Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-10-01
PIRACY AND MURDER.

Captain Howard, of the brig Texa', arrived
yesterday from Africa, furnishes the following
account Of bloudy transaction. which occurred
on board Of that vessel on the Goth Of May last:
The brig left New York under the command Of
Capt. ElIery, and John WaIpole, Of Philadelphia,
mate On the l7rh March Walpole was super
seeded, for misconduct; shortly after the Captain
died, and w. continued a passenger, doing no
duty. Ga the Goth May Mr.. Bibcoek, super,
cargo. was taken with the coast fever. and 'iied
on board, of DIX Cove, after a mOnth's illness,
at Elmira At this time Walpuie began to az.
sumo importance, telling the men he had charge
of the vessel, and succeeded in getting the gold
dust 1000 ounces) on share; where he intended
to dispose of it Capt. Howard having come Oh
board, and learning the Transaction, went on
shore and succeeded in recovering the gold, and
returning in company with Walpole. who then
informed the crew that he was IL return home as
passenger, aud advised them all to turn IN and
take nap. as they must be tired, which they
complied with About two hours after, w. find.
ing them all asleep entered the cabin. and shot
MI Smith, Cd mate, Of Bedford, through the
heart; he then turned to Capt Howard, and FIR.
ed ball through the leg aud another in the groin,
and left him.. as he supposed. dead; he then went
on deck with three plstnlN, and shot John low.
ing, carpenter, through the ribs. when the crew
took him below, expecting that he would not re-
cover. Alter this Waipole went up to James
Berry, and showing him piece OF manuscript,
and telling him he had shot three OF the crew,
add that he was Captain now, he put pistol to
his ear, and told him he had but five minutes to
live. 50 10 prepare himself. As Berry could not
read, he expressed wish for w To read IT to
him; in order to do which he laid down his PTS.
tolls. which Is got hnd Of aud pitched them Tor
ward, and w. made for the cabin. followed oy
B Captain II. laid on the transom. and show.
ing sign. of life. when w. began jumping on his
breast; but seeing Berry advancing, SEIZED ano.
Their pistol and fired at B., which fortunately
missed. and the hail struck the ceiling OF the Ca.
BIN; whereupon B. Jumped across the Captain,
seized W. by the throat and downed him; hr
catching up another pistol IA! the time, and firing
at SIS head, who luckily esraped this shot also,
it going through the deck. Onr Of the Gre" per-
ceivIns that Berry had the advantage, passed d
pistol down the sky light to him. on which the
blood thirsty villain begged Tor mercy, hut Brr'
ry gave him the contents in his head. and lett him
to his fate, lingering several hours IN excruciat
ing pain The negro lab0rers on board even re.
fused to take hold Of him to get him ou, 0f the
cabin, but made rnpe fast to his leg and hauled
him on deck where he died.
Capt. H. remains in very weak state. expert
eDcing severe pains from the wounds, which are
still unheaIed. He thinks that Waipole must
have meditated the attack some time, as he had
from 40 to SO pistols all double. shoted; and that
his Intentions we're to kill the crew while asleep,
and turn slave dealer; as he frequently express
ed such wish ~ T. Gazette