Union County star and Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1859-1864, 1860-02-24
Chr Star aao Cbroalf!s.
MONDAY, FEB. 20, 1850.
Correspondence OF tae sttr CAroh'ee'
Cruizing for FiIiibusters and Slavers.
u. S. STEAMER CRUSADER,
A. .o. ofF ruha Ian. u 1860

At sea off Cuba, Jan. II, leOu.
MEssRs. EDITORS: | wonder if you or
your readers have lost sight of your "Semi-
occasional correspondent, G As am
still sailing about, sightseeing, In one OF
Uncle Sans yachts, and being the only
Lewisburg representative in this Particular
sphere of action, my ''consiiiuents' may
have some curiosity to know how | am
getting along. As my interests are always
especially connected with the vessel to
which l am attached, | will give you
brief sketch of our movements, and also
some account of the difficulties connected
with our present duties.
Nearly four months ago, We sailed, un-
der sealed orders, from Philadelphia. AZ
ter weeks passage, through rather rough
weather, We anchored in the noble harbor
of Havana. We remained here but part
of day, and then sailed for New Orleans,
that city being our destination, and our
special object being to act out paternaI
interest over the Fllibusters. Before the
Crusader left the Mississippi, they fully
appreciated our kind attention. Oar
prompt appearance was doubtless quite
beneficial in assuring them Of the honest
intentions of our Government to stop their
unlawful career. This was the third time
/ have had the pleasure of a cruise after
General Walker; once before from Phiia-
delphia, aud once from Genoa, Italy; and
each time we sailed to Central America.
l felt quite savage against the ''hero, but
when | met him, for the first time, at New
Orleans, in his private quarters, looking
as mild as preacher ought to look, and
as kind and sociabe as an old friend ought
to be. forgot my i'll will, and left his
rooms pleased with his afAblity and the
versatility of his talents.
Our visit to the Crescent City will ever
be borne in mind with peculiar pleasure,
on account of the intrinsic interest OF tie
locality, and on account of the kind and
polite attentions of its people. 1t is very
seldom that any of our men-oi-war visit
New Orleans. This cruising on large
river, is rather more comfortable and
pleasing than being at sea. Therefore We
received our order to proceed to the coast
of Cuba, with many regrets. However,
as usual. we made the best of it.
We stopped at Pensacola, Key West,
to fill up with provisions and coai for our
cruize against slavers. Our "parade
ground' extends from Havana to the east
ward about FIVE hundred miles, embracing
the ports of Havana, Matanzas, Cardenas,
and Sagua La Graude. We have visited
each of these ports several times. There
nre many slaves landed annually along
this part of the coast. We have heard of
none eluding our vigilance since We have
been here, but doubtless, on account Of
the great length of coast We have to guard,
and of the cunning and skill of slavers in
evading men-of-war, together with the want
of proper international regulations on this
subject, some will pass US in safety. When
We do make lawful prize, We shall con-
slider ourselves fortunate. There has been
but one cargo of negroes captured by our
cruisers, except on the coast Of Africa.
This was the celebrated SLAYER, Echo, cap
tured about eighteen months ago by the
U. S. Steamer Dolphin, while under COM
mand Of our present Captain, John n.
Mafit, "a son of the celebrated preacher
of the same uame.) To his vigilance and
ability we trus, for some prize money be-
fore the end Of this cruise.
Navigation on this coast is very danger
Gus, as there are many low islands and
sunken coral reefs frequently jatting out
fifteen miles from the coast. The numer-
Gus wrecks of vessels We daily pass, and
the "wrecks of humanity" bleaching in
the sun, tell a tale easily understood. The
North wind also blows here terribly at
times. The inhabitants Of the coast build
their houses low, as a protection against
Its fury. If We are ever caught at sea in :
Noriher, We expect to have rough time
OF 1t, but we have great confidence in our
vessel aud engines.
Our chasing suspicious vessels is quite
exciting and interesting, but, fear, if VIC
do not soon overhaul some real game, We
Will consider i: dull sport. We have mcu