AN ACCOUNT OF NOTABLE WRECKS AND WRECKERS. PIRACY AND PRIVATEERING.
Accompanying this is a reproduction of an old print "published according to Act of Parliament, June the 28th, 1748," showing the Wreck of the Nympha Americana, a Spanish Prize, near Beachy Head, on November 29th, 1747. The inscription being so indistinct a transcript is given :-
A View of the Wreck of the Nympha A Spanish Prize.
The Nympha Americana was taken by Commodore GEORGE WALKER, Commander of the Royal Family Privateers near CADIZ, and carried first to LISBON, thence to PORTSMOUTH, and after in her Passage to LONDON She was Unfortunately Wreck'd near Beachy Head, on the Coast of Sussex, November ye 29th, 1747, at 1 O'Clock at Night. She was Built chiefly of CEDAR, About 800 Tuns Burthen, had Ports for 60 Guns, her Lading Consisted of Superfine Velvets, Cloths, Gold and Silver, Laces, And almost every other kind of Merchandize. She truck upon ye Rocks, And left her Bottom some distance from ye Shore, Which had parted at the Rungs, afterwards broke asunder in ye Midships ; The fore part Overturn'd by which Accident 30 of the 130 Men that were on Board, was Drown'd. Her Bottom could not be found till December the 24th. From which was taken up by Persons imploy'd with their Boats, near 30,000 Pounds Sterling Value of Quicksilver, Great Quantities of her Cargo Were carried off by People from different Parts : 60 of whom perish'd on the Beach, Downs, and other places ; 1 was Shot and 1 Broke his Thigh, but Notwithstanding those Accidents, Great Numbers Still continued to Search, And often found some of her Cargo, So that this may Justly be Recorded, ye most Extraordinary WRECK that ever happen'd on any part of ye Coasts of this Kingdom.
No. 1. The H'gh Cliffts from the Western part of Beachy Head fronting the Sea.
2. The Cave where the Wreckers Fatally Drank the Spiritous L'quors they took from the Ship.
3. Crowlink Gap, Tent and Battery
4. Mr. Richardson of Allciston, Falling.
5. The Passage Call'd Cook Mare Haven.
6. The Projection of the High Cliffs by Seaford.
7. The Shore at Low Water with the Wreckers taking the Merchandize. Under the Boats at Low Water 12 foot, at High 36.
8. Mr. Fletcher, Riding Officer, Who Secur'd a Great Quantity of Money for the Owners.
9. Other Persons Stopping and taking Goods from the Roamers.
