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Independent Journal, Or, The General Advertiser
New York, New York County, New York
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Extract of a letter from Cape Fear dated June 30, 1787, describing the schooner Trumbull's voyage from Newpoint-Comfort to Charleston: captured by pirates who threw owners and crew overboard, abandoned near Cape Hatteras; later run down by a ship, losing most hands; Captain Griffin died; survivors captured by Spanish vessel and taken to Porto Rico.
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"Sir,
I was shipped on board the schooner Trumbull, at Newpoint-Comfort, bound to Charleston, South Carolina. We went from Newpoint-Comfort to Hampton Road, Virginia, and were cut out the same evening by some pirates. They hove one of the owners overboard same evening, and when they got out of the Capes they threw the pilot and one man that was wounded overboard. On the third day they all left us, a little north of Cape Hatteras, and endeavoured to get to shore, but I believe they did not make it: they left us by reason of some vessels appearing which they took to be Algerines. They took the cabin boy with them. The morning after they were gone, the Captain ordered the mate (as he was not able to go on deck) to proceed for Charleston, where we were bound. We proceeded on our voyage, but on the third night were run down by a large ship, and lost all our hands but the Captain, who lay very sick in the cabin, the mate, one man and myself. Next morning Captain Griffin died: a little before he died he begged us to endeavour to get to our port, and there publish the whole transaction, and to inform Mr. Linch's friends, at New-York or Long-Island, of his death, as he owned part of the vessel and cargo. Same day we were boarded by a Spanish vessel; they hove part of their cargo overboard and took in what they could of ours. They scuttled our vessel on both bows, but she did not sink while we were in sight. They carried us to Porto Rico, where we were confined in the fore-castle till they sailed for the Spanish Main. A short time after we were separated from the mate, who desired me to inform the other owner (who lives in Norfolk, but whose name I have forgot) of the transaction.
I am, Sir, your humble servant,
JOHN VINTS."
[The Letter is left at the Printing-Office, No. 41, Hanover-Square, for the perusal of those concerned.]
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Cape Fear
Event Date
June 30, 1787
Key Persons
Outcome
pirates threw one owner (mr. linch), pilot, and wounded man overboard; took cabin boy. collision with large ship killed most hands except captain (who later died), mate, one man, and vints. spanish vessel took cargo, scuttled schooner, captured survivors to porto rico.
Event Details
Schooner Trumbull, bound from Newpoint-Comfort to Charleston, captured by pirates off Virginia who killed and threw several overboard, then abandoned ship near Cape Hatteras fearing Algerines. Survivors proceeded but were run down by a large ship, losing most crew. Captain Griffin died, instructing publication of events and notification of owner Mr. Linch's death. Spanish vessel boarded, looted cargo, scuttled the schooner, and took remaining crew to Porto Rico for confinement.