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Story
March 7, 1799
Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
An extract from a letter by an officer of the USS Ganges describes Captain Tingey's defiant refusal to allow the British frigate Surprise to board and impress Englishmen off Cape Nicholas Mole, prompting cheers from the crew and the British withdrawal without conflict.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a letter from an officer of the 'Ganges,' dated Norfolk, February 21.
'An officer of the Surprise, an English frigate of 44 guns, boarded us off Cape Nicholas Mole, and demanded all the Englishmen on board, also to examine the protections of the American seamen. Captain Tingey's answer was manly and noble. 'A public ship carries no protection but her flag. I do not expect to succeed in a contest with you; but I will die at my quarters before a man shall be taken from the ship.' The crew gave him three cheers, ran to quarters, and called for Yankee Doodle. The Surprise upon hearing our determination, chose rather to leave us than to fight for dead men!'
'An officer of the Surprise, an English frigate of 44 guns, boarded us off Cape Nicholas Mole, and demanded all the Englishmen on board, also to examine the protections of the American seamen. Captain Tingey's answer was manly and noble. 'A public ship carries no protection but her flag. I do not expect to succeed in a contest with you; but I will die at my quarters before a man shall be taken from the ship.' The crew gave him three cheers, ran to quarters, and called for Yankee Doodle. The Surprise upon hearing our determination, chose rather to leave us than to fight for dead men!'
What sub-type of article is it?
Naval Engagement
Heroic Act
Military Action
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Justice
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Naval Encounter
Impressment Refusal
Captain Tingey
British Frigate
American Ship
Heroic Defiance
What entities or persons were involved?
Captain Tingey
Where did it happen?
Off Cape Nicholas Mole
Story Details
Key Persons
Captain Tingey
Location
Off Cape Nicholas Mole
Event Date
February 21
Story Details
British frigate Surprise attempted to board American ship Ganges to seize Englishmen and inspect American seamen's protections; Captain Tingey refused, declaring readiness to fight to the death; crew cheered and prepared for battle; British vessel retreated without engaging.