The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

SALEM, April 25, 1769.

Very melancholy Accident happened, last Saturday Morning, on board the Brig Pitt-Packet, commanded by Captain Thomas Power, belonging to Marblehead, and bound in there from Cadiz: The Brig, when within about 7 Leagues of Cape-Ann, came across the Rose Man of War, was boarded, and two of her Men impressed; but these being, for some Reasons, released, the Lieut. of the Rose, with a Number of Men, again boarded the Brig, in order to take some of the other Men, who, 4 in Number, had secured themselves in the Fore Peak, determining to defend themselves: with some Harpoons, &c. they had provided for the Purpose, as long as they had Life. The Lieutenant made use of moderate, kind and persuasive Arguments, and offered, first, to take but two, and afterwards but one, if they would surrender themselves: but all Proposals and Intreaties being ineffectual to induce them to come up, the Lieutenant informed them that he was determined to make use of Force: and the Sailors as resolutely protested that they would kill any who should attempt to take them: A Pistol Charge of Powder was first fired at them, which burnt the Face of one Michael Corbett: and afterwards another of them received a Pistol Shot in his Arm, which broke the Bone: This increased their Resolution of dying rather than to surrender: And their whole conduct seemed to manifest such an Abhorrence of being forced on board a Man of War, as to prefer Death to such a Life, as they deemed Slavery.-- They repeatedly declared they would kill the first Man that offered to approach them: And a Man the Lieutenant sent in to begin the attack upon them, was considerably wounded; on which he retreated. The Lieutenant then told them that he would lead the Way to them himself: Corbett answered him, with the most solemn Protestations, & called Almighty God to Witness, that so sure as he advanced one Inch further, he should instantly lose his Life. The Lieut. told them he had seen many a brave Fellow, should take a Pinch of Snuff, and then consider of it; which having deliberately done, he began to step towards them, when Corbett, agreeable to his Promise, immediately threw a Harpoon, which did instant Execution. it hit the Lieutenant near his Throat, and cut the jugular Vein; on which he only had Time to say, that they had taken his Life; and gasping three Or four Times, fell down and expired. The Sailors still continued to defend themselves, notwithstanding there was a large number of Mariners at this Time on board the Brig; but having provided themselves with a Quantity of Liquor, all but Corbett became so intoxicated therewith they were soon pulled out; he continued to defend himself for three Hours and an half after he killed the Lieutenant: & it was thought would have been killed upon the Spot, rather than have been taken, if he had retained the Use of his Limbs; but being also overcome with Liquor, was by that Means taken. The Lieutenant, we hear, was named Paddison, a young Gentleman between 20 and 30 Years of Age, and was much respected. The Captain of the Rose, after this tragical Affair, thought himself obliged to take Charge of the Brig, as well as the Men, and carried them to Boston. The Corpse of the Lieutenant was kept on board the Brig, where it was to remain till a Jury of Inquest should be summoned on the same. Not one American belonged to the Brig.