The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1871-05-18
Outrage on the Captain of Stockton
Vessel

The following letter from Capt. James
Griffin, master of the schooner Lillias of
Stockton, gives the particulars Of what ap-
pears to be most unprovokea and un-
warranted outrage upon our flag. and up
on the rights and immunities of our ship
masters. 1t is addressed to his consign-
ees in Boston.
GOvERNMENr PRISON.
SAGUA LA GRANDE, April Is, 1871.
Dear. Sir. | cleared from this port on the
third of this month, bound to Baltimore with
load of MolaSses. After clearing and before
leaving the wharf the morning Of the 4th, my
suspicious were aroused that Il slave was con
cealed on board. | reported at the wharf-oflice
and desired they should make a search, which
they very willingly did, as they had missed
slave that morning. With the assistance of my
crew, they soon found a young darkey, which
they took ashore, thanking me ut the time for
my report and assistance, and seemed to be
perfectly satisfied with my conduct So got
the vessel.into the harbor, where we anchored
asithe wind being ahead so we could not get to
sea. About nine boat came alongside with
a warrant to arrest the captain Of the brig Will
liams, saying it was for me- Examining it and
finding it not for me and showing them their
mistake, they left Immediately, apologizing for
disturbing me. Thinking nothing of the mat
ter, L went to bed again. About midnight, |
was awakened again by Il rumpus on deck.
and demanding to know the cause, fonnd my
vessel boarded by II party.ot soldiers 10 arrest
me at all hazards, which they did without any
ceremony, taking me ashore in u boat. leaving
my wife and child in no enNiahIG state OF mind
as to the cause and result Of so unaccounabc
proceeding. was taken to town at daylight.
put in prison, locke Il up in IA cell with IA dozen
or more villains, several of whom We're stretch
ell on the floor sick with the smallpox. | i'm
medlatey wrote to our consul. demanding his
assistance. He made his appearance after sew
eral hours and bettered my situation Il little by
getting me transferred to another cell with Il
better class of rascals, with the privilege of the
yard adjoining during the daytime.
The consul has been to see me frequently,
but does not do much to get me clear. | have
been in prison two weeks wi h no more pros
pect of getting clear, than had two weeks ago.
Capt. Moore of n. s. brig Elizabeth Ann is in
with me, having been arrested about the same
hour as myself
Our mates, hearing that they were to he ar
rested too, took my boat and sail With compass,
chart, grub, water and everything they needed
for long voyage and have made for parts I'M
known. They have been gone about ten days.
so they are probably in safety ere this. Some
OF the captains who come to see lis say that
there Is gunboat out after our mates, and boats
patrolling the harbor all night to find them.
mat the affair is an outrage against me and
every shipmastcr that comes to this island can
not be disputed. That Il portion of your prop
erty is concerned, is likewise true. Now, what
Is 10 be done? Your vessel cannot remain here
long without the worms sinking her ut her AN
chor. and am in danger of my life in Il town
infested with the smallpox.
The parties who arrested me. the persons
who owned the negro, and in fact all | can
learn from one and all combined say that they
can find nothing against me whatever in any
way, shape or form. What they can mean by
keeping me imprisoned so long for | cannot
tell, with my vessel in the harbor loaded and
ready for sea, with no one on board but 4 coup
lie Of Irish sailors and Il colorcd cook. My
wife and child are aboard ofanother vessel at
present; am very anxious about them, II; |
cannot have them to come and see me owing
TO the sickness in town.
The parties who had me arrested own the
cargo, and haye protested against my vessel
remaining here, so they can get something out
of the vessel for remaining here and keeping |
this molasseS out of the market so long; and in
return | have proteStsd against them and the
government here for outrage and illegal inlpriS-
onment.
l have made up my mind Shall take some
time and spend Il few dollars, if ever get in
the United States again, to place the thing as it
Is before our Government. y the thing rs it
stands is outrageous to the last degree; for if
they can imprison every Ship-master that comes
to the island because Il negro happens 10 get
on board during the night unSoen, this Cuba
trade will come 10 n queer pass.
Respectfully yours,