The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1781-08-11 00:00:00, page 2

ci A nt Capital its old masters, and to eflablifh the Bri
tish government throughout Virginia. How unfor
tunate are the English ministry in their plans! Lord
Cornwallis, who was at the Point of Fork but the
other day, is now at Pcrtfmouth ; which place may
not be more favourable to lord Dunmore, than was
Guin's Island in the year 1776."
We learn from the army in Virginia, that Tarleton
having been detached by lord Cornwallis, to destroy
some flores in Amelia county, has been obliged to make
a rapid retreat to his lordship, who is at Portsmouth,
in consequence of general Wayne and Morgan cross
ing to the south fide of James River.
A gentleman just arrived from Virginia advises that
before he left that fiate, the Pennsylvania line, com
manded by general Wayne, had marched to reinforce
general Greene, in South-Carolina.
From the London Gazette, of March 31.
Extract of a letter from lieutenant colonel Balfour, to
lord George Germaine, dated Charleftown, Feb. 25.
1781.
SINCE the date of my dispatch, No. 2, capt. Barclay,
with the Blonde, arrived here from Cape Fear, where
he left every thing in a date of fecurity,and the works
for the proteaion of Wilmington nearly perfeHed. No
accounts since my last have been received immediate
ly from lord Cornwallis ; but lord Rawdon has favour
ed me with some further intelligence refpefting the
operations of the army, which his lordship derived
from a man who quitted it on the 9th instant, and who
is come into Camden.
At that period it appears, lord Cornwallis was ad
vanced fix miles beyond Salem, the fartheft of the Mo
ravian settlements in North-Carolina, and to the
eastward of the Yadkin; which points out by what
uncommon exertion and rapid movements his lordship
mutt have reached that distance in so (mall a space of
time, through a strong and intricate country.
By crossing the Yadkin so high up, the army has
got above Greene's, which, by this intelligence, was
advancing on Deep river, aad some way removed to
the rear of lord Cornwallis's right; general Morgan,
with his corps, being advanced and on the left. With
this last there were some hopes lord Cornwallis would
soon be able to come up ; and on the whole, it will be
clear to your lordship, that, by this movement the
junction of the enemy's force, of which in my last I
was apprehensive, is for the present fru flrated.
I must not omit informing your lordship of the ar
rival of the Assurance, with the fleet of victuallers from
Corke, after a passage of twelve weeks ; the length of
which obliges them to water before they can proceed
on their voyage to New York, during which time the
Assurance will remain at Beaufort, being of too large
a draught to pass this Bar.
Admiralty Office, March 31, 1781.
Extract of a letter from captain Barkley, commander
of his majesty's Ship Blonde, to Mr. Stephens, dated
Charleftown, South- Carolina, Feb. 24, 1781.
IN the letter I wrote to you dated the 15th of Ja
nuary lafl, by the Antelope packet, I mentioned I was
preparing to proceed to Cape Fear, upon an expediti
on, by the requisition of lord Cornwallis.
i think I should be remiss in my duty iff did not re
mit, for their lordships information, by this opportu
nity of the packet's failing, the events that have taken
place there ; and as their Lordships will receive it much
sooner than by the reports I have sent to vice-admiral
Arbuthnot at New-York.
A body of troops being embarked, consisting of a
bout two or three hundred men, under rhe command'
of major Craig, of the Bzd regiment, I. got over the
Bar of Charleftown the 21st of January, and arrived
in Cape-Fear river the 25th ; contrary winds, and the
intricate navigation of the river, prevented us getting
to the place where the landing was determined upon
till the 28th.
Colonel Balfour, commandant of Charle ftown, not
being able to (pare more troops from the defence of
Charleftown, induced me to land the marines of the
Blonde, Delight and Otter, consisting of 81 men, under
the command of lieutenant Griffiths of the Blonde, with
orders to him to join major Craig.
On the evening of the 27th, deputations came from
Wilmington, with proposals for delivering up the town:
I herewith inclofe a copy of their proposition, with
major Craig's and my answer.
The next morning, the troops landed at Ellis's
plantation, nine miles below the town ; at the fame
time I pushed up the river with the gailies and gun
boats: In the afternoon of the fame day we took pof
feflion of the town of Wilmington, without the least
opposition ; the rebels who were in arms, confining of
about one hundred and fifty men, marched out early
in the morning of the fame day.
We found two batteries ereded towards the river;
one of ten guns, 12 and 9 pounders, the otherof seven
,2 pounders, most of them spiked. We having receiv
ed information of several vessels being sent up the N.
E. river with provisions, ammunition, apd the effects
of the rebels in arms, and likewise the effeas. of some
Spaniards and French who had fettled at Cape Fear,
major Craig marched out with a detachment of the
troops; at the fam time I sent one of the gallis, with
two gun-boats, up the river ; they were fortunate to
get possession of those vessels the next morning, which
they brought down with them, except a Schooner and
a sloop laden entirely with provisions and ammunition
which they were obliged to burn: I enclose a lift of
those captured.
The inhabitants remaining, in town, and in the neigh
bouring posts, have delivered up their arms, and have
given their parole . They m ost ardently wish, once
more, to enjoy the blessings of peace, and a reunion
with the mother country.
The having possession of Wilmington and Cape-Fear
river, is of the utmost importance to lord Cornwallis's
army. The works being all clafed in, and the differ
ent batteries compl ated, I proceeded to this port, to
put the admiral's orders in execution.
I herewith enclose an extract of a letter I received
rom colonel Balfour, expressing his thanks for the as-
navy.
April 20. After the late fatal aHion with Hyder Alli,
lord M'Leod sent him a letter by a flag of truce, recom
mending, in the name of the king of Great-Britain, hu
manity to the prisoners ; expressing, at the fame time, a
wish to know their numbers, and particular the names
of the officers : and concluding with a request, that some
papers might be returned which his lordship had loft, but
which could be of consequence only to himfelf. To this
Hyder rerurned verbatim the following haughty an
fwer : " Colonel Baillie and officers are alive, ex
cepting colonel Fletcher, who was slain in battle:
they will be treated well. Had lan army confiding
of a few, I might find your papers, but with an army
amounting to 100,000 horse, how can you think I am
able to get them for you ? What can I fay more !"
St. James's, May 18. His majesty having been
pleased to appoint William Browne, esquire, to be go
vernor and commander in cnief of his majesty's Ber
muda or Summer ifla-nd, in America, he this day in
council took the oaths appointed to-be taken by the
governors of his majesty's plantations.
The following intelligence was this day received
from Bombay, dated January 11, 1781.
That it having been resolved to lay siege to Bafan,
on the coafi of Malabar, general Goddard, with the
forces under his command, with grea : difficulty'com
pleated his march from Surat, so as to arrive before
the place on the 13th of November, where he was join
ed by reinforcements and Bores from Bombay. The
general finding it very Hrong, and defended by a numer
ous garrison, under the command of Vifagee Funt, de
termined to carry on his operations with regularity
and precaution. On the 28th in the morning he had
compleated a battery of 6 guns and 6 mortars, within
nine hundred yards of the place, and under cover of
the fire carried on his approaches to the spot, where
heereHed. the grand bttery of nine twenty four potto
dersj which was opened on the 9th of December in the
morning, within five hundred yards of the wall ; be
fideswhich, a battery of 20 mortars, of different sizes,
was opened upon one of the flanks of the parapet.'
These were served with such effect; that, on the 10th
in the morning, a practicable breach being nearly
compleated, a message was sent from the fort, offering
th surrender ; and, after some demur on the part of the
enemy, which obliged the general to renew the fire
from the batteries, the place surrendered next day at
diferetion. The garrison marched out, and-laid down
their arms in front of the fort, being allowed only to
carry awaytheir own private effects. It adds greatly
to the fatisfadion which this important acquisition gives
that the loss we fuflained is very Small, one officer on
ly, fir John James Gordon, who, having been wound
ed, is since dead, and about izmen killed and wound
ed, of whom four only were Europeans, A considera
ble quantity of ammuni ion was found in the fort,
220 pieces of cannon, and 10 brass mortars, of which
19 pieces of brass cannon, several of a very large cali
bre, one hundred and twenty-eight pieces of thefron
ordnance, and all the mortars have been reported ser
viceable.
Cambridge in Hamaoze, May 19, 1781, 11 A. M.
I HAVE the pleasure to acquaint you, for their
lordships information; that vice admiral D^rb/, with
his majesty's Squadron under his command, is now off
the Eddyftone, proceeding to the eastward with a mo
derate b eze at N. W. and that five fail of the line are
now Handing in the Sound. I am &c. SHULDHAM.
fiflance of the navy on this expedition ; ard it will af
ford me much fatisfaaion, if my condua should meet
their lordships approbation.
I have the honour to be, &c.
Wilmington, January 27, 178^
Propositions offered to the commanding officers of the
British navy and troops, in Cape Fear river, by such
of the inhabitants of the town of Wilmington, and
others who chufe to remain there:
Article I. The inhabitants and others remaining
there to be prisoners of war, until regularly exchanged.
Article 11. The inhabitants to remain in town, and
to have their properties, of every denomination, secured
to them, and their persons protested.
Mr. James Walker and Mr. John du Boisare appoint
ed to present taele proposals.
The commanding officers of his majesty's navy and
troops in Cape Fear river, in answer to a message re
ceived from the inhabitants of Wilmington, have only
to observe, that, in the present Situation of affairs, they
are not entitled to a capitulation, nor are the articles of
fered them such as could be received in that light. When
his majesty's forces appear before the town, they must
submit to be prisoners of war at diferetion, or to take
the consequence of refinance : In the formercife, eve
ry exertion will be used to prevent plunder, or personal
ill usage to any person whatever.
On board the Betsey and Polly tranfoort, the 27th of
January 1781. Signed, Andrew Barkley.
J. H. Craig, major, 82d reg.
Vessels taken up Cape-Fear river by a detachment of
the army and galleys, the iff of February, 1781.
Rose, a new brig of 120 tons, two three pounders,
pierced for 12 guns, loaded with rice, tobacco, and
bale goods.
Schooner Betsey, 70 tons, fix nine pound carron des,
loaded with rice, flour, rum, and some ammunition.
Schooner Flying-Fish, loaded with rice, flour, tur
pentine and rum.
Schooner Ceres, 25 tons, loaded with rice, flour and
ammunition.
Schooner Wild Cat, 20 tons, empty,
A fchaoner and sloop, with Bores, ammunition and
provisions burnt. AND. BARKLEY.
Extra& of a letter from colonel Balfour to captain
Barkley, commander of his majesty's ship Blonde,
dated Charleftown, Feb. 14.
I am happy in having this opportunity of returning
you my belt thanks for your exertions and assistance
to the troops under major Craig; andaffuring of you
that I Shall not fail to acquaint lord Cornwallis with
the particulars mentioned by major Craig in his pub
lic letter, by which it appears, that the success of the
expedition has been chiefly owing to the affiance of the
May 29. On Saturday evening arrived at his house
in Portsmouth place, from Madrid, Richard Cumber
land, esquire. He travelled through France, having
obtained a passport o' the French ambassador at the
Spanrfh court. When he arrived at Paris he was de
tained nine days; in that time a council was convened ;
but. a length, was fuff red to depart.
Dublin, May 22. The most peremptory orders have
been issued by the emper rof Germany for all officers
in his service absent on furlough immediately to return
to their refpeHive regiments : letters containing these
orders were received here a few days ago, in conse
quence of which many Irish gentlemen in the German
service are preparing to set off with the greatest expe
dition.
London, May 30. Prince William Henry, who is
now cruizing with admiral Digby, after having been
twice to the relief of Gibraltar, will as soon as he re
turns home, be made a lieutenant, in which flation he
will continue three years before he is advanced any
higher.
ExtraH of a letter from Dublin, May 20.
" The provincial reviews in this country, which
are to be on the sth of June, will exhibit a f ene fur
pa fling any thing that modern, or perhaps antient his
tory can produce. There are upwards 0665,000 mem
returned for the field, 15,000 of which are of the pro
vince of Lemfter : these are to be reviewed in the Phoe
nix park within a mile of the city. Each battalion is
amply provided with field pieces, mortars, flandards,
&c. fitting for t'he field. Afterthe review they are to
be marched into Dublin, every citizen in good circum
flances having given in his name for the entertainment
of a certain number, and the ensuing day they are to
feperate and march for their different habitations.
People of ail denominations are coming from all parts
of the province to fee this extraordinary fight; and e
very packet brings over a number of passengers from
Cheshire; Lancaffiire, and Wales, fer the fame pur
pose."
Extract of a letter from Pertfmouth, May 29.
" It is generally believed here that admiral Parker
will go cut commander in chief, having fliifted his flag
on board the Vi&ory ; the fleet is ready to put to sea,
they only Wait for orders.
"There never was more expedition used in victualling
Ships than at this time; all was on board in 48 hours.
Toe sailors are in high spirits and health,, and wishing
to be out at sea, that they may have a brufn with some
of our enemies. Admiral Parker seems to be in great
favour with the tars."
Five men of war failed from Portsmouth a few days
ago, three more of 80 guns, a day or two after, which
were to be joined with two of 70 from Plymouth; the
whole squadron being commanded by fir John Lockhart
Ross; their destination is not yet known.
June i. A gentleman in the suit of the Ruffian Mini
fler at Paris, in his private dispatches to a foreigner of
diftinHion in town writes: " It is a great matter of
doubt,whether the empress will not very severely relent
the indifference with which the Hates of Holland have
presumed to treat her profered mediation for reconciling
matters with Great-Britain. This I can assure you of,
a treaty is in agitation between the courts of Russia, Vi
enna, Berlin and London."
VerSailles, (France) May 23. His majesty having-a
greed to the dimiffion of Mr, Neckar, director general
of the Finances, the king has charged Mr So) de Fhu
ry, Counsellor of fiate, with the detail of that depart
ment, in order to give account thtreof to his majefly^
Lodgings and Hoarding
to be had, in a gerte-l N ighbou.bcodSnd 2 plra^t
Part of the city, fn;nue of the Printer.
London, May 22. This day admiral Darby arrived
at the admiralty. Ten fail of the line under admiral
Digby, are left to cruize in the channel.
The Paris Gazette of Tuesday last, which gives an
account of the capture of 22 of the St. Euflatius fleet,
makes no mention of their arrival at Brest.
By the express which arrived at Bombay the 18th
inhant, we further learn,, that general Goddard, after
leaving as Strong a garrison as he could spare from his
army at Bafan, moved with his remaining troops, and
a reinforcement of men and battering cannon, from
Bombay towards Mangalore, the principal Settlement
Hyder Ally has in the Malabar country, with intenti
on to lay siege to the S.me. Most of the artillery, and
all the mortar pieces, found upon the walls ofßafan,
&c. were either made in France or Holland, and fold
by their merchants and factors to Hyder Ally.
May 26. By the private dispatches from Bengal, we
learn that a further reinforcement of 300 Europeans
and 800 feapoys had been sent to the relief of the Coro
mandel coast. Meere Abdullah Beig, Rajah of the
Patna country, had raised an army of 10,000 men,
which are taken into the company's service. Trejudu
lia, a fort 100 miles from Calcutta, had surrendered
to the company's arms, and Surkeil Cawn had retreats
ed to the fouthermoft part of the empire. Allinoadar
Abdallah Cawn, in the invirens of Panta, bad raised
an army of 20,000 men, and was upon the march to
join the company's troops. The action at Cullaftadore
was in favour of the company's army ; lieutenant co
lonel Andrews, with his detachment had taken Sem^
payara lorr, which belonged to Jan Aldeil Beig, bro
ther to the rajah of Patna, in which were upwards of
80 pieces of cannon, and 1600 men, who surrendered
to the colonel at diferetion. This rajah's brother is
in the interest of the French, consequently in that of
Hyder Ally, but is to weak too hand againfthis bro^
t er, united with the company's forces. The treafur,
of Bengal has, aft r paying all army demands,
1,700,0001. The company's European army in the
kingdom of Bengal does not consist of less than 6ooc/
men, feapoys about 46,000, well disciplined, and firm
ly attached to the company.
, Extract of a letter from Cork, May 16.
“ Arrived yeflerdy twenty fail of transports from 1
Kinfale, but lately from Charleftown. They are to
load with provisions, and fail for America with the next
convoy."