Statements of James Roper, Augustus Knight, Louisa Johnson, Gabriel Antonia, William Henry Scott, Thomas Armson, and Joseph Wilson., August 22, 1863.
Statements of James Roper, Augustus Knight, Louisa Johnson, Gabriel Antonia, William Henry Scott, Thomas Armson, and Joseph Wilson.
James Roper states: I was navigator on board the Kadée cargo boat, which was formerly called the Cock of the Walk, on her late trip to Saldanha bay. I was engaged for service by Mr. Sarey, the owner; we were to go there for a cargo of shells. We left the south wharf about ten o’clock on Saturday night. There were three men belonging to the boat besides myself. We ran off to the bark Ellesmere, where we took on board five men, and then proceeded on the voyage. Captains Clarke and Johnson were not on board the boat.
We came to an anchor outside the shipping, as there was no wind to take us out.
On Sunday morning we weighed anchor and tacked about all day, but could not get out.
When I awoke on Sunday morning, I saw Captain Johnson and another man, a short thick-set man. I don’t know if it was Captain Clarke, because I don’t know him. I heard they had been taken on board during the night. I saw the Lord of the Isles going out on Sunday. We had no communication with her, and we were not at any time within three miles of her. We anchored in Commandant bay, Rabben island, that night. On Monday morning we got under way—the wind was westerly, but light, and we proceeded. Monday night was calm, and we lay off Saldanha bay. Tuesday morning was calm; noon, light breeze from SW. About 4.30 p. m. we came to anchor in Hatjes bay, which is the northern arm of Saldanha bay. We saw there two barks at anchor, with sails set, about three-quarters of a mile from us. At dusk a boat came alongside us from one of the barks and took off the men we had taken on board. I don’t know what vessels they were; they had no colors flying, but I supposed they were privateers. Next morning, at daylight, when I turned out, they were both under way, and stood out to the SW. The wind was off the land easterly. We remained where we were all day; I was ashore, but saw no strangers there. On Thursday morning we weighed anchor to return to Cape Town; on coming out we met the Valorous going in, about a mile apart.
She did not speak to us.
We continued our passage, and arrived in Table bay about ten o’clock the same night, (Thursday.)
I did not see the Alabama, Georgia, or Florida, during the cruise, or any other vessel besides those I have mentioned. The people who came to take the men were dressed in plain clothes, and had no uniform, nor were they armed.
The men seemed quite willing when we took them from the Ellesmere.
JAMES ROPER.
Witness:
W. H. Scott.
Before me,