The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

The same Day at Noon, a Fire broke out on board the fine large Store-Ship, (which has been laying in this Harbour for several Months past, commanded by Capt. Walker, having Stores for the Navy) which soon communicated to the Mats, Rigging and Turpentine on the Deck, and before any Assistance came, her upper Works were almost wholly in a Blaze; so that little or no attempt was made to extinguish it: The Boats from the Men of War, with some from the Town, towed the Ship over to Noddle's Island, where, after cutting her, she was left to Burn to the Water's Edge. The Fire, it is said, was occasioned by some Coals falling from the Hearth of the Caboose on to the Deck, which had been lately paved over with Turpentine, and spread with such Rapidity that nothing could be taken out of her.

The Captain with his Wife and two Children, who usually kept on Board, likewise a Boy, (the other People belonging to her being ashore) were obliged to be taken out of the Cabin Windows, without being able to save the least Thing but what they had on: A Report prevailing at the time of the Fire, that a large Quantity of Powder was on Board, put the Inhabitants in general into great Consternation, for fear of the Consequences that might arise from an Explosion thereof; but being afterwards assured that none was in her, they became perfectly easy, and the Hills and Wharves were covered with Spectators to view so uncommon a Sight. Some of the Stores in the Hold, such as Cordage, Cables, and Anchors, which were under Water before the Fire could reach them, will be saved.

It is somewhat lucky for the Town that the Fire broke out in the Day-Time, and when only the People belonging to the Ship were on Board, otherwise it might have been Matter of Representation to the Board of Admiralty at Home to have immediately fitted out a Fleet in order to apprehend certain Persons to be sent beyond the Seas to be tried, as in the Case of the Gaspee Schooner at Rhode-Island. Be it as it may, this Accident may prove very beneficial to some, in settling Accounts. This Ship was built at New-York, about 300 Tons Burthen.