Page:Full and true account, of the cruel sufferings of the passengers on board the brig Nancy bound for New-York.pdf/6

[ 6 ] accident, happening to spil some of it on deck, was seized by the shoulders, and dragged over it to wipe it up with her clothes, and the rest of her mess thrown over board. Another woman was struck on the breast by one of the men, and so much hurt, that her life is stil in danger. A poor sick child, who could not drink the water afforded them, which stunk intolerably, earnestly begged for a little good warm water, and not being not able to obtain it, continued to call for it till he died. Another poor child having got to the fire, the mate took him up, and dallied him against the deck, whereby he was much hurt, and confined to his bed till he died, about a fortnight after. A young man who used sometimes to assist the seamen in working the vessel, being wanted for that purpose when he was below, eating his unsavoury meal, the captain ran to him seized the hair of his head, and by it dragged him up four steps to the deck, throwing to the wind a handful of the hair which was left in his hand.

It would be tedious to recount all the injuries those poor people suffered from this barbarous captain, his mate, second mate, and most of his men. Some of them indeed, for a high price sold some of their provision to such passengers as were able to purchase it, and one man who seemed to compassionate their case, and when he had an opportunity gave some of them relief and assistance, for this was severely used and beaten by the captain and the rest of his crew, who would not even assist them in drawing up and committing their dead to a watery grave without a fee of 6 pence for each.

Of above 50 children at the breast, and not more than 4 years of age, all died but one, and many of the mothers; 7 women who were delivered on board, all died but one, with all the children. When some of them, in the captain’s hearing, lamented the loss of so many lives, he said with great earnestness, he wished to God they were all dead, and that then he could go to Carolina without calling at New York. Many of the people believed that he not only wished their death, but would contribute towards it all in his power, and even