The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1779-08-12 00:00:00, page 2

fatal con sequences to both—the fair merchant and hopeft
farmer, especially those situated at a difiance from each o
ther, by having little or no communication, except thro'
such vile hands, have been equally misrepresented, and e
qually misunderstood ; those who go between them, have
considered their private gain as incompatible with the har
mony and union which both wished to Support, and have
therefore given every colour to jealousy, their ingenuity
could devise.—Our internal enemies, whose eagle eyes are
ever on the watch, have beheld with plealure this growing
distrust, and sensible, their wishes for our overthrow, could
never be accomplished but by a disunion, have endeavored
to cherifli it with the afliduous iaduftry which might be
expected from disappointed malice and unavailing refint
ments; To prevent any further mifchiefs from these fla
gitious offenders, who are ever abusing the lenity of a free
and generous people, you will attend to the measures we
have now taken, and we trust readily and chearfully car
ry into effia, any future provision that may be made
agamft such detestable practices. As we are persuaded
that the fluctuation of our money either directly or remote
ly, is the principal cause of our present calamities : So in
the hands of every bad man, it is (he ready instrument
with which he can injure us — A flability in the currency,
therefore, in this infiance, would be a privation of the means
to do evil.
TVe'are sensible the exchange offilver and gold for paper
or any kind wf commodity, has a mos t pernicious effect on
our medium, as it leads every man in the course of his bu
siness to make comparisons and draw coriclufions unjust as
they are unfavorable— the comparative value of silver and
gold can be no rule for the prices of any thing else, as sil
ver and gold might be much more or less wanted than
other articles, and of course so rtuch dearer or cheap
er.
If it be asked why we have fixed the articles of con
sumption and commerce at so high a rate, we answer, that
a fuddea appreciation of money is not only more difficult,
but would in its operation be productive of those i?3pport
able evils which have attended its contrary course : It is
therefore the opinion of this Convention, that it fliould be,
carried on by such just and easy, though flow and certain
gradations, as will, in their effeds, be the lead injurious
to individuals—We are the more induced to this as we ex
peO, before a Meeting of a new Convention, such happy
consequences from loans and taxes will be manifefted, as
must favor a farther reduction of prices.
Beloved Countrymen, we think ourselves ju ftified
in the presumption, that the doings of this Convention will
so far approve themselves to the common sense and unbiaf
fed judgment of every order of men, that all will unitedly
exert themselves to carry them Into efteQ : Possessed with
this belief we submit them to you, with once more calling
your attention to the most important concerns, among
which, the welfare of our brethren in the field claims an
immediate regard. Conduced as you have been, by the
favor of Heaven, with honor ano success through the pre
sent contest to this day, and just on the verge of eflablifh
ing all for which you have contended, tan you tor the fake
of a little ideal wealth, expose yourselves to the power of
those relentless invaders, with whoffi the untutored Sava-e
would disdain to rank himfelf; and who, while they boast
their courage and humanity, are burning your defencelefs
towns, and murderingtheir helpless inhabitants ?
We only add, that the perfect unanimity which has
prevailed through all our proceedings, is a happy presage
of that union in our constituents, which alone can give ef
ficacy to our measures.
Done in Convention at Concord, in the State of Massachu
setts-Bay, by unanimous eonfent, July 17, 1779.
AZOR ORNE, President.
The business being compleated, the Rev. Mr. Ripley,
by special desire, returned thanks to Heaven, and the
Convention was dissolved.
HARTFOR D, August 3.
Extract of a letter from an officer of di,inßion at Benning
ton, dated July 18.
&< z^ N my arrival this day to this place, the following
intelligence was handed me by Ens. Jacob Safford,
express from Fort George.
'' On Tuesday the 13th instant Major Wright Hopkins,
who then commanded that post, sent a scout commanded
by Lieut. Michael Dunning, down the Laketo the north
end thereof, to reconnoitre the lake and woeds adjacent,
and (if possible) to make any difeoveries of the enemy,
and report to the commanding officer. The next day
Major Hopkins, several of his officers and soldiers, with
feme ladies, set fail (for their pleasure) in a boat, with a
view to meet the scout, and return with them to the gar
rison. The Major met with the scout a little north of the
fourteen mile island, so called, and on his return found
the wind strong a head, and night nearly approaching,
which occasioned them to land on the island, draw up their
boats, and turning one of them over, made a conve
nient Shelter for the whole to Deep under, which the
Major thought he might fafely do with his party, as the
scout had made no difeoveries of any enemy. In this se
cure condition they were surprised at break of day while
asleep, and fired on by a detachment of the enemy, con
sisting of a number of Indians and Tories : Im this fire the
Major, a Serjeant, a Corporal, three privates and two
women were killed. Capt. Gideon Erownfon, Captain
Smith, Lieut. Michael Dunning, (who commanded the
scout) a Serjeant, three privates, and a little boy were
taken prisoners; wounded and left on the island, one pri
vate, wh© was scalped, and left for dead ; a Mr. Scott,
who had both thighs broke, and a little boy Shot througli
his leg. Neither pleasure-boat nor scout returning, a par
ty was sent on Friday in quefl of t^em, and on Saturday
morning found the dead and wounded on the island, the
latter they brought off."
PHILADELPH TA, August 12.
Extract of a letter from Baltimore, dated July 22.
“ Captain Waters from Sr. Eufiatia, which he left the
20th of July, reports, that the French have undoubtedly
drubbed the English—He fays he saw 50r6 of the British
fllips difmafted attempting to beat up to St. Kitts, which
they could not effect, but bore away for Jamaica. He
adds that the Lyon of 64, he saw much Mattered, her
ports almost beat into one, and most of her men killed or
wounded. The greatest part of the fleet were got into St.
Kirts. Th^t two flips of the line and two frigates were
arrived at Barbados after retaking Senegal, that their
crews were very ficKly ; they had landed 900 men at Bar
bados, by which it was thought they were so weak as not
to be able to afford the Btitifh fleet much assistance 'Ti<
said Admiral Byron's ship flood aloof during the afton."
On Tuesday last arrived here the brig Achilles, late
Capt. Murdoch, in 17 days from Martinique, by whom
we have several letters, and the Martinique Gazette of the
22d of July, published by authority, which contains the
following.
din account of the naval combat off Grenada, between the
fleet Gl Hu Moji Christian Majefly and that of the King
of England, on the 6th of July, 1779.
His Majesty's fleet had kept the fame situation which it
bad taken the 2d of July. The fort of the hospital being
carried sword in hand, in the night between the 3d and
4th instant, ^ad made no alteration in their p&fition, which
was to windward of the bay. The royal fort of the town
of St. George and the colony Surrendered at diferetion on
the fame day.
The fifth of July, upon information that the English
fleet had been seen to pals the island of St Vincent, hand
ing to the Southward, a signal was made at break of day
for preparing to make fail, and Soon after, for the whole
fleet to prepare for aßion. Had the wind been favourable,
the fleet would have failed immediately to meet theenemy,
but the Count fearing to be driven to leeward by the head
winds and current, thought it most advifeable to remain
that night at anchor.
The lixtb, at half after three in the morning, the fri
gates which lay to windward made a fignai, that the Eng
iifh fleet was in fight. The fignai for -making fail was
given instantly. A repetition of thefigna) from thefrigates
made it necessary to repeat at Eve in the morning, the
signal for making fail. Soon after day break, the fleet of
the enemy appeared at the distance of a league and a half
bearing down upon our fleet. Mmy vessels were Rill at
anchor. At threequarters after five, the signal for flipping
the cables was made and all came to fail, when the fignai
was made to form the line of battle in the closest manner
possible, but it soon after became necessary to order the
fleet to form the line in the most expeditious manner with
out regard to the post or rank of the vessels.
The English fleet, confiding oft, ships of the line and a
frigate, tacked opposite our fleet. The English transports
with the troops on board, being about 25 or go fail, under
the care of two flips of the line, kept well to windward.=
There was a fine frefh gale the whole day. At half after 7
A. M. the signal for battle was given , but the suddenness
of the fleet coming to fail, prevented their forming the line
with that accuracy that could be wished.
It is probable that the enemy did not know that Grenada
was in dur possession; it is also supposed they thought them
selves Superior in force. They lengthened out their line,
which by its form, preferred them fewer ships for a&ion
than they had, and which notwithstanding, made them fuf
fer a fire at least equal to theirs. As soon as they had passed
our line, they taeked -before the wind. The foremoft of
their van had ft retched as far as the bay of St. George, when
the fort fired on her, though at too great a distance to do
any damage. The enemy crowding all the fail they could,
was here joined by the two ships which had at firfl remained
to guard the transports, who put themselves at the head of
the line. Three of the enemy's ships belonging to the rear
appeared very much disabled, and began to fall to leeward.
The rest of the English fleet creuded close, and appeared to
endeavour to remove themselves from our lire.
At a quarter after nine and half after nine, signals were
made to form the line and «eep as close to the wind as
poffibie. Three of the ships of the enemies rear guard
seemed difpoled co attack several of ours, which were to
leeward of the line; but on a nearer view of them, they,
(the English) tacked and endeavoured to regain their fta
tiens in their line, which, by this time, began to bear to
windward. At §0 min. pafl ten a signal was made f@r 10 of
our ships, which were to leeward, to form in the rear, which
signal was repeated, and two of them resumed their flations
in the line. The 15 ships which had before-formed our line
had handled the van of the enemy very severely ; the cen
ter of which, by the extension of their line, and by their
endeavours to keep the wind, was off against our rear.
At a quarter after twelve the action ceased and had been
very hot. Five English ships were severely treated, and fuf
fered very much in their masts and rigging, and three of the
ships of their rear were feperated trom the others, and were
to leeward. The signal made to our ships to leeward to veer
and form themselves in the line of battle, had been repeated
as often as it could,, and at a quarter after two the line was
well formed. As soon as this was afeertained the signal
was given to make ready to stand to windward. Theob
je€t of this manoeuvre was if p.Tble, to separate the three
vessels of the enemy's rear from i e rest of the fleet At
45 minutes after three, the whole fleet tacked and flood to
windward; the enemy at this time did the fame. Our
fleet finding themselves irregularly situated, signals was
made to form the line; the position being inverted, they
successively crouded and shortened fail. One of the three
English ships which were most to leeward, immediately
put before the wind, and was of consequence totally fepara
t^d from the fleet. If purfait had been m^deit would have
probably been taken, but it was necessary to avoid the in
convenience of a reparation, and fall with her to leeward
of Grenada. To return there and eftabhfh the victory we
had gained was most ufeful The two other ships Handing
on the fame tack passed us to windward."
The center of the English fleet bore the hottest of the
a&ion, and notwituftanding its critical situation, the other
parts of the^eet did not lend it proper assistance, but al
ways continued beating to windward.
Our lights during the night, our continuing in the fame
place, the bad situation to which several of Admiral Byron's
ships were reduced, his perseverance in keeping to wind
ward, his retreating when one of his ships was separated
from him, and when another Rood in great need of his as
sistance, in a word his abandoning the place of action, our
taking a transport with 150 soldiers and a Colony; leaves
no doubt about the success of his Majesty's Arms. Could
we have brought the wholeof our ships to action, no doubt
the advantage would have been much greater: But it is
more glorious, because the King's ships which fought at the
fame time and in a line, were always inferior in number
to the English, who came to the attack already formed and
with the advantage of the wind.
The particular manoeuvres of the general officers and
Captains, who by their skill and zeal contributed greatly
to the viftory of this day, the manner in which they mu
tually sustained and f^pportod each other, the small vessels
which thought themselves in their place at the head or rear
of the line and which in situations which were not theirs
resisted an enemy, whose fleet was only composed of large
ships, whieh after having attacked with boldness, conduct
ed themselves, with a great deal of art and firmnefs, the
welldircaed fire from many vessels, the chearfulnefs of
the crews, who did not commit an aft unworthy of them
selves, through a long and bloody action, would require
that we should speak of the ships separately and of each
particular.
This victory, one of the most diflinguifhe which the
French navy has ever obtained, not only humbles the pride
of cur enemies "and renders us masters of the seas, but is
an advantage which it was necessary to purchase at the ex
penceof blood and lives, and those brave men who fell i*
this aCtion.
A RETURN of the killed and wounded in the engagement
between Count D'Efaing and Admiral Byron, 'July 6.
Ship's names, kil. wound Ship's names, kih womb
Le Languedoc, 10 54 Le Tonnant, 2 21
Le Cesar, 19 64 Le Zele 11 36
Le Robufte, 5 45 L' Heftor, 5 24
L' Annibal, 31 41 Le Guerrier, 1 18
Le Feadant, 3 64 Le Magnifique, 9 34
Le Marfeillois, 0 4 Le Protefleur, 1 14
Le Vaillaint, 1 12 Le Diademe, 13 41
Le Vengeur, 9 37 La Provence, 6 16
La Fantaque, 19 43 Le Dauphin Royal, 5 20
L' Artefien,
Le Reflechi, 6 50 Le Sphinx, 9 50
-Le Fier, 2 10 L' Amphion, 4 38
Le Fier Rodrigue, 2 23
Total. 176 773
In the moment in which the action began, officers, sol
diers and sailors, gave marks of that patriotic ardor which
characterizes the French people. The cries of lon live
the King, resounded thro' all the ships of tie fi on,
and during the whole aCtion, the charafter of vie ch
marines was not disgraced. In the raidfl of the herrer; of
a taval combat, in which we were inferior in numbers,
because that all our vessels did not engage, the orders of
the Admiral were attended t&, and executed with an ad
mirable precificn. As nearly as it has been poffibl eto es
timate, the numbers of^annon fired on board the French
Squadron, they were supposed to amount to 20,696, of these
414.8 were from the Languedoc. This ship received 32
balls in her hull, and many in her rigging, nevertheless,
thanks to the wisdom of orders which were given, and the
'fkill with which the Captains executed them, none of our
vessels were difmaßed, whilfl a great number of those of
the English, have Offered v^ry considerably.
The 7th Mons. the Count D'Eftaing, after having con
vinced himfelf that there remained no more enemies for
him t© fight, in the let. of Grenada, returned to anchor,
where he repaired the small damages which ^is Squadron
had fuffered. The following days he gave his attention to
the establishments of good order in the island, and left the
command of it to the Count de Durat. The 14th he sent off
for France, the King's frigate, the Dilligent, a board of
which, My Lord M'Cartney, the General officers, Majors,
Colonels and officers of Justice of the island were embark
ed. It is said, that when the Enghfh Governor received
orders to set offfor France, he fell into so great a passion,
that he tore off his sash, and threw away theenfigns of the
order of the Bath, with which he was decorated. The 15th
in the evening all the squadron set fail, with small winds
from the'fouth-eaft, which continued the 16th and 17th ;
the 18th at day break it appeared before our road bearing
for Fort Royal, at 8 o'clock in the morning tacked about
under full fail It is supposed the Count D'Eftaing pro
poses to pass to Guadaloupe, and from thence to St. Chri
ftophers.
According to the last letters from St. Euftatia, the squa
dron of Byron had returned to St. Chriftophers the 12th.
The 8 firfl vessels of the English line which engaged with
ours are in a deplorable situation, some of them make a
great deal of water, so that they will not be fit for sea with
out such a repair as cannot be had in the islands. Byron
was anchored in the bay of St. Chriftophers with 20 ships
and z frigates, he was there waiting for 3 transports which
were miffing. It was thought that when he had collected
all his fleet he would fail for Antigua. Two sailors, de
serters, inform us that the ship of the English Admiral a
lone had 188 men killed and wounded in the action and
that Barrington had received a wound in the left arm.
The schooner Lightning, commanded by Mr. Rabet
tau, which left Bayonne the 20th of June, arrived in our
road (Martinico) by whom we are informed that the Count
D'Orvilliers, named by the King, vice Admiral of France,
was cruizing with 33 ships of the line, at the mouth of the
channel, that be was to be reinforced by a Spanish Squa
dron, composed of 40 ships of war, that the English squa
dron had not then appeared, headds that Ireland had re
volted, and that the Count D'Veaur, Lieutenant General
of his Majesty's Armies, was to make a defeent there, at
the head of 24,000 men.
Extras of a letter jrom St. Pierre, Martinique, July 20
1779 #
" I have already mentioned the capture of St. Vincents,,
which has been followed by that of Grenada and Tobago,
two very important possessions of our enemy.
" Admiral Byron with 21 ships of the line and 3000
troops, under the command of Gen. Grant, failed from
St. Lucia to relieve them. An engagement between the
two fleets ensued, in which the English were beaten,routed
and dispersed; and Role off under the friendly protection
of the night, and arrived one after the other at St. Kitts,
in the most shattered condition.
" After having garrisoned Grenada with 1500 troops,
he imemdiately took his departure on an expedition against
St. Kitts, but as Admiral Byron with the transports,
containing 3000 troops, are at that island, he will perhaps
change his decimation and attack some other of the Eng
lish possessions.
“ The haughty and domineering pride of Britain muff
be greatly humbled when she finds &e has loft the empire
of the sea, on which her greatness and glory were founded.
When she observes the navy @f F„ace (that by a seeming
" Count D'Eftaing remained mafler of the field ready
to renew the combat in the morning of the succeeding day,
but to his great surprise found the enemy had disappeared*
“ From the advantage which Admiral Byron had ofbe
ing to windward, Count D'Eftaing could not "bring but
half of bis fleet to action.