The Sun. — 1840-03-16 (London, England)

PIRACY.  James Fleming and others of the crew of the brig Deposite, hare been brought before the United States District Court at Boston, charged with the murder of the captain and passengers, and the forcible seizure of the brig. From the report in the Bay State Democrat, we learn that the design was conceived shortly after the vessel left the port of Boston, the men having provided themselves with opium, which they attempted, during the passage to the coast of Africa, to administer to the officers by drugging the coffee, but as the cook, Antonio, was faithful, and would not be bribed, they could not effect their purpose. Arriving at Loango, 89,000 in gold was taken on board, and the conspirators, foiled in their first attempt, and incited by the person who is said to have been the originator of the scheme, determined to resort to violence. Accordingly, while the captain and mate were on shore, the captain's pistols and ammunition were taken from his chest, and carried to the forecastle, and it was arranged to kill him and the mate when they returned on board. Contrary to expectation, however, they did not come alone, but with them came some Portuguese, who had been hired to assist about the cargo. The conspirators dared not make the attempt, the pistols were returned. and fear of detection from the numerous Portuguese on the coast induced them to defer the execution of their design till they should sail for Rio de Janeiro. On their passage to that place, no opportunity offered until a few days before their arrival, when the time of execution was appointed, and the signal agreed upon, which was to be given by the man at the helm, who was provided with a stone slung in a stocking to knock the captain down when he was taking the sue, which was to be the signal for a general attack. The day arrived, and the conspirators anxiously waited for the signal ; bnt the brig being well on shore, the captain on that day omitted his observation. Their plan thus frustrated, its execution was deferred until the succeeding night, when the captain and mate should both be asleep, but they, being warned by the cook, were on their guard, slept alternately, one or the os her being always up and ready for action. The day after they arrived at Rio Janeiro, and anchored in the harbour, and even then they would have accomplished their design had not the sicinity of an English brig deterred some of them from making the attempt. On receiving information of the state of affairs on board the brig, the American Consul sent off a detachment of soldiers, who took them and carried them ashore for examination, when Fleming confessed the whole plot, and the captain not objecting, was allewed to return to his duty on board the Deposite, in which he came to this city. The others were sent to this country in the ship of war Boxer, which arrived with them the day before yesterday at New York, where they will be tried.  The venerable Earl of Lansdale is surrounded b. a family party at Cottesmore, including Lord and Lady William Powlett, Lady Frederick Bentinck, the lion. Colonel and Lady Eleanora, and the Misses Lowther. Last week the D of Leeds, Mr. and Lady Mary Thompson, Mr. Algernon d Wodehouse, Mr. Gilbert and the Hon. Mrs. Heathetit Mr. Augustus O'Brien, arrived. Lord Lonsdale, and Mr. eighty-two, is able to enjoy the sport of hunting. The Duchess Dowager of Bedford and the Ladies Georgiana and liachael Russell are expected at Cambden Hill early this week from Baron's Court, Tyrone, where her Grace and daughters have been residing with the Marquis of Abercorn during the winter. The Duchess Dowager of Marlborough, after an absence of man) years from Blenheim, will return there next month, to pass the rest of her days at that magnificent mansion. 'l' he Duke and Duchess of St. Albans are at present at Holly Lodge, Highgate, Her Grace is slighly indisposed, in consequence of her approaching accoucheinent. Lord Frederick has been hitherto and is still the heir presumptive to the Dukedom. The Duke of Bedford has accepted the Steward. ship of the Bedford Spring Races, which commence on the 9th of next month. His Grace has resumed the occupancy of the splendid family mansion in Belgrave-square, their late residence in Spring-gardens not being sufficiently spacious for their large establishment. The Duke sold the edifice with all its appointments to Sir John Guest, Bart,