The
brig Incognito was owned by S. Christophersen in Christiania (now Oslo). According to newspaper announcements she was built in Drammen in 1849. Her burden was 102
Commercial lasts, and classed A1. Her flag id. was: A41. The first recordings we have found of of this ship is that she departed from Christiania May 3rd 1850. She arrived at New York on July 13th carrying 132 passengers. The Incognito departed from New York on August 24th for London via Kingston, Jamaica with general goods. She also sailed with emigrants from Christiania to New York in 1851 and 1852. We have transcribed all 3 passenger lists, see links above.
| Newspaper announcement from "Morgenbladet" January 1st, 1850 Passenger accommodation from Christiania. Capt. S. Christophersen with the new and copper binded brig Incognito, is intending to depart from Christiania to New York in end of March, or beginning of April, if a sufficient number of passengers signs on..... |
| Newspaper announcement from "Morgenbladet" April 7th, 1852: Passenger accommodation to new York. The new, 1st classed copper hooded brig Incognito, Capt. S. Christophersen, is soon expected to return home and will then be prepared to take passengers for New York. Departure is scheduled in May. Conditions and enrolling at Hans Henrichsen & son. |
She did one more journey to New York in 1852 with emigrants. She departed from Christiania on July 6th, and arrived at New York on September 12th. According to a story recounted and passed on by Kjel Bredesen Straete and his brother Peder Bredesen Straete, there were a lot of deaths on the voyage. Sharks followed the ship. The daughter of Peder Bredesen Stræte and Olia Knudsdatter (# 1 and 2 on the passenger list), "Karen", died aboard the Incognito on July 28th and was buried at sea. After the funeral, as was customary, the body was lowered with ropes and a board to the water level. One rope was then lifted to enable the body to slide gently into the water and put of sight. Apparently, Peder and Olia, as grieving parents, watched sharks attack the body of their one-year old daughter, Karen, as it entered the water. [
Alice Bredeson Zwifel]. It is interesting to note that there are no notes of those who died on the passenger list. Some of the passengers on the 1852 voyage wrote a recommendation for the Incognito and her Captain S. Christophersen. These emigrants
signed the recommendation:
Berger Eriksen Sagerud. H. Wulfsberg. N. Tyrholm. Ole Olsen Knudsmoen. O. Syversen. M.
Hersleth. A. B. Ulsbøl. C. Sjølie. A. Johannesen. I. Moe. Tosten T. Forkerud. H. F. Koss. Ole
Olsen Hollet. Eberhardt Pedersen. L. C. Prydz. A. Amundsen. Ped. E. Lømo, forhenv Skolelærer.
Kjel Bredesen Strette Blonken. Iver Olsen. O. Steffensen Stræte. Halvor Halvorsen. H.
Soemerud. Matis Charlsen Juberget, m. p. P. Ole Syversen Snapholt. Martinius Olsen Snapholt.
Brede Enersen Knudtsmoen, m. p. P. Tolef Tostensen Sjøli. Mical Olsen Snapholt, m. p. P. Ole
Larsen Sorkness, m. p . P. Peder Bredesen Stræte, m. p. P. Isak Hansen. P. Larsen. Ole Hansen.
Carl Olsen. Anders Olsen Juberget. Paul Jansen. Peder Andersen Spenbyqværn. Christian Olsen
Sigerud.
After the Incognito departed from New York, it was never seen or heard of again. The Christiania Newspaper "Morgenbladet" reported on Feb 2nd, 1853: There have lately been a lot of concern here in town about the Brig Incognito. It was October 2nd last year executed from New York for to sail for Antwerp. No information have been reported there by the 24the of January - consequently after 114 days. Apparently it was "lost with man and mouse".
