The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-10-30
HOW A BLOCKADE RUNNER WAS
CAUGHT.


UNCLE SAM,S LOOK.OUTS.
We find in an English magazine the fol-
lowing account of shrewd trick by which
blockade running steamer was trapped
in her voyage from Nassau towards
Charleston. Nassau is thus described by
the writer:
The harbor was crammed with craft of all
sorts and sizes; the bay was full of shipping;
the little streets were crowded, and there was q
continual stir and turmoil on the quay, all too
small for the press of traffic that daily poured
In. All this animation. all this activity. had
been caused by the federal blockade of the
southern coast; and the cheerful faces of the
burghers attested the fact that Nassau was the
great emporium for contraband of war and
Struggled cotton and that much money was
being spent in the island by those employed in
this gainful but perilOus commerce. Wherever
went, in tavern, grocery, store or counting
house, there was but one all-engrOssing topic,
one common subject of interest-the blockade
Such and such a schooner had been taken; such
brig had been burned, cargo and all, to keep
her out of Yankee hands; such a drogher had
come in with cotton; such steamer had got
safe to Charleston, with SO many thousand
stand of arms on board. The Black-eyed Su-
san had been sunk by the United States gum
boat SOper-nO. she had only received four
round shot in her hull, and had escaped among
the Sankey's. Who had insured the Delight?
They would lose smartly, for the vessel had
been condemned, whereas the Fly-by- Night had
got into Charleston securely, and her freight of
Blakely guns was worth twenty three thousand
dollars, net profit.
All this gaming and venturing, this stalking
of fortunes on the speed of a vessel or the war;
ness of a captain. was thrillingly recited to the
brokers, merchants, and other spectators who
swarmed in the Nassau boarding houses, and
hn ho6 10 rtor in, fln
And perceived that the risks nearly balanced
the favorable chances; that if many escaped,
many were taken; and the loss of the ship was
philosophically borne by her owners.
HE ENGAGES PASSAGE.
At last he found the steamer about to SAIL
When do you start? he asked the captain.
The commanders voice sunk to whisper as
he told me that at sunset every landsman must
come on board, taking boat at some secluded
jetty. to avoid prying eyes; and using all rea-
sonable caution. since Nassau teemed with
northern spies. Half an hour after shutdown
he was to hoist signal, which was to be re
piled to; and then the pilot would come off,
and the steamer would stand ont to sea.
''Afler dark" muttered Pritchard with on
oath, eve may hope to get past that Yankee
thief that hangs about the island. The Gov
ernor babe her keep at the distance of one
marine league but she's always sneaking in
now for coal, now for bread, now because her
engines out of order; and the United States
consul communicates with her every day. |
tell you, shipmate, there isn't one of us that
isn't logged up and down by rascals in federal
hire. See there! that mulatto hound has been
after me these four days pointing to dark
Commissioned fellow in the dress of a steve
dore, who, on seeing himself observed, as he
stood under the geranium hedge lay down
with well-feigned rochalance and lit his pipe.
I found good deal Of quiet hustle and sup
pressed excitement On board the BOnnybell.
The fires were bunked up; the swarthy faces
and red shirts of the engineer and his gang
were visible at the hatch of their Cyclopean
den. getting a breath of the cool breeze before
starting Some brass guns that had been hid
den under fruit baskets hencOops and tarpau-
Inns, were visible enough now; and beside
them lay piled little heaps of round shot The
crew hustled to and fro, and the captain was so
busy that he could but return brief word and
8 nod to my greeting. The sky grew darker,
and surrounding objects DINNER every instant.
THE PASSENGERS.
Before longthe passengers arrived. Sever
al southern gentlemen. few ladies and chill
dren, all making their way back from Europe
to their homes in Carolina or Virginia by this
dangerous route and all in peril of harsh i'm
pri,Onmcnt at least. in the event of capture.
BY the uncertain light could see that most of
them were pale and nervous: but they talked
in an underione among themselves and did
not appear anxious TO enter into conversation
with strangers.
Get up steam!'
By the time the hoarse roar of the escaping
vapour grew loud and menacing there was q
fresh hustle on deck, and l heard the Captain
give orders to stand by" for slipping from
the mooripgs, and to hoist the signal, as we
only waited for the pilot.
"There they are, slick and rjght-three red
lights and green one!" murmured tall Vir-
ginian at my elbow and looking up, saw the
coored lamps glimmer from the masthead.
Instantly they were answered by similar sig
nal from some window on shore.
THE PILOT.
"We1l soon see the pilot now,' said Pritch-
ard, rubbing his hands in CHEEKY manner;
"the signals made and repeated. In ten min
utes our man will be with us. Hilloa boat
ahoy what dye want?"
g Bonnybell ahoy!" was the rejoinder, in
shrill, harsh voice, cautiously lowered for the
occasion; pilot wants to come on board"
There was stir and start of surprise among
those on deck, and rs a rope was thrown to the
bOatmen. Captain Pritchard bent over the side,
exclaiming:
YOU'RE uncommon quick, my hearty. If
you've come from shore since the lights were
hoisted you must be own cousin to the Flying
Dutchman. Are you sure you're our pilot ?"0
lime the pilot engaged by Colonel Jeremy
Carter, of SpOttsylvania, ifthatl do, )" answered
a very tall bOny, black haired man, as he ac-
lively ascended the side. "Zack Fosters my
name and know every inch about Charles.
ton. where was raised"