There was a question from a member named Sonja who asked a question back in 2001 concerning a ship named the Quick. I am not sure she received an answer from Trond, however, I am also interested in that vessel and have not been able to find any information. My great grandfather was a crewmember and I can give you some additional information concerning the time period if that will help. Family history reports that the ship was anchored in Charleston Harbor, S.C in 1861 when the Confederate States Army fired upon Fort Sumter to start the American Civil War. My understanding is that all ships in the harbor were confiscated by the confederate government and crew members were held as prisoners on each ship. I believe the were released after three months with the help of the Norwegian Govt. Any information on this vessel would be greatly appreciated.
I have looked in records for 1861 without finding anything about this ship. If the Norwegian government helped in any way I am sure there must be something in the newspapers so any more specific date would be of great help! Remember that Norway did not have any foreign department and king before 1905. We were under governance by Sweden’s king and foreign department in an unwanted “union” 1861. We did however have our own laws and government.
I appreciate your help Trond. I am under the impression that the ship is of registry with another country other than Norway. As a long shot, would there have been any foreign shipping lines that may have been located or hired crewman from the Fredricstadt or Bergen area on a regular basis?
There might have been some kind of system for hiring Norwegian sailors. They could be hired for a low prize. Many sailors deserted their Norwegian ships in foreign ports just to go onboard a foreign ship that paid them more. Norway was so poor in 1861 that there actually was hunger in parts of the country.
A ship named the Quick
Posted - 13/08/2005 : 19:18:40
