The account of the transaction in regard to this vessel derived from
the papers which have been laid before you is to the effect that the
steamer Sonora was, on the 25th of February, 1864, duly registered
in New Orleans, Louisiana, as a vessel belonging to the United
States merchant service; that on the 16th day of November, 1864,
when on her way from Brazos Santiago to New Orleans, she was
forcibly captured by a part of her crew, who ran her into Aransas
bay, where she was delivered by these piratical captors to agents of
the insurgents, who are reported to have caused a pretended
condemnation and sale of the vessel; the proceeds of which pretended
sale, being the sum of eleven thousand dollars in gold, are said to
have been divided among the capturing pirates, who had shipped on
the Sonora as citizens of the United States, upon taking the oath of
allegiance as such; that owing to the strict watch kept by the
vessels of the United States blockading squadron, the Sonora was
prevented from leaving Aransas bay before the 9th of June, 1865,
when she sailed for Tampico, flying the insurgent flag.
Under these circumstances this government holds that the before-named
steamer is the property of Mr. F. Clavel, and that the parties who
navigated her to Tampico are trespassers and intruders, having no
rights or authority in her; that the acts by which she came into
their custody were piratical and fraudulent. It is therefore hoped
that, so far as it might depend upon the agents of the imperial
government, every facility will be afforded to Mr. Clavel to regain
possession of the vessel.
Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my high consideration.
The Marquis de Montholon, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Lanzac to Mr. Hunter
New
Orleans,
August 18,
1865.
Sir: In reply to yours of 31st July,
concerning steamship Sonora, I have to state that Mr. F. Clavel
went to Brazos Santiago per schooner Mary Moulis, to have in the
port of Matamoras, Mexico, an opportunity more easy than here to
go to Tampico, as advised to do by the United States consul
general, Mr. Franklin Chase.
Enclosed you will find copies of bill of sale by C. H. Delmater,
in New York, to F. Clavel, and copy of register of custom-house
in New Orleans.
Mr. F. Clavel took along to Tampico—
1. Log-book of steamer Sonora, brought back by Captain George M.
Good-speed.
2. Affidavits of T. Riondel and Thomas Delaney, firemen on board
last trip the steamer made, stating the piratical capture.
3. Copies of register and bill of sale.
Since four weeks, about, Captain George M. Goodspeed, now
commanding [Page 442] United
States quartermaster’s department steamer Ruthven, plying
between Galveston and Houston, Texas, is requested to send his
affidavit and protest about the piratical seizure of the steamer
by most of her own crew, but to this moment I did not receive
any. As soon as to hand, I will send it to you.
Two firemen and the cook are in New Orleans at present.
If I could do anything in this matter during the absence of Mr.
F. Clavel, you will be so kind as to advise me.
Most respectfully, I have the honor to remain your obedient
servant,
D. LANZAC, 76 Orleans
street.
W. Hunter, Esq., Department of State, Washington, D.
[Untitled]
Know all men by these presents, that I, Cornelius H.
Delmater, of the city of New York, owner of the steamer
called the Ouachita, of the burden of 79-47/100 tons or
thereabouts, for and in consideration of the sum of ten
thousand five hundred dollars, lawful money of the United
States of America, to me in hand paid before the sealing and
delivery of these presents by F. Clavel, the receipt whereof
is hereby acknowledged, have and by these presents do grant,
bargain, sell, assign, transfer, and set over unto the said
F. Clavel, his executors, administrators and assigns, the
said steamer, together with all and singular her masts,
yards, sails, rigging, anchors, cables, boats, tackle,
apparel, and appurtenances; to have and to hold the said
steamer and appurtenances thereunto belonging, unto the said
F. Clavel, his heirs, his executors, administrators and
assigns, forever.
And I, the said. Cornelius H. Delmater, for myself, my heirs,
executors and administrators, do hereby covenant and agree
to and with the said F. Clavel, his heirs, his executors,
administrators and assigns, that at the execution of these
presents I am the true and lawful owner of the said steamer
Ouachita, appurtenances, and I now have full right and
authority to sell and dispose of the same, freed from and
cleared of all claims, incumbrances, or demands
whatsoever.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, at
the city of New Orleans, the fourth day of September, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-three.
C. H. DELMATER.
Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of—
A. C. WlLMARTH.
State of New York,
City and County of New York, ss:
On the 4th day of September, 1863, before me personally came
Cornelius H. Delmater, to me known to be the individual
described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and
acknowledged to me that he executed the same.
A. C. WILMARTH, Notary Public,
New York, 41 Chambers
street.
Custom-house, New Orleans, August 10, 1865.
I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the
record on file in this office.
S. A. STOCKDALE, Deputy
Collector.
[Untitled]
In pursuance of an act of Congress of the United States of
America, entitled “An act concerning the registering and
recording of ships or vessels,” F. Clavel, of New Orleans,
State or Louisiana, having taken or subscribed the oath
required by the said act, and having sworn that he is a
citizen of the United States, and the only owner of the ship
or vessel called the Sonora, of New Orleans, whereof J.
Hayes is at present master and a citizen of the United
States, as he hath sworn, and that the said ship or vessel
was formerly the British schooner Ouachita, captured and
condemned as a prize, and sold by the United States marshal
of the district of New York; and documents on file in this
office having certified that the said ship or vessel has one
deck, and two masts, and that her length is 116 feet, her
breadth 16 feet, her depth 6 feet 6 inches, that she
measures 116 45/95 tons, that she is a steamer, has square
stem, and round truck; and the said F. Clavel having agreed
to the description and admeasurement above specified, and
sufficient security having been given according to the said
act, the said steamer has been duly registered at the port
of New Orleans.
WM. BULLITT, Deputy Naval
Officer.
Given under our hand and seal at the port of New Orleans,
this 25th day of February, in the year 1864.
JOHN F. COLLINS, Deputy
Collector.
I hereby certify the above is a true copy of original on file
in this office.
S. A. STOCKDALE, Deputy
Collector.