St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1860-07-26
81. CIOUD~ STEARNS CO.. MINNESOTA, THURSDAY,

urged the Blue Pigeon along toward the
North. Vest ut the rate Of two Or three
kdots-then calm succeeding, disappointed
the hopes which b. gan to be entertained
of escaping without desperate conflict,
from the dreadful fate which threated
thcm.. ..t.... .u...
Preparations were now made to give the
pirates = warm reception. The water was
boiling furiously in the caboose-an old
broken hatch bar was thrust into the fire,
t. be used az loggerhead to touch off the
big gun. This gun was given in charge
Of Mr.. Slinker, the mate, with particular
directions to fire as soon after the word
should be given ,as the gun could be
brought to bear. He was particularly eau.
tiened to take correct aim, and deliver the
whole broadsidc between wind and water
The engine was ready in the waist, and
one OF the ncn, a stout fellow, was Station
ed at the brakes along with Mrs. Mangrove,
whose courage, untailing strength an COOL
ness, even in the anxious hour-seemedst s
much as tie confident bearing and cheerful
words Of the captain, to eneou: age the men
to some bold work, and by noble resistance,
beat of the desperadoes. TO the cook was
assigned the important duty Of keeping: the
engine supplied with water, and to look
after the loggerhead. Mike Finchly, an
old man-ot. war s. man, who had been a
sharp-shooter IN the main tong Of the Blen-
helm, in the battle of St. Vincent, under
Admiral Jervis, was put in charge Of the
helm, and with two others Of the crew, was
intrusted with the important duty Of pour
ing in upon the coxswain and others in
the strrn ot the barge, a shower OF le,den
pellets from the halt dozen huge muskets,
which, already rrimed and cooked, were
leaning against the pinnacle.
Captain Manerove reserved to himself,
in addition to the general superintendent
OF commander, au important special duty,
the judicious execution of which success
mainly depended, viz, to direct the stream
Of boiling water in that direction which
would most effectualty scald the rascals,
and deprive them Of all appetite for rapiue
and murder or power OF resistance, OF, the
ground that boiling water judiciously and
copiously administered causes intolerable
pain, and like conscience, ''make towards
Ut us all::' .:", -
The piratical boat, with dozen power.
ful men, was rapidly coming up with the
brig. There were from twenty to twenty.
five men in the boat, ali clad in colored
shirts and white trvwsers, with band and
handkerchiets around their heads, each with
brace at pistols stuck in his girdlc, and q
cutlass by his side. One tall fellow stood
up in the stern Of the boat, and seemed te
be giving directions to the others while an
other formidable looking ruffian in the boat
with one foot planted on the stem and q
drawn cut.ass in his hand, stood ready, and
Was apparently impatient to spring ovt1
the side Of the brig.
The boat was in the wake of the brig
but as breeze at this time sprang up. j,
gained upon the Blue Pigeon only at thu
near enough to be heard distinctly BY The
pirates;' Captain Mangrove hailed the boat
through his large speaking trumpet, ano
peremptorily ordered the crew to ke ,p ott
to pull away in: some other direction, ane
that he should FIRE on them if they attempt
ed to come along gside! =; - '..--.>'
He was replied by shout Of derision-
and the tai! man in the stern-scats, in tol
erablc English steruly ordered him to heavt
to at once, and let them come on board, o.
they would murder every man. At tht
same time cut-throat at the bow waved hi!
cutlass to intimidate, and q blood red flag
attached to a short staff, was displayed
from the stern Of the boat /! .,~,,., .: .
That's enoug ~ said the Captain, 81
think we can pepper those fellows now
i with clear conscience" -, '.> Is J..
He ordered them to ''stand BY"
."Now, luff!" said he to the man at the
helm. "So-stcady: Put your teln
amidship! Now, seize your muskets
Mike, and give good account Of the fel'
low at the, stern" :: -"
The course Of the vessel having been
changed, the piratical barge was then
brought about tour points on the starboard
quarter, but heading towards the fore-chains
OF the brig Wisely measuring the dist.
ance with practised eye, Captain Man.
grove gave the word. "..:- ~...- j .,.
.}"Now then, play away! Fire, Mike,
FIRE! Mr.. Slinker, watch your chance, and
J let them have it!'
A we'll directed volley from three mus.
kets, instantly followed: by another Of the
same character knocked over the coxswain
and the tall fellow who appeared to act aa
Commander Of the pirate gang, and severe
lv wounded several others! > 'sAb:.
a hideous scream Of mingled pain aud
indignation was raised by the pirates, but
was changed Into chorus Of undilutcd
agony, when a stream of boiling wa'e was
: poured like torrent into the bows Of tho
boat, upsetting, the fierce desperate who
stood ready for boarding and sweeping over
aud annong the boats crew with commend
Fablei,npartiality, producing the most intol: