The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-08-13
NORFOLK, July 80.

NORFOLK, JULY 81.
Authentic particulars Of the capture and
destruction bf band of pirates on the coast
of Cuba, bt two United States barges, under
the command of the gallant Lieut.. Comd't
VIM. H. WATsoN.
On the4th Of July information was
received lat Matanzas, that both these
vessels fere at Point Yeacos, and the
schoonet Fox and Weazle being in
port at the time, immediately went in
search ofthem, but did not arrive at
the place oatil the fifth, four hours
after their objecthad been accomplish
ed by the barges.
1t appears that Inc barges Gallimpper
and .Nosqueto, under the command of
LieU. Com. Watson, were proceeding
alopg the coast, on their way to Matan-
zas when they saw the two piratical
sclooners, and Immediately pursued
item. The pirates stood in towards
tie land, but kept up brisk fire upon
ne barges Finally, they anchored
close in shore with springs on their Ca
|bles, and brought their broadsides to
bear upon the barges, keeping up
continual fire Of large guns, nusketry,
&c. upon them. Our brave fellows,
however, kept on towards them unin-
Inundated by the tremendous fire Of the
enemy, which they did not think proper
to return until they we're near enough
to pour in sure and destructive fire.
When they were within pistol shot of
the large schooner, she parted her
springs and swung round, presenting
only her bows to the barges, which
were rapidly approaching, one on each
bow, with the intent to board, when the
pirates jumped overheard, some at
tempting to escape to the shore, and
few retreating to the smaller vessel
At this moment, the barges having con-
siderable way on them, Lieut.. Watson,
with admirable presence OF mind, gave
the wcm to pull in and cut them off
from the shore. This they completely
effected, and then commenced dread
full hayock-only one succeeded in
reaching the shore, and he was pursued
and sht forty of them were killed,
and sixmade prisoners. Five who had
been sat ashore in boat previous to
the aeon, to carry>a female prisoner
the pirtes had taken, (and TO whom il
is said tey behaved hoaolrably) were
capture| by the inhabitants and carried
TO MataGas. The prizes were sent 10
Matanzs, and thence TO Thompson's
Island with the prisoners, whence the
latter wee despatched in the Ferret 10
Havana, where they we're delivered
over to lhe civil authority, and COM
mltted TO ,rison.
The Pirate captain was called Dia-
blito {Ldtie DeuiD on account of his
desperate Icharacter.-While the crews
OF the bfges were firing pell nell
amongst iAe pirates IN the water, he
was singled out from among them by a
spaniard Who was acting as pilot to the
bars es, aal who, after pointing him out
to Lieut. Watson, raised his muskel, and
very deliberately shot the Little Devil
through the head.
The pirates had detained the Spanish
crew on board the large schooner
since they captured her, as above stat
ed, apprehehsive that they would, il set
at liberty, give information which might
prove fatal to them. They were found
IN the hold of the schooner when she
was taken possession of by the barges.
For the same reason the female above
mentioned, was also detained.
This gallant affair, which reflects
immortal honour on the brave men who
achieved it, took place at the very spot
where fell the brave and accomplished
Allen
We are happy to learn that this
victory was achieved without the loss of
single drop Of blood on our side, not
withstanding the incessant fire to which
the barges were exposed. There were
only twenty-five men in the two barges,
(slxteen in one and nine in the other
so that the odds against them were at
least two to one.
The officers acting with Lieut.. Com.
Watson 10 this affair, were Lieut.. Inman,
who had charge of one of the barges,
and Sailing Master cambridge.
NEW YORK, AUGUST I.
EZtrdcf Of a Letter To n GenjJenoon "a, Az.