Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-05-28

Roxborough Person, Wednesday, June 10th.
YanceyvilIe, Caswel, Friday, June 18TH
Wentworth, Rockingham, Saturday, June 10Th.
Search and Seizure of American Vessels.
The President transmitted on the goth inst to the Sen
response resolution that body several official
papers, relating to subject that now engrosSlng atten
ton throughout the country The report OF the Secre
tary of State to the President is as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Washington, 18th May, 1858.
SIR Since my despatch No. l03, OF the 18th inst,
various statements have been made IN the public papers,
showing other cases OF the orcbe detention and search
of American vessels by British armed in the
Gulf of Mexico and in the adjacent In every case
where these reports have to the knowledge OF this
Department application has been made Immediately to
the proper collector to procure from the captain partl
cuar account of the outrage with view to make 1t the
subject of reclamation upon the British government
Answers to of these applications have been recelV
ed and copies of them agreeaby to the annexed list
herewith transmitted, for your information as well
as for your prompt action. When others received,
Won SHALL in like manner be furnished with copies that
you may be kept advised of the progress of these assaults
upon national rights.
In addition to these aggressons upon the high SEAS
another ndensbe act OF violence against several ofour
merchant vessels said to be eleven number by forcibe
entry and examination, has been committed by British
armed steamer in the harbor of Sagua la Grande in the
Island of Cuba The statement in the public journals
contain the details of this transaction but authentic
with the exception of letter from the COnsulGeneral
of the United States at Havana of which transmit you
a copy Proper measures have been taken to procure
all the necessary information which Will be forwarded
to you as soon it reaches here When all the facts
are ascerained proper representations will be made,
without delay, to the government of Her Catholic Ma
cSty against this search of American vessels by the
naval force of another power within the territorial uriS
diction Of Spain The United States are satisfied that
the government Of that country will adopt the most e-
CCnt measures to protect their vessels reSOrng to the
Spanish ports from lawess violence. Such protection
they entitled to- and if it is not found elsewhere it
must be found in the power of their country am
not informed whether any injury sustained in con-
sequence of the proceedings against these vessels If
there were it will be expected that it be made good by
the Spanish government ITSELF by Of its inter
position with the government of Great Britain
These fragrant violations of the rights of the United
States has excited deep feeling through the country
and have attracted the attention of both houses of Con-
greSS. Their continuance cannot fail to produce the
most serious effects upon the relations of the two coun
tries The President confidently believes that the Brit
ISL naval officers in the adoption Of these hgh-handed
measures have acted without the authority, and have
misunderstood the views of their government But it
not the less due to the United States that their
duct should be dsavowed, and peremptory orders issued
to prevent the recurrence of similar proceedings herea
ter You will communicate to the Earl of Malmesbury
the earnest expectation of the President that this subject
should receive the immediate attention of her Brtanic
Majesys government, and that the officers who have
been guilty of these outrageS should be held properly
responsible for their conduct and that where pecuniary
injuries have been suffered, the interested parties should
receive Just compensation.
You will also invite the particular attention Of Lord
Mamesbury to the at Sagua la Grande and
to the Just expectations Of the United States that the
of redress adopted by the British government
upon this occasion will be such to mark with its dis
pleasure the conduct of the officer whose proceedings
have given serious of offence to friendly power,
and to prevent similar interference hereafter
am, sir respectfully,
your obedient servant,
LEWIS CASS.
GEORGE NJ. DALLAS, Esq, &C., &C. &c.
General Cass, on the 18th instant, nsructs Mr. Da-
las minister at London to call the attention of the
British government to the aggressiOns complained Of
The letter is as follows
The accompanying papers, copies of the originals
of which have just been received will make known to
you another outrage committed against the rights of
the United States by British armed vessel which calls
for the Immediate attention Of the British government
am persuaded that, if the occurrences took place
as they stated the conduct of the British officer will
be disavOwed and condemned.
beg you would communicate to Lord Malmesbury
the earnest desire OF the President that this practice
which to have become prevalent of detaining
and searching American vessels should be discontinued
and that the most peremptOry order for that purpose
should be given and enforced. Such measure is called
for by important considerations which will readily occur
to you. While this government is determined to al
proper eXerOns for the suppression OF the slave trade II
not less DESTROYS that the just immunity of the vessels
OF the United States upon the should be preserved
Whatever may have been the true objects of the voyage
of the Cortez if she had papers showing her American
character she subject neither to search capture
of the British cruiser do not doubt but the facts
ported will be fully investigated by order of the British
government and proper taken to prevent the
recurrence of a similar act hereafter.
call your attention. Also to the circumstances re
ported by the consuLgeneral of Havana, showing thu
existence of kind of police system by which American
vessels in that port watched and interered WITH
have to request that you will bring the matter to the at
tention of the Earl of Malmesbury, with view to thu
correction of the evil
The Latest Outrage of a British Crulser.-Further