The American patriot., 1856-01-12

being engaged in violating the neutrality laws
by having on board soldiers and munitions Of
war destined for Nicaragua, and U. s. officers
were put on board her to prevent her sailing.
She, however, started for her voyage, carrying
the U. S. officers along with her. The District
Attorney having heard Of it, repaired to the
custom-house barge office, presenting tele-
graphic despatch from Washington, directed
to Mr.. Van Boskerck, Deputy Surveyor, which
is supposed to have read thus: "Thc North
ern Light must be detained at all hazards"
The stcam-tug Edmund Griffin happening to be
passing, was Immediately hailed, and ordered
to take the revenue cutter Washington, (Which
lay in Buttermilk Channel, between Governors
Island and Brooklyn,) in tow, without delay,
which ordered Mr.. McManus, boarding officer,
proceeded to execute. Not more than m hour
bad elapsed, the cutter having been towed about
abreast the barge Office, near Castle Garden
when the Northern Light was seen moving out
from her slip, at pier 3, North River. The cut
ter was then headed for the middle of the river
the steamer shecring off towards Bedlow's Is
land as she approached.
Anticipating an event of this character, an
Immense concoursc of people had gathered
along the walls of the battery and the piers ad-
jacent, among whom the most intense excite
ment was now manifested, as the movements
of the respective vessels indicated purpose on
the one part to attempt fight, and at this
moment with apparently fair chance Of sue
cess while on the part of the pursuer the race
was kept up with resolute perseverance. Pres
emily the vessels reached point opposite e.
ISIS Island, when the cutter fired blank cart
ridge, by direction of the officer in command,
Capt. Foulkes Captain Hunter being indis
posed9 but without any perceptibe effect, as
the steamer kept on her way. In about three
minutes the vessel proceeding at q rapid rate
q second gun, shotted, was fired across the
steamers bow-the ball ricochetting over the
water towards the Jersey shore and throwing
the spray in fine style. Tho steamer forthwith
lowered her ensign and stopped the engines.
The cutter went alongside and made fast, while
the 1st lieutenant and Mr.. Woods, Inspector
of Customs boarded her, with instructions to
examine the ships papers, and see if all was
right.
The captain Of the cutter hailed the Northen
Light: "Have you cleal ed from the custom
house % Answer, we have" Has the
U. S. District Attorney attempted to detain
you?' Answer, "He has not" Capt. Foulkes
then gave orders to let the shipgo but against
this the boarding officers demonstrated alleg-
ing the falsity of the answers, and asserting
that the District Attorney had met with rcsis-
tancc and abuse on the dock. The N. L. was
then ordered to round TO and return to the city,
which was Immediately done, and she anchored
off Jersey City, where she now lies under the
guns of the Washington, with directions to
remain there until further orders. Something
was said last night about the steamer giving
bonds and sailing at u o'clock but this was
thought improbable.
The Government officers Judged from the
appearance of the steamer that she must have
had OH board about 500 or 600 passengers, as
her decks seemed thronged with men, and it
was remarked that the majority were a " hard
looking set." OF their connection with the
Nicaragua colonization scheme, no doubt was
entertained The steamers dock in the fore
noon, before she left, presented ascene of bois
lcrious excitement, during which some persons
were pressed overheard by the swaying crowd
The appearance of the District Attorney there
produced II visible sensation, but fortunately
without any serious personal alteration.