Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1838-06-13

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From the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, juno 4.
The SIR Robert Peel---We copy the fol-
lowing particulars respecting the destruc-
ton of this boat, from the Rochester Dem
ocrat, Of Saturday. They were obtain
ed from the Captain and Clerk Of the Os.
wego:
"Thc Sir Robert Peel arrived at Wells
Island about o'clock on Wednesday morn.
ing, for the purpose of taking in wood. I'm.
mcdiately upon hor arrival, tho individual
who supplied her with wood, informed the
captain, that party of men had been at
the landing place two or three times during
the day, and from their appearance and
conduct had excited his suspicion that they
meditated violence upon the Sir Robert,
when she came in. Upon receiving this
information, the captain for a short time,
kept look out but at length believing the
report to be idle, he retired, leaving the
crew TO complete the taking in Of the wood.
by this time, it was near o'clock, and all
the passengers ond officers of the boat were
in bed. A few minutes after 8. when the
boat was about starting, a number of small
boats were observed coming down the riv-
er, whichimmediately dropped ashore few
| rods above, and not far from so men leap.
ed from them to the shore. A few of the
party remained with the boats, the residue
proceeded 10 the Sir Robert Peel, which they
quietly boarded, placed sentries at the cabin
and engine room doors, upon the bow, stern
and gangways, and then ordered the crew
and passengers to leave the boat forth.
with.
The assalants were painted black, and
otherwise disguised, and carried swords,
bayonets, &C., and their order was prompt
ly complied with, without resistance
They allowed those who left the boat to
take their baggage with them; although it
is said by some that the captain al first left
the boat in his night clothes only but he
was permitted to return and dress.
After the boat was supposed to be clear.
cd OF all the passengers and crew, she was
loosed from the dock, and permitted to
float about 20 rods down the stream, where
her anchor was cast and signal gun fired.
At this signal, the party on the shore rowed
down the small boats. Meanwhile, the
chambermad and one Of the frcmen were
discovered to be still on board. Tho small
boat Of the Robert Peel was lowered, tn ~
placed on board Of it, and ordered to the
shore.
The small boats of the party then came
: along side, upon which its assailants com.
menced plundoring the boat, and depositine
whatever they found Of value in their ten.
dcrs. 1t is supposed they discovered the
twenty thousand dollars in specie and $4,000
in bills Of the Gore bank, in Upper Ca.
NADIA, and carried them away with them.
After they had ransacked tho boat, they
set fire to her in four different places. The
flames spread rapidly, and the marauders
jumped on board their small boats. pushed
| down the stream, and under cover Of the
darkness effected their retreat.
After tho flames had almost onvcloped
f the boat, the second mate, who had been
asleep in his room on deck, was awakened
by the smoke and heat, rushed out and leap.
cd into the river. In doing so, his face and
, hands were quite badly burned, but he 20,
on shore safely. It's not supposed that any
lives were lost.
These facts were elected upon the exam.
inaiion of the crew of the Sir Robert Peel
before 4 council Of magistrates from Og.
deusburSh and Brockvle, on board the Os
wego.
Diligen! search, was, of course, immedi
atoly commenced for tho perpetrators o.
this during outrage, and OH Wednesday
eight OF those who were supposed 10 have
engaged in it, were arrested, and carried
to Watortown in irons. Six others were
under examination at French Creek when
the Oswego loft on Thursday. All bu,
two Of them were Canadian refugees.
Ii is confidently expected that tho entire
gang will be arrested. A number of those
who it is supposed composed it, were motto.
cd hanging about French Creek for week
previous.
The Oswego did not touch at Kingston
apprehcnsive of tho consequences nor will
any of the American boats touch at any
oftho Canada ports for the present. Thrca,s
have been profusely made, that if they do
they will meet the fate Of tho Sir Robert
Peel"
BY slip from the Office Of the Oswego
Palladium, VIC have the following deposi.
ton sworn TO before J. II. Lord, Esq.
Steamer Grea. Britain, now lying at the por,
Of Oswego, May 30, 1888.
| 1t being requested that | should max g
a statement of the unfortunate burning ol
the steamer Sir Robert Peel, have to say
that ] was passenger on board the said
vessel on my passage up the st. Lawrence
from Prescott, and at about half past one
o'clock, this morning, whilst VIC were ly.
ing at Wells Island, miles below French
Creek, we were boarded by band Of un.
known men, DIRE, scd in disguise aud with
painted faces. to the number of about 25 or
80, armed with guns, bayonots and pixies.
All the female passengers were driven a.
shore half dressed, and the gentlemen's ca.
BIN door being closed, VIC were all ordered
TO surrender peacably, and on doing which,
We were allowed 10 como on deck and were
all sent on shore al the point Of the bayonct,
many Of us with but small portion Of our