George Nicholas Hollins, CSN-- Part 1

From the Capture of New Orleans by Chester G. Heam.

I have been writing about this man and his role in the capture  of the Union steamer St. Nicholas.

George Hollins was no spring chicken, having fought in the War of 1812 where he joined the U.S. Navy as a 15-year-old midshipman and fought with Stephen Decatur.

he earned a reputation as a fighter, and even at the age of 62, was ever-ready for a scrape.

When the war broke out, he commanded the USS Susquehanna on station at Naples, Italy.  he returned to the states and resigned his commission.  On June 20, he became a captain in the Confederate Navy.  Nine days later he promptly demonstrated his aggressiveness when he organized the attack on the St. Nicholas.  After all, a captain should command his own ship..

Heams described Hollins as "active and self-starting, had little patience for red tape."

--Old B-Runner

The Piratical Capture of the Steamer St. Nicholas-- Part 2: "A Brilliant Exploit"

"After the steamer left Point Lookout, Capt. HOLLINS threw off his disguise, and with the aid of the passengers, seized the boat, which was immediately put across Coney River, on the Virginia side.  Here the rest of the passengers, not a party to the plot, were landed, including the captain, who was placed under guard.

"The steamer then went on a piratical cruise toward the Rappahannock River, capturing three vessels on her way, laden with ice, coal and coffee, with all which HOLLINS made his way to Fredericksburgh.

"The rebel papers here published accounts of this transaction this evening, calling it "a brilliant exploit."  Some accounts say about two hundred rebel troops were placed on board the steamer at Coney."

That Pirate Hollins.  --Old B-R'er

The Piratical Capture of the St. Nicholas-- Part 1: Disguised as a Woman

From the July 2, 1861, New York Times.

This past Tuesday, June 28, I wrote about the seizure of the Union steamer St. Nicholas.  Here is what the New York Times had to say about it back then.

PIRATICAL CAPTURE OF THE STEAMER ST. NICHOLAS

"The seizure of the steamer St. Nicholas, from this post as mentioned in our Washington dispatches, proves to have been a bold piratical expedition.

"When the steamer left here on Friday evening, she had on board about 50 secession passengers, most of whom were disguised as mechanics, going to Points on the Maryland shore of the Potomac.

"Among the number was Capt. HOLLINS, late of the United States ship Susquehannah, who was disguised, some accounts say, as a woman, and retired to a state room immediately on going on board the steamer.

I Like How They Considered It a Piratical Act.    --Old B-R'er

155 Years Ago: Northern Steamer St. Nicholas Seized in Undercover Operation

JUNE 28TH-29TH, 1861:  The side-wheel steamer St. Nicholas, making a scheduled run between Baltimore and Georgetown, D.C., was captured by Confederates who had boarded her posing as passengers at the steamer's various stopping points on the Potomac River.

The Confederates were led by Captain George N. Hollins, CSN, who took command of the St. Nicholas, and Colonel Richard Thomas, CSA, who boarded disguised as a woman.  The St. Nicholas then began a search for the USS Pawnee, but, not finding her, put into the Chesapeake Bay where she seized the schooners Margaret and May Pierce and the brig Monticello the following day, June 29..

A Bit of Undercover Work.  --Old B-Runner

The "French Lady" of the St. Nicholas Capture

From the July 10, 2011, Long Recall blog.

In July 1861, the steamer St. Nicholas left Baltimore and had on board about 50 "secessionists" in disguises and in a "piratical crime" seized the ship.

This is a follow up article back in the Northern Newspapers of the day.

The paper had reported the seizure back on July 3rd and there was some dispute "which Southern officer dressed as a woman in order to hide himself away on the ship until the time of the strike occurred.

We appear to now have confirmation not only of the man in disguise was Captain Thomas of St. Mary's County, but also that he has been captured.  Lieutenant Thomas H. Carmichael and Mr. John Horner apprehended him in Baltimore July 9."

Those Sneaky Rebels.  --Old B-R'er