Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-06-13
THE YANKEE CAPTAIN.

gate we fell in with a merch intman whose
captain had the insolence TO decline surrender
ing, and actually fred upon us with msera-
BILE swivel. AS he was under press of sail,
with heavy sea going, the shot did US no dam
age but determined me 10 continue the pur-
suit.
After chase of three hours we came along
side, and let the gentleman have broadside,
which appeared to occasion some confusion on
his deck, as we had charged our guns with
grape shot, and musket balls. Still the obst-
nate Yankee refused to surrender, and returned
our fire with three guns loaded with grape
which killed one of our men, and wounded
three more. | then gave orders for graphing
and boarding, and as was my usual practice, led
The boarders myself.
On reaching his deck, was astonished TO
find only five men standing, the rest of his crew
being all killed or wounded, and lying scatter
ed about the deck, some wrthing with the tor
ture of their wounds, and others stretched on
their backs, their glazed eyes turned towards
the heavens, aud their s,iflening hands still
clenching their WEAPONS.
had little leisure, however, at the moment
for observing these matters, for the survivors
met us resouiely, and two OF my fellows were
knocked on the head with hand pixies, in the
act Of boarding
1 encountered the captain iu"j ~ 'a"j, s-Vij
f to cntlass. He attacked me with the greatest
| fury, and manifested full determination 10 sell
his life dearly Never did my skill in fencing
stand me in better stead. Iwarded his desper-
: ate thrusts till he was fairly out OF breath, and
I.I.a NJ A
T the same instant my men, having disposed o
d the remainder of the crew, were Fastening tc
It my assistance, and one Of them presented PTS
S tol to the captains head. | struck il away
If being DESTROYS TO learn the motive Of his unu
II sual behavior Two men by my order, hell
i him by the arms, while questioned him.
l. "Why did you not surrender, sir! - inquir
n ed |.
re "Because knew that was about to fall in
ID to the hands Of set of mercless rulfians, an
was determined TO fall fghting," replied he
IN throwing of at the same instant, one of tn
IN men who held him, and endeavoring to snaic
W machete from another. He was seized agar
er and had some difficulty in preventing the me
c. from despalching him Instantly.
- He was thrown upon the deck in the scuff
or which ensued, and four men held him in pro-
ed trate condition, each man firmly grasping
zee limb
sr- "Why have you thrown away the lives
IS your men," | proceeded to inquire.
nd "Because they chose like brave fellows,
"a die in hot blood, rather than be slaughtered Ill
ms sheep. only wish had shared their fate. u
Ter "You seem to be fellow of some mettl
his What say you to becoming one of us -
up "Villain' he replied, 81 should be justif'
He in pretending TO become one of you and waite
ing my opportunity to blow you up. But hi
ho rather die this instant than spend another ho
m in such society. You are the off securing
n.y. all creation-,he vilest miscreanis that breatl
e's the most consummate scoundrels-"
of turned away from him and walked towar
he the forecasle. When | faced about he W
the gone. l did no, inquire of the crew how
did had been disposed Of
The There is spirit in some of these Yankee
'ay This fellow, for instance, possessed courag
es- that if he had been properly educated, won
have fitted him for first rate rover. He mig
I'M have rivalled myself, but for the absurd pref
had dices in which he was brought up Pity it
for thought ], that such noble spirits should
ing chained down to the low drudgery of the mt
DOR chant service. Confession Of Pirate.