Trial of the Officers and Crew of the Privateer Savannah on the Charge of Piracy Part 18

_A._ She was further up into the Roads, about half a mile from the Minnesota, westward. (Witness marked the position of the Harriet Lane on the chart.)

_Q._ You are familiar with these Roads?

_A._ Yes, sir; for years.

_Q._ You know the town of Hampton?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ And the college there?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ How, with reference to the college at Hampton, did the Harriet Lane lie?

_A._ The college at Hampton appeared N.N.W., and at a distance of a mile and a quarter, or a mile and a half.

_Q._ How were you taken from the Minnesota on board the Harriet Lane?

_A._ The s.h.i.+p's crew took us in a boat.

_Q._ In one trip, or more trips?

_A._ We all went in one of the s.h.i.+p's boats.

_Q._ On what day was that?

_A._ I do not bear in mind exactly.

_Q._ Was the Harriet Lane ready to sail when you were taken on board of her?

_A._ Yes; she sailed in a few hours afterwards.

_Q._ She had already had steam up?

_A._ Yes; they were waiting for the commander, who was on sh.o.r.e.

_Q._ How long were you lying on board the Minnesota after your arrival there?

_A._ I think we were transferred from the Minnesota on Sat.u.r.day, the 20th of June.

_Q._ How long had you been lying on board the Minnesota, in Hampton Roads?

_A._ Two or three days; I do not recollect exactly.

_Q._ You have been a seafaring man a good many years?

_A._ I have been about 34 years at it.

_Q._ In the capacity of master and mate?

_A._ Yes, sir.

_Q._ As pilot, also?

_A._ I have run pilot on all the coasts of America.

_Q._ How often had you been in Hampton Roads?

_A._ Many a time. I sailed a vessel in and out in the West India trade.

_Q._ How familiar are you with the localities about there?

_A._ I am so familiar that I could go in, either night or day, or into Norfolk.

_Q._ Do you know the ranges, bearings, distances, depth of water, and all about it?

_A._ Yes; and could always find my way along there.

_Q._ (_By a Juror._) I understood you to say that the Savannah carried both the American flag and the Confederate flag?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ And that the American flag was flying when you were bearing on the Joseph?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ What was the object of sailing under that flag?

_A._ I presume our object was to let her know that we were coming; and, no doubt, the vessel heaved to for us. Suddenly enough we raised the Confederate flag.

_Q._ Then it was deception?

_A._ Of course; that was our business--that was as near as I understood it.

_William Habeson_ called, and sworn. Examined by District Attorney Smith.

_Q._ You are the Deputy Collector of the port of Philadelphia? _A._ Yes, sir.

_Q._ Have you charge of the register of vessels there?

_A._ Yes.

_Q._ Did you take this certified copy of the register of the Joseph from the original book?

_A._ It is copied from the original book.