THE GREAT REBELLION: Capture of the Rebel Commissioners, Slidell and Mason; The Frigate San Jacinto Takes Them from the English Mail Steamship Trent (11/17/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 11/17/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

FORTRESS MONROE, Friday, Nov. 15.

The United States steam-frigate San Jacinto, Capt. WILKES, arrived in the Roadstead at 12 1/2 P.M., having on board the rebel Commissioners, SLIDELL and MASON.

They were taken from the English mail steamer on the 8th instant off Bermuda.

Lieut. FAIRFAX and thirty-five armed men went from the San Jacinto with five officers, who boarded the steamer and picked out the Commissioners.

Messrs. SLIDELL and MASON made feeble resistance, but were induced to leave with Lieut. FAIRFAX.

The captain of the steamer raved and swore, called the United States officers "piratical Yankees," and other abusive names.

One of the secretaries of the rebel Commissioners, named EUSTACE or HURSTACE, also showed resistance; but himself and colleague accompanied their employers to confinement.

Mr. SLIDELL had his wife and four children on board, who were allowed to proceed to Europe.

Commodore WILKES came ashore and had a lengthy conversation with Gen. WOOL.

He expressed his opinion that he had done right, and said that, right or wrong, these men had to be secured, and if he had done wrong, he could do no more than be cashiered for it.

When it became known that these two worthies were in Hampton Roads, the excitement was immense.

Some reported that quarters would be provided them on the Rip Raps, but either the frigate will proceed to New-York, or some other vessel will be sent there with the prisoners on board, and deliver them at Fort Lafayette.

FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.

FORTRESS MONROE, Friday, Nov. 15,

The U.S. steamer San Jacinto has just arrived from the Coast of Africa, via the West Indies, where she has been cruising for some six weeks.

Old Point was electrified by the tidings that the San Jacinto had on board Messrs. SLIDELL and MASON,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4013107/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Great Rebellion: Capture of the Rebel Commissioners, Slidell and Mason – 2-4
Important from Kentucky: The Rebel General, Johnston, Reported to be Advancing with a Large Force – 4-5
Important from the Kanawha: Floyd Driven Back from all His Positions – 5
Important from the South: The Great Fleet Understood to have Gone to Pensacola – 5
The Difficulty Between Gens. Sherman and Mitchell – 5
English Letters from America: Extracts for the Latest Correspondence of Mr. Russell, of the London Times – 5-6
The War in Missouri: The Battle of Belmont-Gen. Grant’s Official Report – 6
News from Washington: Thanks of the Navy Department to Capt. Dupont – 6
Editorial: The Capture of Slidell and Mason – 6-7
General Sherman’s Proclamation – 7
News by Way of Baltimore – 7

[rktman]

And thus the name of the city of Slidell Louisiana was derived.

[ViLaLuz]

My home was in Slidell until Katrina. We took the direct hit.

[rktman]

Lots of folks we know lost a lot in that one. We used to rent a house on Slidell ave south of Old Spanish Trail and East of Pontchartrain. I met Mrs rktman a the K-mart that used to be on Gause Blvd. I hung around that area from ‘68-’86. Even worked at Slidell Ship Building for a while.

[ViLaLuz]

Great memories. Thank you, neighbor! I sure do miss that area.

[rktman]

We miss the folks and the food. The humidity, bugs, snakes, hurricanes, not so much. We still have some family that moved from the Bay St Louis/Waveland/Diamond Head area to the Pensacola area. Cheers to you.

[ViLaLuz]

You must have worked at Michoud or Stennis? I loved watching the rocket testing at Stennis. We moved to Fort Worth, my command relocated there. Unfortunately we had to move up north to leftist loon land to take care of family. Can’t wait to get back down south. I went through Waveland/Pass Christian a few weeks after Katrina, totally devastated. Good to hear your family got out. I love P’cola.

[rktman]

Michoud for 12 years on the External Tank and then to KSC for 24 years doing integration and launch ops. Left FL in 2011. Got laid off and retired the same day. Certainly glad I’m retired at this point or I probably would have been fired. :-}