The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1871-07-06
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From the New Orleans 1'imes.l
THE PIRATE DELUNION.
An Incident.

The Fate of Mr.. Newell, who lost his
| life in the last of many similar expeditions
in search of the fabulous hidden treasure
of the "LafitIe pirates" so far from de-
terring others has rather stimulated anew
| the curiosity and avarlce of infatuated
victims of the same remarkable delusion.
| We learn from one of our cotemporarles
that an expedition is already on foot by a
number, of Mr.. Newells friends 'to start
in pursuit of the treasure he sacrificed his
| life in hunting" and that there are many
who cling with tenaeity and unbounded
faith to the traditions which were So re-
ligiously accepted and cherished by Mr.
Newell.
Thanks to the inventions of sensational
rornancers OF. the Ingrahsm, Ned Buntline
and Mayne Reid school there has always
existed IN this community a remarkable
susceptibility and credulity among a GER
tain class of people in regard to all stories
! about pirates. Several illustrations of a
tragical and ludicrous character, are res
membered by our residents, of the extent
| of his, eredulity 1t was hoped that the
last of these incidents had left a perma-
nent impression and warning of the folly
of such delusions.
II was at least twenty-five years ago
that this city was greatly excited by some
idle story, originating in the mad pranks
of festive yacht party who, chartering q
schooner, had her painted black, and dis
playing at their masthead q. large flag
with skull and cross bones, amused them
selves by cruising about the Gulf and
hovering around the mouth of the river
and apparently menacing the merchant
vessels sailing to and from this port
d. l., hot
Iona, low, black, rakish-looking piratical
craft had chased several vessels, and even
compelled the crews to make for land in
the small boats to save their lives. After
while the rumors increased in their
alarming features, and the boarding Of
vessels, and the slaughter of all on board,
and the walking of planks by the passen-
gers, were retailed with great minuteness
and distinctness, and obtained a general
belief At last, crowning incident, PROV
ing the realities of these stories, was
brought to the city and verified in a man
ner that left the most sceptical without
further pretext for doubling the existence
of the mysterious piratlcal craft. The
ship Charles, leaving this port with a full
cargo and list of passengers for the North,
few days alter her departure was discoy-
cred floating about IN a very eccentric
style in the gulf The captain of tow
boat, observing her strange condition and
movements and thinking that some Reci-
dent had occurred on board depriYing the
crew OF the power of controlling the yes
sci, boarded her. On reaching the deck of
the Charles, the tow-boat captain and his
boats crew, were horri6ed by the diseoY-
cry that she was deserted by crew and
passengers, her stores and cabins were RI
fed, her deck had large stains, evidently
the blood of the murdered crew, and her
chronometers and all valuable portables
had been taken away. +. -.r
The cargo consisting chiefly of lumber
and other bulky freight, was not disturb
ed for very evident reasons. Here was
conclusive evidence of piratical doings-
The previous accounts of the presence of
a desperate paratieal vessel off the mouth
were now fully confirmed. Though there
was no telegraph in those days, the story
of the Charles was quickly conveyed to
this city. The whole population was agog
with alarm and excitement. The passeH-
gers on the Charles were well-known citi-
zens, and their sad fate excited profound
sympathy and sorrow. But the spirit of
revenge and gsllantry quickly succeeded
to these feelings The city authorities
promptly met, and took prompt measures
to direct and organize expeditions to pro-
ceed Immediately in pursuit of the pirate.
/ Volunteers were called for, and Gen, Per-
sifer F. Smith, afterwards distinguished
| commander in the Mexican war, was plac-
ed in command of a select body of our
| volunteer soldiers. A fast and strong
steamer was chartered, munitioned and
| Quickly embarked with this gallant COM
| J - ,oo,,, he -iv,lof5
coyes of the Gulf in search of the blood
thirsty freebooters. 1t was thought des-
perate and dangerous enterprise, and when
| the steamer left our wharves there were
many anxious wives, mothers, sisters and
sweethearts who offered up ferYent pray
| ers for the safe return of their loved
braves. General Smith however was q
very prompt and thorough going officer
and hurrying up the steamer, soon reached
| the Gulf and proceeded TO q thorough sur
| vey of all the unexpected resorts and hi.
! ding places of the supposititioas pirates
1 No traces could be found Of them
| There were generally on the island and IN
the eoves q few poor fishermen, who had
| heard of the terrible acts of the pirates
and were greatly charmed thereanent. Ii
was always a great relief to them, when
thew were assured that the steamer and
GeReral Smiths party were in pursuit o.
| these desperadoes At last General Smith
learned from some of these fishermen that
a very suspicious party had recently Ian
! ded in small unfrequented island, one o.
| the Chandeleurs; that q tent had been
pitched there, and the reports ol
guns had been heard 1t was a prevalent
4 idea, which gradually grew into conf
dent opinion and belief, that this was the
piratical party which had captured and
riAed the Charles and murdered her crew
and passengers. Gen. Smith determined
to effect a landing on the island and cap
ture the party. He could not reach. it
however until night. On landing with 8
detachment of his men. and approaching