Mary Celeste sails from New York and is found abandoned

Background. In early 1872, the Mary Celeste underwent a major refitting costing $10,000, which significantly enlarged the vessel. Benjamin Spooner Briggs, who held four of the ship's twelve shares, took command in October 1872 for the voyage to Genoa. Briggs was described as an experienced captain, and his crew was noted as peaceable and first-class sailors. The ship carried a cargo of 1,701 barrels of alcohol, along with Briggs' wife and infant daughter.

Departure from New York. Briggs arrived at Pier 50 in New York City on October 20, 1872, to supervise cargo loading. His family joined him shortly after. On November 5, the ship left Pier 50 with Briggs, his family, and seven crew members. After anchoring off Staten Island due to weather, the Mary Celeste entered the Atlantic. The Canadian brigantine Dei Gratia, captained by Morehouse, departed later on November 15, following a similar route.

Discovery by Dei Gratia. On December 4, 1872, Dei Gratia encountered the Mary Celeste in the Atlantic. The ship was found in a disheveled but seaworthy condition, under partial sail, with the lifeboat missing. Personal items were scattered in the captain's cabin, including a sheathed sword, but most ship papers and navigational instruments were missing. The ship was still amply provisioned, suggesting the crew had not departed for long.