Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-01-27
From tho n. Y. Tribune.
ANCIENT CASE or MUTINY

HNClINl NASE Vi MU llN1.
tits well known to persons conyerssn, with Naval
History that during the reign Of Elizabeth, Sir Fran.
cis Drnke was one OF the bodcst, most scientific ana
successful commanders in the British Naval Service
during the 10th century. OF his many gallant ex-
PLOTS detailed account is given by DR.. Johnson,
first published in the Gentemans Magazine in l740.
In this sketch is related Of contemplated mu-
tiny in some respects bearing slmiilude to that oil
the Somers. AS il may possess interest at the pres
ent time, will relate some OF the PARTICULARS
In the year 1871 Sir Francis obtained commission
from the Queen constituting him Captain General oil
n flee, of vessels, viz: the Pelican Admiral, (com-
manded by himself) of 100 tons; the Elizabeth, wee
Admiral, of so tons; Marygold, so tons; Swan, 81
tons. These ships, if they may be so called, were
equipped by himself and other private adventures,
and manned with l6i stout sailors, for voyage OF
discovery and proft.-They sailed from plymouth IN
December 1877, and cruised first along the Barbary
coast, thence TO Cape Verd, the coast of 5raze,
&c, with various success and adventures, I'll they
near the Straits OF Magellan. They had en-
countcrcd many difficulties on the main land and is-
land by the savages and had some of their men killed,
particularly at Port Julian. where two of his men
were murdered, and himself narrowly escaped. They
! remained here about two months in the summer oil
1873 after bringing the natives to submsson.
While he ren,nned Mt Port Julian, he had other
enemies TO encounter far more formidable than these
bnrbarians and more lnsdious artful and dangerous
than the ambushes Of the Indians for in this place
was laid open a design formed BY one of the gentle
men OF the fleet probably of the scientific corps
not only the defeat the voyage but to murder the Ad
miral General. The gentleman was named Thomas
| Doughte. What were his inducements to attempt
the destruction ofhis leader, or his design in case o
success or what measures he had taken to corrupt his
| followers, cannot now be traced in history.
The plot was laid before the departure Of the flee
from England and detailed to Drake himself in IL
full extent, in his garden at the Plymouth who no
only entertained the person accused as one Oh MI
company, bat treated him with remarkable kindnes
and attention. senting him al his own table, and loug
ing him in the same cabin with himself Nor did tn
Admiral discover the enst suspicion Of his attention
till their arrival at this place, but appeared by the au
thorlty with which he invested him to consider hin
as ono 10 whom, IN this absence he could most sc
curey trust the management of his affairs. A
icngth in this remote corner of the world, he foun
out design formed against his life, called togethe
all his officers, laid before them the evidence o
which he grounded his accusation, and summoned tn
criminal who, full of all the horrors of guilt, an
conlounded at 50 clear n detection OF his Who'll
scheme immediately confessed his crimes and cor
fessei himself unworthg longer 10 lve upon who
the whole assembly, consis ing Of thirty persons
ter having considered the affair, with the attention
required and heard all that could be said in ex,enu'
ton Of his offence, unanimously signed the Senten
/ by trbich he ras 10 suffer death. Drake, howeve
unwilling to proceed to scverities offered him IA
. choice, of being executed on the island or set Q
shore on the main land with the savages, or sent
England TO c tried before the Council of whic
after DAVIS consideration, he chose The first, and ,r'
y hung at Port Julian. After his condemnation, al
after repeating to him the choice he had before offer
the convict remained deaf to al persuation, partot
:. Of the communion, and dncd heartily with the A
;, mra and was executed in the afternoon with mar
!, proofs of remorse but none OF fear. After the exec
:. ton Of this man, the whole company, either convn
! ed of the justice of the proceeding, awed by I
= severity, applied themselves irithout any nurmurs
a appearance Of discomfort, to the prosecution Of
r0ydge.