The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-10-13
Captain GibsOn,s Case.

From the Washington Union, October 12l
private letter Of Governor Marcy addressed gen.
tsnan IN New York, making inquiries TO the character
a. Captain Cb.on appeared in several Of the New York
civ papers few DAYS since accompanied by comments,
which We deem due TO the parties that should no
tee Our RI aders will probably mber that gave,
some weeks since, somewhat detailed narrative OF the
adventures and uf-rinrs Of Captain Gibson whilst inn
prison be- the Dutch authorities in Batavia We stated
that Captain Gibson here for the purpose of enlsting
the attention OF our government in obtsniug damages
nom The Dutch government for the outrages inflicted
upon him. The investigation Of the commenced
by Mr.. Webster whilst Secretary Of State, but was
suspended by mis- death. When Captain Gibson applied
10 the present administration have the investigation
recommended, he was kindly received by the President
and Secretary # State, and every facility afforded
him ~ the state Department for preparing brief Tor
the Secretary from the Of documentary matter con
neced with the case This documentary evidence was on
file in the State and Navy Departments and consisted OF
desIatehes from Commissioner Marshall, Commodore
Auhcs, Captain Magruder Cor sui Shaw OF Singapore,
brief and presented it to Secretary Marcy The case
was promptly examined, and, in accordance with the
wish of the President strong letter of instructions
was made out and transmitted to our Minister, Mr..
Belmont stating that heavy damages would be demand
ed. II the Dutch government could not Justify its long i'm
prisonmont Of Captain Gibson and Justify also the nulf
cation q the sentence Of his acqual by its courts Of JUS
tce Al the time that all these prompt and energetic Of
fetal steps had been taken which entirely atsac
tory to Crta Gibson win be by hisletter to us
below there appeared in of the New York papers
TRADE of abuse again Secretary Marcy account of
his alleged lukewarmness in the of Anne lean c
contrasted with his zeal in the Of unpsu
rallied foreigner The private letter above adverted to-
which was improperly publ he'd was made the ground
work Of the attack The origin of Governor Marcvs pr
va te letter ths:-After transmitting Mr. Belmont
two letters Of instruction to CaptaiR Gibsons claims
on the Dutch government, letter was received at the
State Department denouneing Captain Gibson in general
terms AS unworthy of protection, &c, and certain rea
sons referred toin support the Remuneration Although
Secretary Marcy did not Do it necessary to inquire into
Captain Gibson's previous life in order to find suf
cen warrant t. vindicate his rights as American ct
zen yet as much detail in addition TO the documentary
evidence must come from Captain Gibsons own state
ments the Secretary deemed tonstitute
inquiry as 10 bis antecedents 1t in making this
inquiry by addressing private letters TO the persons
named in the letter denouncng Captain Gibson that the
letter was written which has been made the subject Of
censure. There may appear something Objectionable in
the tone Of Governor Marcys letter SIR Mcregor but
it will be observed that in using the offensive language
which represents Captain Gibson as "tntaly unworthy
&c, was only quoting the language II the letter which
induced him TO institute the inquiry, aud YVES not adopt
ing as his language. The letter. together with
number Of others had been prepared for his signature,
and without scunizng the terms in which they were
drawn he signed it without observing the Objectionable
feature adverted to above II not meant TO imply
that Captain Gibsons affected by the attacks
his character but to ascertain what truth there
might be in those attacks view Of the facts before stated
of course, II never occurred to Secretary Marcy that
regards his claim against the Dutch government any
irregrlary in Captain Gbsons private life could justify
the Dutch government If wrong, in sezug and I'M
prisoning him. but, much of the detail which
government was proceeding TO ssser his claim depended
on his own statements it might become important that
those statements should appear to be made by worthy
of credit. Weare unable to sse how Captain Gbsons
claim could he at all invalated injured by of
eminent Of it should be altered and he has
been received and treated up to this ate in the most
kindly manner by the President and Secretary of State,
upon whose minds unfavorble impress have been
LETT by the unsupported allegations made against him.
The msn facts as to Captain Gibsons citizenship the e
gaity Of his voyage in the Frt and his imprisonment by
the Dutch being vouched for itremans to be wheth
er that imprisonment be justified not II it cannot
be justified it will then be whether this adminstra-
ton is true to its pledges not.
WASHINGTON D. c. Oct II, 1858.
10 TIE EDITOR or THE UNoNIn consequence of certain
ara1 in Tho that,
calculated to convey the impression that the prosecution
OF OF damages against the Dutch had
betn neglected improperly attended BY my go
yernment called at the State department the eth
instant, when had the honor Of interview with the
secretary state on which occasion lie read copies of
instructions sent by order OF the President at two differ
ent periods to Mr. Belmont charge aaires at tho
Hague from which happy to learn that thus far the
most satisfactory official steps had taken TO vndi
cate my rights as an American citizen demanding an
ndemnGcation in satisfactory damages, the illegal
seizure Of my vessel and for my unjust Imprisonment by
the authorities Of the government Of Holland in the East
Indies.
AS regards certain inquiries made by the Secretary of
State relative to my private character could have
objection thai lie should have perfect relative
to my veiacy for although felt that my Of DANA
ges well suhstantated by satisfactory vouchers and
although the br;ef which rnndo oe - IT tho
state Department acknowledged By the secretary
State in his reply Of the I'D August last, having
been made out from 'sWell authenticated documents at
TIE State and Navy Departments which had been placed
rider my inspection riding to his direction,
vet still would necessarily have to be called upon Tor
large amount of detail in the case it could not be other
wise than perfectly satisfactory 10 that the Secretary
Of State should thoroughly my character; and
the especially he had received communication
denouncine totally unworthy of the protection OF
the American government
am. sir. your most obedent servant
WAITER " GIBSON.