The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a Letter to Mr. Thomas Gatherer, in Lombard Street, dated Fort James, River Gambia, April 12, 1773.

"The following sad Misfortune has happened to Mr. John Shoolbred, Employer, on the 24th of January, in the Morning, on Board of the New Britannia, Captain Deane, as Commodore, with 200 Slaves. They had conveyed on Board, by some of the black Bogs, some of the Carpenter Tools, wherewith they ripped up the lower Decks, and got Possession of the Guns, Bulk Head, and others; and early in the Morning they fired along the whole Ship (upwards of an Hour), when a great many were killed and wounded on both Sides. When they found they could not get the better, they set Fire to the Magazine, and blew the Vessel up, when not less than 100 Souls perished in the Wreck. Captain Davies, Mr. Shoolbred's Agent here, was mortally wounded, and died soon after. Captain Deane was wounded in the Head, but soon recovered. Most of the Officers were killed, except the chief Mate, who was up the River purchasing Slaves. Both Doctors died, and a great many of the Natives."