experienced.--There appeared hardly a ray of hope that my friend Bracket
could return, seeing the boat was lost. Our provisions nearly gone; our
mouths parched extremely with thirst; our strength wasted; our spirits
broken, and our hopes imprisoned within the circumference of this
desolate island in the midst of an unfrequented ocean; all these things
gave to the scene around us the hue of death. In the midst of this
dreadful despondence, a sail hove in sight bearing the white flag! Our
hopes were raised, of course--but no sooner raised than darkened, by
hearing a gun fired. Here then was another gang of pirates. She soon,
however, came near enough to anchor, and her boat pushed off towards us
with three men in her.--Thinking it now no worse to die by sword than
famine, I walked down immediately to meet them. I knew them not.--A
moment before the boat touched the ground, a man leaped from her bows
and caught me in his arms! _It was Nickola_!--saying, "Do you now
believe Nickola is your friend? yes, said he, _Jamieson_ will yet prove
himself so."--No words can express my emotions at this moment. This was
a friend indeed. The reason of my not recognizing them before, was that
they had cut their beards and whiskers. Turning to my fellow-sufferers,
Nickola asked--"Are these all that are left of you? where are the
others?"--At this moment seeing David's grave--"are they dead then? Ah!
I suspected it, I know what you were put here for." As soon as I could
recover myself, I gave him an account of Mr. Bracket and the
others.--"How unfortunate," he said, "they must be lost, or some pirates
have taken them."--"But," he continued, "we have no time to lose; you
had better embark immediately with us, and go where you please, we are
at your service." The other two in the boat were Frenchmen, one named
Lyon, the other Parrikete. They affectionately embraced each of us; then
holding to my mouth the nose of a teakettle, filled with wine, said
"Drink plenty, no hurt you." I drank as much as I judged prudent. They
then gave it to my fellow sufferers--I experienced almost immediate
relief, not feeling it in my head; they had also brought in the boat for
us, a dish of salt beef and potatoes, of which we took a little. Then
sent the boat on board for the other two men, being five in all; who
came ashore, and rejoiced enough was I to see among them Thomas Young,
one of my crew, who was detained on board the Mexican, but had escaped
through Nickola's means; the other a Frenchman, named John Cadedt. I now
thought again and again, with troubled emotion, of my dear friend
Bracket's fate. I took the last piece of paper I had, and wrote with
pencil a few words, informing him (should he come there) that "I and the
rest were safe; that I was not mistaken in the friend in whom I had
placed so much confidence, that he had accomplished my highest
expectations; and that I should go immediately to Trinidad, and
requested him to go there also, and apply to Mr. Isaac W. Lord, my
consignee, for assistance." I put the paper into a junk bottle,
previously found on the beach, put in a stopper, and left it, together
with what little flour remained, a keg of water brought from Nickola's
vessel, and a few other things which I thought might be of service to
him. We then repaired with our friends on board, where we were kindly
treated. She was a sloop from Jamaica, of about twelve tons, with a
cargo of rum and wine, bound to Trinidad. I asked "which way they
intended to go?" They said "to Jamaica if agreeable to me." As I
preferred Trinidad, I told them, "if they would give me the Exertion's
boat which was along-side (beside their own) some water and provisions,
we would take chance in her."--"For perhaps," said I, "you will fare
better at Jamaica, than at Trinidad." After a few minutes consultation,
they said "you are too much exhausted to row the distance of one hundred
miles, therefore we will go and carry you--we consider ourselves at your
service." I expressed a wish to take a look at the Exertion, possibly we
might hear something of Mr. Bracket. Nickola said "very well," so got
under way, and run for her, having a light westerly wind. He then
related to me the manner of their desertion from the pirates; as nearly
as I can recollect his own words, he said, "A few days since, the
pirates took four small vessels, I believe Spaniards; they having but
two officers for the two first, the third fell to me as prize master,
and having an understanding with the three Frenchmen and Thomas,
selected them for my crew, and went on board with orders to follow the
Mexican; which I obeyed. The fourth, the pirates took out all but one
man and bade him also follow their vessel. Now our schooner leaked so
bad, that we left her and in her stead agreed to take this little sloop
(which we are now in) together with the one man. The night being very
dark we all agreed to desert the pirates--altered our course and touched
at St. Maria, where we landed the one man--saw no boats there, could
hear nothing from you, and agreed one and all at the risk of our lives
to come and liberate you if you were alive; knowing, as we did, that you
were put on this Key to perish. On our way we boarded the Exertion,
thinking possibly you might have been there. On board her we found a
sail and paddle. We took one of the pirate's boats which they had left
along-side of her, which proves how we came by two boats. My friend, the
circumstance I am now about to relate, will somewhat astonish you. When
the pirate's boat with Bolidar was sent to the before mentioned Key, on
the 19th of January, it was their intention to leave you prisoners
there, where was nothing but salt water and mangroves, and no
possibility of escape. This was the plan of Baltizar, their abandoned
pilot; but Bolidar's heart failed him, and he objected to it; then,
after a conference, Captain Jonnia ordered you to be put on the little
island from whence we have now taken you. But after this was done, that
night the French and Portuguese part of the Mexican's crew protested
against it; so that Captain Jonnia to satisfy them, sent his large boat
to take you and your fellow prisoners back again, taking care to select
his confidential Spaniards for this errand. And you will believe me they
set off from the Mexican, and after spending about as much time as would
really have taken them to come to you, they returned, and reported they
had been to your island, and landed, and that none of you were there,
somebody having taken you off! This, all my companions here know to be
true.--I knew it was impossible you could have been liberated, and
therefore we determined among ourselves, that should an opportunity
occur we would come and save your lives, as we now have." He then
expressed, as he hitherto had done (and I believe with sincerity), his
disgust with the bad company which he had been in, and looked forward
with anxiety to the day when he might return to his native country. I
advised him to get on board an American vessel, whenever an opportunity
offered, and come to the United States; and on his arrival direct a
letter to me; repeating my earnest desire to make some return for the
disinterested friendship which he had shown toward me. With the
Frenchman I had but little conversation, being unacquainted with the
language.
Here ended Nickola's account. "And now" said the Frenchman, "our hearts
be easy." Nickola observed he had left all and found us. I gave them my
warmest tribute of gratitude, saying I looked upon them under God as the
preservers of our lives, and promised them all the assistance which my
situation might enable me to afford.--This brings me to,
Thursday evening, 7th, when, at eleven o'clock, we anchored at the
creek's mouth, near the Exertion. I was anxious to board her;
accordingly took with me Nickola, Thomas, George and two others, well
armed, each with a musket and cutlass. I jumped on her deck, saw a fire
in the camboose, but no person there: I called aloud Mr. Bracket's name
several times, saying "it is Captain Lincoln, don't be afraid, but show
yourself," but no answer was given. She had no masts, spars, rigging,
furniture, provisions or any think left, except her bowsprit, and a few
barrels of salt provisions of her cargo. Her ceiling had holes cut in
it, no doubt in their foolish search for money. I left her with peculiar
emotions, such as I hope never again to experience; and returned to the
little sloop where we remained till--
Friday, 8th--When I had disposition to visit the island on which we
were first imprisoned.----Found nothing there--saw a boat among the
mangroves, near the Exertion. Returned, and got under way immediately
for Trinidad. In the night while under full sail, run aground on a
sunken Key, having rocks above the water, resembling old stumps of
trees; we, however, soon got off and anchored. Most of those Keys have
similar rocks about them, which navigators must carefully guard against.
Monday, 11th--Got under way--saw a brig at anchor about five miles below
the mouth of the harbor; we hoped to avoid her speaking us; but when we
opened in sight of her, discovered a boat making towards us, with a
number of armed men in her. This alarmed my friends, and as we did not
see the brig's ensign hoisted, they declared the boat was a pirate, and
looking through the spy-glass, they knew some of them to be the
Mexican's men! This state of things was quite alarming. They said, "we
will not be taken alive by them." Immediately the boat fired a musket;
the ball passed through our mainsail. My friends insisted on beating
them off: I endeavored to dissuade them, believing, as I did, that the
brig was a Spanish man-of-war, who had sent her boat to ascertain who we
were. I thought we had better heave to. Immediately another shot came.
Then they insisted on fighting, and said "if I would not help them, I
was no friend." I reluctantly acquiesced, and handed up the
guns--commenced firing upon them and they upon us. We received several
shot through the sails, but no one was hurt on either side. Our boats
had been cast adrift to make us go the faster, and we gained upon
them--continued firing until they turned from us, and went for our
boats, which they took in tow for the brig. Soon after this, it became
calm: then I saw that the brig had us in her power.--She manned and
armed two more boats for us. We now concluded, since we had scarcely any
ammunition, to surrender; and were towed down along-side the brig on
board, and were asked by the captain, who could speak English, "what for
you fire on the boat?" I told him "we thought her a pirate, and did not
like to be taken by them again, having already suffered too much;"
showing my papers. He said, "Captain Americana, never mind, go and take
some dinner--which are your men?" I pointed them out to him, and he
ordered them the liberty of the decks; but my friend Nickola and his
three associates were immediately put in irons. They were, however,
afterwards taken out of irons and examined; and I understood the
Frenchmen agreed to enlist, as they judged it the surest way to better
their condition. Whether Nickola enlisted, I do not know, but think that
he did, as I understood that offer was made to him: I however endeavored
to explain more distinctly to the captain, the benevolent efforts of
these four men by whom my life had been saved, and used every argument
in my power to procure their discharge. I also applied to the governor,
and exerted myself with peculiar interest, dictated as I trust with
heartfelt gratitude--and I ardently hope ere this, that Nickola is on
his way to this country, where I may have an opportunity of convincing
him that such an act of benevolence will not go unrewarded. Previous to
my leaving Trinidad, I made all the arrangements in my power with my
influential friends, and doubt not, that their laudable efforts will be
accomplished.--The sloop's cargo was then taken on board the brig; after
which the captain requested a certificate that I was politely treated by
him, saying that his name was Captain Candama, of the privateer brig
Prudentee of eighteen guns. This request I complied with. His first
lieutenant told me he had sailed out of Boston, as commander for T.C.
Amory, Esq. during the last war. In the course of the evening my friends
were taken out of irons and examined separately, then put back again.
The captain invited me to supper in his cabin, and a berth for the
night, which was truly acceptable. The next morning after breakfast, I
with my people were set on shore with the few things we had, with the
promise of the Exertion's small boat in a day or two,--but it was never
sent me--the reason, let the reader imagine. On landing at the wharf
Casildar, we were immediately taken by soldiers to the guard house,
which was a very filthy place; thinking I suppose, and even calling us,
pirates. Soon some friends came to see me. Mr. Cotton, who resides there
brought us in some soup. Mr. Isaac W. Lord, of Boston, my merchant, came
with Captain Tate, who sent immediately to the governor; for I would not
show my papers to any one else. He came about sunset, and after
examining Manuel my Spanish fellow prisoner, and my papers, said to be,
giving me the papers, "Captain, you are at liberty." I was kindly
invited by Captain Matthew Rice, of schooner Galaxy, of Boston, to go on
board his vessel, and live with him during my stay there. This generous
offer I accepted, and was treated by him with the greatest hospitality;
for I was hungered and he gave me meat, I was athirst and he gave me
drink, I was naked and he clothed me, a stranger and he took me in. He
likewise took Manuel and my three men for that night. Next day Mr. Lord
rendered me all necessary assistance in making my protest. He had heard
nothing from me until my arrival. I was greatly disappointed in not
finding Mr. Bracket, and requested Mr. Lord to give him all needful aid
if he should come there. To Captain Carnes, of the schooner Hannah, of
Boston, I would tender my sincere thanks, for his kindness in giving me
a passage to Boston, which I gladly accepted. To those gentlemen of
Trinidad, and many captains of American vessels, who gave me sea
clothing, &c., I offer my cordial gratitude.
I am fully of the opinion that these ferocious pirates are linked in
with many inhabitants of Cuba; and the government in many respects
appears covertly to encourage them.
It is with heartfelt delight, that, since the above narrative was
written, I have learned that Mr. Bracket and his companions are safe; he
arrived at Port d'Esprit, about forty leagues east of Trinidad. A letter
has been received from him, stating that he should proceed to Trinidad
the first opportunity.--It appears that after reaching the wreck, they
found a boat from the shore, taking on board some of the Exertion's
cargo, in which they proceeded to the above place. Why it was not in his
power to come to our relief will no doubt be satisfactorily disclosed
when he may be so fortunate as once more to return to his native country
and friends.
I felt great anxiety to learn what became of Jamieson, who, my readers
will recollect, was detained on board the Spanish brig Prudentee near
Trinidad. I heard nothing from him, until I believe eighteen months
after I reached home, when I received a letter from him, from Montego
Bay, Jamaica, informing me that he was then residing in that island. I
immediately wrote to him, and invited him to come on to the United
States. He accordingly came on passenger with Captain Wilson of
Cohasset, and arrived in Boston, in August, 1824. Our meeting was very
affecting. Trying scenes were brought up before us; scenes gone forever,
through which we had passed together, where our acquaintance was formed,
and since which time, we had never met. I beheld once more the preserver
of my life; the instrument, under Providence, of restoring me to my
home, my family, and my friends, and I regarded him with no ordinary
emotion. My family were delighted to see him, and cordially united in
giving him a warm reception. He told me that after we separated in
Trinidad, he remained on board the Spanish brig. The commander asked him
and his companions if they would enlist; the Frenchmen replied that they
would, but he said nothing, being determined to make his escape, the
very first opportunity which should present. The Spanish brig afterwards
fell in with a Columbian Patriot, an armed brig of eighteen guns. Being
of about equal force, they gave battle, and fought between three and
four hours. Both parties were very much injured; and, without any
considerable advantage on either side, both drew off to make repairs.
The Spanish brig Prudentee, put into St. Jago de Cuba. Jamieson was
wounded in the action, by a musket ball, through his arm, and was taken
on shore, with the other wounded, and placed in the hospital of St.
Jago. Here he remained for a considerable time, until he had nearly
recovered, when he found an opportunity of escaping, and embarking for
Jamaica. He arrived in safety at Kingston, and from there, travelled
barefoot over the mountains, until very much exhausted, he reached
Montego Bay, where he had friends, and where one of his brothers
possessed some property. From this place, he afterwards wrote to me. He
told me that before he came to Massachusetts, he saw the villainous
pilot of the Mexican, the infamous Baltizar, with several other pirates,
brought into Montego Bay, from whence they were to be conveyed to
Kingston to be executed. Whether the others were part of the Mexican's
crew, or not, I do not know. Baltizar was an old man, and as Jamieson
said, it was a melancholy and heart-rending sight, to see him borne to
execution with those gray hairs, which might have been venerable in
virtuous old age, now a shame and reproach to this hoary villain, for he
was full of years, and old in iniquity. When Jamieson received the
letter which I wrote him, he immediately embarked with Captain Wilson,
and came to Boston, as I have before observed.
According to his own account he was of a very respectable family in
Greenock, Scotland. His father when living was a rich cloth merchant,
but both his father and mother had been dead many years. He was the
youngest of thirteen children, and being, as he said, of a roving
disposition, had always followed the seas. He had received a polite
education, and was of a very gentlemanly deportment. He spoke several
living languages, and was skilled in drawing and painting. He had
travelled extensively in different countries, and acquired in
consequence an excellent knowledge of their manners and customs. His
varied information (for hardly any subject escaped him) rendered him a
very entertaining companion. His observations on the character of
different nations were very liberal; marking their various traits, their
virtues and vices, with playful humorousness, quite free from bigotry,
or narrow prejudice.
I was in trade, between Boston and Philadelphia, at the time he came to
Massachusetts, and he sailed with me several trips as my mate. He
afterwards went to Cuba, and was subsequently engaged in the mackerel
fishery, out of the port of Hingham, during the warm season, and in the
winter frequently employed himself in teaching navigation to young men,
for which he was eminently qualified. He remained with us, until his
death, which took place in 1829. At this time he had been out at sea two
or three days, when he was taken sick, and was carried into Cape Cod,
where he died, on the first day of May, 1829, and there his remains lie
buried. Peace be to his ashes! They rest in a strange land, far from his
kindred and his native country.
Since his death I have met with Mr. Stewart, of Philadelphia, who was
Commercial Agent in Trinidad at the time of my capture. He informed me
that the piratical schooner Mexican, was afterwards chased by an English
government vessel, from Jamaica, which was cruising in search of it.
Being hotly pursued, the pirates deserted their vessel, and fled to the
mangrove bushes, on an island similar to that on which they had placed
me and my crew to die. The English surrounded them, and thus they were
cut off from all hopes of escape. They remained there, I think fourteen
days, when being almost entirely subdued by famine, eleven surrendered
themselves, and were taken. The others probably perished among the
mangroves. The few who were taken were carried by the government vessel
into Trinidad. Mr. Stewart said that he saw them himself, and such
miserable objects, that had life, he never before beheld. They were in a
state of starvation; their beards had grown to a frightful length, their
bodies, were covered with filth and vermin, and their countenances were
hideous. From Trinidad they were taken to Kingston, Jamaica, and there
hung on Friday, the 7th of February, 1823.
About a quarter of an hour before day dawn, the wretched culprits were
taken from the jail, under a guard of soldiers from the 50th regiment,
and the City Guard. On their arrival at the wherry wharf, the military
retired, and the prisoners, with the Town Guard were put on board two
wherries, in which they proceeded to Port Royal Point, the usual place
of execution in similar cases. They were there met by a strong party of
military, consisting of 50 men, under command of an officer. They formed
themselves into a square round the place of execution, with the sheriff
and his officers with the prisoners in the centre. The gallows was of
considerable length, and contrived with a drop so as to prevent the
unpleasant circumstances which frequently occur.
The unfortunate men had been in continual prayer from the time they were
awakened out of a deep sleep till they arrived at that place, where they
were to close their existence.
They all expressed their gratitude for the attention they had met with
from the sheriff and the inferior officers. Many pressed the hands of
the turnkey to their lips, others to their hearts and on their knees,
prayed that God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary would bless him and
the other jailors for their goodness. They all then fervently joined
in prayer. To the astonishment of all, no clerical character, of any
persuasion, was present. They repeatedly called out "Adonde esta el
padre," (Where is the holy father).
[Illustration: _The execution of ten pirates._]
Juan Hernandez called on all persons present to hear him--he was
innocent; what they had said about his confessing himself guilty was
untrue. He had admitted himself guilty, because he hoped for pardon; but
that now he was to die, he called God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the
Virgin Mary, and the Saints, to witness that he spoke the truth--that he
was no pirate, no murderer--he had been forced. The Lieutenant of the
pirates was a wretch, who did not fear God, and had compelled him to
act.
Juan Gutterez and Francisco de Sayas were loud in their protestations of
innocence.
Manuel Lima said, for himself, he did not care; he felt for the old man
(Miguel Jose). How could he be a pirate who could not help himself? If
it were a Christian country, they would have pardoned him for his gray
hairs. He was innocent--they had both been forced. Let none of his
friends or relations ever venture to sea--he hoped his death would be a
warning to them, that the innocent might suffer for the guilty. The
language of this young man marked him a superior to the generality of
his companions in misfortune. The seamen of the Whim stated that he was
very kind to them when prisoners on board the piratical vessel. Just
before he was turned off, he addressed the old man--"Adios viejo, para
siempre adios."--(Farewell, old man, forever farewell.)
Several of the prisoners cried out for mercy, pardon, pardon.
Domingo Eucalla, the black man, then addressed them. "Do not look for
mercy here, but pray to God; we are all brought here to die. This is not
built for nothing; here we must end our lives. You know I am innocent,
but I must die the same as you all. There is not any body here who can
do us any good, so let us think only of God Almighty. We are not
children but men, you know that all must die; and in a few years those
who kill us must die too. When I was born, God set the way of my death;
I do not blame any body. I was taken by the pirates and they made me
help them; they would not let me be idle. I could not show that this was
the truth, and therefore they have judged me by the people they have
found me with. I am put to death unjustly, but I blame nobody. It was my
misfortune. Come, let us pray. If we are innocent, so much the less we
have to repent. I do not come here to accuse any one. Death must come
one day or other; better to the innocent than guilty." He then joined in
prayer with the others. He seemed to be much reverenced by his fellow
prisoners. He chose those prayers he thought most adapted to the
occasion. Hundreds were witnesses to the manly firmness of this negro.
Observing a bystander listening attentively to the complaints of one of
his fellow wretches, he translated what had been said into English. With
a steady pace, and a resolute and resigned countenance, he ascended the
fatal scaffold. Observing the executioner unable to untie a knot on the
collar of one of the prisoners, he with his teeth untied it. He then
prayed most fervently till the drop fell.
Miguel Jose protested his innocence.--"No he robado, no he matado
ningune, muero innocente."--(I have robbed no one, I have killed no one,
I die innocent. I am an old man, but my family will feel my disgraceful
death.)
Francisco Migul prayed devoutly, but inaudibly.--His soul seemed to have
quitted the body before he was executed.
Breti Gullimillit called on all to witness his innocence; it was of no
use for him to say an untruth, for he was going before the face of God.
Augustus Hernandez repeatedly declared his innocence, requested that no
one would say he had made a confession; he had none to make.
Juan Hernandez was rather obstinate when the execution pulled the cap
over his eyes. He said, rather passionately--"Quita is de mis
ojos."--(Remove it from my eyes.) He then rubbed it up against one of
the posts of the gallows.
Miguel Jose made the same complaint, and drew the covering from his eyes
by rubbing his head against a fellow sufferer.
Pedro Nondre was loud in his ejaculations for mercy. He wept bitterly.
He was covered with marks of deep wounds.
The whole of the ten included in the death warrant, having been placed
on the scaffold, and the ropes suspended, the drop was let down. Nondre
being an immense heavy man, broke the rope, and fell to the ground
alive. Juan Hernandez struggled long. Lima was much convulsed. The old
man Gullimillit, and Migul, were apparently dead before the drop fell.
Eucalla (the black man) gave one convulsion, and all was over.
When Nondre recovered from the fall and saw his nine lifeless companions
stretched in death, he gave an agonizing shriek; he wrung his hands,
screamed "Favor, favor, me matan sin causa. O! buenos Christianos, me
amparen, ampara me, ampara me, no hay Christiano en asta, tiara?"
(Mercy, mercy, they kill me without cause.--Oh, good Christians, protect
me. Oh, protect me. Is there no Christian in this land?)
He then lifted his eyes to Heaven, and prayed long and loud. Upon being
again suspended, he was for a long period convulsed. He was an immense
powerful man, and died hard.