Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1892-12-31
How the Building of Confederate
War Ships in English " alters
Was Prevented.
Interesting Story OF the Troubled
Days of '63 to
80.

Of great value 10 the federal govern
ment, bat which history has never rec
ogniZed
Perhaps it will always remain mys-
Terry who it was that placed at the dis
posal of the government great for
tune in gold without asking any Sc
cuity, 50 that thereby the cruisers
which We're being built in England for
the confederate government were never
permitted to sail out Of English har-
bors.
In the early year of the war certain
shipbuilders in Great Britain received
commissions from the confederate gov
eminent to build some very swift
steamships, which were TO be armed
with long-ranged guns, and which, sail
ing under letters of marque, Were eX-
peoted to intiict great damage upon the
vessels sailing under the union fiag.
Charles Francis Adams was minister
from the United States to the British
court, and he was very anxious about
thcan ships, because he knew that if
they We're ever permitted to sail from
English ports the damage they could
do to vessels sailing under the Ameri-
can flag would be enormous.
He protested to the English govern
ment, but was told that the govern
ment had no information that these
ships were designed to prey upon the
commerce of the United States. Unless
Mr.. Adams could furnish that informa-
ton, the British government could take
no steps TO restrain them.
The vessels were being built, and
they were almost ready to put to sea,
when Mr.. Adams appeared before the
British authorities with proof, which he
had obtained in a manner which ne
alone knew, and which he kept as
secret to the day Of his death, that these
vessels were paid for with confederate
money, and he also furnished com
plete list of officers and crews who
We're to sail upon them. He furnished
other evidence which was convincing
At that time it was said that the
ministry was not friendly to the union
cause, and would be glad to see the
confederate government maintain IL
self
The law Of nations is very strict,
however so that England could be nc
cused Of doing an unfnend'y act, if she
permitted these vessels to depart after
such evidence
Dir. Adams believed that the minis
try would find some technical way to
eyade responsibility, and he had reason
for such belief
A day or two after he had made his
protest with proof he received word
from the British authorities that if he
would deposit $4,000 In gold to pro-
tect the English government against |
suit for damages the vessels would not |
be allowed to depart.
Mr.. Adams was in despair He be- |
heved this TO be a trick. OF course he !
had not $5,000,000 at his instant com
mand, and as there was no ocean cable
in those days he could not get IL from
his government in much less than three
weeks time,
Before he could hear from Washing
ton. these cruisers woald be out upon
the high seas.
over his peril, a gentleman walked IN
who asked that absolute privacy be Sc
cured for few moments.
When these two men were alone. So
cure from any possible eayeSdropping
this visitor said to Mr.. Adams
Il have just learned of the demand
made upon you for S5.OOOOO0 in gold as
It guarantee 10 the British government
TO protect them in case they prevent
the sailing of these cruisers. know
that you cannot command any such sum
Of money as that until you hear from
Il believe that this has been done To
enable these vessels TO sail away
Therefore | have come 10 offer you.
Mr. Adams. that 100000 in gold. and
] have only one condition TO impose,
and that Is that my name be never
known in this transaction
Mr.. Adams was amazed. 1t seemed
To him as though this was direct in
terposition of Providence. After thank
ing most earnestly his Oenefactor Mr.
Adams said 10 him:
Il have no security to offer To you
except my pledge that ! viii send to
Immediately and ask that
ths government forward to you its
bonds as security for this loan. but for
three weeks at least you win be without
other security than my promise"
With this agreement tie penefactor
departed; and before nightfal Mr. Ad-
ans had deposited the S5.oC0.OO0 IN
gold, to the intense surprise Of the Brit.
sh officials
They were Obliged 10 keep their word.
and the cruisers were restrained, and
thus this great peril was removed.
As soon rs IL was possible to hear
from Washington, Mr. Adams received
some 100000 in government bonds.
which We're turned over to the banefac-
.or as security OF course he received