The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1781-11-03 00:00:00, page 2

Fegafus rejoined me from St. Lucia. Captain Start
hope acquainted me, that he had arrived, in the night
of the rath of May, under Pigeon island, where lieu
tenant Miller, fate of his majesty's ship the Deal Caf
t!e, and whom I had left with a body of men to fight
the barer es I had caused to be erected on that iflarid;
and captain Campbell who commanded a company
of the 87th regiment, Rationed on the said island, in
formed him, that the island of St Lucia was inverted
by a fleet of 25 fail of th- line, and that the marquis
de Bouille, with a considerable body of troops, bad
haded and taken possession of the village of Gros Iflel;
that he had, by a general officer, demanded, with the
threats of ufiog every severity of war, unless Pigeon
island was instantly surrendered.
His threats were received with the contempt they de
fcrved, by officers determined to do their duty to their
king and country, by their immediately opening, from
the batteries, a heavy lire upon the enemy's fleet,
which continued till seven of them were obliged to cut
their cables and retreat to leward. 1 was in no pain re
lative to th, fate of St, Lucia ; however, not a mo
ment's time was loft in hastening to its relief, and dis
patching feverai quick failing veffe's to acquaint them
with the approach of the fleet with a reinforcement of
troops.
On my arrival off Barbados, one of my quick-fail
ing tenders joined me, with dis patches, a quainting me
that the enemy's fleet had fuddehly re-embarked their
troops in the night, and retired to the Bay of Fort-
Royal, Martinique, in filch a hurry as prevented their
taking on board all their baggage; p^rt of which,
with a quantity of ammunition, they had left on the
island.
On the 27th of May 1 received intelligence, that a
fraall fa«rtdron of the eaemy, confining of two flhips
of the line, four frigates, and three cutters, with nine
hundred troops cm board, bad inverted Tobago.
As general Vaughan had some time before our arriv
al at Barbados ordered a detachment of two engineers,
and forty of the train to that island, who had fafely ar
rived there ; and as I had, more than a year since,
sent a number of cannon, with ammunition in propor
tion, and knowing its natural strength, and that its gar
rifoft canGfted of near three hundred troops, capable
of doing duty, excbifive of upwards of five hundred
militia, all natural born British fubjeds, I was con
vinced the enemy could make no great impreffiou before
it was relieved. However, l inftantiy dispatched several
small quick failing vessels, with positive orders to make
feme port in Tobago, acquainting the inhabitants, that
a fqaadrea with a body of troops, would fad the next
day for their relief, which it did accordingly, comput
ed of fix fail of the fafteflfailing (tips of the line, and
three frigates, under rear-admiral Drake ; and the 69th
regiment, a flank company of the 60th, and the corn
pany of volunteers, under the command of brigadier
general Skeene.
As I had received intelligence, that theenemy^ feet,
confining of twenty-four fail of the line, had left Fort
Royal, and were cruifiag between the Diamond Rock
and St, Lucia, in the hopes of drawing m^ to leeward
with his majesty's fleet, while they were carrying on
the fregeof Tobago, I gave Mr. Drake notice of the
fanatical of the eßeray's fleet, and cautioned him to be
upon hit guard, and upon no account run the risk of
an engagement with a faperior force; but, after land
ing general Skeene and the forces at Tobago, and en
deavouring to defiroy the enemy's squadron that was
inverting it, to rejoin me with his squadron, without a
moment's iofs of time.
Mr- Drake, with Che forces on board, arrived off To
blga the next day. The smemy, who lam well in
formed, had made n attack on the town of Scarbo
rough, but were beat off, had sent a cutter express to
the French admiral, that by the reinforcement lately
feat from Barbados, and tiie flrong situation the Eng-
K<h had taken, he could make no irapreffion or . the if
land without a large reinforcement. The day after Mr.
Drake failed, Ireceived intelligence from ray cruisers,
that the French fleet were to windward of St. Lucia,
Raiding to the fo^thward towards Tobago.
As Mr. Drake had the mod poGtive orders, in case
the enemy's fleet appeared off Tobago, to rejoin me
without one moment's toss of time, fending his quick
failing frigates to give me notice of that event, I gave
orders for the whole fleet to weigh the moment the
fat adrou emder Mr. Drake ihould appear in fight.
The Rattlefaake, a remarkably fart failing vessel, which
had been employed in carrying the reinforcement from
Barbados to Tobago, and which I had employed on
this important occasion, was dispatched by rear admi
ral Drake, to acquaint me, that, on his making the
iftand of Tobago, the whole French fleet appeared in
fight, to leeward of him-, that, agreeable to his orders,
fee was kaßerting, with all possible dis patch, to rejoin
me. Thecaptainof the Rattlesnake assured me he had
seen the French fleet; they appeared to him so far to
leeward, that he imagined ®ey could not fetch Cour
laod bay: that Mr. Drake's squadron, though to lee
ward, would be off Carlifle bay, by the morning ; that
he could assure me the post his majesty's troops and
the militia possessed, was of such firength, thru they
were determined to make no capitulation, as they were
certain general Vaughan and myfelf, with the whole
feet, would hasten to their affiftance^ agreeably to
the affiance that had been given them.
Mr. Drake with his squadron appearing at day-light
off Carlisle Bay, the whole fleet instantly put to sea,
general Vaughan having embarked with me, and im
mediately proceeded towards Tobago. The next day,
June the qtb, we made that island, and, on our approach
to the north end, dispatched the Fly cutter, command
ed by captain Fonfonby, a schooner, commanded by
captain Shepherd, and the Munster Lass schooner, to
get intelligence, and to know the places they might
with the troops to be landed at, and procure proper
guides to conduct them. These vessels had ord rs to
go to three different bays, that in case of any accident
to either of them, the inhabitants might learn, from the
others, that the whole B'ritifh fleet, with troops on board,
were come to their assistance: They had likewise tie
flricteft injunctions to make enquiries concerning the
French fleet,,and on what part of the island they might
have anchored, and the situation in which they,ay.
Extras of a letter from vice-admiral Arbuthnot, to
Mr. Stephens, dated Bedford, off Sandy Hook, Ju
ly 4., 1781,
THE rumours that had been abroad for a considera
ble time pail, that a reinforcement of troops was dai
ly expected from France, induced me to fend a squa
dron into Boston bay of Superior force, as the enemy's
gu rd was reported to be only two frigates: the Assu
rance, Cnarleftown, Amphitrite. Vulture, and Eavage,
are employed on this service; and the Royal Oak, in
her way to Halifax, was directed to take that route.
I have finc~, by the channel of the rebels, received
intelligence, that a few recruits and force flore ships
have, notwithstanding, got into Boflon, with a French
50 gun ship, and two frigates; but captain Duncan,
#f the Medea, which arrived from Halifax, on the 30th
ult. informs me, that his majesty's sloop, the Atalan
ta, which had b^n taken after a very gallant action,
by the rebel frigate Alliance, of 40 guns, was retaken
by that detachment in Boflou-bny, and that he spoke
a fore ship, of near 800 tons, also a prize, on her en
terance into the port of Halifax, as he came out. It
is believed they have been much more fuccefsfub but
I have no authentic advice of their operations. (I re
serve fame particulars of the Atalanta's action for a
mother letter.) The Medea, on her return, captured 2
privateers from Salem, the ship Rover, of 18 fix pound
ers, and 14a men, and the fl op Revenge, of 10 gun's.
I hid frequent intelligence from Rhode Island of the
intentions of the enemy. The maintenance of fie
French garrison there, prevented their affording mate
rial aid to the cause of rebellion. It was to have been
evacuate: in June, and the forces which coadituted its
defe ice, were to have joined Washington ; the low state
of whose army, and the deftruaion of all the resources
for it Support, had determined him once again to me
ditate an attempt against N.w-York: how ver, the
count deßarras, at present commanding the French
squadron, being direfted to continue at Rhode-Bland,
toe greatest part of the French troops, of course, re
min with him for its defence,
Tne rebe: general Greene, af,er his defeat at Guild
ford Court-house, penetrated into Carolina; and after
his second overthrow by lo d Rawdoh at Cam fen, gi
ving up all thoughts of Chariefto^n, retired up the
country and inverted our post at Ninety fix, which is
defended by colonel Cruger. The arrival of the War
wick and Solebay at Charleftown, on the 13th of June,
with the troops under their escort, which were iinmedi.
The next day, asthe whole fleet were landing to
wards Man-of-War-bay, in order to anchor, that I
might be better informed of the situation of the enemy's
fleet, and, if necessary, to land the troops, one of the
three veffe ! s I had dispatched the day before for intelli
gence (called the Munster-lass) rejoined me. Lieu
tenant Johnston, of the marines, a briik and a&ive of
6cer, and zealous in the public fervire, had requeued
me that he might be permitted to go in that vessel t@
gain intelligence. He landed at 12 o'clock at night, in
Tyrrel's-biy, and immediately repaired to one of the
principal planter's hoofes, called Mr Alexander Gor
don : he inflantly requeued, that Mr. Gordon would
dispatch meiTengers to the governor, acquainting him
with the arrival of the fleet, and to know where it
would be proper to land the troops that came to the
affiflanre of the island.-
lieutenant Jotinfton's furprTe was great indeed,
when Mr. Gordon told him the island had surrendered
on the 2d current, 4md that lieutenant governor Fer
guson and major Stanhope were prisoners at Scarbo
rough.
I am convinced, that something extraordinary mull
have happened, which ceuld have induced governor
Ferguson and the troops to have capitulated ; but I
hope, and fincerel, believe, that notwithflanding the
enemy have taken the island of Tobago, they will
have no reason to boast at the end of this campaign.
As to ir whole feet is again in Fort-Royal Bay,
and as his maftfly's island of Barbados, under pro
tection of the fleet, is again put in a state of defence,
I Chart instantly proceed with the whole fleet off Mar
tinique, to watch the motions of the enemy.
I must now, fir, acquaint you, that after receiving
the intelligence of the surrender of Tobago, I flood
with th: fleet to the northward, and about two in the
afternoon of the sth inflant descried (from the mast
head) (he enemy's fleet to leeward towards Grenada and
the Gremdillas. Before sunset we had neared them
very,considerably, and plainly observed that they con
lifted of twenty-nine fail, 24 of which were of the
line, and five frigates. Their situation was such as ren
dered it impartible to attack them with a probability
of ficcefs, as it was in their power (night coming on)
to entangle his majefly's fleet in the Grenadillas, to de
coy them Into the channel between Grenada and t^
Spanish Main, where the currents are so very rapid,
that his majesty's feet might have been driven far 10
leeward, while the enemy had it in their power to an
chor under the batteries of Grenada, which might have
been attended with the capture of Barbados, before I
could possibly have given it fuccowr.
The enemy's fleet landing to the northward as well
as his raafefly's, I fluttered myfelf that they, depend
ing upon their superior number, might be induced so
riJk a battle; and I was in tropes to draw them, by the
next morning, to windward of the island of St. Vincent,
where we fliould have sea- room to have attacked them
With this view I gave orders that all the lights of the
fleet faeuld be particularly conspicuous to the enemy,
that in case they chose an a&ion, they might be sure
their wishes would be complied with the next day.
On the 6th, in the morning, at day-light, then to
windward of the island of St. Vincents, no enemy ap
peared in fight: they had tacked in the night, and, as
I hear, Sheltered themfelv.es in Courland-bay, Tobago.
We instantly sent a reinforcement of troops to St. Lu
cia, to flrengthen the gar-rifon, and put that island out
of all danger.
I cannot conclude this letter, witboat assuring their
lordfliips, that I have the bigheft confidence in the
spirit of the officers and men of the fleet I have the
honour to command; nor have [ the lead doubt, but,
if the enemy will give them a proper opportunity, that
it will redound to the honour of the British flag.
Extrafl of a letter from vice admiral Arbuthnot, to Mr.
Stephens, dated Bedford, off Sandy Hpok, July fy
I HAD the honour to mention, in my letter of fife
date, my intentions of reporting some particular cir
cpmftances refpedmg the capture of the Alalanta,
they are communicated in the enclosed paper.
The Atlanta, with a gallantry that does her captain
the higefl honour, maintained the a&ion some time af
ter the Trepaffey flruck, until (hwas a wreck, fe
which state the was carried into Halifax.
The behaviour of lieutenant Samuel Arden, of the
\Atalanta, was brilliant beyond expression. He foff
his right arm in the fight, and the instant it wasdreffed
resumed his station on deck, where he remained untile
flruck, notwithstanding his weeknefs and loss of blood.
I doubt not these matters will be thought entitled to
their lordfllips confederation.
Extras of a letter from captain Rowley to Sir Peter
Parker, dated at Port Royal, June 2, 178.
ON the 19th of April, at noon, I made Cape
Blaife; and on the 20th at two P. M. I perceived a
flrange fail to windward bearing down upon me. As.
I was then landing S. S. W. I tacked and made a pri
vate signal ; but as she did not answer it, and Rill con
tinued bearing down upon us, I beat to quarters and
made every preparation for adion: at half part three
I hoisted my colours, and at four, being within a ca
ble's length dirtance of the flrange fail, which I dis
covered to be a sh p of force, I ordered the top gallant
tails to be handed, and the courses to be ; auled up.
At halt part four file hoisted French colours, and fired,
a broadside which I returned immediately, and came to
a elofe aftion, which continued till fix o'clock, when
she flruck, and proved to be the Unicorn frigate, of
20 nine pounders, 8 carronades, twelve founders,
and 181 men, commanded by the chevalier de St. Ture.
, The loss which I Curtained upon this occasion was,
15 killed and 30 wounded ; among the former was Mr.
Hign, the gunner, and the latter Mr. Edwards, se
cond lieutenant, and Mr. Good, my clerk. I cannot
exadly afeertain that cf the French, but, from the
bed information I ca n procure, it was 8 killed and 30
wounded, 4 of whom are' since dead
"'^ behaviour of Mr. Hulke, th" firft lieutenant,
the officers and chip's company, was such as does them
the greatest honour, is deserving of every encouraged
ment, and, in confluence thereof, I beg leave to re
commend them to your notice
The signal services likewise received from major
Alexander Campbell, the officers and men of the loy
al American rangers, as also of the artillery then oa
board, entitle them to every commendation I can give.
Report of Mr. Philip Windsor, late mfler of hisroa
jetty's sloop, the Trepaffey, in Halifax harbour,
June n, 1781, viz.
ON Sunday, the 27th of May, 17S1, being on a
cruise with |he Atalanta sloop, by order from the cora
manding officer at St, John's, Newfoundland-,in lafc
41: long. 61: 17. saw a fail at three P. M. S. E. dis
tant mur leagues: we bort up and came within ore
league; finding h&r a large ship, supposed her a tw^
decker, .and night coming on we hauled our wind,and
failed in tight of her all night.
About twelve at noon the next day, it being ateo£
calm and the Arango (hip about half a mile to leeward
fee ho.fled rebel colours, and gave the Atalanta arid
us a broadside, we being then very nigh to each otk<%
we then bore up clufr akrngfid? of her, the Atalanta 9g
the rtarfipard, and the Trepaffey on the larboard cuar
'%? an , began to engage. About an hour after th^
«dioo bega& captain Smith, of the Trepaffey, was 'kil
led ; upon which I feat to lieutenant King to acquaint
him thereof, in order to his resuming the command,
and e igagrd the enemy in the fa me position for two boats
avd an half longer, and at lad flruck the colours, iira
obedience to the orders he sent me by Mr. Samuel Pitt,
a midshipman of the ship: we loft 5 feajnea killed and!
ten wounded in the adion, which ended at half pa^
three P. M. The Atlanta continued to engage forn^
lime, and then flruck also.
The rubel frigate proved to be the Alliance.
Captain Ed wards of the Atlanta, and his lieutenant
and also lieutenant King of the Trepaffey, are carried
away as prisoners, and myfelf was left in charge of the
two chips' companies, put on board of the Trepaffty
by Mr. Barry, captain of the Alliance, who for that
purpose disabled and turned the Trepaffey into a car
tel brig ; and have brought her in here, with direSioas
to fend the cartel to Boston, as rebel property.
Being thus left in charge of these people, I think iff:
my duly to acquaint you hereof, as° commanding of
ficer, requiting to be disposed of in such manner as
you shall direct ; and being ready to answer to any
court martial for my (hare and proportion in the de
fence and Jess of his majefty'sfaid sloop.
(Signed) PHILIP WINDSOR,
mafier of the Trepaffey.
N. B. The A'almta sloop had 16 guns and 125 men;
the Trepaffey sloop 14 guns and 80 men.
ately landed, determined lord Rawdon to proceed af
ter him ; and from the rebels we have since learned, that
Greene immediately retreated to the northward. The
event of lord kawdon's march is not yet officially
known here, as the Warwick and Solebay, immediate
ly after having made the debarkation, proceeded t#
join me, and arrived here on the 26th, with the re
mainder of their convoy, the recruits for the guards
excepted; which were left with lord Cornwallis in Vir
ginia.
Eztrad of a letter from vice-admiral fir Peter Parker#
commander in chief of his majesty's ships at Jamai
ca, to Mr. Stephens, dated Port-Royal, June 8, 17.81-
SINCE my last lift of prizes, to theist of Fe ruary,
this squadron has been very fucce sful ; and I have the
pleasure to inform their lordffiips, that the Unicorn is
among the number of captures lately made. The era
clofed account from captain Rowley, of the aßion be
tween the Resource and Unicorn, must give their lord
ships great fatisfaftion, and make an impression much
to their honour.