Judge advocate, Passed Midshipman Blai
stated the distance mile and a half or two miles
and Lieut. Bache stated it at between two and thre
miles This, it said, increased the mprobability
: that the Argentine commander observed the trans
4
action.
The Judge advocate called Acting Lieut.. B. S
Gannt, and offered question as to orders givel
= by Capt. Voorhees, to witness, to take beef from
Busco by force, if it was refused by Gen. Oribe, Il
supply the American merchant vessels against tn
terms Of the blockade. He stated it was offered tt
! rebu the testimony of Lieut.. Browning, in answe
to question by the accused, to the mode Of sup
plying the merchantmen with fresh beef. The &C
cused objected to the question; and, on deiberaton
y the court sustained the objection.
The Judge advocate here closed the testimony, ant
g. the accused did the same. The counsel Of the &C
cused was, at his request, allowed till III o'clock
Saturday next to bring in the written defence, an,
the court adjourned to the usual hour on Friday
The defence will probably occupy Saturday TIL
Judge advocate having delivered the law in his open
ing argument, will not, it is understood, reply; no
is it held to be customary in naval courts martial II
do so.
The court will then have 10 hear the evidence rea
lover; which will occupy day or two before tn
H6nding of the judgment.
1t is understood that another trial is to be com
Amenced as soon as this is concluded.