I am not a practised speaker. I have never had to speak on any occasion like the present, and, therefore, I must crave your indulgence to allow me to refer to notes which I have this day inade from extracts taken from different papers, in order that I might not omit any portion of such evidence as I should wish to lay before you. I throw myself on your indulgence. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) I believe, at all events, that I have on my side truth and power. To convince you of that truth-I cannot give you the chapter and verse of these extracts that I am going to read to you, because I have neither had time, nor have I had the health to put myself to the task of taking any notes of the particulars of the dates in such papers. (Hear, hear.) But I read in the press the opinions of the Americans-I mean the Northern portion of the Union, the Federal States. In alluding to the attack on the Trent it says: "If the act itself is justifiable, the manner in which it was performed is unexceptionable." (Oh! and derisive laughter.) As to the manner in which it was performed: I was, at the time Captain Moir came to me to say that a suspicious vessel was ahead, on the main deck, with a pipe in my mouth reading the "Essays and Reviews." I did not think for one moment that such an atrocious thing would have been done as that which was enacted by the gallant officers of the San Jacinto to take as prisoners of war, contrary and in violation of international law, the so-styled Commissioners from the Confederate States. The argument that appeared or presented itself to my mind-the argument of the moment-as a flash of lightning, was that if a slave, a fugitive slave, once succeeds in putting his foot in a free State-putting aside Great Britain-that slave from that moment was free from his bondage. (Enthusiastic cheering.) The manner in which it is performed is "unexceptionable." Shortly after the San Jacinto was seen, a very few minutes after the vessel was descried, we hoisted our ensign. It was not responded to. As we approached the San Jacinto a shot was fired across our bows. I appeal to you now-to you, officers of the army and navy-is it usual for a neutral power, when wishing to speak with another vessel, to fire a shot across her bows to order her to heave to? (No, no, certainly not.) We proceeded slowly. We put her helm a starboard and approached her. We were not half a cable's length from her; I would say she stopped-except that she had steerage waywhen a shell was fired across her bows-(shame) --and that is the way which it has been thought proper to style as unexceptionable. (Ironical laughter.) I make them a present of that. (Hear, hear, and laughter.) Captain Wilkes says: "In the process of arrest he was glad to say every thing was conducted properly, and nothing occurred which did not do honor to the American navy." (Oh! oh!) I will not dilate upon that. If they think that honor, let them hug it to their souls; but God forbid that her Britannic Majesty's navy should hug as honor such an act to their souls. (Bravo, and repeated applause.) Now, gentlemen, I approach a subject with great diffidence, for it personally affects my honor, it personally affects my character. (Hear, hear.) Before I say one word regarding the notes which I have before me, I will tell you the manner in which Mr. Fairfax and I parted. (Hear.) Mr. Fairfax came to me on the main deck, has in hand, and said: "Sir, I have had a painful duty to perform, and if in the excitement of the moment I have said aught that by possibility"-I can't say this is word by word what he said, but it is the substance-(hear, and "that's all we want ")"if I have said aught that by possibility can be construed into a personal offence or an insult toward you, I most humbly beg your pardon, sir, for I never meant it." I replied: "Mr. Fairfax, I have had a painful scene to witnessa scene of degradation to my country's flag. (Hear, hear.) I do not deny that my feelings have been greatly excited, but if by any gesture I have done aught to offend you as a man, there is my hand, sir, and I crave your forgiveness." I ask you now, gentlemen, that Mr. Fairfax-I do not say that he has said so-but I say he has countenanced it in the American papers, he has countenanced the expression, "Gasconader." (Loud cries, "Have they dared?" and shame, shame.) He (Mr. Fairfax) says "that my manner was so violent he was compelled to request Captain Moir to remove me from the deck "-(oh! oh!)-and "that there was no union existing between Captain Moir and myself." Gentlemen, I utterly deny that there ever occurred one single instance of a want of unity between Capt. Moir and myself—(bravo, and "that's a refutation")—and I am proud to have this opportunity of saying that I can bear testimony to the high character of Captain Moir (cheers)—the most gallant sailor, the most urbane gentleman, with all the courtesies of life to endear him to those with whom he is associated, it has ever been my lot to meet in this world. (Repeated cheers.) I confess that I have been advised to speak at no length on account of my health. But I cannot help it, let the consequences be what they may. (Hear, hear.) I must explain to you what has never yet appeared in the public papers. (Hear, hear.) It is said by the American papers-but I cannot put my hand on it now, though I have read it over and over again-it is said, "That Captain Wilkes could not have received instructions from his Government at Washington, for that he was on his return from the Western Coast of Africa, wending his way through the Bahama Channel to New York." What do you think? I do not know whether it has come before your notice at all; but what do you believe? How will you put trust in the veracity of such men who will write such things, when on the 16th of October I saw the San Jacinto off St. Thomas? I cannot remember now whether it was on the night of the 99.66 16th or on the morning of the 17th. I went legal profession, but I am not going to offer any on my way to Mexico, going to Havana, Vera opinion of my own. I am going to offer to Cruz, Tampico. On my return to Havana, on your notice a fact of which I am perfectly cogthe 6th of November, I found that the San Ja- nizant, and which occurred in the year 1833cinto had been to Havana from St. Thomas; either at the latter end of the year 1833 or the that she had coaled there, and that two of her beginning of the year 1834. At that time officers, passing themselves off as Southerners Donna Maria was on the throne of Portugal. in their hearts, had lunched with Mr. Slidell In 1833, Dom Miguel was expelled from that and family, and extracted from them their in- | country, and yet a noted agent of Dom Miguel tended movements. (Sensation; "Hear, hear; " applied to the Peninsular and Oriental Comand “That never came out before; Bravo.") pany for a passage to Lisbon in the Tagus I again say that I am going to approach a sub- steamer. The passage was refused. That ject with great diffidence. I am going to speak agent prosecuted the company. I do not mean of Mrs. Slidell and her daughters. (Hear, hear, to say that this is decidedly a point in support, and "Cheers for them.") I tell you, sir, that but a fortiori it strengthens my argument. He Miss Slidell branded one of the officers to his prosecuted the company for having refused him face with his infamy, having been her father's a passage, and after a long hearing the political guest not ten days before. (Disgraceful," and agent was cast, but the only plea on which he "Bravo for Miss Slidell.") No words of mine was cast was the plea of the company that if shall pass my lips on a political point I have they had not refused him they would have no political feelings. I do as I am ordered. been refused admittance to the Tagus, and, Mr. Fairfax denied that the marines made a consequently, have been subjected to a proserush toward Miss Slidell at the charge, with cution, collectively and individually, by passenfixed bayonets. I believe when I lay my hand gers who had paid their money to be taken to on my heart (suiting the action to the word) Lisbon. A fortiori I say that it is a case in and say, as I hope for mercy in the day of judg-point. (Hear, hear.) It shows that Captain Moir ment, it is true that they did so. (Hear, hear.) | had no right or power whatever to refuse these Miss Slidell and no girl in this world has been so-styled Confederate Commissioners passage to pained more at the mention of her name in the England. (Cheers.) Moreover, so far from any public papers than she has been by the manner disunion between Captain Moir and myself, I in which some persons have alluded to it, not should have had nothing to do officially with pained by their having stated the manner in either accepting or refusing them as passengers. which she acted-(cheers)-but some of the (Hear, hear.) But I should have offered my public papers described her as having slapped advice most strenuously to Captain Moir that Mr. Fairfax's face. (Cries of "Serve him right he would have been subjected to a prosecution if she did," and "Bravo.") She did strike Mr. | if he should refuse to take them. But I hold Fairfax. ("Loud cheers for her then.") She myself personally responsible for every thing did strike Mr. Fairfax-(cheers)—but she did that was done. (Cheers.) If what was done not do it with the vulgarity of gesture which was wrong I am willing to bear it. (Cheers.) has been attributed to her. Miss Slidell was If what was done was right, he and I acted with her father in the cabin, with her arm en- together. (Loud applause.) The Hampshire circling his neck, and she wished to be taken Advertiser says, "That I stepped out of my to prison with her father. (Hear, hear.) Mr. proper position, and presumed to make myself Fairfax attempted to get into the cabin-I do a diplomatic character "-that I was merely a not say forcibly, for I do not say a word against deliverer of her Majesty's letters. (Oh.) Well, Mr. Fairfax, so far as his manner is concerned I am not ashamed to be a deliverer of her -he attempted to get her away by induce- Majesty's letters. (Much applause, and cries ments. In her agony, then, she did strike him of "Well done.") I have not shirked my duty in the face three times. I wish that Miss Sli- to my country. I have served twenty-eight dell's little knuckles had struck me in the face. years under the pennant in my own service, I should like to have the mark forever. (Oh! and I am too old to undergo the expense of and laughter.) It has been argued in the pub-commanding a ship, even if I had the interest lic papers that if Captain Moir and I-I am not finding fault with the papers, I am finding fault with the letters which have appeared in the local papers; I am not finding fault with the feelings of the country, for the general voice of the country has thrown over me what you have done this night, as I said before, the mantle of your approbation which is dear to me. (Applause.) It has been argued whether we should not have done our duty more clearly if we had refused a passage to these so-styled Commissioners from the Southern States. Now on this point I have a very strong opinion I know that there are at this table members of the VOL. III.-Doc. 28 to get the appointment to one. I accepted my present appointment in order to educate my orphan boy-[his nephew. The young gentleman was sitting by his side, and the remark occasioned a continued outburst of applause of an enthusiastic character.] I thank you for allowing him to be present and sit by my side. Although some may blame me for it, I tender you my most humble thanks. (Cheers.) Well, I must speak of Mrs. Slidell. You may be aware that those ladies were under my charge for three weeks-three weeks of close intercourse on board ship with ladies under your charge give you a greater insight into their THE CRUISE OF THE SAN JACINTO. UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1861. The San Jacinto, a first-class screw steamsloop, mounting fifteen guns, lately attached to the United States African Squadron, under the command of Flag-officer William Inman, left St. Paul de Loando on the 10th of August last, on her return to the United States, in the temporary command of Lieut. D. M. Fairfax, U. S. N., who was ordered to await at Fernando Po, the arrival of Capt. Charles Wilkes, U. S. N. On the 26th of August, Capt. Charles Wilkes character and their feelings than casual inti- | ter)-I said to them, "Back, you cowardly macy on shore. (Hear, hear.) Whatever other poltroons." ("Bravo," and "Capital.") I need people may say of Mrs. Slidell and her daugh- not ask you, gentlemen, if I am acquitted of ters, I assure you that so far as my humble bullying. I bullied no one. (Hear, hear.) I judgment goes they were thoroughly well- need not ask you whether you acquit me now. bred ladies. (Applause.) Now, what will you I beg once more to express my thanks to you think of this? When I landed I was sent up for the mantle of your approbation which you to London in a special train. I had previously have thrown over my shoulders.-Captain Wilrecommended Mrs. Slidell and her daughters to liams then resumed his seat, amidst repeated a hotel in London, believing it to be a quiet applause, but immediately rose again and said: hotel, and where they might get apartments en Allow me one moment. It is sufficient for me suite. (Hear.) Well, I was sent in a special that I have received such approbation, but train to report the circumstances to the Gov- it may be satisfactory to you to know that I ernment. On the day after I had arrived in have received the approbation of my GovernLondon, I dined with Mrs. Slidell; for on the ment. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) day on which I did arrive in London I was engaged at the foreign office with Lord Palmerston and the Lords of the Admiralty until a late hour. I say then that on the day after I dined with Mrs. Slidell. I am somewhat diffident in telling you what took place. You will hardly believe that a gentleman of the Northern States, aye, a socalled gentleman, had called upon Mrs. Slidell that afternoon, and, as if their feelings were not harrowed enough by being separated from their father and protector, some demon must come to make the rankling in their hearts more bitter by telling them the decision of the law-officers of the crown. He said he came to offer his condolence (!) and to inform them that the law-took command of this ship, Lieut Fairfax reofficers of the crown had decided "that the seizure of her husband was not contrary to international law." (Cries of disgraceful and shameful.) Gentlemen, I was enabled to tell Mrs. Slidell-and perhaps you will pardon me if I repeat the expression here (yes)-that it was a - infernal lie !—(“ Oh," and a laugh) for I had just come from the foreign office, where I had learnt the decision of the law-officers of the crown-(hear)—and which was diametri-and taken several prizes in the West India cally opposite to what the man dared to say. (Cheers.) Now, gentlemen, I have only one more subject that I know of on which to speak -the circumstances attending the gallant Federal marines rushing with the points of their bayonets at Miss Slidell. (Hear, hear.) It was at this point that she screamed, for her father snatched himself away from her-I do not mean snatched himself rudely; but he snatched himself away from her to break the window of his cabin, through which he thrust his body out. But the hole was so small that I hardly thought it would admit the circumference of his waist. It was then the lady screamed. I am charged by Mr. Fairfax, "that my manner was so violent that he was compelled to request Captain Moir to remove me." (Nonsense.) But when the marines rushed on at the point of their bayonets-and I believe it is not necessary that I should make a solemn asseveration that it is true-(no, no)when they rushed on at the point of the bayonet, I had just time to put my body between their bayonets and Miss Slidell (oh!)-and I said to them, and if Henry of Exeter were here I would ask him for his absolution for it-(laugh turning to his former position as executive officer. We left Fernando Po on the 20th August, cruising close to the shore for the purpose of ascertaining if any of the Confederate privateers had taken any prizes to that coast. Arrived at Monrovia, Liberia, on the 12th, and at St. Vincent, Cape Verd, on the 25th September. Seeing by the papers, that several Confederate privateers had run the blockade, Islands, Capt. Wilkes determined to cruise about these islands, and to capture some of them before returning with the San Jacinto to New York. We arrived at St. Thomas on the 10th of October, and found the Powhatan and Iroquois there. On the 11th, the British brig Spartan arrived in port; her master called on Capt. Wilkes and informed him that on the 5th of October, while in latitude 9° 33' N., and longitude 47° 25' W., he was boarded by a steamer, evidently a war vessel in disguise, and after answering all questions, he could get no other information in return but that they were on a cruise. Capt. Wilkes showed him a photograph of the Sumter, which he immediately recognized as the vessel by which he was boarded. Capt. Wilkes then advised Com. Palmer, of the Iroquois, to cruise immediately after her, the Iroquois being the fastest steamer of the three, and to follow her as far as Rio even, if necessary, at the same time the San Jacinto cruised in the West Indies and Caribbean Sea to overhaul the Sumter, in the event of her returning there. The Iroquois left St. Thomas on the 13th, and we on the 14th of October, in company with the Powhatan. Since leaving St. Thomas, we cruised in the vicinity of the Windward Islands, and visited Port Royal and Kingston, in the Island of Jamaica, the Grand Cayman, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Key West, Lobos, Sagua la Grande and the Bahamas. Although for twenty months engaged in an active cruise for slavers on the West Coast of Africa, and much reduced in the number of her officers and crew, the San Jacinto has been for the last six weeks continuously cruising in search of the Sumter. On our arrival at Cienfuegos, we learned by the papers, that the Theodora had run the blockade at Charleston, and arrived at Havana, after landing the Confederate Commissioners, Messrs. Mason and Slidell, with their secretaries, Messrs. Eustis and McFarland, and the families of Mr. Slidell and Mr. Eustis, at Cardenas, and that they would proceed overland to Havana. As soon as Capt. Wilkes heard of it, he determined to pursue the Theodora, and intercept her return to Charleston. He took, therefore, sufficient coal to go on a short cruise, and left Cienfuegos on the 26th of October, arrived at Havana on | the 28th, and learned that the Theodora had departed on her return to Charleston, after being well received by the authorities of Havana, and being presented at the Tacon theatre, by the ladies of the Secession States, with a splendid Confederate flag. Messrs. Slidell, Mason and suite were still at Havana, boarding at the Hotel Cubana, kept by Mrs. Brewer. One of our officers visited the hotel with some of his friends, and met Mr. Mason in the parlor. We learned from our Consul-General, that the Confederate Commissioners were waited upon by H. B. M. Consul, Mr. Crawford, in full dress, and officially introduced by him to Capt.-Gen. Serrano, of Cuba. When Capt. Wilkes heard of their intention to take passage in the British packet for Europe, he conceived the bold plan to intercept the British mail steamer, and in the event of these four persons being on board, to make them prisoners. We filled up with coal | in great haste, took in provisions, (as a part of our daily rations for the crew were exhausted,) and left Havana on the 2d inst. On the 4th, in the morning, a steam gunboat being in sight from the masthead, we all were in hopes that it would prove to be the Theodora, and orders were given to beat to quarters. Scarcely four minutes elapsed, and the San Jacinto was ready to receive her foe; but we were doomed to disappointment-it turned out to be H. B. M. gunboat Stag, bound from Key West for Havana. We arrived the same day at Key West in search of the Powhatan or some other steamer to assist us in intercepting the British packet. There being another passage through the New Bahama Channels, Capt. Wilkes' plan was, that a steamer should cruise there, while the San Jacinto was cruising in the Old Bahamas, so that the mail packet could not escape our vigilance; but the Powhatan having left for Key West the day before, and no steamer except the Huntsville (and she caulking) being in port, our captain, nothing daunted, fully resolved to undertake the boldly-conceived enterprise alone. On the morning of the 5th, we left Key West, and running to the north side of the Island of Cuba, touched at Sagua la Grande, for the purpose of telegraphing to our Consul-General at Havana, Mr. Schufelt, to inform us of the time of the British mail steamer's departure from Havana, but received no information. From thence we steered for the Old Bahama Channel, about twenty miles from Havana, and about ten from the lighthouse of Paredon del Grande. The channel contracts there to the width of fifteen miles, and we could not very well miss the object of our search. There we lay off and on, during the night of the seventh, all our battery loaded, and the bulwarks around the pivot-gun on the forecastle removed. Capt. Wilkes issued an order to Lieut. D. M. Fairfax, our executive officer, to have two boats ready manned and armed, to board the British packet as soon as she should be hove to under our guns, and in the event of Messrs. Mason, Slidell, Eustis, and McFarland being on board of her, to make them prisoners, and send them immediately on board the San Jacinto, and also to offer in his name to their families his cabin, in the event they should determine to take a passage to the United States in the San Jacinto, assuring them that all the attention and comforts we could command would be placed at their service, and closed the order with the following remark: "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 our naval service." In accordance with this order, Lieut. Fairfax had the second and third cutters of the ship manned, armed, and kept in readiness, he having the command of the enterprise. In the second cutter were the following officers: Lieut. D. M. Fairfax, commanding; Second Assistant Engineer James Buchanan Houston; Boatswain H. P. Grace, with an armed crew. In the third cutter: Lieut. James A. Greer; Third Assistant Engineer George W. Hall; Paymaster's Clerk R. G. Simpson; Master's Mate Charles B. Dahlgren, with an armed crew, marines, and a party of machinists. In the morning of the 8th inst., the officers and crew of this ship were anxiously and impatiently looking out for the mail steamer. About twenty minutes to twelve the lookout at the mast-head reported a smoke as from a steamer from the westward, and about twelve P. M. she was visible from the deck. We were all ready for her, beat to quarters, and, as soon as she was within reach of our guns, every gun of our starboard battery was trained upon her. A shot from our pivot-gun was fired across her bow. She hoisted English colors, but showed no disposition to slacken her speed or heave to. We hoisted the "Star-Spangled Banner," and, as soon as she was close upon us, fired a shell across her bow, which brought her to. Our captain hailed her and said he would send a boat on board, and ordered Lieut. Fairfax to board her. He went in the second cutter; at boarded by a steam-tug, with Marshal Murray and Deputy-Marshal Sanford on board. They delivered to Capt. Wilkes despatches from the Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, and Secretary of State, William H. Seward. As soon as Capt. Wilkes read these despatches, he turned the ship's head to Boston, where Marshal Murray was ordered to deliver the "illustrious prisoners" at Fort Warren. The following is a list of the officers of the San Jacinto: Captain, Charles Wilkes; Lieutenant and Executive Officer, D. M. Fairfax; Lieutenants, R. R. Breese, James A. Greer, A. P. Cook; Paymaster, L. I. Brown; Assistant Surgeon, James W. Herty; Chief Engineer, John Faran; First Assistant Engineers, William C. Wheeler, M. Kellogg; Second Assistant Ensistant Engineers, John Roop, George W. Hall, Benjamin Kavanaugh; Captain's Clerk, E. Mellach; Paymaster's Clerk, R. G. Simpson; Master's Mates, E. A. Noe, Charles B. Dahlgren; Boatswain, H. P. Grace; Gunner, J. B. Boorom; Carpenter, William F. Laighton; Sailmaker, George B. Boevum.* Doc. 140. COL. GRENSLE'S PROCLAMATION. the same time Lieut. Greer was already in the third cutter, to shove from the port side should his assistance be required. On coming alongside the packet, Lieut. Fairfax ordered the other officers to remain in the boat with the crew until force should become necessary, and went on board alone. The captain of the mail steamer refused to show his papers and passenger list, knowing very well the object of our visit, and the character and mission of the four gentlemen above named. But Mr. Mason being recognized, a part of the armed crew was ordered from the boat and came on board. Messrs. Mason and Slidell were then persuaded to come on board the San Jacinto, but declined, and said that they would only yield by force, Mr. Slidell making the remark that "it would require considerable force to take him on board the San Ja-gineer, James Buchanan Houston; Third Ascinto." Lieut. Fairfax then ordered Mr. Houston to return to our ship, and report that the Confederate Commissioners were on board the mail steamer, and refused to come on board the San Jacinto by other means than force. Lieut. Greer then shoved off and went alongside the Trent, sent his armed crew and marines on board, and stationed them at both gangways, and then, after a "gentle application" of force, the four gentlemen were taken in the second cutter and conveyed on board of our ship, where they were received by Captain Wilkes at the gangway, and shown into his cabin, where they are at the present time. Two other boats were then sent on board to remove the luggage, and, the ladies having declined the hospitalities offered them, at half-past three o'clock we parted company from the Trent. During the time our officers were on board the Trent, the British passengers expressed their sympathies with the seceded States in the strongest possible manner, and our officers were much abused and threatened by the crowd; they were called pirates, robbers, and other opprobrious epithets, expressing great satisfaction at our loss at Bull Run and Leesburg. Our captain expressed much satisfaction at the gallant and efficient manner which Lieut. Fairfax, (a Virginian by birth,) and all the officers and crew under his command, displayed in the execution of this delicate and important duty, and called the particular attention of the Navy Department to it. After parting company with the Trent, we ran through the Santaren Passage, cruised to the northward along the shores of Florida and South Carolina as far as Charleston; our gallant captain, not satisfied with the important capture, fully determined to take part in the expedition against Port Royal, but, to the regret of "all hands" on board, we came too late. The Susquehanna and Alabama were off Charleston, and the Florida off Hatteras. After leaving Charleston Bay, we encountered strong head-winds, and our coal being exhausted, we put into Hampton Roads the next day, took in coal, and after bat-burg, and took up the line of march for Pike tling forty hours with a severe north-wester, arrived at Sandy Hook, N. Y., about 7:30 P. M. on the 18th. On entering the Narrows, we were To the People of the Town of Houston and I HAVE this day placed upon your beautiful court house the flag of our Union. I leave it in your charge and protection. If taken down by rebel hands, I will return here and pillage every house in the town owned by secessionists or those who sympathize with rebels. Any outrages hereafter committed upon Union men or their families, will be returned on the secessionists twofold. Property taken from Union men by the rebels, in or out of the county, must be returned immediately. I hereby give the rebels ten days to make good all losses sustained by Union families in Texas County. If neglected, the consequences be upon your heads. I shall soon return to your county, and shall see that this proclamation is complied with to the letter. If you wait for me to execute it, I will do it with a vengeance. N. GRENSLE, Doc. 141. Colonel Commanding. THE BATTLE AT PIKETON, MO. REPORT OF CHAPLAIN BAYLESS. On the morning of the 8th we left Preston *The various opinions and precedents advanced in the case of the seizure of Mason and Slidell, will be found in the supplementary volume of the Rebellion Record. |