The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-09-21
CRUIZE OFF TEXEI, AND DOWN THE
CHANNEL.

We hear nothing more Of the old frigate
until the close Of the year 1871, when under
the command of Captain Isaac Hull, she
left the United States for Holland, having
on board specie for the payment Of the inte
rcst of the national debt. II was wild night
when she hove too off tie Texel, and landed
her rich freight; and as her last boat left her,
the English cruizers were seen lowering in
the distance, and the seamen's halloo rang
far over the stormy waters.
At length The delicate affair was finished,
and she bore up for Plymouth, where she ar
rived after boisterous passage. Here the
spirit Of impressment again reared its agitat-
ing FORM While lying at anchor in the roads,
a man Jumped overheard, and swan with the
tide to the British frigate Madagascar, which
vessel lay aafern Of the Constitution. The
deserter was too much exhausted when first
taken up to state his object and the English
man sent boat to acquaint the commander
of the Constitution that one Of his men had
been picked up by that ship while in drown
ing condition. In the morning cutter was
sent from the Constitution to procure the man,
but upon reaching the Madagascar, the ofhcer
was informed that the man had claimed pro-
lection as an Englishman, and that he had
been sent on board the guard ship.
In the absence Of Captain Hull, Mr. Nor
ris. the first lieutenant of the Constitution,
sought an interview with Sir Roger Curtis,
the port admiral, and claimed the deserter.
The admiral informed Mr. Morris that it was
not in his power to give up descrter who
claimed 10 be a British subject. MIR. Morris
asked the admiral if he had any evidence ex
cept the mans own word 10 satisfy him that
he was an Englishman.
None whatever, sir said the swallow
tailed admiral, but we are obliged to believe
him.
The officer therefore returned on board his
ship empty-handed
That night, as the evening gun died away
over the silent waters, the Constitution
crew were mustered, and after a minute in
spection, the watch was set, and extra senil-
nes posted, with positive orders to fire at any
thing that might be seen floating near the
ship. About midnight all hands were reused
by the hail Of the sentinel and the discharge
OF three muskets--and on inquiry 1t was
found that there was a man in the water
close alongside. A boat was immediately
lowered, and upon its return, brought on Doara
seaman of the Madagascar, who mad con-
irived to buoy himself up on some shells OF
blocks, and profi,ing by turn OF The tlde' 70
drift down TO the Constitution. This man
was asked what countryman he was, and he
answered in strong Irish accent, An Anne
rcan. your honor He was sent below, with
orders to take good care oil him.
The next day the deserter was inquired
,f,or bv the British commander, and il was
animated that he had declared himself an
American, he could not be given up. It is
believed, however, that no formal demand was
made for the lrishman, though it was rumor-
ed on the shore that there would be trouble
when the Constitution attempted To 90 TO sea,
as it was known that she was about 10 DO that
night
In the course Of the day two friga'cs came