The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1882-02-02
A BATTLE WITH SLAVES
THRILLING INCIDENT OF THE CAPTURE OF
THE SLAVE SHIP ERIE BY THE UNITED
STATES STEAMER MICHIGAN.

When everything seemed ready the
large hatch, in four parts, was throws
wide open. In an instant the whole
hatchway was full of frenzled savages,
| who sprang upon US with the most hid
eous yells, eyes glaring like naniacs,
striking and tearing at every one and
everything. Having no idea of the cause
of tbs sudden revolt, we were naturally
started beyond description, but were
able ey putting all our strength into the
first flows to knock or hurl those fore
most ID attack headlong into the seeth
ing mass below, though soon to be pas
sed up again to the conflict or made
stepping stones for others to climb upon,
so that the hatch was, always full. Mad
dened by the blows, with blood stream
ing and wild with excitement, they fought
indiscriminately with the first that came
in their way, striking in every direction
and clutching at our throats like wild
beasts. The fighting was hand-to- hand
and horrible-700 against 10-but, for
tunately, not more than thirty at time
could reach us, the hatchway not being
large enough to contain more. AS those
in advance fell, crushed and badly injur-
ed, we were confronted by others fresh
and more desperate, and the fight went
on with all the fury of madmen. Knock
ing them senseless without mercy as
they fell we had to guard against being
dragged down with them to be torn 70
pieces by the 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
overpowered, all knowing that with any
break in our line or giving away at any
point meant death in its most horrid
form, for ii the slaves could gain foot
ing 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 it looked hopeless, as those below
nearly succeeded in crowding those in
front against our strongest efforts. Our
swords were useless; each one had too
many against him, and we had TO rely
principally upon the heavy ends of our
thick cowhides.
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 and force
this part also securely on. When we
f,,a-- III thas,, os4-e.7 49, 4baro oa,,,,
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. Instead
of 900 slaves subject to control with
proper care, we found ourselves with
900 crazy savages frantic from thirst and
hunger, to be controlled only by being
overpowered. Great as the dangers be-
fore appeared they were nothing to what
now surrounded us.
We determined to try again by open
ing small part of the hatch sufficiently
to allow one or two only to pass up at a
time, keeping enough of our number to
fight back the others that would struggle
to force through. Thus one by one
they came up, and finding themselves
surrounded and overpowered were fore
ed down on deck without resistance and
guarded with cowhides until circle Of
twelve was formed, when water and food
were placed in the center. Another cir
Gle was then begun, and this method
continued until we had succeeded by af-
ternoon in seating and placing water and
food before the whole 800.