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- Herausgeber: Charles River Editors
- Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
- Sprache: Englisch
Das E-Book Two Years on the Alabama wird angeboten von Charles River Editors und wurde mit folgenden Begriffen kategorisiert:
confederate; civil war; raider
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Seitenzahl: 448
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2018
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TWO YEARS ON THE ALABAMA
Arthur Sinclair
LACONIA PUBLISHERS
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Copyright © 2016 by Arthur Sinclair
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TWO YEARS ON THE ALABAMA
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTORY
CHAPTER II: ESCAPE FROM THE MERSEY, AND FITTING OUT AT THE AZORES
CHAPTER III: GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE NEW SHIP; HER GOOD QUALITIES; PERSONNEL OF OFFICERS AND CREW; DRILLING; OUR FIRST PRIZE; THE OLD FLAG LOWERED
CHAPTER IV: A STERN CHASE; ON NEWFOUNDLAND BANKS; THE CYCLONE; OFF NEW YORK; SOUTHWARD HO! A NEW MAIN-YARD; MARTINIQUE; ESCAPE FROM THE CRUISER SAN JACINTO; THE RUN TO BLANQUILLA; CRUISING AFTER THE CALIFORNIA TREASURE STEAMER; CAPTURE OF THE ARIEL.
CHAPTER V: INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO; AT THE ARCAS ISLANDS; OFF GALVESTON; THE HATTERAS FIGHT.
CHAPTER VI: THE HATTERAS PRISONERS ON BOARD; AT KINGSTON, JAMAICA; TROUBLE WITH JACK; ADIEU TO FORT ROYAL; FORAGING FOR PROVISIONS; BAFFLING WINDS; A CARGO OF WINES AND LIQUORS; ENEMIES’ SHIPS GETTING SCARCE; DISPOSING OF PRISONERS AT SEA; IN THE BRAZILIAN HIGH ROAD; WASHING DAYS FOR JACK.
CHAPTER VIII: SALDANHA BAY; REPAIRING SHIP; DEATH OF CUMMINGS; CAPTURE OF THE SEA-BRIDE; RECEPTION AT CAPE TOWN; THE CRUISER VANDERBILT; NASTY WEATHER.
CHAPTER IX: WE MAKE A DEAL; A CHANCE FOR HANDLING PRIZEMONEY; ADVENTUROUS CUSTOMERS; SALE OF THE SEA BRIDE; FISHING; THE VANDERBILT AGAIN; SECOND VISIT TO CAPE TOWN.
CHAPTER X.: FROM CAPE TOWN TO THE EAST INDIES; OCEAN ROADS AND CURRENTS; DIVIDING POOR JACK’S EFFECTS; ISLAND OF ST. PAUL; DRILLING; MORE PRIZES; PULO CONDORE; ENJOYING LIFE; SINGAPORE.
CHAPTER XI: ENGLISH HOSPITALITY; IDLE AMERICAN SHIPPING IN PORT; A FIGHT WITH YANKEE SKIPPERS; A CAB-RACE; A GENEROUS OFFER; U. S. GUNBOAT WYOMING; A SUSPICIOUS CASE; SEMMES AS BOARDING-OFFICER; CHRISTMAS IN THE MALACCA STRAITS; A BOAT FLEET.
CHAPTER XII: WESTWARD HO! SUMMING UP RESULTS; SUNNY SEAS; ROUTINE WORK; PICTURES OF SHIP LIFE; A BARMECIDE FEAST; BAY OF BENGAL; CEYLON; MALABAR COAST; A SEA OF FIRE; ELECTRIC SQUALLS
CHAPTER XIII: CAPE TOWN AGAIN; OLD FRIENDS; THE NEWSPAPER MAN; BAD NEWS; RE-ENTERING THE ATLANTIC; THE ROCKINGHAM; THE TYCOON; OUR LAST BONFIRE; WE ARRIVE AT CHERBOURG
CHAPTER XIV: IN THE HARBOR OF CHERBOURG; FRENCH HOSPITALITY; ARRIVAL OF THE KEARSARGE; THE CHALLENGE; SCRUPULOUS NEUTRALITY; PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIGHT; MR. LANCASTER’S YACHT; COMMANDER SEMMES’S PREVISION
CHAPTER XV: THE ENGAGEMENT
APPENDIX: SOME INCIDENTS OF THE FIGHT
SEEKING A HOME AFTER THE FIGHT.
CAPTAIN JONES’S STATEMENT.
TWO YEARS ON THE ALABAMA
BY
ARTHUR SINCLAIR
LIEUTENANT, C.S.N.
WITH OVER THIRTY ILLUSTRATIONS
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY
CAPTAIN RAPHAEL SEMMES’S ACCOUNT OF the service of the Alabama, as the public probably observed, was most carefully confined within the limits of legal and professional statement. It was no part of his purpose to enter into the details of life on board, or to make any unnecessary confidences respecting himself or the officers and crew who shared his labors and successes. It is hardly necessary, therefore, to offer any apology for the matter contained in this volume. It will not be doubted that a cruise so unique and remarkable had its share of daily and hourly interests, and of manifestations of that human nature which is of the first consequence in all narrative.
It is certainly not a sense of peculiar fitness which determines the present writer to undertake to make a book from his recollections of the cruise. But those most interested have decided that his duty lies in that direction, and he would himself regret that the irresponsible romancer of the future should become sole heir to the Alabama’s traditions. Though in a minor sense, perhaps what he has in custody is history, and requires reverent treatment. Truth, at least, he thinks he can promise, for he has spared no pains to verify through the testimony of others what he has herein set down.
Before and during the first year of the Alabama’s career, several Confederate cruisers raided the North Atlantic. The Sumter had fully demonstrated the tremendous damage which armed cruisers might effect upon the enemy’s commerce, if they could be put on the high seas and maintained there. But the Confederate cruisers Tallahassee, Georgia, Nashville, Chickamauga, Sallie, and Retribution were not at all adapted to such a service, and could add little substantial achievement. The Florida was unlucky from the first. She started from Nassau with the germs of yellow fever on board. The sickness and mortality among her crew was so great that she was quickly compelled to make port, and the blockading fleet at Mobile tore her literally to splinters. Months elapsed before she could be got to sea again, and then disaster after disaster beset her, until she was eventually captured at Bahia by the U. S. S. Wachusett.
Later in the war, and after the sinking of the Alabama, the Shenandoah, fitted out, like the Florida and Alabama, in England, made havoc amongst the American whaling-fleets in the Pacific; l the respective results of her operations and those of the Florida showing as great value in vessel property destroyed as was accomplished by the Alabama. But annihilation of American shipping interests was effected almost solely by the peculiar operations of the latter. It was not to good fortune alone that this distinction is due. The Alabama was fitted out with the most careful and astute prevision, commanded by a man of rare genius, and officered with special reference to the work in hand. It was to be, practically, one small, swift ship against the many which her enemy could send against her. Her itinerary was pre-arranged with exactness and carried out without any deviation. Mysterious and uncertain in her whereabouts to the foe, and for that reason a terror to his commerce in all seas, her movements could not be left to shape themselves upon events of the moment. The work to be done was definite; and the method must not leave Commander Semmes without suitable communications to inform him of the movements of the pursuers, or to supply other emergencies. At the same time, the Alabama had unusual resources within herself, such as no other man-of-war of her day could boast. She carried the means for making all ordinary repairs upon her machinery, spars, and armament while at sea, or in ports where mechanical facilities could not be commanded. It was manifestly uncertain what influences might be excited by her powerful enemy in neutral ports against her. Of English sympathy alone she could be fairly assured; but that must be counted on only within the strict limit of neutrality laws peculiarly disadvantageous to a ship without consorts or home ports of entry.
The Alabama’s actual destructiveness to the commerce of the enemy was therefore out of all proportion to her force, or the actual number of her captures, or their money-value. Fifty-seven vessels of all sorts were burned—the value as estimated by the Geneva award being but $6,750,000. A large number were, however, released on ransom-bond, having neutral cargo on board, and hundreds of neutrals were brought-to and examined. In the meantime the Alabama sailed seventy-five thousand miles, or thrice the distance round the globe. Beginning her work in the North Atlantic, she shifted rapidly from place to place as the terror of her presence did its work,—the West Indies, the Gulf of Mexico, back again to the West Indies, Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, China Seas, Strait of Malacca, Ceylon, Arabian Gulf, Strait of Madagascar, Cape Town, St. Helena, Brazil, the English Channel—this was her itinerary. For two years she preyed upon her enemy, and set pursuers at defiance, accomplishing to the letter the mission upon which she was sent.
It is unnecessary as to those who have studied the sciences of war and statecraft to say anything respecting the moral quality of the Alabama’s work. But from the fact that a fairly large and probably well-intentioned class amongst those who were suffering from her depredations got into the way of calling her a “pirate,”—a circumstance entirely without the least shadow of legal justification, and which must therefore have been founded upon a misconception, not only of the necessities of war, but also of the spirit which animated her officers and crew,—it may soften prejudices a little to call attention to a few facts.
The North was at the time pretty effectually blockading Southern ports, and cutting off the Confederacy from all commercial advantages and resources, which were far more vital, not only to military power, but to domestic comfort, than a similar blockade of Northern ports would have been. Reprisals were justified to a far greater extent than it was in the power of the South to inflict them. Retaliation upon non-combatants or private interests, especially when unlikely to effect political results or even to materially weaken a foe, is unchivalric and immoral. But it is evident that the operations of the Alabama were well calculated to draw away from Southern ports the swiftest and most effective ships of the enemy in order to protect his commerce; and thus, reducing the strength of the blockade, to procure relief both to the government and the people of the Confederacy. It could not be assumed that the North would certainly sacrifice its shipping interests. The South had also a fairly strong party of sympathizers in the North itself, which it was advisable to encourage and stimulate by striking blows, whenever practicable, at its all but omnipotent “business interests.” Other considerations of policy might be cited to the same purpose. But it is chiefly in point to assure the reader that while the Alabama’s main purpose was to threaten the shipping interests of her foe, neither her projectors, nor the officers and men who manned her, could possibly have foreseen that she would keep on for an extended period making audacious raids upon merchant vessels, without being overhauled and, if necessary, brought to bay, by some of the numerous armed ships of her enemy. She was a fighting-ship, and under no circumstances, within reasonable odds, contemplated avoiding battle. This is evident from what happened in the only two instances in which the opportunity was fairly presented, and should be admitted frankly.
The strict and firm discipline, the isolation, watchfulness, labor, and exposure which were concomitants of service on this lone cruiser demanded from her officers, at least, a strong sentiment of duty and patriotism, not inferior to any manifested afloat or afield on either side of the great war-question pending. And quite apart from the English mercantile and political policy, which to a certain extent favored the career of the Alabama, her officers received from the English authorities and naval officers a degree and kind of recognition which it is practically impossible for John Bull to extend to those he cannot approve as men of honor and principle.
Perhaps one thing more should be noted. The writer has had it suggested that inasmuch as the Alabama destroyed American prestige on the seas,—a calamity to be deplored by all patriotism which now embraces a whole country,—her exploits are rather to be forgotten as errors and sorrows than to be held up to admiration. But the writer, believing that the counsels of men can shape nothing contrary to the purposes of that Providence which is clearly manifest to reverent and thoughtful minds in history, and that acceptance of results (even to the extent of pleading guilty of treason) does not necessarily wipe out the moral value of heroism expended on the losing side, assumes that the Alabama, directed and controlled by American patriots, though of States’ rights persuasion, is pretty sure to remain a feature of American maritime history, and a subject of legitimate interest to most Americans, of generations present and to come.
This explanation to the general reader will not be construed, it is hoped, into apology. Whatever may be fitting for others, it would be at least highly indecorous for a person in the present writer’s position to make excuses for a course of action on his own part or that of his fellow-officers, which was prompted at the time by the highest motives, and must therefore be remembered with many elements of satisfaction. At the same time, the statement may be added, that a reunited country has, in the writer’s judgment, no citizens more jealous of her unity and of the honor of her flag among the nations of the earth to-day, than the veterans of “The Lost Cause.”
The necessity of possessing a navy appealed very early to the government of the Confederacy, as was natural enough in view of the distress caused by the blockade, and the enormous advantages which Southern harbors and water-ways afforded to the enemy. But the South had no shipyards or machine-shops capable of building such vessels as were manifestly necessary to contend with the Northern armament. Only steam-vessels could effectively overhaul the swift Baltimore and New York clippers which carried Northern commerce, or manoeuvre against Yankee gunboats. The experience of the Merrimac had also shown that ironclads must be depended on for home defence, or for attack on Northern harbors. A number of the most efficient naval officers of the South were therefore sent abroad to seek facilities not to be had at home, and to contract on the basis of the South’s cotton-credit for such ships as were required. None of the ironclads contracted for were completed when the war closed. Of the “cruiser “class, the Alabama, the Florida, and the Texas reached completion, but only the first two in time for service. The Texas was ready about the date of the surrender. She was contracted for by Capt. Geo. T. Sinclair. The officer contracting for the 290 and the Oreto was Capt. Jas. D. Bulloch, whose brain conceived, and whose patience, caution, and executive ability, overcoming the most serious obstacles and discouragement, successfully materialized the “Scourge of the Seas.” He arrived in Liverpool in the character of a private individual, and as such contracted with the Millers for the Oreto (Florida), and subsequently with the Lairds for the 290 (Alabama); Fraser, Trenholm, & Co., cotton merchants of Liverpool, assuming the responsibility of payment. The whole transaction was as between private parties, and so not liable to interference of the English authorities except upon proof of the violation of neutrality laws. But the obvious policy of the Confederacy was of course not overlooked by the United States government; and neither Bulloch’s incognito, nor the utmost secrecy of all parties to the contracts, could prevent the watching of foreign shipyards by agents, and ultimate moral certainty as to the nature of the work in hand. But moral certainty and legally sufficient proof are separate things. And Capt. Bulloch managed to push his affairs to completion before specific information, backed by the demands of the United States and passed upon by British red tape, could put a stop to proceedings.
The Alabama was a screw steamer with full sail-power. She measured 235 ft. over all, beam 32 ft., tonnage 1,000. Her draft with full coal-bunkers was 15 ft. Her engines were two in number, horizontal, of 300 nominal, or 1,000 actual horse-power. She was barkentine-rigged, with very long lower masts, giving her principal sails an immense “drop” or surface. She was at the same time a perfect steamer and a perfect sailing-vessel, each entirely independent of the other. Her screw, which was a two-bladed one, hoisted in a propeller-well, and when triced up was quite clear of the water, hence no drag or impediment to her speed under sail-power alone. Kept constantly under banked fires, and with frequent hoisting and lowering of screw, her crew and engineers executed this manoeuvre with surprising alacrity and precision. Indeed, so rapidly could she be changed from sail to steam-power that no enemy, appearing on the horizon in clear weather, could surprise her under sail, nor could a sailing-vessel of superior speed escape her before getting her full steam-power.
The ship was rigged square at fore and main, and carried royals; also fore and main trysails, fore and foretopmast staysails, jib, spanker, and gaff -topsail, and studdingsails. The main-course set “flying,” and was seldom used on account of its tendency to foul the smokestack. The standing rigging was of wire. The capacity of the coalbunkers was 375 tons, or sufficient for eighteen days full steaming. Her speed under the most favorable conditions was 13-4 to 13-6 knots by actual observation, or fifteen and three-quarters statute miles—about the extreme of speed attained in sea-going vessels of that day. The armament consisted of one 8-inch solid shot or shell gun aft, one 7-inch 100-pounder rifle forward, six 32-pounders, weighing 5,700 lbs. each in broadside. Eight guns in broadside was originally intended; but the battery seeming too heavy, one was omitted, and in action a gun could be shifted from side to side to effect the result required. The Alabama cost, complete, about $250,000. She was launched May 15, 1862, and July 29, without armament, stores, or a properly shipped crew, started on her “trial trip” down the Mersey. But from this trial trip she was already booked never to return to her moorings.
CHAPTER II
ESCAPE FROM THE MERSEY, AND FITTING OUT AT THE AZORES
IN SPITE OF THE UTMOST precaution, evidence of the real ownership and purpose of the 290 had been accumulated and formally lodged with her Majesty’s ministers, and the seizure and detention of the vessel was only a question of hours. But Bulloch had prepared for such a contingency. As she must leave England under the British flag, a British master must also be provided. This was itself a matter of no small delicacy; for a master once at sea is a power absolutely despotic, and the betrayal of this vessel into hostile hands would have been amply rewarded just then, and could be managed without much evidence even of ill-faith. The gentleman chosen for this service was Capt. Mathew J. Butcher of the Royal Naval Reserve, formerly first officer of the Cunarder Kamac—a fine sailor, and the soul of honor. To him Bulloch confidently trusted, and his faith was not misplaced. But the public is already familiar with the events of the Alabama’s escape and safe arrival at Terceira in the Western Islands.
In the meantime, the officers detailed for the Alabama had met at Liverpool, most of them arriving from Nassau on the steamer Bahama, Aug. 8, 1862. On the thirteenth, all embarked on same steamer for Terceira. It may well be imagined there was field for much thought as we steamed our way to the Western Islands. The career of the Sumter, though short-lived, had been eminently successful, and had taught us what a vast amount of destruction on the high seas was possible with a suitable cruiser under us. It had also impressed upon us that our enemy was not unappreciative of the situation, and knowing that our government had vessels under construction in England, would most likely cover each highway of commerce with swift and powerful pursuers. The familiar and significant term “pirates “applied to Southern cruisers would most likely be given a practical illustration, should defeat be our destiny. We found later the consensus of foreign opinion very emphatic, that had we been captured during the heyday of our raid, we should have had meted out to us the full penalty. Butcher informed us he was somewhat uneasy upon making out a steamer (the Bahama) standing in for the anchorage, having visions of a United States cruiser. Work had already begun transferring stores to the 290 and so far all had gone merry as a marriage bell. Semmes at once relieved Butcher of his charge, and with his officers spent the first night on board the vessel that for two years was to be our home.
The Alabama had escaped from English waters a simple despatch boat, so called, with nothing to indicate for what purpose designed; no guns or warlike implements of any kind on board. You can but faintly imagine the bustle and apparent confusion existing. The carpenter and mates assisted by the engineers were measuring and putting down the “circles” for the two pivot-guns. The boatswain and mates fitting train and side-tackles to the broadside guns. Gunner stowing the magazine, shot and shell lockers. Sailmaker looking after his spare sails, and seeing them safely stored in the sailroom. All this with the three different crews of the 290, Bahama, and Agrippina; men heretofore unknown to each other, and in utter ignorance of the object of the expedition beyond what could be seen on the surface. It was essential we get to sea as soon as possible; for besides the danger of an enemy’s cruiser happening in, the authorities might suspect something wrong and send notice to the mainland. Day and night on goes the work: each hour the 290 looking more like a man-of-war; but all this time there does not exist on board any authority or right to order these men to the guns should our enemy put in an appearance. They are British subjects, shipped for the voyage from Liverpool to the Azores. Their obligation ceases after transferring the cargoes of the two tenders to the cruiser, and they are at liberty to take return passage on their respective vessels back to Liverpool on full pay until arrival there. Knowing the men were fully aware that to ship under any other flag would vitiate their claim to British protection, was an element of great anxiety to us, and until a crew had been secured, kept us on a terrible tension. We were helpless without a crew. While the preparation of our ship for sea was going on, no little annoyance and delay was caused by the officials of the island. Being so rarely visited by either naval or merchant vessels, they were seldom called upon to act in their official capacity, and were but little versed in international law. Still, they knew enough to require our entering at the custom house, and also insisted upon our changing our anchorage. This latter we did, being too well pleased to find so little required of us, though the change removed us from a still harbor to one of a rough character. The status of the vessel was evidently a sealed book to them, else we should have had them about our ears like a swarm of hornets. Still, we have little doubt they afterward congratulated themselves that ignorance was bliss in their case; for had we been ordered from their waters before arming and getting ready for the cruise, the immigration which later poured on their shores from the captured whaling-ships would never have occurred, and the rich trading with the officers and crews of burned prizes would never have fallen to their lot. Perhaps in its history the island has not experienced so lively a trade as the Alabama sent it. We landed a small regiment of men with much rich booty to dispose of; and no doubt the islanders were fully aware this plunder must change hands at some price, and secured good bargains in their barter. The whale-boats and their cargoes of provisions from the destroyed whaling-fleet amounted to, in the aggregate, at least the value of any one of the destroyed vessels, and the whole of it passed into the hands of these islanders.
But we have strayed from the matter just now in hand. On the morning of the 21st, the 290, accompanied by the Bahama, Capt. Tessier, and Agrippina, Capt. McQueen, steamed off shore to the leeward of the islands beyond the marine league, and in smooth water, and hoisted on board her armament, placing it “in battery,” reeving side and train tackles, stowing shot and shell rooms, filling shot-racks on deck, and putting ship generally in fighting trim. There was some swell on; and such work was not accomplished without danger and inconvenience, the pivot-guns being particularly dangerous to transfer, as they weighed several tons each. Having managed this task by evening, we again hauled in under the lee of the land and anchored. The next morning we coaled ship from the transport. Thus, after several days of toil and deep anxiety, order is brought out of chaos, and the 290 is a fighting ship, minus a crew. All hands are “turned to,” and the ship rid of coal-dust, débris, etc., and put in first-class man-of-war shape. Holystones do their perfect work, and the brass work and battery shine in the summer sun. Yards are then squared, rigging hauled taut and “flemished” down on deck, and we are ready for the sea.
On the morning of Sunday, Aug. 24, 1862, in company with the Bahama, we again put to sea, to unfurl for the first time at the peak of the Alabama the flag of the young Confederacy. The men of the two accompanying vessels, with the exception of working-crews, were transferred to the deck of the 290. The officers were all in full uniform, of an attractive shade of gray, with a redundancy of gold lace, quite dressy, yet shockingly inappropriate to marine traditions, and which impressed our compeers of other navies, clothed in the regulation true blue, as at least a startling innovation. The crews of the several vessels are before us, dressed in every description of merchant-ship toggery. We may safely say the contrast of dress had much to do with winning the favor and respect of these waifs of ocean, and securing the services of the pick of them. Reaching the offing, both steamers are hove-to near each other. The officers and men are now mustered aft by “call” of boatswain (we had no boatswain’s mates as yet), and Semmes mounting a gun-carriage, first reads his commission from the President of the Confederate States as a Commander of the Confederate States Navy, and the order of the Secretary of the Navy, directing him to assume command of this ship. The officers and men were grouped close around him in a semi-circle, the former farthest aft, and all with uncovered heads. During the reading, the men, to whom especially it was a novel sight, seemed deeply moved. It was a grand subject for a painter. The reading over, the “stops” to the halliards at the peak and mainmast head were broken, and the flag and pennant of the young nation floated to the breeze. At the same moment a gun booms from the weather quarter, and a quarter-master standing by the English colors (Henry Marmelstein a Southern coast pilot and afterwards second officer of the Tuscaloosa) hauls them down, and the 290 becomes the C. S. S. Alabama.
Our captain now addresses the men in a few curt but eloquent and persuasive words, making known to them the character of the vessel, her nationality, purpose of the cruise, and causes leading to it. He lays before them both the bright and dark side of the venture, tells them they will receive double the wages paid by the English government, and in gold. Also an equivalent of one-half the value of the destroyed and bonded vessels as prize money, this latter to be voted them by the Congress of the Confederate States. Dilates on the certainty of grog twice a day, as in the English navy (a strong inducement to Jack, as Semmes well knew), generous rations, much superior to that of any other navy, and good treatment generally, with incidentally the purpose to lay them alongside one of the enemy’s cruisers, should one of about equal weight of metal be fallen in with, and their tastes tending this way. On the other hand, he gives them to understand distinctly, that the Alabama is no privateer, or irresponsible nondescript to roam the ocean without discipline or order, for the purpose of plunder, but a bona fide Confederate man-of-war commissioned by the president, flying the flag of the young Republic, and governed in her domestic life by certain rules and regulations of the Confederate Congress, to be referred to later; and to disobey these rules would subject them to certain and may be severe punishment. The hardships of the cruise are portrayed, the constant cruising in all climes, toils of working ship and boarding vessels in all weather night and day, and possibly with but little respite; and to wind up, the quite possible chance of having a halter about their necks in case of capture and the non-success of the cause in which they were asked to engage. Now the bid for a crew had been made. Semmes dismounts from the gun-carriage and engages in a conversation with his executive, the boatswain “pipes down,” and the men scatter forward in groups about the spar-deck, discussing the pros and cons of the situation. In the meantime, the paymaster has brought amidships, to the capstan, his shipping-list, and like the rest of us, awaits the result of our gallant commander’s speech. Momentous pause! for of what use are the heaviest guns, the fastest cruiser, the picked talent of a navy, without a crew. It is a beautiful day, the sun shining cheerfully through the thin broken clouds, the ship looking like a bride in her bright decorations. Surely these sailor lads must fall in love with her. That they are brave and resolute we do not wish to be told, and surely they will not abandon her to her officers alone to care for. But the suspense is easing. One by one the groups dissolve, and Jack, hat in hand, presents himself at the capstan, and signs the “articles,” till eighty-five men have been secured. Safe now! The Alabama is able to man and fight nearly her entire battery! We have eighty-five less Englishmen on board than before. These men have forfeited the protection of the English government by this act of enlistment, and must now look to the brave young banner floating over them to carry them through. No little struggle it is to men to make the plunge, knowing as they do the perfect security abandoned by this act of enlistment; and that they have enlisted, fully realizing the gravity of the situation, binds them to their officers with hooks of steel. Nothing now remains but to arrange financial matters for the brave fellows. Our active paymaster, assisted by Bulloch, captain’s clerk Smith, and others are preparing half-pay tickets for such of the men as have mothers, wives, or sweethearts in England. It was far into the night before the labors of the paymaster and his assistants were wound up, and the Alabama ready for her grim work.
Bulloch had the whole creation as an entirety to look to, hence to him the whole credit. Further, it was a graceful act in him to accompany the vessel to Terceira and lend his invaluable aid in equipping her for sea. I can truly add that not even the most trifling article necessary to the efficiency of the vessel could be named as wanting. At the period of which we write, the Alabama was the most perfect cruiser of any nation afloat.
And a thing of beauty and a joy forever she was to us.
And thus the christening of this vessel, destined to be the scourge of her enemy and the admiration of the world. So long as history is read will the tale of the exploits of the Alabama excite curiosity, and call forth notes of admiration and wonder. How strange the sensation created by the sight of this new, scarce recognized flag, floating at our peak. It was quite natural that the crew should gaze upon it with curiosity, “this banner with a strange device.” Jack is just now drawing comparisons between H. B. M’s. navy and this just-hatched bantam claiming and asserting an equality with the battle-worn monarchs of the sea, and doubtless somewhat staggered at the presumption, and with grave and serious doubts in his mind as to the ability to establish it.
CHAPTER III
GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE NEW SHIP; HER GOOD QUALITIES; PERSONNEL OF OFFICERS AND CREW; DRILLING; OUR FIRST PRIZE; THE OLD FLAG LOWERED
THE TIME HAS NOW ARRIVED for good-bys. Look at her, reader, from the deck of the Bahama; a long, trim, black hull, elliptic stern, fiddle-head cutwater, long, raking lower masts, and you have the picture of the rover. Bulloch, with a hearty shake of the hand and a God-speed to each of us, steps over the gangway. The Bahama’s crew give us three cheers, which are answered by our gallant tars, the steamer turns her head for old England, and is soon lost on the horizon. And now for two long, weary, watchful years, in which the motto on our steering-wheel, “Aide toi, et Dien t’aidera” is to be tested.
“Our march is o’er the ocean wave,
Our home is on the deep.”
The representative of the Confederate States is now alone on the ocean, the last friend and companion ship having disappeared from our view.
We have been some days at sea, and have marked the speed and wonderful working qualities of our newly acquired cruiser. It will be fully appreciated by our sailor readers, when we can say that the Alabama would go “in stays,” and without fail, with a breeze giving her little more than steerage way; and in “working ship,” later on, around prizes, the captains of these vessels would be struck with the remarkable quickness and sureness with which she was handled. Frequently has the writer heard them to remark, upon hearing the orders given, “Ready about!” “Why, Lieutenant! You don’t tell me this vessel will ‘stay’ in this light wind?” and have been lost in admiration upon witnessing the manoeuvre successfully accomplished. Indeed, she could be worked around a prize like a pilot-boat. There is nothing so excites Jack’s pride and interest in his ship as to learn she can be depended upon in emergencies. It not only secures his confidence, but hints at much less brace-hauling of an unnecessary character.
The engine-room fires are banked, screw hoisted, and under easy canvas our head is turned to the north-east. This formidable engine of destruction is fairly launched on its mission, and we may speculate on the outcome of her efforts; but even with the acme of our wishes and expectations fully realized, how very far short shall we find them of results to be accomplished! That we look forward to seriously cripple and demoralize American commerce, unless promptly captured or sunk, goes without saying; but that a state of affairs bordering on total annihilation of it should have been the outcome of the Alabama’s cruise was more than the most sanguine of us hoped for, and many times surpassed our fondest daydreams. We can pardon fully the incredulity of the far future reader of history when he comes to study the career of this seemingly charmed cruiser (a venture, at that, of an agricultural race against a people cradled on the ocean), and note the result of the Alabama’s raid. But again is truth found stranger than fiction. A still more romantic and fuller history might have been hers, had not the Alabama voluntarily sought her doom in the historic English Channel. The grim work was still before her, had the election been to avoid conflict with the Kearsarge, and this without a stain clinging to her proud name, overmatched in every particular as she was. Better, however, as it is—her last effort sealing her title to lasting renown.
If one had the proper gift for description, something of great interest might be made of the individualities to be found among the officers and crew of the Alabama. In trying to convey any impression of our personnel, it is almost indispensable to draw some kind of a pen-picture of the more prominent personages who enter into the narrative. Of these our first “Luff,” Mr. Kell, comes uppermost by a head and shoulders. He stands six feet two, and is of stalwart frame, lithe and straight as an Indian, with a fine head, and a mild, benevolent, dark-blue eye, that can flash lightning all the same on occasion. His phenomenal mustache and beard, of auburn color, give him the very presence of an ancient viking. The former will meet behind his head, and the latter flows down to his hips. The second lieutenant, Armstrong, is of more modern type, but also blue-eyed, straight, and fully a six-footer. He has an excitable temperament, is quick of impulse and speech, but always talks and acts to the purpose. He is a born ruler of men. The third lieutenant, Wilson, is shorter by a couple of inches, with dark complexion, eyes, and hair. He is very quick-tempered, and rather vindictive toward his foes, but otherwise a most generous and warm-hearted man. There are two other personages who cannot be omitted from this formal presentment. The first is Evans, our wonderful scout. Though a genuine salt, he, too, is erect on his pins as a drum-major, and quite as sensitive in the matter of personal dignity. I have often thought that Wilson was the most earnest fighter I ever saw; but Evans was brave to absolute recklessness. His steel-gray eye is like an eagle’s in its concentration of energy. Evans is also a great yarn-spinner, as you shall find when you catch him off duty, and in the mood. His ability to determine the nationality of ships amounts to genius, and upon this point he cannot endure charring. Fulham, the prize-master, is a typical Englishman, five feet eight in height, broad-shouldered and muscular, with blue eyes, brown hair, and huge side whiskers. A typical sailor too, big hearted, full of animal spirits and fun. Fulham can spin the toughest yarn of any man on board; and with this quality, joined to his happy and magnetic disposition, he succeeds in keeping chipper even the captains of the prizes he calls upon in the way of duty. Withal, it may as well be said here, Fulham was a most competent officer, and would have graced a lieutenant’s commission. At the time of joining us, he was in the English Royal Naval Reserve.
Our crew was in a sense “Hobson’s choice,” as has been seen. Pretty hard characters, some of them, no doubt; but all the same, a bronzed, stalwart, well-seasoned set of fellows, who now that they have exchanged their nondescript rags for our paymaster’s nobby blue-and-white uniforms, look as promising as any set of men that ever went to sea. How this promise was fulfilled is now a matter of history, though we shall have occasion to speak of it as we go.
The writer has frequently been asked if he did not have “a good time” on the Alabama. Well, not by any means the sort of a time one usually proposes to himself by way of choice—if he likes comfort and ease. Taking the average, the work of the cruise was done by less than one hundred men: subtract boys and idlers, and the hard work fell upon a very few. And such work! The captures bear but a trifling proportion to the vessels boarded. With no night, Sunday, or holiday, sea-watches always, at sea or in port. Drill, drill, drill! boarding, boarding, boarding, in all weather! Did men ever go through so much in the two years we were afloat? Talk about army life! why, Jack’s synonym for an easy life is “soldiering.” The seaman of the present day very little resembles the bronzed, hardened, thoroughly trained salt Jack so fully represented on the Alabama. It is certain that no crew able to do the work ours did could be shipped in any port of the world to-day.
The watch-officers of the Alabama had all seen service in the United States navy excepting one,—Lieut. John Low (who was an Englishman and trained in the merchant service),—and were thoroughly competent for the exceptional work required of them. The engineers were not only able to handle the engines in all emergencies, but to make the frequent and often difficult repairs that usually are intrusted only to machine-shops. The master’s mates were thorough seamen, quite competent to take the deck and manoeuvre or navigate the ship. They were invaluable assistants in boarding, and relieving the overworked watch-officers when bad weather made our duties arduous. The midshipmen, as a matter of course, were little experienced except at gun-drill. But they were apt and intelligent, and they had rare opportunities for acquiring seamanship. Before many months they were all able to work the ship, and were handy with sextant and chronometer. We had, as will be guessed, some old man-of-war’s men among the crew, competent to take the place of petty officers and to give instruction to the rest, as well as to set an example of submission to man-of-war discipline. This last, by the way, our Jack of the merchant service does not take to quite so naturally as he does to his abundant and well-cooked rations, or his allowance of grog. But with all our advantages, we needed time to organize and drill ere we were fit, not only to fight an enemy’s cruiser, but even to capture and board a prize. Our course lay for some days to the N. E. rather out of the track of commerce. Our fires were banked and propeller hoisted, as coal was always to be most carefully economized, and we moved along under easy sail. In this way we burn but one ton of coal per day; and as the boilers are hot, we can always have steam in fifteen minutes when we need it. We are bound for no port, and while coal lasts we are not apt to seek one. The deep will tell no tales as to our whereabouts, and will offer our crew no opportunities for dissipation. The Alabama is also nearly as good under sail as steam, and it will be a swift clipper indeed that compels us to resort to the latter in chase, unless we are in a very great hurry. We expect to keep the ocean for many months at a stretch.
We have now been at sea for some days, no sail sighted, nothing to break the monotony but the blue broken clouds above, and the lazy splash of the sea under our forefoot and propeller-well. But the deck is a bee-hive of industry. Here you will see a gun’s crew under instruction of the lieutenant and midshipman of the division. At another point boatswain Mecaskey and his mates, marline-spikes in hand, deep in the mystery of a side or train tackle to be altered, and anon growling out an oath or two however the work is going on, a little more emphatic if a lubberly job meets his eye, but a swear or two anyhow, just to let his mates know he is boatswain Mecaskey. Now we have gunner Cuddy with his mates, polish in hand; for you must know that the battery is to be blacked, pumiced, and polished to a degree to put to blush a dude’s patent leathers. We doubt not our capable gunner has already loaded his battery with blank cartridge, at least he should have done so; for if the enemy luffs alongside of us in the night it takes less time to return his fire with only shot or shell to be rammed home. But we feel sure that everything is being put shipshape in the ordnance department. Sailmaker Alcott is on the verge of collapse with the importance of his trust; though the first set of sails has just been bent, and from present weather appearances is likely to do many a month’s service. Still our “man of canvas” is casting an “eye to windward” for embryo squalls or blows, and putting some spare sails in the locker. Who knows but in him we have a seer, and that is why he is now overhauling the storm maintrysail which is to do such important work on the 16th of October next? Our carpenter, William Robinson, is perhaps the least busy man to be found among our artisans; for unless the first lieutenant has some odd job on hand for him, it is more than likely he will have to “soldier” until some enemy’s cruiser has knocked a plank or two off us, or old Boreas has embraced some spar.
Twelve o’clock now. We call it “eight bells.” Who watches its advent with more thought and anxiety than Jack? He is impatient for rest and dinner, introduced by a little Jamaica for the thirsty soul. The sailing-master, who, sextant in hand, has been “taking” the sun, touches his hat and reports to the captain standing by his side, “Twelve o’clock, sir—latitude so and so;” the answer comes, “Make it so, sir.” The master now reports the time to the officer of the deck, who in turn directs the messenger-boy to strike the bell. As the sounds dies away, the boatswain and his mates pipe to dinner, and a sweeter sound than that from a boatswain’s pipe one would not wish to listen to. Jack now files around the grog-tub, and as his name is called, crooks his elbow, throws back his head, and swallows felicity. Forward he rolls, rubbing his paunch and wishing he had it to do over again; and so he would if that vigilant officer had his eye off him for a moment. “Doubling on the grog-tub” is no crime, no, not even a misdemeanor, in Jack’s eyes, so watch him well, lieutenant! Let’s go forward, even without an invitation, and see these late British subjects at dinner. A stiff “tot” of grog has cheered spirits and loosened tongue; and between chunks of salt horse and hardtack, he is eloquently expatiating on the events of the past few weeks, and giving his opinion of matters general and particular. Jack is never modest in the forecastle, especially if he has doubled the “Horn.” But we do not find much of an assortment of silver-ware decorating Jack’s table. Seated on the deck, legs doubled under tailor-fashion, with a tablecloth of black painted canvas, and dishes and plates of tinware, sheathknife in hand he cuts a slab of salt beef or pork from the skid, and with a “hardtack” for a plate, makes his attack, alternating with a pull at his coffee or tea dipper. But little time is consumed at the meal, for Jack is a rapid eater—considers time spent in eating almost wasted; pipe and tobacco is the goal of his desire, and he wants all the time possible for the enjoyment of it, and for the inevitable yarn to be spun before the boatswain’s whistle calls him to duty again.
We have now been twelve days on our cruise, and constant work getting our ship into fighting and sailing trim has almost banished from our thoughts the prime object of our adventure on the ocean. With constant drilling at great guns, sabre or pistol exercise, repelling boarders with pikes, etc., our crew have at last inspired confidence in their officers and gained it for themselves.
On Sept. 5, after dinner, a sail was made from the masthead, hove-to, with her maintopsail aback. Wind light. We approached her under the United States colors. She did not move tack or sheet. No thought on her part of a Confederate cruiser! A little later the enemy did not tumble into our arms so easily, for ill news travels apace. Still showing United States colors we boarded her. She proved to be the ship Ocmulgee. Alongside of her was a large sperm whale, just captured, and being stripped of blubber and bone. A prize-crew was thrown on board of her, her officers and men transferred to the Alabama, and we lay all night in sight. We were now on the whaling-ground of the Western Islands; and lest the bonfire should light up the night and stampede the rest of the whaling-fleet, we waited before firing her, in the meantime transferring some provisions and small stores from the prize. Next morning our boarding-officer took his first lesson in the art of firing a ship. Perhaps the reader may imagine there is no art in it. Well, one way to do a thing well, another to bungle, there always seems to be. We have many more to send “where the woodbine twineth;” so listen to the modus operandi (though we were not put to the trouble with this whaler—inflammable enough without any preparation). First, you cut up with your broadaxe the cabin and forecastle bunks, generally of white pine lumber. You will find, doubtless, the mattresses stuffed with straw, and in the cabin pantry part at least of a keg of butter and lard. Make a foundation of the splinters and straw, pour on top the lard and butter. One pile in cabin, the other in forecastle. Get your men in the boats, all but the incendiaries, and at the given word—“Fire!” shove off, and take it as truth, that before you have reached your own ship, the blaze is licking the topsails of the doomed ship. We witness to-day for the first time the hauling down of the Stars and Stripes—to those of us who served in the old navy, a humbling of the emblem at our hands, carrying with it many a cruel wrench and sad retrospect. To men who in days gone by had stood on the quarter-deck, with the doff of cap, and amid the glitter of uniforms, presenting of arms, and strains of the national air, and daily witnessed the morning ceremony of hoisting this flag at the peak, it was difficult to disassociate the act with desecration.
The writer can never forget the feelings and impressions of this first capture, and the sight later on of the burning ship brought sorrow to the heart. I may almost say shame; but war! cruel, inhuman war! soon blunts the sentimental impulses, and what seemed at first sheer ruthlessness became in time a matter of course. It must be acknowledged that after a brief space of time the cry, “Sail ho!” from aloft, was received with the heartfelt wish she would prove a prize. The day after the capture of the Ocmulgee we made the Island of Flores, and being now on whaling-ground the ship is “hove-to.” We can here await the oil-fleet. This is what may be styled “still hunting.” Being quite near the land, the boats of the prize, which have been towing astern of us, are hauled alongside, and our prisoners, after being paroled, allowed to depart for the shore. They were far from being destitute, having by permission secured full loads of provisions, all their whaling-gear and other odds and ends, and would soon after landing be under the protection of the American consul. The plunder was to them clear gain and pocket-change. We have now been two weeks in commission, having changed colors on Sunday, Aug. 24. Ten o’clock (“four bells”) having arrived, we go to muster. Our former vagabonds, arrayed in all the colors of Joseph’s coat, would not be recognized just now. Standing in a group on the quarter-deck, the commander and his officers abaft of them, the “Articles of War” are read; and as the death penalty is frequently mentioned therein, Jack looks first up, then down, and at his mates most significantly. He is evidently coming to the conclusion there is something serious in this business. This ended, the muster-roll is called; and as his name is reached, each man, now dressed in white frock and pants, pumps and sennet hat in hand, passes around the capstan and forward. “Inspection” is over, and the “pipe down” is “called.” It is wonderful what effect even just two weeks of soap and discipline has had on our crew. We had among them a few young boys who had smuggled themselves on board the Bahama at Liverpool, and had turned up on deck during our stay at Terceira. Being useful as messenger-boys and “powder monkeys,” they were signed and put to duty. Among them was one Egan, and a tougher case Liverpool could not produce. The sailors had brought from port a pet cat; and all who know a sailor will recognize the bond of affection existing between him and his pet, be it what species it may. The cat was missed a few days out of port, and faithful search having been made in vain, Egan was hauled up to the mast charged with knowing the fate or whereabouts of the animal. It seems he was suspected from some known circumstances, together with his reputation for -mischief already established. Egan was “spread eagled” in the mizzen rigging barefooted, and was holding out well, denying all knowledge of the whereabouts of puss. In the meantime, a sail was made from aloft, the after pivot-gun cleared away for the purpose of heaving-to the vessel. One would suppose Egan to have been a student of Marryatt from his selection of queer pranks when upon taking the tompion from the muzzle of the gun out jumps pussy. Egan soon after confessed judgment, being unable to stand the punishment longer, and upon being interrogated as to why he did it, replied, “Oh, to see what effect the firing would have on the cat!”
