SS: La Rozette Traditional Cache
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A bit of a walk along the coast to this cache that forms part of the Shipwreck Series. For the series methodology and more info visit SS: Shipwreck Series via the related web page link.
The only recorded mutiny and murder along the South Coast occurred on the 18 August 1786. It happened about the 75ft French brig La Rozette commanded by Capt La Bordes with a crew of 12. The ship was discovered by a Simonstown resident Christoffel Brand as he was riding.
The ship's keel was smashed, but the deck was unharmed. She lay on her side wedged between the rocks just north of Platboom. An undamaged dingy was found almost a mile away, but there were no signs of any crew. No corpses or footprints. He did however find a French flag which pointed to the possible origin of the ship.
Eventually M. Perceron, the French commissioner was summoned from Cape Town. He turned out to be a good investigator. He found documents on board the brig which declared it as the La Rozette. The brig had left Bordeaux in the middle of May for Mauritius. He also found evidence that the ships court had sat on the 1st June in respect of mutinous conduct of one Etienne Tailjasco. This led Perceron to consider a possible mutiny. He then returned to Cape Town and inquired whether there were any French-speaking sailors in Cape Town. Almost immediately he found three sailors who were in custody although they claimed to have deserted a ship which was in Table Bay recently. He also found another three who were also signed up to leave on the Dutch vessel Josephus de Tweede. Perceron was suspicious and had the three men arrested. Two of them were Italian brothers, Antonio and Stefano Tailjasco and one was an American.
After a couple of days Stefano gave a full confession. It all started when the boatswain kicked Stefano. The first mate joined in and Stefano tried to fight back. This resulted in him being put in irons where he remained for a few days. Eventually the shortage of crew persuaded the Captain to release him. Over the next few weeks the crew plotted their revenge. The first plan was to kill the officers and take over the ship, but none of the crew could navigate. Stefano was also having second thoughts.
On the 13th August they sighted land. The Captain ordered the mainbrace to be spliced. The next day they were able to discern Lions Head. Then the carpenter conveyed bad news. The Captain was not stopping as he was not running the risk of deserters. They decided that night that they would kill the officers and take over the ship. If they wrecked the ship then they would be treated as unfortunate castaway seamen.
It all happened at midnight when the watch changed. Antonio went down below and said to his brother "It is time". With the cook the went to the carpenter and awakened him. Ras led the way to his tool chest and handed out three hatchets and a hammer; the cook got the hammer. They then made their way to the Captain and first mate. Luvlahan, the mate died in his sleep under a rain of hatchet blows. They went to the Captain to find that something had awakened him. He rolled off his bed and fled from his cabin with a loud cry.
On deck the boatswain was felled with a singe blow from Antonio. The Captain being pursued then appeared on deck. Both Antonio and Stefano dispatched with their axes. The petty officer then arrived on deck, realised what was happening and attempted to plead for his life. Ras cut him short with an axe blow and the other two finished him off.
The American William Thomas then arrived. He also realised he was in danger and promised to do whatever he was asked. He was also a seaman so his life was spared provided he swore to obey them. The cabin boy came on desk and was killed by Lieutenant Boit who was trying to save himself by proving that he was on the mutineers side. This was not good enough for the mutineers. He tried to cling to the mast but had his hand chopped off and was thrown overboard shortly afterwards. Gradually the mates cries grew softer as the La Rozette sailed on.
The carpenter then set about creating a hole in the boat. This was to ensure that the brig sank without a trace. However he panicked when he thought the boat was being pushed off without him. Leaving the hole partially finished he dashed out onto the deck and into the boat. The boat moved off and they landed at a sandy cove. When daylight broke, they learned with dismay that the La Rozette was on the rocks about a mile away. They then split into two parties and made their way to Cape Town.
After Stefano revealed his story the other two were 'put to the question' - that is, they were forced to answer questions under torture. On the 12th October the Court pronounced judgment. The two brothers, the carpenter Ras and sailor Jean Missieux were to be broken on the wheel, their right hands and heads cut off, and impaled on stakes, and their bodies left hanging on the gallows at Mouille Point at the mercy of the birds.
The cook was regarded as less culpable and was merely hanged, whilst the verdict for William Thomas was a thorough scourging and and 10 years in irons on Robben Island. He received his whipping and was then banished from the Cape.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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