It’s An Early Raphael!

CSS Sumter

Privateering and Pickens

Our correspondent at Havana announces the arrival at Cienfuegos of the Sumter, a steamer of the rebel Navy, bringing six prizes, the results of a short predatory cruise. A seventh had been burned at sea. This Sumter was in other times a mail steamer plying between Havana and New-Orleans, with the title, Habana; but seized by the rebel government, she was converted into a man-of-war, and well-armed and manned, put to sea the other day from New-Orleans, in saucy defiance of what the journals of that city properly describe as the paper blockade. The news of her departure has barely reached us when it is hotly pursued by this later news of her success. It is true the insular authorities have reclaimed the six prizes, because they had been captured within Spanish waters; but the fact of seizure shows the power for mischief possessed by the cruiser in question, and renders it almost certain that if any of these released vessels hereafter depart for their ports of destination in the United States, they will be exposed to serious danger of recapture and condemnation. Moreover, the Sumter, sailing from Cienfuegos has doubtless placed herself in the path of the Aspinwall steamers, with their millions of California treasure. Much pains have been taken by the steamship company to put their packets in a thoroughly defensible condition; and it is possible they may be able to contend successfully against privateers. But the Sumter, according to the New-Orleans papers, is far more perfectly armed and equipped than any privateer; and if the treasure ship crosses its track, the odds are fearfully against an escape. These facts and dangers are the first fruits of the laxity with which the blockade is enforced at the mouth of the Mississippi. …

Semmes (seated center) and officers - CSS Sumter

Raphael Semmes commanded the CSS Sumter until January 1862. Needing repairs, the ship landed and stayed at Gibraltar. Semmes then commanded the CSS Alabama, which took 69 prizes throughout the war.

The photos of the Sumter and officers are from the Naval Historical Center.

One of the things I’ve found very interesting so far in this 150th year gig is learning more about the lives some of these characters had before – and after – the war. Here’s an anti-Democrat Party political cartoon from 1868. You can see Semmes with a couple other ex-Confederates. The description of the cartoon can be found here.

He reallly is a pirate! (LOC - LC-USZ62-43958)