The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-05

letter OF December I'D relative to the investgation
by the magistracy of the case of Mr. Venus. II was
not, however an occasion on which supposed instruc
tons were expected from me, and having learned
from you the step you intended to take no further
comment on my part seemed necessary. It seems TO
of The proceedings in regard to the mutiny on board
the English mail steamer Melbourne l 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 me on the subject. In the meantime, you will
perceive the impossibility of my moving 1t in any
shape. copy Of your letter of 22d Of December
has been sent to the Foreign Office, accompanied with
explicit observations OF my own as to your freedom
from the charges conveyed by the Earl Of Malmes-
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, and / certainly can take no action respect
ing ii in the absence of instructions from our govern
ment
am, sir, your obeeent servant.
(Signed) J. r. ISGERsoLL.
MR.. CRosKEy TO THE SOUTHAMPTON MAGISTRATES.
UNITED STATES CONSULATE,
SOUTHAMPTON, Dec. 30, 1852.
TO HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR, AND TO THEIR H0NoRs
THE JUSTICES OF THE BOROUGH OF SOUTHAMPTON.
GENTLEMEN-I received yesterday letter from
Captain Higgins, of the u s mail steamer Hermann,
dated Bremen, Dec. 20, in which he says -
Mr. Venus, lhs first officer,) 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 Geen committed on board the Hermann, which
is matter OF personal individual interest to Inc her
commander. The 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 enc which | suppose will be decided by
these to whom our governments have contided the
settlement OF such matters With this have nothing
tn 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
mys elf or my ship the good opinion which | have
reason to believe those with whom we have come in
contact have formed Of lis. The charge of in
humanity. Qo, not even harshness can, am con-
fdent, never he trutbfuly laid to me- nor 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 20 ashore on our ar
rival, and be there arrested and ii the Southampton
magistrates have the same good feeling as have,
they could SO arrange it that the trial could come of
whilst the ship is receiving her COAL and matters be
settled before sailing day. BY adopting this cause
much ilfeeng win be prevented, which ought never
to exist between the people of two countries who
ought never to disagree +"
Inc foregoing remarks OF captain higgins exhlblt
SO much OF good and correct feelings and views that
feel bound in Submitting them to your honorable
body, to second the proposition therein conveyed,
end 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 appointed for the investiga
tion 1t would not interfere with the despatch of the
ship Nevertheless, it becomes my duty to reiterae
my protest against your right ofjurisdction in the
premises, which do in the most respectful manner
have the honor to be, gentlemen,
Your most obedent servant,
Jos. RODNEY CRosKEY.