The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-12-01
HOW A BLOCKADE-RUNNER WAS
CAUGHT.
An Interesting Narrative.

A writer in an English magazine give
the following vivid account of the trip 0
a blockade runner in which he was
passenger from Nassau towards Charles
ton, and the shrewd trick by which sh,
was captured
"The commanders voice sunk to
whisper as lie told me that at sunse
every landsman must come on board
taking boat at some secluded jetty, tc
avoid prying eyes and using all reason
able caution, since Nassau leemed will
Northern spies. Half an hour after sun
down he was to hoist a signal, whicl
was to be replied to. and then the pilo
would come off and the steamer would
stand out to sea.
After dark, multered Pritchard, with
an oath, we may hope to get past tha
Yankee thief that hangs about the Island
The Governor bade her keep at the dis
lance OF one marine league, but she's
always sneaking in-now for coal, now
for bread, now because her engines ou
of order and the United States Consu
communicates with her every day.
tell you, shipmate. there isn't one Of II.
that isn't dogsed up and down by ras.
Gals in Federal hire. See there tha
mulatto hound has been after me these
four days, pointing to dark complex
ioned fellow in the dress of stevedore
who, on seeing himself observed, as he
stood under the geranium-hedge, lay
down with wellfeigned nonchalance
and lit his pipe.
" II
| found a good deal of quiet hustle
and suppressed excitement on board the
Bonnybell. The fires were bunked up
the swarthy faces aud red shirts Of the
engineer and his gang were visible al
the hatch of their Cyclopean den. getting
a breath of the cool breeze before start.
ing. Some brass guns that had been
hidden under fruit baskets, hencoops
and tarpaulins. were visible now and
beside them lay piled lttle heaps o
round shot. The crew hustled TO and
fro, and the captain was so busy that h,
could not return a brief word and noe
TO my greeting. The sky grew darker
and surrounding objects DINNER every
instant.
Before long the passengers arrived
several Southern gentlemen, a few ladie,
and children, all making their way bacl
from Europe TO their homes in Carolini
or Virginia by this dangerous route. ant
all in langer of harsh Imprisonment a
least in the, event Of capture. By tn,
uncertain light ! could see that most o
them were pale and nervous but ,hey
talked in an undertone among them
selves, and did not appear anxious /,
enter into conversation with strangers.
Get up steam =
BY the time the hoarse roar OF the es
Gaping vapor grew loud and menacing
there was fresh hustle on deck, and
heard the captain give orders to 'stane
by for the slipping from the moorings
and to hoist the signal, as we only wait
ed for the pilot.
There they are, slick and right
three red lights and green one I mur
INJURED tall Virginian at my elbow
and looking up saw the oolored lamp
glimmer from the masthead. Instantl
they were answered by similar signs
from some winiow on shore.
We'll soon see the pilo. now, sal
Pritchard. rubbing his hands in cheer
manner the signals made and repeal
ed. In ten minutes our man will
with US. Hillao boat ahoy what dy
want p
Bonnybell ahoy J. was the rejonde
in shrill, harsh voice. cautiously low
cred for the occasion pilot wants
come on board
There was . stir and start Of su
prise among those on deck. aud as
! ropa was thrown 10 the boatmen. Car