Philadelphia (PA) North American and United States Gazette, "Stampede of Slaves," March 5, 1858

From the Key West "Key of the Gulf," of Feb. 13.

   STAMPEDE OF SLAVES.––Last Sabbath morning our city was the scene of no little excitement occasioned by the discovery that during the night some twelve slaves had stolen the U.S. Lighthouse boat––about five tons and tender to Sand Key––and made their escape to seaward. Immediately upon its being known, a reward of some $4000 was offered for the recovery of the slaves, and the several pilot boats and the U.S.L.H. schooner Florida started in search. The pilot boats returned same day, but the Florida and a smack continued the search toward Nassau, and returned next day unsuccessful. Nothing has as yet been heard of the deserters or of the boat. Many persons are of the opinion that if they attempted to cross the Gulf in the boat, all have perished, for no boat could live in such a sea. The escape was well planned and must have been effected during Saturday night or early Sunday morning. 

   The sufferers by this stampede are as follows; Mr. Wm. Pinckney, lost a woman and a child, Mr. J.B. Brown, a man, woman and child; Lt. Wright, one man; Mr. McCall, a man, woman and child; Mrs. Bracewall, one man; Mr. Geo. Cary, one man; total, 11.