The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Last Wednesday arrived here Capt. Crowell, in 16 Days from New Providence, who gives the following Intelligence viz. That Captain Robert Rodman, in the Schooner Twins, who sailed from this Port the 2d of November last, was cast away 16 Days afterwards, on Cat Island, one of the Bahama's, where the Vessel and Cargo were entirely lost; the Men, three besides the Captain, leaving 14 Negroes on the Wreck, had the good Fortune to get ashore in their Boats, but not without much Difficulty; after some Time they also got the Negroes on Shore, by carrying two at a Trip, their Boat being small as not to admit of any more. They having no Knowledge of the Place they were thus unhappily drove to, travel'd about in order to make what Discoveries they could and to procure Subsistence; but after having gone, as they imagined, 150 Miles, came to the Place where they set off from. They continued eight Weeks in the most distressing Situation, subsisting on Shell Fish, and what else they could find: The Captain and his three Men then came to a Resolution to take to their Boat; they accordingly set off, very weak and feeble, keeping near the Land, being obliged to go ashore every Night to rest themselves; and in about 8 or 10 Days, to their inexpressible Joy; very fortunately arrived safe at New Providence, reduced almost to Skeletons: At this Place they applied to a Gentleman for a small Vessel to go after the Negroes; and one being provided, they sailed to the Place where they left them, but on their Arrival found but 7 alive, whom they bro't off.