The Virginia Gazette

Williamsburg, January 19. Since our last, we have the following Particulars relating to the Switzers, That when the Ship came within the Capes, the Wind was so fair, that if they had kept under Sail, instead of anchoring at Lynnhaven-Bay, they might have been safe at Hampton in about 2 Hours; but the People being almost famish'd, having nothing to eat for several Days, insisted on the Captain's coming to Anchor there, and going ashore to get Provisions. Accordingly the Captain and some of the Passengers went ashore, but it being an Island, and no House upon it, they walk'd about a long Time in vain; mean time the Wind rose, and blew violently at Norwest, stove their Boat ashore, parted the Ship from one Anchor, and the other dragg'd, so that she was drove so near ashore, as to strike on the Ground. whereby her Bottom was so injur'd, that she fill'd with Water in a very Short Time, and between 40 and 50 were drowned between Decks; and had it not been for the Assistance of Two Ships that lay near them at Anchor, who put as many of the People ashore as they cou'd with Safety to themselves, they must most of them been drown'd: And after they were put ashore, receiving no Shelter, from the Inclemency of the Weather, about 70 of them were frozen to Death, some on the Beach, and others in the Marshes, as they were scattered about, in Search for Houses. Those who surviv'd, amounting to about 90, were taken Care of by the Gentlemen and other Inhabitants of that Neighbourhood, and they are all like to do well. Col. Spottswood's Daughter is pretty well recovered, as are also his Three other Children. The Ship lies in a bad Condition at the same Place where she struck, full of Water, so that they have got but little, out of her yet; however, proper Methods are taking to get their Money, which is said to be very considerable, and Goods, out of her; and then they propose to their intended Settlement.