By Robert Hope, syndicated from the Banner of the South
Union hate has made it boldest play yet. - Steamer ship the Herald attacked without warning. Vessel goes down in 16 minutes
London February 26th 23:30 hours. Fraser Trenholm, company official announce that their steamer ship “The Herald” has been sunk. A victim of an unprovoked attack by USS Quaker City inside British territorial waters in the Caribbean on the 30th January 1864.
All freight lost. Just 2 crew survive. The Herald goes down in 16 minutes. Surviving crew are unwavering in their statements that they were attacked by USS Quaker City.
Merchant Seaman Mallory and Beckett state: “On the morning of the 30th January at 11.35 am we were on a bearing of N.N.E making upwards to 11 knots. Our vessel the Herald sailed under our national flag of the Red Ensign. Nevertheless we were challenged by the sidewheel steamship: USS Quaker City. Before we were able to respond, they fired their large gun and then a number of smaller guns at us. We were hit on the stern and quickly began to take on board water. Within 16 minutes the Herald had sunk”.
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| USS Quaker City |
In response to questions asked by this paper, the Union administration denies involvement of USS Quaker City. However, this paper can reveal that the captain and crew abroad the confederate blockade runner CSS Florida have confirmed that USS Quaker City was in the vicinity having out run the Union warship on the 28th January.
English investors in Fraser, Trenholm and Company who operate from Liverpool, England and New York call on Her Majesty's Government to act against a blatant deed of evil and transgression contrary to international conventions.
When asked for comment, representatives of Her Majesty's Government are reported to say "We take a seriously dim view of this lawless action which has created a serious diplomatic dispute between us and the Union of the North. Our response will be calm and measured as part of our whole response to the emerging situation in America. Recognising the Confederate States of America (CSA) as a nation has not been ruled out.”
