At the end of the summer of 1822, the Island of Porto Rico became a center of piratical activity, rivaling in this respect its larger sister Cuba. Lieutenant Gregory, in a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, states:
I frequently saw gentlemen from Porto Rico while at St. Thomas, and was informed that several small privateers were fitted out there, which, if not looked after in time, will certainly commit some very serious depredations upon our commerce, as they are in reality nothing but pirates; most of their crews being from the establishments of Cuba, and to their thirst for plunder add a deadly desire of revenge whenever they fall in with a defenceless American.
Captain Spence, of the Cyane, seems to have been more successful in his negotiations with the Governor of Porto Rico than Captain Biddle had been at Havana. The following are extracts from the correspondence between Captain Spence and the Secretary of the Navy, relating to his negotiations with the Governor of Porto Rico:
U.S. Ship "Cyane," St. John’s, Porto Rico.
September 3rd, 1822
Sir:
After a passage of twenty five days from the Chesapeake, during which we experienced an alternation of calms and head winds, I anchored in this harbour. I found no small excitement existing produced by the capture of the Pancheta. The presence of a ship of our force was perhaps seasonable; and possibly may have been the means of preventing unpleasant consequences to the Americans here. Before I could enter upon the business' specially delegated, I was informed of the imprisonment of several citizens of the United States, taken from the brig General Jackson, captured and sent into Ponce. As no American ought to be restrained of his liberty, in any quarter of the world, one hour, without just cause, I addressed his Excellency Don Francisco Gonsalez de Linarez, demanding their release…The men being liberated, I felt myself at liberty to enter upon the execution of my instructions, and immediately addressed him upon the subject of the capture of American vessels by privateers out of the Island of Porto Rico.
On the 27th ult. I addressed to his Excellency letter C, annexing memorandum No. 1, being a list of vessels sent into the different ports of the Island, for adjudication. On the 28th I received from his Excellency a reply to my representations, which is herewith transmitted, with other subsequent
communications from him. I then addressed to him letter D…
I have the honor to remain, Sir,
Your obedient servant
Robert Trail Spence
The Hon. Smith Thompson,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington.
"C"—Letter written by Robert T. Spence to the Governor of Porto Rico, of which the following are extracts:
U.S. Ship "Cyane," St. John’s, Porto Rico.
Aug. 28. 1822.
Sir:…It appears that some of these vessels have been sent in, and after a grievous detention, declared to be a "bad prize"; subject, however to pay all the costs of suit, and one-third of the expenses of the privateer.
A pretended violation of blockade, it appears, is the pretext for sending into the ports of this Island, vessels navigating the sea under the American flag. The whole, therefore, may be resolved into two descriptions of cases: The first, comprising vessels seized and again released as "bad prizes," paying the whole of the costs of trial, and a portion of the expenses of the privateer.
The principles of equity applicable to such cases are too simple to require exposition. The innocent are not to pay the penalty of another's guilt or imprudence. If an American is interrupted in her voyage, captured and vexatiously detained, until a judicial investigation determines her to be a "bad prize," it seems to me self evident, that all costs of the suit should be paid by the captors, in whom the wrong is; add to this, that proper damages should be levied on the aggressor, that the sufferer may be fairly indemnified, and the "privateersman" be restrained in future by a fear of being, in all similar cases, called upon to make good the injury resulting from his wantonness; without such a check, what is there to limit the mischief done by men of this order, who, stealing from their dens and lurking places, pollute the ocean with the blood of defenceless sailors, and gorge their cupidity with the spoils of plunder and ravage?
The second description of cases to which I wish to call the immediate attention of your Excellency, are those vessels sent in under a pretext of attempting to enter a blockaded port. The pacific policy uniformly pursued by the Government of the United States, the just and liberal principles by which it has been governed, through all its various struggles, to treat all nations as friends, and, especially, to be on the most friendly footing with Spain, entitled the citizens of America to the privilege of navigating the seas without molestation, on pretexts so flimsy as those of violating a "blockade" which has never existed de facto.
Your Excellency, influenced by high and honorable motives, will doubtless see the propriety of ordering all American vessels now detained to be forthwith released, and the punishment of marauders who have tarnished the dignity of the Spanish character by acts of inhuman treatment to citizens of the United States; by the most flagrant outrages; by a prostration of all the usages of civilized society; thereby bringing the commercial world into a state truly to be deplored, tending to arm man against his brother man. and to make safety no where but in strength and habitual hostility…
I remain, with the most perfect consideration,
Your Excellency's obedient servant
Robert T. Spence.
His Excellency
Don Francisco Gonzalez
Governor of Porto Rico.
List of American vessels captured by Spanish Privateers, and sent into the different ports of Porto Rico:
Barque American, Emery master, of Kennebunk. This vessel was sent into Cape Roxo by the Spanish Felucha la Carmen, tried and declared a bad prize, but sentenced to pay all costs of the trial, and one third of the charges of the privateer for her detention; and was compelled, in consequence, to sell her cargo at a great sacrifice.
Brig Sam, of Portland, Crowell master. This vessel was sent into Cape Roxo by the same privateer, and it is understood that she is still detained.
Brig Bliss, of Baltimore, Dungan master. This vessel was sent into Cape Roxo by the same privateer, and after a vexatious detention was suffered to proceed, paying all costs of trial, and one third of the expenses of the privateer.
Brig Elizabeth, of Georgetown, West master. This vessel was sent into Aguadella by the privateer General Pereira, for trading to a blockaded port.
Brig General Jackson, of New York, Langdon master, captured and sent into Ponce by the schooner General Pereira, at which place she is now detained; and part of her crew, after very inhuman treatment, imprisoned at this place.
"D"—Extract from letter of Captain Spence to the Governor of Porto Rico, under date of August 29:
Seeing the evils that result from the course pursued by privateers out of this island, I call upon your Excellency, in the name of humanity, and of that benign policy which has marked the course of our political career, to place such checks and restraints upon their proceedings, as will, in future, secure the American commerce from interruption, and those vexatious seizures, of which the citizens of the United States justly complain.
List of Names and Force of the Privateers fitted out from the various ports of the Island of Porto Rico:
Palomo—A full rigged brig, pierced for twenty guns, carries six guns (18 lb. carronades) has a complement of one hundred and thirty men. Fitted out from this port and now on a cruise.
Pancheta—An hermaphrodite brig, pierced for sixteen guns, carries ten to twelve guns, has a complement of one hundred and twenty men—captured by the Grampus.
Schooner General Pereira—Pierced for sixteen guns, carries six to eight guns, and has a complement of eighty men; is fitted out from this place, and now in this port.
Schooner Bruquena—Carries four guns and fifty to sixty men; fitted out from this port and now on a cruise.
Schooner Hora de la Mar—Fitted out from Faxardo, and now on a cruise; carries one gun and forty men.
Flechera la Carmen—Fitted out from Porto Cabello; carries four guns, and a complement of fifty men.
Besides the above, there are (I am informed) three or four other small privateers, from the different parts of this Island, of the names and force of which I have no knowledge.
The result of this correspondence between Captain Spence and the Governor of Porto Rico, is set forth in the captain's letter to the Secretary of the Navy, dated at St. John's, Porto Rico, September 5, 1822:
Since my letter of the 3rd instant, transmitting my correspondence, I have had a conversation with the governor, who begs me to be assured, that all he can do, shall be done to meet my wishes, in relation to the privateers fitted out of the island; that those already out were equipped before he assumed the government; that he is opposed to it, both in his private and public capacity; that future restraints shall be placed upon them; and that he will remedy all abuses, as far as he has the power. That the brig Andrew Jackson he had ordered to be set at liberty; that he should inquire into the cause of her detention, and, unless good and sufficient reasons can be given, he will take steps to cause the judge to be removed. In fine, that he will do his utmost to keep the laws of the nations inviolate. That, upon the subject of blockade he can do nothing; it was a question that must be settled between the two governments; that blockade had been declared by General Morillo, it was recognized, and the consequences of violating it were inevitable; over this question he had no control.
Piracy seems to have received a slight check as we find but five ' captures reported during the month of September:
The brig Ellen, Hull, of Portland, was robbed by a pirate. Crew badly used, but suffered to proceed.
The brig William, Moses Hall, was robbed by the pirates off the Collorados.
The brig Mary Ann, of Boston, was boarded by a piratical schooner close in with Stirrup Key, and robbed of her whole cargo. Vessel given up.
Captain Stephen Cassin, whose name will be frequently mentioned with honor, makes his first appearance on the scene, arriving in the Peacock on the station and doing good work to the westward of Havana. In the report of the Secretary of the Navy, the affair is briefly mentioned:
Five piratical vessels captured by Captain S. Cassin, commanding United States' ship Peacock, on the 28th and 30th September, 1822; burnt two; found eighty-nine bags of coffee concealed in the woods by the pirates; two of the vessels sent to New Orleans.
Captain Cassin's report of this affair is here given:
U. States Ship "Peacock,"
Havana, 10th Oct., 1822.
Sir:
Having been informed at Havana of a piratical establishment at Honda Bay, near which several vessels then in the harbour had been captured and robbed, I immediately sailed in quest of them, attended by the Revenue Cutter, and I have the satisfaction of stating that success has crowned the expedition.
On the morning of the 28th ult. at daybreak we made two small sail under the land, Honda Bay bearing S. dist. 7 miles, and at 6 A. M. discovered a sail standing for us, when the two sail weighed anchor and stood out likewise, but on observing us bearing up and giving chase, they spoke each other and stood in. When we were sufficiently near for the stranger to distinguish our character, she put before the wind, and made all sail from us. She hoisted the Spanish flag and we did the same, and fired at her several times to bring her to, but she paid no attention to our shot, neither to those fired from the revenue cutter, which being in sight, joined in the chase. After a chase of 3 hours she was brought to, and on boarding her we found a long 12-pdr., mounting a pivot, 12 muskets, and a considerable quantity of ammunition, and a crew of 18 persons. She had no permit for arms, and in the roll of equipage produced (which was without signature) but ten persons were specified. We also found on board a red Ensign and Pendant. Conceiving her piratical character plainly evidenced by these circumstances. I took her' as a prize and sent on board Mid. Tho. Dornin with a crew. In the afternoon of the same day I spoke H. B. M. Schooner Speedzvell, Capt. Gerry, who informed me that a few hours previously he was fired at by two schooners under the red flag, which he chased in as far as he could with safety venture with his vessel. I immediately got out the boats and dispatched them, with about fifty men well armed, and the revenue cutter and prize schooner, in pursuit of them, but after a vigilant search among the Keys they returned to the ship the following evening without success. The following morning. (30th ulf) discovering a sail in shore, I again sent the boats, manned as above, and commanded respectively by Lieuts. Cassin, Stallings, Searcy & Cook, attended by the Revenue Cutter, Capt. Jackson, and prize under command of Midr. Thos. Dornin. The Speedwell also joined the expedition, and it is with pleasure I mention the politeness of Captain Gerry in tendering any assistance that his vessel could afford. The following morning they returned to the ship with four schooners they had taken as prizes…
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully. yr. obt. Serv, S. Cassin.
Hon. Smith Thompson.
Secy. of the Navy.
Washington City.
The indifference of the Cuban authorities to depredations occurring even within their immediate neighborhood, was a source of great complaint, both official and private. Quoting from one of the contemporaneous newspapers, we find that at a place called Regla in the harbor of Havana, the pirates also teem and their business seems as just well known as that of any merchant in the city. A person named Matteo Garcia is at their head, who publicly boasts of his earnings—he does not fear justice, because he can purchase it! Powder is carried from hence without disguise—their craft have regular licenses to pass the Moro. Captures have been made in sight of the fortress and they discharge much of their plunder on the wharf at Regla. If a guard happens to pass, he is silenced with a bribe.
Also, at this time, there were printed many notices of piratical operations (which appear to have taken a fresh start), in language which grew more and more vigorous.
The brig Sampson, Williams, of New-York, was robbed by a pirate off the Tortugas. The crew were beaten and bruised in a shocking manner. Vessel given up.10
October 19—The brig Planter, Pratt, of New-York, was boarded near Matanzas, and robbed of several articles. Capt. P. was hung three times, and some of the crew misused, after which he was left to pursue his course.
In November, a spirited attack, made on three piratical schooners, resulted in the death of Lieutenant Allen.
While lying in the harbor of Matanzas, Lieutenant Allen, who had distinguished himself in the Argus-Pelican fight in 1813, heard that three schooners flying the black flag and manned by about three hundred men were forty five miles up the coast, with five merchantmen in their possession. Promptly getting under way, Lieutenant Allen came upon the buccaneers on the following day, and as the shoal water prevented the Alligator from closing on them the boats were ordered out. The pirates immediately made sail, and at the same time opened a heavy fire on the pursuing boats. One of the musket shot struck Lieutenant Allen in the head while he was standing in his boat (which was in advance of the others) animating his men by his example, and soon afterward another ball entered his breast, and in a few hours he died. The Americans continued the chase and captured one of the schooners, besides recapturing the five merchant vessels. The pirates did not wait to be boarded, but took to their boats and escaped with their two remaining schooners, not, however, without a loss of fourteen killed and a large number of wounded. The American loss was three killed, two mortally wounded and three injured. The captured schooner mounted one long 12-pounder, two long 6-pounders, and four light guns.
As in the preceding year, the President's message was unduly optimistic. That some effect was being felt through the activities of our schooners cannot be denied, but piracy was still far too frequent and the force dispatched for its suppression wholly inadequate.
President Monroe, in his sixth annual message, on December 3, 1822, speaking of the practice of piracy, states:
It has been found necessary for the protection of our commerce, to maintain the usual squadrons in the Mediterranean, the Pacific, and along the Atlantic coast, extending the cruizes of the latter into the West Indies, where piracy, organized into a system, has preyed on the commerce of every country trading thither…
In the West Indies piracy is of a recent date, which may explain the cause why other powers have not combined against it. By the documents communicated, it will be seen that the efforts of the United States to suppress it. have had a very salutary effect. The benevolent provision of the act. under which the protection has been extended alike to the commerce of other nations, cannot fail to be duly appreciated by them.
This regrettable deficiency in our naval force in the West Indies was made the subject of official consideration. The department's views on the subject are thus expressed, the following being an extract from a letter of Smith Thompson, Secretary of the Navy, to Hon. James Pleasants, Jr.. Chairman Naval Committee of the Senate, dated Navy Department, December 11, 1822:
Sir:—In answer to your letter of the 10th instant, I have to state that, on consultation with the Commissioners of the Navy, it is thought the force hereafter mentioned, in addition to the vessels already employed in the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico, would be best adapted to the object contemplated by the Message of the President.
One Steam Boat, of 90 to 120 tons, to carry two 18 pounders and two 12 pounders, upon travelling carriages, so as to fire from any part of the vessel.
Ten fast sailing Schooners, of 45 to 60 tons burthen, to draw not more than 5 to " feet water, each to be armed with one long 12 or 18 pounder, mounted on a circle, with two 12 pound carronades, with the necessary number of small arms, to row from 20 to 24 sweeps: and
Five light double bank Cutters, each to row 20 oars, and adapted to carry 40 men, well armed with muskets, pistols, boarding pikes, cutlasses, etc.
Not only were the affairs in the West Indies in a very serious state through the depredations on our commerce by pirates, but the enforcement of a paper blockade, established by Spain against her revolted colonies, so frequently referred to in preceding pages, was likewise a cause of uneasiness. It is impossible to deny the accuracy of Lieutenant Ramage's criticism on this subject:
Under the plea of a breach of blockade, the Spanish squadron in this direction capture all vessels bound to or from ports in possession of the Columbian Republic. The naval force of Spain now here consists of an old 44 gun frigate, the Ligera (one of the Russian contract), an 18 gun brig, the Hercule, and a schooner; the whole of which are employed supplying Porto Cabello with provisions from Curracoa; yet, with such a force, and so employed, they uphold the monstrous principle of blockading a line of coast of more than 1200 miles in extent.
That the President realized the necessity of an additional force for the suppression of piracy, is evidenced by his message to the Senate, on December 10, as follows:
Recent information of the multiplied outrages and depredations which have been committed on our seamen and commerce by the pirates in the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico, exemplified by the death of a very meritorious officer, seems to call for some prompt and decisive measures on the part of the Government. All the public vessels adapted to the service, which can be spared from other indispensable duties, are already employed in it; but from the knowledge which has been acquired of the places from whence these outlaws issue, and to which they escape from danger, it appears that it will require a particular kind of force, capable of pursuing them into the shallow waters to which they retire, effectually to suppress them. I submit to the consideration of the Senate the propriety of organizing such a force for that important object.
A little later in the month, a bill authorizing the President to buy or build a sufficient number of vessels in addition to those employed, to fit, equip and man the same, " for the purpose of repressing piracy and of affording effectual protection to the citizens and commerce of the United States in the Gulf of Mexico,"' was submitted to Congress. The bill was read and passed in one day and $160,000 was voted for that purpose."
Some such determination was necessary for several more of our vessels were attacked by pirates before the end of the year:
Extract of a letter from Capt. Thurber of brig Marcia of Providence, dated Mobile, Jan. 6.
"I arrived here after a tedious passage of 70 days from Ivica. Dec. 17, 5 miles SW of Cape Antonio, schr Camden, Perkins, of Boston, in company, at 6 AM saw two piratical cruizers coming out from under the land; at 7, they came alongside and directly came on board armed with knives, swords, dirks and pistols, and took possession of both vessels—put the brig about, and steered for the land with the avowed intention of burning her. and killing all hands. They began beating me with their swords, and thrusting their daggers at me, threatening to stab me. They broke open chests and trunks, the cabin and every part of the vessel, and beat all hands fore and aft. to make them confess where the money was, conducting more like demons in human shape than men. They rigged themselves out in our clothes, and strutted about the decks, flourishing their swords, &c. After ravaging about two hours, and being satisfied there was no more money on board, they bid us go about our business—taking 175 dollars, small boats, oars, rigging, sails and every thing they thought of any value. They stripped me of every article of clothing and bedding, watches, spy glass &c. not leaving me a second shirt or jacket—my mate and people shared the same—my articles were worth nearly $400. I expect the schooner did not fare much better; they brought their plunder on board of us and counted nearly 500 dollars in money. They had two English lads to pull their boats, who informed my men that they belonged to the British brig Union, which the pirates had burnt, and murdered all hands except them. The piratical vessels were of about 40 tons, crews chiefly Spaniards, of a most savage appearance and conduct. Three wrecks were on the shore, which had apparently been burnt."
December 21—The brig Two Brothers, Knapp, of Newburyport, while lying becalmed off the south side of St. Domingo, was captured by pirates who detained the vessel but suffered the crew to save themselves in the boat. The brig Vineyard, Gillpatrick, of Boston, was brought to, lat. 31 °, 45', long. 620, 5', by a piratical brig, and robbed of a great variety of articles. Suffered to proceed.
1823
Our vessels operating in the West Indies were engaged upon no holiday task. Much of the work was done in open boats, absent from the parent ship for days at a time, searching out lagoons and other hidden resorts of pirates. The crews were not only exposed to hostile gun-fire and to the vicissitudes of the weather, but also to the infection of paludal and yellow fevers. The latter, indeed, was the worst enemy they had to encounter, its victims outnumbering many fold those who fell in action. At one moment, it seemed as if yellow jack would drive our naval vessels altogether out of West Indian waters. In comparison with this ever present danger, the discomforts and risks inseparable from boat expeditions were as naught. It speaks volumes for the spirit of the navy of those days that its officers and men faced this insidious, invisible peril without a murmur, if not without apprehension. To stand up in battle against a human foe, giving and receiving the blows of actual combat, is a far lighter undertaking than to confront the mysterious unseen chance of being mortally stricken while unable to ward off the assaults of a dread disease. All honor to those who so bravely did their duty under appalling conditions.
The year 1823 opens with a Senate resolution, under date of January 3, offering a bounty for the capture of pirates of any craft, even of the merchant service.
On January 28, the Spark, Jesse Wilkinson, captured a ship supposed to be a piratical craft."
Under the pressure of public demand, the government at Washington selected as commander-in-chief in the West Indies that able and gallant, if somewhat choleric, officer, Commodore David Porter, and furnished him with a number of vessels, some of which were believed to be especially adapted to the capture of pirates.
It is a matter of doubt whether the vessels already in the West Indies were placed directly under Porter, as they should have been, naturally, for we find Patterson, at New Orleans, ordering Gregory in the Grampus to Campeachy, a month after Porter's arrival on the station.
In active service in the West Indies prior to Porter's advent were
Frigate Congress 36 guns
Corvette John Adams 24 guns
Brig Spark 12 guns
Schooner Grampus 12 guns
Porpoise 12 guns
Sloop of war Hornet 18 guns
Brig Enterprise 12 guns
besides, conjecturally, some gunboats, etc., under Patterson. Of the two valuable schooners of the preceding year, the Alligator had been wrecked and the Nonsuch sent to the Mediterranean.
Porter sailed from Norfolk about February 10 but whether with all his vessels I am unable to say. His orders from the Secretary of the Navy are contained in the following letter, under date of February 1, 1823:
Sir—You have been appointed to the command of a squadron, fitted out under an act of Congress, of the 20th December last, to cruise in the West India seas and Gulf of Mexico, for the purpose of repressing piracy, and affording effectual protection to the citizens and commerce of the United States.
Your attention will, also, be extended to the suppression of the slave trade, according to the provisions of the several acts of Congress, on that subject; copies of which, and of the instructions heretofore given to our naval commanders thereon, are herewith sent to you.
While it is your duty to protect our commerce against all unlawful interruption, and to guard the rights, both of person and property, of the citizens of the United States, wherever it shall become necessary, you will observe the utmost caution not to encroach upon the rights of others; and should you, at any time, be brought into discussion, or collision, with any foreign power, in relation to such rights, it will be expedient and proper that the same should be conducted with as much moderation, and forbearance, as is consistent with the honour of your country, and the just claims of its citizens.
The system of piracy which has grown up in the West-Indies, has obviously arisen from the war between Spain and the new governments, her late provinces, in this hemisphere; and from the limited force in the islands. and their sparse population, many portions of each being entirely uninhabited, and desolate, to which the active authority of the government does not extend. It is understood that establishments have been made by parties of these banditti, in those uninhabited parts, to which they carry their plunder, and retreat in time of danger. It cannot be presumed, that the government of any island will afford any protection, or countenance, to such robbers. It may, on the contrary, confidently be believed, that all governments, and particularly those most exposed, will afford all means in their power for their suppression.
Pirates are considered, by the law of nations, the enemies of the human race. It is the duty of all nations to put them down; and none who respect their own character, or interest, will refuse to do it, much less afford them an asylum, and protection. The nation that makes the greatest exertions to suppress such banditti, has the greatest merit. In making such exertions, it has a right to the aid of every other power, to the extent of its means, and to the enjoyment, under its sanction, of all its rights, in the pursuit of the object. In the case of belligerents, where the army of one party enters the territory of a neutral power, the army of the other has a right to follow it there. In the case of pirates, the right of the armed force of one power, to follow them into the territory of another, is more complete. In regard to pirates, there is no neutral party; they being the enemies of the human race, all nations are parties against them, and may be considered as allies.
The object and intention of our government is, to respect the feelings, as well as the rights of other, both in substance and in form, in all the measures which may be adopted to accomplish the end in view. Should, therefore, the crews of any vessels, which you have seen engaged in acts of piracy, or which you have just cause to suspect of being of that character, retreat into the ports, harbours, or settled parts of the islands, you may enter, in pursuit of them, such ports, harbours, and settled parts of the country, for the purpose of aiding the local authorities, or people, as the case may be, to seize, and bring the offenders to justice; previously giving notice that this is your sole object. Where a government exists, and is felt, you will, in all instances, respect the local authorities, and only act in aid of, and co-operation with them; it being the exclusive purpose of the government of the United States, to suppress piracy; an object in which all nations are equally interested, and, in the accomplishment of which, the Spanish authorities, and people, will, it is presumed, cordially co-operate with you. If in the pursuit of pirates, found at sea, they shall retreat into the unsettled parts of the islands, or foreign territory, you are at liberty to pursue them, so long only as there is reasonable prospect of being able to apprehend them; and, in no case, are you at liberty to pursue and apprehend any one, after having been forbidden so to do, by competent authority of the local government. And should you, on such pursuit, apprehend any pirates, upon land, you will deliver them over to the proper authority, to be dealt with according to law; and you will furnish such evidence, as shall be in your power, to prove the offence alleged against them. Should the local authorities refuse to receive, and prosecute such persons, so apprehended, on your furnishing them with reasonable evidence of their guilt, you will, then keep them, safely and securely, on board some of the vessels under your command, and report, without delay, to this department, the particular circumstances of such cases.