APPENDIX No. VII.

PRIVATE JOURNAL OF AN OFFICER OF THE ALABAMA. * [From a supplement to the South African Advertiser and Mail, Cape Town, Saturday, September 19, 1863.] "OUR CRUISE IN THE CONFEDERATE STATES' WAR STEAMER ALABAMA,” BY G. T. FULLAM.

The presidential election-the slave question-the slanderous tongues of northern senators-the tone of the northern press, and the unjust laws passed by a northern Congress-unjust because they acted, and were intended to act, upon the southern people-all these tended to produce a feeling of discontent and to foster minds already embittered against the North to withdraw from the Union, and to make for themselves a place among the nations of the earth.

To effect this object, negotiations were attempted to be entered into, which, however, signally failed, and it was only after every exertion had been made to adjust the matter in a peaceful and proper manner (but without avail) that recourse was made to arms. After the outbreak of the war, the immense naval superiority of the North gave them considerable advantages over the South, who, lacking convenience and material, were not able to build vessels with sufficient dispatch, and the Confederate States' government sent over Captain J. D. Bullock to England for the purpose of purchasing awar steamer. Accordingly the No. 290 was built and intended for a confederate vessel of war.

The No. 290 was launched from the building yard of Messrs. Laird, of Birkenhead. She was a bark-rigged wooden propeller, of 1,040 tons register. Length of keel, 210; length over all, 220 feet; beam, 32; depth, 17. Her engines, built by the same firm, were two horizontal ones, each of 300 horse-power, with stowage for 350 tons of coal. Her sails, carried at all times, were as follows: Fore, foretop-mast, stay-sail jib; two large try sails; the usual square sails on fore and main, with the exception of the main-sail, which was a flying one; spanker and gaff-top-sails; all standing rigging wire. Double wheel, with motto engraved thereon, “Aide toi, et Dieu t'aidera," placed just before the mizzen-mast. Bridge in the center just before the funnel. Carried five boats, viz: cutter and launch amidships, gig and whale-boat between the main and mizzen masts, and dingy astern. The main deck pierced for twelve guns; elliptic stern; billet head; high bulwarks; cabin accommodations first-class; ward-room furnished with a handsome suite of state-rooms; steerage-starboard for midshipmen, port for engineers; next came engine-room, coal bunkers, &c.; then the berth-deck, capable of accommodating 120 men; under the ward-room were store-rooms; and under the steerage were shell-rooms; just forward of the fire-arms came the hold; next the magazines, and forward of all the boatswains' and sail-makers' store-rooms; the hold, &c., being all under the berth-deck.

At 9.15 a. m. of the 29th July, 1862, we weighed anchor, and proceeded slowly down the Mersey, anchoring in Moelfra Bay-having on board relatives and friends of the builders, both ladies and gentlemen. Our ostensible object in sailing was to go "on a trial trip," and the presence of the ladies and gentlemen gave a certain color to the report. In the evening transferred our visitors to a steam-tug. We remained here, shipping hands, &c., until 2 a. m. of the 31st, when we got under way, ostensibly bound to Nassau, Bahamas. A strong breeze was blowing from the southwest, accompanied with heavy rain, a boisterous sea running at the time, forming altogether a most uninviting picture, and one not at all calculated to augur good luck. Our unceremonious departure was owing to the fact of news being received to the effect that the customs authorities had orders to board and detain us that morning.

Passing successively the Isle of Man, Ailsie Craig, &c., we hove to off the Giant's Causeway, and landed Captain Bullock and the pilot, amid a drenching shower of rain. Soon, however, it cleared up, and away we steered (to the westward,) at the rate of 134 knots an hour. Soon after clearing the land a strong southwest wind with a heavy sea continued until our arrival at Porto Praya, in the island of Terceira, (Azores,) on

*See dispatch from Mr. Dudley to Mr. Seward, August 6, 1862, Vol. III, p. 37. Dispatch No. 530 from Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, November 5, 1863, Vol. III, p 202. Dispatch No. 533 from Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward, November 13, 1863, Vol. III, p. 205. Note from Mr. Adams to Earl Russell, November 14, 1863, Vol. III, p. 206.

the 10th August. The port bow port had been stove in, and a few minor damages done by the heavy sea we had encountered, notwithstanding which our vessel gave promise of being a good sea boat, and also a swift one.

The same afternoon the officials came off, and in reply to their questions, we said that we were the steamer Barcelona, from London, fifteen days out, bound to Havana, and intended for the Spanish government for the war with Mexico. Were quarantined three days.

The vessel was under the command of Captain M. J. Butcher, late of the Cunard service. The rest of the officers were as follows, viz: Chief officer, John Low, (E) Savannah, Georgia; second officer, G. S. Fullam, Hull, England; Surgeon, D. H. Llewellyn, Easton, Wilts; paymaster, C. R. Yonge, Savannah, Georgia; chief engineer, J. McNair, England. The crew numbered about seventy men and boys.

Our object in going there-that is to Terceira-was to obtain the necessary arms, ammunition, &c., requisite for a vessel of war. England's proclamation of neutrality prevented the guns, &c., being placed on board in Liverpool. Skill and secrecy of no inconsiderable degree were required to escape the vigilance of the Yankees, who, through the agency of their spies, were quite au fait with regard to confederate affairs in England.

No sooner was our departure known than the United States steamer Tuscarora received, through the American consul at Liverpool, news of it. Every exertion was made by her commander to seize us, but without avail, for by the time the Tuscarora arrived in Moelfra Bay we had been gone two days. Going on shore I found the people both courteous and hospitable, every attention being paid by them. The bay is a moderate sized one, with good holding ground, and protected from all save easterly winds. Three or four forts (without guns) were built, but were nearly useless through decay. Beef has to be brought from Angra, on the other side of the island. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful, but water is scarce.

On the 13th a sail was observed standing into the harbor; anchoring near us, she proved to be the American whaling schooner Rising Sun, of Provincetown. Through the indiscretion of the purser, our real character became known, and considerable apprehension was felt for our safety on her departure a few days after.

On the 18th a sail was observed making for the anchorage. In the evening she anchored near us, when we found her to be the Agrippina, of London, Captain McQueen, having on board six guns, with ammunition, coals, stores, &c., for us. Preparations were immediately made to transfer her cargo. On the afternoon of the 20th, while employed discharging the bark, the screw steamer Bahama, Captain Tessier, arrived, having on board Commander Raphael Semmes and officers of the Confederate States steamer Sumter. Hauled steamer alongside, taking from her two thirty-two pounders, with some stores, &c., which took us until the following day.

22d.-Got up steam; dodging slowly along the island, having the bark fast alongside, taking from her a quantity of coal, &c., which took us until the evening of the 23d, when we anchored in Angra Bay. About 9 a. m. we were startled by the report of a gun, fired from a fort, and which was believed to have had a shot in. The Bahama immediately stood seaward, in order to draw the fire from us towards her. At 11 a. m. another was fired. The explanation given by the authorities the following morning was that it was only a mail signal. We had, however, considerable reason to doubt it. I was this day appointed acting master's mate to the Confederate States steamer Alabama. Sunday, 24th August, 1862.-Strong northwest wind at 12.30; got under way in company with the Bahama, and stood along the island of Terceira. At 2 p. m. Captain Semmes read his commission, and formally took command of the Confederate States steamer Alabama, eight guns; hoisting the confederate ensign at the peak, the English St. George's at the fore, and the pendant at the main, firing a gun at the same time. Commander Semmes made a most effective, spirited address, in which (after speaking of the relations existing between the North and South) he said, "his principal object was to cripple the commerce of the enemy; that he was not going to fight a fifty-gun ship, but as soon as they had become proficient in the use of their weapons, he would give them an opportunity to show the world what they were made of." Three rousing cheers were given on its conclusion.

Having conveyed Captains Bullock and Butcher to the Bahama, I returned, and at 11.30 p.m. we hoisted launch and parted, the Bahama returning to Liverpool, and the Alabama proceeding on a cruise. (Including commander, twenty-six officers and eightyfive men.) 2.30 p. m. of the following day, hoisted up the propeller and secured it, it being our intention to cruise under sail only, unless occasion demanded steam.

29th.-Gave chase to a brig; lost her in the darkness. The following day sighted another that showed French colors. 6.30 p. m. called all hands to muster and stationed them at the great guns. Strong northeast wind.

31st.-Sail reported on our lee bow; gave chase. Showed Portuguese colors.

2d September.-Chased a bark; on boarding she proved to be the La Foi, from Timor to Nantes.

4th.-Exercised first and second divisions at great guns.

5th. Several vessels in sight; gave chase to one, discovering her to be a Portuguese brigantine; went about and chased a ship which showed American colors. On boarding she proved the Ockmulgee, whaler, of Martha's Vineyard, with a valuable sperm whale fast alongside. Took possession, transferred her crew to the Alabama, and a quantity of stores. All prisoners, American-born, were put in irons; the rest, if English, &c., were not ironed.

6th.-Burnt prize. In chase of a bark; coming up with her, we found that she was the French bark Senegambia, of Marseilles. Made the island of Flores and Corvo. Sent prisoners ashore off Flores. Chased and captured the schooner Starlight, of Boston, with passengers from Fayal to Flores. This was rather an exciting chase, for after firing a blank cartridge, she still kept on her course, (endeavoring to get shelter under the land.) A shot was then fired across her bow, but without any effect; so a shot was fired between her masts, which had the desired effect. Transferred prisoners and hove to until daylight.

7th.-Saw a steamer on weather bow. Read articles of war.

8th.-Landed passengers and crew of Starlight at Flores. Seven sails in sight. Stood out from the land in chase of one, prize schooner following. Came up with her, and found her to be the bark Ocean Rover, of New London, with a valuable cargo of whale oil on board, having been out forty months. Transferred prisoners, stores, &c., and in the evening scuttled her; but, as it afterwards showed, ineffectually, owing to the buoyancy of the cargo.

9th.-Captured bark Alert, of New Bedford. Engaged all day transferring stores for ship's use. Set on fire barks Ocean Rover and Alert and schooner Starlight. Overhauled and captured schooner Weather Gage, of Provincetown. Stood in chase of a bark, and which on boarding proved to be Danish. To this vessel we hoisted American colors and passed as the United States steamer Iroquois. To all prizes we had captured we hoisted English colors, and exchanged them for confederate as soon as the boarding officer gained the vessel's deck.

10th.-Burnt prize and shaped a course for Flores.

11th.-Hove to off Flores, and landed prisoners. The governor paid us a visit. Filled away in chase of a bark, but owing to the darkness lost her.

12th.-Fresh southerly wind; very pleasant. Made sail in chase of a vessel; found her to be a Portuguese bark.

13th a. m.-Two vessels in sight; one proved to be a Spaniard, the other a Yankee brigantine, and which of course we captured, taking her crew on board our vessel, and setting her on fire-the Altamaha, of Sippican.

14th, 1.30 a. m.-Gave chase to a sail on lee-bow. 2.30 a. m. fired a gun for her to heave to. Darkness prevented us knowing who she was, so I went on board to examine her papers, and which, if Yankee, I was to signal it and heave to until daylight. What I did on boarding this vessel was the course usually adopted in taking prizes. Pulling under his stern I saw it was the whaling ship Benjamin Tucker, of and from New Bedford. Gaining the quarter-deck, I was welcomed with outstretched hands. In answer to my questions, the captain told me her name, port of registry, &c., &c., all of which I was previously aware. I then told him that he was a prize to the Confederate States steamer Alabama, ordering him to put his clothes in one trunk, allowing the mates and men one bag each-all navigation books and instruments being left behind. At daylight sent the captain and crew with the ship's papers and luggage to the Alabama. I then examined the ship, and finding some cases of stores, they were transferred to our ship. The preparations to fire her were soon made, so that after seeing her well fired we pushed off and regained our vessel, the prisoners (Yankees) being placed in single irons. 15th, light breeze, with heavy swell.

16th.-Land in sight, right ahead, 10.30 a. m. Sail reported right ahead and took possession of her. The schooner Courser, of Provincetown. We then stood toward the land, sent prisoners ashore, stood out to sea, and made a target of prize. After some creditable shooting, we burnt her.

17th.-While at quarters, two vessels reported; bore down for the lee one; 11.20, hove to. She showed Yankee colors; accordingly we took possession. Found her to be the bark Virginia, whaler, of, and twenty-one days from, New Bedford. Obtained late newspapers, containing accounts of victories gained both by the federals and confederates; the former at Baton Rouge; the latter in Missouri. The news, however, was received with doubt, on account of the source from which it emanated; 4 p. m. set fire to prize.

18th.-Two vessels in sight; chased one; proved to be a French brig. Bore away for the other. She evidently not liking our appearance, altered her course and made all sail; a fresh breeze was blowing at the time. Her exertions, however, proved fruitless, for at 12.30 we came up with her; boarded and took possession of bark Elisha Dunbar, from New Bedford, twenty-five days out. In the evening burnt her.

19th and 20th.-Under double-reefed top-sails and try-sails.

Monday, 21st.-Officers and men to muster. On the first Sunday in each month the articles of war were read, and the ship and men every Sunday.

26th-Up to to-day cruising with fine weather; in the evening it became squally. 28th.-Sail reported; gave chase; proved to be a foreign brigantine. Not wishing our real character to be known, we kept on our course without speaking her. Fine, with light winds.

30th.-Gave chase to a vessel on lee bow; proved to be a French bark. Fresh breeze and heavy sea.

October 1.-Strong breeze, and occasionally rain. The crews of the Virginia and Elisha Dunbar still on board. A change of weather keenly felt, it being very cold.

3d.-Early in the morning the joyful cry of "sail ho!" was heard from the masthead; presently, three sails were reported in sight. At 9.30 came up with one; hoisted the St. George's ensign; boarded, hauled down, and hoisted the Stars and Bars, and took possession of the ship Emily Farnum, of Portsmouth, N. H. Made sail after another, prize following astern. On boarding she was found to be the ship Brilliant, of and from New York, twelve days out, bound to Liverpool with a valuable cargo of grain and flour. The cargo of the Emily Farnum proving to be neutral, and the prisoners becoming irksome, it was deemed a favorable opportunity to get rid of them. All the prisoners were then placed on board of her, and the ship allowed to proceed on her voyage, her captain promising to land them in Liverpool. It seemed a fearful thing to burn such a cargo as the Brilliant had, when I thought how the operatives in the cotton districts would have danced with joy had they it shared among them. I never saw a vessel burn with such brilliancy, the flames completely enveloping the masts, hull, and rigging in a few minutes, making a sight as grand as it was appalling. This evening, quite unexpectedly, we were called to general quarters, going through all the evolutions in quite a masterly manner. Sounded fire alarm, manned pumps as for a leak, called away boarders, and went through everything expected to be done in action. After this, every Friday evening, when practicable, was set apart for general quarters. From the papers taken from the Brilliant we reado f the success of our brave troops in Virginia, and also of the successful escape of the confederate screw-steamer Florida into a confederate port.

5th.-Boarded a French bark. In the evening chased a brigantine, who proved to be a Swede. Fresh breeze from the westward.

7th.-Light winds. 4.30 a. m., sail reported on starboard bow; chased, and at 6 fired a gun to heave to, and hoisted the confederate ensign. On boarding I found her to be the bark Wave Crest, of and from New York to Cardiff eight days out. Her captain asserting that his cargo was English, but not having any papers to prove it, of course she was made a prize. Cargo consisted of grain and flour. 2.30 p. m., called all hands to quarters, port battery firing two rounds of shell at prize. Boarding to burn her, we found that two shells had struck, the rest passing over in good line firing. 6.30 p. m., sail reported on weather bow. 9.30, brought her to with blank cartridge. Boarded and made a prize of the brigantine Dunkirk, of and from New York to Lisbon, flour laden, eight days out. By midnight had crew on board of us, and the vessel burnt. Examining the prisoners, we found one of them to be a deserter from the Confederate States steamer Sumter, he being one of the seven deserting at Cadiz. Immediately upon arrival on board he was placed in double irons.

9th.-Light westerly breeze. 10 a. m., a court-martial assembled in the ward-room to try George Forrest, A. B., for desertion from the Sumter. The court consisted of the following officers, viz: President, the first lieutenant, and the senior second lieutenant, surgeon, master, chief engineer, and lieutenant of marines; judge advocate, the captain's clerk. 4.30, captured the ship Tonawanda, of and from Philadelphia to Liverpool, laden with grain, having also on board about seventy-five passengers. Took from her David White, a slave to one of the passengers. 8.15 p. m., boarded the English brig Ann Williams, from Cuba to Bristol.

10th.-Read sentence of court-martial to prisoner, and discharged him; the sentence was, "that all pay, prize money, &c., due to him be forfeited; that he fulfill his term of service, and forfeiting all pay excepting such as is sufficient to provide necessary clothing and liberty money." 10.30, made out a sail on lee bow; after an hour's chase fired a gun and brought her to. She proved to be a Mecklenberg ship, from New York, bound to Dublin.

11th.-Light easterly wind until evening. 5.45 a. m., made a large sail on starboard bow; being far to windward and wind light, did not chase. 3.30 p. m., sail reported on weather bow. 5.30, overhauled and hove her to; upon boarding she proved to be the ship Manchester, of and from New York, bound to Liverpool, with wheat, cotton, &c. Transferred all prisoners to prize ship Tonawanda, and burnt the Manchester. The captain of the Tonawanda being kept on board our ship as security. Strong variable winds up to the

13th.-10.50 a. m., made a sail on weather bow; made sail in chase, suspecting her to be a disguised vessel of war; all hands were called to quarters, and the guns loaded with shell. Raining heavily at 5.50 p. m. Gave up the chase and secured the battery, the chase having shown Spanish colors. 6 p. m., released the Tonawanda, her master

ransoming her at $80,000. Her passengers testifying in rather a ludicrous manner (to me) their joy at their deliverance. 14th.-Strong northwest winds a. m. Chased and overhauled the Danish ship Judith. Chased another, proved to be French. Another vessel in sight to windward. Coming up with her, she proved to be English. Her captain saluted our flag; which compliment we returned.

15th.-Strong westerly winds, accompanied with heavy rain. 6.45 a. m., sail discovered on weather bow. Coming up with her, we fired a blank cartridge, hauling down the St. George's ensign and hoisting the confederate flag. No notice being taken of it, both bow guns were loaded with shot; observing it the chase hove to. On our boat returning with the captain, it was found to be the bark Lamplighter, of Boston, from New York to Gibraltar laden with tobacco. Brought crew on board our vessel and burnt prize. Midnight, blowing fresh.

16th.-Commenced with a strong gale from the south-southeast. Toward daybreak it freshened considerably, a heavy sea running at the same time. 9.30, blowing a perfect hurricane, the sea rising to a fearful height, and the ship laboring heavily. Shortly after, a squall of extraordinary violence struck us, we being under close reefed maintop-sail, reefed main try-sail and fore-topmast stay-sail. The heavy strain on the main braces caused the weather bumkin to snap in two-the yard flew forward, bending upward until it was almost double, when with a sudden crash it broke in two, splitting the top-sail with a noise equal to the loudest thunder. A sea striking immediately after smashed in the whale-boat; it was soon cut away. No sooner had the main-topsail gone, than the fore-topmast stay-sail was cut away by the captain of the forecastle, thereby preventing the ship falling off into the trough of the sea. A storm try-sail was soon bent, and the main try-sail lowered, splitting the sail during the operation. Various minor casualties occurred, but nothing of a very serious nature. Everybody was thoroughly wet by the salt spray. The vessel's behavior during the storm was beautiful. A finer sea-boat never floated. All the idlers, boys, &c., were placed under the weather bulwarks on the quarter-deck, with a rope stretched before them to prevent them falling to leeward. Wind northwest immediately after. Moderated toward evening, so that we were able to send down the wreck of the main yard and bend new sails. The evening turned out with a heavy sea from the southward; the wind abating, causing the ship to roll heavily. 17th, opened with a moderate breeze and a heavy swell from the south. About noon the sea went down considerably; sail was made; and in about half an hour a sail was reported on the starbord bow; went after her, hoisted English colors, the chase hoisting English in return. The heavy sea and the amount of work requisite to be done prevented us following her up, so we hauled upon our course again. Hard squalls until Sunday, 19th, commenced with fine weather. 4 p. m., sent up main yard and bent main-top-sail. 20th, 4 a. m., two lights, one ahead the other astern, were seen, made all sail in chase of one. Coming within two miles of her she hoisted English colors. Went about in chase of the other, who proved to be a brigantine under Dutch colors. Hauled up on our course again. Alternate sunshine and showers until noon, when a heavy squall, accompanied with rain, struck us, the wind veering round to west-northwest. Double reefed top-sails and try-sails. Towards evening a sail hove in sight; she being so far to windward, and darkness drawing on, we gave up the chase.

21st.-Fine, with a northerly wind; at daylight made a sail. Found her to be the bark Heron, of Sunderland, from New York, bound to Queenstown, we calling our ship her Majesty's steamer Racehorse. Toward midnight the wind freshened considerably. 22d.-Blowing a fresh gale with a heavy sea. Hove to at 10 p. m. Cut away the dingy, it having been stove by a sea striking her some time previously. Saw two vessels standing easterly.

23d.-4 a. m., a light reported astern. Stood for her. Hoisted the English blue, to which chase answered by hoisting English also. Saw two vessels far to leeward, hauling up to the northwest. 3.40 p. m., "sail, ho!" was heard again. Kept away for her, called the first gun's crew to quarters, fired a blank cartridge; hove her to, boarding and returning with her captain and papers; she proved to be the ship Lafayette, of Newhaven, New York to Belfast, three days out, with a large cargo of grain, &c. The captain stated that his cargo was English; but not having papers to that effect, of course he was declared a prize. Transferred prisoners, chronometers, &c., not forgetting half a dozen porkers, &c., to our ship, and fired prize. The cold and weather generally being rather severe, the prisoners were put below in the forward fire-room, it being vacated for that purpose, and the fires kindled in the after one instead. Hitherto they had lived on the main-deck with a tent specially rigged for them.

24th.-Fine, with a strong northerly wind. Sail in sight; coming up with her, she proved to be an English brigantine. From a stray newspaper, taken in the Lafayette, we read that news had been received in New York of the capture of the Yankee vessels by the Alabama, in which it stated that the treatment to which the prisoners were subjected was "worse than dogs." Such gross falsehoods annoyed us considerably, as all our prisoners had been treated with every kindness consistent with safety.