The New-Jersey gazette — Burlington [N.J.], 1778-07-15 00:00:00, page 2

TH E tenth instant the fieurs Benjamin Franklin,
Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee, Deputies from the
United States of America, had the honour to be pre
sented to the Queen and royal family.
Paris, March 24. Monsieur Gerrard, firft Commis
sioner for foreign affairs, has received from the Mi
nistry his credentials, with which he is going to Ame
rica, in quality of Minister Plenipotentiary from this
court to the United States.
Hague, March 28. If we may credit the reports
spread at Paris, the court of Versailles has formed an
alliance with four monarchs of Europe, who are to
accede to the treaty lately concluded with the United
States of America.
LOND O N.
March 20. Gen. Howe has sent home some repre
sentations on the inadequateness of his force to do
what may be expected of him, and therefore requir
ing a reinforcement of at lealt 8000 men, as also a
body of troops fufficient to make a diverlion either by
way of Canada, or from New-York.
March 23. The heralds have received orders to
hold themselves in readiness to perform the beligerent
ceremonials required on a declaration of war.
The firft form of declaring war in England is, by
his Majesty's appearing in person at the bow windows
of St. James's palace, and drawing his sword against
the power that has insulted his crown and dignity,
and pledging himfelf at the fame time never to iheath
it again, till the insulted honour of himfelf and his
fubjedts has received the fulleft fatisfaftion.
Orders are sent to Portsmouth and Plymouth for
the officers to press every seaman they can, and not to
regard any protections.
March 27. Spain has this day avowed her acknow
ledgment and support of the independence of America.
It is expected Holland will be the next power to re
cognize the independence of America.
Extras of a letter from Greenock, March 21.
" A gentleman in town has this day received a let
ter from his correspondent in New-York, dated the
9th of February, brought by the Lilly, Capt. Coch
rane, arrived here in 35 days from thence, 15 of which
he was in the Channel. It contains the following pa
ragraph ; ”
" There is a letter in town (New-York) from an
officer at King's-Bridge, giving an account that seve
ral prisoners have just got there, having made their
escape from Boston, who fay that Sir George Collier
had, under French colpurs, got up to Bolton with fix
frigates, and burnt the town, and brought off Gene
ral Burgoyne and Colonel Campbell, and a good many
officers and men. Many of our officers believe it ;
but I am afraid it is too good news to be true."
We can now assure the public, that on Sunday a
refcript was delivered from the court of Spain, recog
nizing the independence of America. The refcript
was couched in precifcly the famM^^^J —uu^n-
vered -try cnerrehenamoaliador.
It is reported that a great personage is so well fatis
fied of the inimical sentiments of Spain, from some
recent advices received by a noble Lord, that war will
be declared on the fame day against the united powers
of France and Spain. This advice is said to be given
by Lord Chatham, who experienced the perfidy of
the latter lad war, in affixing the French at the fame
time they were giving the court of London the fulleft
assurances of their perfect amity and neutrality.
March 28. Yesterday an order was fen^to the custom
house to flop all French vessels in the river ; and proper
officers arc sent on board them, to prevent their
failing.
The Spanish resident at this court has ordered all
his moveables to be packed up, and holds himfelf in
readiness to embark at an hour's notice.
Thursday the Houle of Commons agreed to the re
port of the resolutions of the preceding day, on the
supply:
That 1,406,923!. be granted to his Majesty, to de
fray the extra expences of his Majesty's land forces.
That 18,8951. be granted for the charge of the aug
mentation to his Majesty's forces.
That 6,998 k be granted for the expences of roads
and bridges in Scotland.
The French mail did not arrive yesterday, though
by the new regulation, and the fairnefs of the wind,
it should have been here on Thursday; it is there
fore supposed that all communication is flopped.
April 2. The guards who had been under orders
for America, are counter ordered. The guards un
der General Howe are recalled.
Extra& of a letter from Madrid, Feb. 20.
" It is at last determined that an immediate and free
trade shall be opened between Spain and the United
Provinces in America. In consequence of this treaty,
an edict has been publilhed and registered by the Su
preme Indian Council. The portsof Malaga, Cartha
ger.a, Alicant, Barcelona, Cadiz, Seville, xijou, St.
Andrew, and the port of Corogne, in Galicia, are also
to partake of the benefit arising from this treaty.
These nine ports contain the whole Spanish trade, and
are connected ,with all its provinces, and by their
means the rpeft important commerce will be opened
between this country and America. We daily expert
the news of the departure of the Cadiz fleet; al
though the destination is feerct, it is not doubted but
it is intended to join the French squadron at Brest."
Extract of a letter from Dublin, March 28.
" The outward bound vessels here are extremely
distressed for want of hands, insomuch that four
pounds per month was given yesterday for ablobo-
VERSAILLES, March 25.
A conitant correspondent informs us, that he re
ceived a letter last night from France, which strongly
intimates that their fleet is gone to America, to act in
favour of General Waihington, probably, he fays, to
block up General Howe.
HOUSE of COMMONS, April 21.
'HE house formed itfclf into a committee, in or
l der to examine the Itate of the nation. Mr.
Powis made a difeourk, in order to prove, that in the
exhausted Hate to which Britain was reduced by the
American war, the only determination was, (particu
larly at the eve of a foreign war) to conclude a peace
with the colonies. After the altonilhing refinance,
said he, that the Congress has made against our for
ces —after the incredible luccefs with which their es
forts to ihake offthc yoke has been attended, it is chi
merical to think that they will ever forlake an inde
pendence which they have eftabliihed at the expence
of so much blood and treasure. This has placed Ame
rica beyond the reach of any future minidry, who,
conducting themselves agreeable to the plan of the
present administration, might renew their efforts, in
order to reduce them to Slavery.
It would then be the greatelt' excels of folly to think
even of treating with them on any other footing than
tinrt -vfnrcMrhdcpendent States. It would, there
fore, be useless, at the expence of large sums, to fend
commissioners to them, whole too confined powers
would not permit them to treat on such conditions.
This Step would only Serve to amuse the people with a
vain hope that the Americans would return to their
obedience, whilst nothing is more distant from their
thoughts, and this kingdom bending and ready to fink
under the weight of an enormous debt, would be
overwhelmed Bill further in a necdlefs expence. In
consequence he proposed, that in order to obtain so
necefl'ary a peace, the commissioners powers should be
extended so far as to enable them to declare the Ame
ricans absolutely and fur-cver independent.
Messieurs Charles Fox and Mr. Burke Supported the
proposal, and were particularly opposed by Governor
Johnftone and Mr. Dundafs, Lord Advocate of Scot
land. The firft declared, that he had always opposed
the afts which had been palled againlf America ; but
that, when their grievances had been redrclkd, he
had obtained his end.
died seamen : last yeir the best fercmaft man required
only 30s. per month."
That the legislative power of Great-Britain has
passed a law to grant the colonies full Satisfaction ; to
defirc more would be an open rebellion, which every
true Briton ought to oppofc.
It is thus I have always thought, said he, and with
the greatest pleasure 1 find that the Larl of Chatham
is of the fame opinion. 1 have too high an opinion
of the honour, of the sentiments, and of the loyalty
of the Americans in general, to suppose that they will
defirc more than is offered to them. Our violence
has heretofore re-united in America the moderate to
the ambitious. Our moderation will now divide them.
The fame violence has heretofore disunited this king
dom, and the fame moderation will now unite us.
Our measures until now have fixed this contestation
between all America and the half of England ; but
the change now that is determined on will fix the
dispute between all England and the half of America.
And the fame Superiority that it has heretofore had
over us, we shall hereafter have over them, &c.
Mr. Dundafs, who has always been one of the mod
violent againit the colonics, convinced the house that
he had not abandoned his former sentiments ; he re
probated the motion of Mr. Powis, which at last was
rejected.
Last Turfday arrived here Capt.- —, in a snow
from Cape Francois, by whom was received a correct
lift of his Spanilh Majesty's ships and frigates ready to
fail, lying in the Bay of Cadiz, March 18, 1778, viz.
Ships of the line: First rate, one of 112 guns, fix of
8q ditto, S^ond rate ; Forty-one of 70 guns. Third
Extract of a fetter from Whitehaven March, 31.
" Yesterday morning at half past fix o'clock an ex
press arrived here from London, directed to the
Collector and Comptroller of the Customs, ordering,
that all vessels belonging to France should be detain
ed, and all clearances for any port in that kingdom
refufed. This is occasioned by information being
given to Lord Viscount Weymouth of Several Britilh
vessels being detained in the different ports of France,
by order of that court."
Dr. Franklin is the idol of Paris. All ages and sexes
join in his praise, and the ladies drive mod which Ihall
do him the kindest offices. In short, he has perpe
tuated l\is name to eternity. Happy had it been for
England if die had liilened to his advice.
The news of the recognition of the independence of
America by France, was received at the ilaguc with
every demonftratiop of joy. The States General on
ly waited the example of otherpowers, to rejoice that
the opprefl'ed Americans had ihaken oft the yoke of
bondage.
A correspondent fays, that Lord Chatham has been
applied to, to come into adminiltration at the express
request of a great personage, through the medium of
Mr. T. Pitt ; but that great statesman primarily in
lilts not only on the displacing the whole of the pre
sent cabinet, but the dillblution of the present Parlia
ment.
It is said that the declaration of war against France
will be deferred until the success of our conciliatory
measures is known.
BOSTON, June 29.
rate: Four of 64 guns, seven of 60 ditto. Friga^s^
Thirty-two from 32 to 18 guns. Xebecks: Twelve
from 30 to 12 guns. Three armed brigs, four bomb
ketches, nine packet-boats, from 14 to 16 guns, Seven
mined tenders, nine ships or Hoops of war of 18 guns,
nine ditto, conftrutted to carrry from 38 to 40 piece.;
of cannon, but have been reduced to 12. 144 fail io
all.
'We hear that a cartel is fettled, and that a general
exchange of prisoners will Speedily take place.
Extract of a letter from Nantz, dated May 19, i„g.
" The absence of your friend Mr. Williams will
prevent four receiving any letters from him by this
conveyance. He is gone to Brest to give neceflary
luppphes to the Ranger, to enable her to repair the
damage of an engagement the has had with a King's
ihip called the Drake, ot 20 guns arid 156 men, which
was lent out to take the Ranger ; they met, and after
an obstinate contest of 65 minutes, the American flag;
was triumphant. The Drake had 42 men killed
and wounded, among the former is the Captain and
firft Lieutenant. The Ranger, at the time of engag
ing, had only 123 mtn on board, 18 guns, Capt. Jones
having thinn'd his crew by prizes, 5 he took in St.
George's Channel, 3 he funk, the other two are at.
Brest, exclusive of the Drake. The Ranger had 8 kill
ed and wounded in the engagement, the Captain of
marines included among the former. Captain Jones
landed at 11 hitehaven, spiked up between 30 and 40
cannon, lit lire to the whipping, and did other damage.
I here arc now at Brest between 30 and 40 ships of the
line, exclusive of frigates, completely mann'd and
ready for sea, commanded by Count d'Arvilliers.
'I here is also a fleet of observation at Spilhcad, under
the command of Admiral Keppel: these are intended
as a check on each other ; should they meet, probably
Something of consequence may happen.".
Yerfterday afternoon arrived a velfel in five weeks
from France, by which we learn, that a fleet of 21
fail of men of war failed from Nantz on the 13th of
April, for America, with the Ambaflador on board
from the Court of France bound to Congress. We
also hear that Earl Chatham died in London the be
ginning of May.
PHILADELPHIA, %/, 14.
In CONGRESS, July 7, 1778.
Refolded unanimouJly, That the thanks of Congrt:s
be given to General Waihington for the activity with
which he marched from the camp at Valley Forge in
purluit of the enemy; for his distinguished exertions
in forming the order of battle ; and tor his great goo *
conduct in leading on the attack and gaining the im
portant victory of Monmouth, over the Britilh grand
army, under the immediate command of Lieutenant-
General Sir Henry Clinton, in their march from Phi
l&d^lphin to New-York.
Refolded, That General Waihington be directed to
fignify the thanks of Congress to the gallant officers
and men under his command, who diftinguilhed
themselves by their conduct and valour at the battle
of Monmouth. Extract from the Minutes,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec.
Early last Sunday afternoon his Excellency MOll
- Gerard, Ambaflador from his Most Chrittiaa
Majesty to the United States, arrived in this city.
H< .was accompanied from Chelter to an elegant a
partment provided for him in Markct-ltreet by a com
mittee of Congress appointed for that purpose. Ga
his entrance into the city he was saluted by Colon.!
Proctor's artillery. It is impolliblc to describe the
joy that appeared in every good man's countenance
upon this auspicious event. The frigate that brought
his Excellency to Chester, is one of a French fleeted
twelve ships of the line and several frigates, froil
Toulon, under command of the Count d'Eftaim,
which arrived last week off Chingoteague in Virginia
and being furnilhed with pilots at that place, were,
we hear, to proceed to Sandy-Ilook, from whence
we hourly expert to hear the most important intel
ligence.
„ The Hon. Mr. Dean, our late worthy Plenipoten
tiary at the court of France, arrived in the fame fri
gate with his Excellency the French Ambaflador, and
accompanied him to the city. The frigate has pall
ed one line of the chevaux de frize, and is hourly
expected up before the town.
Who would have thought, (fays a correspondent )
that the American colonies imperfectly known in Eu
rope a few years ago, and claimed by every petty
logging lawyer in the House of Commons, and ever:
cobbler in the beer-houses of London, as a part of
their property, should in the courfc of three years
of a war with Great-Britain, receive an Ambaffado.
from the most powerful monarchy in Europe.
We hear that the Roebuck, a Britilh man of war
of 44 guns, was a few days ago chafed on shore nea-
Cape Henlopen by one of the French fleet lately ar
rived on this coalt: She now lies deserted by thr
crew, they having fled into the country.
Mr. Butler, formerly an Indian agent, under Sir
William Johnson, with a considerable force, confide
ing of regular troops and Indians, have made an at
tack on the settlement at Wioming, and have dom
some mifchief, the particulars are not yet come to
hand, but there is reason to fear, that if immediate
and effectual measures are not taken to stop the pro
gress of this invalion, it will be attended with ver)
serious and diftrefling confcqucnc% o Congress have
it under their confidcratiQib