It Was Murder, Not a Duel, the Death of William Andrews, CSN

From Confederate Navy Trivia by Terry Foenander.

***  At least one murder is known to have been committed on an officer of the Confederate Navy by a fellow officer.  On October 15, 1862, Acting Master's Mate Joseph Goodwin Hester fired three shots at his commanding officer, Master's Mate (Acting Midshipman)  William Andrews of Georgia, with a pistol, aboard the CSS Sumter, while that vessel was anchored  off Gibraltar.

Andrews died almost instantly, and, after an inquest was held, his remains were laid to rest on October 17, at Gibraltar, attended by members of the Sumter as well as several officers of the One Hundredth Canada Regiment, stationed at the rock.

Hester was under suspicion by Andrews of pilfering  articles from the vessel,  but after arrest for  the murder, Hester tried to vindicate his crime by claiming that Andrews had intended to commit treason by delivering the vessel into the hands of the US authorities.

However, the crew of the Sumter in a letter to the Confederate commissioner in London, James M. Mason, noted that the claim was without foundation, and that Andrews was beloved and respected by all who knew him, especially his crew.

Hester was held by British authorities at Gibraltar, and, after some correspondence with the Confederate authorities, the British sent him aboard the Shannon, to Bermuda, where it was hoped he would be brought through the blockade, for trial in the Confederate States.

However, permission was denied, and he was permitted to go free in Bermuda.

So, That's the Story.  --Old B-Runner

Blockade Runner Atalanta (CSS Tallahassee)

From Confederate Historical Association of Belgium "The Armed Blockade Runners of the Confederate Government"by Serge Noirsain.

The twin screw ferry, Atalanta was a very stable and fast steamer.  She was purchased by a John Wallace in St. George (Bermuda)  who used her to run the blockade off Wilmington, N.C.

While at anchorage in Wilmington, the ship was purchased for $125,000.  Work to fit her out as a commerce raider began on July 15, 1864, and she was ready to embark on her new career nine days later.

--Old B-Runner

Movements of Blockade Runners September 1864

From the September 24, 1864, New York Times  "Movements of Blockade-Runners."

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Thursday , Sept. 22

The blockade-runners Lady Sterling and Armstrong cleared for Bermuda yesterday.

The blockade-runner Little Hattie, which sailed  a few days since, returned to-day.

Run It In, Run It Our.  --Old B-R'er

Other "Devils"

I am still getting the information from To the Sound Of Guns Blog.

But, the Charleston "Devil" is not the only remaining raft of Ericsson's.    Three years after the Civil War, a strange raft drifted close to Bermuda and was pulled to shore.  Later, the raft was identified as one of Ericsson's.  A report indicates that it was surveyed as late as 1965.

Had it drifted all the way there?

And, there is another potential Ericsson raft in Texas.  In 1980, Hurricane  Allen uncovered remains that matched the particulars of Ericsson's design on Mustang Beach.  But, apparently there is some room for debate about the identification of the wreck.

That "Devil" Ericsson.  --Old B-Runner

The Blockade Runner Lelia That Didn't-- Part 6: Sinclair's Burial

Richard Taylor added that Federal forces had since occupied Norfolk, Virginia, and had  "ejected Mrs. Sinclair and her family from their home with great barbarity."

Captain Sinclair had lost his previous ship near Bermuda in 1864 before his voyage on the ill-fated Lelia and was said by Taylor to have been at the siege of Vicksburg.  His funeral took place on third June 1865 in Fleetwood and was attended by his two sons, Arthur Jnr and Terry.

His gravestone bears the inscription, "Sacred to the memory of Captain Arthur Sinclair of Norfolk Virginia who perished in the wreck of the Lelia--  January 14th, 1865.  Not lost but gone before."

In addition to Sinclair, Thomas Miller, Captain Skinner, Mr. Robson, J.B. Cropper an all the officers of the Lelia drowned--  only 12 were saved.

At the subsequent inquiry,  it was recorded that the Lelia was a well found ship but the fact that her four boats were without oarlocks contributed to the large loss of life..

--Old B-Runner

The Blockade Runner Lelia That Didn't-- Part 2: The Storm

On January 5, 1865, the Lelia sailed from the Mersey River with a 700 ton cargo of coal, iron and general merchandise and according to the Illustrated London News of 28 January, "would have taken a much more valuable  cargo in Bermuda to attempt to run  the blockade into Wilmington."

Her crew totalled  49, 20 of whom were engine room and several passengers which included Thomas Miller, a son of the builder and J.B. Cropper, a Liverpool merchant.    Also listed as passengers were a Mr. Robeson and Arthur Sinclair--  a commander in the Confederate Navy and a native of Virginia.

For this part of the journey, the Lelia was commanded by Captain Thomas Buxton Skinner.  Arthur Sinclair would take over for the run from Bermuda to Wilmington when the protection of the British flag would not have made her immune from Union blockading ships.

Soon after leaving the  Mersey, the winter weather turned nasty and as she headed for the Welsh coast the seas got worse.  Already running low because of her heavy cargo, the Lelia was in great danger.

--Old B-R'er

January 1, 1864: Great Blockade Running At Wilmington, N.C.-- Part 1: 397 Ships

JANUARY 1, 1864

As the new year opened, the Union once again focused its attention on Wilmington, North Carolina.  Since 1862, the Navy had pressed for a combined assault on this major east coast port, ideally located for blockade running less than 600 miles from Nassau and only 675 from Bermuda.

Despite the efforts of the Union fleet, the runners had continued to ply their trade successfully.  In the fall of 1863, a British observer reported that thirteen steamers ran into Wilmington between 10 and 29 September and that fourteen ships put to sea between 2 and 19 September.

In fact, James Randall, an employee of a Wilmington shipping firm, reported that 397 ships visited Wilmington during the first two and a half years of the war.

Old B-Runner

USS Rosalie-- Part 2: Captures A Blockade Runner

Of course, the Rosalie's size and shallow draft was of great help in navigating the smaller inlets along Florida's west coast.

The sloop Rosalie was was captured on 16 March 1863 by the USS Octorara while attempting to run from Bermuda into the Confederate port of Charleston, S.C.. and sent to Key West for adjudication.  Purchased by the Navy on 6 May 1863 and fitted out as a tender, commissioned June 1863 with Acting Ensign Charles P. Clark in command.

She was assigned to the Florida west coast as tender to the blockading ship off Charlotte Harbor.  On June 6, she spotted the schooner Ann and  small sloop and pursued the ships three days up Peace Creek (River).  Though frequently grounding, on the 7th, the Rosalie was joined by two cutters from the USS Restless.

On the 8th, the Union ships captured the Confederate ships with large cargoes of cotton.

--Old B-Runner

USS Bermuda-- Part 3: Captured

Because of improvements in the Union blockade in which faster steamers and with shallower drafts had the better chances of success.  The Bermudas 17-foot draft and comparatively slow 11 knots worried its owners.

Simply, it would be too dangerous to make another run into a Confederate port.  They decided to turn their ship into one that would take larger cargoes to Bermuda, unload and let swifter ships make the final run to the Confederacy.

In February 1862, the Bermuda left England with a large load of ordnance supplies and arrived in Bermuda in March, but was not allowed to unload, so went to Nassau.

However, on April 27, she was spotted by the USS Mercidita which gave chase and caught her.

--Old B-Runner

News From Bermuda July 23, 1863: A Fourth of July Picnic

From the July 23, 1863, Wilmington Journal.

"From Bermuda-- We have received the Bermudian and Bermuda Mirror, both of the 8th Inst., and both published at Hamilton, Bermuda.  We find little or nothing in the way of news that has not been anticipated.

"We cut out some items however that may not be deficient in interest. or amusement.

"The first is the following account of a Fourth of July Pic Nic, given by gentlemen connected with the Confederate steamers Lady Davis (Cornubia) and Eugenie.  Some of our friends had a good time on their own."  Many toasts were given and taken.

The Bermuda newspaper no doubt came through the blockade.

--Old B-R'er

June 19, 1863: Buy a Blockade Runner in England

From Civil War Naval Chronology.

JUNE 19, 1863:  Secretary Mallory wrote to Commander Bulloch in Liverpool:  "I have heretofore requested you to purchase upon the best terms you can make a very fast steamer suitable for blockade running between Nassau, Bermuda, Charleston, and Wilmington.

"A capacity for stowing from 600 to 1,000 bales of cotton upon not over 10 feet draft would be desirable.  With such a vessel I can place exchange for our use in England every month."

This mean money to Confederate coffers in England to buy more blockade runners and cruisers.

--Old B-Runner

November 2, 1862: CSS Alabama Captures a Whaling Ship

NOVEMBER 2ND, 1862: The CSS Alabama, Captain Semmes, captured and burned the whaling ship Levi Starbuck, near Bermuda.

One of Many.  --Old B-Runner

Agnes G. Fry at Bermuda October 24, 1864

Report from U.S. Consul at Bermuda.

In port October 24, 1864:  Several blockade-runners, including the Agnes Fry.  "The Agnes Fry and Stormy Petrel attempted to enter Wilmington, but failed and returned home."

--Old B-Runner

Blockade-Runner Montana

From Vimeo "Montana/Nola-1863-- Civil War Blockade-Runner-- Bermuda Shipwreck" by Dr. Philippe Max Rouja.

A video accompanies this site.  The Montana was an elusive ship carrying many identities.  It made trips between England, Bermuda and North Carolina.

From Wikipedia.

The Montana was wrecked off the north coast of Bermuda on 30 December 1863.  It was 750 tons and the wreck is located in 25 feet of water.  It originally used the Nola name and was also called the Paramount and Gloria.  These names were used to confuse the Union ships watching for it.

When it ran aground, Captain Pittman was in command.  All the cargo and crew were saved.

Evidently, it ran into the shoals ion its maiden voyage as a blockade-runner.

It is a favorite dive site in Bermuda.

--Old B-Runner

Exploring the Wreck of a Blockade-Runner: The Montana

From the April 29, 2013, Bernews.

Bermuda's Department of Conservation Service and the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute offer guided tours of the wreck of a ship of many names:  Nola, Gloria, Paramount and Montana.

It was  built in Glasgow, Scotland, and was a 236-foot long paddle wheel steamer capable of 15 knots.  It hit a shallow reef off Bermuda and sank in December 1863.  The ship is located in 30 feet of water and ius partially intact.

Of 71 blockade-runners operating in and out of Bermuda, the Union Navy had captured or sunk 43 by 1864.

The Montana wreck consists of two boilers and twp paddle wheel frames lying on their sides.  Its site is alongside the Constellation, a World War II ship wreck that inspired Peter Benchley's Bermuda thriller "The Deep."

So, not only did blockade-runners have to worry aboout Union ships, but also reefs, shallow water and other situations.

--Old B-Runner

Maffitt's CSS Owl, Blockade-Runner-- Part 1

From the  Famous Blockade Runner site.

Back on July 14th, I wrote about Commander Maffitt surrendering his ship, the CSS Owl to British authorities in Liverpool.

The Owl was 230 feet long, had a 26 foot beam, 7.6 foot draft, 14-16 knot speed, long, low and painted a light red.  The perfect blockade-runner commanded by a man who knew how to use them.

The Owl succeeded in running into Wilmington some time in September 1864.  She escaped back to sea 3 October despite her masts being visible all the while she lay in port loading.  The blockade ships wounded her captain and several crew members, but nine shots failed to stop her.

She was in Bermuda with a load of cotton 14-29 October.  On 5 December, Secretary of the Navy Mallory instructed Captain John Newland Maffitt to pick up the Florida's men in Bermuda.

CSS Ajax Enters St. George's, Bermuda

MAY 4TH, 1865:  The CSS Ajax, Lt. Low, entered St. George's, Bermuda, from Nassau.  The Confederate commander had not yet learned that his government had collapsed and that Generals Lee and Johnston had surrendered in April.

He attempted to obtain guns for delivery to Havana, but Governor W.G. Hamley refused to permit it.  He advised Low:  "The Ajax has been a suspected vessel ever since she was launched.  She has the appearance of a gunboat; she has never carried merchant cargo; she changed owners in Nassau; she is now commanded by an officer in the service of the Confederate States; in short, she wants nothing but armament to be in a position to take the seas as a privateer."

--Old B-Runner

Steamer Ajax Puts Into Nassau

MARCH 11TH, 1865:  The steamer Ajax put into Nassau.  Lt. Low, who had been listed as a "passenger" now assumed command of the vessel  Governor Rawson W. Rawson of Bermuda carefully examined her and concluded that "nothing [was] found on her....  She now appears to be intended for a tug.

"It is suspected that she was intended as a tender to the Confederate Iron-clad vessel [Stonewall], said to now be in a Spanish Port, watched by two Federal cruisers."

On 25 March transferred her registry and she became the CSS Ajax.  By early April the Ajax was ready to sail to Bermuda.

--Old B-Runner

Drinkin' Wine Spo-De-Do-- Part 2: Sinking and Wine Recovery

They don't know whether it is a good or bad wine.  It was recovered from the iron-hulled sidewheel blockade-runner Mary Celestia which left Bermuda and struck a reef and sank in six minutes.  No one knows if it was an accident or on purpose.

Philippe Rouja, cultural anthropologist and custodian of historic shipwrecks for Bermuda and his brother Jean-Pierre Rouja were diving on shipwrecks in 2011.  A winter storm had swept the wreck and that is when they found the wine in a secret boatswain's locker in the bow of the ship.

Later dives turned up more bottles of wine, sealed bottles of perfume, women's shoes, hairbrushes and pearl shell buttons.

Does Wine Age Under the Sea?  --Old B-Runner

Drinkin' Wine Spo-De-Do- Part 1: 150 Year Old Blockade-Runner Wine to Be Sampled

From the March 6, 2015, Yahoo! News Reuters "Wine from Civil War-era shipwreck to be uncorked in South Carolina" by Harriet McLeod.

An intact bottle of wine was recovered four years ago from a blockade-runner that sank off the coast of Bermuda in 1864 was to be uncorked and sipped Friday (yesterday) during a food festival in Charleston, South Carolina.

How it tastes and its story will be revealed at the Charleston Wine + Food event "From Deep Below: A Wine Event 150 Years in the Making."

About 50 people bought tickets to hear first-hand what is inside one of the bottles and will watch a panel of wine experts taste it.

What, Paid and No Drinkee?  --Old B-Runner