Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-12-31
THE CASE OF THE FLORIDA

The diplomatic correspondence in relation
to the seizure of the pirate Florida by the Uni.
ted States vessel Wachusett, In the harbor of
Bahia, has been made public.
The first letter is from the Secretary of State
TO our Minister at the court of Brazil, James
Watson Webb, Esq. 1t recurs to the history
OF the correspondence between our Govern
ment and that of Brazil in relation to the con.
ferring Of belligerent rights upon the rebels,
and then refers to the capture of the Florida,
and expresses the willingness Of this Govern.
ment to examine that question upon its merits,
and consider all the issues involved in the
most amicable spirit. The second letter is from
the representative of the Brazilian court to
the United States, Senior Ignacio De Avel.
lar Barboza da Silva, who gives the facts
of the capture of the Florida from
the Brazilian point eff view, reflects
severely, both on our consul, Mr.. Wilson, and
Captain Collins, Of the Wachusett and like
wise demands reparation for the alleged in
dignity offered his Government. The final let
ter is from the Secretary OF Stare in reply He
admits that the Imperial Government was en-.
titled to expect from the United States, in ac-
cordance with its we'll known policy OF "jeal.
ousy Of foreign Intervention and absolute nom
intervention in the domestic affairs OF foreign
nations" q prompt disavowal OF the proceed
dismissal of the consul, and the suspension
and court martial of Captain Collins, but ex.
pressly dlsclaims any credence in the charges
brought against the agents OF the United States,
and puts the action Of this Government on the
ground that their act was illegal and unau-
thorized. He reminds the Brazilian Government
of the formal denial on our part Of bellligerent
rights TO insurgents, and maintains that the
Florida was a "piratical vessel" the harbor.
ing OF which was unfriendly, and a wrong
demanding PREPARATION, and AYERS that these
are positions which admit of no argument At
the same time he disclaims the right OF any
subordinates Of the Government to determine
the manner in which the rights of this country
shall be asserted, or its wrongs redressed. This
nation stands by established law. and he con-
graduates the Brazilian Government on SET
ting an examplo worthy of Imitation. In &C.
cordance with the principles stated he an.
nounces that the crew Of the Florida will be
released, but'states the facts in regard to the
loss Of the vessel itself, which facts are now
being investigated by courts Of inquiry
This correspondence will rebound 10 the
credit OF our Department OF State. The admi-
rable manner in which Mr.. Seward, while
masking ample PREPARATION in behalf OF the
wounded sensibilities Of the Brazilian Govern.
ment at the same time maintains the dignity
OF onr own Government, will be recognized
by all.
He comedies frankly the demand of the Bra
lillian Government because it is founded in
justice. He disclains the act of the Consul
and OF Captain Collins, because 1t is not de.
feasible on the principles of international law.
But he censures the concession OF beIIigerent
rights to what is little else than piratica
vessel, and insists on our right to rspara,ion
for the ravaRes committed by a nag unknown
to the family of nations, and therefore not en-
titled TO recognition by governments claiming
TO be friendly to the United States.