The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1898-05-14
FINE YANKEE AUDACITYI


THAT night there was Il busy hum
along the streets of Port Platte,
the village at the head of a small harbor
on the south side OF San Domingo. The
sun was slowly descending behind the
blue peaks of the island, and all knew
that deep darkness might almost in
~stantly succeed the brief twilight of the
tropics. But the rapid approach of
night was forgotten in the general
alarm; for an American frigate, with
all canvas spread, vas bearing down
upon the French haven. Suddenly the
dreaded vessel furled her courses and
hove to as if to re%connoiter. After
scanning narrowly the little anchorage,
however, she put about and set her
courses again, and her ghOstly form
was soon swallowed by the gathering
darkness. The people on shore
breathed easier, but none the less they
continued to reinforce their fort, be-
sides sending soldiers on board the
letter of marque, Sandwich, formerly Il
British packet, but then in the service
of the French, Which lay close under
the guns of the battery, where she was
receiving a cargo CT coffee preparatory
to a run for France.
1t was in 1900. Some four wears be-
fore the French government, incensed
with the United States for making the
Jay treaty with Great Britain and for
electing John Adams to the presidency.
recalled its minister and began to cap
ture our merchantmen. President
Adams, however, hoped for Il peaceful
solution of the question at issue. and
sent commissioners to Paris. Ennis
saries of Prince Talleyrand. signing the
initials *. Y. h." wrote to the Ameri-
can ENJOYS. offering immunity TO our
commerce if the United States would
bride several French officials literally.
The ENJOYS sent the correspondence to
the president, WAC laid it before con-
gress. The nation was reused. Mil
ions for defense; not one cent for
tribute!" was the cry, and several very
fine warships were built as rapidly as
wOrkmen could put them together. In
February, 1899, Commodore Thomas
TruXtun, in the 3S-gun frigate Constel-
~lation. captured the French 3S-gun
L'Insurgente in the Caribbean sea; and.
4 year later. just before our story opens,
pursued, attacked and vanquished the
French ship La Vengeance of 81 guns.
"Truxtun! TruNtun. La ConsteIla-
tom" passed from lip to lip with in
stinctive CONSERVATION, that afternoon.
at Port Platte. Night came on: the
moon did not appear, and scudding
clouds obscured the stars. The ~reveiIle
WAS beaten at the fort, and the people
retired to dream of their fortunate es-
cape from a visit by the daring cruisers
of the American squadron. Could they
have pierced the darkness seaward.
their self-complacency would have re-
ceived a rude shock. The frigate, when
she lost sight of tie island. ca=ne about.
and, under full sail. stood in for shore.
Just then, the heavy roar of a cannon
came booming over the water. and. one
after another. ali but the light of the
garrison disappeared.
"Now is your time" said Commodore
Talbot to his lieutenant, have the sec
ond cutter manned. sir. and come to me
for further orders" Then looking at
the compass and observing the log and
the surroundings, he went below.
Enter" he commanded, a few min
utes later, in response TO a knock at
the cabin door. Are you ready so
soon?" he inquired, as Lieut.. Hull
stood before him again.
All ready, sir"
Then, SIR said the commodore, you
will enter the harbor of Port Platte
without being discovered, ascertain
whether the craft that we saw lying |
under the guns of the fort is the Sand
wich, and report to me-"
How shall l ascertain the fact with
out boarding herr"
"You will know the Sandwich by the ,
black stripes around her white masts
and by the shortness of her b~owsprit.
Make haste, sir, L have other work for
You"
Hull withdrew, wrapped himself IN
his heavy boat cloak. gave the neces-
sary orders to the officer of the deck,
and took his place at the stern sheets
% the second cutter. Shove off! Let
sal: Pull cheerily, my boys" were the