"What is known as the "Easton Massacre" took place on April 2, 1803. It is a thrilling experience of the old time Press gang at Portland.
The following quaint description of the occurrence is taken from a local manuscript kindly lent by a friend :
APRIL, 1, 1803, came to anchor in Portland Roads, Eagle, frigate, George Wolfe, Esq., commander, for the purpose of impressing men ; and immediately put out his boat to impress seamen in the Road, whereof Nicholas Way, son of J. Way, of this Island, was impressed and carried on board. After examination, finding he was a captain of a small vessel was again sent on shore, being detained only two days. Nothing material else happened that evening.
APRIL 2, 1303, Landed the impress boat near Portland Castle about 5 o'clock in the morning, from the above mentioned frigate, with the captain, three more officers, a lieutenant of marines, and 24 private marines and a number of seamen, armed with muskets, bayonets, pistols, and cutlasses, and proceeded towards the village of Chissel and impressed one Henry Wiggatt, and going a little farther they saw Nich. Way, son of Elizabeth Way, run into his house, whereof they broke up the door and impressed the said Nich. Way. Both of them were guarded by some of the press gang to the Castle…"
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Armand
paints the Dogman from the Flintloque starter set.
