The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1861-12-13

The English Account of the
Seizure.

Tho following is the news account OF the
seizure, as given by tho LONDON TIMES
,bGT The Trent sailed from Havana At o'clock on
tho morning VI thr rihi cad -"s.i"6 Vvrutied
worthy Ci notice till about noon on the Sth
when, in the narrow passage of the old Bahani
channel opposite tho Paradon Grando light
house, steamer was observed ahead, apparent
ly waiting, but showing no colors. On ap-
proach hing her, Capt. Nor, Of the Trent, hoist0d
the British ensign, which met with no response
until the two vessels were within about fur
long Of each other, when the stranger fired
shot across the Tren.s bows, and hoist
cd the American tag. This proceeding was quite
contrary TO all acknowledged law, as when a
vessel Of war wishes another vessel TO stop ii
Is customny to fire first blank lr,ridgo. The
Trent wa' still holding on her way, when a
shell was fired from a long pivot gun ON the
American deck forward, which burst about 100
yards from the Trenta bow. Capt. MDr imml-
diately stopped the Trent, IA the American had
her broadside OF guns run out and mon at quar-
ters ready to fire. Capt. Moir then hailed her,
and the American captain replied that hs wished
to send boat on board. A boat, containing two
officers and about 70 men, armed with mu ikets,
pistols and cutlasses, then showed oil and board
ed the Trent, and demanded a list OF the
passenger, which tho captain refused TO give.
| The officer commanding the boat stated tn At
| the name OF tho frigate was tho San JacintO, Of
which he WAS the first Lieutenant, and further,
that certain passengers were on board, whom he
would take out. This was also refused. Com
| mandor Williams, X. N, tho naval agent in
charge OF Her Mijesty's mails, with Captain
Molr, positively objected to their being taken,
denying their right 10 take any per.on what.
ever from under the Engl-h flag.
The lieutenant then called out the names Of
the aforementioned Commissioners and Secre-
tarics, and said that those we're tho persons be
Fought, and that he would take them al all
hazards. The four gcntlsmeR, who were stand
ing near, answered to their names, and re-
questod to know what was wanted Of them. The
Lieutenant stated that he wished to take them
On board the man-oi-war, TO which they replied
that they would not 20 until taken by force,
and, turning to Captain MOir, Mr. Slidell said,
We claim the protection Of the British tag.'
On the Capans again refusing to give up
he passengers, the lieutenant said he should
Jako charge Of the ship. Commander VII.
l,ams, R,N., then spoke as follows,-yiz. "Iu
this. mp am the representative Of Her Mao'tys
government, and call upon the officers OF the
hip and the Passengers generally to mark my
words when, in the name OF that government,
illegal act--an act in violation Of international
llw-an net, indeed OF wanton piracy, which
had we the means of defence you would not lar
to attempt. The Lieutenant then beckOned TO
the iIigatc, and three boats, containing 80 ma
rincs and about 60 Sailors ohicercd and heav-
lily armed, came alongside. Tho men at
once leaped ON deck, sword in hand.
After some moro parleying Messrs. Slidcll,
Mason Eustis and NJ Farand were taken
and forced into the boat. The Americans went
back to the cabins and took possession of the
baggage, and sent it with their prisoners on
bOard the San Jacinto. Mr. Slidell said, as the
oat showed of, that he expect q redtes5 from
the British Government for this outrage while
Under the protection Of its flag, and called upon
the English captain to re epresent tho clsl prop
crly. The Lieutenant stopped on board, hiy-
lng ordered the boat to return. lie then stated
that he had orders 10 take Captain Mor an his
Iapers on board the San Jacnto, aud that the
Trent was to be moved nearer. Captain Moir
replied, You will find me on my quarter deck;
II you want me, You will have to come there for
me, and he immediately walked on deck.
Tbs lieutenant, however, went into one Of
The boats, and told Captain Mor that he could
Irocs.d The boat pulled for the San Ja-
unto and the Trent steamed ahead fer st.
1hOmaa
The indignation felt on beard the Trent by
tVery person, OF whatever nation, can better
10 Imagined than described. A considerable
Lumber OF foreigners Of different nations were
among the passengers and II is affirmed that every
man would have fought II called upon 10 do 20
hut with such an opposing force, and the un
armed condition OF the Trent, II was deemed
impossible to make any defence.
The Views Of the London Times
upon the affair.
Tho following is tho editorial article of the
Londsn TnEs, 2Sth ult., referring to tho seiE-
ure:-