New-York daily tribune., 1861-09-08
ADVENTURES, CAPTURES, AND FATE OF
THE PRIyATEER JEFF. DAVIS.

THE PKlN ALIEN JET.
Mr.. +. C. Dutneux, one Of the crew of the priva-
teer has furnished The Richmond Enquirer with
graphic account Of the career Of that busy "piIae,
from which we extract the following:
When about 800 miles east of Cape Florida, they
came in contact with the ship John Crawford, Capt
Edge from Philadelphia, bound TO Key West, with
arms aud coal for the United States forces. She wis
found to draw % feet Of water and could not posso
be brought in The officers and crew, numbering Ia
all 81 persona were taken board the priyateer the
vessel fired and holes bored in her sides and bottom
This was about o'clock in the morning ana oy goou
Daylight the ship was wrapped in flames, going down
shortly afterwad Ii found impossible 10 secure
any Of the arms as they were slowed uhGer ,po
They then turned their courte, with hight wihd,
for S. Augustine, Fla. Upon nearing the coast tne
wind increased, until finally i blew perfect gaze.
The vessel had crossed the gulf safely, ana on rus!
sixteen fathoms wafer. At ght land was dscov-
cred and clear coast. They were then about ten
miles north of Mananzas. Squared away and made
| for ST. Augustine Bar. Found the tide too low upon
their arrival. and stood off.
The captain hosted the Confederate flag at the fore
topgallant mast and fired gun signal for pilot
Three attempts were made TO get into the hsfDor ou
is was found they could not weather it. The people on
shore kept light burning for them, rs was atterward
discovered but which the pvateers did not observe or
were unable 10 see The vessel kept working up 10
windward through the night and at daylight they dis
| covered themselves ten miles from the bar.
The flag again hOsted, ana plot was oereT'eu
coming toward the brig and giving the usual signas
In attempting TO the bar, however, the brig
grounded on the North Breakers. This was about o
o clock On Sunday morning, the 18th inst. small
boat was sent ashore with Dr. Babcock and Lieut.
Baya, and the prisoners landed. The officers and
crew OF the privGteer then went ashore, ana were
greeted with the most enthusiastic demonstrations by
the Inhabitants. About 81 two light boats went on
to the brig, along with Capt. Coxeiter and other
officers. The starboard guns were thrown overheard
TO lhten the vessel in order TO clear her decks oil
water and save as much as possible OF the supplies on
board the brig
Every effort was made to save everything then on
board but it was supposed that the guns thrown
board stove her in and caused her 10 bge. The light
boats, however, were filed with large amount Of
provisions and baggage, aud finally succeeded In
eaving all the small-srms on board.
About O'Clock all hands had left and were conveyed
TO 81. Augustine.
The ladies threw open their houses, and they were
received with cheep upon cheers. Cheers were given
for the Je Davis for the southern Couiederacy, and
the uuos, hlarity and rejoicing for the safe arrival of
The pivateeIs was manifested While there they
were sumptuously provided for, and furnished with
very comfort that could possibly be deyised.
They learned afterward that there had been cOnsid-
cradle excitement in the 10 on the appearance Of
the JEFF. Davis il having been suspected that she was
Yankee cruiser In disguise and had boised the Con-
fedsrate hag TO deceive dccoy OF the vessels
from the shore. The prisoners also treated very
kindly and supplied with everything comfortable.
Before our Informant left, Capt. Coxet,er had again
returned to the wreck and succeeded in saving ad-
ditional amount Of provisions and some Of the sails
Every effort was made by Capt. Coxetter TO secure
as much IA pOssbe for the stockholders The brig is
a total oss. Blu; a small piece Of her bow was re.
nlaining on Thursday = orning, when our informant
left and it was then thought that she would go 90
pieces before daylight The Of the privateer left
there for this city Monday last, but lost the
Meeting boat AT 1occoa and delayed at Feruan-
dina Ii is thought they will arrive hero this evening.
We are glad to learn that there will coon 10 an
other JEFF. Davis ahoa,, and that the same brave
crew are anxious 10 again 90 forth 70 ayenge the
death Of Amie and make up for any shortcomings OF
their fret adventures.