Patuxent. He said the party had
crossed the Potomac in a small sail boat, and compelled him to pilot
them, to overhaul the "Harriet Deford." He said they steamed down the
bay, after leaving Fair Haven. We held him, and at once ran on down the
Chesapeake, to the mouth of the Potomac. We were then in Commodore
Parker's territory, which he was covering clear across the bay with
gunboats. Our duty was done, and we returned to Baltimore.

I learned afterwards that they ran the "Deford" into Mobjack bay, where
she was burned, after first stripping her joiner work. I visited, and
afterwards married, Aunt Mag, in the region of Mobjack bay, but never
referred to the incident. I thought it might not bring up pleasant
recollections. I have often wondered if some of the "Deford's" saloon
trimmings might be in use in some of the houses there. Let us forget it.

The following account of the affair appeared in the New York papers
under date April 6th, 1865, with big headline: "Another Pirate!"

"Baltimore, April 5th, 1865. A daring act of piracy was
perpetrated at Fair Haven, Herring Bay, about fifty miles from
this city, the Steamer Harriet Deford being seized by a
company of Rebel soldiers in disguise. The Deford had scarcely
left Fair Haven Wharf before a dozen or more of newly received
passengers threw off their overcoats and drawing revolvers
revealed to the astonished gaze of the passengers the uniforms
of Rebel soldiers.

The passengers, about seventy in number, thirty being ladies,
were ordered to the saloon and guards placed over them while
the balance of the pirates proceeded to take command of the
Steamer. Captain and officers were forced into obedience at
the muzzle of the pirates' revolvers. One of the pirates
assumed control of the wheel, the Pilot and Engineer being
compelled to proceed to sea. Mr. A. Donnell, clerk of the
Deford, believing that he had met the leader of the outlaws on
a former occasion, accosted him as Captain Fitzhugh, when the
latter acknowledged the recognition and said he was Captain of
the Fifth Virginia Cavalry and acting under orders of superior
officers. Under the persuasive eloquence of a revolver the
clerk handed over to the pirates nearly twelve hundred dollars
belonging to the owners of the Steamer and different firms in
this City; which Fitzhugh carefully robbed.

Wh