The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1842-09-01
Ehe Pirates and the Palatines,
4 LEGEND or NORTH cARoLHA.


There is tradition Of the North Carolina shores,
which we have at present in crude state. but which
in the hands ofsome of our romsncers may be wrought
into most beautiful fiction. 1t has been subject of
even recent assertions, certified by the sworn tesmo-
MES Of credible persons, that annually, at certain
period in every year, luminous object, having the ex>
act appearance of ship fire appears on the coast
Seeming to burn firiousy, it yet speeds along undi
minished in fiery bulk and volume sailing with in-
credible rapidiY until out Of sight, but again suddenly
reappearng at the original point, and pursuing The
same identical rcu and in this progress to and o it
continues throughout that particular night Of the year
which is appropriated to It's exhibition, -.
This singular spectacle is accounted for by the follow
ing story. The burning ship goes by The rame ofthe
'Ship Of the Paatnes. The tradition to-, that some>
time in the reign Of the first George, small company
Of that class of emigrants who were known German
PalatineS, were provided with ship at London. at
the public expense, that they might be transported to
this country 1t is we'll known that this sort of assis,
tance frequently rendered to class of people, who
were in mos: cases exceedingly poor 1t so happened
however, that the Baatnes in question were in rather
better circumstances than was commonly the case with
their counirymen. They had money, but with small
cunning they effected degree of poverty, with the no
toety Of which, the help of Government to speak
q Of private charitesI would have been withheld. They
had accumulated gold, vessels of silver goods of var-
GUS kinds and yaue-there whole stock which had
bsen 2arsirno1iousy preserved and carefully conceal'
ed=wth all the art Of small and selfish commun ty.
Their treasureQ occupied but little space, and were
cautiously put from sight in the mass of their inferior
baggage In this condition of things, they went on
board the vessel which had been provided for hem and
soon after put to sea.
Their voyage was prolracted ono, in half rotten
bark, and with bead winds great part of the time.
Wearied out with confinement, and sckened with
portof travel to which they unaccustomed, the
poor PalatnsS were heartily reOiced when they at
length saw land. They made The coast of North Ca
Folna, late in the day, and seeing the shores Nigh
'hs poor creatures, half pqd with joy, began to hols
their baggage in readiness for landing. But they were
destined to be disappointed. In the excitement, of the
occasion ard moment, they forgot their prudence end
oiher made an ostentaqus exhibition Of theirl wealth,
or some words escaped them which led the captain Of
her vessel 10 suspect their possession of it. His gree.
dy ego had beheld their treasures, or his greedy ear
had heard the foolish boast Of possessions which thew
bad never made public in England.
This discovery Rwakened the devil in bis heart. He
gave the Signtohs mate; perhaps intimated bis OBJ
iect to the seamen generally. In hosn days tho pro.
ieSSiOn OF piracy was as Odous as ii Is in ours
Successful piracy, indeed rather an honorable bu,
PnsSs. and he who practiced it with most profit was
likely to acquire from i the post honor. It was on.
y d'credIablo, like any 9her speculation when un.
profitable. AT all events the captain determined upon
possessing the wealth Of the poor emigrnu coutrived
to battle their purpose Ofuqding upon the shoie which
seemed TO them SO nigh and iagng. 1t waB pot diff.
cult for him so to manage hsEassel. to convince
them that landing was impossible Wil The ensuing day.