http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm 20 February 2009 COOGAN story appearing in the Records of Cape Colony [published in 1902, records from NOV 1815 - MAY 1818, VOL XI, PAGE 413] (12 NOV 1817): [extract from the depositions of Bartholomew White, Master of the "Elizabeth" Merchant Ship, and his crew, taken before His Majesty's Fiscal at the Cape of Good Hope, 12th November 1817] The Merchant Ship "Elizabeth" was lying off Robben Island, taking on board a cargo of oil. About 12 o'clock in the night between the 10th and 11th November the ship was boarded by Twelve persons. On hearing a noise, the Master attempted to go up on deck, but was prevented by a shot being fired at him, and a cry that the ship was taken. The cabin door was then closed upon him, and he was kept in confinement, with two sentries placed over him, until the morning. The persons who boarded the ship brought with them a rifle and two bayonets. One of them, a convict of the name of Coogan (formerly in the navy) assumed the command, gave orders to cut the cable, hoist sail, &c. Coogan offered the long boat to the Master and crew, which was accepted, they were then one by one put down into the boat with a bucket of water and 6 or 7 lbs. of bread. One of the men then ordered the Captain to hand up his watch and the keys of his trunks, which he did. The Captain, before the boat was set adrift, asked for his papers, which were refused. A convict of the name of Roland proposed to murder the crew of the "Elizabeth", but was prevented by Coogan, who declared that no lives should be sacrificed. On the boat quitting the ship the soldiers, 5 in number, pulled off their regimentals and threw them into the sea. The ship then quitted by the crew appeared to be well worked and at 11 o'clock A.M. was steering N.N.W. On the Report being received by the Governor the Government schooner was immediately sent out to watch the ship and keep her in sight, and a communication immediately made to His Majesty's Ship "Mosquito", lying in Simons Bay, which vessel was unable to get clear of False Bay until the following day, in consequence of the wind blowing strong from the South East. [continues...] ___________________________________________________________________ http://books.google.com