The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-22
Mason and slidell Arrested.

We have the very gratifying news OF the
capture OF these rebel emissarics 10y the
United States Steamer San Jacinto. The
Washington correspondent Of New York
Herald, furnishes the following particulars
Of their arrest
"It is said that the State Department re-
ceiyvd several days ago information from the
United States Consul at HAVANA that Mason
and Slidell and their Secretaries were there,
nnd that he WIS watching an opportunity
and deyising means to have them arrested
The San Jacinto was returning from the
African station, and had been ordered to
cruise for the priyateer Sumter. Happening
to b. in the neghborhood Of Havana at the
nick Of time. our Consul conveyed to her
commander the information Of the sailing OF
the rebel emissaries ON the British steamer
Trent, but issued no orders for their arrest.
Capt. Wilkes, upon his own responsibility.
oyerhauled them within twenty. fours' sail
from port, and arrested them.
When Mr.. Russell, the London Times cor
respondent. heard Of the arrest OF Mason and
Sliiell, he remarked, Il would like to have
seen poor Slidell's face when he was arrested;
surely he must have looked very funny
Mr.. Russell said nothing about the overhaul
ing OF the Trent.
No special instructions had been given TO
Captain Wilkes in reference to the arrest OF
Mason and Slidell and their secretaries on
board of any foreign vessel: but general
orders for their arrest, emanating from the
Ia. IA. ha
officers OF our naval vessels, These orders
were based upon the information that the
rebel emissaricS had sailed in the Theodore.
They contemplated the arrest upon that
vessel but Ms their orders were to arrest the
parties, and information had been conveyed
TO Captain Wilkes thar they had sailed from
Havana, he only did his duty as loyal
American officer in bringing them hack to
the country they were endcayoring to betray.
His assumption Of responsibility in the pre-
mY,s will be applauded by the whole people
Of the loyal States.
There is authority for saying that il is a
matter OF very little moment at present
whether the passenger steamer upon which
they were found was an American or foreign
vessel. They were fugitiyes from Justice
They were endeavoring to escape from the
country in violation of the proclamation of
government fOrbiddng any One-citizcn or
forcigner-to leave the c bntry without per-
mission Of the State Department. There is
no question rs to the manner Of the arrest
before either the government or the country.
II there are any circumstances attending it
requiring governmental action, that can be
had hereafter. The great fact of Importance
now is, the custody of the parties. The
country will be rejoiccd that their escape has
been prevented, and that they are now
prisoners.
No action has yet been taken by Lord
LYONS on the subject Of the arrest Of Mason
and Slidell on board of n British vessel. He
has no official information TO act upon yet.
Ii is stated that the Spanish minister was
quite indignant when he heard OF the arrest
of the arch traitors, and is reported to have
expressed the hope that the vessel from which
they were taken was spanish ship, in which
event Spain would immediately declare war
against the United States.
Tho President is quite clated over the
capture of Slidell and Mason and their sccre-
taries, us arr the members Of the Cabinet.
The prisoners Of State brought by the san
Jacinto are to he Immediately furnished with
quarters at Fort Warren, Boston harbor. "