Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-07-03

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rescudtd ard that the sugars be at the disposal of the
purchasers, 10 Go with them as they may seem fit or
that the undersigned if compatible in consideration of
the interests concerned ba placed in possession Of the
facts which caused such order to be s5ued-the eDlcr
cling and existence of which materially rear1s and stops
the legitimate business OF our countrymen.
We beg to remain your obedient servants,
(Signed) GEoRGE CoPPELL,
FL. nj. Acting Consul.
(5gned) ca MEAN,
French Consul
(Sgoed) NJ. w. BENAcH1
Greek Consul.
To Maj, Benz F. Butter Commanding Department OF
the Gulf, New Orleans, La.
Headquarters DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,
New ORLEANS, June r. 1862.
Gentlemen In the matter of the sugar ia possession
Of Sir. Covas, who is the only party known to the
United States authorities, have examined with care
the statement you have sent me. | had information
the sources of which you will not expect to disclose
that Mr.. Covas had been engaged in buying COnfede
rate notes, giving for thfm sterling exchange thus
transferring abroad the credit of the State in the
be0n ard enabling these bills OF credit to be convert
ed into bullion to be used there as it has bee1, for the
purpose oil purchasing and munitions of war That
Mr.. Covas was one of the agents of an association or
company of Greek merchants, residing here, ia London
and in Havana who had set apart large fund for this
eaterprs. That these Confederate Notes. purchased
by Mr. COvas had been used in the purchase of sugar
most 100000, are part | directed Mr. Covas to
hod these sugars until this matter could be investigated
satisfied of the substantial truth OF this inOrma-
ton. MIR. Covass books will show the important
facts that he sold sterling exchange for Confederate
treasury notes. and then bought these sugars with the
notes. Nov this is claimed to be "strctly merchant"
It will not be denied that the sugars intended for
foreign market. But the Government Of the United
States Lad said that with the port Of New Orleans
there should be no "stricty mercantile" transactions
| 1t will not be COMMENDED for moment that the eX-
changing OF specie tCr Confederate Treasury notes and
sending the specie to Europe TO enable the rebels to
buy end muniti01s OF there not breach
of tie blockade well violation of the neutrality
laws and the proclamation Of their Maestes, the Queen
Of Great Britain aud the Emperor Of france. What
distinguished the two cases. that Or awng the
ling bills is safe and CONVENE way Of Guiding
the laws than sending bullion in specie, and thus assist
the REBEL on in the point OF S utmost need
1t will be claimed that to assist the rebellion was
not the motive. Granted cqusa argumchtj It was
done from the desire Of GAIN as doubtless all the viola
ors of neutrality have been done by aliens during this
war-a motive which is not /sanctityng to acts by
foreigner which, if done by subject would be treason
or higher msdemeanor.
My procamatain of May assured respect to all per-
sons and property that respectable 1t was not
an amnesty to mugderers thieves and criminals of deep
er die less Nervousness, mantle to cover the
property Of those aders OF the rebellion whether citizens
or aliens, whom [ might find hare.
If numbers of foreign residents here have been en-
gagged in aiding the rebellion either directly indirect
y, from spirit of gain, ard they now find themselves
objects of Watchful supervision by the authorities OIL
the United States they will console themselves with Tx
reflection that they OILY getting the bitter with
the sweet" Nay, more, if honest and quiet foreign
citizens od themselves the objects of suspicion to- anC
even their honest acts subjects OF Investigation by tbt
authorities Of the United States to their inconvenience
they WILL upon reflection blame only the rapaciou
and greedy Of their fellow citizens who have by Their
aid to rebellion, brought dstrust and suspicion all
Wishing to treat you, gentlemen, with every respect,
have set forth ct length some OF the reasons which have
prompted my action There is one phrase in your ette
which co not understand, AMI cannot permit to pass
without calling attention to it. You say, The IN
dersgned disposed to waive all past proceedings
&C.
What " proceedings" have you, either of you, t
"wave,' if you do ieel disposed so to do Whit au
thority is vested in you by the laws of nations Of th
country which gives you the power to use sucl
language TO the representative OF the United States, IL
quasi official communication Commercial agents
merely subordinate class, consuls have power t
waive or condone any proceedings past or present.
the COVER ment under whose protection they per
mtted to reside SO long they behave well. II hav
committed any wrong to Mr. COVas, you have no pOwe
to "WaVe pardon the penalty, prevent his havin:
redress Ifhe has committed any wrong to the Unite
States, you have still less power to shield him from
punishment.
lake lGaNe u Suggest, DIS pueS GIG y
this sentence, that you have been so long dealing wit
rebel Confederation, which has been supplcating yO
to make such representations to the Government who's
subjects you are, as would induce your sovereigns Il
aid it in its traitorCus designs that you have becom
rusty in the language proper be used IL representing
the claims of your ellOwcitzans to the consideration
OF great and powerful government, entitled to equa
respect with your own.
In order to prevent all misconception, and that, 70
the future, y0u, gentlemen may know exactly the posi-
ton upoa which act in regard to foreigners resden
here, permit to explain to you, that think fol-
egner resident here, hes not right more than a
American citizen, but at least, right less tina
of meddng or interfering, by discussion, vote or Other
wise, with the affairs of the Government
have the honor to subscribe myself your obedien
servant, B. +. BUTLER,
3 Major General Commanding.
Messrs. George Coppell, claiming 10 he III. B. AI
, Acting Consul; A. Merjau, French Corsal; NJ.
] Benach, Greek Consul.