Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1891-04-11
FOUGHT IT OVER.

chief seaport OF Chill, was the scene oil
several stirring events. Capt, Porter,
afterward admiral, on returning from
his famous cruise in thesouthern seas,
repaired to the CHILEAN seaport before
beglnninghis long voyage ito the United
States. During his trip among the
warm seas he had won great glory Tor
the American navy by capturing near
~ every English whale ship known TO
be of the coast OF Peru and Chill. and
by taking from the enemy property
valued at over two million dollars.
Besides relieving the American whalers
OF all danger he had inspired the Peru
viau and Gillian authorities with re-
spect for the power OF the United
States
While putting up for a short time in
this South American port his ship, the
Essex, was attacked by the English
men-of-war Cherub and Phmbe The
gallant fight which followed was one OF
the bravest in navalhistory, Though
the Essex was injured by squat be
fore the battle commenced, and the
weight OF men and metal was heavily
in favor OF the British the American
man-of-war had strong chances Of vie
tory until the hawser OF the Essex part
cd and fire was discovered below decks
The burning OF the ship decided the
fate OF the conflict The flames spread
rapidly, driving the guuners from
their place aud terrifying the seamen
Efforts were made to subdu9 tho
flames but under the heavy fire OF the
enemy's guns this was impossible
They crept nearer and nearer TO the
magazine, where several hundred kegs
ofpoWder stored away Apprecih.
ting the danger that awaited the ship
and it's gallant crew Capt Porter
called his men together andgave them
liberty to make the attempt To swim
ashore. Many made the attempt and
succeeded, but others were drowned
The flag OF the Essex was finally
hauled down and the surrender made,
Among the seveuty-iiVe prisoners who
were transferred to tile decks OF the
Phoebe was a boy midshtpmuu, Who
was not more than 3 years OF age
He had been active in the battle. and
now that all was lost he refused 10
leave the ship until the captain was
ready to 90. Dressed IN his bright but
battle worn uniform the young mid.
shipman attracted no little attention
from the English sailors There was a
manly, determined look on his youth.
ful face, which betokeuci strength 81
character and will When he stepped
from the deck Ot the Essex to that Of
the Phwbe he east lingering glance
at the burning ship and seemed to bc
taking long farewell Ofhis old friend
Ser the little youugstcr, remarked
one OF the old sailors on the English
ship. "IIe looks as il he was the cap.
tain.
Captain OF his mothers apron
strings, volunteered another.
4 general laugh followed these re-.
marks, but the boy. without dcigning
to notice ieers, stepped lightly from
the bulwark Of the ship to the deck
Taking his place among the prisoners
he quietly waited for further develop
ments. The English seanen were
actively engaged in transferring every
thing Of value from the burning vessel
to the Phoebe The magazine, store.
room, staterooms and even the cap
tain's cabin were rausuCked for vnluu-
bieS. The hames, meanwhile. were be-
ing put out gradually by the English
men.
As one thing after another was
brought from the doomed ship and
thrown recklessly across the deck OF
the successful man-of.war, the Ameri.
can sailors closed their teeth with rage.
and almost longed for renewal of the
conflict. Articles that had become
dear and familiar to their gaze during
their long journey in the southern seas
were now passing before their eyes In.
to the hands of the enemy. II was n
sight sufficient to cause bitter feelings
in any heart.
Finally one OF the sailors came IN
from the hold of the Essex clasping a
small pig in his arms. The pig Was
squeaiing from fright, while the sailor
shouted out to his comrades in loud
voice:
"A prize, boys, prizel By Jove its
a fine grunter"
He lGaped upon the deck OF tho En-.
glish ship. There was a commotiou
for moment among the prisoners
The young midshipman stepped up Ia
the sailor with the pig, and claimed il
as his own
cts my pet pig, snid the midship
man, land he doesn't belong to you
His name is Murphy, aud hchas beer
with ms ever SINCE We left the island d
Mocha. Will you give him up.
No; you are prisoner and so !.
your pig" shouted the sailor at whicl
a general laugh was set up by tn,
others.
The young midshipman, however
was not to be robbed 80 easily. III,
face flushed up with anger, and seiz
ing the pig with both hands he snic
sharply:
But we always respect privat,
property, and this pig belongs to me :