Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-04-05

Although the events now lor the frst time re-
corded, occurred ten years ago. they are still
fresh in my recollection, and have made so strong
an impression on my mind, THAI time can never
obliterate them They partake so much of the
marvellous that would not dare to commit
then to paper, were there not SO many living
witnesses of the truth of the facts narrated
some of them of the greatest respectability, and
even sanctioned by Commodore Rogers
therefore proceed to the task, while those who
are in existence can confirm them.
Living in an enlightened age and country
where bigotry and superstition have nearly lost
their influence over the minds Of men, particu-
larly among the citizens Of this Republic, where
knowledge is 50 universally diffused, have oft
en- been deferred from relating circumstance
SO wonderful as to stagger the belief of even the
most credulous; but facts are stubborn things,
and the weight of testimony in this case cannot
well be resisted
Unable for the want of time and room to en-
ter into as many particulars as could wish,
will give to the best of my recollection the most
prominent and striking occurrences in the pre-
else order in which they took place.
Some time in the latter part of December
1873, q man by the name of William Kemblc
aged about twenty-three years, a seaman on
board the United States frigate President, COM
manded by Commodore Rogers, on a cruise, then
near the Western Islands, was brought from one
of the tops in which he had been stationed ,hav-
ing bursted blood-vessel in his lungs
Being at the time in great danger of instant
death, the blood gushing from his mouth and
nostrils, it was with much difficulty succeeded
in stopping the discharge.
He was Immediately put on the use of rene
dies suited to his case. visited him often, and
had the best opportunity of becoming acquaint
ed with his temper, habits, and intellectual at
tainments, and under all circumstances during
his illness, found his language, as well as beha
vior such as stamped him tho rough, profanc
and illiterate sailor.
1t is my belief, though cannot positively as
sert it, that he could neither read nor write. |
ia certain that his conversation never differed il
the least from the most ignorant and abandone
of his associates-constantly mixed with oath
and gross vulgarity. Had he possessed talent
or learning, he must have betrayed it to Inc dur
ing his confinement.
In the early part Of January, a vessel Dor
down upon US, with every appearance of bein
: an English frigate, All hands were called
, quarters, and after short and animated addres
bp the Commodore to the crew, all prepared t
do their duty.
: Before descended to the cockpit, well know
. ing Kembes spirit, and how anxious he woul
! be to partake in the glory Of victory--defea
0 never entering our thoughts thought it bel
! to visit him. After stating to him the peculia
0 situation he was in, and the great danger h
Q would be exposed to by the least motion, l OF
. treated him and ordered him not to stir durin
s the action, which he promised to observe. W
e were soon obliged to fire. AT the sound of tt
Il first gun he could restrain himself DO longer