Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1858-03-26
IRASBURGH. VERMONT. FRIDAY, MARCH 26 1858.

flag of Great Britain was hoisted at the
frigate's mizen peak. Captain Thomp-
son, somewhat alarmed at the unceremo-
nious salute of the stranger, took in his Y
studding sails and rounded the ship to.
AT that time the relations existing be-
tween Great Britain and the United
States, were not of the most amicable
character-and our ships were often in
suited on the high seas-and our seamen
ed into better manners. But as Tie !
Rabican had sailed from an American |
port, and was bound for a country at
peace with Great Britain-and as all the /
crew were undoubted Americans, Cap
tain Thompson anticipated no difficulty
and was anxious that the ceremony of
boarding should be despatched as soon as
possible. He accordingly received the Of
ficer, when he came along side in the
frigate's cutter, with great politeness.-I
But his conduct was not reciprocated-I
the officer censured him, and abused him
in the presence of his crew, for daring
to continue his course when chased by
an English frigate---compelling her
at last TO fire shot in order to remind
him of his duty. But" continued the
English lieutenant, "you hove to just in
the nick of time; the captain had given
order to luff and pour broadside into
the stupid Yankee-that would have
tickled your catastrophe TO some pur-
pose.''
He then examined the ships papers
and finding every thing as it should be
furnishing no pretext for searching the
vessel, he ordered the crew TO be sum
moned aft-announcing with an oath,
; that His Majesty's Frigate Freebooter,
was ordered to the East India station
and that it was highly desirable she
should pick up few hands by the way.
" 1" dare say, my fine fellows" said be,
clapping Capt. Thompson with insolent
: familiarity on the back, that you have
some of King Georges subjects on
board"
This Capt. Thompson stoutly denied
declaring that every man on board was
native of New England.
i WELL" said the lieutenant, " let u.
see the men and their projections. We
: will soon settle that matter"
The crew were ordered aft, and form
J ed line On the quarter deck-where
: they were severely scrutinized by the
boarding officer, and their projections ex.
amined. The looks, the language of the
seamen, and the conformity of their size
Il complexion and scars to their projections
Il were convincing proofs that all the crew
z were genuine Yankees. But the Officer
Z was not to be SO easily baked Of hit
e prey. He was pleased with the appear
{ ance of Jack Wilson, whose Symmetrical
figure showed that he possessed unusua
'e strength and activity-and pointing hin
4 out to the captain" That fellow" sal,
10 the kidnapper, is an Englishman an,
D must 90 in the boat p
le The officer had fully determined tha
IN Jack Wilson should make one of th
T. crew of the British ship of war Free
y booter and to all the protesiations Q
ie the captain that Jack was an American
"a and to all the representations of Jack G
70 the injustice and cruelty of such pro
- ceeding, and of the insult which woul
- thus be offered to the American flag, b
stealing an American citizen from a
= American ship, on tie high seas, the onl
answer was grim smile. and an ominou
~ shake Of the head.
u " Tom Smith" said the lieutenant, al
ie dressing the cox swain Of the cutter, I
III the same time giving him signifcar
ie wink" Did you ever see this chap b,
q fore?"
= Certainly have, sir" exclaime
Tom Smith. " His name is Glen Wa
ID kins. He was captain of the fore Top O
i'd board of the old Bully Rg6ian (Bellei
re ophon)-and right clever fellow
nd was too-only /, recollect that he one
"A got three dozen while lying in Agezira
- Bay for letting the fore-top-gallant yar
~ come down by the run"
ri " You hear that, my friend" said Ii
If officer to the captain. Il" lie is an FL
On glishman, and a deserter. Il is uselei
m, to multiply words about it-besides,
he must bear hand, and return 10 the Fl
cb gate. Tom Smith, step down into ii
Mt forecastle, and bundle together the fe
he lows duds. Watkins 60 in the boat"
a Jack Wilson would have done mu,
if at that time to have preserved bis life
sr- his liberty-for neither had ever been
in precious 10 his estimation as since he hi