The weekly sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1851-1869, 1861-12-21
The English Account Of the
Seizure,

ihe lohO"nR 10 the news account OF III
seizure, as given by the LoNDoS5TMEs.
The Trent sailed from Havana at 3 O'Clock on
the morning Of the 9TH, and nothing occurred
worthy Ct notice till about noon on the Sth
when, in the narrow passage of the old Bahama
channel, opposite the Paradon Grando light
house, steamer was observed ahead, apparent
ly waiting, but showing no colors. On ap-
preaching her Capt. Nor, Of the Trent, hOisted
the British ensign, which met with no response
until tho two vessels were within about a fur
long of each other, when the stranger fired
q shot across the Trent's bows, and hoist
ed the American flag. This proceeding was quite
contrary TO all acknowledged law, as when a
vessel Of war wishes another vessel 20 stop. IL
is custoiniIy TO fire first blank cartridge. The
Trent was still holding on her way when n
shell was tired from a long pivot gun on the
American : deck forward, which burst about 100
yards from the Trent'sbow. Capt Moir immo-
diately stopped the Trent, as the American had
her broadsidc Of guns run out, and mon at quar-
tiers ready to fire. Capt. Moir then hailed her.
and the American captain replied that he wished
10 send boat on board. a boat, containing two
| officers and about 20 men, armed with muskets
pistols and cutasses, then showed of and board
| cd the Trent, and demanded a list of the
| passengers, which tho captain refused 10 give
The officer commanding the boat stated th 4
the name of ths iriSa,e was the San Jaciato, of
which he was the first lieu enlni, and further,
thht ilhu ftClNttl most positive information
nat certain passengers were on board, whom he
would tkc out. 1his was also refused. Com
mander Williams, r. N, tho naval agent in
charge OF Her Mljesty's mails, win Captain
Moir, po.itvely ollectcd to their being tikeD,
denying their light to take any person what
even Irtim uLder the English flag
The lieutenant then called out the names of
the beiore-mcntioned Commissioners and Secre-
taries, and said that those were the persons he
sought, and that he would take them at all
hazards The four gentlemen, who were stand
ing near, answered to their names, and re-
quested to h uw what was wanted Of them. The
lieutenant stated that he wished TO take them
ON board the man-Of-war, 10 which they replied
that they would not go until taken by force,
and, turning to Captain MOir, Mr. Slidell said,
We claim the protection Of the British flag"
On the Captains again refusing TO give up
tho passengers, the lieutenant said he should
AXE charge of the ship. Commander VII.
llams, R,N., then spoke as follows,-viz. "Iu
this ship am the representative Of Her Maiesty's
government, and call upon the officers OF the
hip and the passengers generality TO mark my
| words when, In the name Of that government,
and in distinct language, denounce this as an
Illegal act--an act In violation of international
law-an act indeed, Of wanton piracy, which,
had we the means Of defence, you would not dare
| TO attempt" The lieutenant then beckoned TO
| the higatc, and three boats containing 90 ma
| Iines and about 60 sailors, Differed and heav-
ny armed, came alongside. The men at
once leaped deck, sword in hand
AMER some more parleying Messrs. Sidell
Mason, Eustis and Mfarland were taken
and forced into the boat. The Americans went
back to the cabins aud took possession of the
baggage, and sert II with their prisoners on
board the San Jacinto Mr.. Slidell said, as the
Loaf showed off, that lie expected redress from
the British Government for this outrage while
III der the protect of its flag, and called upon
tho English captain to represent the case prop
erly. The Lieutenant stopped on board, hav
ing ordered the boat to return. lie then stated
, | that lie had orders to take Captain Moir AMI hi
l | papers on board the San Jacinto, and that tn
Trent was To be moved nearer. Captain Moi
replied, "lOu will lind me on my quarter deck
. # you want me, yOu will have to come there 70
n me, and he Immediately walked on deck.
: The lieutenant, however, went into one
!. the boats, Ind told Captain NOR that he coul
proceed. Tho Leaf pulled for the San ia
elnto and the Trent steamed ahead fer 81
Thomas.
= The indignation felt ON beard the Trent h
= every person, OF whatever nation, can bet',
70 be imagined than described A consilerab
u number offrCirnors of different nations WEI
among the pas caRcrS, and il IL affirmed that eve
man would have fought IL called upon TO do 81
h, hut, with such al oppnsiog force, and tho u
in armed con / ion OF the Trant, Il was dsem
impogsihlc 10 make any do'e-cs.