Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-10-19
PIRACY.

The brig Mexican, which sailed from this port
few weeks since for Rio Janciro, returned from sea
l2tl, having been robbed by pirates. Capt. Butman
FURNISHES us with the following particulars.-Saiem
Comm. Ado
On The goth September, in lat SO 90. n. lon. 81
81 W., at l23 NJ, vessel which passed
across our stern about half a mile from u.s. At |
A. nj. saw her again passing across bow, so
near that we could perceive that it was schooner
with tore-top-sal and op-gaant-sai AS it was
somewhat dark sho soon out of sight. Al day.
iights saw her about five niles off the weather quar-
ter, standing on the wind the same tack we were
oh--thc wind was light at SSW., and wo ware
standing about Sc. AT a. NJ. she was about 9
number OF men on her deck and one man on the
tore-top-gillhnt yard looking GU: very susp.
c,ous OF her, but knew not how to avoid her Soon
aIter saw brig ON our weather bow steering the
N " by this time the schooner WAS about miles
from us, and four points forward of the BEAM Elk
pec'ng that she would keep on for the brig ahead
OF us, we tackled to the westward keeping a little
Oil from the wind to make good way through the
water, TO get clear of her it possible.
She kept on to the Eastw ird about ton or fifteen
minutes after we had tackled, then wore round sot
sque sail, steering directly for us, came down up
on usvcry last, and was within gun shot of us
tired gun and hoisted Patriot colors and back
ed main top sail. lie ran along to tho windward
OF us, hailed us TO know where we were from
where bound, &c. then ordered me to come on
hoard IN my boat. Seeing that he was too pow err
iul Tor Us TO resist, accordingly went s. as soon
as got along side o:the schooner, FIVE ruliAns in
Stanlly jumped into my boat. each OF them bein y
armed with large knife, and told me 10 90 on
board the brig again When they had got on
they insisted that we had got money and
drew their knives, threatening us with instant
DEATH and demanding In know where it wds AS
soon as they found out where il was, they Obliged
my crew to get ii up out tthe upon deck, beat
ing anu t'redtn ng Thorn at the same time because
They did not DO it quicker. WAen they had got it
all upon deck, hgiled the schooner, and thew rot
out their launch and cane and took il on board the
schooner, viz:-jen boxes containing twenty tnous
and dollars. They returned to the brig again
drove all the crew into the fOrccastc ransacked
the cabin, overhauling all the chests, trunks, &c
and riaed my pockets. Taking my watch, and 3
dnbloons which had previously put there for safe
ty; robbed the mate of his watch and two hundred
dollars specie--still insisting that there was more
money in the hold.
Is 'Eg answered in the negative, they beat me Sc
vercly over the back, said they kae ~ that there
was MORE that they should search for it, and if thew
found any they would cut all our throats. Thnv
continued searching about in every part of the YES
sci Tor some time longer, but not finding any more
specie, they took two coils of rigging a side OF
leather and some other articles and we mt ON board
the schooner, probably to consult what TO do with
us-!or, In eight or len minutes thcy came back
apparently in great haste, shut US all below fasten
cd up the companion fore-scuttlc and after
waterway, stove our cOmpasSes TO pieces in the
Dinnacies, cut away tfer-ropos, halliards, braces
and most of our running rigging, cut our sails to
pieces badly; took tub OF tarred ropc.yarn ami
what combustibles they could find about deck
pntthein In the camboose house and set them on
nre; then left US, taking with them our boat ard
coors Whom they got along side Of the schooner
they scutted our boat, took in their own and made
sail, steering TO the Eastward.
AS soon as They loft we got out of the cabin
sentIle, which they had neglected to secure and
oxnguishod the fire, which if il had been left few
minutes, would have caught the mansail, and set
our masts on fire. Soon after we saw ship TO
loeward OF us steering to the S q. the schooner
beng in pursuit of her. Did not overtake hor
whilst she was in sight of us.
1t was doubtless their intention to burn us up
altogether, but seeing the ship, and being eager
for moro plumber they did not stop fully to ac.
comPlish their design She was a long straight
schooner of about hundred and five tons,
painted black, with narrow white streak, large
head with tho horn of plenty painted white, large
mantoPmast but yards or sail OH it. Mast rak-
cd very much, mainsail worry square at the head,
SAILS made with split cloth and all new; had two
long brass twelve Founders and large gun on a
pivot and"h ps, and about seventy men, who APP
Poared 10 be chiefly Spanards and mulattoes.
JOHN G.. BUTMAN.