SPAIN-STEAMER         VIRGINIUS.                
   1075

place, that Virginius is a pirate. If notra pirate the shooting of any British
subjects
for being on board cannot be lawful. British subjects may have been shipped
here as
crew or passengers, and, as Virg.inius wvas not armed, and carried from Jamaica
no war-
like munitions, they may have been ignorant that the vessel was not peacefully
bound
for Limon Bay, for which port she cleared. Governor suggests a strong demand
for
suspension of execution at least, pending a formal trial, in the case of
all who claim to
be British subjects."
       I have the honor, &c.,'
                                                      WILLIAM A. S. YOULNG.


                                 [Inclosure 4 in No. 5.]

                              Mr. Yunes to Mr. Schmitt.
                                                             NOVEMBER 7,
1873.
  English war-steamer Niobe left for Santiago last night 7 o'clock. In absence
of
  American steamer ask her captain to protect American interests connected
with Vir-
  ginius.




                                 [Inclosure 5 in No. 5.]

                           Mr. Nunes to Captain Cushing.
                                                             NOVEMBER 7,
1873.
   Intelligence has been received consignee that American steamer Virginius
was cap-
 tured on the high seas by the Tornado on the 31st ultimo. Ryan, an American,
shot;
 others expected to be similarly treated. Niobe left here last night to protect,
British
 subjects. I learn there is no American war-vessel in Santiago, and therefore
inform
 you, as it appears necessary to me that American lives might require protection.
Con-
 sul Santiago telegraphed me, 5th, Virginius captured, carried there; requested
na-
 tionality. Please reply.



                                [Inclosure 6 in No. 5.]

                           Mr. NXuese to Captain Cushing.
                                                             NOVEMBER 8,
1873.
  Americans taken in the Virginius have been shot at Santiago; consul was
not per-
mitted to see them; strong letters have passed; telegrams are subject to
strict scrutiny;
but information is of such character as to point to the necessity of American
steamers
of war being at Santiago.


                                [Inclosure 7 in No. 5.]

                           Captain Cushing to Mr. Schmitt.
                                                             NOVEMBER 8,
1873.
  Was the Virginius captured in Cuban waters or on the high seas? Are the
lives of
the captain and American crew threatened? Have you telegraphed to the United
States Government? I want more facts.




                                [Inclosure 8 in No. 5.]

                          Mr. Nunes to Captain Cushing.
                                                             NOVEMBER 8,
1873.
  Your telegram to consul Santiago seen by me. By schooner from Santiago
I learn
Virginius captured in neutral waters. Americans positively have been shot.


I