The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-11-21

enyirons Of Boston, than he left the peace
fuI retirement Of home, and has,ened to the
rescue. He offered his services TO his coun-
try as n volunteer, and joined the American
troops in the neighborhood of Boston. But
The dull monotony Of the camp was neither
suited to the character nor habits of Capt.
Read. He soon left the army and sailed as
the commander of privateer.
His bold adventurous spirit exposed him
to great dangers, and during the continu-
ance of the war, he WAS often in the power
of his foes. But the same merciful Provi-
dence which watched over and directed the
destiny of that event, watched over and pre-
served this bold and fearless patriot. After
having been several times taken prisoner,
and suffered some ungentlemnnly trea,nent
from his foes, he solemnIy protested, if ever
he commanded another vessel, to make n
tonement for the insults received. lie was
no sooner released from his confinement,
than his friends purchased and fitted him "A
new and well built brig, called the Rocham-
beau. In this brig, Capt. Read achieved
several victories, and took many valuable
prizes. But he was destined to see his fa-
vorite brig in the possession of his foes, and
himself again IA prisoner Of war by the CHI
canery of one of his youthful companions,
who was a oyalist; or in the common par
/ ,,f hat Cart RanH aud
his companions were carried TO New York,
/. and from thence transferred to the Jersey
prison-shp.
Ia the floating dungeon ofthis Aceldomn,
where disease and death reigned throughout
every apartment, Capt. Real resolved not
to remain without attempting his escape, if
he persisted in the attempt. He communi-
Gated his designs to several of his fellow
prisoners.-Capt. Isaiah Cahoone aud Capt.
John Tower, of Providence, with one or
two others, who, with the same daring in
! trepidity, resolved to share the fate Of Capt.
Read. The ohly plan Of escape which af-
forded the least hope Of success, was TO
seize the boa, of the prison-ship, and make
their escape under the guns of the vessel
This plan, hazardous and full Of danger
as it was, was finally agreed upon, and they
waited only for all opportunity to offer IL
self, when, at a concerted signal, they were
to attempt its execution. After waiting with
lmpatience for several days, Providence
seemed TO smile upon their design, aud
grant them favorable opportunity of at
tempting their escape. Just before night,
the boat of the prison-ship returned from
shore, and unloaded her stores of provision,
when, at the given signal Of Capt. Read,
his companions leared after him into the
boat, Gu: away her ropes and made for the
shore, amidst shower of balls.
The darkness Of the night and the vio-
lence of snow storm, which at the time
commenced, prevented the pursuit of Their
enemies, and they fortunately landed on
Loug-Island, during the night. Capt. Read
soon returned to Newport, with heart
burning with indignatioH, especially against
his old school fellow, CrandaIl, the tory. Ii
is said thu, when Read was delivered by
CrandaIl, to the officers of the Jersey pris-
on-ship, he cast whitening look ut that
reckless being, and says, a short life to
one of US. FIVE meet again, and meet a
gam we SHALL one Of US dies"
Capt. Read was soon in command of a
mother vessel, Of about an equal force with
the Rochambeau, which was now com
manded by the Infamous Crnndall. 1t was
no, long before she was deserted, although
newly painted and disguised. Read pre-
, pared for action, and as he approached her,
hoisted American colnrs; being hailed, he
answered by a broad-sde, and at the same
; time, showed himself to the astonlshed
Crandall, who supposed him safely LOGGED
in the Jersey prison.ship.
The conflict lasted for several hours, un-
Ill almost every man on board the Roch
beau, was either slain or wounded. Anc
when taken possession OF, the lion hear
even Of Capt Read, was deeply affected
There lay the beadless body Of the treach'
erous Crandall, surrounded by his faller
companions, while the deck was literally
covered with human gore. Capt. Read a.
gain entered bis native port, accompanied
by his fsvoriie Rochsmbeau.-The brig
was immediately repaired and fitted for sea
when her bold commander again sailed on
another cruise. Capt. Read having learn
ed off Sandy Hook, that the brig Spy, ot
Providence, had been taken by his Majesty.
ship Lion, of 81 guns, and ordered to New
York, resolved, if possible, TO retake her.
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