The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-12-17
Horrible MutIny on Board the U. :. Bris
snmers-Hnnglng at the Yard Arm

This vessel arrived here on Wednesday, after
her cruise on the Coast of Africa, and the city is
rite with rumors relative TO an occurrence of very
painful nature which has taken place board of
her. Nothing official can of course transpire until
we get authentic information from Washington
We learn, however that the crew of the Somers
mutined being led on by one of the midshipmen.-
The plan of the mutiny was communicated 10 the
commander, the details of which appear too horrid
to be believed We give them as we have heard
them
The mutineers were TO have scuffle on the fore
castle in the night while the Captain and First Lieu
tenant were asleep On the appearance of the lat
ter quel the disturbance he to be seized and
thrown overheard They were then to murder the
commander and the ward room officers, with the
exception of the surgeon-who was to be kept for
their ownuse-and take possession of the vessel Al
ter this they to capture the packets and other
ships, murler all males, ravsh the females and then
murder them, SO that no soul should be left to
tell the tale OF their horrible vainy. For this purpose
they were to rendezvous off New York The whole
plan was in writing and copiously Interlarded with
Greek characters to prevent discovery, and the test
oath of the mutneers Do you swear that
you have no fear of shedding blood %
the fundamentally of one of the crew The sub
ject was laid before the officers who had immedi-
atey convened as drum-head Court Martial, when
II was decided that the safety of the vessel and the
lives of all on board required immediate and ex-
emplary punishment. The Court decided that the
midshipman and two of the rlngleaders should be
forth with executed. They were accordingly hung
at the yardarm to strike terror to the hearts of the
crew
This strong and decided measure restored the
command of the ship TO the officers, and the obedi-
ence ofthe men. Philip Spencer was the name of
the midshipman alluded to, who hung, and
the other two men, petty officers boatswain's
mate and a quarer-master. Spencer entered the
service Nov 20, 1871.
The affair occurred in the Atlantic six or eight
days sail from st. Thomas, where the brig had
touched for water and provisions on her return from
the Coast of Africa. 1t was arranged to take her
there so hatth mutineers would be fully provided
with stores for their pratical cruise
Too much praise cannot be awarded to Comman-
der M'Kenze and his officers, for so promptly nip
ping in the bud an enterprise that would have
brought misery and destruction upon hundreds OF
fellow citizens. This is the first occurrence of the
kind on the record of our naval service.
This is the only authentic account that can be
given OF the affair to-day. Com. Mckenzie has
gone TO Washington TO lay all the facts before the
government From ten to twenty of the sailors, the
ringeaders the mutiny are in irons on board
the North Carolina, to await their trial The
Somers is at the Navy Yard She sailed hence
short time since, and was manned by forty or fifty
apprentice boys and thirty or forty seamen
The Somers Is vessel, this being her first
cruise, and has proved to be of the fastest sail
ers IN the service. Her constructio her size. and
her speed are well adapted for pirate.