The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-09-05
CAPTURE OF A SCHOONER RUNNING THE

CAPTURE OF A SCHOONER RUNNING THE
BLOCKADE OFF CHARLESTON.
HER ARRIVAL At THIS PoRT-fARTlCULAKS OF FER
CAPTURE.
On the 2lst Of August the United States ship vandala
in cruising or Charleston caught sight Of small schooner
scuddng swiftly edwards and Immediately gave her
chase. The schooner clapped all sail and seemed
anxious II escape from the clutches Of the vessel
She proved to be fast saler, and it took the Vandala
about Ave hours in chasing her before the former could
within shot distance. The pursued had the English
coors flying from the mast head but when shot from
the Vanalia booming athwart her bows she subst
tated the rebel coors She, however, compelled TO
lay hut refused take down the rebel flag her
beIp until from the Vandalia did the agreeable
nty for her. All the time consumed in the chase
occupied by those board the schooner in throwing
overheard that part her cargo which placed her
decks, consisting Of turpentne and rcsn. The captain
whose subsequently appeared to be Barkley, also
made OF this time in throwing all papers, &C.,
into the water in order to destroy any evidence of
his completely with the rebel government. When
this from the vandaiia, small boats were
at once sent out to search for any letters that
might be found floating, but they had to return
without accomplishing the desired result The
tho captured sch0oncr tho H. Middleton Captain BARK
Icy, on being questioned as to what he did with his
papers, said that he Sank them human eye
by officers Of the vandalia her crew brought
board the said vessel 70 be held prisoners war
The crew Of the Middleton consisted OF seven men, in
Guiding the captain. She was closely examined by the
United States officers, and enough evidence found
her general appearance to denote her completely with
treason. No arms 70. nd board OF her other
than revolver and fcw small weapons, the
property OF the captain. All tho prisoners after
wards transf from the Vandalia to the Roanoke
prize then put on board the Middleton whea
sbc despatched 10 New York In charge Mlship.
man kemp, and arrived al this port early yesterday
morning.
On her voyage to New York tho Middleton was chased
by another vessel when Off Hattcras which supposed
four O'Clock, in latitude SO 80 So that hey Irst
caught sight o. the supposed priyatecr Tho
schooner put on her best running trim, butt in Of
being oveitaken, had every preparation made for fight
She however, bore west northwest oustripped
her pursuer. The following morning same vessel
about miles under her lee then pursued
The H. Middleton, on her arrival at this port,
veyed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where She les
feet She is painted white and has the appearance of
fast saer. 1t was understood that she bound to
Liverpool from Charleston 1t is probable, however, tina,
she was intended Tor prvatecr, for the following
was found on board
In case of being boarded sink this package as the let,
ters too late 10 take out prvaees papers for
schooner and would crinlinate you. +. j. PURCHER.
Captain BARKLEY.
Correspondence Of the Philadelphia Iedgcrl.
UNITED STATES SHIP vANpAilA
Off CHARLESTON, s. G., Aug 70, 1851. !
MEssRs. EpToRs:-I forward you few lines u inform
you Of the capture Of another prize by US, Yesterday
the harbor, sail reported by the lookout NJ tho
mast head of our lee bow about ten miles distant
ing southeast All sail was Immediately made for H. and
after an exciting chase Of about eight hours dnraton
we succeeded IN getting within gun shot of her, when
she hested the English ensign but did not heavc 10 until
fred 50 poundcr Mt her which brought her around
When within hailing distance, her captain haaed down
the colors and deanty raised the secession flag We
Immediately boarded her and took possession and
placed the rebel ensign under the Star Spanged Ranner
She proved TO be the schooner H Middleton, Bnrkley,
master, bound TO Liverpool She had Of Charles
ton during the night and Is loaded with turpennc and
merchandise, Most OF the latter however, being tho
deck oad had to be thrown overheard during the chase
The captain had also disposed OF his papers in the
manner, and mpudentIy informed US that he only
GREETED that he had not time 10 have thrown the whole
cargo away before ovcrhauIed him. Most Of the pa
obtained from these sufficient evidence TO learn that A.
ter dsposing Of his cargo he intended fitting out his
sci a. privateer letter being found ordering him
destroy, in case Of capture letter Of marquee The
eel and cargo are estimated to be worth about $40 oG
Her crow consists OF six and man claiming 10 be
passenger They wore all transferred 10 ship and
interrogaed separately and from them we learned good
deal Of useful information They stated that they had been
compelled ship to avoid starvation From one OF them
quite intelligent Engshman, learned that two pirates
escaped from Charleston last week during storm which
is very probable the weather thick and fogry
Ore steauer, called the Gordon 400 tons burden
and formerly ran between Charleston and St. Johns
river, Forida she carries two fore and pivot guns
and has the reputation Of being fast sacr the other Is
schooner of hundred TONS called The Dixie carrying
gun amidshps We regret the escape Of these yes.
sss very mach do every thing To our power 10