The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1858-02-02
Escape of the American Bark Adrf-
attic from Mars cilies.

Letters from Marseilles state that an American
ships the Adriatic, had run down a French
steamer, destroying life and property to consid-
cradle extent. The Adriatic was placed under
embargo until the damages could be judiciously
settled but she surprised the authorities by steal
ing Off The French government will apply at
Washington for redress.
A letter from Marseiles, dated January 10,
gives the following additional particulars :-'tSince
yesterday the whole town has been talking of a
strange affair, which it is thought may give rise
to serious diplomatic complications. You remem-
Der the fearful collision between the Lyonnais, a
French steamer, belonging to the Messrs Gautbier
Brothers, and the Adriatic, an American ship
when the former vessel fDundered. Upon that
occasion the American Captain left the scene of
the disaster without troubling himself about the
result, and ON reaching his destination omitted to
make any mention in his report about the unfor-
tunate occurrence Several months having elapsed,
the Messrs. Gauthier learned that the Adriatic
was lying ut anchor in the harbor of Clotat. An
order was instantly obtained to sequestrate her
aud bring her here, where stricter surveillance
is maintained i'll the port
Captain Durham lost no time in protesting
against this measure, and appealed to our Tribu-
nal of Commerce. in which the pleading off young
dr0cQt, NJ. Aycard, himself an American by des-
cent, gained the day tor his client. From this
Judgment the French owners of the Lyonnais ap-
pealed to the Court of Appeals at AK, and the
cause WAS brought before that tribunal, when the
previous decision was quashed and the American
sup ueCldFeQa lawful prize. During tue proceed
iDgs in this latter court the Adriatic unrig-
ged. Captain Durham was net the man to submit
quietly TO an advance sentence, and accordingly,
in concert with one of his feIlow-couutrymen, he
devised the following scheme. The ship Meaher.
commanded by Captain Smith, also under se
questration on account of a heavy debt contracted
by her, and which had not been paid. Capt.
smith, daring and resolute fellow, centrived to
bring her along side of the Adriatc. This ma
nenvre being effected, the Mcaher's cargo
shifted in q very short time to the hold of the
Adriatic, on board of which at the same time the
others rigging was transferred.
The captain then followed, aud at o'clock
the morning of Saturday last the Adriatic passed
the toilette port At this point there is always on
duty boat of the Custom House, and the officers
who was in her, hailed the ship, when Captain
Durham leaned over the side. "Are your papers
all rightt" asked the officer. ''0h, yes, answered
the captain. whats the name of your ship?'-
''The Moon. replies he, and out to sea the Adratic
goes, though condemned to be sold for the benefit
of Messrs. Gadthier, with her double cargo.
Her departure was not perceived till broad day
light, and then a complaint was lodged, but
whole day had been lost. They say that the Pre-
feet ordered out the Chacal war paddle steamer
stationed in the old port and away she has gone
to catch the Adriatic, if she can. She has not re-
turned froDa her chase, and seafaring men
think the American has run into some creek along
the Spanish coast. Captain Smith, just before his
departure. bought three guns. other arms, and
some powder, all of which were conveyed from the
Meaher to the Adriatic This curious affair will,
perhaps, not so easily be settled.