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Dagger's Bloody Past
9/23/87
By JENNIFER ERBLAND
"The dagger or knife which they carried in their belt was of singular construction ... It was about two feet in length; and so skillful! were the pirates in
the use of it, that they would dart it to a considerable distance with great precision and force."
Such is the description given by Joshua Cushing, a Mattapoisett seaman in 1857. The dagger was allegedly used against Cushing by an Algerian pirate in 1807, and later fell into his possession.
The dagger now rests in peace in the Mattapoisett Historical Society, its bloody career now over. Life is never easy for a seaman, but in 1807 it was filled with more than storms and hidden reefs — pirates were in abundance.
The history of the dagger and the printing of Cushing’s encounter with pirates are preserved by Francis Rowland of the Mattapoisett Historical
Society. The first written account appeared in Knickerbocker magazine. Cushing sailed as a mate on the schooner Mary Ann with Ichabod Sheffield at captain. After picking up a cargo of fish, the two men set course for the Mediterranean and its market.
“Nothing occurred worthy of note,” said Cushing in 1857, “till … about 40 miles west of Majorca, we discovered a ship-of-war … The ship hoisted English colors.” But when the Mary Ann drew closer, the English flag was hauled down and the Algerian flag was raised.
Captain Sheffield was [reportedly] taken captive by the pirates and brought about their frigate, leaving Cushing alone to form an escape plan. The pirates kept the schooner under the gun, making escape impossible.
“I took the glass and watched the frigate . . . I discovered preparations for the return of the boat. Men armed with swords, guns, pistols and daggers were being put on the boat … the captain among the company.”
The schooner’s deckhands were tied and thrown into the boats. The captain and Cushing found themselves “in possession of a prize-crew of nine men . . . thoroughly armed . . . “ Again, escape seemed impossible.
The fate of the men was bleak. The pirates intended to sell them into slavery. To Cushing and the others, death was preferable. He and the captain hatched a desperate escape plan. Only three men were able to fight, Cushing, Capt. Sheffield and a cook. There would be only one chance.
“…I observed the prize-master laying aside his fine sword and pistol … The [pirate] captain was to … catch some fish. This would draw the crew to the side of the boat.” Cushing had found his chance.
In moments, three pirates were hurled overboard. A fierce, bloody battle ensued. The pirate master rushed at Joshua Cushing, dagger drawn. Cushing was trapped by another pirate. At the final moment the cook smashed in the skull of the pirate master, saving Cushing’s life. The ship was saved and the three men freed from the threat of slavery.
Cushing eventually settled in Mattapoisett and is buried in Cushing [Cemetery.] The dagger was left as part of his estate. It remains the lone souvenir of the battle.
Status: OK
Status By: Lenora Robinson
Status Date: 2016-11-13