Mariners & anything Nautical

Extracts from the Newspapers concerning, Marinerers and anything related articles.

Newcastle Journal. April 7 1739 Last Wednesday morning the body of a Keel boy was brought up the river to this place ; he was killed by a stroke of an oar drove violently upon him by the Hawser of a ship, as the Keel was going along the side of her.

Newcastle Journal. April 21 1739 On Tuesday the Lydea and Luciania, Captain LAD from St Kitts, run ashore of Margate, by which accident she immediately filled her hold with water and is since entirely lost, with all her cargo.

Newcastle Journal. April 21 1739 From the Edinburgh Papers. Edinburgh April 12. The Barbara of South Ferry for Dundee, David GREIG, was the 8^th inst between 11 and 12 Forenoon, cast away at North Berwick, but all hands got ashore.

The same day the ship of James Orkney of Montrose, loaden with Meal and Yarn, was cast away at Goswick, 5 miles south of Berwick ; one man and a boy perished.

Newcastle Journal April 28 1739 Yarmouth April 12. Last Sunday a ship outward bound, belonging to this Town, was by stress of Weather driven back from the northward into our Road, and having shot her ballast, was sunk ; They on board put out signals of distress, but in vain, for none would venture to relieve them. At last the ship`s company got into their own boat to save their lives, being twelve persons in number (including two lads Passenger the son of a Gentleman of Norwich) but the stormy weather continued, so that they could by no means get to shore, and were driven up and down upon the Ocean, till on Monday a sloop went out in quest of them, and at last came up with them, and got them on board, but five of the twelve were dead with the Cold, Violence of the storm, Fatigues, &c. amongst which Number was one of the lads above mentioned, who was carried to Norwich and buried, to the great Grief of his parents.

Newcastle Courant May 3 1800 Yesterday, fe`ennight, the Thomas and Elizabeth of Yarmouth, Captain BOLTER, arrived in this port from Molda, in Norway, with tar, kelp, & c. This vessel was one of those driven past Tynemouth Bar in the tempest of the 2d of January last. Two others are yet missing, namely the Peggy of Hartley, and the Betley of Feversham.

Caledonian Mercury September 8th 1800 Newcastle September 6th Last week were apprehended and committed to Newcastle prison, the mate, carpenter, and three others of the crew of the ship Dorothy Coo, of this port, charged with stealing a quantity of brandy. Out of five pieces which were shipped full at Hamburgh on board that vessel, there had been no less than 47 gallons taken. The depredation had been effected by the common mode of boring holes in the calks.

On Monday evening last, as one of the crew of the Neptune of the port, which was moored in the Tyne, at the high crane, was boring a calk of brandy, on board the vessel, with intent to steal part of the contents, he wet a hoghead of molassed on fire, which was entirely consumed.. The fire had got nearly through the head of a piece of brandy, when fortunately it was extinguished by the man himself, who, fearful of having his felonious intention discovered, called nobody to his assistance. This man, whose name is John INNIS, and who not long ago was discharged from the hulks, on the mischief being discovered, was taken into custody, when he confessed that he and others of the crew had for some time past been in the habit of boring the calks of spirits, and taking ou part of their contents; bu on the delinquents promising to make good the damage, the master declined to prosecute them. The Neptune was surrounded by a great number of vessels, who most probably would have fallen a prey to the flames had the fire not been fortunately stopped in the beginning

Newcastle Courant 8^th January 1803 To be SOLD by Auction, For the Benefit of the Underwriters, on Thursday next, the 13^th instant, at 10 o`clock, in the Forenoon, where the Vessel now lies on Shore, Inside the Girt, North Shields, The Hull, of the Sloop Kitty, lately sunk in Shields` Harbour, with all the Materials sound, belonging the said Vessel, consisting of Anchors, Cables, Mast, Rigging, Sails, &c. Newcastle 7^th Jan 1803 Plummer & Blackbird

Newcastle Courant 8^th January 1803. Plundering of Vessels:- A system of plundering wrecked vessels, on the different parts of the coast, has been kept up for many years, and is now arrived at an alarming pitch: The following is a very daring case of the kind: In the beginning of this month, a Dutch vessel, laden with 100 casks of sugar, 130 casks of potash, together with some printed calicoes; and a few cases of musical instruments, sailed from the Thames, and on the 12^th sprung a leak off Whitstable, about three miles from the shore: the vessel made such a quantity of water in a short space, having started a plank, that it was useless to endeavour to keep her afloat. The captain and crew therefore betook themselves to their boats, and the weather being fine, they reached the shore in safety. The vessel sunk shortly after they had quitted her, but the place not being very deep, the hull of the ship was only a few feet below the surface of the water, and the masts and rigging remained out of it. At Whitstable there are few inhabitants but who live by the plundering of wrecks and smuggling, and are constantly on the look-out. Three men of that description, of the names of TALL, WEATHERBY, and MOUNT, having seen the vessel quitted, manned a vessel of their own (which they keep for such occasions, and which resembles a Gravesend boat) and put off to the ship that had sunk, in order to save as much of the cargo and materials as they were able, taking with them blocks, tackle, and other implements which they knew would best assist their purpose. It might, at first blush, be supposed, that their intention was an act of kindness towards the owners of the vessel, or the underwriters, but it was no such think; it has a long time been considered by these men, that all vessels stranded upon their coast, are legal prizes, and therefore they make no secret of plundering vessels in the open day. With grappling irons, and other instruments, they procured a great quantity of the goods on board: they attended the vessel for eleven days, and at length succeeded in their grand object, in getting her on shore. The unfortunate captain of the Dutch vessel was all this time a spectator of the scene of plunder, and was obliged to behold the remainder of the cargo taken out of his vessel, and housed by the plunderers, with as much sang froid as merchants would their own property. The captain was not even allowed to go on board, after the vessel had been go on shore. Being thus circumstanced, and finding it fruitless to appeal to those lawless people, he came to the resolution of leaving them to divide the property, and set off to town, where he arrived on Thursday se`nnight, to give an account of the affair to the underwriters, who had insured the vessel, that they might take proper measures for recovering the cargo. Mr GILSO was one who had mad an insurance upon her. This gentleman related the whole affair to the lord mayor, who cheerfully granted him such assistance as might be wanted, to take the offenders into custody. Mr CANNER, one of the city marshals, accompanied Mr GILSON to Whitstable, on Saturday se`nnight. In their way, they procured warrants at Canterbury, and on the Sunday apprehended TALL, WEATHERBY, MOUNT and a person name of MOIDY, who had assisted in the plunder. They were all much astonished at the circumstance, and wondered at their being molested, while only engaged in the prosecution of their profession, by which some of them had amassed to the amount of 7000l. On Monday they were all taken before John LADE, Esq. of Canterbury, where they underwent a long examination. SALISBURY, an officer of Whitstable, proved, that Peter TALL refused to give up 28 casks of sugar and potash, which he claimed for the underwriters, and that he was obliged, by force, to put the broad arrow upon them, while on TALL`s premises. Mr CANNER proved, that MOIDY acknowledged the having in his possession one cask of potash; but he mistrusting him, examined his house, and found four more. Other evidence was given which showed that all the four persons had been concerned in stripping the ship of every thing valuable, both in the inside and out. The magistrate being a little at a loss how to act in such a singular case, proposed to Mr CANNER that the different depositions of the witnesses should be taken down, and laid before counsel in town, for their opinion, whether the crime imputed to these men can be considered an act of felony. As soon as the opinion is know, it will be immediately acted upon.

Newcastle Courant Feb 5 1803 The Good Intent, Bound, from this port, for Aberdeen, with coals and flour, is wrecked at Belhelvie, near Aberdeen. Crew unfortunately drowned.

Newcastle Courant Feb 12 1803 The supply ship, Thompson, from Shields to Arundel is lost on the Brake Sand, near Ramsgate. The mate and one man is saved.Great fears are entertained for the Newcastle, of Gainsborough, Thomas WHITE master, which sailed from Hull for this port on the 7^th of January, with a valuable cargo of cheese &c and has not since been heard of.

The Britannia Brown, of Liverpool, from Demarara, with 200 of the 12^th West India regiment, was wrecked on the 23d December, on Hog John Point: all the lives were lost with ship and cargo.

Newcastle Courant 8^th January 1803. The proprietors of the brig Peace, of Yarmouth, have presented 35l to the South Shields pilots, who manned the Northumberland Life-Boat, on the 11^th ult in a gale at N. and by W. when the Peace was in the utmost danger of being wrecked on the Herd Sand. By great skill and exertions they got her from among the most dreadful breakers, and took her safely into Sunderland harbour in a few hours. The admirable properties of the life-boat, on this occasion unquestionably saved both ship and crew.

The Advice, Harris of South Shields, coal laden, was lost on the 17^th ult. On Hasbro Sands; tire master, and all the crew drowned, except two seamen, who were driven out to sea ten leagues on a piece of the wreck, from which, after remaining eighteen hours, they were providentially picked up by a post office packet, and carried into Heligoland. Three men were at first upon the wreck, but through fatigue and cold, one of them was lost before the packet came in sight. The other two are since arrived at South Shields, and are recovering.

Newcastle Courant 8^th January 1803. On Saturday last, the brig New Mary, of Yarmouth, Richard TEASDALE, master, of and from Yarmouth for Leith, with a cargo of flour, wheat and barley, came on shore near Hauxley, Northumberland, after striking upon the rocks, by which she is much bulged. The flour will be saved, but it is supposed the corn will be entirely lost, The captain expected he was at a proper distance to clear all, for when off Tynemouth he steered N half E, and about an hour after ordered to shape her course N. and by E. easterly; in consequence of which he had no dread of hearing the shore; therefore it is easy to judge the surprise and consternation he felt at the fatal accident as most part of the ship is his own, and uninsured. I perhaps, may not be useless to observe, that a very strong current runs between the Coquet and the Main, in a flood tide, as Druridge bay to the southward is very deep and capacious, and takes a prodigious quantity of water to fill up. Vessels going to the northward, meeting this current in passing between Cresswell point and the Coquet, generally fall a prey to its impulse, even when they suppose they are steering right; therefore, the coaster should be cautious to keep without the verge of this dangerous current

The Economy, Basset, from Shields to London is lost on the Ship Wash;p crew saved, and landed at Sunderland.

The Ocean , Atkinson, from the Baltic to Margate is lost on the coast of Holland; crew saved.

The Rio Novo Packet, Conduit, from Valentia to London, is wrecked near Penzance. 12500 dollars saved; men drowned.

Newcastle Courant 15^th January 1803. The following ships are lost on the Norfolk Coast:- The Squirrel, from this port, to London with coals; master and eleven men drowned three saved. Grocer Meyor from Hull to London with potatoes; crew saved. Good Intent, Brown, FROM Hartley to London, with coals; master and six men drowned, three saved.

A small smuggling vessel, the Hope of Lynn, was on Monday, from stress of weather, obliged to go into Yarmouth harbour. She was immediately seized by the Custom-House Officers, with her cargo consisting of 112 tubs of spirits. The crew report, that the master was washed overboard the preceding night.

Newcastle Courant 15^th January 1803. On Monday last, during the gale the inhabitants of Berwick were spectators of a very distressing scene. A large vessel was observed early in the mooring at anchor, a little to the northward of the harbour, with only one mast standing, and having a signal of distress flying. The sea ran so high, and there was so heavy a surf on the bar that no boat could possibly venture off to her assistance, there being at present no Life-Boat at Berwick. However, flags were hoisted near the bar, and a little before high water, the garrison flag was hoisted, immediately after which the vessel got under way; but being unacquainted with the harbour, was steered directly among the rocks near the mouth. Providentially she got over the rocks after striking once, owing to the height of the tide, and the crew were thus wonderfully preserved from apparently inevitable destruction. As soon as the vessel was perceived in smooth water, an universal sympathetic cheer from the spectators shewed the interest they took in the preservation of the people on board. The vessel proved to be the Pearl, Row, of North Shields, carrying 15 hands. In consequence of events, some benevolent gentlemen present, immediately set on foot a subscription for the laudable purpose of obtaining a LIFE BOAT for the port of Berwick, which we trust will meet with the support it so well merits.

The Martha, Carr, and the Echo, of this port, for which fears were entertained, are safe at Leith.

The Mary, of Sunderland, Duncan, with coals, for Plymouth, was lost the 6^th instant, on Spurn Point, on the Yorkshire cast. Crew all saved.

The Catharine, Carlton, from Embleton, it totally lost on Winterton beach.

Yesterday se`nnight, the Neptune of Perth, Hepburn master, from Newcastle, bound to London, got on the Scroby Sand, and since got off and sunk in deep water ; crew saved

Newcastle Courant 17 January 1803 To be SOLD by Auction

For the Benefit of the Underwriters, on Thursday the 27^th Day of January 1803, at Ten o`clock in the Forenoon,

All the Wreck and Materials of the Brig Mary, of Yarmouth, Captain Teesdale, Master, Burthen per Register Admeasurement 93 Tons, and is only a Year and a half Old.

N.B. The above Wreck, &c. will be sold in Lots to suit Purchasers, where they are now lying near Bondicar, not far from Warkworth, and may be viewed previous to the Sale by applying to Captain Teasdale, at Matthew Luckey`s at Haudley near the above mentioned Places, on the Coast of Northumberland.

Caledonian Mercury 3^rd May 1803 Newcastle. Yesterday fe`ennight, the Thomas and Elizabeth of Yarmouth, Captain BOLTER arrived in this port from Molda, in Norway, with tar, kelp, &c. This vessel was one of those driven past Tynemouth Bar in the tempest of the 2d of January last. Two others are yet missing, namely the Peggy of Hartley, and the Betley of Feversham.

Newcastle Courant 2^nd April 1803 On Thursday se`nnight, in the afternoon, several vessels sailed from Scarborough for the north: about an hour after they had sailed, they were brought to and boarded by a brig cutter, for the purpose of impressing the men; the crew of one of the vessels escaped by taking to their boat and rowing ashore notwithstanding the brig cutter fired several shots at them, one of which fell within ten yards of the boat.

The admiralty board on Saturday issued orders for granting protections to the crews of all vessels indiscriminately that have cleared out at the Custom-house, against impress: the application for protection is to be accompanied by the certificate of clearance, in order that the benefit may be confined to those vessels in readiness for sea – Observer

Newcastle Courant 19^th March 1803 Tuesday morning, at day break, the press broke out on the Tyne, and upwards of 50 seamen were procured that day. The crew of his majesty`s frigate Lapwing, Captain SKENE, were very active, Through right worshipful the mayor of this town also lent his assistance to the service by means of the town serjeants, and procured many useful hands. The impress occasioned great alarm amongst the Keelmen who are all liable, and had not received the protections usually granted them: however, through the interference of the mayor, they are suffered to follow their employment, without molestation, for the present, and an application has been made to the admiralty for the usual port protections. His majesty gun brig Mynx, stationed here during the late disturbances in the port, came in to receive, and sailed on Thursday morning with impressed men for the Nore One of the boats of the Lapwing, while upon the impress service, and passing under Tyne Bridge on Tuesday morning was fired at by a person from the bridge, who got off undiscovered. The mayor has offered a reward for his apprehension

Newcastle Courant 26^th March 1803 On Monday night about ten o`clock, after languishing for some day, the press broke out with redoubled fury at this place. Almost all persons found in the streets were taken up, and some valuable sailors were picked form among them.

Newcastle Courant 2^nd April 1803 Monday afternoon, as the press-gang and a party of the marines were conducting some of the pressed men to Lamplighter`s Hall, in order to put them on board his majesty`s frigate in Kingroad, Bristol, they were violently assaulted in Hotwell road by a large mob, who flung mud and stones, which so irritated the military, that they fired among them, and a boy was killed, and two or three wounded.

Newcastle Courant 2^nd April 1803 A large smuggling lugger has for some days past been hovering off the Fife and Berwickshire coast. Mr GOULD, supervisor of excise, Dunbar, assisted by a party of his officers seized, on Monday last, 31 ankers of foreign Geneva, to the northward of St Abb`s Head. The ankers were hid in the crevices of rocks within low water mark, or sunk at a grappling a considerable way out at sea. It is incredible with what address those depredators elude the vigilance of our cruizers, and the almost continual watch of revenue officers on shore.

The Newcastle Courant 9^th April 1803 On Sunday last the Hearn Robertson, proceeded from Shields on her voyage to the Baltic. Part of the crew to avoid the press, slipped on board in a boat from behind Tynemouth Castle after she had crossed the bar. The stratagem however was observed, and the Crusier gun vessel slipped her cables and after a chace of some hours brought her to by firing, and impressed four of the hands, two of them apprentices. In consequence the vessel returned next day.

Newcastle Courant 9^th April 1803 Monday a regular press-gang was established at the rendezvous in North Shields, under proper officers, so that it is to be hoped the town will be under less alarm in future.

Yesterday se`nnight, the Caroline frigate arrived in Hull roads and a very active impress commenced. All the men who were taken that day have since been liberated. The impress still continues, though with only partial success, in consequence of great numbers of the prime seamen having lately gone out in the Greenland and Baltic ships, &c

The same day, off Flambro`Head, the Carysfort frigate`s boats boarded the Happy Return, fishing boat, from Filey, at sea, and impressed two of her hands; another boat also had a man taken from her at the entrance of the Humber. We are concerned to notice, that in consequence of the frigates and cutters impressing the fishermen from their own boats, the country is likely to suffer by the deprivation of the labours of these useful men, who are now actually laying up their boats.

Newcastle Courant 16^th April 1803 A letter from Weymouth dated April 11, says “a terrible affair happened on Saturday se`nnight; a press-gang from L`Aigle frigate, lying in Portland road, consisting of the captain, with his lieutenant, with the lieutenant of marines, and 27 marines, and about as many sailors, came on shore at Portland Castle. They impressed Henry WIGGOT and Richard WAY, without any interruption whatever: the people of the island took the alarm, and fled to the village of Eason. The gang came up, and the captain took a man by the collar. The man pulled back, on which the captain fired his pistol; at which signal the lieutenant of marines ordered his men to fire, which being done, three men fell dead, being all shot through the head, all married men, two of them quarry-men, and one a blacksmith. One man was shot through the thigh, and a young woman in the back; the ball is still in her body, and but little hopes are entertained of her recovery.- An inquisition has been held, and a verdict given of wilful murder against the whole, leaving the law to discriminate the ringleaders”

Newcastle Courant 16^th April 1803 The subscribers to Lloyd`s coffee-house have determined to discharge the expenses incurred in the prosecution of the parties who destroyed the brig Adventure, off Brighton, in August last, amounting to 2072l 4s 1d. and have determined to continue their exertions, in following up the conviction of George EASTERBY, and William MacFARLANE, and taking such further measures as may be deemed necessary, to bring them to punishment.

Newcastle Courant 16^th April 1803 The press continues very hot at Shields, but since our last, several ships have sailed, chiefly for the Baltic.

Protections are granted by the magistrates of this town, by virtue of a commission from the admiralty, to Keelmen, coblemen, and shipwright, employed upon the Tyne.

Newcastle Courant May 14^th 1803 The press has this week been uncommonly severe upon the Tyne and Wear. A great number of hand s have been taken, as no protections have been regarded. On Wednesday the Cruizer armed cutter sailed with impressed men for the Nore. The coal trade had been nearly stopped, the keelmen have been impressed in consequence of the general order for breaking through all protections; but they have, at the request of the magistrate of this own, been detained at Shields until an answer is obtained from the admiralty on the subject.

On Monday se`nnight, Mr C MILLAR and his boatman, stationed at Eyemouth, made seizure of 83 casks, containing 531 gallons of smuggled Geneva, amongst the rocks of Lamberton farm, near Berwick, in a concealment below ground, very artfully constructed. This part of the coast is notorious for being the haunt of smugglers ever since the union; on which account Mr MILLAR and his men were lately detached, from a party stationed in the bay of Glenluce, in Galloway, and are soon to be joined by the rest of the party, consisting of sixteen men, and two armed boats, under the command of Captain GRAHAM, late of the Royal George excise yacht, for the suppression of smuggling. The principal object in view from this party is to prevent the influx of spirits and tobacco; and likewise to stop the smuggling of Scotch salt into England, so prejudicial to the revenue, and injurious to the salt manufacturers in the South, who pay the high duties; from who`s reiterated and well grounded complaints, parliament may in a short time find it necessary to equalize the salt duties throughout the kingdom, which would be severely felt in Scotland, as it would nearly double the price of that necessary of life.

Newcastle Courant 21^st May 1803 House of Commons. Mr I. G. BROWNs moved the following resolutions:- “That the persons emigrating from different parts of the united kingdom to his majesty`s plantations, &c had suffered greatly from the crowded state of the ships, from the want of provisions, &c.

“That the ships ought to be regulated with regard to the number of persons they take on board, the quantity of provisions, &c “which were agreed to, and a bill was ordered to be brought in upon the said resolution

Newcastle Courant 21 May 1803 At Portsmouth, the seamen of the Excellent and Penguin, lately returned from foreign stations, who were to have had a fortnight`s leave of absence to visit their friends, were informed on Sunday, that the present circumstances of the country would not allow the admiralty to grant them the usual indulgence. Not a murmur was heard, but all declared their willingness to enter immediately on board the ships now fitting in Portsmouth harbour. So men are now obtained in great numbers. The average has been 1,000 a day for above a fortnight.

Lord Nelson left London on Tuesday for Spithead, where the Amphion frigate is waiting to carry him to the Mediterranean, the scene of former glory, where we trust he will reap new laurels.

Newcastle Courant 21^st May 1803 On Saturday last, Peter TAYLOR, mate of the Fortitude, Captain BARRY, repairing in Mr ROBSON`s dock, Sunderland, fell from the stage into the dock, and fractured his head in so desperate a manner, that he died the next day. This unfortunate young man was to have been married on the very day he was interred.

Newcastle Courant 28^th May 1803 A singular circumstance occurred at South Shields, on Sunday last, a seaman`s wife having that day a living husband, and another buried at South Shields Church, although she was married to the second after the death of the first. The first husband was lost a few weeks ago, a little way off at sea, and his body was washed ashore on Sunday morning.

Newcastle Courant 28^th May 1803 Orders to impress no more Keelmen were received at this port on Sunday last. On Monday the mayor received a letter from Sir M. W. RIDLEY, stating, that the Admiralty had on Saturday consented to the liberation of the impressed Keelmen, and that orders to that effect would the same day be sent to his majesty`s officers at this port. No orders, however, were received, consequently the Keelmen could not regularly be discharged; and on Tuesday morning the Lapwing frigate which had been for some time under orders, got under weigh, and sailed for the Nore, with these men, 52 in number, and several impressed seamen. A gentleman, however was the same morning dispatched for London, to procure the necessary order from the Admiralty, for the Keelmen`s discharge, with which it is expected he will meet them at the Nore, and procure them a comfortable passage home. On Wednesday Capt. MacKENZIE, the regulating officer, received the order from the Admiralty for the discharge of the Keelmen, which he immediately communicated to the mayor, by whom it was the next morning made public: and it is hoped that the Keelmen will again return to their employment, as the coal trade has suffered very severely by their refusing to come upon the river. Yesterday a great number of keels were at work.

Newcastle Courant 28^th May 1803 The Eagle revenue cutter, which is attached to the La Fortune frigate, in the impress service, sailed from hence on Monday on a cruise. Some serious disturbances, it is said, have taken place at Whitby, between the inhabitants and the crew of the Eagle, while impressing, in which two of the latter were killed.

Newcastle Courant 28^th May 1803 The Freya, Captain FLORDET, from Ceuta, with wine and brandy, for Amsterdam; is sent into Dover by the Vixen gun-vessel.

The Amelia frigate, Lord PROBY, has captured the Dutch West Indiaman, Phoenix, from Surinam, with colonial produce, to Amsterdam. Another large Dutch ship, the Caracoa, was sent in at the same time.

The Diamond frigate has taken a rich ship from Surinam, and brought her into Portland Roads.

The Dutch ship Constantia, of 500 tons, from Surinam, with coffee, cotton, indigo, &c is sent into Plymouth by the Doris Frigate, which a short time before could have taken a French West Indiaman of 800 tons deeply laden, but had not then received orders.

The Pigmy cutter has taken a very valuable French East Indiaman, supposed from the Mauritius.

The Jonge William Ling, of and from Amsterdam to Rouen, is sent into Yarmouth by Admiral THORNBOROUGH.

The brig La Marguerette, from Bourdeaux, bound to St Maloes, with salt, is sent into Plymouth by the Acasiu.

Sir S. SMITH has taken a very French merchantman, and sent her into the Downs.

On Saturday, a Dutch vessel bound for Leith, was immediately on her arrival in the Roads, seized by the Clyde frigate, and sent into the harbour as her prize. This is the first capture on the Scotch coasts.

The Dutch Galliot Windhond, with wine, from Bourdeaux, to Rotterdam ; the Dutch Ship Orion, 500 tons burthen, with sugar and coffee from Surinam ; the French Brig Alexander, with salt from St Martin`s to Dunkirk ; Le Centaur, from Havre-de-Grace, laden with provisions, shot and shells to Brest ; the Charon, from Amsterdam for Oporto, with iron, the Juno, from Bourdeaux to Bremen, with wine and coffee; three French Brigs, all laden, one French Sloop, and a Dogger are sent in by our cruisers.

An embargo has been laid in all the ports of France and Brabant

Newcastle Courant June 4 1803. Admiral COLLINGWOOD sails in the Diamond frigate, to join the channel fleet, and hoist his flag on board the Venerable. The Admiral has been assured by Sir Thomas TROWBRIDGE, that all volunteers sent from Newcastle who enter for his flag ship, shall be forwarded to him immediately.

On the 20^th ult. An inquest was taken at Thorpe in Norfolk, on the body of J. FARROW, one of the seamen belonging to the ship Pearl, Capt. HUTCHINSON, which sailed from this port about the 12^th ult. For Copenhagen. This unfortunate man, (with three others) was driven on shore at Thorpe in a boat, and died of fatigue and hunger soon after he landed. It appeared that in the North Sea the Pearl sprung a leak, and under the instant expectation of her foundering, the crew, fourteen in number, left the pumps, and threw over the boat, by which a hole was stove in its side. They however, all got in, and about ten minutes after saw the vessel sink. They were now left to the mercy of the waves without sail or provisions, and with only one oar; and, although they had stuffed the hole with their jackets, the boat filled so fast, that they were engaged night and day in baling it with their hats. On the 3d day ten of the men died of famine and fatigue; all those that survived were so ravenous, that the subsisted on parts of their dead comrades. The unfortunate survivors had been five days in this dreadful situation, when the boat drifted ashore on the Norfolk coast. The other three we understand are recovering.

Newcastle Courant June 11 1803 Smuggling has lately been carried to an unusual extent on the northern coast of Northumberland. A vessel of this description stood off and on in the bay of Berwick the greater part of the week, and landed bale goods and gin to an immense amount. To counteract this as far as their limited means allowed. Mr NICHOLSON, inspector of the customs at Berwick, and five others, put out to sea in an open boat, on the night of the 1st instant, and came up, unsuspected, with the lugger`s boat, which was making for the shore, deeply laden, with 9 men on board. One of the officers, not considering or nor knowing the inequality of their numbers, jumped on board, and fired his pistol, but was soon overpowered. The smugglers immediately pulled out to sea with their prisoner, and after repeatedly threatening to throw him overboard, turned him adrift on Holy Island point, up to the chin in water. A good ducking, however, was all the harm he received, as he fortunately reached the shore in safety.

The reports that some serious disturbances had taken place at Whitby, between the inhabitants of that place and the crew of the Eagle, while impressing, is altogether destitute of foundation, the Eagle not having been on that station. Capt. POULDEN, the regulating officer at Whitby, has picked up a number of useful hands without the least disturbance. Hull Packet.

The brig CEconomy, of Woodbridge, Charles TROOT, master, from Shields, bound to Woodbridge, with coals, was taken on the 4^th inst off Cromer, by a small cutter privateer, with about thirty men. She was re-taken the same day by two small pilot-cutters belonging to Lowstoft, and on the 5^th was brought into Yarmouth. The privateer took out the captain and three men, and left five Frenchmen on board the CEconomy.

The Nauraliste, lately captured on her return from a voyage of discoveries, has been released by order of government

Newcastle Courant June 18 1803 The whole of the Keelmen, who were impressed on the Tyne, arrived at Sunderland in a brig, from the Nore, on Thursday last.

On the 7^th instant, the brig Autumn, Allen, of Sunderland, timber laden, was taken off the North Foreland by a French lugger privateer, and carried into Calais.

Newcastle Courant May 20, 1803. At Portsmouth about thirty three French fishing boats have arrived, and nine at Yarmouth. Those vessels are now taken by our cruisers, as they are well calculated for the conveyance of troops, and would no doubt have been employed upon that service, when the menaced invasion of this country takes place. From the following article it also appears that they act, if opportunity serves, as privateers:-

“On Sunday morning several French fishing boats, or boats pretending to be fishers, surrounded an English brig, off Brighton, and producing a number of small arms, which they had carried concealed, mad prize of the vessel, and were proceeding with her to the French coast; but they were luckily about eleven o`clock, met by a revenue cutter, who captured the petty captors, and towed them, with their prize, into Shoreham harbour. Most of these boats can carry one hundred men”

Newcastle Courant July 9 1803 A sea fencible establishment, upon a very extensive scale, for the protection of the coasts of Great-Britain, is immediately to be adopted. It is to comprise all fishermen and other persons occupied in the ports, and upon the coast, but who are now, from the nature of their occupations, protected from the impress. These are to be classed in districts, and put under the command of proper naval officers, and are to act as the emergency of the moment may require, ashore or afloat. A hundred post captains and commanders with a proportionate number of lieutenants, are already appointed to this service, Captains, Edward ROE, B. M. PRAED, and W. SYME are appointed to command the sea fencibles from the river Tees to North Shields, the rendezvous to be at Hartlepool; and Captains Sir W. H. DOUGLAS, Edw. RAMAGE, and D. RAMSAY, those from North Shields to St Abbs Head the rendezvous at Berwick. Sir E. NAGLE, commander in chief.

SIGNALS at Scarbro`, on the appearance of the enemy:-

1. A red Flag, when an enemy is upon the coast, and his exact situation is not known

2. A red Flag, with a pendant above it, when to the Southward

3. A red Flag, with a pendant below it, when to the Northward

4 A pendant only when right off to the Eastward.

Newcastle Courant July 16 1803 The Freedom, of Sunderland, Capt. DONNISON, was taken on the 1^st of July by a French privateer, between the Float and Cromer, and carried into Calais.

The Beulah, of Scarborough, coal laden, has been taken by a French lugger, re-taken by the Snipe gun-brig, and is arrived at Dover. The captain and men were taken all out, and six Frenchmen put on board.

The flat-bottomed boats in preparation at the different dock yards, and nearly completed, are ordered by the Admiralty board to be immediately mounted with heavy ordnance, and to be stationed on the shoals, and off the harbours, on the eastern coast of England.

Newcastle CourantJuly 23 1803 On the 12^th of June, in a violent gale of wind, the Mary of North Shields, Mr P. HOLLAND, owner, was lost near Mcmel Bar. The life-boat was launched, and manned with English seamen from vessels in the harbour, but in approaching the Mary, (from some cause yet unknown) four of the men were thrown out of the life-boat, three of whom lost their lives; but the remainder persevered, took in the whole of the Mary`s crew, and brought them sate to land. Had the boat been a few minutes later, the crew must have suffered, as the vessel went to pieces in a tremendous sea.

The Ceres of Maldon, Joseph FINCH master, from Sunderland with coals, is lost on Lowestoff Beach; cargo lost, crew saved.

Newcastle Courant July 23 1803 On the 12^th of June, in a violent gale of wind, the Mary of North Shields, Mr P. HOLLAND, owner, was lost near Mcmel Bar. The life-boat was launched, and manned with English seamen from vessels in the harbour, but in approaching the Mary, (from some cause yet unknown) four of the men were thrown out of the life-boat, three of whom lost their lives; but the remainder persevered, took in the whole of the Mary`s crew, and brought them sate to land. Had the boat been a few minutes later, the crew must have suffered, as the vessel went to pieces in a tremendous sea.

Newcastle Courant 6^th August 1803 At Dorchester assizes last week, Captain WOLFE, and Lieut. HASTINGS, of his majesty`s ship L`Aigle, ND Lieut. JEFFERIES, of the marines, were tried on an indictment, for the wilful murder of --- Lano, of the island of Portland, on the 2d of April last, while endeavouring to impress seamen. Before many of the prisoners witnesses were examined, the Judge and jury were so thoroughly convinced of their innocence, and of their having acted only in the execution of their duty, that they were all honourably acquitted.

Newcastle Courant Aug 6 1803 BOUNTY TO SEAMEN. THE MASTER, WARDENS, &c. of the TRINITY-HOUSE, hereby offer, over and above all other bounties, ONE GUINEA to every able Seaman, and HALF A GUINEA to every ordinary Seaman, or Landman, who shall, on or before the first Day of September next. Enter with the Regulating Captain of the Port, to serve in his Majesty`s Navy. By Order, HENRY SHADFORTH So Newcastle, August 1, 1803

Newcastle Courant Aug 13 1803 The total of sea fencibles enrolled at Berwick upon Tweed is 149, at Eyemouth 157, and at Holy Island nearly the same number. At Berwick they muster regularly on Mondays and Tuesdays, and are training to use of the great guns, which have lately been remounted under the command of Sir Wm. MEADOWS

Newcastle Courant Aug 20 1803 Yesterday se`nnight, the master of a sloop from Aberdeen, together with the mate and one of his men, were committed to the goal of Berwick upon Tweed, for a violent assault upon Ralph BUGLAS, a sailor. The quarrel originated in a public-house on the Parade, between one and two o`clock in the morning. Some national reflections having been thrown out by the latter, upon quitting the house he was followed by the captain and his associates, who stabbed him with their knives in different parts of the body. He recovers so very slowly, that he is not yet pronounced to be out of danger.

Newcastle Courant Aug 20 1803 On Saturday the sea fencibles which have been enrolled in the neighbourhood of Bambrough, met at the castle and went through their exercises at the great guns under inspection of a lieutenant of the navy. The officers were entertained at the castle by the Rev Dr COOPER. This corps comprises a fine body of men. They intend to master for exercise every Saturday afternoon

Newcastle Courant Aug 26 1803 Incledon is recruiting in the North, from the effects of his late shipwreck. On Wednesday night last, he exhibited to a fashionable audience at Berwick upon Tweed, and on Thursday in this town.

Newcastle Courant Sep 3 1803 The keelmen above Tyne-bridge, a few days since, shewed a disposition to riot, on some pretence respecting wages; but the prompt and decisive measures adopted by the magistrates, induced them to return to their duty.

A vagrant was on Thursday apprehended here, having a forged certificate. As he was a seafaring man, and young he was turned over to his majesty`s service.

Newcastle Courant Sep 10 1803 A flat bottomed boat, of large dimensions, is now building at Cliffords fort. This machine will carry cannon mounted, and ammunition waggons, across the Tyne, at Lowlights point, with the greatest facility, in case of invasion.

A very melancholy accident happened near Port Maria, in Jamaica, on the 21^st May last. A Hoar, belonging to the August, HODGSON, of Whitehaven, with four people on board, on their passage to Jack`s Bay, to take in sugars, in beating to windward, shipped a heavy sea, and overset. A black boy was instantly seized by a shark; and two apprentices John McCORMIC and James TOPPIN, were drowned. Mr MORRISON, the second mate, caught one of the oars, and after remaining in the water from ten in the morning till seven in the evening, was at last go on shore, very much bruised and almost exhausted.

Extract of a letter from a seaman on board his Majesty`s Ship Charneell(?) dated off Saint Maloes, August 23.

“Yesterday morning, in company with the Cerberus, Insolent, and Minx gun brigs, we took a fishing boat off Granville. The fellow in her told us of an expedition fitting out against Jersey, and in the night would pilot the boats into a creek, where a number of them were lying, and assured us we could either take or destroy them. Accordingly, the signal for boat, manned and armed, was made by the commodore. Our large cutter, with the first lieutenant, a midshipman, and twelve men, were sent on board the Cerberus; seven boats were shoved off from her at nine P.M. and rowed towards the shore; at five A.M. they returned with four prizes. After having passed several batteries, and gone two miles up St Viliere Creek, they boarded them, and brought them away under the fire of near 500 troops drawn up in a regular line, and keeping up a constant fire as our men were making their retreat; but all would not do, for they brought them off without any loss: but the pilot was near paying for his villainy to his country: a musket ball passed through the side of his jacket.”

Newcastle Courant Sep 17 1803 In the high court of Admiralty last week, the case was tried of the Adventure, CODLING, master, sunk off Brighton. It was to determine the salvage of the ship and cargo, which were saved from the deep by the timely assistance of the salvors.- The Court pronounced one moiety of the property to be shared among the claimants The Good Intent, of Shields, from Biddeford to Dartmouth, with timber, was captured on Wednesday se`nnight, off Penzance, by a French schooner privateer. The crew escaped in the boat. The privateer kept within gun-shot of the Good Intent all day, under English colours; but having no doubt that she was an enemy, the captain prepared for the safety of himself and crew in his boat, and to wait the event: soon after he had the mortification to see his vessel taken possession of by the enemy. He then boarded the Anna Maria of Dartmouth, Capt HALL, who ran into Mount Road. Thursday morning Capt. HALL plainly discovered a schooner and lugger, the former pierced for 18 guns, and not unlike in rigging to the Mount`s Bay fishing boats, only much larger, cruising in different directions. Capt H. has no doubt they were waiting the cover of night, in order to take seven vessels then within three leagues of them, viz. a ship standing to the eastward, three brigs, and three sloops, standing to the westward, having the wind H.H.E. which unfortunately was too favourable for the enemy; and what is still more unfortunate, there was not a cruiser of any kind within the limits of the port of Penzance, to prevent their being taken: but intelligence was immediately sent to Falmouth, and it is hoped further mischief might be prevented.

Newcastle Courant Oct 1 1803 Yesterday, the flat-bottomed boat mentioned in this paper a few weeks ago, as building at Cliffords Fort, was launched into the Tyne, amidst a vast concourse of spectators. This huge machine was built under the inspection of Capt. HARTCUP, of the royal engineers, and completed in little more than three weeks. The dimensions are 60 feet by upwards of 25 upon deck, and it will transport across the river Tyne at one time, six cannon mounted and four ammunition waggons, with their horses, drivers, and cannonery; or in case of immergency will transport across 450 soldiers with their arms, in a few minutes. General DALRYMPLE has paid the utmost attention in having it ready by the 1^st of October.

Newcastle Courant October 8 1803 A smack from London bound to Dundee, with goods – the Formosa, of this port – and British Tar, of Shields, were chased into Sunderland harbour, on Tuesday evening last, by a schooner-rigged privateer, with two topsail-yards, yellow sides, and with remarkably white sails. The master of the smack saw him capture a loaded sloop, bound to the north, off Tynemouth.

The Ann, of North-Shields, Wright, from Memel for Cork, with timer, was on the 20^th ult. Lost upon the rocks of Tire, one of the Hebride Isles. Crew saved.

Newcastle Courant Oct 8 1803 Monday, the flat bottomed boat, built at North Shields, brought across the Tyne seven waggons conveying the baggage of the 2d regiment of Derby militia, immediately afterwards a battalion of the said regiment, and on Tuesday another battalion. Being high water when the machine was first employed, it brought at the first trip, four waggons with their horses, and a number of camp followers, such as women, children &c in five minutes and a few seconds. Gen. Sir Hew DALRYMPLE was present, and with pleasure saw the great utility of the boat, which was managed by Capt. HARTCUP, of the Royal Engineers, assisted by Mr Thomas HEARN, ship-builder, a gentleman who, on many occasions, has rendered services to governments.

On Sunday last, the brig Jason, Capt. Thomas VESEY, from Sunderland, bound to Exeter, with a cargo of coals, went on shore on the Goodwin SANDS, AND OVERSET. The crew got into their boat, and were taken up by a boat from Deal, and brought safe on shore. A sloop, name unknown, went on shore nearly at the same time, and was entirely lost, with all her crew. The Mary and Margaret, from South Shields, Thomas COULSON, master, bound to London, is lost on the New Comb Sand, near Yarmouth; crew saved.

Newcastle Courant Oct 22 1803 On Thursday night, the 13^th inst. The Magnet of Sunderland, Capt CLARK, coal loaden, was run on board of a little to the southward of Frambro` Head, by a light ship belonging to Aberdeen, which carried away her mainmast by the deck, and did other considerable damage, so that she was obliged to return to refit.

Newcastle Courant November 5 1803 A large smuggling vessel has lately landed her cargo on the Yorkshire coast, between Huntley-foot and Redcar; she sailed from Flushing, and eluded the vigilance of our cruisers during the night

Newcastle Courant 26 November 1803 on Thursday se`nnight, a boat was observed off St Abbs head, apparently making soundings and taking observations of the coast, Advice of this being immediately sent off by Captain RENWICK, of the signal post, to Lieutenant WILSON of the sea fencibles at Eyemouth, he ordered the armed revenue boat stationed there, out to sea in pursuit,; The suspected boat finding herself discovered, hoisted all the sail she could carry, and ran before the wind several miles to the southward, before she was brought to. She contained only one man, , who, with the boat, was carried into the port of Berwick upon Tweed. On being examined by Sir William DOUGLAS, his name was Jacob ORIZEN, born at a village near Altona, and that he belonged to a Danish vessel which had foundered at sea a few hour before; but on being confronted by a Swedish Captain was found to be totally unacquainted with the language of the country to which he professed to belong. He speaks Dutch fluently, and from the construction of the boat, which is similar to those used in the Frith, it is supposed that he had made his escape from some of the places where French prisoners are confined to the northwards, and was creeping along shore in hopes of meeting with some neutral vessel. On Saturday last he underwent a re-examination by the magistrates, he was committed to prison, and on Tuesday sent off under the care of a messenger to Edinburgh.

Newcastle Courant 3^rd December 1803. Monday last, James Brown, of South Shields, wherryman, on his passage between Newcastle and that place, while attempting to recover his oar which had slipped from his hand, fell into the water, and was unfortunately drowned. He has left a widow and ten children to lament his loss.

Newcastle Courant 3^rd December 1803. Last week, Robert Rush, an apprentice in the ship Elizabeth and Mary, of Sunderland, then lying at Shields, fell over board and was drowned. The body was taken up at Jarrow and was buried at Sunderland.

Saturday night last, about eight o`clock, the Orford of North Shields, a large light vessel, was captured near Orfordness, by a French privateer, and retaken the same night about ten, by the Monkey gun-brig, and brought into Yarmouth haven. Only the mate and two boys were left on board the Orford. The William of Scarborough, was taken and re-taken by the same ships. Two lugger privateers appeared off Lowestoff on Saturday afternoon and on a signal to the admiral in Yarmouth Roads, two vessels went in search of them.

Newcastle Courant 10^th December 1803 The Newcastle Courant. On the 11^th ult, aged 22, Mr Robert Bell, surgeon of the Hecate gun brig, and son of Mr Robert Bell of Hexham. He was unfortunately drowned with seven other persons on the coast of Kent, by the upsetting of a boat in which they were coming on shore;

Newcastle Courant February 2^nd 1805 On Tuesday se`nnight, the brig Mary, Appleby, of Sunderland bound from Shields to London, with coals, was wrecked on the rocks near Craster, Northumberland, and all hands lost.

The brig Industry, Richardson, of Whitby, after having been unexpectedly got off from her perilous situation among the rocks near Berwick upon Tweed, went ashore again in the gale on Wednesday last, near the place where she was first stranded, and is since gone to pieces.

On Monday se`nnight, John FALCONER, of Swalwell, fell from a wherry into the Tyne, and was drowned. He has left a widow and five children.

Newcastle Courant March 9 1804 A Sunderland vessel, on her passage to Portsmouth, saw a black sided brig, with a yellow stroke, supposed to be the Tweed of Sunderland, Capt CLOSE, coal laden, sink on the Goodwin Sands, with all hands on board. The gale was so violent, no assistance could be rendered.

On Wednesday sennight, the brig Dublin from Leith for this port, with herrings, struck upon the rocks off Holy Island. She afterwards got ashore on Ross Links, and is since gone to pieces. Crew Saved

The sloop Anns, of Berwick, Nesbitt, from Leith for London, with herrings and goods, got upon Goswick sands on Thursday sennight. Cargo saved and vessel expected to be got off.

On the 27^th ult the Elizabeth Scarlet, of Dunbar with grain for London, was captured ten miles S. OF THE Dudgeon light by L`Alerte. French lugger privateer of 4 guns and 45 men. The captain and crew of the Elizabeth had previously got into their boat and at three o`Clock P.M. were picked up by Captain HUTTON, of the Edinburgh and Leith shipping company`s smack Hope. Upon Captain SCARLET`s pointing out the direction in which the Elizabeth had sailed, Captain HUTTON immediately bore down, and gave information to the Captains of the Berwick Old Shipping Company’s smacks Britannia and London packet, and they all went in pursuit of the prize, and after a chase of four hours had the good fortune to recapture her within two miles of the privateer, which, with two more of her prizes, would have shared the same fate, had not night come on. After putting Captain SCARLET and his crew in possession of their vessel and seeing her safe near Cromer, they left her to proceed on her voyage. The prisoners brought to Leith, report, that the privateer had been out ten days from Dunkirk, and taken five vessels besides the Elizabeth. Much praise is due to the passengers, who cheerfully complied with the resolution of giving chase to the prize and privateer, and would willingly have assisted in attacking the latter, had not that been prevented by night coming on.

Newcastle Courant Mar 30 1805 The brig Affinity, Wardropper, from Sunderland was captured about 3 leagues of Porland, on the 23^rd Inst. By the Bonheur French brig privateer, of 14 guns and 50 Men, and retaken the same day by the Greyhound revenue cutter, and is arrived at Weymouth.

The Good Design, of North Shields, Wm ATKINS, master, was lost on the Isle of Man, on Saturday last. Crew saved.

The Twee Geboeders, Hendricks, from Newcastle ot Embden, sailed from Newcastle on the 16^th Sept and has not since been heard of.

Newcastle Courant April 6 1805. Life Boats have lately been sent by the inventor to the stations of Cromer, Leith, and Bridlington, and one for an East Indiaman bound to Bengal.

On Sunday the Northumberland, from this port, for London, with coals, was lost on the Scroby sand near Yarmouth. Crew Saved.

On Sunday night, the British Queen, Robson, of North Shields, struck on the Spanish rocks when entering Shields harbour, and was completely wrecked. Crew Saved.

The Patrick and John, of Dundee, foundered at sea ; crew all saved.

On Monday night, as the ships Albion and Science both of Sunderland, in Ballast, were turning to windward in Sunderland Roads, the wind being westerly, both ships, by mistake, bore up for each other, and the Albion struck the Science on the bow, carried away her foremast, and damaged her hill.

In a gale of wind, on Sunday evening last, the Unity of Sunderland, was driven on shore near Jack-in-the-Basket, Blyth, but is expected to be got off.

The Queen Charlotte, from Surinam, loaded with rum, &c. for London, took fire on Monday morning between five and six o`clock, off Dover, and was entirely consumed, Value 70,000l. Crew Saved.

Yesterday se`nnight, about 7 o`clock in the morning, the Triad of Newcastle, John Heslop, laden with coals, ran upon Whitby-Rock, and received so much damage as to occasion her being delivered of her cargo in the harbour. At the same time, the sloop John and Mary, of Dundee, laden with wheat for London, ran aground on the same shoal ; but got off without much damage. She is now lying in Whitby harbour.

A fleet, consisting of 39 vessels, sailed for Surinham the 27^th January, under convoy of his majesty`s ship Imogene. The Imogene foundered in lat.42, crew saved on board the Lord Forbes, for London, Nineteen of the convoy arrived at Cork.

The Newland, Dobson, in ballast, is taken and sunk by the Sylph French privateer, in the North Sea.

Newcastle Courant April 13 1805 The Expedition, Watt, coal-loaden, for London, struck on the Inner Dowsings, on Tuesday the 2d inst, and went down in deep water ; the crew were two nights and one day in their boats, but at length got on shore at Bridlington quay. The Partridge, Watson, struck at the same time, in thick weather, but got back to Great Grimsby to unload.

On the 3d inst, the ship Mary Ann, of Sunderland, Captain Harrison, on her light passage, in a fog ran on Flambrough-head, but is expected to be got off again

Some days ago, a collier brig, called the Britannia, from Newcastle, was run foul by a large ship, about ten o`clock in the evening, whereby she received so much damage, as to sink in a short time afterwards, four leagues from the Spurn. Two of the crew were drowned ; the rest took to their boat, and succeeded in reaching the Holderness shore.

The Shannan, Horn, of Workington from Liverpool for Baltimore, was captured on the 24^th ult. 65 leagues W. of Taree, by the Admiral Bruix Dutch privateer. The mate and five of the crew, (one with a wooden leg.) and a boy, were left on board with 12 of the enemy, (2 French and 10 Dutch,) who were ordered to steer for Holland. The next day the English confined the enemy in the cabin and kept possession of the deck until the 29^th, when being almost exhausted through want of provisions, they made a proposal to the enemy, that if they would quit the vessel, they should have the yawl, to carry them on shore in Donegal-bay, (Ireland) near to which they were then were. The eight Dutchmen consented, and as stipulated, passed singly through the cabin-window into the boat, and steered towards the shore. The two Frenchmen remained in the Shannon, which after encountering many storms and dangers, arrived at Whitehaven on Wednesday se`nnight. The two Frenchmen have expressed a wish to enter into the English service, rather than return to France. The enemy were well armed, and had plenty of provisions, in the cabin, whilst our brave tars were themselves confined to the deck, with scarcely anything to subsist on, for many days.

Newcastle Courant April 20 1805 A letter has been received this week from one of the boys of the ship Belisarius, Bishop, of Newcastle, dated from Valencieanes prison. He mentions that after Citizen Blankeman had captured the ship off Tynmouth castle, on the 10^th of November last, they were sent for Dunkirk ; but sailing in with another of Commodore Blankeman`s privateers, she took him and some others out of the prize, and landed them at Dunkirk. No account has yet been received of what became of the Belisarius.

His majesty`s gun-brig Bouncer has been lost near Dieppe. She struck upon a sand bank, and beat out her bottom, The officers and men were all saved, and are now prisoners in the interior of France.

The Pallas, Capt. Lord Cochrane, on her late cruise, took La Fortuna, a Spanish ship, from Rio de la Plat, laden with gold and silver, to the amount of 150,000l, and about the same amount in goods. When the Spanish captain and supercargo came on board the Pallas, they appeared much dejected, as their private property was lost, which amounted to 30,000 dollars each. They told Lord Cochrane that they had families in Old Spain, and had now lost all their property, the hard earnings in the burning clime of South America of nearly 20 years. The captain stated he had lost, in the war of 1779, a similar fortune, by being taken in a British cruiser, and was forced to begin the world again. Lord Cochrane felt for them, and with that generosity which ever accompanies true bravery, consulted his officers as to the propriety of returning each of them 5000 dollars in specie ; which was immediately agreed to. His lordship then ordered all hands on deck, and addressed the seamen. The gallant fellows with one voice cried out “aye aye, my Lord, with all our hearts,” and gave three cheers. The Spaniards actually shed tears of joy at this noble instance of generosity.

Newcastle Courant May 4 1805. Extract of a letter from John SHADFORTH, of his majesty`s ship Seine, dater Port Lucea, Jamaica, February 18t 1805, to his brothers at Lowlights, North Shields.

We arrived ----morning from a cruise off Cuba, and I am very sorry I cannot say we are all in the same health as I am ; for we have had a very bad engagement with our boats, and have met with considerable loss, of which I shall give you an account, as near as I can recollect. Being cruising off St Augustin, in the island of Cuba, on the 14^th of February last, with the wind E. N. E. we espied a small vessel to leeward, to which we gave chace about 8 o`clock in the morning, but being little wind, she got in shore, before we could come up with her, by the help of her oars ; however, about one o`clock, we came up to the place, but could see nothing of her ; we immediately got our boats out and set off about two o`clock and rowed in shore, and found her in a creek, alongside of a thick wood of trees, with her sails unbent, and her rudder unhung. We immediately gave way, with our boats, consisting of a launch, with a 23 pound cannonade, and 25 men ; a barge with 22 men, and a yawl with 16 men, which I belonged to ; and notwithstanding, a heavy fire of grape from two guns on board the vessel, we cleared their decks and got possession of her, and got her in tow ; but finding a chain fast to her bottom, and to a tree on shore, and a terrible fire of musquetry from the boughs, we were obliged to leave her, with a heavy loss, of which I shall give you an account. Five seamen and one marine left on board the vessel, dead and wounded deeply, not able to get into the boats ; and when we got alongside our ship, we found five seamen and one marine dead in the boats, and eleven men deeply wounded, and eight or ten slightly wounded.

The brig from Tonningen, with wheat, mentioned in our last, as having lost her rudder and masts, (except the main mast) on the Herd sand, in entering this port, proved to be the Providence, of South Shields. It was between nine and ten at night, but as soon as the situation of the vessel was discovered among the broken water, the life boat was launched, and manned with a dozen choice South Shields pilots, who on approaching the ship found her beating off the sand, (the wind strong from E by S.) into the deeper water. Before she got to the rocks on the opposite side, the life-boat got her in tow, and by strength of arm, pulled her nearly a mile, and although unmanageable and up to the hold beams in water, they laid her upon the sand, near the custom-house quay, South Shields, where she filled.

The Spanish ship, Two Friends, 700 tons, ten 18 pounder, 90 men, from Lima to Cadiz, was captured on the 5^th inst, by the Greyhound lugger of Guernsey, of 10 guns, and Eliza brig of Liverpool, of 14 guns. The former privateer not being able to suffer the heavy metal of the Spaniard, ran under her stern, and threw her crew in at the cabin windows ; about three hours after the Liverpool brig came up and claimed her part of the prize. The cargo consists of dollars, cochineal, indigo, &c. and is supposed to be worth 240,000l

Shocking event. – An American paper says, that a schooner from Portland, for Barbadoes, fell in the Sarah, of Philadelphia, in lat 34. out 170 days from Antwerp, for New York, having on board 250 passengers ; she had lost her mizzen-mast and rudder, and had five feet water in the hold, and neither provisions nor water. The captain of the Portland schooner took from the ship all the passengers excepting 30, whom he was prevented from receiving by a gale of wind coming on, and left them on board the Sarah, without water or provisions. When the schooner took the passengers from the ship she had only 120 gallons of water, and before she reached Barbadoes, 40 of her passengers were starved to death, having been put upon a daily allowance of a gill of water and a raw potato.

Newcastle Courant 3^rd September 1825 On Saturday last, an inquest was held at Boulmer, on the Coast of Northumberland, before Thomas Adams Russell, Esq. coroner, on the body of Mr Jame MILLER, the master of a fishing sloop, called the Lacedemonian, belonging to Berwick-upon-Tweed. The deceased was at Bonulmer, for herrings, and on his going out to sea, early on the morning of that day, the vessel got upon the rocks in Boulmer Bay. On the ebbing of the tide, deceased went to examine the bottom ot the sloop. He found she wanted some little repair, and began to do what was requisite, when the vessel came over upon him, and crushed him to death. He was an active industrious man aged 25 years. Verdict – Accidental death.

Newcastle Courant 3^rd September 1825 On Saturday afternoon, in consequence of the capstan of the ship Providence, of London, (lying in the Tyne, near to Wallsend,) having run amain, John Taylor a lad on board, about 17 was struck on the breast by one of the bars flying out, and received such injury as to cause his death the following day. The deceased belonged to Queenhithe, in Kent, and had only been on board a few days, having come a trial voyage. Verdict on the coroner`s inquisition, Accidental Death.

Newcastle Courant Nov 3 1827 The Fancy, Houghton, from Newcastle to Yarmouth, was wrecked on Harborough Sand, on Monday morning.

The Vrow Anna, Cot, from Stockton to Rotterdam, was wrecked near Cromer on Monday morning.

On 28^th ult. The sloop Hoffnung, of Griefswald, in attempting to take Sunderland harbour, at near low water, struck on the bar, and went to pieces immediately. She had left Shields the night before laden with small coals.

The Mary, M`Mearm, from Liverpool for Newcastle, is totally lost off Carringford. Crew saved.

The Queen Charlotte smack, Nicholson, from Leith for London, was run foul of near Lowestoff, on Friday night, by the Sylvan, of South Shields, and sunk. Crew and passengers saved.

On the 27^th ult. As the snow Nicholson, of Sunderland, was proceeding to sea, coal laden, she struck on the bar, and came on shore behind the South Pier, but was got off on Tuesday with little damage, by throwing part of the cargo overboard.

The Navigator, Surtees, London trader, bound for London, put back to Shields last Friday, after throwing overboard a quantity of pig lead.

Newcastle Courant Feb 2 1805. The ships which last week appeared on the western coast of Scotland, and were supposed to be French, proved to be the Brilliant frigate, Capt. Barry, and a Spanish prize. The reason of Capt. Barry`s not allowing any boats to come alongside was, that lately, when passing through the Sounds, seven of his crew had deserted in the boats belonging to the islands ; and the crew of the Spanish prize is in such a sickly state, that the most vigilant measures were judged necessary to prevent all communication with the shore.

Newcastle Courant Feb 2 1805 We are informed that last week a Guineaman east anchor at Luing, and an American ship in Loch Crina, in Argyleshire, where they remained some days, without communication with the shore, and unnoticed, until it was observed that several bodies were landed, and buried on the beach. This circumstance exiting alarm, precautions were immediately taken to prevent any communication with the country ; and when our accounts came away, the lieutenancy of Argyleshire were sitting at Inverary deliberating on what further measures should be pursued. The Guineaman had sailed to Ireland, but the American ship remained in Loch Crinan on Sunday. Edinburgh Journal.

Early yesterday morning an express from Scotland for London, passed through this town, supposed to relate to the above vessels.

Newcastle Courant Feb 9 1805. The statement in our last postscript respecting the sickly state of a Guineaman, which had arrived on the coast of Argyleshire was not perfectly correct. The sickness and mortality on board were in consequence of the hardships she had experienced at Sea. Edinburgh Journal.

A vessel of 50 tons burthen, laden with grain and other goods, arrived at Manchester last week, direct from London, by the Rochdale canal. This is the first that has been seen in that town, and so novel a spectacle naturally excited a considerable degree of curiosity, as it realizes a plan which, a few years back, was by many persons, thought impracticable.

Newcastle Courant 16 Feb 1805. The Helena Spurs, from the Gulph of St Lawrence to Newcastle, is on shore at Hartlepool.

Newcastle Courant 26 Feb 1805 On Sunday, the Hoop, smuggling lugger, was captured by the Mermaid revenue cutter, Capt Smith, and brought into Shields. She was taken off Huntcliffe Foot; but had discharged her cargo.

Early on Saturday morning se`nnight a north country brig, laden with coals, got on the Scroby sand, but having immediate assistance from the shore, several chaldrons of coals were taken out, and a flood tide setting in, she was enabled to put off without much damage, and to prosecute her voyage.

The Providence, Parkin from Shields to Margate, is on shore near Margate, and full of water.

Two wealthy graziers, of the neighbourhood of Great Grimsby, having made an exorbitant charge on the captain of a vessel lately stranded on the coast, for their assistance in securing the wreck, were taken before the magistrates at Spilsby, and sentenced to pay a fine of 50l with 10l costs.

Newcastle Courant Mar 2 1805 Yarmouth, February 25, Yesterday morning the Sea Dog, of this place, from Berwick, bound to London, with oats, was captured off Happisburg, by a lugger privateer. The crew of the Sea Dog, except the master, escaped in their boat, and landed at Winterton. They report that after they left their own vessel the saw the privateer capture a brig. The Sea Dog was seen off this port after she was captured, and two large boats, manned by the sea fencibles, and several other vessels, went in pursuit of her, but without success.

The Melampus has re-captured the Bellasario, from Jamaica, worth 40,000l. The privateer which took the Bellasario (the General Perignon.) had captured 18 vessels off the Lizard, four of which she sunk, being in ballast.

THE Moucheron, 18 guns, on her passage from Plymouth for Cork, has recaptured, and sent for that port, a very valuable Jamaica ship, called the Cambridge, of London, one of the homeward bound fleet dispersed in a gale of wind, taken by La Braave French privateer, of 18 guns, and 160 men, which had taken several other vessels.

The Caroline privateer, of Whitehaven, has captured two prizes ; one of which the Aurora, with dollars, indigo, &c is arrived at that port.

Another of the homeward bound Jamaica fleet is arrived in the Clyde. The fleet when it left Jamaica in December last, consisted of 48 sail, of which 38 arrived, two foundered at sea, one was lost on the Goodwin Sands, two were taken, but have been retaken, and five remain unaccounted for.

Newcastle Courant March 23 1805 The crew of the Tweed of Sunderland, which was lost on the Godwin Sands, (as mentioned in this paper of the 9^th instant) have got into a port in France, having taken to the boats, and been driven thither.

The Stranger, Richardson, from Gainsborough, with oak timber, bound to Whitby, is on shore near Flamborough Head, and will be wrecked.

The Lord Nelson Privateer, of Guernsey, has cut three Spanish vessels out of the grand Canaries; one of them arrived at Penzance 11^th inst.

The Eagle sloop of war has captured five Spanish prizes, two of them supposed to contain in dollars 500,000l sterling.

The Triton, Kuhl, and the Friendship, Henson, have been cut out of Dunkirk Roads by the Cruizer brig, and sent into Yarmouth.

Dover, March 14. Our curiosity has long been raised to the highest pitch by the knowledge that a life-boat of a very peculiar construction was building here by the man who saved the prize-master and prisoners, floating on the wreck of the French gun-boat that drifted past the harbour in the winter. Sir Sidney Smith, who gave the plan of this boat, came down from London yesterday, and tried it at sea, with 18 men embarked on board, attended by Capt. Western, of the sea fencibles, in a Deal boat. The piers and beach were crowded with spectators, who felt much anxiety at seeing her make her first plunge into the swell at the harbour`s mouth ; she rose, however on the top of every wave, and as soon as the mast was secured the rigging of which appeared defective, the sails were set, and she moved with great rapidity through the breakers which hid her from our sight. The Deal boat, although a large galley of above forty feet long, found the sea too much for her, and put back into the harbour. The life-boat, which is called the Cancer or Crab, from her manner of moving and taking the ground, landed on the beach without the smallest inconvenience from the surf, and was hauled above high water mark by the spectators, who greeted the enterprising crew, for whose safety they had been so anxious, with most heart felt satisfaction.

Newcastle Courant Mar 30 1805 The Pamona ----, from Sunderland, with coals, for Topham, was captured on Wednesday se`nnight, close into Portland, by a French brig privateer ; recaptured by the Greyhound revenue cutter, and carried into Weymouth. The Pluto sloop of war went in pursuit of the privateer.

The brig Affinity, Wardropper, from Sunderland, was captured about 3 leagues off Portland, on the 23d inst, by the Bonheur French brig privateer, of 14 guns and 50 men, and retaken the same day by the Greyhound revenue cutter, and is arrived at Weymouth.

The Good Design, of North Shields, Wm Atkins, master was lost on the Isle of Man, on Saturday last ; crew saved.

The Twee Gebroeders, Hendricks, from Newcastle to Embden, sailed from Newcastle on the 16^th Sept, and has not since been heard of.

Newcastle Courant May 25 1805

Wednesday the loaden collier, Favorite, of North Shields, Captain Scott, in going out of Shields harbour, got upon the most northern point of the Herd Sand, called Duggie`s

Newcastle Courant June 22 1805 Saturday morning last, the Farmer of London, coal-laden, in going to sea, from Shields, got upon the middle ground near Clifford`s Fort and was nearly wrecked. She has since been delivered and sent up the river for repairs.

Newcastle Courant June 29 1805 On Saturday last, Christopher EALES, common carrier between this town and Barnardcastle, was commited to Newgate, charged with forging the acceptance of Messrs RODDAM and Co. of Gateshead, to a bill which he had procured to be drawn upon them for upwards of 45l. and uttered with a design to defraud Mr Wm Spencer. It is remarkable that the prisoner cannot write his name.

Newcastle Courant July 13 1805 On Saturday last, the mate of the Newburgh Volunteer, of Leith, was turned over to the press gang, for attempting to personate, the mate of another ship, the master of which took him to the custom house here, as is own mate, to sign the smuggling bond, on clearing for a foreign port.

Newcastle Courant July 13 1805 On Saturday night last, the Four Brothers, Russell, of Lynn, laden with coals for Lynn, was run down by a light sloop off Hunt-cliff, which damaged her so much, that she was almost sinking, but being discovered by some fishermen, who immediately assisted, she was taken into Whitby on Sunday morning.

Newcastle Courant 20^th July 1805 Flambrough-Head Light. – The numerous shipwrecks which have happened on the rocks at Flambrough-head, and the imminent danger to which vessels are sometimes exposed in passing that promontory, in the darkness of the night, imperiously demand the immediate erection of a light, for the prevention of such fatal accidents and danger in future. The proposal of a plan of such essential importance to the safety of ships employed in the coasting and Baltic trades, might be supposed to operate with such powerful conviction on those who are interested, aw to engage their unanimous approbation and vigorous support ; but it is a lamentable consideration, that the utility of any improvement of a public nature is not always a sufficient stimulant to exertion, nor an efficacious motive to ensure success ; the minds of intelligent persons are sometimes so obscured by predudice, and influenced by jealousy as to be invincible even to the most lurid arguments and incontrovertible facts. As a proof of the truth of this assertion, it may be proper to mention a case in point ; the utility and necessity of proper lights in the dangerous passages of Hazebrough Gut, the King`s Channel, and the Goodwin Sands, were clearly evident, for a long series of years, before a plan for that purpose was carried into execution. In the midsts of storms and tempests, in the midsts of the awful darkness of many a winter`s night, the unhappy mariner was compelled to explore his way in those dangerous channels, without the proper guide of a friendly light, when the utmost exertions of human skill wore frequently insufficient for his safety. How many valuable lives, and what an immense amount of property might have been preserved, had those necessary lights been sooner established! Considerations of this serious nature are the sole inducement for the proposal of the direction of a light on Flambrough-head ; and it is hoped and trusted that the ship-owners, merchants, underwriters, &c. in the northern ports, will unite in a petition to the elder brethren of the Trinity-house, Deptford Strond, to promote the success of a plan of such evident public utility. Should it be objected that the proximity of the Spurn lights might be the occasion of some dangerous mistakes, it my be answered, that this will be easily oliviated by making the Flambrough-head lights to revolve, which would be a sufficient distinction to prevent the occurrence of any errors of that nature.

Newcastle Courant Aug 3 1805 The Argo, Holditch, for London, and the Nelly, of Dumfries, from Oporto, which were taken by a Spanish privateer on the 4^th ultimo, were retaken on the 9^th, by the Muled? Frigate, Captain Thomas Dundas. On the 15^th ult, Capt D. overtook a Swedish ship bound for Cork, on board of which the Spaniards had put Capt. Locke and the crew of the Nelly ; on finding them there, Captain Dundas instantly put them in possession of their sloop and cargo ; and in the most generous manner dispatched them to their port of destination, leaving the settlement of the salvage intirely to the honour of the owners, supplying Captain Locke with what provisions, &c. were necessary for his voyage homewards.

The merchants of Leeds and the rest of Yorkshire, have come to a resolution not to ship any goods in neutral vessels to any port whatever, American ships to America ports excepted.

Gateshead Tribunal. August 13 1870 A Sunderland Captain drowned.- The Reward brig of Sunderland, Mason, Arrived at Yarmouth from Cronstadt, on the 6^th, reported that William CHARLTON, of Sunderland, fell overboard from its main sail, and was lost in the Cattegat at Lat 57.48 N long 9.26E

Newcastle Courant Aug 10 1805 At the Lincoln assizes, a verdict to the value of the ship York, and her cargo of coals, estimated at 4000l, was obtained against the owners of the ship Swan, which , on the 19^th of November last, carelessly ran on board the York and sunk her, in Grimsby roads, It appeared the steersman of the Swan had given the helm to an ignorant passenger.

Newcastle Courant Aug 17 1805 The Prince of Wales, of North Shields, Captain Sedgwick, from Memel, with timber, &c, on entereing Hull harbour, on the evening of Wednesday se`nnight, took the ground on the north side of the harbour`s mouth, and on the ebbing of the tide, fell over ; and has sustained so much damage, that it is thought she must be broken up.

The new invented life-boat, with which experiments have been making at Weymouth for some time past, is buoyed up by eight cases, four on each side, water tight, and independent of each other. When men are saved from the wreck and landed, the boat may return, and some tons of goods my be put in the cases, if the sea will admit of their being taken, out of the wrecked vessel. In a storm, the boat is dismantled, and rowed by 14 men, who are all fastened to their seats. As the sea breaks into the boat, it immediately runs out at her stern ports. It is impossible to sink her. She has 14 life lines, the ends of which float with cork, by which men that are washed off the wreck may hold, before they can be taken into the boat. She brings before the wind, or nearly so, upwards of 100 men at a time from the wreck. She is as manageable with sails as any boat of her size. The rudder is on a new principal ; she has fourteen grappling for a wreck, a room ten feet wide, water-tight, with copper ventilation. The whole of her construction is entirely new.

Newcastle Courant Sep 14 1805 Tuesday morning came into Leith harbour, the smuggling lugger Betsey, laden with spirits and tobacco, prize to the Royal Charlotte Excise yacht, Capt Elder, and Henry Dundas, Capt Henderson ; which lugger was captured near St Abb`s Head, after a long chace, being a remarkably swift sailer.

Newcastle Courant Sep 21 1805 Extract of a Letter from an Officer in Admiral Collingwood`s Squadron.

Colossus, off Cadiz, August 21. Yesterday morning at six o`clock, Cadiz D.E. by E. three leagues, saw six sail W.N.W. ; at seven the man at the mast head counted twenty-six. The Admiral (Collingwood) recalled the distant ships, and laid heads to the southward, the Thunder bomb, stationed off St Lucar, just in sight. At eight we saw them to be an enemy fleet, when our good and noble admiral made the signal to prepare for battle, and sent the best sailing ship to reconnoitre the Frenchmen, standing a little sail (topsails, and foresail) to the southward to get the gut open, anxious for the safety of the bomb, which sailed very badly ; and had to cross Cadiz, into which port the enemy seemed to be going. The Dreadnought sailed very ill ; but the best piece of seamanship and skill, our little squadron, at eleven, got off Trafalgar. Sixteen of the enemy now separated from the body of their fleet, and chased us, the remainder having gone to Cadiz : as the bomb was a great way astern, and if those ships stood further to the southward, she must inevitably have fallen into their hands, our brave chief brought to with the Dreadnought, Achilles, Colossus, and Niger for the enemy. This manoeuvre had the desired effect, for the two headmost of the enemy`s ships (last sailers) soon after shortened sail, and returned into the body of this detachment (one of them was a flag ship, and we suppose the Majesteux) : our squadron then stood towards them, till the bomb came within four miles or less : we then tacked again to the southward. By this time the enemy were within four miles on the weather quarter ; but three or four of their line of battle ships which sailed well, although they might have brought us to action, particularly the Dreadnought, whenever they came near us shortened sail till the others came up to support them. By this time we were near the stream of the gut, and I am told from the flag-ship it was the admiral`s plan to endeavour to draw ships so far into it, that they might be obliged to go up the Mediterranean, and as within three leagues of Gibraltar we should have been joined by five sail of the line, little doubt remains of the event in that case. We now, at half past two, shortened sail, and brought the main-top-sail to the mast, on seeing which, the Frenchmen soon after wore, and bore up for Cadiz, sending three ships of the line in chase of the bomb. The squadron immediately wore, and stood for the bomb to support her. We now had every prospect of coming to action ; but at four the French ships ( these three) made all sail away, and left the bomb to join.

I have now given you the history, but will not offer any remarks on it ; in my opinion, and all the officers of this squadron are of the same, the skill, and bravery, and good management of our glorious admiral has served to our country three ships, which in the morning there was scarce a hope of escaping : but his conduct in saving the bomb in spite of 27 sail of the enemy`s ships of the line, seven frigates, and two brigs, with eight sail in Cadiz harbour, requires no comment ; and I assure you the whole of our little squadron look to him with admiration, and not one of us who would not run any risk to serve him. In these cases bravery and seamanship are as conspicuous , if not more so, than in action : I can only regret, for his sake as well as our own, that our force would not admit of a trial with them. We are now off Cadiz on our old ground, and see 35 sail of the line, &c. at anchor, The Mars joined us to-day with some bullocks for the sick, from Tangier. Our force now consists of four sail of the line, two frigates and the Lucky bomb. The Phoenix and her prize, the French frigate Didon, just to windward of us, the Euryalu`s has joined, and given us an account of the brush to the southward. I wish we had had such a force, and Gibraltar would have been graced with more French and Spaniards than have been there for some time. I hope soon to see 20 sail of the line here from you, for they are getting ready in Cadiz as fast as possible. Excuse hast. We are clear for action day and night, and I have with difficulty got a place to write this. Adieu, congratulate the country on our being safe, and that her defence is likely to be entrusted in a great degree to an admiral who is worthy of being a friend of Howe, St Vincent , and Nelson, who has shared in the glorious actions of the last war, and who bids fair to rival them in renown in this.

Newcastle Courant Sep 28 1805 Saturday last, the corporation keel for weighing wrecks in the river Tyne, hooked the bottom of a ship in the Narrows, near the Middle-ground, in Shields harbour, and after much exertion, succeeded in carrying it upon the Green bank, near the low end of South Shields. This wreck has impeded the navigation by catching ships` anchors and keges, upwards of eight years.

The Betsey, of Whitby, laden with coals, is retaken by the Mariner gun brig, and is arrived at Yarmouth. She was captured off the Galloper, with five other laden colliers, and a vessel from the Baltic laden with timber. Four of them have been retaken by the cruisers stationed off Dunkirk and Ostend.

Dover September 18 – The Courier cutter, of this place, Lieutenant Boxer, has retaken and sent into this harbour the Frances collier, of Sunderland. – The privateer

which took the Frances captured four more colliers, another of which has since been retaken and sent into Ramsgate harbour.

Newcastle Courant Oct 5 1805 On the 23d September, the brig Rose, Snowden of Sunderland, coal loaden, ran on the Godwin sand to avoid being captured by a French privateer, but got off the next tide with assistance from the land, without damage.

Wednesday se`nnight, an immense concourse of people assembled on London bridge, and on the water, to witness an exhibition of the Life-preserver, in case of ship-wreck. The machine, or jacket, is composed of water-proof leather, and prepared to contain air, and in inflated in half a minute. It supports the head, arms, and body out of the water. Several persons dropped from the boats moored off the Old Swan, and floated through London bridge with perfect ease and safety ; they then proceeded down river ; some were observed to be smoking their pipes, others playing on the German flute and French horn, which they seemed to perform with as much ease and indifference as on dry land.

Newcastle Courant Oct 12 1805 The Rover, Holliday, from Newcastle for London, has been captured, re-captured, and sent into Ramsgate. The crew are carried into France.

On Wednesday last, the ship Advice, of Whitby, intending to sail with the returning tide, was removed from the quay here into the middle of the river, before high water. To prevent her from being carried up with the tide, she was fastened with a towline to a neighbouring ship : unfortunately it proved too weak for the purpose, and snapped, and the Advice was driven with great force against the bridge : her mainmast was shivered all to pieces, and she was otherwise much damaged. The foremast prevented the vessel being driven through the bridge, the battlement of which was considerably injured.

Sunday morning last, in light southerly airs, as a number of ships were going out of the Tyne, two caught the ground, namely, the Minerva, Thompson, on the Herd Sand, and the Myrmidon, Clark, in the Middle-ground. The former got off, without any apparent damage ; but the latter was so much injured as to be delivered. The Middle-ground sand is at present unusually dangerous.

The Providence, - from Sunderland, was lying on the bar, at the mouth of Weymouth harbour, the 4^th inst, having last both anchors and cables in Portland roads.

Newcastle Courant Oct 19 1805 It is in contemplation to use some means of deepening the water on the Middle ground, in Shields harbour. This sand has occasioned 5400l damage since the first day of Jan. last.

Dove Oct 13. The Isabella of Sunderland, L Sedgwick, master, arrived here this tide, she was taken by a French lugger privateer, and re-taken by the sea fencibles of Folkstone.

A Report having been very generally circulated that John Cook, late Mate of the Ship, Thomas and Mary, of this Port, had died at Sea in Consequence of Blood-letting, and that the Operation had been performed by me : in Justice to myself, and in Order to remove any unfavourable impression that may be made in Consequence of such Imputation, to the prejudice of my professional Character, I take this Method to contradict the Report, and to declare, that the Person above mentioned was never under my Care, and was entirely unknown to me. JOHN CROUDACE, SURGEON. Sunderland, October 15^th, 1805.

In consequence of the skill and bravery exhibited by Captain Woodriffe, of his majesty`s ship Calcutta, (through whose perseverance the convoy under his protection has been preserved from the hands of the enemy) the owners and underwriters on the ship and cargo of the Indus have proposed a subscription of 2l. per cent. Upon the sums insured, to be presented to that excellent officer, the officers acting under him, and crew, as a small token of their gratitude.

On the 11^th inst, John BROWN, mariner, was committed for trial on a charge of stealing a kedge anchor from the ship Bilboa, in Shields harbour.

Newcastle Courant Oct 26 1805 Many ships belonging to this port have been hired for his majesty`s service this week ; even common wood ships, without any sheathing whatever, have been fitted for troops and horses ; so urgent is the present emergency to aid our allies on the continent.

The life-boat has now been introduced into three quarters of the globe. One has been sent to America, and another to the East Indies, Mr Greathead, is now building one by order of Sir William Forbes, for Frazerburgh, and last week he received an order, couched in the most handsome terms, for another, from our heroic ally the king of Sweden.

Tuesday last, the master and elder brethren of the Trinity House, went down the Tyne in their barge, and took a survey of the Middle-ground sand, in Shields harbour, preparatory to using means for partly removing the same.

Newcastle Courant Oct 26 1805 Monday last, an inquest was holden on the body of a Dutch sailor, belonging to a vessel under Prussian colour, now lying in Sunderland harbour. He had been on shore the preceding evening with some of his shipmates, and in returning aboard early in the morning in a state of extreme intoxication, fell into the ship`s hold and was suffocated. Verdict – accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Nov 8 1805 On the 25^th ult, the sloop Friends, of Whitby, John Mason, master, coal lade, was totally lost off Hartlepool, the crew saved.

On Saturday se`nnight, a sloop in ballast, belonging to Sunderland, sent ashore a little to the north of Don, but is since go off without damage, Crew all saved.

The Friendship, Cook, of and for Scarborough, from Sunderland, foundered at sea the 26^th ult, Crew saved.

A large French privateer is said to have been burnt in the water`s edge, in Boulogne harbour, during the late experiment with the rockets.

Yesterday se`nnight, arrived in Leith Roads, the Norfolk armed ship, from the Sound. This vessel sailed with a convoy fro the ports of England and Scotland, and during the passage, encountered a very severe gale, which separated the convoy. One ship was seen dismasted, and after the gale the Norfolk passed a good deal of wreck, from which it is feared some of the ships of the convoy may have suffered in the gale.

Newcastle Courant Dec 7 1805 In consequence of the sloop Friendship, Peter Bremner, master, of Burghead, being towed into Yarmouth, by his majesty`s sloop Imogene, with five auger holes found bored in the master`s cabin, apparently with an intention of sinking the vessel, as mentioned in our last, Captain Bremner a carpenter who was passenger in the vessel, John Hague, mariner, and a boy belonging to the sloop, have been taken up, and are now under confinement at Hull, until further inquiry can be made into the affair. The mate and another sailor are not yet met with.

On the 19^th ult, the sloop attendant on the Floating Light ship stationed in Haseborough Gat, returned from the sand ship and brought in with her a boat with the name Minerva of Bridglington, Benjamin Hutchinson, painted on the stern ; and in the boa was found a dead man, with a watch in his fob, and pocket handkerchief marked in one corner B.H. This boat was picked up by the Ligh`ship, adrift, and full of water on Sunday the 17^th ult. A young man, native of Bridlington, has seen the corpse, and says he knows the body to be that of Benjamin Hutchinson : that the owner of the vessel was James Astley, who was also on board ; and that he saw him at Sunderland the beginning of the week before, ready to sail from then for Harwich.

The Maria, Greive, from Memel to Newcastle, was lost the 23d September, in Seinemunde bay.

Newcastle Courant Dec 14 1805 Sunday night last, In a gale of wind from the westward, and a strong ebb tide, a ship`s boat from South Shields, with two boys and 8 or 9 passengers very impudently endeavoured to cross the water, and was driven upon a ships hawser? Which upset her. One of the boys and one of the passengers, (Matthew Johnson, belonging to the Groat market, Brewster in this town) were drowned. The others escaped miraculously, although one of them, a woman was driven under a ship`s bottom, but catching hold of a rope under the said ship`s stern, she floated, and the others driving past her. Caught her cloaths, and held themselves up until saved by the sailors. One man swam with a child round his neck to a ship`s anchor hanging over the bows, and was save. The very careless and reprehensible practice of masters of ships taking boys on shore to wait in the boat for them in the evenings, is supposed to have occasioned, the above melancholy accident, as these boys were enticed by money to attempt crossing the water at a very improper time of day and when the danger was so imminent that no person with skill would have done it.

During the gale on Tuesday night last, the Supply, Beadland, a light collier, belonging to Whitby, making for Sunderland harbour, ran ashore on the south of the pier. Owing to the unusual height of the tide that night, she now lies nearly dry at high water, almost close in with the banks below the flagstaff ; but it is expected to be got off without much damage.

Tuesday morning last, the Swan, of Lynn, loaden with barley, in taking Tynemouth bar with little wind and a strong ebb tide, lost her steerage amongst the broken water, and was driven upon the Herd Sand, where she now lies full of water.

The Montgomery, Page, from Hull, with potatoes, was on Friday se`nnight taken into Yarmouth by the salvage-men belonging to Gorleston, having but one man (the owner) on board, and several holes bored in her bottom.

Newcastle Courant Dec 21 1805 On Sunday last, the body of Matthew JOHNSON, who was unfortunately drowned by the upsetting of a boat whilst crossing the river Tyne at Shields, on the 8^th inst, as mentioned in our last, was washed ashore on the beach near Monkwearmouth. An inquest was held on the body and a verdict of accidental death.

Newcastle Courant Dec 21 1805 The representative of the sloop Montgomery, given in our last paper, was not correct. It appeared on a representation of the case, before the three Justices of the Peace, by the salvage-men who brought her into the harbour, that the water found in her hold, was occasioned by a leak in the counter from an open seam, and a rotten knot in the plank. – Ipswich Herald.

Newcastle Courant Dec 28 1805 To Ship Owners. A curious and interesting experiment for ascertaining the relative strength of cordage, we are informed, was tried a few days ago, at South Shields. In the presence of a great number of ship-owners ; the result of which was highly satisfactory, as it proves that little more than one half of the usual quantity of that article will be required in the fitting out of ships when the cordage is manufactured in the best manner. The following is the result of the experiment as communicated to us by our correspondent, who was present at the time it was tried. Viz. – Nine fathoms in length of Grimshaw, Webster, and Co`s patent machined Rope, six and a half inches in circumference, and weighs 92lb 13 oz ; bore a strain of fourteen and one half tons ; and a common laid rope, of the same length, nine and a quarter inches in circumference, and weighing 180ln. 14oz. nearly double the weight of the former, only bore a strain of fifteen and one half tons. The machine-laid rope when broken Had only stretched eight inches in each fathom, and reduced only a quarter of an inch in its circumference. The common-laid rope, when broken, had stretched fourteen and one half inches in each fathom, and was reduced three quarters of an inch in its circumference. The machine-laid rope did not appear to be made of hemp of superior quality to the common-laid rope, but the great superiority in its relative strength seemed entirely to arise from the manufacture.

Newcastle Courant Dec 28 1805 Last week a cask of gin was driven on shore near Cullercoats. Those who found it, knocked out one of the ends, made every one welcome to drink what they pleased, and served it out plentifully to those who brought vessels to carry it away. Numbers were lying drunk, and others reeling about the cask, the greater part of the day. One young man who had been among the groupe, went into an adjoining field, where he fell asleep, and was found dead next morning.

Article from the Dundee Courier, 25 December 1883

Seaman Drowned - The barque Glentilt, of Dundee, which has arrived at Leith from Queenstown, with a cargo of nitrate of soda, encountered the full force of the gale a fortnight ago while in the North Sea. At the outbreak of the storm the vessel was in tow of a tug, but she had to be cast adrift, and was blown across the North Sea. On Wednesday, the 12 December, a heavy sea was shipped, which swept one of the men overboard, but fortunately another wave carried him on board again. The following Sunday the same seaman was washed overboard and drowned.

Article from the Dundee Courer 25 December 1883

An Aberdeen brig missing - Much anxiety prevails in Aberdeen regarding the brig Annie, which sailed from Newcastle a fortnight ago, with coals, for Aberdeen, and has not been seen or heard of since. It is feared she may have foundered in one or other of the recent heavy gales. The Annie was commanded by Captain Farquhar and had six of _? crew, mostly married men with families. The vessel is owned by Mr Sinclair, merchant, Old Aberdeen.