I just finishedSailor of Fortune, A: Personal Memoirs of Captain B.S. Osbon. (New York: McClure, Philips, 1906. 332 pp.)
What a life!
To summarize, very briefly: Born 1826. 1840 served on Irish immigrant ship (typhus broke out, dozens buried at sea – read 'fed to the sharks'). Served on a couple of whalers, one of which unexpectedly (to him) turned pirate. Helped US naval vessel face down French squadron intent on annexing Hawaii. Commanded boat in an Anglo-Chinese flotilla hunting down pirates on the China coast. Joined an Argentine navy and commanded a ship in heavy fighting during one of their civil wars. Many other like adventures. Became newspaperman in New York. 'Buddy-buddy' with the Prince of Wales during his 1860 visit. Swapped tales with Abe Lincoln during the latter's journey to Washington for his first inauguration.
On board the Harriet Lane as volunteer in attempt to relieve Ft. Sumter – witnessed bombardment and describes it in detail. Accompanied, and interviewed, Col. Anderson during voyage to New York. Aide to Dupont in Port Royal expedition in fall of '61. Farragut's Flag Lieutennant/Signals Officer on USS Hartford during attack on the Forts and capture of New Orleans. Saw heavy action, credited with saving Farragut's life. Among other adventures, he went on a secret mission for Gideon Welles to steal a British naval code book from a RN vessel in Boston harbor.
After the war, on Farragut's recommendation, he was appointed Admiral in the Juarista Mexican Navy (he details the story of his command --one armed riverboat in the Rio Grande). Later he was engaged mostly in journalistic and business ventures that took him all over the world, and through many adventures. His last service was in 1898, when, authorized by the Secretary of the navy, he tracked down and located the Spanish fleet, identified its coaling stations, and correctly predicted it's destination as Santiago (where it was met and annihilated by the American squadron).
There's much, much more here of almost incredible adventures, and close association with many important naval, military, and political personalitties.. One is tempted to take much of it with a grain of salt – but there are certainly enough corroborating documents to show that he was where he said he was, and served in the capacities he claims. He probably exaggerated some of his contributions (advised on fleet dispositions to various flag officers, suggested invention improvements to John Ericsson, became very chummy with Napoleon III – who wanted to hear about events in Mexico).
A great read, and very informative.
Cheers!
jno