Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1852-06-24
MtstellaueoMs.
From the Hone Journal.
A Thrilling Adventure.
.oO~N~~~~O~/
BY THE SURGEON.

In the month of August, 1923. when the war
ragged between Buenos Ayres and Brazil, in
South America, ] found myself, with many 9th
engaged on the part of the former.
Not only was there the hope of laurels to be
won, our chivalry excited, and our wild oats to
SOW, but we had heard Of, or personally witness
ed, the gross conduct Of Pedro towards the
American Minister and Consul, carried to such
an extent as obliged the former to demand his
passports and return home. 1t was, therefore,
war of Amercanism against despotsm. l was
made surgeon of the brig of war Sampson,
mounting eight guns, though larger vessels
under different commander had been offered
me, We were ordered to run down the coast
and land spy at Bahia, who was to create an
insunection Of the blacks, and thus obige the
enemy to call in her feet from the blockade of
the river of Plata, together with injunc tious to
Go as much mischief us possible going and re-
turning to anything under the green flag of Bra
zil. We had proceeded thus far upon our errand
and had so we'll executed and obeyed our CON-
mands, that thirteen pennants from vessels of
war, and countless number Of merchant flags
were displayed as proofs Of our success beside
} the prizes manned and sent in. The consequence
of the latter trophy, however, was annoying
The manning Of SO many prize-vesses from ouT
own crew left US SO reduced in strength and
. numbers, as 10 compel us TO dismiss, with priso
ners, valuable vessel, the ST. John for absolute
want Of an officer to take charge of her. The
} lieutenants had taken command, one after anoth
= er, of the captured vessels of war and the
] master-purser, midshipmen and masters mates
/ had been sent in with the merchant prizes. Ou
q commander now stood alone, without single
= sea officer the crew, too, had necessarily be
K come much reduced; thirty eight men and thret
e boys were all that remained Of the gallant hun
e dred who had left port but a few months before
J On board Of one of the lately captured vessel
} an Englisman, acting as supercargo, gave tn,
e intelligence of an enemys brig Of war lying il
e port, ready To- sail at moments warning. Sh,
e was stationed here to protect the commerce,
g vessel mounting eighteen guns-twenty iou
d FOUNDERS and hundred and thirty two men
: Despite of this great disparity of force, ou
l. commander concluded that she might be take
y by surprise--and that very hour-nay, that yer
IS moment, his design was put into execution.
l. The evening before that battle remember a
r yesterday. Our Commodore came on deck, wit
10 the gunner, saying to him; "Yon will lie
le until daylight, with your head off shore, when
'e will join you with the other brig Quarterma
ne ter, where is the prize ?"
Is "Under the lee bow, sir she seems to hay
e. filed away"
ly " Man the weather main brace; square awe
n main-yard board main.back aftsheet," we
co the quick commands and in few minutes Il
ol two vessels were within speaking distance.
nd "Brig ahOy !" No answer. I" Brig ahoy
cd Louder: no answer. Brig ahoy!" sternl
'ts Answer, or | will sink you" A pause. ST
no answer.
Forecastle, there, clear away No. 2, a
send your shot into their cabin to drive them
from their grog."
he cay, ay, sir"
nd And in moment the loud report of gun W
he heard, and the grating crash of the shot W
Die followed by tho echo reVerberating along
les coast of Ohnda and Pernambuco.
he There's work for you, Doctor" said our Ca
at, tain.
ID "Oh pray don't kill u.s." cried weak vo