Arizona republican., 1892-01-05
THE LABRADOR PIRATE.

roi ySsis tHt uttp buu tOrtuOuS uuu great bays on the Labrador coast afforded a safe haven to bloodthirsty pirates and rovers of the seas, who, driven by hot pursuit from more frequented waters, repaired to this northern shore to mend their shattered vessels. Here, during the short summer, they recovered from their wounds; here, too, they secreted their booty; here, perchance, the long sought treasure of Captain Kidd may be hidden. Who can tell what secrets are held forever in the recesses q these wavebeateu and rockbound shores? Wondrous traditions are told of hidden wealth on Labrador, and that these are not all old mems tales this true story of Manning may convince the reader:
 Toward the close of the Eighteenth century a Scotchman named Manning settled on the Labrador coast, and alone and unaided followed the rough and precarious calling of fisherman. At the close of each season he visited New foundland to dispose of his catch to the English traders, buy his stock of provi- sions and then return to his lonely dwell ing to pass the long and dreary winter. For several years he led this life, till by his economy having amassed few hun dred dollars great longing seized him to see his native land. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic, and during the round of visits to his Scotch friends he met a bonnie lass whom he persuaded to share his Labrador home. Fitting out a small vessel or schooner, he set sail for America with his young bride and a crew of hardy settlers and their families This was in the year 1906.
 But after twelve months of industry at Labrador Manning grew restless and persuaded the most active and daring spirits in those parts to join him in new project. Toward the latter part of October, 1907, he placed his effects on board his vessel and quietly slipped out of the harbor, determining to lead life of piracy. All his old habits of thrift and industry seemed to have left him, a very demon of adventure seemed to have driven out bis better feelings and wiped out all natural affection, for with heart less cruelty he basely deserted his wife and young child. A stranger in strange land, far from home and kindred, the fate of the unfortunate woman is not known; most probably she did not sur yive her cruel treatment long.
 On the coast there is now small set clement called Mutton Bay or Meccatina HarbOr, and about q mile east of this settlement is a deep inlet called by the French "L'Anse aux Morts" or Bay of the Dead. This bay is screened alike from the fury of the sea and the obser- vation of passing vessels by small island which is easily mistaken for the mainland. Under the rugged and frown- ing cliffs which overhang the Bay of the Dead, so called because an old burying ground was there, Manning and his companions landed. Securely sheltered, there they perfected their plans for life of piracy and bloodshed; and in truth no spot could be more admirably adapt ed for such conclave.
 The course taken then by vessels on their way to Quebec from Europe was through the Straits of Belle Isle, close to the north shore of the St. Lawrence, and just outside of the island behind which Manning and his crew lay in hid ing. At that date packet was sent out annualJye by the British government with the pay of the forces stationed in Canada on board. Manning knew this only too well, and was on the lookout for the vessel. Unsuspicious of danger, she neared the island, when Manning with his ship darted suddenly from his place of hiding and swooped down upon her. She fell an easy prey. Her unfor tunate captain and crew were butchered, the treasure removed, the vessel scut- tied, and no trace of the foul deed left. At Quebec the overdue ship was anxious ly looked for, but hope died out at last, and it was thought that she had suc- cumbed to the fury of the Atlantic. The following year another packet was sent out, and she shared the fate of her pre- decessor.
 The loss of two vessels and their crews in such a short time aroused suspicion, and third was sent out, but with her a man-of-war. All went well till the vicinity of the Bay of the Dead was reached, when, the man-of-war having fallen far astern, the pirate schooner darted out, quickly captured the packet, secured the treasure, and destroyed all the crew with one exception. This was a negro, whom Manning wished to keep for a servant. This man, hoping to pro pitiate his captor, told him that the man-of-war was close behind them. The news so,alarmed the pirate that he beat precipitate retreat to the island. That night another dread crime was added to the long list already committed by the bloodthirsty wretch. Fearing discovery, and believing in the adage that dead men tell no tales, he changed his mind about the negro. He resolved to bury his treasure, and, under cover of blind ing storm, while the thunder rolled and the lightning cleft the sky, he collected his i'll gotten gains into five small casks.
 With the assistance of the negro he placed them in as many holes dug in the old burying ground of the Bay of the Dead. Having accomplished this he suddenly sprang on the unfortunate ne- gro and plunged a knife into his heart. As the life blood slowly ebbed away he twisted the limp form of his victim around the central cask. At this dread