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The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
George Allen writes to the Boston Gazette defending himself against accusations of failing to rescue a sailor who fell overboard from his sloop on February 11 during hard winds. He details the unsuccessful rescue efforts, signaling another vessel that ultimately saved the man, and his decision to proceed to port after keeping company briefly.
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SIR,
In your paper of the 18th inst. I am charged with the crime of seeing a fellow sailor in the most eminent danger of losing life without making use of the means in my power to prevent it. Let the following facts, which I can support by incontestible evidence, determine those who have been impartial enough to suspend their Judgments till they may have heard what I can alledge in Vindication of myself. On the 11th Day of February, Wind blowing hard, my Sloop under her Square sail, one of my Hands unfortunately fell overboard; we immediately hove round to, but notwithstanding the Endeavours of all Hands, weak indeed, as one on board was lame as he could not stand, the Sloop fell off and filled. the Square sail and run a head, and the Square sail jam'd up aloft, so that it was a considerable Time before we could get him down, during this Time we lost Sight of the Man, and knowing it impossible to beat to Windward against the Sea, we made what Signals we could to a Sloop then about two Miles a stern, and mean while hove over several Jolt and Pieces of Plank, thinking possibly he might reach something and save himself. till the Sloop came up. which she did. and they took him on board; all this while I lay without a Rag of Sail, till she came up with me, and I after kept company two Days and three Nights, that if possible to get him on board out of the other Vessel: But my Vessel going faster than the other. and we bound to different Ports. I thought it my Duty to make the best of my Way. Now let the Public judge, whether I am to blame.
This I attest to.
GEORGE ALLEN.
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Letter to Editor Details
Author
George Allen
Recipient
To The Printer Of The Boston Gazette
Main Argument
the writer did all possible to attempt rescuing the sailor who fell overboard on february 11, signaled another sloop that successfully saved him, kept company briefly, but proceeded to his port due to differing speeds and destinations, and thus is not to blame.
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