Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1839-04-05

YANKEE SPIRIT.-An American brig
belonging to Portsmouth, N. H., was once
in Demerara, dIschargIng her cargo, when
she was BOARDED by q boat from q gun BRIG
lying at anchor at no great distance The
crew was mustered and their projections
examined, and one New Hampshire bow,
of noble and fearless spirit, and though
young 10 years, Of vigorous frame, was
ordered into the boat. He pcremptorilv
refused 20 obey the order. The officer in
a grea, rage, colarcd the youthful seaman,
but was instantly laid sprawlng by well
directed blow Of his fist. The boats crew
rushed TO the assistance OF their officer,
and the spirited American was finally over
powered, pnioned, thrown into the boat.
and conveyed on board the British brig
The lieutenant complained to his command
ing officer of the Insult nc had received
from the stalwart Yankee, and his bat
tered face corroborated his statement. -
The commander at once decided that such
insolence demanded exemplary punishment,
and that the young Yankee required on his
first entrance into the service, a lesson
which might be OF use to him hereafter.
Accordingly, the offender was dashed to
a gun by the lnhuman satellites OF tyranny,
and his back was barred to he lash. Before
q blow was struck, he rcpectu MS dec lar I
aIlon mat he was an American citizen, and |
the sworn foe OF tyrants. He demanded |
his yelease-and assured the Captain u
the most solemn and impressive manner, !
that if he persisted in Furnishing him like !
the vllest maleiactor, for indicating his |
rights as an American citizen, the act
would never be forgotten-but that his re.
venge would be certain and terrible. The |
Captain laughed at what he regarded an
impotent menace-and gave signal to the |
boalswain's mate. The white skin OF tho
young American was soon cruelty mangcd, |
and the blows fell thick and heavily on the
qulvering flesh. lie bore the infection Of
the barbarous punishment without muir.
mur or groan; and when the signal was
given for the eXecutoner TO cease, although
the skin was hanglng in stripes on his
back, which was lhlcSly covered with
clotted blood, he showed no disposition to
fauter or to faint. His face was some.
what paler that It was wont to be--but his
lips were compressed. as if he was summon.
ing determination to aid, and his dark eyes
shot forth brilliant lean, showing that
his spirit was bent on revenge, even if his
life should be the forfeit
His bonds were loosened, and he arose
from his Illuminating posture. He glared
fiercely around. The Captain was stand,
ing within few PAGES Of him, with a de.
monlac grin upon his features, as if he en-
joyed to the bottom of his soul The disgrace
and fortunes inflicted on the poor Yankee
The hapless sufferer saw that smile of ex
ullallon-and that moment decided The fate
of his oppressor. With the activity, the
ferocity aud almost the strength of tiger,
the mullaled American sprang upon the
tyrant, and grasped him where he stood,
surrounded by his officers, who, for the mo.
ment seemed paralyzed with astonishment
and before they could recover their
senses and hasten to the assistance Of their
commander, the logged American had
borne him 10 the gapgway, and then clutch.