Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1863-04-17

An eye witness Of the battle of Charles
ton, gives the following summary of the con
test, in which we notice that the reason for
the withdrawal of the Monitors and diseUn-
tinuance Of the conflict is definitely stated
lie saws
The Engagement, was ken; up from one until
four O'Clock ,wnsn, in obedience 10 the Admirsl's
signal the feet retired slowly, receiving and r.
turning the rebel FIRE until they woTc anchored
cut of range within the bsr.
The Weehawken vas assigned the important
duty, which was faithfully performed in the midst
Of the fight, 70 examine. anil II possible, 10 force
the distractions which the rebels have extended
across the harbur from Fort Sumter 20 Fort
Moultrie. Protected by the seow and thu Devil
in front OF her, -hc pushed straight up 10 the
Instructions.
They we're found 10 consist Of networks Of chains
and cables stretched across the harhor, over
which it WIS impossible for the Weehavken to
run without foulng her propeller. and which
she found it impossible to force. To this network
the rebels are supposed 10 have suspended tor
pe.loes and other submarine explosives.
Having completed the examination aud tested
the impossibility Of working up the hsrbor until
means arc devised for the removal Of the obstruc
lions, the Wcehawken returned and reported 10
Admiral Dupont. who orleroi discontiuuance
Of the conflict
THE E>susH GovEENVENI AID III E>CLisn
Pforn-Thc American question i, becom-
ipe more and more question Of difference,
between the rulers and people Of England.
The following extract from the report, of rc-
cent Parliamentary proceeding sd"r- tine
position Of the Government
Lord Paluorsion expressed regret 81 The tone
" som. 81 the speaker hut sud II vas neverthe-
less q fict that when the American Government
found itself in difficulties it raised cry against
England % create political capital twas dlu-
ycrous game, but it would not make the British
Government oyerstep the law. He asserted that
the Government had done all in it, power 70 en-
force the law. lie believed that if they had seized
the Alabams, nothing beyond suspicion could
have been found against her. The government
would be gladif there were neither vessels built
nor shipments made to bclligerents lie could as
sure the House that when grounds Were shown
the Government would not be slow 10 enforce IL.
law honestly and impartially.
Ia oprosi:on To this d petition ol ID, Ii
yerpool Emancipation Society forwarded To
l.o presented to the House Of Commons SAWS
The Emancipation Society respectfully shovcth
that the steamship Alabama was built and equip
ped in this port for the purpose, as since deyel-
opel. Of proving upon the commercial navy u a
country with which NC are and were then at
peace that the Alabama was. if not entirely, al
least IN very great proportion, manned With
n II
vas duly informed Of the character Of the ship
before she sailed as j. shown by the crlcrs NJ
terward given to detsin her At Queenstown ~ 1t
Nassau that the Illegality Of th- conduct #
those that built and equipped the ship and thc=,
who enlisted men 20 sail and work her was
practically acknowledged in the order Of the le-
tentou that since the Alabama escaped 10 sea
the commander has burned or put TO rau-om
many vessels belonging 20 the cculuercial ma
rine Of the United States.
That the Alabama has frequently entered Bri-
fish colonial ports, hut either from want Of pro-
per instructions from the home authorities or
through the guilty oounivaHce of the officials,
whose duty It is 10 carry out the orlers Of TO
Government, she has not hccn detained chat
whether the United States have or have not iu-'
legal grounds for demanding indemnity for ill.,
damage inflicted upon theiE citizens hy vts-,
equipped IN cur ports and maunei hv our s5i.-
or-, must h. cf' 10 the decis.u ofthc legal rl Ne
scr, Of the Crown, hut It Is Of the greatc,t iti,-
lance that the irritation which such lavlcs> colt
duct naturally cxcites should 10 slliye,l. and
thsf friendly nation should not hy che hostility
Of any portion of Her Majesty subjects, D.
treated as public enemy.
That other ships arc now being built and fitted
cut SIS war vessels, and it +, currently believed
they are 20 be employed in the service of the so
-tylei Confederate States. with the object Of stiu
further rrorjuS upon tie commerce Of our mel 81
hrr-
Your petitioner there fore humh, pray your
honorable body 20 take such step= a. shall induce
Tier Majesty Government to make immediate
inquiry into the alleged fact- and B., prompt
action to stop the sailing OF any more var ships
ior the 80 STYLED Confederate states Of South \
mcrica, and your petitioners will ever pray.
On behalf 81 the Lrcrpoo, Emancipation So
Getty.
t0r-rclI CHARLES WILSON,
thliuusr
Tr.ea....r NJ. 90