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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A schooner from Halifax to Boston, captained by Daniel Smith with 14 aboard, was blown off course in December's severe weather. The crew endured starvation, eating a cat and leather before drawing lots to sacrifice one, but the mate sighted Nevis Island, allowing safe arrival.
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We are informed, That a Schooner bound from Halifax to this Place, Daniel Smith Master, with 14 People on Board, was blown off this Coast in the severe Weather we had last December, and were reduced to great Extremities, especially for Want of Provisions, so that they fed upon the Flesh of a Cat for 9 or 10 Days, and for 7 Days after, upon gnawing the Leather of a Pair of Breeches, and their Hunger increased to so great a Degree, that they drew Lots which of them should die to save the Lives of the rest: But before they executed their Design, the Mate having Strength enough to get up a few Ratlins of the Shrouds, he from thence discovered Land, to their great Joy, which proved to be the Island of Nevis, where they arrived in a few Hours after.
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Boston
Event Date
Last December
Key Persons
Outcome
no deaths; crew arrived safely at nevis island
Event Details
Schooner bound from Halifax to Boston, Daniel Smith master, with 14 people on board, blown off coast in severe December weather, reduced to extremities from lack of provisions, fed on cat flesh for 9-10 days then leather for 7 days, drew lots for sacrifice but mate sighted Nevis Island and they arrived there.