The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-05-16
From our African Squadron.
Q. .. snip NbILLLATION,
ST. PAUL DE LoANDo, March II, 1861.
DEAR BROTHER:

80 ANS-AN'N~N' -NN@
DEAR BROTHER:
We have just returned from q
cruise of three weeks, off the mouth of the River
Congo and Kabenda, but did not succeed in cap
turing any savers, there are several vessels up the
Congo River, that we have every reason to be-
eve intend taking slaves to Cuba; but their clear
ances' are all good and of course we cannot houb-
lie them, unless we happen to take them with the
slaves on board. There are, at present, eight yes
sells up the river, and in all probability five out OF
the eight axe waiting an opportunity to take in
negroes. One large clipper-built ship, the Night
jngoze, will, in all probability, take in eighteen
hundred, and the others will carry from 500 1000.
If they all elude the vigilance OF cruisers, you
may expect to hear of alarge influx OF slaves land
ed in Cuba or Texas The Captain of the Night
ngaze was bold enough to boast, to the captain OF
the English steamer, Archer, that he intended to
leave the coast with 800 slaves board, and he
defed the whole combined squadron to take b n.
He probably relies on the fastsailng qualities OF
his ship to eude us. And L do not believe there
is a vessel on the coast, that could overhaul him
in a good breeze, except the new Gun-Boat, Ne
h5can. He intends waiting until next month, when
there are always very strong soutberly winds, and
thick, rainy weather. to make the effort.
Our Squadron was increased few days ago, by
the arrival OF the Sloop-of-war Saratoga, and she
has already succeeded in capturing very small
schooner called the Dispatch, of Newburyport; but
il deemed inexpedent to send her TO the States
for she was leaking badly, and would not pay ex-
pense if condemned, which would be very improb-
able as she had no slaves on board, at the time OF
her capture. There is not much use sending sus-
pcious vessels to the U. s, for condemnation, fer
in almost every instance, they have been back to
us again in less than six months bringing d severe
reprimand to the commander OF the Squadron, for
unawfully OBTAINING illegal trader" The Orion
was sent to the States and six months afterwards,
we boarded her in Congo River, but dare not
trouble her; and in less than week, she was cap
tured by the English, with $50 slaves ON board
The Virginia was also sent home as la wful prize,
as we understood the law, but was back again in
seven months, and left Mangue Grande, about two
weeks ago, with $50 negroes on board, and is now
on her way to Cuba The Portsmouth, has sent
home three vessels, that were known TO be sayers,
surc, but the three are now known TO be on the
coast, watching an opportunity TO take slaves
/ cannot understand the policy of the Secretary
Of the Navy in sending out more sailing vessels
on the coast, if he really means try to suppress
the slave trade. | hardly think any one would
undertake to leave the coast with negroes, unless
he had vessel that would out-sail the old Sara-
t0ga. 1t is an old saying with sailors, and true
one, that q "stern chase is a long chase, and any
vessel may have at least, 10 to Is miles the start
Of d cruiser Except they bIundcr on them in the
y,i,r a1o
within reach of their guns, darkness SETS ill.,
and they escape by altering their course. small,
fast steamer, carrying two guns and fifty men, is
more efficient than the largest line Of battle Ship
cur Navy can boast. The two small steamers.
Mystic and Sampler. are well adopted to the coast
but they are hardly fast enough; besides, their ma.
chmery lie very detective.
The San .Jac'nto returned yesterday, from an
unsuccessfullcgui and the Mystic has Just come
into the harBor. The Portsmouth, and Saratoga,
IohjcaD and Sampler, are cruising 10 the north
ward. We expect to leave for Porto Praya Oh the
5th proxno, and wait there until we are relieved,
whichwe are all hoping will be some tirno in May
Two years on this coast is worse than four years
on any other station.
Business is very dull, at present, here There
is only one American merchantmen in port, aud
size is to leave tomorrow, for home The rainy
season has commenced, and there is nothing com-
ing from the interior. The Bark I3oru from Phil
adelphia, with coal for the Squadron, is ashore
about Is miles below here, but will probably he
got off to-day, without serious damage. we have
sent assistance to her, and steamer is in Tcadi-
ness to go if necessary.
Your affectionate Brother,
j. THOMpSD II