Feb 14 1806 English Prisoner's Escape from Spain - Cumberland and Westmorland Newspaper Transcriptions

Feb 14 1806 English Prisoner's Escape from Spain

The Times, Friday, Feb 14, 1806; pg. 3; Issue 6659; col B

WHITEHAVEN, Feb. 11.
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Sunday afternoon arrived here, the Spanish lugger Barbarossa, under the command
of Mr. PATTERSON, from San Andero, a Spanish port in the province of Biscay,
which place she left about three o'clock in the morning of the preceding Sunday,
the 2d inst. but whence she had been intended to sail for La Vera Cruz, in the
Gulf of Mexico. Her destination was altered in the following manner: - 26
English prisoners were confined in a castle near the place where the Barbarossa
was fitting out. They formed the resolution of attempting to liberate
themselves, and to try to make their passage home in her. When the time arrived
for carrying their project into execution, the majority of them shrunk from a
design, which was to be attended with so much danger. Eleven of them, however,
persevered; four of these belonged to this port, viz. Mr. PATTERSON, who had
been mate of the Curwen, Capt. SHIPLAND, of Workington, captured some time ago;
the carpenter of the same, and two others.

Between two and three in the morning of the 2d inst. they effected their escape
out of prison, boarded the lugger, cut her out, passed two strong batteries (by
one of which they were hailed), and got out to sea. The next day, they lost two
of their masts, in a heavy gale of wind; but, pursuing their course with great
resolution, and, certainly, with singular success, they arrived safe here, as
above stated.

Her cargo cost, in Spain, not less than 25,000L. sterling, exclusive of the
vessel; which, at a very moderate estimate, may be set down at 800L.