Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-11-22

ENCOUNTER WITH PIRATFs.-A story
which reads like II chapter from one of
Captain Marryatt's nautical romanccs,
comes from the coast of Central America
in an official report received by Messrs.
William Jex & CO., shipping merchants
of New York. The steamer Mallard,
Captain Galloway, which arrived dlv OF
two ago from Corn Island and Belize. Hon
duras, consigned 10 Jex e Co., brought to
the firm brief letter from their agent at
Blue Fields, Nicaragua, giving the out
lines Of the exciting experiences of
a schooner owned by Jex & Co., in an
encounter with a crew of Spanish pirates.
The schooner Transit is one of n number
Of vessels owned by Jex & Co., engaged
in the Central and South American trade.
She runs between various points on the
Mosquito coast of Nicaragua, transporting
generally merch, ndise, which is taken
from this country to Corn Island by the
steamer Mallard. The Transit is an
American vessel, n fine sailer, and n very
trim and yact like craft, rs the picture
hanging in the oflice of her ownership
shows her to be. She is commanded hy
Captain John Thompson, an American
mariner of experience, and has crew
consisting OF two men and cook, About
the lst of August the Transit lay at anchor
IN the bay Of Graci us Bios, the extreme
Northeastern point OF Nicaragua The
schooner was awaiting the arrival of the
steamer and lay three miles out from the
town, but within the bar across the mouth
of the harlor. In the dead Of night and
when the captain was asleep in the cabin,
and only one man was on watch, the
schoohor was silently boarded by SIX
pirates, who hld stcallhily approached the
ship in two canoes, sheltered by the dark.
ness The mIraudcrs were armed to tie
teeth, and, having taken tie Transit by
surprise, were able to scjZ' Ctptaiu
fhoml son and his three men, after a ricf
and desperate struggle. The captain and
crew were bound hand and foot, and TIE
pirates took full possession Of their prizn
and ransackcd tie ship from stem to stern.
The ships company were thrown into the
hold, and the prvftcs then hos,ed sail
and epdeavorcd to make for the open sea,
knowing that they could net hope to
retain the capture If they did not quickly
get out of port before their daring deed
was discovered. But the captain of the
pirate crew did not know the harbor. and
was unable TO get the ship over the bar.
After maneuvering in vain for some
little time he threatened Captain Thomp.
son with death unless be piotcd the YES
sci to sea. The captain agreed if he was
released from the ropes which bound him
hand and foot, and as he peremptorly
refused to comply on any other terms, the
pirate chief was constrained to accept the
condition. Captain Thompson was given
the use of his limbs and navigated thc
Transit over the bar and out to sea. By
this time the pirates thought themselves
safe and were indiscreet enough TO indulge
literally in the arguardiente, of which
the ships lockers contained a plentiful
supply. The fiery stuff was partake1l Of
to excess by all hands. and soon the
pirates were in condition Of almost
helpless drunkenness. Captain Thompson
was not a man to let this golden opportu-
nifty slip. Watching his chance he rem
below, cut the ropes which bound the
captive crew, and with their help quickly
attacked the pirate band, subdued them,
and secured the whole six safely in irons
The course of the ship was then altered
and she was headed for Blue Fields $50
miles below Gracious DOis, tho nearest
point at which there was United States
Consul. Arrived here tho six pirates
were taken ashore and surrendered TO the
authorities, and Captain Thompson return.
ed to the port whence he had been com
PEELED to sail so prematurely, and under
such sensational circumstances. The
pirates were Spaninrds and of the most
desperate character.