Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
The Elizabeth Indiaman caught fire and exploded near Canton, China, on January 8, 1763, killing the captain, second and fifth mates, and 44 men. Two survivors, including the letter writer, were rescued by the Harcourt's boat.
Clipping
OCR Quality
Full Text
"Without doubt you have heard of the unhappy fate which happened to the Elizabeth, near Canton in China, the 8th of January 1763. She took fire between ten and eleven o'clock at night, when every body were asleep in their hammocks, and had got to such a head before the alarm was given, that in about half an hour after she blew up, and the masts, sails, and rigging went over-board; we had not time to get the boat cut. It was a most shocking and dismal sight to see so many poor souls, some in the rigging, and others floating in the sea; and being four leagues from any shore, and two from any ship, before we could get any assistance, we were obliged either to stay and be burnt, or jump into the sea. We lost our Captain, second and fifth Mates, with 44 men. Eight and myself were taken up by the Harcourt's boat."
What sub-type of article is it?
What keywords are associated?
What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Near Canton In China
Event Date
8th Of January 1763
Key Persons
Outcome
lost captain, second and fifth mates, and 44 men; eight and the writer saved by the harcourt's boat.
Event Details
The Elizabeth took fire between ten and eleven o'clock at night near Canton, blew up after half an hour, with masts, sails, and rigging going overboard. No time to launch boat; crew forced to jump into sea four leagues from shore and two from any ship. Shocking sight of souls in rigging and floating in sea.