common between what are called the non-civilized and the civilized nations.  This state of facts does not alter in any degree the reasoning applicable to the case.  If Morocco adopts the status given the Confederate States by Europe, she must remain neutral between the two belligerents, not undertaking to judge of the nationality of the citizens of either of the belligerents, or to decide any other question growing out of the war which does not concern her own interests.  She has no right, therefore, to adjudge a citizen of the Confederate States to be a citizen of the United States, and not having this right herself she cannot transfer it by treaty to the United States Consul.”

The communication, however, produced no effect; and, meanwhile, another step was taken at Tangier.  The United States frigate Ino no sooner learnt the news of the capture made by the Consul than it ran over to Tangier, sent a boat on shore with armed men, and carried off the prisoners.  This proceeding was not, however, allowed to be performed quite so quietly as the Yankees could have wished.  The Christian population, exasperated at the arrest, turned out in force, and fears were entertained that even the forty men from the Ino would not be able to secure the safety of their prize.  But here the neutral powers were of assistance:  their representatives, with Mr. Drummond Hay at their head, came to the aid of the captors, calmed the mob, and thus averting the threatened rescue, enabled the United States to carry off the two Confederates on board the Ino.

Captain Semmes, finding he could do nothing with the authorities at Tangier, communicated with Mr. Mason, the Confederate commissioner in London, and that gentleman made strong representations at the Foreign Office, with what results the following statements of facts will show.

It was on the 28th of February that the captives were finally carried off from neutral territory, by an armed force from an enemy’s ship.  On the 8th of March, Mr. Mason was informed by the Under-Secretary, that the British Government was under the impression that they had been released from confinement.  On the 6th of March, just two days before Mr. Mason received this intelligence, the Ino, which had run back to Cadiz, transferred the two unfortunate prisoners to the Yankee merchant ship, Harvest Home, which carried them away to a prison in the United States.

Such was the history of the Tangier difficulty—­a question which, at the time, created considerable stir in Europe, and which is likely to leave a lasting impression upon the Southern mind.

CHAPTER XI.

“The poor old Sumter”—­The vessel laid up—­What the Sumter did—­Official report—­A narrow escape—­Movements of Captain Semmes—­Useful missions—­Appointment to the Alabama.

Meanwhile the search for coal had been continued by the Sumter and at length a promise of a supply had been obtained.  It so happened, however, that this supply, so long sought and so hardly won, would after all never be required.