The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

CHARLESTOWN (S. Carolina) Aug. 20.

Capt. Nathaniel Mitchel, Master, and late Owner of the Sloop Ann, who arrived here last Week, gives us the following Account of the Disaster that happened him the 24th of May last, viz. Having loaded his Vessel at the Bay of Honduras, was proceeding on his Voyage to the Island of Bermuda, when there came a hard Gale of Wind which drove his Vessel ashore on the South side of Cuba, where he and his People with the greatest difficulty saved their Lives: They travelled four Days, without any other Sustenance, than what a Bleak Wilderness could afford, and being almost famished, espied a Spanish Fisherman, who gave them some Refreshment: and afterwards conducted them Prisoners to the Havannah where the Governor of that Place treated them with the usual Spanish Hospitality, throwing them into a loathsome Prison, among Negroes and Fellons, with scarce Food sufficient to support Nature: After remaining in that situation 4 Weeks, Capt. Mitchel drew up a Petition to the Governor acquainting him with the Misfortune that happened him, and praying Relief: But this Vice-Gerent of Satan, instead of alleviating the distressed, sent him for answer That he took a Pleasure in Torturing an Englishman, and intended to treat them all in the same Manner. A Schooner with an Irishman and a Portuguese, had Run-away with from the Grand Commanders, put into the Havannah, under Pretence of wanting refreshment, but were ordered out immediately ;— Capt. Mitchel begged Leave to go on board her, which being granted, he asked the People on board where they were bound, they told him they did not know, but would go where he pleased, as they did not understand navigation ; on which Capt. Mitchel directed his Course for Georgia, where he arrived in six Days.