THE AMERICAN CAPTAIN

Fort Stanton State Monument in New Mexico is an icon of the Old West and, while this story is considered out of the time-line, it is certainly an important part of Fort Stanton's history.

THE AMERICAN CAPTAIN

  

This story of the American Captain comes from Phil Schreiber, the captain’s nephew, who has a long history volunteering at Fort Stanton, New Mexico.  Many people are surprised to learn of the internment of German seaman at Fort Stanton before America went to war with Nazi Germany and Phil Schreiber wants people to know the story of the American Captain who saved them.

Captain Harry Badt, USN was born in Tyler, Texas in 1884.  He graduated from the Naval Academy in Annapolis in 1908 and was assigned to World War One convoy duty.  Following this duty, Captain badt became an Instructor at Annapolis and then went on to map the Alaskan Aleutian Islands.  Badt later became Captain of the USS Tuscaloosa.  During World War Two he was the Commandant of the Sampson Naval Training Center, Great Lakes and  brought his exemplary naval career to an end by retiring as a Commodore.   According to Phil Schreiber’s account, family stories are plentiful about Captain Badt’s naval service, especially his sense of fairness and competence as a naval officer.  Schreiber’s favorite story as a child was a time when Badt encountered a young, shivering sailor standing watch.  Badt asked the sailor if he had his “long johns” on and the young sailor answered “No Sir.”  Badt questioned, “Why not?”  The young sailor answered, “Quartermaster did not issue me any.”  Badt reportedly ordered the Quartermaster to stand the young sailor's watch instead, and without “long johns”. 

Our story begins on December 19, 1939.  Hitler had just invaded Poland in September and Europe was once again at war and in frantic preparation for war.  The German Concentration Camp System was well underway by this time and word was leaking out by way of letters, radio messages and personal witnesses about the persecution of the Jews, Gypsies, minorities and political dissidents.  Dachau 1933, Buchenwald 1937 and Mauthausen 1938 were examples of these camps.  At this time, the United States was still neutral, even though FDR knew that we would be involved eventually.  Therefore, he established a Naval Neutrality Patrol 300 miles east of the American Coast, to help protect American interests.

During this time, prior to the German invasion of Poland, the German luxury cruise liner SS Columbus, under the command of Captain Daehne, was making her normal ports of call along the Atlantic coastline of the U.S.  This ship was the German equal to the British Queen Mary in stature and would carry many Americans on each cruise.

Once the war began, the Columbus disembarked its passengers and made off to a neutral port in Mexico.  One can only speculate, says Schreiber, as to why the ship left Mexico knowing that the British ships were searching for it in the Atlantic.  Was it because Mexico told them to leave, or was it because orders came from Hitler to return to Germany?   Why did the ship not head for another neutral port?  There has always been speculation but we do know that the British did not want the Columbus to return to Germany to be refitted for war and its crew to become part of the Kriegs Marine.  It is generally believed that, after waiting for three months, Hitler sent word for the SS Columbus to make a run for it and attempt to sail back to Germany.  When that seemed to be impossible, he was propably ordered by the German government to abandon and destroy the Columbus.  And so Captain Daehne followed Hitler’s orders and scuttled his beloved ship

According to Schreiber’s cousin, Badt's daughter, the entire event that eventually ended at Fort Stanton, New Mexico took less than 7 hours off the coast of New Jersey.  The British finally ordered the Columbus to halt, and, rather than surrender the luxury liner to the British, the ship was scuttled by orders of Captain Daehne.  After numerous radio messages between the shadowing British destroyers and the USS Tuscaloosa, Captain Badt picked up the 575 survivors of the Columbus and they began their trip to Ellis Island, NY. 

Headlines of the day read, “Jewish Naval Captain Saves Nazi Crew” and “Nazi Spy Hunted since June Falls into G-MEN'S Lap.”  It turned out that this spy was on board the Columbus and was trying to get back to Germany. These events led to FDR giving a speech on the Tuscaloosa in 1940.

The evening of the rescue and according to sea-faring tradition, the two captains met for dinner, and in keeping with Badt and Schreiber family stories, the German Captain Daehne, knowing that Captain Badt was Jewish, was apologetic for the actions of his country in the persecutions of the peoples of Europe.  Captain Daehne reportedly said, “If you do not wish to have me in your cabin for dinner I will understand.”  Captain Badt responded, “You are not my guest but a guest of the United States Government” which seemed to relax the atmosphere during dinner.  Schreiber postulates that he is sure that many of the Columbus' crew, as well as Captain Daehne, wanted to stay neutral due to their fond interactions with Americans.

After attempts to return the “distressed seamen” to Germany and in light of a strong anti-German British attitude, the crew of the Columbus ended up at Fort Stanton.  According to author Jim McBride, who has written the definitive history of the German Internment at Fort Stanton, Captain Daehne probably was not a “Nazi Party” member”, even though the top officers of the cruise line were.  Also, Daehne’s actions on the Tuscaloosa and later at Fort Stanton would seem to support that hypothesis, Schreiber added.

But, ultimately when everything is said and done, one week before Christmas 1939, American sailors were aiding German seamen and a Jewish American naval Captain was sharing dinner with a German luxury cruise liner Captain, probably discussing with regret the events that led to the loss of the Columbus while dreading the upcoming events of the future.

For more information, Schreiber suggests looking up SS Columbus 1939, Cruising the Past SS Columbus, and Captain Harry Badt, on the web.   Information is also available in books by Jim McBride (Interned) and Lynda Sanchez (Fort Stanton: Legacy of Honor, Tradition of Healing) which are available in the Fort Stanton museum store.

Colonel Emil Fritz and the beginning of the Lincoln County War

Colonel Emil Fritz was born in Stuttgart, Germany in 1832.  He joined the Gold Rush to California and, when the Civil War began in the East, Fritz became captain of Company B of the 1st California Volunteer Calvary when the California Column was being formed to defend the Territories of New Mexico and Arizona against Confederate invasion.  Fritz and the men of Company B arrived too late to defend the territory against Rebel invaders, so they were sent to Fort Sumner to help control the Navajo Indians  who had taken the Long Walk to Bosque Redondo

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Emil Fritz’s Company B troopers and participated in the campaign that Kit Carson organized against the Indians, the Kiowas and Comanches, and he was breveted for heroism fighting against Quanah Parker’s Comanches at the Battle of Adobe Walls.  After that the company  was sent to Fort Stanton and eventually Fritz, as colonel, became the commanding officer at Fort Stanton.

Colonel Fritz was mustered out of the army in 1866 and he became a business partner with Lawrence Murphy. The firm was L. G. Murphy and Company and they started as post traders at Fort Stanton.  Murphy and Company opened a store and a brewery on Fort Stanton but, thanks mostly to Murphy, they were ejected from the fort and subsequently opened in a two story building in the town of Lincoln.  It was the only building with a pitched roof and so the locals called it the “House.”

  

At the same time, Emil established the Fritz Ranch just a few miles below Lincoln.  Times were good for him and he made a little money.  Well, okay, Fritz made a fortune.  But Emil hadn’t been home to the family house in Germany since he left for California looking for gold.  So, Emil Fritz went back to Germany to visit the family home in Stuttgart.  He had taken out a life insurance policy with the American Insurance Company for ten thousand dollars before he sailed for Europe.  There, in Stuttgart, Emil Fritz died of tuberculosis and kidney disease in 1874.

 

Fritz had previously been represented legally by Alexander McSween, who wanted the Fritz family to get Emil’s estate but Lawrence Murphy wanted to get his hands on that insurance  money, too.  The settlement of the Emil Fritz estate in New Mexico marked the start of the troubles that, when exacerbated by the murder of John Tunstall, became the Lincoln County War.  

FORT STANTON LIVE!

When you are looking for Old West action and lots more, look no further than New Mexico and the historic Fort Stanton State Monument for FORT STANTON LIVE! 

FORT STANTON LIVE! will be held Friday through Sunday, July 13 through 15, with a Friday evening Candlelight Tour, concerts by favorites that include the Flying J Wranglers, and a Saturday evening Military Ball.  Mingle with costumed Living Historians from the Civil War and Indian Wars eras, including the Infantry, Mounted Rifles and Artillery Detachments of the Fort Stanton Garrison, portraying the 1858 Company K of the 8^th United States Infantry   Meet Buffalo Soldiers and Mescalero Apaches, too.

Visitors to FORT STANTON LIVE! will interact with authors, historians, photographers, and more.  Local Lincoln County historian Drew Gomber will speak about Lincoln County and Billy the Kid.  Larry Wilkinson will provide a Witness to Lincoln.  Dr. Cynthia Orozco will offer a power point presentation on the Fort Stanton Ranch.  Sightseers will enjoy story telling by Nisha Hoffman.  Dr. Noel Pugach, a Living Historian with the New Mexico Humanities Council will portray Territorial Governor General Lew Wallace.  Journalist, author and historian Sherry Robinson, also a Living Historian with the New Mexico Humanities Council will present Apache Voices.  Dr. Richard Melzer, Professor of History at University of New Mexico, Valencia Campus will speak about the struggles on New Mexico’s road to statehood and will be available for book signing.  Other authors signing their books include, Dr. Earl Pittman, Gary Cozzens of the Lincoln County Historical Society and Fort Stanton historians John Ryan and Jim McBride.  McBride will also give tours of the German Internment Camp.

Friday evening at FORT STANTON LIVE! will feature Candle Light and Lantern Tours to observe soldiers and their families engaged in various activities.  For advanced ticket sales go to www.fortstanton.org or call 575-354-0341.

Antique firearms will be on display in the cafeteria all day Saturday.  Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery drills will take place on the parade ground.  Learn about U.S. Army medicine in bygone days with Dr. Robert Mallin, as well.  And hear about the Evolution of U.S. Army Chevrons with John Pittsenbarger.  Ed Whitted will present the little known Confederate Army of New Mexico.  You’ll also enjoy the Mescalero Apache War dancers and the Apache dance of the Mountain Gods.  Saturday will also feature tours of the World War Two-era German Internment Camp.  Learn about Snowy River with the Fort Stanton Cave Study Project.  Relax in the afternoon with a Ladies’ Tea Social and Victorian Fashion Show on the lawn.  Saturday ends with the Saturday evening Military Ball.

Sunday at FORT STANTON LIVE! will feature Cavalry and Artillery drills as well as historic Period Church Services in the Fort Stanton Chapel.

A variety of historical sutlers will be at FORT STANTON LIVE! to share their handiwork.   You’ll love the Spencer and Jackson Theatrical Troup, purveyors of the music, drama and amusements of the late 1800s.  FORT STANTON LIVE! will have local food vendors on hand, too, so you and your family can spend the day.

Fort Stanton State Monument features nearly 160 years of southwestern history beginning with its initial creation as a military garrison in 1855 and operated as a military fortification through 1896.  It then became the first Tuberculosis Hospital in New Mexico, a working ranch, a CCC work camp, an internment camp for German seaman during World War II, the State Hospital for the Developmentally Handicapped, a low security women’s prison and has even housed several juvenile, drug rehabilitation and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

Your journey through the fascinating history of Fort Stanton can also include the Fort Stanton Museum which features an excellent exhibit and an introductory video that provides breathtaking images and informative interpretive content that will bring the rich history and heritage of Fort Stanton to life.  The Fort Stanton Museum Store sells a variety of items with all proceeds going to support the upkeep and restoration of Fort Stanton.

In addition to FORT STANTON LIVE!, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds of Fort Stanton State Monument at any time, year round. The Museum and Store are open 10-4 Thursday through Monday (12-4 on Sunday).  Group tours can also be arranged on request at no charge. To reserve a tour, please email tours@fortstanton.org or call Clinton Smith (575-258-5702) or Charlotte Rowe (575-336-4015) for more information.

If you are looking for a special place to visit, a place to help you understand the history of New Mexico, and a place whose beauty and activity will leave an indelible impression on you and your family, the Fort Stanton State Monument is a must-see attraction.  New Mexico’s newest State Monument is nestled along the Bonito River running through the picturesque Capitan Mountains with the Sacramento Mountains – and the beautiful peak of Sierra Blanca – in the distance.  Fort Stanton is easy to find just off the Billy the Kid Scenic Byway (Hwy 380) on Hwy 220 at the Bonito River. The turnoff to Hwy 220 is 4 miles east of Capitan on the Byway or 10 miles west of Lincoln, NM.   The Fort is also easy to reach on Hwy 48, with the turnoff past the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport.  Watch New Mexico history come to life at historic Fort Stanton State Monument.