The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in Waterford to his friend in Dublin, dated October 18.

As I was on a party of pleasure, with some friends going to Passage, the wind blowing hard at S. S. W. we perceived a large Whitehaven vessel, with her sails furled, and seemingly in distress; and perceiving no body on board we made up to her and hailed her, but receiving no answer, we ventured to go on board, where we found a parcel of poor women lying in a fever, quite delirious, and not able to give any account of themselves, whom we relieved as well as we could, with what necessaries our little vessel afforded. Upon searching further, we found the cocket of the vessel, which discovered her to be a transport ship, Capt. Ford commander, bound for East Florida from Dublin, with 150 convicts on board. By all appearances, we suppose the hands have been murdered and thrown overboard, as we found on board their compass, quadrant, clothes, &c. Upon coming into harbour, we gave notice of it to the officers of the custom-house, who immediately went and brought her in here.

An express arrived at Dublin, on the 20th of October, with the melancholy confirmation of the murder of Capt. Ford, and his whole ship's company by the convicts: In the night time they had found means to knock off their chains, surprised the Captain and crew, threw them overboard, and then making for the shore, got clear off before any discovery was made. Some of them, however, have since been apprehended, and committed to Dublin gaol.