Gazette Of The United States

Information having been received at the Custom House in Portland, Casco Bay, that a Sloop of 30 tons had anchored at Cape Cove, Cape Elizabeth, from the coast of Guinea, the Naval Officer immediately repaired thither.—On examination it was found by the confession of one Hans Hanson, that the sloop sailed from London about last March, that she was commanded and chiefly owned by one John Connor—that they proceeded to the coast of Guinea, and purchased the cargo of ivory, pepper, &c. which they now have on board—that a plan was concerted to kill Capt. Connor, which was executed in December last, and that one Jackson was appointed Captain in his stead—the said sloop was taken possession of and carried into Portland.

AUGUST 1. Of the murder of Capt. Connor, in the sloop lately seized at Portland, we further learn : That the persons on board at the time of the murder, were named Haddy, Jackson, Bird, and Hanson ;—That in November last, Bird and Haddy, agreed to kill the Captain, and run-away with the vessel, and executed their purpose, by discharging two small arms upon him, down the companion door, and a cutlass on the quarter deck, while he was asleep; they then threw him overboard, and Haddy took the command, and some time after sailed for the Spanish Main, where he intended to sell her ; but not being able to reach the coast, he gave the command to Jackson, told him to carry her whither he pleased, and died not long afterwards--That Jackson declared his design was to carry the vessel to Boston. —Jackson says he is a native of Newton, in this State, and, as Hanson says, was asleep in the fore part of the vessel when the murder was committed, and knew nothing of it That the account Hanson gives of himself, is, that he is a native of Norway, an apprentice to Cap. Connor, aged 19 —and that the extreme cruelty of Cap. Connor was the pretended reason for the murder. The Sheriff of Cumberland has taken an inventory of the cargo, &c. to keep in possession for the owners.