The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-06-07
THEWRONG PACKAGE

In 1858 John Smith, southern specu.
lator, who was better known by another
name which II Is not necessary to give
here, thought II best to wind up his busl-
ness and get out Of the Confederacy. He
quietly converted his property into Con-
| federate money, with which he purchased
diamonds and greenbacks. The money
and gems amounted to about 100000.
The speculator had made arrangements
| to take passage for Nassau on blockade
runner from Wilmington. He had ex-'
emption papers and Confederate pass
port, and the only thing he dreaded was
his possible capture by Federal war
vessel. To guard against this he spent
two or three months in Wilmington before
sailing, and he made 1t his business to cul-
tivate the most experienced blockade run
ners and get pointers from them about his
trip.
1t was a dark, rainy night in October
when Smith boarded blockade runner
and went to his stateroom. He was plain
ly dressed In suit made to stand the wear
and tear of travel, and II was his intention
not to take off his clothes until he reached
place of safety on dry land. Under his
sack coat suspended by strap around
his shoulder, he wore O strong leather
pouch, securely locked, and In this recep-
taole he carried his money and diamonds.
He intended, when he reached Nassau, to
take passage on British steamer for Liv-
erpool and remain in Europe until the
war was over.
Just before the ship weighed anchor
that night messenger from Richmond
came on board and asked for Mr.. Smith.
He was conducted to the passenger state
room, and there introduced himself. He
brought with him package of dispatches
from the Confederate state department to
its representatives In London and Paris,
and letter requesting Mr.. Smith to see
that the documents were placed in safe
hands, so that they would reach their des-
tination.
This was an unpleasant surprise to the
speculator. II he was captured with these
papers on his person, it would go hard
with him. He was not so much concerned
about his valuable personal property, be-
cause he had influential kinsmen in high
Federal positions who would look after
his interests.
He could not refuse however, to take
the dispatches So he took the package,
little bundle snugly away side by side with
his own precious parcel. The man from
Richmond departed, and Smith proceeded
to the deck, where he watched his sur
roundings with lively curiosity.
After taking several pulls at flask
Smith swelled with pride as he thought of
his important mission.
Perhaps the fate of the Confederacy was
in his hands, He would deliver the dis
patches in person, and he would make the
highest officials of the English and French
governments understand that he was their
equal-an envoy extraordinary in disguise
on secret business.
He took another drink, and was form
ing some grandiloquent sentences to be
used when he met the head of the British
foreign office.
The gently lifting fog made the outlines
Of three Federal cruisers distinctly visible
short distance off. Smith did not know
what to do, and he took another bracer
This last drink muddled his head.
He ran in every direction, looking for
his friend the captain, but that worthy
was too busy to attend to him. Then he
questioned the other officers and tho sail
ors, but could learn nothing definite. He
was told that they were in devil of fix
and would be captured.
The Federal cruisers came nearer, and
one of them fired shot which narrowly
missed the blockade runner
what is the matter with our ship"
yelled Smith to passing sailor.
Machinery disabled" was the answer.
1--WE must get back to port or be cap.
turod."
Escape was out of the question, and tho
frightened man opened his pouch, slipped
his hand into it and threw package into
the sea.
"That won't trouble me any more, he
said, "and If AIN taken prisoner, will
swear that am Union man leaving tho
Confederacy to avoid military service.
That will save my property"
One or two shots were fired, and the ves-
sci surrendered In a few minutes she was
in the possession Of Federal lieutenant
and squad of marines. The captain an
swered the questions frankly, and was told
that, while the vessel and cargo would DO
confiscated, he would probably be released
after short detention.
Mr.. Smith then doomed up as the chief |
object Of interest. He was questioned |
closely, and his yalise was searched.
"You will have to submit to personal |
search" said tho officer in command
GAN right" replied Smith. II am, as
I told you, a Union man, and l was not |
willing to fight the old flag. turned my |
property into money and diamonds, and !
they arc hero in this pouch. If you are |
going to take charge of them, give mo u
voucher. They will DO returned to me /
after sec the authorities at Washington"
Tho officer took tho pouch and opened it |
with the key handed to him by its owner.
He pulled cut package and glanced at it, |
II sec nothing here but letters" he |
said inquiringly.
Great guddlcmighty!" shouted Smith,
"where arc my diamonds and the money!"
How should l know" answered the
other.
"Well, I know" groaned Smith; II
threw the wrong package overheard by
mistake, and am II ruined man."
Tho unhappy passenger made an at
tempt to leap into the water, but two
marines held him.
"Theso letters" said the officer, "are
addressed to various Confederate minis
tors and agents in Europe. / must send
them to Washington, and you will be sent
there Also"
II am u Union man," pleaded the pris-
oner
"Ihat may be-, was tho reply. "But
you have been caught running the block
ado with Confederate dispatches. Tho
matter will have to be investigated
Smith protested and swore, but he was
removed to one of the cruisers and in duo
time he reached Washington.
He told his story, and was sent to nris-
on. Then his Union relatives worked in
his behalf, and at the end of year he
was released, a broken down, penniless
man. He was required to take the oath
of allegiance to the Federal government
and drlfted about aimlessly, trying to get
n job and regarded with suspicion every
where
He lived many years, but never recov-
cred from his mistake in throwing the
tlpr