The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-30
correspondence OF the states.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 70, 1857.
African Stare 7.ade-Aaeicdns Actirsly Engaged in IL
USeleSsnesS Of American Squddron-Condut Of the
Brltish-Bosion Slaper Run Ashore, and Hundreds Of
Sldres Dr0pned--French Trade in Sdpes-CoLision BE-
teen Portuguese and French Authorities the Subject
From information just received here from the American
squadron the coast Of Africa enabled give the
following particulars respecting the present active prose-
cuton Of the slave trade on that coast
The United States shipof war Cumberland sailed IN
June last for the slave coast and on her arrival found the
slave trade the river Congo and elsewhere in active
prosecution The Americans were chiefly engaged in IT,
Boston took the lead having than her share but
there also vessels from New York and New Orleans
From those cities the capital supplied together with
American vessels and papers and captains. The slave
rade chiefly carried by American vessels under the
American flag, and in American built ships
-Four captures have recently been made by the British
squadron. Two Of them--the onward and the brig
Chareswere Of Boston, with Boston their serns and
provided with American registers Another Boston SLAYER,
the bark Splendid had been captured by the Portuguese
government for infraction Of their laws, as SLAYER,
within their waters.
The Boston brig Charles repeatedly examined by
British cruisers and passed unmolested After she
had taken in full cargo OF slaves the cruisers then bore
down upon her, and there chance for escape
the captain run her ashore Nearly all the slaves
drowned in the hold, few only being rescued by the
British.
so great are the profits Of the trade that one in Eve
vessels escapes the vigilance Of the cruisers the owners
content New Orleans IS said 10 be the chief medium
Of outfit but many vessels get away directly from New
York.
the American slavcrs displayed American colors, and
showed they could do, American papers when board
ed by British cruiser they could not under the treaty
be moested. But the captains throw overheard their
lors and papers, and thus found D the predcamen Of
pirates They afraid Of being turned 10 the Anne
cruisers when under our laws they would be sent
home and hanged for piracy The British officers looking
only for prize money, more lenient They persuade
the acknowledge their character rather than
be detained for the American cruisers and, thereupon,
the vessel Is seized as prize and the officers and crew
suffered TO escape.
Thus Il Is that laws defeated by British co1u.
sion with slavers is 10 be observed that
cruisers heavy sailing vessels, and do nothing In
comparison with the British war steamers, which are
axrtft nd If lgl
The American government and its squadrons are placed
In ridiculous light Our cruisers cannot overake swift
Il you will own up" and surrender your vessel - .
prize you may 20 scot free otherwise We VIII dean you
and deliver you TO the Americana 70 be hung for piracy
The Americans prosecute the trade without personal
hazard The worst that happen 10 them II W oee
vessel and then and they lose four out Of i've
n our government were really In earnest in suppress
ing the trade they would substitute swirl war steamers
for sailing vessels on the African coast AZ IL rs, they
might inquire into the mode In which the British cruisers
execute their instructions
There were dozens OF American vessels the coast
and engaged in the rac. The river Congo the grand
centre Of operations but every river and inlet along the
extensive coast sbounds with is barraccons.
The establishments on the coast OF the French system o.
African apprenticeship appears 10 bafe and puzzle
the British resident Commissioner a. well as the British
Admiral and commanders. One Of the United states
squadron bad fallen In With French vessel On demand
ing her papers officer advanced and presented his
commission Lieutenant OF the French navy which
naonazed his object which he declared was 70 purchase
II
/ sells the coast FOR the same purpose. mer
chant Of Marseles under contract with the French 60
yernment 10 deliver twenty thousand negroes in the
French West India Islands within three years The
Rrocs purchased by French agents precisely they
by the slave agents but the orme say that the ne
gro freeman the moment he touches French desk
lie then becomes an involuntary apprentice for fifteen
years and much longer the planter finds him
l yiccable.
Thus the slave trade IL reopened by the French go
vernment and probably with the assent Of the British 60
vernment which will follow the example at no great dis
| lance " time.
At present the three parties VI the slave trade are1s
the New York and Boston savers I'd the British cruisers
which compromise with them for gain and 3D. the French
| government
But Portugal, claiming sovereignty portion Of Az
RIGA including the river Congo objects 70 the prosecution
OF the slave trade within her jurisdiction by the American
| slavers, or by those OF the French government
The collision between the Portuguese and the French
Authorities and forces at hand and inevitable.
Conferences had been held between the French Admra
the station and the Portuguese Governor General The
Admiral persisted in denying the claim Of Portugal 10 iu
| risdotion The Governor firm, and ordered hssna
forces proceed 10 the Congo and expe the Frenci
slave agents The naval force had gone execute the
order and the French Adsra bad prepared FOR resist
| anCe.