Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
We learn on direct and reliable authority that a valuable prize has been secured by the Privateer Savannah, which left this port a few days ago between the bars of the Lincoln blockade.
This prize was the brig Joseph, of Portland, (Me.) from Havana, for Philadelphia, with a cargo of sugar, valued at $30,000, and was taken into Georgetown, South Carolina, in masterly style.
There were about 150 of us on each of the L.C.I.’s and transported over with L. C. M.’s and rafts in tow—these were all filled with explosive materials. We were given, immediately, our final destination orders and already knew the type of job to be done. On the way over we were frankly told that many of us would be killed—now that was a comforting thought. The price of freedom was going to be expensive. Our particular mortality rate was very assuredly in the 10% range of survival.
We were supposed to arrive at 0330 but must have been later as it was. nearing daylight, and things were quite visible. The others that arrived before were the Rangers and the glider corp. The gliders were engineless planes that were towed over from England and then set free. These “planes” carried combat ready troops but had it very rough as many crashed into the trees and stone walls.
A correspondent of the Richmond Whig says that on Wednesday evening last, about sunset, a war steamer—supposed to be the Pawnee—opened fire on the batteries at Acquia Creek, on the Potomac river, which compliment was returned by our batteries.
Says the N. O. Delta:
The swift low pressure steamer Calhoun, Jack Wilson, fitted out here as a privateer, sailed from this port last evening, and outside the bar captured a prize. A bark, the “Ocean Eagle,” Capt. Luce, from Rockland, Maine. Cargo 3144 bbs. lime.
The Calhoun is admirably equipped for her peculiar service, having 100 of the bravest experienced men on board, and carrying large guns and an ample supply of small arms.
Washington Will Protest British Captors of American Steamer on High Seas
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19. —Intention of the administration vigorously to oppose seizure of the Standard Oil tanker Brindilla at Halifax by the British converted cruiser Caronia, but to leave the question of the Brindilla‘s alleged contraband cargo to the admiralty court for decision, was evidenced here today.
Quite an excitement was created in Philadelphia on Friday morning by the seizure of a submarine boat, the invention of De Villeroi, a Frenchman. It was going down the river and struck on an island. Four men were found on board. Villeroi says he was about taking it to the Navy Yard to test ; but the others of the yard disclaim any knowledge of him. The boat was constructed some time since for raising wrecks and other submarine work, but was never put in active use. It is segar-shaped and made of iron, thirty feet long. It supplies its own air, and will be useful in running under a fleet.
A letter dated Sidney, New South Wales, March 13, published in the San Francisco Alta of a late date, gives the following account or a terrible shipwreck, and loss of human life in the Pacific Ocean:
A terrible shipwreck has occurred in Torres Straits, attended with fearful loss of life. The Gothenburg, Cap’ain Pearce, sailed from Port Darwin on February 16, having on board eighty-five passengers and a crew of thirty-six. Fine weather was experienced until February 24, when it came on thick and hazy, blowing strong from the northwest, attended with violent squalls, with thunder and lightning. At 7 p. m., during a violent squall, the steamer struck suddenly on the rocks, which proved to be Flinders’ reef. She went steam on, and bored up with such force that when stationary there was only two feet under the forefoot, and five fathoms astern. Captain Pearce ordered all empty casks to be brought aft and filled with water, to bring the ship by the stern, and when this was done the engines were put stern full speed, but without the desired result of backing her off the reef. The tide was at full flood at 11 p. m., and again the engines were worked astern, but with no better result.