The southern press., 1852-02-21

Onthe afternoon of the same day the ship
was surrounded b. multitude of boats, filed
with people intensely excited, calling for Kos.
suth, singing the Marseiles Hymn and other
revolutionary songs, accompanied by that well.
known clap of the hands which is employed by
the French people in times Of great excitement:
at the same time multtudes had Collected, and
were still gathering, on the shores and mole
heads, and drums in the city were beating. Ii
was in this state OF agitation among the people
that remarked to Kossuth that, If he would
retire from the poop. deck, perhaps the people
would dispense, for feared compromise of
the flag. He complied with this request, but
soon returned and said, I" ! hope ! will meet
a generous welcome from your people also, and
am sure you will not have me repulse it, ! am
in the same position here" replied, ct course
] would not but this was different case. He
made short address to the people, and then he
aud his associates left the deck and in about
half hour after this period the boats moved off
slowly in the dusk Of the evening III was rude
to him, my rudeness consisted in the above ex.
pressions. 1t il for this that have been cen
sured. How justly, you will Judge.
There was strong ground for apprehension on
my part, for had been repeatedly warned Of
the danger of compromise Of the flag had
received express orders in no way to interfere
with the politics of foreign nations, nor suffer it
to be done by the officers or men under my
command. Kossutb, though a foreigner, was
under the protection of the American flag, by
virtue of a resolve of Congress. He had had
permission, through the intercession of Mr..
Hodge, the American consul, to go on shore,
width his companions. Events had transpired
of such character that the people of Alarseles
had become intensely excited. i had received
orders not to allow any person, whoever that
person might be, TO leave the ship, but the Off
GERS and men of the Mississippi. Should these
circum stances and warnings have been disre-
garded by me, Wonid they be overlooked by
any man having the least degree OF prudence,
when the peace of two nations was in jeopardy?
i had no right to suppose that the French gov
eminent would prohibit Kossu.h from landing
at Marseilles, on account of the excitement his
presence caused among the people, and that at
the same time they would be tame enough to
allow him to address them in their own port,
under the protection of the American flag, and
from the deck of an American figate.
Suppose there had been in reality no danger
of compromising the fig-if | had reason to
apprehend danger of compromise, it was my
duty to speak The lip of an officer should not
be sealed in silence till the flag is compromised.
1t is his duty to anticipate and prevent the evil,
rather than pause till mischief is complete
then attempt remedy Regarding it as my
duty to interfere, | knew of no language more
subdued and gentle.
AT the time employed the above language,
Kossuth mentioned that had charged him with
having compromised the flag. told him at
once that he had misunderstood me-that did
not say he had compromised the flag, but that
fbara uyac IF II /
an end of all dissatisfaction on his part until
was informed, some days afterwards, while on
our passage to Gibraltar, that Kossuth was dis
satisfied with the remarks have referred to- /
Immediately called on him, with view to put a
period to all dissa sfaction. He appeared to be
excited, still entertaining the impression that ]
had ordered him from the deck and charged him
with compromising the flag. i disavowed il
most explicitly, and. after some conversation,
read to him from my general cruizing instruc
tions that part Of them which more particularly
related to my position when in the ports of for
eign nations, and with regard to observing strict
neutrality, &C., to enter into no polt cal discus
sions, &c.-carefully to avoid any expression Of
opinion indicating sympathy with any particular
party. He expressed his entire satisfaction with
nv explanation. He then requested copy of
a part of Consul Hodges letter, which I read to
him some days before, and mentioned that he
should like to have me annex my assurance that
he had not compromised the flag while on board
the ship, TO which cheerfuly assented
From this period friendly relations existed
between us. We visited the governor of Glib
raltar and American consul, and psrtook Of their
Inequalities together.
respectfully refer you 10 Kossuth's last let.
ter at Gibraltar dated 18th October last, in which
lie sets forth his reasons for leaving the ship.
and expresses in strong language his personal
regard for myself and the officers and crew Of
the ship.
Claiming little skill, sir, in the arrangement
and combination Of facts, this is the first time
have attempted defence OF myself, though /
have been censured when i have not deserved il,
and condemned before ] have been called to an
swer to charges against me.
You are the only person who, though person.
ally a stranger to me, has addressed to me q
word Of encouragement or who has taught me
to hope that my name and character would be
defended in Congress. For this encouragement
please to accept my warmest thanks Justice
may lnger for time, but to one who has no
ambition but to do his duty, il will ultimately be
awarded by discriminating public.
! am, very respectfully, your obedient seraynt,
]. &. LONG, Captain u. s. Navy.
Hon. w. r. SMITH, M. c., Washington.
DIsTRFssING OccuRRFEcr-Tha Savannah