Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-14
Benham's Notice to Da CANA.

Benham's Notice to Da CANA,
Capt. Benham's letter books show that he
Immediately inclosed copies Of the com
plants of the Baltimore shippers to Ad-
miral Da Cana, commander of the revolu-
tionary Brazilian fleet, with a letter deny
ing his right to interfere with their move
ment9 or to blockade the harbor, and re-
questAng respectfully that they be allowed
to dock their vessels and discharge their
cargies. Admiral Da Cana replied that
there was no intention to give offense to
the American flag, but owing to the situa-
ton and the probability of active hostilities
1t was necessary to prevent merchant ships
from entering the docks for fear they would
be injured by accident or by stray shots.
Admiral Benham replied that the Ameri-
can ships would take their chances in ZEN
tering the dangerous zone" and demanded
that amy order which any ship or shore
battery under your command may now
have to stop or in any way to interfere
with the movements Of any American yes-
sells about this harbor in pursuit of their
lawful business be rescinded at once"
On the following day, January %, 1894
Admiral Benham wrote Admiral Da CANA,
again, saying: mot having received re-
ply to my demand relating to the cessation
OF all annoyances to American vessels In
pursuit Of their lawful business about this
harbor. I have the honor to notify you
that three American vessels, having signi-
fled their desire to proceed to the city
WudFVeS tOLNOFrOW morning, l intend to
convoy them to their berths. and will re-
sist with force any attempt to stop or
otherwise modest them"
The Brazilian feet consisted of the
Liberdad, flagship of Admiral Da Cana,
the AQuidaban, the Tamandera.' the Ira
jano, the Guanabara, the Parahyba, and
several other cruisers and gunboats which
were anchored of the commercial docks of
the city in the bay of Enchadas to pre-
vent communication between the merchant
ships and the shore. They were supported
by Notifications upon the islands of Cob
ras, Villegaigon and Enchadas. The in
surgents also had several heavy tugs fitted
with rams and armed with rapid firing
guns cruising about the harbor.
Brownson Told to Take Charge.
Admiral Benham waited until sunset for
receiving none, sent his aid-de-camp In a
launch to notify the shippers of the Amy
Agate, Julia Rollins and Good News that
they were at liberty to move their ships
to the docks, and that he would protect
mander of the Brazilian government troops
on shore of his intention Ito see these ves-
sells safely to their wharves, and II they are
fired upon will return the fire." He
directed the commanders Of the American
squadron to have their ships cleared for
action and under way at o'clock the fol-
lowing morning. He ordered Commander
Brownson of the Detroit to take COM
handing position where he could best pro-
tect the American barks while proceeding
to their wharves. and said, Should either
OF the vessels be fired upon by insurgent
vessels, return the fire and continue to
fire until the insurgent vessels cease fir
ing. Other vessels of the squadron will be
prepared to support you If necessary"
Commander Brownson was not reluctant