763 Page – American State Trials 1918 Volume X Leo Frank Document

Here is the translated text as follows:

Pedro Gibert and Others

The average rate of sailing for ships is about one hundred and twenty miles per day. In summer, they typically sail one hundred and twenty miles, while in winter, they cover around one hundred and sixty to one hundred and seventy miles. The passage from New York to Liverpool is completed in twenty-seven to thirty-three days during the summer. However, the yards of packet ships are squarer than those of ordinary merchantmen, and they carry a heavier crew. On average, it can be said that packet ships sail a knot an hour faster than ordinary merchantmen. A clipper ship will make a passage in summer in a third less time than one of our merchantmen, but in winter, there is little difference in the sailing of the two vessels. Generally, a clipper may be said to sail fifty percent faster than a merchantman in light winds.

Captains George Budd, Joseph Bacon, Jellison, and Devens were next examined, and all agreed on the probability of the Panda encountering the Mexican at latitude 33, longitude 34-30.

W. H. Peyton stated that the tonnage of American and Spanish vessels is different. Ninety-five tons Spanish is approximately equal to one hundred and twenty American tons. He believed the Panda and Mexican would meet at latitude 32, longitude 37. He never went further north in his voyages than 32° N. He has traversed the Bahama Canal in eight and nine days, with the ordinary passage being eight days. He was unsure of the average rate of vessels sailing in the Atlantic. In good breezes, vessels can run twelve knots per hour, while at other times, they may run five, three, or more or less, depending on the wind. After passing the Bahamas, the average speed may be eight or nine knots. He estimated that a passage in a sharp-built vessel from Havana to the point of southing (latitude 32, longitude 37) might be made in twenty-eight days. Spanish dollars are current along the entire coast of Africa. Money is less valued at Annabon than at other places on the coast. There is not as much trade there as in other locations. He did not know the tonnage of the Panda, as it is difficult to determine the tonnage of vessels by merely seeing them in the water. Estimates might vary by fifty tons.

The Witnesses for the Defense

Baptista Arana testified that he has been a mate and captain for many years and currently commands a brig in this harbor. He has made four voyages from Cadiz to Lima, one to Porto Rico, and three to the coast of Africa. He has cruised on the coast of Africa and is well acquainted with vessels trading from Havana to the coast. They always take specie on board and generally smuggle it. He never knew a vessel to go without specie on board, as it is not entered on account of the duties. Some vessels carry ten, some fifteen, and some twenty thousand dollars; the amount of specie carried depends on which part of the coast the vessel trades to. Money is valued more in some parts than others. The usual articles of cargo are handkerchiefs and cottons of various kinds, etc. Vessels generally do not carry more than eight thousand dollars. They typically take spare spars on board and are well-provided.