In this also I was disappointed, and ran to the eastward some ninety miles, where the old Bahama Channel contracts to the width of fifteen miles, some two hundred and forty miles from the Havana, and in sight of the Paredon del Grande lighthouse. There we cruised until the morning of the 8th, awaiting the steamer, believing that if she left at the usual time, she must pass us about noon of the 8th, and we could not possibly miss her. At forty minutes past eleven A. M., on the 8th, her smoke was first seen; at twelve M., our position was to the westward of the entrance into the narrowest part of the channel, and about nine miles northeast from the lighthouse of Paredon del Grande, the nearest point of Cuba to us. We were all prepared for her, beat to quarters, and orders were given to Lieutenant D. M. Fairfax to have two boats manned and armed to board her, and make Messrs. Slidell, Mason, Eustis, and McFarland prisoners, and send them immediately on board. (A copy of this order to him is herewith enclosed.) The steamer approached, and hoisted English colors, our ensign was hoisted, and a shot was fired across her bow; she maintained her speed and showed no disposition to heave-to; then a shell was fired across her bow, which brought her to. I hailed that I intended to send a boat on board, and Lieutenant Fairfax, with the second cutter of this ship, was despatched. He met with some difficulty, and remaining on board the steamer with a part of the boat's crew, sent her back to request more assistance: the captain of the steamer having declined to show his papers and passenger list, a force became necessary to search her; Lieutenant James A. Greer was at once despatched in the third cutter, also manned and armed. Europe, who would be put to great inconvenience, decided me to allow them to proceed. Finding the families of Messrs. Slidell and Eustis on board, I tendered them the offer of my cabin for their accommodation to accompany their husbands; this they declined, however, and proceeded in the Trent. Before closing this despatch, I would bring to your notice the notorious action of her British Majesty's subjects, the Consul-General of Cuba, and those on board the Trent, in doing every thing to aid and abet the escape of these four persons, and endeavoring to conceal their persons on board. No passports or papers of any description were in possession of them from the Federal Government; and for this and other reasons which will readily occur to you I made them my prisoners, and shall retain them on board here until I hear from you what disposition is to be made of them. I cannot close this report without bearing testimony to the admirable manner in which all the officers and men of this ship performed their duties, and the cordial manner in which they carried out my orders. To Lieutenant Fairfax I beg leave to call your particular attention for the praiseworthy manner in which he executed the delicate duties with which he was intrusted; it met and has received my warmest thanks. After leaving the north side of Cuba, I ran through the Santaren passage, and up the coast from off St. Augustine to Charleston, and regretted being too late to take part in the expedition to Port Royal. I enclose herewith a communication I received from Messrs. Slidell, Mason, Eustis, and McFarland, with my answer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES WILKES, Secretary of the Navy. Captain. INSTRUCTIONS TO LIEUT. FAIRFAX. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, Messrs. Slidell, Mason, Eustis, and McFarland were recognized, and told they were required to go on board this ship. This they objected to, until an overpowering force compelled Hon. GIDEON WELLES, them much persuasion was used, and a little force, and at about two o'clock they were brought on board this ship, and received by me. Two other boats were then sent to expedite the removal of their baggage and some stores, when the steamer, which proved to be the Trent, was suffered to proceed on her route to the eastward, and at thirty minutes past three P. M., we bore away to the northward and westward. The whole time employed was two hours and thirteen minutes. I enclose you the statements of such officers who boarded the Trent, relative to the facts, and also an extract from the log-book of this ship. It was my determination to have taken possession of the Trent, and sent her to Key West as a prize, for resisting the search, and carrying these passengers, whose character and objects were well known to the captain; but the reduced number of my officers and crew, and the large number of passengers on board, bound to SIR: You will have the second and third cutters of this ship fully manned and armed, and be in all respects prepared to board the steamer Trent now hove-to under our guns. On boarding her you will demand the papers of the steamer, her clearance from Havana, with the list of passengers and crew. Should Mr. Mason, Mr. Slidell, Mr. Eustis, and Mr. McFarland be on board, you will make them prisoners, and send them on board this ship immediately, and take possession of her as a prize. I do not deem it will be necessary to use force; that the prisoners will have the good sense to avoid any necessity for using it; but if they should, they must be made to understand that it is their own fault. They must be brought on board. All trunks, cases, packages, and bags belonging to them you will take possession of, | land having taken their passage at Havana in and send on board this ship. Any despatches the packet to St. Thomas, and would satisfy found on the persons of the prisoners, or in myself whether they were on board before alpossession of those on board the steamer, will lewing the steamer to proceed. Mr. Slidell, be taken possession of also, examined, and re- evidently hearing his name mentioned, came up tained, if necessary. to me and asked if I wanted to see him. Mr. Mason soon joined us, and then Mr. Eustis and Mr. McFarland, when I inade known the object of my visit. The captain of the Trent opposed any thing like the search of his vessel, nor would he consent to show papers or passenger list. The four gentlemen above mentioned protested also against my arresting and sending them to the United States steamer near by. There was considerable noise among the passengers just about this time, and that led Mr. Houston and Mr. Grace to repair on board with some six or eight men, all armed. After several unsuccessful efforts to persuade Mr. Mason and Mr. Slidell to go with me peaceably, I called to Mr. Houston and ordered him to return to the ship with the information that the four gentlemen named in your order of the 8th instant were on board, and force must be applied to take them out of the packet. I have understood that the families of these gentlemen may be with them. If so, I beg you will offer them, in my name, a passage in this ship to the United States, and that all the attention and comforts we can command are tendered them, and will be placed in their service. In the event of their acceptance, should there be any thing which the captain of the steamer can spare to increase the comforts in the way of necessaries or stores, of which a war vessel is deficient, you will please to procure them. The amount will be paid by the paymaster. Lieutenant James A. Greer will take charge of the third cutter, which accompanies you, and assist you in these duties. I trust that all those under your command, in executing this important and delicate duty, will conduct themselves with all the delicacy and kindness which become the character of our naval service, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Lieutenant D. M. FAIRFAX, U. S. N., Executive Officer San Jacinto. Captain. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, At sea, November 11, 1861. GENTLEMEN: You will report to me in writing all the facts which transpired under your observation on board the mail steamer Trent, bound from Havana to St. Thomas, whilst hoveto under our guns on the 8th inst., and boarded by you under my orders. About three minutes after there was still greater excitement on the quarter deck, which brought Mr. Grace with his armed party. I, however, deemed the presence of any armed men unnecessary, and only calculated to alarm the ladies present, and directed Mr. Grace to return to the lower deck, where he had been since first coming on board. It must have been less than half an hour after I boarded the Trent when the second armed cutter, under Lieutenant Greer, came alongside, (only two armed boats being used.) He brought in the third cutter eight marines and four machinists, in addition to a crew of some twelve men. When the marines and some armed men had been formed just outside of the main deck cabin, Captain. where these four gentlemen had gone to pack Lieutenant D. M. Fairfax; Lieutenant Jas. up their baggage, I renewed my efforts to inA. Greer; Second Assistant Engineer James duce them to accompany me on board-still reB. Houston; Third Assistant Engineer Geo. W. fusing to accompany me unless force was apHall; Paymaster's clerk R. G. Simpson; Mas-plied. I called in to my assistance four or five ter's Mate Charles B. Dahlgren; Boatswain H. P. Grace, United States Navy. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, } REPORT OF LIEUT. FAIRFAX. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, At sea, November 12, 1861. SIB: At one twenty P. M., on the 8th instant, I repaired alongside of the British mail packet in an armed cutter, accompanied by Mr. Houston, second assistant engineer, and Mr. Grace, the boatswain. I went on board the Trent alone, leaving the two officers in the boat with orders to await until it became necessary to show some force. I was shown up by the first officer to the quarter deck, where I met the captain and informed him who I was, asking to see the passenger list. He declined letting me see it. I then told him that I had information of Mr. Mason, Mr. Slidell, Mr. Eustis, and Mr. McFar officers, and first taking hold of Mr. Mason's shoulder, with another officer on the opposite side, I went as far as the gangway of the steamer, and delivered him over to Lieutenant Greer, to be placed in the boat. I then returned for Mr. Slidell, who insisted that I must apply considerable force to get him to go with me; calling in at last three officers, he, also, was taken in charge and handed over to Mr. Greer. Mr. McFarland and Mr. Eustis, after protesting, went quietly into the boat. They had been permitted to collect their baggage, but were sent in advance of it under charge of Lieutenant Greer. I gave my personal attention to the luggage, saw it put in a boat, and sent in charge of an officer to the San Jacinto. When Mr. Slidell was taken prisoner a great deal of noise was made by some of the passengers, which caused Lieutenant Greer to send the marines into the cabin. They were imme diately ordered to return to their former posi- | tion outside. I carried out my purpose without using any force beyond what appears in this report. The mail agent, who is a retired commander in the British navy, seemed to have a great deal to say as to the propriety of my course, but I purposely avoided all official intercourse with him. When I finally was leaving the steamer, he made some apology for his rude conduct, and expressed, personally, his approval of the manner in which I had carried out my orders. We parted company from the Trent at twenty minutes past three P. M. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. M. FAIRFAX, Lieutenant and Executive Officer. Captain CHARLES WILKES, U. S. N., Commanding San Jacinto. REPORT OF LIEUT. GREER. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, SIR: In accordance with your instructions, I submit the following: On November 8th, between one and two P. M., I was ordered by Lieut. Breese, acting executive officer, to shove off with the third cutter, and go alongside of the English mail steamer which was then lyingto under our guns. In the boat with me were Third Assistant Engineer Hall, Paymaster's Clerk Simpson, Master's Mate Dahlgren, one sergeant, one corporal, and six privates, of marines, four machinists, and the crew, consisting of thirteen men, the whole party being well armed. When I arrived on the steamer I was met on the guard by Mr. Grace with a message from Lieutenant Fairfax, (who had preceded me on board,) to bring the marines on board and station them outside of the cabin, which I did; also to keep the spare men on the guard, and to have the boats' crews in readiness to jump on board if needed. As soon as the marines were stationed, I had the space outside and forward of the cabin kept clear of passengers, and assumed a position where I could see Lieutenant Fairfax, who was then engaged in conversation with persons in the cabin. He shortly came out and told me to remain as I was. He then went back into the cabin, and in a few minutes returned with Mr. Mason. He had his hand on his shoulder, and I think Mr. Hall had his on the other one. He transferred Mr. Mason to me, and I had the third cutter hauled up, into which he got. Shortly after Mr. McFarland came out and got into the boat; I think he was unaccompanied by any of the officers. About this time I heard a good deal of loud talking in the cabin, and above all I heard a woman's voice. I could not hear what she said. Mr. Fairfax appeared to be having an altercation with some one. There was much confusion created by the passengers and ship's officers, who were making all kinds of disagreeable and contemptuous noises and remarks. Just then Mr. Houston came to me and said he thought there would be trouble. I told him to ask Mr. Fairfax if I should bring in the marines. He returned with an answer to bring them in. At that time I heard some one call out "shoot him." I ordered the marines to come into the cabin, which they did at quick time. As they advanced, the passengers fell back. Mr. Fairfax then ordered the marines to go out of the cabin, which they did, Mr. Slidell at the same time jumping out of a window of a state-room into the cabin, where he was arrested by Mr. Fairfax, and was then brought by Mr. Hall and Mr. Grace to the boat, into which he got. Soon after Mr. Eustis came to the boat, accompanied by Mr. Fairfax. I then, by his order, took charge of the boat and conveyed the gentlemen arrested, viz., Messrs. Slidell, Mason, McFarland, and Eustis, to the San Jacinto, where I delivered them over to Capt. Wilkes. This was about two o'clock. I then returned to the steamer; when I reached her, the baggage of the gentlemen was being brought up and sent to the San Jacinto. Soon after Mr. Fairfax told me to send the marines and spare hands on board, which I did. He then left me in charge of our party and went on board the San Jacinto. About three o'clock she ran under the Trent's stern; I was hailed and directed to come on board, which I did with all excepting Mr. Grace, Mr. Dahlgren, and Mr. Hall, who came in another boat. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES A. GREER, Lieutenant. Captain C. WILKES, Commanding San Jacinto. P. S. I desire to add that it was about twenty-five minutes to two P. M. when I went alongside the Trent. There were but two armed boats used during the day; a third boat, the crew of which were unarmed, went alongside during the detention. When I first went on board with the marines, and at intervals during my stay, the officers of the steamer made a great many irritating remarks to each other and to the passengers, which were evidently intended for our benefit. Among other things said were: "Did you ever hear of such an outrage?" "Marines on board! why, this looks devilish like mutiny!" "These Yankees will have to pay well for this." "This is the best thing in the world for the South; England will open the blockade." "We will have a good chance at them now." "Did you ever hear of such a piratical act?" "Why, this is a perfect Bull's Run!" "They would not have dared to have done it if an English man-of-war had been in sight!" The mail agent (a man in the uniform of a commander in the royal navy, I think) was very indignant and talkative, and tried several times to get me into a discussion of the matter. I told him I was not there for that purpose. He was very bitter; he told me that the English squadron would raise the blockade in twenty days after his report of this outrage (I think he said outrage) got home; that the Northerners might as well give up now, &c., &c. Most all the officers of the ves REPORT OF ASST ENGINEER HOUSTON. | No one was more abusive than the mail agent, who took pains, at the same time, to inform us that he was the only person on board officially connected with her Britannic Majesty's Government, who, he said, would, in consequence of this act, break the blockade of the southern United States ports. Another person, supposed to be a passenger, was so violent that the captain ordered him to be locked up. A short time before leaving the steamer I was informed by one of her crew that the mail agent was advising the captain to arm the crew and passengers of his ship, which I immediately communicated to Lieutenant Greer. About halfpast three P. M. we returned to the San Ja cinto. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 2d Ass't Engineer U. S. Steamer San Jacinto. Captain CHARLES WILKES, Commanding. REPORT OF ASST ENGINEER HALL. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, sea, Nov. 13, SIR: In obedience to your order of the 11th instant, I respectfully make the following report of what came under my observation on board the mail steamer Trent, whilst hove-to under our guns on the 8th instant : I boarded the steamer in the third cutter, under the command of Lieutenant Greer. Immediately on reaching the steamer's deck I stationed four men, (an oiler, assistant oiler, and two firemen,) who accompanied me, in the port gangway. I then went into the cabin, where I saw Lieutenant Fairfax, surrounded by a large number of passengers and the officers of the ship. He was conversing with Mr. Mason, and endeavoring to get him to come peaceably on board this ship. Mr. Mason refused to comply unless by force, and, taking hold of Mr. Mason's coat collar, gave an order, "Gentlemen, lay hands on him." I then laid hold of him by the coat collar, when Mr. Mason said he would yield under protest. I accompanied him as far as the boat, which was at the port gangway. That, upon going alongside of the English steamer Trent, on the 7th of this month, Lieutenant Fairfax went on board, ordering the boatswain and myself to remain in the boat. A few minutes after this my attention was attracted by persons speaking in a loud and excited manner upon the steamer's upper deck. While considering its meaning, the noise was repeated, which decided me to join Lieutenant Fairfax immediately on board, and found him surrounded by the officers of the ship and passengers, among whom I recognized Messrs. Mason, Slidell, and Eustis. The confusion at this time | passes description. So soon, however, as he could be heard, the mail agent (who was a retired lieutenant or commander in the British navy) protested against the act of removing passengers from an English steamer. Lieutenant Fairfax requested Mr. Mason to go quietly to the San Jacinto, but that gentleman replied that he would "yield only to force; " whereupon I was ordered to our ship to report the presence of the above-named gentlemen, together with Mr. McFarland, and ask that the remainder of our force be sent to the Trent, after which I returned to her, and entering the cabin, saw Mr. Fairfax endeavoring to enter Mr. Slidell's room, which was then prevented in a measure by the excitement which prevailed in and around that gentleman's quarters. The passengers (not including Mr. Mason, Slidell, Eustis, or McFarland) were disposed to give trouble; some of them went so far as to threaten, and upon Lieutenant Greer being informed by me of this fact, he ordered the marines to clear the passage-way of the cabin, but as Mr. Slidell had now come out of his stateroom through the window, where we could get to him, the order to the marines was counter-nied to the boat by Second Assistant Engineer manded by Lieutenant Fairfax. Mr. Slidell was Houston and Boatswain Grace. I then received removed to the boat by Mr. Grace and myself, an order from both Lieutenants Fairfax and and no more force was used than would show Greer to retain the boat until Messrs. Eustis what would be done in case of necessity. Mr. and McFarland were found. I remained in the Mason was taken in charge by Lieutenant Fair-gangway till Messrs. Mason, Slidell, Eustis, and fax and Third Assistant Engineer Hall. The McFarland shoved off, Lieutenant Greer having two secretaries walked into the boat by them-charge of the gentlemen. selves. While we were on board of the Trent many remarks were made reflecting discreditably on us and the Government of the United States. VOL. III.-Doc. 27 Returning to the cabin, Lieutenant Fairfax was at Mr. Slidell's room. After a short time Mr. Slidell came from his room through a side window. He also refused Lieutenant Fairfax's orders to come on board this ship, unless by force. I, with several of the officers, then caught hold, and used sufficient power to remove him from the cabin. He was accompa There was a great deal of excitement and talking during the whole time, the officers of the steamer endeavoring particularly to thwart Lieutenant Fairfax in carrying out his orders. REPORT OF CHARLES B. DAHLGREN. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, At sea, Nov. 12, 1861. SIR: In obedience to your order, I hereby They also used very hard expressions toward us, calling us pirates, piratical expedition, &c., and threatened to open our blockade in a few weeks. At one time the officers and passengers made a demonstration; at the moment the ma-state that I was one of those who boarded the rine guard came hastily in the cabin, but were immediately ordered back by Lieutenant Fair fax. As far as I am able to judge, every thing was conducted on our part in a peaceable, quiet, and gentlemanly manner, and most remarkably so by Lieutenant Fairfax, who certainly had sufficient cause to resort to arms. I remained on board the Trent till after the baggage belonging to the gentlemen had been sent, and finally returned to this ship with Lieutenant Greer. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. HALL, 3d Assistant Engineer U. S. N. Captain CHARLES WILKES, Commanding U. S. Steamer San Jacinto. REPORT OF ROBERT G. SIMPSON. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, SIR: In compliance with your order of yesterday, I have the honor to state the following: Between the hours of half-past one and two P. M., on Friday, Nov. 8, I boarded the mail steamer Trent in the third cutter, under the command of Lieutenant James A. Greer of this ship. Immediately after my arrival on board the Trent I was called into the cabin by Lieutenant Fairfax, who was endeavoring to persuade Mr. Mason to go peaceably on board the San Jacinto, which he obstinately refused to do, and said he would only go by force. Lieutenant Fairfax then said, Gentlemen," (addressing the officers of the ship then present, Mr. George W. Hall, third assistant engineer, Mr. H. P. Grace, boatswain, and my self.) "lay your hands on Mr. Mason," which we accordingly did. Mr. Mason then said, "I yield to force," or words to that effect, when a gentleman alongside in uniform, apparently an officer of the Trent, said, "under protest." Mr. Mason then said, "I yield to force under protest, and will go." There was a great deal of excitement on board at this time, and the officers and passengers of the steamer were addressing us by numerous opprobrious epithets, such as calling us pirates, villains, traitors, &c., &c. The above occurred on the port side of the cabin. Immediately after I was ordered by Lieutenant James A. Greer to take charge on the starboard side, as some of our boats were coming alongside to take the personal effects of the prisoners. I remained there until a quarter past three P. M., when I was ordered by Lieutenant James A. Greer to return on board the San Jacinto in charge of a portion of the prisoners' baggage. I am, sir, very respectfully, your ob't servant, ROBERT G. SIMPSON, Captain CHARLES WILKES, Paymaster's Clerk. Commanding U. S. Steamer San Jacinto. Trent mail packet. Mr. Mason and Mr. McFarland stepped quietly into the boats, and were removed to the San Jacinto. Mr. Slidell, however, on a flat refusal to leave the ship in any other manner, was, by a gentle application of force, placed in the boat and removed. Every thing was conducted in an orderly, gentlemanly manner, as far as it came under my observation. I remain your obedient servant, Captain CHARLES WILKES. Master's Mate. REPORT OF BOATSWAIN GRACE. SIR: In obedience to your orders of the 11th instant, I have the honor to make the following statement: I He was On the 8th instant, about half-past one P. M., was ordered to accompany Lieutenant D. M. Fairfax in the second cutter, to board the mail steamer Trent, then hove-to under the guns of the San Jacinto. Lieutenant Fairfax ordered Mr. Houston and myself to remain in the boat while he went on board. A few minutes after Mr. Fairfax boarded her we heard some loud talking on deck, and Mr. Houston went on board to see if Mr. Fairfax needed assistance. He shortly returned and delivered Lieutenant Fairfax's order that I should come on board with the crew. I came on board, found Mr. Fairfax surrounded by ladies and gentlemen, and reported to him. He ordered me to remain in the gangway with the men. talking at the time with Mr. Mason, persuading him to come on board the San Jacinto without further force being used. Soon after another boat came alongside, in charge of Lieutenant James A. Greer. He went in the cabin. Soon afterward Lieut. Fairfax ordered me to wait on Mr. Slidell to the boat. At this order some of the passengers began to shout, and the marines rushed into the cabin, but Lieutenant Fairfax ordered them back to the gangway. I saw Mr. Slidell in the second cutter. Messrs. Mason, Eustis, and McFarland were in the boat. Mr. Greer returned with those gentlemen to the San Jacinto, and I was charged to bring the baggage and effects of the gentlemen on board the San Jacinto, which I did, and reported my return to Lieutenant Breese. All the officers of this ship that boarded her have been grossly abused by the officers and passengers of the mail steamer. I am, sir, very respectfully, your ob't servant, Captain CHARLES WILKES, |