A Story of High Seas Heroism: The Recapture of the Schooner S.J. Waring by William Tillman
By Dannie D. Gore, Sr.
| William Tillman, a steward and cook on the merchant schooner S.J. Waring, was faced with a brutal choice: slavery or death. The vessel was boarded by men from the rebel privateer Jeff Davis, and Tillman was told that he, like the ship, was southern property and would be sold into bondage when the ship reached its new destination. |
Tillman, in concert with a handful of passengers, hatched a bold plan and was key to the recapture of the S.J. Waring. He struck in the middle of the night, armed with a heavy club, and proceeded to the captain’s room. He struck a fatal blow and felt the pulse, and it was still. He next went to the adjoining room; another blow was struck, and the black man was master of the cabin.
The Fight |
| Cautiously he ascended to the deck, struck the mate, and the officer was wounded but not killed. He drew his revolver and called for help. The crew was aroused; they were hastening to aid their commander. The Negro repeated his blows with the heavy club, the rebel fell dead at Tillman’s feet. |
The African seized the revolver, drove the crew below deck, ordered the release of the Yankees, put the enemy in irons, and proclaimed himself master of the vessel. The Waring’s head was turned towards New York, with the Stars and Stripes flying, a fair wind, and she rapidly retraced her steps.
Surviving the Storm |
| A storm came up; more men were needed to work the ship. Tillman ordered the rebels to be unchained and brought to the deck. The command was obeyed, and they were put to work, but informed that, if they showed any disobedience, they would be shot down. |
| Five days more, and “The S.J. Waring” arrived in the port of New York, under the command of William Tillman, the Negro Patriot. |