Virginia Advocate

MURDER AND PIRACY.

Destruction of the brig Vineyard late Captain Thornbee, of Boston, from New Orleans, for Philadelphia

Early yesterday afternoon, a report was circulated in New York, that two men had been arrested on suspicion of Piracy, and were lodged in Flatbush Jail, on Long Island, about five miles from the city. Accordingly, the editor of the Standard and Gazette despatched a messenger to ascertain the facts, who returned last evening and reported the following particulars, which he learned from one of the men in confinement, who states his name to be John Brownrig, of Whitehaven, England, and says, that he shipped at New Orleans on the 8th or 9th ult. and sailed from that port for Philadelphia on the same day, in the brig Vineyard, Capt. Thornbee, (or Thornton) of Boston; that they arrived off the Capes of Delaware on Tuesday night, November 23d, and expected to get a pilot on the following morning—that on that night, about twelve o'clock, he went aloft to clear the clewlines of the main-topsail—that while aloft he heard cries of "oh! oh! oh!" but did not suppose them to proceed from any one in distress.

As soon as he descended to the deck, one of the crew, whose name is Charles Gibbs, of Rhode Island, and who represents himself to be a son of the Governor of that State, said to him, "Jack, I have taken charge of the ship," and on enquiring where Capt. Thornbee was, was informed that he had been murdered by the steward, who is a mulatto man, about 5 feet 10 inches high, of athletic figure, and says his name is Thomas Williams. [A protection was found in his possession, dated at the district of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Va. February 15th, 1830, signed by Moses Myers, Collector, and filled up in the name of Thomas J. Wansley, a mulatto, born in Milford, Del. aged twenty-two. It describes the person of the steward, who is also a prisoner at Flatbush.] Brownrig relates the following particulars:-

The Captain was killed while on the quarter deck by a single blow on the head with a pump brake—after which he was thrown overboard. The mate Wm. H. Roberts (or Robertson) was below, and hearing a stir on deck, ran to the companion-way and was struck with the same implement, dragged upon deck and subsequently thrown overboard, still alive. On his arrival upon deck as stated above, he was threatened with instant death, if he did not go about his duty, and that he accordingly united with the conspirators, who immediately altered the course of the brig and steered towards Long Island. The following morning they set about making bags, to transfer the specie— there being in the run of the vessel 10 kegs each containing $5000, which he understood belong to Stephen Girard of Philadelphia.

After completing the bags, the money was divided among the crew and placed in the bags—the papers were all overhauled, and, together with some blank bills found on board, were burnt.

No other event of importance took place until Sunday night last, at which time the brig made Fire Island Light, situated on the south side of Long-Island, 40 or 50 miles from Sandy-Hook, when it was determined to set fire to and scuttle the brig. Accordingly, about 12 o'clock that night, two boats were launched from the deck of the vessel, and the specie placed in them—about $35,000 in the long-boat, and the remainder in the jolly boat. The brig was then set fire to in the cabin, and scuttled in one of her sides at the water edge. The crew then took to the boats and made for the shore, the weather being pleasant at that time, with a light easterly wind and smooth sea.

After leaving the brig, they saw her on fire and have little doubt but she was destroyed.

The following morning, Monday last, the wind commenced blowing very fresh, on account of which, they agreed it was imprudent to attempt to land, and determined to keep on their course along the beach, towards the city. In doing so, the jolly boat was swamped on Rockaway bar. Brownrig supposes the crew were drowned. They were three in number, whose names are, Henry Atwell (or Hartwell) Church, a black, and Jim a native of Providence, (Bahama Islands.)

Previous to landing, they struck on an outer bar, and were compelled to throw over-board all the money, except 4 or 5000 dollars.

The money $50,000, was consigned to the United States Bank in Philadelphia, and insured in New York.