Fearing, in this instance, a too ready compliance, in which case the
opportunity for revenge would escape him, the Governor must have had
everything planned and prepared in the evening, probably while we
were with him, to execute his cowardly design in the morning, before
it was permitted to Rowan to come on shore. The launches, which were
used to transport wheat from the shore to the large ship before
mentioned, passed and repassed near the Hazard while thus engaged;
consequently, they would excite no suspicion when approaching the
ship. An enterprize involving so little risk, and which promised so
golden a harvest of plunder, had not to wait for the requisite number
of men. About two hundred ruffians, armed with pistols, swords, and
knives, embarked in the launches used for carrying wheat, and boarded
the Hazard on each side, while her men were entirely off their guard,
unsuspicious of any cause of hostility. To save their lives, such of
the crew as were able made a hasty retreat to the hold. But there
were two poor fellows lying sick in their hammocks, and these were
both dangerously wounded. Rowan was screened from the vengeance of
the banditti by the interference of an officer, taken immediately on
shore, and sent to the castle.
The scene of plunder and confusion which ensued beggars all
description. Perceiving that the mischief was likely to be more
extensive than he had imagined, the Governor went on board with a
party of soldiers to arrest its progress. But he soon discovered that
it is easier to set a mob in motion than to control it afterwards.
With his utmost efforts, aided by the soldiers, and by the commandant
of the custom-house guards and his satellites, he was incapable of
resisting the progress of the plunderers, until, being satiated, they
retreated with their booty to the shore as opportunity offered. When
there were but few remaining he succeeded in driving them away, and
placed the ship in charge of the mates.