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Alexandria Advertiser And Commercial Intelligencer
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
The English frigate Aurora under Capt. Moorsom captured St. Peters with minimal resistance, seizing local shipping and planning to burn the town after evacuating prisoners. Reported via Capt. Hawes arriving at Salem.
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St. Peters was taken by the frigate Aurora, Capt. Moorsom, from St. Johns; a brig, a schr. and about 15 shallops were all the shipping in the harbour at the time it was taken: 8 brigs and 3 schrs. sailed for the Bank 3 days before it was taken on their second fare. There were not more than 200 men on the Island, and not one cannon mounted: no resistance was made by the inhabitants. Two schrs. came in from the Banks after the place was taken. No guard was kept on the Island to prevent the inhabitants going away: a number went to Newfoundland in small boats; some came toward the United States in shallops, one of which was taken off Liverpool, and the prisoners sent to Halifax. There was not more than 5000 quintals of Fish on shore, none of which was cured and no goods, except salt and stores for the above vessels. There were not more than five small framed houses on the Island with a number of tents made with sails. Capt. Hawes was there eight days after the place was taken; the frigate was still there; and he was informed that when the frigate went to St. Johns, would take all the prisoners with her, and burn the town.
(Salem Reg.)
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
St. Peters
Key Persons
Outcome
no resistance made; shipping captured including a brig, a schooner, 15 shallops, and two additional schooners; inhabitants escaped to newfoundland and toward united states; prisoners to be taken to st. johns; town to be burned; 5000 quintals of uncured fish and minimal goods on shore.
Event Details
St. Peters was captured by the English frigate Aurora under Capt. Moorsom from St. Johns. Minimal defenses with 200 men and no cannons. Shipping in harbor: one brig, one schooner, 15 shallops; eight brigs and three schooners had left for the Bank three days prior. Two schooners arrived post-capture. Inhabitants fled without guard interference; some captured en route to US and sent to Halifax. Limited structures and supplies present. Capt. Hawes observed for eight days after, with frigate remaining and plans to evacuate prisoners and burn the town upon departure to St. Johns.