New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-09-27
THE FIRING UPON THE WELAKA.
GREAT EXCITEMENT AT JACKSONVILLE,
FLA-THE ENGINEER REPORTED 10 BE
WDIrNnEn

From The Jacksonville Eeps E1trdlSept 10
In anticipation OF the steamer Welaka attempting
to run the quarantine established by the Town COun
Gil, the following resolution, offered by Councilman
Call was unanimously adopted by the Council:
esosed That the Inendent be. and he hereby authorized
and requested take such Jyce steps ne may deem neee
sry prevent future nfscons Of our quarantine laws and
Under these instructions volunteers were enrolled
and battery, consisting of twentyour and brass
six FOUNDER was planted on the bluff in al open lot
between the mill of Foster & Stevens and Messrs
Mooney & GsookiD's foundry aud machine works.
The Port Physician was then dispatched to the
quarantine ground, at Dances Point with the warn
ing to Captain 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 ex-
posed to the danger of the fire another messenger was
dispatched to May Port with like warning. The
passengers, if there were any, were advised to go
ashore at both of these points The Port Physician
and messenger sent down by the steamer Meyers
We also learn that MIR. Bsbee, of the firm OF Blsbee
g. Canova agents of the Welaka, accompanied by
Captain Shaw of the steamer CASTOR, went down IN
the Meyers, and earnestly entreaed him not to en-
deavor to pass Jacksonville. His answer To them
was that he bound for Pilaka and intended to go
there His answer TO the Port Physician and messen.
ger was: You have done your duty, but am bound
"for Pilatka.'
At clock on Sunday morning the volunteers as
sembled, according TO orders established military
camp planted sentinels and manned their batteries.
A look -out was posted upon the deck of Messrs Ste
vens a. Fosters Mill, who was 10 announce the APP
prOdch OF steamboat Dy the Oh Inu-ket
The day passed off very quietly, very little excite
ment being exhibited by either citizens volunteers,
but firm determination evinced by every coun-
tenance, TO uphold the laws which they were called
upon to defend at any sacrifice. his determination
was not the result OF sudden ebullition OF passion,
but that of settled conviction that they were perform
ing their duty and in full view of the responsibility
of their position. At sunset an evening gun was
fred and il fondly hoped that the Welaka would
not make her sppearancethat she had brought up at
the quarantine ground and would respect the laws of
the town. Those hopes were soon dissolved by the
report of musket from the lookout station and
the smoke of steamer became visible over the point.
As the steamer advanced she was ascertalned TO be
the Welaka, and the batteries were manned and port
fires lighted, ready for a discharge. As she came
abreast of the battery blank cartridge was fired 10
bring her to- but she disregarded the warning the
guns were then shotted and commenced fire upon
her. IL was growing so dark that the aim OF the
guns could not be certain and the steamer passed on
up the river II is supposed however, that she was
struck and report has Just come in that her engin-
eer wounded by splinter and carried ashore to
the residence Of DIR. Ashurst, near Philips Point.
The Town Council are in session this morning, 18th
inst and what further measures will he resored to
have not yet TRANSFERRED; we aw ait the result
The following is from the charter of the town,
granted by the Territorial Legislature, Endorsed by
Congress upon its passage through that body and
subsequently confirmed when Florida became
State:
Thsy shall have authority guard against the Introduction
Of malignant disease, and for this purpose may
prohibit guste the approach Of vessels into the
within the limits of said corporation and whenever ne
compel them under fixed and certain penalties %
perform and Observe such other rules and
lsons IS the said Council deem proper BY ordinance to
establish"
We learn that the Town Council have decided upon
letting the steamer Welaka out of the river without
moestaton but that If she returns her reception will
be warmer one than what she has now experienced
Nearly the whole community, comprising Oldest
and best citizens are enrolling themselves for future
service.