Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1842-12-24
Mutiny on board the u s. Brig SOmers.

horrible muiny on board the u. s. Orig Somers,
which fortunately frustrated BY the prompt and
energetic conduct of the commander Captain Nc.
Kenaie. In addition 10 the statements published
in another column we have obtained some addition.
al facts from the N. Y. Courier and Enquirer,
which fhe editor says he relied ON as subs,an-
tally the same as the official report. The Somers
Is the fastest vessel in our navy. commanded Ivy
Alexander Slidel Mckenzie, well known as a most
exemplary officer, and to the literary world as the
author Of "Year in Spain" 7'hecrew consisted
of about 100 persons, Including apprentices Mid.
shipman Spencer, son Of The Secretary of War
who, from all accounts, proves to have been most
reckless villain. the leader ia the snuiny. He
WAS nineteen yenrs old, and h1d bepn previously
duct. There is reason 10 believe iha, Spencer bad
conferred with accomplices before smiling from ~
York, as a rumor circulated few weeks ago
that the Somors had hcen stipwrecked Spencer
also told some OF his fellow midshipmen that they
had no, hong to 1--we, when going out. The man
ner Of accomplishing 'her oiJec', fr-t to gag
and throw ovehosrd midshipmsn Rogers, in Gem.
mand Of the deck.
Spencer was then 10 enter the cabin and kill
Capt. Mckenzie: and others were appointed to be
stationed at the MAN hatch, through which the
crew must paste get on deck and at the storage
hatch, through which an the officers exce,t the
Captain must pass. All the officers except the
Surgeon, were 20 I've numbered and thrown over.
hoard and the crew, who were below, were 10 be
mustered on deck The two after guns were TO be
pointed forward, TO secure the mutincers from an
attack, and such of,he crew who had no, yet join.
ed, ha, who then elected to come in with them,
! were to be admitted. while the others were to he
thrown overheard.
They were then TO &c, out all the boats and light.
en- the vessel /; after which they were 10 make for
the Isle of Pines, where they were to meet a con.
federate. They were then to cruise in search of
merchant vessels, trading lelwecn this port and
/ Europe; which, after being Iiundered, aud the
males oa hoard killed, to he indiscriminateiy
sunk; and If there chsnccd to he any fcmales they
were 10 be taken on board the Somers, violated
and retained so long as the Pirates might desire,
when hcy also were to be committed 10 the deep +.
The arrangements for the division Of tho spois, the
allotment of the females, the various offices on
board, &c, all completed, and drawn up in
detail in Spencer's hand writing; and he assured
Mr. Wales that he had twenty of ,he crew with
him sure"
The conduc, Of Capt, Mckenzie, on this trying
occasion, meets with universal appreciation. There
were hut i,Co commissioned officers on hoard, and
the law requires fire TO constitute court martial.
II became his duty, therefore, commander, TO dc.
eide upon ,he fate of The guilty wretches. After
addressing the crew and warning them Of the aw.
fu consequences OF this act the Enquirer adds
"Csp,. Mckenzie then addressed a circular let.
ter TO each Of the officers board the vessel except
AcrISe Midshpmen, requesting their opinion as 10
the course Of conduct which should he pursued to.
wards Spencer and the two who had been ar.
rested with him. Each one returned for snswc,
that they deserved immediate death, and Captain
McKenIie's opinion coincding with than Of his Off
GERS, Il was determined 10 carry the punishmen
into immediate execution. All hands we,e accord
in gly called to witness The punishment Whips wer,
he. rove into each end Of the fore yard arm, and
one Of the inner part of the yard. The prisoner
were then brought on deck and infom'd of IN,
punishment about to he executed upon them
Small at fully confessed his fault, and s,ke'
most peniten,Iy the forgiveness Of his commando
aud the officers, which at once accorded TO him
He then ohtaned permission to address the crew
which he did, warning them against permittin
themselves to he seduced as he had been, in,
! the comrnitai Of the crime for which he was abou
to suffer death.
Spencer asked a respite Of TEN mnues for him
self and companions in guilt. in order that the
II might prepare to die This was granted, and, i
= was asked if he wished to write To his father or m'
e ther /; but he replied that he DID NOT. He the
J. acknowledged his guilt and the justice of his pu
At ishment and remarked that he would rather me
It such death there (a sea) than to be subjected
ID The nfamy Of osure shore. The ten minute
l. ask,d for by Spencer, was extended to upwards
u, an hour nearly The whole Of which time was en-
e, poyed by him in endeavoring Obtain forgivene
ID of Small, for having seauced him into the comm
NJ tai Of crime for which lie SO soon to sxpa
er with his life. Small withheld his forgiveness for
IN length of time but at last, in, reply TO Spence
e- oft reiterated request OF DO forgive Small
10 said that he fully pardcned him.
6 Every thing bring in readiness the WAS pl
ced around the neck Of each Of the culprs, and
officers were stationed about the decks to see IN
er every mau had both his hands on the ropes
ST. bout one O'clock, (sea tme,) the lst of Dece
y Der, the signal for execution was given by flung