Incidents of the capture of Messrs. Mason and Slidell.
Speaking of the incidents that transpired when the arrests were made, the Washington correspondent of the Philadelphia Press writes:‘ When about forty miles off Matanzas, in the old Bahama channel, the Trent hove in sight, and the two vessels were soon within hailing distance. Commodore Wilkes sent a shot across the bows of the Trent. To this no attention was paid, when another was directed near the bow. This brought the steamer to Lieut. Fairfax, to whom both of the Confederate passengers were personally known, was sent on board the boat, supported with two more boats, filled with marines.
Lieut. Fairfax went on deck and called for Messrs. Slidell and Mason, who soon appeared. Lieut. Fairfax politely informed them of the objects of his mission and asked them to go on board his boat. To this they objected, Mason remarking that they had paid their passage to Europe, to the British Consul at Havana (who acts as agent for the mail steamship line) and he would not leave without force. Lieut. Fairfax, pointing to his marines drawn up on the decks of the British steamer, said: ‘"You see, sir, I have the force, if that is what you require." Then you must use it," ’ replied Mason. With this Lieut Fairfax placed his hand upon the Senator's shoulder and pressed him to the gangway.
At this juncture the passengers rushed forward, somewhat excited, and attempted to interfere. The marines immediately showed their bayonets, and Mason consented to the decision of Lieut. Fairfax, asking that he might be permitted to make his protest in writing. Just at this time a fine specimen of an Englishman rushed on deck in military or naval uniform, (the officer in command of the mails, probably,) and demanded why passengers on board that ship were molested.--Lieut. Fairfax informed him that he had stated to Capt. Moir, of the packet, why he had arrested two of his passengers, and further than that he had no explanations to make Protests were then drawn up, and Mason and Slidell, with their Secretaries, Eustis and McFarland, went into the boats of the San Jacinto.
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