The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-20
THE REBEL PRIvATEERS.
ALLEGED CAPTURE OF THE PRIvATEER
S(1MTER

DUTCH AUTHORITIES OF CURACAO HIS CATCH
PoLEs-sHE is SAID TO BE CAUGHT HERsELF-
DESCRIPTION AND PIRATICAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF
THE sUMTER-HER OFFICERS AND CREW, ETC.
The schooner Hannibal Captain Wentworth, arrived AZ
this port yesterday from the island of st. Thomas, which
she left on the Sd inst Captain Wentworth reports that
just he was about to sail his consgnee informed him
that vessel had just arrived from Porto Rico, bringing
Intelligence that the prvateer Sumter had been cap
sured at Curacao by United States frigate, name
unknown The captain says he was informed
that the Sumter had lost Of her men at Cura-
Goa, when, being DESTROYS OF leaving, the captain
of the Sumter requested the authorities OF the
island retain the deserter if they should fall in with
him till the return Of the vessel The Sumter then left
her cruise It Is not stated whether the suthori-
strained oourteses far agree act catch
pole and ailor to the pirate but inference may be
drawn from the fact that tho Sumter returned In day
two for the runaway. While she away however, it
Is stated that an American rgate into port, and
hearing OF the intended return OF the pirate kept bright
lookout for her. and captured her her return when
last heard Of she Ia the port Of Curacao With the
stars and Stripes once more flying at her peak.
SO far the story plausible enough the Sumter did
leave Curacao the Goth Of July, and she may pro-
badly have returned for deserer as stated in which
nothing would be likely than her capture by
one OF our large frgates cruising those ATTITUDES Is
strange, however that the steamer Delta, which loft St.
Thomas on the 5th ns and arrived halifax several
days ago, brought no intelligence Of the capture
mercantile firm doing business In this city received
letter from st. Thomas dated the 5th Of july but there is
mention of circumstance Of such importance to the
mercantile community Of New York.
What is still singular the following letter from St.
Thomas dated July s, appeared in the HERALD yester-
day.
Several confederate privateers have been these
waters, and two of them, well armed and well equipped
nave supplied themselves with provisions one at St.
Johns Porto Rico the other at Cnracoa but up this
have heard Of no prizes being taken At this moment
American war steamer apparently Of the Northern States
rs coming into port.
The mentioned above is evidently the Key
stone State.
What renders the story improbable, is the little
likelihood of the reaching st. Thomas from sracoa
via Porto Rico by sailing vessel dead beat ali the
way in such a short space Of time.
Among tho officers Of the Sumter is Beckett K Howell
son of Colonel Howell Of New Orleans and brother Of
Mrs. Jefferson Davis Mr.. Howell is Marine Officer of the
Sumter He held a similar appointment in the United
States service having been appointed thereto by Mr. Blu
chanan.
The steamer Sumter sailing under the flag of the
Southern Confederacy, formerly called the Marquis
de Ia Habana, and was one of General Miramons steam
which was taken by the United States vessels of off
the harbor Of Vera Cruz at the time Of the bombardment
OF that city by General Mramons forces The steamer
General Miramon also captured at that time and
both vessels were sent to New Orleans where they
aod. Previous to her capture she was used as mail
steamer plying along the coast of Cuba under the flag Of
Spain At that time she described as apparently two
years old bark rugged and having clear decks She was
long and firmly built Her engines were manufactured in
Montreal Her value is about 000 Since her capture
tMarch 1862 her mission Of peace until the
emssaries Of JEFF Davis turned her into pratcal craft
IN which character she has since been known the pub
lie Her depredations have been extensive On the 9th
Of July she entered the port of C0nfuegos Cuba bringing
IN as prizes the hrigs Cuba Mchias Naiad Albert Adams
and Ben DunDng and the barks West Wind and Louisa
Kilam. She burnt the ship Golden Rocket at sea- and
landed the officers and crew at Cenfuegos On arriving
ut Cenfuegos, Commander Scmmes Of the Sumter sent
an officer on shore with letter to the Governor of
the town, who telegraphed to tho Captain General
for instructions. The American Consul at once
autographed TO the Consul General at Ha
vana. The steamer loft next day, having received
supply Of coal and water.
The New Orleans Picaywse Of the 9TH Of July thus
speaks Of the SUMTER
The first vessel Of our little navy-the Confederate
States steamer Sumter-saed on Saturday last on
cruise having run the paper blockade Of the Lincoln
A. she has now made good oiing, and Is far out
ehe ocean wnve, we hope 70 hear Of some
dasnins exploits IN the way of captures. She has
picked crew, and her commander is known to be q
most brave and chivarous sailor and he has under him
most gallant set Of officers
The following ID list Of the sumters officers when she
1eft New Orleans
Commander Raphael semmas.
Leutenants, John N. Kells, R. F. Chapman, W. E.
Evans, J. N. Striblng
Paymaster, Henry Myers
Paesed Assistant Surgeon Francis I. Gait.
Lieutenant Of Marines, Beckett X. Howell.
Aidshtpmen, Richard F. Armstrong, William A. Hicks,
"A. g. Hudgins, J. D. Wilson
Gunner Thomas c. Cuddy.
/, Saimaker, N. P. Beaufort.
Engineers-Ffrst Assistant, acting as Chief Miles J.
PREGNANT Second Assistant, w. P. Brooks; Third Assist
ants, Matthew O'Brien and Simeon W. Cummings.
She has crew Of sixty-hve men and twenty. five
marines, and is armed with guns from the Norfolk Navy
Yard.