The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-12-05
, A r ECAPTU-RE,
:, sy HAwsER 4 4, MARri,aALE, Nal jl,

I "a - sY HAwsER MARTINdALE. '-f',
A short time previous to the declaration Of war by
his county against Great Britain, while the ceebra
led aOrder in counc' OF Great Britain, and the "Ber
liz and Milan DEGREES" Of Napoleon were in fun force
an American Schooner, Baltimore Pilotboat built,
called the Purse, sailed om New York with consid-
cradle quantity Of specie, &c. on board bound for Bor-
deax, in France. AT that time the whole coast Of
France was blockaded with British cruisers and they
were particularly fond Of sailing up and down the Bay
Of Bscsy 1t was consequently regarded as sort Of
desperate undertaking atempto thread the gauntlet
and enter French portland none but real clippers
we're used for that purpose. - '-''' 80 '4' 70
. The Purse was a real clipper, well provided with !
legs and arms and with an intelligent Captain Two
smart and active mates well acquainted with the pecu
liar qualities Of the kind Of vessel in which they were
embarked, and stout and athletic crew Of twelve men
there seemed but little fear Of being captured by John
Bulls cruisers unless some unforeseen accident should
take plaee for mol vessel in the British Navy could
equal her in sailing, especially on a wind. go
| But the most careful calculations sometimes prove
erroneous and on the fifteen morning after leaving port
being then on the eastward Of the Western Islands as
The shades Of darkness and of mis-, were sped by the
rising sun, the Purse very much 10 the modification
as well as surprise Of the officers and crew foune her
self in snug position the the lee quarter and under the
guns OF a heavy English Frigatel Escape was out Of
the question. The snarp bottom and clean run Of the
pilobon schooner were of use to her in this predi
camenb as shot from long twentyfo FOUNDER
would overhaul the fastest vessel ever build Baimre
placed in similar situation. This was found by an
experiment which the frgate tried, Of sending ball
ahwar the orefoot Of the schooner abroad hint for
her 10 heaveto, The experiment was successful.
The Purse was boarded by the man ofwar, and from
many circumstanses.it was evident that she was
bound to french poft that the English Captain did not
hesitate moment intakng charge of her, and sending
her TO British port for adjucation. Accordingly the
captain or the were transferred to the Frgate-ot
those originally belonging to her, the chief mate only
was allowed 10 remain on 5oard Lieutenant OF the
name Of Dennis put on board as przema with
an Irish masters mate, sleepy heavy moulded
fellow, by the name of O'Bren and crew Of twelve
stout manotWai men. Lieut.. Dennis was ordered to
make the best of his way to Falmouth. a., ,a5, s.,
i Both Dennis and O'Bren were good seamen enough
in their way; and could manage squarergged vesse
indferenty wel-but they soon found 10 their surprise
and modification that they knew nothing of schooner
sailing-and that the proper management Of one Of these
large clipper schooners with their heavy spars and en-
ormous sails required some skin and experience of.a
peculiar character than are often found among old sea
men, who have passed the greater part of their lives il
ships or brigs And it was not long before they wer
compelledto TO acknowledge their want Of skill by sum
mcning the American mate whose name was Turner i
their assistance But Turner was shrewd, long head
l led tacurn; calculating Yankee. His frame was rah
Idr sght-and there were no marks Of superior incl
ligence, or daring resolution in his counenance,
His physiognomy, however, did not do him ius;ic
he possessed superior intellect and an ur
daunted spirit When he found that the schooner wa
ikeyo be captured he secured two brace Of LOADED pi
ols and dirk, in snug corner Of The cabin lockers
not knowing but an emergency might ariss, when the
would do him "yeomaps service" s3--7 .1i& '@d W
To the. application made to him by the prizernaste
that hewoud give them some instruction and assistanc
lin managing the schooner Turnerreplied that he wa
regarded by him as prisoner and had no authority
Iboardand thatwhe such Swssgthe case his superio
knowledge could be of little servicebut if the prize
lmaser would confer on him the authority Of an office
with power 70 giye the requisite orders 10 fhe men, 4
making, taking in, or trimming the sails, he would nc
lobect to give his capos all the benefit Of his experene
in schooner saing-especiaily as he was desirous q
( procuring some employment to assist in Willing ava
the hours OF his captivity. Lieutenant Dennis eagerl
caught athe proposition he conceived that bis service
as an officer be Of great value-and houghttba
ofcourse no danger could be apprehended from inves
ing him h the power f)r which he asked he did ne
even require his parole Turner was accordingly ortt
with installed in the Office Of second mate of the schoc
ner and.put in charge of the slarboard watch d
Matters PASSED on smoothly enough fol. awhile--th
men soon got accustomed to receive orders from Tu
ner, and obeyed them with alaetity-hey found that
was an active officer and a thorough seaman and re
Ipeced him accofdnsly and under his management tn
schooher went off like a witch on a broOmstick y
In those days, Temperance ships" were not 50 con
Imon as al the presen time, There was good stock
< old. jamaica and London particular MADEIRA o
board and Dennis ard o'Brien were not either BY pr
ession practice friendly to the priEcples oftota al
Istinence from Intoxicating drinks a isss sas ss
Z 'sWerafdays passed a&ay4s~h an occurrence too
place which produced quite revolution in the feens
Of all on broad was pleasant afternoous-lhe sch,
ner had approached nearly to the chops Of the Engis
channel-the, wind blew gentle breeze from the Nor
vest and the purse was silently sliding through IL
L water at the rate Of three or four knots LieuenaI
Dennis after having settled his dinner with half bolt
Of Madeira iumbler o. still half and halt grog, ha
ltuTned into his berth nd was seening aav at The ra