St. Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (St. Charles City [Charles City], Iowa) 1857-1861, 1861-05-30
The Crew of the Star of the West,

Ten Of the crew of the unfortunate
Star of the West arrived at Chicago
the other day, on their way to their
homes in New York.
The rebels were SO clatcd with their
success in capturing an unarmed
merchant vessel that they fairly dane
ed on the decks for joy, but were
suddenly checked in their extravagant
demonstrations by the gallant Captain
of the steamer, who intimated that he
did not consider the capture of an
unarmed steamer, with a defenceless
crew, by detachment of troops
twice their number, and armed to the
teeth, a very courageous performance.
The rebels, although intensely en-
ragged, swallowed their feelings, and
sncaked off to their guard duties,
which were kept up closely during
the night.
At daybreak, the leader of the
rebels summoned the crew of the
steamer and gave them their option
to work the steamer to New Orleans
or to be thrown into irons. They
chose the former, and at sunrise
weighed anchor and set sail for New
Orleans. Every step of the crew was
followed by the bayonct. The sailors
performed their duties, cat their meals,
took their turns at the wheel, and
slept in their bcrths with point of the
bayonet in close proximity to them.
At length the steamer reached New
Orleans and was towcd mp to the
levcc as prize, in the presence of
Of the rebels of that city,
who indulged in the same wild and
lubilant eXtravaganccs which had
the rebels on board |
They crowded around the craft, de-
that the id Federal Yam
,ec troops should be led out. Their
and modification may be
imagined when the hundred rebels
out forty unarmcd sailors in
their blue shirts and tarpauins. The
crowd would not be satisfied until they
lad carefully examined the vessel,
hat there were not some of the ID
\ ankcc troops on board. A consulta-
ion was held by the authorities, and
lOt knowing what to do with the forty
they sent them by the Gulf to Mobile,
strongly guarded The steamer, when
hey left, was rapidly being converted
nto war vessel. Arrived at Mobile,
he forty again witnessed another
carnival over their capture. Another
was held, and the rebels
1t Mobile not wanting them, and not
what to do with them, sent
hem under strong guard to Mont
yomcry. At Montgomery another
was had. The mob vio-
emily clamored that they should hang
hem. The leaders not feeling war
'antcd in hanging peaceful merchant
sailors, summoned them to tie State
House and by offers of high wages
md other hattcring inducements, tried
o persuade them to enlist in the
'ebel navy. They urged as induce
ncnts, that they had no sailors, and
would pay them any sum if they would
serve III their navy. The entire crew,
With the exception Of one coward,
calamity and firmly refused, and de-
handed that as they were not in the
service of any Government, they
should have their rights. The leaders,
at their ilI-success, then told
hem they must enlist OF leave in half
IN hour. They chose to leave in half
IN hour, and long before that time
hey were on their way back to Mo-
,ile. Three of the colorcd sailors, all
rec men, were taken by the leaders,
'ut up at auction the same day, sold
md hurried off into slavery. As soon
IS they arrived at Montgomery these
men were seized, not
Illowcd word of defence, and hur-
led off like cattle into the interior
ncrcics of the slave driver. From
,lobilc the crew left for the North in
liifercnt directions. Capt. M'Gowan
vas allowed to go to New York from
montgomery by the Eastern ronte.
The ten who arrived here yesterday
eft New Orleans, whittier they went
rom Mobile, on the Goth. aud worked
heir passage up the river, arriving
It Cairo on Sunday night. During
he sail up the river they were treated
ike dogs, insultcd and jeered at, at
very landing place, aud allowed
carcely enough provision to keep
hem from starving. At Cairo they
eported themselves to Col. Prentiss.
Who promptly attended to their wants
md procured for them free passes
'vcr the Illinois Central road to Chi
ago. The crew speak in the highest
erms of the Colonel as a gentleman,
very inch of him they were also
'leased with the reception from our
'oys" at Cairo, and give it as their
opinion that the rebels will think
vice before they attack them. The
rev were furnished with passes by
he kindness of Geo. NJ. Gray, Esq, of
he Michigan Southern Road to Tolc-
10, and left last night at s O'clock
Chicago Ercniay Journat, !