When I worked off Roots Web, I saw a few post asking for information on the Lewis and Clarke’s expedition to the ocean, they heard family stories that they had a ancestor on that expedition and was trying to find out if the stories were true. I had a list of he men in one of my index’s but when I looked for it , it couldn’t be found. Then the other day I ran across it and thought it was high time I did something with it, I know there is a new generation looking into this expedition. I hope this list of names will put some of those family stories to rest, or maybe add more life to them.
Note. This list was made by MERIWETHER LEWIS.
I take the liberty of proposing, for the consideration of the committee, a grant to each non-commissioned officer and private, of 320 acres of land; to Lieut. Clarke, of 1000; and to Captain Lewis. of 1,500; with the addition of double pay to each, while engaged in the enterprise; and that each one should have permission to locate his grant on any lands that have been surveyed, and are now for sale by the United States.
H. DEARBORN.
CITY OF WASHINGTON, January 15, 1807.
Herewith enclosed I transmit you the roll of the men who accompanied me on my late tour to the Pacific Ocean, through the interior of the continent of North America. In addition to the men whose names are entered on this roll, there are two others who have some claims to a gratuity, as connected with the expedition; but as I cannot consider them, in all respects, as of the permanent party, 1 have thought their pretensions more properly the subjects of this detached communication, than of the roll which accompanies it.
MERIWETHER LEWIS.
Richard Warfington was a corporal in the infantry of the United States’ army, whom I had occasion ‘to take with me on my voyage as far as the Mandan nation. His term of service expired on. the 4th of August, 1804, nearly three months previous to my arrival at that place. Knowing that it would become necessary for me. to send back my boat in the spring of 1805, with a party of soldiers, whose terms of service had not expired; that it was of some importance that the Government should receive, in safety, the dispatches which I was about to transmit from thence; that there was not one of the party, destined to be returned from thence, in whom I could place the least confidence, except himself; and that, if he was discharged at the moment of the expiration of his term of service, he would necessarily Jose his military standing, and, thereby lessen the efficiency of his command among the soldiery.
I was induced, under these considerations, to make am arrangement with him, by which it was agreed between us, that he should no receive his discharge from the military service until his return to St. Louis, and that he should, in the interim, retain his rank, and receive only for his services the accustomed compensation. Accordingly, he remained with me during the winter, and was, the next spring, in conformity to my plan, placed in command of the boat, and charged with my dispatches-to the Government. The duties assigned him, on this occasion, were performed with a punctuality which uniformly marked his conduct while under my command. taking into view the cheerfulness with which he continued in the service after every obligation had ceased to exist from his enlistment; the fatigues, labor, and dangers, incident to that service; and, above all, the fidelity with which he discharged his duty; it would seem, that when rewards were about to be distributed among those of the party who were engaged in this enterprise, that his claim to something more than his pay of seven dollars per mouth, as corporal, cannot be considered unreasonable.
John Newman was a private in the infantry of the United States army, who joined me as a volunteer, and entered into an enlistment, in common with others, by which he was held and mustered as one of the permanent party. In the course of the expedition, or shortly before we arrived at the Mandan village, be committed himself by using certain mutinous expressions, which caused me to arrest him, and to have him tried by a court martial, formed of his peers: they, finding him guilty, sentenced him to receive seventy-five lashes and to be discharged from the permanent party. This sentence was confirmed by me, and the punishment took place. The conduct of this man, previous to this period, had been generally correct; and the zeal he afterwards displayed for the benefit of the service, was highly meritorious. In the course of the winter, while at Fort Mandan, from an ardent wish to atone for the crime which he had committed at an unguarded moment, he exerted himself, on every occasion, to become useful.
This disposition induced him to expose himself too much to the intense cold of that climate, and on a hunting excursion, he had his hands and feet severely frozen, with which he suffered extreme pain, for some weeks. Having recovered from this accident by the 1st of April, 1805, he asked forgiveness for what had passes and begged that I would permit him to continue with me through the voyage; hut deeming it impolitic to relax the sentence, although he stood acquitted in my mind, I determined to send him back, which was accordingly done. Since my return I have been informed that he was extremely serviceable as a hunter, on the voyage to St. Louis, and that the boat, on several occasions, owed her safety, in a great measure, to his personal exertions, being a man of Uncommon activity and bodily strength. If, under these circumstances, it should be thought proper to give Newman the remaining third which vi1l be deducted from the gratuity awarded Baptiste Le Page, who occupied his station in the after part of the voyage, 1 should feel myself much gratified.
I have the honor to be, with due consideration, and much respect, your obedient servant.
MERIWETHER LEWIS;
Captain, in U. S. Reg’t Infantry.
1. John Ordnay, Sergeant.
2. Nathaniel Pryor, Sergeant.
3. Charles Floyd, Sergeant, Deceased the 20th of August, 18O4. A young man of much merit. His father, who now resides in Kentucky, is a man much respected, though possessed of but moderate wealth. As the son has lost his life whilst on this service, I consider his father entitled to some gratuity, in consideration of his loss; and also, that the deceased being noticed in this way, will be a tribute but justly due to his merit.
4. Patrick Gass, Sergeant, Promoted to sergeant, 20th of August, 1804, in the place of Charles Floyd, deceased; in which capacity he continued until discharged at St. Louis, November 10, 1806.
5. William Bratton, Private.
6. John Collins, Private.
7. John Colter, Private.
8. Pierre Cruzatte, Private.
9. Joseph Field, Private,----- He was most active and enterprising young man who accompanied us. It was this peculiar flute to have been engaged in all the most dangerous and difficult scenes of the voyage, in which he uniformly acquitted himself with much honor.
10. Reuben Field, Private,…He was most active and enterprising young man who accompanied us. It was this peculiar flute to have been engaged in all the most dangerous and difficult scenes of the voyage, in which he uniformly acquitted himself with much honor.
11. Robert Frazier, Private.
12. Silas Goodrich, Private.
13. George Gibson, Private.
14. Thomas P. Howard, Private.
15. Hugh Hall, Private.
16. Francis Labuicke, Private, He has received the pay only of a private, thogh, besides the duties performed as such, he has rendered my very essential services as a French and English interpreter, therefore, I should think it only just that some small addition to his pay, as a private, should be added, though no such addition has, at any time, been promised by me.
17. Hugh M’Neal, Private.
18. John Sheilds, Private, Has received the pay only of a private. Nothing was more peculiarly useful to us, in various situations, than the skill and ingenuity of this man as an artist, in repairing our guns, accoutrements, &c. and should it be thought proper to allow him something an artificer, he has well deserved it.
19. George Shannon, Private.
20. John Potts, Private.
21. John Baptiste Le Page, Private, Entitled to no peculiar merit: was enlisted at Fort Mandàn, on the 2d of November; 1804, in order to supply the deficiency in my permanent party, occasioned by the discharge of John Newman. He performed the tour to the Pacific Ocean, and retuned to St. Louis, where he was discharged, in common with others. on the 10th of November last. As he did not perform the labors incident to the summer of 1804, it would be proper to give him the gratuity only of two-thirds as much as is given to others of his rank.
22. John B. Thompson, Private.
23. William Werner, Private.
24. Richard Windsor, Private.
25. Alexander Willard, Private.
26. Joseph Whitehouse, Private.
27. Peter Wiser, Private.
28. George Drulyard, Interpreter, A man of much merit; ho has been peculiarly useful from his knowledge of the common language of gesticulation, and his uncommon skill as a hunter and woodsman; those several duties he performed in good faith, and with an ardor which deserves the highest commendation. It was his fate also to have encountered, on various occasions, with either Captain Clarke or myself, all the most dangerous and trying scenes of the voyage, in which he uniformly acquitted himself will, honor. He has served the complete term of whole tour, and received only 25 dollars per mouth, and one ration per day while I am informed that it is not unusual for individuals, in similar employment to receive 30 dollars per month.
29. Nouisant Carbono, Interpreter, A man of no peculiar merit; was useful as on interpreter only, in which capacity he discharged his duties with good faith, from the moment of our departure from the Mandans, on the 7th of April, 1805, until one return to that place in August last, and received a compensation, 25 dollars per month, while in service.
CHAP. XXXII.—.An .act making compensation to Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and their companions.
Be it enacted, &c., That the secretary of war be, and he is hereby directed to issue land warrants to Meriwether Lewis and William Clarke, for one thousand six hundred acres each; to John Ordway, Nathaniel Prior, the heirs or legal representatives of Charles Floyd deceased, Patrick Gass, William Bratton, John Collins, John Colter, Pier Cruzatte Joseph Field, Reuben Field, Robert Frasier, Silas Goodrich, George Gibson, Thomas P. Howard, Hugh Hall, Francis Labuiche, Hugh M’Neal, John Shields, George Shannon, John Potts, John Baptiste Le Page, John B. Thompson, William Werner, Richard Windsor, Peter Wiser, Alexander Willard, Joseph Whitehouse, George Drulyard, Totisaint Charbono, Richard Worfington, and John Newman, for three hundred and twenty acres each: which several warrants may. at the option of the holder or possessor, be located with any register or registers of the land offices, subsequent to the public sales in such office, on any of the public lands of the United States, lying on the west side of the Mississippi, then and there offered for sale, or may be received at the rate of two dollars per acre, in payment of any such public lands.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That double pay shall be allowed,
by the secretary of war, to each of the before named persons, agreeably
to the time he or they may have served, in the late enterprise to the Pacific ocean, conducted by Messrs. Lewis and Clarke, and that the sum of eleven thousand dollars be and the same hereby is appropriated to discharge the same, out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
APPROVED, March 3, 1807.
This site deals with surnames of the wars of the United States, up to the Civil War, and the civilians of the same era. It will also cover the surnames of the Colonial era. This site is to help all searchers find a lead to their family lines (including Native American ancestors). This site will cover the years from 1700’s to the early 1900’s.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Privaateers Of The Civil War.
When I started to do some pages on the Privateers I was thinking of the privateers of old, those years of 1776 and 1812, I had not thought of them being in the Civil War. But I surprised to find how wrong I was, I found that not only was the Civil War fought in the continental United States but found this war was fought in other foreign lands as will, we would follow the enemy where ever they went, even to the open sea.
Note. Some of this names may be a repeat as I couldn’t remember them all. There will be some added information on some of these names, so if you see a names and would like to know if there is more my address can be found in my profile, be glad to hear from one and all.
1862.
1. C. H. MARRIOTT,
Of privateer Petrel, and a native of Frederick, Md.
2. JOHN H. EDWARDS,
Of privateer Petrel, and a native of New York.
3. THOMAS WOODS,
Of privateer Petrel, native of Liverpool, England.
4. JOSEPH CRUZ DEL CANO,
Of the privateer Savannah, native of Manila, Spanish Island.
(Wife is in Liverpool, England.)
5. THOMAS QUIGLEY,
Of the Jeff. Davis, native of New York.
6. RICHARD LEWIS,
Of the privateer Petrel, native of New York.
7. THOMAS A. BROOKBANKS,
Of privateer Petrel, of Philadelphia, Pa.
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1862.
Captain Francis J. Keffer, privateer off the Savannah.
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1. Eben Lane, one of the prize crew placed by the privateer Jeff. Davis on board the schooner Encharantress which was ed by U. S. steamer Albatross and brought by that steamer into the port of Philadelphia, was arrested and taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Milward, of Pennsylvania, August 2, 1861. He was brought into court of trial on the 30th day of October, 1861, and was acquitted.
2. Thomas Quigley was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Milward at Philadelphia August 2, 1861, and transferred to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the prize crew placed by the privatter Jeff. Davis on the schooner Enchantress, afterward captured by the U. S. steamer Albatross and brought into the port of Philadelphia. He was brought into court for trial on the 30th day of October, 1861, and convincted. Said Quigley remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day was transferred to the charge of that Department.
3. Richard Lewis was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel which was captured by the U. S. Frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into Philadelphia, Pa., by the U. S. steamer Glag, and was taken into custody by Marshal Millward August 8, 1861, and afterward committed to Fort Lafayette. The said Richard Lewis remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department. (Ordered released February 21, 1862. Released on parole February 22, 1862.)
4. This person [Frank Albor] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward, of Philadelphia, August 8, 1861. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Frank Albor died in prison at Philadelphia, November 9, 1861.
5. This man [Austin C. Williams] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and transferred to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought to Philadelphia by U. S. steamer Flag. Said Williams remained in custody at Fort Lafayette Fe when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the proceeding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
6. Hugh Monagrow was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the staemer Flag on the 8th of August, 1861. Monagrow in company with the balance of the crew was transferred to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
7. This man [Robert Barret] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward, of Philadelphia, August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by U. S. steamer Flag. Said Barrett remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
8. This man [Thomas A. Brookbanks] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Brookbanks remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
9. John W. Dearing was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia August 8, 1861. Dearing in company with the balance of the crew was taken to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
10. William Bryan was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. firgate Saint Lawrence and brought to the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Bryan was still in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
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Interesting Note. Freebooter is a term which was in common use in the English language at no very remote period; it is of rare use not, because the freebooter makes his appearance but rarely in modern times, thanks to the more regular and efficient governments and to the more advanced state of the law of war. From the freebooter at sea arose the privateer, for the privateer is a commissioned freebooter, or the freebooter taken into the service of the government by the letter of marque. The se-gueux, in the revolution of the Netherlands, were originally freebooters at sea, and they were always treated when captured simply as freebooters. Wherever the freebooter is taken, at sea or on land, death is inflicted upon him now as in former times, for freebooters are nothing less than armed robbers of the most dangerous and criminal type, banded together for the purposes of booty and of common protection.
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1. This man [Thomas A. Brookbanks] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Brookbanks remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
2. John W. Dearing was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia August 8, 1861. Dearing in company with the balance of the crew was taken to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
3. A. C. Delahay was one of the crew of the privateer Petree U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag on August 8, 1861. Delahay in company with the balance of the crew was transferred to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the chargeof that Department.
4. William Bryan was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. firgate Saint Lawrence and brought to the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Bryan was still in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
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List of privateer prisoners confined at Fort Lafayette, New York Harbor.
Name. Rank. Vessel.
T. H. Baker. . Captain. . Savannah.
John Harleston. . First lieutenant. Savannah.
C. S. Passailaigue. . Purser. Savannah.
Henry C. Howard. . Sailing master. Savannah.
Joseph Cruz del Cano a. Steward. Savannah.
H. Oman. . Cook. Savannah.
P. Daly. . Seaman. Savannah.
William C. Clark, Seaman Savannah.
John Murphy, Seaman Savannah.
M. Galvin, Seaman, savannah.
A. C. Coid. Seaman Savannah.
John Williams, Seaman York.
James Riley, Seaman, York.
A. Wilson Seaman, York.
H. Spencer, Seaman, Sumter.
John Davison, Seaman, Sumter.
A. G. Hudgins, Midshipman, Sumter
John Donnelly, Seaman, Sumter.
E. Rhul, Seaman, Sumter.
P. Thompson, Seaman, Sumter.
William MaySeaman, Sumter.
George C. Gladden, Seaman Dixie.
J. P. M. Calvo, Seaman Dixie.
Charles Forrester, Seaman Dixie.
John Gonzales, Seaman Dixie.
John H. Marshall, Seaman Dixie.
James Milnor, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
William Smith, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
D. Mullings, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
E. Rochford, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
R. M. Harvey, First lieutenant, Petrel.
Colin Campbell, Second lieutenant, Petrel.
A. Peyrusset, Sailing master, Petrel.
Robert Barnet, Gunner, Petrel.
E. Flynn, Seaman, Petrel.
A. C. Williams, Seaman, Petrel.
H. Oltmans, Seaman, Petrel.
D. Courtney, Seaman, Petrel.
John N. Morgan, Steward, Petrel.
George Hawkins, Seaman, Petrel.
A. C. Delahay, Seaman, Petrel.
John C. Cunningham, Seaman, Petrel.
R. R. Jeffers, Carpenter, Petrel.
William H. Hazlehurst, Seaman, Petrel.
George S. Harrison, Seaman, Petrel.
John Mack, Seaman, Petrel.
Hugh Monaghan, Seaman, Petrel.
John Cronin, Seaman, Petrel.
H. A. Rowan, Sailmaker, Petrel.
John Mallings, Seaman, Petrel.
G. H. Roberts, Seaman, Petrel.
E. Murphy, Seaman, Petrel.
Thomas Woods, Seaman, Petrel.
John H. Edwards, Seaman, Petrel.
John G. S. Tucket, Seaman, Petrel.
J. M. Dearing, Seaman, Petrel.
William Brain, Seaman, Petrel.
M. Dooling, Seaman, Petrel.
George Sawden, a Sick, Petrel.
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The privateer Sumter-Arrest of five of her crew.
This morning two of the crew of the privateer Sumter arrived at this port by the Costa Rica, Captain Peel, from Aspinwail. Their names are Henry Spencer and John Davison. The former is an Englisham ages thirty-eighth years, and the latter a Scotchman aged twenty-five. They state they embarked on board the Sumter to avoid starvation in New Orleans and that they intended to run away whenever an opportunity presented. The Sumter left New Orleans on June 30. The U. S. S. Brooklyn was heading in and gave the Sumter chase, but the latter being a very fast sailer escaped her.
Note. The Sumter had a crew of 120.
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FORT LAFAYETTE, February 24, 1862.
Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
SIR: I, John Mack, a native of Ireland, one of the crew or the late privateer Petrel, now a prisoners in Fort Lafayete, hereby make application to be released from custody on my parole of honor or by taking the oath of allegiance not to render and aid or comfort to the enemy in hostility to the Government of the United States within the terms of the Executive Order, Numbers 1, War Department, dated the 14th February, 1862.
I am, your humble and obedient servant,
JOHN MACK.
NOTE. -John Cronin, Edward Murphy, Hugh Monaghan, Thomas Woods, of the Petrel crew, Joseph Cruz del Cano, and others made similar applications.
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, February 5, 1862.
ROBERT MURRAY, Esq., U. S. Marshal, New York.
SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication* of the 4th instant reporting that you had transferred all the privateers confined in the city prisons of New York to Fort Lafayette except two, Thomas Palmer and John O'Brien, who are invalids. You further report that you delivered Mr. Palmer to the Sisters of Mercy and sent Mr. O'Brien to the lunatic asylum on Blackwell's Island. In reply I have to inform you that your proceedings are entirely approved.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. W. SEWARD.
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NEW YORK, January 30, 1862.
Honorable W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: I was mate of the brig Joseph and was captured by the privateer Savannah; was carried into Georgetown [S. C.] where I was a prisoner three months. When I was sent North on my way to Richmond all of my clothes were stolen. On account of my long confinement South when I got to Philadelphia I had to go into the hospital where I had to remain one month, when I started for this place, destitute, on my way home, when I was arrested by the U. S. marshal as a witness to appear against the officers and crew of the Savannah. They had their trial and the jury did not agree. Was put into the house of detention where I have been 108 days, and to-day I have been discharged without money and clothes. When I called upon the U. S. marshal and U. S. district attorney for my witness fees they said they had no money to pay me. I wanted them to give me a written order of detention so that I could use it as money. I thankfully appeal to you in my destitution, &c.
Yours, respectfully,
HORACE W. BRIDGES,
Late Mate of Brig Joseph.
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Case of Parker H. French.
This person, known as Parker H. French, alias Carlisle Murray, alias Charles Maxy, was denounced to the Department of State as being engaged in efforts to fit out a privateer or private vessel at Boston under pretense of arming a vessel for the public service, and as being busy in propagating a secret disloyal society called the Knights of the Golden Circle in Boston and other parts of New England. On or about the 2nd of November, 1861, an order was issued for his arrest, which was executed on or about the 6th of November, 1861, at Branford, Conn., and the prisoner taken to Fort Warren.
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This man [James J. Babbage] was mate of the brig Cuba which was captured by the privateer Sumter and a prize crew put on board. The crew of the Cuba afterward recaptured that vessel and brought her with the Sumter's prize crew into the port of New York. Babbage and the rest of the Cuba's crew were taken into custody as witnesses against the Sumter's prize crew. Babbage was released January 30, 1862.
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U. S. MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,
New York, October 10, 1861.
Honorable WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary of State, Washington.
SIR: In compliance with the instructions in your telegram of yesterday I immediately proceeded to Fort Lafayette and administered the oath of allegiance to William F. Capehart, John Murphy, Perry White, Isaac Swindle, Carthwright Thompson, James B. Hoggard, Stephen Bennett, Charles Williams and Thomas Kelly, who were immediately discharged. Edward Heinrichs, Prussian; Erick Brundeen, John Johnson, William Brown, Swedes, and George Parker, and Englishman, being foreigners and the first four entirely ignorant of our language I discharged without administrating the oath of allegiance, and was obliged from their utter state of destitution to furnish them with sufficient funds to reach the city.
Very respectfully, yours,
ROBERT MURRAY,
U. S. Marshal.
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List of prisoners captured from the privateer Beauregard and received at Fort Warren March 23, 1862.
G. Hay, captain.
L. T. Swan, first lieutenant.
J. H. Stewart, second lieutenant.
A. Sulley, purser.
J. B. Davis, seamen.
O. Rowse, seamen.
W. Dangler, seamen.
P. Perry, seamen.
J. McGivern, seamen.
John Burns, seamen.
John Conway, seamen.
Daniel Culle, seamen.
H. F. Randolph, seamen.
W. Boyd, seamen.
C. Butcher, seamen.
J. Cameron, seamen.
T. McBurney, seamen.
M. Kenny, seamen.
A. Jackson, seamen.
G. Valentine, seamen.
H. Maylan, seamen.
W. Perkins, seamen.
R. C. Busey, seamen.
H. Pahlon, seamen.
R. Robinson, seamen.
F. Franka, seamen.
John Somer, seamen.
Their full names.
Gilbert Hay, John B. Davis, Joseph H. Stewart, Archibald Lilly, Oliver Rowse, William Dangler, Peter Perry, James McGivern, John Burns, John Conway, Daniel Culle, H. F. Randolph, William Boyd, Charles Butcher, John Cameron, Thomas McBurney, Alexander J. Swan, Michael Kenny, Andrew Jackson, George Valentine, Henry Myolan, Henry Pahlon, Richard Robinson, William Perkins, Richard C. Busey, John Somer and Frederick Klenica.
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Lieutenant Colonel Eighth Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.
Memoranda of the arrest of Henry Myers and Thomas T. tunstall, from Record Book, State Department, "Arrests for Disloyalty. "
Henry Myers and Thomas T. Tunstall were arrested on or about the 19th day of February, 1862, at Tangier, Morocco, by the consul of the United States at that place. Myers was taken as an officer of the rebel steamer Sumter, commonly styled a privateer or private vessel, and Tunstall was charged as an accomplice of Myers, aiding and assisting him in efforts to procure coal and other supplies for the said vessel.
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The below named were of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel, captured by the U. S. friagate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia August 8, 1861. They were taken to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where they were transferred to the charge of the War Department February 15, 1862. - From Record Book "Arrest for Disloyalty," State Department.
John W. Dearing, Michael Dillon, Richard M. Harvey, August Peyrusset, Heny Mills, Austin C. Williams, John M. Morgan, John Cunningham, William H. Hazelhurst, John Mark, Henry A. Run, C. H. Marriott, Richard Lewis, John H. Edwards, John G. S. Tucket, A. C. Delahay, William Perry, Charles Campbell, Robert Barret, Edward Flynn, Daniel Courtney, George Hawkins, Richard R. Jeffries, George S. Harrison, Hugh Monagrow, John Mallings, George H. Roberts, Edward Murphy, Thomas Woods, George Sawden and John Cronin.
Note. Some of this names may be a repeat as I couldn’t remember them all. There will be some added information on some of these names, so if you see a names and would like to know if there is more my address can be found in my profile, be glad to hear from one and all.
1862.
1. C. H. MARRIOTT,
Of privateer Petrel, and a native of Frederick, Md.
2. JOHN H. EDWARDS,
Of privateer Petrel, and a native of New York.
3. THOMAS WOODS,
Of privateer Petrel, native of Liverpool, England.
4. JOSEPH CRUZ DEL CANO,
Of the privateer Savannah, native of Manila, Spanish Island.
(Wife is in Liverpool, England.)
5. THOMAS QUIGLEY,
Of the Jeff. Davis, native of New York.
6. RICHARD LEWIS,
Of the privateer Petrel, native of New York.
7. THOMAS A. BROOKBANKS,
Of privateer Petrel, of Philadelphia, Pa.
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1862.
Captain Francis J. Keffer, privateer off the Savannah.
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1. Eben Lane, one of the prize crew placed by the privateer Jeff. Davis on board the schooner Encharantress which was ed by U. S. steamer Albatross and brought by that steamer into the port of Philadelphia, was arrested and taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Milward, of Pennsylvania, August 2, 1861. He was brought into court of trial on the 30th day of October, 1861, and was acquitted.
2. Thomas Quigley was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Milward at Philadelphia August 2, 1861, and transferred to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the prize crew placed by the privatter Jeff. Davis on the schooner Enchantress, afterward captured by the U. S. steamer Albatross and brought into the port of Philadelphia. He was brought into court for trial on the 30th day of October, 1861, and convincted. Said Quigley remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day was transferred to the charge of that Department.
3. Richard Lewis was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel which was captured by the U. S. Frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into Philadelphia, Pa., by the U. S. steamer Glag, and was taken into custody by Marshal Millward August 8, 1861, and afterward committed to Fort Lafayette. The said Richard Lewis remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department. (Ordered released February 21, 1862. Released on parole February 22, 1862.)
4. This person [Frank Albor] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward, of Philadelphia, August 8, 1861. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Frank Albor died in prison at Philadelphia, November 9, 1861.
5. This man [Austin C. Williams] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and transferred to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought to Philadelphia by U. S. steamer Flag. Said Williams remained in custody at Fort Lafayette Fe when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the proceeding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
6. Hugh Monagrow was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the staemer Flag on the 8th of August, 1861. Monagrow in company with the balance of the crew was transferred to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
7. This man [Robert Barret] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward, of Philadelphia, August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by U. S. steamer Flag. Said Barrett remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
8. This man [Thomas A. Brookbanks] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Brookbanks remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
9. John W. Dearing was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia August 8, 1861. Dearing in company with the balance of the crew was taken to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
10. William Bryan was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. firgate Saint Lawrence and brought to the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Bryan was still in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
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Interesting Note. Freebooter is a term which was in common use in the English language at no very remote period; it is of rare use not, because the freebooter makes his appearance but rarely in modern times, thanks to the more regular and efficient governments and to the more advanced state of the law of war. From the freebooter at sea arose the privateer, for the privateer is a commissioned freebooter, or the freebooter taken into the service of the government by the letter of marque. The se-gueux, in the revolution of the Netherlands, were originally freebooters at sea, and they were always treated when captured simply as freebooters. Wherever the freebooter is taken, at sea or on land, death is inflicted upon him now as in former times, for freebooters are nothing less than armed robbers of the most dangerous and criminal type, banded together for the purposes of booty and of common protection.
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1. This man [Thomas A. Brookbanks] was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Brookbanks remained in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
2. John W. Dearing was one of the crew of the privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia August 8, 1861. Dearing in company with the balance of the crew was taken to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
3. A. C. Delahay was one of the crew of the privateer Petree U. S. frigate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag on August 8, 1861. Delahay in company with the balance of the crew was transferred to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where he remained February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the chargeof that Department.
4. William Bryan was taken into custody by U. S. Marshal Millward at Philadelphia August 8, 1861, and sent to Fort Lafayette by order of the Secretary of State dated January 31, 1862. He was one of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel captured by the U. S. firgate Saint Lawrence and brought to the port of Philadelphia by the U. S. steamer Flag. Said Bryan was still in custody at Fort Lafayette February 15, 1862, when in conformity with the order of the War Department of the preceding day he was transferred to the charge of that Department.
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List of privateer prisoners confined at Fort Lafayette, New York Harbor.
Name. Rank. Vessel.
T. H. Baker. . Captain. . Savannah.
John Harleston. . First lieutenant. Savannah.
C. S. Passailaigue. . Purser. Savannah.
Henry C. Howard. . Sailing master. Savannah.
Joseph Cruz del Cano a. Steward. Savannah.
H. Oman. . Cook. Savannah.
P. Daly. . Seaman. Savannah.
William C. Clark, Seaman Savannah.
John Murphy, Seaman Savannah.
M. Galvin, Seaman, savannah.
A. C. Coid. Seaman Savannah.
John Williams, Seaman York.
James Riley, Seaman, York.
A. Wilson Seaman, York.
H. Spencer, Seaman, Sumter.
John Davison, Seaman, Sumter.
A. G. Hudgins, Midshipman, Sumter
John Donnelly, Seaman, Sumter.
E. Rhul, Seaman, Sumter.
P. Thompson, Seaman, Sumter.
William MaySeaman, Sumter.
George C. Gladden, Seaman Dixie.
J. P. M. Calvo, Seaman Dixie.
Charles Forrester, Seaman Dixie.
John Gonzales, Seaman Dixie.
John H. Marshall, Seaman Dixie.
James Milnor, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
William Smith, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
D. Mullings, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
E. Rochford, Seaman, Jeff. Davis.
R. M. Harvey, First lieutenant, Petrel.
Colin Campbell, Second lieutenant, Petrel.
A. Peyrusset, Sailing master, Petrel.
Robert Barnet, Gunner, Petrel.
E. Flynn, Seaman, Petrel.
A. C. Williams, Seaman, Petrel.
H. Oltmans, Seaman, Petrel.
D. Courtney, Seaman, Petrel.
John N. Morgan, Steward, Petrel.
George Hawkins, Seaman, Petrel.
A. C. Delahay, Seaman, Petrel.
John C. Cunningham, Seaman, Petrel.
R. R. Jeffers, Carpenter, Petrel.
William H. Hazlehurst, Seaman, Petrel.
George S. Harrison, Seaman, Petrel.
John Mack, Seaman, Petrel.
Hugh Monaghan, Seaman, Petrel.
John Cronin, Seaman, Petrel.
H. A. Rowan, Sailmaker, Petrel.
John Mallings, Seaman, Petrel.
G. H. Roberts, Seaman, Petrel.
E. Murphy, Seaman, Petrel.
Thomas Woods, Seaman, Petrel.
John H. Edwards, Seaman, Petrel.
John G. S. Tucket, Seaman, Petrel.
J. M. Dearing, Seaman, Petrel.
William Brain, Seaman, Petrel.
M. Dooling, Seaman, Petrel.
George Sawden, a Sick, Petrel.
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The privateer Sumter-Arrest of five of her crew.
This morning two of the crew of the privateer Sumter arrived at this port by the Costa Rica, Captain Peel, from Aspinwail. Their names are Henry Spencer and John Davison. The former is an Englisham ages thirty-eighth years, and the latter a Scotchman aged twenty-five. They state they embarked on board the Sumter to avoid starvation in New Orleans and that they intended to run away whenever an opportunity presented. The Sumter left New Orleans on June 30. The U. S. S. Brooklyn was heading in and gave the Sumter chase, but the latter being a very fast sailer escaped her.
Note. The Sumter had a crew of 120.
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FORT LAFAYETTE, February 24, 1862.
Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War.
SIR: I, John Mack, a native of Ireland, one of the crew or the late privateer Petrel, now a prisoners in Fort Lafayete, hereby make application to be released from custody on my parole of honor or by taking the oath of allegiance not to render and aid or comfort to the enemy in hostility to the Government of the United States within the terms of the Executive Order, Numbers 1, War Department, dated the 14th February, 1862.
I am, your humble and obedient servant,
JOHN MACK.
NOTE. -John Cronin, Edward Murphy, Hugh Monaghan, Thomas Woods, of the Petrel crew, Joseph Cruz del Cano, and others made similar applications.
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, February 5, 1862.
ROBERT MURRAY, Esq., U. S. Marshal, New York.
SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication* of the 4th instant reporting that you had transferred all the privateers confined in the city prisons of New York to Fort Lafayette except two, Thomas Palmer and John O'Brien, who are invalids. You further report that you delivered Mr. Palmer to the Sisters of Mercy and sent Mr. O'Brien to the lunatic asylum on Blackwell's Island. In reply I have to inform you that your proceedings are entirely approved.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. W. SEWARD.
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NEW YORK, January 30, 1862.
Honorable W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
DEAR SIR: I was mate of the brig Joseph and was captured by the privateer Savannah; was carried into Georgetown [S. C.] where I was a prisoner three months. When I was sent North on my way to Richmond all of my clothes were stolen. On account of my long confinement South when I got to Philadelphia I had to go into the hospital where I had to remain one month, when I started for this place, destitute, on my way home, when I was arrested by the U. S. marshal as a witness to appear against the officers and crew of the Savannah. They had their trial and the jury did not agree. Was put into the house of detention where I have been 108 days, and to-day I have been discharged without money and clothes. When I called upon the U. S. marshal and U. S. district attorney for my witness fees they said they had no money to pay me. I wanted them to give me a written order of detention so that I could use it as money. I thankfully appeal to you in my destitution, &c.
Yours, respectfully,
HORACE W. BRIDGES,
Late Mate of Brig Joseph.
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Case of Parker H. French.
This person, known as Parker H. French, alias Carlisle Murray, alias Charles Maxy, was denounced to the Department of State as being engaged in efforts to fit out a privateer or private vessel at Boston under pretense of arming a vessel for the public service, and as being busy in propagating a secret disloyal society called the Knights of the Golden Circle in Boston and other parts of New England. On or about the 2nd of November, 1861, an order was issued for his arrest, which was executed on or about the 6th of November, 1861, at Branford, Conn., and the prisoner taken to Fort Warren.
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This man [James J. Babbage] was mate of the brig Cuba which was captured by the privateer Sumter and a prize crew put on board. The crew of the Cuba afterward recaptured that vessel and brought her with the Sumter's prize crew into the port of New York. Babbage and the rest of the Cuba's crew were taken into custody as witnesses against the Sumter's prize crew. Babbage was released January 30, 1862.
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U. S. MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,
New York, October 10, 1861.
Honorable WILLIAM H. SEWARD,
Secretary of State, Washington.
SIR: In compliance with the instructions in your telegram of yesterday I immediately proceeded to Fort Lafayette and administered the oath of allegiance to William F. Capehart, John Murphy, Perry White, Isaac Swindle, Carthwright Thompson, James B. Hoggard, Stephen Bennett, Charles Williams and Thomas Kelly, who were immediately discharged. Edward Heinrichs, Prussian; Erick Brundeen, John Johnson, William Brown, Swedes, and George Parker, and Englishman, being foreigners and the first four entirely ignorant of our language I discharged without administrating the oath of allegiance, and was obliged from their utter state of destitution to furnish them with sufficient funds to reach the city.
Very respectfully, yours,
ROBERT MURRAY,
U. S. Marshal.
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List of prisoners captured from the privateer Beauregard and received at Fort Warren March 23, 1862.
G. Hay, captain.
L. T. Swan, first lieutenant.
J. H. Stewart, second lieutenant.
A. Sulley, purser.
J. B. Davis, seamen.
O. Rowse, seamen.
W. Dangler, seamen.
P. Perry, seamen.
J. McGivern, seamen.
John Burns, seamen.
John Conway, seamen.
Daniel Culle, seamen.
H. F. Randolph, seamen.
W. Boyd, seamen.
C. Butcher, seamen.
J. Cameron, seamen.
T. McBurney, seamen.
M. Kenny, seamen.
A. Jackson, seamen.
G. Valentine, seamen.
H. Maylan, seamen.
W. Perkins, seamen.
R. C. Busey, seamen.
H. Pahlon, seamen.
R. Robinson, seamen.
F. Franka, seamen.
John Somer, seamen.
Their full names.
Gilbert Hay, John B. Davis, Joseph H. Stewart, Archibald Lilly, Oliver Rowse, William Dangler, Peter Perry, James McGivern, John Burns, John Conway, Daniel Culle, H. F. Randolph, William Boyd, Charles Butcher, John Cameron, Thomas McBurney, Alexander J. Swan, Michael Kenny, Andrew Jackson, George Valentine, Henry Myolan, Henry Pahlon, Richard Robinson, William Perkins, Richard C. Busey, John Somer and Frederick Klenica.
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Lieutenant Colonel Eighth Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.
Memoranda of the arrest of Henry Myers and Thomas T. tunstall, from Record Book, State Department, "Arrests for Disloyalty. "
Henry Myers and Thomas T. Tunstall were arrested on or about the 19th day of February, 1862, at Tangier, Morocco, by the consul of the United States at that place. Myers was taken as an officer of the rebel steamer Sumter, commonly styled a privateer or private vessel, and Tunstall was charged as an accomplice of Myers, aiding and assisting him in efforts to procure coal and other supplies for the said vessel.
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The below named were of the crew of the rebel privateer Petrel, captured by the U. S. friagate Saint Lawrence and brought into the port of Philadelphia August 8, 1861. They were taken to Fort Lafayette February 5, 1862, where they were transferred to the charge of the War Department February 15, 1862. - From Record Book "Arrest for Disloyalty," State Department.
John W. Dearing, Michael Dillon, Richard M. Harvey, August Peyrusset, Heny Mills, Austin C. Williams, John M. Morgan, John Cunningham, William H. Hazelhurst, John Mark, Henry A. Run, C. H. Marriott, Richard Lewis, John H. Edwards, John G. S. Tucket, A. C. Delahay, William Perry, Charles Campbell, Robert Barret, Edward Flynn, Daniel Courtney, George Hawkins, Richard R. Jeffries, George S. Harrison, Hugh Monagrow, John Mallings, George H. Roberts, Edward Murphy, Thomas Woods, George Sawden and John Cronin.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Battle of The Privateer Ship General Armstrong 1814.
The privateer was a merchant ship or any private ship that armed itself to protect it’s goods and vessel from a known or unknown enemy. In the beginning the private ship were not allowed to arm themselves, even after the Americans claimed their independence from England, private ship were warn not to arm themselves. The new Government felt it would not look good to have all it’s private ships armed and going into foreign ports armed to the teeth, it may give them the idea that we were a nation of war and not of piece. However when the revolution started it was soon found by the new government that their navy was not a match for any foreign power. New ships were ordered to be built but that would take time and the cost of outfitting a war ship was high.
The new navy was small so small that there was hardly enough ships to patrol it’s shores let along fight in sea battles. The men of the new Congress were men of vision and knew if something wasn’t done soon they wouldn’t be a free nation for long. The men of Congress knew that this new American was to be ran by the people and not government and if they wanted to stay free they would have to fight. A call went out that all citizens to arm themselves and fight. Many of the men in the government were owners or part owners of the many merchant ships on the seas. Now these men were smart they knew that there were thousands of private ships on the open seas, and if they could be armed the government would have a ready made navy. The new Congress passed a law that allowed the merchant and all private ships to arm themselves. The new law stated that a prize and bounty would be given to any ship that captured a ship of a unfriendly power.
This new law brought about the professional privateer one who’s only job was that of war it would hunt for any foreign ship and take it if it could, as there was money to be made in this war and they were going after it. But it was the little company’s of the merchant ships that just wanted a way to protect its goods and ship from attack, they weren’t looking for a fight but if one came the could run and fight and if need be hold fast and fight to the last. The story below is about the General Armstrong a ship that fought to the last.
Note. This story was put together from reports sent to Congress, there were many more accounts on this battle in the reports given to Congress for you researchers that would like to read more about. At the bottom of the story there will be a list of those killed or wounded from the Armstrong.
Captain Samuel C. Reid, in the private armed brig the General Armstrong, of seven guns and ninety man, left the port of New York on a cruise, early in September, 1814; on the 6th of the same month they came to anchor in the port of Faya1, one of the Azores or Western Islands, belonging to the crown of Portugal; in the evening of the same day, a British squadron, consisting of the Plantagenet of seventy-four, the Rota of forty-four, and the Carnation of eighteen guns, under the command of Captain Lloyd, anchored in the same port. During the night which was entirely clear, the moon near or at the full, and shining brightly, which enabled the Americans to examine accurately, and observe distinctly the movements of the enemy, four boats full of armed men were observed to be approaching the Armstrong, from the smallest of the vessels which lay near.
Captain Reid hailed them repeatedly to know what were their views; no answer being returned, and the boats continuing to approach, orders were given to fire upon them, which were instantly obeyed with destructive effect, and after a short contest the boats retreated to their ships. It was soon discovered that the enemy were making preparations to renew the attack, which was commenced about midnight, with twelve or fourteen boats, containing, as was supposed, about four hundred men completely armed and prepared. After a most obstinate, and, on the part of the enemy bloody! contest, which lasted about forty minutes, they were entirely frustrated in their attempts to carry the brig, and again retreated to their Ships. In this second contest several of the enemy’s boats were destroyed, and two of them taken possession of by the crew of the Armstrong, literally filled with dead. After the second retreat of the enemy, the greatest exertions were used by the Americans to prepare their vessel for action in case of another attack.
About this time, Captain Reid received a note from Mr. Dabney, the American consul, requesting to see him on shore; when he repaired thither, the consul informed him that the Portuguese Governor had addressed a note to the commander of the British squadron, protesting against his violating the neutrality of the port, and requiring him to cease from further outrace on those whom it was his duty to protect. To this note Captain Lloyd returned a menacing reply; that he would take the Armstrong at every hazard, and if she was injured by her crew, he would consider the place as an enemy’s port, and treat it accordingly.
During the last action with the boats, the Armstrong lay within pistol-shot of the castle. Captain Reid then returned on board his vessel, and about day-break a cannonade was commenced from one of the enemy’s vessels on the Armstrong. Thus situated, finding the enemy determined to persevere in their outrage, and from the immense superiority their force, knowing it would be impossible to save his vessel, Captain Reid having due regard for the safety his comrades who had so nobly supported him, determined to scuttle her and leave her; this he did, when she was immediately set on fire by the enemy and destroyed. In these several contests, from good information, there is reason to believe the loss of the enemy, at a moderate calculation, amounted at least to two hundred and fifty men in killed and wounded; that of the Americans was two killed and seven wounded.
It was found that this British squadron was on its way to the West Indies to join the force destined to make an attack on New Orleans; that in consequence of the injury which They sustained, their junction was so much retarded, and the expedition so much delayed, that the, Americans had time to prepare for the defense of that place, which, but for this circumstance, could probably not have been effected.
Those killed and wounded were;
1. Alexander 0. Williams, second lieutenant, Killed by a musket ball in the forehead, died instantly.
2. Burton Lloyd a seaman, killed by a shot through the heart, died instantly.
3. Frederick A. Worth, first lieutenant, wounded in the right side.
4. Robert Johnson, third Lieutenant , wounded in the left knee.
5. Basifla Hammond, quartermaster, wounded in left arm.
6. John Piner, seaman, wounded in the knee.
7. William Castle, wounded in the arm.
8. Nicholas Scalsan, wounded in the arm and leg.
The new navy was small so small that there was hardly enough ships to patrol it’s shores let along fight in sea battles. The men of the new Congress were men of vision and knew if something wasn’t done soon they wouldn’t be a free nation for long. The men of Congress knew that this new American was to be ran by the people and not government and if they wanted to stay free they would have to fight. A call went out that all citizens to arm themselves and fight. Many of the men in the government were owners or part owners of the many merchant ships on the seas. Now these men were smart they knew that there were thousands of private ships on the open seas, and if they could be armed the government would have a ready made navy. The new Congress passed a law that allowed the merchant and all private ships to arm themselves. The new law stated that a prize and bounty would be given to any ship that captured a ship of a unfriendly power.
This new law brought about the professional privateer one who’s only job was that of war it would hunt for any foreign ship and take it if it could, as there was money to be made in this war and they were going after it. But it was the little company’s of the merchant ships that just wanted a way to protect its goods and ship from attack, they weren’t looking for a fight but if one came the could run and fight and if need be hold fast and fight to the last. The story below is about the General Armstrong a ship that fought to the last.
Note. This story was put together from reports sent to Congress, there were many more accounts on this battle in the reports given to Congress for you researchers that would like to read more about. At the bottom of the story there will be a list of those killed or wounded from the Armstrong.
Captain Samuel C. Reid, in the private armed brig the General Armstrong, of seven guns and ninety man, left the port of New York on a cruise, early in September, 1814; on the 6th of the same month they came to anchor in the port of Faya1, one of the Azores or Western Islands, belonging to the crown of Portugal; in the evening of the same day, a British squadron, consisting of the Plantagenet of seventy-four, the Rota of forty-four, and the Carnation of eighteen guns, under the command of Captain Lloyd, anchored in the same port. During the night which was entirely clear, the moon near or at the full, and shining brightly, which enabled the Americans to examine accurately, and observe distinctly the movements of the enemy, four boats full of armed men were observed to be approaching the Armstrong, from the smallest of the vessels which lay near.
Captain Reid hailed them repeatedly to know what were their views; no answer being returned, and the boats continuing to approach, orders were given to fire upon them, which were instantly obeyed with destructive effect, and after a short contest the boats retreated to their ships. It was soon discovered that the enemy were making preparations to renew the attack, which was commenced about midnight, with twelve or fourteen boats, containing, as was supposed, about four hundred men completely armed and prepared. After a most obstinate, and, on the part of the enemy bloody! contest, which lasted about forty minutes, they were entirely frustrated in their attempts to carry the brig, and again retreated to their Ships. In this second contest several of the enemy’s boats were destroyed, and two of them taken possession of by the crew of the Armstrong, literally filled with dead. After the second retreat of the enemy, the greatest exertions were used by the Americans to prepare their vessel for action in case of another attack.
About this time, Captain Reid received a note from Mr. Dabney, the American consul, requesting to see him on shore; when he repaired thither, the consul informed him that the Portuguese Governor had addressed a note to the commander of the British squadron, protesting against his violating the neutrality of the port, and requiring him to cease from further outrace on those whom it was his duty to protect. To this note Captain Lloyd returned a menacing reply; that he would take the Armstrong at every hazard, and if she was injured by her crew, he would consider the place as an enemy’s port, and treat it accordingly.
During the last action with the boats, the Armstrong lay within pistol-shot of the castle. Captain Reid then returned on board his vessel, and about day-break a cannonade was commenced from one of the enemy’s vessels on the Armstrong. Thus situated, finding the enemy determined to persevere in their outrage, and from the immense superiority their force, knowing it would be impossible to save his vessel, Captain Reid having due regard for the safety his comrades who had so nobly supported him, determined to scuttle her and leave her; this he did, when she was immediately set on fire by the enemy and destroyed. In these several contests, from good information, there is reason to believe the loss of the enemy, at a moderate calculation, amounted at least to two hundred and fifty men in killed and wounded; that of the Americans was two killed and seven wounded.
It was found that this British squadron was on its way to the West Indies to join the force destined to make an attack on New Orleans; that in consequence of the injury which They sustained, their junction was so much retarded, and the expedition so much delayed, that the, Americans had time to prepare for the defense of that place, which, but for this circumstance, could probably not have been effected.
Those killed and wounded were;
1. Alexander 0. Williams, second lieutenant, Killed by a musket ball in the forehead, died instantly.
2. Burton Lloyd a seaman, killed by a shot through the heart, died instantly.
3. Frederick A. Worth, first lieutenant, wounded in the right side.
4. Robert Johnson, third Lieutenant , wounded in the left knee.
5. Basifla Hammond, quartermaster, wounded in left arm.
6. John Piner, seaman, wounded in the knee.
7. William Castle, wounded in the arm.
8. Nicholas Scalsan, wounded in the arm and leg.
Slave Privateers 1814.
In June of 1814, a British privateer ship by the name of Dash was captured by the American schooner Midas a privateer it’s Captain was a Alexander Thompson, who took the ship to Savannah Georgia, as a prize and was hoping for a bounty on the ship an crew which was made up of slaves and freemen of color. The Dash crew was made up of twenty-two salves and nineteen freemen, Captain Thompson was given a receipt for the ship and the freeman but was refused the bounty for the slaves.
There was a American law that stated that the crew officers and owners of a privateer would be paid one hundred dollars per prisoners, and those prisoners that were combatants would be held as prisoners of war and t be exchanged for man of the same rank being held by other foreign powers as prisoners of war, and those found to be non-combatants would be liberated. But there was a small lop hole in the law that stated that all men of rank were combatants and no bounty could be paid on prisoners of war. It was true that the bounty on the slaves was to be paid, but then it was found that the twenty-two slaves held some kind of rank, and as such were classified as combatants and would be held as prisoners of war.
Captain Alexander Thompson put in a petition into Congress asking for the bounty for the slaves. It was found that the slaves were offered to the British for exchanged, but at the wars end it was found that a lot of the slaves were still being held by the marshal of Georgia. In the end Captain Thompson would be paid his bounty, as for what ever happen to the slaves this author never found out. It may be found some were sent back to England, while others may have been sold to someone in Georgia?
Important Note. Below you will find three lists one of the crew of the Dash and two of the slaves. I printed all three list as there were only to be twenty-two slave, but some names show up one list that are not on any other list, it would be best to look at all three list, as not to miss an ancestor.
Crew of the privateer Schooner Dash, Slaves & Freeman of color or White.
1. John Pinder, Captain.
2. Joseph Whitwood, First lieutenant.
3. James Wilson, Second Lieutenant.
4. John Fisher, Sailingmaster.
5. John Davis, Prizemaster.
6. William Druge, Gunner.
7. Benjamin W. Owterbridge, Volunteer.
8. Jim Gardner, slave, Carpenter.
9. Lewis Gass, slave, Boatswain.
10. John M’Gee, Seaman.
11. John Peters, Seaman.
12. John Johnson, slave, Seaman.
13. Cook Johnson, slave, Seaman.
14. Bristol Johnson, slave, Seaman.
15. Bob Bootle, slave, Seaman.
16. Baptist Lightbourne, slave, Seaman.
17. Dover Lightbourne, slave, Seaman.
18. Baptist Johnson, slave, Seaman.
19. James Banks, Seaman.
20. Benjamin White, Armorer.
21. John Beckley, Armorer.
22. Tom Pinder, slave, Seaman.
23. Frank Fisher, slave, Seaman.
24. Isaac Fisher, slave, Seaman.
25. Prince Driggs, slave, Seaman.
26. Tim Johnson, slave, Seaman.
27. Nepthan Johnson, slave, Seaman.
28. Charles Hunter, slave, Seaman.
29. Jeremiah Johnson, slave, Seaman.
30. Sam Crawford, Seaman.
31. Joseph Gass, Master-at-arms.
32. Jack Johnson, slave, Seaman.
33. Ishmael Johnson, Seaman.
34. William Pinder, Captain’s clerk, Non-combatant.
35. Will Bolds, slave, Seaman.
36. Jim Gordon, slave, Seaman.
37. William Maton, Seaman.
38. Benjamin Johnson, Steward.
39. Jim Pinder, slave, Seaman.
40. Thomas Hawkins, slave, Seaman.
Slave List Two.
List of British prisoners of war ( Slaves ) discharged out of the custody of the Marshal of Georgia.
1. Moses Matthews, age 20, color black, placed belonging to Nassau, captured on the privateer Caledonia by privateer Nonesuch April 12, 1813,
2. John Thompson, age 55, color mulatto, place belonging to Nassau, captured on the privateer Caledonia by privateer Nonesuch April 12, 1813,
3.Thomas White, age 27, color black , place be longing to Bermuda, captured on the Schooner Hussar by privateer Liberty, April 14, 1813.
4. Evens Taylor, age 20, color black, place be longing Kingston Jamaica, captured on the Schooner Fame by privateer Rapid, June 23, 1814.
The following slaves were from Nassau, color black, taken from the privateer Dash by the privateer Midas, on June 17, 1814.
1. Tim Darrall, age 23.
2. John Johnson, age 25.
3. Prince Driggs, age 35.
4. Nepthan Johnson, age 30.
5. Bristol Johnson, age 23.
6. Jim Pinder, age 15.
7. Jeremiah Johnson, age 30.
8. Cook Johnson, age 24.
9. Baptist Johnson, age 22.
10. Jack Johnson, age 25.
11. Isaac Fisher, age 23.
12. Jim Gordon, age 14.
13. Will Bolds, age 23.
14. Dover Lighthourne, age 20.
15. Charles Hunter, age 60.
16. Bapiist Lighthourne, age 60.
17. Tim Johnson, age 40.
18. Thomas Hawkins, age 23.
Slave List Three.
I certify that it appears, by documents on file in this office, that the persons below named, slaves captured on the 14th June, 1814, in the privateer schooner Dash, by the American private armed vessel called the Midas, whereof Alexander Thompson was master, were
brought into the port of Savannah, in said privateer Midas, and, on the 17th June, 1814, were delivered into the custody of John Eppinger, marshal of Georgia; that, in consequence of the opinion of the Attorney General, of 27th May, 1817, the bounty provided by act of Congress of the 19th March, 1814, was not allowed on said slaves.
S. PLEASONTON, Auditor.
1. Jim Gardner, carpenter.
2. Lewis’ Gass, boatswain.
3. John Johnson, seaman.
4. Cook Johnson, do.
5. Bristol Johnson, do.
6. Bob Bootle, do.
7. Baptist Lightbourne, do.
8. Dover Lightbourne, do.
9. Baptist Johnson1 do.
10. Tom Pinder, do.
11. Frank Fisher, do.
12. Isaac Fisher, seaman.
13. Prince Driggs, do.
14. Tim Johnson, do.
15. Nepthan Johnson, do.
16. Charles Hunter, do.
17. Jeremiah Johnson, do.
18. Jack Johnson, do.
19. Will Bolds, do.
20. Jim Gordon, do.
21. Jim Pinder, do.
22. Thomas Hawkins, do.
There was a American law that stated that the crew officers and owners of a privateer would be paid one hundred dollars per prisoners, and those prisoners that were combatants would be held as prisoners of war and t be exchanged for man of the same rank being held by other foreign powers as prisoners of war, and those found to be non-combatants would be liberated. But there was a small lop hole in the law that stated that all men of rank were combatants and no bounty could be paid on prisoners of war. It was true that the bounty on the slaves was to be paid, but then it was found that the twenty-two slaves held some kind of rank, and as such were classified as combatants and would be held as prisoners of war.
Captain Alexander Thompson put in a petition into Congress asking for the bounty for the slaves. It was found that the slaves were offered to the British for exchanged, but at the wars end it was found that a lot of the slaves were still being held by the marshal of Georgia. In the end Captain Thompson would be paid his bounty, as for what ever happen to the slaves this author never found out. It may be found some were sent back to England, while others may have been sold to someone in Georgia?
Important Note. Below you will find three lists one of the crew of the Dash and two of the slaves. I printed all three list as there were only to be twenty-two slave, but some names show up one list that are not on any other list, it would be best to look at all three list, as not to miss an ancestor.
Crew of the privateer Schooner Dash, Slaves & Freeman of color or White.
1. John Pinder, Captain.
2. Joseph Whitwood, First lieutenant.
3. James Wilson, Second Lieutenant.
4. John Fisher, Sailingmaster.
5. John Davis, Prizemaster.
6. William Druge, Gunner.
7. Benjamin W. Owterbridge, Volunteer.
8. Jim Gardner, slave, Carpenter.
9. Lewis Gass, slave, Boatswain.
10. John M’Gee, Seaman.
11. John Peters, Seaman.
12. John Johnson, slave, Seaman.
13. Cook Johnson, slave, Seaman.
14. Bristol Johnson, slave, Seaman.
15. Bob Bootle, slave, Seaman.
16. Baptist Lightbourne, slave, Seaman.
17. Dover Lightbourne, slave, Seaman.
18. Baptist Johnson, slave, Seaman.
19. James Banks, Seaman.
20. Benjamin White, Armorer.
21. John Beckley, Armorer.
22. Tom Pinder, slave, Seaman.
23. Frank Fisher, slave, Seaman.
24. Isaac Fisher, slave, Seaman.
25. Prince Driggs, slave, Seaman.
26. Tim Johnson, slave, Seaman.
27. Nepthan Johnson, slave, Seaman.
28. Charles Hunter, slave, Seaman.
29. Jeremiah Johnson, slave, Seaman.
30. Sam Crawford, Seaman.
31. Joseph Gass, Master-at-arms.
32. Jack Johnson, slave, Seaman.
33. Ishmael Johnson, Seaman.
34. William Pinder, Captain’s clerk, Non-combatant.
35. Will Bolds, slave, Seaman.
36. Jim Gordon, slave, Seaman.
37. William Maton, Seaman.
38. Benjamin Johnson, Steward.
39. Jim Pinder, slave, Seaman.
40. Thomas Hawkins, slave, Seaman.
Slave List Two.
List of British prisoners of war ( Slaves ) discharged out of the custody of the Marshal of Georgia.
1. Moses Matthews, age 20, color black, placed belonging to Nassau, captured on the privateer Caledonia by privateer Nonesuch April 12, 1813,
2. John Thompson, age 55, color mulatto, place belonging to Nassau, captured on the privateer Caledonia by privateer Nonesuch April 12, 1813,
3.Thomas White, age 27, color black , place be longing to Bermuda, captured on the Schooner Hussar by privateer Liberty, April 14, 1813.
4. Evens Taylor, age 20, color black, place be longing Kingston Jamaica, captured on the Schooner Fame by privateer Rapid, June 23, 1814.
The following slaves were from Nassau, color black, taken from the privateer Dash by the privateer Midas, on June 17, 1814.
1. Tim Darrall, age 23.
2. John Johnson, age 25.
3. Prince Driggs, age 35.
4. Nepthan Johnson, age 30.
5. Bristol Johnson, age 23.
6. Jim Pinder, age 15.
7. Jeremiah Johnson, age 30.
8. Cook Johnson, age 24.
9. Baptist Johnson, age 22.
10. Jack Johnson, age 25.
11. Isaac Fisher, age 23.
12. Jim Gordon, age 14.
13. Will Bolds, age 23.
14. Dover Lighthourne, age 20.
15. Charles Hunter, age 60.
16. Bapiist Lighthourne, age 60.
17. Tim Johnson, age 40.
18. Thomas Hawkins, age 23.
Slave List Three.
I certify that it appears, by documents on file in this office, that the persons below named, slaves captured on the 14th June, 1814, in the privateer schooner Dash, by the American private armed vessel called the Midas, whereof Alexander Thompson was master, were
brought into the port of Savannah, in said privateer Midas, and, on the 17th June, 1814, were delivered into the custody of John Eppinger, marshal of Georgia; that, in consequence of the opinion of the Attorney General, of 27th May, 1817, the bounty provided by act of Congress of the 19th March, 1814, was not allowed on said slaves.
S. PLEASONTON, Auditor.
1. Jim Gardner, carpenter.
2. Lewis’ Gass, boatswain.
3. John Johnson, seaman.
4. Cook Johnson, do.
5. Bristol Johnson, do.
6. Bob Bootle, do.
7. Baptist Lightbourne, do.
8. Dover Lightbourne, do.
9. Baptist Johnson1 do.
10. Tom Pinder, do.
11. Frank Fisher, do.
12. Isaac Fisher, seaman.
13. Prince Driggs, do.
14. Tim Johnson, do.
15. Nepthan Johnson, do.
16. Charles Hunter, do.
17. Jeremiah Johnson, do.
18. Jack Johnson, do.
19. Will Bolds, do.
20. Jim Gordon, do.
21. Jim Pinder, do.
22. Thomas Hawkins, do.