The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1848-11-23

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ordinary make, and the delicacy Of their
temper was only equalled BY the proper
tomato tracery Of the cordsge that en-
shrouded them. The bows were exceed
ingly sharp, and bespoke the utmost feet.
ness, and the cutwnter rose with a grace
ful curve, gammcred clear nv the bowsprit
But one feature dctcriorated from her ex-
tremc beauty, and that wss the dark color
Of her hull, which was slightly though i'm
perceptibly relieved by q streak Of red that
marked the lower chamber Of her channels.
Even the mast and yards were Of 40 dingy
color a. the hull and the only trait that broke
the gloom Of her head gear, was the snow
white canvass that fluttered sloft. Yet,
amidst all this beauty, there was something
suspicious in her appearance; probably i'm.
parted by the tenebrity Of her line, or per-
haps engendcred by the recollection Of our
errand.
Az we nearcd her, FIVE or six forms we're
observed scanning us with apparent inter.
est. Yet still she lag in the winds eve,
her topsail thrown hack. and resting rs
motionless % q gull sleeping on the ocean.
We were dashing aside the spray and eve
~ moment obtained less interval.
When we had arrived within hail, our
vessel wore round and hoisted the cross Of
St. George and fired q gun, that the strange
vessel might satisfy us Of her nation, by
showing Us her colors. Scarcely had the
echo Of the gun died on the breeze when
black banner, bearing no device, unfurlcd
itself from tho stern Of the stranger, and
was instantly run to tho extremity Of the
gaff.
1.-THE Black Buccaner!" shouted fifty
voices simultaneously, and the echo of their
words was succeeded by fearful, though
brief silence. When the moment Of sur
prise was over, every man in accordance
with tho orders Of our commandant, pre-
pared for action; the guns were loaded and
run out TO their respective ports, the mag
azine Illuminated, the loggerheads lighted,
the decks cleared, and everything prepared
for the work Of death.
1--WE must board" said our commander.
after quarter Of an hours cannonadinQ,
in which no signal advantage was gained
BY either party.
"Fill away nv mon, md stand by 10
heave your grnppIesr' The mandate was
ODE, ed and we fought yard arm to yard arm,
with the most formidable free booter that
plonehed the ocean.
They were first to board, beaded bv the
notorious chicfiain, they sprang upon our
deck and fiercely assaulted our seamen; for
a long time victory remained undecided,
but the BUCCANEERS began to falter, still
they fought hand 10 hand, and vito the in-
iilriatcd frenzy Of men who had cxperien-
ced an opposition they did not anticipate;
but still the tars Of old England met them
with all the coolnoss experience had taught,
so essential to victory. By this time one
half Of the assailants lay dead upon the
deck. The cheering shouts were heard,
though faint and almost drowned by the
clash Of arms and the groans Of the wound
ed and dying. Again they faltcred and re-
tired spacc, but then the voice Of their
commander was heard above the ruthless
din, urging another effort, agoin they form.
ed and rushed madly on our scamcn, but
they met the same pertinacious opposition
as before, and they broke once more, and
retreated. At this critical moment when
they we're retreating step by step from our
quarter deck, their chleitain rushed for
ward and cutting passage through with
his sword, sprung down the hatchway, and
rushed into the light room, seized burning
lamp, then sl'ivered il from the portion Of
glass that separated il from the magazine,
he entered. Those on the deck bcheld the
strange movement with wonder that can
be better imagined than described, and
both parties dropped their weapons to learn
the issue ofso strange an adventure.
Our commander, accompanied BY few
officers, descended, and the sight that met
their agonizing gazo was truly terrifying;
tho Buccanicr WINS standing amongst the
powder with lamp in his tightly clsnch-
ed fist, his face was blackcned stream Of
blood gushed down his cheek from sabre
cnt in his forehead; with knit brows and
resolution stamped 10 his countcnance, he
stood regarding those who began to crowd
the light room.
"Stand back, " shouted be, "if you regard
your own safety, stand back for by my
soul, be who advances seals the fate Of all
on board!"
There was something 20 resolute in the
tones and gestures, that those around re-
coded apace, hut still continued to gaze up
on the daring form ofthe Buccanier.
"Listen! Years have cruised 10 these
seas, hut never assaulted vessel but those
that wore the detested ensign Of tyranny
that now fonts from your gafr; fortune has
hitherto favored mo, and have been .
scourgo to your hated kingdom; today fate
hiss declared otherwise; but though defeat.
ed, have still the means Of purchasing nv
freedom. Nov Britou il remains With yo,,