The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1815-06-14
EXTRACT.

Capt. 1 r. u. cnortlanu, hecpS' oh thS oa't-
moor Prison, happened TO discover small
hole which had been picked through one OF
the inner walls of the prison by some OF our
bows, who preferred any employment 10 idle
ness. Upwards of FIVE thousand prisoners
were, at this time, civiily walking in the yards
ofrhe different prisons, not dreaming OF the
approaching tragedy, and wholly unconscious
of the existence Of the little hole from which
il was to originate. Instantly the ringing of
an alarm bell, sauted their astonished ears
and scarcely had they time to Took their sur
prize, when the drum beat to arms
Curiosity alone prompted them TO turn
their attention to the gate as the only avenue
through which they might learn the cause oil
this extraordinary alarm. Each one was eoger
10 get nearest to- the source OF Information,
till from the pressure OF some thousands, the
gate gave way, the crowd with II, and those
in the rear pressed forward so rapidly, the
foremost found il impossible to resist tho cur
rent, but were pushed entirely through the
passage.
"At this moment, Capt. Shorthand, at the
head of the troop. OF the garrison, entered
the inner square Of he prison, and drew up
his men in a position TO charge the prisoners,
who we're gazing with wonder on this mill.
tary move nent,no, dreaming that themselves
were its object. Tho officers Of the garrison
pefceiving ,he bloody intention Of the keeper,
would have no hand in the business, declined
giving any orders, and resigned their power
TO Capt. Shorthand. After ylewing,in speech.
less astonishment, rnan9uvrc that at length
seemed to menace their own safety, the prs.
oners, though unconcious of blame, began 10
,hi6k j, most prudent to retire, and every one
hastcned towards their respective prisons,
with all pos, ,ible alacriiy.
The order TO FIRE was now given by the
keeper, and promptly obcyed. full voley
of musquctry was discharged into body of
several thousand men, all retreating in the
most peaceable manner
Through the gates and iron palings that
separated the troops from the prisoners, were
these voIles reheated, for seUera rounds
while the defenccless victims, dead and woun-
dcd, fell thick on every side. Their flight
was in disorder, and the doors of the cells
they were seeking to regain, were soon clog
ged with the wounded, who had fallen in the
passages, and the unwounded who were fly
ing over them.
Their murderous pursuers had now co.
tered the yards Of each prison, making a gen.
eral charge on man and boy, sheathing their
ruthless bayonets in the bodies Of the retreat.
ing prisoners, and completing the woCk of
destruction by the discharge of another yolley
of muskctty in the backs OF the hindmost who
were forcing their passage, over the wound.
ed, into the prison.
/" Nor did they stop here but patrolcd the
yard TO find some solitary fugitive who had
sought safety 10 flght. One poor afrcighted
wretch bad fled close to the wall of one Of he
prisons, fearing TO move, lest he should meet
his death. HIN those demons Of hell discov-
cred, anJ the bloody Shorthand gave tue fatal
order. In vain the trembling victim fell on
his knees, and in that impioring attitude be.
sought their compassion, begging them to
spare life, almost exhausted by suffering
aud confinement. lie pleaded to brutcs-hc
appealed to tigers. " Fire !" cried Short.
land, and several balls were discharged into
his bosom
{" rnis inhuman monster, having now
"gluued his Nero appetite with blood" re.
tired with the troops, leaving, the scene of his
heroism slippery with the blood of defence
less frecmen Sicsy-!hree .holericans 6led, 10
CRAFTY he shieen Of British rsrn.kcy
Seven of them were relieved by death from
the task of telling the degrading tale.
t" The wounded were removed from the
scene Of slaughter, as soon as practicable land
placed in the hospital under the direction o
DR.. MGrath, head surgeon of the depart.
ment, who used every exer,ion in his powc,
to'allcviate their sufsrings and restore the N
to health. lie demanded admi,lance into the
prisons, and received the wounded who hae
escaped thither previous to the doors being
closed. His tenderness and humaoity arc &C
knowledged with gratitude by his patients.
"a dispasch-uas imms diatcly sent to Ply
mouth, to inform the admiral and the mili.ar,
commandant of the tragical event. On III,
following morning, strong reinforce men
arrived from Plymouth, under the comman,
of a colonel, vino took snas gc of the garrison
Information of which wss iMmcdiAteiy sivel
70 the prisoners, accompanied win requcs
Y that a committee DC sppo'n,ed from anon,
them TO receive an expsana,ion respecting IN,
r A. N