The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1879-05-14

pinlOEcd seaman. when the cap
tain of the merchantmen stepped
forward, and, arrestiuy its fall,
said
"Captain Curry, these men are
prisoners of war. Treat them rs
such-guard them with the ut
most vigilance; but resort not to
an act unhcard Of in civilized war
fare, for the qualification Of re-
venge. As an American, | enter
the solemn protest Of my country
against the execution Of yoar ty-
rannical order"
II have no time for trifiing,"
said Curry. "Boatswain's mate,
do your duty!'
! A pause, and the heavy lash de-
! scended on lis victim. The mus
: cles quivered beneath the stroke.
The brawny arm Of the boat
=; swains mate was again raised,
when the cry was heard, "The ad-
iniral's barge alongside! !"
Punishment was suspended, the
yards manned, and Vice Admiral
Murray (the admiral Of the port)
ascended the quarter deck. The
quick eye Of the port admiral at
once rested an the manacled sea.
man.
"What have we here!' said he,
as bis eye glanced from the sea-
man to Curry. "Captain, as your
superior officer and admiral Of the
port, courtesy of a gentleman,
equally with our naval discipline,
should have taught you to report
the cause for this inhiction to me.
Now, sir, why has this extraor-
dinary punishment been visited
on a prisoner of war ?"
HE refused to do duty, and
struck the masters mate" said
Curry.
Had he provocation ?" con-
:inued the admiral.
"He gave tho first blow," said
the bound sailor.
The captain Of the Carol step
ped forward, and respectfully ad-
dressing Admiral Murray, said ::
Sir, the man speaks truly, | saw
the blow given and returned.
Your captain. has also placed me
in irons, and [ have given no
blow, nor been asked to do ships
duty"
''Liberate the prisoner" said
the admiral. "Peace has been
proclaimed" Then facing the
crest-fal!en captain of the frigate,
he proceeded: "You, sir, have
disobeyed orders, set aside the
rules Of the navy, and violated the
rights of humanity. You are no
longer commander of the Solebay.
suspend you until a court mar
tia1 shall confirm my opinion OF
your conduct. You are under
arrest, sir. Lieutenant Haycock,
you will take charge Of the ship
until further orders" )"
1t was in vain the disgraced
captain endeavo bred to explain his
tyranuical conduct. TO all his
protestations the admiral replied ::
You have dlsgraced the flag, sir"
Captain Curry retired to his
cabin completely crest fallen.
II rejoice, sir" said Admiral
Murray, turning to the captain OF
the Carol, shat the ratification
Of peace between our respective
countries allows me to return you
and your companions to your
native land: If l can serve you
in any way during your necessary
stay at Yarmouth, it will crafty
me-"
"In my country's name and my
own I thank you," said the Amerl-
can.
The admiral extended his hand
to him and said /: 81 trust we
shall never again meet as enc
mics"
"As personal enemies VIC can
never meet" returned the captain
of the Carol "and may the sun
never rise which shall shine upon
US as national ones"
The American seamen descend
ed into the jolly boat and, after
saluting the British flag and
giving nine hearty cheers for the
admiral, pushed of for Yarmouth,
whence they soon proceeded to
| the United States.