Which was Seized by the Authorities of South Carolina.
The seizure of this vessel, the property of the United States Government, by the authorities of South Carolina, created a marked sensation throughout the country. It was deemed an act of positive aggression, and was a source of regret to the moderate men of both parties. The Aiken was originally a pilot-boat, and was purchased by the Government for five thousand dollars, to serve as a revenue cutter. It was armed with one twelve-pounder Dalhgreen gun, and had a large quantity of shell, Shrapnel and general ammunition, besides a number of Maynard’s improved patent rifles.
The manner of the seizure by the South Carolina authorities is as follows:
Lieutenant Underwood states that Captain Coste, the commander of the cutter, was an avowed Secessionist some ‘time before South Carolina decided to go out, and agreed when the State declared herself out of the Union to resign and turn the vessel over to him, Lieutenant Underwood ; but instead of doing so he visited Fort Sumpter before Major Anderson took possession of it, and examined it for several hours, and finally placed the cutter in such a position as to leave her at low water high and dry on land. While she was thus situated the Secessionists took possession of her, Captain Coste being still in command, and Lieutenant Underwood, being his subordinate, was of course powerless to act. Captain Coste then informed Lieutenant Underwood that his services would not be required there any longer, and he consequently left immediately for Washington, and reported to Secretary Thomas the facts of the seizure.
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper
The William Aiken
She was surrendered to the state authorities of South Carolina by her commanding officer, Revenue Captain N. L. Coste, on 27 December 1860. She was the first Federal vessel taken by the seceding states (South Carolina had moved to secede 20 December 1860). The Confederate Navy found her to be unseaworthy and the State put her up for sale. She was sold by the State to Henry Buist, Maier Triest and eight other Charlestonians, who were issued a letter of marque, 10 July 1861 at Charleston.