Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1886-03-13

SGT sail the Ala ALBANIA, having got rid
OF US in a ruse, entered the straits and
burned the two vessels. We imnedi-
ately started in search of the privs-
teer, which had slipped by us. and re-
traced our course through The straits,
sailing around all the islands in the
vicinity. Two days before our arrival
at Singapore we sighted a steamer and
Immediately made all chase for her.
On coming within q short distance we
displayed our %colors, which were n
swered by a Dutch flag, AS it was
customary for Captain Semmes to sail
under false %colors, we thought he was
again at his tricks and underworld to
run alongside of our German friend in
order to have an interview. When
within speaking distance our captain
hailed the vessel, but. being suspicious
of us. he answered by saying that he
did not understand. He immediately
put his help "about ship" and started
to u away, but our commander was
not to be put off. We set off in hot
pursuit, and on coming alongside again
we perceived that he had cleared his
ship for action, intending to give us a
warm reception. Our captain then in
formed him of the nature of our visit,
speaking through one of the crew, as
he was a Hollander.
If there was ever a happy Dutch
skipper. there was one then, when,
learning the nature IF our visit, he in
formed the captain that he had sus-
pected our vessel was the Alabama,
and he was preparing to sink us with
out any further ado.
After leaving tho Dutchman
we proceeded to Singapore,
where, as we were informed, the
Alabama had gone. On our entrance
to the harbor we passed the signal sta
ton, where all arrivals are telegraphed
to tho city. Showing no colors, we
steamed ahead slowly, so that a de-
%scrIptlon could be taken of the vessel.
The consequence was that we were re-
ported as the Alabama. We did not
enter the harbor until late at night,
and at that time the ship was cleared
for action, it being the intention to
board the Alabama if found IL the har-
Dor, take her or sink her, and In any
event not to allow her to escape from
us again. Not finding her, we returned
to the entrance of the harbor. When
entering the next morning, a boat
came out to meet us, and the following
conversation ensued:
"Good morning, Captain Semmes."
Good morning, sir" replied the
commander in establishment.
II have the honor to represent the
confederate states, and l have your
private letters and dispatches with
mo, as we'll as some fresh provisions
for you"
Fetch them on board" ordered the
captain.
The gangway ladder was lowered
and the visitor was received on board
with all honors. He was invited into
the captains cabin where, after receiv-
ing the dispatches, the captain called
for the officer of the deck and request
ed him to inform the too confiding WIS.,
itor that he was on board the United
States steamship Wyoming and not
the Alabama, and to thank him for the
letters. 1t is impossible to depict the
varying emotions of surprise, vexation
and disgust that fitted over tho face
of the visitor. The dispatches we're
important, and the provisions by no
means unacceptable.
As we were not allowed to lay at
anchor longer than twenty-four hours
in a British port, we set sail the
same day for the harbor of
Manila, situated on the island
VI lLuLUbs ohC vi Cuo hlIilpluC
group. There we remained for ten
days, repairing our boilers, which were
in bad condition. On completing re-
pairs we returned to our old cruising
ground. Entering tho harbor of Sing.
apore, we learned that the Alabama
had left that port eleven days ahead of
US. On the evening of the day on
which we left for Manila the Alabama
entered the harbor and came to an
Choir. Captain Semmes said he would
not risk a fight with the Wyoming
with the crew tina: he had under his
command.
On leaving Singapore we returned
to Apjou Point. when we were ordered
to proceed to Philadelphia. On leav-
ing Anjou Point we proceeded to the
Cape of Good Hope, where we learned
that the Alabama had left seven days
ahead of US. After ~coaling the ship