The native American., 1838-03-17
From The Baltimore San.

The hand OF time has reduced the patriots of
our revolution to very few; and while they are
daily leaving this temporary residence for one, as
It IS hoped, OF eternal happiness, it cannot be amss
to record the acts and bravery Of such as may come
under our notice; and in now presenting the
name Of Capt. Robert Sheffield, we know Of none
whose attempts have been more daring, and his
early life one of more devotedness to his country.
Captain Sheffield recently died at the Sailors
Snug Harbor, " OH Staten Island, near New York.
place reared by the hands of another hero who
mas lett this vale OF tears ~nany years since, but
whose bounty has reared building--the refuge
ol the aftilcted-the worn out veteran finds here a
place where his remaining days are made COM
Portable, and though reared by an humble sailor
may be termed the Greenwich Of America. II
was here our friend drew his last breath, at the
age OF o5-once opulent, circumstances the lot Of
all, brought his grey hairs to poverty. The de-
ceased, at his death, was the oldest Liverpool
captain IN this country, having commanded the.
SHIPS Mars and Severn, forty-fve years since, and
at that time it was considered great undertaking
TO make two voyages year, and it is believed
that Capt Sheffield took the first full load of cot
ton that ever was carried from this country 10
Europe. As ship master, he was of that school
when courtesy and hospitality prevailed, and his
family nave now various testimonials in the shape
OF presents, given him as a mark Of respect for
his asslduity and seamanship. But in the days
that tried mems souls, where do we find our
frlend!-why, in the front Of the battle, contend
ing with, and obtaining victory on victory over
the enemies OF his country.-He was lieutenapt
OF the privateers Grand Turk, America, and
others--a sailing master in the colonial service.
ana during the war of our independence was in
fourteen naval actions, one Of which was rendered
memorable by the capture of General Prescott. as
well as the celebrated action of the whale boats
under the gallant Brewster, on Long Island
Sound; ne was at last taken prisoner and confined
on board the Jersey prison ship then lying at the
present site OF the Navy Yard, at BROOKLYN, near
New York. To hear Of the dreadful scenes in
which ne participated on board of that receptacle
Oh horror, would at least elicit as it ought to- the
kindest feeling for those who achieved our lber-
ties. Twice was an attempt made to escape from
tnat abode OF horror, and as often repulsed---anf
our friend carried with him to his last moment,
marks OF the bayonet he received in one of those
attempts; and the manner he at last escaped, was
curious sratagem-one of his messmates had
died-he took the body, lowered it into the water,
and placed himself in the coffin, and when car
RED to the place of nterment, boldly raised him
self up, frightened those who had it in charge,
made his way to the eastern end of Long Island.
and thus escaped by crossing to his native place,
Stonington, where he was concealed for some
time. He afterwards joined the Grand Turk
privateer, and, as he often said, paid M Jobnv
Bull by destroying in that cruise 40 sail of Bri
sh vessels. He has now gone to that bourne
from whence travellers ne er return, and so lonc.
rs the days of 76 are remembered, so long will
hose acts be appreciated by his countrymen.