Page:Full and true account, of the cruel sufferings of the passengers on board the brig Nancy bound for New-York.pdf/2

[ 2 ] ground was covered with snow) in want of provisions, and necessaries, and in unmanly and cruel usage on the voyage, was apparently, owing the distress that succecded, the loss of more than a third of the lives on board, and manifest danger of all the rest.

After embarking, the first inconveniency that presented itself, was the want of room; the vessel (burden about 150 tons) being too small for the accommodation of 300 passengers; nor was she properly fitted with conveniencies, for stowage, cleanliness, cooking, &c. The passengers soon experienced a numerous train of wants, and inconveniencies, arising from mere negligence, or design, in the undertakers. There were ndeed in the hold, conveniencies made for the support and division of the beds; but between decks, the whole space was left entirely open, so that the people could only lodge on the floor of the deck, and when the ship rolled, were thrown all together, and tumbled from side to side. Soon after they put to sea, the weather proving stormy, and the people, as usual, being all sea-sick, had little inclination to eat; but the wind being contrary, they put into the harbour of Stromness, in the Orkneys, where finding the vessel had no pot or kettle, sufficient for the number of passengers, they proposed to buy one there, at their own expence; but the captain would not agree to it, telling them, that if they had such a one on board, he had no conveniency in the vessel, for using it. Thus unprovided, they set out again, when the wind continued contrary, and exceedingly stormy for about 6 weeks together, during which time they were beating off the Lewes and Shetland isles, and the coast of Ireland, generally in sight of land, and could, at any time, have put into those places, as they earnestly entreated the captain to do, but he refused, saying he was unacquainted with the coast. They assured him, if he would put in, they would pay all the expence of a pilot; but he absolutely refused, and still kept off at sea. During this time, the people were in a most uncomfortable, melancholy, and distressed situation, through sickness, want of conveniencies, and necessaries,