Monday, April 1, 2019

PIRACY AND PRIVATEERS AT CAPE HENLOPEN.


HISTORY OF CAPE HENLOPEN AND BEYOND

PIRACY AND PRIVATEERS AT THE CAPE AND LEWESTOWN ON DELAWARE
1746 PRIOR THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Another news item from a pre-Revolutionary War newspaper of interest to those into
piracy at the Capes and does one other thing, it proves there was a Lewes with activities
prior to the war of independence .

Sunday, June 2, 1746, Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia :

Yesterday, heard from Lewes Town at the Capes, that four sail vessels were taken Sunday
morning last in a fight off the Cape but it is as yet unknown what privateer it was. In addition
a sloop from Boston for Virginia was chased into Lewes Roads which came to anchor
under the command of the shore battery gun. The enemy had sent their boat out to cut
the sloop off but some shot from the cannon on shore striking near put them about hastily
and off they went, and the sloop got safe into the creek afterward s.

After it was known the privateers were in the Delaware as sum of money was raised to fit out
one or more armed vessels to clear the bay and coast and protect the trade met with a stand of
centure. Last year the Warren was fit having much discourage with it. All foreign trade is now at a stand with the port as much as shut up.

The Association mount guard every night at the Great Battery, near Lewes town on Delaware
in case of an alarm in the night. All well disposed persons are desired to place candles in
lower windows and doors for convenience of marching militia and other who may volunteer to join them.

Abstract: The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, Sunday, June 2, 1748, page 3.

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