was one of a prize-crew, who was
confined in that dark and loathsome cell, on a short allowance of
provisions, from June, 1814, until the ratification of the treaty.
On that man being demanded, the prisoners stated to Shortland,
that they did not presume that the British government would expect
them to stand sentry over each other--that he might send his
turnkeys and soldiers in and look for the man, but they would not
seek him and deliver him up--upon which he ordered the military to
fire upon the prisoners, but owing to the coolness and
deliberation of the then commanding military officer, in
restraining them, this order was not obeyed.

To sum up the whole in a few words, his conduct, throughout, was
marked by the same illiberal prejudice, overbearing insult, and
savage barbarity, which characterizes the majority of English
officers when they have Americans in their power.

The enclosed papers, from No. 1 to 16 inclusive, are the
depositions taken by the committee of investigation on the 7th.
Colonel AYRE arrived from Plymouth and took command of this depot.
Shortland sent in a message to the committee, requesting their
attendance at his office, to which was returned for answer, that
considering him a murderer, they were determined to have no
communication with him--but added, if the commanding officer from
Plymouth had any thing to communicate, they would wait on him;
and, at his request, they went up to the gate, where they stated
to him all the particulars of the affair.

He expressed great regret for what had occurred, and assured the
prisoners that no further violence should be used upon them. In
the mean time Shortland made his appearance. Instantly the
indignant cry of murderer, scoundrel, villain, burst from the lips
of hundreds. The guilty wretch stood appalled, not daring to offer
a syllable in vindication of his conduct; but with a pallid visage
and trembling step, returned to his guard-house, from whence he
was never seen to emerge while we remained there. In the course of
the day, a rear-admiral and post captain arrived from Plymouth,
sent by Sir J. T. Duckworth, commander in chief on that station,
to enquire into the transaction; to whom we likewise fully stated,
by the committee, all the particulars, together with Shortland's
previous infamous conduct. T