During the Revolutionary War, Privateers frequently harassed Conway, in common with other settlements. One day in summer of 1777, a cruiser anchored at Privateer Cove ; some of the crew seized Mr. William McDormand when he was accompanying his partner from the Milk House to their dwelling, and insisted he should pilot the privateer to Annapolis. He promptly replied : " I cannot, I will not, violate in such a manner the laws of my beloved country!" They, however, forced their prisoner on board, probably hoping he would be constrained by fear to obey their vile mandate. Fortunately, the British man-of-war Buckram just then entered the Basin. Discomfited the privateer attempted to sail out of the harbour. McDormand promptly told the captain that "The Buckram is coming!" The pirate replied, "We will take her along with us!" "Yes," rejoined our Hero, "You will take her along with you!" , "She will capture you instead!" As the Buckram was in close pursuit, the privateer hastened to St. George's Channel, but was promptly driven ashore at Baxter's Point. The soldiers, aided by Conway people, strove to capture the pirates, who ran into the woods . After a desultory chase towards Gulliver's Hole, the three were captured and placed on board the Buckram, the others escaped, and probably returned to their countrymen in the revolted colonies. Isaiah W. Wilson.Geography and History of the County of Digby. Cha.4, pp.39-40. |
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