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Story
September 19, 1751
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Captain Otton's journal extract describes sighting an uncharted island in the North Atlantic during a 1749 voyage from South Carolina to London, including coordinates, features, and a found ship's mast. Governor Rodney is seeking a similar recent discovery.
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As the public have lately been entertained with the account of an island lately discovered, which Capt. Rodney, Governor of Newfoundland, is gone to look for, we cannot but think the following extract from Capt. Otton's journal may be an agreeable amusement to many of our readers. It was given by the capt. to a master of a vessel just arrived here from London, of whom we have obtained it.
March 4, 1748-9. At 2 afternoon made land, which bore N.E. leagues distance by estimation; at 5 tacked, being about 3 leagues from said island, wind E.S.E. Lat. per observation 49°40', long. 24°30' from the Lizard. The island stretches N.W. and S.E. about 5 leagues long, and about one mile wider. On the S. side 5 valleys, and a great number of birds. March 7 said land bore N. 3 leagues, N.W. a reef of rocks, 3 miles. This day a ship's mast came along side. On the south side of said point is a small marshy island.
A copy of my journal on board the snow St. Paul, of London, bound from South Carolina to London. William Otton, Commander.
Capt. Otton thought he saw a tent on the island, and would have gone ashore, but had unfortunately lost his boat some time before.
March 4, 1748-9. At 2 afternoon made land, which bore N.E. leagues distance by estimation; at 5 tacked, being about 3 leagues from said island, wind E.S.E. Lat. per observation 49°40', long. 24°30' from the Lizard. The island stretches N.W. and S.E. about 5 leagues long, and about one mile wider. On the S. side 5 valleys, and a great number of birds. March 7 said land bore N. 3 leagues, N.W. a reef of rocks, 3 miles. This day a ship's mast came along side. On the south side of said point is a small marshy island.
A copy of my journal on board the snow St. Paul, of London, bound from South Carolina to London. William Otton, Commander.
Capt. Otton thought he saw a tent on the island, and would have gone ashore, but had unfortunately lost his boat some time before.
What sub-type of article is it?
Journey
Curiosity
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Exploration
What keywords are associated?
Island Sighting
Maritime Journal
Uncharted Island
Captain Otton
Ship's Mast
What entities or persons were involved?
Capt. Rodney
Capt. Otton
William Otton
Where did it happen?
North Atlantic Ocean, Latitude 49°40' N, Longitude 24°30' W From The Lizard
Story Details
Key Persons
Capt. Rodney
Capt. Otton
William Otton
Location
North Atlantic Ocean, Latitude 49°40' N, Longitude 24°30' W From The Lizard
Event Date
March 4 7, 1748 9
Story Details
During a voyage from South Carolina to London, Capt. Otton sights an island at specified coordinates, describes its length, valleys, birds, reefs, and a marshy islet; finds a ship's mast; sees a possible tent but cannot land due to lost boat.