Confederate Navy Captain Disguises Himself As A Negro To Spy On The Harbor

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War-date Autograph Letter Signed by Naval Commander John Goldsborough, 10pp., US Steamer Florida, Port Royal, February 24, 1863. In part, "... the papers announce the death at Roanoke Island of a Capt. Cole son of old Governor Cole ... account of the battle of Roanoke - How nobly every man both on land and water did his duty. i think that the charge of the New York Zouves was one of the most dashing events in the war.... Gen'l Burnsides sent a portion of his gun boat Fleet in pursuit of the rebel gun boats who overtook & destroyed them at Elizabeth City. It would really appear as if Louis (John's brother) was acting in a subordinate capacity-and it has gone so far now that it would almost be impossible to change the public mind. we have a vague rumor in the fleet that Ft. Donelson has been taken and 15,000 rebel troops surrendered .. Oh I hope and pray that such information be correct. Continues, [Feb25th] In part, "Do you perceive that England is actually sending us cotton. One vessel has already in New York and more on the way. ...I heard a rumor .. that Captain Hartstene of the Confederate Navy is in the habit of disguising himself in all respect as a Georgia Negro and passing the most of his time around the harbor overlooking the shipping. I have my doubt about this - he certainly would not be so bold as to pass over lines - every Negro is known to the officers. I never told you of the rebels attempting to blow our vessel up in the Savannah River by a curiously devised Torpedo filled with powder - they attempted this several times ... invariably failed. I believe Mr. Maury (Matthew Fontaine) has been busy at work endeavoring to invent something but has not succeeded. ... I think we are going to make a simultaneous attack on Mobile and New Orleans. - while General Brannon lands about ten thousand men on the coast of Florida ... and we must be certain that when we do strike there will be no Bull Run about it." Continues [Feb. 27th] In part, "Last night was a terrible night in the harbor for about two hours it blew - how it blew. ... I was up on deck nearly all night - and toady feel like being hung on a close line. 3pm, I have just heard that we sail immediately. ... Husband John."According to Appleton's Cyclopædia of American Biography, Captain Hartstene became insane in the summer of 1862.

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