The Hillsborough Recorder

A dreadful catastrophe occurred at Manchester, England, on the 29th of February last. It appears that the New Quay Company was to launch a new boat from the yard, and that she would be full rigged for the occasion. The novelty of the circumstance caused a numerous company to assemble to witness the spectacle. The time appointed was one o'clock, an hour at which a large proportion of the working class of the town, consisting of men, boys and girls were at leisure. A great number then succeeded in getting on board the vessel, supposed not less than three hundred. On launching her, by some accident she upset, and the whole party was precipitated into the water. The scene that ensued is represented as having been frightfully distressing. The number of persons drowned had not yet been ascertained, but forty-seven dead bodies had been found.