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Story
July 15, 1785
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
The brig Rebecca, Capt. Garston, from St. Eustatius, encounters a suspicious Spanish warship at sea flying distress signals. After evading a boarding attempt, they escape pursuit near lat. 34 N, long. 70 34 W on June 6.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
ANNAPOLIS, June 23.
On Friday last arrived in this port the brig Rebecca, Capt. Garston, from St. Eustatius—a gentleman on board has favoured us with the following: —
On Monday the 6th inst. at about five o'clock in the morning, lat. 34, N. long. 70, 34, W. we saw a sail to windward with colours (supposed to be French) hoisted a signal of distress, and firing to leeward, we concluded she was really so: at seven we hoisted our colours and laid to, until she came alongside; she proved a ship of about 20 guns, with Spanish colours; she hailed us, and demanded from whence we came, and where bound, in a language we could not well understand; Capt. Garston answered, and informed them: they then ordered him to hoist out his boat and come on board: he answered, it leaked so bad he could not; what did they want? They said there was war, that they were a King's ship from Vera Cruz, and wanted to search his hold; they then ordered us to haul round to windward, while they got out their own boat, which they did in a very little time, and were coming on board with twelve or thirteen men; at the same time we saw as many more going aloft. Capt. Garston immediately ordered his hands to make sail, which they willingly obeyed; the boat seeing our intention, put about and rowed for the ship again, which prevented their firing for some time; after the boat got out of danger they fired and gave chase for about two hours; then hauled their wind and stood to the eastward, but soon after came to.
On Friday last arrived in this port the brig Rebecca, Capt. Garston, from St. Eustatius—a gentleman on board has favoured us with the following: —
On Monday the 6th inst. at about five o'clock in the morning, lat. 34, N. long. 70, 34, W. we saw a sail to windward with colours (supposed to be French) hoisted a signal of distress, and firing to leeward, we concluded she was really so: at seven we hoisted our colours and laid to, until she came alongside; she proved a ship of about 20 guns, with Spanish colours; she hailed us, and demanded from whence we came, and where bound, in a language we could not well understand; Capt. Garston answered, and informed them: they then ordered him to hoist out his boat and come on board: he answered, it leaked so bad he could not; what did they want? They said there was war, that they were a King's ship from Vera Cruz, and wanted to search his hold; they then ordered us to haul round to windward, while they got out their own boat, which they did in a very little time, and were coming on board with twelve or thirteen men; at the same time we saw as many more going aloft. Capt. Garston immediately ordered his hands to make sail, which they willingly obeyed; the boat seeing our intention, put about and rowed for the ship again, which prevented their firing for some time; after the boat got out of danger they fired and gave chase for about two hours; then hauled their wind and stood to the eastward, but soon after came to.
What sub-type of article is it?
Naval Engagement
Adventure
Survival
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Survival
What keywords are associated?
Naval Encounter
Spanish Warship
Boarding Evasion
Brig Rebecca
Capt Garston
Sea Chase
What entities or persons were involved?
Capt. Garston
Where did it happen?
Lat. 34 N, Long. 70 34 W
Story Details
Key Persons
Capt. Garston
Location
Lat. 34 N, Long. 70 34 W
Event Date
Monday The 6th Inst.
Story Details
The brig Rebecca sights a distressed vessel, which turns out to be a Spanish warship demanding to board. Capt. Garston refuses and orders sail made, escaping pursuit after the Spanish fire and chase for two hours.