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TOO Years AgoBy MRS. L. O. BRACKEENThe United States protested violently through its minister,Charles Frances Adams, butbecause of rod tape and the illness of a British official, the English built CSS ALABAMA left England on July 29, 1862, before the Britishcould issue orders for its retention. The boat was outfitted in the Azores and there secured its captain, Raphael Semmos of Mobile, as well as its other officers and crew.During the next two years of lading on the high seas, the ALABAMA destroyed $6,-750,000 worth of Northern shipping and captured 69 United States vessels. The ALABAMA was rvwer able to come into a Confederate port and always depended on foreign ports for food and supplies.In October 1862, Semmes caused near panic in United States shipping circles by preying on commerce in New Foundland waters and thencoming within 200 miles of New York City. He seized 12 whaling vessels and 1(5 other ships at this time. In December 1862, thlt;‘ ALABAMA was back in New York waters, capturing the USS ARIEL, for which Semmes asked a ransom bond of $261,000. Sailingall over the Atlantic, she menaced United States vessels and caused marine insurance in the North to skyrocket. The ALABAMA is partly responsible for the decline of the U. S. merchants marine, which continued after thewar.
Newspaper Details
Athens Alabama Courier
Athens, Alabama, US
Thu, Aug 02, 1962
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Dorothy B.
PA, USA 28 Jun 2020
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