The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-21
Interesting statement.
PAYrA. November II. 1858

| PAYrA. November IL. 1888.
To ne Editor of me Union,
DEAR SIR The enclosed statement from Capt HauShton
OF The ship Memnon. 10 upon which you can place
every confidence. He Is be relied on, and was
present during greater part OF the time. and eyewit-
TO the gross insults offered TO the American consul
and flag
Permit me 10 give you additional facts which
have obtained from s. J. Oakford. esq, United States
consul at Iumez who is at present in Payta awaiting
the English steamer, TO continue his journey 10 Lima in
order the better 10 explain TO the American minister the
proper view OF the affair
II seems that was early the morning OF the 2ls OF
October that Mr. Oakford aroused from his sleep by
the discharge OF Firearms, and that almost immediately
after be foand number OF entering his house. and
begging, IN the name Of God that protection which hu
man beng and Christian might be expected 10 give under
the circumstances. These defeated party, fired
upon and pursued on all sides There was but one plan
TO observe The men in his house without even his
permission, and outside mob OF Two hundred armed and
nfurlaed soldiers ready to sacrifice and tear them 10
pieces, firing in every direction and only prevented from
entering by The united efforts Of Senior Poralauza and
the consul. Having once taken the unfortunate men
under his protection, il would have been worse than
barbarity TO have turned them out and have shown
weakness OF purpose unworthy OF the American chaac
Ter. Thiags remained in this state for five six
days. when the governor OF the province Senior Don An
tonic Benevdez, arrived and sent for MIR Oaki0d The
consul complying with his request, went 10 his house
but, instead OF being with that ciyity which 1t il
customary TO give 10 all foreign agents. he received
with torrent OF abuse and language unit for publca
on Mr.. Oaktord bore all with much calmness ii
was possible to command; but at last. seeing it was
rather increasing than diminishing he determined put
stop to j, at He began by telling the governor
who he was that be had gone there at his Che gov
ernor's) request discuss question, not to receive
abuse and that should there be any necessity he would
be most happy to oHer him The attention and pro-
lection that had been extended TO Don Domingo Elias
The governor seeing, fancying he saw in the
words of the consul than poi,eness began to fear
he had placed himself in trap, and that the protection
| OF the consul might be personally useful.
The real truth was, ina: considerable change had Ia
ken place in the feelings of the people and soldiers in
T5ez, and the rroprey OF taking quiet possession Of
the person OF the governor had been discussed The
ernor Immediately changed his tone, and would in all
probability have passed to the house of the consul
to occupy the quarters and seek the potec-
tlon that Don Domingo Elias had left few days pre-
vously, had it been for the arrival OF messenger
from the point port OF Tumbez, bringing information
that the Peruvian "Rmac had Just
chored. With this security returned his excellency's
valor. Such his temery that he talked oil
putting the consul in irons and sending him Lima. But
this he thought better Of and only concluded order
the consu's doors 10 be forced ; and, mounting his
horse quickly possible departed, and was not sat
is6ed until he safely lodged on board the /" ri.
| mac"
| Very respectfully. your obedient servant,
/ FAYETTE M. RINGGOLD.