The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-06-20
FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
Outrage on the Chesapeake-A Pilot Robbed
| and Narrowly Escapes with His Life

Outrage the fet Rsbbed
Correspondence OF the Associated Press.
FORTRESS MONROE, June 1S.-One of the
most atrocious robberies that ever occurred in
this vicinity took place in the Chesapeake Bay
a day or two since, the particulars of which we
learn from Captain Cole, and are as follows
Captain Cole states that he was appointed pilot
on the Italian brgiJosephine, in Baltimore, about
a week ago, and came on board the vessel and
got her under way, the captain paying him the
amount of the pilotage, some fifty or sixty dol
lars, before leaving Baltimore. There was but
one of the crew who could speak any English,
and he very imperfectly, and they were all a
cutthroat-looking SET They knew that Captain
well down the bay conspired against him and
threatened to kill him If he didn't give them the
money. Judging from appearances that his life
would not be safe if he did not do so, he gave
up the money, in order to pacify them. This
however, did not satisfy them for they feared
he would have them arrested if he possibly
could before the vessel left.
Captain Cole states that all but the captain en-
tered into a conspiracy to kill him and throw
him overheard. He suspected their designs and
did not close his eyes for three days and nights,
fearing they would accomplish his death. FL
nally, on yesterday afternoon, as good luck
would have it, the brig Florence Howell, Cap
tain George w. Fenimore, came within hail of
the Josephine, and by using little strategy
Captain Cole got off, and left her at Smiths
Point. He was taken off the Howell this fore
steamer TriaRa, Captain L. G.. Cook, which
had Just towed the sloop of war Savannah out
to sea. He will procure the services of the Uni
ted States Marshal and endeavor to stop the
brig and have the crew arrested for robbery on
the high seas, before she can get out of the
Capes.
The following is Captain Fenimores state
ment of the affair -
CAPE HENRY, June is, 1s70.-About O'Clock in
the afternoon on the nth inst OFF Smiths Island
Point Va, was hailed by Mr.. George w. Cole, pilot
Of the Italian brig Josephine bound from Baltimore
for Spain TO know where was bound. Upon my
replying ''Stonington, Conn.," he said he had a
package which he wished me to deliver to the GUS
toms authorities for him, and would be obliged To me
II would send my boat TO the brig for IT, which
| old When the boat drew near the brig. Mr.. Cole,
| very much TO my SURPRISE jumped overheard. He
| was picked up Immediately and brought on board
| this vessel One Of the briggs crew being able to
speak little English, said that Mr.. Cole was crazy,
but entreated TO return him TO the brig stating
that they could not find the way to sea without a
pilot Irefused TO return him, stating that crazy
| pilot was worse than none.
| In explanation Mr. Cole states that all the crew
| except the captain had conspired against him. and
that for three days previous TO his getting on board
OF this vessel his life was in constant danger. He
states that they threatened to mutlate his body In
| the most barbarous manner. Mr.. Cole appeared
perfectly sober and rational when he came on board
nor did discern during his stay board the slight
est symptoms of insanity in his conversation or
| actions GEORGE w. FENIM0RE,
Master schooner Florence Howell