The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1824-09-09
NO. 4s

war. Her commander used every endeavour to
escape, but seeing by the superior sailing OF the
Frenchman that his capture was inevitable ne
quietly retired below; he was followed into the
cabin by his cabin bog, youth of activity and en-
terprize named Charles Wager; he asked his
ifnothing more could be done to save
the ship-his commander replied that it was I'M
possible, that every thing had been done that was
practicable, there was no escape Tor them, ana
tbev must submit to be captured Charles then
returned upon deck, and summoned the crew
around hiIn-he stated in few words what was
their captains conclusion-then with an elevation
of mnd dictated by soul formed tor enterprise
and noble daring, he observed ii you VIII place
yourselves under my command, ana staha Dy he'
/ have conceived plan by which the ship may
be rescued, and We i'll turn become the conquer
ors The sailors, no doubt, feeling the ardor,
and inspired by the courage their youthful and
gallant leader, agreed to place themselves under
his command. His plan was communicated 10
them, and they awaited, with filmness, the mo
ment to carry their enterprise into effect; Their
suspense was of short duration, for the French
man was quickly alongside, as the weather was
fine, and Immediately grappled fast to the unoi-
Tending merchant ship. AS Charles had antlcl-
pated, the cxhilcrated conquerors, elated peyond
measure with the acquisition of so fine pnze,
poured into his vessel in crowds, cheering and
huzzaing, and not foreseeng any danger, they ic1t
but few men on board their ship. Now was the
moment for Charles, who, giving his men the
signal, sprung at theirhead on board the opposing
vessel while some seized the arms which had
been left in profison on her deck, and with
which ,hcy soon overpowered the few men left on
board; the other by u Simultaneous movement re-
lievcd her from the graplings which united the
two vessels Our hero now having the command
of the French vessel, seized the helm, and placing
her out of boarding distance, hailed with the
voice of a conqucror the discomhtted crowd OF
Frenchmen which were left on board OF the
peaceful bark hc had Just quilted, and summon,
ing them to follow close in his wake, or he would
blow than out of water Ga threat they well knew
he was very capable of executing, as their guns
were loaded during the chase.) They sorrow1ui-
" acuuesccd with his commands, while the gallant
Charles steercd into port, followed by his prize.
The exploit excited universal applause-the
former master of the merchant vessel was exam
ined by the admiralty, when he stated the whole
Of the cnterprizc asst occurred, and declared that
Charles Wager had planed and effected the gal
liant exploit, and that to him alone belonged the
honor and credit of the achievement. Charles
was Immediately transferred to the British navy,
appointed midshipman, and his education care
fully superintended. He soon after distinguished
himself in action, and underwent rapid promo
ton, until at length he was created an Admiral,
and known as sir Charles Wager. 1t is SAID, that
he always held in conversation and esteem, the re-
spcctable and conscientious friend, whose cabin
boy he had been, and transmitted yearly to his oa
muster, as he termed him, handsome present OF
; Madeira, to cheer his declining days.