important people

Devoy turned to O'Reilly, who introduced him to Henry Hathaway, then Police Chief in New Bedford. Hathaway arranged a meeting with Quaker whaling agent John T. Richardson. Together, they plotted to buy a whaling ship and sail to Fremantle to rescue the Fenian prisoners. They persuaded George S. Anthony, born on August 23, 1843, in New Bedford to captain the Catalpa. 

Despite having no Irish roots, Anthony accepted the dangerous mission because he believed it was “the right thing to do,” guided by his strong Quaker principles. He later became renowned as the captain of the Catalpa, for the daring rescue of the Fremantle Six in Australia. 

Anthony died on May 22, 1913.

First Mate Samuel Smith was instrumental in the success of the Catalpa’s daring 1876 Fenian rescue. His deep maritime expertise and calm leadership under pressure were vital during the complex planning and execution of the operation. Smith was responsible for coordinating the ship’s navigation through treacherous waters, ensuring the vessel remained undetected by authorities, and maintaining discipline among the crew during the tense voyage from New Bedford to Western Australia. His knowledge of the ship’s mechanics and his ability to adapt to unexpected challenges helped the Catalpa evade detection and reach the prison site safely. Throughout the rescue, Smith worked closely with Captain Anthony, executing the plan with precision and resolve. After the successful escape of the Irish prisoners, Smith’s contributions were recognized as pivotal, and he was celebrated in New Bedford as a maritime hero. His work on the Catalpa exemplified the skill, bravery, and dedication of local sailors involved in one of the most famous maritime rescue missions in history.

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At least six crew members deserted at Fayal, likely suspecting something was amiss about the voyage. To replace them, Captain Anthony signed on a young sailor named Francis P. Perry (born Sarmento) from Pico Island. At just 17, Perry was the youngest and most inexperienced on board, but Anthony took him under his wing. Perry later recalled in a 1924 oral history, “Captain Anthony was a man for whom anyone on board would have laid down his life if necessary.” Unbeknownst to him, he was soon to be tested in ways he never imagined. When Perry passed away in 1925, he was the last surviving member of the expedition.

Captain David Gifford was the master of the *Gazelle*, a New Bedford whaler who took a significant risk by secretly helping Boyle O’Reilly escape from Australia in February 1869. With the support of local Catholic priest Father Patrick McCabe, Gifford accepted payment to smuggle O’Reilly, a convicted traitor, aboard the vessel. His willingness to assist an Irish rebel, despite the dangers and previous losses inflicted by the Raiders, highlights his bravery and sense of justice in helping O’Reilly escape from the penal colony.

Brothers Henry and Moses Grinnell, born in New Bedford, were prominent partners in the renowned New York shipping firm Grinnell, Minturn & Co. They played a direct role in Ireland’s relief efforts during the famine, personally sending four ships, including the *Patrick Henry*, which sailed twice at their own expense in May and September 1847. Both voyages were commanded by Captain Joseph C. Delano of New Bedford, a distant relative of future President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

Their involvement in Irish aid efforts reflected the strong Irish community in New Bedford, which also contributed to the community’s significant involvement in the famous Catalpa rescue.

Brothers Henry and Moses Grinnell, born in New Bedford, were prominent partners in the renowned New York shipping firm Grinnell, Minturn & Co. They played a direct role in Ireland’s relief efforts during the famine, personally sending four ships, including the *Patrick Henry*, which sailed twice at their own expense in May and September 1847. Both voyages were commanded by Captain Joseph C. Delano of New Bedford, a distant relative of future President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

Moses, a successful shipper and businessman, later served as a U.S. Congressman representing New York and was a Commissioner of New York City’s Central Park. Their involvement in Irish aid efforts reflected the strong Irish community in New Bedford, which also contributed to the community’s significant involvement in the famous Catalpa rescue.

On the *Gazelle*, O’Reilly formed a lifelong friendship with third mate Henry C. Hathaway, who secretly hid him from British authorities when the vessel docked at the French-controlled island of Rodrigues. After eventually reaching Boston, O’Reilly gained nationwide fame as an author, poet, and editor of *The Pilot*. Despite his success, he never forgot his comrades left behind in “The Establishment.” Captain Hathaway, often celebrated in *The Pilot*, was the hero who, along with Captain Gifford, rescued O’Reilly from the penal colony in Western Australia. He humorously referred to drowning O’Reilly at Rodrigues when British officials searched for him, and he had earlier saved O’Reilly’s life during a whaling cruise off Australia’s northwest coast. Hathaway’s bravery and loyalty made him a legendary figure in O’Reilly’s life and in maritime history.

Captain Joseph C. Delano played an important early role in the story of the Catalpa. A New Bedford mariner, he was the vessel’s initial captain when it first departed on what was presented as a standard whaling voyage.

Before the mission reached its most critical phase, command of the Catalpa was later taken over by Captain George S. Anthony, who would ultimately lead the ship during the daring 1876 rescue of the Fenian prisoners in Fremantle, Australia.

Though Delano was not present for the rescue itself, his leadership at the outset of the voyage helped set the stage for one of the most remarkable acts of courage in maritime history.

 The ideas and influence of Irish leader Daniel O’Connell helped shape a broader spirit of justice that reached far beyond Ireland. Known as “The Liberator,” O’Connell fought for Irish rights while also strongly opposing slavery, connecting struggles for freedom across nations.

This shared belief in standing up for others helped plant the seeds for what would later become the Catalpa rescue. That same spirit of compassion and moral courage would inspire men in New Bedford to act—risking everything to help secure the freedom of strangers across the ocean.

  Thomas Darragh was an experienced member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and played an active role in Fenian organizing leading up to the 1867 Rising. His involvement in recruiting, coordinating, and supporting revolutionary efforts led to his arrest by British authorities.

Convicted of treason-related charges, Darragh was sentenced to penal servitude and transported to Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. There, he endured years of hard labor and isolation far from home.

By the time of the Catalpa rescue in 1876, Darragh had spent nearly a decade in captivity. His escape marked the end of years of endurance and reflected the determination of a man who never abandoned the cause for which he had been imprisoned.

  Martin Hogan, a native of County Tipperary, took part in Fenian efforts to organize resistance against British rule. His arrest came as part of the broader crackdown following the 1867 uprising.

Transported to Fremantle Prison, Hogan endured years of physically demanding labor and strict discipline. Life as a transported prisoner was harsh, but he remained steadfast in his beliefs.

His rescue aboard the Catalpa was not just an escape—it was the culmination of years of resilience and survival under extreme conditions.

  Michael Harrington was deeply involved in the Fenian movement in County Cork, a region known for its strong nationalist activity. He was arrested in the aftermath of the failed 1867 uprising for his participation in efforts to challenge British rule.

Sentenced to transportation, Harrington was exiled to Fremantle, where he faced the daily realities of forced labor and strict confinement. Despite the distance and harsh conditions, he remained committed to the ideals that had led to his imprisonment.

His rescue aboard the Catalpa restored not only his freedom, but also his place in a movement that had never forgotten him.

 Robert Cranston, from County Donegal, was involved in Fenian operations connected to the push for Irish independence. His role led to his arrest and eventual conviction by British authorities.

Transported across the world, Cranston spent years in Fremantle Prison under difficult conditions, far removed from his home and community.

Less is widely recorded about his individual actions, but his inclusion in the rescue highlights his importance within the group. His story represents the many individuals whose quiet commitment helped sustain the movement.

 Thomas Desmond served as John Devoy’s trusted agent and played a key supporting role in the planning and execution of the Catalpa rescue. Sent to Australia to assist John Breslin, Desmond helped manage the logistics and communication necessary to carry out such a complex operation.

Working behind the scenes, Desmond helped maintain secrecy, coordinate movements, and support the escape plan as it unfolded. His presence ensured that Breslin was not acting alone and that the mission had the structure and reliability needed to succeed.

Though less widely known, Desmond’s contributions were vital. His loyalty, discretion, and steady support helped turn a bold idea into a carefully executed rescue.

(Thank you Marcus Howard!)

Sir William Cleaver Robinson was the Governor of Western Australia. During a tour of the Convict Establishment (now Fremantle Prison), Robinson secretly informed the prisoners that an escape was planned, highlighting his involvement in the prison's operations and his influence on the events surrounding the convicts.

 Captain Thomas Grady commanded the British vessel Georgette, which was sent to intercept the Catalpa during the escape of the Fenian prisoners.

As the rescue unfolded, Grady pursued the Catalpa at sea and demanded to board the vessel. His request was firmly refused by the ship’s crew, who were determined to protect the rescued men. 

Limited by dwindling coal supplies, Grady was forced to turn back to Fremantle before he could take action.

The following day, the Georgette returned, armed and prepared to intervene. However, the Catalpa had reached international waters, placing it beyond British jurisdiction. Bound by orders not to provoke an international incident, Grady was unable to open fire or board the ship.

Despite his determined pursuit, the rescue could not be stopped. Grady’s role highlights the tense final moments of the mission—where law, distance, and timing ultimately secured the Catalpa’s success.

 Éamon de Valera, a leading figure in Ireland’s struggle for independence and later President of Ireland, visited New Bedford to pay tribute to Captain George S. Anthony—the man who commanded the Catalpa during the daring 1876 rescue.

His visit to Anthony’s gravesite reflected the deep and lasting connection between Ireland and New Bedford. By honoring Anthony, de Valera recognized the courage and moral conviction of those who risked everything to free the Fenian prisoners.

The moment stands as a powerful symbol of international gratitude, showing that the legacy of the Catalpa rescue continued to resonate far beyond its time.

 James Reynolds was a central figure in the planning and execution of the Catalpa rescue, serving as one of its chief organizers and financial backers. A dedicated Irish nationalist and leader within the Fenian movement in the United States, Reynolds played a critical role in turning the idea of a rescue into reality.

Working closely with John Devoy and other leaders, Reynolds helped raise the funds needed to carry out the mission. In a remarkable act of commitment, he personally risked his own financial security—mortgaging his property and belongings to help purchase and outfit the whaling ship Catalpa.

Reynolds was deeply involved in the early planning of the expedition, including meetings in New Bedford where the details of the rescue began to take shape. His determination, sacrifice, and belief in the cause were instrumental in launching the mission.

Though he never sailed aboard the Catalpa, his contributions made the voyage possible. The success of the rescue stands as a testament to his leadership and unwavering dedication to securing freedom for the imprisoned Fenians.

John T. Richardson was the owner of a ship-outfitting store in New Bedford. Although born in Virginia, he was raised in New Bedford and became one of the city's most prominent ship agents. A Quaker with a strong sense of justice, Richardson was approached by Clan na Gael and the Fenian movement. Hathaway told Devoy that Richardson was the man they could trust in New Bedford, and Devoy found him agreeable to the plan. Richardson recommended his son-in-law for the role of captain for the rescue, Captain George S. Anthony. He worked tirelessly to find a suitable ship for the operation, both in New Bedford and Boston, ultimately locating the Catalpa. He was involved in the purchase and the refitting and repairs of the Catalpa at Howland’s City Wharf. Throughout the process, he kept in touch with Reynolds about the progress of the Catalpa and continued to support the rescue effort even after the ship left New Bedford.

Wife of George Anthony.

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New Addition.

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The *Gazelle* was a 19th-century New Bedford whaling bark renowned for its daring rescue of Irish political prisoner John Boyle O'Reilly from Western Australia in March 1869. Operating under the challenging conditions typical of American whalers of the era, the vessel had a diverse crew and undertook long, dangerous voyages. During the rescue, the *Gazelle* arrived at Bunbury, Western Australia, secretly took aboard O'Reilly after his escape from the convict ship *Hougoumont*, and then traveled to Philadelphia, arriving in November 1869, where O'Reilly began his new life in the United States. Notably, Henry C. Hathaway, O'Reilly’s cabin mate aboard the *Gazelle*, later played a key role as a co-conspirator in the famous 1876 *Catalpa* rescue, which freed six other Irish Fenians. The *Gazelle* exemplifies the perilous and adventurous spirit of the American whaling industry centered in New Bedford.

In April 1876, the American whaling barque Catalpa famously rescued Fenian political prisoners from Fremantle. While in international waters, Catalpa sent a whaleboat to pick up the escapees, but the attempt was discovered before they could reach the ship. The SS Georgette, which was in Fremantle at the time, was dispatched with a water police cutter to intercept them. However, the prisoners successfully reached Catalpa, and without official orders to board, Georgette and the police cutter withdrew. 

The next morning, Georgette returned to demand the prisoners' return, but Catalpa’s captain, George Anthony, denied having them on board, asserting he was in international waters. Georgette then fired a warning shot, but Captain Anthony, displaying his ship's US flag, sailed away. Pursuit continued until Georgette ran low on fuel and had to return to Fremantle.

 The crew of the Catalpa was a diverse and largely unsuspecting group of sailors brought together under the command of Captain George S. Anthony. Recruited in New Bedford in 1875, many believed they were signing on for a standard whaling voyage, unaware of the true purpose of the journey.

The crew included experienced seamen as well as international sailors—among them Kanakas, Malays, and Africans—reflecting the global nature of maritime life at the time. Key figures included First Mate Samuel P. Smith, whose leadership proved critical during the rescue, and Dennis Duggan, a representative of the Fenian organizers who served aboard the ship.

Throughout the long voyage, the crew faced harsh conditions, desertions, and uncertainty. Yet when the moment came, they played a vital role in the success of the rescue—rowing the escape boat, assisting the fugitives aboard, and standing firm when confronted by British authorities.

Together, the crew of the Catalpa transformed what appeared to be an ordinary voyage into one of the most remarkable missions in maritime history.