Salmon P. Chase

“ They are entitled to very little weight as further proof.
The affidavit of Wigg was positive to his ownership; to the non-existence of Confederate ownership; and to the allegation that the Pearl, at the time of her capture, was engaged in the bona fide prosecution of a lawful voyage from Great Britain to Nassau, and that he had no knowledge or belief that any cause existed which rendered her liable to capture. ”

“ It seemed to be a common understanding among them that the Pearl was to be engaged in running the blockade, and there was much talk about the practicability and probability of her getting into the Confederate ports, and especially the port of Charleston. ”

“ The Pearl was captured on the 20th January, 1863, by the United States ship of war Tioga, between the Bahama banks and Nassau.
The papers found on board showed that she was a British vessel, belonging to one George Wigg, of Liverpool; that he became owner on the 24th of September, 1862; that one George M. Maxted was appointed master at Glasgow, where she was purchased, on the 25th of September; that one Matthew L. Irving succeeded him on the 13th of October, also at Glasgow; and that one William Jolly was appointed in his place, at Cork, on the 22d of November. ”