Daily globe., 1881-11-28
A BATTLE WITH SLAVES.
Thrilling lnctdent Of the Capture Of til,
SIace Ship Erte by the United State
Ste0mssbtp AOhicQn.


Saace Ship Erie by the United State
SteGnsshtp Aohtcam.
RI. D. Todd, q. 8. n, in the Phil ladelphis
Times.
When everything seemed ready the
large hatch, in four parts, was throw,
wide open. In an instant the whole
hatchway was full of frenzied savages,
who sprang upon us with their most
hideous yells, eyes glaring like maniacs,
striking and tearing at everyone and
everything. Having no idea of the cause
Of this sudden revolt, we were naturally =
startled beyond description, but were
able, by putting all our strength into the
first blows, to knock or hurl those fore
most in the attack headlong into the
seething black mass below, though
soon to be passed up again to
the conflict >or made stepping stones for
others to climb upon, so that the hatch
was always full. Maddened by the blows,
with blood streaming and with excite
ment, they fought Unfortunately with
the first that came in their way, strikin z
in every direction and clutching at our
throats like wild beasts. Ths flghtin Q
was hand-te-hand and horrible en-
hundred against ten-but, fortunately,
not more than thirty at q time could
reach US, the hatchway not being large
enough to contain more. As those in atl-
vance fell crushed and badly injured we
were confronted by others fresh and more
desperate, and the fight went on with all
the fury of madmen. Knocking them
senseless without mercy, as they fell we
had to guard against being dragged down
with them to be torn to pieces by tie
infuriated crowd beneath. There
was no time for orders; officers
and men stood side by side, helping
each other when possible or whenever
one was over-powered, all knowing that
with any break In our lineOr giving awsy
at any point meant death in its most
horrid form, for if the slaves could gain a
footing on the deck it would soon be over.
The hardest struggle was where the large
ladder came up to the deck, and at one
time 1t looked hopeless, as those below
nearly succeeded In cr0wding those in
front against our stronger efferts. Our
swords were useless, each one had too
many against him, and we had to rely
principally upon the heavy ends of our
thick cOWhldes.
After some time we managed to take
advantage of an opportunity and closed
the other parts of the hatchway from the
ladders, and then with the whole of our
small force combining at the ladder we
were able to crush them there ard
force this part also securely on. When
we finally had them Gagged below there
came up yell Of defeat which seemed TO
shake the ship. The sounds which we
had heard all night were their screams
and struggles for freedom and food. In
stead Of nine hundred slaves subject to
control with proper care, we now found
ourselves with nine hundred crazy saw
ages frantic from thirst and hunger, to
be controlled only by being overpowered.
Great as the dangers before appeared,
they were nothing to what now surround
ed us.
We determined to try again by opening
q small part of the hatch sufficiently to
allow one or two only to pass up at q
time, keeping enough of our number to
fight back the others that would strug-
gle toforce through. Thus one by one
they came up, and finding themselves
surrounded and o7erpowered were fore ed
down on deck without resistance and
gaurded with cowhides until q circle OF
twelve was formed, when water and fuel
was placed in the center. Another circle
was then begun and this method cOntin-
ued until we had succeeded by afternoon
in seating and placing water and food be.
fore the whole 900.