Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

Extract from Capt. Choate's log book.

October 13, 1817. Lat. 36°30', long. 77.50 east, a sail on our larboard bow, who made every signal of distress, and showed Spanish colors, soon came alongside and we were requested to lay by until she sent her boat on board. We were then boarded by about 14 men, armed with cutlasses, etc. and one officer, informing us they were from Cadiz, 14th July, bound into the China sea, (the officer could not tell what port) but said they were informed war was declared between America and Spain, in consequence of which he should take from the brig such articles as he thought fit. After a search fore and aft, and examining the ship's papers, they took away a number of articles, rigging, ducks, fowls, etc. and after detaining the brig about an hour, and being satisfied with robbing and treating the captain, officers, and people with the greatest contempt, they returned on board, saying they would give an order on the Spanish government for payment of the articles. The officer said the captain of his ship was Don Juan Hypolite, and the ship the Sylva of Cadiz, but supposed to be fabrications. After the boat returned on board, we were wished a pleasant voyage by the pirates, with permission to proceed; stating their ship was manned with between four and five hundred men, and mounting 44 guns.