The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-15
IMPORTANT POLITICAL ARREST.

=
An Alleged Bearer Of Dispatches from the
southern COnfederacy to the Rebel Com
missioners Captured by the Policc--He l.
said 10 be an Ex-British Consul-His Ar
rest on Board the steamer Africa-He
Claims tho Protection OF the British
Fias-The Excitement Caused by His
Arrest and His Safe Arrival ut the Poo
lice Headquarters, sc.
Considerable excitement created In and about the
city yesterday afternoon occasoned by the report that
the British Consul Of Charleston had been arrested on
board the Africa and that upon his person
found important documents and dispatches from the
Southern confedcracy the rebel Commissioners Eng
land. II appears however that the party arrested was
not the British Consul but bearer Of dispatches from
the British Consul Charleston Mr. Robert Bunch. His
name is Robert Muir and he formerly held the above
position in Of the Southern cities, but al
present he denies being British Consul, and
declares himself resident of South Carolina also that he
Is only bearer Of despatched Mr. Robert Bunch Con
sui at Charleston, to Lord John Russell He also stated
that he had about hundred letters with him from par
ties the South to be forwarded parts of Eng
land, France and Germany.
The created intense excitement about the Cunard
steamship dock up the departure of the Eu
rope, and well it perfected the par, of the OIL
who managed the whole affair that could hardly
believe that they could pick him out without
acquainted with him having signazed him to them.
From the facts we have been able to ascertain
and we acknowledge Indebtedness the Jersey City
Police for themwe learn that Tuesday evening Deputy
Superintendent CARPENTER, Of the New York Police re-
ceived Geographic despatch from the Secretary
Simon Cameron, to arrest named Robert Muir who
about TO take his departure Tor Europe Wednesday
in the Africa and who reported be bearer
pf Iecpa clasf Sap harm captad
ingly the warrant for Muir placed in the
hands of Detectives Sergeant Young Farley
Duscnbury.
Between nine and ten O'Clock yesterday morning the on
GERS arrived at the CuRard dock and Immediately
TO lay their plans to Muir before he board
One of the members Of the Jersey City police called
upon to assist and the gangway passage closely
guarded thorough search Of the vessel satisfied
them that Muir had not made his appearance yet,
though he had already secured satcroom No 49, paid
his passage About halfpas eleven detective Eustace
and the Jersey City officer discovered a man on the
hurricane deck in conversation with another who
strongly resembled the description given of Muir;
they accordingly walked up possible to where
Muir was standing TO ascertain the subject of their
vcrsation when the resembling Muir stated that he
Lad just come on from Charleston, and ridcuing in
strong language the blockade Charl lie deplorcd
to the gentleman with whom he was conversing that
President Lincoln could furnish sufficient feet to
perfect thorough blockade of all the Southern ports
and that it was daily for vessels run the
blockade at Charleston. lie alluded 70 the
battle at Bull run and stated that the rebel loss
over eight hundred killed and wounded. lie also
satisfied that the Northerners would never
be able to subngate the southerners; that it
must finally result in England being COMPELLED come in
and settle the matter for both.
The officers. after hearing the above conversation felt
confident that they had hit upon the they were in
search of, and Detective Eusticc having arranged
matters, stepped up to Muir and remarked''Is your
j tme Mr.. Robert Muri' He reped''Yes sir, that is
my NAME
Detcctvc''will you be kind enough step on the
dock minutef there s gentleman who wishes TO say
few words to you before you leave.n
Mr. Muir--"Who is he, and where is hcf''
Detectve-ie is standing just near the gang plank it
VIII take you but a moment
Mr.. Muir-''WcI will go with you.'
He then excused himself from his friend, and started
with the officer to 40 ashore but on reaching the gang
plank something suddenly struck him that he had better
not venture ashore and he refused to Co. II was the
officers wish TO arrest him, if possible shore, but
fooled in this effort he at made known 10 Mr. Muir
that he was prisoner and must accompany him 10 New
York. At this announcement Muir seemed taken aback
but soon remarked that he would not that he was
board British vessel that he British subject. and
claimed the protection of the British flag The
was the means OF soon causing quite stir among those
board, and Capt. shannon of the Africa coming up
Muir appealed TO him for protection Al first Capt.
shannon disposed to interfere with the officers but
upon their showing their authority to make the arrest he
way and remarked that he could not interfere. Mr.
Muir asked the Captain if he would detain the
for acouplc of hours, he believed lie would be nmed
atey discharged reaching the United Marshas
Office The Captain replied that it would be impossible
for him TO dcaln his vessel minute after time, and
that he would be compelled to remain Behind.
He accordingly taken ashore in charge of Sergeant
Young and officer Farley and placed in carriage. De-
ectve Eustice then proceeded search for his baggage
which found and which consisted Of trunk,
a hat box and carpet bag.
Before leaving he stated to the Jersey City officer that Lie
not bearer Of dispatches that he resident Of
Charleston where present his family resides and that
he his way Europe to get his who is there
with view of bringing him On 10 Charleston He is a
man about fifty five years Of age, rather dark whskers
and bald upon the top of his head His appearance and
department is in every way that of gentleman When
he found that he compelled to so with the officers he
accompanied them without the slightest trouble.
The report that British Consul Lad been ar
rested with dispatches from the Southern rebels
spread like wild6rc the dock and neigh
borhood of Jersey City, and the carriage left for New
York quite crowd after II, who hooted and cried
out, Hang the traitor - Ifang the British spie,'
On the boat and this side similar remarks made,
but he driven in safety 10 the police station in
Broome street, where he placed in comfortable
quarters to wait the action Of the Secretary of War
During the evening he visited by quite number Of
friends and everything that required for his comfort
was furnished.