Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-01-23
- Court OF Enquiry into the Case of the brig
- SOMERS.

TUESDAY, JAM H.
The Judge Advocate informed the Court that he had
received papers from the Navy Department, but find
ing them be private papers of Midshpman Spencer, he
said he would return them Washington
Edward Lego sworn. Landsman-l7 years old. Have
Spencer talking with Cromwell and Small, day and
night but has the three together Has heard
thing from either. Saw difference in the discipline af
ter the execution Had opinion attempt TO
cue, but thinks the vessel could not have been brought in
without the execution because more Than three were con-
crrned.
By the Commander. Ny duty kept aft First heard
Of the Of the from the commander, day or
after Spencers Noticed the Of Crom.
well the nigh, Of Speneers arrest he and sury-
that ALL Has Spencer, Small and Wilson talking
together secretly They spoke in ordinary tone, Of the
coast Of Africa, about kfoomen and savers.
William Read sworn. Third class apprentice; eighteen.
Saw difference in the before and after the
ton. Thinks there would have been attempt iake
the brig. Saw Spencer send Howard for drink for
Cromwell. II looked like brandy.
William Conger, second class npprentce-eighteen. Has
Spencer talking with Cromwell nigh, and day low
Ine and Spencer with Small, hut the three together
OF the coast Of Africa before got Monroyu heard
Spencer say he had command Of the vessel be shortly
would have then he (witness) might GO home.
This said during conversation, in which witness
asked they would LEI boys go home after short cruise
About half hour before Mr.. spenecrs arrest,
passing him. looked him and he appeared 20 be sta
ed, and then heard Spencer say, "the die will he
cast" '.-r .-.
Noticed Spencer was very intimate with ell the boy-,
especially with those the iorecuste went soit
and Green pricking into Spence arm when Spencer
looked at me and asked me what wanted. saw them
together alof, 90 the afternoon Of speneers
One day did something that dspleased Cromwell, and
he said, "D-n you, will pay you for this some day"
Formed opinion TO attempt TO rescue the prisoner,
but noticed that Wilson did do his duty be did be-.
fore Speneo'a arrest lie was on the quarter deck more
than usual.
The prisoners executed Thursday and the brig
got ia on Sunday night Thinks tho vessel might have
been taken before the arrival ~ ST. Thomas If storm or
gale had occurred. There was violent squal and rain,
making necessary 10 shorten sail on the afternoon after
the execution, and before the intement.
William johnson. / reside At Brooklyn ! was in.
troduced N Mr.. Spencer. but don't know whether
the executed Or Tie had beTnsh in eye, and
In the service; was introduced to him the Of
John {. Spencer. taught him key writing a
year ago last fall. did know what he wanted Tor
He showed several to mel Aaron Bur's CIPHER
fHpenccFs programme was shown W witness
cnnnol make II cut; IL h. not the key taught bu;
heard nothing from Spencer tho the Somen;
sbe not launched al that time met Spencer several
tines mechanic. The key gave Mr.. Spencer one
could speak well write, and that made him anxious
er.mi,h Corey hird class apprentice sevsnteen-Fre.
qoeny saw Spencer and Cromwell talking together Hs,
seen Spencer Cromwell, Small end Wilson talking iogeth
o. Small % one time, when they we're on allowance d
wsier said b. was very Dry when spencer gsye nm ga
II hs water The night Spencer was confined, Wilson
sad he pat IN irons for mutiny. did not know wha
The Fofd "muGny' meat.
The next dsy he commander told ne we should have ha,
% walk the deafh plank II IL had been found out
hink tho vessel might have been brought 70 st. Thomas
NJ execution bad not taken place.
~ Laptaia MackCn1io--l do not thinkt u more was
squa, boy overheard there would hsve been any aemp
before GOT into So Thomas do not think they could
hsye any chance shcc officers arfncd waking there
wa sudden squal, making necessary 10 reduce s on
NE evening q the execution and before the intermen
once heard Wilson sy morning Of the mess Inst the
efietr- knew What he WILSON, Knew they would hang
speuesf VI the yard without Judge OF Jury; he boat
ssiHs aatessid Ne Did not % Il, and rspor h 10 The
rspan, he would report for him. The witness evidence
=. rcad ever % ham. ..
Augustus Sureay, hfsen, second class appreuiioc-I
hrurl apfneaf sd CraasFal hos he vvould
s.iiwh hm; Cromwell said be would like t vsry we'll,
Spcucef thcn ssked him what brig would sfesdy
hed ou Tor 80, Cromwell todd him the amount, but for
gsth spencer then asked HIN he ever Ia .