New-York tribune., 1870-10-08
SEIZURE or THE HORNET
ANOTHER TRIAL FOR CUBA-sTATEMENT OF
CAPT. SOMMERS.

ANOTHER TRIAL FOR CUBA-sTATEMENT OF
CAPT. sOMMERs.
The charge, in accordance with which the
steamer Hornet was lbeed, Is that she intending to
20 TO sea for the purpose Of meeting outside Of Amer
lean waters vessels that have sailed within few days
laden or claimed to be laden with coal provisions. and
arms to fit her out TO carry and land expedition
the Cuba and also TO cruise against the Span
sh commerce. The Dsirict-Att0rney claims to have
ceyed sufficient information Ia induce him to libel the
vessel for attempted violation Of the neutrality laws.
Who the informer is neither the DstrictAtoney the
Clerk OF the Court will disclose The owner Mr Mecas
is said TO be wealthy Cuban, who has given great as
sistauce 10 the Cuban Ii is claimed that in
tcntion Of the captain put to osensibe
tial trip aud when once outside to proceed ON hbus-
when tie vessel seized there found board
some ~ 10 lS Cubans the captain Robert sommers and
two Inatcs Americans, and not Cubans, has been
stated. Many important changes lad evidently been
made. The pOrthOcs had been closed giving her the
appearance II merchant-yess.l the fore,aste had
of between 75 and $50 men, giIeN range was put up
that would supply messes for $50 or 200 men, IL was
pqcted from the Of the vessel being placed under
the steam crane that that position taken in order
enable her TO ship her guns and munitions Of war.
samners avs they remen, coalheavers engineers
a.. who were board when the vessel seized at
when she was released two months ago at viii
nington. and who have remained on her ever
since aiding in repairing the vessel, cleaning the
machinery and performing the necessary duties OF such
positions on steam vessel As to the closing OF the
only trans sforrn the war-vessel into merchant
vessel but that he wished 10 10 be ike Casars wife
-above suspciOn"-and therefore attempted deprive
IL Of eVerv warke characteristic The increased accom-
n0datios for he imagined DE in accordance with
supposed the part Of Mr. Mecias carry pas
n Charleston. He knew nothing positively OF
the existence Of such desire ON the
part of Mr.. Mecias, but thought that his
suupositi0n might be correct His taking his position
al tie foot Twelfth where the Novelty Works are
situated was according 90 his statement the merest
accident. had intended To lie at the Nneteenh-st
wharf, but finding all the available space occupied he
since and where she seized. Deductions from the
fact OF her position under the steamcrane
last gree absurd inasmuch those familiar with the
movements OF that machine assert that ii has been
absolutely nOOness for the space Of Il calendar months
In reply 10 the that he 10 put 10 sea
Capt. SOmmers remarked simply that 1t not the
usual custom Of captains to leave port in
semi with stores OF provisions water and
with supply Of coal only large enough to carry the
vessel four five hours. Some have been
fill the Hornet with warriors armed to the teeth that
hey have encroached upon the hold for accommodation
and have left room 10 store provisions enough for
the support Of ordinary ships company Capt SOM
asserts positively that the repairs were carried on
only with a TO putting the vessel In n good cOnd
ton. prior % sale. A large number Of persons have
visited the vessel during the last three weeks according
10 his statement who with the idea Of buying or
chartering her.
The vessel has been under bonds 10 the amount OF
Az cO0 not To The neutrality laws case the
libel Is confriaed both bond and vessel will he forfeited
beT but Capt. Sommers expresses the hope that the
statements the owner or additional bonds may release
the vessel from captivity IN day or two and allow him
10 finish his repairs.