The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-11-06
The Case or the Bark Amelia.
TO TEE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

New YORK, Nov. 5, 1855.
have hitherto RETAINED from giving publicity to the
very questionable position assumed by Mr. Joseph NJ.
Lewis United States Commercial Agent at Port Prince,
in causing the seizure of the American bark Amelia
"pratica craft" Il use his words TO meD more es
peciaiiy AZ the circumstances connected with the
seizure reflected upon him, in my opinion, to say
the east in the most unfavorable light an
Official and might also say in regard to those attii-
butes Of good faith and courtesy generally considered
essential to the representative abroad Of enlightened
nation. The publicity ven, however, in your journal
to the official communication, said to be signed by Mr..
Lewis and addressed his Honor the Mayor Of this city
has relieved from any further feelings Of decacy and
now beg the favor Of insertion in your columns Of
the annexed copy Of my letter. addressed to the Hon. W.
L. Marcy, Secretary of State explanatory of the affair
will also add that at the time of the seizure Of the
Amelia was, by the express invitation of Mr.. Lewis
inmate Of his house. and 6ined with him Mt his own
table the day OF his having caused the seizure to be made
Twas entirely unconscious at that very time that the
Haytien Government had his orders to the vessel
did learn suspect any such act until after leav
ing his house. ! accidentally met the Governor Of the
me, in very peremptory terms, to bring the vessel
into the inner barbor, without indicating any autho
ioT aS t an On o re naturally ~, a s lack
ment but was greatly shocked to learn subsequently
that one representing my own had By this
crime, even among uncsiiized people, treaehery to
guest" SIDNEY OAKSMiTH
NEW YORK, Oct 80, 1885.
Hon. WILLIAM L. MARCY, Secretary Of State, Washing
sRYou have probably received ere this date despatch
from Mr. Jos. n. Lewis at Fort Prince in reference
to the seizure of the bark Amelia was board OF
said bark in the capacity of supercargo in the alb
Of my brother Mr.. A. Oaksmith the of the
Amelia think It proper to make plain brief statement Of
the case to you should have to Washington i'm
medietey with the necessary documents, to make the
settlement in person, but ndisposon since my
present.
Invent in the Amelia under the direction of my brother,
to Port Prince to endeavor to effect sale Of her
60, which consisted mostly Of arms and ammunition. On
arriving at Port Prince went shore and obtained
special permit from the Emperor for my vessel to
man at anchor without entering at the Custom House,
for the purpose Of entering into negotiation with his
Imperial Majesty Tor sale OF the CARO-.
The Emperor directed samples oil the cargo to be
brought on shore for his examination which was done.
After several days Of negotiation AMI examination,
had nearly agreed upon The terms OF SALE Finally the
Emperor declined to agree the terms because the
cargo contained too small proportion of " flint mus
kets that being the hind Of arms be most wanted.
have secretly thrown In the way to break the SALE he
openly treated with that ttention and kindness due
protect the interests Of lis countrymen When the
negotiations failed the Emperor gave permission for the
Of course without charges. Then Mr.. Lewis stepped
forward in the Of his government called upon
Amelia as ola 70 % Of native oe
sent board, who took possession of the vessel
In proceeding TO change the position OF the vessel they
her shore where she remained some twenty-four
hours in great danger Of being lost The mate being
hoard he hosteo the coors half mast union down. the
soldiers immediately ordered him to take ii down. and
his refusal hauled il down themselves The vessel
got eff and brought to anchor, but che undoubtedly
received damage, she leaked badly when left.
made out my protest against this whole proceeding,
but Mr. Lewis refused to receive it, an1 obliged to
get my protest legally certified by the British Consul
whose remarks concerning the affair it would be out of
place for me to repeat here.
Mr. Lewis having eized the piratical craft dull
sa merchant vessel, carrying four Sailors besides
the captain ard his wife, and mate sent the pirates home
in other vessels to Boston and New York as returning
seamen.r
He first, however. underworld to induce of them to
remain with him in he cape ity of clerk in his Office,
Of The men informed As this good honest
American seaman, have doubt, il he had taken
the situation that American interests would have been
better served and cared for than they by the foreign
clerk no transacts most OF the business in Mr..
Lewis Office.
The en- inent counsel whom have consulted after ex-
omiuirg the evidence have taken to lay before
them, assure that the Amelia he's not been within
the legal reach Of Mr. Lewis The damages vessel and
cargo long detained in her present situation be
very great they do not amount to t)ta loss. Under
these circumstances as not able at present to
TO Washington, may ask the favor Of reply to this at
your earliest convenience informing me what view you
take Of the matter, what the government will do,
what will be expected desired to be done by the
Of the Amelia or his ogenty With respectful con idera-
ton, your obeoient servant, SIDNEY OAkSMIrH.