The royal gazette — [Charleston] S.C., 1782-03-30 00:00:00, page 2

1 he mips armed en flute likewise retKrned'difmafted.
Extras of a letter from the Hague, January 11.
" The different Colleges of Admiralty have delivered in
their reports upon the question of, What 13 the cause that the
fitting out of men of war has hitherto gone on so slowly ? and
they all agree that they have used all poflible means for the
defence of the country, and the protection of the trade and
navigation of the Republick, but that from the great expence
of putting some of the dock-yards into repair, and the want
of ship-building materials, the equipment of the men of war
Jias not gone on so faft as could have been wished ; add to
which, that since the year 1740, the marine has been fuffcred
to decline without vigorous measures being taken for its re
eftabtifhment, which, together with the prefect want of ship
wrights and sailors, occasions the actual weakness of the marine
of this Republick."
January 26. Last night an express arrived at the Admiralty
from Portsmouth, with advice from the Surpr ze frigate, of
28 guns, Capt. Reeve, being arrived at that place, with part
of the Lisbon fleet. Off Cape Finifterre she captured a large
French transport of 6co tons burthen, laden with provTions,
and stores for the Weft^ndies, which she left with the Danae
frigate.
Some letters arrived yesterday by express from Bristol, men
tion the arrival of a ship at King Road from Gibraltar: she is
called the Harriet (or Henrietta) is a transport, and is said to
have failed from thence the 30th of last month. Nothing new
tad then happened. The Spaniards fecm to have felt fe'vercly
the consequence of General Elliot's sally, the destruction of
their works, &c. The garrison at St. Roche decreased dai
ly, and it was said those which remain are very sickly, though
they keep every thing as secret as possible. The cutters that
failed from England the lat ter end of November had rot arrived.
The gun-boats do not come out so much as before, their num
ber decreased. The Harriet came away in the evening with
out molestation.
Extras of a letter from Amferdam, January 14,
“ We have about forty fail of merchant ihips nearly laden
with all kinds of warlike stores at this place, and a convoy is
appointed to fail with them the latter end of this month, but
whither bound is not known ; it is imagined they are for France,
where they are greatly distressed for stores since the difpertion
and return oftheir last fleet.
“ On the 12th three of our frigates put into the Text! in a
Mattered condition, haring loft all their malls, &c. in a gale
of wind. They had been out fix weeks, but had taken no
prizes."
Upon a calculation lately made, it appears that the Liverpool
and Bristol privateers only have taken this war, ihipping and
merchandize ofthe enemy tothc amount 0f6,000,c001. flerling.
ExtraS of a letter from Dublin, Jaguar, 19.
<• Yesterday, at the General Quarter Assembly ofthe Lord
Mayor, Aldermen, Sheriffs, and Commons, held at the Thol
fel, the freedom of this city was voted to Lord Rawdon, in
consideration of his intrepid and gallant behaviour as a Soldier
and Commander in defence of his country, and in testimony
of the refped and regard which the metropolis of Ireland re
tains for military prowess, when exerted with virtue and cou
rage."
Advice is received at Lloyd's, that the whole ofthe last fleet
which failed from Portsmouth were fafc arrived at Operto with
the convoy.
Yesterday morning General Arnold paid his firft visit to Lord
North, and was in conference for upwards of two hours.
Copy °f a letter written by General Murray, Gorernour of Mi
norca, to the Duke de Crillon, Commander in Chief of the
Spanish forces at Mahon.
“SI R, Fort St. Philip's, OBober 16, 1781.
“ WHEN your brave ancestor was desired by his Sovereign
to assassinate the Duke de Guise, he returned the answer which
you should have done when the King ofSpain charged you to at
faffinate the character of a man whose birth is as illustrious as
your own, or that of the Duke de Guise. I can have no fur
ther communication with you but in arms. If you have any
humanity, pray fend eloathing to your unfortunate prisoners in
my possession; leave it at a diflance to be taken up for them,
because I will admit of no contact for the future, but such as
is hostile in the most inveterate degree. I am, Sir your obe
dient humble servant, JAMES MURRAY.
“ P. S. Your soldiers do not a& with that honour they
mould do, they having attempted to corrupt one of my drum
mers yellerday, who was at your firft post."
Answer from the Duke de Crillon.
“S I R, Mahon, October 16, 1781.
“ Your letter places us each in our proper Rations; it con
firms me in the esteem I have always had for you. I accept
with pleasure your last proposition, and am your Excellency's
, most humble and obedient servant,
B. B. DUC df CRILLON.
“ Your drummer should not have mixed himfclf with the
soldiers from my firft post; I shall give orders to punifli thole
who have committed tie offence you complain of. I fend the
cloaths for the prisoners in your possession.
B. B. DUC DE CRILLON.
London, fan. 30. The ikilful and effectual deftruftion of bat
teries at Minorca, by General Murray, is highly spoken of in
a letter from agentleman arrived at Plymouth from the Medi
terranean. A battery ofthe Spaniards, erected near Stanhope's
Tower, on an eminence, bad been silenced in so Ihort a time
that some deserters said their officers had exprefled their utmost
astonishment on the occasion.
Much about the fame time the breast-work of another bat
tery of the enemy, thrown up for cover, was also attacked
with such vigour by the brave Governour, that they were to
tally dislodged from it, and many of them killed.
We are told by letters from Brest, that the loss of trans
ports, foundered and taken, together with the damages which
many of the men of war have sustained, cannot be reckoned
at less than a million fterliug. They further add, that it will
be impossible to prepare many of the (hips for fca again in less
than a month or fix weeks at soonest.
A letter received on Monday fron. an English merchant in
Holland, among other matters, mentions, “ That the French
fadion are very much disheartened at the deftiu&ion and re
turn of the Brest fleet into port. The stores, ammunition &c.
which were shipped on board that armament had been eight
months in collecting : two Dutch houses had a vast property
on board, partly purchased by the Court of France, but the
greatest part voluntary ventures, in conjunction with some
honfes in that kingdom, who consequently are great fuflerers;
two thirds of these ventures not being insured."
January 31. Yesterday the H<\ife of Peers met for the firft
time since the adjournment for the Christmas recefj. As soon
as prayers were over, the house was upon motion, adjourned
to this day.
Extract of a letter f. om Paris, January it.
“ We have letters in town from Bieft, from feme ofthe
officers of the fleet just returned to that port; but the writers
are very referred, M. de la Mothe Piquet fays, that his flip
The following aeeOEpt of th e French fleet was handed about
yesterday at the Weft-end of the town.
Transports.
Sailed 65
Returned -• 30
Miffing - - 20
Taken - - 15
iMen of qcar.
Sailed - - - 19
Returned -- - 17
I Miffing - - - 2
The right wing ofthe army being composed ofthe flank bat
talion, under the command of Major Majorbanks, having
reputed and drove every thing that attacked them, made a ra
pid move to thcirleft, and attacked the enemy in flank; upon
which they gave way in all quarters, leaving behind them two
brass fix pounders, and upwards of 200 lulled on the field of
action, and sixty taken prisoners, amongst whom is Colonel
Washington ; and, from every information, about 800 wound
ed, altho' they contrived to carry them off during the action.
'I he enemy retired with great precipitation to a strong situa
tion, about seven miles from the field of action, leaving their
cavalry to cover their retreat. The glory of the day would
have been more compleat had not the want of cavalry preven
ted me from taking the advantage which the gallantry of my
infantry threw in my way.
I omitted to inform your Lord ship, in its proper place, <f
the army's having for some time been much in want of bread,
there being no old corn or mills riear me. I was therefore un
derthe necessity of fending out rooting parties-from each corps,
under an officer, to collcft potatoes every morning at day
break ; and unfortunately that of the flank battalion and buffs,
having gone too far in front, Lll into the enemy's hands be
fore the adion began, which not only weakened my line, but
increased their number of prisoners.
Since the action our time has been employed in taking care
of the wounded; and finding that the enemy have no intention
to make a second attack, I have determined to cover the wound
ed as far as Monk's-corner with the army.
My particular thanks are due to Lieutenant-Colonel Cru
ger, who commanded the front line, for his conduct and gal
lantry during the action; and to Lieutenant-Colonel Allen,
Majors Dawson, Stewart, Sheridan, and Coffin, and to Cap
tains Kelly and Campbell, commanding the different corps and
detachments; and every other officer and soldier fulfilled the
separate duties of their Rations with great gallantry: but to
Major Maijoribanks, and the flank battalion under his com
mand, I think the honour of the day is greatly due. My warm
est praise is due to Capt. Barry, Deputy-Adjutant General,
Major -Brigade Coxon, Lieutenant Ranken, Assistant Quarter-
Whitehall, February 2, 1,82.
Extras of a letter from Sir H nry Clinton to the Right Hon.
Lord G forge Germain, one of bis Majeflc's Principal Secre
taries of State, dated New-York, December IT, 1781.
I HAVE the honour to inclofe the copy of a letter, from
Ticutenant-Colonel Stewart to Earl Cornwallis, with its inclo
fures, dated September the 9th, the day after the action at
Eutaw Springs.
ExiraS of a letter from Tieutenant-Colonel Stewart to Earl
C rnwallis, dated Eutaw, September 9, 1781.
My I, ord,
WITH particular fatisfadtion I have the honour to inform
your Lordship, that on the Bth instant I was attacked by the
rebel General Greene with all the force he could collect in this
province and North-Carolina; and, after an obstinate engage
ment, which Lifted ncartwo hours, I totally defeated him and
took 2 fix pounders.
Soon after I had the honour of Writing your Lordship from
Thomson's, I received information of Greene's having moved
with the rebel army towards Camden, and eroded the Waterce
near that place; and, from the belt intelligence I could cel
led, was on his inarch to Friday's Ferry on the Corgarees.
The army under my command being much in want of neces
saries, and there being at the fame time a convoy with provr
hons on the much from Charleftown, which would have ne
ceflarily obliged me to make a detachment of at least 400 men
(which at that time I could ill afford, the army being much
weakened by sickness) to meet the convoy at Martin's, 36
miles from my camp; the distance being f) great, a fmalbr
escort was liable to fall by the enemy's cavalry, which are very
numerous.
I therefore thought it advifeable to retire by flow marches to
the Eutaws, where I might have an opportunity of receiving
my supplies, and disencumber myfclf ofthe sick, without riik
ing my escorts, or fuffer myfclf to be attacked at a difadvara
tage, should the enemy have crossed the Congaree.
Notwithstanding every exertion being made to gain intelli
gence of the enemy's situation, they rendered it impossible,
by way-laying the by paths and panes through the different
iwamps; and even detained different flags of truce which I had
sent on publick business on both tides.
About fix o'clock in the morning I received intelligence by
two deserters, who left Geric'd Greene's camp the preceed
ing evening about seven miles from this place: and, from their
report, the rebel army consisted of near 4000 men, with a nu
merous body of cavalry, and four pieces of cannon.
In the mean time I received information by Major Coffin,
whom I had previoufi^ detached with 140 infantry and 50 ca
valry, in older to gain intelligence of the enemy, that they ap
peared in force in his front, then about four miles from my
camp.
Finding the enemy in force so near me, I determined to
fight them, as from their numerous cavalry a retreat seemed
to me to be attended with dangerous conftquenccs; I imme
diately formed the line of battle, with the right ofthe army to
the Eutaw branch, and its left crossing the road leading to
Roache's plantation, leaving a corps on a commanding situa
tion to cover the Charleftown road, and to aft occasionally as
a reserve.
About nine o'clock the a&ion began on the right, and soon
after became general.
Knowing that the enemy were much Superior in numbers,
a . n '{ nt the fame time finding that they attacked with their mili
tia in front, induced me not to alter my petition unlifs I saw
a certain advantage to be gained by it : for by moving forwards
I exposed both fianksof the army to the enemy's cavalry, which
I saw ready formed to take that advantage, particularly on the
left, which obliged me to move the reserve to support it.
By some unknown mistake the left of the line advanced,
and drove their militia and North-Carolinians before them;
but unexpectedly finding the Virginian and Maryland lines rea
dy formed, and at the fame time receiving a heavy fire, occa
sioned some confufion. It was therefore necessary to retire a
little distance, to an open field, in order to form, which was
instantly done, under cover of a heavy and well directed fire,
from a detachment of New-Yorlc volunteers under the com
mand of Major Sheridan, whom I had previously ordered to
take post in the house, to check the enemy should they attempt
to pass it.
The action was renewed with great spirit; but I was sorry
to find that a three-pounder, polled on the road leading to
Roache's, had been disabled, and could not be brought off
when the left of the line retired.
will be fit for feain a foi bight, And rA^yothe/s will b:lmpair
ed nearly about the fame time; ^nd though it should be found
neceflary to lay up one or two ships of the line belonging to
Compte de Guichen's fleet, they may be speedily replaced by
the Protedeur, which is just come out cf dock, and the Puif-
Lnt, that is fitting oat at L'Orient; fa th it in about a fort
night's time Compte de Gutchen will have as fine and as nu
merous a fleet ready for sea, as that which was lately forced
back or dispersed by tempests. But it will require more than
fix weeks to get ready the transports, and that quantity of pro
visions and military stores necessary for a great expedition.'
Yesterday evening an express arrived from Bombay.
There are private lettsrs in town from India, anouncing the
fafc arrival of the last fleet, which failed from hence the latter
end of summer.
PROMOTION S.
War-Office, famar, 12, 1782.
6th Regiment Dragoons. Cornet Francis Philip Bedingfield,
of 19th Dragoons, is appointed,to be Cornet, vice Charles
Richard Vaughan.
11th Regiment Dragoons. John Rocke, Clerk, to be Chap
lain, vice Francis Leighton ; Cornet William Trevelian to
be Adjutant, vice William Richards.
16th Regiment Dragoons. Ensign Patrick Lcefon, of 62d
Foot, to be Cornet, Vice George Mason.
19th Regiment Dragoons. Cornet Charles Richard Vaughan,-
of 6th Dragoons, to be Cornet, vice Francis Philip Boding*
field.
It is said that Gen. Arnold is shortly to return back to Ame
rica, and to have the command of the Loyalists, a profccution
of the war having been determined upon.
Extras of a letter from Plymouth, February 1.
“ Wednesday, Jan. 30. Camein from the island of St. He
lena, the Jason, Capt. Pigott; she parted from Commodore
Johnstone's fleet in a ga ! e of wind offScilly, last Sunday. The
Brilliant and Prime Indiamen were with them; the latter very
leAky. Tie people of the Jason fay, that the Brilliant was a
head of them, feudding up Channel, under her bare poles,
and furpofe she here away for Portsmouth. The Jason brought
home bars of gold, to the amount 0650,000!. part of the cargo
of one of the Indiamcn, prize to the fleet.
“ The Dmdalus captured off the Bolt yesterday a lugger
privateer, of ten guns."
By a bomb-ketch of Commodore Johnftone's squadron, ar
rived at Plymouth, we are informed that She parted with the
rest of the fleet in a hard gale of wind on the 26th of January,
and saw some of them again on the 27th, but on the 28th she
loft fight of them entirely in another feverc gale; but brings
infornration ofthe Hannibal having captured two of Mons. Vau
dreuil's transports, one of them carrying 22 guns, and deeply
laden with very valuable stores.
Besides the prizes taken at the Cape, we have it from good
authority that Commodore Johnftone has likewise captured a
large Spanish vessel of considerable force, having on board to
the amount of 50,0001. in Specie, independent of an immense
cargo of other valuable articles, chiefly warlike Stores.
February 7. By a letter from Portsmouth we hear that Sir
Richard Bickerton, with the fleet for India, was under wegh,
and, as the wind was fair, it was supposed they would not
come to at St. Helen's, but make the belt of their way.
Extract of a letter from Plymouth, Febri ary 3.
" At nine A. M. three fail of large Ships appeared in the
offing, beating into the Sound. At eleven A. M. the tvo
headmoft palled through the Sound, and went immediately
up Hamoaze; the fternmof lbeing a heavy fail r, and wind
Shifting Suddenly to S. S. Weft came to in the Sound, and an
chored, to the great fitisfaflion of every one here ; they proved
to be the Belmont and Prime, homeward-bound Ealt-India
men, and a navy victualler, from St Helena. They were all
in such distress with hard working and fatigue at the pumps,
that the ships of war were obliged to fend men on board to
move them, and furl the fails, as they had not one fourth of
their crews capable of doing duty. The Indiamen are very
leaky, and have been in great danger of foundering, as they
drained very much, and made a great quantity of water in
their hold. They parted company with Commodore John-
Rone's prizes last Sunday, in a dreadful gale of wind, and
have been beating about the Channel ever since."
This day it was reported on 'Change, that Commodore
Johefton, with four Dutch pri =es, is fafe arrived at Falmouth.
The flips sent on to India by Commodore Johnftone took a
new French frigate and a transport, of between seven and tight .
hundred tons burthen, with a most valuable and marketable
cargo on board.
Extras of a letter from Dunkirk.
“ The fleet at Brest were so distressed for hands, before
they failed in December, that almost all the privateers wgro
obliged to be laid tip in harbour for want of the seamen which
had been taken up for the Service of Government. At present
,we have not fix veSfels that can put to sea. This is the case at
St. Maloes, and almost every port upon the coast. Our suc
cess upon the Irish coast was very great at the beginning of the
last year, but so many of our letters of marque have since been
taken, as almost to difeourage all future undertakings."
We are informed that Welbore Ellis, Esq; is to be Secretary
of State for the American department, in the room of Lora
George Germaine, who goes up to the House of Peers with
the title of Viscount Sackville, Baron Drayton, of Drayton.
Accounts are received at the India-house of the death of the
Right Honourable Kenneth M'Kenzie, Earl of Seaforth, Co,
lonel of the 78th Regiment of Highlanders. Hi Lordship
died at scathe latter end of August, on his passage to India.
Mafter-Gtneral, and to Acting Major 0? Brigade Boorback
for the great assistance they rendered me during the day. '
I hope, my Lord, when it is considered such a handful of
men, attacked by the 1 nited force of Generals Greene, Sump
ter, Marion, Sumner, and Pickens, and the legi ns of Colt
riels Lee and Washington, driving them from the field of ba
tie, and taking the only two fix pounders they bad, defers
some merit.
Inclofed I'3 the return of the killed, wounded, and miffin
of his Majesty's troops.'
From the number of corps and detachments which appe<
to have been engaged, it may be supposed our force great
but your Lordship will plcafe to observe, that the army w.
much reduced by sickness, and otherwise. I hope your Lor<
ship will excuse any inaccuracy that may be in this letter as
have been a good deal indisposed by a wound which I receive
in my left elbow, which, though flight, from its situation 1
troublesome. It will give me molt Singular pleasure if my con
dud meets with the approbation of his Maiefty, that of vnnr
Lordship and my country.
[ The returns of the billed, wounded and niffng, will b e ^h^
in our next publication. ]
London, February 5. Late on Saturday night, Lieut. Sera
cold, of his Majesty's ship the Jason, Capt. Pigot, arrived at
the Admiralty with an account of that ship being come to an
anchor in Plymouth Sound. She failed in company with the
Romney from St. Helena on the 2d of November last, taking
under convoy, for Eng and, two homeward-bound Eaft-India
men, five Dutch India Ships, prizes to Commodore Johnftoiie'&
squadron, and three armed victuallers. The Jason parted from
the Romney and the convoy on the night ofthe 26th of January
in a hard gale in lat. 49. 30. long. 18.8; on die succeeding da,
flie fell in with the Prime, one of the English India ships, with
which she kept company till the 28th, when they separated at
the entrance of the Channel. One of our Indiamen in the
above convoy was in So leaky and disabled a flare, that it is ex
petted most of her cargo will be loft ; and it is even feared the
ihip will not reach England.
This convoy failed from St. Helena, in consequence of the
orders of Commodore Johrfione, who, previous to their de+
parture, removed his broad pendant into the Diana: they were
overtaken on their way to 1 urope by the Commodore, who,
on parting company, acquainted them that it was his intention
to proceed to Lisbon.
At the some time a packet, dated at St. Helena, from Com
modore J< hnftone, was received at the Earl of liillfborough'a
office, containing the particulars of his cruize since his last ad
vices.