The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1840-04-25
M is G. F. l. l. A N Y.
THE PRlVATEER.

THE PRlVATEER.
1t was one of those beautiful days which
all who navigate the ocean have often expert
enced within thetropics. The sun had just
risen sparkling with freshness fromhis watery
bed, and was slowly wheeling througha host
of gorgeous clouds that hoated majestically
along the horizon an invgorating influence
pervaded the scene, and fine brcezetlaat came
sweeping across the sea, promised the balnly
and delicious temperature that the cooling
dews of the previous night had impaired to
the atmosphere.
That particular part of the Caribbean Sea
Ito which we would direct the readers atten-
ton was on the day described, enIlvened by
the appearance of fleet Of vessels of war, in
hot pursuit Of small clipper brig, which held
the advance about the distance of five miles.
This body Of ships comprised a part of the
British West India Squadron and had been
! despatched by the Admiral of that station to
Halifax, in order to render more efficient pro-
lection to their possessions and commerce in
that quarter, as the depredations Of the Amer
lean privateers were daily becoming more bold
and frequent. This squadron had been sal
ling in close order during the night, but at the
time our scene opens, it had broken, i'll consc.
quence of the commodore throwing out sig.
nal to make sail and cndeavor to come up with
the chase. Each ship of the fleet therefore,
in accordance with the order made all sail
| the swifter vessels were ranging ahead, while
the duIer sailers were observed dropping as
tern, and taking their station in the rear. The
ship of the commander of the squadron, a
frigate of the first class, held her place in
about the centre of the fleet, three heavy CO.
verts brought up the rear, while The advance
was maintained by body OF larger vessels
A beautiful eighteen gun brig, that had that
morning formed one of the rear line, now led
the extreme van She had passed every YES
sci of the squadron successfully, and was now
gradually dropping them with q speed that
held out every prospect OF overhaullng the
chase. The wind was right aft, and each had
her studding sails out on either side. Piles OF
canvass rose above the dark hulls that loomed
dimly beneath them, and the surface OF the
sea seemed one expanse Of snowy pyramids
Leaving the squadron to make the best OF their
way, the reader must imagine himself upon
the quarter deck of the little brig, upon whose
capture they were all SO eagerly bent.
A single glance at her arrangements and
those who conducted them, would bespeak
her privateer; indeed, were that good look
ing fellow who had Just laid down the trum7
pet and taken up the spy glass, attired III uni
form, the brig might easily be taken for a ma
|tonal vessel She differs from one in no
other particular. Six beautiful long guns pro-
ltrude from either side, while heavier one re-
wolves in circle at midships. The decks
tell tales of holy stone and sand, and the neat
ness everywhere apparent, indicates the reign
of discipline. A row of bright boarding pixies
are confined to the boom by gaskets of white
t. line, while a quantity of cutlasses and battle
axes glittered on the beckets, that are fixed
purposely for their reception in intermediate
spaces of the battery. Racks OF round shot
| frown from beneath each gun carriage, and
boxes of grape and canister, with an attend
ant match tub are arranged at regular inter-
walls along the deck. Every Delaying pin is
bright, and the brass work of the wheel and
bnnacles show in elegant and high contrast
with the mahogany of which they are con-
structed mark the gay, healthy frontls-
piece of the sturdy tars who line the decks
a noble set of fellows who to echo their sentl-
ments would 90 to the very devil Tor their Oh
fcers. Observe that veteran how respectfully
he touched his hat, as the commander ascen-
ded from the cabin, and what an elegant look
ing man is Captain Buntline-so tall, and yet
so graceful-so majestic, and yet so prepos-
sessing. like those black whiskers they
set off his complexion to admiration. His
countenance, it is true, is somewhat stern, but
it is not repulsive expression; It savors more
of dignity; and that Jet black eye mark
how it flashes as he sends its gaze aloft to as
certain if all there is right See he is adj
dressing the young man with the glass, who
is his first lieutenant, and, at present officer
of the deck. He smiles; did you ever see a
man scountenance undergo complete change!
All the sternness has vanished, and his tea-
lures are beautifully animated.
edo we leave them, MIR. Trennel? Those
rearmost ships appear to the hull down" !,
eyes, sir, they are poor sailers," answered
the lieutenant; but there's a brig among
them that has been overhauling us since sum
rise. The fellow moves escng like witch