CSS Shenandoah

John Spring was born in England and migrated to Melbourne, Australia. Upon arriving in Melbourne, John made his home in Victoria and was living there when the “CSS Shenandoah”, a Confederate Cruiser during the American Civil War, arrived in Port Phillip Bay, off Melbourne on January 25, 1865. in February 1865 John, like many others, went aboard the “CSS Shenandoah” on the night of February 17, 1865; in violation of local law. On February 18, 1865, after the “Shenandoah” had returned to sea, leaving Australian waters, John signed aboard as a seaman crewmember, placing a mark beside his name for the pay of $29.10. He was later rated as a coal heaver, on March 15th, 1865 and was said to be Captain of the hold; remaining aboard until the end of her voyage.

With the surrender of the “CSS Shenandoah” on November 6, 1865 to British Captain Paynter, commanding her Majesty’s ship “Donegal, at Liverpool, England, John accompanied all the crew as they disembarked and were given quarters ashore. He was also one of the signatories who expressed confidence in the command of Lieutenant James I. Waddell, in a petition dated September 1865.  

Alabama Claims Vol. 1, “Correspondence Concerning Claims Against Great Britain

transmitted to the Senate of the United States in answer to the Resolutions of

December 4, and 10, 1867, and of May 27, 1868”, Washington; 1869

CSS Shenandoah Deck Log, May 30th, 18651, 975; CSS Shenandoah Deck Log; ORN 1, 3, 783.]

William A. Temple, affidavit

History of The Confederate States Navy, J.T. Scarf, 1996

Marauders of the Sea, Confederate Merchant Raiders During the American Civil

War, Mackenzie J Gregory

The Cruise of the Shenandoah, Captain William C. Whittle, CSN