Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1863-03-28
SATURDAY, MARCH 90, 1868.
Seizure of the Chapman"

The recent seizure of a vessel designed rs n
rebel privatecr, at San Francisco, by the Fed
eral authorities leaves no reasonable room tor
doubt of the existence Of a secret organization
on this coast having for its object the aid of
the Southern cause. We have frequently
directed attention to The apparent understand
ing witch exists between the Dixie journals Of
California and Orrgon-their singular unan-
unity on all questions relating to the war,
and their systematic assaults upon the Gov
eminent. The plot recently exposed by the
Victoria Chronicle laid by certain parties in the
service of the Confederate States for the pur-
chase of the Thames with the view of fitting
her out as rebel privateer, was not believed
by many Of our people, and would hot be
accredited now had not the recent seizure of
the Chapman brought to light indubitable ev-
idence that such a scheme had been actually
attempted. 1t is time the loyal people should
consider well before they characterize as
sensational the occasional exposures Of hos
tity towards the Government in our very
midst We do not believe the disloyal
element is very extensive, but they certainly
have the advantage of organization, and Of St.
cret emssaries to aid their cause. We hope
this exposure will awaken the people to just
appreciation of the danger which menaccs us
that they may be prepared for any emrrs'n-
cv which may arise.
A detailed account of the capture is given
in the s. +. Alta, from which we cond,nsc tho
particulars. Suspicion was aroused several
months ago, and the officers have been watch
ing certain parties with narrow eye.
They found it very difficult to procure craft
suitable for thcrpurposc, until they succeeded
in obtaining the schooner j. A. Chapman,
which had just arrived from New York ,ia
Valparaiso. She is described as a neat, trim
vessel, of about ninety tons burthen and adj
mirably adapted to the purpose for which she
was designed.
On Saturday afternoon, the 18th inst, the
Chapman was cleared by W. G. Law, he
swearing that the crew consisted of one cap
tain, one mate and four scalncn, her manifest
describing her cargo as quicksilver, merchan-
disc and machinery. On Saturday evening
the proper officers were on the watch. The
steamer 4Anashe, which had been placed at the
disposal of the revenue officers, lay across the
the end Of Pacific street wharf, steam up, and
her fires "banked," ready for instant service.
In the night lighter hauled alongside the
Chapman, and quantity Of material was
taken on board, which, of course, was in con.
travention of the revenue laws; as. whatever
it might prove to be, it had not been mani
tested. This was carefully noted. but no op-
position was madc as it might interfere with
subsequent proceedings. AT half past five in
the morning; the vessel was hauled into the
stream. This was the moment for action.
Suddenly two boat crews of armed men put
off from the U. S. sloop-of-war Cyane, and the
Anashs came barking furiously on her track.
In few moments she was boarded and taken
without a struggle. Upon exploring the hold
Of the vessel, seventeen men were discovered
snugly slowed away with therest Of the cargo.
Most of them were armed with pistols aud
bowie knives. At first, some of them seemed
disposed to show fight, but they were soon
evsrawed and deprived Of their weapons.
Scattered among the boxes and barrels were
large quantities Of paper torn to bits, evidently
with the design Of destroying the written evil
lcnce in reference to the expedition. The
cargo Of the vessel was brought to light, and
found to consist of six brass Dahlgrccn guns,
shot and shell, rifles, pistols, bayonets, bullets,
swords, gun carriages, tfor ship board), and an
endless variety Of munitions and weapons
suitable for privatcerinS purposes. The crew
disavowcd any intention Of using the vessel
for prvatecring. and boldly asserted that the
enterprise was simply intended as specula-
tive expedition designed for tho Mexican
government, to laid them in driving the
French invaders from their SOIL
It's the belief that the fitting out Of this
pirate was part Of Terry's programme that
shc was to touch at some ore Of the ports in
Lower California and take him on board; they
were then to capture the coast steamers and
made their way to their rebel Confederates O,
the Atlantic side. That many names are con
,.est.a, viii! lie transaction by ruhrn' 'ri''o
my warrant IS try:o,,,i ,Of,i,f }ift Il l. ii"I