Vermont Telegraph

For the Vermont Telegraph.

Mr. Editor:—I have read McKenzie's account of the scene on board the Somers. I have also read your views and others, of this unheard of tragedy; and have come to the conclusion that it is one of the most shocking, blood chilling transactions which has taken place in modern days—not even Wm. Morgan's case excepted; and notwithstanding this, I suppose most religious editors justify the act. The Editor of the N. Y. Baptist Register I know does, for I read it weekly. In my opinion, there can be no palliation on the part of McKenzie, for this act of, I think, murder! Whalley and Justice have canvassed this horrid transaction so well, that I feel remarks from me would shade the subject, instead of enlightening it. I could wish their views might be transcribed into every newspaper, and read by every citizen. But I suppose their pages are too sacred to speak for poor Spencer, Cromwell, and Small.

Can it be possible that the public mind can be so blinded in favor of McKenzie, and so callous to even human sympathy, as to believe that Spencer, after he was bound fast in irons, could not have been confined in the hold, covered with blankets, or blindfolded in such a manner that he could have had no communication with the crew,—not even with the wink of the eye? The same may be said of the others. But no, they must die. I really forgive you, and then kill you.

A. A. Peck.

Whiting, Feb. 11, 1843.