The San Francisco call., 1896-05-31
CAUGHT BY A REBEL
IN SUNDA STRAITS.
How the Winged Racer
Was Taken by the
Alabama.
Captain Cumming Relates a
Dramatic Incident of the
War Days.
Burned to the Waters Edge and the
Crew Turned Adrift in Leaking
Open Boats.

In 1863 1 was in command of the Amer
lean ship Winged Racer, of 100 tons
burden, and in October of that year
sailed from Manila with cargo of hemp
and sugar, bound for New York. The
passage for a considerable time was un-
eventful, but in the China Sea we struck
head winds and had quite a tedious time.
Ny wife was on board with me, also our
infant son, Al.
When within days sailing of the Cas-
par Straits we sighted a British ship from
Foochow, homeward bound. When they
hoisted the Union Jack I gave orders to
raise "Old Glory" 1 mention this be-
cause it was done contrary to the wishes
of my wife, who begged me to raise the
British ensign. She was a believer in
dreams, and in recent one had been
warned of some i'll that awaited US by ship
wreck or capture by the dreaded Alabama.
/ endeaEored to laugh away her fears, and
assured her that the Alabama was away at
the Cape of Good Hope. As for other dan.
gers, we must take our chances. In any
case l would sail under my own coIors or
not at all.
However the British ship, of which 1
shall speak later, took no further notice of
US, and owing to our metal being some
what fouled by barnacles and mussels, she
soon outsailed US. Southwest winds now
prevailed, and we arrived at the entrance
of the Straits of Sunda one afternoon early
in November. The straits, which are
formed by the islands of Java and Su-
matra, are only fourteen miles wide in the
narrowest part, and afford good anchor
age.
Seeing that three ships were at anchor
off the coast of Sumatra, and being badly
in need of nights rest, having been do
ing treble duty for three days on account
of the real or pretended sickness of my
two officers, determined to stand over to
Java, then tack and anchor off Sumatra.
Soon after leaving Java l espied vessel
steering up the straits and bound. appa-
rently, for the China Seas. She had stud
ding-sail set on both sides, and looked for
all the world like merchantmen.
AS l neared Sumatra and was busy get
ting extra lashings off anchor and taking
in light sails, the man at the wheel re-
ported that the incoming vessel was steer
ing straight for us. then examined her
through the telescope, and discovered that
she had a smokestack.
Before 1 had had time to mediate on
the phenomenon she fred a lee gun and
hoisted St. Georges flag. As l disre-
garded this action she steamed alongside,
fired another lee gun and hoisted the rebel
flag. then hoisted my flag and backed
the main and crossiack yards.
Presently boat manned with an officer
and four men came alongside. The officer
inquired my ships name, where from and
where bound. On learning this he in
formed me that my ship was the prize of
the Confederate vessel, the Alabama. He
then came on deck and ordered my flag to
be lowered. l refused to have any of my
men do this and told him if he wanted it
done he would have 70 do it himself This
seemed to annoy him very much. He
then bade me get my ships papers and go
aboard the Alabama. l asked time to
change the Oriental suit 1 was wearing for
my uniform, which request was refused.
He even followed me into my cabin so
that 1 had no chance to speak a private
word of comfort to my wife.
1t is an indication of the state I was in
through want of sleep that, as I stepped
on the gangway, it occurred to me that
my officers being sick below was leaving
the ship with no one in charge. l paused
and told the officer so.
II will take charge of her, sir" was his
indignant reply.
"Ahl Excuse me-" answered SORROW
fully. ] had forgotten that she was CAP
tured.
l was rowed alongside the Alabama and
went on deck, where 1 met my friend,
Captain Larabee of the American ship
Amanda. which had sailed from Manila
a few days previous to me. We shook
hands in silence, both feeling very sad. The
first Lieutenant Mr.. Kell, then came up
and told me l was wanted in the captain s
cabin. 1t was below, and as [ descended
l noted the number of muskets, pistols
and other weapons that were set on racks
ready for use.
On entering the cabin the world
renowned Semmes came toward me. He
said:
''Where have you beenP have been
looking for you for three days"
made no reply, being in no mood for
banter. looked at him sternly and at
his attendants, Lieutenant KeIl, the doc
tor and the secretary. Semmes then ex-
tended his right hand, as l supposed, to
welcome me on board, but he was not so
courteous. He merely wished to examine
my ships papers, which, with the secre.
tary, he proceeded most carefully to do
The task accomplished, he addressed me
again, and 1 shall never forget the look he
gave me in doing so. Captain Cum
ming" said he, 81 am going to condemn
your ship. shall want all your nautical
Instruments, chronometers, charts, etc
You may, however, retain your own
watch.''
Almost stupefied as was with fatigue
and the excitement of the past hour was
1nludlclous enough to explain to him that
had sold my watch in Manila and in
vested the proceeds in cigars.
"GoodP' exclaimed my capturer, smil.
ing and rubbing his hands. "Then sup.
pose we share themP'
The subsequent result of this equitable
arrangement was that 1 received about
1900 cigars out of 10000.
On returning to the deck was invited
hv 0na of the 0fipara IN io;, ~