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.
The scene on the pier was very exciting, and at times assumed a rather serious aspect. A report was rapidly circulated among the crowd that the steamer would start in spite of the officers of the law; and somebody said that if they interfered, they ought to be thrown overboard. At this juncture Mr. McKeon made his appearance on the gangway, and commenced exhorting the crowd not to violate the law by stopping him in the discharge of his duty.
The walking beam of the steamship finally commenced a slow up-and-down motion, and the vessel, amidst a most painfully intense excitement among the spectators, moved slowly from the pier. Then followed a few backward motions, which produced quite a revolution in the general feeling, and the spectators were rapidly becoming disgusted at the new turn which affairs appeared to be taking. The change, however, was of short duration, when it was perceived that she was once more heading out into the river, and with considerably accelerated speed. It was now evident that the captain had adopted the peculiar tactics of the celebrated Wilkins Micawber, and that he had only retreated preparatory to making a spring. Cheer after cheer went up as she swept out into the river, handkerchiefs were waved, and innumerable adieus were exchanged between the parting friends. There were some in the melting mood, particularly the women, of whom there were a considerable number on board—some laughing and exchanging jokes with “the boys,” who all appeared to be in their element; while others, who were determined not to be idle, indulged in the innocent amusement of throwing apples at the passengers.
The enthusiasm, was now at its height; everybody cried “go it,” and the vessel went as fast as the steam could propel her. Some mounted a huge wood-pile, from which elevated position they had an unobstructed view as she passed down the bay, while others, less aspiring, were content with a more humble position at the end of the pier. The gallantry of the crowd was aroused by the sight of the ladies who were observed on deck, and somebody having proposed “three cheers for the future mothers of Nicaragua,” they were treated with a perfect thunder-gust from the crowd. “Now,” cried another, “we’ll have three more for the independent State of Nicaragua.” This met with a similar hearty response.
Mr. McKeon then left for the Navy Yard to confer with Captain Bigelow, whom he saw. Captain B. at once agreed to send the cutter with a sufficient armed force to detain the Northern Light, if she had not left the wharf; he also said he would have two steamers in an hour and a half anchored off the Northern Light.
It was about a quarter before four, when the Northern Light left the wharf and proceeded into the river, having on board the United States Marshals, intending no doubt, to carry them to sea, as the filibusters did at San Francisco. The revenue cutter, in tow of the steamtug, moved through Buttermilk channel, so as to intercept the Northern Light on her passage down the bay.
The Northern Light came on in the direction of Ellis Island, and stood down the bay with her head towards Sandy Hook. The revenue cutter went with the greatest rapidity towards the Northern Light, and fired a blank cartridge to bring the vessel to. The Northern Light still kept on her course, when the cutter then fired a ball, which passed under the “forefoot” of the Northern Light. This produced the desired effect; her wheels were immediately stopped, upon which the officer of the revenue cutter boarded her and brought her up to the North river and anchored her near the Jersey shore, under the guns of the revenue cutter.
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, New York, NY, January 5, 1856
