The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1897-12-17
WHEN Capt. Ned Low. one of the
w most formidable pirate leaders in

WHEN Capt. NED Low, one OF 'ne
w most formidable pirate leaders in
colonial days, committed his depreda-
lions along the Atlantic coast from
Newfoundland to Panama, he took spe-
cialdelight in wreaking vengeance upon
the crews and captains of New England
vessels.
The reason for this is found in the
accounts of his exploits by an old his
torian. The sturdy colonists would not
permit him to perform his outrages
without some sort of retaliation. So
formidable foe did they send after the
noted pirate chief that more than once
he was cornered and nearly captured.
In June. 1929. Capt. Low formed
partnership with a successful pirate of
lesser note. known as Charles Harris.
The two united forces and directed their
energies toward the New England coast.
They soon aroused such indignation in
the New England coast towns that the
warship Greyhound was sent out after
the pirate, and. disguised as a merchant
man. she soon fell in with the enemy.
The war ship was manned with 90 guns
and 100 men. When she sighted the
pirates her captain pretended 10 be in
great CONSERVATION. and the vessel
stood away for two hours, with the
pirates close at her heels.
When Low and Harris were in gum
shot the war ship suddenly turned
around and delivered several broadsides
into the chasing vessels. During the
conflict which followed. Capt. Low
escaped on his fleet vessel; but Harris
and his crew were captured and hanged
near Newport on July 10. 1923.
This incident created feeling Of re-
lief and rejoicing throughout New Eng
land. but il was of short duration. In
stead Of being frightened away by the
fate Of his partner and his crew. Capt.
Low increased his activity. and secured
the seas after New England vessels.
At that time New England was send
lng ont large fleets of whaling boats. and
the sturdy. innocent seamen of these
We're bothered by the pirates probably
more than any other class. They cor
red very little merchandise that was of
any value to the pirates. but out Of a
Sense Of revenge. Capt. Low took special
delight in destroying the whaling yes
se- and in setting their crews adrift in
small boats or killing them.
Matters went on this way for few
months. when the noted pirate chief
either became frightened at the number
N war ships searching for him, or he
ict that he had been sufficiently re-
'engod for the hanging Of his partner.
ior after the winter of 1923 there is no
record to show that he ever again Wis
Nta the American coast. His operations
thereafter were confined chiefly to the
African coast and among the Canaries
ana Cape Verde islands.
bui one incident of his career among
we New England whalers before he lie fl
Tor southern waters will illustrate the
pluek and ingenuity of the sturdy sea.
Mon Of that day.
The Carrie Bald. of Boston, sailed
from that city. manned with a crew OF
y sailors. and after ten weeks Of sue
'eSsful whaling, she turned her Prov
toward home. loaded down with blub-
per and whale oil. Her crew were in the
best OF spirits, anticipating large profits
from their cargo. and hearty welcome
nome by their wives, children and sweet
hearts.
On July 10 she sighted land. which
proved to be rocky headland on the
Maine coast. With this guide post tell
ing the captain and crew that they
would be in Boston harbor in a few
Gays everybody began to make prepare
IONS for landing Everything about tn,
vessel was put ship-shape, and the ole
sailors even got their belongings to
gether and packed them in bags ant
old sailcloth.
But before Mount Desert isant
was sighted. sail was seen headin,
toward the coast. standing up from tn,
sea like great. white cloud. Capt
bald, Of the Carrie. grew anxious a
me sail approached nearer and dis
played flag at the mizzen masthea,
which he could not make out. One rea
son for his running so far inshore ha,
oeen to escape the notice Of any plrat
Nal craft that might he cruising nj
ana down the coast. Most Of the trad
Wg vessels stood well out from tn
rocky Maine shore.
Half an hour later Capt. Bald felt rea
sonably sure that the approaching sa.