Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-18
THE GAZETTE.
THURSDAY MORNING, AUGUST Is. 1859.
TIE LAST BULLET.

The United States shi,-oEwar C"nstella-
ton was anchored in the harbor OF A'Giers,
whittier she had proceeded under command
of Commodore Prcble, having On board,
among other officers, Charles Stewart, then an
Acting Lieutenant.
IL was the watch of Young Stewart. ami he
WAS pncinr to and fro on the deck, about half
an hour after sunset. when he saw IA small
boat, containing Il sing lie person. coming
offirom the Old Port. as the western part OF
the town is called, and heading directy for
the ship.
This person was rowing with all his mil ht,
and Stewart was not long III discovering tine
cause Close behind the single b"atman
was seen large rover filled with men.
whose presence was announced by Il con-
tinual firing at him of whom they were in
such determined pursuit. holding on their
way until they were under the very gans OF
the ship.
Now, by my soulv. cried Stewart, "may
/ he shot il don't teach those iellowsa lesson.
Stand by, MIR. Rogers" he added. addressing
Il favoriie gunner, Ito throw little grape
into that fellow"
An instant later Il wreath of smoke curied
up from the side of the ship, and AZ the re-
port went boomng over the water the ir"n
messenger sped on its way, crushing INT" the
pursuing boat, severely w"undlns two or
three of her crew. She instantly turned to
nut back, ut the same time that the luigi
tive reached his destination and came up
the side into the presence of the officer of
the deck.
He was I'm elderly man, with stout frame
and brownish features; but 1t required but
"A single glance from the lieutenant to see
that he was English or American. As soon
a. he was sufficiently recovered from ms
over-exertinn to breathe. he went on otell his
story, ~ which Stewart listened with much
excitement.
The new conner was an American citizen,
named James Collins, native of New York,
who. with his wife and daughters, had been
taken from an American vessel ut the same
time as It's commander and crew two years he
fore by an Algerne pirate. Ills wife had
since died, and he and his daughter had been
enduring since his capture all the horrors
of IL hopeless aud aggravated captivity; hut
the worst part of the poor mans story, and
that which moved Lieut.. Stewart the most,
was the announcement that his daughter, II
gentle and beautiful girl, was ON the very
eve of being forced into II detestable union
with the very wretch who had bought her and
her father as slaves.
"My agony mt these circumstances culml-
mated not two hours ago" finished the faith
er. when struck the prosecutor msensible
to nv feet and fled. BY dint OF exertlon
managed to reach the water side, and EN-
barked before the pursuers could prevent IT,
But, though | have succeeded III reaching
this place of safety my poor Alice Is still III
the power of her torment"r, exposed t" his
vengeance, and am almost crazy mt thnk
ing that she even may now be subjected t" Il
fate worse than death Ii | could only guide
u boat crew, under your orders -
"One moment" interrupted Stewart
"Stay where you are until have seen Com
mndore Preble."
One moment the yous lieutenant was en-
gagged with his commander in the cabin, and
then he came forth with stern smile ct sat
ist;.ction on his features. Ten minutes more
had not passed before II cutter with twelve
chosen men pushed off in the darkness. with
the lieutenant and the stranger i'll the stern
and rapidly struck out for the shore.
Our owner" said Mr.. Collins. 'resldes II
the western part of the city. There is II c"as
guard established. but do not apprrhend
that we shall have any especial trouble from
that source. think We can land below. <
up the streets to the house. and carry oif M,
child, and all without losing man.
The boat landed, after twenty minutes o
rapid progress. at a small wharf near the
Geleta, in the western part Of the town. -
The arrival was certainly observed. but no
a great deal Of attention WAS bestowed upor
it by the stupid Algerines. Leaving part q
his men in the cutter, with orders for then
to lie down under the wharf. Lieut.. Stewar
and the remainder of his force followed the
footsteps of Mr.. Collins, who led the VA,
rapidly up the intervening streets.
On arriving ut his late prison. an old. d'ngy
looking structure, extremely spacious hav n:
all the looseness of the Moorish style. tn
party discovered that silence and darknes
were the principal features of the scene. NJ
a sound was heard nor word uttered. Tin
whole building seemed deserted. The ason.
Of the father was extreme.
10, my child". he cried. no longer able Il
control the terrible emotions which had beef
surging through his soul during the last hour
'shall | never see thee more!
A Moorish slave came around from the rea
of the building, and assured his fellow captive
that the girl had been carried OF hy the mas
ter, and that no one was ut home save himself
But even Us the lying rascal uttered the con
Guiding words wild shrek WAS heard II
the chamber, and the next moment young
and beautiful girl of seventeen summers np
reared at one of the front windows, lookins
like spectre in her garments OF spotiea
white.
"My child, my Alice!" exclaimed Mr., Col
Inns.
Save me, father" was the response; an,
while shouts and groans were heard proceed
ing from the interior of the building tn
maiden threw herself from the low window
falling into the very arms OF her father ant
Lieutenant Stewart.
The very moment of this reunion was des
tined to be that in which company ut Al
gerine troops came around the nearest cor
ner, marching up the street in the direction
of Lieut.. Stewart and his men. 1t was als'
ut the same moment that the old Moor, wh'
had 40 long considered himself the pr"prielo
of Mr.. Collins and his daughter, came t." tin
window and set up Il startling yell.
This way!", cried Mr.. Collins, aud h
dashed omen the front door of the building
and conducted the entire party Within
Look to your weapons, and take the rascal
Ia NJ they haiti. S;kll