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Story
September 7, 1799
Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
Capt. Charles Blunt of the Dianna recaptures his ship from French privateers near Trinidad by feigning sickness and subduing the captors with his crew's help. He humanely releases the Frenchmen in their boat and refuses to take their stolen gold, earning praise as a naval hero.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
PORTSMOUTH August 31
Capt. Charles Blunt, of the Dianna, arrived here on Wednesday last, in 24 days from Trinidad. He informs that two days after he left Trinidad, he was taken by a French privateer letter of Marque from St. Thomas' bound to Guadaloupe, who took out the mate and one seamen; Captain Blunt and four others feigning themselves sick were left on board, in care of a prize master and four stout hands: who were ordered to proceed for St. Eustatia, and sell the prize, remitting the neat proceeds to Guadaloupe. But Captain Blunt having preconcerted the scheme of recapture, came upon deck on the morning of the 7th of August and seizing on a cutlass, at the same moment that one of his hands seized a musket, they began to try the fortune of War. A blow from the butt-end of the musket settled Mr. Helunt man pretty quick; but rising again, Capt. Blunt aimed a second stroke with the cutlass and quieted his bowels. The prize master coming aft to help his man, was obliged to surrender also; and by the assistance of the rest of the crew and passenger the remainder of the French men were secured. Capt. Blunt then gave him his long boat, their chests, some provisions, and water, and set them out on a new cruize to find land. After they were put into the boat, they told Capt. Blunt that he was a damned brave fellow, thanked him for his humanity and wished him safe to port. Capt. B. then made the best of his own way for port, and every true American bids welcome to the naval hero. His gallant conduct merits a good ship.
Honourable Anecdote of Capt. Blunt.
The French gang whom Capt. Blunt so gallantly conquered, had a large quantity of Johannes with the spoils of many an honest fellow. It was mentioned by some that Capt. Blunt should seize enough of this ill-gotten gain to pay for his long boat. No, says the manly seaman; It is none of my business how they came by their gold. It appears to be theirs, and I will not touch a farthing.—French Pirates pipe all hands upon deck and belay the main sheet of plunder with such a topper.
Capt. Charles Blunt, of the Dianna, arrived here on Wednesday last, in 24 days from Trinidad. He informs that two days after he left Trinidad, he was taken by a French privateer letter of Marque from St. Thomas' bound to Guadaloupe, who took out the mate and one seamen; Captain Blunt and four others feigning themselves sick were left on board, in care of a prize master and four stout hands: who were ordered to proceed for St. Eustatia, and sell the prize, remitting the neat proceeds to Guadaloupe. But Captain Blunt having preconcerted the scheme of recapture, came upon deck on the morning of the 7th of August and seizing on a cutlass, at the same moment that one of his hands seized a musket, they began to try the fortune of War. A blow from the butt-end of the musket settled Mr. Helunt man pretty quick; but rising again, Capt. Blunt aimed a second stroke with the cutlass and quieted his bowels. The prize master coming aft to help his man, was obliged to surrender also; and by the assistance of the rest of the crew and passenger the remainder of the French men were secured. Capt. Blunt then gave him his long boat, their chests, some provisions, and water, and set them out on a new cruize to find land. After they were put into the boat, they told Capt. Blunt that he was a damned brave fellow, thanked him for his humanity and wished him safe to port. Capt. B. then made the best of his own way for port, and every true American bids welcome to the naval hero. His gallant conduct merits a good ship.
Honourable Anecdote of Capt. Blunt.
The French gang whom Capt. Blunt so gallantly conquered, had a large quantity of Johannes with the spoils of many an honest fellow. It was mentioned by some that Capt. Blunt should seize enough of this ill-gotten gain to pay for his long boat. No, says the manly seaman; It is none of my business how they came by their gold. It appears to be theirs, and I will not touch a farthing.—French Pirates pipe all hands upon deck and belay the main sheet of plunder with such a topper.
What sub-type of article is it?
Heroic Act
Naval Engagement
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Ship Recapture
French Privateer
Naval Heroism
Honorable Conduct
American Captain
What entities or persons were involved?
Capt. Charles Blunt
Where did it happen?
At Sea From Trinidad
Story Details
Key Persons
Capt. Charles Blunt
Location
At Sea From Trinidad
Event Date
7th Of August
Story Details
Capt. Blunt feigns sickness after capture by French privateer, recaptures ship by overpowering guards with cutlass and musket, secures crew, releases Frenchmen humanely in boat, refuses to take their gold despite suggestions.