New-York tribune., 1880-06-13
From The Boston Post.

From The Boston Post.
Though the poem has been published many years
works since it was written, Skipper Ireson has never
been vindicated, nor has o complete and truthful
history of the affair ever been given to the public
MSarblehead," Mr. Samuel Roads, jr.. gives the fol-
lowing interesting version of the affair. which Is
acknowledged to. be authentic; ,oo, A.
schooner Betty, commanded by Skipper Benjamin
Ireson, arrived from the Grand Banks, Shortly
after their arrival the crew reported that a az
Cape Cod Lighthouse, they passed the
schooner Active, Of Portland, which was IN
fused to render any assistance to the unfortunate
men on board the wreck The excitement and in
dgnation of the people upon the reception OF this
resentment Of the people was still further provoked
when on the following day, the sloop Swallow ar
rived having on board Captain Gibbons It ths master
This statement by one who had 30 narrowly es-
sT to
tleir disapproyal Of Skipper lreson,s conduct by
signal act Of vengeance. Accordingly on bright
denly seized by several powerful men and securely
bound. He was then placed In q dory, and, be-
snea5ed from head to feet with tar and d. feathers
tude of men and boys. When opposite the locality
now known as Workhouse Rocks, the bottom of the
dOry came out, and the prisoner finished the remain
der of bis ride to Salem in cart The authorities
Of that city forbade the entrance Of the strange
procession, and the crowd returned TO Marble
head. Throughout the entire proceeding MIR.
Ireson maintained dignifed silence. and when. on
arriving at his own home, he was released from Gus
tody, his only remark was;"! thank you for my
His words were prophetic. When too late to
make reparatiOn for the wrong they had committed.
the impulsiye fishermen realized that they had per-
perated act of the greatest injustice upon an in
nOcent man.
skipper Ireson was not more to blame than bus
1.,I Do hnli n.,nI nf all han AhA
wreck was spoken, and the cry Of distress was
heard, terrific gale was blowing. There was o
consultation on board tho Betty as to the course to
ing Others; Finding that they, were reso-
@S % to hsF by the %es Sa @
storm should abate, and then go to the rescue Of
the unfortunate men. To this they also demurred,
voyage without delay. On their arrival in Marble
head, fearing the just indignation Of the people,
they laid the entire blame upon the skipper. This
version of the affair IS generally accepted as true.
In the following letter to Mr.. Roads. Mr. Whittier
embraces the opportunity to make reparatiOn for
the injustice qnwittingly committed in his ballad.
1t will be read with interest by all who
and love the man for his faithful devotion at all
times to the cause of the oppressed. In writing it
aud has gracefully discharged one of the most deli
cate duties that can confront o literary man-tho
acknowledgment OF mistake.
MY DEAR FRIEND: heartily thauk thee for cooy OF
thy History of Mlrbehead l have read II with great
Interest think good has been made of the abun
daut material.
No town In Essex County has n record moro honorable
than Marbehead ono hus dono 10 develop the
industrial interests OF our NewEngand seab0ard, and
certainly have given such evidence OF sesacri.
hcng patriotism. am glad the story Of 1t has been 90
last told, and told so we'll
have doubt that thy version OF Skipper Ire.
son Ia correct one My solely founded on
fragment Of rhyme whioh hoard from one Of my early
sohOOlmates. native OF Marblehead. supposed the
story which referred dated back least century
knew nothing OF the particulars and the narrative Of
the ballad was pure fancy. am glad for tho sake OF
and Justice that real given In thy
book certainly would not knowingly do injustice to
any one dead or living. 1 am very truly thy friend
JOHN G. WHITTIER.