Cooper's Clarksburg Register

Prometheus---History of the Case.

The town of San Juan, in Nicaragua, (changed to Graytown, by the British) is filled with a population of people of all nations, but chiefly Americans. Among the inhabitants is a Dr. Green, who assumes to act as British Vice Consul, and who, in conjunction with five others, elected by the citizens, organized a municipal government for the town. The Council is composed of two Americans, two Englishmen, one Frenchman and one German. This Council acknowledges the Musquito King, because there is no other head to recognize. It appears that the steamer Prometheus, with Commodore Vanderbilt as first captain and owner, had been running to this port some half dozen voyages, without ever being called upon to pay a cent of port charges; but the constituted authorities of the town deeming that the Commodore should contribute something for the accommodation afforded him, decreed that a bill of charges, amounting to $123, should be presented, not for a moment dreaming that he would hesitate or object to make the payment. When the captain of the Port presented the bill, the Commodore asked by what authority he was assessed for the sum demanded? "By the authority of the Corporation of the town," responded the officer. "Who authorized you to establish a Corporation for the town?" demanded the Commodore. "We are acting under the mandate of the King of Musquito," replied the officer. "My Government recognizes no Musquito King or kingdom, and I shall not pay you;" and the Commodore turned upon his heel and walked away. After this refusal the sheriff was sent on board, but his authority was likewise resisted, and the steamer was forthwith got under weigh. A small tub of a brig, called the Express, had been previously notified to hold herself in readiness to head off the steamer, if she should attempt to run out of the harbor without paying the required dues; and, as soon as they saw her heaving up her anchor, they slipped their cables and dropped down to the entrance. The Prometheus, in all her pride and glory, came dashing along, and, like a tower in strength and in defiant attitude looked the guns and hiss-s-s of the little Express full in the face. Bang! went one of the six guns, and the shot across the elegant bows of the magnificent steamer. Bang! rung another of the six guns, and the shot flew under the stern. The port charges were then paid. It was for this interference of a British vessel that our Government has demanded satisfaction. The British Admiral Seymour promptly disavowed the act of Captain Read, of the Express; but nothing has been said of the removal from office of the British Consul Green, who was the cause of the trouble.