USA > Rhode Island > A history of the destruction of His Britannic Majesty's schooner Gaspee, in Narragansett Bay, on the 10th June, 1772 > Part 10
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That one of the people said, " Potter, it is the best way to set the men on shore ; for that it was not their fault, but the officers."
To which, a person, then standing on the quarter-deck, to whom the above ex- pression was directed, who was a tall, slim man, with a long, sharp nose, in light colored long clothes, his hair tied behind, who looked more like a shoreman, than a seaman, answered, " Let it be so."
He also saith, that after he was landed, he saw the boats return towards the 12
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
schooner ; and in about half an hour after, he saw the schooner on fire, and the gons blowing off; that it was cloudy and calm weather.
And this deponent further saith, that on the morning after the negro Aaron came on board the Beaver, at 8 o'clock, he saw him in irons, in the galley, and immedi- ately recollected him as the same person whom he assisted to row the boat as above mentioned ; but did not speak to him, but directly told one .John Johnson, the boat- swain of the schooner, that he well knew the negro was one of the persons who rowed the boat on shore with him.
That on the next day, Capt. Linzee, commander of the Beaver, gave directions to his boatswain to get some spun-yarn, to tie up the negro, and give him two or three dozen, to find out what he came on board for, or it he knew any thing con- eerning the burning the schooner ; that he was stripped in order to be punished : upon which, the boatswain of the Gaspee then called out, " One of the men knew him to be one of the persons who rowed the captain on shore, and was concerned in burning the schooner."
Upon which, the captain asked which of the men knew him ; that he called out to this deponent, and asked him if he knew any thing of the negro, and cautioned him to be careful in his answers.
That the negro was then ordered in irons again, and the deponent called into the cabin and ordered by the captain to describe the negro's dress when on board the boat, which he did, to wit :
A spotted or checked handkerchief round his head, a frock, a pair of long trow- sers, no shoes, and his hair tied behind not longer than an inch, or an inch and a halt.
Soon after, the captain sent for a justice from the town ; which justice swore him, and he confirmed the above account he had given under oath, relative to the negro.
The deponent first saw the schooner on fire about breakfast time, which was about 6 o'clock, when he was ashore, when he heard the guns of the schooner blow off. but did not see her from the time he first left her. till he saw her on fire.
He sat along-ide of the negro in the boat, from the time the boat put off from the schooner, until she struck the shore where he landed; and that while rowing ashore he was cold, and asked the negro to let him row to warm himself, which he did; and as they sat together, asked him, the negro, for a chew of tobacco, which he gave him.
And this deponent further saith, that he never saw the said negro, before he saw him in the boat. his
PATRICK / EARLE. mark.
Sworn to, at Newport, on the 16th day of January, A. D. 1773, before-
J. WANTON, FRED. SMYTHE,
DAN. HORSJLANDEN, PETER OLIVER.
ROBT. AUCHMUTY,
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
A letter was delivered to the commissioners, by the ad- miral's clerk, at about half past 11 o'clock, from Admiral Montagu, which was ordered to be filed.
Admiral Montagu to the Commissioners, &c.
His Majesty's ship Lizard, Newport, harbor. ) 16th January, 1773. 5
Gentlemen :- As I am informed there is a ship bound to England, I shall em- braee the opportunity of writing to my lords commissioners of the admiralty, ae- quainting them of my proceedings : as also of the improbability of my remaining here, to assist the commissioners, until I ean come in a proper manner, and at a proper season of the year.
I shall be glad if you will inform me, whether you think the presence of Captain Dudingston is necessary, that I may apply to their lordships for his being sent out as soon as convenient.
As the business of the naval department is totally at a stand, and cannot be car- ried on, without I have my ships here. I propose returning to Boston on Wednesday next, and shall, at a convenient time of the year repair to this place again, agreea- bly to my instructions from their lordships.
In the meantime, I shall take care to leave such orders with the senior officer of His Majesty's ships. as will answer every purpose of my staying.
I shall, before I go. lay before you, the names of some persons who ean give you information, relative to the assembling of the people concerned in burning the King's schooner.
I must beg your answer, as I cannot close my letter to the admiralty until I re- ceive it.
I am, gentlemen,
Your most obedient, humble servant, J. MONTAGU. To His Majesty's commissioners, assembled at Newport.
John Andrew, Esq., judge of the court of vice admiralty, within the colony of Rhode Island; Mr. Arthur Fenner, clerk in the supreme court, in the county of Providence ; Messrs. John Cole, George Brown and Daniel Hitchcock, attor- neys at law, in the town of Providence; James Sabin, vintner, in the town of Providenee.
It is the desire of Admiral Montagu. that the above named persons may be sum- moned, and examined before the commissioners, relative to the assembling of pee- ple in the town of Providence, in the evening of the 9th of June last, as a measure necessary, towards the discovery of the persons concerned in the burning of His Majesty's schooner, the Gaspee. J. MONTAGU.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
The commissioners immediately agreed to an answer, as well to this letter, as to the letter received from the admiral, on the 14th inst., in the following words :
The Commissioners, S.c., to Admiral Montagu.
Council Chamber, Newport, January 16, 1773.
Sir :- Yours, of the 14th instant, we should have answered yesterday, but the weather was so extremely bad, as to prevent the commissioners from meeting.
You remark to us your coming here at a very unseasonable time. and not in the manner as you are directed by your instructions ; to which, you are sensible we are not utter strangers, nor was it our intention in writing to you, to infringe in the least, upon the same.
As we have already informed you how our instructions are worded, we omit a re- petition of the same; but beg leave to refer you to the last paragraph in the com- mission, by which you will perceive that we are expressly charged to conduct our- selves by such instructions as we should receive under the signet and sign manual, and agreeably to which, we have acted.
We have no doubt but that Capt. Keeler would have punctually obeyed your or- ders. The difficulty did not arise on that head, but from a conviction of the irregu- larity of departing from our instructions.
We shall be much obliged to you, when convenient, if you would attend us as a board, having some questions to ask you, relative to the information Lieutenant Dudingston gave you, concerning the burning and destroying the Gaspee.
We are, sir, with great respect. Your most humble and obedient servants, J. WANTON. FRED. SMYTHE.
DAN. HORSMANDEN, PETER OLIVER.
ROBT. AUCHMUTY,
Commissioners.
To the Honorable Achuiral Montagu, commander in chief of His Majesty's ships, &e., in North America.
The Commissioners, S.c., to Admiral Montagu.
Council Chamber, Newport. ) January 16, 1773.
Sir :- After repeatedly informing you of our instructions ; and also in our last, of' & certain paragraph in our commission, copies of both which you have, and our sense of the same, we submit the construction of your orders from the lords commis- sioners of the admiralty, entirely to you.
In our last, and before we received yours of this day, we had desired your at- tendance, in order to give us an account of what Lieutenant Dudingston had related to you, concerning the burning and destroying the Gaspee.
....
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We shall be always ready to receive any information from you, relative to the business we are met on ; and are. sir,
Your most obedient, humble servants, J. WANTON, FRED. SMYTHIE,
DAN. HORSMANDEN, PETER OLIVER. ROBT. AUCMUTY,
Commissioners.
To the Honorable Admiral Montagu, commander in chief
of His Majesty's ships in North America.
Which letters were delivered to J. Brenton, Esq., one of the secretaries, who attended the admiral with them, and delivered them to the admiral's secretary, the admiral being abroad ; with the following message from the commissioners, that they were now sitting, and would be glad to see the admiral at the board at any time this day before 2 o'clock, in the afternoon ; or on Monday or Tuesday next, if convenient to him.
At 2 o'clock, a message was received by the commissioners, from Admiral Montagu, acquainting them he would wait on them on Monday morning next.
[While the commissioners were in session, other officers of the colony were, by force of circumstances, impelled to take certain evidence, and hold certain correspondence, which, as the papers containing them, were before the commissioners, are here inserted.]
Deposition of Rufus Greene, Jr.
I, Rufus Greene, Jr., of East Greenwich, in the colony of Rhode Island, mariner, depose and say :
That some time in February last, I was on board of, and commanded the sloop Fortune, lying at anehor in the Narragansett Bay, off North Kingstown ; having a quantity of rum on board, belonging to Nathaniel Greene & Co., when one Dundas, an officer of the schooner Gaspee, under the command of Lieutenant Dndingston, eame on board, and asked this deponent if he would take any freight on board.
To which, this deponent answered no.
He then ordered this deponent to unlay the hatches ; and this deponent telling the said Dundas that said hatches were unlaid, he then ordered him into the cabin. And being demanded by what authority he thus did, replied :
" If you do not go into the cabin, I'll let you know," drawing his sword. He then eaught this deponent by the eollar, and pushed him into the cabin.
This deponent then came out of said cabin, and went forward, to prevent the an- chor's being weighed.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
Ile then clenched upon this deponent again, thrust him into the cabin. jammed the companion leaf upon his head, knocked him down upon a chest in said cabin, aud confined him there for a considerable time.
After this, the deponent entreating the said Dundas to let him free, he did >0 and made a seizure of said vessel and cargo (as he said), and put the letter " R" upon her hatches ; then towed said sloop to said schoouer (it being calm), with three boats.
This deponent being commanded aboard the schooner, aforesaid, obeyed ; went before said Lieutenant Dudingston, and after some conversation, was ordered from his presence, and confined in the gangway.
This deponent asked said Dudingston, if he had a commission to seize, &c.
To which, said Duding-ton answered, that he had a good commissiou from His Majesty ; but showed noue.
The next day, this deponent was put on board another vessel ; and further saith not.
RUFUS GREENE, JR.
Kent, ss.
East Greenwich, January 14, 1773.
Personally appeared the above deponent, Rufus Greene, Jr. ; and being eautioned to speak the truth. made solemn oath upon the evangelists of Almighty God, that the before going narrative is true in all its parts.
Coram,
HOPKINS COOKE, Justice Peacc.
I do hereby certify, that the above deponent is of a respectable family, sober life, and ought to be credited.
H. COOKE, Justice Peace.
Deputy Governor Sessions to Governor Wanton, relative to Capt. William Thayer, and Saul Ramsdale.
Providence, January 15, 1773.
Sr :- This forenoon came to my house, Capt. William Thayer, of Mendon, and informed me that he had been cited by the honorable commissioners at Newport, to appear before them this day, and declare what he knew relative to the destruc- tion of the Gaspee.
He tells me he is near seventy years of age, grievously afflicted with the rheuma- tism, attended with many symptoms of a paralysis ; and that riding yesterday in the cold, stormy weather, has revived and so much inereased his disorder, that he was unable to proceed to Newport, but must endeavor to return home as soon as possi- ble; besides, he declared he knew nothing of the affair for which he was sum- moned and solicited me very much to take his examination, and transmit it to the commissioners.
I at last yielded to his request, and have enclosed to Your Honors his deposition which, if you think proper, may be laid before the commissioners.
I have known Mr. Thayer for many years past, and have always understood that he was a man of good character. He says, if the gentlemen who cited him, had any idea of the villainy of the fellows who informed them, neither he, nor any one else, he believes, had been troubled by them.
O
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
And this evening. another person (one Ramsdale) came to me, who said he also was summoned to Newport, upon some occasion, and that he knew nothing respect- ing the matter for which he was cited; and urged me very much to take his depo- sition to that purpose, that he might be dismissed ; but as he appeared to be a young, healthy man, and lest the commissioners might conceive I was too officious, in previously examining their witnesses, I advised him to deliver what he had to say, to the commissioners.
I am, sir, with the greatest respect, Your Honor's most obedient and humble servant. DARIU'S SESSIONS. To Governor Wanton.
P. S. Since I wrote the above, I received a deposition from Greenwich, which I have also enclosed to Your Honors.
Deposition of Capt. William Thayer, of Mendon.
COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND, &c. :
The examination of Capt. William Thayer, of Mendon, in the county of Worees- ter, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, innhobler, taken in Providence, in the colony aforesaid, this 15th day of January. in the thirteenth year of His Majesty's reign, Anno Domini 1773, by Darins Sessions, Deputy Governor of said colony.
Question-Do you know any circumstances relative to the attacking. taking, plundering and burning His Majesty's schooner, called the Gaspee, and to the as- sembling, arming. training, and leading on the people concerned therein; and to the concerting and preparing said attack ?
Answer -- No.
Q .- Where was you, when said schooner was destroyed, which was on the 10th day of June last ?
A .- At home, in Mendon.
Q .- How far is that from Providence ?
A .~ About twenty-two miles.
Q .- How long a time after the schooner was destroyed, before you was in Providence ?
A .- I was not there until the latter end of June, or the beginning of July.
Q .- Did you hear any person say, when you was in Providence, or at any other time or place, that they knew any of those persons that were concerned in that affair ?
A .- No.
Q .- Did you ever hear the names of any persons suspected to be concerned in that matter ?
A .- I heard the names of one Potter and Brown or Browns, but did not know them, nor where they lived. I don't recollect any other.
Q .- Do you remember who mentioned those names ?
A .- No; it being only some rumor which I heard among the people in my house, it being a public one. WILLIAM THAYER.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
On the day and year abovesaid, William Thayer, the subscriber to the above ex- amination, made solenin oath to the truth of the several answers annexed to the foregoing interrogations, before- DARIUS SESSIONS,
Deputy Governor.
Deposition of Daniel Vaughan.
I, Daniel Vanghan, of Newport, in the colony of Rhode Island, being of lawful age, do depose and say :
That some time in the summer last past, being in a sloop, taking out some old iron from the wreck of the Gaspee, and afterwards going down to Newport, in said sloop, in company with Capt. Linzee, in His Majesty's ship, the Beaver, one morn- ing, not far from the island of Prudence, I saw a small boat alongside the Beaver, and immediately told the people on board the sloop, that somebody had gone on board the Beaver that night.
A few days afterwards. as the Beaver lay at Newport, near the fort, I was or- dered to haul the sloop I was in, alongside the schooner, which then lay alongside the Beaver, in order to take out some sugar ; and going on board the Beaver, I saw a mulatto fellow under the forecastle, in irons.
I said unto him, " So you are one of the rogues that have been burning the Gaspee."
He replied, " He never saw her, por knew any thing about her."
I then asked him what he came there for.
He answered, "His master had used him badly, and he was determined to leave him."
Two or three days afterwards, being on board said schooner, I heard Capt. Linzee order said mulatto to be carried out of the Beaver, on board said schooner, and then to be tied up to the mast and whipped; and after he was laid hold on, and they were about to tie him up to the mast, he began to declare he knew some of the people that burnt the Gaspee; and that Simeon Potter, John Brown and others (whose names I have forgotten), were concerned therein.
Upon this confession, he was released from a whipping, sent on board the Beaver, where I afterwards saw him in irons, on the quarter deck.
DANIEL VAUGHAN.
Providence se. Providence. January 16, 1773.
Daniel Vanghan appeared in person, and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, unto which he has subseribed, before-
DARIUS SESSINONS, Deputy Governor.
The commissioners then adjourned the business of the com- mission to Monday morning, at 10 o'clock.
1 1 1 1
1
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Monday, January 1S.
The commissioners met, according to adjournment.
Present-Joseph Wanton, Esq., Daniel Horsmanden, Esq., Frederick Smythe, Esq., Peter Oliver, Esq., and Robert Auch- muty, Esq.
The Hon. Admiral Montagu waited upon the commissioners, agreeably to his message of Saturday last.
The admiral laid before the commissioners, letters which he had received from Lieutenant Dudingston, during his resi- dence at Pawtuxet and Newport, after the destroying of the schooner Gaspee.
The admiral also delivered to the commissioners, a list of persons who reside in Providence, as material witnesses, rela- tive to the assembling of the people, prior to the attacking the Gaspee ; in consequence of which, they ordered a summons to be issued for John Andrews, Esq., John Cole, Esq., Daniel Hitchcock, Esq. and George Brown, attorneys at law, and Arthur Fenner and James Sabin, to attend on Wednesday next, at 11 o'clock, which was issued accordingly.
The summonses were delivered to Samuel Clarke, who was sent as express, by the commissioners, at twenty minutes after 3 o'clock.
Deputy Governor Sessions to Governor Wanton, relative to Barzillai Richmond, Joseph Brown, John Brown and Daniel Vaughan.
Providence, January 18, 1773.
Sir :- In consequence of an application made unto me, in writing, signed by Bar- zillai Richmond, Joseph Brown and John Brown, I summoned Daniel Vaughan, and took his deposition relative to what he knew respecting the treatment of the mulatto Aaron, on board the Beaver, and I herewith enelose it to Your Honor.
I had not done it, but our river is fast shut up, and it is very uncertain when Mr. Vaughan will reach Newport.
I choose Mr. Vaughan should give his deposition before the commissioners, if he arrives in season for that purpose; but if he doth not, and you think proper to make use of what I now send, you have liberty to improve it in any way you think it may promote truth and justice.
I am, sir, your humble servant,
To Governor Wanton. 13
DARIUS SESSIONS.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
Deputy Governor Sessions to Governor Wanton, relative to the Deposition of the Negro Aaron Briggs, &c.
Providence, January 18th. 1773.
Sir :- Having been informed by a person, who came from Newport last Satur- day, that the mulatto had been examined, and that a report prevailed, that his evidence carried many marks of truth with it; and as it is impossible (as I think.) that there can be a word of truth in it, and as I look upon it as my duty to protect the innocent, as well as punish the guilty, I thought it my duty to let Your Honor know of some eireumstances that may throw some light on this affair.
I took notiee in the mulatto's declaration of his having a red and white handker- chief about his head at the time he was on board the Gaspee, and when he rowed the boat ashore.
I suppose he was told to relate this circumstance, that some of the Gaspee's peo- ple might, with the greater appearance of truth, swear to his being on boar.l the schooner that night.
The day after the Gaspee was destroyed, I examined several of her people, viz. : Bartholomew Cheever. John Johnson, William J. Caple, Joseph Bowman, Patrick Whaler, Patriek Earle and Patrick Reynolds ; who, although the questions and answers were not set down in writing, yet I can depose that they were put ver- bally. The answers given by some of them (the rest agreeing thereto), are as fol- lows, viz. :
Question-Was the moon down ?
Answer-Yes.
Q .-- Was it dark ?
A .-- Yes.
Q .- Was there any light on board of the schooner, when she was boarded by the boats ?
A .- Yes : but it was immediately put out before we got ou deek.
Q .- Was there no other light afterwards struck up ?
A .- Not that they saw : though they believe there was one lighted up in the cabin, to dress the lieutenant's wounds.
Q .- Were the people who came on board unmasked, or in disguise ?
A .- Some of them were either blacked or negroes ; but it was so dark, we could not tell which.
The above questions put to any of the Gaspee's people, who pretend to establish the negro's evidence, by swearing to the identity of him, I think, must convince any one, that their testimony is absolutely false.
The midshipman at Boston, swore that it was a very dark night ; and how is it possible that the features and dress of a negro could be sworn to, a month afterwards ?
I am requested by some persons in this town, to inform Your Honor, that one David James, a young man, who served his time in this town, and is properly an in- habitant thereof, was last week impressed out of a sloop belonging here, Joseph Til- linghast, master, and carried on board the schooner Halifax.
The young man was born in -, in Virginia, where he had left him, by his father, some estate in land; which, by several letters of a late date from his brother, and his guardian, appears to be sold, and that the money thereof, will be sent to him
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
very soon, by a schooner, that is now gone there. I have seen the letters myself, this day, and make no dou'st but they are genuine.
If Your Honor will interpose so far as to use your endeavors to get him dis- charged, you will do a singular favor to the young man, and to his acquaintances here. If he remains in confinement. there will be nobody to take care of his money or goods that may be sent him from his patrimony, which will be his total ruin.
I am, sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
DARIUS SESSIONS.
To Governor Wanton.
The commissioners adjourned till to-morrow, at 10 o'clock.
Tuesday, January 19.
The commissioners met, according to adjournment.
Present-Joseph Wanton, Esq., Daniel Horsmanden, Esq., Frederick Smythe, Esq., Peter Oliver, Esq., and Robert Auch- muty, Esq.
Peter May attended the commissioners, pursuant to sum- mons, and was examined upon oath ; which examination was reduced to writing, and ordered to be filed.
Deposition of Peter May.
The examination of' Peter May, taken upon oath, this 19th day of January, A. D. 1773 :
Peter May, of lawful age, being duly sworn, depos th and saith :
That he was late a mariner on board His Majesty's schooner Gaspee ; and that some time last summer, as they were going in said schooner, towards Providence, about 2 or 3 o'clock, in the afternoon, they struek aground, upon a point of land, about a musket shot from the land ; that she lay so dry, that they walked around her, and seraped her bottom, the water being about one foot on one side, and about two feet on the otber.
That they got an anchor out, and endeavored to get her off; but after striving till sunset, they desisted from any further attempts; all but the watch, which eon- sisted of three, were ordered by Lieutenant Dudingston, to go to sleep.
That between 12 and 1 o'clock, the schooner was attacked by a number of boats with people on board, armed some with elubs, some with other weapons.
That this deponent was below at the time the people boarded the schooner ; and when he came upon deek, he saw Lieutenant Dudingston discharge a pistol ; but whether it wounded anybody, he cannot tell; immediately after, he saw a man in the bow of one of the boats fire a musket, and wound the lieutenant ; upon which, the lieutenant eried out, " Lord, have merey upon me ; I am done for !"
That immediately after this, the deponent was knocked down the batchway, and
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
recovering himself, went futo the steer age, in order to get some clothes, and from thence stepped into the cabin, and there heard the lieutenant desire the people not to haul and pull him about, as they did, but to assist him ; on which, they said they had no doctors, but would send him, as soon as they could, to a place where they could get one.
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