R. N. Stembel to Oglesby, August 23, 1861
Cairo, IUl., August 23, 1861.
SIR:
In the affair of the little steamer W. D. Terry, taken by Captain Stembel, of gunboat Lexington, yesterday morning, at Paducah, Ky., I had indisputable proof, which an examination of her papers found on board confirms, that she was running in the employment of the Confederate States. Without hesitating upon the neutrality of Kentucky, I ordered her capture. She turns out to be of no great value, say, vessel and furniture, $3,000. To the Confederates three times that sum will not compensate the loss. I have had her valued by a commission of my own appointment, and the papers filed at these headquarters. Iam. at a loss what further to do with her legally. Of course I shall use her, if necessary to do so.
Of course Paducah was in confusion, and his excellency the governor may become indignant. The result is, that yesterday the crew of the Terry, led by the captain and a few citizens, seized the steamer Samuel Orr, from Evansville, the private property of private citizens of Indiana âa retaliation more vindictive than sensible, as they thus destroy the last means of illicit trade with the border States north of the Ohio. Nevertheless, they have the boat and cargo, worth, say, $25,000. I would like to go up the Tennessee River and make the reprisal. I send herewith a copy of the statement of the captain and officers of the Samuel Orr, and also transmit copy of report [No. 3] of Capt. R. N. Stembel, commanding gunboat Lexington.
Hoping my action may meet your approval, I am, most respectfully,
hec -R. J. OGLESBY,
: Colonel, Commanding Forces at Cairo,
Maj. Gen. JOHN C. FRÃMONT, .â Comdg. Dep’t of the West, Saint Louis, Mo,
CAIRO, ILL., August 23, 1861. – The steamboat Samuel Orr, running as the regular mail-boat from Evansville to Paducah, was, on the 22d of August, 1861, forcibly taken by a mob at Paducah, Ky., from the crew in command, and taken up the Tennessee River. The boat was new, and worth $15,000. It had on board a miscellaneous cargo, worth about $10,000. âThe principal owners are citizens of Evansville, and the actors in the seizure were Captain Johnson, late commander of the steamboat W. B. Terry, White Fowler, A. M. Winston, and about 40 or 50 other persons, we believe all citizens of Paducah. Several shots were fired by the assailants, wounding two persons. We were all of us hurriedly driven from the boat, without allowing
us (except in one or two instances) the privilege of bringing away our â .
clothing or baggage. : It is but justice to say that some of the leading citizens of the town
were loud in their condemnations of this act, but no measures were
taken, as far as we know, to prevent it. l ;
THOMAS Dx SOUCHET, Clerk.
No. 3. . ¿ Report of Commander R. N. Stembel, U. S. Navy.
U. S. GUNBOAT LEXINGTON, Cairo, August 22, 1861. – COLONEL: Agreeably to your verbal order, communicated to me at midnight of the 21st instant, 1 got under way, and proceeded to Paducah, Ky., where I arrived at 7.03 a. m. The gentleman you placed on board to designate the steamer employed in the rebel trade and carrying their flag pointed out the W. B. Terry as being the vessel thus illegally engaged. Iran alongside of her, cut her out, made her fast to the Lexington, and immediately returned to this anchorage and placed her in your possession. I was not opposed in the performance of this duty by either the citizens of Paducah or the officers and crew of the Terry, – for the latter, evidently suspecting my object, left the boat hastily, with such articles of clothing as were at hand. I was therefore unsuccessful in capturing any of them.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Commander, U. S. Navy.
Colonel OGLESBY,
Commander Military Post, Cairo, Il.
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