Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1841-04-22
@rlrrfr0 TSarS.
nHE PIRATE OFF CAPE ST. ANTONIO.

hands were on deck in trice, and although not
more than one or two had ever heard the whist
ling of bullet, they all declared they would
stand by him as long as there shot in the
locker. The cook filled his coppers with salt wa
ter, declaring that he would give them warm
reception--the large guns were loaded with round
shot and lagrange, and the swivels with mnsket
balls. The small arms were also loaded, and the
boarding-pikes and cutasses got ready for the &C.
casion.
Meanwhile the schooner was gaining upon US
fast. 1t was plain that she sailed two feet to our
one, and when she had got about two points for
ward of our larboard beam, she tackled, heading
towards u.s. When she fell into our wake, she
was not more than two miles distant, at which
time she again tackled and stood directly for us.
We were all watching her with much anxiety, for
although her movements were somewhat suspi-
cious, it was by means certain that the schoon-
err was of the bloody, piratical vessels that
infested the coast of Cuba. While we were all
ntently gazing on the schooner, our countenances
alternately expressing hopes and fears, she fired
gun the shot from which struck the water about
the schooner was obscured by the smoke, but
when it cleared away, we saw displayed at her
main peak the piratical black flag!
My heart qualled within me at that sght-and
believe that was not the only person on board
who wished himself safely deposited on terra firma
When Mrs Lindall became aware of the undoubt-
ed character of our pursuer, her fortitude entirely
forsook her. She accused her husband of impru-
dence in taking her with him such danger
Gus voyage-and herself of folly in running such
fearful risk She declared she should be killed
but refused to leave the deck unless her husband
accompanied her. Capt. Lindall knew not what
to do. Firmness of purpose and decision were
not prominent traits in his character.
1t is in such emergency as this, that man
of energy and determination will make his power
be felt Mr.. Thompson represented to his supe-
rior officer the propriety of relieving the deck of
the lady and urged him to induce her either by
threats persuasion to go below. But the lady,
although completely overcome with terror, seemed
insensible to the danger to which she should be
exposed by remaining on deck, and declared that
nothing on earth should part her from her hus-
band. She chung to him in frantic agony, and
said she would ON her Bonded knees sue to the pi-
rate for mercy.
There are few things which exercise more
potent influence over the mind Of man, than the
sight of beauty in Distress lovely woman IN
tears, will do more to change the purposes OF de-
termined men, than rude menaces or the prospect
of imminent peril Captain Lndall was evidently
losing all inclination to fight, and the crew hogan
to look as if they had no objections to suspend
the preparation for engagement Mr. lhomp-
son at once saw how matters stood, and addressed
the crew in the following pithy harangue;
"My brave fellows, that pirate is overhauling
us very fast-his intention is doubtless to take
possession of our vessel-and if we allow him TO
do it. he will cut all throats, or make us walk
the plank. He can do no more if we resist as
long as we are able to make any resistance We
have guns and ammunition, and although few IN
number, we may do much if we go heartily at
work, and possibly be able to cripple our antago-
mist, or beat him off. We have our choice to hight
with some prospect of success, or to give up the
ship without striking a blow, with the certainty
o'S'
Brave men cannot hesitate moment as to the
course they ought TO adopt in such an emergency
What say you men p
"We'n fight" responded they, with ope VOICE
-" we II fight and beat the scoundrels oil, or die
at our guns like true Yankee sailors.
"That's enough, said the mate, every man
to his station, and be upon the alert, my boys,ior
we have tough job to execute
He then turned to Captain Lindall, who was
still supporting his wife on the quarter deck
+" Captain Lindall, SAID he "your wife must go
below"
(" .uust 90 below, Mr.. Thompson -
Yes sir, say must go below. This is no time
for a man to pick his words. Her presence on
deck can be of no use to herself, and only tends
to discourage the crew, and the sooner the deck
is cleared of her, the better"
"Very we'll, sir, shall remember this language
and the time will come when you shall account
for it. But Ellen, my love, perhaps you had bet
ter 90 down in the CABIN" added he, addressing
his wife.
"No, no." murmured his wife, Il cannot go
below, or if | do you must go with me-"
81 will assist you down into the cabin my dear
but you must be aware that my post, as comman-
der of this vessel is on the quarter Deck and you
would not wish me to desert my duty"
The lady said nothing, bnt looked unutterable
things At that moment the pirate fred another