Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1858-06-11

NEY EST; May 20
Captain Bartlctt's account
"Nly vessel was at anchor three miles from
the port of Sagua, in the outer harbour, re-
cciving cargo for New York. At about 10
O'Clock on the morning Of the ID Of May, the
steamer Bussoyd hove in sight scaward, and
rapidly approached the harbour and east
anchor half a cables length from my ship.
Very soon after II boat in charge OF II mid
shipman came alongside. Mounting the side
and approaching the captain on the quarter
deck, the officer asked, care you the cap
tain?' Receiving an affirmative answer, he
says-''I was sent on board by the comman-
der of Her Britannia Majesty 5 steamship Bu=
card to examine the papers of your ship"
lie was answered, "This is an American ship
Il do not recognize your commanders au-
thority to make any such request.
Midshipman-Doni VOu know TINT zoe hare
a pass from our government 10 e1anine you'
ueSSei?
Capt. B.--I was not aware OF any such
authority having been given your Govern
ment; but show me the pass and will show
my papers, not before.
Midshpman--You will bo made to show
them
Capt. B.-Not while have charge of the
ship.
The Mdshipman now returned to the Bus
.ord Soon after the Spanish national flag
was hoisted on board the steamer. Fifteen
minutes elapsed when Il gun was fired and an
other boat left her side and headed for the
ship. The officer in command jumped on
deck, and approached Capt. Bartlett, who
had in the interval of the visits got out his
armament-six dilapidatcd muskets and an
unloaded Colts rcvolvcr-in pompous man.
ner declared himself to be the Commander Of
II. B. NJ. steamship Bu:>ard, and said rough
ly" want to see your papcrsY'
Capt. b. replied-I do not recognize youl
right to make any such demand. do not
know whether you are an English or Spanish
man-ot-war. You show the colors Of both
nations.
Commander-I can set any color | choose
English, Spanish or American. Why didn't
you set your colors when you saw II man-oi
war approaching
Capt. B.-I did not know whether yor
was a man-of-war OF not. lshould judge yot
to be pirate from your actions.
Commander, pointing to the gold bands OF
his sleeve-Don't you see the insignia OF my
Office here?
Capt. B.-I have plenty of such stuff il
the Cabin-that don't signify much.
Commander lin an imperious tonc) If yo'
do not show your papers instantcr, Ill pu
you in irons, take your vessel us Il prize, anc
carry her to New York.
Capt. Bartlett-That would suit me cx
actly. | have been in Cuba four month
looking for freight and have ''takcn up att
low figure. A voyage to New York, unde
such circumstances, would put money int
my pocket and that of my Owuers.
fTbo n nior laft in hirh 1ubrpon an,
went back to the Bu=zdrd Great confusion
seemed to prevail on board the drums wer
beat calling the men to quarters. Bulwurk
were rcmovcd-guns brought to bear upol
the ships, the warehouses lowered into tn
water, and the cutters brought to the gang
| ways.
Into them poured IL stream of licutcnants
midshpmcn, marines and salors-evcry maj
armed with musket, Il cutass and II brac
| of pistols. This formidable hotilla-lou
boats, rs many officers and 100 men in battl
array-approachcd the Clarendon, and a
they came up, the marines were ordered t
load.
Capt Bartlett now concluded to show hi
colors Ills armament had been got in read
ness. and up went the stars and stripes
(Thc flag had been lying upon the dec
during the former visit.) An officer trol
each boat then came On board. The captai
was asked if he was ready to show h
papors? "'Thcrc is my flag says Capt. b
II refuse to show my papers under amy col
dition whatever" "Your flag they sai'
"has been hosted too late. We have ordc
from our commander to take charge of tn
ship, and we shall proceed to execute Il
order" The commander himself now can
off in another boat, the crew of which wei
armed like the rest. lie made the same d
mand and received the same reply Cap
Bartlett, Furthermore, said 81 am in Spal
ish port, under Spanish protection, and ha'
Il Spanish Custom House officer ut this momel
ON board my ship "This will avail yo
nothing" f." says the British Captain. 81 sha
now take the ship" lie then directed q
officer to order the guard on board. As the
heads appcard above the rail, Capt. Bartle
drew his unloadcd Colt, and declared
would blow the brainsout of the first m'
who came on deck.
Things now looking belligercnt, the lilo
hearted commander countcrmandcd his orde
and said, - will haul the steamer alongside
Captain Bartlett said, if you come alon
side | shall give MP my ship with the grea
est pleasure" The commander, now at
loss what to do, held consultation with
officers, one of wkom remarked that
thought there was force enough already
take the shi p without the steamer 5 asslstan'
The commander asked Capt. B. if he had a
; objections to give his name. 50 Yes, ha
great objections ~ Who are your owners
:. That question shall not answer "W
are YOU consignees ~ THAT is none Of yo
, Captain Bartlett, who refused to give a
| nh hnt
was about played out, he approached
commander and bluntly told him that he {
t not know his duty. :" don't, hey?" {"
t YOU don't, or you would never have come
board an American vessel at anchor, rece
> ing cargo in a foreign port, and demand
see her papers.
lie then remarked, is there an AmeriC
Consul ashore? at the same time asking
Custom House officer the name of the port
J. Capt. b. answered, " There is not" 9
there u Commercial Agent?" There il
person who acts in that capacity, but HI
II never seen his commission" - Has he y
k papers ~ - That is none of your business
IA ''Well," says one of the officers, " ms as
ruH,nl,oa customer ,rc haze erer tdtien an Uih
u The Commander of the Bus-d says to
is first mate of the ship. =" Lower down y
r steps, SO that the officers can get into the bot
-, Capt, b, reminded him that he was ma'
~ OF the ship, and says, "Do you order mi
s lower the ladder or do you ASK meY
replied in humiliating tone, . NW
Oioor n if gou please, ar?' Yes with
:, greatest pleasure" Then the Commar
VI Of the Buszdrd and his officers went down
ut ladder and into their boats. and retur
ut somewhat crest-iallen to their ship.
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