THE “290” AGAIN: The Steamship Ariel Captured by the Alabama; The Capture Made Near the East End of Cuba (12/28/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 12/28/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, Dec. 27.

By the arrival at this port to-day of the steamship Constitution, from Panama, we have highly important and exciting news.

The Constitution reports that the steamship Ariel, from New-York for Aspinwall, was captured on the 7th instant by the pirate Alabama.

The Alabama detained the Ariel until the 10th instant, when she allowed her to proceed toward Aspinwall, upon her giving bonds in the sum of two hundred and twenty-eight thousand dollars as a ransom.

The arms and ammunition on board the Ariel were taken from her, and one hundred and twenty marines, who were on board, were paroled.

Much anxiety is felt here, lest the Alabama should recapture the Ariel on her return trip to New-York, aud seize the large amount of treasure which she will carry.

The passengers on board of the Ariel spoke in the highest terms of the courtesy shown them by Capt. SEMMES.

The Ariel was captured near the east end of Cuba.

The only plunder, with the exception of the arms and ammunition, that the Albama secured, was eight thousand dollars in "green-backs" belonging to Messrs. WELLS, FARGO & Co.

The Albama last coaled at Martinique. When leaving that port the United States steamer San Jacinto aimed her guns at her, when, simultaneously the guns of the Fort were trained on the San Jacinto. This is the statement of the First Lieutenant of Capt. SEMMES.

The Alabama claims a speed, under twenty-five pounds of steam, of sixteen knots an hour. She overtook the Ariel with only eleven pounds of steam, and fired two guns at her, when she hove to.

SAN FRANCISCO, Saturday, Dec. 27 -- P.M.

Capt. SEMMES first intended to destroy the Ariel, by burning her, first putting the passengers ashore

[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/4119126/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The “290” Again: The Steamship Ariel Captured by the Alabama – 2-3
The Black Flag: An Important Proclamation by Jeff. Davis – 3-4
The War in Arkansas: Jeff. Thompson in Command of a Rebel Force at Pocahontas – 4
The War in the Southwest: An Attack upon the Louisville and Nashville Railroad – 4-5
News from Washington: Our Special Washington Dispatches – 5-6
Editorial: Jeff. Davis’ Proclamation – 6-7
Editorial: Rebel Movements in the West – Impending Dangers – 7
Editorial: A Leaf of Our Military History – 7
The New Monitor Nahant – 7

[Fiji Hill]

Roll, Alabama, Roll!

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Uga!

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Oops, wrong Dixie mascot.

[zeestephen]

Had to look up the 7th instant and 10th instant.

Instant = the current month

My first (and only) guess - 7am and 10am.

[M Kehoe]

Thanks.

I was wondering what exactly that meant.

5.56mm