Gedney, of the U.S.surveying brig Washington, a few miles off Montauk Point, and brought into New London, Conn., The two Spaniards claimed the Africans as their property; and the Spanish Minister demanded of the President of the United States, that they be delivered up to the proper authorities, and taken back to Havana, to be tried for piracy and murder.

The matter was brought before the District Court of Connecticut.
In the mean time President Van Buren ordered the U.S.schooner Grampus, Lieut.

John S.Paine, to repair to New Haven, to be in readiness to convey the Africans to Havana, should such be the decision of the Court.

But the Court decided that the Government of the United States had no authority to return them into slavery; and directed that they be conveyed in one of our public ships to the shores of Africa, from whence they had but recently been torn away.

From this decision the U.S.District Attorney appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States.
These transactions attracted the attention of the whole people of the Union, and naturally excited the sympathy of the masses, pro and con, as they were favorable or unfavorable to the institution of slavery.