The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-08-14

From the Journal Of OOmmercs.l
When the war broke out IN Europe, great expectar
lions were formed by our ship-owners OF the advan-
tages likely to result to the American carrying trade
from the prosssuion Of hosthties Few o. these ex-
pectatisus have been realized. The maritime force
Of Rnssahas not been sufficiently STRONG to venture
into nc open seas, and thus to throw any consider
able increase Of the carrying trade into vessels sail
ing under neutral flag. The peculiar construction
and ventilation ofAmerican ships have, however,
given them some advantages over foreign vessels as
government transports; and many OF them, beng
commanded BY men who were part owners, and thus
enabled 70 give an especial guaranty for the perform
ance Of their contracts have been selected for this
service. The attention Of the French government
appears to have been first directed toward American
ships, and especially toward our clipper models, BY
Messrs. W. 8. Lindsay Co., Of London, who in De
cember, 1854, entered into q correspondence with
the French Minister Of War upon the subject. The
Minister acknowledged the superiority Of the An,eri-
them, but felt some hesitation a. to the interprcta-
ton which would be put upon the act by cur govern
ment Our readers will remember that at Q little
later period one Of most respectable ship0wnera,
who had some misgivings as to the course which
would be taken by our government toward the yes
sells thus employed, when they returned to American
ports, addressed . letter TO the Secretary Of the
Treasury at Washington, asking whether charter
Of American vessel to the British or French gov
eminent to carry troops horses, stores, &C., to the
Black Sea, would be considered by the department
as violation Of the neutrality laws. Mr.. Guthrie
referred the letter to the Department of State, and
Mr.. Marcy replied In sornswhat shiey note, which
we published the 9th Of April, and which, as it s
q curiosity in itself, and matter of interest in this
connection, We here repeat
Prs DEpARnfESroP STATE,
Washington, April 3, 1855.
DAVID OonsN Esq., New York
sRYsur letter Of the 10th uit inquiring Of the Sec
rotary of hs Treasury, whether N American ship can
be Chartered to the British French government to
carry troops horses stores &c. to the Black Sea, with
ouolating the neutrality laws Of the United States"
hsve 70 state in reply that is contrary to the usage
ofthis department to express opinion in hypothetical
cases would suggest to parties who contemplate om-
barking in enterprises OF questionable legality TO seek
professional advice on the subject.
am, SIR, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
W. l.. MARCY.
Previous to this, Messrs. Lindsay h Co. addressed
note Of inquiry upon this subject to the American
Minister at London, who furnished the following
satisfactory reply
LEGATION or rIIE UNITED SIATEs
London, 18th anuary, 1856.
GESTEMEs-An absence Of several days from London
has prevented from answering at earlier period
In reply to it, Ihave to say that know Of no law in
treaty Of the United States rendering 1t penal for
American citizen to hire his vessel in Europe
the present war; Whilst employed in this service how
ever se would be liable to capture and condemnation
Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.
To Messrs W. 8. LINDSAY b Co.
Notwithstanding this decided opinion, which has
since been cOncued in by the ablest lawyers in this
city, many shipmasters still hestated the service
being novel one and it's risks not fully ascertained
Captain Ryan, Of the White Falcon was the pioneer,
and engaged his vessel from four to thirty months
option Of the charterer at 2os sterling per month
for each ton register all port charges paid and the
risk Of seizure TO be borne by the French govern
ment. After the way was thus opened, the appl
cations BY shipmasters were quite numerous, aud
Messrs. Lindsay & Co. not only readily filed the
orders they had received from the French govern
ment, but were obliged to reject many which were
proered. As this was period Of depression in the
shipping interest, many American vessels went to
France, and made direct application to the govern
n1ent after they had been refused by the London
agents. The government, however declined to in
terfcre and far as we know all the charters both
Of steam and sailing vessels have been made through
the house named, or their Liverpool correspondents
Messrs. Lamport & Holt. We have obtained list
carefully compiled Of the vessels thus engaged by
the French government up to the latest dates re-
ceived, which we annex. The following were taken
at It's. to 20s. per ton per month: