The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-04-15

out of theroadstead. The surprise created by these
sudden movements was almost instantly relieved by
the appearance of low, black slip, gently gliding
from behind the projecting point, and bearing down
upon her three topsails to the little brig, now near
( ly within gunsho few movements sufficed TO
bring them together-a boat was seen TO pass-an
hour elapsed-the low, black ship then spread her
swelling canvass to the increasing breeze, and the
evening of that day, whose morning opened on such
a busy scene, beheld her sink beyond the horizon.
Curiosity for n day two continued; all questions
were evaded and at last, despainng of being graf
flied, sunk into indifference, and all appeared for
gotten. A year two after revisited " my own,
my native land," when in a small company, acc
dentaIly mentioning the foregoing occurrence, re-
eeiyed the following account, from one who proved
to- be the most conspicuous actor j give 1t nearly
in his words, and the Interest it excited in me,
who was a witness of what l have already descrb-
ed, induced belief that it might not be unaccepta-
bic to others.
I On the 18th of August, lS-, returning from In
da, we made the Island of St Helena the thick
haze which enveloped it, prevented our seeing the
land until close aboard at that time, the curtain
which screened it from view gradually arose un-
Ill it rested on the SUBMITS Of the highest mountains.
/ The picture now presented sublime on the
left Longwood, the residence of Napoleon, with the
small white tents Of his guard sprinkled around on
the right, the lofty mountain, with its summit and
signal tower enyeloped in the haze in front, the
rugged prccipitous rocks, descending to the ocean,
the murmur of whose waves, gently ripping on the
shore, seemed to nfuse their own calm into the bos-
Oms of the hardy tars, who were stlessly gazing on
the surrounding scene, and descanting the vari-
fortunes Of the fallen Emperor The evening
closed in, the lights were waving through the man
sion Of Longwood; the tents were longer visible;
darkness and tranquility reigncd. so absorbed had
we all become, that not until this moment had any
hp, IaI cInIt
the rock to a sailors expression, you might
almost have " chuckcd biscuit shore" A
short calm succeeded by light air from the
island which rendered our situation, before unpleas-
ant, perfectly secure; and once more the minds
of all seemed to revert to him, the lonely prisoner on
this lonely rock. 1t evident had not been
discovered on our approach; the night had just
closed in, the breeze would freshen as we receded
from the land, and the morning sun might rise on
onr gallant little bark, bearing the rescued exile to
"The land ofths free and Ike home of the brave"
The impulse was irresistible the sailors were
called athc practicability of eecting his escape,
in few words explained, and the half-consenting
crew requested few moments to make up their
minds TO bring their resolution to the sticking
point, dram was administered to each, and ten
thousand dollars to be equally distributed, the mo-
ment he touched the deck. They retired to consult,
the quarter boat cleared away, every thing pre-
decision. 1t moment of such intense, alb
sorbng feeling, that the returning steps of the men
were not noticed until within a few feet
Well my brave fellows" said |, in a whisper,
las if drcadng to awake the slumber of the silent
tde,) 4" go boldly, yet cautiously on remember, if
discovered, you come shore for assistance, to res
cue vessel close in upon the rocks; but you will
not be seen-hasten him down-not a moment to
be lost: boundess wealth and never fading glory
( will be your rcward-away away !"
So great had been my excitement, certain wa.
| of their acquiescene, that when the words Z" We
cannot CO." fell upon my ear, they pressed also like
a load upon my heart, and it was some moments
before | could command voice enough TO order the
towards forward
One after another, the lights extinguished at
Longwood; the night dragged heavily along; we
were found three four miles from the land, when
the first dawn of the morning ushered in by the
roaring of from the signal post almost over
our heads, answered by others from different parts
and shortly after officers were seen galloping tow
ards the mansion. All appeared hustle shore,
aud soon found, by the approach OF little man
of-war brig, that equal activity prevailed on the o.
ccan. shot whizzcd over us, and we bore down
a boat came alongside, was ordered in, and con-
Quoted on board. "WaIk in the cabin, SIR"
descended. On a sofa, at the after part of it, re-
clincd handsome young officer, full dressed, even
to buckles in his shoes, who demanded my en-
trance, in rather sleepy tone, where was from.
/ India"
/ "Whcn did you arrive ,"
I" Yesterday, late in the afternoon"
i Throwing foot carclcssly from the sofa, hc
exclaimed, THAT is impossible; you not seer
from the signal post at noon Which of his Ma
iesty's ships boarded you in the ofing 7"
al have not seen any"
"Sir, that cannot be; the ship on the wndwarC
station must have boarded you.i
Il regret, sir YOU should think proper TO doub
my assertions Had my men acted they wer
urged to do, should most probably have been re
licved from this unpleasant interview"
With little more animation he sad How SO
! SirI
had gone too far to rccede and there was ais
an open, noble expression in his countenance, tina
invited contidcuce and seemed IN saw 90 on | di