CHAPTER XXIX.

Two more!—­The Gildersliene and Justina—­Case of the Jabez Snow—­The barque Amazonian—­Relieved of prisoners—­A hint—­The Talisman—­Under false colours—­The Conrad—­A nobler fate—­Re-christened—­The Tuscaloosa commissioned—­Short of provisions.

The 25th May witnessed the capture of the ship Gildersliene and the barque Justina.  The latter having a neutral cargo, was ransomed on a bond for 7000 dollars; the former condemned and burned, after an investigation terminating in the following decision:—­

CASE OF THE GILDERSLIENE.

Ship under the United States colours and register.  Charter-party with Messrs. Halliday, Fox, and Co., of London, who describe themselves as merchants and freighters, to make a voyage to Calcutta and back to London or Liverpool.  Cargo taken in at Sunderland, and consisting of coal, said to be shipped for the “service of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company,” but not even averred to be on “their account and risk.”  No certificate or other evidence of property; ship and cargo condemned.  Master knows nothing of property except what appears by the papers.

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Friday, May 29th.—­We had another chase last night from about 2 A.M., but with better success than the two previous nights, since at 7.30 A.M. we came up with and captured the ship Jabez Snow, of Rockport, Maine.  Just at daylight, being within about four miles of her, we hoisted our own colours, and fired a gun.  She did not show any colours in return, and stood a second gun before heaving to; she finally showed her colours.  Got on board from the prize a quantity of provisions and cordage; transhipped the crew, and about sunset set her on fire.  Found a letter on board, the writer of which referred to American ships being under a cloud “owing to dangers from pirates, more politely styled privateers,” which our kind friends in England are so willing “should slip out of their ports to prey on our commerce.”  This letter was dated Boston, November 25th, 1862.

CASE OF THE JABEZ SNOW.

Ship under United States colours, cargo coals, from Cardiff for Monte Video.  On the face of the bill of lading is the following:  “We certify that the cargo of coals per Jabez Snow, for which this is the bill of lading, is the bona fide property of Messrs. Wilson, Holt, Lane, & Co., and that the same are British subjects and merchants; And also that the coals are for their own use.

“JNO.  POWELL & SONS.”