The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1834-12-03
TIiE PIRATES

The Court was thrown open at 10 o'clock yeser-
day morning, and was instantaneOusly filled with a
dense multitude Of citizens, anxious hear tie
nouncement ofthe verdict of the Jury, in whose
keeping were placed the lives oftpelce prisoners at
the bar. From the delusyc circumstance that the
jury did not make their appearance for considera-
bic period after the opening Of the Hail. AN impress
sion that they had come to conclusion favorable
to the prisoners or, at least, that they could not
agree became very prevalent throughout the assem-
bly,; bat at half past eleven, the jurors were
ushered into court with the sentence Of death so
legiby and scemnly written on their countcnances,
as to exlingush in an instant, the faintest glimmer
ing of hope for the lority of the accused. Judge
Story W as not present when the jury came in, and
further period of breathess suspense of 10 minuets
occurred till the prisoners roll and the panel were
called. The prisoners were then called one by one
and the verdict of the jury was declared to each
separately wiz
CoNvicrED.-Don Pedro Gilbert (captain); Ber-
nardo de Soto (mate); Francisco Ruiz (carpenter)
Manuel Castillo Manuel Boyga; Angel Garcia, and
Juan Montenegro, were found 4" guilty."
AcqUmTED.--Ncola Costa (cabin-boy, white)
Antonio Fcrrcr (cook, colored, tattooed) Domingo
de Guxmon IS. 4. Indian); Juan Antonio Portana
Ondian) and Jose Valasqucz (white), were found
|" Not GuHy."
The Jury, in consequence, they sad of the
." generous aud self-sacrifcng act of Bernardo de
Soto, in saving the crew of the American ship MI
nerva requested the Court to present his to the
merciful consideration Of the government" and
Judge Story replied, that " would be done with the
greatest pleasure"
4 general expression of applause was manifested
by the audience, upon the acqutal Of Costa but it
was Instantly suppressed by Judge Story, who or
dercd the officers to bring to the Dar, instantly, any
one who should again disturb the Court by any
expression ofapplausc or dsapprobation.
Captain Gilbert remained cam quiet, and perfect
ty self-colIccted throughout the forenoon, and not
the least change in his countenance was pcrcePtble
when the verdict interpreted to him. When,
aller the regular proceedings were over, he inquired
of Mr. Peyton what the sentence would be, and Mr..
T.. replied q" DEATH, o( c0u~sr,' suppressed smile
was barely visible at the of his mouth, such
as may frequently be witnessed on the lip of good
naturcd gambler, who after long and closc-COn-
tested game, finds himself ioOcd at last.
De Soto received the verdict with equal calmncss
and toriudc but when the favorable interference of
lhc jury in his behalf was explained to him, his
sibiliiies touched, and the overlowngs of his
heart responsive 10 the spirit of mercy exhibited to-
wards him, sought relief in tears, which continued
TO flow freely during the whole time he remained in
Court.
Several of the other convicts manifested excite
mcnt and Indignation on the occasion; Castillo cal
led heaven to Witness that he never committed
murder ;"--Garcia did Z" not see why they all
belonged to one ship, they should let some 90 free,
both appealed to God to witness their innocence
Costa, Ferrer, Guzman, Portana, and Valcsquez
were discharged from custody, and ordered " to de-
part without day," after which the Court adjourned
till Monday next, when the sentences will be pro-
nounced-BOS Statesman.