so two in succes- atc'ies were arranged that friends would always be clt arcd ;* that the nor to which they might rise, but told them I submit that J. W. Wales by his coolites# to be turned aft, and that no tobac- sion tell to me. On the 1st December the course 1 was would prisoners taking injure his father it could only be step by step, in a regular and presence of mind and firm integrity, ha# be allow'd them when me with the fol- less co should supply First Lieutenant presented than if he should go hume and be con- course. I called their attention also to Crom- rendered to tiie American a memora- their at tu< :mo of Navy they had upon persons lowing ieller : demned yet again to escape, lie said tlmt well’s course. He had received a handsome ble service. I had some with bin# be exhausted. 1 told he difficulty their arrest should U. S. Frio Somers, Dec. 1, 1812. had the same on hoard and his was even at on ’ attempted thing education, handwriting Porto Rico—and that account he was I would see that e tell him all—would answer any question opinion, preparations carry him. He requested that he might be shot.— Collins and Cromwell. Small also had been worthy of it, the service have now ren- recommendations into effect. Two other they that might he put to him. I told him that it could not be—that he must brought up to better things, but had not dered cannot be injured by that. It will be all hands were were almost as as the be On Tuesday after quarters conspirators guilty hung. He admitted that it was just. He been able to resist temptation, and had died remembered in the Navy that when a muti- witness and three out for execution : could aeain called to punishment, singled they objected to the shortness of the time and re- invoking blessings on the flag of his country. ny occurred and they remained faithful tor to the extent ot the be confined without extreme Waltham was punished kept danger ! quested that an hour might be given to pre- All hands were then called to cheer ship, tlieir trust, their services were not forgotten; three bottles of wine to Mc- to the ultimate of the vessel. The I law for offering safety pare. made no answer to this, but allowed and guve three hearty cheers. Three heart- if they prove unworthy of it, this will not be to die crew of the ne- three chief mutineers were the ones ca- Kinley. I then spoke only much more than the hour he asked for to ier cheers never went up from the deck of recorded with it. : of irvall to pable of and sailing the vessel He that his an cessity conforming particulars navigating elapse. requested face might be American ship ! In that electric moment If it be deemed that I have had any merit vessel which were known. their removal, all motives to the covered. 1 the orders of the by capture granted his request and asked I verily believe the purest and loftiest pa- for the preservation of the Somers from the I them that inflicted vessel and out the design him it should be told every punishment carry original what covered with. He said triotism burst forth from the breast even of treacherous toils by which she was surroun- to the Secre- would be at once taken Their lives on board must be made known away. a handkerchief. In his locker was found a the worst conspirators. From that moment I ded, both since and before her were the interests of the departure of the and that the less they were justly forfeited and black one which was on his face. Crom- that I was tary Navy, put fell again completely master of my from the United States, I respectfully beg in amount the would be the credit country, the of the seas, and the hon- well and Small made the same own greater safety request, and vessel, and that I could do with her whatever that it may accrue without reserve to my attach to the Commander and the or of the the sacrifice. In the frocks were taken that would flag required from their lockers with the honor of the country required. nephew, Mr. Perry— and that he be placed I soon found I law : und crew. But the whole crew, necessity of my position found my which their heads were covered. Dinner was piped, and I noticed with in the situation left vacant by the death of were far from collected in tn mat necessity i trust jor justification, i asked for a Bible tranquil. They Spencer and Prayer feelings of pain that some of the boys, as Mr. Spencer. I myself fpr the entire’ it best at this time to urm the pledge knots upon the deck ; seditious words were thought Book ; they were given to him. He said, they passed the bodies, laughed and sneered faithfulness and zeal with which he will dis- assumed an in- officers : on this the First “I am a heard them, and they petty point only believer—but do believe menu. 91111 ucsneu tutu suuuiu among you that opuiiuur charge its. duties. For myself, I only ask- solent and tone. Some of the Lieutenant differed from me; and I found will be menacing pet- my repentance accepted?” I called be buried in a coffin, and gave orders to that, whatever may be thought of the servi- officers were examined and found to be that he was of the same opinion with some of to his mind the thief on the ty cross, and told have one built. But Lt. Gansevoort offered ces rendered to the flag of my country,which’ true to their colors but it was the im- the officers themselves ;—they said him that Ged’s general petty mercies were equal to all his to relinquish a mess chest he had for that should be the first considered,my own honor the vessel was far fiorh that since I could not tell whom to trust, it wants. He pression that being kneeled down and read from purpose, which was soon converted into a may also meet with due consideration. I ask- safe. There wus reason to fear that on that would be best to trust no one. I made up the and Prayer Book, asked again if I tho’t substantial coffin. The watch was set and only that I may not be deprived of my com- a rescue would be I my own mind, and of the characters his very night attempted. judged repentance would be accepted, saying the bodies lowered. They were received mand until I am found to be unworthy of it.- a of whom I could trust and determined to arm that his obtained variety intelligence concerning time was short. I told him God not by their messmates, to be laid out ALEX. SLIDELL MACKENZIE. them. I ordered to be issued to ench a cut- decently conference among the disaffected. Individ- only understood his case but could suit his for burial. The Midshipmen assisted in the whom I had not to be lass, a pistol and cartridges. I ordered to it. He uals supposed implica- grace begged that I would forgive duty. Spencer was laid out clothed in his THE SOMERS associated with sev- also to be made for the execu- MUTINY- ted were found closely preparations him. I told him I did most sincerely and complete uniform, except his sword, which eral who were known to be the dis- tion of the three. All hands were called to i ar.d asked if I among cordially, had done auy thing he had forfeited the right to wear. I noticed NA VAL COURT OF Y. times there were witness The were ar- INQUIR affected, and several symp- punishment. whips which made him seek my life, or whether that upon the hands of one of the others a to the blow. the officers were stationed about the toms that they were about strike ranged, his hatred was unfounded. He said he seaman had tied a ribbon, with the name of From the N. YV Tribune. wore to Mr. Wales once detected C. A. Wilson in deck, and the petty officers directed it was he that who so thought only fancy. “Perhaps,” Somers distinguished himself On Dec. a of one “ Thursday, 29, copy Capf.'- out a from its and cut down every who should let go bis added, there was in man- his drawing hand-spike place; something your by gallantry, patriotism and skill. On Mackenzie’s narrative was into the' at he on- or fail to haul when ordered. ner which offended mo.” brought on presenting his cocked pistol him, whip I read over to him Cromwell’s face a sabre cut was visible, and Court of now ' Inquiry, in session on board the' offered some lame excuse. I became ex- I on full and came on what 1 had written down. He wished me to on his four or five more ly put my uniform, removing hair, were ship North Carolina, and read as follows:—' anxious, and remained constantly deck and to execute most alter the in which he said that he discovered which showed that he had ceedingly proceeded the passage ; been U. S. Brig watch was called. “offered as an Somers, New-York, Dec. 19. on deck. At 12o’clock the painful duty that ever devolved upon any of- excuse, that he had attempted where wounds were given. He was said to or the same Since arrival at this McKinley, Green and one two others mis- ficer in the American Navy—the announce- thing on the John Adams and Po- have been in a slaver, and in Moro Castle my port I have been' in for sed their muster : they could not be asleep, ment to the prisoners of the fate that await- tomac.” He only mentioned as a fact, he in Havanna; and it was the general im- diligently engaged preparing the De- at a and should be absent just at that ed them. I and said to said. that he had bee* a partment Washington full and detailed' why they approached Spencer 1KM if «■ pression pirate. “ had been was iiitiu (xij nuui narrative of all the circumstances time, when they never before, him : You were about to take my life, uau ijuw uiripsea.— A squall of rain soon sprang up, which connected as with the on board the U. S. not easy to be seen. When they appeared, Mr. Spencer, without provocation, without Spencer, he met Cromwell, paused and rendered it necessary to cover the bodies mutiny brig-of- excuse. asked to see wnr Somers on her recent from Afri- they all had some lame They prob- cause or the slightest offence. You intend- Mr. Wales. As he passed with tarpaulins. They were arranged ac- voyage at time and to he not a ca—but been ably had agreed to meet that ed to kill me suddenly—in the night while I Cromwell, said word of his inno- cording to their rank, and all hands were having frequently interrupted,- Green said nor did he the solicitude of I have commence some act of violence. was buried in sleep, without giving mo a cence, make anv appeal in his called to bury the dead. The American especially by friends, favor. “ been forced to first be could not get aft. I sent him forward and single moment to send one word of affection Spencer said, Wales, I hope you ensign was lowered to half-mast. Night relinquish my intention lookout will me and to confine to a ordered him te take the forward for to my wifo, one prayer to God for her wel- forgive for tampering with your fi- had now set in. All the lamps were lit and myself entirely sketch of- a watch to be I the occurrences. After four hours. I directed close fare. Your life is now forfeited : and the delity.” Wales replied, overcome with distributed among the crew, and placed in principal leaving tho in a “I do Azoresand Madeira in October I kept up and distributed the others siini- necessity of the case compels me to take it. emotion, forgive you from the bottom the bows, in the gang-way, and in the quar- proceeded,- of to to I do not intend, however, to imitate you in my heart, and I hope God will forgive ter boat. The service for the dead was read, according orders, Teneriffe and Porto' Thence i At 4 o’clock others missed their muster.— the mode of claiming the sacrifice. If there you, also.” Wales was weeping, and Spen- and the bodies were committed to the deep. Pray. Went to Liberia expecting cer in to find the U. S. I heard of this with the greatest uneasiness. be in your breast one feeling true to nature, passing, met Small at the gangway. The offices were closed by reading that sloop-of-war Vundalia. But’ If the He extended his hand and “ on there I learned that she had sail- Where, I asked, was this to end? you will be grateful for the premature disclo- said, Small, for- beautiful prayer, so suitable to the occasion, arriving seem mu- me for ed on the 5th of October for men upon a bright night like this sure of your horrible designs. You surely give having brought you into trouble.” “Preserve us from the dangers of the seas, the U. S. as I' Small “ understood. The with tinous and disposed to undertake the rescue ought to be thankful that you have been pre- answered, No, by G—d, Spencer, I and the violence of enemies. Bless the despatches which IJ a cannot was entrusted for her thus of those confined, on a bad night, in storm, vented from the terrible deeds you medita- forgive you.” Spencer repeated his United States ; watch over all that are upon being rendered of Small “ no use were left with the U. S. in the midst of utter darkness, how much ted. If you have any word to send to your request. said, How can you ask the deep, and protect the inhabitants of the Agent. On' a rescue ? that of mo after the 11th of Nov. I sailed for the S. greater will be the probability of Father, any satisfaction to express to him, having brought me to this? land in peace and quiet, through Jesus Christ U. via St. the We shall soon be where I it If all suspected should be ironed, would that you were not allowed to become a Pirate- before God, and shall our Lord.” Thomas, thought necessary to- there know ail take in a of danger be over ? What sympathy might as you ought to do, you will have ten min- about it.” Spencer said, In reading this I sincerely thanked God supply bread, water, die. On matters You must the 25th of Nov. Lt. not be felt for the prisoners ? These utes granted in which to write it.” Midship- forgive me—I cannot die without for the protection of the Somers, and felt a Saturday, Gansevoort it.” I went to Small came into the cabin and me crowded upon my mind. I considered the man Thompson was tho directed to note the and asked him not to firm faith that he would sanction the deed informed that be cherish had learned from imminent peril which hung over the lives of time and inform me when it had expired. any resentments at such a time, of that day. On the following Sunday, the Midshipman Wales that a' crew 1 of the seas and asked him to him. He relented 4th of after the laws for the conspiracy existed on board the to the officers and ; thought seemed overcome with emotion. forgive December, go- ship cap- Spencer ture the to direction merchant- —held out his hand to and I vernment of the had been ac- vessel, murder the traversed in every by He burst into a flood of sank on Spencer, said,“ navy read, Captain, bring tears, his over as of unarmed and defenseless ; I do forgive you—and God to invariable custom on board tha many the crow as mur- men, thought and snid he was not fit to die. I re- may forgive you cording possible, knees, also." der the rest and of what was due to the interests of commerce, Somers, I took occasion to allude to the les- convert the vessel into a pi- peated to him his catechism, and beg< d him Small then lives of thousands asked my I took sons to be drawn from those rate—and that was nt to the safety of the upon to the forgiveness. thefateof who Midshipman Spencer offer sincere prayers for divine forgiv- his hand and the head ot the to the of the American expressed my forgiveness in had suffered- I led the minds of the crew Lieut. G. the deep, sancity ness. f recommended to him tho conspiracy. This, English the terms. I asked him what I had been to entrusted to care, and to my own strongest back to their youthful and showed said, told him by Flag my Prayer-Book, assuring him that he would had done that he days, Midshipman-’ considerations should seek my life ; if I them how had under foot the Wales, whose narration was ns follows: honor. All these impressed find in it suited to all his necessi- they trampled something had been harsh either in deed or word to On the of me absolute of wise counsel and admonitions of their night the 25th of Nov. between with the necessity adopting his “ ties. Cromwell fell upon knees, protest- him. He What have 6 and 8 some farther means of for the vessel exclaimed, you done, friends. In Small’s locker were letters from o’clock in the Wales said security his innocence, and the name evening, ing invoking Cupt. Macke nsie! What have you done to his the he was aroused who asked him-' which had been given to my chnrge. his wife. that mother, expressing joy she felt that by Spencer, of Spencer declared Crom- me ! treated me like a with the First Lieutennnt, Nothing—but man.” he was so on board the Somers_ to go upon the booms, as he had I took counsel well was and that this happy something innocent, begged I told him of the under to to him. He and was fortified in by finding high responsibilities (This was before Spencer had say got up, and, on my purposes might be believed. This, I confess, stagger- which I acted of the joined.)— arriving with own. In so ; duty which I owed There was also a in the leaves of at the booms, he was asked “Do Jbis identical my ed me : but the evidence of his was bible, by Spencer, opinion guilt my Government, and the which it had fear death ? a case, so many interests ship which he had copied some verses from the you do you fear a dead man ? ■grave involving conclusive. Lieut. Gansevoort said that entrusted of his I felt desirous me; offence towards his Sailor’s in of its do you fear to kill a man?” with and such high responsibilities, was a Magazine, praise holy pre- Wales, there but shadow of doubt of it. The commander, and the he had intended admirable of the of all my officers upon boys cepts. These verses I read to the crew. I coolness, induced Spencer to go having opinion petty officers said that he was the one mnn to to and of the I not a shadow of doubt re- put death, high duty owed thus showed them how Small valued his on, took the oath of secrecy, and entered into the matter, though from whom real was entertain- “ apprehension to the of my Right !” he ex- all his him .mained on mind of the guilt of the pris- flag country. bible, but that he did not resist temptation. plans. Spencer told that he had my ed. He wa9 at first the accomplice of Spen- “God bless that and their execution be deemed nec- claimed, flag prosper I them to read it and attend about 20 men in his that would oners, should mid 'vns then on “ “ urged closely plot; they cer, urged by him, and had it!” Now,” said mo a not that the officers he, give quick und to its I endeavored to get possession of the murder the essary. I did forget been him turned to his account. I faithfully precepts. easily ship, by tried easy death.” said to Lieut. Ganse- Commander and were still and that all the responsibility Spencer show that there could be no such as officers, and commence boys, to show him how Spencer had endeavored voort that his had been thing pi- the must rest the older courage doubted ; an honest Atheism. I held before them racy. lie gave Wales all the details of his .of proceeding upon to use and told that he had he up him, Spencer but wished him to bear witness that he which were and higher officers. Still I felt desirous to how Spencer had injured many and plan, admirably suited for his- made remarks about him ho would not con- died like a brave man. He asked what people, have their and accordingly address- especially his parents. He had lacked fil- purpose, and arranged much better, Mr. W. opinion, sider flattering. He expressed great anxiety would be the for his execution. I ed them the following letter : signal ial piety and piety towards God—two said, than he could have done it himself.— to know what they were. I told him Crom- told him that I was desirous of prin- Nov- hoisting which would never have suffered him As an inducement to embark in the enter- U. S. Brio Somers, 30,1S12. well had said of him and another that colors at the ciples person instant, to show that the to said that a Gentlemen: I am desirous of availing myself of “ go astray. In conclusion, I called on them, prise, Spencer large box of wine there was a d—d fool on one side and a of the Somers was counsel in the responsible position in (lag fixed to the mast- as had three cheers on board contained a amount of your very knavo on they given for their large gold which I find You are aware of the d—d the other,” and told him that head ; and that I intended to beat the coll myself placed. country, now to give three cheers for God— and other treasure. His object was to go to> circumstances which have resulted in the confine- Cromwell would have allowed him to live to hoist colors and then roll off; and at the as would do his the Isle of Pines, where one of his associate, ment of of Boatswain’s mate so as he could have made him use- they by singing praise.— Midshipman Spencer, only long the third roll a would be fired as the who hud been a and of Seaman Small; and I gun The colors were then hoisted, and above the pirate before, had a confede- Cromwell, purposely ful to himself. This roused him, and from He asked leave to the abstain from into details concerning them. signal. give signal. American ensign was raised the Banner of rate ; and that he would attack no vessels entering that time he said no more of Cromwell's I at once aa I of the extent of disaf- acceded. He asked if it was the — that he could not Necessarily ignorant, am, the Cross the only flag that ever floats capture, and destroy all he fection among the crew who have so long been tam- innocence. gun under him. 1 told him it was but one re- that he above it from any vessel under my com- captured; would select from them pered with, and knowing the suspicion which attach- moved. He asked if it be fired Subsequent ctrcumstnnces made me be- would by mand. The 100th was such females as were use and es some of the crew who are at I address Psalm after proper, them, to large, a lock sung, lieve thnt Spencer wished to save him, and wafer. I was told that which the crew then of them that he had the you and ask your united counsel ns to the best prob- prepara- dispersed. I could not help, dispose ; all de- from the that he would tions had been made to fire it with a eourse now to be pursued ; and 1 call upon you to ably hope yet get pos- match; on that day of peaceful Sabbath worship, tails of the plan drawn out on a paper, which take into deliberate ana consideration, session of the vessel and out his and ordered n of live was in me dispassionate carry origi- immediately supply contrasting the condition of my vessel with oacK oi nis cravat. He snowed the conduct which will be necessary for a coals and fresh to safe.con- nal design ; and perhaps that Cromwell coals be passed constant- whflt chp urnilld hn VA ni'DCpiracy he had learned from some novel or. “ said I throughout difficulty, came forward and made some lame and he had none : Nobody cares for mo,” said only would do it, and for that I am borne himself with and sustained tale of murder. Still I could not feel- to courage, help and that be he, but mother, and I would rather about die. in a Guincaman bro’t a that it was worthless confession, requested my poor Going lofty and chivalrous part. Always arm- ing sporting with a serious subject in irons. I told him that if she should not know what has become of me to this. Take and never in and that might not be put warning go ed, his pistol often cocked^-only in a single my duty required me to be on my he had made real confession, insinceri- me.” a Guinenman.” Turning to Spencer, he instance has and 1 resolved to watah the any “ any accideift occurred; and guard, closely to I said, I am to are ?” ty and truth, he should not be molested; but I returned Spencer. asked him what ready die; you that arose from the accidental of movements of Spencer. I directed the first Cromwell’s last discharge that it was an insult to his officer to offer him message he had to send to his friends. He words were, “tell my his while Cromwell. Next Lieutenant te observe him very ‘‘ pistol arresting narrdwly.—- as he Noth- said none. Tell them thut I die wife that I die I die an innocent I so lame a story that had told. wishing innocent; in rank to the commander on board the ves- learned that in the course of the day*. and I man.” From the of this man in ing more could be got out of him, and he was them every blessing happiness. de- appearance sel, he was my equal in the discharge of eve- Spencer had been in the ward-room for some to be it would seem immediately put in irons. While on the Af- serve death for this and my other crimes.— assuming innocent, that ry duty Never since the existence of the time, and busied himself in examining a an are few I have not Spencer took all the risk of the and rican coast I know that he had procured There crimes committed. affair, Union, has a commander been more ably chart of the West Indies, and that he had 1 am for them all. ! Cromwell intended to it. extraordinary knife, broad in the middle, sincerely penitent only profit by and zealously seconded by a first Lieute- made some inquires concerning the Isle at I where 1 could take in the and to a Ho had made it very fear my repentance is too late. 1 asked him placed myself nant. Where all behaved so it Pines. The Lieutenant told him that he be- running point. whole well, may It was a if there was one whom he had deck with my No word was seem it was a much sharp on both sides. singular wep- any injured, eye. gi- invidious to particularize ; yet I can- lieved place frequented by pi- to he one ven Ho said he could on, of no use except to kill. He had been whom could make reparation—any by Spencer. finally not avoid reference to the conduct of Purser rates. and drily asked him if he had any ac- before his bat- who wns on bis account 1— not give the word, and wished me to do it.— there 1 seen also the day sharpening suffering obloquy Heiskell, and Surgeon Hicock. Both were quaintances Spencer passed the day mo- The word was and the tle-axe with a file, nnd had brought one part He said “no; but this will kill my poor accordingly given in delicate health, and the latter especially sullenly, and was often observed to be was a never al- ther.” I did not know before that he bad a execution took was a and of it to an edge. This thing place. not in a fit condition to go to sea. He mining paper, writing with a pencil,, on and was touched his allusion to The crew was ordered aft when I addres- lowed or knows before board. McKinley mother, by had returned in the Dolphin from the coast and making rings with his penknife. Lieut. sed them. 1 called their attention to the was now arrested. He was evidently the her. I asked him if it would not have been of Africa, and had suffered from the fever in Gansevoort soon after made some excuse for fate of the men who had been individual in every wny the most formidable far more dreadful if he had succeeded in young just the River Nunez. But he did duty through following him to the foretop, where be found his it was not much better die hung in their I of the dis- him of all concerned. McKee was also put in attempt—if to presence. spoke the difficulty. Both obeyed the order to go engaged in working some love devices- as become a tinguished social had held irons. They were mude to sit down ; and he would, than to pirate and position Spencer armed and keep watch without the slight- upon his ann. He expressed a desire Un- at home, and held before them the career when the irons were put on. I walked around steep himself so terribly in blood und guilt. up est murmur. learn the rate of the chronometer, and was- He “ I do not know what would have of usefulness and honor to the. batteries, followed by Lieut. Gransevoort, suid, professional I would respectfully suggest that the thanks referred to the Master of Marines. He was of me I had I which a course of faithful would have and made a careful inspection. become if succeeded.” told duty ot the Department be presented to all the of- frequently seen engaged in holding secret raised him. After been but a few On the receipt of my letter the officers im- him that Cromwell would soon have made a having ficers of the Somers. The opinions they conferences with Boatswain Cromwell and and entered with and that would months at sea, he had to mediately assembled upon the way him, McKinley criminally aspired gave were their own—if they were erroneous Small, and was known to have given me in a command I had earned money examination of witnesses, who were sworn probably have destroyed them both. He supplant by —the responsibility is not theirs. The opin- to different persons of the crew. He had al- In addi- said he "feared this would his father.” thirty years of faithful service. Their own so and their testimony written down. injure ions, the acts and the responsibility are mine incited the steward to steal which “ future fortunes. 1 told were within brandy, tion to this each witness signed the evidence Had you succeeded," I replied, “the injury them, alone and I freely meet that ordeal to which he had given to the crew, and with which be their own I to them the he In this employment the officers you would have done him would have been control; opened my conduct will be had once or twice drunk himself. gave. stations of undobtedly subjected got the whole without much If it had been to respectability and of future ho- to passed day interruption, greater.” posable trusting that consciousness of rectitude in Capt. Mackensio it due to the the least food. I remain- take him as I ut first I told thought and without taking home, intended, my own bosom which has never for one mo- ward-room to "Ferhupa this is an extreme and erroneous opinion officers state the circumstan- in charge of the deck. The offi. him that he would have got clear, as in Ame- ment forsaken or ed, myself, and not juat. But 1 am merely stating facts—what me, wavered in the slighest ces connected with their having brandy on were excused from watch duty and the rica, a man with money and influential passed on the occasion. degree. board- When the vewel was first equipped,.
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