Centre Hall reporter. [volume] (Centre Hall, Pa.) 1868-1871, 1871-10-06

A Fight for Life.

Capt. Thurston, of the bark Brothsrs,
furnishes the following account Of AZ
outrage by the Mexican pirates:
On the both of August Captain Thurs,
ton, was on shore at Santa Anna, and
was informed by the Mexican Alcalde on
Mayor, that there were three sailors on
board the Brothers who had been shipped
there aud must bee returned, Captain
ThurstOn replied that the men had been
legally shipped, they were not Meneans,
aud would not be given up II they were
taken from him il must be by force
aud if the Alcalde persisted he would lay
the matter before the United States gov,
ernment. The Alcalde replied =" do
not care for your government" Hethen
arrested Captain Thnrston and ordered
him 20 be forcihly retained ON shore.
The captain, seeing no other alternative,
promised that IL allowed 10 return 10 his
vessel he would send the three men on
shore. At this time a mob Of Mexican
desperadoes was surrounding the house
Ia which he was confined, demanding
that he be surrended 10 them. The
Aloalde advised him not 10 attempt 10
pass through the mob, M he would surely
be murdered il he did. He was finally
conducted 10 his vessel, the crowd OF
rufiians following, and shouting "hll
him" Once on board, he kept his prom
ise and sent the men ashore. After re-
turning 10 his vessel, several attempts
were made 10 decoy Captain Thurston
ON shore again, but he would not trust
himself among the murderous gang.
During this time he had some slight
difficulty with the conSignees OF the
Brothers regarding some matters relat-
ing 10 the vessel or cargo. On the 9th
of August the clerk OF the cOnsignees
was on the Brothers. and returned 10
shore with the captains boat, stating
that he would return next morning with
the necessary clearance papers for her
departure. About 10 o'clock ON the
same night lac returned 10 the bark in
company with eight other Mexicans from
the shore. Captain Thurston welcomed
the party cordially, suspeeting no treach'
cry. and they returned his friendly salu'
taiions. Captain Dickey. OF the bark
Harvest Home, then laying near the
Brothers, was with Captain Thurston At
the time. For a short time q friendly
conversation was kept up, when sud
denly, and in accordance with preeon-
certed signal. the Mexicans arose, aud,
drawing reynlyers. surrounded Captain
Thurslon, eKclaiming " You are pris-
oner." The Captain seized q eutaSs,
and struck at the nearest OF the party.
The first mate called mp the crew and
told them to fight for their lives. They
seized cutlaSses, belaying-pins, capstan
bars-anything that was handiest-and
desperate struggle commenced The
Mexicans fred at the crew, two shots
took effect, one passing through the
stewards mouth and entering his throat,
iniuring him painfully, but not seriously
One Of the sailors was also wounded.
The crew were making a good fight, but
il was reserved for the second mate 70
distinguish himself by showing GOODNESS
and bravery that would have done honor
10 the veteran of many battles. He !.
the son Of Captain Thurston, and is but
eighteen years old. When the fight
commenced he took his revolver and
endeayored 90 enter the cabin and aid
his father. The Mexicans prevented
him, and he turned and entered by tht
rear. One Of the pirates was scufiiine
with Captain Thurston. and him he shoI
dead. Alarmed by the fall Of this man
the others attempted 10 flee, pAnic-stE1ck
en-, towards their boat One was chased
by Captain Dickcy and shot dead by the
second mate Taking position on decl
young Thnrstun fired the four remaining
u 4. n "a mN~twa ma
they cndcavored 10 get over the boats
side. and each time one fell dead, making
six victims 10 his steady hand. OF al
the assailants, but two escaped 10 The
boat, and OF these one bore n severe
sabre wound. The ringleader, the con
signee's clerk, was killed by a sabre GU
from Captain Thurston. Captain Thurs
ton shipped the anchor. made sail, and
attempted 10 get TO sea but there wa
no wind, and the.resscl lay motionless
Arms were then collected and prepare
tons made 10 give the pirates another
fight Soon aiterward two large boat
filed with men were seen pulling ou
from the shore, and Captain Thurstor
concluded they were too strong for tE'
means OF defence at his command. Hs
and the crew then abandoned the
Brothers. and put TO sea in the small
boat without either water or provisions
They pulled thirty-fve miles out, and on
the 10Th were picked up by the harl
Harvest Home. which had laid neal
them at the scene of the attack. Captain
Dickey, Of the Harvest Home, statei
what occurred after the Brothers wal
abandoned. The two boats seen 10y
Captain Thurston pulled around her, anc
by firing on her found that she wa
deserted. They then rowed towards The
Harvest Home and gave her n volcy
which Captain Dickey returned with such
good effect, that they hauled of and
returned 10 shore. On the following
morning, the 2sth of August, large
party Of Mexicans came off in two armed
schooners and went round the Brothers
firing upon her with howitzer. They
then boarded her. and took her 10 the
anchorage near shore. Captain Dickey
wanted 10 see no more, but went of Il
sen, first sendilg report OF what had
occurred 10 the United States Consul
at Mimtitian He picked up Captain
Thurston and the crew.