Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-11-17
THE CRESCENT CITY,

lhe New orleans papers ot tIc ON ''St'
give us the following details of this steamer
last visit to Havana:
AS the Crescent City approached the Moro
the pilot came Off and inquired if Capt. Porter
or Purser Smith was on board. Upon being
informed that the latter was on board, he de-
elined taking the ship in, aid Capt. Davenport
took her in without his assistance. AS soon as
fhe anrhrr was let go the Captain of the Port
came alongside, and after learning that Mr..
Smith was on bpard Ire stated that no commu-
nicalion could be had with the shore until he
returned from visit to the Captain General.
On his return he stated that the mails and
passengers for Havana might he landed, but
that no other person would be permitted to 60
ashore. Capt Davenport then showed him 4
letter from the American Consul, just received,
which stated that the whole difficulty had bcea
settled bv Mr. Conkling, except that Capt.
Porter and Purser Smith would not be permit
ted to land The Captain of the port said this
was mistake that the mails and passengers
for Havana night he landed on this one occa.
sion. but th*lt If Mr.. Smith returned in the ship
from New OrIeans no communication would be
permitted with the shore; that the Spanish
Minister at Washington had written 10 the
Captain General :s that the Secretary of State
had assured him that Mr.. Smith should posi-
lively not be permitted to go out again i'll Il
steamer to Havana"
Capt. Davenport told him there must be some
mistake about this. for that Mr.. Smith was u
private citizen of the United States, and could
20 where he pleased, without let or hindrancr
from the United States Government. The
Captain of the port went again to see the
Captain General, and the boat of the officers
who were to give permits to the passengers
came alongside, but Capt. Davenport Informed
them that no officer or other person could come
on board the ship, until he learned the DISPOSE
ton and determination of the Cuban authori-
ties. Capt. Davenport then addressed letter
TO the United States Consul, apprizing him Of
The condition of things and asking his direc-
tions.
The Captain Of the Port returned, with the
permission Of the Captain General for all the
passengers and officers of the ship, except Mr..
Smith, to 90 on shore; also again repeating
that if Mr.. Smith returned in the ship from
New Orleans the ship would be placed in COM
municado. Capt. Davenport then addressed
the U. S. Consul again, stating the change
which had taken place; that the passengers
would exercise their own discretion about land
ing but as Capt. Porter, whose course he en-
stirely approved, was interdicted from landing.
) he would decline the permission granted.
Judge Sharkey, the United States Consul,
came on board, and had aiong and full CONVEX
sation with Capt. Davenport in reference to the
pending difficulties, and the course TO be pur-
sued upon the return Of the vessel from New
Orleans.
The Captain of the Port WAS, throughout
The several interviews, extremely polite aud
civil.
As soon rs the u S. Consul learned that the
passengers in lransilu would not be permitted
10 land, he called upon the Captain General,
anu it was through his efforts and representa-
tions that permission was granted them. A
few of the passengers went on shore and spent
the evening.
A few moments before leaving the pert Of
Havana, Mr. Morales (of the firm Of Drake d.
Co., the consignees of the Crescent City0
came on board, and stated, by authority, that if
Purser Smith would send letter TO the Cap
tain General denying the charge made against
him, the difficulty would al be settled. Capt.
Davenport. in reply, assured him that under no
circumstances could he allow Mr. Smith,
or any other officer under his command, 10 ad-
dress any communication to the Cuban aulhor-
ties upon the subject, as Capt. Porter, an
officer of unblcmishcd reputation, had on two
previous occasions, under his own signature,
disayowcd the charge.