The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1853-03-24
The Firing Upon the Black Warrior.

Last week we Published dispatch from New
York, the effect that Spanish war brig had re-
Gently fred into American vessel, of Havana.
By the following Card published in the New York
papers, 1t will be seen that the impression conveyed
by til. dispatch alluded to, Is II is graft
fling to every American to know that the reins Of
Government are now in the hands of those who will
not suffer its honor to be tramped upon with impuni-
". II is well known fact that during the late Gu
ban excitement Mr.. Filmore's Administration en-
loved the fleets Of the United States to blockade an
Island in the Gulf of Mexico, on which was SAID to
be anxious to aid the people Of the Island to de-
liver themselves from the yoke Of Spanish bondage
Subsequently to this, fifty Americans, seized by
Spanish vessel the high seas, in open boat,
were taken to Cuba, and on 4 sham trial shot,
and their heless bodies dragged through the streets
Of Havana, exposed to every insult human ingenuity
could invent.
That such insults i'll BE- ,amely submitted to- BY
the present Administration; may be seen by the fol-
lowing extract from the Inaugural address Of Pres
dent Pierce:
Indeed, it is no, to be disguised that our altitude
as nation and our position on the globe, render the
acquisition Of certain possessions not within ju
risdetion, eminenll important for protection if
not ia the future essential to the preservation of the
rights of commerce and the peace of the world
Should they be- Obtained. il viii I've through grasp
Ing spirit, but with view to obvious national inter-
es: and security, and entirely consistent
with the strictest observance of national faith. We
have nothing in our history on POSITION TO invite az
gresson. We have everything to impress upon
the cultivation Of relations Of peace and amty. |
intend that my administration shall leave blot up
fair name, aud trust may safely give the
assurance that within the scope of my consti-
tutioai control viii be tolerated the part Of any
portion Vi citizens, which cannot challenge ready
Justification before The tribunal Of the civ zed world
An administration would be unworthy Of confidence
at home respect abroad, should i; to be in
huenced by the convictions that no apparent advan-
tase can be purchased at price dear that OF
national wrong dIshonor.
The following is Mr.. Shueldt's letter, above a.lu-
dcd to:
NEW YoRK, Feb. %, 1853.
Understanding that some little excitement has been
created by the report of the occurrence which took
place between this vessel and Spanish war brig off
Havana on the Sth ut, beg leave to make the fol-
lnwlng statement and explanation if such should be
deemed necessary by you:
In the report alluded there was no intention to
create any feeling; it was the simple notice of fact
which occurs often when merchantmen fall in with
man-ot-war cruising on any particular ground for
specific object in this instance presume the brig
to have been Of the fleet at present emploved
around the Island Of Cuba checking the importing of
slaves. 1t was her 3ht and dnty the flag of
every vessel that passed within range Of her guns,
and had known her to have been man-of-war,
should ccriainiy have anticipated her wishes and
shown cur coors matter OF respect and courtesy,
but was not aware of her character, (tlere being
two other vessels in company, and she having no
Penant fyimg,D uai my attention attracted to
the smoke OF her lee gun, when instantly gave the
order to hoist flag. The commander of the brig
anxious to exercise his authority, perhaps feafl,
(as we going very fast,) tina, we would soon be
beyond his range, fired shotted gun, before the man
possibly had time 10 execute the order.
Now, this can neither be construed into any want
pt courtescy on my paIt, towards the Spanish flag,
nor desire to pass unnoiced any insult own:
for, in the is, place, ignorant OF the fact Of her
being man-oi-war; and in the second place, when
made aware Of it, only waited for her fire shot
after the American flag flying, to prove to her
Captain ha, neither he any oihe, person should
do So with iinpunl'y.
Very respectfully,
r. w. SHUFELDT.