Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1862-06-09
SOMETHING ABOUT THE CONFEDERATE STEAM
Err sUMTER-STATENENT BY A DESERTER.
Pom tn. Boston Journal, May %.

1om the Boston Journal, May "a
Oae of the Of the privateer steamer Sumter-a
vsse whose career has created so much excitement In
all parts OF the counry-reached this city yesterday
aud relates TO very interesting story of his expert
ence. II mama is VIM. Ryan, OF NeWburg n. Y, and
he left the port OF Cadz Spain, about month since,
the ship Pscataqul Captain Weeks, which arrived on
THURSDAY, at Portsmouth, N. Ii. SO great was his Joy
in getting away from the Sumter and his desire get
home aeais that he walked from that city Boston,
he reached this city yesterday in destitute condition,
and made kbo bis to Governor Andrew by whose
direction he cared for and furnished with passage
70 New York.
Ne shipped in the Confederate navy in New Orleans,
on the OF May, 1851 Before this he had been EN-
Moved on the steamer Nebraska, running between ST
Lols and New Orleans but when trade stopped she
was hauled up and the left TO shift for themselves.
Toe little money they had exhausted, and with
out il there place where they could OBTAIN lodg
nsa except in the Jail These we're not so BAD except
that the morning keeper presented to the
fortunate dodgers the alternative Of remaining there
of enlisng In The army navy. So Ryan Joined the
navy and after being quaFtered for time the
csyipC ship Star of the West was put on the steam6
Havana which had been packet between Havana and
New Oeans, but has since gained notorety the Sum-
ter urder the command Of Captain Ssmmes.
The Sumter ran the blockade on the S0th Of June,
having OIL board a crew OF l22 all told, and
mament of eight short 32poundes and short 6s-poun-
der smidships which afterwards increased by rid ID
cannon taken from the ship Vlgiant which burned
by the pirate The mouth Of the Mississippi was then
bockaded by the UGted States steamer Brooklyn,
the captain the Sumter watched for iayorabs oppor
tunity TO put This obtained, but the
se was uucky by the Brooklyn, which crowded Sl
sail to overtake her Captain Semmes perceived that
the Brooklyn gaining him, so he took in sail and
pu: his yCsse 10 the winds eye thus compelling the
Brcoklyn TO take in sail also. The Sumter could 90 the
fastest under steam alone, aud the Brooklyn was left
far behind Soon after the ship Golden Rocket was
hi1 hahn fha fra t,ft1 al
by the Sumter. She captured five brigs, which
were cent into Oienfuegos, but they afterward
released by order Of the Spanish Government
She then cruised the coast OF New Granada and
captured a schooner, and the bark Joseph Max
we'll the latter being taken c the town Of Porto Ca
belo the fort Of which opened on tho Sumter Prize
cews we're put on these vessels and they were sent
home, but we're both recsp.ured on the way. After
ths il was determined TO burn all prizes which might be
TAKEN After cruising about the West Indies she went
into Martinique, and vas there hlockaied by the United
S a,e5 steamer Ircq lOis, Cipt. Pamsr. Capt. Palmer
went on shore TO sec tho Governor of the island Ia rel
ton 20 tho Sumtsrs being allowed remain there snd
met Capt Senmes face TO face in the Governor private
office Ga the tenth day after the lr0quois arrived CT
the port the Slm,er got up steam in the morning, and
aCOi cut of the haIbor TO the southwark The Ir0qujis
s.arted in the same dreclon but not able to zee
tie Sumter che being co'e 10 the shore. The Sumter
was informed of tie direction the Toquos had tAkeb BY
signals from French steamer which then lying III
port and suddenly changed hef course TO the northwest
and thus freotuay euded the federal steamer.
Soon after leaving Martinique the Sumter sprung a
Leak seyerai tbes abort the bow having bosn started
in gale and the negro Of the ship Vigsnt-ons
of the vessels captured by the Sumter-were kept
work at the pumps. There forty six prisoners On
board taken FROM different vsssels but all well
used, and none eIcep. the negroes compelled 10
work A part Of the prisoners were in irons, tWelse
being kept ironed for twen;ysour hour when twelve
others would take their places bs otherwise hoy
| very comfortable.
Capt ssmmes intended to put into FAysl for repairs,