Tartar

Posted by Brian on Saturday 6th of February 2016 00:36

1740 Charlestown May 24 - On Saturday last being the 17th instant about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Capt. Townsend, Commander of his Majesty’s ship Tartar, sent his boat with a press gang under the direction of Samuel Batters, Master of the ship, in order to press all the men belonging to the ship Caesar (Fancis Williams, Master) which was then coming down from Hobcaw , which said Francis Williams had intelligence of just before the boat belonging to the said ship Tartar got on board, on which he advised all his people to lock themselves up in the cabin, to prevent their being pressed, they accordingly took his advice. Immediately after which, the said Tartar's boat came, when the Master asked the said Williams; where his men were, who told him they were in the ship; on which the Master answered him, that he wanted them for his Majesty's service, and would not have them; to which the said Williams replied, he did not concern himself about it; on which reply the Master began to be pretty warm, and after a few words drew his sword, and made a thrust at the said Williams, who prevented it's touching him, by stepping back; on which the Pilot Mr. Poole (who had the charge of the ship) asked the Master whether he thought he did right? On which the said Master made a thrust at him, but slightly pricked him, so as not to do to much damage. Directly upon the same, the said Williams and Pilot quitted the ship, and as they were going over the side, they heard the Master order his men to fire. The said Williams and Pilot went directly to town; soon after their arrival, news came, that the Master had broke open companion, and cabin door belonging to the said ship Caesar, and got with his men into the cabin where the sailors were, who were resolved to defend themselves from being pressed, so that they began to fire at each other, but the sailors did not make any long defence. As soon as the heat was over, the Master presented his gun at one of them, who dodged him, and at last shot him, and dragging him into the boat like a dog, in which he died before the said Master got on board the ship Tartar, which himself and gang did as soon as possible. The deceased was fetched from on board the Tartar, on the Sunday morning following, and the Jury of Inquest sat on the body, brought in their verdict of willful murder. The Tartar sailed that day into Rebellion Road, and there lay. And also the murder had been deemed by the Government, he was not delivered up, but protected on board the ship. It is reported, that the Master did say, he was sorry he did not kill Captain Williams.before he left his ship.