Archibald James Meriwether (also known as James Archibald Meriwether) was a midshipman at the US Naval Academy when the Civil War broke out. He resigned his appointment and joined the Confederate Navy, enlisting May 1861 and serving to end of the War; first service was supposedly on the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack), participating in the famous fight with the USS Monitor. He was then in command of the CSS Kniobe, a blockade runner, for 22 months, making 18 round trips between Havana and other Southern ports.
His wife Lorena was born in Lowndes County, Mississippi where they were married on May 30, 1867.
TMSI Note: There is no evidence he was on the CSS Virginia. His fifth cousin, Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones, was Executive Officer and commanding officer of the CSS Virginia when she met the USS Monitor. CS Naval records indicate Meriwether was stationed at Savannah, Georgia, in 1861 and 1862.
Although the headstone states he was born in 1832, most historical records and his US Naval Academy information give a date of 1842. The 1850, 1860 & 1880 Census give ages supporting 1842; 1900 has Sep 1832 and age of 79 in the 1910 Census also indicates 1831 or 1832. One obituary gives age at death of as 70, again supporting 1842; another has 79 and one even has 89 .
Merriweather, James A. (USNA Register)
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Entered the U. S. Naval Academy 28 September 1858. Resigned 22 January 1861. Appointed acting midshipman, C. S. Navy 16 May 1861. Promoted to passed midshipman 3 October 1862. Served on the Savannah Naval Station 1861-1862. Served aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES at the Mobile Naval Station, 1862-1863. Resigned from the service 11 February 1863.
Here's what the CS Navy Register says:
Meriwether, James A.
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Resigned as an acting midshipman, US Naval Academy, 22 Jan 1861. Appointed an acting midshipman, CS Navy, 16 May 1861. Promoted passed midshipman, 3 Oct 1862. Resigned 11 Feb 1863. Served at the Savannah Naval Station, 1861-62, and aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES, Mobile, Alabama, 1862-63.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 21 February 1912
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20 – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 89 years old, and City Police Judge, died this morning after several days illness from paralysis of the heart. He had been a resident of this county for forty-five years. He was educated at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in the same class with Admirals Dewey, Schley and Sampson. He entered the navy as Lieutenant and served ten years before the breaking out of the Civil War, when he, with 249 out of 250 men, left the United States Navy when their resignations were refused by President Lincoln and joined the Confederate forces. A French woman named Lizzie De Maurie presented the Confederacy a battleship with the provision that Meriwether should be made Captain in charge. This was granted and the ship was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America. The ship was named Niobe, and while off the Cuban coast near Havana Capt. Meriwether blew it up to prevent its capture by Federals.
Capt. Meriwether formulated and carried to successful completion a move to build a beautiful monument here to the memory of the Sons and Daughters of the South, and in this undertaking, which was completed only a few months ago, he was helped financially by Admiral Winfield Scott Schley.
A brother, Robert Meriwether, aged 76, of Austin is here. He was a member of the staff of Gen. A. R. Wright and took part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Appomattox court house, in both of which he was badly wounded.
The funeral will be held here tomorrow afternoon.
Archibald James Meriwether
Washington Post (Washington, D.C.), 21 February 1912
Confederate Captain Dead
A.J. Meriwether Commanded the Niobe, Which He Later Blew Up.
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20. – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 79 years old, died from paralysis of the heart today.
Capt. Meriwether was graduated at Annapolis in 1856, and, entering the navy, he became a lieutenant and served until the outbreak of the civil war, when he, with 250 others, entered the Confederate service.
A French woman gave the Confederacy a ship with the provision that Meriwether should be the captain. This was granted, and the vessel, the Noibe, was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America.
When the vessel was about to be captured Capt. Meriwether blew her up off the coast of Cuba, near Havana.
Archibald James Meriwether
New York Times (New York, New York), 22 February 1912
Capt. A. J. Meriwether died Tuesday at Gainesville, Texas, at the age of 70 years. Capt. Meriwether was graduated from Annapolis in 1856, and he was serving as Lieutenant when he resigned to take a commission in the Confederate Navy. A war vessel was given to the South, with a provision that Capt. Meriwether be made commander. The vessel (CSS Kniobe) was serving as a blockade runner to bring supplies to the Confederate Army from Cuba. Chased by a United States vessel and in danger of capture, Capt. Meriwether blew her up while off Havana Harbor.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 25 February 1912
Was Blockade Runner
Commander of Niobe, Donated to Confederacy, Which Vessel He Scuttled and Sank After Surrender
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 24 — The following biographical sketch was found among the papers and other belongings of the late Capt. A.J. Meriwether, who died at his home here Feb. 20, after a notable career as a soldier and business man.
Capt. Meriwether had said on several occasions that all Confederates should write up a sketch of their lives so that when they are gone their widows and other relatives could trace up the proper data in securing pensions and keeping green in memory their heroic deeds.
Besides the sketch of his life a letter from Admiral Winfield Scott Schley and one from General J.B. Gordon will be found interesting, as well as a short sketch of the life of Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, his brother. The sketch is as follows:
A.J. Meriwether was born Sept. 8, 1832 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Ga. My parents were Judge A. and Rebecca C. Meriwether. At the age of 15 years I received the Presidential, Senatorial and Congressional appointments to the United States Navy, and I entered the naval school at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 10, 1847, as "acting midshipman." After the regular course at the academy was finished I received commission as midshipman and was ordered to sea under Capt. T.T. Craven on the old sailing thirty-two-gun sloop of war Plymouth, which at that time was attached to the African squadron. After two years I was ordered to the Mediterranean squadron under Com. Ingraham (a veritable marionet), saw two years under him and was then recalled to the United States and was ordered to report to Capt. Maury for duty in coast survey at Washington. I was ordered before examining board for final examination, passed and was commissioned "passed midshipman" to rank five.
Was Commissioned Master
After nine months' service as passed midshipman I was commissioned a Master (now Junior Lieutenant). I remained with Capt. Maury one and half years and then was ordered to the Washington Navy Yard to report to Commanders Dahlgren and Page for duty in ordinance department; remaining there eighteen months was ordered to report to Capt. Rhodes for duty on "special service."
Which service I found, after reaching the Brooklyn navy yard, to be for the purpose of carrying our Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ward of Savannah, Ga., to Japan, and if successful in his mission to bring to the United States the accredited embassy of the Japanese Government. We brought them (a monument to American statesmanship.)
Afterward, as especial guests of this Government, they were wined and dined in all the principle cities. We embarked then on board the first-class frigate Niagara and steamed out of New York harbor July 4, 1860, for Japanese waters. We left New York with sealed orders to be opened after disembarking the embassy on their native land.
After landing them, we discovered that we had orders to cruise off the western and northern coast of Alaska to look after the seal and other interests the United States had in these waters.
On The Eve of Great War
Through at the time of leaving the United States the storm clouds of political war hung low around the horizon, little did we think we were on the eve of a bloody fratricidal war.
On May 12, 1861, going into the coaling station, Franklin—in the Fox Islands—we found orders to report without delay to the commanding officer of the Boston Navy Yard. And as soon as we coal we put to sea for the South Pacific, and after doubling Cape Horn we steered for Boston.
When off Cape Hatteras we heard what we thought was cannonading, but were not sure. We knew nothing of the secession of the Southern States nor the effort of the Federals to coerce them back to the Union.
When the pilot came on board to pilot the ship into the port was our first knowledge of the crisis.
Resigned Commission
As soon as possible I left for Washington to hand in my resignation. Upon entering Washington and tendering my resignation it was politely but positively refused, and I was ordered back to the Niagara. Instead of obeying the order I mounted a horse and steered for Richmond, where I landed after many narrow escapes from the Federals and reported to that illustrious statesman and matchless chieftain, Jefferson Davis.
My first service was on the Merrimac in her fight with the Monitor. After that engagement, being wounded, was in the hospital three weeks, and then reported for duty. Was ordered to report to Com. Josiah Tatnall at Savannah, Ga. After the Hilton Head fight was ordered to New Orleans to remain to such time as I could get shipping on Havana, Cuba. The fight coming on, I attached myself to the Sumpter. In the engagement, Capt. Semmes seeing the long hoped for opportunity to go to sea and prey upon the enemy's commerce, as it were, thrust upon him, gladly accepted the inevitable and made a dash for the deep blue sea. The world knows the sequel.
Upon reaching Havana I found orders to report to Capt. Bullock, the Confederate purchasing agent abroad.
Served Under Bullock
None can realize the happy emotion that permeated my every being on the receipt of them and the gratitude that possessed my heart on recognizing the handiwork of President Davis and that grand old commoner, John H. Reagan, in getting me assigned to the man of all men I preferred to serve under. I remained under Bullock till after the 290, afterward the Alabama, was turned over to Semmes in the Azores waters.
About this time Col. Livingston and Capt. DeMaury formed a joint purse and purchased the Sea Witch, a steam two-masted yacht, from some parties in Marseilles, France, and tendered her to the Confederate Government for service in running the Federal blockade in bringing in supplies that were purchased by Bullock in England and elsewhere, conditioned only that they should have the exclusive right to name her commander. The tender was accepted and they submitted my name as their choice.
Sailed For Marseilles
May 23, 1863, while standing on the deck in Havana, the Leatherwing, an old Mobile pilot boat, and the captain, J.C. Askew, handed my the official documents which proved to orders to sail for Marseilles, France on the first vessel out of Havana. The third day after the receipt of orders I left on a three-masted schooner engaged in the wine trade. After a very stormy time we reached Marseilles in due time, where I opened the sealed order package inclosed in the original and found that I must report to Col. Livingston at Rue d' Place 725 M. Upon going there, I learned the whys and wherefores of the whole arrangement from Col. Livingston.
Rescued French Belle
Col. Livingston had married a very charming young lady, Miss Clara Loroche Gervase, a sister of Lieut. Haward Gervase of the French Navy, a warm personal friend of mine, and was also a niece of Capt. DeMaury of the French Army. Miss Gervase, when returning from a dance on our ship on the 9th of May, 1854, fell from the staging of the Powhatan into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea; being by her side I plunged in after her and when she arose to the surface laid hold of her and kept her head above water till a boat could reach her. Being petite and very pretty she was more than grateful for my act and would have nothing than that I had saved her from a watery grave, and as the whole was, Frenchlike "the whole thing or nothing," I was made much of, feted day by day, whenever the ship was in port, and being a young American proud of my nativity and of the adulation bestowed by such a pretty girl upon me, I very naturally did nothing to disparage the act.
Vessel Gives Confederacy
Mrs. Livingston having seen my name among the C.S. naval officers on duty aboard conceived that idea of purchase and offering the C.S. a fast vessel for the purpose of carrying supplies to the Confederacy; a doting husband, a loving uncle; no sooner does that wife and niece propose a thing that a plan for gratifying her wish is conceived a put into operation. She it was who suggested my name and through her uncle the Colonel, was prevailed upon to join them in petitioning the President to assign me to command of the Niobe.
Commander of Niobe
For twenty-two months I had command of the Niobe. I made eighteen round trips between Havana and some of the southern ports, making successful deliveries each time with the loss of only nine men of the original crew. Three of these men were killed in running the Federal blockade at Mobile a few days prior to the engagement at that port.
Two of them were killed by Confederate pickets below Fort Jackson below Savannah, Ga. The killing was nothing more or less than cold-blooded murder, committed by two of the most arrant cowards that God ever permitted the life blood to course through veins.
I had the exquisite pleasure of hearing their doom read out on dress parade and the next day seeing them shot. When my men were shot down they were standing on the deck of the vessel chatting with no arms in their hands or about their persons; the vessel was flying the Confederate colors at the mizzen and the regulation signals on the fore and without even hailing us they fired upon us, and desisted only when I ordered a gun fired into the party, when they ran like a set of dastard scoundrels, the Lieutenant in command of the scouting squad being in the lead. The other four on my men died of Yellow Jack in Havana.
Sank Vessel At Sea
At the date of the final surrender I was in Havana, partially loaded with supplies, and as my orders from the owners were not to surrender the vessel into the hands of the Federals under any circumstances, but to sail into deep water and sink her with all her cargo, I left Havana and sailed south into the Caribbean Sea and after putting all my men into the quarter boats, scuttled her, and I saw her go down in seventy fathoms of water with the Confederate Ensign flying from the mizzen staff. (See below.) After seeing her properly buried, I pulled out for Vera Cruz, Mex., with all the boats in the wake, where we landed the eighth day after the burial of the Niobe, and made a formal, full and complete report of all my actions from the time I was assigned command till the last act in the drama was performed. In due time I received a reply from the owners and a full and complete endorsement signed by each of the owners of all my acts.
Knocked Out Mud Valve
May 25, 1865, 8 bells p.m. (4 o'clock) scuttled the Niobe by knocking out mud valve and staving in her bottom. She filled and sank in twenty minutes in latitude 16 degrees 10 minutes N.; longitude 80 degrees 15 minutes W.
His Brother's Record
Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, who has charge of all the carpenter and plumbing repair work at the State Confederate Home at Austin, returned to his home, after having attended the funeral of his brother, Capt. A.J. Meriwether.
He, too, has a war record. He joined the Confederacy at Eatonton, Ga., when he was 18 years old, and was elected First Lieutenant of Company B. On account of his youthful age he refused to accept the honor, but was elected again. Seeing gray-headed men under him he still refused the honor and fought throughout the war as a private, being wounded seven times. He lost two fingers and had the balance mangled on the left hand in the battle of Chancelorsville on the Sunday following the Saturday night that Stonewall Jackson was killed.
Met, Without Recognition
The last time he and his brother met was during the war in the spring of 1864, when the two had furloughs home.
In May, 1911, D.R.A. Meriwether came to visit his brother in Gainesville. He learned of his wereabouts from a soldier in the home—John McCarty, formerly of Gainesville. When the brothers met some strange coincidences were found. They both had attended some fifteen different United Confederate reunions held throughout the South, but never recognized each other.
At Chattanooga, in the 80's they stood at the same table side by side and did not know it at the time, but recalled it upon meeting last year, by the incident of the remarks made by a certain lady guest with whom they both talked concerning a plate of pie handed to her by Capt. Meriwether. Lieut. Meriwether thinks the reason he missed recognizing his brother at the reunion was that he was all the time looking for him to be wearing the navy insignia, when in fact he wore the regular army badge. Lieut. Meriwether has quite an interesting history. Besides being wounded as already related, he received scars in other battles and was shot twice at the battle of Appomattox.
∼TMSI [14400]: M1226 — 4G-Grandson of Nicholas Meriwether & Elizabeth (?) Meriwether Browne.
His wife Lorena was born in Lowndes County, Mississippi where they were married on May 30, 1867.
TMSI Note: There is no evidence he was on the CSS Virginia. His fifth cousin, Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones, was Executive Officer and commanding officer of the CSS Virginia when she met the USS Monitor. CS Naval records indicate Meriwether was stationed at Savannah, Georgia, in 1861 and 1862.
Although the headstone states he was born in 1832, most historical records and his US Naval Academy information give a date of 1842. The 1850, 1860 & 1880 Census give ages supporting 1842; 1900 has Sep 1832 and age of 79 in the 1910 Census also indicates 1831 or 1832. One obituary gives age at death of as 70, again supporting 1842; another has 79 and one even has 89 .
Merriweather, James A. (USNA Register)
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Entered the U. S. Naval Academy 28 September 1858. Resigned 22 January 1861. Appointed acting midshipman, C. S. Navy 16 May 1861. Promoted to passed midshipman 3 October 1862. Served on the Savannah Naval Station 1861-1862. Served aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES at the Mobile Naval Station, 1862-1863. Resigned from the service 11 February 1863.
Here's what the CS Navy Register says:
Meriwether, James A.
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Resigned as an acting midshipman, US Naval Academy, 22 Jan 1861. Appointed an acting midshipman, CS Navy, 16 May 1861. Promoted passed midshipman, 3 Oct 1862. Resigned 11 Feb 1863. Served at the Savannah Naval Station, 1861-62, and aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES, Mobile, Alabama, 1862-63.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 21 February 1912
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20 – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 89 years old, and City Police Judge, died this morning after several days illness from paralysis of the heart. He had been a resident of this county for forty-five years. He was educated at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in the same class with Admirals Dewey, Schley and Sampson. He entered the navy as Lieutenant and served ten years before the breaking out of the Civil War, when he, with 249 out of 250 men, left the United States Navy when their resignations were refused by President Lincoln and joined the Confederate forces. A French woman named Lizzie De Maurie presented the Confederacy a battleship with the provision that Meriwether should be made Captain in charge. This was granted and the ship was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America. The ship was named Niobe, and while off the Cuban coast near Havana Capt. Meriwether blew it up to prevent its capture by Federals.
Capt. Meriwether formulated and carried to successful completion a move to build a beautiful monument here to the memory of the Sons and Daughters of the South, and in this undertaking, which was completed only a few months ago, he was helped financially by Admiral Winfield Scott Schley.
A brother, Robert Meriwether, aged 76, of Austin is here. He was a member of the staff of Gen. A. R. Wright and took part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Appomattox court house, in both of which he was badly wounded.
The funeral will be held here tomorrow afternoon.
Archibald James Meriwether
Washington Post (Washington, D.C.), 21 February 1912
Confederate Captain Dead
A.J. Meriwether Commanded the Niobe, Which He Later Blew Up.
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20. – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 79 years old, died from paralysis of the heart today.
Capt. Meriwether was graduated at Annapolis in 1856, and, entering the navy, he became a lieutenant and served until the outbreak of the civil war, when he, with 250 others, entered the Confederate service.
A French woman gave the Confederacy a ship with the provision that Meriwether should be the captain. This was granted, and the vessel, the Noibe, was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America.
When the vessel was about to be captured Capt. Meriwether blew her up off the coast of Cuba, near Havana.
Archibald James Meriwether
New York Times (New York, New York), 22 February 1912
Capt. A. J. Meriwether died Tuesday at Gainesville, Texas, at the age of 70 years. Capt. Meriwether was graduated from Annapolis in 1856, and he was serving as Lieutenant when he resigned to take a commission in the Confederate Navy. A war vessel was given to the South, with a provision that Capt. Meriwether be made commander. The vessel (CSS Kniobe) was serving as a blockade runner to bring supplies to the Confederate Army from Cuba. Chased by a United States vessel and in danger of capture, Capt. Meriwether blew her up while off Havana Harbor.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 25 February 1912
Was Blockade Runner
Commander of Niobe, Donated to Confederacy, Which Vessel He Scuttled and Sank After Surrender
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 24 — The following biographical sketch was found among the papers and other belongings of the late Capt. A.J. Meriwether, who died at his home here Feb. 20, after a notable career as a soldier and business man.
Capt. Meriwether had said on several occasions that all Confederates should write up a sketch of their lives so that when they are gone their widows and other relatives could trace up the proper data in securing pensions and keeping green in memory their heroic deeds.
Besides the sketch of his life a letter from Admiral Winfield Scott Schley and one from General J.B. Gordon will be found interesting, as well as a short sketch of the life of Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, his brother. The sketch is as follows:
A.J. Meriwether was born Sept. 8, 1832 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Ga. My parents were Judge A. and Rebecca C. Meriwether. At the age of 15 years I received the Presidential, Senatorial and Congressional appointments to the United States Navy, and I entered the naval school at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 10, 1847, as "acting midshipman." After the regular course at the academy was finished I received commission as midshipman and was ordered to sea under Capt. T.T. Craven on the old sailing thirty-two-gun sloop of war Plymouth, which at that time was attached to the African squadron. After two years I was ordered to the Mediterranean squadron under Com. Ingraham (a veritable marionet), saw two years under him and was then recalled to the United States and was ordered to report to Capt. Maury for duty in coast survey at Washington. I was ordered before examining board for final examination, passed and was commissioned "passed midshipman" to rank five.
Was Commissioned Master
After nine months' service as passed midshipman I was commissioned a Master (now Junior Lieutenant). I remained with Capt. Maury one and half years and then was ordered to the Washington Navy Yard to report to Commanders Dahlgren and Page for duty in ordinance department; remaining there eighteen months was ordered to report to Capt. Rhodes for duty on "special service."
Which service I found, after reaching the Brooklyn navy yard, to be for the purpose of carrying our Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ward of Savannah, Ga., to Japan, and if successful in his mission to bring to the United States the accredited embassy of the Japanese Government. We brought them (a monument to American statesmanship.)
Afterward, as especial guests of this Government, they were wined and dined in all the principle cities. We embarked then on board the first-class frigate Niagara and steamed out of New York harbor July 4, 1860, for Japanese waters. We left New York with sealed orders to be opened after disembarking the embassy on their native land.
After landing them, we discovered that we had orders to cruise off the western and northern coast of Alaska to look after the seal and other interests the United States had in these waters.
On The Eve of Great War
Through at the time of leaving the United States the storm clouds of political war hung low around the horizon, little did we think we were on the eve of a bloody fratricidal war.
On May 12, 1861, going into the coaling station, Franklin—in the Fox Islands—we found orders to report without delay to the commanding officer of the Boston Navy Yard. And as soon as we coal we put to sea for the South Pacific, and after doubling Cape Horn we steered for Boston.
When off Cape Hatteras we heard what we thought was cannonading, but were not sure. We knew nothing of the secession of the Southern States nor the effort of the Federals to coerce them back to the Union.
When the pilot came on board to pilot the ship into the port was our first knowledge of the crisis.
Resigned Commission
As soon as possible I left for Washington to hand in my resignation. Upon entering Washington and tendering my resignation it was politely but positively refused, and I was ordered back to the Niagara. Instead of obeying the order I mounted a horse and steered for Richmond, where I landed after many narrow escapes from the Federals and reported to that illustrious statesman and matchless chieftain, Jefferson Davis.
My first service was on the Merrimac in her fight with the Monitor. After that engagement, being wounded, was in the hospital three weeks, and then reported for duty. Was ordered to report to Com. Josiah Tatnall at Savannah, Ga. After the Hilton Head fight was ordered to New Orleans to remain to such time as I could get shipping on Havana, Cuba. The fight coming on, I attached myself to the Sumpter. In the engagement, Capt. Semmes seeing the long hoped for opportunity to go to sea and prey upon the enemy's commerce, as it were, thrust upon him, gladly accepted the inevitable and made a dash for the deep blue sea. The world knows the sequel.
Upon reaching Havana I found orders to report to Capt. Bullock, the Confederate purchasing agent abroad.
Served Under Bullock
None can realize the happy emotion that permeated my every being on the receipt of them and the gratitude that possessed my heart on recognizing the handiwork of President Davis and that grand old commoner, John H. Reagan, in getting me assigned to the man of all men I preferred to serve under. I remained under Bullock till after the 290, afterward the Alabama, was turned over to Semmes in the Azores waters.
About this time Col. Livingston and Capt. DeMaury formed a joint purse and purchased the Sea Witch, a steam two-masted yacht, from some parties in Marseilles, France, and tendered her to the Confederate Government for service in running the Federal blockade in bringing in supplies that were purchased by Bullock in England and elsewhere, conditioned only that they should have the exclusive right to name her commander. The tender was accepted and they submitted my name as their choice.
Sailed For Marseilles
May 23, 1863, while standing on the deck in Havana, the Leatherwing, an old Mobile pilot boat, and the captain, J.C. Askew, handed my the official documents which proved to orders to sail for Marseilles, France on the first vessel out of Havana. The third day after the receipt of orders I left on a three-masted schooner engaged in the wine trade. After a very stormy time we reached Marseilles in due time, where I opened the sealed order package inclosed in the original and found that I must report to Col. Livingston at Rue d' Place 725 M. Upon going there, I learned the whys and wherefores of the whole arrangement from Col. Livingston.
Rescued French Belle
Col. Livingston had married a very charming young lady, Miss Clara Loroche Gervase, a sister of Lieut. Haward Gervase of the French Navy, a warm personal friend of mine, and was also a niece of Capt. DeMaury of the French Army. Miss Gervase, when returning from a dance on our ship on the 9th of May, 1854, fell from the staging of the Powhatan into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea; being by her side I plunged in after her and when she arose to the surface laid hold of her and kept her head above water till a boat could reach her. Being petite and very pretty she was more than grateful for my act and would have nothing than that I had saved her from a watery grave, and as the whole was, Frenchlike "the whole thing or nothing," I was made much of, feted day by day, whenever the ship was in port, and being a young American proud of my nativity and of the adulation bestowed by such a pretty girl upon me, I very naturally did nothing to disparage the act.
Vessel Gives Confederacy
Mrs. Livingston having seen my name among the C.S. naval officers on duty aboard conceived that idea of purchase and offering the C.S. a fast vessel for the purpose of carrying supplies to the Confederacy; a doting husband, a loving uncle; no sooner does that wife and niece propose a thing that a plan for gratifying her wish is conceived a put into operation. She it was who suggested my name and through her uncle the Colonel, was prevailed upon to join them in petitioning the President to assign me to command of the Niobe.
Commander of Niobe
For twenty-two months I had command of the Niobe. I made eighteen round trips between Havana and some of the southern ports, making successful deliveries each time with the loss of only nine men of the original crew. Three of these men were killed in running the Federal blockade at Mobile a few days prior to the engagement at that port.
Two of them were killed by Confederate pickets below Fort Jackson below Savannah, Ga. The killing was nothing more or less than cold-blooded murder, committed by two of the most arrant cowards that God ever permitted the life blood to course through veins.
I had the exquisite pleasure of hearing their doom read out on dress parade and the next day seeing them shot. When my men were shot down they were standing on the deck of the vessel chatting with no arms in their hands or about their persons; the vessel was flying the Confederate colors at the mizzen and the regulation signals on the fore and without even hailing us they fired upon us, and desisted only when I ordered a gun fired into the party, when they ran like a set of dastard scoundrels, the Lieutenant in command of the scouting squad being in the lead. The other four on my men died of Yellow Jack in Havana.
Sank Vessel At Sea
At the date of the final surrender I was in Havana, partially loaded with supplies, and as my orders from the owners were not to surrender the vessel into the hands of the Federals under any circumstances, but to sail into deep water and sink her with all her cargo, I left Havana and sailed south into the Caribbean Sea and after putting all my men into the quarter boats, scuttled her, and I saw her go down in seventy fathoms of water with the Confederate Ensign flying from the mizzen staff. (See below.) After seeing her properly buried, I pulled out for Vera Cruz, Mex., with all the boats in the wake, where we landed the eighth day after the burial of the Niobe, and made a formal, full and complete report of all my actions from the time I was assigned command till the last act in the drama was performed. In due time I received a reply from the owners and a full and complete endorsement signed by each of the owners of all my acts.
Knocked Out Mud Valve
May 25, 1865, 8 bells p.m. (4 o'clock) scuttled the Niobe by knocking out mud valve and staving in her bottom. She filled and sank in twenty minutes in latitude 16 degrees 10 minutes N.; longitude 80 degrees 15 minutes W.
His Brother's Record
Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, who has charge of all the carpenter and plumbing repair work at the State Confederate Home at Austin, returned to his home, after having attended the funeral of his brother, Capt. A.J. Meriwether.
He, too, has a war record. He joined the Confederacy at Eatonton, Ga., when he was 18 years old, and was elected First Lieutenant of Company B. On account of his youthful age he refused to accept the honor, but was elected again. Seeing gray-headed men under him he still refused the honor and fought throughout the war as a private, being wounded seven times. He lost two fingers and had the balance mangled on the left hand in the battle of Chancelorsville on the Sunday following the Saturday night that Stonewall Jackson was killed.
Met, Without Recognition
The last time he and his brother met was during the war in the spring of 1864, when the two had furloughs home.
In May, 1911, D.R.A. Meriwether came to visit his brother in Gainesville. He learned of his wereabouts from a soldier in the home—John McCarty, formerly of Gainesville. When the brothers met some strange coincidences were found. They both had attended some fifteen different United Confederate reunions held throughout the South, but never recognized each other.
At Chattanooga, in the 80's they stood at the same table side by side and did not know it at the time, but recalled it upon meeting last year, by the incident of the remarks made by a certain lady guest with whom they both talked concerning a plate of pie handed to her by Capt. Meriwether. Lieut. Meriwether thinks the reason he missed recognizing his brother at the reunion was that he was all the time looking for him to be wearing the navy insignia, when in fact he wore the regular army badge. Lieut. Meriwether has quite an interesting history. Besides being wounded as already related, he received scars in other battles and was shot twice at the battle of Appomattox.
∼TMSI [14400]: M1226 — 4G-Grandson of Nicholas Meriwether & Elizabeth (?) Meriwether Browne.
Archibald James Meriwether (also known as James Archibald Meriwether) was a midshipman at the US Naval Academy when the Civil War broke out. He resigned his appointment and joined the Confederate Navy, enlisting May 1861 and serving to end of the War; first service was supposedly on the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack), participating in the famous fight with the USS Monitor. He was then in command of the CSS Kniobe, a blockade runner, for 22 months, making 18 round trips between Havana and other Southern ports.
His wife Lorena was born in Lowndes County, Mississippi where they were married on May 30, 1867.
TMSI Note: There is no evidence he was on the CSS Virginia. His fifth cousin, Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones, was Executive Officer and commanding officer of the CSS Virginia when she met the USS Monitor. CS Naval records indicate Meriwether was stationed at Savannah, Georgia, in 1861 and 1862.
Although the headstone states he was born in 1832, most historical records and his US Naval Academy information give a date of 1842. The 1850, 1860 & 1880 Census give ages supporting 1842; 1900 has Sep 1832 and age of 79 in the 1910 Census also indicates 1831 or 1832. One obituary gives age at death of as 70, again supporting 1842; another has 79 and one even has 89 .
Merriweather, James A. (USNA Register)
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Entered the U. S. Naval Academy 28 September 1858. Resigned 22 January 1861. Appointed acting midshipman, C. S. Navy 16 May 1861. Promoted to passed midshipman 3 October 1862. Served on the Savannah Naval Station 1861-1862. Served aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES at the Mobile Naval Station, 1862-1863. Resigned from the service 11 February 1863.
Here's what the CS Navy Register says:
Meriwether, James A.
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Resigned as an acting midshipman, US Naval Academy, 22 Jan 1861. Appointed an acting midshipman, CS Navy, 16 May 1861. Promoted passed midshipman, 3 Oct 1862. Resigned 11 Feb 1863. Served at the Savannah Naval Station, 1861-62, and aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES, Mobile, Alabama, 1862-63.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 21 February 1912
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20 – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 89 years old, and City Police Judge, died this morning after several days illness from paralysis of the heart. He had been a resident of this county for forty-five years. He was educated at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in the same class with Admirals Dewey, Schley and Sampson. He entered the navy as Lieutenant and served ten years before the breaking out of the Civil War, when he, with 249 out of 250 men, left the United States Navy when their resignations were refused by President Lincoln and joined the Confederate forces. A French woman named Lizzie De Maurie presented the Confederacy a battleship with the provision that Meriwether should be made Captain in charge. This was granted and the ship was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America. The ship was named Niobe, and while off the Cuban coast near Havana Capt. Meriwether blew it up to prevent its capture by Federals.
Capt. Meriwether formulated and carried to successful completion a move to build a beautiful monument here to the memory of the Sons and Daughters of the South, and in this undertaking, which was completed only a few months ago, he was helped financially by Admiral Winfield Scott Schley.
A brother, Robert Meriwether, aged 76, of Austin is here. He was a member of the staff of Gen. A. R. Wright and took part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Appomattox court house, in both of which he was badly wounded.
The funeral will be held here tomorrow afternoon.
Archibald James Meriwether
Washington Post (Washington, D.C.), 21 February 1912
Confederate Captain Dead
A.J. Meriwether Commanded the Niobe, Which He Later Blew Up.
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20. – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 79 years old, died from paralysis of the heart today.
Capt. Meriwether was graduated at Annapolis in 1856, and, entering the navy, he became a lieutenant and served until the outbreak of the civil war, when he, with 250 others, entered the Confederate service.
A French woman gave the Confederacy a ship with the provision that Meriwether should be the captain. This was granted, and the vessel, the Noibe, was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America.
When the vessel was about to be captured Capt. Meriwether blew her up off the coast of Cuba, near Havana.
Archibald James Meriwether
New York Times (New York, New York), 22 February 1912
Capt. A. J. Meriwether died Tuesday at Gainesville, Texas, at the age of 70 years. Capt. Meriwether was graduated from Annapolis in 1856, and he was serving as Lieutenant when he resigned to take a commission in the Confederate Navy. A war vessel was given to the South, with a provision that Capt. Meriwether be made commander. The vessel (CSS Kniobe) was serving as a blockade runner to bring supplies to the Confederate Army from Cuba. Chased by a United States vessel and in danger of capture, Capt. Meriwether blew her up while off Havana Harbor.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 25 February 1912
Was Blockade Runner
Commander of Niobe, Donated to Confederacy, Which Vessel He Scuttled and Sank After Surrender
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 24 — The following biographical sketch was found among the papers and other belongings of the late Capt. A.J. Meriwether, who died at his home here Feb. 20, after a notable career as a soldier and business man.
Capt. Meriwether had said on several occasions that all Confederates should write up a sketch of their lives so that when they are gone their widows and other relatives could trace up the proper data in securing pensions and keeping green in memory their heroic deeds.
Besides the sketch of his life a letter from Admiral Winfield Scott Schley and one from General J.B. Gordon will be found interesting, as well as a short sketch of the life of Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, his brother. The sketch is as follows:
A.J. Meriwether was born Sept. 8, 1832 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Ga. My parents were Judge A. and Rebecca C. Meriwether. At the age of 15 years I received the Presidential, Senatorial and Congressional appointments to the United States Navy, and I entered the naval school at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 10, 1847, as "acting midshipman." After the regular course at the academy was finished I received commission as midshipman and was ordered to sea under Capt. T.T. Craven on the old sailing thirty-two-gun sloop of war Plymouth, which at that time was attached to the African squadron. After two years I was ordered to the Mediterranean squadron under Com. Ingraham (a veritable marionet), saw two years under him and was then recalled to the United States and was ordered to report to Capt. Maury for duty in coast survey at Washington. I was ordered before examining board for final examination, passed and was commissioned "passed midshipman" to rank five.
Was Commissioned Master
After nine months' service as passed midshipman I was commissioned a Master (now Junior Lieutenant). I remained with Capt. Maury one and half years and then was ordered to the Washington Navy Yard to report to Commanders Dahlgren and Page for duty in ordinance department; remaining there eighteen months was ordered to report to Capt. Rhodes for duty on "special service."
Which service I found, after reaching the Brooklyn navy yard, to be for the purpose of carrying our Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ward of Savannah, Ga., to Japan, and if successful in his mission to bring to the United States the accredited embassy of the Japanese Government. We brought them (a monument to American statesmanship.)
Afterward, as especial guests of this Government, they were wined and dined in all the principle cities. We embarked then on board the first-class frigate Niagara and steamed out of New York harbor July 4, 1860, for Japanese waters. We left New York with sealed orders to be opened after disembarking the embassy on their native land.
After landing them, we discovered that we had orders to cruise off the western and northern coast of Alaska to look after the seal and other interests the United States had in these waters.
On The Eve of Great War
Through at the time of leaving the United States the storm clouds of political war hung low around the horizon, little did we think we were on the eve of a bloody fratricidal war.
On May 12, 1861, going into the coaling station, Franklin—in the Fox Islands—we found orders to report without delay to the commanding officer of the Boston Navy Yard. And as soon as we coal we put to sea for the South Pacific, and after doubling Cape Horn we steered for Boston.
When off Cape Hatteras we heard what we thought was cannonading, but were not sure. We knew nothing of the secession of the Southern States nor the effort of the Federals to coerce them back to the Union.
When the pilot came on board to pilot the ship into the port was our first knowledge of the crisis.
Resigned Commission
As soon as possible I left for Washington to hand in my resignation. Upon entering Washington and tendering my resignation it was politely but positively refused, and I was ordered back to the Niagara. Instead of obeying the order I mounted a horse and steered for Richmond, where I landed after many narrow escapes from the Federals and reported to that illustrious statesman and matchless chieftain, Jefferson Davis.
My first service was on the Merrimac in her fight with the Monitor. After that engagement, being wounded, was in the hospital three weeks, and then reported for duty. Was ordered to report to Com. Josiah Tatnall at Savannah, Ga. After the Hilton Head fight was ordered to New Orleans to remain to such time as I could get shipping on Havana, Cuba. The fight coming on, I attached myself to the Sumpter. In the engagement, Capt. Semmes seeing the long hoped for opportunity to go to sea and prey upon the enemy's commerce, as it were, thrust upon him, gladly accepted the inevitable and made a dash for the deep blue sea. The world knows the sequel.
Upon reaching Havana I found orders to report to Capt. Bullock, the Confederate purchasing agent abroad.
Served Under Bullock
None can realize the happy emotion that permeated my every being on the receipt of them and the gratitude that possessed my heart on recognizing the handiwork of President Davis and that grand old commoner, John H. Reagan, in getting me assigned to the man of all men I preferred to serve under. I remained under Bullock till after the 290, afterward the Alabama, was turned over to Semmes in the Azores waters.
About this time Col. Livingston and Capt. DeMaury formed a joint purse and purchased the Sea Witch, a steam two-masted yacht, from some parties in Marseilles, France, and tendered her to the Confederate Government for service in running the Federal blockade in bringing in supplies that were purchased by Bullock in England and elsewhere, conditioned only that they should have the exclusive right to name her commander. The tender was accepted and they submitted my name as their choice.
Sailed For Marseilles
May 23, 1863, while standing on the deck in Havana, the Leatherwing, an old Mobile pilot boat, and the captain, J.C. Askew, handed my the official documents which proved to orders to sail for Marseilles, France on the first vessel out of Havana. The third day after the receipt of orders I left on a three-masted schooner engaged in the wine trade. After a very stormy time we reached Marseilles in due time, where I opened the sealed order package inclosed in the original and found that I must report to Col. Livingston at Rue d' Place 725 M. Upon going there, I learned the whys and wherefores of the whole arrangement from Col. Livingston.
Rescued French Belle
Col. Livingston had married a very charming young lady, Miss Clara Loroche Gervase, a sister of Lieut. Haward Gervase of the French Navy, a warm personal friend of mine, and was also a niece of Capt. DeMaury of the French Army. Miss Gervase, when returning from a dance on our ship on the 9th of May, 1854, fell from the staging of the Powhatan into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea; being by her side I plunged in after her and when she arose to the surface laid hold of her and kept her head above water till a boat could reach her. Being petite and very pretty she was more than grateful for my act and would have nothing than that I had saved her from a watery grave, and as the whole was, Frenchlike "the whole thing or nothing," I was made much of, feted day by day, whenever the ship was in port, and being a young American proud of my nativity and of the adulation bestowed by such a pretty girl upon me, I very naturally did nothing to disparage the act.
Vessel Gives Confederacy
Mrs. Livingston having seen my name among the C.S. naval officers on duty aboard conceived that idea of purchase and offering the C.S. a fast vessel for the purpose of carrying supplies to the Confederacy; a doting husband, a loving uncle; no sooner does that wife and niece propose a thing that a plan for gratifying her wish is conceived a put into operation. She it was who suggested my name and through her uncle the Colonel, was prevailed upon to join them in petitioning the President to assign me to command of the Niobe.
Commander of Niobe
For twenty-two months I had command of the Niobe. I made eighteen round trips between Havana and some of the southern ports, making successful deliveries each time with the loss of only nine men of the original crew. Three of these men were killed in running the Federal blockade at Mobile a few days prior to the engagement at that port.
Two of them were killed by Confederate pickets below Fort Jackson below Savannah, Ga. The killing was nothing more or less than cold-blooded murder, committed by two of the most arrant cowards that God ever permitted the life blood to course through veins.
I had the exquisite pleasure of hearing their doom read out on dress parade and the next day seeing them shot. When my men were shot down they were standing on the deck of the vessel chatting with no arms in their hands or about their persons; the vessel was flying the Confederate colors at the mizzen and the regulation signals on the fore and without even hailing us they fired upon us, and desisted only when I ordered a gun fired into the party, when they ran like a set of dastard scoundrels, the Lieutenant in command of the scouting squad being in the lead. The other four on my men died of Yellow Jack in Havana.
Sank Vessel At Sea
At the date of the final surrender I was in Havana, partially loaded with supplies, and as my orders from the owners were not to surrender the vessel into the hands of the Federals under any circumstances, but to sail into deep water and sink her with all her cargo, I left Havana and sailed south into the Caribbean Sea and after putting all my men into the quarter boats, scuttled her, and I saw her go down in seventy fathoms of water with the Confederate Ensign flying from the mizzen staff. (See below.) After seeing her properly buried, I pulled out for Vera Cruz, Mex., with all the boats in the wake, where we landed the eighth day after the burial of the Niobe, and made a formal, full and complete report of all my actions from the time I was assigned command till the last act in the drama was performed. In due time I received a reply from the owners and a full and complete endorsement signed by each of the owners of all my acts.
Knocked Out Mud Valve
May 25, 1865, 8 bells p.m. (4 o'clock) scuttled the Niobe by knocking out mud valve and staving in her bottom. She filled and sank in twenty minutes in latitude 16 degrees 10 minutes N.; longitude 80 degrees 15 minutes W.
His Brother's Record
Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, who has charge of all the carpenter and plumbing repair work at the State Confederate Home at Austin, returned to his home, after having attended the funeral of his brother, Capt. A.J. Meriwether.
He, too, has a war record. He joined the Confederacy at Eatonton, Ga., when he was 18 years old, and was elected First Lieutenant of Company B. On account of his youthful age he refused to accept the honor, but was elected again. Seeing gray-headed men under him he still refused the honor and fought throughout the war as a private, being wounded seven times. He lost two fingers and had the balance mangled on the left hand in the battle of Chancelorsville on the Sunday following the Saturday night that Stonewall Jackson was killed.
Met, Without Recognition
The last time he and his brother met was during the war in the spring of 1864, when the two had furloughs home.
In May, 1911, D.R.A. Meriwether came to visit his brother in Gainesville. He learned of his wereabouts from a soldier in the home—John McCarty, formerly of Gainesville. When the brothers met some strange coincidences were found. They both had attended some fifteen different United Confederate reunions held throughout the South, but never recognized each other.
At Chattanooga, in the 80's they stood at the same table side by side and did not know it at the time, but recalled it upon meeting last year, by the incident of the remarks made by a certain lady guest with whom they both talked concerning a plate of pie handed to her by Capt. Meriwether. Lieut. Meriwether thinks the reason he missed recognizing his brother at the reunion was that he was all the time looking for him to be wearing the navy insignia, when in fact he wore the regular army badge. Lieut. Meriwether has quite an interesting history. Besides being wounded as already related, he received scars in other battles and was shot twice at the battle of Appomattox.
∼TMSI [14400]: M1226 — 4G-Grandson of Nicholas Meriwether & Elizabeth (?) Meriwether Browne.
His wife Lorena was born in Lowndes County, Mississippi where they were married on May 30, 1867.
TMSI Note: There is no evidence he was on the CSS Virginia. His fifth cousin, Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones, was Executive Officer and commanding officer of the CSS Virginia when she met the USS Monitor. CS Naval records indicate Meriwether was stationed at Savannah, Georgia, in 1861 and 1862.
Although the headstone states he was born in 1832, most historical records and his US Naval Academy information give a date of 1842. The 1850, 1860 & 1880 Census give ages supporting 1842; 1900 has Sep 1832 and age of 79 in the 1910 Census also indicates 1831 or 1832. One obituary gives age at death of as 70, again supporting 1842; another has 79 and one even has 89 .
Merriweather, James A. (USNA Register)
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Entered the U. S. Naval Academy 28 September 1858. Resigned 22 January 1861. Appointed acting midshipman, C. S. Navy 16 May 1861. Promoted to passed midshipman 3 October 1862. Served on the Savannah Naval Station 1861-1862. Served aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES at the Mobile Naval Station, 1862-1863. Resigned from the service 11 February 1863.
Here's what the CS Navy Register says:
Meriwether, James A.
Born in Georgia. Appointed from Georgia. Resigned as an acting midshipman, US Naval Academy, 22 Jan 1861. Appointed an acting midshipman, CS Navy, 16 May 1861. Promoted passed midshipman, 3 Oct 1862. Resigned 11 Feb 1863. Served at the Savannah Naval Station, 1861-62, and aboard the gunboat CSS GAINES, Mobile, Alabama, 1862-63.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 21 February 1912
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20 – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 89 years old, and City Police Judge, died this morning after several days illness from paralysis of the heart. He had been a resident of this county for forty-five years. He was educated at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in the same class with Admirals Dewey, Schley and Sampson. He entered the navy as Lieutenant and served ten years before the breaking out of the Civil War, when he, with 249 out of 250 men, left the United States Navy when their resignations were refused by President Lincoln and joined the Confederate forces. A French woman named Lizzie De Maurie presented the Confederacy a battleship with the provision that Meriwether should be made Captain in charge. This was granted and the ship was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America. The ship was named Niobe, and while off the Cuban coast near Havana Capt. Meriwether blew it up to prevent its capture by Federals.
Capt. Meriwether formulated and carried to successful completion a move to build a beautiful monument here to the memory of the Sons and Daughters of the South, and in this undertaking, which was completed only a few months ago, he was helped financially by Admiral Winfield Scott Schley.
A brother, Robert Meriwether, aged 76, of Austin is here. He was a member of the staff of Gen. A. R. Wright and took part in the battles of Chancellorsville and Appomattox court house, in both of which he was badly wounded.
The funeral will be held here tomorrow afternoon.
Archibald James Meriwether
Washington Post (Washington, D.C.), 21 February 1912
Confederate Captain Dead
A.J. Meriwether Commanded the Niobe, Which He Later Blew Up.
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 20. – Capt. A. J. Meriwether, 79 years old, died from paralysis of the heart today.
Capt. Meriwether was graduated at Annapolis in 1856, and, entering the navy, he became a lieutenant and served until the outbreak of the civil war, when he, with 250 others, entered the Confederate service.
A French woman gave the Confederacy a ship with the provision that Meriwether should be the captain. This was granted, and the vessel, the Noibe, was used as a blockade runner in bringing supplies to the Confederate army from Cuba and South America.
When the vessel was about to be captured Capt. Meriwether blew her up off the coast of Cuba, near Havana.
Archibald James Meriwether
New York Times (New York, New York), 22 February 1912
Capt. A. J. Meriwether died Tuesday at Gainesville, Texas, at the age of 70 years. Capt. Meriwether was graduated from Annapolis in 1856, and he was serving as Lieutenant when he resigned to take a commission in the Confederate Navy. A war vessel was given to the South, with a provision that Capt. Meriwether be made commander. The vessel (CSS Kniobe) was serving as a blockade runner to bring supplies to the Confederate Army from Cuba. Chased by a United States vessel and in danger of capture, Capt. Meriwether blew her up while off Havana Harbor.
Archibald James Meriwether
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 25 February 1912
Was Blockade Runner
Commander of Niobe, Donated to Confederacy, Which Vessel He Scuttled and Sank After Surrender
Gainesville, Tex., Feb. 24 — The following biographical sketch was found among the papers and other belongings of the late Capt. A.J. Meriwether, who died at his home here Feb. 20, after a notable career as a soldier and business man.
Capt. Meriwether had said on several occasions that all Confederates should write up a sketch of their lives so that when they are gone their widows and other relatives could trace up the proper data in securing pensions and keeping green in memory their heroic deeds.
Besides the sketch of his life a letter from Admiral Winfield Scott Schley and one from General J.B. Gordon will be found interesting, as well as a short sketch of the life of Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, his brother. The sketch is as follows:
A.J. Meriwether was born Sept. 8, 1832 in Eatonton, Putnam County, Ga. My parents were Judge A. and Rebecca C. Meriwether. At the age of 15 years I received the Presidential, Senatorial and Congressional appointments to the United States Navy, and I entered the naval school at Annapolis, Md., Sept. 10, 1847, as "acting midshipman." After the regular course at the academy was finished I received commission as midshipman and was ordered to sea under Capt. T.T. Craven on the old sailing thirty-two-gun sloop of war Plymouth, which at that time was attached to the African squadron. After two years I was ordered to the Mediterranean squadron under Com. Ingraham (a veritable marionet), saw two years under him and was then recalled to the United States and was ordered to report to Capt. Maury for duty in coast survey at Washington. I was ordered before examining board for final examination, passed and was commissioned "passed midshipman" to rank five.
Was Commissioned Master
After nine months' service as passed midshipman I was commissioned a Master (now Junior Lieutenant). I remained with Capt. Maury one and half years and then was ordered to the Washington Navy Yard to report to Commanders Dahlgren and Page for duty in ordinance department; remaining there eighteen months was ordered to report to Capt. Rhodes for duty on "special service."
Which service I found, after reaching the Brooklyn navy yard, to be for the purpose of carrying our Minister Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ward of Savannah, Ga., to Japan, and if successful in his mission to bring to the United States the accredited embassy of the Japanese Government. We brought them (a monument to American statesmanship.)
Afterward, as especial guests of this Government, they were wined and dined in all the principle cities. We embarked then on board the first-class frigate Niagara and steamed out of New York harbor July 4, 1860, for Japanese waters. We left New York with sealed orders to be opened after disembarking the embassy on their native land.
After landing them, we discovered that we had orders to cruise off the western and northern coast of Alaska to look after the seal and other interests the United States had in these waters.
On The Eve of Great War
Through at the time of leaving the United States the storm clouds of political war hung low around the horizon, little did we think we were on the eve of a bloody fratricidal war.
On May 12, 1861, going into the coaling station, Franklin—in the Fox Islands—we found orders to report without delay to the commanding officer of the Boston Navy Yard. And as soon as we coal we put to sea for the South Pacific, and after doubling Cape Horn we steered for Boston.
When off Cape Hatteras we heard what we thought was cannonading, but were not sure. We knew nothing of the secession of the Southern States nor the effort of the Federals to coerce them back to the Union.
When the pilot came on board to pilot the ship into the port was our first knowledge of the crisis.
Resigned Commission
As soon as possible I left for Washington to hand in my resignation. Upon entering Washington and tendering my resignation it was politely but positively refused, and I was ordered back to the Niagara. Instead of obeying the order I mounted a horse and steered for Richmond, where I landed after many narrow escapes from the Federals and reported to that illustrious statesman and matchless chieftain, Jefferson Davis.
My first service was on the Merrimac in her fight with the Monitor. After that engagement, being wounded, was in the hospital three weeks, and then reported for duty. Was ordered to report to Com. Josiah Tatnall at Savannah, Ga. After the Hilton Head fight was ordered to New Orleans to remain to such time as I could get shipping on Havana, Cuba. The fight coming on, I attached myself to the Sumpter. In the engagement, Capt. Semmes seeing the long hoped for opportunity to go to sea and prey upon the enemy's commerce, as it were, thrust upon him, gladly accepted the inevitable and made a dash for the deep blue sea. The world knows the sequel.
Upon reaching Havana I found orders to report to Capt. Bullock, the Confederate purchasing agent abroad.
Served Under Bullock
None can realize the happy emotion that permeated my every being on the receipt of them and the gratitude that possessed my heart on recognizing the handiwork of President Davis and that grand old commoner, John H. Reagan, in getting me assigned to the man of all men I preferred to serve under. I remained under Bullock till after the 290, afterward the Alabama, was turned over to Semmes in the Azores waters.
About this time Col. Livingston and Capt. DeMaury formed a joint purse and purchased the Sea Witch, a steam two-masted yacht, from some parties in Marseilles, France, and tendered her to the Confederate Government for service in running the Federal blockade in bringing in supplies that were purchased by Bullock in England and elsewhere, conditioned only that they should have the exclusive right to name her commander. The tender was accepted and they submitted my name as their choice.
Sailed For Marseilles
May 23, 1863, while standing on the deck in Havana, the Leatherwing, an old Mobile pilot boat, and the captain, J.C. Askew, handed my the official documents which proved to orders to sail for Marseilles, France on the first vessel out of Havana. The third day after the receipt of orders I left on a three-masted schooner engaged in the wine trade. After a very stormy time we reached Marseilles in due time, where I opened the sealed order package inclosed in the original and found that I must report to Col. Livingston at Rue d' Place 725 M. Upon going there, I learned the whys and wherefores of the whole arrangement from Col. Livingston.
Rescued French Belle
Col. Livingston had married a very charming young lady, Miss Clara Loroche Gervase, a sister of Lieut. Haward Gervase of the French Navy, a warm personal friend of mine, and was also a niece of Capt. DeMaury of the French Army. Miss Gervase, when returning from a dance on our ship on the 9th of May, 1854, fell from the staging of the Powhatan into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea; being by her side I plunged in after her and when she arose to the surface laid hold of her and kept her head above water till a boat could reach her. Being petite and very pretty she was more than grateful for my act and would have nothing than that I had saved her from a watery grave, and as the whole was, Frenchlike "the whole thing or nothing," I was made much of, feted day by day, whenever the ship was in port, and being a young American proud of my nativity and of the adulation bestowed by such a pretty girl upon me, I very naturally did nothing to disparage the act.
Vessel Gives Confederacy
Mrs. Livingston having seen my name among the C.S. naval officers on duty aboard conceived that idea of purchase and offering the C.S. a fast vessel for the purpose of carrying supplies to the Confederacy; a doting husband, a loving uncle; no sooner does that wife and niece propose a thing that a plan for gratifying her wish is conceived a put into operation. She it was who suggested my name and through her uncle the Colonel, was prevailed upon to join them in petitioning the President to assign me to command of the Niobe.
Commander of Niobe
For twenty-two months I had command of the Niobe. I made eighteen round trips between Havana and some of the southern ports, making successful deliveries each time with the loss of only nine men of the original crew. Three of these men were killed in running the Federal blockade at Mobile a few days prior to the engagement at that port.
Two of them were killed by Confederate pickets below Fort Jackson below Savannah, Ga. The killing was nothing more or less than cold-blooded murder, committed by two of the most arrant cowards that God ever permitted the life blood to course through veins.
I had the exquisite pleasure of hearing their doom read out on dress parade and the next day seeing them shot. When my men were shot down they were standing on the deck of the vessel chatting with no arms in their hands or about their persons; the vessel was flying the Confederate colors at the mizzen and the regulation signals on the fore and without even hailing us they fired upon us, and desisted only when I ordered a gun fired into the party, when they ran like a set of dastard scoundrels, the Lieutenant in command of the scouting squad being in the lead. The other four on my men died of Yellow Jack in Havana.
Sank Vessel At Sea
At the date of the final surrender I was in Havana, partially loaded with supplies, and as my orders from the owners were not to surrender the vessel into the hands of the Federals under any circumstances, but to sail into deep water and sink her with all her cargo, I left Havana and sailed south into the Caribbean Sea and after putting all my men into the quarter boats, scuttled her, and I saw her go down in seventy fathoms of water with the Confederate Ensign flying from the mizzen staff. (See below.) After seeing her properly buried, I pulled out for Vera Cruz, Mex., with all the boats in the wake, where we landed the eighth day after the burial of the Niobe, and made a formal, full and complete report of all my actions from the time I was assigned command till the last act in the drama was performed. In due time I received a reply from the owners and a full and complete endorsement signed by each of the owners of all my acts.
Knocked Out Mud Valve
May 25, 1865, 8 bells p.m. (4 o'clock) scuttled the Niobe by knocking out mud valve and staving in her bottom. She filled and sank in twenty minutes in latitude 16 degrees 10 minutes N.; longitude 80 degrees 15 minutes W.
His Brother's Record
Lieut. D.R.A. Meriwether, who has charge of all the carpenter and plumbing repair work at the State Confederate Home at Austin, returned to his home, after having attended the funeral of his brother, Capt. A.J. Meriwether.
He, too, has a war record. He joined the Confederacy at Eatonton, Ga., when he was 18 years old, and was elected First Lieutenant of Company B. On account of his youthful age he refused to accept the honor, but was elected again. Seeing gray-headed men under him he still refused the honor and fought throughout the war as a private, being wounded seven times. He lost two fingers and had the balance mangled on the left hand in the battle of Chancelorsville on the Sunday following the Saturday night that Stonewall Jackson was killed.
Met, Without Recognition
The last time he and his brother met was during the war in the spring of 1864, when the two had furloughs home.
In May, 1911, D.R.A. Meriwether came to visit his brother in Gainesville. He learned of his wereabouts from a soldier in the home—John McCarty, formerly of Gainesville. When the brothers met some strange coincidences were found. They both had attended some fifteen different United Confederate reunions held throughout the South, but never recognized each other.
At Chattanooga, in the 80's they stood at the same table side by side and did not know it at the time, but recalled it upon meeting last year, by the incident of the remarks made by a certain lady guest with whom they both talked concerning a plate of pie handed to her by Capt. Meriwether. Lieut. Meriwether thinks the reason he missed recognizing his brother at the reunion was that he was all the time looking for him to be wearing the navy insignia, when in fact he wore the regular army badge. Lieut. Meriwether has quite an interesting history. Besides being wounded as already related, he received scars in other battles and was shot twice at the battle of Appomattox.
∼TMSI [14400]: M1226 — 4G-Grandson of Nicholas Meriwether & Elizabeth (?) Meriwether Browne.
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