The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-03-03

After years cruise IN the south
Atlantic, the Florida, finding the Union
shipping practically swept from those
waters, and being badly IN need of
docking, now steamed leisurely across
the Atlantic, picking UP a few prizes
en- route, and laid up for repairs at
Brest, France. While in that port,
Lieut.. Maffitt-now a commander in
the navy-requested to be relieved
from command and ordered home to
regain his health. The navy depart
ment though loath to lose his valuable
services, and at the same time feeling
bound to accede to his request. reluct-
antly relieved him of the command,
and ordered the ship turned over to
Lieut.. Barney. At the same time, a
large portion of the crew requested
leave until their former captain should
return to active service-a testimonial
of regard that deeply affected the illus
trious Maffitt.
Lieut.. Barney remained in command
only a short time, when he was re-
lieved by Lieut.. Charles NJ. Morris, of
Georgia, who retained command until
the close of the FTorida's career in
Bahia, Brazil, about a year later.
Having been notified by the French
government that his time for fitting
out had expired and that he must leave
Brest within "a hours. Lieut.. Morris
took the Florida out at night, and,
eluding the Union squadron that how
cred around just outside the port, made
good his$ escape. Among the vessels
that waited for him at that time was
the U. S. S. Kearsarge, commanded by
Capt. Winslow, who afterwards block
AIDED the Alabama in Brest, and was in
command when the famous privateer
Z l&-l, .,k1o Al
Proceeding to Funchal, Madeira, the
Florida provisioned and coaled, and,
after eluding the st. Louis in com
mand of Capt. Preble, who had been
dismissed on account of her first es-
cape, she recommended her attacks on
northern commerce. This time she
headed for New England where she at
tackled and burned shipping only a few
hours out or Boston, New York and
Philadelphia Even the fishing fleets
attracted her attention. and scores of
hardy New Bedford fishing smacks
were taken and destroyed. Consterna-
ton reigned supreme, and a score or
more cruisers were sent out to catch
the audacious pirate"
An Unfortunate Accident.
Lieut.. Morris knew his ground well.
however, and, sailing close in shore
often in sight of land-he headed for
the South Atlantic. When just Il
miles off the mouth of Delaware river,
he ran into en- unsuspecting army
store ship. the Electric Spark" TAX
ing her with no difficulty, he trans
ferred an enormous quantity of much
needed supplies. and some still more
needed gold and silver in bars, green
backs and coin. Then, fearing lest
the firing of such a large vessel might
attract attention, he scuttlcd her, and
made ready to continue south. A very
unfortunate accident took place just as
the Florida was about to sail away.
The prize boat crew in charge of Mid
shipman Sinclair, who, after becoming
adapted to the sea, had developed into
one Of the Florida's most efficient ju-
nior officers, was overturned ana the
occupants precipitated into the sen.
All except one seaman who could not
swim managed to catch hold OH the
bottom Of the overturned beat, and
Midshipman Sinclair. going to his res
cue, gave him his place declaring that
he would swim to the Florida Sud
denly, he sank and never arose.
Whether he was sliced by cramps or
shark that was seen circling around
the upset craft will never be known.
Lieut.. Morris with sad heart turned
the F1orida.s head to the South, and.
in short period, had destroyed twenty
additional prizes. Finally. with the in-
tention of fitting out for cruise in
the Pacific to take the California treas
ure ships, he entered Bahia Brazil, on
the 3rd of October, 1854. The president
of the province assured him every pro-
lection provided he strictly observed
the neutrality of the port This Lieut..
Morris gave his honor to observe. and.
as a sign of good faith, removed the
loaded charges that he always kept in
his guns. The Florida was taken in
and anchored close off shore near the
Brazilian corvette, Dona Januria.
Lying in Bahia at the time was the
u. S. S. Wachusett Commander Ma
poleon Collins in Command. This off,
Ger Immediately protested through Mr..
Wilson. the Union consul at Bahia,
against permitting the Florida to refit,
and asked that she be siezed as a 'pi-