The Daily Advertiser

On the 24th of August, in lat. 45. 46, N. Long. 38. 0, W. Capt. Colinson (of the Backhouse, which arrived at Liverpool on the 22d Sept. from Grenada) being about a mile astern of a French East-Indiaman, which was bound for L'Orient, perceived a man floating on the water towards him; on which he threw an oar and an empty cask overboard, for present assistance, and got his boat out as soon as possible, with which he was fortunate enough to get him on board his vessel.

On questioning him, he learned that he was one of three men, who, for some misbehavior, had been sentenced, in the East-Indies, to be sent to Old France, and there shot to death by way of example; when, seeing the Backhouse so near, and being released from the irons with which he had been for a long time confined, impelled by that natural love of life which is implanted in our nature, he took the resolution of getting out of one of the port-holes, and dropping into the water, choosing to run the risque of drowning, rather than proceed to his native country, where certain death awaited him; and this risque was very great, as he feared to know little more of swimming, than just to keep himself above water; for tho' the oar, which was thrown overboard, came within five yards, he seemed not to know how to get nearer to it.