Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-03-10

still along side. Let US make for boat.
The pirates are evidently drunk, and we
may succeed in effeciing our escape. AT
all events, the chance is worth the trial.
The intimaiion that there was posi-.
bhty, although very remote one, of es.
Gaping the terrible destiny which threat
ened them, seemed to infuse new life into
the stout and hardy crew.--Their eyes
glisiened with hope, with stern and daring
resolution. They said nothing, but act.
ing on their captains suggestion, seized
eagerly such arms as were at hand, and
stood ready to follow wherever he would
lead the way.
AT this moment, one of the pirates who
was keeping guard at the entrance Of the
lorecastle, called out the name Of Richard
Lennox, one Of the crew, inviting him in
no gentle accents, TO come upon deck and
be killed. Now my lads, said Watkins,
through his teeth, in low, but emphatic
tone, $ is the time. Follow me Let US
strike one blow for our lives
He rushed upon deck. with HEAVIER in
his hand, that is a stick of white oak, about
three feet in length, and an inch and a
half IN dlameter-a weapon In the hands
Of powerful man not to be despsed. As
he passed out Of the forecastle, one of the
pirates made blow at him with his cut.
las, which would have Glove him TO the
chin if it had taken effect, but it, fortu-
nately for Watkins, fell upon the main
stay, which passed directly over the fore
scuitle-and before he could repeat the
blow, Watkins was on deck, and lost no,
an instant in shattering the fellows scull
with his club.
He was followed by his men, and the
few pirates on the iorecastle were imme.
dutely knocked down and thrown over
board. They then formed a fiont-a
small but gallant band-but with their
clubs and the cu,lasscs, which they had
taken from their dscomftted enemies,
they presented formidable aspect
Watkins saw that the pirate boat was still
alongside the brig, and he called upon
his men to rush to the waist, and get
possession Of the boat. And he was se-
conded ia noble style by his brave ship
mates.
The pirates who were on board the
brig seemed to be struck nervcless by sur
prise, and before they could recover from
the CONSERVATION which this unexpected
attack had produced among them, the
important moment had passed away
For Watkins and his party, after cutting
down or throwing overheard The few pr
rates who ventured to oppose them, jump
ed into the boat, the painter was cut, the
men seized the oars, and before il occur
red TO their sanguinary enemies 10 open
fire of musketry upon them, they were
at some distance from the brig, and the
shots which were afterwards fired, whls-
tied harmlessiy over their heads. But in
few minutes they were out Of the reach
of musketry--and as it was still neatly
calm, and there was no other boat in the
possession of the pirates, excepting clum-
sly ill.modelled yawl, belonging to the
Mermaid, they felt that they had escaped
from the terrible fate which was designed
for them, and offered up silent prayers Of
gratitude and thanks to God for their de-
liverance.
1t was now dark, but Captain Watkins
was familiar with the position Of the stars,
and directed his course to the south. west.
They pulled all night without intermisson,
for man will make superhuman exer-
tons 10 save his life, and the next morn
ing they saw the Pan Of Matanzas.
was about s o'clock, when they fell 10
with vessel from Rhode Island, bound
TO Matanzas. They were Hospitality re-
ceived on board, and in few hours, when
the vessel entered the harbor Of Matanzas,
they had nearly rea vered from the ply
steal fatigue which they had suffered, but
many days elapsed ere they recovered
from the nervous excitement consequent
on the soul thrilling scenes through which
they had passed.
On arriving at Matauzas, Capt. Wat
kins found no difficulty in providing him
self with funds, hut as he knew that pirates
were lurking in that city, he said little
about his adventures near the Salt Key
Bank, but sought for an opportunity TO
return as soon as possible. To his grea;
satisfaction, he found brig nearly ready
for sea, and bound to Portland. He i'm.
mediatelv engaged passage for himself
and four OF his seamen.
The day before the vessel was ready
for sea, he went ashore in the afternoon
to attend 10 little business, and as he
left Demore's Coffee House, ana accom-
panied by two or three friends was walk.
ing towards the quay for the purpose OF
going on board the brig, as he turned a
corner of street, he came suddenly upon
Pedro GuarilIa, the pirate captain. He
was gaily dressed, and appeared like
wealthy and respectable Don. Diego,
who by sabre cut severed the stud
ding sail tack after il was fastened to the
neck of Captain Watkins, and thus saved
his life, was with the pirate, and they
were conversing Familiarity when the par
ties met.
The recognition was mutual. Watkins
and the pirate glared 6ercely at each
other. But that was no place for explain
alton or Tor the indulgence Of hostile feel
ings. As they passed each other, the pi-
rate regarded Watkins with truly de.
moniac scowl, at the same time pointing
to his throat, intimatIhg that
the next time that the Yankee fell into his
hands, he would not escape so easily
Watkins returned his gaze with look,
not a whit behind it in ferocily and hatred.