Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1854-10-14
from the jacksonville (Florida) News.
Excitement at Jacksonville.

In anticipation of the steamer Welaka attempt
ing to run the quarantine established by the
Town Council, the following resolution offered
by Councilman Call was unanimously adopted
by the Council;
Resolred That the Intendant be and he is
hereby authorized and requested to take such
forcible steps as he may deem necessary to
prevent future infractions of our quarantine
laws and regulations.
Under these instructions volunteers were en-
rolled and battery, consisting OF a twenty-tour
and a brass sxpounder, was planted on the
bluff in an open lot between the mill of Foster
& Stephens and Messrs. Mooney q Gookns
foundry and machine works
The port physician was then dispatched to the
quarantine ground, at Dames's Point, with the
warning to Capt. King that if he attempted to
pass Jacksonville he would be fired into In
order that the passengers who might be on
board should not be exposed to the danger of
the fire, another messenger was dispatched to
May Port with the like warning. The passen-
gers, if there were any, were advised to 60
ashore at both of these points. The port physl-
clan and messenger were sent down by the
steamer Meyers. We also learn that Mr..
Bisbee, of the firm of Bisbee Canova, agents
of the Welaka, accompanied by Capt. Shaw, of
the steamer Castor, went down in the Meyers
and earnestly entreated him not to endeayor to
pass jacksonville. His answer to them was,
that he was bound for Pilatka. and intended to
go there. His answer to the port physician and
messenger was, g I GU have done your duty, but
| am bound for Pilatka."
At eight O'Clock on Sunday morning the
volunteers assembled according to orders, es-
tabished military camp. planted sentnels,
and manned their batteries. lookout was
posted upon the deck of Messrs. Stevens &
Fosters Mill, who was to announce the approach
of steamboat by the discharge of his musket.
The day passed off very quietly, very little
excitement being exhibited by either citizens or
volunteers but a firm determination was eviuced
by every countenance to uphold the laws winch
they were called upon to defend tany sacrifice.
This determination was not the result OF
sudden ebullition of passion, but that Of
settled conviction that they were performing
their duty, and in full view of the responsibility
of their position. At sunset an evening gun
was fred and it was fondly hoped that the
Weaka would not make her appearance, that
she had brought up at the quarantine ground.
and would respect the laws the town. Those
hopes were soon dissolved by the report of
muskct from the lookout station; and soon the
smoke Of steamer became visible over the
point As the steamer advanced she was ascer-
tanned to be the Welaka, and the batteries were
manned aud port-fres lighted ready fer dis
charge As she came abreast of the battery
blank cartridge was fired to bring her to; but.
as she disregarded the warning, the guns were
then shotted and commenced fire upon her.
1t was now growing so dark that the aim of the
guns could not be certain, and the steamer
passed on up the river. 1t issupposed, however,
that she was struck.
The Town Council are in session this morning,
(ISth ult., and what further measures will be
resorted to have not yet transpired.
Only one of the above shots struck the steamer,
wounding servant. The Savannah papers are
justly indignant at this outrage, and invoke the
protection of the General Government for its
mail service in which the Welaka is engaged.
The towns above Jacksonville are ports of entry,
and no community has the right to prevent
communication with them.