Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c.,&c.,&c.
Mr. Savage to Mr. Seward
No. 146.]
Consulate General of the United
States of America,
Havana,
November 4, 1865.
Sir: Information was brought to me
confidentially some days since that an expedition of about 600
negroes from Africa had been landed at a place called Malas Aguas,
near the sugar plantation San de Azucar, of Don Francisco Marty y
Torrens,* and that this person was the owner of the
cargo. The brig Yucatan (about which I wrote to the department
months ago) is believed to be the vessel that brought the negroes,
(of the Macua tribe;) the landing was
effected very quietly. I immediately conveyed the information to Mr.
Bunch, the British consul general, who had only the day before had a
long interview with the captain general, and heard nothing from his
excellency upon the subject. As these reports are often circulated,
sometimes founded on fact, but almost invariably not reducible to
proof, Mr. Bunch and myself concluded to await for further
developments before bringing the case to the knowledge of our
respective governments, or his addressing any communication to the
captain general. Some days after the matter became one of some
notoriety, and some correspondence passed between General Dulce and
Mr. Bunch, which I have seen. It is very evident that the captain
general believes that an expedition was landed somewhere, and had
given very strict orders for the capture thereof.
In conclusion I have to state, that I learned last evening that about
400 negroes were found and captured at Consolacion del Sud, by the
lieutenant, governor of the district. The capture was made twice;
the first time they were placed in a pen, from which they were
stolen during the night, but they were again discovered and
secured.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
THOMAS SAVAGE, Vice-Consul
General.
Hon. William H. Seward. Secretary of State, Washington.
N. B.—An association has been formed under the special sanction and
protection of General Dulce, the members of which pledge themselves
not to acquire, directly or indirectly, any negro slave known to be
a native of Africa, and to do all in their
power to form or mould public opinion against the African slave
trade. One of the most distinguished lawyers of Havana, Doctor
Antonio Gonzales de Mendoza, connected by marriage with one of the
most wealthy, intelligent, and moral families of the island, has
been elected president of the society. The 19th of the present month
(the Queen’s Patroness Saint’s day) has been fixed for the
inauguration and other proceedings. Many influential gentlemen have
already inscribed their names as members.
With great respect,
THOMAS SAVAGE, Vice-Consul
General.
