Southampton County Virginia USGenWeb Archives News.....Steamer, 1909 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm ************************************************ "Times-Dispatch" (Richmond, VA), Tues., June 15, 1909, p. 1, col. 7 RIFLES SEIZED, STEAMER BOTTLED UP AT FRANKLIN Gigantic Plot of Castro's Supporters Nipped in Bud by Government Agents. REVENUE CUTTERS WATCHING ALL PORTS Filibuster Suspects Received Sailing Orders Last Night, but Could Not Lift Anchor. Nanticoke Lying in Black Water River - Discovery of Mausers Conclusive. NORFOLK. VA., June 14. - (Midnight) - Packed in piano boxes and ready for shipment on a filibustering steamer bound for Venezuela, a quantity of rifles and ammunition, evidently destined for Cipriano Castro's revolutionists, was discovered at Franklin, Va., to-day. The rifles are believed to be a part of the 16,000 Mauser weapons shipped from New York to St. Louis and back to Franklin, billed as pianos, and packed to weather the trip to South America. The filibuster suspect steamer Nanticoke was lying near Franklin, and in the Black Water [sic; Blackwater] below the steamer was her consort, the tug Despatch. Will Be Seized. The revenue cutter Pamlico is blockading the two suspects, and it is not believed that either could pass her even in the darkness, although there were persistent rumors that an attempt would be made to get away. Orders have been issued from Washington to take prompt action in case the steamer should lift anchor. The Nanticoke is not built for deep sea navigation, but the Despatch could navigate far off shore, and the officers in charge of the situation believe that the plan of the filibusterers was to transport the arms to another steamer at sea. The Nanticoke is apparently loaded with nothing but coal, but to-day she lay high in the water. Neither vessel had been taken in custody by the government, but it was believed that seizure would result from the discovery of the contents of the piano boxes. United States marshals were holding themselves in readiness to take charge of the vessels. Gigantic Plot Nipped. Apparently the gigantic plot of Castro's supporters, unearthed by secret agents of the government and the present Venezuelan regime, and at first not considered very seriously at Washington, for the overthrow of the opponents of the exiled President was verified by the discovery of the Mausers at Franklin. Whether the entire supply of rifles reached Franklin, or the filibustering steamers, were waiting for the arrival of other piano boxes from St. Louis, is not known, but the State Department has again blocked Castro's game. The Mauser rifles and ammunition were shipped first from Belgium to New York, the State Department claims, by Castro's agents, and several days ago the rumored plot to send them West and from there back to the South Atlantic coast for shipment to the revolutionists was reported at Washington, and general orders were sent out to watch for suspicious craft. Captain Worth G. Ross, commandant of the revenue cutter service, sent telegraphic orders to the lieutenant in command of the Pamlico to stop the Nanticoke should she attempt to sail with contraband aboard. The collectors of all South Atlantic ports have been ordered to prevent the Nanticoke and the Despatch from clearing. Lying in Black Water River. SUFFOLK, VA., June 14. - Provisioned, coaled and crewed, all ready for the sailing orders which were wired this evening from New York, the steamer Nanticoke to-night rests peacefully on the Black Water River at Franklin, Va., where she has lain for some days, while two revenue cutters, the Seminole and Pamlico, are said to have been searching the coasts of Albemarle Sound and its estuaries for trace of the alleged filibustering craft. John C. Pretlow, president and general manager of the Albemarle Steam Navigation Company, former owners of the Nanticoke, who conducted the negotiations leading to her sale, and who in a way is acting as intermediary, having present charge of the ship, this afternoon received a dispatch from New York directing that the vessel sail on next Wednesday. President Pretlow says the ship's full crew of seventeen, under Captain James Tedmarsh, is on board and will weigh anchor on Wednesday morning. He was not at liberty to disclose the nature of the cargo, but said the Nanticoke carried sufficient provisions and coal for a long voyage. He declined to divulge the route she would take, but said her ultimate destination was the Oranoco [sic; Orinoco] River, South America. The sale of the Nanticoke was consummated on April 1, partly through Kates & Co., brokers, of New York. The principal negotiations were carried on by Senor Arrienz. Pretlow refused to name the price beyond saying that it was very satisfactory to his company, and that full payment had been received through the Hanover National Bank, of New York. Not at Liberty to Talk. Pressed for particulars as to the Nanticoke's possible participation in a filibustering expedition, he acknowledged he was not at liberty to tell all he knew, but ventured the suggestion that she may be going to engage in the coffee trade. He said he had a request to furnish one of his company's pilots for the first leg of the trip and would comply. The ability of the Nanticoke has been maligned, he declared. She is a safe and sturdy ship, capable of a twelve to fourteen-knot speed. She was made over from the steamer p. 2, col. 1 Chowan, a familiar craft in Virginia and Carolina waters. Fred Emory, an engineer of the Luckenback, who knows the Nanticoke well, to-night authorized the statement that he did not believe the boat was meant to go to Venezuela, but that she would carry ammunition and supplies to larger sea craft. He says this was the idea of seamen whom he recently saw in Boston and New York. The invocation of the Treasury Department and the sending of cutters to North Carolina waters for purposes of interception may cut short the Nanticoke's cruise in its incipiency if her mission prove hostile, for the avenues of escape are effectually barricaded. Close Watch Kept. WASHINGTON, June 14. - Collectors of all ports in the Virginia and North Carolina Atlantic coast districts have been ordered by the government to detain the steamer Nanticoke and the ocean tug Despatch for supposed violation of the neutrality laws. The Nanticoke, at latest advices, was at Franklin, Va., on the Black Water River, and the Despatch was at Norfolk, Va. Yesterday the Department of Justice, through its agents, discovered evidence that the two vessels were either loading, or had loaded, with contraband material destined, it was supposed, for the Venezuelan revolutionists. This information was communicated to Acting Secretary McHarg, of the Department of Commerce and Labor, with a request that the two vessels be detained by the collector of any port from which they might attempt to clear. In compliance with this request the instructions to the collectors were issued. Carrying Coal? Efforts to ascertain the nature of the evidence upon which the Nanticoke is to be detained failed to meet an official response. The fact that the Mayor of Franklin reports that the vessel is to be loaded only with coal, which cannot be regarded as contraband in any sense, led to the inquiry as to the ground for detention. In view of the alleged unseaworthy condition of the ship, it has been suspected that perhaps after all she is being used as a blind, and that while the attention of the government officials is directed toward her, the real shipment of arms to Venezuela, if made at all, will be made from another port than Edenton, N.C., perhaps New Orleans. Completely Bottled Up. BEAUFORT, N.C., June 14. - A telegram was received here late this afternoon from the Mayor of Franklin, stating that the steamer Nanticoke, which is at Franklin, is loaded with coal and awaiting instructions. The steamer was completely "bottled up" and could only get to sea via Ocracoke Inlet. A gale was blowing from the southwest, and if she could get out of the inlet, the small craft could not stand against the wind and sea. ****************************************************************************** "Daily Press" (Newport News, VA), Vol. 14, No. 137, June 15, 1909, p. 1, col. 1 FILIBUSTER STEAMERS TRAPPED NEAR FRANKLIN Commander of Cutter Pamlico Has Orders to "Act" if Vessels Try to Move. MAUSER RIFLES IN PIANO BOXES Large Quantity of Arms and Ammunition Aboard the Nanticoke and Despatch Believed to be Intended for Castro's Use in Venezuela - Lying in the Black Water [sic; Blackwater]. (By Associated Press.) NORFOLK, VA., June 14. - Packed in piano boxes and ready for shipment on a filibustering steamer bound for Venezuela, a quantity of rifles and ammunition, evidently destined for Cipriano Castro's revolutionists was discovered at Franklin, Va., today. The rifles are believed to be a part of the 15,000 Mauser weapons shipped from New York to St. Louis and back to Franklin, billed as pianos and packed to weather the trip to South America. The filibuster suspect steamer Nanticoke was lying near Franklin, and in the Black Water below the steamer was her consort, the tug Dispatch. Cutter is Blockading. The revenue cutter Pamlico is blockading the two suspects and it is not believed that either could pass her even in the darkness, although there were persistent rumors that an attempt would be made to get away. Orders have been issued from Washington to take prompt action in case the steamer should lift anchor. The Nanticoke is not built for deep sea navigation, but the Despatch could navigate far off shore, and the officers in charge of the situation believe that the plan of the filibusterers was to transfer the arms to another steamer at sea. The Nanticoke is apparently loaded with nothing but coal but today she lays high in the water. Neither vessel had been taken in custody by the government, but it was believed prompt seizure would result from the discovery of the contents of the piano boxes. United States Marshals were holding themselves in readiness to take charge of the vessels. Report of Plot Verified. Apparently the gigantic plot of Castro's supporters unearthed by secret agents of the government and present Venezuelan regime and at first not considered very seriously at Washington, for the overthrow of the opponents of the exiled president, was verified by the discovery of the Mausers at Franklin. Whether the entire supply of rifles reached Franklin or the filibustering steamers were waiting for the arrival of other piano boxes from St. Louis is not known, but the state department has again blocked Castro's game. Came From Belgium. The Mauser rifles and ammunition were shipped first from Belgium to New York, the state departments claims, by Castro's agents, and several days ago the rumored plot to send them west and from there back to the South Atlantic coast for shipment to the revolutionists, was reported at Washington and general orders were sent out to watch for suspicious craft. Captain Worth G. Ross, commanding the revenue cutter service, sent telegraphic orders to the lieutenant in command of the Pamlico to overtake the Nanticoke and bring her to a port in order that her cargo might be inspected. The collectors of all South Atlantic ports have been ordered to prevent the Nanticoke and the Despatch clearing. ****************************************************************************** "Times-Dispatch" (Richmond, VA), Wed., June 16, 1909, p. 1, col. 7 VESSEL SEARCHED FOR CONTRABAND Revenue Cutter Officers Fail to Find Anything Suspicious on Nanticoke. VENEZUELA ADMITTED AS HER DESTINATION Clearance Papers Refused on Orders from Washington, and Cargo May Be Removed in Search for Munitions of War - Now Under Close Guard. WASHINGTON, June 15. - Orders were sent to-day through the revenue cutter service to the commander of the Pamlico to detain the steamer Nanticoke until further orders. It is asserted the Nanticoke has violated or is about to violate the neutrality laws, and it is proposed to prevent, if possible, the culmination of such a conspiracy. ADMIT DESTINATION Boats Going to Venezuela, But Journey One of Peace. NORFOLK, VA., June 15. - The steamer Nanticoke and the tug-yacht Dispatch, the former detained at Franklin, and the latter at Norfolk, for alleged violation of the neutrality laws in connection with a supposed contraband expedition for Venezuelan revolutionists, are, by admission made here to-day by their New York agents, bound direct for Maracaibo, Venezuela, but it is denied that the vessels have any connection with any filibustering project. Ira M. Levy, of New York, representing the New York firm of Kates & Co., exporters, has filed application with Collector of Customs Floyd Hughes, at Norfolk, for clearance papers for both the Nanticoke and the Dispatch. The destination of each is given in these papers as Maracaibo, and Captain James Tidmarsh, commanding the Nanticoke, says he expects to have his clearance papers so that he can sail to-morrow. Mr. Levy stated that Collector of Customs Hughes has forwarded to Washington a report that a careful investigation has failed to develop anything suspicious against the Nanticoke or the Dispatch, and that local customs offices have advised him that the way would be clear by 3 o'clock this afternoon for the issuance of clearance papers for both boats. Nothing Suspicious. Collector of Customs Hughes and special government agents have made a thorough examination of both the Nanticoke and the Dispatch, but found nothing aboard of either but coal, water and provisions. The customs agent late yesterday afternoon broke all closed compartments of the Nanticoke, but found nothing contraband. The revenue cutter Pamlico came up the Black Water [sic; Blackwater] River, last night and anchored close by the Nanticoke. Her officers to-day reinspected the suspected steamer. They will file a report also, but even this shows the Nanticoke to be free of contraband. The two boats may, in the opinion of local customs officials, still be detained here pending the completion of an investigation which the government is supposed to be making regarding the consignees of the Nanticoke and Dispatch at Maracaibo. Agent Levy says that the Nanticoke and Dispatch have been purchased and are consigned to Tarriens, a merchant of the Venezuelan capital, and that the two boats are to be used for commercial purposes in Venezuela. He said that under the new regime of President Gomez, confidence has been restored, and Venezuelans believe there is a great commercial future for their metropolis. The Nanticoke and Dispatch, according to both Agent Levy; and direct representatives to-day from J.A. Pretlow, the Nanticoke's agent at Franklin, are to be used in the coffee trade at Maracaibo. It is denied from Franklin to-day that Mauser rifles shipped from New York via St. Louis have arrived there in piano cases. Captain Tidmarsh has a crew of fifteen, all foreigners, and of five different nationalities. They came from New York. Captain Horace H. Weeks, of Camden, N.J., is in command of the Dispatch. NANTICOKE BOARDED Officers of Cutter Make Thorough Search of Vessel. FRANKLIN, VA., June 15. - With reference to the widespread and sensational reports concerning the steamer Nanticoke, now at this place, the matter has been investigated as thoroughly as possible, and the facts appear on the surface to be as follows: The Nanticoke was formerly called the "Chowan," and for years was owned by the Albemarle Steam Navigation Company, of this place. A number of years ago she was sold to some Northern parties, and her name was changed to the Nanticoke. A few years later she was repurchased by the Albemarle Steam Navigation Company and has since been engaged in river traffic between here and Edenton, N.C. Since last December the Nanticoke has been lying at the dock here, the Albemarle Steam Navigation Company having decided to sell her and replace her by a boat better suited to its needs. Recently she was sold for the Albemarle Steam Navigation Company by a firm of shipbrokers in New York, and was immediately taken possession of by her new owners, who intended her, it is said, for river traffic in Venezuela. They at once began overhauling her and fitting her for her voyage to Venezuela. A few weeks ago she left here for Elizabeth City, N.C., the nearest port with a ship railway, to have her bottom scraped and painted, which could not be done here. She returned here more than a week ago to have the overhauling finished and to load coal and provisions for her voyage. Boarded the Vessel. If any rifles or anything of a suspicious character have been shipped here for the Nanticoke, or have been p. 2, col. 1 loaded on her, no one has been able to find out anything about it. The United States cutter Pamlico arrived here about 7 o'clock this morning looking for the Nanticoke and her officers at once proceeded aboard the Nanticoke to look for anything suspicious, but so far as can be ascertained, nothing has been found, and apparently the Nanticoke is loaded only with coal and provisions sufficient for her voyage to Venezuela, if that be her destination. The members of the crew in charge of her assert that she has been bought and will be used for legitimate purposes, and so far as anything that has happened at this point shows, they are telling the truth. SECRECY MAINTAINED Members of Crew Pledged to Say Nothing of Their Movements. RALEIGH, N. C., June 15. - A dispatch from Elizabeth City says: "The Nanticoke was repaired by Willey's Marine Railway at Norfolk, and a number of workmen from the latter railway came here to assist in the work. It seems that the principal work was strengthening the beams of the decks, the reason for which, it is said, the crew stated, was that the ship was to be loaded with 400 tons of coal, and the decks were too light. It is said now that the officers on the ship knew nothing definite, or said they did not, of the future of the boat, but judged from the work being done and the pledge which was required of each member of the crew hired that a trip to Venezuela was in store. It was further confidentially intimated that after leaving here the Nanticoke would join another vessel, possibly having on board some of Castro's agents. It is certain that the crew which was here on the ship believed, or said that they did, that they were to sail for Venezuela, and that there was considerable mystery attached to the proposed voyage, although it is not known upon what they based their beliefs. The talk was not entertained seriously here until the fililbustering report was started from New York. The collector of customs here, D.O. Newberry, has received advices from the department at Washington that a report had reached there that a vessel was at Franklin preparing to load with arms for a filibustering expedition and cautioning him, as Franklin, Va., was in his district, to see that the neutrality laws were not infringed. MAY REMOVE CARGO. Thorough Search for Munitions of War Is Proposed. [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] SUFFOLK, VA., June 15. - Literally bottled up at Franklin, the revenue cutter Pamlico, lying some yards away, and in such position as to prevent passage to the open, the steamer Nanticoke is detained at Franklin to-night. The Pamlico, which had been searching some days for the suspect, arrived at Franklin this morning. No article of a contraband nature had been discovered late to-night though extensive search has not yet been made. President John A. Pretlow, of the Albemarle Steam Navigation Company, who negotiated the sale of the Nanticoke to Venezuelan parties, represented by Senor Arrienz, declared to-night that the loading of the ship had been conducted under his personal supervision, and gave his word that there was nothing suspicious about the cargo, unless it were taken on at night. With crew and pilot engaged and expecting to sail to-morrow, Captain James Tidmarsh, of the Nanticoke, to-day went to Norfolk, expecing to get his clearance papers. It was said in Franklin to-day that the ship's cargo, chiefly coal, may be removed to learn if munitions of war be concealed. It is believed here and at Franklin that if filibustering is the Nanticoke's purpose, no evidence will be found aboard the ship. The period of detention is indeterminate. No Late Developments. NORFOLK, VA., June 15. - There was no developments to-night in the organization of the alleged filibustering expedition against the Venezuelan government. The Nanticoke and her consort, the tug Dispatch, are to-night at anchor in the Blackwater River, but whether or not they have been seized is not known here. United States Marshal Morgan Treat has no information to this effect and Collector of the Port Floyd Hughes has only received instructions to refuse to issue clearance papers to the vessels until further advised by the Washington authorities. As the revenue cutter Pamlico is not equipped with wireless, it is impossible to get in touch with the officers of that vessel, who are yet closely watching the mysterious vessels. Newberry to Investigate. RALEIGH, N. C., June 15. - A dispatch from Elizabeth City says: D.O. Newberry, collector of customs at this port, upon instructions from Washington to locate if possible and hold the steamer Nanticoke and tug Dispatch, suspected of bearing arms for a filibustering expedition, left this morning and will proceed up Chowan River to Franklin, Va., where the vessels are said to be tied up. Revenue cutters are stationed on guard at the mouth of Albemarle Sound. ****************************************************************************** "Daily Press" (Newport News, VA), Vol. 14, No. 138, June 16, 1909, p. 1, col. 3 NO CONTRABAND ABOARD THE STEAMER NANTICOKE Search of Alleged Filibuster Fails to Reveal Anything But Coal and Provisions. ORDERED HELD BY GOVERNMENT Collector of Customs at Raleigh, Under Instructions From Washington, is on Way to Locate Nanticoke and Despatch - Agents Denies All the Reports. (By Associated Press.) RALEIGH, N.C., June 15. - A dispatch from Elizabeth City says: D.O. Newberry, collector of customs at this port, upon instructions from Washington to locate if possible and hold the steamer Nanticoke and the tug Dispatch, suspected of bearing arms for filibustering expedition, left this morning and will proceed up Chowan river to Franklin, Va., where the vessels are said to be tied up. Revenue cutters are stationed on guard at the mouth of Albemarle sound. No Contraband Aboard. NORFOLK, VA., June 15. - The steamer Nanticoke and the tug yacht Despatch, the former detained at Franklin, Va., and the latter at Norfolk for alleged violation of the neutrality laws in connection with a supposed contraband expedition for Venezulan ports, are, by admission made here today by their New York agents, bound direct for Maracaibo, Venezuela, but it is denied that the vessels have any connection with any filibustering project. Ira H. Levy, representing the New York firm of Kates & Company, importers, has filed application with Collector of Customs Floyd Hughes, at Norfolk, for clearance papers for both the Nanticoke and Dispatch. The destination of each is given in these papers at Maracaibo and Captain James Tidmarsh, commanding the Nanticoke says he expects to have his clearance papers so that he can sail tomorrow. Mr. Levy stated that Collector of Customs Hughes has forwarded to Washington a report that a careful investigation has failed to develop anything suspicious against the boats and that local customs officers have advised him that the way will be clear by three o'clock this afternoon for the issuance of clearance papers for both boats. Only Coal and Provisions. Collector of Customs Hughes and special government agents have made a thorough examination of both the Nanticoke and Despatch and found nothing on board but coal and provisions. The customs agent late yesterday broke all closed compartments of the Nanticoke but found nothing contraband. The revenue cutter Pamlico came up the Black Water river last night and anchored close by the Nanticoke. Her officers today reinspected the steamer. They will file a report also, but even this shows the Nanticoke to be free of contraband. The two boats may, in the opinion of local customs officials, still be detained here pending the completion of an investigation which the government is supposed to be making regarding the consignees of the Nanticoke and Despatch at Maracaibo. For Coffee Trade. Agent Levy says that the Nanticoke and Despatch have been purchased and are consigned to T. Arriens, a merchant of Venezuela, and that the boats are to be used for commercial purposes. He said that under the new regime of President Gomez confidence has been restored and Venezuelans believe there is a great commercial future for their metropolis. The Nanticoke and the Despatch, according to both Agent Levy and direct reports today from J.A. Pretlow, the Nanticoke's agent at Franklin, are to be used in the coffee trade at Maracaibo. It is denied from Franklin to-day that Mauser rifles shipped from New York via St. Louis have arrived there in piano cases. Captain Tidmarsh has a crew of 17, all foreigners and of five different nationalities. They came from New York. Captain Horace H. Weeks, of Camden, N.J., is in command of the Despatch. Repaired at Raleigh. RALEIGH, N.C., June 15. - The Nanticoke was repaired by Willeys' Marine Railway here for Collonna (Continued on Third Page). p. 3, col. 4 NO CONTRABAND ABOARD THE STEAMER NANTICOKE (Continued from First Page.) Bros. Marine Railway at Norfolk, Va., and a number of workmen from the latter railway came here to assist in the work. It seems that the principal work was strengthening the beams of the decks, the reason for which, it is said, the crew stated that the ship was to be loaded with four hundred tons of coal and the decks were too light. It is said now that the officers on the ship knew nothing definitely or said they did not, of the future of the boat but judged from the work being done and pledge which was required of each member of the crew hired that a trip to Venezuela was in store for them. It was further confidentaily intimated that after leaving here the Nanticoke would join another vessel, possibly having on board some of Castro's agents. Mystery Attached to Voyage. It is certain that the crew which was on the ship believed or said they did that they were to sail for Venezuela and that there was considerable mystery attached to the proposed voyage, although it is not known upon what they based their beliefs. The talk was not entertained seriously here until the filibustering report was started from New York. The collector of customs here, D.O. Newberry, has received advice from the department at Washington that a report had reached there that a vessel was at Franklin, Va., preparing to load with arms for a filibustering expedition and cautioning him as Franklin, Va., was in but district, to see that the neutrality laws were not infringed on. ****************************************************************************** "Times-Dispatch" (Richmond, VA), Thurs., June 17, 1909, p. 6, col. 3 CASTRO'S DREADNOUGHT. Battleship Nanticoke Once Swept the Seas From Norfolk to Pine Beach Pier. Never before since the thrilling days of the Cuban filibustering expeditions whose participants risked the tortures of a Spanish prison and the peril of the dead wall and the firing squad, have there been more wildly exciting tales of mystery and daring than are now appearing about the good old steamer Nanticoke. This vessel, which for all the watch being kept upon her and all the notice she is attracting, might be one of the magnificent "Dreadnoughts" which Brazil has been so mysteriously building, has been quietly and inoffensively puffing her weary way through the raging waters of the Chowan and the Blackwater, the father and mother of waters, since she graduated from the service of an excursion line that tried to transport passengers between the foot of Bute Street, Norfolk, and the Jamestown Exposition Grounds. Nobody ever suspected her of hostile designs upon the government of Venezuela, until some enterprising private sleuth went aboard and found rather more coal than it was believed the Nanticoke's present schedule rendered necessary for a voyage over the peaceful waters of her cypress-shaded route. Since this momentous discovery, however, all has become activity and vigilance. The revenue cutter fleet is out in force, and while the battleships now at this navy yard have not yet been ordered to the scene of action, it is believed that if the Nanticoke so much as turns her nose toward the South the entire Atlantic fleet will be dispatched to stop her from going down there and blowing Venezuela off the map - with her whistle, perhaps. Good old sidewheel tub. Her builders never thought she would be dangerous to anybody unless her boilers burst, perhaps. But now she is an international mystery and good copy for the metropolitan press. Keep your eye on the Nanticoke. - Portsmouth Star. ****************************************************************************** "Daily Press" (Newport News, VA), Vol. 14, No. 139, June 17, 1909, p. 1, col. 2 MYSTERY CLEARED UP Nanticoke and Dispatch Belong to Venezuelan Government. SURVEILLANCE SUDDENLY ENDS Upon Receipt of Information at Washington, Uncle Sam's Agents Are Called Off False Scent - Collectors Instructed to Clear Vessels. (By Associated Press.) WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16. - State department official advices from Venezuela today clean a up the mystery of the steamer Nanticoke and tug Despatch, suspected of filibustering, showing they were purchased by Venezuela for transportation purposes on Lake Maracaibo. The department of justice has ordered its agents to abandon their observations of the vessels and to return to Washington. On the receipt of the advices, which were from Minister W.W. Russell, transmitted through the state department. Assistant Secretary McHarg of the department of commerce and labor, telegraphed to the collectors of ports on the Middle Atlantic roast to grant clearance papers to the Nanticoke and Dispatch on proper application. Instructions were also sent to the revenue cutters to detain the vessels no longer. The information from Caracas is the result of diligent inquiry made by Minister Russell. VESSELS CLEAR FROM NORFOLK. Nanticoke and Dispatch Ready to Start for Venezuela. (By Associated Press.) NORFOLK, VA., June 16. - Collector of Customs Floyd Hughes was this afternoon directed by the department of commerce and labor to issue, upon application, clearance papers for the steamer Nanticoke at Franklin, Va., and the tug-yacht Dispatch at Norfolk. The vessels were cleared for Maracaibo, Venezuela. The Nanticoke is to sail tomorrow from Franklin. The Dispatch will sail from here and join the Nanticoke as the latter comes out of the Chowan river. ****************************************************************************** "Times-Dispatch" (Richmond, VA), Fri., June 18, 1909, p. 4, col. 1 NANTICOKE SAILS. Vessel, Freed From Suspicion, Leaves for Venezuela. NORFOLK. VA., June 17. - The steamer Nanticoke, which had set several departments of the Federal government agog with activity to forestall any possible filibustering move, sailed from Franklin early to-day for Venezuela. The little craft was released from her detention as a suspicious vessel as the result of information received by the State Department yesterday that ship and the tug Dispatch had been bought by the Caracas government for commercial uses on Lake Maracaibo. The Nanticoke will be joined in Albemarle Sound by the Dispatch, which to-day proceeded through the canals from Norfolk. The revenue cutter Pamlico, which had been watching the Nanticoke, sailed for Newbern, N.C. The Federal grand jury, which had been held at Norfolk on the possibility that it might have to consider indictments for violations of the neutrality laws, was finally discharged to-day. ****************************************************************************** "Daily Press" (Newport News, VA), Vol. 14, No. 140, June 18, 1909, p. 4, col. 2 NANTICOKE OFF AT LAST. Cause of Filibuster Scare Starts for Venezuela. NORFOLK, VA., June 17. - The steamer Nanticoke, at first suspected and held as a Venezuelan filibuster but released following information obtained by the department at Washington yesterday that she, together with the tug-yacht Dispatch, were intended commercially for the Venezuelan government rather than for revolutionists, sailed from Franklin at 11 a.m. today on the first leg of her long and dangerous voyage to Maracaibo. Captain Tidmarsh, her aged master, declared he had no fears of the trip. The revenue cutter Pamlico, which had been watching the Nanticoke, sailed early today for Newbern, N.C. The Dispatch, from Suffolk, is today proceeding through the canals to join the Nanticoke in Albemarle sound. Additional information: The "Nanticoke" was originally the Civil War blockade-runner "Ella," which the Albemarle Steam Navigation Co. acquired in 1866. She was re-built in 1874 in Wilmington, DE, and re-named the "Chowan." Her wailing siren warned of the disasterous fire which destroyed most of Franklin, on the night of 26 Feb 1881. Robert M. FAGAN of Southampton Co. reported on the Venezuela trip for the "Tidewater News" by postcard & cablegram. She arrived there in August. (Parramore, "Southampton County, Virginia" {pp. 178, 181, esp. 210-11}) Robert Montgomery FAGAN later served in the Army in WW-I, and was Sheriff & deputy sheriff in Green Co., MO. His obit ("Tidewater News," Nov. 7, 1957, p. 7) is posted at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/southampton/obits/f250r2ob.txt Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by File Manager Matt Harris (zoobug64@aol.com). file at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/southampton/news/19090615td.txt