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Extracts from the Creswick & Clunes Advertiser about the Confederate Steamer - Shenandoah
The Confederate Steamer - Shenandoah
Extracts from the Creswick & Clunes Advertiser and the County of Talbot Agricultural Journal

A newspaper published in Creswick, Victoria, Australia by the Proprietor / Editor Mr Francis N Martin

Last edited on Friday, 10 November 2000

(Please note that this is an exact transcription � including all grammatical and spelling errors for purposes of quotation and accuracy.)

Call Sue O'Neill if you know of any other sites that refernce the Shenandoah or Captain Waddell so they can be added to this link


27 January 1865 page 2
A Confederate War Steamer in Hobson�s Bay

Considerable interest was manifested yesterday morning in the city by an announcement posted at the Telegraph office that the auxiliary screw-steamer Royal Standard had been signalled off Cape Otway after an extraordinary run of 52 days form Liverpool. The news was speedily promulgated through the city, and the arrival of the vessel in Hobson�s Bay was anxiously looked forward to. Late in the afternoon, when the steamer had arrived at Port Phillip Heads, a telegram was received, announcing that the steamer reported was the Royal Standard, as supposed, but the Confederate man-of-war, Shenandoah, of eight guns. The vessel at once proceeded up the channel and anchored in the Bay, at a few minutes before seven o�clock, flying the Confederate flag. The intelligence that a vessel of the Confederate navy had arrived in our waters was speedily made known, and several boats at once put off to the Shenandoah, but captain Waddle, her commander, positively declined to allow any person to come on board until such time as he had communicated with the shore. As soon as possible, Lieut. Grimble, one of the officers, was despatched to Toorak, to wait upon his Excellency the Governor and request that the vessel might remain for a certain period in neutral waters, for the purpose of coaling and repairing her machinery. The Shenandoah is a steam-vessel of 1160 tons, 240-horse power, and carries eight large guns. She is commanded by Captain James Waddell, and the following is a list of her officers"- Lieutenants, W.C.Whittle, John Grimble, J.S. Lee, F.T. Chew, D.M. Scales; master, J.M. Bullock; Chief engineer, M. O�Brien; surgeon, C.E. Lining; acting-paymaster, W.B. Smith; passed midshipmen, O.A. Brown and J.T. Mason; assistant-surgeion, F.J. McNulty; assistant-engineers, W.H. Codd, J. Hutchinson, E. Muggofeny; master�s mates, C.E. Hunt, J.F. Miner; L Calbon; boatswain, G. Harwood; carpenter, J. O�Shea; gunner, J.L. Guy; sailmaker, Henry Alcatt; second carpenter, John Lynch. In addition to these officers she has a crew of 75 men. The Shenandoah has been at sea since the 15th of October last, and during that time she reports having captured and burnt no less than 11 Federal merchantmen. The crew of the Shenandoah has been partly made up from the men on board the various prizes. The men are a fine and determined looking set of fellows. The uniform worn is a sort of yellowish-grey with a shoulder strap of blue silk bearing a single star, surrounded by a thin gold cording. The cap is also grey, with a broad gold band. The Shenandoah, we believe, has been off the Australian coast for the last 10 days and on her arrival off the Otway yesterday she failed to run up any colours, as the Captain did not wish to be reported by the vessels going out. We believe that under a precent proclamation the Shenandoah will not be allowed to remain in the port more than 48 hours. � Herald.


CCA 30 January 1865 � page 3
The Confederate War-Steamer Shenandoah.

The Confederat sloop-of-war Shenandoah remains quietly anchored in Hobson�s Bay. Our warlike visitor has obtained a recognition from the authorities, and will now stay here a few days, to coal and effect repairs, before proceeding to sea in search of fresh prey and new adventures.

The following account of her exploits we have extracted from the Argus. We fail to see that more glory attaches to this band of maurauders, than to the pirates of Morocco.

On the 29th of October work was really commenced. In the morning, royals and stunsails were set, in chase of a barque. At one o�clock the chase was two miles distant, English colours were shown, and the barque replied with the Yankee flag. Confederate colours were then hoisted, and the barque was hove-to, and examined. She was the Alina, Staples, master, owned in Maine, bound from Akyab to Buenos Ayres, with a cargo of railway iron. After removing the crew and stores, scuttled her. The crew numbered ten men, eight of whom joined the Shenandoah. The cargo was valued at 38,000 dollars; the barque, which was only six months old, at 50,000 dollars. On the 5th of November steam was got up in chase of a large schooner. At half past seven a.m. fired a gun at her, when she hove-to. She showed the stars and stripes. Proved to be the Charles Oak, Gillman, master, bound from Boston to San Francisco, with an assorted cargo. Supplied the ship stores from her, including 2,000 lb weight of preserved tomatoes. The master�s wife was on board, and also her sister, the widow of a Northern corporal, killed at Harper�s Ferry. The captain gave a stern cabin up to the ladies. Private property was respected, but 200 dollars found on the master were confiscated. Captain Waddle gave the money, in the name of the Confederacy, to the master�s wife, on her promising that she would not restore it to her husband. The Woman promised eagerly. Burnt the vessel, which was a new one. On the 7th of November, chased and captured the barque D. Godfrey, from Boston to Valparaiso, with a miscellaneous cargo, including 400 barrels of beef and pork. Burnt the vessel. Ten men of the crew entered for service with the Shenandoah. Two days afterwards spoke a Danish brig, bound for Rio. The brig took of two masters, four mates, and two men, in consideration of receiving a chronometer, a barrel of beef, and a barrell of pork � all prize articles. At daylight on November 10 sighted the clipper brig Susan, bound to the River Plate, with a cargo of coals. The Susan was scuttled at half past ten a.m., and sank, bows first, so perpendicularly that the main truck was under the water while the stern was above the surface. On the evening of the 11th a ship was sighted from the masthead, on the port beam. Her bearings were taken, and a course shaped to cut her off. Proved to be the American ship Kate Prince, bound to Bahia with 1700 tons of coal. Cargo was sworn to be neutral; Captain Waddell therefore determined to bond the vessel. The captain having signed the bonds, the vessel was released, and the prisoners on board the Sheandoa, thirteen in number, were transferred to her. On the 13th of November the schooner Lizzie M. Stacey was captured and burned. One of crew was a negro, who met another captured negro on board, a man he had parted with a few weeks back at a boarding house in New York. Their surprise was comical. November 24 signalled a bark with her masthead gone, but she would not answer. The Shenandoah was then making eleven knots under reefed topsails � a fact which proves her great speed. The next day or so bore down, under all canvass and a full head of steam, after a singularly rigged vessel, which proved to be an English man-of-war. She took no notice of the chase. Is believed to be the corvette Brisk, now at Adelaide. Without entering further into detail, it may be stated that the Shenandoah when she runs in chase displays any colors, English or French, and that her men sometimes don blue shirts, that their grey attire may not arouse suspicion. The prisoners are expected to assist in working the ship during the daytime, and at night they are locked in the forecastle and handcuffed. The following ass a correct list of the vessels captured and destroyed by the Shenandoah:-

Alina, Barque, - Staples, master, from Akyab to Buenos Ayres, cargo of railway iron. Scuttled 29th October, lat. 16 degrees 47 minutes N., lon. 26 degrees 43 minutes W.

Charter Oak, schooner, from Boston for San Francisco, assorted cargo. Burnt 5th November, lat. 7 degrees 38 minutes N, lon. 27 degrees 49 minutes W.

D. Godfrey, barque, - Hallet master, from Boston to Valparaiso, assorted cargo. Burnt 7th November, lat. 6 degrees 28 minutes N., Lon. 27 degrees 6 minutes W.

Susan, brig. � Hansen master, from New York to River Plate. Scuttled 10th November, lat. 4 degrees 20 minutes N., lon. 26 degrees 39 minutes W.

Kate Prince, for Bahia, neutral cargo (coals). Ship bonded on the 12th November.

Adelaide, barque, of Baltimore, to River Plate, neutral cargo. Ship bonded for 23,000 dollars.

Lizzie M. Stacey, schooner, New York to Sandwitch Islands, assorted cargo. Burnt 13th November, lat. 1 degree 40 minutes N., lon. 28 degrees 24 minutes W.

Edward, whaling vessel. Burnt 4th December, lat. 37 degrees 47 minutes S., lon. 12 degrees 30 minutes W.

Delphine, barque, from London to Aykab. Burnt 295th December, lat. 29 degrees 10 minutes S., lon. 69 degrees E.

All the American ships in the bay have taken the alarm. Usually profuse in their display of bunting, they did not yesterday allow the stars and stripes to flutter in the breeze at all, and one of their number hoisted a curious banner, said to be the Ionian flag. Though Captain Waddell was not apprised of the determination of the authorities until late in the afternoon, and was averse to throwing his vessel open before, the applications were so numerous that he gave way, and from one o�clock the ship was thronged. All the boats in the bay were out, and two steamers were engaged in carrying passengers. The wind was high, and one sailing-boat, in rounding to was capsized; but fortunately assistance was a t hand, and her four passengers were picked up. The visitors showed their southern sympathies by cheering the vessel heartily as they took their departure from her."


CCA 1 February 1865, page 3

"The Shenandoah has been the grand object of attraction during the past week. As to the ship herself, there is nothing extraordinary to tell. She is simply the Clyde-built Sea King, transformed into a Confederate cruiser. When first she came into port, there was a general belief that she was commanded by Captain Semmes, and even now that belief is not altogether dispelled. One curious thing about it is that while the officers who came ashore the evening she came in readily informed the gentlemen on the Railway Pier that she was commanded by Captain Waddell, the men in the boat, though very communicative upon most points, when asked who was their commander, either kept silence or said that they did not know. Another circumstance is that the master of one of the large in t he bay states that he is sure he has seen Captain Semmes in Melbourne, and that from having seen him in London many times he was not likely to be mistaken. The prisoners say that Captain Semmes was never seen on board during their detention. The officers are fine strapping gentlemanly young fellows, clothed in a most abominably ugly uniform. They are at present sincerely to be pitied, for they never have an hour to themselves, - they are besieged day and night on board their vessel, and are mercilessly lionised ashore. I do not believe if a couple of tame tigers were to walk up Bourke street in the middle of the day that they would be followed by so many ragged youngsters as these Southerners are by a lot of well-dressed snobs, who seem to have the worst of all country vices, the vice of flunkeyism. The officers have been introduced to the Melbourne Club, which is going to give them a dinner. Wilder things are talked of a Volunteer ball having been suggested by some enthusiastic young soldiers, but, of course, such a thing is utterly out of the question. The officers express themselves as very much delighted with our city, and truly grateful for the cordial hospitality and sympathy which they have received at our hands. So ardent are they in their thanks that if the Club dinner come off I should not be surprised if we had a second edition of Criuckshank�s famous sketch � "The happiest moment of my life." They are not wanting in credit or money; for one of them on Friday produced documents which induced one of our leading banks to advance him five thousand British sovereigns. Sandriedge is so enthusiastic in the cause of our visitors that, an old resident informed me that he was of opinion that, if Captain Waddell would accept their services, the whole of that thriving suburb, male and female, young and old, would volunteer in a body. If the Foreign Enlistment Act did not interfere, half a dozen Alabamas could easily be manned here. The wages are more than double the pay of ordinary seamen, being 7 per month for men before the mast, and are paid monthly in port or out of port in hard gold. The Messrs. Langlands, the chief iron founders in Melbourne, are engaged to inspect and repair the machinery of the Shenandoah, and from their great reputation the enemy may be sure that their adversary is in good trim when she again issues forth to capture and destroy. The Federalists in Melbourne have revived their drooping courage, and are now as profuse in their bunting as a day or so ago they were the other way. So far is this spirit carried that, if a stranger were to be suddenly dropped in Bourke street, from the immense flags exhibited displaying the notorious stars and stripes, he would be inclined to imagine that he was in a Yankee instead of a British city. Many thousands visited the Confederate warship yesterday.

Talking of our registers, a story is current about town which, from the blooming reputation of the person principally concerned in it, has caused a great deal of laughing at his expense. It appears that on Thursday the officers of the Shenandoah were taking some refreshments at Scott�s Hotel, surrounded by a large company of their admirers, when an American merchant, who is very stout and largely interested in the kerosene trade, took occasion to remark in their hearing that they were a "d____d set of piratical scoundrels," when one of the Southerners quietly left his seat, took the Federalist gently by the nose, and led him to the door, where her turned him round in the most artistic manner, so as to present his rear to the company, to which portion of his person he administered several hearty kicks, which sent him down the stairs at a pace which Volunteers call the "double." It may be presumed that the Northerner retired, like the generals of his country, solely for strategic reasons, for it is reported that he did not offer any resistance against hi forcible expulsion. And yet it is singular that a citizen of the mighty Union, about � as he was wont to say � to annex Canada and Ireland, should allow himself to be so used by a "____ pirate."


CCA 3 February 1865, page 3
Location reference � Ballarat, VIC

"The officers of the Confederate steamer Shenandoah are expected to arrive by the first train in the morning, and as a contradiction to public rumour, I may state that their visit is purely private, and that they will only be accompanied during the day by about half a dozen gentlemen who term themselves "Sympathizers with the South." A ball has been dispensed with, and a dinner at Craig�s Hotel will wind up the day�s proceedings."


CCA 6 February 1865 � page 2

"Although the hero worshippers were doomed to disappointment on Friday last about the non-arrival of the officers of the Shenandoah, still, I am informed, that one gentleman has invited them privately to visit Ballarat next week, and that a reply is expected on Monday to the invitation. With regard to their coming considerable differences of opinions exist, and in one of our first-class hotels where a few northerners reside, and one or two "sympathisers" as they term themselves, the question is discussed in loud tones."


CCA 8 February 1865 � page 2

"A very sensible letter appeared in yesterday�s Argus in re the Shenandoah, which I would commend to those of your readers who desire to obtain an insight into the true facts of the case. In the same issue there is a leading article upon the same subject, which is so stupid and so difficult to understand that I almost fancy it must be a contribution from the late editor who is rusticating in Geelong, and has probably become infected with the local complaint � excessive stupidity. Mr Berry, the Minister expectant, was fearfully snubbed the other night by Mr O�Shanassy, and the Attorney-General, when Mr Berry made a long speech, and asked the Government whether they intended to confiscate the Shenandoah. Mr Berry did not succeed in getting a single hear, hear, but Mr O�Shanassy who made a speech which may be considered favourable to the southerners was continually interrupted by cheers from all parts of the house. Messrs Duffet and Grant are the solicitors for the American consul, but it is plain that they have no case.


CCA 8 February 1865 � page 3

"It is well known that the Confederate officers are to visit Ballarat on Friday next, and that their reception will in every way be purely private. They will be taken to some of the principal mines, and afterwards entertained at a ball, at Craig�s Hotel in the evening. Invitations have been olready issued to about one hundred ladies and gentlemen, and as I am informed the whole affair has no public pretension."


CCA 10 February 1865 � page 2

"The officers of the Shenondoah are expected to arrive by the last train this evening. To-morrow they will visit the mining claims, and in the evening be present at a private ball."


CCA 15 February 1865 page 2

"There was a great excitement this afternoon. A body of the military and police were despatched per railway to Williamstown. It was supposed at first that the Government had received a private despatch, by the mail, to seize the Shenandoah on the slip. The real cause appears to have been an infringement of the Foreign Enlistment Act. The Government is determined to maintain neutrality. On second thought, the military were countermanded. The order, however, was forwarded after a portion of the detachment had started. No collission occurred."


CCA 20 February 1865, page 2

"The Shenandoah at last took her departure from Hobson�s Bay this morning, and now that she has left our shores, it is to be hoped that all the illfeeling which previously existed between those who held opposite views as to the American war, will be gone also. No doubt the mission of Captain Waddell was a painful one: but at the same time he had a duty to perform, and even his enemies must say that he has acted with sufficient firmness to protect the honor of the Government he represents. I saw as gentleman this morning who dined with him yesterday on board the ship, and he says that at first the Captain was much pleased with the reception he met with; but at the last moment he was treated disgracefully; and I have no doubt he will take out his revenge on the first "stars and stripes" that he falls in with. I am informed that a schooner sailed yesterday evening with seventy men on board, who will be transferred to the Shenandoah when the requisite distance from our coast. From all I can gather from those who have had conversations with Captain Waddell, my opinion is that he will hang about this coast for some months, until it becomes too hot for him, as no doubt a Federal man-of-war will be sent to these seas as soon as possible."


CCA - 20 February 1865 - page 3

"A letter published in the Telegraph of this afternoon, which says that the chief mate of the C S Shenandoah is here enlisting men."

This is from Adelaide in South Australia.


CCA - 20 February 1865 - page 3

"The four men who were arrested in the attempt to escape from the Confederate States steamer Shenandoah, on Tuesday night last, were brought up at the Williamstown Police Court on Thursday (says the Herald) charged with infringing the Foreign Enlistment Act, by entering or agreeing to enlist themselves in the service of the Confederate States on board that vessel. The court was crowded during the whole day, and considerable interest was manifested in the proceedings. After some discussion it was resolved to take each case separately, and that of Davidson, alias Charley, to search for whom the warrant was issued, was first proceeded with. It was shown by several witnesses, who were until lately members of the Shenandoah, that the man was not seen on board until after the vessel arrived in these water; that he was employed as cook except when visitors were on board, during which time he was locked up in the forecastle; that he had been told by the first lieutenant to keep out of sight, until the vessel was out of the port, when he should be enlisted, and that he had spoken to witnesses of his desire to join the vessel. He was committed for trial at the next Criminal Sessions, as was also Mackenzie, who, when called on to speak in his defence, added evidence to that previously given against him. Glover, who when arrested declared himself an American, was discharged, it being stated that there was no evidence against him. Walmsley, a boy of about 17 years of age, was brought up on remand yesterday, and committed for trial. The evidence for the defence went to show that the prisoner had been seen going to and fro from the vessel, and that the excuse at the time was that he went to see a friend of his who was on board. The Bench considered that the statements for the defence corroborated the case for the prosecution."


CCA - 22 February 1865 � Page 3
Adelaide, Monday

The news of the sailing of the Shenandoah has caused some excitement amongst the American shipping lying at the Port."


CCA 1 March 1865 � page 2
"The American ship J. Montgomery arrived off Cape Otway this afternoon.

It is reported that the Shenandoah lays under King�s Island, completing her repairs, and fitting bow and stern guns."


CCA 3 March 1865 � page 2

"Arrived: - Ocean Eagle, from Boston, and escaped Shenandoah."


CCA 8 March 1865 � page 2

"The Federal merchantman James Montgomery has safely arrived. Considerable curiosity has been expressed regarding her manifest, as tending to throw light upon recent events. A perusal of it will any way repay this curiosity, and will in connection with one or two incidents cause much amusement. I have heard upon doubtful authority � that of the skipper of a coaster � that the Shenandoah is lying in the estuary of the river Don in North Tasmania, and is getting considerably strengthened. However, I know from my own personal experience that there is a large steam saw mill at the river mentioned. The repairs of the Shenandoah here cost 3750, more or less."


CCA 10 March 1865 � page 2
"Sydney, Thursday.

Arrived: Bueno Vista, from Puget Sound. She was bound to Adelaide, but being informed in the Straits of Shenandoah�s presence in these waters, put back again to Sydney."


CCA 13 March 1865, page 2

"The captain of the Queen Bee reports having seen the smoke of a steamer to the westward of Kangaroo Island, which it is conjectured must be the Shenandoah."


CCA 20 March 1865, page 2

"The trial of James Davidson or "Charley,� (says the Argus) as he has been generally called, for endeavouring to enlist into the service of the Confederate States of America, during the stay of the Shenandoah in the port, was proceeded with on Friday, at the Court of Criminal Sessions. The evidence adduced by the Crown was substantially the same as that given at the Police Court investigation, and no new facts transpired. A lengthened discussion, however, took place at the conclusion of the case for the Crown, upon several legal points raised by Mr Aspinal on behalf of the defendant, and the learned judge reserved his charge to the jury until to day. There are three other cases of a like nature awaiting trial."


CCA 20 March 1865 page 3

"From affidavits taken in Liverpool we learn the facts with regard to the transfer and outfit of the Confederate cruiser Shenandoah. The steamer Laurel cleared from Liverpool with guns, powder, stores, men, and officers on board. The Sea King at the same time cleared from London for Bombay in ballast. The vessels made their rendezvous off Madeira, when the armaments from the Laurel was transferred to the Sea King; the latter was re-christened the Shenandoah, hoisting at the same time the Confederate flag, and setting forth on her mission to prey on the commerce of the Federals. Such is the history as told by two men who were offered engagements on the Shenandoah. The say that a bucket full of sovereigns were brought on the deck of the cruiser to tempt the men. Captain Corbett, who took the Sea King out to Madeira, hid himself on his return, but was traced and brought before the magistrates on the charge of infringing the Foreign Enlistment Act. He was committed for trial, but admitted to bail."


CCA 22 March 1865 page 2

"The Crown has obtained a conviction (writes our Melbourne correspondent), against the arch culprit "Charley" for the crime of having attempted to serve the Confederate cause. The counts which charged him with enlisting, serving, &c, could not be sustained, but the jury appear to have no doubt of his attempting. Cooking on board a fighting ship would probably, in the eye of the law, be "constructive fighting," so poor little Charley (for he is a diminutive chap) must be held to be guilty of intending to annihilate the whole northern marine, if he could. As it was understood that the sentence would be a nominal one, Mackenzie, another of the prisoners, was advised to plead guilty of also "attempting.� The third prisoner (a mere youth) was at the request of the Attorney General set at liberty. Charley and Mackenzie were then sentenced, each to ten days imprisonment which the Attorney General admitted to be an ample punishment. So ended the great trial about the battle of the Shenandoah."


CCA 22 March 1865 page 2

"The announcement of a three-masted paddle wheel steamer off Cape Schank on Monday afternoon, induced a belief that it was the Iriquoi, Federal steamer, in search of the Shenandoah. The vessel, since arrived at the heads, is the New Zealand steamer intended for the Panama line. The arrival of American vessels, at the different parts of the colony, is a proof that the Shenandoah has left the Coast."


CCA 30 June 1865 page 3

"The Government announced that the despatch was received from the Imperial Government, relative to the Shenandoah�s visit to these waters."


CCA 10 November 1865 � page 2

"It is stated in a Sydney telegram that the British war steamer, Darestation, has been sent out after the Shenandoah, with orders to capture and treat her as a pirate. The United States war steamer Suwanee has been sent out on the same errand."


CCA 13 November 1865 - page 3

"THE SHENANDOAH AGAIN.
(From the San Francisco Bulletin, 3rd August.)
The whaling barque Nile, Capt. Fish, of New London, arrived here last evening, bringing portions of the officers and crews of elelven more vessels that have fallen a prey to the pirate Shenandoah. The Nile left the pirate the 29th June, two days after the General Pike, which arrived the night before last. In that interval of two days the Shenandoah captured the following vessels:- Hillman, Capt. Macomber; J Howland, Capt Ludlow; Nassau, Capt. Green; Brunswick, Capt Potter; James Maury, Capt. -----; Waverly, Capt. Holly, Martha, Capt. Macomber; Congress, Capt. Wood, of New Bedford; Favorite, Capt Young, of Fair Haven; Covington, Capt. Jenks, of Warren; and Nile, Capt. Fish, of New London. The remaining two were "bonded" and despatched withthe crews of the captured vessels - the Nile to San Francisco and the James Maury to Honolulu. As on previous occasions a few among the crews of the captured whalers joined the priate. All of the above ships were captured in the vicinity of Behring's Straits. The last ssen of the Shenandoah by the Nile she was steering south-west toward St Lawrence Bay. The officers who came by the Nile all tell the same story with regard to their mode of capture, and they way they were treated by the pirate. All of their personal property of any value was taken from them, and they have arrived entirely destitute. The Nile reports that on the 29th June, after leaving the pirate, she saw ships burning in the Arctic, and the work of destruction was no doubt continued. The following is a list of the passengers brought by the Nile: - Captain Green and 21 men from ship Nassau; Captain Wood and 24 men from barque Favorite; Captain Holly and 12 men from Barque Waverly; 16 men from barque Martha 2nd; 11 men from barque Covington; 6 men from barque Brunswick - balance of ship's company gone to Honolulu in ship James Maury bonded.
The following ships were reported leaving the ground, and may have escaped:- Europe, Milton, of New Bedford; J P West, Tinker, of New Bedford; Arnold, Hawes, of New Bedford; Eliza Adams, Fish, of New Bedford; Minerva, Peniman, of New Bedford; Canton packet, Allen, of New Bedford; William Gifford, Fisher, of New Bedford; Splendid, Cleveland, of Edgewater; J.D. thompson, of New London; Vineyard, Carwell, of New London.
General Summary
We have now had three arrivals of "bonded" vessels from the Shenandoah, bringing us the news of her operation down to the 29tho f June. She commenced her ravages among our whalers by capturing and burning the Edward Carey, the Harvest, the Pearl, and the Hester, at Ascension Island on the 1st April. since that time she has done a good stroke of business in behalf of her English backers and has run up a nice little bill for them to settle at some future day. It is always well to keep the books posted as we go along, and we therefore give the following list of victims thus far received, which may be denominated her English bill of fare:- Burnt - Edward Carey, Harvest, Pearl, April 1st; William Thompson, Jirah Swift, june 22nd; Susan Abigail, June 23rd; General Williams, June 25th; Nimrod, Willam C. Nye, Catherine, June 26yh; Gipsey, Isabella, June 27th, Hillman, J. Howland, Nassau, Brunswick, Waverly, Martha 2nd, Congress, Favorite, Covington, June 28th. Bonded - Milo, June 22nd, General Pike, June 27th, Nile, James Maury, June 28th.
PRESENT WHEREABOUTS OF THE PIRATE
The barks Milan and Vernon, lumber vessels belonging to Pope and Talbot, of this city, arrived last evening from Puget Sound. The Milan left Puget sound on the 23rd of July. She reports that at the mouth of the Staits of Fuca she saw a sthree-masted steamer, with all royal yards up. The Vernon left Puget Sound the day after the Milan, and she reports having seen near the mouth of the Straits of Fuca, that night, a three-masted steamer with her royal yards all up, and that the steamer ran round her in a circle three times. The captain of the Milan and Vernon both say the steamer was nothing like any of the British war steamers around Victoria, and the description they give of this strange vessel corresponds with that given of the British pirate Shenandoah by the men of the whaling fleet. We do not consider it probable, however, that the pirate has ventured to approach this coast after sending three vessels here to report her operations. After destroying the whale fleet in the Arctic she has doubtless gone in an opposite direction from that to which her "bonded" vessels were sent, and the next heard of her will be in Australia, hob nobbing with her English friends. The vessel seen by the Milan was probably the British ship of war Chameleon, which as we are informed by the British Counsul was at that time cruising on the west coast, last from Esquimalt."


CCA 15 May 1866 - Page 2

"THE SHENANDOAH - The steamer Shenandoah has been handed over to the United States Consul, and will be sent to New York. Her captain and crew were unconditionally discharged. Captain Waddel, in his letter to Earl Russel, which is published says:- "In obedience orders I found myself in the Arctic and Okhotsk seas, far from ordinary channels of commerce, and in consequence of this awkward circumstance was engaged in acts of war until th 28th June. I wass ignorant of the reverse suffered by the Confederates, and the total obliteration of the Government under which I acted. I received the first news of the downfall of the Confederates on the 2nd of August, from the British barque Baracohts(?), and desisted immediately from acts of war till I could communicate with European ports, and learn if the news was true. I could not have been sensible that the tales told by the American ships were true. but merely upon the statement of the British captain. I diligently sought for precedent in law for guidance and the future control and final disposal of the vessel, but found none." Finding the authority questionable under which he acted, he ceased cruising and shaped his course for the Atlantic. He did not feel justified in destoying vessels, but, on the contrary, thought the ship should revert to the American Government. He therefore sought Liverpool to learn the news, and, if without foundation, to surrender the ship, with guns, stores, aadn apparel complete to the British government, for such disposition as it should deem proper. The Shenandoah was surrendered to the American Consul on the 10th who took formal possession, and placed her under Captain Freeman and a crew of his own selection, to convoy the ship to New York. - Alta Califorina 23rd Nov."


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