The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1861-11-28
Mason and SliGSIl.

We informed our readers, last week, of
the fact that JAMES NJ. Mason, of II
ginia, and JOHN SLIDELL, of Louisiana,
both formerly United States Senators, had
been captured at sea while on their way,
in an English ship called the Trent, to
Europe, as emissaries of the Southern
Confederacy. The arrest was made by
Commander WILKES. of the San Jacinto
about forty miles off Matanzas, in the old
Bahama channel, the British vessel hav-
ing been brought to by couple Of shots
fired across her bow, and then boarded
for the purpose. The prisoners were at
first disposed to resist, but learning that
they would be taken by force, they pro-
tested against the proceeding in writing,
and then, with their respective Secretaries,
went on board the San Jacinto. They
had been accompanied by their ladies, and
Capt. WILKES rendered them his best
cabin, if they desired to return to the
United States with the. prisoners. They
declined this offer, however, and proceeded
on their voyage.
The arrest was made on the Sth inst,
and the San Jacinto arrived with the pris-
oners at Fortress Monroe, whence they
were sent to Fort Warren, in Boston har-
bort being understood, that they are
so quartcred at the latter place, as to be
cd tn 10
selves with view of Bunker Hill Monu-
ment This will carry their imagination
back to the ''times which tried the souls
of men, to the dark days Of that mighty
| struggle in which our patriotic ancestors
fought, bled and died, in order that they
might establish the very government
which these bad men, MASON, SLIDELL
q Co, have been laboring to destroy
Surely, an occasional squint at the noble
pile on Bunker Hill will be maryelously
soothing to sher shattered nerves 1t
will make them bear up amazing oily under
the numerous ills, and trials, and trioula-
tons which encompass and await them
And there is, too, another advantage in
the position. AS bombastic Southern
Statesman some years ago declared he
would do before his death so now Mason
and SLIDELL may severally call the rolls
of their slaves in the shadow of the Mon
umcnt. We say, they can coN The rolls,
but whether the chattels will respond or
not-that is quite different question
Some have supposed that the capture of
these distinguished Rebels, on board an
English vessel, may involve our Govern
ment in a war with England Some of
the Canada journals have already pronoun-
ced the act an outrage upon the British
flag, and are demanding redress, either by
a surrender of the prisoners, or the fullest
! apology from our government. We eincline
to the opinion that neither of these de-
mands will be acceded tc. From what we
| have read upon the ubject-and numerous
preccdcnts have been quoted-we do not
believe the act of the gallant Captain
WILKES will be construed by England as
casus Jelli-as justifying war with this
country. 1t will, of course, give the Lon
don Times a nice theme to harp on for a
season, but its thunderings will not likely
be accompanied by any great quantity of
rain. England has always advocated the
right of search. And it is alleged by those
who pretend to be posted at Washington,
that the Administration has considered
this whole subject fully, and is deter
mined TO stand up and maintain at what