The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-06-06
EXTRAORDINARY wREgE!NG gssg.
Comsaisfaf Of a Leading Merchant and Prei.si-
neut Politician Of New Orleans for Wrectius
SfeamhOuf.

| neut Politician Of New Orleans for WreciSius
Steamboat.
NEW ORLEANS, May rs. 1858.
The case OF A. 8. Man sfeld, which has been for
some time before the United States Court OF New
Orleans, was this morning disposed OF by the ac-
cused being sent before the GfNnd Jury. From the
position OF the accused person, the proceedings ex
cited the utmost interest. Since the occupation OF
New Orleans by General Butler MI. Mansfield has
been one OF the most prominent men OF Louisiana
He was the largest cotton operator the largest stock
operator, the largest steamboat owner ana reputedy
one of the weaithiest men in the South. radical
in politics, he stands the foremost candidate for
election 10 the United States Senate by the recon-
structed Legislature of louisiana and has virtually
controlled the republican party in Louisiana. The
charge against him is embraced in the following
aflidavi:-
state or Ne,c York City ana county orNe,c Yors.-
On this third day of september before me personally
appeared Edward McKeige who being 10y me duly
sworn according law, deposes andsays as folows:-
That he resides the city OF Brooklyn IN the county OF
Kings, state of New York and Is a master mariner
by occupation. That in the month of August 1865,
he was master OF the steamship Shooting STAR OF the
port OF New Orleans. in the United States, OF which
steamship A. $. Mansfield, of said city Of New Or
leans, claimed to be and dep0nent verify believes
was the owner and agent That voyage Was in
tended to be taken ana made by said steamship in
said month OF August from said New Orleans to Cal
weston, OF the State OF Texas, under deponens
nland That previous to commencing said voyage
said A. S. Mansfield made proposals to deponent
to wreck and strand said steamship in the
course thereof, and promised and undertook to pay
to deponent the sum OF $4,000 If he did so. That de-
pOnent agreed to carry out this suggestion OF said
A. s. Mansfield. and sad voyage being undertaken
IN pursuance OF said agreement aud at the ins:iga-
ton and request of said A. S. Mansfield deponen did
IN fact wreck and strand said steamship by running
her ashore near the Lunbaer Island, in the Gulf Of
Mexico and with the intention and for the sole pur
pose of carrying out the agreement to lose the said
steamship, above mentioned. That said A. S. Mans
field afterwards to wit on the 9th OF September
NeDOneny N
United States Treasury notes. that such payment
was made in the city OF New Orleans ana that such
payment was made to deponent for his services in
losing SAID steamship, in accordance with the afore
said agreement That this affidavit Is made without
fee, or hope OF reward &C., &c.
This affidavit Is supported by the testimony of the
mate and engineer that though the vessel was loaded
down with lumber and marble none OF the cargo
was thrown overheard to Tighten her, and further
her steampipes were cut, and lest she should drift
away after all, she was anchored and abandoned.
As further corroborative proof evidence is offered
that on the very day named by the witness tMcKege)
Mr.. Mansfield drew out from the Bank Of Commerce,
New Orleans $4,000 in United States Treasury notes
ana that those self notes were invested by Nc
Kege a few days after with the firm OF Taylor 4
Reed brokers, New York. in the purchase of United
States seyen-thirty bonds.
The accused fled two aildayits alleging that the
charge was made against him with view of extort-
ing money, and he alleged, during his examination
this morning that one of the counsel had expressed
determination TO get $S5000o out of him.
Counsel for the prosecution strongly urged upon
the Commissioner. as tins was capital offence, to
commit the prisoner without bail.
The Commissioner declined to do
ilereupon Judge Merick, prosecuting counsel
sad:-l would suggest to the court that the case Is
one OF the gravest nature, and that the accused s
one who has welded and Ia welding an immense
amount OF influence and capital and that 1t is one OF
those cases in which behOoves the to that
the bond should be sufficiently large taking into
sideratiOn the status OF the accused to secure his
attendance. No small sum win secure that. 1t
would be trining with justice with man occupying
the position the accused occupied TO name any small
sum. would further mention that the amount paid
by the insurance companies was $l30,000 and that
the bride alleged to have been given for the destruc
ti0n Of the vessel was 100000 The accused is man
who deals in large sums.
Mr. Stone, for the defence replied-I suppose that
the object OF bail Is to insure the presence OF the
prisoner Mr.. Mansfield has been In charge of the
| United States Marshal who has not been with him
all the time. The fact that he is here to-day Is a
strong circumstance in his favor. ask that he may
| be released on his own bond
Judge Merrick rising to reply,
Mr.. Mansfield interposed with the remark:-'.l gu
needn't trouble yourself Mr.. Merrick, | shall be
| hcre.n
Judge Merrck said the extraordinary admission
just made by the counsel for the accused that the
officers had neglected tner duty and left him at
liberty to go anyWhere; that it matter OF pleas
ure on the part OF the accused whether he attended
| or not, was an additional reason why heavy bond
| should be required. This was the most extraordi-
nary confession he had ever heard In any criminal
| proceedings. What assurance have you, continued
Judge Merrick that IL an indictment Is found in tho
case that the accused will be here one minute after
wards Surprising the testimony we are prepared to
adduce has Its weight upon the Grand Jury and they
| find an Indictment have yOu any assurance that he
will be here twenty-f0ur h0ursS No sir. The first
steamer leaving this port will bear him hence.
The Commissioner eventually ordered bonds to the
amount of 1000 10 be furnished. and renanded the
accused TO the custody OF the Marshal.
John J. Clayton prominent merchant Of Augusta.
Ga, committed suicide on the 10Th ult 10y shooting
fn 10