USS Beauregard (1861) - Privateer Service

Privateer Service

As one method to counter Union naval power, the Confederacy issued letters of marque to facilitate the use of privateers against northern shipping. The schooner Priscilla C. Ferguson was acquired by a group headed by A. F. W. Abrams of Charleston, S.C. for service as a privateer. The vessel was renamed Beauregard and fitted out with a single 24 pound rifled gun and accommodations for a 40 man crew. The privateer Beauregard was commissioned in Charleston, S.C. on 14 October 1861. The ship’s preparations did not go unreported, by 24 October 1861 a northern ship master notified Secretary of the Navy Welles that both the Beauregard and Dixie were at Charleston preparing for service as privateers.

Captain Gilbert Hay, with 2 lieutenants, 1 purser, and 23 crewmen, succeeded in running the blockade unobserved on 5 November 1861. During the Beauregard ’s time as a active privateer, no captures were reported. On 12 November 1861 Lt. William C. Rogers commanding the USS William G. Anderson spotted the Beauregard in the Bahama Channel. Even though the Beauregard sailed with fewer men than originally planned Lt. Rogers’ attention was attracted to the schooner when only 4 miles off by "many men on her decks." After a 2 hour chase the Anderson was able capture the vessel. When Captain Hay finally surrendered he presented his letter of marque from Jefferson Davis to his captors. After taking control of the Beauregard and putting a prize crew on board Lt. Rogers proceeded to take the prisoners and the prize to Key West for adjudication. The Anderson and its prize arrived in Florida on 19 November 1861. The prize court condemned the schooner with gross proceeds of $2,146.67 and $1,854.92 for distribution after costs and expenses.