Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1818-10-28
Norfolk, October "a.
BRIG COLUMBIA.

Arrived in our l.arbor yesterday afternoon
the herm. brig Columbia, Thomas. % days
from Grenada. The Columbia belonged 10
Admiral Brion's squadron, and was brought
off from Grenada by the persons now on
board. The particulars OF the case, as far
as we have been enabled TO collect them
from conversation with the crew, are as
follows:-The Columbia was originally the
Baltimore, Of Baltimore; was captured du
ring the late war, by H. NJ. ship Venerable,
OF "A guns-She was afterwards sold into
the Venezuelan service, and was one OF
Admiral Brion's squadron et the attack on
Guira, Gin the Gulph of Paria) on 23d Aug.
last, on the first day of which she was taken
by the Spaniards. She was, however, re-
captured on the Gath, by the flag ship Vic
toria, (of which Thomas, who acts as Cap:
tain of the Columbia, was first Lieutenant)
and proceeded with her to port or bay in
the Island OF Trinidad, called Chaguara-
mas.-At this place, concerning themselves
under the protection Of the British laws, the
men, with Thomas at their head, demand
ed some explanation of Admiral Brion's
conduct, in the attack on Gura, during
which, they CONCUR in stating his behaviour
TO have been cowardIy in the extreme !;
keeping his ship aloof from danger as long
as possible; when engaged, lodging and
even laying Aaton the deck to avoid the
shot of the enemy the utmost confusion
prevailing on board. They also demanded
some part of their pay and prze-money,
of which they had received none for some
time this was refused, and they were
threatened with severe punishment if they
persisted in asking for it. Thomas then
left IT, ship with about 90 Of the men ION
Isl Sept and proceeded TO Grenada,
whittier the ship and brig also went. Upon
Brion's arrival they endeayored to obtain
the payment Of their wages and prize mo-
ney, being British subjects and Americans.
But the British laws not recognizing the
right Of its subjects TO enter the service OF
any foreign power, could afford them no re-
dress; they therefore determined, as the on
ly means 81 obtaining some compensation
Tor their services, to cut out the Columbia,
then lying in the Bay, near Brion's ship
and the forts. Thomas ard eleven others
accordingly boarded her at midnight on the
:3O,h uIt. cut her cable and put to sea-no
attempt being made TO stop them. There
were on board at the time, an officer. seven
men and boy, who were asleep. -Four of
the men (being only employed on board)
were allowed the boat 10 60 on shore The
officer, al his request, was put on hoard a
vessel, which they fell in with bound 10 Sa.
vannah. Upon getting TO sea they made
for the United States. On entering the
Capes, with the view Of proceeding to
Baltimore, they were taken possession OF
by the Revenue Cutter, and sent to this
place.
The brig has 5guns mounted, Zone long
I8 pounder on pivot and IA in her hold
is very last sailor, and has on board II
persons, including small boy-Amongst
them are, 7 Americans, English and Irish
men, Swede, Portuguese, and the boy.
The brig has experienced much severe
weather, and her rigging is considerably
injured by that, as well as the fire Of the
Spaniards in the attack on Guira There
was but small quantity of provisions and
water on board at the time OF leaving Gre
nada--supplies were obtained from vessels
fallen in with on tie passsge.-The crew