Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-01-13

looms for Mr. Thorndike Collins alone
knew of its being on board, and kept il a
secret till they went on shore. He then told
Cromwell of it, who laughed at him, and
said that if"he had known aboutit, he would
have run away with the keg" told the
crew they had only to choose between the
two-Collins and Cromwell Small also
had been brought up to better things, but
had not been able to resist temptation, and
had died invoking blessings on the flag OF
his country.
All hands were then called to cheer the
ship, and gave three hearty cheers. Three
heartier cheers never went up from the deck
of am American ship! In that electric mo-
ment | verify believe the purest and loltiest
patriotism burst forth from the breasts even
of the worst conspirators. From that mo-
mcnt ! felt that 'odS again completely mas
ter ofmy cessei, and that could do NTH her
whateccr the honor Of my country required.
Dinner was piped, and noticed with feel
ings of pain that some of the boys, as they
passed the bodies laughed and sncered at
them. still desired that Spencer should be
buried in coffin, and gave orders TO have
one built But It. Gansevoort offered to re-
inqush mess chest he had for that purpose,
which was soon converted into a substantial
coffin. The watch was set, and the bodies
were lowered. They were received by their
mesmates to be decently laid out for burial.
The Midsh'pmen assisted in the duty
Spencer was laid out clothed in his complete
uniform, except his sword, which he had
forfeited the right to wear. | noticed that
upon the hands of one of the others a seaman
had tied ribbon, with the name upon IT of
that Somers who SO distinguished himselfby
his gallantry, patriotism and skill. On
Cromwell's sabre cut was visible, on re-
moving his hair four or five more were dis
covered; which Showed that he had been
where wounds were given. He was said TO
have been a SLAYER, and in Moro Castle IN
Havanua; and it was the general impression
that he had been pirate
A squall ofrain soon sprang up, which rem
dered it necessary to cover the bodies with
tarpaulins. They were arranged according
to their rank, and all hands were called to
bury the dead The American Ensign was
lowered at hall-mast. Night had now set in.
All the lamps were lit and distributed among
The crew and placed in the bows, in the gang
way aud in the quarter-boat. The service
for the dead was then read aud the bodies
to the deep. The Offices were
closed by reading that beautiful prayer, SO
suitable to the occasion. Preserve us from
The dangers of the seas and the violence of
enemies. Bless the United States watch
over all that are upon the deep, and protect
the inhabitants of the land in peace and quiz
ct, through Jesus Christ our Lord"
In reading this sincerely thanked God
for the protection Of the Somers, and felt a
firm faith that he would sanction the deed of
that day. On the following Sunday, the 4th
of December, after the laws for the govern
ment Of the Navy had been read according
TO invariable custom on board the Somers,
took occasion to alIude TO the lessons to be
drawn from the fate Of those who had suffer-
3D. | led the minds of the crew back to
their Youthful days and showed them how
they had trampled under foot the wise coun-
sci and admonitions of their friends. In
Smals locker we're letters from his mother,
the Joy she felt that he was so
happy on board the Somers, This was be-
fore Spencer had joned.) There was also
some verses from the Sailors Magazine, in
praise of its holy precepts These verses
read TO the crew. | thus showed them
how Small valued his Bible, but that he did
no; resist temptation. | urged them to read |
il closely and attended faithfully TO its pre-
cepts. 1 endeavored to show that there
could be no such thing as honest Atheism.
held up before them how Spencer had in
ured many people, and especially his pa
-ents. He had lacked filia piety and piety
owards God-two principles which never !
would have suffered him to 90 astray. In
conclusion, | called on them, as they had
given three cheers for their country, now
o give three cheers for God-as they would
10 by singing his praise. The colors were
hen hoisied, and above the American En-
sign was raised the Banner of the Gross
he only flag that ever floats above it from
my vessel under my command The Tooth
Psalm was sung after which the crew dis
'ersed could not help, on that day Of
peaceful Sabbath worship, contrasting the
condition of my vessel with that she would
AVE presented had she fallen into IA pirates
iand Nor could | avoid observing the
marked effect produced upon the ships
company by the proceedings. | was salts
led at once that all danger was past and
he mutiny broken for ever.
In closing this Report there yet remains
he pleasing duty of adverting to the con-
luct of the under officers. The first Lieu
enant, throughout the whole difficulty has
borne himself with courage, and sustained
/ lofty and chivalrous part. Always armed,
his pistol often cocked-only in single in
stance has any accident happened and
hat arose from the accidental discharge of
his pistol while arresting Cromwell Next
n rank to the Commander on boardthe yes
e, he was my equal in the discharge of
very duty. Never since the existence of