Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Modern Warfare.

I the subscriber certify and declare, that I sailed from Narraguagus on Wednesday the 3d inst. bound to Newport, R. I. with regular papers, the wind being ahead, made the harbour of Mount Desert: the next morning the wind being fair, sailed again, but at 4 o'clock went into Cranberry Island harbour, the weather being unfavourable, and went on shore to obtain some supplies, on my returning on board, was hailed by the boat belonging to the privateer Success, Capt. Dennis, of Marblehead, the first Lieutenant of the Success being in the boat, carried me on board the privateer, where Capt. Dennis examined me, his Lieut. at the same time presenting a naked cutlass to my breast, threatening to run me through if I stated any thing incorrect. After examination, I was permitted to return to my vessel capt D. having pronounced me innocent. The next morning Capt Dennis again boarded and searched my vessel and again cleared me. Notwithstanding this repeated molestation, I was a third time boarded by the Lieutenant the same day, who demanded my papers; I asked him by what authority, his answer was, Capt. Dennis; I told him I should not show them by verbal authority, he then bestowed upon me much vile and abusive language, to profane to repeat, ordered his men to throw overboard the lumber and search the hold and whilst attempting this the Lieutenant presented a loaded pistol and threatened to shoot me if I made any resistance—at this time the Capt. came aboard and directed the Lieut. to desist, took my papers and put on board four men who took possession of my vessel and confined me below The next morning the wind being fair the privateer hoisted her broad pennant, got under way and ordered my vessel with three other coasters to do the same. and steer for Marblehead. When clear of the land, my vessel was again boarded and two of my men, Parker Sanford and Richard Weeks, were forcibly taken out of the sloop and dragged on board the Privateer. Myself and boy still confined below till Thursday Evening, when on account of the weather, the Privateer with the prizes, as the considered them, made the harbour of Portland—On my situation being made known to the Collector of this port, I was immediately liberated and put in possession of my vessel. On this wanton and outrageous treatment I shall make no comment, I have arrested and committed Capt. Dennis to Jail for damages and shall appeal to the laws of my Country for redress. My principal motive in making the above statement is to correct the errors and falsehoods which some have attempted to circulate injurious to my character and reputation

SAMUEL SANDFORD,
Master of the sloop William & Ann,
belonging to Falmouth, Cape Cod.

Portland, July 11, 1812.
The following are the items of the Cargo of the sloop William and Ann, at the time she was captured by the Marblehead Commodore, copied from her Manifest rendered at the Custom house of this port, viz. 15 M feet Pine Boards, 12 do. spruce, 80c feet joist and timber, 1 box of chocolate and blankets.