PUT-IN-BAY.
As a rule the crews of the several vessels shared the old gunner’s
opinion regarding Commodore Perry’s intention of giving us all the work
possible, now that his squadron was at liberty.
It seems really wonderful, as I look back on those days when I hoped
to win fame as a soldier or sailor, how quickly the men came to have
confidence in our boyish-looking commodore. Hardly one of them had ever
seen him before he arrived in Presque Isle, and yet all were ready to
trust their lives in his hands without reserve.
All believed as did old Silas, and every one labored with a will
to make the _Niagara_ ready that there might be no delay when our
commander found the opportunity to strike a blow.
At five o’clock on that afternoon the last gun had been brought off
from the shore, and without waiting until the decks could be put
shipshape, word was passed from one craft to the other for all to make
sail, following the lead of the flag-ship.
“Now you can see whether I told the truth,” old Silas said triumphantly
when the _Lawrence_ was gotten under way, her flags floating proudly
in the breeze. “There’s not a craft in the fleet ready for action, and
yet off we go in search of the enemy. Precious little time lost in that
kind of work, eh?”
Nobody grumbled because of such eagerness, although it kept us all
jumping mighty lively when we should have been bottling up sleep after
four nights of almost incessant labor; but we toiled and sweated hour
after hour as cheerfully as if it was done solely for our private
benefit.
By break of day we had arrived off the North Foreland. The vessels were
in something approaching proper trim, and half of the men had been told
off to take a watch below.
Alec and I were among those thus released from duty, yet we remained on
deck when our eyes seemed glued together owing to lack of sleep, in the
hope that we might catch a glimpse of Leon Marchand.
Although I have never mentioned the lad’s name since relating the
particulars of our second escape from North Foreland, I have not kept
silence because we failed to think of him.
Hardly a day had passed but that we held converse regarding the French
boy, speculating as to what might have been his fate after the
soldiers discovered that he had led them on a wild-goose chase, and
promising that whenever the fortunes of war should permit we would do
our best at finding him.
Therefore it was we remained on deck when we might have been sleeping,
even though there was not one chance in a thousand of seeing, or, if we
did catch a glimpse of the lad, there could be no possibility of having
speech with him.
We sighted no living thing along the entire shore of the North Foreland.
By aid of a glass it was possible to make out the barracks where the
troops had been encamped; but they appeared to be deserted, and we had
good reasons for believing that the famous descent upon Presque Isle
was abandoned.
The British squadron was keeping out of sight also, and I, believing
Commodore Perry would make immediate search for them, suddenly
discovered cause for alarm.
“Suppose your brother sails either east or west with the hope of coming
across Commodore Barclay, is he not leaving Presque Isle unprotected?”
I asked of Alec, as if believing he could answer the question in a
satisfactory manner. “Who shall say that the much-talked-of expedition
is not near the town at this moment, having awaited just such an
opportunity as has now been given?”
Old Silas passed at the moment I spoke, and, overhearing the question,
took it upon himself to make reply:--
“Do you think our commander can be so stupid as you are tryin’ to make
out? I’ll go bail that we look in at Presque Isle bay as often as once
in every four-and-twenty hours so long as the wind serves, an’ while
it holds calm there’s little chance the Britishers will land any very
great shakes of an expedition.”
“That’s it, exactly!” Alec cried, apparently much relieved by this view
of the matter. “I knew Oliver wouldn’t leave his base of supplies at
the mercy of the enemy, yet didn’t see exactly how it might be guarded
if we were to search for Commodore Barclay’s squadron. There’s no hope
of our seeing the French lad, and we’d best take our trick below, Dicky
Dobbins, before it expires.”
“That’s where you’re right, lad!” the old gunner cried approvingly.
“Never lose a chance to take a rest, and by such means you will always
be ready for hot work.”
Then we two lads went to our hammocks on the gun-deck, and, once
stretched out at full length, slumber visited our eyelids with but
little delay.
We were not awakened until sunset, and then going on deck we saw dead
ahead, hardly more than two miles away, the entrance to Presque Isle
bay.
Old Silas was in the right when he said we should look in here as often
as once in every four-and-twenty hours, for until the 9th day of August
we cruised back and forth, watching and praying for a sight of the
enemy.
It was on the morning of the fourth day since our fleet came out across
the bar, that we received reliable intelligence concerning the enemy
from a French-Canadian, who was friendly to the Americans because of
his enmity to the British.
Commodore Barclay had gone with his squadron to Malden, there to await
the completion of another ship which was nearly ready for sea, and it
was generally believed he would remain in that harbor until able to
strengthen his fleet by the addition of this new craft.
It seemed that he was unwilling to meet us on equal terms, although
having professed eagerness to come at us in any shape, regardless of
men or armament, and now had gone into hiding until he might have
nearly two guns for every one of ours.
On the strength of this information General Mead decided to disband
the militia which had come to the defence of Presque Isle. The larger
number of them were farmers, and it was high time they got into their
harvest fields.
Therefore, on this 9th of August the troops marched out of the town,
and once more the citizens banded together in military fashion to
protect their homes.
This day was destined to bring great changes and decided advantages to
all of us, whether ashore or afloat.
The militia had hardly more than gotten out of the town before an
hundred disciplined sailors and marines, well officered and under
command of Captain Jesse D. Elliott, marched in, and immediately
signals were set in token that those on shore desired to communicate
with the commander of the fleet.
It can well be fancied that we were overjoyed by the arrival of this
sadly needed reënforcement, and the squadron came to anchor just off
the bar to receive the newcomers.
The men and officers already on the _Niagara_ were distributed among
the other vessels, and the brig was put under command of Captain
Elliott, who took on board with him the force he had brought in.
Commodore Perry now had under his command nearly four hundred men, and
the moment had come when he believed it his duty to report as being
ready to coöperate with General Harrison, even though by so doing he
would be leaving Presque Isle at the mercy of the enemy.
“I’m allowin’ Barclay won’t have a chance to do much mischief in this
section of the country,” old Silas said, when a dozen or more in the
watch to which we two lads belonged were discussing the news that had
been whispered around, no one knowing how it had leaked out of the
cabin. “Our commodore ain’t countin’ on givin’ the Britishers any very
great amount of spare time, an’ that famous squadron of theirs will
have to move mighty lively in order to steer clear of a row.”
To me it seemed almost wicked, this going away from Presque Isle when
it appeared as if the town was in greatest danger; but Alec argued that
in war there can be no discrimination, and that, as in all things, “the
greatest good to the largest number” is the rule to be observed.
It made little difference, however, what I might have thought of this
new order of affairs. The command was given that the fleet make sail
for Put-in-Bay, and the town wherein was my mother must be left with no
other protection than could be afforded by the armed citizens.
If Captain Elliott had arrived twelve hours earlier, or if General Mead
had delayed an equal length of time before disbanding the militia, the
situation of affairs might have been far different, and my heart would
have been less heavy on that morning when we set sail in regular battle
order to begin active operations against our country’s enemies.
During such time as we were at sea nothing in the way of a British
craft was sighted, and now is the moment when I may set down certain
matters regarding the traitor Alec and I had captured.
Until this morning when we left the entrance of Presque Isle bay, some
of us never to return, I had believed Nathaniel Hubbard was confined on
board the _Caledonia_; but as we made sail I heard one of the sailors
complaining that he was deprived of what might be a last glimpse of
home in order to “feed a villanous traitor.”
“Who is it?” I asked, surprised at learning there was any one
imprisoned on board the _Lawrence_.
“You should know, seeing that you had a hand in his capture,” the
man replied surlily. “Why he wasn’t sent on shore instead of bein’
transferred to this brig, beats me.”
“When was he brought aboard?”
“The night after we crossed the bar, and before the fleet put across to
the North Foreland.”
“Are we to carry him with us on this cruise?”
“You’ll have to ask the commodore for that information. I’m not
supposed to know what he counts on doin’. It’s enough for me that I
must fetch an’ carry for a gallows-bird like him.”
The man was in such an ill temper that it was useless to question
him further, and I went to old Silas, as both Alec and I had come to
believe was our right.
It was plain to be seen, when I put the first question, that Master
Boyd could give much more information than he then seemed disposed to
do.
He answered me almost curtly, never volunteering even an opinion, and
this was so entirely contrary to his usual manner that my suspicions
were aroused.
“It seems to me that Alec and I have the right to know what is being
done with the man,” I said hotly. “We captured him without aid from any
one, and yet it is forbidden us to know other than that he was put on
board the _Caledonia_.”
“There’s no call to lose your temper, lad, seein’s how the fellow has
been held just as you delivered him, except that a change of prisons
was made, and I’m allowin’ the commodore ran away with the idea that he
might venture thus far without your permission.”
I was ashamed, immediately after having spoken, and the old man’s reply
only served to increase my confusion.
“It is proving myself a simple, to speak in such a tone,” I said
humbly. “There’s no reason why either Alec or I should know anything
regarding the prisoner which the commander wishes to keep a secret.”
“From what I’ve heard and can guess, I allow you two lads will not
have the chance to complain of bein’ kept in the dark, so far as he’s
concerned, many days longer.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, my curiosity provoked by his air of
mystery.
“Time will show, and you’re young enough to be willin’ to wait a few
hours.”
Having said this, old Silas turned away, as if his breath was too
valuable to be wasted on one like me, and I went in search of Alec.
He was in the commodore’s cabin, one of the officers told me, and I,
not daring to venture there without special invitation, was forced to
curb my impatience as best I might.
An hour later, when I had heartily repented having spoken so hastily to
old Silas, a sailor came with an order for me to present myself before
the commander in his quarters.
“The gunner has repeated what I said, and now I must confess myself a
meddling fool before the one man above all others whose good opinion I
wish to keep,” I muttered to myself while obeying the order, and when
I finally stood in the presence of the commodore the expression on his
face frightened me.
He looked as grave as if about to pronounce sentence of death, and
Alec, who sat on a locker near the bunk, was pale and nervous.
“Surely,” I said to myself, “there is no good reason for their making
so much ado about the words I spoke thoughtlessly;” for it seemed to me
that I had been summoned solely because of what I said to old Silas.
“Richard, did you know that Nathaniel Hubbard was a prisoner on board
this brig?” Commodore Perry asked abruptly.
“Silas Boyd told me, when I was so foolish as to question him.”
“You must also understand that we cannot in justice take him into
action, and it is certain we shall engage the enemy before many days
have passed.”
I nodded my head like any simple, wondering what connection there was
between such a proposition and my hasty words.
“You and my brother made a prisoner of the man, and thereby performed
most valuable service, because if he had carried to the enemy
information of what we were about to do, it is probable the fleet would
not have gotten across the bar without a scratch.”
Again I nodded, and thinking now of that interview, I can well
understand what an idiot I must have appeared.
“Because of the great service you performed, and also since I believe
both you lads may be trusted implicitly, Captain Dobbins and myself
decided, before getting under way, that you were the only two who
should be allowed to know the outcome of the affair. The man deserves
death, for I have no doubt but that he has played the spy upon the
people of Presque Isle these many days, but it is an open question
if he could be convicted of the dastardly crime, owing to lack of
proof. Then, again, your father, Richard, is most eager to save an old
neighbor and former friend.”
The commodore paused for an instant, as if at loss for a word, and I
looked in amazement at Alec, who sat on the locker, gazing first at
his brother and then at me; but it was impossible to read any solution
to the seeming mystery upon his face. He answered my glance without a
change of expression, and I fancied he was questioning me with his eyes.
“Captain Dobbins and myself have decided that no good can come of
trying to punish the traitor, while by showing mercy--mistaken mercy,
perhaps,--he yet has an opportunity to redeem himself. Therefore it is
that we take you lads into our confidence, asking your assistance.”
I was even more bewildered than before, and gazed in open-mouthed
astonishment at my commander.
“We depend upon you to liberate this man as secretly as may be,
trusting only Silas Boyd, who will lend the necessary assistance, and
allow it to be believed that he escaped.”
For a moment it seemed to me I must be dreaming! I could not believe
that my father, whom I knew was devoted to his country, and Commodore
Perry, who had been literally consumed with impatience because he could
not come at our enemies, would plot to release a traitor--a man ready
to sell his friends and his native land to the highest bidder.
“I see that the proposition astonishes you, as it did Alexander; but it
is a sound one, of which I am not ashamed. Talk the matter over with my
brother, and by the time the plans can be put into execution you lads
will have come to a thorough understanding concerning it.”
Having said this the commodore arose, a movement which I understood to
be a token that the interview was at an end, and as I turned to leave
the cabin Alec linked his arm in mine, walking in this fashion until
we were come on deck, where I observed old Silas gazing at us curiously.
Not until we were well forward on the forecastle-deck where none could
creep up on us unawares, did I speak, and then it was to ask:--
“What do you think, Alec Perry, of this proposition to set free a
traitor who would have delivered us over to the enemy without remorse?”
“It has the approval of both your father and my brother.”
“Now you are begging the question. I asked for your opinion.”
“At first I looked at the matter much as I believe you do; but after
thinking it over, and I have had ample time, I fancy there is much of
good in it.”
“In what way?”
It would be impossible for me to set down here all the arguments Alec
advanced in favor of the plan, explaining as he spoke that he but
repeated what his brother had said. It is enough if I give the chief
points, and it appears to me that the case should be made plain lest we
be blamed for what we afterward did.
First the difficulty of proving the man’s guilt was brought up, and I
was free to admit that argument a good one, because we had really seen
nothing which would absolutely fasten the crime upon him.
Then came the supposition that, being given a chance to redeem himself,
Nathaniel Hubbard might become a better man. If he would do his part
in such a plan it was strong reason why he should be set free; but I
doubted the man’s desire for reformation.
The shame which would come upon his family with the publication of
his guilt was another argument, and I did not try to answer it. The
strongest reason for freeing him was a general one, and did more
toward convincing me than any other. I knew full well there were many
in the United States who cried out that this was an unjust war--that
Americans had no right to uphold it, and once it was noised about that
a prominent citizen of the town which had begged the hardest for troops
was in full sympathy with England, it would go far toward proving
to the people at large that the wrongs of us on the frontier were
imaginary rather than real.
I know not, even now the words are written, whether I have made my
meaning plain; but it is the best I can do in the way of explanation.
I know for a certainty that the arguments convinced me even against my
will, and when we two lads came down from the forecastle-deck I was
pledged to do whatsoever lay in my power to set Nathaniel Hubbard free
in such a manner that the crew of the _Lawrence_, and all others in the
fleet, for that matter, should remain in ignorance of our movements.
“When is it to be done?” I asked, as we walked aft, and Alec replied in
a whisper:--
“After we have arrived at Put-in-Bay. There we shall come to anchor,
and ample time will be given us.”
This was the ending to our conversation, and the matter was not
referred to again until the evening of August 15th, when our fleet
entered the harbor known as Put-in-Bay.
Then it was that Alec said to me, when our duties were come to an end
for the day, and we free to remain on deck or below as best pleased
us:--
“The work must be done tonight. I will speak privately with my
brother, and do you broach the subject to old Silas. We shall need the
assistance of at least one man, and Oliver believes the gunner can be
fully trusted.”
Having said this Alec went into the commodore’s cabin, and I approached
Master Boyd, who was pacing the forward deck in a manner which told
that he had some weighty subject for thought.
“I would have speech with you, if it so be you are at liberty,” I
began; and before it was possible to say more the old man interrupted
gruffly:--
“Very well, lad; but there’s little need to make many words over it,
for I can guess what you would talk about. It goes mightily agin the
grain to help such as that traitor; but I suppose it must be done if
both the commodore and your father have set their hearts upon it.”
“How did you know what had been kept a profound secret?” I asked in
surprise, forgetting for the moment that the old man had intimated as
much a few moments before the plan was revealed to me.
“Your father, fearin’ lest I mightn’t take kindly to the job, gave me
a hint of what would be done, an’ there’s no likelier spot than this
in which to work the traverse. I’ll run the boat alongside near about
midnight, an’ you two lads must attend to the rest of the work.”
Having said this much old Silas walked away, as if unwilling to speak
further on a disagreeable subject, and I sat on the rail aft, feeling
more anger against Nathaniel Hubbard because it was he who forced us to
such work, than for what he may have done against his country.
Alec did not remain long below; in less than half an hour he was by my
side, holding up what I soon saw was a key.
“With this we can unlock the door of his prison. He is confined
amidships in the petty officers’ quarters.”
“How are we to get him out secretly?”
“That is for us to decide. My brother will aid us so far as may be
possible; but he must not take the chances of being known in the
business. What does old Silas say?”
“No more than that he’ll have a boat alongside at midnight. That is to
be the extent of his work, as I understand it.”
“How can it be done?” Alec said, half to himself, and it was beyond me
to answer the question.
In silence we two sat on the rail with eyes fixed upon the deck, trying
to puzzle out what would have perplexed older heads than were on our
shoulders.