# The Annual Register/1758/The Chronicle

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THE CHRONICLE.
JANUARY.
1st. A Fine equestrian statue of his present majesty King George, by Van Nost, was erected on St. Stephen's Green, Dublin. On the front of the pedestal is the following inscription:
Georgio Secundo,
Magnæ Britanniæ Franciæ
Et Hiberniæ Regi
Forti et Reipublicæ Maxime fideli Patriis virtutibus
Patrem Secuto
SPQD.
A. D. 1758. Thomas Mead, Prætore Urbano.
| Michaele Sweny, | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Vice-comitibus. |
| Gulielmo Forbes, | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | Vice-comitibus. |
7th. By a letter from Captain Bray, commander of his majesty's armed vessel the Adventure, received this day at the Admiralty, there is an account of the taking the Machault privateer of Dunkirk, with 14 nine pounders, and 182 men. Captain Bray, soon after the engagement began, ordered the helm to be put hard aport, which had the desired effect of laying her athwart hawse, her bowsprit coming in between the Adventure's main and mizen masts. They immediately passed the end of the mizen-top-sail sheet through the enemy's bob-stay, and made it fast; but fearing to lose so good an opportunity, and that they would get clear, Captain Bray and the pilot got a hawser, and passed it three times round the Machault's bowsprit and the capston on the Adventure's quarter deck, so that the action depended chiefly on the small arms, which was very smart about an hour. She then struck her colours, but upon boarding her, began to fire again, which was soon silenced. She had killed and wounded 40 men, with the loss only of one man killed, and two wounded, on board the Adventure.
This evening 70 men on board the Namur in Portsmouth harbour forced their way into the dock, and from thence set out for London, in order to lay their complaints before the lords of the admiralty; 15 of whom attempted to procure an audience, but were all ordered to be put in irons and carried back in order to be tried by a court martial for mutiny. It is reported that the badness of their provision was the cause of their complaint.
13th. A cup and salver intended to be presented to Captain Lockhart, was sent this day to Lloyd's to be viewed by the merchants. It was curiously chased and embossed with the seven French privateers, his own ship and arms. The salver is 26 inches diameter, with the following inscription:
The gift of the two public companies, The under-writers and merchants of the city of London,
To Capt. John Lockhart, commander of the Tartar,
For his signal service in supporting the trade, By distressing the French privateers in the year 1757.
The merchants of Bristol presented him also with a gold cup, worth 100 l.
This day a committee of the subscribers to a fund for supplying the poor in the city of York with corn at a lower rate than the markets, began to deliver out the same, when 334 families were served with the best of corn at 1 s. a peck, or 4 s. the bushel.
14th. By a letter from Captain Lockhart to the Admiralty, there was advice that his majesty's ships Edinburgh, Dreadnought, Augusta, and a sloop, had blocked up the harbour of Cape François for some weeks: that on the 15th of October, all the French squadron sailed to drive the English off the coast: and the next day the two squadrons came to a close engagement, which continued till night, when the French squadron, having the land breeze, by the help of their frigates were towed into port, greatly disabled, and the Opiniatre dismasted. They had 300 men killed, and as many wounded. This advice Captain Lockhart received from the crew of a St. Domingo-man, which he had taken; and it has since been confirmed by a letter in Lloyd's Evening post, directly from the spot. The same advices from the Admiralty take notice likewise of the taking of two French ships both laden with provisions for Louisbourg. The prisoners say, that they sailed from l'Isle d'Aix, in company with three other merchant-ships, laden with provisions for Louisbourg, under convoy of the Prudent and Capricieux, and the Tripon and Heroine frigates, the two former of which parted company with them the day before they were taken. The frigates made their escape from our ships by its falling little wind, before which his majesty's ships outsailed them greatly; but there is reason to believe the other merchant-ships are taken by the ships that were left in chace of them.
18th. A farmer upon Budgley Common, between Southampton and Redbridge, seeing a man with a blue coat, red waistcoat, and red plush breeches, very ragged, lying on the ground in a very weak condition, took him into his waggon, carried him to his house, gave him victuals and drink; but being fall of vermin, made him up a bed of straw in the waggon, under the waggon-house, and covered him with sacks. Next morning he found him dead. He had an ensign's commission in his pocket, dated in March last, appointing him, as supposed, an ensign to an independent company of invalids at Plymouth; but no money in his pocket, except one half-penny.
The following message from the King was presented by Mr. Secretary Pitt to the house.
George R.
'His majesty having ordered the army, formed last year in his electoral dominions, to be put again into motion from the 28th of November last, and to act with the utmost vigour against the common enemy, in concert with ​his good brother and ally the King of Prussia; and the exhausted and ruined state of that electorate and of its revenues, having rendered it impossible for the same to maintain and keep together that army, until the further necessary charge thereof, as well as the more particular measures now concerting for the effectual support of the King of Prussia, can be laid before this house; his majesty relying on the constant zeal of his faithful Commons, for the support of the Protestant religion, and of the liberties of Europe, against the dangerous designs of France, and her confederates, finds himself in the mean time under the absolute necessity of recommending to this house the speedy consideration of such a present supply, as may enable his majesty, in this critical exigency, to subsist and keep together the said army.'
In consequence of this message, 100,000 l. was unanimously granted, to be taken immediately out of the supplies of last year unapplied, and to be remitted with all possible dispatch.
21st. A court-martial was held on board the Newark, for the trial of the 15 mutineers belonging to the Namur man of war, who all received sentence of death.
Information having been given to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, that several officers were recruiting in that kingdom from Great Britain, without the knowledge of the government there, his excellency signified his pleasure to such officers, that they should immediately desist from raising men in that kingdom, and that they do immediately discharge all such as they have already enlisted.
30th. By letters from Constantinople, we hear, that the caravan of pilgrims, returning from Mecca, had been attacked by a large body of Arabs, who had destroyed, as it is said, from 50 to 60,000 persons. This desperate and unprecedented proceeding is supposed to have taken its rise from the Arabs being disgusted on account of the removal of the Pascha of Damascus to Aleppo, who was greatly esteemed by them, as a generous able man, and the Kislar Aga's having put in his room a man of different principles, who deprived them of some part of their dues, which they receive from the pilgrims. As the chief of the black eunuchs was the cause of all that has happened by that change, which he effected merely to serve his own interested views, the Grand Seignor ordered his head to be sent for from Rhodes, where he was lately exiled, and on its arrival it was exposed to public view.
Captain Wallace of the King George of Bristol, took up at sea, off Bermudas, six men, the crew of the schooner Nancy of Boston, one Gavian, master; the vessel in a hard gale had overset, but, after they had cut away her main-mast, she righted: but a sea soon after beat in her stern, and having a quantity of bricks abaft, her stern sunk and her head stuck upright, and then the people got on her bow. After the storm abated, they got some mackarel out of the vessel, and an iron instrument to strike fish, and making an awning of one of the sails, which they fixed to the bowsprit, they lived there 46 days before Captain Wallace met them; one of them died soon, and two others are deprived of their senses.
​ The Lord Chief Justice of the King's-bench declared that court's opinion of the case of the bank note stolen out of the mail, and paid away by the robber, who received the full value of Mr. Miller, at the post-office at Hatfield, and then travelled on the same road in a four-wheel post-chaise and four horses, and at the several stages passed off several other bank notes he had taken out of the mail at the same time; all which, at the request of the owner, who sent them by the post, were stopt by Mr. Rice, cashier of the Bank, and an Action suffered to be brought against Mr. Rice, for recovery of the money; when, after very learned pleadings on both sides, it was most solemnly determined, 'That any person paying a valuable consideration for a bank note to bearer, in a fair course of business, has an undoubted right to recover the money of the Bank.' The pretext for stopping them at the Bank was, because they had been altered, the figures of 11, which denoted the date, having been by the robber dexterously converted to a 4.
This day being appointed for the execution of the 15 seamen, belonging to the Namur, the boats from every ship in commission, manned and armed, attended, and rowed guard round the Royal Anne. A little before 12 o'clock the prisoners were brought up, in order to be executed, and the halters were fixing, when they were informed his majesty had shewn mercy to 14, but they were to draw lots who should be the man that was to suffer death. Matthew M'Can, the second man that drew, had the unfortunate chance; and accordingly, at a gun fired as a signal, he was run up to the yard-arm, where he hung for near an hour. The reprieved were turned over to the Grafton and Sunderland, bound to the East Indies. It is said, the cause of the mutiny was only the dislike they had to quit the Namur, on board which ship Admiral Boscawen, when he took upon him the command of the intended expedition, hoisted his flag, and was to bring the crew of his former ship with him.
FEBRUARY.
1st. Monsieur Rene Brison, second Captain of the Prince de Soubise, who formerly made his escape from where he resided on his parole of honour, went into France, and was sent back by order of the French king, made a second attempt to escape out of Porchester castle, where he had been confined ever since his return. He had bribed the centinels on duty, but his attempt being suspected by the officers of the prison, they planted others at a distance, who immediately apprehended him, and carried him back to the castle.
4th. A marble bust of Doctor Claudius Gilbert, formerly vice provost of Dublin college in Ireland, was set up in that college.—This excellent person, besides other valuable donations, bequeathed to that college a collection of books, consisting of 13,000 volumes, chosen with great discernment and care. His bust is placed at the head of these. It is the workmanship of Mr. Verpoil; and for the expression and elegance does great honour to the taste and skill of the statuary.
6th. It was ordered by the lords spiritual and temporal, in the parliament of Ireland assembled, That the king at arms, attended ​by his proper officers, do blot out and deface all ensigns of honour, borne by such persons as have no legal title thereto, upon their carriages, plate, and furniture, and to make regular returns of their proceedings therein to the clerk of parliament.
10th. His majesty's ship Lancaster being paid at Spithead, among the trades people that carried goods on board, were a great many Jews, who had large quantities of valuable effects with them; the Jews not meeting with the success they desired, were resolved to go on shore: it blew very hard, and they had a sailing boat, which they had hired for that purpose. About 20 Jews, and a few other people, got into her with their effects, but they had not gone far, when by gibeing the sail, they were overset. The ships boats immediately put off, and took up 9 or 10 of them. Nine Jews were drowned, and two died after they were brought on board.
13th. Extract of a letter from Portsmouth.
"Yesterday arrived here, with a messenger belonging to the admiralty, in the greatest haste, a person who was immediately introduced, by orders from above, to Admiral Boscawen; of whom the following particulars have transpired. This person was some time since master of an English vessel, trading from port to port in North America, particularly up the river St. Laurence; but being taken by the enemy, has been prisoner with the General Montcalm and others near three years, who would not admit of any exchange for him, on account of his extensive knowledge of all the coast, more particularly the strength and foundings of Quebec and Louisbourg; they therefore came to a resolution to send him to Old France, in the next packet-boat, there to be confined till the end of the war. He was accordingly embarked (the only Englishman) and the packet put on board. In their voyage he was admitted to the cabbin, where he took notice one day, they bundled up the packet, and put it into a canvas bag, having previously thereto made it ready to be thrown overboard, upon any danger of being taken.
"They were constrained to put into Vigo for some provisions, as also to gain some intelligence of the English in those seas, and there found one or more English men of war at anchor; upon which he thought it a proper opportunity of putting the following scheme in execution. One night taking the opportunity of all, but the watch, being in a sound sleep, he took the packet out of the bag, and having fixed it to his mouth, he silently let himself down into the bay; and to prevent noise by swimming, floated upon his back into the wake of the English man of war, where he securcd himself by the hawser; and upon calling out for assistance, was immediately taken on board, and the packet entire. The captain examined him, treated him with great humanity, gave him a suit of his own cloaths, scarlet trimmed with black velvet, which he here appeared in, transcribed the packet, which is said to be of the utmost importance, in regard to our success in North America, and then sent him over land, with the copy of the packet to Lisbon; from whence he was brought to Falmouth in a sloop of war, and immediately let out post for London. ​Upon his arrival in town, he was examined by the proper persons in the administration, and rewarded with a present supply; and by his own desire was immediately sent to Portsmouth, to go out on board Admiral Boscawen's own ship, upon the present expedition to North America, where he is to have the command of a sloop of war."
19th. Admiral Boscawen, with the fleet under his command, sailed from St. Helen's for North America. The Invincible, one of his fleet, of 74 guns, Captain Bentley, missed her stays, and run upon a flat on the east of St. Helen's. Her men, guns, stores, &c. were taken out, but that fine ship was quite lost.
One of the ships lately arrived from the east country, shipped such a quantity of water, and in the late cold weather it froze to that degree, that the captain computed he had above forty tons of ice on board. Four of his men perished by the cold. They were obliged to cut their way through the ice into the hold of the ship.
21st. There was as great a market for fat cattle at Seven-oaks in Kent, as was ever known, notwithstanding which they sold at a high price from 14 to 20l. a head.—By an authentic list it appears, that there passed through Islington turn-pike for Smithfield market, from Jan. 1754, to Jan. 1, 1755, oxen 28,952, sheep 267,565; and from Jan. 1, 1757, to Jan. 1, 1758, oxen 30,952, sheep 200,180. By which it appears, that there is a decrease of more than 67,000 sheep in this last year, and an increase only of about 2,000 oxen, which is by no means a just proportion; so that on this principle the increase of the price of meat may be accounted for.
Extract of a letter from Rear-Admiral Cotes to Mr. Clevland, dated on board his majesty's ship the Marlborough, November 9, 1757, in Port-Royal Harbour.
"The 25th of last month, Captain Forrest, in his majesty's ship the Augusta, with the Dreadnought and Edinburgh under his command, returned from the cruize off Cape François. Captain Forrest gives me the following account of an action that happened the 21st, between the ships under his command, and seven French ships of war.
"At seven in the morning, the Dreadnought made the signal for seeing the enemy's fleet coming out the Cape François; we made sail to discover them plain; and at half past eight made seven sail of large ships, a schooner, and a pilot boat. I then made the signal for the line a-head, and shortened sail, to let the enemy come up, and to preserve the weather-gage. At noon saw with great certainty they were four ships of the line, and three large frigates. I then made the signal for the Captains Suckling and Langdon, who agreed with me to engage them: accordingly we bore down, and about twenty minutes after three, the action began with great briskness on both sides, and continued for two hours and an half, when the French commodore made a signal, and one of the frigates immediately came to tow him out of the line, and the rest of the French ships followed him. Our ships had suffered so much in their masts, sails, and rigging, that we were in no condition to pursue them. Both officers and seamen behaved with the greatest resolution the whole time of the action, and were unhappy at the conclusion of it, that the ships were not in a con​dition to follow the French, who had frigates to tow them off. I am informed the French, on this occasion, had put on board the Sceptre her full complement of guns, either from the shore, or out of the India ship; and had also mounted the Outarde store-ship with her full proportion of guns; and had taken not only the men out of the merchant ships, but soldiers from the garrison, in hopes their appearance would frighten our small squadron, and oblige them to leave their coast clear for them to carry out their large convoy of merchant ships; but our captains were too gallant to be terrified at their formidable appearance; and so far from avoiding them, that they bore down, and engaged with the greatest resolution and good conduct. And I have the pleasure to acquaint their lordships, that the captains, officers, seamen, and marines, have done their duty on this occasion, much to their honour; and I hope their good behaviour will be approved by their lordships."
William Page, who had not long before taken his trial at the Old Bailey, and at Hertford affizes, for divers robberies on the highway, and was acquitted at both places, was, after a short trial at Rochester assizes, found guilty for robbing the late commissioner Farrington, about two years ago, on the evidence of the servant.
27th. Richard William Vaughan, late a linen-draper at Stafford, was committed to Newgate, for counterfeiting the notes of the Bank of England. He had employed several artists to engrave the different parts of the note, by one of whom the discovery was made. He had filled up to the number of 20, and deposited them in the hands of a young lady, whom he courted, as a proof of his being a person of substance. This is the first attempt of the kind that ever was made.
29th. Mrs. Dennington, a quaker of eighty years of age, at Harefield in Middlesex, was baptized, and admitted a member of the church of England.
MARCH.
1st. His grace the Duke of Richmond ordered a room at Whitehall to be opened for the use of those who study painting, sculpture, and engraving, in which is contained a large collection of original plaister casts from the best antique statues and busts now at Rome and Florence, where any painter, sculptor, carver, or other artist, to whom the study of these gesses may be of use, will have liberty to draw, or model at any time: and upon application to the person that has the care of them, any particular figure will be placed in such a light as the artist shall desire. And any young man or boy, above the age of twelve years, may also have the same liberty, by a recommendation from any known artist. On Saturdays, Meffrs. Wilton and Capriani are to attend to see what progress each has made, to correct their drawings and models, and to give them such instructions as shall be thought necessary. There will be given at Christmas and Midsummer annually to those who distinguish themselves by making the greatest progress, the following premiums: a figure will be selected from the rest, and a large silver medal will be given for the best design of it, and another for the best model in basso ​relievo. A smaller silver medal for the second best design, and one for the second best basso relievo. The servant who takes care of the room has strict orders not to receive any money.
4th. The court-martial on Commodore Pye at Portsmouth ended. He was charged for malpractices in the management of his command abroad; but the court was pleased to acquit him of that charge, and only reprimanded him for a neglect in not acquainting the naval officer, that a schooner which he bought cost 200 l. currency, for which the naval officer had by mistake charged 200 l. sterling; and also for having interfered in purchasing naval stores, the naval officer being upon the spot.
6th. A court of enquiry at Portsmouth began and ended on board the Royal George, concerning the loss of his majesty's ship Invincible. The principals examined were the pilots, who made it appear, that the loss of her was owing to no misconduct in the master, and declared, that had the ship been their own, they should have behaved just as he had done; whereupon the matter was set at liberty.—Other accounts take notice that the sands on which she was lost, were higher than usual.
Florence Hensey, M. D. was committed to Newgate, charged with high treason.
9th. About 200 sailors, armed with clubs, went to the back of the Point at Portsmouth to a public house, which they pulled almost down; they threw the beds and furniture about the street, and stove all the beer in the cellar; after which they came into the town, and went into several public houses, broke the windows, stove the butts of beer, and did other considerable damage.
11th. The powder mills belonging to Mr. Smith at Hounslow blew up; but happily no lives were lost. This accident, no doubt, gave rise to the following paragraph in the Reading Mercury of this day. 'Reading, March 12. Last night, about nine o'clock, a slight shock of an earthquake was felt at Colebrook, Maidenhead, and other places between London and this town, but we do not hear of any damage it has done. It was also perceived here.'
Mr. Henry Raine, of St. George, Middlefex, having in his life-time built and endowed an hospital for forty girls taken out of the charity school, and maintained; by his will, dated October 17, 1736, bequeathed 4000l. in 3 per cent. annuities to trustees to accumulate and improve the growing dividends until the same shall produce yearly 210l. to be disposed of in marriage portions to two maidens brought up in his hospital, (viz. 100l. and 5l. for a wedding dinner each) who shall have continued there four years, attained the age of 22, and be best recommended by the masters or mistresses, whom they may have served, for piety, industry, and a constant conformity to the established church. The trustees have given notice, that the sum destined for this laudable purpoſe is compleated, and by an advertisement summoned the maidens educated in the said hospital, to appear on the 4th of next month, with proper certificates of their past behaviour and present circumftances, in order that six may be selected of the most deferving, to draw lots on the first ​of May for the prize of 100l. to be paid on the 5th of November following as her marriage portion, to an honest man, a member of the church of England, residing in the parishes of St. George, St. Paul, Shadwell, or St. John Wapping, and approved by the trustees; at which time another girl will be added to the five who shall have drawn blanks before and to her who shall then draw the prize will be paid 1001. on her marriage the first of May following; the remaining five to continue intitled to a chance twice in every year, when a new candidate will be admitted, that every girl educated in this hospital, and careful of her character, may have a chance for this noble donation.
13th. Miss Bab. Wyndham, of Salisbury, sister of Henry Wyndham, Esq; of that city, a maiden lady of ample fortune, ordered her banker to prepare the sum of 1000l. to be immediately remitted, in her own name, as a present to the king of Prussia.
14th. A notorious impostor was detected at Edinburgh. When taken up, he had on four pair of thick coarse stockings, a pillow under his waistcoat, and, by an affected motion in his head and hands, has had the address for some time past, to pass upon the inhabitants as both dropsical and paralytical, and a very great object of charity. When freed of his dressings, he comes out to be a strong well made fellow, and was immediately sent to the castle, as very fit to serve as a soldier.
Mr. Smelt, one of the engineers belonging to the board of ordnance, is now at Tinmouth castle, having orders to repair the old works, build barracks for 1000 men, and to erect new batteries towards the sea, in order to defend and be a safeguard to the ships when at anchor in the road.
17th. A most shocking murder was committed at Hambleton on the Hill, a village near Oakham in Rutlandshire, upon the bodies of Anne Woods and Robert Broome, two poor aged cottagers, by John Swanson of that neighbourhood. Woods had employed Broome to trim a hedge, in a ground not far from her house; Swanson, being of the same occupation, and envious to see another preferred to himself, went to the hedge with a hatchet under his arm; but before he had got three parts of the way, he met the old woman returning home from the man; and, without any previous salutation, knocked her down with his hatchet. He then went to the place where the poor man was at work, knocked him down in the like manner, chopt off his head with the hatchet, opened his body, and plucked out his heart, which he wrapt up with the head, in a piece of old rag. He then returned to the dead corpse of the woman, cut down her stays before, opened her body, and pulling out her heart, bound up both the hearts and head together, which he carried home, and hid in a chest under his own bed. The officers of the parish, receiving information that Broome was murdered, immediately turned their suspicions upon Swanson, and went the same night to Swanson's house, and, being admitted, charged him with the murder, who, after standing dumb about three minutes, ​confessed the whole; and that Robert Broome's head, and both hearts, lay concealed under his bed. He was secured immediately, and committed to Oakham gaol.—It appears by all the circumstances of this murder, that the man was mad, and ought to have been confined long before.
Admiralty-Office.
Extract of a letter from Commodore Holmes to Mr. Clevland, dated from on board the Seahorse, at anchor off Embden, March 21, 1758.
"It is with the greatest pleasure that I acquaint my lords commissioners of the admiralty of the success of his majesty's ships in this river. The enemy had not suffered the buoys to be laid this year, thinking by that means to obstruct any attempts for the recovery of Embden at sea. It was, therefore, with equal surprize and concern, that they observed the arrival of his majesty's ships Seahorse and Strombolo; and after having doubled the number of their workmen upon the batteries they had begun, they set about raising three more towards the sea, with all expedition, expecting to be attacked from that quarter. On the 17th, the Seahorse and Strombolo anchored between Delfzeil and Knock, and on the 18th they came to their station between Knock and Embden, by which the enemy saw themselves cut off from all communication down the river. They continued working on their batteries towards the sea, but at the same time made all the necessary preparations for evacuating the place.—The garrison consisted of, French foot of Prince D'Eu's regiment, 1300.—Horfe of General Lusignan's regiment, 300.—Ditto of the regiment Bellefont du Roy, 300.—Ditto Orleans, 400.—Ditto Bourbon Buffet, 300.-Austrian foot of the regiment of Prince Charles of Lorraine, and Colonel Van Pflatz, 1100.—Two companies of artillery, of 60 men each, 120.—In all 3720.—On the 19th, at six in the morning, the French troops were under arms, and marched out of the town before night. And, on 20th, the Austrians began their march at nine in the morning. About noon, and not before, I had intelligence of these operations, and that they had been transporting their baggage and cannon up the river in small vessels over night; and that one of them was laying round a point of land at some diftance from us, to go up by the next tide. So soon as we could stem the tide, I dispatched the armed cutter Acrias, and two of my boats, in pursuit of the enemy. They came up with the vessel we had intelligence of, and took her. I reinforced them by another boat, and the whole detachment, commanded by Captain Taylor, continued the chace up the river. The enemy at this time lined both sides of it, and gave the first fire on the boats, who were then coming up with three of their armed vessels. The fire was briskly returned on our side; and in sight of their army, and under their fire, Capt. Taylor came up with one of them, attacked her, ran her a ground, and carried her, after some firing on both fides. The officers and men left the vessel to recover the shore, in attempting of which, some of them were dropt by the fire from the boats. The other two vessels, which had the cannon on board, got clear under favour of the night, ​and cover of their army. The first vessel taken, had the son of Lieutenant Colonel Schollheins, of Prince Charles of Lorraine's regiment, and one corporal and one pioneer on board, with some baggage belonging to his father. There was some money found, which, partly from the species, and partly from the manner of its being made up, was concluded to be pay for the troops, and therefore detained, together with the corporal and pioneer, and all the little implements of war they had with them. As for the lieutenant-colonel's son, he is but a boy, and not of an age to be regarded as an enemy; for which reason I have fent him ashore to be returned to his father, with all his and his father's things: and have wrote to his father, that, upon his giving me his honour, that the money is truly his private property, it shall be returned. The other vessel that was taken, had on board Major de Bertrand, M. Von Longen, commissary of war; M. Trajane, adjutant de la place; N. Le Bouffe, lieutenant of artillery, and a guard of private men, with three hostages, which they had carried off from Embden, viz. Eodo Wilhelm Zur Michlen, doctor of laws, president of the college de Quarantes, and administrator of the royal and provincial college at Aurich; Baron Vone Hane, of Leci, administrator at Embden; and Haiko George Eden, administrator of Leer. M. Eodo Wilhelm Zur Michlen, received a shot in the vessel during the scuffle, but it is not dangerous. From him I had the account already given to their lordships, of the happy effect the presence of his majesty's two ships have produced, by occasioning the sudden evacuation of the enemy out of the town of Embden."
An account arrived, that on the 28th of February, between Cape de Gatt and Carthagena, Admiral Osborn fell in with M. du Quesne in the
Foudroyant of 80, the Orpheus of 64, the Oriflame of 50, and the Pleiade of 24 guns, which were the four ships sent from Toulon to reinforce M. de Clue at Carthagena. On seeing the English squadron they immediately disperfed and steered different courses. About seven in the evening, Captain Storr in the Revenge of 64, supported by Captain Hughes in the Berwick of 64, and Captain Evans in the Preston of 50 guns, took the Orpheus, commanded by M. de Harville, with 502 men. Captain Gardiner, in the Monmouth of 64, supported by Captain Stanhope in the Swiftsure of 70, and Captain Hervey, in the Hampton-court of 64 guns, about one in the morning, took the Foudroyant, on board of which was the Marquis du Quesne, chief d'Escadre, with 800 men. Captain Rowley, in the Montagu of 60, and Captain Montagu, in the Monarch of 74 guns, run the Oriflame a-shore, under the castle of Aiglois; and had it not been for ​violating the neutrality of the coast of Spain, they would certainly have destroyed her. The Pleiade, of 24 guns, got away by mere out sailing our ships.
In this action Captain Gardiner was killed , and Captain Storr lost the calf of one of his legs. The very gallant and brave behaviour of the officers and seamen on this occasion, deserved the highest commendations; particularly that of Lieutenant Carket, of the Monmouth, who , after the captain's death, engaged and disabled the Foudroyant in such a manner, as to oblige her to strike as soon as the other ships came up; for which service Admiral Osborne gave him the command of the Foudroyant as a reward.
28th. At York Assizes, which ended the 25th, four persons were found guilty of high treason in obstructing the militia act, and received sentence of death accordingly; two of the Wesleydale rioters were likewise convicted for violently taking away meal on the highway in returning from market: about twenty prisoners more were tried for riots, some of whom were continued, others fined and imprisoned, and others admitted to bail. Great lenity was shewn by the judges and jury, where the prisoners did not appear to act with premeditation.
It is reported, that at a quarry near Fulwell-Hills near Sunderland, the skeleton of a man was found, which measured nine feet and upwards.
APRIL.
3d. Came on to be tried at Kingston affizes before the Hon. Sir Michael Foster, Knight, and a special jury of gentlemen of the county of Surry, the trial by way of indictment against Martha Grey, for obstructing certain footways, leading from East-Sheene thro' Richmond Park. The defendant declined entering into the merits, but rested her defence on an objection to the indictment, that East-Sheene, which in the indictment was laid to be in the parish of Wimbleton, was in the parist of Mortlake; but it appearing to the satisfaction of the judge and jury, that Mortlake was not a parish, but a chapelary in Wimbleton, the jury found the defendant guilty.
11th. Between the hours of 10 and 11 at night, the temporary wooden bridge, built for the convenience of carriages and passengers, whilst London-bridge was widening and repairing, was discovered to be on fire, and continued burning till noon the next day, when the ruins fell into the Thames. An advertisement was published by Mr. Secretary Pitt, with the offer of his Majesty's pardon to the discoverer of the perpetrators of so vile and wicked an ​action (it being supposed to be done wilfully and maliciously), and the city offered a reward of 200l. for the same purpose. The Lord Mayor licensed 40 boats extraordinary to work on the three succeeding Lord's days, whose stations were advertised in the public papers, and a great number of hands were set to work to make a passage over the remains of the old bridge. This unhappy accident proved very detrimental to the inhabitants on each side the bridge, and put a great stop to the trade of London and Southwark. The inhabitants of the Borough were also greatly distressed, by the destroying the troughs, which conveyed water to them during the repairing of the bridge.
Baron Kniphausen, minister plenipotentiary from the King of Prussia, had his first audience of his majesty, and on the 13th, of the Prince of Wales and the Princess Dowager.
17th. A proof was made at Paris of a cannon of a new invention, which fires sixty times in ten minutes without spunging. With a proper charge of powder it carries 100 weight of lead, and one man may bear its carriage. Another cannon of like construction has been proved in Prussia.
19th. London-bridge was opened for foot-passengers, in the reparation of which above 500 workmen were constantly employed, Sundays not excepted.
James White, aged 23, and Walter White, his brother, aged 22, were executed at Kennington Common, for breaking open and robbing the dwelling-house of farmer Vincent of Crauley. They acknowledged the justness of their sentence, but laid their ruin to an accomplice, who, they declared, decoyed them from their labouring work, by telling them how easily money was to be got by thieving.—While the unhappy wretches were hanging, a child about nine months old was put into the hands of the executioner, who nine times, with one of the hands of each of the dead bodies, stroked the child over the face. It seems the child had a wen on one of its cheeks, and that superftitious notion, which has long prevailed, of being touched as before mentioned, is looked on as a cure.
20th. Was held the anniversary meeting of the sons of the clergy; at which were present his grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, president, and the Lord Chief Justice Willes, vice president of the coporation, the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, the Bishops of Ely, Lincoln, Carlisle, Salisbury, Rochester, Litchfield, Chester, Gloucester and St. David's, and most of the Aldermen. The sermon was preached by the Reverend Dr. Ibbetson, archdeacon of St. Alban's, and the collection in the whole (including a bank note of 100l. given by Samson Gideon, Esq;) amounted to 1066l. 14s. which is above 150l. more than last year.
| The money collected on Tuesday | 306 | 18 | 0 |
| Yesterday at St. Paul's | 207 | 1 | 6 |
| At Merchant Taylor's Hall | 552 | 14 | 6 |
| | £1066 | 14 | 0 |
Extract of a letter from Kensington, in Connecticut.
"On the third instant, about sun-rise, at this place was a fog of so strange and extraordinary appearance, that it filled us all with amazement. It came in great bo​dies like thick clouds, down to the earth, and in its way, striking against the houses, would break and fall down the sides in great bodies, rolling over and over. It resembled the thick steam rising from boiling wort, and was attended with such heat that we could hardly breathe. When first I saw it I really thought my house had been on fire, and ran out to see if it was so; but many people thought the world was on fire, and the last day come. One of our neighbours was then at Sutton, 100 miles to the eastward, and reports it was much the same there."
21st. In consequence of an application to parliament on account of the late unhappy accident, a resolution passed the house, "That a sum not exceeding 15,000l. be granted to his majesty, to be applied towards the rebuilding London-bridge." The Right Reverend Dr. Thomas Secker, Lord Bishop of Oxford, was confirmed at Bow church Lord Archbishop of the cathedral and metropolitan church of Canterbury, by the Most Reverend the Lord Archbishop of York, and the Right Reverend the Lords Bishops of Durham, Worcester, Ely, Bath and Wells, Lincoln, Hereford, Carlisle, and Salisbury, being appointed his majesty's commissioners for that purpose.
It was this day resolved, that towards the supply granted to his majesty, the sum of 4,500,000l. be raised by annuities after the rate of 3 1-half per cent. for 24 years, the interest to commence from July 5; and 500,000l. by way of lottery, at 3 per cent. the interest to commence from the 5th of January 1756.
| Payments on annuities. | Payments on lottery |
| 10 per c. Ap. 29 | 10 per c. Ap. 29 |
| 15 — May 30 | 10 — June 20 |
| 15 — June 28 | 20 — July 18 |
| 15 — July 27 | 20 — August 19 |
| 15 — August 30 | 20 — Sept. 20 |
| 15 — Sept. 27 | 20 — Oct. 20 |
| 15 — Oct. 29 |
Three per cent. to be allowed for anticipating the payments on the annuities; nothing on the lottery, but to have the tickets as soon as they can be got ready. Those who had subscribed for 500l. were allowed 450l. in annuities, and 50l. in lottery tickets.
30th. The Hon. Mr. Finch and the Hon. Mr. Townshend having proposed, after the example of his grace the Duke of Newcastle, to give two prizes of fifteen guineas each to two senior bachelors of arts, and the like to two middle bachelors of the university of Cambridge, who shall compofe the best exercises in Latin prose, to be read publickly on a day hereafter to be appointed near the commencement; the vice chancellor gives notice, that the subjects for this year are, for the senior bachelors: Utrum summa hominum felicitas juxta Epicurum in sensum delectationibus præcipue ponatur. For the middle bachelors, Utrum diversarum gentium mores & instituta a diverso eorum situ explicari possint.
Ages of ten persons now living in the parish of Boughton under Blean in the county of Kent.
| | Years | qu. |
| Thomas Hawkins, Esq; in Nash-Park | 81 | 1 |
| A woman at the Oaks in the Park | 80 | 1 |
| Carry over | 161 | 2 |
| Brought over | 161 | 2 |
| Richard Drury, at the same place | 72 | 0 |
| His wife | 78 | 0 |
| Farmer Kingsland, joining to the park | 78 | 0 |
| Hammon Gooding, near the same place | 78 | 0 |
| Goody Blakenbury, east of the park | 96 | 0 |
| Thomas Burley, a little further | 81 | 2 |
| Mrs. Ovendon | 81 | 2 |
| Mrs. Spurgeon | 78 | 0 |
| In all | 804 | 2 |
The following remarkable account is given by an Officer on board a French East-Indiaman, in a letter to a friend at the Hague.
Jan. 20, 1757.
"Just before we sailed from Pondicherry, fires broke out on the surface of the sea three leagues from that place, with the utmost impetuosity, throwing up pumice-stones, and other combustibles, and forming an island of a league long and of the same breadth, which increased to a considerable height, with a volcano, making a most hideous noise, like thunder, or great guns, and a cloud proceeding from it, breaking into small rain of sand instead of water. This prodigy was first seen by a ship's crew belonging to Pondicherry, who thought at first it had been a water-spout; but coming near it, saw a prodigious flashing of fire, which smelt of brimstone, and heard a most astonishing noise; afterwards a vast quantity of fish was perceived dead on the sea, and appeared broiled. Sailing a little further, they met with such quantities of pumice-stones, that it was hardly possible to make through them; at the same time they discerned land, but it appeared to them as a cloud of fire and smoke on the surface of the sea, and the cloud ascending into the air, distilled in showers of rain, which brought abundance of sand on their ship's deck, and being nigh the flashes of fire, and hearing the noise, they were under great consternation; but it pleased God to send them a little breeze of wind that brought them from it. Another ship failed round it, and they were so becalmed, that the ashes proceeding from the vast fire fell on their deck, and they were in great danger of being burnt."
25th. The judges report of the seven rioters convicted at the late York assizes, was laid before his majesty, when the two ringleaders, Cole for obstructing the militia act, and Berry for violently taking away corn, were ordered for execution, four of them to be transported for life, and one pardoned.
26th. Began the sale of the capital collection of Italian, Flemish, and Dutch paintings, of Sir Luke Schaub, and continued the two following days, at Mr. Langford's, in the great piazza, Covent-garden. The whole collection was sold for 7784l. 5s. many of the pictures selling for very extraordinary prices, particularly a landscape and figures of Claude Lorraine, for 105l.—A man pipeing and his children dancing, by Le Nain, for 180l. 12s.—Our Saviour and St. John, by Guido, for 157l. 10.—St. Sebastian, by Guerchino, for 54l. 12s.—Our Saviour healing the lame, by Rubens, for 79l. 16s.—A landscape with figures and cattle, by D. Teneirs, for 110l. 15s—Sigismunda weeping over the heart of Tancred, by Correggio, for 404l. 5s.—A laughing ​boy, by Vandyck, for 126l.—The baptism of our Saviour, by Albano, for 120l. 15s.—Our Saviour asleep, and the Virgin watching over him, by Guido, for 328l. 13s.—The Virgin, with Jesus asleep in her lap, by Vandyck, for 211l. 1s—Boors at Cards, by D. Teneirs, for 85l. 1s.—Four pieces, by Paul Brill, Rubens, Gillis, and Van Breughel, for 551l. 5s.—Jacob parting from Laban, by F. Bassano, for 115l. 10s.—Departure of Rinaldo from Armida, by Le Brun, for 73l. 10s.—A landscape and figures, by G. Pouffin, for 109l. 4s.—The Virgin, our Saviour, and St. John, by Correggio, for 220l. 10s.—A conversation of boors, by D. Teneirs, for 157l. 10s.—Tent of Darius, by Le Brun, for 127l. 1s.—St. Peter repenting, by Guido, for 288l. 15s.—A capital picture of an holy family, by Raphael, for 703l. 10s.
29th. Whitehall. An express arrived with advice that Schweidnitz surrendered on the 16th instant, and the garrison was forced to surrender itself prisoners of war. It consisted of 230 officers, and 3200 private men. The blockade has besides cost the enemy 3500 men, who have perished by diseases.
The first stone of a new bridge, to be built in pursuance of an act of Parliament, from Brentford to Kew, was laid in the presence of a great number of persons of quality and distinction.
MAY.
1st. The trustees of Raine's hospital met in pursuance of their advertisement, and having selected six maidens educated therein, who were strongly recommended by their masters and mistresses, the lot was drawn according to the will of the founder, in the presence of a polite and numerous assembly, for the prize of 100l. for a marriage portion, which fell upon Anne Netherland, who went out of the hospital in the year 1743, and is to be married on the 5th of November next, when 5l. as by him directed, will be expended on a wedding dinner; and the five unsuccessful girls will, with another then to be added, draw again for 100l. to be paid on May-day following.
3d. A young lady, who at Newmarket had laid a considerable wager, that he could ride 1000 miles in 1000 hours, finished her match in a little more than two thirds of the time. At her coming in, the country people strewed flowers in her way.
8th. Florence Henley, M. D. who had been some time in custody for holding a treasonable correspondence with the enemy, was brought before the court of King's Bench, and ordered to prepare for trial the first of June.
The Marquis du Quesne, chief d'Escadre, lately taken prisoner in the Foudroyant, arrived in London.
9th. At the anniversary meeting of the president and governors of the London lying-in hospital in Aldersgate-street, the collection at church and at hall amounted to 611l. 10s. 10th.
10th. Was held the annual general meeting of the hospital for the maintenance of exposed and deserted young children, when a general committee for the year ensuing was elected by ballot. It appears, that since this charity has been made general by parliamentary provision, near 6000 infants have ​annually been taken in; one third of whom, nearly, have died at nurSe. A matter that merits a parliamentary enquiry.
12th. Ladders and gates were affixed to East-Sheen gate in Surry, in order for foot people to go into Richmond Park; and also at Ham-gate (pursuant to a verdict last assizes at Kingston); so that her Royal Highness the Princess Amelia has at length given up this long contested affair for the ease and convenience of the inhabitants.
13th. Admiralty Office. In pursuance of the King's pleasure, Lord Anson, Vice-Admiral of Great Britain, and Admiral of the White, was appointed commander in chief of a fleet, now fitting for the sea.—Advice is received from Read-Admiral Broderick, that on the 13th of last month, his majesty's ship Prince George of 80 guns, in which the Rear-Admiral hoisted his flag, took fire at half an hour after one in the afternoon, in lat. 48: and after burning to the water's edge, the remnant of her sank at a little before six in the evening. The Admiral says, he could not then give a particular account of the people on board, being about 780; but he feared the number lost exceeded the number saved.
His majesty's ship Windsor, of 60 guns, Captain Faulkner, with the Escorte frigate, being sent to intercept two French frigates and three store-ships from Dunkirk road to the westward, on the 27th past fell in with them about 16 leagues from the Ram-head, when the two frigates brought to in a line, as if they intended to receive him, and the store fhips continued standing to the weftward. When the Windsor came within about two gun shot of the frigates, they made all the sail they could towards the coast of France; upon which Captain Faulkner sent the Escorte after the store-ships, while he gave chace to the frigates, and continued it till four in the afternoon; when finding they greatly outsailed him he gave it over, and made after their convoy, which could then but just be discerned from the poop. The next morning at day-light only one of them was to be seen, which the Windsor came up with and took. She is called the St. Peter, of near 400 tons burthen, and her cargo consisted of provisions, and 1000 stand of arms, intended for Quebec. Another of these store-ships was fallen in with, the same day, by a squadron of his Majesty's ships to the westward, commanded by Captain Douglas in the Alcide. She is called the Baden, is about the same size with the other, and laden with provisions.
On the 29th, about three o'clock in the afternoon, Captain Pratten seeing a sail to the S. W. made a signal for the Dorsetshire of 70 guns and 520 men, commanded by Captain Denis, to give chace; and soon after observing the chace to be a large ship, dispatched the Achilies of 60 guns, commanded by the honourable Captain Barrington, after her, and then followed them with the rest of the squadron. About feven o'clock the Dorsetshire came up with the chace, which proved to be the Raisonable, a French ship of war of 64 guns, and 630 men, and Captain Denis began to engage her very closely, and they continued warmly engaged till about nine o'clock, when the enemy's ship, commanded by the Prince de Mombazon, Chevalier de ​Rohan, struck, having suffered greatly in her hull, and had 61 men killed, and 100 men wounded. She was going from l'Orient to Brest, a new ship, not above four or five months off the stocks. The Dorsetshire's masts, yards, and sails, were greatly shattered. She had 15 men killed, and 21 wounded, in the action; and one of the wounded is since dead.
By the French accounts the Raisonable, with the Hero, Formidable, and Intrepide, and two frigates, were designed for Canada; to which place and Louisbourg they have sent feveral little squadrons, at different times; one under M. de Bauffier sailed to the latter place on the 5th of April.
One Robert Anderson was carried on board the Norfolk man of war, Commodore Brett, in the Downs, by the master of a Deal boat. The account he gave was this; that about three months ago, he was trepanned into the Irish brigades in the French king's service; that about two o'clock on the 11th in the morning, when he was relieved from his post of centry by the water side at Graveling, he seized a small boat within ten yards of his box, came down the canal two miles, in which he passed two captains guards, and several advanced posts: that he then seized a fishing boat, and set sail for our coast, with the small boat in tow: and that he steered directly for the Downs, with an intention to run into Ramsgate, where his wife lives; but was boarded by the Deal boat as above. He has brought musket, bayonet, and all his accoutrements with him; is a very likely fellow, a gardener by trade, and all the knowledge he had of a boat was from being often a fishing for his amusement. He fleered by the stars till daylight, and then had the sight of our coast. He had planned his design three weeks before, and had made himself perfectly master of the canal from constant observation, and knew by the same means the stated times when the fishermen arrived. Sir Piercy, with his wonted good-nature, ordered the boat to be sold for the man's benefit.—This account is taken from part of a letter from an officer on board the Norfolk; and what corroborates it is, an imperfect relation from Broad-Stairs, of the arrival there of a French fishing-boat with two Englishmen in it, and a German, a soldier in the French King's service, who assisted the Englishmen to make their escape, and for whose use the boat was put up to auction, and sold for 9l. 5s.
17th. Twelve flat-bottomed boats, of a new construction, were launched at Portsmouth, to be employed in landing the troops then going on the enterprize to France. They carry 63 men each, are rowed with 12 oars, and draw not above two feet water.
18th. A young grenadier, aged about 27, was shot at Plymouth for desertion; what is remarkable, being to receive goo lashes by the sentence of a regimental court-martial, he chose to appeal to a general court-martial, who instead of confirming his former sentence, inflicted that of death. The young man suffered with great fortitude, having done nothing, he said, to offend his Saviour.
19th. By an advertisement it appeared, that 933l. 7s. 6d. had been subscribed to carry Mr. Fielding's plan into execution.
​ 20th. By an advertisement relating to Mr. Dingley's plan, it appears, that 3114l. 17s. had been subscribed to carry it into execution.
Four French ships, part of seventeen, which sailed the first instant from Bourdeaux, laden with provisions and stores for Canada, and said to be under convoy of a large privateer of 54 guns, and two frigates, were brought into Falmouth by Commodore Keppel's squadron.
21st. An account was received of a dreadful fire at Bridge-town in Barbadoes, which in February last had consumed 120 houses; and besides that the crops in that island were very short, having had little rain in the rainy season.
A waggon was burnt on Salisbury-plain, laden with the whole rich wardrobe, scenery, and apparatus of the Bath theatre; besides the entire property of each performer belonging to it. Some miles before the waggon reached Salisbury, a servant of the theatre told the driver that the wheel would take fire, intreating him to stop and unload; but the fellow still persisted in keeping on his way, and gave for reason, that he had driven twelve miles with his wheels smoaking. About three miles from this city, the flame burst out, and before ten boxes could be preserved, the whole waggon was consumed. The damage is said to amount to 2000l.
23d. Two Stonehaven boats being out a fishing about six leagues from the land, a large French privateer brought aboard both their crews, used them civilly, paid them for their fish, and after detaining them two hours, dismissed them when about nine miles from land. The fishermen report, that this ship mounts 40 guns, and carries 300 men, besides marines. There were no ransomers on board, and it appears that she had just begun her cruize. [Stonehaven is about ten Scotch miles from Aberdeen.]
A discovery of the highest utility has lately been made at Edinburgh, and already sufficiently confirmed by a number of successful experiments: Dr. Francis Hume has inoculated for the measles, and has produced a disease free from all alarming symptoms.
30th. At a store cellar in Pall-Mall, Mrs. Hucks's cooper, and a chairman, who went down after him, were both suffocated, as supposed by the steam of 40 butts of unstopped beer. [It might be of use to the public if some of our ingenious correspondents would account for this accident.]
The following account of the ages of ten persons in the borough of Hoath in Kent, eight of whom lived within a quarter of a mile of each other, and the other two but at a small diftance, is attested by good authority; Thomas Darby 89 years and a half; Richard Steed 87; William Chandler 77 and a half; Ann Chriftian 76; William Brice 79 and a half; Sufanna Wix 87; Jane Thompson 76; Amy Matthews 82 and a quarter; Elizabeth Brice 74; and Thomas Carey 78; in all 806 years and three quarters.
A society has been lately erected at Glasgow, under the name of the Glasgow charitable marine society; the end of which is to provide for such seamen as shall become old or disabled in the service of the merchants of that city; and also to afford relief for their poor ​widows and children. A truly laudable charity.
The West India mail brought a confirmation of the news we had heard before of the Buckingham and Cambridge attacking and levelling with the ground, a small fort in Grand Ance bay on the island of Martinico, and destroying three privateers, and converting the fourth into a tender. But what does the greatest honour to Captain Tyrrel, the commodore, is the following incident; when the fort was demolished, a village situated close by it was a strong temptation to men flushed with victory to attack, and they sollicited warmly for leave to destroy it; but their brave commander replied, 'Gentlemen, it is beneath us to render a number of poor people miserable, by destroying their habitations and little conveniencies of life; brave Englishmen scorn to distress even their enemies when not in arms against them:' This prevailed, and saved the lives of the innocent villagers.
His Catholic Majesty was pleased to declare the Conde de Fuentes, who is appointed ambassador to Great Britain, a grandee of Spain, and one of the gentlemen of his bedchamber.
JUNE.
1st. The felons in Newgate intended for transportation, in order to make their escape, had sawed thro' eight iron bars, each as thick as a man's wrist, except enough to keep them together, and filled up the notches with dirt and iron rust to prevent a discovery, but not succeeding in their attempt, the ringleaders were chained to the floor, as is usual.—There has been a scheme much talked of for pulling down this gaol, and rebuilding it in a stronger and more commodious manner.
Florence Hensey, M. D. was brought to trial at the court of King's-bench in Westminster-hall, on an indictment for high treason, before the Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, the Judges Dennison, Foster, and Wilmot: The council for the crown were the attorney and solicitor general, Sir Richard Lloyd, Mr. Norton, Mr. Parratt, Mr. Gould, and Mr. Serjeant Pool. The council for the prisoner were Mr. Moreton, and the Hon. Mr. Howard.
Several of his letters were produced in evidence against him, in one of which he sollicits employment from a fellow-student at Leyden, who is promoted in France, and professes great regard for the French nation, offering his best services not only from interest but inclination.
In the course of the trial it appeared, that soon after the declaration of war in 1756, he became a pensioner to France, and agreed for 100 guineas a year to give the best intelligence he could of the state of affairs in this kingdom. But a difference afterwards arising about his salary, which he represented as too small, and as an argument in his favour, said he belonged to a club in the Strand (from which he could gain great intelligence) at which they always drank French wine at dinner; the correspondence appears to have been some time discontinued: but in January 1757, it was agreed, that the doctor should receive 20 guineas a month, on condition of sending intelligence every post, but to forfeit a guinea for every omis​sion; he received however no more than one monthly payment, and they gave for reason, that his intelligence was nothing but extracts from the news-papers.
The plan for carrying on this correspondence was the following: The doctor wrote a common letter with ink, and between each line the secrets of England in lemon juice. This was inclosed under three or four different covers, directed to different persons, in the secret, who conveyed them from one hand to another, till the first inclosed came to the principal for whom it was designed. He has a brother who is a jesuit, and was chaplain and secretary to the Spanish ambassador at the Hague, from whom our resident at that court gained a knowledge of some secrets relating to England, even before he had received any account thereof from his own court. This put him upon enquiry, and he soon learnt that the secretary had a brother, a physician in London, from whom possibly he might get intelligence; suspicion being thus raised, the doctor was watched, and twenty-nine of his letters stopt.
From these letters it appeared, that he gave the French the first account of Admiral Boscawen's sailing to North America, and of the taking the Alcide and Lys, with every minute circumstance relating to it; and from that time, of the sailing of every fleet, and its destination; and was so minute as to give an account even of the launching of a man of war; he also gave an account of all difficulties relating to raising money: and particularly described the secret expedition in 1757, assuring them it was intended against Rochfort or Brest, but gave his opinion for the former. And in one of his letters he particularly advised a descent of the French upon our coast, as the most certain method of distressing the government by affecting the public credit, and mentioned the time when, and the place where it would be most proper.
The trial began at half an hour after ten in the morning, and ended at half an hour after eight in the evening; when the jury, after staying out about half an hour, brought him in guilty. He is a native of Ireland, aged about 44, and has a diploma from the university of Leyden to practife physic.
There were 131 gentlemen from different places in the county of Middlesex summoned on the jury, and near 100 answered to their names. The doctor objected against fifteen, and the council for the crown against three.
14th. This day Florence Hensey, M. D. was brought to the bar of the court of King's-bench to receive sentence, when Lord Mansfield, after a very moving speech, pronounced sentence in the usual form, to be hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn, on Wednesday the 5th of July next.
Mr. Lee, a wealthy farmer, at Wroxeter in Northamptonshire, being complained to by his neighbours for keeping a vicious bull, insisted upon it that he was not vicious, and went to him himself to convince them of it, when the bull immediately ran at him, and killed him upon the spot.
16th. The honourable house of commons resolved, that an humble address should be presented to his majesty (by such members of that house as are of the privy council) to represent, that the sa​laries of most of the judges in his majesty's superior courts of justice in this kingdom, are inadequate to the dignity and importance of their offices; and therefore to beseech his majefty, that he would be graciously pleased to advance any sum not exceeding 11,450l. to be applied in augmentation of the salaries of such judges, and in such proportions as his majesty should think fit for the present year; and to assure his majesty that the house would make good the same to his majesty.
17th. The King has been pleased to appoint the Right Honourable George William Earl of Bristol, to be his majesty's ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Catholic King.
[The reciprocal appointment of ambassadors by the courts of Madrid and London destroys at once the credit of the reports industriously propagated of late, of our being upon the eve of a Spanish war.]
Came on in the court of King's bench in Westminster-hall, before Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, the trial on an information against Doctor Shebbeare, for writing a pamphlet called a Sixth Letter to the people of England; when, after a short hearing, he was found guilty, and is to receive sentence next term.
19th. A journeyman barber that lived at Wandsworth, being under some discontent of mind, cut his throat from ear to ear. There was a note found by him with these words: "I have wronged no man, nor never designed it; and am now gone before God."
22d. Was the hottest press for seamen on the Thames that has been known since the war began, no regard being had to protections, and upwards of 800 swept away. The crew of the Prince of Wales, a letter of marque ship, stood to arms, and saved themselves by their resolution.
27th. Matthew West, butcher, prisoner in the new Gaol, and ringleader of those felons, who lately endeavoured to escape from that gaol, got himself loose from an iron collar, in which his neck was fastened, and his arms extended, although he was chained down to the floor in the condemned room. When he got himself disengaged from the floor, he had the resolution to wring the collar from his neck, by fixing it between two of the bars of the gaol window, and by main strength broke it short in two.
Some workmen have lately dug up near Colonna, where it is thought the ancient city of Laubicum stood, (about 14 miles from Rome) an antique Venus of white marble, thought to be of more exquisite workmanship than even the Venus of Medicis, and a fine bust of Lucius Verus, with several vases, lamps, coins, and other antiquities; and a Greek inscription has been discovered near the great building, importing that there was in that place a library.
29th. Ended the Sessions at the Old Bailey, when Jacob Romart, a jeweller, for the murder of Theodore Wentworth, a fellow workman; and Henry Carrier, for publishing as true, an acceptance to a bill of exchange, with intent to defraud, received sentence of death; and 21 for transportation.
JULY.
1st. Jacob Romart was carried from Newgate to Tyburn, and ​executed for the murder of Theodore Wentworth. He was a native of Norway, 28 years of age, and very unhappy in his temper: in his confinement he had taken little care to make a proper defence on his trial, and was regardless afterwards what became of him, being possessed of a fpirit of obstinacy scarcely to be paralleled: he refused to acknowledge that he repented of the crime; but insisted he had a commission from God for what he did. It appears from the ordinary of Newgate's account that he was a gloomy, visionary enthusiast; that he had twice fasted for an extraordinary length of time; and that Wentworth had been too free in joking with a man of his temper, though, when he received his death's wound, no words had passed between them.
Arrived at St. Helen's Commodore Howe, with his squadron of men of war and all the transports. They were obliged to proceed to St. Helen's for want of provisions for the men, and forage for their horses.
On the 7th the troops disembarked and encamped, the foot on the Isle of Wight, and the horse on South-sea common, at Portsmouth; they had 1200 sick, occasioned by the inclemency of the weather.
About eight o'clock at night, George (alias Captain) Forrester, committed some time since to Bristol gaol for forgery, and Captain Moliere, a Frenchman, for stealing a diamond ring, assisted by several other felons, attempted to make their escape out of the gaol. The sheriff, with some invalids, came to the assistance of the jailer, and were obliged to fire thrice amongst them before they would surrender, after which they were all properly secured. One of the shot went in at Forrester's right breast, and came out through his back, and lodged in the partition.
4th. A reprieve was brought to Newgate for Dr. Hensey, respiting his sentence for a fortnight, early in the morning, but however, not so soon as to prevent the assembling of a great concourse of people to see him executed, who committed some disorders. The doctor has since been two or three times under examination, and it is said has made great discoveries.
Admiral Saunders arrived at Spithead from the Streights, in the Monmouth, with the Revenge, Foudroyant, and Orpheus, and brought home with him above 1000 French prisoners. The Foudroyant is a surprizing 84 gun ship, her guns are on two decks, her lower tier monstrously unwieldy, and not easy to be worked, the shot weighing very little short of fifty pounds each. Notwithstanding their superiority in bulk, our thirty-two pound shot are thought by all judges to be on a par with them, and of as much efficacy when they take place. Her larboard side is most terribly mauled, there are seventy shot holes on that side plugged up; she came home under jury masts: Her lower tier abaft the main-mast are fine brass guns, several of which have very fine bustos in an oval compartment of Lewis XIV. The Orpheus is a fine large 64 gun ship, she is peppered very well too, her masts very much wounded; it is surprizing how they stood home. She also has feveral fine brass guns. The prisoners were put on board the Boyne, and from thence conveyed to Porchester castle. ​ 8th. An old lodging-house in Plumb-tree court, Broad St. Giles's fell down, by which accident several poor wretches were crushed to death, and many more desperately maimed. There being other houses in the court in the like tottering condition, the mob assembled in a few days afterwards, and pulled them down.
17th. Sir John Barnard, Knt. father of the city, and alderman of Bridge ward without, desired the court of aldermen would permit him to resign his gown on account of his age and bad state of health; to which, after much reluctance, and many importunities used by the aldermen present to the contrary, the court consented.
John Cole, who at Chelmsford assizes received sentence of death for the murder of Martha Adams, at her house at Escott in the hundred of Essex, was this day executed at Chelmsford, when John Loads, who came to see the execution, was charged by Cole at the gallows as being accessary in the said murder; he was immediately apprehended, and had before a magistrate, where he confessed his guilt, and was committed to Chelmsford gaol.
18th. An experiment was made with the light horse and flat-bottomed boats, from the South-sea beach, near Portsmouth, where the horse lie encamped; 12 horses were put on board a boat, which had a platform laid in it railed round. They were carried to Spithead, and laid along-side a transport three miles from the beach, and were slung, and hoisted into the ship, and re-imbarked into the boats with great ease. Several guns were fired to try the horses, which they bore very patiently, only snorting a little at the smoke flying about them. They were landed on the beach again in extreme good order.
24th. His royal Highness Prince Edward, who had been some time indisposed, arrived at Portsmouth, and embarked on board the Essex, Commodore Howe's own ship, in which he sails as a volunteer in the intended expedition against France. His Royal Highness went from the dock-yard in the Essex's twelve-oared barge, attended by Lord George Sackville, and Admiral Holbourne. His Royal Highness had the standard of England flying in the bow of the boat. Admiral Holbourne's barge followed with his flag flying in the bow of his boat, and all the captains according to their seniority, which made a very agreeable appearance.
25th. Was held a court of common-council at Guildhall, 25th. when, upon the motion of John Paterfon, Esq; it was resolved nem. con. "That Sir John Barnard, Knt. so justly and emphatically stiled the father of this city, having lately (to the great and lasting regret of this court) thought proper to resign the office of alderman, the thanks of this court be given him for having so long and so faithfully devoted himself to the service of his fellow-citizens, for the honour and influence which this city has, upon many occasions, derived from the dignity of his character, and the wisdom, Readiness, and integrity of his conduct: for his firm adherence to the constitution both in church and state, his noble struggles for liberty, and his disinterested and invariable pursuit of the true glory and prosperity of his king and country, uninfluenced by ​power, unawed by clamour, and unbiassed by the prejudice of party."
Sir Robert Ladbroke, at the said court, declared his assent to take upon him the office of father of this city, and the aldermanship of Bridge ward without.
A motion was made by the said gentleman, that the thanks of the court of aldermen should be given to Sir John Barnard, which was agreed to, and expressed in the following terms:
'It is unanimously agreed and ordered, that the thanks of this court be given to Sir John Barnard, Knt. late one of the aldermen, and father of this city, for his constant attendance and salutary counsels in this court, his wise, vigilant, and impartial administration of justice, his unwearied zeal for the honour, safety, and prosperity of his fellow-citizens, his inviolable attachment to the laws and liberties of his country, and for the noble example he has set of a long and uninterrupted course of virtue in private as well as public life.'
This day a further respite for Dr. Henfey was brought to Newgate till the 8th of November.
The society for the encouragement of arts, manufactures, and commerce, having proposed three medals for planting acorns for timber; a gold medal was this day adjudged to his grace the Duke of Beaufort, for planting the largest quantity; a silver medal to Philip Carteret Webb, Esq; for the next largest quantity; and a silver medal likewise to John Berney, Esq; for planting the third largest quantity.
26th. At a committee of Christ's hospital, Sir John Barnard resigned the presidentship of that house on account of his great age and infirmities.
31st. On the 5th of this month, Cardinal Charles Rezzonico, bishop of Padua, a Venetian, was elected pope. He was born on the 7th of March 1693, and was formerly auditor of the Rota. He was made cardinal by Clement XII. on the 20th of October, 1737, at the nomination of the republic of Venice. He had the title of St. Mara d' Ara Coeli (the principal convent of the Cordeliers) and was protector of the Illyrian nation, the Pandours. He is ill favoured and hunch backed; but of a strong vigorous constitution; a fresh complexion, walks well and firm; the honesteft man in the world; a most exemplary ecclesiastic; of the purest morals; devout, steady, learned, diligent; in short, worthy to succeed the great Benedict XIV. though no body, certainly, ever thought he would be called to succeed him.
The following is a true copy of the manifesto, which his grace the Duke of Marlborough published in Brittany on the 7th of June, the second day after the landing of the troops at Cancalle.
"We the high and mighty Prince Charles Duke of Marlborough, Marquis of Blandford, Earl of Sunderland, Baron Churchill, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, Privy-counsellor to his Britannic Majesty, Grand Master of the Ordnance, and commander in chief of his forces, &c.
"Make known to all the inhabitants of Brittany, that the descent on their coast with the powerful army under our command, and our formidable armament by sea, is not ​made with an intention to make war on the inhabitants of the country, excepting those who should be found in arms, or shall otherwise oppose the just war, which we wage against his majesty the most Christian king.
"Be it known, therefore, to all who will remain in peaceable possession of their habitations and effects, that they may stay unmolested in their respective dwellings, and follow their usual occupations; and that, excepting the customs and taxes which they pay to the king, nothing will be required of them, either in money or merchandizes, but what is absolutely necessary for the subsistence of the army; and that for all the provisions they shall bring in, they shall be paid ready money.
"On the contrary, if notwithstanding this declaration which we have been pleased to make, the inhabitants of the towns or villages carry away their furniture, effects, or provisions, and abandon their houses or dwellings, we shall treat such delinquents as enemies, and destroy by fire and sword, or such other methods, as shall be in our power, their towns, villages, dwellings, or houses. Given at the head quarters at Parame.
June 7, 1758.
MARLBOROUGH."
By his grace's command, Bryant.
His grace sent at the same time the following letter to the magistrates and echevins of St. Maloes.
Gentlemen,
"We being in possession of all the country between Dinan, Rennes, and Doll, as far as St. Malo, and finding that all the inhabitants of the towns and villages in this extent of country have abandoned their habitations, probably to avoid the payment of the usual contributions: and as we are informed that the inhabitants have, by your orders, been compelled to go to St. Malo, we give you notice, that if they do not return peaceably to their houses, and send their magistrates to our head quarters to settle the contributions, we shall think ourfelves obliged to set fire to them without further delay.
MARLBOROUGH."
AUGUST.
1st. In the past month of July, by an exact measurement, above five inches of rain fell in London, a quantity surpassing any in the same month perhaps in the memory of man. The mean depth in England, one year with another, is about 23 inches and an half, of which a larger proportion usually falls in the winter months.
A loan to his majesty, in his quality of elector of Hanover, for two hundred thousand pounds, was opened at the bank; which was immediately filled by the following gentlemen,
| Sir Joshua Vanneck | 50,000 |
| Messrs. Backwell, Hart, and Co. | 50,000 |
| Sampson Gideon, Esq; | 40,000 |
| Nicholas Magens, Esq; | 20,000 |
| George Amyand, Esq; | 15,000 |
| Bartholomew Burton, Esq; | 15,000 |
| Thomas Martins, Esq; | 5,000 |
| Joseph Salvadore, Esq; | 5,000 |
And Messrs. Amyand, Backwell, Burton, and Magens, are appointed trustees for the management of the said loan.
A great number of fowls, beasts, &c. which came over in the West-India fleet, were brought to St. ​James's, presents to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland.
2d. At Wigton there was such a fall of rain as has not been known in the memory of the oldest man living. It swelled the rivulets to such a degree in that town and neighbourhood, that five bridges within two miles of the town were swept away by the flood. In several houses in the town the water was six feet deep the day after the food.
6th. Two powder-mills at Hounslow blew up with about 600 weight of powder.
The lords of the admiralty received information, that a Dutch ship, having on board the baggage of the Marquis de Pignatelly, minister from the court of Spain to the court of Denmark, and several of his domestics, was on the 30th of June last, boarded three times, by the crews of three different English privateers; that some of the crews armed with cutlasses, pistols, and hatchets, forced open the hatchway, and went into the said ship's hold, and there broke open two trunks belonging to the Marquis de Pignatelly, wherein were rich cloaths and laced liveries, which they carried away to their ship: and that whilst they were so doing, the crew of another English vessel joined, upon which the said crews committed very great outrages, by breaking open all the said Marquis de Pignatelly's cases, and trunks, and taking and carrying away all the valuable effects, which were in of the said cases and trunks, and destroying or damaging the rest of those effects; and then falling upon his, the said minister's officers, beat them in a very cruel and shameful manner, and stripping them of their cloaths, carried them off, together with their letters of credit and a bill of exchange. Their lordships, therefore, in order to discover and bring to justice the persons guilty of the piratical offences above-mentioned, are pleased to promise a reward of 500l. without any deduction, unto, or amongst such person or persons, as shall, within three months from this time, discover any two or more of the offenders, concerned in committing the piracies above mentioned.
8th. Advice was received, that an unsuccessful attempt had been made on the island of Goree, near the river Senegal; but that the ships who had attacked it, had lost but a few men, and received very little damage.
The same day an account was received of the burning the Rose, a French man of war of 40 guns, by the Monmouth, Captain Hervey, in the island of Malta, of which insult the Maltese complain loudly.
10th. The Magdalen hospital in Goodman's-fields for the reception of penitent prostitutes was opened, when fifty petitions were presented, and several of the penitents admitted.
This day a company of labourers, headed by some farmers, assembled in a riotous manner, and pulled down a bridge that was building near Norwich, and after having levelled it with the ground, they broke up the road, and then dispersed.
11th. At Poole, in the county of Montgomery, whilst the court of great sessions was sitting in the hall there over the market place, an alarm was given that the floor gave way; which occasioned ​so great crouding at the door and stairs, that six of the common people were trampled to death, and many others bruised.
12th. The assizes at Lancaster ended, when many capital offenders were tried. On the first day of the assize an account was received of prodigious riots and tumults in and about Manchester; that near 10,000 manufacturers had left off working, and entered into a combination to raise the price of wages by force; that large sums of money were collected, and paid into the hands of some of the leaders, for the maintenance of the poorer sort while they refused to work; that they insulted and abused such as would not join in the combination; that incendiary letters were disperfed, and threats of vengeance denounced against all who should oppose them; that business was at a stand, the magistrates were afraid to act, and every thing seemed in great confusion. Lord Mansfield adapted part of his charge to the importance of the occasion, and the grand jury, upon strong evidence, singled out 17 or 18 of the ring-leaders, against whom they found bills of indictment; after which they unanimously joined in a request to his lordship to give them in writing that charge, the effects of which they had so powerfully felt upon themselves, and which, if made public, they had reason to hope would be equally felt by others in this critical period; but whether this request was complied with, or not, is not said.
16th. A captain of a privateer was taken into the custody of the marshal of the admiralty, near the Royal Exchange, on an information for committing several outrages on neutral vessels in the British channel.
17th. Came on at the high court of admiralty before Sir George Lee, Knight, several trials with regard to Dutch and Danish ships taken by our privateers; and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court, that their cargoes were French property, four were condemned as lawful prizes; and the court gave orders that the freights of three of them should be paid, and the ships set at liberty; but a Dutch vessel taken by the Hawk privateer, and carried into Gibralter, had both ship and cargo condemned; she is a very valuable prize.
Richard Houseman of Knaresborough, was committed to York castle on suspicion of murdering Daniel Clark, of the same place, shoemaker, about 14 years ago: the discovery was remarkable. Some workmen digging about St. Robert's Cave near Knaresborough, found the remains of a body, which they supposed to have been murdered; and as Daniel Clark had suddenly disappeared, and was generally thought to have been murdered, they imagined it might be his body, and therefore apprehended Houseman, and carried him before a justice, as it was recollected that he was one of the last persons seen in Clark's company. On his examination he said that the body found was not Clark's body, for Clark was buried in another place, which he mentioned, and accordingly the remains of another body were there found, on which he was committed as above. And one Eugene Aram was also committed on suspicion of being an accomplice.
​27th. A prayer of thanksgiving for the taking of Louisbourg, was used in the churches and chapels throughout the kingdom.
Some wicked incendiaries having attempted to set fire to the new temporary bridge, a strong guard is placed to prevent their design.
Four ships sailed from Whitby on the Greenland fishery; one was lost in the ice, one returned without any fish, and two brought home three whales between them. Two ships of Edinburgh returned with five large whales, and four others returned empty. The Oswald, of Borrowstowness, returned with two large whales. Many have arrived at the port of London with various success.
On the 11th instant a vessel arrived at Cork from Fyal, bound for Bremen; she sailed from Rio de Janeiro in last January, and was there in October, when general Lally, with five French men of war and two frigates, put in there in his way to the East Indies. His fleet had lost above 1000 men from their sailing from France, and was then so sickly, that General Lally was heard to say that he could not undertake any thing against the English settlements without a reinforcement. On his proceeding from thence, he left an officer behind, who took his passage in the above ship for Europe, and died on the voyage. On examining his papers a large packet of letters was found, directed for the French ambassador at Lisbon, to be forwarded to Versailles, which letters were last night forwarded to their excellencies the Lords Justices of this kingdom. The above vessel on her passage met with eleven Spanish men of war, on the 24th of July, in lat. 40. 7. long. 23. 25. from London, standing to the S. E. Note, the said ships were all clean, and every one of them had new sails.
Heads of an act passed last sessions, to permit the importation of salted beef, pork, and butter from Ireland, for a limited time.
That it shall be lawful to import salted beef, pork, and butter, from Ireland, for six months, to commence the 24th of June, and expire the 24th December, 1758, without being subject to any penalties, forfeitures, or other duties, on the landing thereof, except 1s. 3d. per ct. weight for beef or pork, and 4d. per ct. weight for butter; the same to be paid to the Exchequer, as part of the duties on salt, laid by the act of 5 Geo. II. If any should be landed before duty is paid, the importer, besides the forfeiture of the said commodities is to forfeit also 20s. per barrel, and so in proportion for any greater or lesser quantity, half to the king, half to the informer. No bounty to be allowed on the exporting it from England.
New York, June 19. Captain Smith arrived at Newhaven the 7th instant, in 25 days from Antigua, and reports that about a week before he sailed, Commodore Moore with seven ships of the line, and two frigates, sailed from thence on some secret design thought to be against St. Domingo.
New York, July 3. A few days since a flag of truce (it is said of 30 men) came into Fort Edward, from Canada, to demand the return of the brave Colonel Peter Schuyler, of New Jersey, agreeable to engagement, Mons. Montcalm having rejected the pro​posals that were offered with regard to his exchange: and the colonel, we hear, set out yesterday for Albany.
A woman, who used to pass for a person of quality, and went by several different names, and kept servants in livery, was committed to the Gate-house for embezzling the goods entrusted with her in her ready-furnished lodgings in Dean-street, Soho. She was carried to gaol in a chair, attended by one of her footmen.
A quarrel happening in Thomas-street, Drury-lane, between John Garland, a bricklayer's labourer, and Thomas Lockwood a fruiterer; the former used the latter so cruelly, that he left him for dead, and made his escape. Lockwood was carried the same night to the Middlesex hospital, where he died yesterday morning.
28th. A man was observed to walk to and fro at Tower-wharf for near an hour; and when it was quite dark he went into the farthermost boat, threw himself from thence into the river, and was drowned. He was a tall, thin, well dressed man.
A servant maid at Execution-dock, delivered herself of a child, which being soon discovered by the people of the house, search was made, and the infant was found torn in two, wrapt up in a flannel petticoat, and hid under the bed. She is secured.
A remarkable carriage set out from Aldersgate-street for Birmingham, from which town it arrived the Thursday before, full of passengers and baggage, without using coomb, or any oily, unctuous, or other liquid matter whatever, to the wheels, or axles; its construction being such, as to render all such helps useless. The inventor has engraved on the boxes of the wheels, these words, Friction Annihilated, and it is assured that the carriage will go as long and as easy, if not longer and easier, without greasing, than any of the ordinary stage carriages will do with greasing. If this answers in common practice, it is perhaps the most useful invention on mechanics that this age has produced.
29th. A dispute happened between some officers of the customs and the master of a vessel arrived from Ireland with salt beef, pork, bacon, and neats tongues, which two last articles were objected to, as being an infringement of the act of parliament passed for allowing salted provisions to be brought from Ireland; but the same being referred to the proper commissioners, it was agreed, that the intent and meaning of the said act was, for importing all salted pork and beef whatever from that kingdom; and that bacon, tongues, and hams, were parts of beef and pork. [This is a mistake, but the point is now settled by an amendment to the act this sessions.]
30th. Between nine and ten at night, a fire broke out among some new cordage, very near the store-house in his majesty's yard at Deptford, on which all the alarm bells were rung, and the gates set open, when great numbers of the artificers went to give their assistance, by whom it was soon extinguished. There is great reason to believe that this fire was not accidental; the spot where the discovery was made is not 25 feet distance from a new 74 gun ship on the stocks, and within 16 feet of great quantities of com​bustibles, such as resin, turpentine, &c. which were in cellars under the shore-house, the largest and most valuable of any belonging to the navy; so that from a loss of these stores, with the disappointment that must have naturally followed, the damage done to the service would have been very great; but all this was happily prevented by the great vigilance of the officers, and the uncommon readiness and activity of the workmen of the yard, who on this occasion performed wonders, by removing almost instantaneously great pieces of timber, &c. and in separating and rolling off large coils of cordage, several of which were then on fire; so that in less than an hour the whole was extinguished, to the inexpressible joy of 3000 spectators.———The commissioners of the navy have since promised 500l. reward to any person concerned in this wicked affair, who shall make discovery thereof, except the person who set the said place on fire.
SEPTEMBER.
5th. A fire broke out in the Amsterdam galley, a new ship of 250 tons burthen, in the port of Limerick in Ireland, by which she was immediately consumed, and by the explosion of some gunpowder, the sails and rigging were blown upon a cottage upon the shore, and burnt it to the ground. She had some bale goods on board, and was to have taken in a lading of beef and pork for St. Eustatia.
6th. Whitehall. The King having been pleased to order the colours taken at Louisbourg, which were lately brought to the palace at Kensington, to be deposited in the cathedral church of St. Paul; proper detachments of horse and foot grenadiers were ordered to parade at Kensington at ten o'clock, and marched before his majesty in the following order:
A serjeant, and twelve horse grenadiers.
A field officer, and officers in proportion.
A detachment of fourscore of the horse grenadier guards.
Then eighty of the life-guards, with officers in proportion, with their standard, kettle drums and trumpets.
Then a serjeant and twelve grenadiers of the foot guards.
Then eleven serjeants of the foot guards, carrying the eleven French colours, advanced.
Then the four companies of grenadiers of the foot guards closed the march.
In this manner they proceeded from Kensington through Hyde-Park, into St. James's Park, and through the Stable-yard St. James's, into Pall-mall, and so on to the west gate of St. Paul's, where the colours were received by the dean and chapter, attended by the choir; about which time the guns at the Tower, and in St. James's Park, were fired.
These colours are put up near the west door of the cathedral, as a lasting memorial of the success of his majesty's arms, in the reduction of the important fortress of Louisbourg, and the islands of Cape Breton and St. John.
7th. Two bricklayers labourers in digging at the back of Mr. Pearson's house in Broad-street, discovered two vessels with ancient coins to a considerable value.
​At the anniversary feast of the natives of Gloucestershire, held at Gloucester, for the putting out of poor boys to trades, 157l. was collected by the gentlemen for that laudable purpose.
10th. Soon after morning service at St. John, Wapping, the neighbourhood was alarmed with the cry of fire, which spread a general consternation among the inhabitants. The house of Mr. Hughes, sail-maker, adjoining to Gun-dock, was all in flames in an instant, and communicated itself to a biscuit baker's adjoining, and with irresistable fury burnt down 15 houses on both sides the way before water could be had to supply the engines, it being then ebb-tide. Numbers of the unhappy sufferers had their goods carried off by persons who pretended to assift them in their distress, some of whom are in custody. A large ship that was repairing at Gun-dock, was set on fire, and her rigging and tops burnt away, and had they not taken the precaution to cut away her bowsprit, the vessel must have been entirely burnt, as she lay close to the houses.
11th. A gentleman was stopt in Holborn about 12 at night by two footpads, who, on the gentleman's making resistance, shot him dead, and then robbed him. The villains have been since apprehended.
12th. In the afternoon, the Shrewsbury man of war joined the Unicorn and Lizard, and soon got sight of a great number of small coasting vessels, under convoy of the Calipso, and Thetis frigates, and an armed snow, working for Brest. The greatest part escaped by running into the pass of Toulinguet; and the Lizard got between the pass and the frigates, and engaged them both bravely for above two hours, when the Thetis sheered off, and run in for the rocks at the mouth of Pool Davit, and the Calipfo with about twenty of the small craft run in upon the rocks near Point de Levun, where it was supposed they must all perish, it being a lee shore, and the swell of the sea very great. The Lizard had one man killed and eight wounded.
14th. His majesty's ships Kingston and Burford arrived at Plymouth from Louisbourg, with the transports, having the garrison of Louisbourg on board under their convoy———His majesty was pleased to make a present of 500l. to the Captains Amherst and Edgecombe, who jointly brought the news of the taking of this important fortress; and to order a further sum to each of those gentlemen to purchase a sword and ring.
15th. While two serjeants and a corporal were employed in making up cartridges in the exchange at Morpeth, the powder took fire, and above 1000 cartridges were blown up. The three men were terribly burnt, and the recovery of one of the serjeants is despaired of. The windows of the exchange were much shattered, and the consequences would have been still more dreadful, had not 3000 cartridges, and two sacks of powder which were upon the table, providentially escaped.
16th. The cannon and mortars taken at Cherbourg passed by his majesty, and set out from Hyde-Park, and came through the city in grand procession, guarded by a company of matresses, with ​drums beating and fifes playing all the way to the Tower, where they arrived about four o'clock in the afternoon. There were 23 carriages, drawn by 229 horses, with postilion and driver to each carriage, in the following manner; the first drawn by 15 grey horses, with the English colours and the French underneath; seven ditto, drawn by 13 horses each; nine ditto, by 9 horfes each; three ditto by 7 horses each; one ditto by five horses; then the two mortars by nine horses each. These pieces are finely ornamented with the arms of France, and other hieroglyphics, such as trophies, &c. finished in a masterly manner: their names, exact weight, and nearly their bore, are as under:
| | Inches in Cannon wt. bore |
| Hecuba | 4090 6 |
| Nitocris | 4080 do |
| Emerillon | 5820 do |
| Temerare | 5680 do |
| Angusta | 5770 do |
| Antonin | 5740 6 |
| Insensible | 5660 do |
| Malfaisant | 5500 do |
| Vanqueur | 5690 do |
| Juste | 5470 do |
In the second line,
| Ulysse | 2353 4 |
The two mortars had not their weight expressed. All the pieces except six remain nailed up, as they were taken at Cherbourg.
Eleven seamen accused of being concerned in the practices complained of by the Dutch and Danes, and for the discovery of whom the government offered a considerable reward, were brought up the river by a king's cutter, and are since committed to the Marshalsea prison. One of their accomplices has made himself an evidence, and has impeached several not yet taken.
19th. The foot forces employed in the late expedition against St. Maloes, were disembarked at Cowes in the Isle of Wight, and marched directly for Newport, near which they encamped, with orders to hold themselves in readiness at a moment's warning. The light horse disembarked at Portsmouth, and marched to the quarters allotted them at Southampton, Petersfield and Chichester, &c.
21st. His Royal Highness Prince Edward, having arrived at Kew from Portsmouth the day before, waited upon the King at Kensington in his uniform. His majesty received him graciously, and encouraged him to behave valiantly. There is another expedition against France on foot, in which the Prince is to be engaged.
25th. The boat-builders at Portsmouth received fresh orders to put in hand directly a number of flat-bottomed boats, to replace those that were destroyed in the bay of St. Cas. They are to be compleated in ten days, about which time, it is supposed the troops will be ready to embark.
26th. The soldiers of the first battalion of the first regiment of guards, began their march from the Isle of Wight for London. They were met on the road by proper officers, with cloathing and other necessaries, of which they were in great want. A draught from the guards has already been made to supply their place, as well as of those who were killed or taken prisoners in the late skirmish on the coast of France.
A farmer near Blandford in Dorsetshire ploughing up part of an inclosed field, the ploughshare struck against an earthen vessel or ​urn, and broke it in two, being quite rotten; it was full of ashes and pieces of human bones, among which was the head of a javelin, or spear, of an uncommon size and fashion, much too heavy to be wielded easily by any common man, weighing thirteen pounds and an half, and twenty eight inches long, the socket three inches and a quarter in diameter. There was also in the same vessel an helmet of brass, which seemed to have been curiously wrought, but was quite decayed by time, the rust having eaten holes through it. Its diameter was twelve inches and three quarters, and it weighed near eleven pounds.
28th. Four tea dealers were tried before the commissioners of excise, and fined in the penalty of 10l. per pound for selling bohea tea coloured for green tea; the colouring used for this purpose is supposed to be Dutch pink, which will make bohea tea of a fine green.
Was issued a decree of the Aulic council of the Empire, enjoining all directors of circles, all imperial towns, and the noblesse of the Empire, to send to Vienna an exact list of all those who have disobeyed the Avocatoria of the emperor, and who, as the decree expresses it, adhere to the Elector of Brandenburgh's rebellion, among whom the Elector of Hanover is particularly mentioned. It is declared that their revenues shall be sequestrated, and they punished in honours, body, and goods.
29th. A letter to the admiralty from Captain Kirk, commander of his majesty's ship Lynn, convoy to the Jamaica fleet, consisting of 147 sail, was made public, complaining of the disregard paid to his signals by many of the merchantmen, and of the obstinate and untowardly behaviour of others, by which the fleet suffered much; but more particularly complaining of the irregularities committed by several of the crews in the Spanish settlements, where they were obliged to put in for water, by which much offence was given to the governor of the Havannah, and much injury done to the poor people, whose cattle and hogs they killed and carried off in numbers without reserve, after they had hospitably shewn them where they might be supplied with water.
30th. The plague at Smyrna has continued to rage with so much violence this summer, that by letters received from thence there is advice, that there are scarce people enough left in the neighbourhood of that city to gather in the fruits of the earth.
Bitter complaints have lately been made by the Spaniards against the conduct of our privateers, which have lately seized some of their ships under pretence of having French property on board.
By advices received from Genoa, the chief of the malecontents, de Paoli, has entered the province of Cape Corfo in the island of Corfica, and with 2000 men laid siege to Roglano, to facilitate the surrender of which, he has caused the city of Bastia, to be blockaded with 1500 men.
There are divers accounts from English gentlemen of credit in France, which represent the usage of the poor prisoners there as intolerable; one, in particular, remarks, that the number that has perished by the wretchedness of their condition ​in that country, exceeds that of the killed by sea and land during the present war.
OCTOBER.
1st. His Portuguese majesty coming out of the country in the evening, attended by three of his domestics, was set upon by three fellows near Belem, in a lonesome place; two of them had muskets, and the third had a blunderbuss loaded with small shot; one was discharged at the coachman, who is very much wounded; the king is very dangeroufly wounded in several parts of his body and face, and his right army is so much shattered, that it is thought his majefty will never have the use of it; the footman was miserably wounded. None are permitted to see the king but the physicians and surgeons, and ministers of state. The queen transacts all public business during his majesty's indisposition.
A part of the battalion of militia for the county of Dorset, commanded by Edward Hooper, Esq; was reviewed near Cranborn by the Right Honourable the Lord Lieutenant of the county. The men were dressed in their uniform, made a handsome appearance, and performed their exercise with great dexterity.
In other counties so few gentlemen have offered to serve in the militia, that the act has been obliged to be suspended until next year.
2d. The corps of an undertaker and pawnbroker near Moorgate, was interred in Islington church yard, attended by a company of the artillery, who were to perform the usual ceremony of firing over his grave, as he was a member of their body: but in the procession of the funeral a mob arose, and committed such enormous outrages, out of resentment to the deceased, that the clergyman who officiated had great difficulty to perform his office. It is said that he died worth several thousand pounds, and that he has left upwards of 200l. to pay to the debtors in prison at his suit, a groat a day each for their maintenance, according to the act of parliament. The croud was so great that several persons were much hurt.
6th. John Houls, a farmer at Longhope in Gloucestershire, was convicted of drawing a narrow wheeled waggon on the turnpike road with more than four horses, and paid the penalty of 5l. and his servant who drove the horses was also convicted in the same penalty, and for want of ability to pay the same, was sent to the house of correction for a month; which, it is hoped, will be a caution to others.
8th. A great storm of wind at W. and W. by S. did considerable damage to the shipping in the Downs, at Portsmouth, and in many other places on the sea coaft. At the Isle of Wight, a fish of an enormous fize, supposed to be a whale, was cast on shore near Athenfield rocks in that island, where he disembogued daily large quantities of oil into the sea. He was upwards of sixty-six feet in length, and had part of an hawser or cable hoisted round his tail, so that it is supposed he was cut loose from the ​stern of some ship, to prevent her sinking.
9th. A fellow was committed to the New Gaol in Southwark for selling adulterated tea in the Borough; a vile practice that seems to have got footing in the shops of some considerable dealers in this city, several grocers having been lately convicted before the commisioners of excise of selling dyed tea, and dying it with pernicious drugs, and fined in large sums. Perhaps the legislature may take this practice under consideration.
11th. Lord Frederick Cavendish, and Sir Charles Gilmore, Bart. arrived at court on their paroles of honour, to settle the exchange of prisoners.
The Bristol merchant ship, with wine, grocery, and spirits, ran a-ground in the road of Liverpool, and since bulged. Part of her lading was put on shore on the Welch fide, where the populace, notwithstanding all that could be done to prevent it, breached the wine and spirits, got immoderately drunk, and committed the most violent outrages.
Doctor de Castro, a member of the Royal College of Physicians, and fellow of the Royal Society of London, separated himself from the community of the Jews, by a letter which he wrote to the elders of the synagogue in the following words:
'Gentlemen,
'The different opinion and sentiments I have entertained long ago, entirely diffenting from those of the synagogue, do not permit me any longer to keep the appearance of a member of your body; I now therefore take my leave of you, hereby renouncing expresly that communion in which I have been considered with yourselves. I do not however renounce the intercourse I may have with you in the general society of men of honour and probity, of which character I know many among you, and whom, as such, I shall always esteem.
'I have sent the key of my drawer, that you may dispose of my place.'
J. De Castro Sarmento.
30th. The public was in great pain for the Admirals Boscawen and Hardy, who with four ships of the line, from Cape-Breton, were left to the westward of Scilly in sight of six large French ships of war; some shots were exchanged, but the French were far from seeking an engagement, and our admirals arrived safe a few days after.
NOVEMBER.
7th. Doctor Hensey was farther respited during his majesty's pleasure.
The Dublin Trader, Captain White, who sailed about the latter end of last month from Park-Gate, and was lost, had on board for the linen merchants in Ireland about 70,000l. in money, and 80,000l. in goods; above sixty passengers, among whom were the Earl of Drogheda and his second son, and several other persons of fortune.
14th. Began the drawing of the lottery at Guildhall, when No. 38,500, as first drawn ticket, was entitled to 500l.
Admiralty-Office. Captain Saumarez, of his majesty's ship Antelope, having received intelligence ​in King's Road on the 31ft past, that a French ship of war was lying in Lundy Road, he weighed and went in quest of her, and though the wind was contrary, and blew hard, he blew down channel, and, on the 1st instant, saw her at anchor at Ilfracombe. Upon discovering the Antelope, she weighed and stood towards her, and upon coming pretty near, hoisted her colours, and seemed prepared to engage, but soon after hauled them down. When the Antelope came within gun-shot, she fired at the French ship, which she not returning, Captain Saumarez sent a boat with his first lieutenant, to know if they had surrendered; but finding the boat did not return, he bore down upon her stern, and asked if she had struck, and was answered they had. She proved to be the Belliquieux, pierced for 66 guns, and had 64 mounted, with 417 men.
21st. No. 49,711 was drawn at Guildhall, a prize of 10,000l.
A rule was given in the great cause so long depending between the Honourable James Annesley, Esq; and Richard the present Earl of Anglesey, for passing publication by Mr. Annesley's clerk in court; that is, closing the examination of witnesses, and resting the determination of the cause on the merits of the evidence given in.
23rd. Both houses of parliament met at Westminster, when the session was opened by commission, and the Lord Keeper by his majesty's command made this speech;
My Lords and Gentlemen,
In pursuance of the authority given to us by his majesty's commission under the great seal, amongst other things to declare the causes of his holding this parliament, his majesty hath been graciously pleased to direct us to assure you, that he always receives the highest satisfaction, in being able to lay before you any events, that may promote the honour and interest of his kingdoms.
That, in consequence of your advice, and enabled by the assistance which you unanimously gave him, his majesty has exerted his endeavours to carry on the war, in the most vigorous manner, in order to that defirable end, always to be wished, a safe and honourable peace. It has pleased the Divine Providence to bless his majesty's measures and arms with success in several parts; and to make our enemies feel, that the strength of Great Britain is not to be provoked with impunity.
We have it also in command from his majesty to acquaint you, that the conquest of the strong fortress of Louisbourg, with the islands of Cape Breton and St. John; the taking of Frontenac, of the highest importance to our operations in North America; and the reduction of Senegal; cannot fail to bring great distress upon the French commerce and colonies; and, in proportion, to procure great advantages to our own. The nation has also been made sensible, that whilst their forces are sent forth to invade and ravage the dominions of their neighbours, their own coasts are not inaccessible to his majesty's fleets and armies. This they have experienced in the demolition of their works at Cherburg, erected at a great expence, with a particular view to annoy this country; and in the loss of a great number of ​ships and vessels; but no treatment, however injurious to his majesty, could tempt him to make retaliation on the innocent subjects of that crown.
In Germany his majesty's good brother the King of Prussia, and Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, have found full employment for the armies of France and her confederates; from which our operations, both by sea, and in America, have derived the most evident advantage. Their successes, owing, under God, to their able conduct, and the bravery of his majesty's troops and those of his allies, have been signal and glorious.
His majesty has further commanded us to observe to you, that the common cause of liberty and independency is still making noble and vigorous efforts, against the unnatural union formed to oppress it. That the commerce of his subjects, the source of our riches, has, by the vigilant protection received from his majesty's fleet, flourished in a manner not to be paralleled during such troubles.
In this state of things, his majesty, in his wisdom, thinks it unnecessary to use many words to persuade you to bear up against all difficulties; effectually to stand by, and defend his majesty; vigorously to support the King of Prussia, and the rest of his majesty's allies; and to exert yourselves to reduce our enemies to equitable terms of accommodation.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
The uncommon extent of this war, in different parts, occasions it to be uncommonly expensive. This his majesty has ordered us to declare to you, that he sincerely laments, and feels deeply for the burdens of his people. The several estimates are ordered to be laid before you; and his majesty desires only such supplies, as shall be requisite to push the war with advantage, and to be adequate to the necessary services.
My Lords, and Gentlemen,
His majesty has, in the last place, graciously commanded us to assure you, that he takes so much satisfaction in that good harmony which subsists among his faithful subjects, that it is more proper for him now to thank you for it, than to repeat his exhortations to it. This union, necessary at all times, is more especially so, in such critical conjunctures; and his majesty doubts not but that the good effects we have found from it, will be the strongest motives to you to pursue it.
28th. Dr. Shebbeare received sentence for a libellous pamphlet, intituled, A Sixth Letter to the People of England; he is fined five pounds: to stand in the pillory Dec. 5, at Charing Cross; to be confined three years; and then to give security for his good behaviour for seven years, himself bound in 500l. and two others in 250l. each.
In the Canterbury Mercury of this day's date, there is an account of the discovery of some remarkable human skeletons, near the road-side, at a place called Breech-Down; the first was found by a labourer widening the road, and had round his neck a string of beads of various forms and sizes, from the bigness of a pigeon's egg to that of a pea: by his side lay three instruments of war, one a kind of scimitar, the second what the Scots call a dirk, and the third a spear. Near the same place ​were afterwards found seven other skeletons, all ranged in good order at about a yard apart, and about two feet under ground; but neither of these had any thing to distinguish them. How these bodies came to be deposited in this place affords matter of speculation to the curious.
A melancholy affair happened on board a Scotch vessel, laden with corn, which was just come up the river; and lay off Tower-wharf; the captain, on their coming up, would have had his people go on shore to refresh themselves, which they refused, and remained on board. Soon after (whether thro' wantonness, or cruelty, is not known) some fellows got on the deck, fastened their hatches, stopped up their funnel, cut their cables, and set them adrift. In running down with the tide, she fell foul of a tier of ships, the people of whom seeing her without any body on the deck, suspected something, and going down into the cabin, found three men lying dead, and the captain and a boy near expiring. The funnel, &c. being stopped, occasioned such a smoke, as suffocated the three poor fellows; the captain is pretty well recovered, but there are very little hopes of the boy.
29th. Came on to be argued before the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and a special jury of gentlemen, a cause which has been depending above twelve months in that court; wherein Edward Burrow, Esq. collector of his majesty's customs at Hull, on the part of the King, was plaintiff, and a Dutch merchant defendant, touching the seizure of a Dutch vessel, for importing French brandy into the port of Hull; when after many learned arguments on both sides, (during the space of six hours) a verdict was given for the plaintiff without the jury ever stirring out of court.
By the said determination it is to be hoped a stop will be put to this particular trade of our good friends the Dutch.
DECEMBER.
5th. Dr. Shebbeare stood on the pillory, pursuant to his sentence.
6th. Dr. Hensey was farther respited to January 21.
12th. No. 72,570, in the present lottery, was drawn a prize of 10,000l.
The drawing of the lottery was finished, when No. 30,135, being the last drawn ticket, is entitled to 1000l.
An oak in Langley woods, near Downton, Wilts, supposed to be near 1000 years growth, was sold for 40l. It was the property of the Bishop of Salisbury, measured 6 feet 2 inches in diameter, and contained about 10 ton of timber.
On the 11th instant the old castle of Douglas, in Scotland, the residence of the Duke of Douglas, was consumed by fire.
Sunday night, the 26th ult. about nine o'clock, a very remarkable meteor appeared in the firmament, and passed over the city of Edinburgh with great velocity. It was of a conic form, and in appearance about four or five inches diameter at the base, and as it went along, numbers of sparks fell from it, like those of a rocket when its force is spent. A most surprising light issued from it, so strong, that while it lasted, which was for five or fix seconds, one ​easily could perceive the most minute thing upon the street. This meteor was likewise seen in several parts of the neighbourhood, and in appearance was much the same as above described.
This meteor was also seen at Dublin, Newcastle, Plymouth, and by three gentlemen in Chelsea fields, near London.
Mr. Speaker, in pursuance of the resolution of the 6th instant, addressed himself to Admiral Boscawen, and gave him the thanks of the house, as he stood in his place, in the following terms:
Admiral Boscawen!
The house have unanimously resolved, that their thanks should be given to you for the services you have done to your King and Country in North-America; and it is my duty to convey their thanks to you.
I wish I could do it in a manner suitable to the occasion, and as they ought to be given to you, now standing in your place, as a member of this house.
But were I able to enumerate and set forth, in the best manner, the great and extensive advantages accruing to this nation from the conquest of Louisbourg, with the islands of Cape Breton and St. John, I could only exhibit a repetition of what has already been, and is, the genuine and uniform sense and language of every part of the kingdom.
Their joy too has been equal to their sentiments upon the interesting event: and in their sentiments and joy they have carried their gratitude also to you, Sir, as a principal instrument in these most important acquisitions.
You are now therefore receiving the acknowledgments of the people, only in a more solemn way—by the voice, the general voice, of their representatives in parliament—The most honourable fame that any man can arrive at, in this, or any other country. It is, on these occasions, a national honour, from a free people; ever cautiously to be conferred, in order to be the more esteemed to be the greater reward; and which ought to be reserved for the most signal services to the state, and the most approved merit in them; such as this house has usually, and very lately, made their objects of public thanks.
The use, I am persuaded, you will make of this just testimony, and high reward of your services and merit, will be the preserving in your own mind a lasting impression of what the Commons of Great Britain are now tendering to you, and in a constant continuance of the zeal and ardour for the glory of your King and Country, which have made you to deserve it.
In obedience to the commands of the house I do, with great pleasure to myself, give you the thanks of the house for the services you have done to your King and Country in North America.
To which Admiral Boscawen answered:
Mr. Speaker!
I am happy in having been able to do my duty; but have not words to express my senfe of the distinguishing reward that has been conferred upon me by this house; nor can I enough thank you, Sir, for the polite and elegant manner, in which you have been pleased to convey to me the resolution of the house.
And then the Speaker acquainted the house, that, in obedience to their commands he had signified to ​Admiral Osborn their thanks, and had received the following answer:
Sir, I want words to express my sense of the honour the house of Commons has been pleased to confer upon me, and only hope that you, Sir, will be as gracious to me in representing my gratitude to that august assembly, as you have been in acquainting me with their favourable acceptance of my services. I have done no more than my duty. I have only been the humble, though happy, instrument of executing the wise measures directed by his majesty.
I have no title, Sir, to any glory, but what is common to me as a seaman, and as an Englishman zealous for the service of my country, which is pleased to reward me with this instance of their approbation. From the situation of my health, Sir, I can flatter myself with having but few opportunities of employing the remainder of my life, in grateful exertion of my abilities for the honour and interest of my country. But as the house of Commons is so gloriously watchful to encourage the greatest merit, by rewarding the least, England can never want good Officers; and however honoured I am by this distinction, may my services be the most inconsiderable, that shall be thus acknowledged. I am, with the greatest respect, Sir,
Your most obedient, and most humble servant,
Dec. 8, 1758.
HENRY OSBORN.
The English prisoners taken at St. Cas, arrived at Dover from France.
29th. At night, about twelve o'clock, a stove of gunpowder at the Powder-mills on Hounslow-heath, belonging to Samuel Underhill, Esq; took fire, and blew up; as the quantity of powder that then lay drying therein was great, consisting of 17 cwt. the explosion was extremely violent and alarming, insomuch that his dwelling-house was considerably damaged thereby, and, though at near 300 yards distance from the works, several of the windows thereof were shattered to pieces, some furniture thrown down, particularly a repeating clock, part of the glass of a sash window was forced upon a bed, in which a gentleman then lay asleep, but happily no person received any hurt. What might be the cause of this accident is unknown to any one. In many parts the shock was felt, and supposed to be that of an earthquake.
Translation of a paragraph of a dispatch wrote by M. da Cunha, secretary of state in Portugal for foreign affairs and at war, dated Belem, Sept. 12.
'Last Saturday the King had a fall in his palace, by which he was considerably hurt in his right arm. He was let blood on Monday, and is at present better. His majesty, being prevented by this accident from attending to public affairs for some days, has empowered the queen to sign dispatches and other instruments, during his illness.'
From Lisbon advice has been received of a most wicked and daring attempt on the life of the King of Portugal. No clear and authentic account has yet been received, either of the particulars of the action itself, or the motives to it. Several persons of the most distinguished rank in that kingdom, have been already secured for this conspiracy; yet every thing concerning it is still involved in an impenetrable darkness, which all reason​reasonings and conjectures have hitherto conspired to make only more obscure. During the course of the ensuing year, we hope to receive some farther light, so as to enable us to give our readers a satisfactory account of this very extraordinary affair.
* ↑ The length of Le Foudroyant, at Gibraltar, taken from her carpenter's account, is Feet Fr. Feet Eng. In. From her stern to the taffarel 171 185 3 Length of her keel 144 156 being 12 feet longer than an English first rate; her extreme breadth about 50 feet, nearly the same with our first rate.
* ↑ Captain Gardiner was shot thro' the arm the first fire; and soon after, as he was encouraging his people, and enquiring what damage they had sustained between decks, he received a second wound, by a musket ball, in the forehead, which proved fatal to him.
* ↑ The Monmouth had 150 men killed and wounded; the Foudroyant 200. The loss of masts on both sides brought on a close engagement, which lasted till the Swiftsure came up. M. du Quesne refused, however, to deliver his sword to the Captain of the Swiftsure; but gave it with great politeness to Lieutenant Carket.