To Oppose Seizure of Oil Tanker

Washington Will Protest British Captors of American Steamer on High Seas

SS Brindilla - First war prize brought to Halifax
SS Brindilla – First war prize brought to Halifax

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19. —Intention of the administration vigorously to oppose seizure of the Standard Oil tanker Brindilla at Halifax by the British converted cruiser Caronia, but to leave the question of the Brindilla‘s alleged contraband cargo to the admiralty court for decision, was evidenced here today.

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May 20, 1861 – Capture of a Submarine Boat

Brutus de Villeroi's first submarine boat seized by the government at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 16, 1861.

Brutus de Villeroi’s first submarine boat seized by the government at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 16, 1861.

Quite an excitement was created in Philadelphia on Friday morning by the seizure of a submarine boat, the invention of De Villeroi, a Frenchman. It was going down the river and struck on an island. Four men were found on board. Villeroi says he was about taking it to the Navy Yard to test ; but the others of the yard disclaim any knowledge of him. The boat was constructed some time since for raising wrecks and other submarine work, but was never put in active use. It is segar-shaped and made of iron, thirty feet long. It supplies its own air, and will be useful in running under a fleet.