Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-01-24
E,orn the Charleston Courier

Several errors having found their way ih''
the papers, relative to transactions on ooaiu'
the brig Juniata, it becomes necessary 10 give
a more correct and circumstancial account u
the fatal occu rrence, in order TO ceFrect erro'
neous impressions. In doing this, however,
W. shall endeavor to avoid exciting pubic iee'
ing on the occasion, as the unfortunate ma"
now in confne ment, is TO answer TOT MS one"-
ces. before a tribunal Of his country.
The following is a simple statement oil inc
fac,s:-Captain Gautier was slowly recovering
from severe illness, at the time OF his sailing
from Jamaica; and up TO the period OF the destn
of MIR. Wheaton, and the woundlng OF himself,
was Enabled to attend to his duty on deck. Mr.
Wheaton had been first officer OF the schr
Cherub, Of Philadelphia, and having been lelt
sick in the Hospital at Jamaica, was return
ing home in the Juniata, and doing duty as Sec
ond mate. For some days previous to the at
tack made upon Capt. G. and MIR. w. the
weather had been very Iempes,uous, and the
officers and crew were much faligued. Mr..
Daw came below about o'clock in the even
ing Of the Sd inst. and being evidently in
state Of inebriation, lold Captain Gautier that
the crew were in a state of mutiny. The lat
ter re Piled to him, that he was not in siiua-
ton TO know " he,her they were in state OF
mutiny or not, and that he had better retire TO
his state room, and lay down in his birth. Cap
tain Gau,er then sent the boy for Mr. Wheat
on, and requested him, as Mr.. Daw was not in
condition TO have charge OF the watch on
deck, 10 take Charge OF It himself, Tor the
night. Mr.. Daw on hearing this, came to his
state-room door, which was not, and never had
been closed, during the whole passage, * COM
menced abusing Captain GautIer In the most
outrageous manner. His violent conduct, rem
dered it necessary for Capt. G. to tell him that
he was no longer an officer on board his vessel;
and turning 10 Mr.. Wheaton, desired him 10
assume the situation OF first mate; telling Mr..
Daw either TO remain in his state room, and be
quiet, or 10 go forward with the crew. AT this
he became still more enraged, and swore that
no one should interfere with him in his sllua-
ton, or Compel him 10 quit his sta'e-room-
at the same time, going TO his chest, he took
out loaded pistol, and added several large
shot or siugs 10 the charge. hi, was not OBJ
served at the moment by Capt. Gau,ier, but
asby the cabin boy, VINO ran upon deck, and
told the men tina, Daw was getting out pistol,
and was gong 10 shoot the captain. On Capt.
G's ascertainlng what the mate was about, ne
demonstrated with him on the folly Of handling
firearms IN his situation ID. swore he would kill
any one who should attemp, to modest him; add
probably hearing some OF The crew at the gang
way, he advance To the door Of his stste-roon,
presented the pistol towards Capt. Gau'ier and
Mr.. Wheaton, (the former sitting down in
Chair, in the Cabin, with his side towards Daw,
and not more than three or four feet from him;
and the latter standing up little farther off,
he discharged il al them-the ball passed
through the body Of Mr.. w. who fell, and ex
pired almos, Immediately. Capt. G.was wound
ed in five places by the shot. Mr.. Daw was
Immediately secured by the crew, in his state
the moment, either by Captain Gautier or Mr..
Wheaton, to force him from his state room,
they were endeavoring to dissuade him from
his violent conduct
No mutinous disposition had at any time
been evinced by the crew of the Juuiaia-on the
contrary, they had, during the whole voyage,
and still continue 10 conduct themselves in a
correct and orderly manner
Mr.. Wheaton, who fell victim on this oc.
casion, was somewhat advanced in life, stea-
dy, sober and discreet man, and has left ia
mlly, we understand, in Philadelphia.