The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-05-18
BRITISH CRUISERS AND AMERICAN SHIPS.

CASE OF THE AMERICAN BARK W. H. CHANDLER.
Among the vessels which were boarded by the
British naval officer at Sagua La Grande, Cuba, on
the 1st inst, were the bark W. H. Chandler, Capt
Gage, OF this port, and the brig Martha Gilchrist,
Capt. Rawley, of st. Georges, Maine. The former
arrived here on Friday, and the latter on Saturday
last. Captain Gage has made a statement, under
his own signature, of all the material facts of the
visit to his vessel. This statement is follows:
SAGUA LA GRANDE, !
Sunday May 2-613 p. NJ
| was boarded by boat commanded by an officer
dressed in the English naval uniform.
He came on deck without asking permission,
walked into my cabin, and proceeded to ask ques-
tlons-such as the vessels name, where she belong
ed, where she was bound to, what was her cargo,
and great many others.
l asked him his object in doing this and he re-
piled that he was going home and wanted to make a
report of all the vessels at that place. The boat
was manned by some twelve or fifteen men, and had
arms in it.
He went on board of all the American vessels ex-
cept two that were lying in port, and one Spanish
bark. He even went down into some of the vessels
holds.
The boat had no colors flying, but as she ap-
preached a vessels side he would show the English
flag, and then it would be put in the bottom of the
boat again.
After he had asked me the questions, he wanted
my ships papers. told him that they were de-
posted at the Consul's. Then be wanted to see my
clearance from New York, which l showed. He
examined it, and said that it was not legal, there
was no naval officers signature to it. / showed
him to the contrary, and he went away.
1t was proved after that the boat belonged to the
English war-steamer Styx.
The Captain of the Port of Sagua La Grande took
an account of all the proceedings, and had them
signed by the captains OF vessels that were boarded
and he declared he would put stop to such actions
as they have no right to board vessels lying in Span
ish ports. ALBERT GAGE.
Master of bark w. II. Chandler.
Captain Gage also sends us the following:
NEW YoRK, SATURDAY, May Is, 1858.
To the Editor of the Nelu York Times
In the extended account as published in Satur-
days Herald, touching my being boarded by an
English officer in the harbor of Sagua La Grande
there are so many inaccuracies and oyerstatements
of what transpired that l am obliged in justice to
myself and Others to request that the public will
not hold me responsible for anything beyond what
was published over my own signature.
Ny vessel was not searched, and the language and
bearing OF the English officer were those of a gen.
teman; and made no complaint, except that he
asked good many questions which / thought he
had no right to, after seeing that my vessel was
regular trader, and loaded with the products of the
country. did not smell his breath, as stated; he
asked me for glass OF water, and, is usual, in
vited him to take glass of gin, which he did not
refuse. He used no profane or other language un-
becoming an officer. ALLEN A. GAGE.
Captain Gage further stated to our reporter that
there nothing in the conduct of the British Off
Ger either in language or behavior unbeeoming a
gentleman; he was neither drunk profane and
after satisfying himself that the bark was an honest
trader, went about his business exchanging the
usual civilites as he left. Captain Gage confessed
to little vexation at the number and variety of
questions put to him, when it was so clear that he
was engaged in a legitimate commerce, and asked
the officer his object in making the inquiries. He
replied that he wished to report to his Government
the number and description of all vessels in that
part of Cuba.
Captain Gage recognizes the right of any man-of-
war to board and examine suspected vessels so far
is necessary to ascertain their true character;
and far as he is concerned he would make no OBJ
lection when the act is performed in such manner
as to give assurance of the good intentions of the
party making the examination.
CASE OF AMERICAN BRIG MARTHA GILCHRIsT
Captain Rawley, of the brig Martha Glchrist
was also lying in the harbor of Sagua la Grande
and was loaded with sugar and molasses, bound tC
New York. 1t was sunset when the boat from the
British steamer came alongside; no flag was dis
played to indicate the character of the boat but he
had observed the barge pulling about among the
shipping. On reaching the deck of the brig, he ad
dressed to Capt. Rawey the usual questions as to
the name, destination, ownership and consgnees OF
the vessel, to which the Captain civy replied.
lie also asked to see her papers, but he was told
they were ashore at the Consurs office. He did not
| attempt to enter the cabin 1.-THE Captain had his
wife and family on board to search the vessel.
The men from the boat lighted their pipes at the
galley, and were very sociable with the brig crew.
The language of the officer civil, and his man
ner respectful; he answered several questions from
| Captain Rawley, among Others as to whether nc
came from sailing vessel or a steamer, to which
| he replied, "a steamer.
On leaving he asked the course to steer to 60 out
| of the leeward passage. The Captain gave him the
required directions, and the officer departed, bid