The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-06-03
A Trick Of War.

A correspondent Of the New York Dispatch
says that during the war OF 1912 he accidentally
got possession Of the signals Of the British
Navy. which he put into the hands of Commo-
dorc Rogers; and he thus concluded his article:
Soon after the conclusion Of peace. dining
with Commodore Rogers. at his house in WASH
ington, he related to me the following circum-
stances, which give nearly in his own word:
81 acknowledged the receipt Of your letter."
he observed, "and was determined to have the
signals made on board. and to try the experi-
ment, none Of my officers understanding for
what purpose they were intended. / cruised
somo time without meeting on enemy, until one
afternoon we fell In with q schooner, some six
or eight miles windward Of us. We hoisted the
British ensign. which was answered by display
ing another, and ut the same time signal at
her maintop gallant masthead, which immc-
diately discovered was like one Of those you
had given me. From the list OF English frlg-
ates, selected the number Of the Sea Horse,
one Of their largest class, and known to bc on
our coast, and hoisted It. She bore down at
once and came under our stern; ordered her
to heayc to, and would send boat on board
Of her. -
This order obeyed, and dispatched licutcn-
ant to bring her signal book, enjoining on
him and the crew the strictcst secrecy respect
ing our character. He was politely received by
the captain, whose schooner proved to be tho
Highayer. Our lieutenant's coat attracted
his attention, not being Of the latest London
fashion. although tho crown and anchor was
on tho button; but casting his eye on the frig-
ate, seeing the British ensign, and now and then
the red coat Of marine appearing above the
hammock netting, his mind was apparently set
at rest.
The lieutenant informed him that he was re-
quested to bring his signal book on board tho
Sea Horse, in order to have some alterations
made, as there was runner that the Yankees
had possession Of something like the signals,
and 1t was therefore necessary to change the
number! This rusc had the desired effect, and
our lieutenant returned with the book, which
placed mo in command of the whole correspon-
dence of the British Navy. 1 sent the gig for
tho captain. requesting him to come on board,
and bring any dispatches he might have in
charge.
On reaching our deck ho seemed surprised at
the size of tho vessel, praised her cleanliness.
and the order in which everything appeared.
admired the red coats of the marines, and
on being invited into the cabin. handed inc o
bundle Of dispatches for Admiral Warren, who,
he observed, must be within forty miles to lee
ward. ordered refreshments, and, In COM
pany with several of my officers, We entered
into general conversation.
asked him. what object Admiral Warren
had in cruising in that neghborhood. He said
to intercept American privatecrs and mer-
chantmen. but particularly to catch Commo.
dore Rodgers, who, he understood, had com.
mand Of one Of tho largest and fastest-sailing
frigates In the American Navy. I inquired Of
him what kind of man this Rogers was, and
II he had ever seen him. He said no. but he
had understood that he was an odd character,
and rather hard to CATCH After conversing
with him upon several other subjects, abrupt
ly put the question to him
"sir, do you know what vessel you are on
board Oft"
"why, yes SIR" he replied, "on board His
Majcsty's ship Sea Horse "
"Then, sir, you labor under very great mis-
take. You are on board the United States trig-
ate President, and am Commodore Rogers, at
your service"
The dying dolphin never assumed greater
variety Of colors than did this poor fellows
face.
"sir," said he. "you are disposed 10 be hu.
morous, and must be joking" ..
assured him that 1t was no joke, and to sat
isiy him on that head, handed him my commits.
sion. At the same moment the band struck up
Yankee Doodle, on our quarterback, on reach
ing which he saw the American ensign flying.
the red coats turning blue, and the crown aud
anchor button metamorphosed into the eagle.
This affair."" observed tho Commodore, twas
of immense Importance to our country. We
obtained in full the British signals the opera
tions of Admiral Warren, by the receipt Of
his dispatches. were destroyed for the season
and II probably saved the frigate, for the course
was running at the time Of my falling in with
the Highaycr, would have brought me into the
midst Of his feet during the night"