Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I
Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit copies of my note to Lord Russell of the, 9th instant, and of one to me from Mr. Morse, consul at London, of the 6th, with four additional depositions in regard to the steamship Victor, and of his lordship’s acknowledgment of the same.
Likewise copies of my note to him of the 11th instant, of Mr. Dudley’s to me of the 9th, and of the deposition of Thomas Matthews of the same date, establishing the agency of Messrs. Jones & Co. in enlisting men in this kingdom to make war on the United States. I also enclose a copy of his lordship’s acknowledgment of the same of the 13th instant.
At the same time I forward a copy of a note addressed by me to his lordship on the 13th instant, with copies of a letter from Mr. Dudley of the 11th and several additional depositions relating to the shipment and payment of men at Liverpool, to serve on the piratical vessel No. 290, alias the Alabama.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.
My Lord: I have the honor to submit to your consideration the copy of a letter from Mr. Morse, the consul of the United States at this port, together with copies of four depositions containing further evidence relating to the proceedings at Sheerness, in the case of the steamship Victor.
I pray your lordship to accept the assurances of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to be, my lord, your most obedient servant,
Right Hon. Earl Russell, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Morse to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I herewith enclose four affidavits in the Rappahannock case. You will notice that two of them are given by English sailors, who were engaged and signed an agreement of some sort in this port to serve on board the Rappahannock, while the mere form of placing their names to the articles was done at Calais, though the obligation to do so was made here. Please notice also that the French authorities at Calais are aiding the rebels by arresting seamen who leave the ship.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Charles F. Adams, &c., &c., &c.
Deposition of George White.
I, George White, of Liverpool, leading stoker, do solemnly, sincerely, and truly swear that in November last I was sent for by a friend, who informed me that he had heard of a good thing, and one that would pay well, if I came to Sheerness. I went to Sheerness, and was introduced to Mr. Ramsey, who sent me to work on board the screw steamship Victor, then lying in the stream. While on board her name was altered to Scylla. I was told she was for blockade running. After remaining on board about fourteen days, during which time her masts were put in by her Majesty’s ship Cumberland, she suddenly left port. We had no notice of her leaving until two hours before she sailed. The fires were got up, and we were towed out of the harbor, and anchored just below the Nore light for the night. The next morning steamed for Calais, and went into the harbor and made fast alongside. Mr. Rumble and Mr. Ramsey introduced all the working hands on board the Scylla that left Sheerness, and none of them would have gone without such introduction. After arrival at Calais I, with J. Brooks and Maloney, was employed at work on board. At Sheerness engine-room stores were put on board while she lay in the stream; they consisted of gauge-cocks for the boilers, blocks and other things, having the government mark upon them. These things we were ordered to bury under the coal, so that the police should not see them. Both Mr. Rumble and Mr. Ramsey ordered us to put them out of sight; they are on board the Rappahannock [Page 85] now. Some deserters from the ship Formidable are serving on board the Rappahannock, and some others whose discharge has been bought for them; they came from the Cumberland. Of these men about a dozen remain on board. Some are put in irons if they attempt to leave, and the French authorities arrest them, as they allow £4 for each returned deserter. Mr. Rennie’s men are still engaged tubing the boilers. The ship will be completed and fit for sea by about Saturday week next.
GEORGE WHITE.
Sworn at my office, No. 5 White Hart Court, Lombard street, in the city of London, this first day of January, 1864, before me,
Deposition of Andrew McEune.
I, Andrew McEune, of Liverpool, seaman, do hereby truly and solemnly and sincerely swear that on Tuesday, December —, I went to a public house in Sharp street, or Royal Mint street, and saw a Mr. Anson, who engaged me to join the Scylla, then lying in the Downs. I signed an agreement for wages at the rate of £3 15s. per month. Two days after, I, with about thirty others, was taken by express train to Dover, and from thence to Calais; after arrival at Calais, we went on board the ship. After remaining two days, some of the men made a disturbance, and we were all sent ashore. The captain then came and picked some of us out, and the next morning I signed articles, and was to have had £10 bounty. Captain Campbell told me he would keep that in the strong chest for me. I have not received that yet. The articles we signed were “to join the confederate service; to receive prize money, which was to be paid down by the captain when the prizes were taken, and the wages were to be £4 8s. per month.” They also promised us four shillings a day while in port, besides our bounty, and leave every Saturday night. This we did not get, and when we complained they threatened to put us in irons. One man was put in irons last Sunday, and remains so now. He wanted to leave.
Yesterday I got liberty and received ten francs. I then left the ship and went on board the steamer to return to England, finding I was not sure of my wages, and not liking the treatment I received on board. There are some men-of-war’s men on board from the English service. Some deserted and two or three had their discharge paid for them. They are seaman gunners.
ANDREW McEUNE.
Sworn at my office, No. 5 White Hart Court, Lombard street, in the city of London, this 1st day of January, 1864, before me,
Deposition of William Hewson.
I, William Hewson, of Plymouth, able seaman, do hereby solemnly, sincerely, and truly swear that on Tuesday, December —, I went to a public house in Sharp street, or Royal Mint street, and saw Mr. Anson, who shipped me for the screw steamship Scylla, of London, to run the blockade, at the rate of £3 15s. per month wages. I was taken from London by the train for Dover, and from thence to Calais. On arrival there I was not allowed on, board the ship, which was at the pier, for two hours. I was then called aft, and Captain Campbell called [Page 86] several of us aft, and picked out the Englishmen, whom he thought were good men, about twelve in number. He promised me four shillings a day to assist to get the ship out, and that he would give me on the following Saturday £ 10 bounty. I signed articles at £4 8s. per month, which was to remain until I was rated as gunner’s mate, and then I was to have higher wages, with prize money and other advantages. I staid by the ship, but did not get the bounty, and only ten francs during the five weeks I remained by her. Seeing how things were going to be, I made up my mind to leave. Suspecting my design, the first officer and second officer threatened me, and put a revolver to my mouth, and another to my eye. And I feel assured that they would have shot me had I attempted to leave. I was with another locked up in a water-closet for five days, and our food was brought to us there. It was not fit for a dog to be in. I at last got liberty for twenty-four hours, and received the ten francs named before, and immediately went on board the steamer and returned to Dover, from thence to London. There were nine or more men-of-war’s men on board, nearly all of them are deserters from Sheerness. They would desert from the Rappahannock if they could get on shore, but they are refused leave.
WILLIAM HEWSON.
Deposition of Thomas Bryant.
I, Thomas Bryant, of London, fireman, do hereby truly, sincerely, and solemnly swear that on the 23d of December last I went to John Seymour’s, Well-close square, and agreed with him to join the steamer lying at Calais, and signed a paper, so that if I went to the ship he would draw thirty-two dollars advance for me. I understood them as articles, and the wages were to be at the rate of thirty-two dollars per month; on Christmas morning, at two o’clock, I went to London bridge with my boarding-house keeper, and saw ten men go off to France by the Boulogne boat. While there I was told the name of the steamer at Calais was the Rappahannock, and that she was a confederate cruiser. After I heard that, I refused to go in her, and told Seymour so on the pier at London bridge, and I have not seen him since. Seymour knew I was an Englishman, and wanted me to sign as a Dutchman, which I declined.
Witness to the sign or mark of Thomas Bryant: Joshua Mann.
Sworn by the deponent, Thomas Bryant, at No. 5 White Hart Court, Lombard street, in the city of London, this 5th day of January, 1864, the witness to the mark of the deponent being first sworn that he had truly, distinctly, and audibly read over the contents of the above affidavit to the said deponent, and that he saw him make his mark thereto, before me,
Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th [Page 87] instant, enclosing copies of further depositions relative to the steamship Victor, otherwise Rappahannock, and I have to inform you that these papers have heen communicated to the proper department of her Majesty’s government.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Charles Francis Adams, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.
My Lord: I have the honor to submit to your consideration the copies of a letter from Mr. Dudley, consul of the United States at Liverpool, and of the deposition of Thomas Matthews, going most clearly to establish the proof of the agency of Messrs. Jones & Co. in enlisting and paying British subjects in this kingdom to carry on war against the United States.
I pray your lordship, &c., &c.
Right Hon. Earl Russell, &c., &c.
Mr. Dudley to Mr. Adams.
Sir: Referring to despatches from myself to you, one dated December 1, 1863, and the other on the 6th instant, and the connexion of Jones & Co. of 28 Chapel street, Liverpool, in fitting out the pirate Georgia and enlisting men in Liverpool for this vessel, I have now to inform you that this same firm, in connexion with one Charles Mattman, of Eustace street, in Liverpool, an Englishman, belonging to the naval reserve, on the 29th of December last, enlisted in Liverpool for the said steamer Georgia, now at Cherbourg, and the steamer Florida, now at Brest, some twenty-one British seamen, and on the same day conveyed them from Liverpool in a steamer bound for Havre. I enclose you a copy of Thomas Matthews’s affidavit, one of the men that shipped and went to Havre, establishing the above facts. You will see that two of the men so shipped, named George King and Thomas Smith, belong to the naval reserve. The affidavit also discloses the facts that the firm of Jones & Co, paid half the wages earned by the witness, while on board of the Georgia, to his wife here in Liverpool, the last payment of which was made to her on the 13th of December last, while her husband was at his home in Liverpool; and that they have been boarding the men from this vessel, or at least one of them, here in Liverpool since the ship has been at Cherbourg.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. Charles Francis Adams, United States Minister.
Deposition of Thomas Matthews.
I, Thomas Matthews, of No. 37 Gloucester street, Liverpool, painter, make oath and say: In the month of March, 1863, I was lodging with Mr. Charles Mattman, of Eustace street, Liverpool, and was informed by him that there was [Page 88] a chance for me to go to China in the Japan, for a two years’ voyage. I understood that the vessel was not going to China, although she would be entered out for that place. He also told me that there was a good chance for me to make plenty of money. I agreed to go in her, and Mr. Mattman and myself left Liverpool for Greenock, where the Japan was lying. About the 28th or 29th of March last I signed articles for two years, at £4 10s. a month, and joined the Japan on the 1st of April. We left Greenock on the 2d of April, and after we had been at sea about eight or nine days we fell in with a small steamer called the Alar, which followed us to Ushant bay, where we took in cases of arms and ammunition from her. Mr. Jones, of Chapel street, Liverpool, came on board the Japan from the Alar, with several men who agreed to join us. We signed articles again, to serve on the Japan in the confederate service, and were each paid £10 bounty upon signing articles. Mr. Jones brought the bounty money with him, which was paid to us by Mr. Curtis, the purser. I asked Mr. Jones if I could have half pay for my wife, when he said I could, and that he would arrange that when he arrived home. Mr. Mattman, who is a naval reserve man, also joined the Japan as boatswain. After we had signed articles I was ordered to paint over the name of Japan, and the vessel was then called the Georgia. Mr. Jones returned in the small steamer, and we then commenced our cruise, during which we captured and destroyed several United States vessels and ransomed several others. We returned to Cherbourg, in France, for repairs, and about the 6th or 7th of December last I got leave of absence for eight days, and was paid £1 5s. Before leaving, I asked the purser to whom I was to apply in Liverpool for money to pay my passage back to Havre, when he directed me to call at Mr. Jones’s office, Chapel street Liverpool, for the money, and that he would write Mr. Jones to that effect. At the expiration of the term of my leave of absence I called at Mr. Jones’s office, where I saw Mr. Mattman, the boatswain. I saw one of the clerks in Jones’s office who told me that they had received a letter for my passage money to be paid to Havre, and that Mr. Jones and Mr. Hyatt were both from home, and that I must call again in a day or two. I called several times without being able to see either Mr. Jones or Mr. Hyatt until Saturday, the 27th of December last, when I called and saw both Mr. Jones and Mr. Hyatt. Mr. Hyatt asked me what I wanted. I told him that I had come to join the ship. He said, “What ship?” I told him the confederate steamer Georgia, now lying at Cherbourg. He then asked me what was my name, and upon my telling him, he said they had a letter directing them to pay my fare round to Havre, and he read the letter over to me; in substance, the purport of the letter was that they should pay my fare round to Cherbourg, but were not to give me any money. Whilst the letter was being read over to me, Robert Broadway, one of the Georgia’s crew, was in their office along with Mr. Thomson, of Pitt street, Liverpool, publican and boarding-house keeper. Mr. Jones then told me that he was supposed to know nothing about either me or the ship, so that I knew how to act, and that there were people in the town ready to pick up any information about us. Mr. Hyatt then told me to be at the Havre steamer on the following Monday morning at 11 o’clock, and that either he himself or some one else would be there to pay my fare and see me off.
I went to the Havre steamer, as directed, on the Monday morning, and there saw Mr. Mattman, the boatswain. I had a friend with me who had come to see me off, when Mr. Mattman called me aside and asked me if he was not a detective. I told him that he was not, when he said, “All right, I must take care what I am doing.” I then asked Mr. Mattman whether he was going to pay my passage round to Cherbourg, when he said, “Yes, I am going round to the ship myself.” I then went on board the steamer with him and he arranged about my passage money, and we left Liverpool the same day for Havre When I got on board I saw Robert Broadway and about nineteen or twenty [Page 89] other men. All these men were in Mr. Mattman’s charge, but part of them were brought down by Mr. Edward Campbell of Regent street, boarding-house keeper. Mr. Mattman paid their fares to Havre. Mr. Mattman told me that part of these men were for the confederate steamer Florida and part for the Georgia. We arrived at Havre on the 31st of December, where I left the party, but the rest proceeded to the Albion Hotel there, and staid the night, and on the 1st of January, instant, started for Cherbourg. I left Havre on the 4th of January and arrived in Liverpool on the 7th. During my last visit to Jones’s office, whilst Broadway and Thomson were there, Thomson said to Mr. Hyatt, this man (meaning Broadway) owes me £1 12s. for two weeks’ board Hyatt asked if this was right, when Broadway said, “Yes.” Hyatt then said to one of the clerks at the desk, pay this man £1 12s. and take a receipt. He then said no, we will not pay it him now; make out a bill and bring it on Monday, after the man has gone, and we will then pay it. My wife has called regularly every month, whilst I was serving on the Georgia, at Jones’s office and received my half pay there; and she received the last payment on the 13th of December last, £2 10s., whilst I was at home. Two of the men who went round with us to Havre, named George King and Thomas Smith, were naval reserve men, belonging to the Eagle, now lying at Liverpool. On the 4th or 5th of November last, whilst we were lying at Cherbourg, I asked Captain Maury for some money, when he said he would write to the agents in Liverpool to pay my wife £10. And I wrote to my wife to call at Jones’s office for it, which she did, and Mr. Hyatt paid her the money.
THOMAS MATTHEWS.
Earl Russell to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, and its enclosures, respecting the alleged engagement of seamen at Liverpool for the service of the so-styled Confederate States, and I have to inform you that I have lost no time in forwarding your letter to the proper department of her Majesty’s government.
I have the honor, &c., &c.,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Adams to Earl Russell.
My Lord: I pray your attention to copies of a letter of the consul of the United States at Liverpool, and of three depositions, all going cumulatively to prove the manner in which the neutrality of her Majesty’s realm has been abused by some of her subjects, for the purpose of carrying on war against the United States. I have every reason to suppose that these proceedings are continued without material diminution.
I pray your lordship to accept, &c.,
Right Hon. Earl Russell, &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Dudley to Mr. Adams.
Sir: I beg to call your attention to copies of these affidavits—one of John Latham; another of his wife, Martha Latham, and the other that of Thomas Winstinley—enclosed.
It is a well-known fact that the steamer Alabama, which was built and fitted out at this port, and manned by British seamen, regularly receives her coal and supplies from this country, and that the families of the men now serving on board are paid once a month here in Liverpool by M. G. Klingender & Co. and Frazer, Trenholm & Co., the one-half part of the wages earned by the men on board this vessel. John Latham, of Swansea, in Wales, was one of the men who enlisted on said steamer. During the time of his service on board, his wife, Martha Latham, received regularly each month the one-half part of his wages, which was sent to her by M. G. Klingender & Co., of 22 Water street, Liverpool. The money was transmitted in post office orders. The letters in which this money was sent are annexed to her affidavit, and copies enclosed to you. At the time of enlisting Mr. Latham received a bounty. He sent £5 of this to his wife by Captain James D. Bullock. This £5 was paid to Thomas Winstinly for her at Frazer, Trenholm & Co.’s office, by their cashier.
I regard these affidavits as important, to show the character and nationality (if she has any) of this vessel, which, built in England, fitted out in England, armed with English guns and manned by English seamen, supplied with coal and other necessaries while cruising, from England in English vessels, by English merchants, and the wages earned by the men while serving on board paid here in Liverpool by these same merchants to their wives and families residing here, stamp her, it seems to me, if anything can, as an English piratical craft.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. Charles Francis Adams, United States Minister.
Deposition of John Latham.
I, John Latham, of 36 Jasper street, Liverpool, in the county of Lancaster, engineer, make oath and say as follows:
1. About the 8th or 10th of August, 1862, I signed articles at the Sailors’ Home, Liverpool, to ship in the steamship Bahama, Captain Tessier, for a voyage to Nassau and back. The Bahama went out of the Bramley Moore dock the same night, about 12 o’clock, and went into the river and lay to; Captain Semmes, Captain James D. Bullock and some other officers came on board, and about half past 7 o’clock a. m. a tug-boat came alongside with some seamen on board. The tug-boat accompanied us out about ten miles. The tug then left us, and a tall gentleman, with a reddish face and pock-marked, who came from Cunard, Wilson & Co.’s office, left us and went into the tug. As he left us he said “I hope you will make a good thing of it, and that you will stop where you are going to.” We then proceeded on our voyage, and stood out some days, when we found we were going to the Western isles. About the 17th or 18th of August we arrived at Terceira, and we there found the Alabama and the bark Agrippina. Captain Butcher, who was on board the Alabama, hailed us and told us to go around the island, and he would be after us, but it would take them three-quarters of an hour to get his steam up. We went on and he followed us. The Alabama went under the lee of the island, and a shot [Page 91] was fired across the Bahama’s bows from a battery on shore; so we stopped out until the morning. In the morning we went alongside the Alabama, and some small cases, and a safe containing money, were passed into the Alabama from our ship, and we then parted and anchored a little distance from her, and the bark Agrippina went and discharged the remainder of her cargo into the Alabama. During this time Captain Semmes and Captain Bullock were going backwards and forwards to the Alabama, but would not let any of the officers go. On Monday, the 24th of August, Captain Semmes came on board the Bahama and called us under the bridge—he himself and the officers standing on the bridge. He addressed us and said, “Now, my lads, there is the ship, (pointing to the Alabama;) she is as fine a vessel as ever floated. There is a chance which seldom offers itself to a British seaman, that is, to make a little money. I am not going to put you alongside of a frigate at first, but after I have got you drilled a little, I will give you a nice fight.” He said, “There are only six ships that I am afraid of in the United States navy.” He said, “We are going to burn, sink, and destroy the commerce of the United States. Your prize money will be divided proportionably according to each man’s rank, something similar to the English navy.” Some of the men objected, being naval reserve men. Captain Semmes said, “Never mind that, I will make that all right. I will put you in English ports, where you can get your book signed every three months.” He then said, “Is Mr. Kell on the deck? and all those who are desirous of going with me, let them go aft and give Mr. Kell their names.” A great many went aft, but some refused. A boat came from the Alabama, and those who had agreed to go went on board. Captain Semmes and the officers went on board. Mr. Low, the fourth lieutenant, then appeared in uniform, and he came on board the Bahama, endeavoring to induce the men to come forward and join, and he succeeded in getting the best part of us. I was one who went at the last minute. When I got on board the Alabama I found a great number of men that had gone on board of her from Liverpool. Captain Semmes then addressed us on board the Alabama, and Captain Butcher was there also, who had taken the vessel out. Captain Semmes said he hoped we all would content ourselves, and be comfortable one among another; but any of you that thinks he cannot stand to his gun, I don’t want. He then called the purser, and such as agreed to serve signed articles on the companion hatch, and on signing the men received either two months’ pay in advance, or one month’s wages and a half-pay note. I took a month’s wages and a half pay note for £3 10s. in favor of my wife, Martha Latham, 19 Wellington street, Swansea. The note was drawn on Fraser, Trenholm & Co., Liverpool, but it was paid by Mr. Klingenders, in Liverpool. The note was signed by Captain Semmes, Yonge, who was the paymaster, and Smith, the captain’s clerk. I sent £5 and this half-pay note ashore by Captain Bullock, and he forwarded it with a letter to my wife.
3. Captain Bullock, on the passage out, and after we arrived at Terceira, used arguments to induce us to join the Alabama. On several occasions he advised us and urged the men to join.
4. As soon as the men who consented to go had all signed articles, the English ensign, which the Alabama had been flying, was pulled down and the confederate flag was hoisted, and a gun fired. The men who declined joining left the ship with Captains Bullock and Butcher for the Bahama, and we proceeded under the command of Captain Semmes, and I have in the schedule hereto annexed given a list of the officers and men, with their places of residence.
5. We proceeded on our voyage and cruised about the Western islands for some days, and on the following Sunday we fell in with a whaler and burned her, and we then cruised about, and in about two days we fell in with the schooner Starlight, from Boston. We fired at her four times. Her captain said “If I had but one gun on board I would fight you.” He tried to make the [Page 92] land, but we overhauled him, and he brought to. We kept the crew of the schooner, and on the next day we landed them at the Western isles, and took the schooner in tow for the purpose of decoying other vessels with the stars and stripes. We succeeded in capturing several. Among other vessels, we captured the Manchester, of Philadelphia line of packets, bound from New York to Liverpool. We burnt this vessel, having first taken her crew, and we put them on board the Tonawanda, which we had previously captured, and had them in tow. Amongst the crew there was a man of the name of George Forrest, who one of the midshipmen recognized as having been a seaman on board the Sumter, and had deserted. He was brought on board to Captain Semmes, who told him if he behaved well he should have his pay and prize money as the other men, but that he had a right to detain him throughout the war, without paying him one cent. Forrest was retained on board the Alabama, was frequently punished by having his hands and legs fastened to the rigging, the punishment being known as “the spread eagle,” and he would be kept in this position for four hours at a time, and this was done at least twenty times, and at last they ironed his legs and arms and sent him on shore, on a deserted island called Blencola, some 200 miles from the main land, and left him. The crew subscribed some £17, unknown to Captain Semmes, which we gave him in the hope of its being some inducement to a vessel to take him off.
6. The bark Agrippina, flying the British flag and loaded with coals, from Cardiff, was at Martinque when we arrived there, and she went out to sea, and whilst out she supplied us with coal; after that we went to Arkashees, where we stopped and painted the ship, and then made toward Galveston, and off that place we fell in with the American ship Hatteras, which we sunk; we got her crew on board and proceeded to Port Royal, Jamaica; there I ran away, and left the Alabama; whilst there the Alabama enlisted two British sailors who had deserted from her Majesty’s ships Jason and Steady; Thomas Potter, who was fireman, also ran away, but the men of the Alabama came after him, and arrested him, and took him back to the ship; Clarence Yonge, the purser, also left the ship; I was also arrested at an hotel in Jamaica by the Alabama crew; they wanted to force me on board, but I refused to go until I had seen the governor of the island, whose residence was some fifteen miles distant; and I saw the superintendent of the police, who, on my producing a certificate that I was a naval coast volunteer, on board of her Majesty’s ship Majestic, I was released.
7. My wife received my half pay; she used to receive it by post office order, payable at Swansea; and to obtain this, she every month used to write to Messrs. Fraser, Trenholm & Co., or M. G. Klingender & Co., Liverpool, enclosing the half-pay notes, and the latter firm used to send her a post oifice order for £3 9s. 5d., deducting the cost of the order and the postage. In February or March she wrote as usual for the half pay; they wrote, in reply, that they could send her no more money, as I had left the ship; but they did not return her the half-pay note.
8. On my return I called at Fraser, Trenholm & Co.’s office for the balance of my wages, but they declined to pay me, and denied all knowledge of the ship; but Mr. Cooper gave me the name of Mr. M. G. Klingender, and told me to see him, and see if he could arrange it. I did so, but he told me he would not do so, as they had received a note from Captain Semmes that I had deserted at Jamaica.
9. The guns comprising the armament on the Alabama have Fawcett, Preston & Co.’s marks on them. They were made by this firm.
JOHN LATHAM.
Schedule before referred to—officers and crew of the steamer Alabama.
Raphael Semmes, commander.
J. N. Kell, first lieutenant.
Richard F. Armstrong, second lieutenant.
Joseph Wilson, third lieutenant.
John Low, fourth lieutenant.
——————, Englishman.
Arthur Sinclair, master, (that is, sailing-master.)
Francis L. Gait, surgeon, from Virginia; now acting as paymaster.
Miles J. Freeman, first assistant engineer, ranks as chief; born in Wales; does not know whether naturalized.
David Herbert Llewellyn, assistant surgeon, Englishman.
B. H. Howell, brother-in-law of Jeff. Davis, lieutenant of marines.
(No marines on board.)
W. H. Sinclair, midshipman.
Irving S. Bullock, midshipman; Captain Bullock’s brother.
Eugene Maffitt, midshipman; Captain Maffitt’s son.
Edward Maffitt Anderson, midshipman; son of Colonel Anderson.
W. P. Brooks, second assistant engineer.
S. N. Cumming, third assistant engineer.
Matthew O’Brien, third assistant engineer.
John M. Pundt, third assistant engineer.
George T. Fulham, first master’s mate, Englishman.
James Evans, second master’s mate, Charleston pilot.
W. D. Smith, captain’s clerk.
Benjamin L. McCosky, boatswain.
F. O. Caddy, gunner.
William Robinson, carpenter.
Henry Alcott, sailmaker, Englishman.
Clarence R. Yonge, paymaster.
Petty officers and seamen.
James King, master-at-arms, Savannah pilot.
Adolphus Warmley, Portuguese.
W. A. Ring, quartermaster.
James G. Dent, quartermaster.
William Forrestall, quartermaster, Englishman.
Ralph Masters, quartermaster gunner, Irishman.
William Crawford, Englishman; lives in Liverpool; belongs to royal naval reserve.
George Addison, Englishman; lives in Liverpool.
William Brinton, Englishman; royal naval reserve.
———Robinson, head carpenter.
George Harwood, boatswain’s mate; English pensioner; from English navy; joined her at Liverpool home; now is a southerner, as boatswain; lives in Liverpool.
Michael Kinshler, Irishman, fireman; has a pension in England.
Brent Johnson, second boatswain’s mate, Englishman; naval reserve man; joined vessel at Liverpool.
William Purdy, sailmaker, Irishman by birth; lives in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; joined her in Liverpool.
John Latham, fireman, an Englishman; belongs to coast volunteers; enlisted on Alabama at Terceira.
Daniel Roach, fireman, Englishman; resides at Liverpool; belongs to roaly navy reserve; enlisted in Liverpool; left her 22d November.
[Page 94]Thomas Murphy, fireman, Englishman; left her in Western islands.
Thomas Welch, Englishman; left the ship; enlisted in Alabama in Liverpool.
James Smith, captain of forecastle, Englishman; residing in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted on board of Alabama in Liverpool.
Edward Fitzmorris, Englishman; enlisted in Alabama in Liverpool; is at home now; his wife lives at Aigburth.
George Addison, fireman; lives at Liverpool, Copperal Hill; enlisted at Terceira.
James McFudgeon, fireman, Englishman; lives at No. 6 West Derby street; enlisted at Terceira; now at home.
Thomas Potter, Englishman, enlisted in Alabama at Liverpool; lives in Arch street, Liverpool; deserted at Jamaica; they arrested him at Jamaica and carried him on board; his wife lives in Liverpool now.
Samuel Williams, fireman, lives in Liverpool, born in Wales; enlisted in Alabama at Liverpool.
Patrick Bradley, fireman, Englishman, resides in Liverpool; enlisted there.
John Origen, fireman, Irishman; resides in School street, Liverpool; enlisted there.
Oran Duffy, fireman, Irishman.
Peter Duncan, fireman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; enlisted in Liverpool.
William Nevins, coal-passer, Englishman; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Liverpool.
Andrew Shilling, Scotchman; resides at Athol street, Liverpool; has a wife; enlisted at Liverpool; is a fireman.
Charles Puist, coal-passer, is a German.
George Yeoman, ordinary seaman, Englishman; enlisted at Terceira.
George Fremantle, seaman, Englishman; enlisted at Terceira.
Frederick Johns, purser’s steward, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; his father keeps a coal-yard in Howard street; enlisted at Terceira.
John Grandy, boy, English; lives in Liverpool.
Thomas Weir, gunner’s mate, Englishman; enlisted at Liverpool.
James Busman, seaman, Englishman.
Edgar Tripp, seaman, Englishman; lives in London; enlisted in Liverpool.
John Neil, seaman, Englishman; lives with his sister in Manchester street, Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terceira.
Thomas Winter, fireman, Englishman; lives in Liverpool; his father is ticket collector at the Adelphi theatre; enlisted in Liverpool.
Samuel Henry, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; naval reserve man; enlisted in Liverpool.
John Roberts, seaman, Welchman; think he resides at Liverpool; enlisted at Terceira.
John Duggan, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terceira.
Martin Ring, seaman.
Thomas Williams, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terciera.
Robert Williams, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terceira.
Joseph Pearson, seaman, Englishman; belongs to Chester; enlisted at Liverpool.
Joseph Conner, seaman, Englishman; resides in Walnut street. His wife lives there and keeps a butcher’s shop; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terceira.
[Page 95]Thomas McMullen, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; joined at Terceira.
Michael May, seaman, Englishman; belongs to Bristol; naval reserve; joined at Terceira.
Robert Egan, boy, English; belongs to Chuley.
Malcolm McFarland, seaman, Scotchman; resides in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terceira.
Peter Henry, seaman, Irishman; lives in Liverpool; enlisted at Terceira.
Charles Goodwin, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; enlisted at Terceira.
James Hicks, captain of the hold; Englishman; resides in Liverpool; enlisted in Liverpool.
George Appleby, yeoman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; married man; enlisted in Liverpool.
John Emory, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terceira.
William Hearn, seaman, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Terceira.
Thomas L. Parker, boy, English; stops with Brent Johnson.
A. G. Bartelle, seaman, Portuguese.
Peter Hughes, captain of top; Englishman; resides in Liverpool; belongs to naval reserve; enlisted at Liverpool.
Henry Fisher, seaman, enlisted at Liverpool.
Frank Townsend, seaman, Englishman; enlisted in Liverpool.
George Forrest, seaman, Irishman; taken off the ship Manchester because he had deserted from the Sumter, and tried by a court-martial for causing mutiny, and sent on shore, in irons, to island Blanco and left there. Previous to his being tried for mutiny he was tied up twenty times in the rigging with his arms spread, for four hours at a time, day and night.
Robert Parkinson, wardroom steward, Englishman; resides in Liverpool; enlisted in Liverpool.
Deposition of Martha Latham.
I, Martha Latham, of 18 Wellington street, Swansea, in the county of Glamorgan, wife of John Latham, make oath and say as follows:
My husband was one of the crew of the steamer Alabama. In the month of August, 1862, my husband, who was in Liverpool, wrote me that he was going out in the steamer Bahama, to run the blockade. Some weeks after that I received a letter from my husband, dated at the Western islands, stating that he had joined the steamer Alabama, for £7 a month. On the same day I received a letter from Captain James D. Bullock, enclosing me a half-pay note, signed by Captain Semmes, for the half pay of my husband, while he served on board of said steamer Alabama. The note was payable to me at Fraser, Trenholm & Co.’s, in Liverpool. In the latter part of August, or first part of September, 1862, my husband’s cousin, Thomas Mistainly, 36 Jasper street, Liverpool, received £5 for me from the office in Liverpool. I had sent him Captain Bullock’s letter, and the one from my husband. I sent my half-pay note to Liverpool to draw the money on it. It was returned to me in the letter annexed hereto, marked “A.” I signed my name and sent it to the office of M. G. Klingender & Co., Liverpool, who sent me £3 10s. less seven pence, the expenses. It was sent to me in a post office order, in a letter dated October 3, 1862, annexed hereto, and marked on back, “Exhibit B.” On the 31st October, 1862, M. G. Klingender & Co. sent me another letter, enclosing me another order for £3 9s. 6d. being another month’s half pay on said note.
[Page 96]On the 31st of December, 1862, the Messrs. Klingender & Co. sent me another letter, enclosing me an order for £3 9s. 6d. on account of said note. The letter is annexed hereto, and marked “Exhibit C.” On the back I received another half pay of £3 9s. 6d. It must have been in January, but the letter in which it was sent, as well as the letter written to me by Captain Bullock, above mentioned, has been mislaid. All the money orders were paid to me. In February or March I received from M. G. Klingender & Co. a letter without date, stating that my husband had deserted, and stopping the pay on the allotment note. I had been in the habit of sending them the note every time I drew the money. The last time I sent it they retained it, and sent me the last-mentioned letter, but no money. They still have the allotment note in their possession. The letter from M. G. Klingender & Co., dated 31st October, 1862, above mentioned, is annexed hereto, and marked “Exhibit D.”
The last letter from them to me without date, above mentioned, is also annexed hereto, and marked “Exhibit E.”
MARTHA LATHAM.
Sworn and subscribed to this 3d day of December, 1863.
A.
Messrs. M. G. Klingender & Co. must request Mrs. Martha Latham, before paying her the £3 10s. to sign her name at the back of the allotment note, and then return it to them, when they will remit her a money order for the amount, less cost of order.
Mrs. M. Latham,
19 Wellington street, Swansea, South Wales.
P. S.—Please note address, No. 22 Water street, Liverpool.
Exhibit B.
Madam: Enclosed please find a money order, payable at the post office of your town, for £3 9s. 5d. In future you must send us your allotment note, signed across a receipt stamp.
Returning you the note, we are yours, &c.
Per M. G. KLINGENDER & CO., C. F. VAN MELLE.
| Money order, | £3 | 9s. | 5d. |
| Cost of order, | 6d. | ||
| Receipt stamp, | 1d. | ||
| 3 | 10s. | 0d. |
Mrs. Martha Latham, 19 Wellington street, Swansea, South Wales.
Exhibit D.
Madam: We enclose you a money order for £3 9s. 6d., payable at the post office of your town.
Returning you the note, we are yours, &c.,
Per M. G. KLINGENDER & CO., C. F. VAN MELLE.
| £3 | 9s. | 6d. | |
| Cost of order, | 6d. | ||
| 3 | 10s. | 0d. |
Mrs. Martha Latham, 19 Wellington street, Swansea, South Wales.
Exhibit C.
Messrs. Klingender & Co. enclose Mrs. Martha Latham a post office order for £3 9s. 6d., deducting, as usual, 6d. for cost of order.
Martha Latham, No. 19 Wellington street, Swansea, South Wales.
Exhibit E.
Madam: We have this day received advices, per West India mail, from St. Domingo, stating that John Latham, with three other men, deserted the Alabama, on the 25th January, at Kingston, Jamaica, and of course their allotment notes must be stopped.
We are &c.
Martha Latham, 19 Wellington street, Swansea, South Wales.
Deposition of Thomas Wistinley.
I, Thomas Wistinley, of Liverpool, in the county of Lancashire, residing at 36 Jasper street, make oath and say: I am a cousin of John Latham. After he had joined the Alabama, in the summer of 1862, his wife, Martha Latham wrote me that Mr. Latham had sent home a part of his advance wages, and requested me to go to Frazer, Trenholm & Co., in Liverpool, and get it for her. I went to Eraser, Trenholm & Co.’s office either the last part of the month of August or the fore of September, 1862. I saw one of the men in the office. I presented him the note. It was for £5. I forget by whom it was signed. The man said, “Well, you are not Martha Latham, and this note is payable to her.” I told him she lived at Swansea, and that she had written me to get it for her, and showed him her letter to me. He then said, if I would leave him the letter and note, [Page 98] he would pay me. I consented to do this, and he paid me £5, which I remitted to Martha Latham, less the expense. The person who paid me, I was told by the other clerks in the office, was Fraser, Trenholm & Co.’s cashier. I left the note and letter with him.
THOMAS WISTINLEY.