The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-12-13

he was not it to die. I repeated to him his own catechism and begged him at least to let the officer set, to the men he had corrupted and seduced, the example of dying with decorum. This immediately restored him to en- tire self-posession, and while he was engaged in prayer went and made in succession the same announcement to Cromwell and Small, Cromwell fell up- on his knees, completely unnerved. protested his innocence, and invoked the name of his wife. Mir Spencer said to me: "As these are the last words l have to say, l trust they will be be- lieved. Cromwell Is innocent The evidence has been conclusive, yet was staggered
 The commander consulted with his officers, and, returning to Spencer, told him that Cromwell had said he would make Spencer his secretary if the plot succeeded. "I remark ed: T do not think this would have suited your temper This effectually aroused him, his countenance assumed demonicacal expression; he said no more of the in- nocence of Cromwell" When urged to send message to his friends. Spencer said: "Tell them I die wishing them every blessing and happiness. .. | feel sincerely penitent. and my only fear of death is that my repentance may be too late I fear said he, this may injure my father told him it was almost too late to think of that" and 1t was fortunate for all con cerned that he was not brought home for punishment, because flor those who have friends or money in America there was no punishment for the worst of crimes the best and only service he could do his father was to die" s
 Spencer suggested that the death sentence might be illegal but the com mander reminded him that his view was not appropriated" and that he had made his conspiratory arrange ments" without consulting the com mander.
 He asked me what was the manner of death. explained it to him. He objected to it and asked to be shot" This request was denied but he was al- lowed to have his face covered with black handkerchief taken from his locker. He asked for a Bible and prayerbook.
 "T am believer. he said. Do you think that repentance at this late hour can be acceptedT I called to his rec ollection the case of the penitent thief who was pardoneds by our Saviour up- on the. Cross''
 The boy asked Mack enzie to forgive him, and. calling for the purser's stew ard, said: ".Mr. Wales, earnestly hope you will forgive me for tamper- ing with your fidelity At the gang way MT. Spencer met Small with the same calm manner. but with a nearer approach to emotion. Small, forgive me for leading you into this trouble.' Small drew-back with horror. No by God! MT. Spencer. can't forgive your"
 The commander argued with Small and persuaded him to shake hands with Spencer. Small asked those who held the whip, or noosed rope, to give him a quick and easy death. and he made this last address: "Shipmates and topmates, take warning by my ex- ample; I never was a pirate; I never killed a man; it's for saying that would do 1t that I am about to depart this life. See what a word will do. It was going in a Guineaman brought me to this Beware of a Guineaman." -. Cromwell's last words were: Tell my wife die an innocent man"
 A gun fired by live coals from the galley was the signal for the crew to haul on the ropes. Spencer had asked the privilege of giving the command: Stand by--firel" to be followed by ''Whip" But at the last moment he
 
 As the ironed and shrouded bodies rose in the air, swayed and moved conculslvely at the yardarms, Com mander Mackenzie delivered a brief sermon to the crew and called for Three hearty cheers for the flag of our countryr' The. crew was then piped down to dinner. Afterward there was a sea funeral On the Sunday following the commander treated his crew to another sermon saying they should now give cheers for their God" and ''the banner of the Cross" was hoisted above the American ensign The hundredth psalm was sung and Mackenzie shuddered to- think what a different scene might have been pre- scented if the boy mutineer had not | been hanged and the Somers had be- | come pirate ship.
 After three months investigation | and court martial at the Brooklyn | navy yard, in which Benjamin F. But Ter and Charles O'Conor were retained | as counsel by relatives of Spencer | Mack enzie was acquitted of murder by | a vote of g to 3. The politics of Presi- l dent Tyler's administration entered | into the case, as well as the clan feel ing of naval officers, to uphold the l draconian discipline of the time and | the pre1udices of merchants who had | profits to lose by the not entirely e=- tinct trade of piracy. A daughter of | Commander Mackenzie died at Norris l town, N. J., two years ago.