_Q._ How often had you been in Hampton Roads? _A._ Many a time. I sailed a vessel in and out in the West India trade. _Q._ How familiar are you with the localities about there? _A._ I am so familiar that I could go in, either night or day, or into Norfolk. _Q._ Do you know the ranges, bearings, distances, depth of water, and all about it? _A._ Yes; and could always find my way along there. _Q._ (_By a Juror._) I understood you to say that the Savannah carried both the American flag and the Confederate flag? _A._ Yes. _Q._ And that the American flag was flying when you were bearing on the Joseph? _A._ Yes. _Q._ What was the object of sailing under that flag? _A._ I presume our object was to let her know that we were coming; and, no doubt, the vessel heaved to for us. Suddenly enough we raised the Confederate flag. _Q._ Then it was deception? _A._ Of course; that was our business--that was as near as I understood it. _William Habeson_ called, and sworn. Examined by District Attorney Smith. _Q._ You are the Deputy Collector of the port of Philadelphia? _A._ Yes, sir. _Q._ Have you charge of the register of vessels there? _A._ Yes. _Q._ Did you take this certified copy of the register of the Joseph from the original book? _A._ It is copied from the original book. _Mr. Evarts_: It is a temporary register, dated 26th January, 1861, showing the building of the vessel, and the fact of her owners being citizens of the United States. _Q._ Who was the master of the vessel then? _A._ George H. Cables. _Q._ Do you know who was the master afterwards? _A._ Yes; I saw him afterwards. That man (pointing to Captain Meyer) is the man. He was endorsed as master after the issuing of this register. _Q._ And you recollect this person being master of the vessel mentioned in that register? _A._ I do, sir. _George Thomas_ called, and sworn. Examined by District Attorney Smith. _Q._ Where do you reside? _A._ Quincy, Massachusetts. _Q._ What is your business? _A._ Shipbuilder. _Q._ Do you know the brig Joseph? _A._ I have known her; I built her. _Q._ Where did you build her? _A._ At Rockland, Maine. _Q._ Who did you build her for? _A._ For Messrs. Crocket, Shaller, Ingraham, and Stephen N. Hatch--all of Rockland. _Q._ Were they American citizens? _A._ They were all American citizens. _Q._ What was the tonnage of the vessel? _A._ About 177 tons. She was a hermaphrodite brig. _Q._ Look at this description in the register and say whether it was the vessel you built. _A._ I have no doubt that this is the vessel. _George H. Cables_ called, and sworn. Examined by District Attorney Smith. _Q._ Where do you reside? _A._ Rockland, Maine. _Q._ Look at the description of the brig Joseph, in this register, and see if you know her? _A._ Yes, sir. _Q._ You were formerly master of the vessel? _A._ Yes, sir. _Q._ Who was the master that succeeded you? _A._ I put Captain Meyer in charge of her. _Q._ You recognize Mr. Meyer here?