The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1872-04-11
The Ocean Queen Mutiny.

"The other day l called on Commodore
Daniel Ammen, chief of the Bureau of
Yards and Docks, and asked him to tell
me about the celebrated mutiny on board
the California steamer, Ocean Queen, in
May of 1864. This event, though of a
recent date, has been literally sponged
from the slate Of the general memory,
though still preserved among the records
of the navy. A contingent of over 200
men, most of them "roughs" who had
served in the army, and had volunteered
for naval service on the Pacific coast, were
shipped for their destination on board the
ocean Queen" in charge of Commodore
Ammen and asubordinate officer. There
were over thousand other passengers,
including many ladies and children. JUS
tice Field, of the United States Supreme,
Court was among the cabin passengers
The vessel itself was commanded by fine
old seaman, Captain Tiuklepaugh. On
the first day the new recruits began to
show dissatisfaction with their accommod-
ations and food, and it was soon evident
that under the counsel of two or three
desperate leaders, they were preparing to
seize and rife the steamer and the
passengers. The Captain proposed to
run into one of the enarest ports and
get ride of the dangerous conspirators,
but this was resisted by Commodore
Ammcn, who had the turbulent men
in charge. He quietly reasoned with
them, and assured them that as he was
responsible for their good conduct, he
would see to their proper comfort, but
that if they resorted to violence they
would be severely punished. He was SO
cool and kind as he made this statement
that they did not think him in earnest,
and proceeded with their plans. Their
chief, Kelley, was young fellow, six feet
four inches, very athletic aud determin-
ed. When then first demonstration was
made Commodore Ammen was in distant
part of the vessel, and on hearing the
noise proceeded to the scene of action
There he found Captain Tinklepaugh in
the hands of Kelley, who was surround
ed by the other mutineers all evidently
under his orders and ready to proceed to
the worst extremities The crisis had
come, aud Ammen, seeing that prompt
action was becessary to save the steamer
and perhaps the lives of the female pas
sengers, drew his revolver and shot Kel-
ley dead on the spot. One of his imme-
diate followers was killed at the same
time. The effect on the others was in
stantaneous. They saw that the quiet
man who had them in charge was resolved
to enforce his authority, and they quailed.
He then briefly addressed them, telling
them of his determination, exhorted them
to remember their duty aud their flag,
and was greeted with three hearty cheers.
After which, under his advice, they went
to their dinner. There was, of course,
great CONSERVATION among the cabin pas
sengers, but they were soon reassured by
the calm demeanor of Commodore Am
men. His next step was to so straight
among the remainder Of the mutineers,
and to call out the leaders and order them
in irons. One or two attempted to resist,
but when they saw that they would soon
be made to follow their dead companions,
who had by this time been scwed in can
vas and cast overheard, they submitted.
The whole affair occupied very little time;
and the commander, crew and passengers
were so impressed by the resolute courage
of Commodore Amman that they joined |
in hearty commendation of his course |
Justice Field himself addressed a strong
letter to the department in earnest vindi |
cation of the wisdom and energy of his |
action. l do not pretend to tell the story
as it fell from Commodore Ammen-so
modest and so clear. lie printed defense
before the court martial, which he de-
manded, is a model of candor, and was
followed by his unanimous acquittal |
Had he been weak or impulsive, the
scene would have ended In a grand
tragedy, and perhaps hundreds of limo
cent persons would have perished
An editor out in Cicero, Indiana, on