Gazette Of The United States

Extract of a letter from Dundee, dated April 27.

"I am just now come from witnessing a most disastrous and melancholy scene. Above 150 persons having this afternoon crowded on board a light sloop in this harbor, at full tide, in order to view the launching of a vessel from the dock-yard, unfortunately, from the weight of the persons on the shrouds, yards, and deck, the sloop overset, and every person was thrown into the water. By the singular exertions and activity of the seamen (and humanity of others who stripped and swam in to save those unhappy persons) boats were instantly got close to the wreck, and almost all of them were picked up in less than a quarter of an hour. I am sorry to learn, however, that about thirteen have perished by this sad catastrophe. The wild and helpless screams and yells of parents and others, just quit-of, and trembling for the fate of children and relations, may be much easier imagined than described. A mother saved with the loss of the infant in her arms, and children preserved with the loss of their keepers, formed altogether the most helpless and wretched picture ever beheld. It has indeed at present spread a very dismal gloom over the face of this place."