USA > Rhode Island > A history of the destruction of His Britannic Majesty's schooner Gaspee, in Narragansett Bay, on the 10th June, 1772 > Part 3
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
All being prepared, I told Bucklin to raise his hands, when I instantly placed the compresses on the orifice ; and placing the bandage round the thigh, over the wound, and crossing it above, drew tight, so that the effusion of blood was stopped.
During the operation, I was several times called upon at the door, but was not ready. When the door was opened, many rushed in, and attacked the bottles. I having boots on, stamped on them, and requested others to assist, which was readily done. During this, Mr. Dudingston was carried out of the room, and I never saw him after, notwithstanding I had several invitations, through Dr. Henry Sterling.
When I came on deck, I saw Capt. Tillinghast, and some others. We got into the boat, and rowed up the river a cer- tain distance, and went by land up to town ; when Capt. Til- linghast, who was then living with me, after taking breakfast, went on the hill to view the smoking ruins of the vessel, which . was all in flames soon after we left it .*
JOHN MAWNEY."
This statement of Dr. Mawney, differs somewhat from that of Col. Bowen, though in nothing that is material. It is quite natural, that among so many men, incidents might take place which all did not observe. The attention of the doctor was particularly directed to the wounded officer; though, it would appear that he had been as ready to inflict, as to cure wounds.
" From a subsequent statement of Dr. Mawney, it appears that Lieut. Dudingston was not wanting in gratitude to his surgeon. After his wound was dressed, he offered Dr. Maw- ney a gold stock buckle, as a testimonial of his gratitude.
* The Providence Gazette, of June 13, 1772, after giving an account of the burning of the Gaspee, adds the following :
"We hear that one Daggett, belonging to the Vineyard, who had served the beforemen- tinned schooner, as a pilot, but at the time of her being destroyed, was on board the Beaver sloop of war, on going ashore a few days since, at Narragansett, to a sheep-shearing, was seized by the company, who cut off his hair, and performed on bim the operation of sbear- ing, in such a manner, that bis ears and nose were in imminent danger."
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
This was refused ; but a silver one was afterwards offered and accepted, and worn by Dr. Mawney, but a little while before his death."*
The first official notice of the destruction of the Gaspee, is a letter from Deputy Governor Sessions, to Governor Wanton, written the day following that event, after he had paid a visit to Lieut. Dudingston, at Pawtuxet. It appears that the first act of the Deputy Governor, on hearing of the affair, was to see the wounded officer, and endeavor to do all that lay in his power to ameliorate his sufferings, and administer to his comforts.
Deputy Governor Sessions to the Governor of Rhode Island.
Providence, June 11, 1772.
Sir :- A very disagreeable affair has lately happened within this part of the colony. Last Tuesday night, as His Majesty's schooner, the Gaspee, lay aground on the point of land, ealled Namquit, a little below Pawtuxet, she was boarded in a hostile manner, by a number of persons unknown, who, in the attack, dangerously wounded the commander, William Dudingston, by firing a pistol or musket ball through his arm, from whence it passed and entered near his groin, and is now lodged in some part of his body.
As soon as they had secured the possession of the vessel, they took out the captain, with all the people ; the greater part being first pinioned, put them into boats, and then put them ashore on the main land, near Pawtuxet ; after which, they put fire to the schooner, which soon reduced her to ashes, down to the water's edge.
Upon my receiving the news, I immediately set out for Pawtuxet, attended by some gentlemen from this town, went directly to Capt. Dudingston, told him if he needed any money, surgeons, or a removal of his person to a place more conven- ient, I would give him all the assistance in my power.
He replied, he wanted no favors with respect to himself, but only desired some care might be taken of his people, that they might be collected together, and sent either to Boston, to the admiral, or else to the Beaver, at Newport, which I prom- ised to take care to do.
I then informed him, that the design of my visit, at that time, was not only to af- ford him any relief his eireumstanees might require, but also to gain a declaration from his own mouth respecting the attack that had been made on his person, and the vessel he commanded, that the perpetrators might be brought to justice.
He answered. he would give me no account of the matter. First, because of his indisposition of body; and secondly, because it was his duty to forbear any thing of the nature till he had done it to his commanding officer, at a court martial, to which, if be lived, he must be called ; but if he died, he desired it might all die with him.
* Judge Staples's Documentary History, p. 10.
4
26
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
I then asked him if he was willing I should examine any of his officers and people.
Ile said he was willing. I then proceeded to examine a number of them, they all agreeing nearly to the same thing ; and herewith convey to Your Honor copies of the most material of their declarations. The dangerous tendency of this transaction, is too obvious, to pass it over with the least appearance of neglect ; and therefore, doubt not Your Honor will give it due attention, and prosecute such measures as wisdom and prudence shall dietate.
It is the prevailing opinion of the gentlemen in this quarter. that a proclamation, with a large reward, be issued, for apprehending the persons who have thus offended. You will please consult the gentlemen your way ; and, in the mean time, I will en- deavor to collect the sentiments of the members of the Assembly, and other princi- pal gentlemen by name, and send the same to Your Honor, as soon as may be.
I am, &c, &c., DARIU'S SESSIONS.
To Governor Wauton.
Enclosed in this letter, were the following affidavits :
Affidavit of Bartholomew Cheever.
The examination of Bartholomew Cheever, seaman, lately belonging to His Maj- "esty's schooner, the Gaspee, taken by Darius Sessions, Deputy Governor of the colony of Rhode Island. &c., is as followeth, viz. :
That the said schooner, being bound from Newport up to Providence, to take on board some of His Majesty's seamen, that were expected from Boston, did, on the 9th of this instant, at about three o'clock, in the afternoon of said day, run aground on a point of land, about six miles below the town of Providence, where she, the said schooner, lay until twelve o'clock, at night, at which time, he, the said Cheever, was called upon deck. to take the watch. About three-quarters of an hour after- wards, the schooner yet being aground, he observed some long boats, about six or seven in number, full of men, drawing near to the schooner ; upon which, he in- formed the commander, Capt. Dudingston, who immediately came on deck, and or- dered him to hail them, and bid them stand off, on their peril ; to which they an- swered, " D-n you, we have you."
The captain then ordered him to call all hands on deck, which he did ; but before many of them got up, the boats were alongside, and the crews getting on board ; and as they were entering the schooner, he saw the flash and heard the report of a musket, and heard the captain cry out, he was a dead man.
We were then ordered into the hold, and taken out separately, and put into the boat alongside, the most of us being pinioned, and then put on shore on the main land; where we had not been long, before we saw the schooner on fire, where she continued burning, till the fire reached the water's edge.
Question-Did you, or do you know, or do you remember, ever to have seen be- fore, any of those persons that boarded the schooner at that time ?
Answer-No.
his
BARTHOLOMEW ¥ CHEEVER. mark.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
Colony of Rhode Island, &e., ) Warwick, June 10. 1772.
The above named Bartholomew Cheever was solemnly sworn to the truth of the foregoing declaration, to the which he has subscribed as above, before- DARIUS SESSIONS, Deputy Governor.
Affidavits of John Johnson and William J. Caple.
The examination of John Johnson, boatswain of Ilis Majesty's schooner Gaspee, commanded by William Dudingston ; together with the examination of' W'm. J. Ca- ple, a seaman on board said schooner, taken this 10th day of June, in the twelfth year of His Majesty's reign, A. D. 1772, before the Hon. Darius Sessions, Deputy Gov- ernor, severally say:
That on the 9th of June, being bound with said schooner, to the town of Provi- denee, in order to take on board some of His Majesty's seamen, which were expected from Boston, in order to re-place them on board His Majesty's ship to which they belonged, abont three o'clock in the afternoon of said day, the schooner grounded on a point in the Narragansett Bay, about six miles southward of the town of Provi- dence ; and about the middle of the night, following, the schooner still being on ground, there being but one hand on deck, he discovered seven or eight long boats, with a number of persons aboard them ; on which, the person on deck informed the commander, Wm. Dudingston. who hailed the boats, and ordered them to keep off; but the persons on board said boats, not regarding the commander's orders, eame near, in order to board said schooner ; on which, the captain or commander, called all hands; but before he was on derk, we heard two small arms or pistols fired; and when coming on deck. the schooner was boarded ; and being in the hatchway, said Johnson received several blows with a stiek, and as soon as we were on deck, we were bound, and all the rest of the seamen bound likewise, and put on board their boat, and landed on the west side of said bay, together with the captain or com- mander, who was much wounded.
Question-Have you any knowledge of the persons that boarded the schooner ? Answer-No.
his JOHN # JOHNSON. mark. his WILLIAM J. M CAPLE. mark.
Colony of Rhode Island, &c., Warwick, June 10, 1772.
The within John Johnson and William J. Caple made solemn oath to the truth of the within or foregoing declaration, to which they have subscribed, before- DARIUS SESSIONS, Deputy Governor.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
On the following day, June 12, Governor Sessions addressed another letter to Governor Wanton; the bearer of which, probably brought back to him the proclamation of Governor Wanton, which follows :
Deputy Governor Sessions to the Governor of Rhode Island.
Providence, June 12, 1772.
Sir :- Since I wrote you yesterday, by Haeker, I have received the advice of all the civil authority in this town, as well as an application in writing, signed by a great number of the most reputable inhabitants, who are unanimously of opinion, and earnestly desire that Your Honor forthwith issue a proclamation, with proper reward. for the apprehending and bringing to justice any and every person that was concerned in destroying the schooner Gaspee, or in assaulting and wounding William Dudingston, the commander of said sehooner ; and, if Your Honor finds it expedient to put forth such a proclamation, it is requested that a copy thereof, may be sent by the bearer, who goes express, and has orders to wait until it is deter- mined whether a proclamation be issued or not ; and if it be, to bring it back with him timely, that it may be inserted in our newspaper to-morrow.
Some exceptions are taken at the Gaspee's being called His Majesty's schooner, as it is thought by some, she, in fact, really was not, and consequently did not de- serve that appellation.
If the evidence we have in that respeet, be sufficient to denominate her a King's vessel, she ought to be ealled so; if not, then only without any compliment, the schooner Gaspee ; which is submitted to Your Honor's better knowledge and dis- eretion, by- Your Honor's most humble servant,
DARIUS SESSIONS.
P. S .- Dr. Sterling, who attends Capt. Dudingston, informed us yesterday that he was in a fair way to recover of his wounds.
To Governor Wanton.
To the Hon. Joseph Wanton, Esq., at Newport.
29
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
Proclamation of the Governor of Rhode Island, relative to the Destruction of the Gaspee.
By the Honorable Joseph Wanton. Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Com- mander in Chief of, and over the English Colony of Rhode Island and Provi- dence Plantations, in New England, in America-
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas, on Tuesday, the 9th inst., in the night, a number of people unknown, boarded His Majesty's armed schooner the Gaspee, as she lay aground on a point of land, called Namquit, a little to the southward of Pawtuxet, in the colony, afore- said, who dangerously wounded William Dudingston, the commander, and by force took him, with all his people, put them into boats, and landed them near Pawtuxet, and afterwards set fire to the said schooner, whereby she was totally destroyed.
I have, therefore, thought fit. by and with the advice of such of His Majesty's Council as could be seasonably convened, to issue this proclamation, strictly charging and commanding all His Majesty's officers, within the said colony, both civil and military, to exert themselves with the utmost vigilance, to discover and ap- prehend the persons guilty of the aforesaid atrocious crime, that they may be brought to condign punishment.
And I do hereby offer a reward of one hundred pounds, sterling money of Great Britain, to any person or persons, who shall discover the perpetrators of the said villainy, to be paid immediately upon the conviction of any one or more of them.
And the several sheriff's in the said colony, are hereby required forthwith to cause this proclamation to be posted up in the most public places in each of the towns in their respective counties.
Given under my hand and seal at arms, at Newport, this 12th day of June, in the twelfth year of the reign of His Most Sacred Majesty George the Third, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, and so forth. Anno Dom. 1772. J. WANTON. By His Honor's command:
HENRY WARD, Secretary.
God save the King.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPER.
Notwithstanding the wound of Lieutenant Dudingston, he probably on the morning of the 10th of June, dispatched a mes- senger to Admiral Montagu, with the news of the loss of his vessel.
The messenger was doubtless William Dickinson, a midship- man ; as the following letter, dated the 11th, was received by Governor Wanton, from the admiral, endorsing the deposi- tion of Dickinson.
Admiral Montagu to the Governor of Rhode Island.
Boston, 11th June, 1772.
Sir :-- Enclosed I transmit Your Excellency a deposition taken before me, of the piratical proceedings of the people of Providence, in Rhode Island government, by attacking His Majesty's schooner with an armed force, wounding her commander in a dangerous manner, and then setting her on fire.
I am to request Your Excellency will use such methods as you shall think proper, for apprehending and bringing the offenders to justice. I am now dispatching a sloop to England with the account I enclose to you ; and am, &c., &c.,
J. MONTAGU.
To His Excellency Governor Wanton.
The deposition enclosed, was that of William Dickinson, which was as follows :
Deposition of William Dickinson.
William Dickinson, midshipman of His Majesty's schooner Gaspee, sayeth :
That the said schooner was at single anchor about three leagues below Provi- dence, in Rhode Island government, 10th of June, 1772, and about half past twelve o'clock, in the night or morning, the watch gave the alarm that a number of boats were coming down the river, and very near us (being an exceeding dark night), we hailed them, and ordered them to keep off.
They instantly gave us three cheers ; on which, we fired at them with muskets, which they immediately returned with a half a dozen muskets (or thereabouts). We then fired our pistols, on which they boarded us upon the starboard bow. and fired a number of small arms. Immediately Lieutenant Dudingston (her com- mander,) cried out, " Good God, I am done for." He was wounded in his groin and arm.
While we were disputing forward, relative to their boarding us, three other boats boarded us, upon the quarter. In the three boats which boarded us upon the quar- ter, there were thirty or forty men, at least ; and in the whole, I suppose about one hundred and fifty in number, on which we thought proper (the lieutenant being wounded.) to surrender.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPES.
When they had got possession of the schooner, they used the people very ill, by pinioning of them, and throwing them into their boats, and refused the lieu- tenant and officers any necessaries but what they had on, and not even suffered the commauding officer to have his papers, and robbed his servant of several silver spoons, and throwed his linen aud apparel overboard.
We were then sent ashore, in two different boats ; the lieutenant and part of the men in one boat, and myself with the rest of the people in the other boat, at the distance of about two miles asunder, as we found at daylight. . I remained on the beach ; and about half past three o'clock, saw the schooner on fire ; and about half past four, I saw three boats put off from her, full of men, and rowed up towards Providence ; and an hour after, another boat came by her, and landed her men at Pawtuxet.
Questions by Admiral Montagu.
Q .- How long had you been lying in Providence River ?
A .- We came to an anchor there, at about four o'clock, in the afternoon of the 9th of June.
Q -- Had you sent any boat ashore.
A .- No ; but employed sounding the harbor.
Q .- Had yon been at Providence before, during the time you were upou that station ?
A .- No.
Q .- Do you imagine that the people who boarded you. came from Providence ?
A .- Yes ; I believe the most part, but cannot say all, as one hoat landed her men at Pawtuxet.
Q .- What distance is Pawtuxet from Providence, by land ?
A .- Five miles.
Q .- What distance were the boats from the schooner, when they were first seen ?
A .- I was not upon deck at first, myself ; but when I saw them, they were about one hundred yards.
Q .- Why did you not fire your great guns at them ?
A .- They boarded ns upon the bows, and were so near to us, that we had not time to get onr guns out at the bow ports.
Q .- Did any of the people that boarded you, appear like gentlemen ?
A .- Yes ; many of them appeared like men of credit and tradesmen ; and but few like common men.
Q .- Did they make use of any opprobrious language ?
A .- Yes ; by threatening to put the lieutenant to death, and calling us piratical rascals.
Q .- Where did you leave the Beaver ?
A .- Off Golden Island. in the mouth of Seaconnet Passage.
Q .- What distance from you ?
A .- About twenty-five miles.
Q .- Could she be in sight when this happened ?
A .- No; the main land is between.
Q .- Is there any thing more that you can recollect ?
A .- Yes ; one of the people took me by the collar, and said, " D-n you, where
32
THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
is your pilot Daggett ?" I answered, he was discharged six weeks ago. He an- swered, " D-n your blood, you lie ;" and said they would find him, and flee him alive.
Q .- Did they suffer the lieutenant to put on any clothes, after he was wounded ?
A .- No; he was in his shirt, with his great coat over his shoulders, and a blanket round his body.
Q .- Was any other person wounded, except the lieutenant ?
A .- Yes ; one in the head.
And I further declare, that when Lieutenant Dudingston came on deck, I saw bin go and stand by the starboard foreshrouds, in his shirt, with a pistol in one hand and a hanger in the other. After he was wounded, he got aft, and sat down by the cabin companion way, when the two ring-leaders, with a number following them, came to him, and said :
" Now, you piratieal rascal, we have got you. D-n you, we will hang you all by the laws of Great Britain. D-n you, what made you fire, when we answered you that the head sheriff was in the boat ?"
The captain (N. B. The head sheriff and captain are fictitious names that the ring-leaders went by) said, " Stand aside, let me dispatch the piratical dog."
Hle then lifted a handspike over Mr. Dudingston's head, who asked "if they would give no quarters ?"
They answered " No."
He then desired they would let me bind up his wounds, for he was shot, and showed them the wound in his left arm.
They then said, " D-n your blood, you are shot by your own people."
Ile was then taken down into the cabin, by some of the mob. They then pin- ioned me, and put me into the boat, where I remained for half an hour ; when one of the mob called to their people in the boat to loosen me, for the lieutenant wanted me. I went down in the cabin to him. He was laid on the after lockers, and one of the mob washing and binding up his wounds. The mob then got him on deek, and put him into a boat, and put off.
Soon after, I was ordered into the boat again, and put off. In going on shore, I saw a negro with the lieutenant's hanger ; being asked by another how he got it, be said he took it from the captain.
Being down in the cabin, with Lieutenant Dudingston, the ring-leaders, and some of the principal of the mob demanded his papers and orders for his proceeding in such piratical manner. I then showed them the commission from the lords of the admiralty, with all his orders and instructions that he had received from the ad- miral, which they took and carried away.
In going ashore, one of the mob that rowed the boat, said, that he and several more, would not have been there, but that they were taken out of a house by force, and compelled to go; that they beat a drum round the town of Providence, in the evening, to raise a mob. W. DICKINSON.
Suffolk, se.
Province of the Massachusetts Bay, Boston, June 11, 1772.
The above named William Dickinson, personally appearing, maketh solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition, as written upon this and the six preceding pages, which is taken at the request of the Honorable John Montagu, Esq.
Before me, EDMUND QUINCY.
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
The Governor of Rhode Island to Admiral Montagu, in reply.
Newport, June 12, 1772.
Sir :- I have this moment received Your Honor's letter, of yesterday, upou the destruction of His Majesty's schooner Gaspee.
Upon the first information of this unhappy affair, which gives me, and every friend to government, the highest concern, I called together all the members of the General Assembly that I could conveniently, who unanimously advised me to publish the proclamation, of which I euclose you a copy.
I have not. as yet. been able to collect all the circumstances of' this daring insult upon authority, so as to give you a perfect idea of it ; but by the evidence of three of the people of the Gaspee, taken before ITis Honor the Deputy Governor, copies of which, I transmit. you will perceive that there is a material difference between them and the account given by William Dickinson.
You may rely upon the utmost and continued exertions of the officers of this eolouy to detect and bring to justice the perpetrators of this violent outrage.
I have the pleasure to inform you, that Lieutenant Duding ton is iu a fair way of recovery. I amı. sir, &c., &c., J. WANTON. To His HIonor Admiral Montagu.
On the 12th, Lieutenant Dudingston had so far recovered, as to be able to write a letter to Admiral Montagu, wherein he presented his version of the destruction of his vessel. This differs but little from those of Col. Bowen and Dr. Mawney; as to the attack of the boats, his being wounded and the sur- render of his vessel to an overpowering force.
It will be inferred, however, from the Lieutenant's account; that he and his crew were pretty harshly handled, which may have been true. He had given great offence to the people, by his overbearing conduct, and by his unlawful seizure of prop- erty ; so that they were little disposed, in the contest on board his vessel, to treat him kindly. But after he had been taken to Pawtuxet, wounded, every attention was paid him.
It is natural, that in stating the case to Admiral Montagu, Dudingston would represent the circumstances as favorable to himself and crew as possible. 5
·
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THE DESTRUCTION OF THE GASPEE.
Lieut. Dudingston to Admiral Montagu.
Pawtuxet, 12th June. 1772.
Sir :- On Wednesday morning, about one o'clock, as His Majesty's schooner was lying upon a spite of sand called Namcutt, the sentinels discovered a number of boats coming down the river, towards us.
As soon as I was acquainted with it. I came upon deck, and hailed the boats, for- bidding them to come near the schooner, or I should order them to be fired upon.
They made answer. they had the sheriff with them. and must come on board.
I toll them, the sheriff could not be admitted on board at that time of night ; ou which they set set up a hallo, and rowed as fast as they could, towards the vessel's bows. I was then using every means in my power, to get the guns to bear upon them, which I could not affect, as they eame right ahead of the vessel, she being aground. I then ordered the men to come forward with their small arms, and pre- rent them from boarding.
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