Capture of the ‘Philo Parsons’ and ‘Island Queen.’
Captain Beall yearned to release the Confederate prisoners on Johnson's Island. September, 19, 1864, he and several Confederates boarded the Philo Parsons at Sandwich, Mich. When the vessel arrived at Amhertsburgh, sixteen men boarded her, with one trunk, containing arms. Very soon Captain Beall exclaimed: ‘I take possession of the boat in the name of the Confederate States. Resist at your peril!’ Quite a commotion prevailed, but when Captain Beall explained matters, the prisoners became reconciled to the situation. They were soon released, and not one cent taken from them. Another vessel, the Island Queen, met the same fate. Thirty Federal soldiers were aboard and all of them were parolled. One vessel was deemed sufficient for the purpose in view, consequently the Island Queen was scuttled and sent adrift.
