The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1830-07-22

y
with a small brig, boarded, plundered,
sunk her, and, that he might not again
run the hazard of encountering living
witnesses Of his guilt, murdered the |
crew, with the exception of one indi-
vidual, whom he took along with him,
on account of his knowledge of the
course 10 Corunna, whittier he intended
tO proceed. But, faithful to his prin-
cipIes of selfprotection, as soon rs he
had made full use of the unfortunate
sailor, and found himself in sight of the
destined port, he came up to him at
the helm, which he held in his hand,
"My friend" said he, sis that the har-
bour of ofCorunnal"-''Yes," was the re-
ply; "Thcn," rejoined Soto, ''you have
done your duty well, and am obliged
to you for your services" On the in
stant he drew pistol and shot the man;
then coolly flung his body overheard,
took the helm himself, and steered into
his native harbour as little concerned
as if he had returned from an honest
voyage. At this port he obtained pa
pers in false name, disposed Of
short stay set out for CadiZ, where he
expected a market for the remainder.
He had fair wind until he came in
sight of the coast near the city. 1t was
coming Oh dark, and he lay-to, expect
ing TO go into his anchorage next morn
inc, but the wind shifted to the west
ward, and suddenly began to blow n
heavy gale; it was right on the land.
He luilcd his ship as close to the wind
as possible, in order to clear point
that stretched outward, and beat off TO
windward, but his lee-way carried him
towards the land, and he was caught
when he least expected the trap. The
gale increased--the night grew pitchy
dark-the roaring breakers were ON
his lee-beam--the drifting vessel
strikes, rebounds, and strikes again
the cry of horror rings through the flap
ping cordage, and despair is in the
eyes of the demon-crew. Helpless
they lie amidst the wrath of the storm,
and the darkened face of Heaven, for
the first time, strikes terror on their
guilty hearts. Death is before them,
but not with merciiul quickness does
he approach; hour after hour the
frightlul vision glarcs upon them, and
at length disappears only to come IL
gam in a more dreadful form. The
tempest abates, and the sinners were
spared for the time.
As the daylight broke they took to
their boats, aud Abandoned the vessel
To preserve their lives. But there was
no repentance III the pirates; along
with the night and the winds went the
voice of conscience, and they thought
nomorc ofwhat had passed. They stood
upon the beach gazing AT the wreck,
and the first thought of Soto was To
sell it and purchase another vessel for
the renewal of his atrocious pursuits.
With the marked decision Of his char
acter, he proposed his Intention to hls
followers, and received their full ap-
probation. The plan was instantly ar
ranged; they were to present thcm-
selves as honest shipwrecked mariners
10 the authorities at Cadiz; Soto was
10 take upon himself the office otmate,
or Contrd-m0cSir0, to an imaginary cap
tain, and thus obtain their sanction in
disposing of the vessel. In their as
sumed character, the whole proceeded
to Cadiz, and presented themselves
before the proper officers Of the marine
Their story was listened to with sym
pathy, and for a few days every thing
went on to their satisfaction. Soto had
succeeded SO well as to conclude the
sale OF the wreck with broker, for the
sum of one thousand seven hundred
and fifty dollars; the contract was
signed, but fortunately the money was
not yet paid, when suspicion arose from
some Inconsistencies in the pirates ac-
count of themselves, and six Of them
were arrested by the authorities. Soto
and one of his crew instantly disap-
peared from Cadiz, and succeeded in
arriving at the neutral ground before
Gibraltar, and six more made their es-
cape to the Caracas.
None are permitted to enter the for
tress of Gibraltar, without permission
from the governor, or proper pass
port. Soto and his companion, there
fore, took up their quarters ut Po-
sada on the neutral ground, and resid
ed there in security for several DAYS
The busy and daring mind of the for
mer could not long remain inactive
he proposed To his companion to at
tempt to enter the garrison in disguis,
and by stealth, hut could not prevai
upon him To consent. Tie therefor,
resolved to go in alone; and the objec