ed him of what I had
heard. He told me the man was a Hungarian refugee (named Martin
Coszta), who had a certificate of intention to become a citizen
of the United States, and came here in an American vessel, but
that he did not consider him under his protection, having to his
knowledge no passport.

The Consul and myself then went on board the brig, and requested
to see the commander, but were told he was not on board. We then
went to the Austrian Consul, and demanded to see Coszta, which
after some demur was granted.

After a conversation with Coszta, I was afraid I had no right to
demand him as a citizen of the United States, but determined
neither to make a claim nor acquiesce in his seizure until I
could hear from the Legation at Constantinople. I was guided in
this opinion by the Consul, who seemed to think we could not use
force without more evidence than the paper in his possession
gave.

I then requested the Consul to write immediately to the Legation,
which he did. Before an answer could arrive, I received
information that Coszta was to be sent to Trieste. I immediately
wrote to the commander of the brig, protesting against this step,
and received a verbal reply that he was ignorant of any such
intention. Next morning, at daylight, I got under way, and
anchored within half cable's length of the brig, and loaded my
guns, the steamer in which it was said Coszta was to be sent
being very near. At 11 A.M. an answer came from Mr. Brown,
stating that Coszta was an American citizen, and advising the
Consul to give him all aid and sympathy, but in an unofficial
way. I then told the Consul he must insist upon Coszta remaining
until I again heard from the Charge. He did so, when the Austrian
Consul told him he had intended to send the man off that day, but
would wait until the next mail. On Saturday, the 2d of July, (p. 355)
the Capen Oglan of the Legation arrived with letters from the
Charge to the Consul and myself to use stringent measures.

I immediately held an interview with Coszta, in which he claimed
the protection of the American flag. I then addressed note "B" to
the commander of the brig, demanding Coszta's release. I also
directed the American Consul to furnish the Austrian Consul with
a copy of the demand, which was