New-York daily tribune., 1857-04-25
MARINE AFFAIRS.
CAPTURE OF A SLAYER.

Yesterday morning we briefly announced that the
schooner Merchant, had been seized, while putting
out to sea- and brought back to the city, on charge
Of fitting out "a SLAYER. We have since learned
the particulars Of the affair from which 1t would
appear that TIE major share of the story OF this
achievement is due to Capt. Rynders, the new
United States Marshal. Ever since his accession to
Office he has not been slow to inform all who ex-
hibited the least inqustiveness on the subject tha
he intended to discharge the obligations OF hi'
Mar,halship in the most impartial manner. In his
own language he twas agong TO break up the
slave trade, in this port, sure; but although he
should catch slavers, and slaves too, whenever
"h was lis duty to do it, he hoped that of the
." latter he should have few cases as possible.
About week ago he obtained opportunity to test
the sincerity Of his professions. Learning that
SLAYER was fitting out at Pier 4S, foot of Clinton
street. East River he set about comprising her
capture and condemnation The suspected vessel
proved to be the schooner Merchant, Capt. Strom,
baltimore clipper, formerly employed in the
4o.stips trade between New-York and Richmond.
The Marshal and his nephew zone of the deputies)
kept her constantly in view, watching her by turns
ujgbt and day, and saw her take in q cargo Of li0
casks some Of which were filled with fresh, the rest
with salt water besides beef pork rice, beans, -four,
plans, he disguised himself as countryman,
"Wednesday night, and stroled board ship in the
vicinity of the schooner. His supposed verdency az
forded much amusement to the ships people, who
laughed and oked considerably at his expense. After
they had somewhat tired Of the fun, he carefully in
oured about the vessels lying around They told him
some pretty big yarns, but presently, pointing to t-
tle schooner said THAT fellow is a blsckbird.'
Sbo YOU can't come that over me- yon know I'm
av said the Marshal IL know blackbirds too well
for that-have plenty whar come from They e1-
planned that they meant him to understand by black
bird that this vessel was SLAYER about to depart for
tn. Coast to ge< cargo of slaves They then related
tothe supposed countyman number OF circumstances
in relation TO the schooner many OF which ne knew
from previous information to be true, and regaled him
with some marvellous tales about the slave-trade
The Merchant cleared on Wednesday for Corsica,
Africa and the Marshal procuring the necessary war
rants, chartered the seaptug Satellite aud put on
board some of his Deputies to assist Capt Faunce
and his men in making the capture. He expected that
che would sail on Thursday about 10 o'clock and in
tended to JOIN IN the pursuit. but during his temporary
absence ehe put of in low Of the steamer George
Birkbecl and Of the Satellite had to follow her
without delay, leaving the Marshal behind. The
SLAYER was towed down near the rcyenue cutter pass
ing within few yards apparently for the purpose Of
ascertaining whether she suspected. Everything
however wcs quiet the cutter ad seeing no prepa-
rations 60 follow she went on unsuspectngy.
At Sandy Hook the steamer east of the schooner
and returned toward the city but no had she
left her than another tug the John Birkbeck, made
for her and took her in tow Steam was then crowded
on the SATELLITE. and she came within short dis
tanoe Of the schooner the second steam-iug cas-, of
from her and steered away south-eaStery direction
The schooner was speedily overhsuled and boarded
tsa miles outside of Sandy Hook. The people on
board instantly submitted to their fate and leaving
Capt Fsunce in charge Of the prize Lieut.. Sanford
took the Satellite aud went in pursuit OF toe fugitive
steantug tfter a smart chase, he overhaul, land
seized heI--oth vessels were then brought up to the
city and anchored under the guns of the Revenue cut
ter Washington. On the schooner they arrested John
Jones. the American master: James Mills first mate:
samee Iravers, second mate; John f. Peters, Chris
tophsr Alexander, Martin Frank John Roberts, John
Brown and Prank Antonio, sesmcn.
The supplementary steamer was hired TO take down
ths Portuguese officers and o~ners with their baggage
Ssa put them 90 the schooner bu. seeing the Satellite