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"The Amistad's Capture by Gedney and Meade,"Charleston
Courier, 7 Sept. 1839.
NEW LONDON GAZETTE OFFICE,
AUGUST 30TH, 1839.
It is a source of regret that several of your papers, with no other authority
than mere rumor, have published accounts, which if credited, must deprive those to
whom it is due, of their just share of credit in this capture. It has been stated
that Capt. Gedney was not on board the Washington at the time the schooner was seized.
The truth is that he was on board, and was, at the time the schooner was discovered,
engaged in running a line of soundings. The Amistad was first discovered by Lieut.
R. W. Meade, who at that time had charge of the deck. Capt. Gedney scrutinized her
with his glass, and observing wagons and people on the shore, concluded that she
was a smuggler, and accordingly dispatched a boat, with six men and arms, in charge
of Lieut. Meade and Passed Midshipman D. D. Porter, for the purpose of seizing her.
On approaching the schooner, the two Spanish gentlemen made their appearance on deck,
and exclaimed, "Bless the Holy Virgin, you are our preservers."
The boat laid aboard the prize, and Lieut. Meade and Mr. Porter, followed by two
of the men, jumped on deck, and drove the Africans below. Lieut. Meade then demanded
in Spanish who was their captain, and where were their colors; when a torn Spanish
ensign was produced, and by his orders it was set in the main rigging, as a signal
of distress to Capt. Gedney to send another boat along side. The joy of the two passengers
was unbounded. One of them, Senor Montez the elder, who had been threatened every
day during his captivity with death, threw his arms around Mr. Meade, who under the
circumstances, and from the by no means gentle nature of the embrace, being led to
think that his intention was any thing but amiable, presented a pistol at his face,
with a threat that unless he relaxed his hold, he would shoot him. He was, soon convinced
of the sincerity of his intentions by the tears of delight and thankfulness of the
poor old man. Mr. Meade and two men remained in charge of the prize, while Mr. Porter,
with four others, went ashore to arrest the leader,and his accomplices, who were
on the beach. On their approach the blacks leaped into their boat, and pulled toward
the schooner, when Mr. Porter discharged a pistol and they hove to. They were taken
on board the brig when Cingues watched a convenient opportunity, leaped overboard,
diving and swimming like a fish, till he was caught with a boat hook. Meantime Capt.
Gedney came up with the Washington, and took the prize in tow for New London.
It has been stated that the schooner was taken by boys; this is also incorrect; she
was taken by able bodied men, who were prepared for the worst, and who would have
been hard customers to deal with in case of a brush. On board the Washington there
are several naval apprentices, and it is not out of place here to bear testimony
to their neat and healthy appearance, as well as their orderly deportment.
You have doubtless received ere this a report of the investigation in the presence
of Judge Judson. Senor Montes is writing a history of his sufferings, which a friend
has kindly offered to translate for me, and should it develope [sic] any additional
facts of importance, they shall be transmitted to you at once. The negroes have been
taken to New Haven, where they will await in jail their trial, which is to take place
in Hartford on the 17th day of September next. The schooner is discharging at New
London, where probably both vessel and cargo will be sold at auction.
If the Washington had not fallen in with the Amistad at the time, and under the circumstances
she did, the lives of the two passengers must inevitably have been sacrificed, and
the cargo and vessel destroyed. They had supplied themselves with water, and were
going to sea that night. Cingues had always declared that in case they were likely
to be taken, he should kill the passengers, and that he would die sooner than be
taken, and he enjoined upon his comrades to take his knife and avenge his death--that
they had better die in self-defense than be hung, as they would be if taken.
These slaves were purchased in Havana, of a slaving house, that had just imported
them from Africa. Perhaps Consul Triat could throw some farther light on the subject.
* * * * * * * *
The old gentleman says he never shall recover from the effects of his trouble,
and that if he had been chained for ten years in a dungeon, it would not thus have
broken him down. For some time previous to their deliverance, their only drink was
the water of the sea.
The schooner is of faultless model, and foul as her bottom is at present, she would
have been able to work to windward of almost any of our cutters.
Names of the slaves, as furnished by Lieut. Meade:
Cingues, the chief.
Quash, his brother.
Faquorna, assisted in killing the captain.
Quimboo, also one of the murderers.
Maum, helped to kill the captain and cook.
Faa, concerned also in murder
Gabao, one of the ringleaders, fat and short.
Funny, cook, apparently amiable.
Pana, alias Juan, speaks a little English.
Llamani, very severe with passengers and cabin boy.
Guana, Sissi, Con. Sua, [sick] Zabry.
Paulo Dama, great friend of cabin boy--saved his life.
Conorno, cannibal, with six large tusks projecting at right angles from his mouth.
Jaoni, Pie, Naquai, Cuba, Bea, Berry, Prummuco, Faha, Huebo, Fuerre 1st, Fuerre 2nd,
Saa, Faguana, Chockamaw, Fasoma, Panguna, Kinna, Carri, Cuperi.
Antonio Gonzalez, cabin boy.
Cane, boy, 9 years old.
Females--Ferma, Kene, Margra, about 13 years of age.
