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

Accosd,foiy, The Colonet aitenced, ~ she
gate OF the prison, accompanied by Cap..
Shorthand, with a visage oversprcad with
gloom, and glowing with conscious quit
He family attempted to justify hi, conduct
and pleaded DUTY He feared the prisoners
were attempting 10 escape
"Thc Colonel patiently heard the stories
on both sides of the question:, and promised
that il should be submitted to The decision of
a coronor's inquest, next day, and tina, tho
rough Investigation of every relative circum-
s,ance should then take place.
"The prisoners then hoisted the colors
hay.mast on every prison, and visited the
wounded in the hospital department. But
here scene was presented too shocking for
humanity Tables were spread and covered
with fractured legs and arms, that bad just
been severed from the bodies OF our groaning
fellow-captives. There lay seven Of our coun.
try-men, marked with horrid wounds and be-
reft of Iife--here above 6liy were expressing
their anguish in half smothered complaits, or
audible groaDs. Our feelings can better be
conceived than described
GA committee of six was then appointed
to take the depositiops of those best acquaint-
ed with the facts relating TO this affair, and
make every proper arrangement for furnish.
ing the coroner with the most material evil
dence. All these deposisions exactly agree
with the statement here given.
In the afternoon an admiral, arrived q, the
prison, attended by the Captain Of "a. Af-
ter politely introducing themselves, they TO-
formed the prisoners thai they came ssnC,ion-
cd by the proper authority, 10 make inquires
into The past conduct Of Capt. Shorthand, dur
my bis agency, and promised that he shoud
, be strictly interogated on the subject. They
left us with many fair assurances that d s'rlct
and impartial investigation should take place
with respect TO his conduct.
Gone Circumstance that occurred during
| the massacre ought not TO be omitted One
| OF the soldiers belonging 10 the same reBi.
| meDt that performed this work OF blood, was
| Lighting lamp at the door OF No. 3 one of
| the prisons when the carnage commenced,
and, IN the hurry OF retreat, was TO, ced inside
among the wounded and exaspcrated piison-
ers In the height of their resentment, the
eye OF veDgenee was for moment directed
TO the only enemy which chance had thus
thrown in their power 1t was but for mo-
ment. The dignny of the American charac-
| ter was not thus TO be fullicd. To the aston
| ishment Of this afHghtcd soldier, VINO was
every moment expecting 10 be inundated on
| the altar OF revenge, as some atonement 10 the
names of our murdered countrymen, he re-
| ccived assurances Of safety and protection.
/ " Americans never uIder their prisoners :
rest easy. Your life shall be preserved to
distinguish between the humanity OF British
Soldier, and that of an american Sailor" Ac-
| cordingly, when the doors were opened TO
| discharge the wounded, this man was delivered
up to his as,onished comrades, in perfect
safety.--Tbis was triumph of sentiment
that nigh. have filled the British soldiers with
admiration at its sublimity, and the deepest
shame for their own littleness.
| "On the eight, the coroner's jury arrived,
consisting Of sixteen farmers, and CONNIE nc cd
taking the diffcren, dispositions of each par y
The evidence on the part of the keeper OF the
prison, consisted of the very soldiers who
committed the murder by his orders. The
verdict OF the jury, to The DISNEY and as
tonishment fevery unprejudiced man was
| --Justifa6ie Homicide !
"Mr. Beasley, the American agent, was
Immediately made acquainted win all the
particulars herein stated, upon which AN in
ves,igation of the subject took place al Ply
mouth, under the direction of MIR. b. attended
by Mr.. Williams, and other agents, and fut.
ther depositions were 10 be taken previous &C
the nrsonc's leaving Eneland." SC.