American Privateer Anaconda-- Part 4: The Express Surrenders

Continuing with the capture of the packet ship Express.

A consultation was held, when it was advised to strike the colours to preserve the lives of the brave crew of the Express, and the mail was thrown overboard.  The water was now increasing very fast; one of the pumps was disabled by a shot; the vessel scuttling by the head, and expecting her to go down -- the ensign was hoisted re-versed, a signal of distress to the enemy.

The boats of the privateer came to our assistance.  The carpenter and his crew  proceeded in plugging the holes and reducing the water.

We now found our opponent to be the American private brig of war Anaconda from New York, last from Boston -- out 75 days -- this her first capture -- mounting 18 long nines and twelves, with 120 men.

--Brock-Perry