Oswego County Whig (Oswego, NY), Wed., May 1, 1839

It is with pleasure we give place to the following letter from Mr. R. P. Whitney, a passenger on board the Girard, and recently a citizen of this place; for while it acknowledges the insult offered to our flag, it show also conclusively that every thing that could be done by the Canadian authorities as an atonement, has been and will be cheerfully done to the extent of their power. In our next we shall give the statement of Capt. Hugunin and a letter addressed to him on the subject.

Gravelly Bay April 24, 1839

Sir- The schooner Stephen Girard, of Oswego, Capt. J. C. Hugunin, arrived at this place, on her way to Cleveland, on the evening of the 22nd. As she was locking into Lake Erie, some intoxicated six months' men cast a volley of stones at her "fly" and endeavoring to detain the vessel by shutting the lock-gates, considerably injured the yawl boat slung at the stern. They then ordered the captain to haul down his flag, as they termed it. Not being obeyed, three of the soldiers sprung into the rigging, and in attempting to pull down the "fly" broke the halliards; the "fly" fell upon the deck."Throw it on shore! Throw it on shore! Was now the cry. The soldiers having gained their point, allowed the vessel to sail.

A lieutenant informed Col. Baldwin, the commanding officer, of what was taking place, who immediately demanded the "fly" and rushed towards the Girard, waving the flag, and calling upon the captain to return, &c.&c.

The schooner not regarding the signal, a small boat was quickly procured, and despatched in pursuit, with an apology and the flag. They hailed the Girard, and got the reply, they say "Go to h___ with the flag."

The next morning Lieut. Pilgrim was sent to Buffalo with a letter of apology to Capt. H. and eighty dollars to purchase a new set of colors and pay damages done yawl. In case he did not find the schooner at Buffalo, he was directed to proceed to Cleveland.