IMPORTANT FROM KEY WEST: The Capture of the British Steamer Pearl and the Rebel Steamer Virginia; VALUABLE CARGO ON BOARD THE LATTER (2/4/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 2/4/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

KEY WEST, Fa., Thursday, Jan. 29, 1863.

On the night of the 22d there arrived in our harbor the two sister ships of war, the Tioga and the Sonoma, the former from a cruise among the Bahamas, bringing as a prize of war the British steamer Pearl, which is one of several whose names have been furnished as being engaged for the rebels to run our blockade. The Pearl is an iron boat, with side-wheels, 180 feet length of hull and 14 feet beam, draws but five feet water and will run sixteen miles per hour. She has but little cargo, and that about 1,000 blue jackets. Vessel and cargo owned by Mr. GEO. WIGO, a straw man, and associate of her British Majesty's Consul, J.V. CRAWFORD, consigned to ADDERLY & Co., Nassau. She refused to stop until several guns had been fired. The Sonoma comes from the Mexican coast, and has the rebel steamer Virginia as a prize, now on the way here, with a valuable cargo of wines, coffee, &c. This steamer was seized by the Mexican authorities for some violation of their laws, and was subsequently turned over to our possession, and will doubtless be a prize. There is no pretence other than that she is rebel property.

On Friday morning, the 24th, the steamer Swan, a condemned prize, purchased by parties here and at New-York, and refitted in good order, was ready, with steam on and all aboard, to start for New-Orleans, when suddenly the Captain was called on for the vessel's papers, for the inspection of Admiral BAILEY, with the notice that the steamer should remain at the wharf. It appears that the managing owner of the Swan had employed as captain and pilot two men whose record is not clear proof of loyalty.

[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/4128177/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Important from Key West: The Capture of the British Steamer Pearl and the Rebel Steamer Virginia– 2
Our Cairo Correspondence: Further Arrivals of Paroled Prisoners – 2-3
Latest from Vicksburgh: Arrival of General Grant – 3
News from Washington: Action of the Senate Military Committee Regarding the New Generals – 3-5
Editorial: A Fair Question for Fair Men – 5
Editorial: Minor Military Operations – 5-6
Strength of the Rebel Army – 6
Editorial: Brooklyn Tragedies – 6
An Important Reform – 6

[MikeSteelBe]

Some of you might remember back in the 90s when TNT used to have a lot decent civil war movies. They had one about the Monitor and the Merrimac (CSS Virginia). If I remember correctly, this was the first “ironclad” ship battle.