The New York herald., 1864-12-05
Attempted Capture OF the Panam a
Railroad Company's Steamer sal

OUR PANAMA CORRESPONDENTS.
PANAMA, Nov. IA, 1884
That the commerce OF the United States In the Pacific
Ocean long remained undsurbed by the visits OF
the pratca rebel cruisers has besa mystery to those
who have given the matter consideration. The difficulty
attending the procuring Of stores and COAL however, has
doubtless the reason together with the work hav
INK been more home II could have been
by any fear entertained Of the number,
ent and speed Of the squadron OF United States ships in
the Pacific; for the rebel cruisers could with go much
keep OF vessels looking for them in the
North and South Atlantic Ocean, with how much more
certainty they avoid the few miserable affairs that
compose the United States naval forces In these waers
The rebel agents. or government, although apparently
unconcerned about this part Of the world, have it
seems been giving 1t serious attention than
mag ined, but choose to seek vessel those here
that would their purposes instead Of adopting the
more expensive and hazardous method Of sending
from England
when the capture OF the Chesapeake occurred, and
lately the Roanoke, the question naturally arose, why
the experiment be tried here But from the
fact that the California carry strong guard
and take from the passengers all found their
persons and In such baggage as is not secured under
lock and key and that but few passengers travel n the
Central American steamers excepting natives OF the
coast, foreigners known TO the officers Of the
pany here, all suspicion has been alayed. have
doubt no sever, that even without Information tho
subject, had unusually large number Of passengers
strangers presented themselves to Mr.. William Nelson,
commercial agent the Panama Railroad Company,
his suspicious would have been aroused, and he would
have taken all precautions to have secured the
safety the steamer had any attempt TO capture her
the voyage been made.
appears that Information reached the United States
authorities here about twenty days since from Con-
sui In Havana, Mr.. Thomas Savage, that plan was
foot among the rebels Of tina, city for the capture Of
both Of the Central American steamers, and with that
prize to OF California ships with treasure
He also gave the and description Of men who
10 leave Havana the packet that carried the
despatch destued for Panama. who supposed TO be
the principals IN the affair. When the English steamer
with these persons board, reached Aspnwaii the
steamer Guatemala ready on this side 70 sal for
ports Central America, and to have been detained
for the passengers but very good luck would have II.
the Information reached consul ahead OF them,
and he instantly communicating Il TO Mr. Nelson, the
ship was at once despatched without tbem
The Guatemala, tho vessel thsy desired TO secure,
beautiful propeller, OF a thousand tons, capable
OF maintaining speed Of twelve knots hour and OF
capacity TO carry fuel for seamins At full speed for sixty
days. The Salvador-he other ship OF the line
10 inferior 70 the Guatemala but, 40 the latter had do
parted when these worthless arrived they found them
selves compelled to await the departure OF the former,
hoping, by securing the inferior vessel 70 capture the
superior without dincuy. From the description
and names aiven Of the parties they easily rccog
pized and those the closely watching their
every movement; and long before their actions
proved truth Of report arrived concern.
Ing them The principal man Of the party, after his
arrival called upon Mr. Nelson 10 make inquiries
0g Central American business and other matters in
nection with the stea ners OF the line To an his
questions Mr. Nelson replied with great politencss,
knowing at the time who no and all about him,
and Al the same time furnishing him with such printed
Information AZ no thought might work avorably-as
u did, In carrying the plan laid for heir capture and
conviction. sume days after, when Mr. Nelson at
the Aspinwali Botcl this party to him and
said, "Mr Nelson, have received letter from friend
OF mirs In San Jose de Costa Rca, desiring TO attend
70 some business here for him; but ! do
mot exactly understand n contents, and would
like you 70 explain H. Mr. Nelson replied,
"Let me see the letter or hear is contents"
letter was then Produced the address the envelope
being kept concealed which read about follows;--
"My Dear - Knowing that you VIII be 10 Panama
about such time on your way from Southampton,
must ask you TO attend TO the following for
me. few days since from some unknown cause, tho
magazine at my mine exploded, whereby lost all my
powder. and must request you purchase for
hundred pounds Of No. biosino po~d,r and ship per
Salvador conforming sricily The regulations Of
he company in regard 10 shipping the sdme" As
a Mr.. Nelson saw this letter the whole matter
became as plain the sun at MONDAY,
for In the nrs place In the hand writing Of tho
stranger which Mr.. N. Al once recognized from having
previously examined the hotel register, In which his
had been entered arrival. In the second place.
dated only San Jose instead OF San jose do
Rca, which always used 10 distinguish II from San
Jose de- Guatemala In third place the trao In