Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-05-21
From the New-York Commercial Advertiser.
PJrRNINCs OF THE CAROLINE

The following statements were made before Sir
John Cowan, one Of the London magistrates, ,y
young colored man named Dixon, who had applied
for assistance being in distress.
Dixon, who is young man ofcolor and about "a
Is years of age applied the previous day to u.s.
certain by what means he could get his cloths which
in pledge, so that he could return to America, he
having been offered passage in the Philadelphia
He was requested TO give his history when he stated
that he became volunteer in the British forces when
the Canadian rebellion broke QUIT that he conveyed
secret intelligence toeColonel Kirby, the commander
of Fort Erie, of the plans of Mackenzie and the
quest of an cxciseman of the name of Graham assls
ed to cut out the Caroline and knowing that she was
engaged to convey stores, &c. for the rebels he in
formed Col Kirby of it, which led to her dcsruc-
ton.
Sir John Cowan-ls that report correct!
Dixon-Itis, sir.
Yon say it is correct Now, if that can be proved,
have no doubt but some good result will follow from
it. Now, is there any person in England who can
speak to your character ] am not acquainted with
any person in this country except Captain Pneet.,
Now want to ask you something more, which is
of importance. What do you know about the des-
truction to the Caroline? At the time she was en-
gagged to convey stores and ammunition to the rebes
was at Buffalo, and thus became acquainted with
the proceedings OF Mackenzie, and Of the intention to
convey by the Caroline assistance to Navy Island.
To whom did you give this information ITO Col
Kirby.
| You stated, on Thursday that YOU were living q
the time at the Eagle Tavern, (a) How long did yot
|
In the summer time was steward on board one o
the boats which conveyed passengers to witness thu
Fall Of the Niagara, and in winter ,nel used to &C
as waiter at the Eagle Tavern. When the rebellion
broke out volunteered and joined the British, and
remained with them until the following summer
when the regular troops came over, and ! was ihei
discharged. This was at the request of Thomas Blu,
Ter, Esq who is the proprietor of Buffers Barrack 5
and also magistrate. This gentleman acqunin
ted with my father who, at one period of his life, wa
extremely well to do. Mr.. Garrel, the barrack mas
ter. is very well acquainted with me.
| You have stated that you were employed on secre
service. How did you manage to escape detection
My communications were all verbal, and when
crossed from the American TO the Canadian frontier,
used to take a carpet-bag with me, and bring bac
small parcels Of linen, this being n common occur
renee as the article is to be purchased much cheap
or on the English side than in America. OF course
never commun cated to anyperson that l hud inteI
views with Col. Kirby
Do you think, after what you have stated. that yo
would be safe in going back to America IL shoul
think SC, for the excitement by this time must hav
died away,
not to speak to him.
Is it considered by the American Government thu
he fired the Carolnel cannot say, for l was nc
present when she was fired all that did was TO a.
sist to cut her out Of the ice at Blackjack, when s
was Immediately dispatched with volunteers an
ammunition TO Navy Island, and was n out ben
sent off again when she was burnt.
What was the Caroline employed in before she Wa
taken up to convey volunteers and stores for the n
bells 7 She used to carry passengers from Buffalo
the Falls
To whom did she belong? She belonged to son
stores she was in possession of the rebels
Do you know if any body was on board her Mt III
time she was burnt 7 There were seven or eight pc
sons on BOARD throe of whom knew CAPITA
Appebee, F. E. Emminess a runner at Buffalo, ma
! ofColor by the name of Poney Johnsan, a kind
stoker All the other persons effected their escape
the only person killed was boy, who was run hr