The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-01-11

BLESS the United States watch over all
that are upon the deep, and protect the IN
habitants of the land in peace and quiet,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord"
In reading this ] sincerely thanked God
Or the protection of the Somers, and felt
irm faith that he would sanction the deed
of this day. On the following Sunday, the
4lh of December, after the laws for the
government Of the Navy had been read, &C
:ording TO invariable custom on board the
Somers, took occasion to allude TO the
lessons 10 be drawn from the fate of those
who had suffered. l led the minds OF the
crew back 10 their youthful days and show
ed them how they had trampled under loot
the wis, council and admonill ms OF their
friends. In S.nal's locker were letters
from his mother, expressing the j"y she
felt that he was Sd happy on board the
Somers. This was before Spencer had
|ioinsd.) There was also Bible, in the
leaves Of which he had copied some verses
from the Sailors, Magazine, in praise OF its
loIy precepis. These verses l read TO the
rev. | thus showed them how Small val
led his Bible, but that he did not resist temp
alton. | urged them TO read it closely and
Intend faithfully to its precepts, l endeav-
,red TO show that there could be no such
thing as an honest Atheist. held up be-
fore them how Spencer had injured many
people, and especially his parents. He had
acked filial piety and piety towards God
two principles which would never have suf-
Tered him to 60 astray. In conclusion, |
called on them, as they had given three
cheers for their C untry, now TO give three
cheers for God-as they would do by sing
Jig his praise. The colors were then hois-
ted, and above the American Ensign was
raised the Banner Of the Cross only
lag that ever flats above it from any ves-
sci under my command. The Tooth Psalm
vas sung, after which the crew dispersed.
II could not help, on that day OF peaceful
Sabbath worship, contrasting the condition
of my vessel with that she would have pre-
,ented had she fallen into pirates hands,
Nor could avoid observing the marked ef-
feet produced upon the ships company by
the proceedings, was satisfied at once that
Ill danger was past and the muiny broken
for ever.
In cl' sing this Report there yet remains
the pleasing duty Of adverting to thescon-
Iuct Of the under officers The first Lieu
tenant, throughout the whole difficulty has
porne himself with courage, ndssustained a
lofty and chlvalrous part Always armed,
his pistol often cocked-only in a single
Instance has any accident occurred; and
that arose from the accidental discharge of
bis pistol while arresting Cromwell. Next
in rank TO the commander on board the yes
Isel, he was my eqaal in the discharge. Of
very duty. Never since the existence of
the Union has a commander been more
ably and zealously seconded by first lieu
tenant. Where all behaved so we'll it may
seem invidious TO particularize, yet cannot
avoid referende TO Purser Heskell and Sur.
geon Hicock. Both were in delicate health
and the latter especially was not in fit con-
iition to go TO sea. He had returned in the
Dolphin from the coast of Africa, and had
suffered from the fever in the River Nunez.
But be did duty through the difficulty
Both obeyed the order to 90 armed and
keep watch without the slightest murmur.
l would respectfully suggest that the
b hanks of the Department be presented to
all the officers of the Somers. The.opin-
'ons they gave were their own if they
we're erroneous-the responsibility is not
theirs. The opinions, the acts and the res
are mine alone and freely meet
that ordeal to which my conduct will UNI
ioubtedly be subjected trusting to that con-.
'c'ousness Of reclitude in my own bosom
which has never for one moment forsaken
ne, or wavered in the slightest degree.
ALEX. SLIDELL MACKENZIE.