Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-08-15

DISCOVERY OF A SINGULAR PIECE
OF ANTIQUITY--THE REMAINS OF
THE CELEBRATED CAPT. KIDD'S
VESSEL.
On Monday we were invited to inspect, at
the Office of Mr.. A. G. Thompson, Wall ST.,
piece Of ordinance recently raised from the
bed of the river, at the mouth of the race, a
little above Verplank's Point. 1t is of the
carronade class, about three feet long, capa-
BILE of carrying about "a ID shot, and such
as were frequently used on board of vessels
from the time of Elizabeth to the early part
Of the reign of the Georges. 1t has a large
handle at the breech, where it measures up
wards of three feet round, and heavy
square sight over the mouth; altogether
very different instrument of warfare to those
used at the present time.
There are circumstances attending the
discovery which may not be undressing to
many. Between the years 1897 and 100, it
may be remembered that the whole of this
coast was infested by gang of desperate
pirates and freebooters, or buccaneers as they
were then termed; and none so much dread
ed as the notorious Capt Robert Kidd. He
was alike feared by all nations, and heavy
price was set upon his head so much so
that England was obliged at length TO fit out
|
ture him, if possible.
1t was well known that his principal place
of resort and refuge was Long Island Sound,
and here, in short time, these vessels made
their appearance, and they either discovered
the object Of their expedition, or he espied
them, il is not exactly known which. He
ran his vessel close under Gardner's Island,
where himself and crew loaded themselves
with such treasures as they could conren-
iently carry about their persons, and landed
| on the island, where a considerable portion
of their booty was buried, and Kidd informed
Mr. Gardner, who resided on The island at the
lime, where it was deposited, telling him a,
the same time, that he must answer for il
with his life when he returned. Kidd then
set sail up the North (IIudson) River, and
reached The point before mentioned where,
finding escape with is vessel impossible, or
that he could not proceed further with safety,
determined upon destroying her. The crew
then it is supposed separated and scattered
themselves over different parts lIhe interior
Shortly after, Kidd and some five or six of
his crew crossed over TO Boston, where they
were taken prisoners.
Upon being inierrogaied, he informed the
then governor of Massachusetts where he had
deposited his booty on Gafdners Island, OBJ
where it lay; and the Governor sent over par
ties to obtain il, but Mr. Gardner refused to
point it out until he was perfectly satisfied
that he was safe from the menaces of Kidd
and his associates. Upon this recovery
and examination, it was found to be OF up
wards OF a quarter of million in value
Mr. Gardner then received recent from the
Governor, which is still in the possession OF
one of the descendants of that gentleman. =
Kidd was further Intercepted as TO what had
become of the remainder OF his treasures, iol
il was generally believed that he had a much
greater amount, having but a very short time
previously captured three Spanish galleons,
, with csrgoes valued at near ten millions OF
dollars. In reply, Kidd, II is said, observed
that whatever else there was, went down
with bis vessel. Shortly after this, he and
his companions were conveyed to England,
where they were tried and found guilty Of
murder, and executed 10 the early part oil
, 1901.
. Several attempts have been made at differ
en-; times by various parties to ascertain
wheie about the remains Of this vessel lay
and il is said that some % or 30 years since,
!, parties were sent from England 10 ascertain
il possible its situation, but without success.
, Some 10 or Is years since, Mr. A. G.. Thomp
son, OF Wall street, whom we believe 10 be a
, descendant OF the Gatdner's, previously al
, luded to, in conjunction with other gentle
men, secured tie land and got grant from
the State 10 search for the remains OF Una
vessel They, acting on the traditions hand-
/, ed down from "sife TO SON." and other ooH-
Meeting links, after some years Toll and ex-
; pense. were fortunate enough 10 find evidence
J Of having discovered The remains OF Yesse