Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1823-04-12
From the Balt. american, April, 10.
HORRIBLE PIRACY.

HORRIBLE PIRACY.
The statement given in the paragraph
below details the commission OF an act
which equals in cold.booded cruelty any
instance within our recollection. To such
extremes do the pirates in the West India
seas now carry their outrages, that not
only total loss TO the owner the tate OF
all property coming within their grasp.
but also the most hard hearted cruelties,
aud too often death, are the portion OF in
nocent mariners who tall into their bloody
clutches.-The feelings Involuntary give
way 10 indignation and horror at The reci-
tai OF these outrages upon the persons and
property Of individuals engaged in the
prosecution of their lawful business. Ev.
cry one admits and urges the necessity Of
having these abominable proceedings
checked and broken up Our government
has ordered respectable force into these
seas tor this special service and all that
tried vslour, prudence, skill anc persever-
aDce can accomplish, will be achieved by
the Squadron OF Commodore PORTER
But we are inclined to believe that Goa
gress have used an ill.judged economy 10
not sranling TO the Commodore heavier
force. Emboldened by successes which
afford them increased means and attract
new despe, ADDE'S TO their cause, the pi
rates. black flag floats over vast extent
Of sea and blasts the tair prospects al Gem
merce which come within the scope OF lis
bai-iul shadow. TO chase these mlscrs-
ants from the ocean promptly anu etflcI-
entity, will necessarily require exTaordI.
nary means. Our government. there IS no
doubt, will DO their full share oil duty;
they will rid tue ocean OF large piratlcal
vessels, hut it will never be in their pow
er 10 prevent the many piracies which oc.
cur near shore, without the corporation
Of the merchant vessels themselves. AT
least one half of all the piracies which are
perp-trated are by open boats, which at
tack their prey when beCalned near the
shores OF the island The success which
has heretofore attended the efforts OF the
armed merchantmen who have shown any
disposition to defend themselves, is an in!
dubltsble proof that these boats could have
been generally repelled il the crews OF
our traders had pos. essed the means OF
defence. Every merchant vessel could
muster ON an average seven or eight hands
and it armed with six or nine FOUNDER
and musketry, would be safe against the
approach of their open boats or barges.
After be many outrages which seamen
have suffered, we believe there is not one
who would not rather endeavor, by force
OF arms, to prevent his person anc proper
" from falling into the hands of the pi-
rates. than 10 submit without resistance
10 the indynities and cruelties which be
must otherwise run the risk oil undergoing.
Upon this subject we heard the suggestion
OF 4 merchant which we will now take the
liberty to repeat. believing it to be .enti-
tied, both from its source aud nature, 10
respectful consideration, He proposes
that the underwriters should bence!orth
N ktna positive condition OF insurance
that each vess. trading in the West India
seas shall carry an armament tor protect
ION against pirates, suited 10 her tonnage
aud the number OF her crew. BY rigid
adherence to this plan, the government
would receive the aid which il has right
20 look tor from our commerce III ITS pres.
mt critical state in those seas-and the
pirates would soon be forced 10 abandon
their netsrlOus occupations,
From our Correspondent Of the Nev. York
yberccnt,ie .4drert,ser, .aprii ,7--noon.
The brig -. PERKINS, of Ken
netunk, from Port All Prince for
Campeachy, arrived at the Balize
below New-OrIeans) on the sist
~. in distress, having been boarded
IN the Bay of Campeachy by pirat-
zeal schooner of about 90 tons. man
ned by about so or 40 men. On
boarding the brig they demanded the
money aud on the captains denying
hat they had any. they stabbed cap.
ain Perkins in several places and
ut off his arm. Some Of the crew
hen told the pirates where 600 doub-
,oons were conceaIed-UP"n which
they cut OF Capt. Ps. other arm
cut off his thigh-put oakum (cip
ned in oily in his mouth and some
ander him. then set it on fire. which
soon put an end to his suHerings'
They also thrust a sabre through the
,bigh Of the mate; and robbed the
sris Of her cables, anchors, sails.
rigging. quadrants. &c. most of the
PROVISIONS and water. and every thing
they could lay their hands On