Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-11-05
" c IT B A.
Exam inatton OF Commodore Higgins and
His Omcers-Seventh Days Proceedings

Examination OF Commodore Higgins and
His Omcers-Seventh Days Proceedings-
Thursday.
The Court resumed the examination yes
terday morning, when Jesse Hewett was
introduced. Examined by Mr.. Davis,
witness testified that he was by occupation
a seaman, had followed the sea for past Z
years-joined Hornet at Philadelphia
about August 14-Hornet left on 10th,
Sunday--went down the river about 50
miles and was overhauled and seized by
revenue cutter Miami and carried back.
Remember when first schooner came up
off No Mans Land and put men aboard;
this was about miles from shore-all of 5
miles when guns were taken off Charter
Oak-these were two GO Founders, two 30
Founders and two II Founders. Remen-
Der when we anchored with coal schooner
off Montauk; it was ail Of 81 miles from
shore. When off Sandy Hook we were
fully Is OF 20 miles from Highlands.
Cross-examined by Mr.. Phelps-Had
crew of % or "a men when we left Phlla-
delphia-Capt Esling was in command
from that time till Cuban flag was hoisted.
First land made after leaving Halifax was
No-Mans Land-Hornet anchored about
miles from shore-met first schooner
signal hoisted, blue, white and blue. Hor-
net after parting with this schooner laid
around there till next day when we met
schooner with guns on board, coming up
e rnnf 11t m
about miles of Gay Head and lay there
land bore east by south-remained there
till Sunday morning getting guns on board.
Schooner and steamer left at same time
Hornet went off Fire Island-saw steam
tug-fell in with schooner with coal some
where about Fire Island-brought her
around Montauk Point, just inside about
mile west of light. Hornet took in coal
at Halifax; but no ship stores. Sailed un-
der American flag from Halifax and until
Cuban flag was raised and ship regularly
commissoned-I signed the articles at
sea.
Re-examined by Mr.. Davis-It was about
Is or 20 miles from shore when steam-tug
came up. Hornet was in same condition
as now except her armament aud supplies
when we left Philadelphia. Portfolios
were already cut
The Government here introduced VIM.
Shields, witness for the prosecution !; ex-
animation conducted by Mr.. Phelps-Wit-
ness stated that he was here in the employ
of Mr.. Davis, of New York. Remember
seeing witness, Christian, before-had
conversation with him corner of Front and
Dock streets Wednesday afternoon-he
came up to me and told me he knew was
from New York, and asked what thought
of the Cuba. I couldn't give him any sat
isfactory answer-he said he had been
kept inlirons Is days on Cuba and wanted
to get square with them. and asked witness
how he could do it-asked where was
Gordon, and witness said on revenue cut
ter. This was all I saw of him that day.
met him again corner of Front and Mar
ket streets, and he wanted to know again
if he couldn't 60 on the stand and testify.
We met Dempsey and went into saloon
and took drink-Dempsey and Christian
went out and had conversation.
Bernard Dempsey introduced by Gov
ernment and examined by Mr.. Phelps
Witness stated he was here in employment
of Davis-saw Christian examined yester-
dsy-had conversation with him Wednes-
day afternoon corner Front and Market
streets-went in and had drink Christ
ian called me outside and said the Cuba
men had treated him badly; had him in
irons 12 or IA days and he would testify
against them, and offered to do it for S2o'
told him I guess he would have protec-
tion if he wanted to do that thing.
Cross examined by Mr.. Davis never
offered Corporal Reilley nor any other man
$1OO to testify against the ship.
SamI Chevers, examined by MIR. Phelps
Am an engineer aboard revenue cutter
McCulloch-been following the sea 10
years-haye been in the navy-was in the