hey underwent a long and solemn trial. The
generality of them remained daring and impenitent for some time, but
when they found themselves confined within a castle, and their fate
drawing near, they changed their course, and became serious, penitent,
and fervent in their devotions. Though the judges found no small
difficulty in explaining the law, and different acts of parliament, yet
the facts were so numerous and flagrant which were proved against them,
that there was no difficulty in bringing in a verdict of guilty.

THE LIFE OF CHARLES GIBBS.

_Containing an Account of his Atrocities committed in the West Indies_.

This atrocious and cruel pirate, when very young became addicted to
vices uncommon in youths of his age, and so far from the gentle reproof
and friendly admonition, or the more severe chastisement of a fond
parent, having its intended effect, it seemed to render him still worse,
and to incline him to repay those whom he ought to have esteemed as his
best friends and who had manifested so much regard for his welfare, with
ingratitude and neglect. His infamous career and ignominious death on
the gallows; brought down the "grey hairs of his parents in sorrow to
the grave." The poignant affliction which the infamous crimes of
children bring upon their relatives ought to be one of the most
effective persuasions for them to refrain from vice.

Charles Gibbs was born in the state of Rhode Island, in 1794; his
parents and connexions were of the first respectability. When at school,
he was very apt to learn, but so refractory and sulky, that neither the
birch nor good counsel made any impression on him, and he was expelled
from the school.

He was now made to labor on a farm; but having a great antipathy to
work, when about fifteen years of age, feeling a great inclination to
roam, and like too many unreflecting youths of that age, a great
fondness for the sea, he in opposition to the friendly counsel of his
parents, privately left them and entered on board the United States
sloop-of-war, Hornet, and was in the action when she captured the
British sloop-of-war Peacock, off the coast of Pernambuco. Upon the
return of the Hornet to the United States, her brave commander, Capt.
Lawrence, was promoted for his gallantry to the command of the
unfortunate Chesapeake, and to which he was followed by young Gibbs, who
took a very distinguished part in the engagement with the Shannon, which
resulted in the death