HC Deb 22 February 1842 vol 60 cc809-11
Mr. Murphy

rose to call the attention of the House to the detention and imprisonment of certain British subjects by the authorities of Central America. It appeared that certain persons having embarked in a commercial enterprise in Central America, a grant of land was obtained, and an association consisting of fourteen persons was formed which contributed funds to enable the parties to carry out their views. A ship was chartered and certain individuals were selected, who were to go and report on the state of matters which they should find in that part of Central America where the grant of land had been given. Two of these parties were, one a professional gentlemen and the other a gentleman, Mr. Bell, not unknown to the House, in connection with what was commonly termed the affair of the Vixen. When the parties arrived on the spot, they sought an interview with the King of the country to confirm the grant of land, and were afterwards anxious to explore the territory by ascending the river which flowed through a portion of it, and to enter into friendly communications with the natives. They entered the territory which belonged to the Mosquito nation, and returned by the river called the Blue Field's River, until they came on the Spanish frontier and there, it seemed, when overcome by fatigue after the hardships they had endured, they were seized without reason by the Spanish authorities. They were carried thirty miles back, and there cast into prison. The only reason given, was, that this was a reprisal on the part of the Spanish authorities for certain acts of indignity and injury performed by Colonel M'Donald on certain subjects belonging to Central America. After remaining forty days in prison, they were all released, with the exception of Mr. Bell, who died from the severity and hardship he had undergone. It was under these circumstances that he brought the facts under the notice of the House, and he therefore moved, in the terms of the notice he had given, An address for copies of any correspondence which may have taken place with her Majesty's Government, in relation to the detention and imprisonment of certain British subjects by the authorities of Central America; and of any despatches which they may have received from Sir Charles Metcalfe, the governor of Jamaica.

Lord Stanley

felt that it was unnecessary to enter into a discussion of the particular details of this case, and the Gentleman who had brought forward the motion would see the impropriety of his doing so. He believed that the hon. Gentleman had stated correctly, as far as they had come to the knowledge of Government, the facts of the case—that Mr. Bell and some other gentlemen having entered into a mercantile speculation within the territory of the chief of the Musquito shore, had pushed up in order further to explore the territory. Having effected this object, they proceeded beyond the boundary of the chief of the Musquito shore, and after having remained there some time, they were, for some reason or other which did not clearly appear, but which he believed to be connected with circumstances relating to a subject of that state, seized by the authorities. At the same time, the information they had at present was entirely the information of the parties themselves—and was exclusively an ex parte statement. When that information was communicated to Sir Charles Metcalfe, the governor of Jamaica, he lost no time in endeavouring to obtain the immediate release of the individuals so seized, as they were seized in consequence of a violation of the law of the state, and restitution and reparation had been demanded on the part of her Majesty's Government. The explanation or answer of the state had not yet been received, and that being the case, he was sure the House would not wish an ex parte statement to be laid on the Table of the House. He hoped, therefore, that the hon. Member would withdraw his motion.

Mr. Murphy

said that, of course it was impossible for him to press the motion, after the explanation of the noble Lord. He was under the impression that Government had in their possession letters from Sir Charles Metcalfe, stating the circumstances. As he presumed that Government was ready to receive information, he thought he should best consult the wishes of the House by withdrawing his motion.