American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-06-28

DrsruRaASoE AT THE PORTSMOUTH NAVY
YARD.-The following memorial has been sent
to the Secretary Of the Navy, by the mechanics
employed in this navy yard,
TO the Honorable Secretary Of the Nary:
Sin: The undersigned mechanics and laborers
employed in the Gosport navy yard, ana other
citizens of Portsmouth and Norfolk, would beg
to call your attention to an order of the Com
mandant of the said yard by which they think
themselves grievously oppressed and insulted.
On the morning of the 23d instant, the men
employed in the yard began to assemble for the
purpose of going into the yard preparatory to
the morning muster. Very much to their sur
prise they found the gates closed against them,
admission refused prior to the ringing Of the
bell, in pursuance to an order issued that
by the highest authority Of the yard
This order, creating state of things incon-
sistent with the practice of the yard since its
foundation, produced great excitement, and the
men refused to go to work. They Immediately
retired and held meeting, ut which they APP
pointed committee to wait on Captain String
ham to ascertain the reason for its issuance,
and to urge its repeal The committee waited
on him in respectful manner, and made known
their business. He declined to annul the order,
and stated that it was issued for the purpose OF
preventing stealing; thus adding insult to in
jury.
We felt indignant that SO disgraceful an i'm
putation should be sought to be cast upon us.
The character which we have, and the respect
which we feel for ourselves, forbid that we again
consent to work until the imputation of dishon-
esty is removed. After their interview with
the captain, the committee proceeded to Old
Point and waited on the President. He ex-
pressed much sympathy for us, but declined to
act, as the matter came peculiarly under your
notice. He referred us to you, and expressed q
confident hope that our grievances would be
speedily redressed.
In pursuance of that recommendation, we
send our committee to you. They will explain
the whole matter. Its oppressive operations
will be fully shown. To them, and for them,
as our representative, we claim your calm
attention and kind consideration. We feel that
your kindness Of heart will not permit thou
sand men, respectable and gentlemanly as those
who gave the order, to be wantonly and ruth
lessly insulted. We leave the matter in your
hands. 1t is one requiring speedy action. The
business Of a whole community has been de-
ranged and the income Of six hundred families
entirely cut off. With you is the remedy.
PORTSMOUTH, Va, June "a, 1851
None who know the character of the men
employed at the Portsmouth navy yard can
suppress feeling of indignation on perusing
the above statement They constitute COM
munity of as decent, as just, as prudent, as
moral, and as honorable men as exists through
out the wide extent of our land. The products
of their skill and industry are the ornaments of
our naval service. Through many years they
have toiled faithfully in the service of the
Government, and for every dollar they have
ever received many hard blow has been
struck. long succession of naval officers
have had command of the station, and yet the
kindest feelings have ever existed between them
and the workmen of all grades. In many in
stances the attachment has been of the most
ardent character, and the departure Of a
commander has proved the cause of universal
grief Why is this state of things now inter
ruptad3 We DO not wish to do wrong to Cap
tain Stringham, but we believe that his con-
duct is unprecedented, and cannot be justified
but by some very extraordinary revelations.