Containing Accounts of
their Atrocities, Manners of Living, &c.,
with proceedings of the Squadron under
Commodore Porter in those seas, the victory
and death of Lieutenant Allen, the
interesting Narrative of Captain Lincoln,
&c.
Those innumerable groups of islands, keys
and sandbanks, known as the West-Indies, are
peculiarly adapted from their locality and
formation, to be a favorite resort for
pirates; many of them are composed of coral
rocks, on which a few cocoa trees raise
their lofty heads; where there is sufficient
earth for vegetation between the interstices
of the rocks, stunted brushwood grows. But a
chief peculiarity of some of the islands,
and which renders them suitable to those who
frequent them as pirates, are the numerous
caves with which the rocks are perforated;
some of them are above high-water mark, but
the majority with the sea water flowing in
and out of them, in some cases merely
rushing in at high-water filling deep pools,
which are detached from each other when the
tide recedes, in others with a sufficient
depth of water to allow a large boat to
float in. It is hardly necessary to observe
how convenient the higher and dry caves are
as receptacles for articles which are
intended to be concealed, until an
opportunity occurs to dispose of them. The
Bahamas, themselves are a singular group of
isles, reefs and quays; consisting of
several hundred in number, and were the
chief resort of pirates in old times, but
now they are all rooted from them; they are
low and not elevated, and are more than 600
miles in extent, cut up into numerous
intricate passages and channels, full of
sunken rocks and coral reefs. They afforded
a sure retreat to desperadoes. Other islands
are full of mountain fastnesses, where all
pursuit can be eluded. Many of the low
shores are skirted, and the islands covered
by the mangrove, a singular tree, shooting
fresh roots as it grows, which, when the
tree is at its full age, may be found six or
eight feet from the ground, to which the
shoots gradually tend in regular succession;
the leaf is very thick and stiff and about
eight inches long and nine wide, the
interval between the roots offer secure
hiding places for those who are suddenly
pursued. Another circumstance assists the
pirate when pursued.--As the islands belong
to several different nations, when pursued
from one island he can pass to that under
the jurisdiction of another power. And as
permission must be got by those in pursuit
of him, from the authorities of the island
to land and take him, he thus gains time to
secrete himself. A tropical climate is
suited to a roving life, and liquor as well
as dissolute women being in great abundance,
to gratify him during his hours of
relaxation, makes this a congenial region
for the lawless.
A Piratical Vessel destroying a
Merchant Ship.
The crews of pirate vessels in these seas
are chiefly composed of Spaniards,
Portuguese, French, Mulattoes, Negroes, and
a few natives of other countries. The island
of Cuba is the great nest of pirates at the
present day, and at the Havana, piracy is as
much tolerated as any other profession. As
the piracies committed in these seas, during
a single year, have amounted to more than
fifty, we shall give only a few accounts of
the most interesting.
In November 1821, the brig
Cobbessecontee, Captain Jackson, sailed from
Havana, on the morning of the 8th for
Boston, and on the evening of the same day,
about four miles from the Moro, was brought
to by a piratical sloop containing about 30
men. A boat from her, with 10 men, came
alongside, and soon after they got on board
commenced plundering. They took nearly all
the clothing from the captain and mate--all
the cooking utensils and spare
rigging--unrove part of the running
rigging--cut the small cable--broke the
compasses--cut the mast's coats to
pieces--took from the captain his watch and
four boxes cigars--and from the cargo three
bales cochineal and six boxes cigars. They
beat the mate unmercifully, and hung him up
by the neck under the maintop. They also
beat the captain severely--broke a large
broad sword across his back, and ran a long
knife through his thigh, so that he almost
bled to death. Captain Jackson saw the sloop
at Regla the day before.
Captain Jackson informs us, and we have
also been informed by other persons from the
Havana, that this system of piracy is openly
countenanced by some of the inhabitants of
that place--who say that it is a retaliation
on the Americans for interfering against the
Slave Trade.
About this time the ship Liverpool
Packet, Ricker, of Portsmouth, N.H., was
boarded off Cape St. Antonio, Cuba, by two
piratical schooners; two barges containing
thirty or forty men, robbed the vessel of
every thing movable, even of her flags,
rigging, and a boat which happened to be
afloat, having a boy in it, which belonged
to the ship. They held a consultation
whether they should murder the crew, as they
had done before, or not--in the mean time
taking the ship into anchoring ground. On
bringing her to anchor, the crew saw a brig
close alongside, burnt to the water's edge,
and three dead bodies floating near her. The
pirates said they had burnt the brig the day
before, and murdered all the crew!--and
intended doing the same with them. They said
"look at the turtles (meaning the dead
bodies) you will soon be the same." They
said the vessel was a Baltimore brig, which
they had robbed and burnt, and murdered the
crew as before stated, of which they had
little doubt. Captain Ricker was most
shockingly bruised by them. The mate was
hung till he was supposed to be dead, but
came to, and is now alive. They told the
captain that they belonged in Regla, and
should kill them all to prevent discovery.
In 1822, the United States had several
cruisers among the West-India islands, to
keep the pirates in check. Much good was
done but still many vessels were robbed and
destroyed, together with their crews. This
year the brave Lieutenant Allen fell by the
hand of pirates; he was in the United States
schooner Alligator, and receiving
intelligence at Matanzas, that several
vessels which had sailed from that port, had
been taken by the pirates, and were then in
the bay of Lejuapo. He hastened to their
assistance. He arrived just in time to save
five sail of vessels which he found in
possession of a gang of pirates, 300 strong,
established in the bay of Lejuapo, about 15
leagues east of this. He fell, pierced by
two musket balls, in the van of a division
of boats, attacking their principal vessel,
a fine schooner of about eighty tons, with a
long eighteen pounder on a pivot, and four
smaller guns, with the bloody flag nailed
to the mast. Himself, Captain Freeman of
Marines, and twelve men, were in the boat,
much in advance of his other boats, and even
took possession of the schooner, after a
desperate resistance, which nothing but a
bravery almost too daring could have
overcome. The pirates, all but one, escaped
by taking to their boats and jumping
overboard, before the Alligator's boat
reached them. Two other schooners escaped by
the use of their oars, the wind being light.
Captain Allen survived about four hours,
during which his conversation evinced a
composure and firmness of mind, and
correctness of feeling, as honorable to his
character, and more consoling to his
friends, than even the dauntless bravery he
before exhibited.
The surgeon of the Alligator in a letter
to a friend, says, "He continued giving
orders and conversing with Mr. Dale and the
rest of us, until a few minutes before his
death, with a degree of cheerfulness that
was little to be expected from a man in his
condition. He said he wished his relatives
and his country to know that he had fought
well, and added that he died in peace and
good will towards all the world, and hoped
for his reward in the next."
Lieutenant Allen had but few equals in
the service. He was ardently devoted to the
interest of his country, was brave,
intelligent, and accomplished in his
profession. He displayed, living and dying,
a magnanimity that sheds lustre on his
relatives, his friends, and his country.
Horrid Piracy and Murder by a Mexican
"privateer."
About this time Captain Lincoln fell into
the hands of the pirates, and as his
treatment shows the peculiar habits and
practices of these wretches, we insert the
very interesting narrative of the captain.
The schooner Exertion, Captain Lincoln,
sailed from Boston, bound for Trinidad de
Cuba, Nov. 13th, 1821, with the following
crew; Joshua Bracket, mate; David Warren,
cook; and Thomas Young, Francis De Suze, and
George Reed, seamen.
The cargo consisted of flour, beef, pork,
lard, butter, fish, beans, onions, potatoes,
apples, hams, furniture, sugar box shooks,
&c., invoiced at about eight thousand
dollars. Nothing remarkable occurred during
the passage, except much bad weather, until
my capture, which was as follows:--
Monday, December 17th, 1821, commenced
with fine breezes from the eastward. At
daybreak saw some of the islands northward
of Cape Cruz, called Keys--stood along
northwest; every thing now seemed favorable
for a happy termination of our voyage. At 3
o'clock, P.M., saw a sail coming round one
of the Keys, into a channel called Boca de
Cavolone by the chart, nearly in latitude
20° 55' north, longitude 79° 55' west, she
made directly for us with all sails set,
sweeps on both sides (the wind being light)
and was soon near enough for us to discover
about forty men on her deck, armed with
muskets, blunderbusses, cutlasses, long
knives, dirks, &c., two carronades, one a
twelve, the other a six pounder; she was a
schooner, wearing the Patriot flag (blue,
white and blue) of the Republic of Mexico. I
thought it not prudent to resist them,
should they be pirates, with a crew of seven
men, and only five muskets; accordingly
ordered the arms and ammunition to be
immediately stowed away in as secret a place
as possible, and suffer her to speak us,
hoping and believing that a republican flag
indicated both honor and friendship from
those who wore it, and which we might expect
even from Spaniards. But how great was my
astonishment, when the schooner having
approached very near us, hailed in English,
and ordered me to heave my boat out
immediately and come on board of her with my
papers.--Accordingly my boat was hove out,
but filled before I could get into her.--I
was then ordered to tack ship and lay by for
the pirates' boat to board me; which was
done by Bolidar, their first lieutenant,
with six or eight Spaniards armed with as
many of the before mentioned weapons as they
could well sling about their bodies. They
drove me into the boat, and two of them
rowed me to their privateer (as they called
their vessel), where I shook hands with
their commander, Captain Jonnia, a Spaniard,
who before looking at my papers, ordered
Bolidar, his lieutenant, to follow the
Mexican in, back of the Key they had left,
which was done. At 6 o'clock, P.M., the
Exertion was anchored in eleven feet water,
near this vessel, and an island, which they
called Twelve League Key (called by the
chart Key Largo), about thirty or
thirty-five leagues from Trinidad. After
this strange conduct they began examining my
papers by a Scotchman who went by the name
of Nickola, their sailing master.--He spoke
good English, had a countenance rather
pleasing, although his beard and mustachios
had a frightful appearance--his face,
apparently full of anxiety, indicated
something in my favor; he gave me my papers,
saying "take good care of them, for I am
afraid you have fallen into bad hands." The
pirates' boat was then sent to the Exertion
with more men and arms; a part of them left
on board her; the rest returning with three
of my crew to their vessel; viz., Thomas
Young, Thomas Goodall, and George Reed--they
treated them with something to drink, and
offered them equal shares with themselves,
and some money, if they would enlist, but
they could not prevail on them. I then
requested permission to go on board my
vessel which was granted, and further
requested Nickola should go with me, but was
refused by the captain, who vociferated in a
harsh manner, "No, No, No." accompanied with
a heavy stamp upon the deck. When I got on
board, I was invited below by Bolidar, where
I found they had emptied the case of
liquors, and broken a cheese to pieces and
crumbled it on the table and cabin floor;
the pirates, elated with their prize (as
they called it), had drank so much as to
make them desperately abusive. I was
permitted to lie down in my berth; but,
reader, if you have ever been awakened by a
gang of armed, desperadoes, who have taken
possession of your habitation in the
midnight hour, you can imagine my
feelings.--Sleep was a stranger to me, and
anxiety was my guest. Bolidar, however,
pretended friendship, and flattered me with
the prospect of being soon set at liberty.
But I found him, as I suspected, a
consummate hypocrite; indeed, his very looks
indicated it. He was a stout and well built
man, of a dark, swarthy complexion, with
keen, ferocious eyes, huge whiskers, and
beard under his chin and on his lips, four
or five inches long; he was a Portuguese by
birth, but had become a naturalized
Frenchman--had a wife, if not children (as I
was told) in France, and was well known
there as commander of a first rate
privateer. His appearance was truly
terrific; he could talk some English, and
had a most lion-like voice.
Tuesday, 18th.--Early this morning the
captain of the pirates came on board the
Exertion; took a look at the cabin stores,
and cargo in the state rooms, and then
ordered me back with him to his vessel,
where he, with his crew, held a consultation
for some time respecting the cargo. After
which, the interpreter, Nickola, told me
that "the captain had, or pretended to have,
a commission under General Traspelascus,
commander-in-chief of the republic of
Mexico, authorizing him to take all cargoes
whatever of provisions, bound to any
royalist Spanish port--that my cargo being
bound to an enemy's port, must be condemned;
but that the vessel should be given up and
be put into a fair channel for Trinidad,
where I was bound." I requested him to
examine the papers thoroughly, and perhaps
he would be convinced to the contrary, and
told him my cargo was all American property
taken in at Boston, and consigned to an
American gentleman, agent at Trinidad. But
the captain would not take the trouble, but
ordered both vessels under way immediately,
and commenced beating up amongst the Keys
through most of the day, the wind being very
light. They now sent their boats on board
the Exertion for stores, and commenced
plundering her of bread, butter, lard,
onions, potatoes, fish, beans, &c., took up
some sugar box shocks that were on deck, and
found the barrels of apples; selected the
best of them and threw the rest overboard.
They inquired for spirits, wine, cider, &c.
and were told "they had already taken all
that was on board." But not satisfied they
proceeded to search the state rooms and
forcastle, ripped up the floor of the later
and found some boxes of bottled cider, which
they carried to their vessel, gave three
cheers, in an exulting manner to me, and
then began drinking it with such freedom,
that a violent quarrel arose between
officers and men, which came very near
ending in bloodshed. I was accused of
falsehood, for saying they had got all the
liquors that were on board, and I thought
they had; the truth was, I never had any
bill of lading of the cider, and
consequently had no recollection of its
being on board; yet it served them as an
excuse for being insolent. In the evening
peace was restored and they sung songs. I
was suffered to go below for the night, and
they placed a guard over me, stationed at
the companion way.
Wednesday, 19th, commenced with moderate
easterly winds, beating towards the
northeast, the pirate's boats frequently
going on board the Exertion for potatoes,
fish, beans, butter, &c. which were used
with great waste and extravagance. They gave
me food and drink, but of bad quality, more
particularly the victuals, which was
wretchedly cooked. The place assigned me to
eat was covered with dirt and vermin. It
appeared that their great object was to hurt
my feelings with threats and observations,
and to make my situation as unpleasant as
circumstances would admit. We came to anchor
near a Key, called by them Brigantine, where
myself and mate were permitted to go on
shore, but were guarded by several armed
pirates. I soon returned to the Mexican and
my mate to the Exertion, with George Reed,
one of my crew; the other two being kept on
board the Mexican. In the course of this day
I had considerable conversation with
Nickola, who appeared well disposed towards
me. He lamented most deeply his own
situation, for he was one of those men,
whose early good impressions were not
entirely effaced, although confederated with
guilt. He told me "those who had taken me
were no better than pirates, and their end
would be the halter; but," he added, with
peculiar emotion, "I will never be hung as a
pirate," showing me a bottle of laudanum
which he had found in my medicine chest,
saying, "If we are taken, that shall cheat
the hangman, before we are condemned." I
endeavored to get it from him, but did not
succeed. I then asked him how he came to be
in such company, as he appeared to be
dissatisfied. He stated, that he was at New
Orleans last summer, out of employment, and
became acquainted with one Captain August
Orgamar, a Frenchman, who had bought a small
schooner of about fifteen tons, and was
going down to the bay of Mexico to get a
commission under General Traspelascus, in
order to go a privateering under the patriot
flag. Capt. Orgamar made him liberal offers
respecting shares, and promised him a
sailing master's berth, which he accepted
and embarked on board the schooner, without
sufficiently reflecting on the danger of
such an undertaking. Soon after she sailed
from Mexico, where they got a commission,
and the vessel was called Mexican. They made
up a complement of twenty men, and after
rendering the General some little service,
in transporting his troops to a place called
---- proceeded on a cruise; took some small
prizes off Campeachy; afterwards came on the
south coast of Cuba, where they took other
small prizes, and the one which we were now
on board of. By this time the crew were
increased to about forty, nearly one half
Spaniards, the others Frenchmen and
Portuguese. Several of them had sailed out
of ports in the United States with American
protections; but, I confidently believe,
none are natives, especially of the northern
states. I was careful in examining the men,
being desirous of knowing if any of my
countrymen were among this wretched crew;
but am satisfied there were none, and my
Scotch friend concurred in the opinion. And
now, with a new vessel, which was the prize
of these plunderers, they sailed up
Manganeil bay; previously, however, they
fell in with an American schooner, from
which they bought four barrels of beef, and
paid in tobacco. At the Bay was an English
brig belonging to Jamaica, owned by Mr. John
Louden of that place. On board of this
vessel the Spanish part of the crew
commenced their depredations as pirates,
although Captain Orgamar and Nickola
protested against it, and refused any
participation; but they persisted, and like
so many ferocious blood-hounds, boarded the
brig, plundered the cabin, stores,
furniture, captain's trunk, &c., took a
hogshead of rum, one twelve pound carronade,
some rigging and sails. One of them
plundered the chest of a sailor, who made
some resistance, so that the Spaniard took
his cutlass, and beat and wounded him
without mercy. Nickola asked him "why he did
it?" the fellow answered, "I will let you
know," and took up the cook's axe and gave
him a cut on the head, which nearly deprived
him of life. Then they ordered Captain
Orgamar to leave his vessel, allowing him
his trunk and turned him ashore, to seek for
himself. Nickola begged them to dismiss him
with his captain, but no, no, was the
answer; for they had no complete navigator
but him. After Captain Orgamar was gone,
they put in his stead the present brave (or
as I should call him cowardly) Captain
Jonnia, who headed them in plundering the
before mentioned brig, and made Bolidar
their first lieutenant, and then proceeded
down among those Keys or Islands, where I
was captured. This is the amount of what my
friend Nickola told me of their history.
Saturday, 22d.--Both vessels under way
standing to the eastward, they ran the
Exertion aground on a bar, but after
throwing overboard most of her deck load of
shooks, she floated off; a pilot was sent to
her, and she was run into a narrow creek
between two keys, where they moored her head
and stern along side of the mangrove trees,
set down her yards and topmasts, and covered
her mast heads and shrouds with bushes to
prevent her being seen by vessels which
might pass that way. I was then suffered to
go on board my own vessel, and found her in
a very filthy condition; sails torn, rigging
cut to pieces, and every thing in the cabin
in waste and confusion. The swarms of
moschetoes and sand-flies made it impossible
to get any sleep or rest. The pirate's large
boat was armed and manned under Bolidar, and
sent off with letters to a merchant (as they
called him) by the name of Dominico,
residing in a town called Principe, on the
main island of Cuba. I was told by one of
them, who could speak English, that Principe
was a very large and populous town, situated
at the head of St. Maria, which was about
twenty miles northeast from where we lay,
and the Keys lying around us were called
Cotton Keys.--The captain pressed into his
service Francis de Suze, one of my crew,
saying that he was one of his countrymen.
Francis was very reluctant in going, and
said to me, with tears in his eyes, "I shall
do nothing but what I am obliged to do, and
will not aid in the least to hurt you or the
vessel; I am very sorry to leave you." He
was immediately put on duty and Thomas
Goodall sent back to the Exertion.
Sunday, 23d.--Early this morning a large
number of the pirates came on board of the
Exertion, threw out the long boat, broke
open the hatches, and took out considerable
of the cargo, in search of rum, gin, &c.,
still telling me "I had some and they would
find it," uttering the most awful
profaneness. In the afternoon their boat
returned with a perough, having on board the
captain, his first lieutenant and seven men
of a patriot or piratical vessel that was
chased ashore at Cape Cruz by a Spanish
armed brig. These seven men made their
escape in said boat, and after four days,
found our pirates and joined them; the
remainder of the crew being killed or taken
prisoners.
Monday, 24th.--Their boat was manned and
sent to the before-mentioned town.--I was
informed by a line from Nickola, that the
pirates had a man on board, a native of
Principe, who, in the garb of a sailor, was
a partner with Dominico, but I could not get
sight of him. This lets us a little into the
plans by which this atrocious system of
piracy has been carried on. Merchants having
partners on board of these pirates! thus
pirates at sea and robbers on land are
associated to destroy the peaceful trader.
The willingness exhibited by the seven
above-mentioned men, to join our gang of
pirates, seems to look like a general
understanding among them; and from there
being merchants on shore so base as to
encourage the plunder and vend the goods, I
am persuaded there has been a systematic
confederacy on the part of these
unprincipled desperadoes, under cover of the
patriot flag; and those on land are no
better than those on the sea. If the
governments to whom they belong know of the
atrocities committed (and I have but little
doubt they do) they deserve the execration
of all mankind.
Thursday, 27th.--A gang of the pirates
came and stripped our masts of the green
bushes, saying, "she appeared more like a
sail than trees"--took one barrel of bread
and one of potatoes, using about one of each
every day. I understood they were waiting
for boats to take the cargo; for the
principal merchant had gone to Trinidad.
Sunday, 30th.--The beginning of trouble!
This day, which peculiarly reminds
Christians of the high duties of compassion
and benevolence, was never observed by these
pirates. This, of course, we might expect,
as they did not often know when the day
came, and if they knew it, it was spent in
gambling. The old saying among seamen, "no
Sunday off soundings," was not thought of;
and even this poor plea was not theirs, for
they were on soundings and often at
anchor.--Early this morning, the merchant,
as they called him, came with a large boat
for the cargo. I was immediately ordered
into the boat with my crew, not allowed any
breakfast, and carried about three miles to
a small island out of sight of the Exertion,
and left there by the side of a little pond
of thick, muddy water, which proved to be
very brackish, with nothing to eat but a few
biscuits. One of the boat's men told us the
merchant was afraid of being recognized, and
when he had gone the boat would return for
us; but we had great reason to apprehend
they would deceive us, and therefore passed
the day in the utmost anxiety. At night,
however, the boats came and took us again on
board the Exertion; when, to our surprise
and astonishment, we found they had broken
open the trunks and chests, and taken all
our wearing apparel, not even leaving a
shirt or pair of pantaloons, nor sparing a
small miniature of my wife which was in my
trunk. The little money I and my mate had,
with some belonging to the owners, my mate
had previously distributed about the cabin
in three or four parcels, while I was on
board the pirate, for we dare not keep it
about us; one parcel in a butter pot they
did not discover.--Amidst the hurry with
which I was obliged to go to the
before-mentioned island, I fortunately
snatched by vessel's papers, and hid them in
my bosom, which the reader will find was a
happy circumstance for me. My writing desk,
with papers, accounts, &c., all Mr. Lord's
letters (the gentlemen to whom my cargo was
consigned) and several others were taken and
maliciously destroyed. My medicine chest,
which I so much wanted, was kept for their
own use. What their motive could be to take
my papers I could not imagine, except they
had hopes of finding bills of lading for
some Spaniards, to clear them from piracy.
Mr. Bracket had some notes and papers of
consequence to him, which shared the same
fate. My quadrant, charts, books and bedding
were not yet taken, but I found it
impossible to hide them, and they were soon
gone from my sight.
A Cave in the Caicos group of the
West India Islands.
Tuesday, January 1st, 1822--A sad new-year's
day to me. Before breakfast orders came for
me to cut down the Exertion's railing and
bulwarks on one side, for their vessel to
heave out by, and clean her bottom. On my
hesitating a little they observed with
anger, "very well, captain, suppose you no
do it quick, we do it for you." Directly
afterwards another boat full of armed men
came along side; they jumped on deck with
swords drawn, and ordered all of us into her
immediately; I stepped below, in hopes of
getting something which would be of service
to us; but the captain hallooed, "Go into
the boat directly or I will fire upon you."
Thus compelled to obey, we were carried,
together with four Spanish prisoners, to a
small, low island or key of sand in the
shape of a half moon, and partly covered
with mangrove trees; which was about one
mile from and in sight of my vessel. There
they left nine of us, with a little bread,
flour, fish, lard, a little coffee and
molasses; two or three kegs of water, which
was brackish; an old sail for a covering,
and a pot and some other articles no way fit
to cook in. Leaving us these, which were
much less than they appear in the
enumeration, they pushed off, saying, "we
will come to see you in a day or two."
Selecting the best place, we spread the old
sail for an awning; but no place was free
from flies, moschetoes, snakes, the venomous
skinned scorpion, and the more venomous
santipee. Sometimes they were found crawling
inside of our pantaloons, but fortunately no
injury was received. This afternoon the
pirates hove their vessel out by the
Exertion and cleaned one side, using her
paints, oil, &c. for that purpose. To see my
vessel in that situation and to think of our
prospects was a source of the deepest
distress. At night we retired to our tent;
but having nothing but the cold damp ground
for a bed, and the heavy dew of night
penetrating the old canvass--the situation
of the island being fifty miles from the
usual track of friendly vessels, and one
hundred and thirty-five from
Trinidad--seeing my owner's property so
unjustly and wantonly destroyed--considering
my condition, the hands at whose mercy I
was, and deprived of all hopes, rendered
sleep or rest a stranger to me.
Friday, 4th.--Commenced with light winds
and hot sun, saw a boat coming from the
Exertion, apparently loaded; she passed
between two small Keys to northward,
supposed to be bound for Cuba. At sunset a
boat came and inquired if we wanted
anything, but instead of adding to our
provisions, took away our molasses, and
pushed off. We found one of the Exertion's
water casks, and several pieces of plank,
which we carefully laid up, in hopes of
getting enough to make a raft.
Saturday, 5th.--Pirates again in sight,
coming from the eastward; they beat up along
side their prize, and commenced loading. In
the afternoon Nickola came to us, bringing
with him two more prisoners, which they had
taken in a small sail boat coming from
Trinidad to Manganeil, one a Frenchman, the
other a Scotchman, with two Spaniards, who
remained on board the pirate, and who
afterwards joined them. The back of one of
these poor fellows was extremely sore,
having just suffered a cruel beating from
Bolidar, with the broad side of a cutlass.
It appeared, that when the officer asked him
"where their money was, and how much," he
answered, "he was not certain but believed
they had only two ounces of gold"--Bolidar
furiously swore he said "ten," and not
finding any more, gave him the beating.
Nickola now related to me a singular fact;
which was, that the Spanish part of the crew
were determined to shoot him; that they tied
him to the mast, and a man was appointed for
the purpose; but Lion, a Frenchman, his
particular friend, stepped up and told them,
if they shot him they must shoot several
more; some of the Spaniards sided with him,
and he was released. Nickola told me, the
reason for such treatment was, that he
continually objected to their conduct
towards me, and their opinion if he should
escape, they would be discovered, as he
declared he would take no prize money. While
with us he gave me a letter written in great
haste, which contains some particulars
respecting the cargo;--as follows:--
January 4th, 1822.
Sir,--We arrived here this morning, and
before we came to anchor, had five canoes
alongside ready to take your cargo, part of
which we had in; and as I heard you express
a wish to know what they took out of her, to
this moment, you may depend upon this
account of Jamieson for quality and
quantity; if I have the same opportunity you
will have an account of the whole. The
villain who bought your cargo is from the
town of Principe, his name is Dominico, as
to that it is all that I can learn; they
have taken your charts aboard the schooner
Mexican, and I suppose mean to keep them, as
the other captain has agreed to act the same
infamous part in the tragedy of his life.
Your clothes are here on board, but do not
let me flatter you that you will get them
back; it may be so, and it may not. Perhaps
in your old age, when you recline with ease
in a corner of your cottage, you will have
the goodness to drop a tear of pleasure to
the memory of him, whose highest ambition
should have been to subscribe himself,
though devoted to the gallows, your friend,
Excuse haste. NICKOLA MONACRE. |
Sunday, 6th.--The pirates were under way
at sunrise, with a full load of the
Exertion's cargo, going to Principe again to
sell a second freight, which was done
readily for cash. I afterwards heard that
the flour only fetched five dollars per
barrel, when it was worth at Trinidad
thirteen; so that the villain who bought my
cargo at Principe, made very large profits
by it.
Tuesday, 8th.--Early this morning the
pirates in sight again, with fore top sail
and top gallant sail set; beat up along side
of the Exertion and commenced loading;
having, as I supposed, sold and discharged
her last freight among some of the
inhabitants of Cuba. They appeared to load
in great haste; and the song, "O he oh,"
which echoed from one vessel to the other,
was distinctly heard by us. How wounding was
this to me! How different was this sound
from what it would have been, had I been
permitted to pass unmolested by these
lawless plunderers, and been favored with a
safe arrival at the port of my destination,
where my cargo would have found an excellent
sale. Then would the "O he oh," on its
discharging, have been a delightful sound to
me. In the afternoon she sailed with the
perough in tow, both with a full load,
having chairs, which was part of the cargo,
slung at her quarters.
Monday, 14th.--They again hove in sight,
and beat up as usual, along-side their
prize. While passing our solitary island,
they laughed at our misery, which was almost
insupportable--looking upon us as though we
had committed some heinous crime, and they
had not sufficiently punished us; they
hallooed to us, crying out "Captain,
Captain," accompanied with obscene motions
and words, with which I shall not blacken
these pages--yet I heard no check upon such
conduct, nor could I expect it among such a
gang, who have no idea of subordination on
board, except when in chase of vessels, and
even then but very little. My resentment was
excited at such a malicious outrage, and I
felt a disposition to revenge myself, should
fortune ever favor me with an opportunity.
It was beyond human nature not to feel and
express some indignation at such
treatment.--Soon after, Bolidar, with five
men, well armed, came to us; he having a
blunderbuss, cutlass, a long knife and pair
of pistols--but for what purpose did he
come? He took me by the hand, saying,
"Captain, me speak with you, walk this way."
I obeyed, and when at some distance from my
fellow prisoners, (his men following) he
said, "the captain send me for your wash"
I pretended not to understand what he meant,
and replied, "I have no clothes, nor any
soap to wash with--you have taken them all,"
for I had kept my watch about me, hoping
they would not discover it. He demanded it
again as before; and was answered, "I have
nothing to wash;" this raised his anger, and
lifting his blunderbuss, he roared out,
"what the d--l you call him that make clock?
give it me." I considered it imprudent to
contend any longer, and submitted to his
unlawful demand. As he was going off, he
gave me a small bundle, in which was a pair
of linen drawers, sent to me by Nickola, and
also the Rev. Mr. Brooks' "Family Prayer
Book." This gave me great satisfaction. Soon
after, he returned with his captain, who had
one arm slung up, yet with as many
implements of war, as his diminutive wicked
self could conveniently carry; he told me
(through an interpreter who was his
prisoner.) "that on his cruize he had fallen
in with two Spanish privateers, and beat
them off; but had three of his men killed,
and himself wounded in the arm"--Bolidar
turned to me and said, "it is a d--n
lie"--which words proved to be correct, for
his arm was not wounded, and when I saw him
again, which was soon afterwards, he had
forgotten to sling it up. He further told
me, "after tomorrow you shall go with your
vessel, and we will accompany you towards
Trinidad." This gave me some new hopes, and
why I could not tell. They then left us
without rendering any assistance.--This
night we got some rest.
Tuesday, 15th. The words "go after
tomorrow," were used among our Spanish
fellow prisoners, as though that happy
tomorrow would never come--in what manner it
came will soon be noticed.
Friday, 18th commenced with brighter
prospects of liberty than ever. The pirates
were employed in setting up our devoted
schooner's shrouds, stays, &c. My condition
now reminded me of the hungry man, chained
in one corner of a room, while at another
part was a table loaded with delicious food
and fruits, the smell and sight of which he
was continually to experience, but alas! his
chains were never to be loosed that he might
go and partake--at almost the same moment
they were thus employed, the axe was applied
with the greatest dexterity to both her
masts and I saw them fall over the side!
Here fell my hopes--I looked at my
condition, and then thought of home.--Our
Spanish fellow prisoners were so
disappointed and alarmed that they
recommended hiding ourselves, if possible,
among the mangrove trees, believing, as they
said, we should now certainly be put to
death; or, what was worse, compelled to
serve on board the Mexican as pirates.
Little else it is true, seemed left for us;
however, we kept a bright look out for them
during the day, and at night "an anchor
watch" as we called it, determined if we
discovered their boats coming towards us, to
adopt the plan of hiding, although
starvation stared us in the face--yet
preferred that to instant death. This night
was passed in sufficient anxiety--I took the
first watch.
Saturday, 19th.--The pirate's largest
boat came for us--it being day-light, and
supposing they could see us, determined to
stand our ground and wait the result. They
ordered us all into the boat, but left every
thing else; they rowed towards the
Exertion--I noticed a dejection of spirits
in one of the pirates, and inquired of him
where they were going to carry us? He shook
his head and replied, "I do not know." I now
had some hopes of visiting my vessel
again--but the pirates made sail, ran down,
took us in tow and stood out of the harbor.
Bolidar afterwards took me, my mate and two
of my men on board and gave us some coffee.
On examination I found they had several
additional light sails, made of the
Exertion's. Almost every man, a pair of
canvas trousers; and my colors cut up and
made into belts to carry their money about
them. My jolly boat was on deck, and I was
informed, all my rigging was disposed of.
Several of the pirates had on some of my
clothes, and the captain one of my best
shirts, a cleaner one, than I had ever seen
him have on before.--He kept at a good
distance from me, and forbid my friend
Nickola's speaking to me.--I saw from the
companion way in the captain's cabin my
quadrant, spy glass and other things which
belonged to us, and observed by the compass,
that the course steered was about west by
south,--distance nearly twenty miles, which
brought them up with a cluster of islands
called by some "Cayman Keys." Here they
anchored and caught some fish, (one of which
was named guard fish) of which we had
a taste. I observed that my friend Mr.
Bracket was somewhat dejected, and asked him
in a low voice, what his opinion was with
respects to our fate? He answered, "I cannot
tell you, but it appears to me the worst is
to come." I told him that I hoped not, but
thought they would give us our small boat
and liberate the prisoners. But mercy even
in this shape was not left-for us. Soon
after, saw the captain and officers
whispering for some time in private
conference. When over, their boat was manned
under the commond of Bolidar, and went to
one of those Islands or Keys before
mentioned. On their return, another
conference took place--whether it was a jury
upon our lives we could not tell. I did not
think conscience could be entirely
extinguished in the human breast, or that
men could become fiends. In the afternoon,
while we knew not the doom which had been
fixed for us, the captain was engaged with
several of his men in gambling, in hopes to
get back some of the five hundred dollars,
they said, he lost but a few nights before;
which had made his unusually fractious. A
little before sunset he ordered all the
prisoners into the large boat, with a supply
of provisions and water, and to be put on
shore. While we were getting into her, one
of my fellow prisoners, a Spaniard,
attempted with tears in his eyes to speak to
the captain, but was refused with the
answer. "I'll have nothing to say to any
prisoner, go into the boat." In the mean
time Nickola said to me, "My friend, I will
give you your book," (being Mr. Colman's
Sermons,) "it is the only thing of yours
that is in my possession; I dare not attempt
any thing more." But the captain forbid his
giving it to me, and I stepped into the
boat--at that moment Nickola said in a low
voice, "never mind, I may see you again
before I die." The small boat was well armed
and manned, and both set off together for
the island, where they had agreed to leave
us to perish! The scene to us was a funereal
scene. There were no arms in the prisoners
boat, and, of course, all attempts to
relieve ourselves would have been throwing
our lives away, as Bolidar was near us, well
armed. We were rowed about two miles
north-easterly from the pirates, to a small
low island, lonely and desolate. We arrived
about sunset; and for the support of us
eleven prisoners, they only left a ten
gallon keg of water, and perhaps a few
quarts, in another small vessel, which was
very poor; part of a barrel of flour, a
small keg of lard, one ham and some salt
fish; a small kettle and an old broken pot;
an old sail for a covering, and a small
mattress and blanket, which was thrown out
as the boats hastened away. One of the
prisoners happened to have a little coffee
in his pocket, and these comprehended all
our means of sustaining life, and for what
length of time we knew not. We now felt the
need of water, and our supply was
comparatively nothing. A man may live nearly
twice as long without food, as without
water. Look at us now, my friends, left
benighted on a little spot of sand in the
midst of the ocean, far from the usual track
of vessels, and every appearance of a
violent thunder tempest, and a boisterous
night. Judge of my feelings, and the
circumstances which our band of sufferers
now witnessed. Perhaps you can and have
pitied us. I assure you, we were very
wretched; and to paint the scene, is not
within my power. When the boats were moving
from the shore, on recovering myself a
little, I asked Bolidar, "If he was going to
leave us so?"--he answered, "no, only two
days--we go for water and wood, then come
back, take you." I requested him to give us
bread and other stores, for they had plenty
in the boat, and at least one hundred
barrels of flour in the Mexican. "No, no,
suppose to-morrow morning me come, me give
you bread," and hurried off to the vessel.
This was the last time I saw him. We then
turned our attention upon finding a spot
most convenient for our comfort, and soon
discovered a little roof supported by stakes
driven into the sand; it was thatched with
leaves of the cocoa-nut tree, considerable
part of which was torn or blown off. After
spreading the old sail over this roof, we
placed our little stock of provisions under
it. Soon after came on a heavy shower of
rain which penetrated the canvas, and made
it nearly as uncomfortable inside, as it
would have been out. We were not prepared to
catch water, having nothing to put it in.
Our next object was to get fire, and after
gathering some of the driest fuel to be
found, and having a small piece of cotton
wick-yarn, with flint and steel, we kindled
a fire, which was never afterwards suffered
to be extinguished. The night was very dark,
but we found a piece of old rope, which when
well lighted served for a candle. On
examining the ground under the roof, we
found perhaps thousands of creeping insects,
scorpions, lizards, crickets, &c. After
scraping them out as well as we could, the
most of us having nothing but the damp earth
for a bed, laid ourselves down in hopes of
some rest; but it being so wet, gave many of
us severe colds, and one of the Spaniards
was quite sick for several days.
Sunday, 20th.--As soon as day-light came
on, we proceeded to take a view of our
little island, and found it to measure only
one acre, of coarse, white sand; about two
feet, and in some spots perhaps three feet
above the surface of the ocean. On the
highest part were growing some bushes and
small mangroves, (the dry part of which was
our fuel) and the wild castor oil beans. We
were greatly disappointed in not finding the
latter suitable food; likewise some of the
prickly pear bushes, which gave us only a
few pears about the size of our small button
pear; the outside has thorns, which if
applied to the fingers or lips, will remain
there, and cause a severe smarting similar
to the nettle; the inside a spungy
substance, full of juice and seeds, which
are red and a little tartish--had they been
there in abundance, we should not have
suffered so much for water--but alas! even
this substitute was not for us. On the
northerly side of the island was a hollow,
where the tide penetrated the sand, leaving
stagnant water. We presumed, in hurricanes
the island was nearly overflowed. According
to the best calculations I could make, we
were about thirty-five miles from any part
of Cuba, one hundred from Trinidad and forty
from the usual track of American vessels, or
others which might pass that way. No vessel
of any considerable size, can safely pass
among these Keys (or "Queen's Gardens," as
the Spaniards call them) being a large
number extending from Cape Cruz to Trinidad,
one hundred and fifty miles distance; and
many more than the charts have laid down,
most of them very low and some covered at
high water, which makes it very dangerous
for navigators without a skilful pilot.
After taking this view of our condition,
which was very gloomy, we began to suspect
we were left on this desolate island by
those merciless plunderers to perish. Of
this I am now fully convinced; still we
looked anxiously for the pirate's boat to
come according to promise with more water
and provisions, but looked in vain. We saw
them soon after get under way with all sail
set and run directly from us until out of
our sight, and we never saw them again!
One may partially imagine our feelings, but
they cannot be put into words. Before they
were entirely out of sight of us, we raised
the white blanket upon a pole, waving it in
the air, in hopes, that at two miles
distance they would see it and be moved to
pity. But pity in such monsters was not to
be found. It was not their interest to save
us from the lingering death, which we now
saw before us. We tried to compose
ourselves, trusting to God, who had
witnessed our sufferings, would yet make use
of some one, as the instrument of his mercy
towards us. Our next care, now, was to try
for water. We dug several holes in the sand
and found it, but quite too salt for use.
The tide penetrates probably through the
island. We now came on short allowances for
water. Having no means of securing what we
had by lock and key, some one in the night
would slyly drink, and it was soon gone. The
next was to bake some bread, which we did by
mixing flour with salt water and frying it
in lard, allowing ourselves eight quite
small pancakes to begin with. The ham was
reserved for some more important occasion,
and the salt fish was lost for want of fresh
water. The remainder of this day was passed
in the most serious conversation and
reflection. At night, I read prayers from
the "Prayer Book," before mentioned, which I
most carefully concealed while last on board
the pirates. This plan was pursued morning
and evening, during our stay there. Then
retired for rest and sleep, but realized
little of either.
Monday, 21st.--In the morning we walked
round the beach, in expectation of finding
something useful. On our way picked up a
paddle about three feet long, very similar
to the Indian canoe paddle, except the
handle, which was like that of a shovel, the
top part being split off; we laid it by for
the present. We likewise found some konchs
and roasted them; they were pretty good
shell fish, though rather tough. We
discovered at low water, a bar or spit of
sand extending north-easterly from us, about
three miles distant, to a cluster of Keys,
which were covered with mangrove trees,
perhaps as high as our quince tree. My
friend Mr. Bracket and George attempted to
wade across, being at that time of tide only
up to their armpits; but were pursued by a
shark, and returned without success. The
tide rises about four feet.
Tuesday, 22d.--We found several pieces of
the palmetto or cabbage tree, and some
pieces of boards, put them together in the
form of a raft, and endeavored to cross, but
that proved ineffectual. Being disappointed,
we set down to reflect upon other means of
relief, intending to do all in our power for
safety while our strength continued. While
setting here, the sun was so powerful and
oppressive, reflecting its rays upon the
sea, which was then calm, and the white sand
which dazzled the eye, was so painful, that
we retired under the awning; there the
moschetoes and flies were so numerous, that
good rest could not be found. We were,
however, a little cheered, when, in scraping
out the top of the ground to clear out, I
may say, thousands of crickets and bugs, we
found a hatchet, which was to us peculiarly
serviceable. At night the strong
north-easterly wind, which prevails there at
all seasons, was so cold as to make it
equally uncomfortable with the day. Thus day
after day, our sufferings and apprehensions
multiplying, we were very generally alarmed.
Thursday, 24th.--This morning, after
taking a little coffee, made of the water
which we thought least salt, and two or
three of the little cakes, we felt somewhat
refreshed, and concluded to make another
visit to those Keys, in hopes of finding
something more, which might make a raft for
us to escape the pirates, and avoid
perishing by thirst. Accordingly seven of us
set off, waded across the bar and searched
all the Keys thereabouts. On one we found a
number of sugar-box shooks, two lashing
plank and some pieces of old spars, which
were a part of the Exertion's deck load,
that was thrown overboard when she grounded
on the bar, spoken of in the first part of
the narrative. It seems they had drifted
fifteen miles, and had accidentally lodged
on these very Keys within our reach. Had the
pirates known this, they would undoubtedly
have placed us in another direction. They no
doubt thought that they could not place us
on a worse place. The wind at this time was
blowing so strong on shore, as to prevent
rafting our stuff round to our island, and
we were obliged to haul it upon the beach
for the present; then dug for water in the
highest place, but found it as salt as ever,
and then returned to our habitation. But
hunger and thirst began to prey upon us, and
our comforts were as few as our hopes.
Friday, 25th.--Again passed over to those
Keys to windward in order to raft our stuff
to our island, it being most convenient for
building. But the surf on the beach was so
very rough, that we were again compelled to
postpone it. Our courage, however, did not
fail where there was the slightest hopes of
life. Returning without it, we found on our
way an old top timber of some vessel; it had
several spikes on it, which we afterwards
found very serviceable. In the hollow of an
old tree, we found two guarnas of small
size, one male, the other female. Only one
was caught. After taking off the skin, we
judged it weighed a pound and a half. With
some flour and lard, (the only things we had
except salt water,) it made us a fine little
mess. We thought it a rare dish, though a
small one for eleven half starved persons.
At the same time a small vessel hove in
sight; we made a signal to her with the
blanket tied to a pole and placed it on the
highest tree--some took off their white
clothes and waved them in the air, hoping
they would come to us; should they be
pirates, they could do no more than kill us,
and perhaps would give us some water, for
which we began to suffer most excessively;
but, notwithstanding all our efforts, she
took no notice of us.
Saturday, 26th.--This day commenced with
moderate weather and smooth sea; at low tide
found some cockles; boiled and eat them, but
they were very painful to the stomach. David
Warren had a fit of strangling, with
swelling of the bowels; but soon recovered,
and said, "something like salt rose in his
throat and choked him." Most of us then set
off for the Keys, where the plank and shooks
were put together in a raft, which we with
pieces of boards paddled over to our island;
when we consulted the best plan, either to
build a raft large enough for us all to go
on, or a boat; but the shooks having three
or four nails in each, and having a piece of
large reed or bamboo, previously found, of
which we made pins, we concluded to make a
boat.
Sunday, 27--Commenced our labor, for
which I know we need offer no apology. We
took the two planks, which were about
fourteen feet long, and two and a half wide,
and fixed them together for the bottom of
the boat; then with moulds made of palmetto
bark, cut timber and knees from mangrove
trees which spread so much as to make the
boat four feet wide at the top, placed them
exactly the distance apart of an Havana
sugar box.--Her stern was square and the
bows tapered to a peak, making her form
resemble a flat-iron. We proceeded thus far
and returned to rest for the night--but Mr.
Bracket was too unwell to get much sleep.
Monday, 28--Went on with the work as fast
as possible. Some of the Spaniards had long
knives about them, which proved very useful
in fitting timbers, and a gimblet of mine,
accidentally found on board the pirate,
enabled us to use the wooden pins. And now
our spirits began to revive, though
water, water, was continually in our
minds. We now feared the pirates might
possibly come, find out our plan and put us
to death, (although before we had wished to
see them, being so much in want of water.)
Our labor was extremely burdensome, and the
Spaniards considerably peevish--but they
would often say to me "never mind captain,
by and by, Americana or Spanyola catch them,
me go and see 'um hung." We quitted work for
the day, cooked some cakes but found it
necessary to reduce the quantity again,
however small before. We found some herbs on
a windward Key, which the Spaniards called
Spanish tea.--This when well boiled we found
somewhat palatable, although the water was
very salt. This herb resembles pennyroyal in
look and taste, though not so pungent. In
the evening when we were setting round the
fire to keep of the moschetoes, I observed
David Warren's eyes shone like glass. The
mate said to him--"David I think you will
die before morning--I think you are struck
with death now." I thought so too, and told
him, "I thought it most likely we should all
die here soon; but as some one of us might
survive to carry the tidings to our friends,
if you have any thing to say respecting your
family, now is the time."--He then said, "I
have a mother in Saco where I belong--she is
a second time a widow--to-morrow if you can
spare a scrap of paper and pencil I will
write something." But no tomorrow came to
him.--In the course of the night he had
another spell of strangling, and soon after
expired, without much pain and without a
groan. He was about twenty-six years
old.--How solemn was this scene to us! Here
we beheld the ravages of death commenced
upon us. More than one of us considered
death a happy release. For myself I thought
of my wife and children; and wished to live
if God should so order it, though extreme
thirst, hunger and exhaustion had well nigh
prostrated my fondest hopes.
Tuesday, 29th.--Part of us recommenced
labor on the boat, while myself and Mr.
Bracket went and selected the highest clear
spot of sand on the northern side of the
island, where we dug Warren's grave, and
boxed it up with shooks, thinking it would
be the most suitable spot for the rest of
us--whose turn would come next, we knew not.
At about ten o'clock, A.M. conveyed the
corpse to the grave, followed by us
survivers--a scene, whose awful solemnity
can never be painted. We stood around the
grave, and there I read the funeral prayer
from the Rev. Mr. Brooks's Family Prayer
Book; and committed the body to the earth;
covered it with some pieces of board and
sand, and returned to our labor. One of the
Spaniards, an old man, named Manuel, who was
partial to me, and I to him, made a cross
and placed it at the head of the grave
saying, "Jesus Christ hath him now."
Although I did not believe in any mysterious
influence of this cross, yet I was perfectly
willing it should stand there. The middle
part of the day being very warm, our mouths
parched with thirst, and our spirits so
depressed, that we made but little progress
during the remainder of this day, but in the
evening were employed in picking oakum out
of the bolt rope taken from the old sail.
Wednesday, 30th.--Returned to labor on
the boat with as much vigor as our weak and
debilitated state would admit, but it was a
day of trial to us all; for the Spaniards
and we Americans could not well understand
each other's plans, and they being naturally
petulant, would not work, nor listen with
any patience for Joseph, our English fellow
prisoner, to explain our views--they would
sometimes undo what they had done, and in a
few minutes replace it again; however before
night we began to caulk her seams, by means
of pieces of hard mangrove, made in form of
a caulking-iron, and had the satisfaction of
seeing her in a form something like a boat.
Thursday, 31st.--Went on with the work,
some at caulking, others at battening the
seams with strips of canvas, and pieces of
pine nailed over, to keep the oakum in.
Having found a suitable pole for a mast, the
rest went about making a sail from the one
we had used for a covering, also fitting
oars of short pieces of boards, in form of a
paddle, tied on a pole, we having a piece of
fishing line brought by one of the
prisoners. Thus, at three P.M. the boat was
completed and put afloat.--We had all this
time confidently hoped, that she would be
sufficiently large and strong to carry us
all--we made a trial and were disappointed!
This was indeed a severe trial, and the
emotions it called up were not easy to be
suppressed. She proved leaky, for we had no
carpenter's yard, or smith's shop to go
to.--And now the question was, "who should
go, and how many?" I found it necessary for
six; four to row, one to steer and one to
bale. Three of the Spaniards and the
Frenchman claimed the right, as being best
acquainted with the nearest inhabitants;
likewise, they had when taken, two boats
left at St. Maria, (about forty miles
distant,) which they were confident of
finding. They promised to return within two
or three days for the rest of us--I thought
it best to consent--Mr. Bracket it was
agreed should go in my stead, because my
papers must accompany me as a necessary
protection, and my men apprehended danger if
they were lost. Joseph Baxter (I think was
his name) they wished should go, because he
could speak both languages--leaving Manuel,
George, Thomas and myself, to wait their
return. Having thus made all arrangements,
and putting up a keg of the least salt
water, with a few pancakes of salt fish,
they set off a little before sunset with our
best wishes and prayers for their safety and
return to our relief.--To launch off into
the wide ocean, with strength almost
exhausted, and in such a frail boat as this,
you will say was very hazardous, and in
truth it was; but what else was left to
us?--Their intention was to touch at the Key
where the Exertion was and if no boat was to
be found there, to proceed to St. Maria, and
if none there, to go to Trinidad and send us
relief.--But alas! it was the last time I
ever saw them!--Our suffering this day was
most acute.
Tuesday, 5th.--About ten o'clock, A.M.
discovered a boat drifting by on the
southeastern side of the island about a mile
distant. I deemed it a providential thing to
us, and urged Thomas and George trying the
raft for her. They reluctantly consented and
set off, but it was nearly three P.M. when
they came up with her--it was the same boat
we had built! Where then was my friend
Bracket and those who went with him? Every
appearance was unfavorable.--I hoped that a
good Providence had yet preserved him.--The
two men who went for the boat, found it full
of water, without oars, paddle, or sail;
being in this condition, and about three
miles to the leeward, the men found it
impossible to tow her up, so left her, and
were until eleven o'clock at night getting
back with the raft. They were so exhausted,
that had it not been nearly calm, they could
never have returned.
Wednesday, 6th.--This morning was indeed
the most gloomy I had ever
experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of
hope that my friend Bracket could return,
seeing the boat was lost. Our provisions
nearly gone; our mouths parched extremely
with thirst; our strength wasted; our
spirits broken, and our hopes imprisoned
within the circumference of this desolate
island in the midst of an unfrequented
ocean; all these things gave to the scene
around us the hue of death. In the midst of
this dreadful despondence, a sail hove in
sight bearing the white flag! Our hopes were
raised, of course--but no sooner raised than
darkened, by hearing a gun fired. Here then
was another gang of pirates. She soon,
however, came near enough to anchor, and her
boat pushed off towards us with three men in
her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by
sword than famine, I walked down immediately
to meet them. I knew them not.--A moment
before the boat touched the ground, a man
leaped from her bows and caught me in his
arms! It was Nickola!--saying, "Do
you now believe Nickola is your friend? yes,
said he, Jamieson will yet prove
himself so."--No words can express my
emotions at this moment. This was a friend
indeed. The reason of my not recognizing
them before, was that they had cut their
beards and whiskers. Turning to my
fellow-sufferers, Nickola asked--"Are these
all that are left of you? where are the
others?"--At this moment seeing David's
grave--"are they dead then? Ah! I suspected
it, I know what you were put here for." As
soon as I could recover myself, I gave him
an account of Mr. Bracket and the
others.--"How unfortunate," he said, "they
must be lost, or some pirates have taken
them."--"But," he continued, "we have no
time to lose; you had better embark
immediately with us, and go where you
please, we are at your service." The other
two in the boat were Frenchmen, one named
Lyon, the other Parrikete. They
affectionately embraced each of us; then
holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle,
filled with wine, said "Drink plenty, no
hurt you." I drank as much as I judged
prudent. They then gave it to my fellow
sufferers--I experienced almost immediate
relief, not feeling it in my head; they had
also brought in the boat for us, a dish of
salt beef and potatoes, of which we took a
little. Then sent the boat on board for the
other two men, being five in all; who came
ashore, and rejoiced enough was I to see
among them Thomas Young, one of my crew, who
was detained on board the Mexican, but had
escaped through Nickola's means; the other a
Frenchman, named John Cadedt. I now thought
again and again, with troubled emotion, of
my dear friend Bracket's fate. I took the
last piece of paper I had, and wrote with
pencil a few words, informing him (should he
come there) that "I and the rest were safe;
that I was not mistaken in the friend in
whom I had placed so much confidence, that
he had accomplished my highest expectations;
and that I should go immediately to
Trinidad, and requested him to go there
also, and apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my
consignee, for assistance." I put the paper
into a junk bottle, previously found on the
beach, put in a stopper, and left it,
together with what little flour remained, a
keg of water brought from Nickola's vessel,
and a few other things which I thought might
be of service to him. We then repaired with
our friends on board, where we were kindly
treated. She was a sloop from Jamaica, of
about twelve tons, with a cargo of rum and
wine, bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way
they intended to go?" They said "to Jamaica
if agreeable to me." As I preferred
Trinidad, I told them, "if they would give
me the Exertion's boat which was along-side
(beside their own) some water and
provisions, we would take chance in
her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare
better at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After
a few minutes consultation, they said "you
are too much exhausted to row the distance
of one hundred miles, therefore we will go
and carry you--we consider ourselves at your
service." I expressed a wish to take a look
at the Exertion, possibly we might hear
something of Mr. Bracket. Nickola said "very
well," so got under way, and run for her,
having a light westerly wind. He then
related to me the manner of their desertion
from the pirates; as nearly as I can
recollect his own words, he said, "A few
days since, the pirates took four small
vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having
but two officers for the two first, the
third fell to me as prize master, and having
an understanding with the three Frenchmen
and Thomas, selected them for my crew, and
went on board with orders to follow the
Mexican; which I obeyed. The fourth, the
pirates took out all but one man and bade
him also follow their vessel. Now our
schooner leaked so bad, that we left her and
in her stead agreed to take this little
sloop (which we are now in) together with
the one man. The night being very dark we
all agreed to desert the pirates--altered
our course and touched at St. Maria, where
we landed the one man--saw no boats there,
could hear nothing from you, and agreed one
and all at the risk of our lives to come and
liberate you if you were alive; knowing, as
we did, that you were put on this Key to
perish. On our way we boarded the Exertion,
thinking possibly you might have been there.
On board her we found a sail and paddle. We
took one of the pirate's boats which they
had left along-side of her, which proves how
we came by two boats. My friend, the
circumstance I am now about to relate, will
somewhat astonish you. When the pirate's
boat with Bolidar was sent to the before
mentioned Key, on the 19th of January, it
was their intention to leave you prisoners
there, where was nothing but salt water and
mangroves, and no possibility of escape.
This was the plan of Baltizar, their
abandoned pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed
him, and he objected to it; then, after a
conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be
put on the little island from whence we have
now taken you. But after this was done, that
night the French and Portuguese part of the
Mexican's crew protested against it; so that
Captain Jonnia to satisfy them, sent his
large boat to take you and your fellow
prisoners back again, taking care to select
his confidential Spaniards for this errand.
And you will believe me they set off from
the Mexican, and after spending about as
much time as would really have taken them to
come to you, they returned, and reported
they had been to your island, and landed,
and that none of you were there, somebody
having taken you off! This, all my
companions here know to be true.--I knew it
was impossible you could have been
liberated, and therefore we determined among
ourselves, that should an opportunity occur
we would come and save your lives, as we now
have." He then expressed, as he hitherto had
done (and I believe with sincerity), his
disgust with the bad company which he had
been in, and looked forward with anxiety to
the day when he might return to his native
country. I advised him to get on board an
American vessel, whenever an opportunity
offered, and come to the United States; and
on his arrival direct a letter to me;
repeating my earnest desire to make some
return for the disinterested friendship
which he had shown toward me. With the
Frenchman I had but little conversation,
being unacquainted with the language.
Here ended Nickola's account. "And now"
said the Frenchman, "our hearts be easy."
Nickola observed he had left all and found
us. I gave them my warmest tribute of
gratitude, saying I looked upon them under
God as the preservers of our lives, and
promised them all the assistance which my
situation might enable me to afford.--This
brings me to,
Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven
o'clock, we anchored at the creek's mouth,
near the Exertion. I was anxious to board
her; accordingly took with me Nickola,
Thomas, George and two others, well armed,
each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on
her deck, saw a fire in the camboose, but no
person there: I called aloud Mr. Bracket's
name several times, saying "it is Captain
Lincoln, don't be afraid, but show
yourself," but no answer was given. She had
no masts, spars, rigging, furniture,
provisions or any think left, except her
bowsprit, and a few barrels of salt
provisions of her cargo. Her ceiling had
holes cut in it, no doubt in their foolish
search for money. I left her with peculiar
emotions, such as I hope never again to
experience; and returned to the little sloop
where we remained till--
Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to
visit the island on which we were first
imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a
boat among the mangroves, near the Exertion.
Returned, and got under way immediately for
Trinidad. In the night while under full
sail, run aground on a sunken Key, having
rocks above the water, resembling old stumps
of trees; we, however, soon got off and
anchored. Most of those Keys have similar
rocks about them, which navigators must
carefully guard against.
Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig
at anchor about five miles below the mouth
of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her
speaking us; but when we opened in sight of
her, discovered a boat making towards us,
with a number of armed men in her. This
alarmed my friends, and as we did not see
the brig's ensign hoisted, they declared the
boat was a pirate, and looking through the
spy-glass, they knew some of them to be the
Mexican's men! This state of things was
quite alarming. They said, "we will not be
taken alive by them." Immediately the boat
fired a musket; the ball passed through our
mainsail. My friends insisted on beating
them off: I endeavored to dissuade them,
believing, as I did, that the brig was a
Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to
ascertain who we were. I thought we had
better heave to. Immediately another shot
came. Then they insisted on fighting, and
said "if I would not help them, I was no
friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and
handed up the guns--commenced firing upon
them and they upon us. We received several
shot through the sails, but no one was hurt
on either side. Our boats had been cast
adrift to make us go the faster, and we
gained upon them--continued firing until
they turned from us, and went for our boats,
which they took in tow for the brig. Soon
after this, it became calm: then I saw that
the brig had us in her power.--She manned
and armed two more boats for us. We now
concluded, since we had scarcely any
ammunition, to surrender; and were towed
down along-side the brig on board, and were
asked by the captain, who could speak
English, "what for you fire on the boat?" I
told him "we thought her a pirate, and did
not like to be taken by them again, having
already suffered too much;" showing my
papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never
mind, go and take some dinner--which are
your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
ordered them the liberty of the decks; but
my friend Nickola and his three associates
were immediately put in irons. They were,
however, afterwards taken out of irons and
examined; and I understood the Frenchmen
agreed to enlist, as they judged it the
surest way to better their condition.
Whether Nickola enlisted, I do not know, but
think that he did, as I understood that
offer was made to him: I however endeavored
to explain more distinctly to the captain,
the benevolent efforts of these four men by
whom my life had been saved, and used every
argument in my power to procure their
discharge. I also applied to the governor,
and exerted myself with peculiar interest,
dictated as I trust with heartfelt
gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this,
that Nickola is on his way to this country,
where I may have an opportunity of
convincing him that such an act of
benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous
to my leaving Trinidad, I made all the
arrangements in my power with my influential
friends, and doubt not, that their laudable
efforts will be accomplished.--The sloop's
cargo was then taken on board the brig;
after which the captain requested a
certificate that I was politely treated by
him, saying that his name was Captain
Candama, of the privateer brig Prudentee of
eighteen guns. This request I complied with.
His first lieutenant told me he had sailed
out of Boston, as commander for T.C. Amory,
Esq. during the last war. In the course of
the evening my friends were taken out of
irons and examined separately, then put back
again. The captain invited me to supper in
his cabin, and a berth for the night, which
was truly acceptable. The next morning after
breakfast, I with my people were set on
shore with the few things we had, with the
promise of the Exertion's small boat in a
day or two,--but it was never sent me--the
reason, let the reader imagine. On landing
at the wharf Casildar, we were immediately
taken by soldiers to the guard house, which
was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose,
and even calling us, pirates. Soon some
friends came to see me. Mr. Cotton, who
resides there brought us in some soup. Mr.
Isaac W. Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came
with Captain Tate, who sent immediately to
the governor; for I would not show my papers
to any one else. He came about sunset, and
after examining Manuel my Spanish fellow
prisoner, and my papers, said to be, giving
me the papers, "Captain, you are at
liberty." I was kindly invited by Captain
Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston,
to go on board his vessel, and live with him
during my stay there. This generous offer I
accepted, and was treated by him with the
greatest hospitality; for I was hungered and
he gave me meat, I was athirst and he gave
me drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a
stranger and he took me in. He likewise took
Manuel and my three men for that night. Next
day Mr. Lord rendered me all necessary
assistance in making my protest. He had
heard nothing from me until my arrival. I
was greatly disappointed in not finding Mr.
Bracket, and requested Mr. Lord to give him
all needful aid if he should come there. To
Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of
Boston, I would tender my sincere thanks,
for his kindness in giving me a passage to
Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those
gentlemen of Trinidad, and many captains of
American vessels, who gave me sea clothing,
&c., I offer my cordial gratitude.
I am fully of the opinion that these
ferocious pirates are linked in with many
inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in
many respects appears covertly to encourage
them.
It is with heartfelt delight, that, since
the above narrative was written, I have
learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions
are safe; he arrived at Port d'Esprit, about
forty leagues east of Trinidad. A letter has
been received from him, stating that he
should proceed to Trinidad the first
opportunity.--It appears that after reaching
the wreck, they found a boat from the shore,
taking on board some of the Exertion's
cargo, in which they proceeded to the above
place. Why it was not in his power to come
to our relief will no doubt be
satisfactorily disclosed when he may be so
fortunate as once more to return to his
native country and friends.
I felt great anxiety to learn what became
of Jamieson, who, my readers will recollect,
was detained on board the Spanish brig
Prudentee near Trinidad. I heard nothing
from him, until I believe eighteen months
after I reached home, when I received a
letter from him, from Montego Bay, Jamaica,
informing me that he was then residing in
that island. I immediately wrote to him, and
invited him to come on to the United States.
He accordingly came on passenger with
Captain Wilson of Cohasset, and arrived in
Boston, in August, 1824. Our meeting was
very affecting. Trying scenes were brought
up before us; scenes gone forever, through
which we had passed together, where our
acquaintance was formed, and since which
time, we had never met. I beheld once more
the preserver of my life; the instrument,
under Providence, of restoring me to my
home, my family, and my friends, and I
regarded him with no ordinary emotion. My
family were delighted to see him, and
cordially united in giving him a warm
reception. He told me that after we
separated in Trinidad, he remained on board
the Spanish brig. The commander asked him
and his companions if they would enlist; the
Frenchmen replied that they would, but he
said nothing, being determined to make his
escape, the very first opportunity which
should present. The Spanish brig afterwards
fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an armed
brig of eighteen guns. Being of about equal
force, they gave battle, and fought between
three and four hours. Both parties were very
much injured; and, without any considerable
advantage on either side, both drew off to
make repairs. The Spanish brig Prudentee,
put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was
wounded in the action, by a musket ball,
through his arm, and was taken on shore,
with the other wounded, and placed in the
hospital of St. Jago. Here he remained for a
considerable time, until he had nearly
recovered, when he found an opportunity of
escaping, and embarking for Jamaica. He
arrived in safety at Kingston, and from
there, travelled barefoot over the
mountains, until very much exhausted, he
reached Montego Bay, where he had friends,
and where one of his brothers possessed some
property. From this place, he afterwards
wrote to me. He told me that before he came
to Massachusetts, he saw the villainous
pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar,
with several other pirates, brought into
Montego Bay, from whence they were to be
conveyed to Kingston to be executed. Whether
the others were part of the Mexican's crew,
or not, I do not know. Baltizar was an old
man, and as Jamieson said, it was a
melancholy and heart-rending sight, to see
him borne to execution with those gray
hairs, which might have been venerable in
virtuous old age, now a shame and reproach
to this hoary villain, for he was full of
years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson
received the letter which I wrote him, he
immediately embarked with Captain Wilson,
and came to Boston, as I have before
observed.
According to his own account he was of a
very respectable family in Greenock,
Scotland. His father when living was a rich
cloth merchant, but both his father and
mother had been dead many years. He was the
youngest of thirteen children, and being, as
he said, of a roving disposition, had always
followed the seas. He had received a polite
education, and was of a very gentlemanly
deportment. He spoke several living
languages, and was skilled in drawing and
painting. He had travelled extensively in
different countries, and acquired in
consequence an excellent knowledge of their
manners and customs. His varied information
(for hardly any subject escaped him)
rendered him a very entertaining companion.
His observations on the character of
different nations were very liberal; marking
their various traits, their virtues and
vices, with playful humorousness, quite free
from bigotry, or narrow prejudice.
I was in trade, between Boston and
Philadelphia, at the time he came to
Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several
trips as my mate. He afterwards went to
Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in the
mackerel fishery, out of the port of
Hingham, during the warm season, and in the
winter frequently employed himself in
teaching navigation to young men, for which
he was eminently qualified. He remained with
us, until his death, which took place in
1829. At this time he had been out at sea
two or three days, when he was taken sick,
and was carried into Cape Cod, where he
died, on the first day of May, 1829, and
there his remains lie buried. Peace be to
his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far
from his kindred and his native country.
Since his death I have met with Mr.
Stewart, of Philadelphia, who was Commercial
Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture.
He informed me that the piratical schooner
Mexican, was afterwards chased by an English
government vessel, from Jamaica, which was
cruising in search of it. Being hotly
pursued, the pirates deserted their vessel,
and fled to the mangrove bushes, on an
island similar to that on which they had
placed me and my crew to die. The English
surrounded them, and thus they were cut off
from all hopes of escape. They remained
there, I think fourteen days, when being
almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven
surrendered themselves, and were taken. The
others probably perished among the
mangroves. The few who were taken were
carried by the government vessel into
Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them
himself, and such miserable objects, that
had life, he never before beheld. They were
in a state of starvation; their beards had
grown to a frightful length, their bodies,
were covered with filth and vermin, and
their countenances were hideous. From
Trinidad they were taken to Kingston,
Jamaica, and there hung on Friday, the 7th
of February, 1823.
About a quarter of an hour before day
dawn, the wretched culprits were taken from
the jail, under a guard of soldiers from the
50th regiment, and the City Guard. On their
arrival at the wherry wharf, the military
retired, and the prisoners, with the Town
Guard were put on board two wherries, in
which they proceeded to Port Royal Point,
the usual place of execution in similar
cases. They were there met by a strong party
of military, consisting of 50 men, under
command of an officer. They formed
themselves into a square round the place of
execution, with the sheriff and his officers
with the prisoners in the centre. The
gallows was of considerable length, and
contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
unpleasant circumstances which frequently
occur.
The unfortunate men had been in continual
prayer from the time they were awakened out
of a deep sleep till they arrived at that
place, where they were to close their
existence.
They all expressed their gratitude for
the attention they had met with from the
sheriff and the inferior officers. Many
pressed the hands of the turnkey to their
lips, others to their hearts and on their
knees, prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and
the Virgin Mary would bless him and the
other jailors for their goodness. They all
then fervently joined in prayer. To the
astonishment of all, no clerical character,
of any persuasion, was present. They
repeatedly called out "Adonde esta el
padre," (Where is the holy father).
The execution of ten pirates.
Juan Hernandez called on all persons present
to hear him--he was innocent; what they had
said about his confessing himself guilty was
untrue. He had admitted himself guilty,
because he hoped for pardon; but that now he
was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ, the
Holy Ghost, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints,
to witness that he spoke the truth--that he
was no pirate, no murderer--he had been
forced. The Lieutenant of the pirates was a
wretch, who did not fear God, and had
compelled him to act.
Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were
loud in their protestations of innocence.
Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not
care; he felt for the old man (Miguel Jose).
How could he be a pirate who could not help
himself? If it were a Christian country,
they would have pardoned him for his gray
hairs. He was innocent--they had both been
forced. Let none of his friends or relations
ever venture to sea--he hoped his death
would be a warning to them, that the
innocent might suffer for the guilty. The
language of this young man marked him a
superior to the generality of his companions
in misfortune. The seamen of the Whim stated
that he was very kind to them when prisoners
on board the piratical vessel. Just before
he was turned off, he addressed the old
man--"Adios viejo, para siempre
adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever
farewell.)
Several of the prisoners cried out for
mercy, pardon, pardon.
Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then
addressed them. "Do not look for mercy here,
but pray to God; we are all brought here to
die. This is not built for nothing; here we
must end our lives. You know I am innocent,
but I must die the same as you all. There is
not any body here who can do us any good, so
let us think only of God Almighty. We are
not children but men, you know that all must
die; and in a few years those who kill us
must die too. When I was born, God set the
way of my death; I do not blame any body. I
was taken by the pirates and they made me
help them; they would not let me be idle. I
could not show that this was the truth, and
therefore they have judged me by the people
they have found me with. I am put to death
unjustly, but I blame nobody. It was my
misfortune. Come, let us pray. If we are
innocent, so much the less we have to
repent. I do not come here to accuse any
one. Death must come one day or other;
better to the innocent than guilty." He then
joined in prayer with the others. He seemed
to be much reverenced by his fellow
prisoners. He chose those prayers he thought
most adapted to the occasion. Hundreds were
witnesses to the manly firmness of this
negro. Observing a bystander listening
attentively to the complaints of one of his
fellow wretches, he translated what had been
said into English. With a steady pace, and a
resolute and resigned countenance, he
ascended the fatal scaffold. Observing the
executioner unable to untie a knot on the
collar of one of the prisoners, he with his
teeth untied it. He then prayed most
fervently till the drop fell.
Miguel Jose protested his innocence.--"No
he robado, no he matado ningune, muero
innocente."--(I have robbed no one, I have
killed no one, I die innocent. I am an old
man, but my family will feel my disgraceful
death.)
Francisco Migul prayed devoutly, but
inaudibly.--His soul seemed to have quitted
the body before he was executed.
Breti Gullimillit called on all to
witness his innocence; it was of no use for
him to say an untruth, for he was going
before the face of God.
Augustus Hernandez repeatedly declared
his innocence, requested that no one would
say he had made a confession; he had none to
make.
Juan Hernandez was rather obstinate when
the execution pulled the cap over his eyes.
He said, rather passionately--"Quita is de
mis ojos."--(Remove it from my eyes.) He
then rubbed it up against one of the posts
of the gallows.
Miguel Jose made the same complaint, and
drew the covering from his eyes by rubbing
his head against a fellow sufferer.
Pedro Nondre was loud in his ejaculations
for mercy. He wept bitterly. He was covered
with marks of deep wounds.
The whole of the ten included in the
death warrant, having been placed on the
scaffold, and the ropes suspended, the drop
was let down. Nondre being an immense heavy
man, broke the rope, and fell to the ground
alive. Juan Hernandez struggled long. Lima
was much convulsed. The old man Gullimillit,
and Migul, were apparently dead before the
drop fell. Eucalla (the black man) gave one
convulsion, and all was over.
When Nondre recovered from the fall and
saw his nine lifeless companions stretched
in death, he gave an agonizing shriek; he
wrung his hands, screamed "Favor, favor, me
matan sin causa. O! buenos Christianos, me
amparen, ampara me, ampara me, no hay
Christiano en asta, tiara?"
(Mercy, mercy, they kill me without
cause.--Oh, good Christians, protect me. Oh,
protect me. Is there no Christian in this
land?)
He then lifted his eyes to Heaven, and
prayed long and loud. Upon being again
suspended, he was for a long period
convulsed. He was an immense powerful man,
and died hard.
A piratical station was taken in the
Island of Cuba by the U.S. schooners of war,
Greyhound and Beagle. They left Thompson's
Island June 7, 1823, under the command of
Lieuts. Kearney and Newton, and cruised
within the Key's on the south side of Cuba,
as far as Cape Cruz, touching at all the
intermediate ports on the island, to
intercept pirates. On the 21st of July, they
came to anchor off Cape Cruz, and Lieut.
Kearney went in his boat to reconnoitre the
shore, when he was fired on by a party of
pirates who were concealed among the bushes.
A fire was also opened from several pieces
of cannon erected on a hill a short distance
off. The boat returned, and five or six
others were manned from the vessels, and
pushed off for the shore, but a very heavy
cannonade being kept up by the pirates on
the heights, as well as from the boats, were
compelled to retreat. The two schooners were
then warped in, when they discharged several
broadsides, and covered the landing of the
boats. After a short time the pirates
retreated to a hill that was well fortified.
A small hamlet, in which the pirates
resided, was set fire to and destroyed.
Three guns, one a four pounder, and two
large swivels, with several pistols,
cutlasses, and eight large boats, were
captured. A cave, about 150 feet deep, was
discovered, near where the houses were, and
after considerable difficulty, a party of
seamen got to the bottom, where was found an
immense quantity of plunder, consisting of
broadcloths, dry goods, female dresses,
saddlery, &c. Many human bones were also in
the cave, supposed to have been unfortunate
persons who were taken and put to death. A
great many of the articles were brought
away, and the rest destroyed. About forty
pirates escaped to the heights, but many
were supposed to have been killed from the
fire of the schooners, as well as from the
men who landed. The bushes were so thick
that it was impossible to go after them.
Several other caves are in the neighborhood,
in which it was conjectured they
occasionally take shelter.
In 1823, Commodore Porter commanded the
United States squadron in these seas; much
good was done in preventing new acts of
piracy; but these wretches kept aloof and
did not venture to sea as formerly, but some
were taken.
Almost every day furnished accounts
evincing the activity of Commodore Porter,
and the officers and men under his command;
but for a long time their industry and zeal
was rather shown in the suppression
of piracy than the punishment of it.
At length, however, an opportunity offered
for inflicting the latter, as detailed in
the following letter, dated Matanzas, July
10, 1823.
"I have the pleasure of informing you of
a brilliant achievement obtained against the
pirates on the 5th inst. by two barges
attached to Commodore Porter's squadron, the
Gallinipper, Lieut. Watson, 18 men, and the
Moscheto, Lieut. Inman, 10 men. The barges
were returning from a cruise to windward;
when they were near Jiguapa Bay, 13 leagues
to windward of Matanzas, they entered it--it
being a rendezvous for pirates. They
immediately discovered a large schooner
under way, which they supposed to be a
Patriot privateer; and as their stores were
nearly exhausted, they hoped to obtain some
supplies from her. They therefore made sail
in pursuit. When they were within cannon
shot distance, she rounded to and fired her
long gun, at the same time run up the bloody
flag, directing her course towards the
shore, and continuing to fire without
effect. When she had got within a short
distance of the shore, she came to, with
springs on her cable, continuing to fire;
and when the barges were within 30 yards,
they fired their muskets without touching
boat or man; our men gave three cheers, and
prepared to board; the pirates, discovering
their intention, jumped into the water, when
the bargemen, calling on the name of
'Allen,' commenced a destructive slaughter,
killing them in the water and as they
landed. So exasperated were our men, that it
was impossible for their officers to
restrain them, and many were killed after
orders were given to grant quarter.
Twenty-seven dead were counted, some sunk,
five taken prisoners by the bargemen, and
eight taken by a party of Spaniards on
shore. The officers calculated that from 30
to 35 were killed. The schooner mounted a
long nine pounder on a pivot, and 4 four
pounders, with every other necessary
armament, and a crew of 50 to 60 men, and
ought to have blown the barges to atoms. She
was commanded by the notorious Diableto or
Little Devil. This statement I have from
Lieut. Watson himself, and it is certainly
the most decisive operation that has been
effected against those murderers, either by
the English or American force."
The Pirates fire into Lieut.
Kearney's boat, while reconnoitering the
shore.
"This affair occurred on the same spot where
the brave Allen fell about one year since.
The prize was sent to Thompson's Island."
A British sloop of war, about the same
time, captured a pirate schooner off St.
Domingo, with a crew of 60 men. She had
200,000 dollars in specie, and other
valuable articles on board. The brig Vestal
sent another pirate schooner to
New-Providence. |