Pirate Attack upon the Alligator

Gettysburg Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
December 4 1822 Page 3
Philadelphia, Nov. 28

Melancholy Tidings

We have today to record an event which must excite in the breast of every American, and we may venture to add, in that of every civilized man, the notions of profound regret and indignation. Lieutenant Commandant Allen, one of the rising stars in our naval galaxy, has fallen by the hands of unprincipled pirates. In the earnest and honorable execution of his duty to his country and to mankind, this gallant and accomplished young officer has become the victim of a gang of desperate buccaneers; but is this, as in most of the occurrences of our naval warfare, he died in the lap of victory. This melancholy intelligence was received this morning from an intelligent gentleman passenger in the Mary Ann, Capt. Corry, from Havana, and is furnished to us in these words:

“About the 9th two masters of American vessels, came to Havana for the express purpose of raising money for the ransom of their vessels, bound to Havana, which with two other Americans (bound to N. Orleans) had been recently captured by two piratical schooners near Key Roman and left at anchor in that neighborhood, waiting their return. Captain Allen, of the Alligator, on coming into port next day, being informed thereof, started without coming to anchor in search of the pirates, whom at that, or the next day, he discovered in the Channel of Matanzas. The Alligator drawing too much water, two boats were manned and stood for them; an action ensued, in the early part of which Capt. Allen, received two musket balls, one in the head, the other in the breast, and soon died, encouraging his men to do their duty; which they nobly performed, for after a short contest the pirates abandoned their vessels and swam to the shore. The vessels were taken possession of by the victors, and carried into Matanzas.

They mounted one gun each a midship, with 40 men each, well armed, and had considerable plunder on board. Our informant does not know what became of their prizes.”

The Mary Ann has despatches on board from the American Agent at Havana furnishing official information in relation to this disastrous occurrence.

We learn that no other officer was injured belonging to the Alligator; but that two of her seamen were killed, and three badly wounded. Several of the pirates fell in the action, and others drowned in endeavoring to escape.

The four prizes were also captured and towed into Matanzas, a part of the cargoes had been previously landed and sold. Capt. Allen was buried at Matanzas with the honors of war. – Gazette.
[Submitted by Nancy Piper]

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