The Virginia Gazette

Portsmouth, in New-England, May 15. The Sloop Seaflower, belonging to Piscataqua River, is just arrived from Barbados, the Master of which informs, that he left that Island the 14th of April last, and on the 16th at Two o'Clock, P. M. he espied two Sail, one under the Lee, and the other (a large Ship) on the Weather Bow, bore N. N. E. standing to the Southward; the Ship then bore down on the said Sloop under French Colours 'til she came so near as to command her, when she hoisted Spanish Colours, and fired a Shot under her, and brought her to, then ordered the Master on Board the Ship, and to bring his Journal with him; but the Boat not being good, the Spaniard hoisted out theirs, and carried the said Master on Board; who found that she came from Old Spain, was bound for La-Vera-Cruz, and had been out 8 Weeks, mounted 24 Carriage Guns, with 180 Men; and having but four Days Allowance of Water, compelled the said Master to let them have a Barrel of Rum out of his own Adventure, and gave him 32 Dollars for it; telling him he should not say that he had met with a Pirate; and thank'd him for supplying him when he was in great Want, as also informing him how far he was to the Westward, being in the Lat. 19 d. 30 m. N. and Long. 60 d. 16 m. West from the Meridian of London ; but the Spaniard judged himself to be to the Westward of Porto-Rico. The unfortunate Master of the said Sloop being now safe arriv'd, in this Port of Piscataqua, with Vessel and Cargoe to his Owners, is by them charged with a Breach of Orders and Piracy, for supplying the poor Spaniards at Sea when in great Want. --Let this be a Warning to all Masters of Vessels to be careful of making a Breach of Orders, tho' they be compelled by a Spanish Ship of 24 Guns and 180 Men, or any other Vessel of superior Force.