Illustration of the revenue cutter firing a warning shot at the Northern Light.
Posted inMaritime & Naval History Ship Histories

The Arrest, By United States Authorities, Of The Northern Light

Our city was thrown into a fever on Monday, the 24th inst., by the rumor that the steamship Northern Light belonging to the Nicaragua Transit Company would be detained by the United States authorities. About one o’clock large crowds began to collect on pier No. 3, North river, from which the steamer was advertised to sail. Mr. MeKeon, United States District Attorney, and a number of his Marshals were present and proceeded on board of the Northern Light and took formal possession in the name of the government. The act of seizure was not known to the passengers till about half-past two, when the news was circulated and the greatest commotion took place in consequence. They were all acquainted with what had taken place on Saturday, but it was not believed that the government would order the vessel to be detained, and they supposed that she would sail at the appointed time. At two o’clock there were between four and five hundred persons on board the Northern Light, and over that number on the pier. Of the passengers, three hundred and fifty were, it was said, destined for the army of General Walker in Nicaragua. There were a considerable number of children also, and there was nothing in the appearance of anything on board to justify the suspicion that they were engaged in a hostile expedition. The greatest bustle and confusion prevailed on the steamer, which increased as the hour of departure drew near, and it was reported amongst the passengers that the vessel had been seized, and should not sail that day.

Illustration of the Church of St. Savior's, London
Posted inCulture & Society Local Histories Religion & Spirituality

The Churches Of The Metropolis No. XII – St. Saviour’s

Crossing London-bridge to Southwark, the church of St. Mary Overy, or St. Saviour’s, on the right hand, divides attention with the first glimpse of the noble Hospitals which attest so proudly the charitable munificence of our country. Southwark, as early as any accounts exist of London, was a place of some importance; and on the marching of the Conqueror to the metropolis it had the misfortune to be selected for burning, by way of example to the inhabitants on the London side, who were somewhat disinclined to favour the pretensions of William. The site of the present church was, at an early period, that of the Priory of St. Mary Overy; of this considerable remains still exist, and, indeed, portions of the present building formed a part of it. The priory was twice destroyed by fire, and the present church was most probably (there are no positive records) built in the reign of Henry IV. At the dissolution of monasteries it was surrendered to Henry, purchased from him by the good folks of Southwark, and converted into a parish church. An act of Parliament afterwards united it with that of St. Margaret-at-Hill, and changed its old Saxon name of St. Mary Overy into that of St. Saviour’s, Southwark.