Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-11-06
Departure OF our COmmfssIOners-P PoVv
they Kun the Blockade.

II From he Charleston MeIcKTYY Ost 81
For some time past, the papers Of the interior
have been indulsing in sly hints as to the here,
fabouts Of Messrs. Mason and SldelL We have
hitherto made no alluson to their movements; but
the causes which Induced our reticence being re-
moved. we may now, without indscretion narrate
the facts of their embarkstion.
| The Commissioners having resolved 70 make The
venture of running the blockade of Charleston. AZ
ter mature deliberation selected for the experiment.
the staunch and swift little steamer Theodore
which was, therefore, got ready for sea with all
despatch. The preparations having been complet-
ed, they embarked little before midnight. on Fri
day, October 1lth The party Of passengers who
were starting on this very unusual and somewhat
hszirdOus trip. consisted of the folio wing
Hon J. NJ Mason, of Virginia, Mr. MeFarladd
(Secretary to Mr. Mason Hon. John Sli1en of Lou
sisna, Mrs. Slidsll Miss IMathde SlideH Miss Ro-
sme Slidell, Mr.. Eusts Secretary to Mr. Sldel Mrs
Eustis, who is a daughter of Mr.. Corcoran, the
Washington banker now in Fort Lafayette, Col LIE
Mat Of Loulsana the inventor Of the grape shot res
vOlver, and two or three other gentlemen, whom it
will be best for the present, not TO name.
The night was pitch dark, and about midnight
light rain began falling which rend red the chances
of being detected by the blockaders exceedingly
slim
At one o'clock on Saturday morning, the hasty
good-bys, and God-speed you's having been salj,
the cables of the Ths9d0rG were lOosened, and she
gIded down the harbOr on her important mission
As the steamer passed Fort Sumter, every light on
board was extnguished. and away she went right
through the fingers of the blOekaders, far out At
sea.
One the evening Of the IIth she reached Nassau
in safety, where, had the opportunity been a favo
rable one the Commissioners would have disem
barked but, on eEquiFing they ascertained that the
EDglIsh steamer connecting with that pOiRt touched
at ew York. However gratifying sight Of New
York might have been under other circumstances. /
the Commissioners determined in this instance to
fOrego the pleasure.
So the Theodors left Nassau aud steamed away
towards Cubs On the 18th inst. she arrived at I
Cardenas where the commissioners landed. The /
news that Southern steamer had arrived. with |
Messrs Mason and Slidel on board, which was tele
yraphed from Cardenas to Havana, was scarcely
credited at the latter place. but when, the l7th
sstant the Theodore came up the harbor of Ha-
Vana, displaying The Confederate flag, the Cuays
were Immediately thronged with thousands of won
iering spectators, and most cordial and enthusi-
lstlc reception given to the adventurous little
raft The Yankees in Havana were as a matter
# course, much disgruntled at the welcome given
o the Theodore. But, on the other hand the Ia
lies Of Havana prepared splendid Confederate
lag for the steamer, which was presented to the
.aptain with appropriate ceremonies. The ladies'
# MstanZss, also, took advantage of the chance to
end hither splendid flag for the Hampton Legion
The steamship Columbia, formerly Charleston {
'essel, but now in the armed service of the Yan-
tees, wSs at that time, IN the harbOr of Havana. :
luckily, however, she was not ready to put to sea-
Ter cOnsOrt, the Keystone State, had gone to New
'ork with Southern steamer, loaded with val :
able freight Of arms and munitions, and which :
had been captured. while endezvor-
e to make the run to Tampa Fla. :
So the Theodore left the friendly port Of Havana :
and with freight of coffee, sugar, !
sltpetre, sulphur, acids lead, iron shot, block tn
An quietly In -, we won't say wbere-bringipg II
3. number of Charestonians, who had reached
avana from Southampton, about the same time -
le Theodore made her appearance.
1t is sscerLsined that the Yankees keep q fast :
lcht constantly plying between Key West and :,
svana. simply for the purpose cf gaining inteu- =
snce of our naval movements.
The Theodore is private vessel, and is unarmed :,