I may add that, having assumed the respon- | molestation, and therefore made no attempt sibility, I am willing to abide the result.

Your conduct in seizing these public enemies We were now within hail, when Capt. Moir, was marked by intelligence, ability, decision, commanding this ship, asked the American and firmness, and has the emphatic approval what he meant by stopping his ship, and why of this Department. It is not necessary that I he did so by firing shotted guns, contrary to should in this communication-which is in-usual custom. The reply was that he wished tended to be one of congratulation to yourself, officers, and crew-express an opinion on the course pursued in omitting to capture the vessel which had these public enemies on board, further than to say that the forbearance exercised in this instance must not be permitted to constitute a precedent hereafter for infractions of neutral obligations.

act.

"In this ship I am the representative of her Majesty's Government, and I call upon the officers of the ship and passengers generally to mark my words, when, in the name of the British 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."

SPEECH OF COMMANDER WILLIAMS.

the gangway ports. Capt. Williams, R. N., the | of the English mails on board the steamer Trent, naval agent in charge of the mails, who was against the arrest of Messrs. Mason and Slidell: of course present during this interview, then, in the name of her Majesty, he being the only person on board directly representing her, made a vehement protestation against this piratical During the whole of this time the San Jacinto was about two hundred yards distant from us on the port beam, her broadside guns, which were all manned, directly bearing upon us. Any open resistance to such a force was of course hopeless, although from the loud and repeated plaudits which followed Capt. Williams' protestation, and which were joined in by every one, without exception, of the passengers congregated on the quarter-deck, men of all nations, and from the manifested desire of some to resist to the last, I have no doubt but that every person would have joined heart and soul in the struggle had our commander but given the order. Such an order he could not, under such adverse circumstances, conscientiously give, and it was therefore considered sufficient that a party of marines with bayonets fixed should forcibly lay hands on the gentlemen named. This was done, and the gentlemen retired to their cabins to arrange some few changes of clothing.

A most heart-rending scene now took place between Mr. Slidell, his eldest daughter, a noble girl devoted to her father, and the lieutenant. It would require a far more able pen than mine to describe how, with flashing eyes and quivering lips, she threw herself in the doorway of the cabin where her father was, resolved to defend him with her life, till, on the order being given to the marines to advance, which they did with bayonets pointed at this poor defenceless girl, her father ended the painful scene by escaping from the cabin by a window, when he was immediately seized by the marines and hurried to the boat, calling out to Capt. Moir as he left that he held him and his Government responsible for this outrage.

At a public dinner given by the Royal Western Yacht Club of England, at Millbay, Plyinouth, on December 12th, Commander Williams, mail agent on board the royal steamer Trent, in response to the toast of "The health of our gallant and worthy guest, Commander Williams," made the following remarks:

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice-Chairman, gentlemen, and brother members of this the Royal Western Yacht Club, it is not with the feelings of arrogance and presumption which Mr. Fairfax has thought proper to impute to me that I will now endeavor, as well as severe illness will permit me, to convey to your minds the deeplyseated gratitude that I feel, not only to the chairman for the complimentary language and too partial language used by him, whom I have ever found for the last four or five years my kind and considerate friend, but also from the manner in which the mention of my name has been received by you-you, many of whom are old and tried friends of mine, and many whose faces I have never met before. Therefore I take it to be not so much a personal matter, but a national matter-(hear, hear)—that you have taken this opportunity of throwing around my shoulders the mantle of your approbation. (Renewed applause.) Gentlemen, if I fail to convey to you-if I fail to convey to you from the poverty of my language the throbbings that swell up from the well of my heart, I beg you to believe that I am sincere in all that I shall say. (Bravo, and hear, hear.) This compliment was never looked for by me. (“We believe it, Williams.") I will endeavor to be as little egotistical as possible, but in the present instance it may be necessary that I should speak, in some measure of myself, in consequence of what has been said about me in the New York papers, and which has been referred to by Punch. The New York papers have thought proper to allude to me in unwarranted language, and which I fear has been countenanced by Mr. Fairfax. Before I say one word about Mr. Fairfax, or the proceedings which took place on board the Trent, and which, perhaps, The following is a copy of the protest, as you would like to hear from my own lips("We should," and applause)—and the mangiven in the London Star, of Commander Wil-ner in which the Trent was boarded, I crave liams, of the British Navy, who was in charge

If further proof were required of the meanness and cowardly bullying in the line of conduct pursued by the captain of the San Jacinto, I may remark, first, that on being asked if they would have committed this outrage if we had been a man-of-war, they replied, "certainly not; " and, secondly, that Capt. Wilkes sent an order for Capt. Moir to go on board his ship, and a second for Capt. Moir to move the Trent closer to the San Jacinto. Of course not the slightest notice was taken of either order, nor did they attempt to enforce them.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

THE PURSER OF THE TRENT.

PROTEST OF COMMANDER WILLIAMS.

your indulgence to allow me to refer to notes.

that her Britannic Majesty's navy should hug as honor such an act to their souls. (Bravo, and repeated applause.) Now, gentlemen, I ap proach a subject with great diffidence, for it personally affects my honor, it personally affects iny 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, hat 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 witness— a 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 my self." 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

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. (Enthu-have this opportunity of saying that I can bear siastic 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 but God forbid

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 remem ber now whether it was on the night of the

That

legal profession, but I am not going to offer any
opinion of my own. I am going to offer to
your notice a fact of which I am perfectly cog-
nizant, and which occurred in the year 1833-
either at the latter end of the year 1833 or the
beginning of the year 1834. At that time
Donna Maria was on the throne of Portugal.
In 1833, Dom Miguel was expelled from that
country, and yet a noted agent of Dom Miguel
applied to the Peninsular and Oriental Com-
pany for a passage to Lisbon in the Tagus
steamer. The passage was refused.
agent prosecuted the company. I do not mean
to say that this is decidedly a point in support,
but a fortiori it strengthens my argument. He
prosecuted the company for having refused him
a passage, and after a long hearing the political
agent was cast, but the only plea on which he
was cast was the plea of the company that if
they had not refused him they would have
been refused admittance to the Tagus, and,
consequently, have been subjected to a prose-
cution, collectively and individually, by passen-
gers who had paid their money to be taken to
Lisbon. A fortiori I say that it is a case in

16th or on the morning of the 17th. I went on my way to Mexico, going to Havana, Vera Cruz, Tampico. On my return to Havana, on the 6th of November, I found that the San Jacinto had been to Havana from St. Thomas; that she had coaled there, and that two of her officers, passing themselves off as Southerners in their hearts, had lunched with Mr. Slidell and family, and extracted from them their intended movements. (Sensation; "Hear, hear; " and That never came out before; " "Bravo.") I again say that I am going to approach a subject with great diffidence. I am going to speak of Mrs. Slidell and her daughters. (Hear, hear, and "Cheers for them.") I tell you, sir, that Miss Slidell branded one of the officers to his face with his infamy, having been her father's guest not ten days before. ("Disgraceful," and Bravo for Miss Slidell.") No words of mine shall pass my lips on a political point I have no political feelings. I do as I am ordered. Mr. Fairfax denied that the marines made a rush toward Miss Slidell at the charge, with fixed bayonets. I believe when I lay my hand on my heart (suiting the action to the word) 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.) Miss Slidell and no girl in this world has been pained more at the mention of her name in the public papers than she has been by the manner in which some persons have alluded to it, not pained by their having stated the manner in which she acted-(cheers)-but some of the public papers described her as having slapped Mr. Fairfax's face. (Cries of "Serve him right if she did," and "Bravo.") She did strike Mr. Fairfax. ("Loud cheers for her then.") She did strike Mr. Fairfax-(cheers)-but she did not do it with the vulgarity of gesture which has been attributed to her. Miss Slidell was with her father in the cabin, with her arm encircling his neck, and she wished to be taken | to prison with her father. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Fairfax attempted to get into the cabin-I do not say forcibly, for I do not say a word against Mr. Fairfax, so far as his manner is concerned -he attempted to get her away by inducements. In her agony, then, she did strike him in the face three times. I wish that Miss Slidell's little knuckles had struck me in the face. I should like to have the mark forever. (Oh! and laughter.) It has been argued in the public 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

had no right or power whatever to refuse these so-styled Confederate Commissioners passage to England. (Cheers.) Moreover, so far from any disunion between Captain Moir and myself, I should have had nothing to do officially with either accepting or refusing them as passengers. (Hear, hear.) But I should have offered my advice most strenuously to Captain Moir that he would have been subjected to a prosecution if he should refuse to take them. But I hold myself personally responsible for every thing that was done. (Cheers.) If what was done was wrong I am willing to bear it. (Cheers.) If what was done was right, he and I acted together. (Loud applause.) The Hampshire Advertiser says, "That I stepped out of my proper position, and presumed to make myself a diplomatic character"-that I was merely a deliverer of her Majesty's letters. (Oh.) Well, I am not ashamed to be a deliverer of her Majesty's letters. (Much applause, and cries of "Well done.") I have not shirked my duty to my country. I have served twenty-eight years under the pennant in my own service, and I am too old to undergo the expense of commanding a ship, even if I had the interest to get the appointment to one. I accepted my present appointment in order to educate y 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 Wil recommended 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 turning to his former position as executive seizure of her husband was not contrary to in- | officer. We left Fernando Po on the 20th ternational law." (Cries of disgraceful and August, cruising close to the shore for the purshameful.) Gentlemen, I was enabled to tell pose of ascertaining if any of the Confederate Mrs. Slidell-and perhaps you will pardon me privateers had taken any prizes to that coast. if I repeat the expression here-(yes)-that it Arrived at Monrovia, Liberia, on the 12th, and was a infernal lie!(" Oh," and a laugh) at St. Vincent, Cape Verd, on the 25th Sepfor I had just come from the foreign office, tember. Seeing by the papers, that several where I had learnt the decision of the law-officers Confederate privateers had run the blockade, of the crown-(hear)—and which was diametri and taken several prizes in the West Indis cally opposite to what the man dared to say. Islands, Capt. Wilkes determined to cruise (Cheers.) Now, gentlemen, I have only one about these islands, and to capture some of them more subject that I know of on which to speak before returning with the San Jacinto to New -the circumstances attending the gallant Fed- York. We arrived at St. Thomas on the 10th eral marines rushing with the points of their of October, and found the Powhatan and Irobayonets at Miss Slidell. (Hear, hear.) It quois there. On the 11th, the British brig was at this point that she screamed, for her Spartan arrived in port; her master called on father snatched himself away from her-I do Capt. Wilkes and informed him that on the 5th not mean snatched himself rudely; but he of October, while in latitude 9° 33′ N., and lonsnatched himself away from her to break the gitude 47° 25′ W., he was boarded by a steamer, window of his cabin, through which he thrust evidently a war vessel in disguise, and after his body out. But the hole was so small that I answering all questions, he could get Lo other hardly thought it would admit the circumfer-information in return but that they were on a ence 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

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 Ir quois 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 18th, and we on the 14th of October, in company with the Powhatan. Since leaving St. Thomas, we