THE TRENT CASE.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 42, 17 April 1862, Page 3

THE TRENT CASE.

The Trent sailed from Havannah on the 7th, and nothing occurred worthy of notice till about noon on the Bth, when, in the narrow passage of the old Bahama Channel, opposite the Paradon Grande lighthouse, a steamer was observed ahead, apparently waiting, but showing no colours. On approaching her. Captain Moir, of the Trent , hoisted the British Ensign, which met with no response until the two vessels were within about a furlong of each other, when the stranger fired a shot across the Trent's bow, and hoisted the American flag. This proceeding was considered contrary to acknowledged law, as when a vessel of war wishes another vessel to stop it is customary to fire first a blank cartridge. The Trent was still holding on her way, when a shell was fired from a long pivot gun on the American’s deck forward, which burst about 100 yards from the Trent's bow. Captain Moir immediately stopped the Trent, as the American had her broadside of guns run out, and men at quarters ready to fire. Captain Moir then hailed her, and the American Captain replied that he wished to send a boat on board. A boat, containing two officers and about 20 men, armed with muskets, pistols, and cutlasses, then shoved off and boarded the Trent, and demanded a list of the passengers, which the captain refused to give. The officer commanding the boat—his name was Fairfax—stated that the frigate was the San Jacinto, that he was first Lieutanant, and further that they had received information that certain passengers were on board, whom he would take out. Commander Williams, R.N., the naval agent in charge of her Majesty’s mails with Captain Moir, positively objected to their being taken. The lieutenant then called out the names of the commissioners and secretaries, and said that those were the persons he sought, and that he would ta>e them at all hazards. The four gentlemen, who were standing near,

Tui.wtirecl to their names, and requested to know wlut was wanted of them. The lieutenant stated that he wished to take them <m hoatd the man-of-war, to which they replied that they would not go until they were taken by force, and turning to Captain Moir. Mr. Siidell said, “We claim the protection of the British flag. ’ On the captain’s again refusing to give up the passengers, the lieutenant said he would take charge of the ship. Commander 'Williams, H.N., then spoke as follows, viz : —“ln this ship I am the representative of her Majesty’s Government, and I call upon the officers of the ship and the passengers generally to mark my words, when, in the name of that Government, and in distinct language, I denounce this as an illegal act — an act in violation of international law—an act, indeed, of wanton piracy, which, had we the means of defence, you would not dare to attempt.” The lieutenant then beckoned to the frigate, and three bouts, containing 30 marines and about GO sailors, officered and heavily armed, came alongside. The men at once leaped on deck, sword in hand. After some more parleying Messrs. Slidell, Mason, Eustis, and M'f’arJane were taken and forced into the boat. The Americans went back to the cabins and took possession of the baggage, and sent it with their prisoners on board the San Jacinto. Mr. Slidell said, as the boat shoved off, that he expected redress from the British Government for this outrage while under the protection of its flag, and called upon the English captain to represent the case properly. The lieutenant stopped on board, having ordered the boat to return. He then stated that he had orders to take Captain Moir and his papers on board the Sa7i Jacinto, and that the Trent was to be moved nearer. Captain Moir replied, “You will find me on ray quarter deck; if you want me, you will have to come there for me,” and he immediately walked on deck. The lieutenant, however, went into one of the boats, and told captain Moir that he could proceed. The boats pulled for the San Jacinto, and the Trent steamed ahead for St. Thomas. The indignation felt on board the Trent by every person, of whatever nation, can better be imagined than described. A considerable number of foreigners of different nations were among the passengers, and it is affirmed that every man would have fought if called upon to do so; but, with such an opposing force, and the unarmed condition of the Trent, it was deemed impossible to make any defence. The officers of the San Jacinto asked for provisions to maintain the prisoners, as they ‘-fated they were short of stores. Captain Moir told the four gentlemen that at their request he would supply what was needed, and they having expressed a wish that he should do so, all the necessaries were supplied. The despatches of the Confederate emissaries escaped the vigilance of the boarding officers, and they all arrived safely at Southampton per La Plata. The families of Mr. Slidell and of Mr. Eustis were urged by the tirst lieutenant of the San Jacinto to accompany them, but, being informed on inquiry that it was probable they would be separated from them on their arrival at New York, they declined the offer, and have arrived in the Plata. On reaching Southampton they went on board the Nashville, and afterwards proceeded to London.—From the Home News, December 26.