Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-08-13
WASHINGTON.
g Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and
inseparable.0
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 1853.


whose cruel and unjust incarceration by the Dutch
authorities in the island of Java brought to the
notice of the public some four months ago. has es-
capped from prison and arrived safely in New York
The New York papers are full of details of this re-
rarkable case of injustice, and the particulars are
80 interesting that transfer to our columns the
subjoined condensed account of them:
Capt. Gibson left New York on the 18th of May,
1851, in the American schooner Flirt. The vessel
lad been purchased and armed, with view of car
ying military aid to Gen. Carrera, then striving to
seize the reins of power in Guatemala, but the en-
terprise had been abandoned on account Of party
concerned having withdrawn. After visiting the
Clpe Verde Islands and the coast of Brazil with
the intention of selling the vessel, Capt. Gibson
let for Singapore and, if unsuccessful there in dis
posing of it, he intended to sail for San Francisco
where he had interests connected with Hungarian
colony.
While in the Java Sea stress Of weather and
shrtness Of water compelled him to put into Min
toh on the Island Of Banca, owned by the Dutch.
Heremained there some time, and was treated with
apparent kindness by the authorities. Capt Glib
son having expressed desire to learn the language
and make himself acquainted with the customs Of
the people, the Governor furnished him with the
son OF Malay chief for secretary, whose princ-
pal business, it is alleged, to act as spy in be-
half of the authorities.
Prevailing monsoons prevented Capt Gibson from
going to Singapore as soon as he intended and he
was warmly pressed by the Dutch officers to ac-
company them in transport ship-the barque
Jane, which had been chartered by the Govern
ment for that purpose-on an expedition to the
Dutch fortress Of Palembang. It was represented
That he would thus have an opportunity to see the
country and study its peculiarities, while he would
suffer no delay, he could return before the sea-
son would permit him to proceed on his voyage. He
decided upon going, and took with him his Malay
SECRETARY. He passed some time in that part of
Sunatra very agreeably, visiting the various tribes
OF natives in the vicinity becoming acquainted with
their chiefs and familiar with their language, and
gaining the confidence and esteem Of many of the
native princes who were not especially friendly to
the rule of the Dutch. His motive in all this
was the qualification of curiosity he had no designs
connected with trade or any other adventure. He
talked however, with great and imprudent freedom
Of thenatura resources of the country, of the i'm
menseprogress it might make under better auspices
and better Government, and probably Of the spe-
cal tless Of the Yankee character for its proper de-
velopnent. These conversations, and the rapid IA
vor hewas acquiring with the native tribes, excited
the Jealousy Of the Dutch authorities, who kept
close watch upon his movements.
intending to make voyage up the river in the
Flirt, Capt Gibson directed his secretary to write
letter announcing that intention to the Sultan of
Jormbee Instead Of writing what was directed, the
narrative alleges, the secretary compiled note in
Arabic to the following effect to which Capt Gibson
affixed his signature, but as he says without know
ledge Of Its contents, being ignorant of the Ian
guage:
A TRUsTY MESSAGE.
Many sautations and honorable courtesies from me.
Capt Walter, whose kingdom is in the land of America,
implores the Lord God Of all hosts may grant that this
shall appear before the gracious Lord Sultan who Yields
dominion over the Empire of Jambee. Now, l have
written this to make known you ruthfully that
have sent one of my officers, with three followers TO
be on most friendly terms with your highness can
help the Lord Sultan in al his desires because the Anne
rican Government has magnificent quantities" of pow
der shot, cannon, and elas, (bunderbusses or native
weapons) help to improve the condition Of the
Malay people, for have deep dislike for all Duchmen
and desire that the Lord Sultan make this known to all
Malays
Sultan, you shall be as one with me- wish to know
the way from Jambee Palembang and how far it is
wish to give freedom to the Malay people, and restore
them to their former glory and united dominion In
month will be at the mouth Of the Jambee river
The Lord Sultan concert with my officer whatever
best and he must bear in mind that the American Co.
vernment has lack of freshp and gun.shps of both
kinds there bountiful quantities. Have no fears on
that head Sultan wish to help to put in order the up
countries of Jambee and the up countries Of Paembang
If il be possible desire that all the Dutch be annihi.
lated except few In few daysI will take possession
of this Empire for the Sultan.
send salutations and compliments to the Lord Sultan
and al his officers
Signed lin Roman script,) WALTER Vim GIBSON.
Gin Arabic WALTER AYAK GIBSON.
lin Roman,) Commandante schooner
American Flirt
Gin Arabic,) Kcmmandanti skoonyer
prang Merikin FElit.
d. PAIEmPASc FEBRUARY, 1852
This letter was intercepted by the Governor while
on It's way, and Capt. Gibson was arrested and con-
fined in dungeon in the fortress at Palembang
His arrest took place at four o'clock, and he was no
tilted that he would be shot at six The Governors
Council, however, decided to remove him to Bata-
via, where he was at first confined on board the
guard ship, and subsequently in the fortress Of
Wettevreedon
"In February 1852, Capt Gibson was brought up for
examination before the Judge Commissioners Of the local
Court Of Batavia which is composed largely of disaec
ed natives and does not ympahise very strongly there
FORE with the Dutch authorities. After the examination
closed the Court declared that there was no ground for
his detention and the 25h Of February ordered him
to be set at liberty He thus out prison day and
half IN the city of Baavn, when the Attorney General
of the King issued warrant for his arrest and this
warrant was ratified by the Supreme Council of Neither
land India. lie again thrown into prison. and re-
manned some months awaiting his trial, confined in room
ten feet by thirteen"
On the Sth Of July he was removed to larger
and better room, which he attributes. to visit of
the U: S. sloop-of-war st. Marys, Capt. Magruder.
capt Magruder visited Capt Gibson in prison, exam
ined all the localities expressed the deepest sympathy with
him. and held out hopes that his release should be effect
ed. Three Dutch vessels Of war time up, APP
A. IL Al. O. -