New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-11-29
ST. THOMAS.
THE MYSTERIOUS NAVAL EXPEDITION

From Oar Osn Correspondent.
ST. THoNas, w. H. Wedr esday, Nov. I. 1884.
am happy to be able TO lay before your readers
full history OF the transactions had wiih reference to
the American vessels-the steam.propeller Benismi
Franklin and the bark Catharine Agusts-sipce their
arrival in this port, Of which advised you at tho
time. AS then said they very justly regarded
by citizens and authorities with suspicion Tho
Venezuelan Consul naturally very much alarmed
and is supposed did not little to increase the irr
liability of the Government toward the expedition,
and nothing but the fact that the bark in Distress
having encountered storm the way out which
carried away several Of her spars and otherwise
damaged her, saved her from being at once ordered
out of the harbor. Fortunately, however. for the
part Is interested, her Captain able to noo a
protest at the Office Ri the U. S. Commercial Agency
tshe was in distress and required certain repairs
On the ground of this a survey appointed and held
on the vessel the result Of which was the recommend
alton of repairs and the discharge Of the cargo tho
purpose The agents of the yesselthen made contract
for the making of spars Sc. Whereupon, the Gov
eminent issued general order to mechanics, forbid
ing them to work upon, or in any way assist in re-
pairing the vessel This, it is believed done in
consequence of representations which by this time,
had been received from the Venezuelan Government.
The agents of the vessel next offered 10 enter into
bond for the peaceable conduct of the Expedition.
The Government noticed this application by address
ing j. T.. Ruhl, then Vice Consul Of the United
States to the effect that condition of the owners,
or their agents Of the vessel entering into bond Of
$40 oO0 giving assurance that it shall not act against
any foreign Nation whatever the repairs might go
on but that the cargo must not DO discharged. This
last proposition nufed all the rest as without dis
charging the repeirs could not be effected. Fortu.
natey for those interested at this juncture the Amer
lean Consul, C. J. Helm, Esq, arrived from tho
States, who, being the best Of terms with the Gov
eminent and his past character and conduct a. Com
mercial Agent having inspired its highest confidence,
was able to secure for the owners everything they
could desire by way Of facilities for the repairs In
reply to the letter OF the Governor to Mr.. Ruhl,
noticed above, he addressed to the Government the
following letter which, with the annexed replies OF
Gov Berg he has kindly furnished me with;
COMMERCIAL AGEEcY, U. s. A., q
at the Island of 81 Thomas
SIR | have tie honor to acknowledge the receipt
of your communication Of the 18th lost to Mr.. Rail
the Acting Commercial Agent Of the United States
Of America, at this island, on the subject of the
American yessels 20 wit: the bark Caharine Augusta
| and TIE steamer Benjamin Franklin, in which you
cay, You have received information that the ulti-
mate intention of their voyage Is hostile TO the Re-
say in reply that whatever may have been the ORR
g6al intention of the parties in the embarc alton of
these two vessels that have assurances upon which
rely that there HOSTILE intention he part
Of he ouHers or agents tOgard any Government or
nation uhaterer.
II affords me great pleasure to say further, that 4
viii cooperate with your Excelleney in preventing
any breach Of the laws of naions treaties or any in
terrupton Of the friendly relations existing between
this Government ard the United States well as all
other friendly nations.
The conditions you require previous to the repairs
being done are not Objectionable in any degree yet
II IL the opinion Of the owner, captain oOnsignee,
ard survey Of competent American shipmastors
that the bark which is in distress cannot be repaired
without dschnrging her cargo, which consists Of
non, guns, ammunition, sc. sc.
The parties propose 10 execute the bond you re-
qure with the additional condition that no psrt Of Il
viii be removed. after being landed, without your
consent which, of course, would not be given until
You are fully Satisfied OF its legal and pescefu dsp9-
sition J. therefore may very respectfully ask that
upon the execution Of the bond aforesaid which, ia
my opinion is ample guarantee 10 this, well a. the
Government which have The honor 10 represent at
this Island that no injury can be done either to the
Venezuelan Republic, or TO any other nation that
permission be given for the discharge Of the cargo
and repairs recessary to place the bark Ia sea-
worthy condition.
have the honor = be very respectfully.
Your 0bt servant. G J HELM
To Hh EKeesEey H. H. BEES' Governor Of tss Island "a