The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1853-07-21
THE FRESs-GANG'S VICTIM
By sYLvANUs COBB, JR.

/ By sYLvANUs COBB, JR.
Sometime during tho month of June, 1903
the American brig Sarah, of and from Nor
folk Va, entered the port of Liverpool Will
o full cargo. She was commanded by Capt
William Brown, and he. first mate was Ton
Macdonough, true hearted Yankee sailor
lwho hailed from somewhere in the littlt
State Of Delaware. After the brig had beer
duly entered at the custom house, she wa.
soon cleared Of her cargo, and within ont
week after her arrival she was loaded fol
home.
One pleasant evening--the one preceding
the day the brig was to sai-Tom Macdon-
ough took stroll up into town. He had
been at work all day in arranging the cargo
and having merely started out for stroll
he had not thought it worth while to change
his dress He had beenup to the exchange
and was returning by way Of the Docks
when he was accosted by man who ap-
pearedto be a citizen.
"Good evening, stranger"
'The same to you,' returned Tom, never
once dreaming that there was harm in the
way
''Do you belong to any of the vessels now,
in the river!' asked the other, as he cast
scrutinizing glance over the somewhat
rough habiliments Of the American sail
or.
Yes. | belong to the American brig
- f--r},.;,...+ ----aa g. &s5E.
..What won't dol" asked Tom, not little
amazed at the remark.
80, know you," returned the stran-
ger, ..you are a deserter from tho f.ig-
ate"
As he spoke he placed a small whistle to
his mouth, and in moment after its shrll
note had cut the air, six mariners came rush
ing from tap room close at hand: and, at
motion from the stranger, they seized up
on Tom and made him their prisoner. It
was in vain that Tom protested that he was
second in command of the Sarah, and in
vain he threatened vengeance-but against
the power of six stout fellows he could make
no etlectual resistance. and so he was taken
along to the naval landing, where five other
prisoners, all victims to the press-gang, were
awaiting their embarkation. A boat was IN
waiting in command of a lieutenant, and in
to it was Tom, with the rest of the untortu-
nate seamen, unceremoniously hurried, and
| in less than half an hour he found himseli
on board an English frigate, which lay il
the mouth of the river.
"A fine set of men," said the English cap
tain, as he ran his eye admiringly over the
staIwart forms of the impressed seaman.-
..They will Just fill up the list Of our man,
topmen.' :.
Are Won the commander of this frigates
asked Tom. addressing the man who has
/ just spoken.
"Captain Downie, at your service re
Piled the commander, with mock gravity.
"Then sir, of you demand my immediate
release. | am second in command Of thu
American brig now ready for sea, and nj
power in England can legally detain me-
I"That won't 90 down youngster," rephet
the captain with sneer, You are littl
to Young for such an office. The king need
men, and you must take your chance witt
the rest"
"Do you mean to say that am to be de
tanned on board OF your ship!'
"Certainly,"
..Thcn SIR replied Tom, while his eye
flashed fire. ..you will do it ut your peril
Already have your people run up heavl
reckoning, and the day shall yet come whel
your king will have to settle 1t, | am ex
empt by your own laws, from Imprisonment
and you know it,
The captan showed little anger as on
hero spoke, but turning to one OF his lieuten
ants he said:
.Mr. Monson, have these mems names en-
I tered. aud then station them and mes
tbem:' and without further remarks h
walked of to his cabin.
In a moment Toms mind was made ur
and without further remark or resistance Q
anv kind he allowed his name to be entere
4 ON the purcer's books, and his mess to b
ASSIGNED him. after which hammock an
land beddinp were served out to him, and b
was directed to ''turn in as soon as poss
BILE.
4 The frigate was well guarded by sen tries
their being two on the poop, one at eac
eanrway. one on the forecaste, and one
the bowsprit, besides those who were st;
toned at various posts below, 50 that II
further notice was taken of the new con
mers after they had received their beddin
e except to give their sentlneis the addltiof
al caution with regard to watching well tina
no one left the ship unless he passed by tn
officer of the deck.
Toms hammock was already clewed, an
# having hung it up he turned into it witho'
e undressing. The night was warm ana su
try. and as means of giving circulation
fresh air the gun deck ports were iowere'
and from the place in which he swung n
could look out upon the water as It sparkle
beneath the beams of the bright moo'
Tom lay quiet until about midnight, but
vet could think of no means OF escaP
y Shortly after that hour had passed, he hea
the relief guard called, and in some te
:, minutes the corporal of the first guard can
:. down and unlashed the hammock WINK
in hung next to his own, which operation, D
y ing performed, he proceeded to unaFess - mn
self, and hanging his clothes, as ne did
- upon the clews oil his hammock me 10
o. hours duty had given the corporal an exec =
lent appetite for sleep, and in less than II