Spirit of the age., 1853-06-29
THE PREsS GANGS VICTIM.
AND HOW LONG THEY KEPT HIM
By sYLvANUs COBB, JR

-
the American brig Sarah, Of and from Nor
folk, Va, entered the port of Liverpool with
a full cargo. She was commanded by Capt.
William Brown, and his first mate was Tom
Macdonough, true hearted Yankee sailor
who hailed from somewhere in the little State
Of Delaware. After the brig had been duly
entered at the custom house, she was soon
cleared Of her cargo, and within one week
after her arrival she was loaded for home.
One pleasant evening-the one preceding
the day the brig was to sail-To,n Macdo-
nough taok strollyup into the town. He
had baelatAxorlz all day in arranging the
cargo, and having merely started out for a
stroll, he had not thought it worth while to
change his dress. He had been up to the
Exchange, and was returning by way of the
Docks, when he was accosted by man who
appeared to 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 a
scrutinizing glance over the somewhat rough
hablirnents of the American sailor.
Yes. | belong the American brig Sarah
No, no-that wont do;'
What won't do 2 asked Tom, not a little
amazed at the remark. :.
%, | know you, returned the stranger,
you are deserter from the frigate.'
As he spoke he placed a small whistle to
his mouth, and in moment after its shrill
note had cut the air, six marines came rush
ing from tap room close at hand and, at
motion from the stranger, they seized upon
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 against the
power of six stout fellows he could make no
efectual resistance, and SO he was taken a.
long 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 lieutenant, and
into it was Tom, with the rest of the unfor-
tunate seamen, unceremoniously hurried,
and in less than half an hour he found him
self on board an English frigate, which lay in
the mouth of the river.
"A fine set of men, said the English cap
tain, as he ran his eye admiringly over the
stalwart forms of the impressed seamen.-
They will just fill up the list Of our main
topmen.'
Are you the commander Of this frigate I?
asked Tom, addressing the man who had
just spoken.
't OapRein Do ruiqI, et y.a.1r ssr-,;oo,, roFliec
the commander, with mock gravity
Then sir, Of you demand my immedi
ate release. am second in command 0
the American brig now ready for sea, and NJ
power in England can legally detain me-
That won't 90 down youngster,' replied
the captain with a sneer. You are lttl
too young for such an Office. The King
men and you, must take your chance witt
the rest
DO you mean to say that | am to be de
tained on board your ship!'
. Certainly
Then SIR replied Tom, while his eye
flashed fire, you will do it at your peril
Already have your people run up heav
: : reckoning, and the day shall yet come whe
, your king will have to settle it. | ain e9
J. empt, by your own laws, from impres5men
: and you know it.
The captain showed little anger as OF
e hero spoke, but turning to one Of his lieutel
Il ants he said
Mr.. Monson, have these mems names ell
: tered, and then station them and mess them
, ~ and without further remark he walked q
= to his cabin.
. In moment Toms mind was made u
T. and without further remark or resistance
any kind he allowed his name to be entere
on the purser's books, and bis mess to
IT. assigned him, after which a hammock al
IN bedding were served out to him, and he w
re directed to turn in as soon as possible.
or The frigate was we'll guarded by sentri
tn there being two upon the poop, one at ca
II gangway, one on the forecastle, and one
- the bowsprit, besides those who were static
lis ed at various posts below, SO that no furtl
ed notice was taken of the corners after tn
en- had received their bedding, except to q
nd the sentinels the additional caution with
nd gard to watching well that no one left t
a7; se; ship unless he was passed by the officer
go the deck.
Toms hammock was already clewed, a
el- having hung it up he turned into it witht
Die undressing. The night was warm and s
of' try, and as means of giving circulation
,no ~, fresh air the gun-deck ports were lower
N N and from the place in which he swung
.rd could look out upon the water as it spark
,ur beneath the beams of the bright moon
= Tom lay quiet until about midnight, but
ar yet he could think of no means of escape
J. Shortly after that hour had passed, he he
Snr sn the relief guard called. and in some
minutes the corporal of the first guard ca
down and unlashed the hammock wi
mi hung next to his own, which operation
ltu- ing performed, he proceeded to unGress h
sed self, hanging his Clothes as he did so, u
- the clews of his hammock. The four ho
~ : - duty had given the corporal an excel
'ro. appetite for sleep and in less than five min
de- after he touched his mattress he bega
snore.
eff Now or never thought Tom, is
oss, chance aud with this idea in his mint
pre- slipped quietly out of his hammock,
sn'' proceeded to divest himself of his own clot
which bayino aecornnlishetl he very nm,