The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-02-03


precious resting place on the banks OF
sand shells, which the continual break
ing of the waves has raised around these
pestilential marshes,
At last the bar was passed, and we
found ourselves on the broad bosom OF
the Gulf. The sailors, delighted with
the prosperous commencement of the
voyage, were all mirth and glee, and
while the sails were filled with breezes
which were hurrying us as we fondly
imagined to New York, our port OF
destination, the can of grog circulated
freely, and mirth, and dance, and song,
wept the hours rapidly away.
Our captain was an able officer, in
whom we could repose the utmost con-
fidence-the subalterns were experienced
and attentive-the crew consisted OF
eleven hardy rough sons of the ocean,
making in all, including myself and two
other passengers, about twenty souls ON
board. The vessel was new stout
ship, merchant rugged, but mounting six
guns and well provided with arms and
ammunition, and all the necessary nipple
ment of offensive or defensive war
The day passed away, and it was not
until the forenoon of the second day
after leaving the river, that any thing
occurred to vary the dull monotony OF a
sea voyage. l was sitting in my cabin
arranging some packages of papers, &C.
when 1 was aroused by an unusual up
roar on the deck, and the boatswain's
shrill whistle calling all hands to quar-
tiers. l speedily deposited in their
trunks the papers l was reviewing, and
fastened to the deck--before | reached
which, however, l heard several guns
fred
The cause of alarm was vessel OF
suspicious appearance, which had been
bearing down for some time, apparently
with an intention of crossing the Cleo
patra's course, and though the British
colors were at the mast, land they were
within hail), they neglected to answer
the repeated call of Capt. Bowden, who
at last ordered a gun to be fired over
them. To this no attention was paid
few men were to be seen on deck and
the vessel continued her course in a
manner which indicated an intention to
Law the vessel Immediately on board our
ship. At this moment Capt. Bowden
hailed them and ordered them to keep
of, or he would fire upon them when
the decks of the vessel were instantly
crowded with armed men the British
colors were hauled down and the red
flag displayed-and heavy fire of mus
kerry opened upon us from the pirate ;
for such it was evident she was. The
guns of the Cleopatra could be brought
to bear with admirable effect, and it was
soon evident that if they could be pre-
vented from boarding us, the conflict
would not long remain doubtful.
"Three to one my brave lads" cried
Capt. Bowden, as through his glass he
surveyed his assailants -"but were they
five to one, we shall make them count
one to two-sweep their deck boys, we'll
teach rascals to keep respectful dis
lance. Finding the attempt to board
unavailing, the pirate hauled out of
reach of our small arms, which had
done great execution among his crowded
decks. The cessation of the contest
was however but momentary as
sailant returned on the attack with fury,
and in spite of our exertions succeeded
in graphing our vessel. His decks ex-
hibitcd motely assemblage of fcrocious
looking villains, black, white, and vel
low, whose horrid implications and oaths
were enough to appal the bravest heart,
as repulsed from our bulwarks in their
attempts to board, it was only to renew
The assault with double desperation and
rage. Several of our bravest fellows
had already fallen, when twenty or thir-
ty of these tigers took advantage of
swell of the sea which brought the ves-
sells in contact, and sprung on board the
Cleopatra, sabre in hand They were
met by our crew with such vigor that
scarcely had a minute elapsed before
their numbers were reduced one half, and
II 4