The fleet knew nothing of the retaking of Galveston the day before. So they sent in a small craft with a few men, to herald their coming. The forerunner suspected nothing but what all was right till they reached the landing, where they were taken in charge by Confederate hands. The pilot proved to be a man who had volunteered in the Confederate army at the opening of the war, and was placed on sentinel duty at Bolivar Point, across the bay from Galveston, and one foggy night he stole a boat and deserted to the fleet outside, some months before. His name was Smith, but he bore the significant and historic name by which he was familiarly known on Galveston Island, of "Nicaragua" Smith. He had been with Walker in his filibustering expedition against Nicaragua. He was one of the worst desperadoes ever known in all that country, though so far he had managed to escape the hands of justice. But now, at last, he was caught as a deserter, and acting as pilot to the enemy, conducting him to the place and scenes he was so familiar with. The United States flag was still flying on the Custom House in plain view of the fleet. The deception at first was perfect, and the Confederate authorities hoped to play the game out, and capture the whole fleet, so they sent out true and trusty men in Federal uniform and equippage, to invite and conduct them in. But something raised suspicion--the want of proper salutes and signals, also credentials from the Commodore of the "Harriet Lane" fleet, now captured. The Commodore was blown up in an attempt to blow up one of the vessels after the surrender, and which was contrary to the usages of war.
On being questioned at the flag ship, suspicion was confirmed. The leader in charge was detained as an exchange host for Nicaragua Smith. The exchange never came. Smith was court-martialed, found guilty of inexcusable desertion, and sentenced to be shot to death the next day. When standing in front of the twelve messengers of death, the lieutenant having charge of the execution of the death sentence, advanced to him, and asked if he had any last word or message he desired to leave. He said "Yes," and gave it, but the character of it forbids its mention here. He died as he had lived, with unmentionable wickedness on his lips--a sad spectacle of depravity, unwept and unregretted by all!