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Story July 29, 1806

The New Hampshire Gazette

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

What is this article about?

American sailor John Johnston describes his 1805 impressment into British naval service from the brig Lyon, detailing abuse and forced enlistment with three compatriots, hoping for government redress.

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OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

From a Newbern, (N. C.) paper of June 21:

The following is a copy of a paper which was found corked up in a bottle, which was picked up near cape Hatteras, on the 23d of May last. The original was sent to the Secretary of state of the United States:

On board the Peterel sloop of war;
Lat. 10, long. 74.

I am an American, born at Boston, aged 26 years, sailed from New-York on board the brig Lyon, November 24, 1805. Nothing occurred worthy of remark for 14 days after we lost sight of the Hook, whence at six o'clock in the evening were brought to by the above vessel, and after undergoing every species of insult, myself and others, namely Frederick Foster, Simon Alogo, and Aaron Stupis, all native Americans, were ordered on board, which we refused, and on so doing, were beaten and kicked into the boat, were then thrown into irons for 10 days, after which time, was brought on deck, and interrogated if we would enter into his Majesty's service, with the alternative of a good flogging and live on bread and water, until we should comply with their imperious mandates: after a short consultation amongst us we agreed to enter, and embrace the first opportunity that occurred to free ourselves from the slavery in which we were involved. Accordingly, we signified our willingness to become the tools of the slaves of his Britannic majesty. 'Tis impossible to say any more, as my watch on deck is called: I must therefore conclude hoping that some effectual mode of redressing the grievances of American tars, will be thought of, and put into execution by our government.

JOHN JOHNSTON.

What sub-type of article is it?

Historical Event

What themes does it cover?

Misfortune Justice

What keywords are associated?

Impressment British Navy American Sailors Forced Enlistment Naval Abuse

What entities or persons were involved?

John Johnston Frederick Foster Simon Alogo Aaron Stupis

Where did it happen?

At Sea, Lat. 10, Long. 74; Near Cape Hatteras

Story Details

Key Persons

John Johnston Frederick Foster Simon Alogo Aaron Stupis

Location

At Sea, Lat. 10, Long. 74; Near Cape Hatteras

Event Date

November 24, 1805

Story Details

John Johnston recounts sailing from New York on the brig Lyon in 1805, being impressed by the British sloop Peterel after 14 days, suffering abuse and irons with three fellow Americans, forced to enlist under threat, but planning escape and seeking government redress.

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