Reprinted from the New Hampshire Gazette, April 19, 1771

London, January 2, 1771: Friday last a press-gang was very busy at Newington-Butts, and having impressed a poor countryman from his wife and children, the distressed woman followed her husband with lamentations, which induced many women to sally from their houses.  Among the Amazons was the famous Hannah Snell, who immediately demanded the captive from the lieutenant.  He refusing, and bad words ensuing, she collared and shook him.  Two sailers advanced to rescue their officer, whom she beat and challenged to fight any of the gang with fists, sticks, or quarter-staff, only let her be permitted to put off her stays, gown and petticoats, and put on breeches, declaring that she had sailed more leagues than any of them, and if they were seamen, they ought to be on board, and not sneak about as kindappers.

“But if you are afraid of the sea, take Brown Bess on your shoulder, and march through Germany as I have done.  Ye dogs, I have more wounds about me than ye have fingers.  By G-d this is no false attack.  I’ll have my man,” and accordingly took the poor fellow from the gang, and restored him to his wife.  Thus did the long petticoats, headed by a veteran Virago, overcome the short trousers.   Mrs. Snell has a pension of 50£. per annum left her by the late Duke of Cumberland, for her many manly services by sea and land.