The Virginia Gazette

Charles Town, South Carolina, Sept. 9.

On Saturday last arrived here from South-Edisto, Mr. Philip Thomas, Mate, and several other Seamen belonging to the Ship Dundee, William Vaughan Commander, of and from New-Providence for this Place, who gives us certain Account of the Loss of the said Ship in the following Manner: That they sailed from Providence on Friday the 20th of August, and after a short and agreeable Passage (without seeing one Vessel on the whole Voyage) made the Land of St. Helena on Thursday Morning following, but the Winds proving variable and contrary, stood off and on 'til Wednesday Night, then came to an Anchor off South-Edisto, in five Fathom Water; That on Thursday Morning they weighed Anchor, flushed with the Hopes of making their intended Port in Safety, when immediately they saw a Vessel at about 4 Leagues Distance, bearing down upon them with crowded Sail and English Colours, this obliged them to stand in for the Shore, 'til they came into two Fathom Water, where the Ship grounded. The Vessel that gave them Chase was so eager in the Pursuit, and probably as confident that She was in no Danger of the Naval Force here, that she run herself aground likewise, on Thursday Afternoon about 4 o'clock, where she might have easily fallen into the Hands of a Tartar, had he not been Secure in Port, waiting the Event of a tedious Hurricane Season, which threatens to be longer this Year than usual.—Mr. Thomas further acquainted us, that this Vessel happened to be a large Spanish Snow, mounting about 18 Carriage Guns, and had in Company with her Two small Sloops, and One Schooner, which they suppos'd to be the Augustine Men of War that do frequently come upon this Coast and pickt up our Vessels, even in Sight of this Town, &c. [One would think, the Industry and daily Success of these Small Men of War, would excite the larger ones here to a more vigorous Prosecution of their Duty]. And the Snow being still aground, sent her Barge on board, which obliged Capt. Vaughan and his Men (to avoid being made Prisoners) to quit the Dundee, and leave the Enemy in quiet Possession of her.