The New York herald., 1871-02-09
WHERE Is THE TENNESSEE?
What Has Become Of the st. Domingo
Commission

On the 11th OF last month the United States steam
frigate Tennessee sailed from her anchorage Off
Staten Island for st. Domingo. Since tnal time
nothing has been heard OF her.
The Tennessee was new snip. Of large tonnage
and admirable constructions; well commanded. Of
fcered and manned and in every respect was one
OF the stanchest and most seaworthy vessels In the
navy OF the United States. Besides her officers and
crew she had on board the three Commissioners TO
St. Domingo, their secretaries and numerous IN
vted guests, who wished to inspect the country that
Uncle Sam desires to make part and parcel OF his
territory.
1t now twenty three days since she took her de-
parture from this harbor, and up TO this time she
has not been reported having arrived at her des
tinaton. mas she been reported as being seen
spoken. We have dates from Kingston, jamaica
to the 9Th inst. from Havana of the same date. and
Trom Port au Prince, Hayti, late the 4th. but
nothing is said OF the Tennessee She was going
put under steam and being fast ship, and carrying
all the canvas allowed to vessel of her tonnage
she should have, especially at this season OF the
year, when northerly winds prevail, have made the
passage six or seven days. We should have heard
of her before tins time, even II the passage had
been under sail alone.
OF course In our power to state the reason
of the delay. There many things that might
occur to prolong her passage-disabled machinery,
Bpars and rigging carried away, loss OF sails, ana
many other Ills that ships are heir to, and with
new ship and comparatively green crew any all
OF those named are not impossible. That anything
serious has taken place we very much doubt. Yes.
sells like the Tennessee not very apt to burn up
like tinder sink suddenly OF sight. There is
too much precauton used for the first and they are
too well constructed for the last. Hence we feel
assured that although something may have occurred
10 prevent our hearing Of ner as soon expected,
there Is no reasonable ground for supposng that
she has been lost or sustained any mishap.
few days more will probably dispe all OF the
absurd rumors that were anoat yesterday.
Utum0rr and Reports In Washington Regard.
Ing tho Tennessee.
WASHINGTON, Feb. s. 1871.
A rumor prevailed for some time at the Capitol to-
day that the United States steamer Tennessee,
which carried the 81. Domingo Commissioners had
roundered at sea- and that all on board were lost.
When the statement first became Known the great
est excitement prevailed in both houses Of Congress-
and for some time business was partially suspended.
Senators and members gathered in groups to dis
cuss the question. The seaworthiness OF the Ten
nessee was freely canvassed and many strange
stories related OF the unness Of the vessel for
such voyage. kilograms sent to New YORK
to ascertain the ruthiulness alsty OF the story
and answers were received that such a rumor pre-
vailed In New York. but that 1t could traced
to any reliable source. Inquiry at the Navy Depart
ment elected the fact that no Information concern.
Ing Tennessee had been By the Secretary
of the Navy. The fact that the Tennessee has peen
twenty-three days out gave certain currency to
rumor, as 1t stated that she should have made the
trip In eight or ten days. IL IS supposed that her
machinery may have broken down, and that she
has been compelled to hoist san.
The rumor that the Tennessee and its freight
OF st. Domingo Commissioners had been lost
did not give the President the slightest
uneasiness, as he considered 1t a canard when
the Information was first given to HIM.
Until 1t was known, however, that nothing had
been received at the Navy State Departments,
there was good deal OF anxiety ON the part Of the
friends Of the expedition General Butler and
Commissioner Pleasonton visited the Navy Depart
ment at half.past three learn the latest particu
lars. Both wore sad countenances, while the Jolly
Secretary seated himself upon table in his Office
and demonstrated to his visitors why the Tennes-
see could not founder. General Butler listened at
tentWely stroked his chin and rubbed his forehead
and finally gave the Secretary one OF his quizzcal
looks adding that he hoped 1t was Just as he said
anu left the building,