[The Cor'ner] swore the western shore
He saw with muskets bristle;
Some stamp'd the ground;—'twas cannon sound,
They heard the grape-shot whistle.
The Deputy mounted "Old Bay,"
When first he heard the rattle,
Then changed his course—"Great men are scarce,
I'd better keep from battle."
The General flew to meet the crew,
His jacket flying loose, sirs;
[Instead of sword, he seized his board];—
Instead of hat, his goose, sirs.
"Tyler's" he cried, "on t'other side,
Your spikes will never do it;
The cannon's bore will hold some more,"
Then thrust his goose into it.
Sol raised his head, cold spectres fled;
Each man resumed his courage;
Captain O'Flan dismissed each man
To breakfast on cold porridge.
William Harrison Safford.
The whole party, including Burr, were arrested February 19, 1807 near Fort Stoddart, Ala., and taken to Richmond, Va., where Burr was put on trial for treason. The trial lasted six months, and resulted in acquittal.
TO AARON BURR, UNDER TRIAL FOR HIGH TREASON
Thou wonder of the Atlantic shore,
Whose deeds a million hearts appall;
Thy fate shall pity's eye deplore,
Or vengeance for thy ruin call.
Thou man of soul! whose feeble form
Seems as a leaf the gales defy,
Though scattered in sedition's storm,
Yet borne by glorious hope on high.