Trying to get a freight--Confederate regulations as to inward
cargoes--Sympathizing speculators--Patriotism _versus_ Number
One--Basis of blockade running changed from Nassau to Havana--Rigging
of the market--Arrival of the _Harriet Lane_ and
_Matagorda_--Attention of steamers turned to Galveston--My old friend
Captain Dave turns up--His views as to costly vessels for blockade
running--He invests in a cheap one--Arrangements for a second voyage.
The question was now, what was to be done next. It was already into
the month of April, and it was a very bad time to make a trip, owing
to the lengthened days and the prevailing calms. There would be no
chance of good steady winds before September, and there would be on
the Texas coast about three hours more daylight each day than in
winter, and the danger of capture would be very great.
On the other hand, I opined that to lay here heavy loss was certain.
The vessel not being coppered, the sea-worms would penetrate her
bottom, unless often docked and painted; expenses were high, and it
was almost impossible to avoid being victimized by the numerous
harpies who regarded blockade runners as a legitimate prey to pick
at; and I felt that if I was to lose what little I had, I would
rather lose it under the guns of an honest cruiser, than have it
wheedled away from me by the flattery of pretended friends; so I
determined to venture a trip if I could make arrangements to do so.
The vessel was taken to the ship-yard and put on the slip-dock to be
thoroughly examined, caulked, and otherwise put in the best sailing
trim preparative for another voyage.
As I have already said, specie money was not to be had in the
Confederate States and it was not to the interest of blockade runners
to run a heavy risk on the inward trip, by taking in a valuable
cargo, and many had run in with light cargoes, knowing that they
could always obtain a cargo of cotton cheap, or a freight outward at
very high rates.
This, however, had now been stopped by the Confederate authorities,
and stringent rules had been enforced whereby all vessels entering a
Confederate port must take in a full and valuable cargo.
To obtain this cargo was what I desired either as freight or on
vessel's account, and as a large part of the money we had left would
be expended in the repairs of the vessel, it would be necessary--if
we could not get a freight--to get some one to take a share in the
adventure, and as there were so many merchants and speculators who
sympathized excessively with the Confederate States and took great
interest in furnishing them with supplies, I thought there would be
no difficulty in making an engagement.
After applying to several of them, I found their terms to be all
about the same; which was, that they were exceedingly wishful to sell
me goods for a cargo, but none willing to take a share in the
adventure or run any risk. As an exemplification I will mention one
case.
There was a gentleman who was one of the most prominent I have
referred to, whose office seemed a sort of head-quarters for
Confederate exiles. He took a special interest in the smaller class
of blockade runners almost to assuming a directorate over them,
advising them as to their best policy and particularly directing them
as to the proper kind of goods they should carry into the Confederate
States, his whole heart and mind being, as he said, given to the
cause.
From this gentleman I received a message saying that he desired to
see me privately on important business, and as he seemed to take a
very great interest in furnishing supplies to the Confederate States,
I had no doubt but that he would be ready to make an arrangement with
me, I therefore lost no time in calling upon him.
When I went to his office I found him engaged in administering a
severe rebuke to some newly arrived Confederate immigrant, and as I
entered I heard him use the words, "When a man wishes to serve his
country, he has no business to stand upon claptraps."
It was in vain that his trembling auditor pleaded that he had been
ill-treated, and that less deserving men had been promoted over his
head. This ardent patriot maintained that it was the duty of every
true Southerner to do as he himself had done, and that was, to devote
his whole heart, energies, and substance to the Confederate cause
without quibbling about promotion in office.
On my entering the subject was dropped, and this self-sacrificing
champion of the cause came up and shook my hand, saying, "Come away,
captain; I am glad to see you! Come into this room; I wish to have a
talk with you."
When he had shut the door he assumed a somewhat important and
consequential air, and spoke in a tone which he seemed to try to
impress upon me was private and confidential.
"Is your vessel ready for sea?" said he.
"Not yet," said I; "but she will be in a day or two."
"Well now," said he, "we have got a nice little consignment of goods;
we have got them recently out from London. They have been most
carefully selected and put up expressly for the Confederate market;
they are expressly what is wanted. We will make an invoice of them
to you at the very lowest prices, and all we ask seeing they are for
the Confederate States, is just a small commission for our trouble."
I scarcely understood him. "Am I to understand," said I, "that you
wish to ship those goods into the Confederacy consigned to a party
there."
"Oh no," said he, "what I mean is, that we will let you have them at
the very lowest market price. They have been expressly selected for
the Confederate market, and all we ask is just a small commission for
our trouble."
He spoke in such a consequential and important way that I scarcely
knew whether to laugh or swear at him.
"And is this what you wanted to see me about?" I said; "you had the
assurance to call me away from my vessel and from my business to ask
me to buy goods from you."
"Oh, but this is a particular case; we are only letting you have the
goods at that low price because we wish the Confederate States to get
the benefit of them."
"I am bored every hour of the day with parties coming to me wishing
to serve the Confederate States by selling to me their goods, and all
with the same story of their goods being selected expressly for the
Confederate market; but you all seem to have the same object in view,
that is, to sell your goods, and get your money without running any
risk. Now, I know as well as you do what is wanted within the
Confederacy, as I have just come from that place, and if I wish to
buy goods I can buy them in the open market."
As I said this, I rose and opened the door and walked out of the room.
When I passed into the outer room, I found the gentleman whom he had
been lecturing still sitting there; this reminded me of what the
merchant had been saying to him about serving his country, and I
turned back and said to the merchant--
"I heard you lecturing that gentleman just now, about how a man ought
to serve his country, even as you do. Now, if you are so zealous in
your country's cause as you represented to him, and desirous, as you
say, that the Confederate States should get the benefit of those
goods, I will tell you what I will do with you. If you will put your
goods on board of my vessel, I will sign a bill of lading to deliver
them in a Confederate port--"Dangers of the seas and enemies
excepted"--to any agent you may wish to consign them to, and this I
will do without charging you one cent for freight."
He seemed somewhat taken aback and annoyed that I should have spoken
out in this way in presence of the other party.
He stood confused for a little, and after some hesitation said that
he was very desirous to serve the Confederacy, but such an
arrangement would be entirely out of their line of business.
He still tried to impress upon me the great advantage I would gain by
buying the goods which he said his devotion to the Southerners' cause
had induced him to sell at an enormous sacrifice.
As I was desirous to get information as to the price of goods, and
know the amount of the sacrifice he was going to make, I told him to
send me a list of his goods and the prices, and I would think over
the matter. He promised to do this and pressed me very hard to come
and dine with him the following evening.
This invitation I declined, and about two days afterwards I received
from him a list of his goods and prices, which were just about the
same as the goods could have been bought for in any retail store,
which was enormously high, as all goods suitable for the Confederate
market had been run up to a fabulous price. The article coffee,
which was greatly in demand in the Southern States, had been run up
to more than three times its usual price in Havana.
I may here say that up to this time blockade running by steamers had
been confined almost entirely to the Atlantic ports, while nearly the
whole trade into the Gulf States had been done by sailing craft,
mostly light-draught schooners. When Charleston and the other ports
on the Atlantic were captured, or so closely invested that entrance
to them was almost impossible, many of those steamers came to Havana
to try what could be done between that port and the Gulf States, and
the basis for blockade running was transferred from Nassau to Havana.
Steamers, however, were not much in favour at Havana for
blockade-running purposes, and it was considered by some that their
utility for this trade was more ideal than real, but of this I will
speak hereafter.
Havana having now become the principal centre for blockade running, a
crowd of speculators soon found their way to the place, who bought up
the goods in the limited market, and run them up to a high figure to
sell to blockade runners, representing them, of course, as
consignments recently got out from Europe specially selected for the
Confederate market. And while trumpeting their zeal for the
Confederate cause, they took special care to pocket large profits
without running any risk. While to those who actually run the
blockade and incurred the risk and danger, but little accrued.
About this time there was one day considerable excitement in Havana,
caused by a somewhat important arrival from Texas. Two steamers, the
_Harriet Lane_ and the _Matagorda_, arrived together after a very
close and exciting chase all the way from Galveston. The _Harriet
Lane_ I have already referred to. She was a United States war
vessel, which had been captured at the time Galveston was retaken by
the Confederates. The _Matagorda_ was a vessel which previous to the
war had plied between New Orleans, Galveston, and other places.
These vessels, being of deep draught, had of course to run out by the
main channel, and were seen and chased, but managed to keep their
distance from their pursuers, who sometimes got so close up as to
open fire upon them, but they succeeded in reaching Havana without
damage.
The _Harriet Lane_ was never used for any purpose afterwards during
the war, but lay in Havana harbour until the end of the war, when she
was again restored to the United States Government.
The _Matagorda_ being of lighter draught of water, afterwards made
one or two trips to Galveston, but was eventually captured.
The arrival of these steamers at this time with valuable cargoes of
cotton, was, however, the means of exciting action to further
adventures in steamers into Galveston.
During the time the _Rob Roy_ was undergoing repairs, who should come
to the yard one evening but my old friend Captain McLusky, or Captain
Dave, as he was familiarly called.
He had succeeded in running out of the Brazos River and getting safe
into Tampico, where he had left his small vessel and had come up to
Havana to purchase a larger one.
In the course of conversation about vessels I mentioned the one which
had been at Tampico the same time as us, the _Sylvia_, which the
captain had brought up to Havana in order to sell, and I thought she
was a very fine vessel, and would suit him well.
He said she would cost too much money to run the blockade with.
The _Rob Roy_ was at the time upon the ways, and her hull had been
closely inspected and found in excellent condition, and the general
opinion of the vessel was that she was well modelled and altogether a
very fine vessel of her class, and it was with some pride that I took
Dave to have a look at her.
"A very fine vessel," said Dave. "Oh, yes, a very fine vessel; but
not at all for blockade running."
"How do you mean?" said I.
"How do I mean," said he. "Very well. Now, after you have given her
this repair, what do you think will be the value of her?"
"About 5,000 dollars."
"Just so; just so; and you intend to risk 5,000 dollars to run
through the blockade into Texas at this time of the year. Why, I
have been looking at a thing to-day that will carry as much cotton as
the _Rob Roy_ on a foot and a half less water, and I can buy her for
500 dollars."
"And what kind of a thing will that be?"
"Never mind," said he, "you will perhaps see her to-morrow. I have
just come to see this man about getting her bottom cleaned and
caulked a little, and if he can do it I will bring her to this yard
to-morrow. I know all about her, I fitted her out in Trinity River,
end she took out a cargo of cotton to Tampico, and has managed to
come up here, and when she has done that she will be able to make
another trip."
On the following day Dave brought his vessel to the yard, and I went
to see her. The owner of the yard was gazing at her in something
like silent astonishment. Dave looked at her himself and gave a loud
laugh. I did the same, and remarked that surely Captain Dave had now
got to the height of his eccentricities.
The owner of the yard, who was a Spaniard, made no remark, but
indicated by his look that he was quite ready to do anything to her
in the way of repairs so long as he was paid for it.
She was a square barge, perfectly square at the ends, and flat on the
bottom. She might be about seventy-five feet long and about
twenty-two feet broad, and about six feet deep. She had been built
and used for carrying cordwood from Trinity River to Galveston. A
long pole was stuck out at one end to serve as a bowsprit, and a
rudder fitted on at the other end.
Her bottom was planked longitudinally, and a stout plank or log ran
up the centre, forming a keel and bottom for the centre-board casing.
She had a centre-board, and was well decked over and strongly planked
with thick planks. She was fitted with two masts and rigged as a
schooner, and when at a distance under sail, looked much like an
ordinary cargo vessel. She might have done well enough to sail and
carry heavy loads in such a place as Galveston Bay, but how she had
ever managed to get to Havana, I was puzzled to know.
About the same time my old friend Mr. E. M---- came to the yard and
took a look at the _Rob Roy_ as she lay on the ways.
He asked me if I had made any arrangements for a trip yet. I said I
had not. He said I might come and see him the following day, and he
would make me an offer.
On the following day I called upon him. He asked what value I now
placed upon the vessel. I said 5,000 dollars when repaired and
fitted out ready for sea.
He then said that his offer was that he would furnish a cargo equal
in value to that amount, which cargo he would guarantee would satisfy
the requirements of the Confederate Government as to inward cargo,
and purchase much more cotton than the vessel could carry out, and
the surplus would be invested in cotton bonds, which were still worth
something in Havana. He would then become owner of half of the
vessel, and I would be owner of half of the cargo. We would then be
equal partners in the vessel and cargo, each paying his half of the
disbursements, out of which he would allow me for my services as
captain 500 dollars, to be paid in advance before sailing, and 7
dollars for every bale of cotton when landed in a neutral port.
The cargo which he had to put on board consisted chiefly of arms,
which the Confederate Government in Texas stood much in want of at
that time.
This offer I accepted, and I asked him to make a memorandom of it in
writing, which he did, and handed it to me.
I then got a list of the cargo he proposed to furnish. It consisted
of 200 Enfield rifles with bayonets and accoutrements, 400 Belgium
muskets with bayonets, 400 cavalry swords, six cases of saddlery and
accoutrements, twenty-five boxes of ammunition, a large box of
cavalry currycombs and horse brushes, and several bales and cases of
blankets, clothing, boots and shoes, hardware, and other goods.
Besides this it was good policy to have a good supply of some things
which were much esteemed by the Southern people, but which the
blockade had cut off and made extremely rare, and in some parts
almost unknown, such as tea, coffee, cheese, spices, &c., also
thread, needles, and such furnishings. Brandies and wines as well as
all spirituous liquors were forbidden to be taken in, but they were
received with great thankfulness if given as donations for the use of
the hospitals. All these might be entered as ship stores.
This cargo, although valuable, was far from filling up the hold of
the schooner, and as I knew that a good inward cargo had great weight
with the authorities in the Confederacy, I sent word to Mr. Helm, the
Confederate States Consul, that I would sail in a few days for Texas,
and I would take free of freight any goods which he might wish to
send in.
I received a reply thanking me for the offer, and saying that he
would send by my vessel 400 guns. He also said that he had some
important despatches to send to General Magruder, which he would
confide to my care.
The vessel had now been launched and lay at the Regles, which is on
the opposite side of the bay or harbour from the main town of Havana.
She was lying at the yard wharf, and alongside of her lay Captain
McLusky's Scow, as I called her, which he had got repaired and
tolerably well fitted out with a small cabin and forecastle, and
being very tight and strongly built, might have stood some rough
weather at sea, but from her square box shape I could not see how she
could sail on a wind at all.
I frequently bantered Dave on the appearance of his craft.
"Never mind," said Dave, "we will see who is the wisest. Now you
see, if you had sold your vessel when you came to Havana for 4,000
dollars, which you could easily have got for her, and bought a thing
like this for 500 dollars, you could have bought a cargo for yourself
and have something left to fall back upon. If you got captured your
loss would not be so great, and if you made the run all right you
would have a big load of cotton and the proceeds all to yourself."
"There is, perhaps, something in that," said I, "if you look upon it
in that way; but then your chances of being captured are much
greater."
"Not so very much," said he. "If you are seen by a steamer you are
captured any way: no matter what kind of a vessel you have your
chances of escape are not great."
"But steamers," said I, "are mostly along the coast and near the
blockaded ports, whereas their sailing vessels are cruising all over
the Gulf, and are the greatest danger. Had you seen the hard chase I
had from one of their sailing vessels on the outward trip, you would
have seen the advantage of having a good weatherly vessel; whereas
that thing of yours would have fallen a prey at once."
"Oh," said he, "I have heard enough of blowing about that chase; but
you escaped only by the luck of a lull and a change in the wind."
"Still, if we had not had a good vessel we could not have held our
own to escape even by that; but who told you about it."
"One of your men that left you at Tampico."
"Oh, that was George. Had he got sober by the time you left there?"
"Just about it; he had spent all his money and was looking for a
vessel to ship upon; but I think," added he, "that you will find the
sailing vessels are off now, and they have steamers all over the
Gulf, and you see there are two of their cruisers in Havana now."
"But," said I, "leaving out the danger of capture by the cruisers,
your lives will be in danger in that craft; you will be at the mercy
of the wind and seas."
"Not much danger from the weather at this time of the year;" said he,
"besides, I have a good large boat, and you will find that on the
trip over the sea will be as calm as a millpond, and the want of wind
will be the trouble."
"I see, Dave," said I, "that, although you have become personally
reckless, you still preserve your old Scotch characteristics in being
cautious about the bawbees."
"Ah," said Dave, "you will find that is the point they all steer by,
Scotch and all others; and let me tell you this--keep your vessel
always heading for the Almighty Dollar, and lay her course as close
to it as you can."
"I have tried to do that," said I; "but head-winds, rocks, and
currents, always are against me, and drive me out of my course."
"Never mind that," said Dave; "lay her close to the wind and keep
your luff."
It was now getting dark, and work in the yard was over for the day.
Dave said that he had an appointment to meet Captain M---- that night
at the Louvre, and he asked me to come along with him.
As I had already met Captain M---- at Mr. Helm's dinner party, I
agreed to go.
The Louvre was a very large café which was outside the walls of the
town, and in the evening was the resort of the better class of café
frequenters.
The war between the North and South being the great excitement of the
times, and Havana being a city of some importance, neutral, and
situated almost between the combatants, was of course replete with
partisans of both sides.
It was generally understood that the extremists and talking class of
both sides frequented only their respective cafés, where out of each
other's hearing they waged a desperate war of words against each
other.
The Louvre, was, however, of a higher class, and supposed to be
neutral, and here the more active, and at the same time more mild and
dignified on both sides often met, exchanged courtesies, and often
entered into conversation.
We here met Captain M. and took our seat at one of the marble tables.
Captain M. was a tall, well-built, and handsome man. He was, I
think, a native of Baltimore. He was a well-learned and skilful
seaman; gentlemanly in his manner, and a bold and successful blockade
runner. Some one or two of the steamers which had lately come to
Havana was going to attempt to run into Galveston, and he was
expecting to get the command of one of them.
We had sat some time enjoying our conversation, and observing the
different personages moving about in the throng, when a party of
three Federal naval officers, who were wandering listlessly about,
happened to come near our table.
"Here," cried Captain M., in a laughing way, "come away and join us."
"What are you?" they replied, also laughing; "A set of blockade
runners?"
"We are just that," said Captain M., "and come away and have a drink
with us."
"All right," said one, drawing up a chair, "I never object to meet
with blockade runners."
"Especially at sea, if they have a good cargo of cotton," rejoined
Captain M.
"You are right," replied the other, "although I sometimes think that
if I had not been in the United States Navy I would have been a
blockade runner myself."
"And I," said another, "next to a naval officer would be a blockade
runner."
Captain M. having ordered drinks all round, the conversation became
general.
Captain M. inquired of them about a friend of his, Captain C. of the
_L._, who had been captured, and he seemed to have been long detained.
They did not know of that case, but thought it most likely that as
the capture was off Mobile that the prize would be taken to Key West,
and that Captain C. would be there.
"But can't he get away from Key West? Are not steamers often going
from that place to New Orleans?"
"Yes, but it is probable that he may be detained at Key West."
"Detained! What for? You don't imprison blockade runners I am sure."
"No, but they are sometimes detained as witnesses to give evidence
against the vessel, when the trial comes on in the prize court."
"And how long do they detain them?"
"Until the court sits, and that is uncertain; they are sometimes not
in a hurry, and generally like to keep them a good long while. It
keeps them out of mischief."
"I know of one," said I, "who was not long detained."
"When, and who was that?"
"One Captain Downs," said I, "of a small vessel called the
_Enriquita_."
"Oh, Downs!" they all cried out, "Captain Downs. The _Iniquity_ he
used to call his vessel. It was us that captured him. A queer old
chap he is. We had all but let him pass on the first overhaul."
I then asked them the particulars about the capture, and they told me
the story in pretty much the same words as Downs had told me, and
they added that Downs had kept them in amusement by his humour until
they got to New Orleans.
They said it was much better for the crew of a captured blockade
runner when she was taken into New Orleans than when she was taken
into Key West. As in New Orleans they were never detained so long,
as prize courts are oftener held; and as New Orleans was a large city
full of people from all parts of the world, they generally met with
plenty of friends, whereas Key West was little better than a
sand-bank, and they were there little better than if in a penal
settlement.
"Well then," said I, "when you capture me take me to New Orleans."
They said that they would do so with pleasure if I would just let
them know when I was coming out with a good load of cotton.
Such was about the substance of the conversation. Political or
national questions, or anything like quizzing on either side being
strictly avoided, and of course they learned nothing from us
regarding vessels to sail or expected with cargoes, or stratagems
adapted by blockade runners; and we learned nothing whatever of the
strength or disposition of the blockading fleet in the Gulf or on the
Texas coast.
I merely mention the incident of this meeting and conversation
because I generally found the United States naval officers to be in
the usual phrase very good fellows--and like most of the officers who
took a brave and active part on either side in this war--to be
high-toned, honourable, and sensible men, and quite free from that
rancour and hatred indulged in by narrow-minded political partisans
on both sides, who while keeping out of danger themselves, and often
becoming rich by war jobbery, kept pouring forth the most scurrilous
opprobrium against their respective opponents, and inciting them to
cruelties and outrage.
I was now thinking over what port I would try to enter. I was a
little sick with the Brazos River on account of the troubles I had
had there on last trip, and the entrance to it now was generally
blockaded, and it would be impossible to enter during the day, and
the bar was dangerous to enter at night without a pilot.
Captain Dave had determined to make for St. Louis Pass at the west
end of Galveston Island. This was a shallow entrance on which there
was only about four feet of water, and as it was supposed impossible
for any vessel to enter there, it was not blockaded. Dave's vessel
drawing only about three feet, he meant to make for it.
It was impossible, however, for the _Rob Roy_ to enter there, and on
the advice of Captain M. I determined to shape for Galveston, and
take my chance of getting past the fleet.
Captain M. was well acquainted with all the shallow entrances to
Galveston Bay, and he gave me some information as to how a light
draught vessel like the _Rob Roy_ might enter from the eastward or
windward side: they were as follows: "On the coast, about thirty
miles to the east of Galveston, there are to be seen from sea three
lumps or hillocks near each other. Steer for them, and come into
three fathoms of water about a mile from the beach. Anchor there,
and wait until near nightfall. As night sets in raise anchor and
steer about S.W., following the coast along, and keeping in three
fathoms water. As you come near the reefs at the entrance to
Galveston Bay the water shoals, but keep your course until the water
shoals down to about six or seven feet. You are now in the channel,
and must proceed cautiously, keeping in that depth which will alter
your course to about W.S.W. Keep on this course till the water
suddenly deepens to about fourteen feet, change your course now
quickly to N.W., and follow this channel up, which will take you into
Galveston Bay, and out of danger."
I knew that the trip was likely to be long and tedious, and there
would be great danger from calms, drifting by currents, and long
daylight, and I expected we would spend much time lying with our
sails down.
Having had the experience of the former voyage, I resolved to be well
provided with everything to meet these exigencies.
I took about 200 fathoms of rope, and a good heavy grapnel to use in
soundings during a calm, to detect a current, and prevent the vessel
drifting with it.
I also provided four long and handy sweeps, which I knew would have
some effect in propelling the vessel along in a calm. I advised my
friend Captain Dave to try the plan of using oars to pull out of
danger during a calm, but he laughed at the idea of rowing his vessel.
I also thought of something to screen the man at the helm from the
shot of small arms in case of being chased by boats as we had been on
the last trip outward.
Not wishing to have any conspicuous arrangement to attract attention
I thought of managing this by a small boat. The schooner had davits
at the stern, but our boat was far too large to be carried at them.
I therefore thought of getting a small boat to carry at the davits,
into which any kind of stores, such as firewood, might be put which
would form a protection for the man at the wheel.
The difficulty was in getting a suitable boat for this; but I saw a
very suitable dingey belonging to a Yankee brig which lay near to us.
I felt a little delicacy in asking the master if he would sell it,
thinking he might have some scruples about selling his boat to a
blockade runner, for although the brig was under the British flag, I
knew her to be a genuine down easter.
I therefore got another person to approach the master, instructing
him to offer a good price for the boat, but not to say for whom or
for what purpose it was intended.
This device, however, was of no avail. Mr. Yankee was too cute, and
before he made any bargain he wormed out of the man who the boat was
for, and all about the schooner and where she was bound for.
He was quite willing to trade, would sell the boat for a good price,
and more than the boat. He had lots of fine provisions and stores
which he had brought out as a spec on his own account; "And," said
he, "just tell the captain to come on board and I will trade the
boat, and perhaps some other things he may be in want of."
I went on board and saw this captain, and made a bargain for the
boat. He then referred to the war and the blockade. He said he was
a strong Union man, but still sympathised with the South, and his
sentiments were--"Preserve the Union, and accept Jeff Davis for
president."
He then told me that he had brought out a number of things as a spec
on his own account, and he had not sold them all, and as he was about
to sail and did not wish to take them back with him he would sell
them to me cheap.
There were several things in the way of stores, but he particularly
directed my attention to a quantity of pickled mackerel in kits,
which he said he knew would be greatly prized in Texas, as he knew
that place, having traded to Galveston before the war, and Galveston
was always a great market for pickled mackerel, and that article used
to form a large part of his cargo to that place.
I said I was aware of that, and I had already ordered some to be sent
on board along with the ship's stores.
He said he had brought out a large quantity of the mackerel, and sold
them at one dollar per kit, but if I would take what was left, about
thirty-six kits, he would let me have the lot for thirty dollars.
I agreed to take them and also about two dozen small cheeses, the
remnant of a lot which he had sold to the speculative merchants in
Havana for half a dollar each. I took also some more small articles,
and put all into the boat and went back to the schooner, thinking I
had made a good bargain with the Yankee, which I certainly had, for
when my stores came on board I found the mackerel to be of the same
lot, and they were charged to me in the account of stores at four and
a half dollars per kit. Cheeses also of the same lot charged to me
at two and a half dollars each. Such was about a sample of the
profits made at that time by merchants who supplied goods to blockade
runners.
Amongst others who at this time came to Havana to reap some benefit
from the stir caused by blockade running were several photographers,
and they were doing a good business, and albums had been for the
first time introduced, and had become all the rage. Every one was
having his carte taken, and I was as big a fool as the others.
Captain Dave had invested in an album, and was having it filled up
with cartes of his friends. He got one from me and one from Captain
M. At the bottom of the carte there was a space in the album for the
name of the original, and he wrote, "Captain M. of the _D._," and
"Captain W. of the _Rob Roy_," at the bottom of the respective
cartes. We little knew at the time where our cartes were destined to
be exhibited.
We had now got our cargo on board, and crew shipped. A good crew
that I could depend upon, mostly my old hands. Fred, the Swede, who
had been with me since we first left Matamoras, Hagan, who joined us
in the Brazos River, the mate, and one man who joined us at Tampico,
and two others.
We were now all ready to sail, and I only waited for a favourable
opportunity.
There were two Federal gunboats which lay between us and the Moro
Castle, and which we should have to pass on the way out to sea, and I
was pretty certain that they knew we had a cargo of arms on board,
but they were to a considerable extent powerless, and we were cleared
for Belize, Honduras.
As no vessels were allowed to leave or enter Havana harbour between
sunset and sunrise, the best time to leave was just about sunset, so
that if any cruisers were lying in the offing we could come to, under
the guns of the Moro, until it got quite dark, and then put to sea.
Captain Dave had determined to sail at the same time that we sailed,
and as I had been laughing at his vessel, he wished to bet with me a
case of brandy that he would arrive in Texas before me if not
captured. I did not, however, take the bet, as I intended to creep
along cautiously.
I was now well manned and prepared, and my policy was--when it became
calm to take down all sail, and make the vessel as unconspicuous as
possible; keep a sharp look-out from the mast-head, and if anything
appeared on the horizon to get out the sweeps and pull away in the
opposite direction before we were observed.
Our vessel being small, the hull very low, and when the sails were
down, by keeping a good look-out from the masthead we could see a
cruiser sometime before she could see us. Everything being now ready
we got what we called the mail on board. This consisted of letters
for people in Texas and other parts of the Confederate States, west
of the Mississippi River, from all parts of the world. There being
no other means of transit, letters for the Confederate States were
generally sent to friends or agents in Havana with a view of getting
them sent to Galveston or Mobile by some blockade-running vessel.
I also got a packet of despatches from Mr. Helm, Confederate States
Consul at Havana, to General Magruder, with directions to destroy
them if we fell into the hands of the enemy. We now awaited a
favourable wind, and were wishful to get away, as Havana is a very
bad place for a vessel's bottom fouling, and every day we lay was
injuring the sailing qualities of the vessel.