The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-10-09

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to comply with my directions entirely in
this particular hut had shipped two
foreigners as senmen, one q native of
Guernsey, and the other Freachman
from Brittany. was pleased however.
with the crew generally, and particular
" with the foreigners. They were both
stout and able-bodied men, and were
particularly alert and attentive to or
ders
The passngo commenced nuspicious-
Iy and promised to be speedy one, as
we took fine steady westerly wind
soon after we left soundings. To my
great uneasiness, ! soon discovered ~
change of conduct in the foreigners for
the worse. They became insolent 10
the mates, and appeared to be frequent
ly under the excitement of liquor, and
had evidently acquired an undue infiu-
ence with the rest ofthe men. Their in
temperance soon became intolerable,
and Us it was evident that they had
brought liquor on board with them,
determined upon searching the forecas-
tie and depriving them Of it. An order
to this effect was given to the mates, and
they were directed to go about its execu-
ton mildly and firmly, taking no arms
with them as they seemed inclined to do
but 10 give every chest, birth and locker
in the forecastle thorough examination,
and bring aft to the cabin any spirits
they might find.
II was not without much anxiety that
I sent them forward upon this duty.
remained upon the quarter deck my
self, ready to 60 to their aid, should 1t
he necessary. In a few moments loud
and angry dispute was succeeded by
sharp scuffie around the forecastle COM
panion way. The steward at my cell
handed my loaded pistols from the cab
in, and with them l fastened forward
The Frenchman had grappled the sec
ond mute, who was mere lad, by the
throat, thrown him across the beel ofthe
bowsprit, and was apparently determin-
ed to strangle him to death. The chief
mate was calling for assistance for be-
low, where he was struggling with the
Guernsey man. The rest of the crew
indifferent spectators but rather encour-
aging the foreigners than otherwise. l
presented a pistol at the head of the
French,nan, and ordered him to release
the second mate, which he instantly did.
then ordered him into the foretop, and
the others. Who were near into the main
ton none to come down under Fain of
death, until ordered. The steward had
by this time brought another pair OF pis-
tolls, with which / armed the second
mate directing him to remain on deck,
and went below into the forecastIe my
self-I found that the chief mate had
been slightly wounded in two places by
the knife of his antagonist, who, howev-
er, ceased 10 resist as / made my APP
pearance, and we Immediately secured
him in irons. The search was now made,
aud quantity of liquor found and taken
To the CABIN. The rest of the men were
then called down from iiin tnPs. and she
Frenchman was made the companion OF
his coadiutor's confinement. ! then cx-
postulatcd, at some length, with the o
theirs upon their improper and insubor-
dinate conduct, and upon the readiness
with which they had suffered themselves
to be drawn into such courses by two
rcscaily foreigners, and expressed hopes
that should have no further reason for
complaint during the rest Of the voyage.
This remonstrance l thought had effect,
as they appeared contrite and promised
amendment. They were then dismiss-
ed and order was restored.
The next day the foreigners strongly
solicited pardon, with the most solemn
promises of future good conduct; g. as
the rest of the crew joined i'll their re-
quest, ordered that their irons should
be taken of. For several days the du-
ties Of the ship were performed to my
entire satisfaction but ! could discover
in the countenauces Of the foreigners,
expressions Of deep and rancorous ami
mosity to the chief mate. who was a
prompt, energetic seamcn, requiring
| from the sailors, at all times, ready and
implicit obedience to his orders.
A week had passed over in this way,
whom one night in the mid-watch, all
hands were called to shorten sail.-Or-
dinarily upon occasions of this kind the
duty was conducted by the mate, but ]
now went upon deck myself and gave
orders, sending him upon the forecastle.
The night was dark and squaIly; but the
sea was not high, aud the ship was rum
ming off about nine knots, with the wind
upon the starboard quarter. The wea-
ther being very unpromising, the second
reef was taken ia the fore and maintop-
sails, the mizen handed and the for and
mixen top gallant yards sent down. This
done, one watch was permitted to go be-
low, and prepared to betake myself to
my berth, directing that the mate, to
| whom I wished 10 rive some ordera.