The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-01-06
THE FLORIDA IMBROGLIO.
The Seizure of the Florida Dis
j avoWed and Capt. Collins -. !,
4, an DDS "a to. be- Tried, G., v,g.a.
The American Consul Dismissed and
the Crew OF the Florida u
pr -, tfEe- D.. Liberated. szsg 2 =. r. 2

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30.-lt appears from the
official correspondence, that on the 18th Of
November Secretary Seward wrote to Minister
Webb that this Government had lust heard of
the capture Of the Florida by the Wauchusett
at Bahia, and Of the consequent hostilities
adopted BY the BRAZILIAN forces in that port
and that in this stage of matters the President
thought It proper that Mr.. Webb should in
form the Minister of Foreign Affairs that We
and its merits, and to consider whatever cues.
ton arises out of it, in friendly and becoming
spirit if that spirit, should be adopted by
His Imperial. Majesty's Government. "a, a.
On the 18th of December Mr.. Burbosa,
Charge de Affaires, had an interview and adj.
dressed Secretary Seward q letter in regard to
most transcendent gravity, which involved
manifest violation of the territorial jurisdiction
of the Empire and offense to its honor and
sovereignty. He enters into particulars of the
seizure, and concludes by saying, ." In this 0c-
casiOn, remembering the Upited States, whose
antecedents are well known and noted in his
tory by energetic defense of neutral rights, the
undersigned cannot consider the event which
occurred at Bahia otherwise than as an indivi.
dual act Of the Commodore of the Wachusetts,
not authorized or approved by his Govern.
ment, and that 1t will consequently give to the
Government of his Majesty, the Emperor, ex-
PLANTATION and reparation which international
law requires, TO power which maintains
friendly and pacific relations with the United
States. The just reclamation of the Imperial
Government, being thus presented, the under.
signed awaits the reply Of Hon. Mr.. Seward,
and fully confding In his exalted wisdom and
Justice of the Government of the United States.
He has not even, for moment, doubted but
that it viii be as satisfactory as an incontesti-
BILE right which the Empire, and the vast gray
ity OF the ofense which was done to- it, may
require" -a .- -. :.
Secretary Seward in his reply says, s'The
jealousy of foreign Intervention In any form
and substitute non-intervention in domestic
affairs of foreign nations are cardinal principles
in the policy Of the United States. You have
therefore Justly expected that the President
would disavow and regret the proceedings at
Bahia: He will suspend Capt Collins and d.
rect him to appear before q court martial"
Our Consul at Bahia admits that he advised
and melted the Captain, and was active In the
proceedings He will therefore be dismissed.
The flag Of Brazil will receive from the
United States navy the honor customary In the
intercourse OF friendly maritime powers. The
Secretary says it is not to be understood, how
ever, that this Government admits OF gives
credit to the charge Of falsehoOd, treac6ery.
&c, brought against the Captain and Consul.
These charges are denied on the authority Of
the officers accused. -.
And the Secretaryalso takes occasion to say
sIiat ILLS government Ol0allOW0 L00 assumption
that the Insurgents of this country are lawful
naval belligerents, etc. s..,
After further remarks he says. ut does not
however belong to the Captains Of ships Of
war of the United States, or to Commanders
of their armies, or to their Consuls residing In
foreign ports acting without executive direc-
ton, and choosing their own time, manner and
occasion, to assert rights and redress wrongs
of country. This power can be lawfully exer-
cised only BY the government of the United
States. Although the crew are enemies of the
United States, and as they contend, enemies Of
the human race; yet these offenders were,
nevertheless, unlawfhlly brought into the Gus.
tody Of this government, and, therefore, they
could not lawfully be subjected here to the
punishment which they have deserved, nor
could they, being enemies, be allowed to enjoy
will, therefore, be set at liberty, to seek refuge
wherever they may find 1t, with the hazard 81
recapture when beyond the jurisdiction of this
government ..... -.
The entire correspondence will soon be ofR-
cially promulgated.