Sunday, February 15, 2015

CSS Shenandoah Gets Underway From Australia-- Part 1

FEBRUARY 18TH, 1865:  The CSS Shenandoah, Lt. Waddell, having completed repairs at Melbourne, Australia, got underway before daybreak and steamed out of Port Philip Bay to resume her career on the high seas.

As soon as the cruiser discharged her pilot and entered international waters, more than 40 stowaways, who had come aboard late the previous night-- appeared on deck.  The Shenandoah's log recorded:  "forty-two men found on board; thirty-six shipped as sailors and six enlisted as marines."

This represented a net gain when balanced against the desertions induced by gold from the American consul.

Of course, Waddell had "no" way of knowing of the "stowaways."

Sneaky Guys.  --Old B-R'er

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