Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-06-04
Correspon dence Of the Charleston Courier.
A 1


Capt. Bartlett, of the lost ship Clarendon reported
in marine list, has furnished with the following
particulars of gross outrage, perperaed upon himself
his vessel and the United States while he lay anchor
the outer harbor of Sagua la Grande the I'd of May
by II. B. M. steamship Buzzard. Before giving his
account let correct the statement made by the
respondent of the New FORK Herald of the boarding of
the twelve American vessels in Sagua by British war
steamer. The steamer not the StyX. H. B. M.
steamer Buzzard the real vessel that sent her boat
board those vessels The Styx cruising between
Havana and Key West at the time Of the outrage.
Here is Captain Bartlett's account:
My vessel at anchor three miles from the port of
Sagua, in the outer harbor receiving cargo for New
York At about 10 O'Clock in the morning of the I'd of
Ma, the steamer Buzzard hove in sight seward and
rapidly approached the harbor and cast anchor half
cables length from my ship. Very soon after, boat,
in charge of a mdshipman came alongside. Mounting
the side and approaching the captain the quarter
deck, the officer asked, Are you the capain?" Re
ceving affirmative answer be says was sent on
board by the commander of her Britannia Maiestys
steamship Buzzard to examine the papers of your Ship
He answered, This is American ship-I do not
recognise your commanders authority to make any such
request
Midshipman-Dont you kaoav that ne haze pass
from your Government to examine yo1Ir UeSSel
Capt. b was not aware of any such authority
having been given your government; but show me the
pass and will show my papers, not before.
Midshipman-You will be made to show them
The Midshipman now returned to the Buzzard. Soon
after the Spanish national flag hoisted board the
steamer. Fifteen minutes elapsed when gun was fired
and another boat left her side and headed for the ship
The officer in command Jumped deck and approached
Capt Bartlett who had in the interval of the visits got
out his armamentsix dilapidated muskes and an I'M
loaded Colts revolver-in pompous manner declared
himself to be the Commander of III. B. M. steamship
Buzzard and said roughly want to see your papers p?
Capt. B. replied do not recognize your right to
make any such demand. l do not know whether you
English Or Spanish man-ofwar. You show the
coors OF both nations.
Commander can set any colors choose English,
Spanish, or American. Why didn't you set your colors
when you saw man-ofwar approaching?
Capt. b did not know whether you a manof
war or not | should judge you to be pirate from
your actions
Commander, pointing to the gold bands on his sleeve
Don't you see the insignia of my Office here?
Capt. b have plenty of such stuff in the cabin
that don't signify much.
Commander, in an imperious, naughty tone-If you
do not show your papers instantly, I'll put you in rons
take your vessel prize and carry her to New York
Capt. B-That would suit me exactly. I have been
in Cuba four months looking for freight and have ia
ken up" at low figure. A voyage to New York, I'm.
der such circumstances would put money into my pock
ct and that of my owners.
The Commander then left in high dudgeon and went
back to the Buzzard Great confusion seemed to pre-
vail on board the drums beat calling the men to
quarters Bulwarks were removed guns brought to
bear upon the shphe great launches carried upon the
warehouses lowered into the water the cutters brought
to the gangways
Into them poured stream of leutenants midshp-
men, marines and sailors every armed with mus
ket cutlass, and brace Of pistols. This formidable
fotilla-four boats many officers, and 100 men in
battle array-approached the Clarendon, and as they
came up the marines were ordered to load.
Capt. Bartlett now concluded to show his colors-
His armament had been got in readiness and up went
the stars and stripes. The flag had been laying upon
the deck during the former vst An officer from each
boat then came on board. The Captain was asked if
he was ready to show his papers? There is my fag
says Capt. b. refuse to show my papers, under any
consideration whatever. Your flag, they said, has
been hoisted too late. We have orders from COM
mander to take charge of this ship and shall proceed
to execute the order" The commander himself now
came of in another boat, the of which were armed
like the rest He made the demand and received
the same reply Capt Bartlett, furthermore, said {"
am in Spanish port, under Spanish protection, anG
have Spanish Custom House officer at this moment or
board my ship" This will avail you nothing says
the British Captain. l shall now take the ship" He
then directed an officer to order the guard board
AS their heads appeared above the rail- Capt Bartlett
drew his unloaded Colt and declared he would blow the
brains out of the first man who came on deck.
Things now looking beligerent the lion-hearted com
mander countermanded his orde and said, will hau
the steamer alongside" Capt. Bartlett said If vol
come alongside, shall give up my ship with the great
est pleasure" The commander now at loss what t.
do, held consultation with his officers one of whom re
marked that he thought there was force enough already
to take the ship without the steamers assistance Th
commander asked Capt B. if he had any objection.
to giving his name. Yes, have great objec
tons" "Who are your owners?' "That question
shall not answer Who are your con
signees % "That is none of your business. -
Similar questions asked Capt Bartlett who refused
to give any satisfaction when thinking that the fares
was about played out he approached the commander ani
blunty told him he did not know his duty I" don't
hey ?1 No Won dnn't mr. vnn ,onld aor ho ma 49,,