The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-04

letter 0 December 22d relative to the investigation
by the magistracy of the case Of Mr. Venus. 1t was
not however, an occasion which supposed nstruc
tons were expected from me. and having learned
from you the step you intended to take no further
comment on my part seemed necessary. 1t seems TO
be proper in all respects You forward to me copy
OF the proceedings in regard to the mutinv board
the English mail steamer Melbourne. / have al.
ready expressed to you my reluctance to make an
Issue with the British government the question of
Jurisdiction without express instructions to that effect
The department at Washington is in possession of
your views, and if it be deemed necessary, will In
struct on the subject. In the meantime you will
perceive the impossibility o. my moving it in any
shape. copy OF your letter Of ed Of December
explicit observations Of my own as to your freedom
from the charges conveyed by the Earl of Malmes-
bury in his despatch of November 10th. That is the
true, and at present. the only matter at ISSUE Your
letter contains protest against the jurisdiction Of
the British authorities. On that point l give no
opinion, ard l certainly can take no action respect
ing it in the absence Of instructions from govern
ment
! am, sir, your obedient servant
tSl9ned) >. H. lNGERSOLL.
MR.. CROsKEY TO THE SOUTHAMPTON MAGISTRATES.
UNITED STATES CoNsULATE,l
SOUTHAMPTON, Dec. 20, 1852.
TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR AND TO THEIR HONoRs
THE JUSTICES OF THE BOROUGH OF SOUTHAMPTON.
Captain Higgins, of the U. s. mail steamer Hermann,
dated Bremen, Dec. %, in which he says =
Mr.. Venus, (his first oficer) would prefer, and
Also that the difficulty be investigated, SO conscious
are we that the investigation could only result in
his favor, and in the discontinue of the malicious
attempt to make it appear that breach of humanity
mad been committed on board the Hermann, which
IS matter OF personal individual interest to me- her
commander. Ibe question as to whether the magis-
trates have right to interfere with the internal
discipline Of an American ship, when that discipline
Is enforced under the sanction of American law or
whether or not the commander Of an American
ship justified in declining to submit to such inter-
ference, is one which | suppose win be decided by
those to whom our governments have conided the
settlement of such matters With this have nothing
to do further than the interest would naturally be
expected to feel from the fact that the point in dis
pute had arisen on board vessel under my COM
mand But do feel sincere regard for the people
OF Southampton. | have met with nothing but
kindness there; and | would not like to lose for
myself or my ship the good opinion which | have
reason to believe those with whom we have come in
contact have formed of US. The charge Of in
humanity, Ono, not even harshness) can, am con.
fdent never be truthfuly laid to me, to any of
my officers With these feelings would like, if the
thing could be done without interfering with the
public service, to let Mr. Venus go ashore on our
rival, and be there arrested; and il the Southampton
magistrates have the same good feeling as | have,
they could so arrange it that the trial could come off
whilst the ship is receiving her COAL and matters be
settled before sailing day By adopting this cause
much -feeling will be prevented which ought never
to exist between the people of two countries who
ought never to disagree.
The fore going remarks Of Captain Higgins exhibit
so much OF good and correct feelings and views that
feel bound, in submitting them to your honorable
body, 10 second the proposition therein conveyed
and to suggest that on the Sd and 4th of January
next the Hermann will be in the docks, and that If
the Sd of January were appointed for the investiga
ton, it would not interfere with the despatch of the
ship Nevertheless it becomes my duty to reiterate
my protest against your right of jurisdiction in the
premises, which do in the most respectful manner.
have the honor to be, gentlemen,
Your most obedent servant,
JOS. RODNEY CRosKEY.