Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-01-13
LIEUT.. MAKENZIE'S ACCOUNT OF
THE SOMERS AFFAIR.

We present the concluding portion Oh LII
Mackenzie's account of the Mutiny Its
great length iorbids our publishing the whole
The first part giving an account oil the Mu-
tiny does not vary materially from what we
have already published. The following will
be found intensely interesting.
When told he must prepare for execution,
Spencer asked for Bible and Prayer Book
they we're given to him. He said, 81 am a
believer--but do you think that my repen-
lance will be accepted 2" ! called to his
mind the thief on the cross, and told that
Gods mercies we're equal to all his wants.
He kneeled down and read from the Prayer
Book, and asked again if thought his repen-
lance would be accepted, saying that his
time was short / told him God not only
understood his case but could suit his grace
to it. He begged that would forgive him.
told him did most sincerely and cordially,
and asked if had done any thing which
made him seek my life or whether his hatred
was unfounded He said he thought II was
only fancy. perhaps" he added, there
was something in your manner which offend
ed me-" read over to him what had writ
leD uOWn. Tic MlSUCu lllC W dilti thN PdS-
sage in which said that he "oilered as an
excuse, that he had attempted the same thing
on the John Adams and Potomac He only
mentioned it as fact, he said.
More than an hour had now elapsed
Spencer, as he met Cromwell, paused and
asked to see Mr. Wales. As he passed
Cromwell he said not a word Of his innocence,
nor did he make any appeal in his favor
Spencer said, "WaIes, ] hope you will for
give me for tampering with your fidelity
Wales replied, overcome with emotion, 81
do forgive you from the bottom of my heart,
and hope God will forgive you also. -
Wales was weeping and Spencer in passing
met Small at the gang way. He extended
his hand and said, "SmaIl forgive me for hay
ing brought you into trouble" Small ans
wered, mo, by Cd, Spencer, cannot
forgive you" Spencer repeated his request.
Small said, GLOW can you ask that fine at
ter having brought me to this! We shall
soon be before God and shall there know all
about it." Spencer said, you must forgive
mel cannot die without it," went to
Small and asked him not to cherish any re-
sentiments at such time, and asked him TO
forgive him. He reIented--held out his
hand to Spencer and said, II do forgive you
and may God forgive you also"
Small then asked my forgiveness: 1took
his hand and expressed my forgiveness in the
strongest terms / asked him what | had
done that he should seek my life; i'll had
been harsh erther in deed or word to him.
He exclaimed, "What have you done, Capt
Mackenzie? what have you done to me
EEo I
told him iof the high responsibilities under
which | acted of the duty owed my Gov
eminent and the ship with which it had en-
trusted me; of his offence toward his Com
mander and the boys he intended to put to
death, and of the high duty owed to the flag
of my country. "RIGurW he exclaimed,
God bless that flag and prosper itW-I
Now" said he, give me quick and easy
death. Spencer said to Lieut.. Gansevoort
that his courage had been doubted but he
wished him to bear witness that he died like
a brave man. He asked what would be the
signal for his execution. | told him that
was DESTROYS of hosting colors at the instant
to show that the flag was fixed at the mast
head and that intended to beat the call to
hoist colors and the roll off; and at the third
gun WOuIu uC liNu dS q iAO uoNSu
leave to give the signal. | at once acceded
He asked if it was the gun under him. |
told him it was removed He asked if it
would be fired by lock and wafer. He
was told that preparations had been made TO
fire it with match and Immediately order
ed supply of live Goals and fresh Goals to
be passed constantly; and they assured him
that there should be no delay.
The time was now wearing away. Small
requested leave to address the crew. Spen-
Ger had leave TO give the signal, was asked if
he would give Small the leave he asked. He
said yes. Small then said -
".Ship-matcS and top-matcs Take warn
ing by my example. never killed a man
but only said that | would do it, and for that
am about to die. Going in an Guineaman
brought me to this Take warning and
never 90 in Guineaman. Turning to
Spencer, he said, 81 am ready to die are
you %
Cromwells last words were, tell my wife |
that die innocent; | die an innocent man"
From the appearance of this man in assuming
TO be innocent, it would seem that Spencer
took all the risk of the affair, and Cromwell
intended to profit by it.
Iplaced myself where | could take in the
the whole deck with my eye. No word was
given by Spencer. lie finally said he could
not give the word, and wished me to do it.
The word was accordingly given, and the
execution took place.
The crew was ordered aft when address
sed them. | called their attention to tue fate
of the young men who had just been hung in
their presence. spoke ofthe distinguished
social position Spencer had held at home,
aud held up before them the career ofuseful-
ness and professional honor to which a
course of faithful duty would have raised him. |