Wednesday, the 26th November, saw all these arrangements completed, and
the last batch of liberty-men safely on board again after their run. The
Alabama was now ready for a fresh cruise, but before taking leave of
Blanquilla, there was an act of justice to be done. Accordingly, that
afternoon a court-martial was summoned for the trial of George Forrest,
the seaman who had originally deserted from the Sumter, and who, on his
recapture, had been sentenced to serve out his time, forfeiting all pay,
prize-money, &c. His present offence was that of endeavouring to incite
the crew to mutiny, and of procuring with that object the liquor with
which the rioters of the 18th November had been made intoxicated.
The case was clearly proved, and after some consultation judgment was
passed, sentencing him to lose all prize-money, and to be dismissed the
ship in disgrace. At a quarter past seven in the evening, all hands were
mustered aft to hear the sentence read; and after a short but effective
address from Captain Semmes, the prisoner was informed that he was now
dismissed the Confederate service with the stain of infamy upon him, and
bundled over the side into the boat that was to convey him to the shore.
This ceremony over, and the ship rid of the incorrigible scoundrel who
had so long disgraced her, the men were dismissed, and preparations made
for the Alabama's departure. She had been already preceded by the
Agrippina, three of whose hands had volunteered in exchange for three
from the steamer, and on the return of the boat no time was lost in
getting her under way.
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