The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-09-07
THE CAPTURED AFRICANS.

As the arrival of a captured slave ship at Char
lesion is an event new the present generation of
citizens and residents it will be readily supposed
that it has furnished the chief staples of converse
ton in all parties.
The Echo, in which the Africans were captured,
is full rugged brig of 200 tons, with slave deck;
fore and aft masts, and presents generally the ap-
pearance of a 'Fsmart" vessel The vessel was
formerly known as the Putnam, of New Orleans,
which title yet be traced in part, on her stern.
So far as we have asccrtained particulars, the
Echo took on board four hundred and fifty Afri-
cans, from the Guinea coast, and had been out
forty-fve days when captured.
The number of Africans returned and delivered
to the United States Marshal, DIR d. H. Hamilton,
was three hundred-two hundred and sixty males
and forty females This shows a mortality at the
rate of thirty-thrce Per cent since the departure
from Africa. The mortality, calculated in time,
has diminished since the Echo was captured.
- In order to make arrangements and provisions
for the best possible relief for the Africans, now
under disease the captive crew was landed yester-
day at Castle Pinckney. This step was taken, of
course, by authority, and with the consent of all
concerned and the transfer made by the
steamer Gen. Clinch, chartered for that purpose
by James Conner, Esq, United States District
States forces in this command, has been ASST gned
to Castle Pinckney.
AS the Africans passed from the steamer to
Castle Pinckney wharf they presented sad and
affecting sight, which was closely observed by all
present. Many were reduced to walking skeletons,
and some evidently in dying condition. A few
indicated dropsics, and there were instances Of
hernia; Some also exhibit traces of other diseases,
but goodly number were apparently in health.
Many Of them arc very young.
Sixteen seamen OF the captured crew were
brought up to the city III the steam-tug Aid, and
have been lodged in jail, under charge of the
United States Marshal. They are able-boded
and fine looking seamen-the profits of this trade
being sufficient to secure the best crews.
The Captain-or the one supposed to have been
in command of the Echo-is still prisoner in the
lphin. and will probably be taken to Boston for
trial. Charleston Courier, 30M.
The laws provide the penalty of death of those
who concerned i'll the violation Of the United
States laws prohibiting the slave trade. The Mer-
curry says that their trials will take place at Column
bia, before His Honor Judge Wayne, Circuit
Judge, James Conner, I. s. District Attorney,
prosecuting officer. he Court begins to sit the
18th Monday in Novenlbcr.'
Speaking Of the crew, the Mercury says:
''One is Greek, one Italian some Of them
are Portuguese, some Spanards and some English.
Some Of them talk about New York, but none now
admit that they are Americans or have wherca-
bouts in this country. These smuggers are a
desperate looking set of fellows"
The officers and crew of the Dolphin under the
laws of 1919, will receive bounty Of twenty-five
dollars for each African who has been delivered to
the United States Marshal.
We suppose the President will make provision
for sending the Africans to Liberia.