done. At this time the Austrian
brig and a ten-gun schooner that arrived the day before prepared
for action, having three mail-steamers to assist. I did the same,
and awaited the hour of 4 P.M. At 12, our Consul came off with a
proposition that Coszta should be delivered into the hands of the
Consul-General of France, to be held at the joint order of the
American and Austrian Consuls, until his nationality should be
determined. After some consideration, and the advice of the
English and French Consuls to ours, I agreed to the terms. The
prisoner was then landed amid the cheers of the inhabitants and
every demonstration of joy. I know, Sir, I have taken a fearful
responsibility upon myself by this act, but after Mr. Brown
informed me Coszta had taken the oath of allegiance to the United
States, and foresworn all allegiance to Austria, that he was an
American citizen and had been under the protection of the
Legation at Constantinople, I could not hesitate to believe he
was fully entitled to protection. It was a case of life and
death; for, if Coszta had been taken to Trieste his fate was
sealed, and could I have looked the American people in the face
again, if I had allowed a citizen to be executed and not used the
power in my hands to protect him for fear of doing too much? The
easy manner, also, in which he was given up, and the Convention
that he should be held by a third party until his nationality
could be established, is evidence that they were not sure of
their ground.

Should my conduct be approved by you, Sir, it will be one of the
proudest moments of my life that I have saved this gallant man
from a cruel and ignominious death. On the other hand, should the
course I have pursued be disavowed, I must bow to the decision;
but whatever may be the consequence to myself, I shall feel I
have done my best to support the honor of the flag, and not allow
a citizen to be oppressed who claimed at my hands the protection
of the flag.

I enclose copies of all the papers (A to E) relating to this
affair.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. N. INGRAHAM, _Commander_.

_____

A

_Commander Ingraham to Commander Schwartz._