The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-07-12
A Daring Achievement of the Rebels


A week ago yesterday-Saturday June
ga party of Secessionists from Baltimore
took possession of the steamer st. Nicholas,
for Washington, Qua. Chesapeake Bay and
the Potomac. They were mostly disguised
as mechanics, with sprnkling of females,
among them. What they did--and it must
be acknowledged with great cleverness--is
recorded below:
BALTIMORE. July l.
Among the passengers were one or two
persons in ladies' apparel, with immense
travelling trunks, apparently destined for
Point Look Out, watering place. On
arriving at this place no one got of, but
several passengers came on board for
Washington. The steamboat had proceed
ed some fifteen miles up the Potomac when,
by complete surprise, the Captain was
locked in the cabin and one or two other
men and the officers of the boat were Sc
cured. The large Saratoga trunks were
opened by the passengers who had caused
these summary proceedings, and mimic
rifles, revolvers and other firearms were
taken out as well as a number of uni
forms. Those who came on board in
ladies' apparel soon appeared in Zouave
costume, heavily armed, and prepared to as,
sumo command. When the boat reached
the Virginia shore, company of Tennessee
Rangers were found under the command of
M. W. Cluskey, formerly of Washington
and late Postmaster of the United States
House of Representatives,, but at present
editor of the Memphis avalanche. The re-
cruits were gladly welcomed, and there was
much enthusiasm at the success of the ex.
peditson. There was one passenger who
belonged to Washington, and after much
parleying he was rowed across to the Ma
ryland shore and left. As the rowboat was
returning, the Freeborn hove in sight and
captured it with two rebels. 1t was stated
that the party intended to capture the
Freeborn when she signaled the st. Nicho>
las for search in accordance with the usual
practice, as it would have been easily &C.
complished by these boarding pirates while
the crew of the Freedom was divided for
the search of the steamboat.
The following account of the seizure is
from the Baltimore Exchange, secession
sheet:
The St. Nicholas, on her last trip from
Baltimore, took on board as passenger a
French lady, of dark complexion, of rather
masculine features, but of quiet manners.
There were also a number of passengers
who were proceeding to different points on
the Potomac.
At Point Look out two more passengers
were also taken on board. Soon after this,
in the middle of the night, the French wo-
man, having retired for few moments to
her state room, suddenly emerged, her wig
and pstticoat DOTTED, in full military cos.
tune, with reyolvers and cutlass by her
side.
Twenty-Five passengers drew their re-
volvers at the same time, and in a trice Of
ficers and crew were made prisoners. The
boat was put in charge of the Point Look
Out passengers, who proved to be retired
navy officers.
The steamer was then run into Cone riv-
er, on the Virginia side, where the passen-
gers, who were treated with great civiity,
were all landed, and company of one him.
dred Tennesseeans, who were in readiness,
were taken aboard
The st. Nicholas then headed up the riv-
er in search of the Pawnee, it being part of
the programme of this gallant young Col>
onel-for such he is-to run into the Paw
nee, take her by surprise, leap on board and
take possession of her. Not being able to
find the Pawnee the st. Nicholas turned
round and steered for the bay.
Between Smiths Point and the Kappa
hammock the steamer fell in at different
times with three vessels, one loaded with
coffee, one with coal and one with ice. These
were all captured and taken to Fredericks.
burg, where the heroes of this achievement
were received with military hoDors.
Later advices state that the chief of the
party was Capt. HoLLINs, Of Greytown no.
toriety, late commander of the United States
war steamer Susquehanna, who was dis
guised as a woman, and retired to q state
room Immediately on going on board the
steamer. The steamer after her capture
went on piratical cruise, and captured
three vessels laden with ice, coal and coffee,
with all of which HoLL1Ns made his way to
Fredericksburg.