Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1858-06-10
MORE AMERICAN VESSELS
BOARDED
COLLISION BETWEEN BRITISH AND
AMERICAN OFFICERS.
rFrcm the New York Daily Tribune

The bark John Howe, Capt. Nichols, a..
rived at this port On Saturday from Sagua
la Grsnde. We learn from Capt. Nichols,
that about the 18th of April, Oh his passage
from Havre 10 Sagua la Grande, and when
off AngulIa, he was boarded by boat from
the British war steames Buzzard, and the
officer in command, without any ceremony,
sprang upon deck, and Immediately asked
the name of the Vessel, who comma nded her.
where she hailed from, where last from,
where she was bound; her owners name,
and SO forth; and being invited to the cabin
he demanded to see her papers, which were
shown him. He then departed.
Captain Nichols states that his ensign
was then flying, and THAT had then been
hoisted on the first approach of the steamer
After arriving at Sagua la Grande, and
while lying in ihat port he was again board
ed by boat from the same vessel and his
papers demanded. although his ensign was
flying. His reply was, they were at the
Consul's office. The officer examined the
vessel and scrutinized the hold. Captain
Nichols thought. from the appearance oil
the officer and the bold manner in which he
acted, that he was somewhat intoxicated -
Captain Nichols offered him cigar, (he
having no liquor en- bUard) which he refused
but requested glass of water, which was
given him, and he departed
Captain Nichols informs US that the ship
Clarendon, Captain Bartlett, having on
board cargo Of Sugar, bound for New
York, while lying in the port of Sagua la
Grande, was also boarded by boat from the
same steamer. The officer in comman nd OF
the boat Immediately jumped on board, and
proceeding TO the cabin, commanded Capt
Bartlett to hoist his ensign, which the
captain refused to do, dceming the whole
proceeding an insult. The officer then de-
manded his papers, when he was told they
were at the Consui's and that if he knew
his business he ought to be aware Gf that
fact. The officer then departed, saying he
would report to the commanding officer of
the steamer. Captain Bartlett, refused to
hoist his ensign. Several shots (blsnk cart
ridges were soon after fired by tie steamer,
| in yrder to infimidate Captain Bartlett and
compel him to hoist his ensign, but without
efffct.
Capt. Bartlett then noticed that they had
lowered away their large boats, each con-
tanning about so men, with any quantity Of
small arms, when he took his ensign and
laid il on the cabing table. Soon after the
boats arrived alonside, and the commander
of the steamer in person came on board
when Capt. Bartlett received him politely,
but protested agains: the whole of the pro-
ceedings, and woulc not allow any of the
men from the steamer to come on board
threatening to shoot the first that attempted
TO do so. The British commander of the
steamer ordered him to huist his ensign
| He replied, There il lies upon the table,
and if your commission is worth enough,
hoist it youself." The British officer, pisi oil
in hand, commenced pacing the cabin saying
that he would seize the vessel and, take her
to the port of New York." to which Capt.
B replied, "that was exactly what he want
ed him TO do when, whether intentionally
or by accident, he could not say Captain
Bartlett was struck on the breast by the
hand which held the pistol.
Capt Bartlett then presented his pistol
and said, "Sir, keep your hands off me or |
will shoot yuu." The officer replied, 81 did
not lay my hands upon you" When Capt
| B. rejoned, "Gou did Sir" The officer in
| quired if the sugar on board belonged to
Cap. B., when he replied" al never owned
a hngsheai of sugar in my life." The same
! question was asked in regard 10 the lrunches
(boats for conveying the sugar from the
shore on board,) and the same reply given
The officer comp eteIy covered, then went
on deck, and, in a perfect rage, beloved
iurth, "Lower away the gang% %ay LADDER
when Capt. B. quietly said, cir, did you
| order that ladder to be lowered, or did you
request it to be lowered" The officer re-
| piled "will please have it lowered!" Capt.
! B. then gave orders for it 10 be let down,
ord the Bri,isher departed without accomp-
| fishing his purpose.