The New-York gazette, and the weekly Mercury — New-York [N.Y.], 1778-08-24 00:00:00, page 2

His Majesty's flrip Rafleur, of go guns, is
put into commission, the commandos which is
given to Capt. Penny, and she is fitting out
for , sea.
There was a time (fays a Writer on the pre
fenc situation of affairs), when France would
not have dared to take an advantage of our jn
tettine divisions, because (he was thoroughly
convinced,' that however hostile Britons might
be to each other, all animosities ceased among
them the moment a common foe appeared in
view ; all parties then joined cordially, and
vied with eacli other to humble the enemies of
their country. Very different behaviour is
now manifeft ; and to the astonishment of the
world, Englilhmen who were heretofore noted
to a.proverb, for their readiness to forget the
curses of private feuds, when danger threaten
ed the date, are now the very persons who in
vite danger, and throw such obstacles in the
way of government, as muff necessarily pre
vent it from making that exertion of its pow
ers, which is necessary not only to raise the
glory and reputation of the empire, but even
to preserve it from destruction.
June 13/ Anthony Chamier, Esq; Under
Secretary of State,' is chosen Member for
Tamworth 'without opposition, in the room of
Edward Thurlow, Esq; now Lord Chancellor.
It is again asserted, that a treaty is actually
on foot, and nearly concluded, offenfive and
defenfive, between the courts of London, Pe
terfourgh, Berlin, Stockholm, and Copenha
gen.'
On Wednesday and yesterday morning Gen.
Burgoyne was sent for to Lord Amherß,,
where they had very long conferences, said to
- be at the request of his ^Majefty.
The Hanoverians to be taken into the En
glish service are to be sent to Ireland and Mi
norca.
Orders are fenttoDeptford for his Majesty's
ship Jupiter of 50 guns, to be fitted out for
f rvice ;. die is already commissioned, and the
command giveh'to Capt. Middleton.
YeterdaV several General Officers who are
the Chief Commanders at the different en
campments now forming in different parts of
th • kingdom, were at Court, and had each a
conference with his Majesty; fame set off im
mediately for their refpedive places of desti
nation, and others will go this morning.
The French fleet is not, we are informed,
failed yet from Bred; two clean English fri
gates, one the Millford, are now waiting off
the harbor's mouth to reconnoitre their coarse
the moment they weigh anchor; so thatif they
qvrit port, an accountof them must foori arrive.
Letters received from Palis assert, that an
express had been sent from the Officer of the
marine department at Breff, to stop the failing
of the ships of war at that port till further
orders.
When his Majesty was taking a view of one
of Woolwich yards a few days since, he chan
ced to ask the question, “ What frigate is that
ndar finifhed?" He was angered that it was
the Fortune. Then, Sandwich, fays his Ma
jesty (addressing himfelf to that Lord) I must
take the liberty of appointing the Captain;
When will your Majesty please to name him?
answered his Lordship. I don't know him yet,
^replied his Majesty, but it shall be the firft
Lieutenant that does a gallant action.
The following ships from Philadelphia are
arrived at Corke, viz. the Maria, Gordon,
the Union, Hudson, the Adventure, Sims,
the Generpus Friend, Simpson, and the Ben
jamin, Roberts.
Extras of a letter from Plymouth, June 9.
“ This morning failed Admiral Byron and
Admiral Parker, with 13 fail of the line, to
the westward : they are to be joined by some
more from St. Helen's, and then proceed on
their intended expedition."
June 16. Letters from Lisbon mention, that
in case of a rupture between Great-Britain
and France, the Court of Portugal will ob
serve a Arid neutrality, and have refufed ac
knowledging the free independency of the
Americans.
Yeflerday orders were sent down from the
Admiralty-office to the Custom-house, for the
embargo that was laid on all shipping to be
immediately taken off. And it is supposed
the embargo will be taken off in all the other
ports.
On the 13th inst. in the evening failed by
Falmouth, 13 fail of large men of war, fup
bofed to be Admiral Byron's squadron.
Extract of a letter from the Hague, June 9.
" They write from Peterfburgh, that the
Ruffian troops are going to evacuate Crimea,
and that their cavalry is already recalled from
thence."
Extract of a letter from a Field officer, dated,
Coxheatb Camp, Kent, June 10.
" Our Camp is nearly formed, and will be
the completest that ever was seen in Britain;
the line, from right to left, will extend full
three miles, and be composed of ifocoe men,
and 50 pieces of artillery. We shall be im
mediately joined, I find, by the flower of the
Nobility. The Duk'e of Grafton's tent is
pitching, and his Grace will march in at the
head of his corps to-morrow. The Duke of
Devonshire, the Lords Berkley, Clive, &c.
are expected to head their regiments here in a
few days. Our whole encampment will be
complete by the 19th inlt. when we expert a
v tit from his Majesty, who will review the
whole line in person ; the ground is already
marked out for the erection of his splendid
tent and pavillion, which are now on the
read; The trades-people of the neighbour
ing places are deferring their town residence,
and are likewise encamping round us in vari
ous temporary streets. The wh@le will form
one of the most Rriking military fpe&acles
ever exhibited in this country."
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, June iz.
" Lalt night Admiral Keppel weighed an
chor with the whole fleet, between five and fix
o'clock, the wind then at south-west; but
there being but little of it, they were obliged
to come too, till this morning.
"This morning Admiral Keppel failed
from St. Helen's, with the following ships,
viz. The Vidory, of 100 guns, Admiral Kep
pel, the Queen of ^0 guns, Admiral Harland,
the Ocean of 90 guns, Admiral Palli fer, the
Sandwich of 90 guns, the Prihce George of
90 guns, the Foudroyaut, Shrewfbury,, Eg
mont, Valliant, Courageux, Rarnilies, Hec
tor, Monarcue, Elizabeth, Berwick and Cum-;
berland, of 74 guns each; the America, Ex-|
eter, Sterling Cadle, Rebuff, and Bienfaifant,|
of 64 guns each ; Arethufa frigate of 30 guns ;
Fox and Proserpine frigates; the Alert and
Meredeth armed cutters; and the Vulcan
firefhip, in the whole 27 fail; the Victory is
taken notice of particularly for her failing
very faft. The Streights fleet frill remain at
St. Helen's with the Romulus and Enter
prize."
ExtraA of a letter from Chatham, June 5.
“ The Suffolk, of 74 guns, is put into
commission, and the command given to Capt.
Duncan. The Nymph sloop of 14. guns late
ly launched from the dock-yard, is also put
into commission, and the command given
to Capt. Denne."
Extract of a letter from Hanover, June \.
“ The Electoral Regency have just received,
orders from the Court of London to make a
considerable augmentation in the troops,
namely, 21 men to each company of grena
diers, and I I men in each company of fufi
leers. In consequence of which, the emolu
ments are begun throughout the country with
great alacrity. As by means of this new
levy each regiment will be encreafed to 1000
men, it is supposed, that the British court de
signs to employ the Electoral army out of the
country. 1
June 18. A Correspondent fays, "If Spain
properly confiders her own interest; she will
not again become the dupe of France by join
ing the latter in case of a rupture between the
English and French. Let Spain retied what
a tool she was made by the latter towards the
close of their lad war with us, by imprudently
consenting to join the French, for which the
Spaniards fuffered very severely."
June 20. Ireland was in a defencelefs Rate,
but it is no longer so ; exclusive of the natio
nal establishment which has lately been com
pleted, upwards of 3000' men have been sent
over to that kingdom from Scotland; so that
if France ffiould attempt an invasion of Ire
land, and though they should be happy
enough to escape our fleet, yet they will find
the kingdom so well prepared to receive them,
that they will probably reap nothing but dis
grace from their attempt.
It was a faying of Sir Cloudefly Shovel,
" That if he thought his Cabin-boy did not
exped to be an Admiral, he should not fail
with him."
The Sally and Elizabeth, Capt. Guftan
from South-Carolina for Nantz, withrice, in
digo, and tobacco, is taken by a letter of
marque, and carried into Jersey.
Yesterday his Majesty's Order in Council
was issued for continuing the bounties of five
pounds to every able seaman, and two pounds
ten shillings to every ordinary seaman. &c.
who will enter to serve on board any of his
Majesty's ships, from the 3 ift inst. June, to the
31st day of August next.
Yesterday some difparches were received at
Lord Weymouth's office from Gen. Elliot, Go
vernor of Gibraltar, brought by the ship Lou
isa, Capt. M'Carthy, arrived at Falmouth.
June 23. It is said that government now ac
knowledge that D'Eftaing is bound for Ame
rica. but are in no concern about Lord Howe's
fafety, as an express was sent him five weeks
ago to collect his force and be upon his guard
against the Toulon squadron.
They write from Petersburg, that the Em
press of Russia, in consequence of some dis
patches received from the Court of Great-Bri
thin, had ordered the whole of the Ruffian na
vy to be put into commission, to ad if required
in conjunction with the naval force of Eng
land.
[For more London News, fee the last Page.]
From Collins's Trenton Gazette, of August 19.
BOSTO N, July 27.
The ships under the command of vice admiral Count
D'Eftaign are,
Languedoc, 90 Jantafque, 64
Tonnant, 8a Provence, 64
(tefar, 74 Valiant, 64.
Zele, 74 Saggittaire, 54.
Ne&er, 74 Chinnere, 30
Marseilles, 74 Engearte, 26
Proteftour, 74 Alemence, 26
Guerrie, 74 Arinable, 26
Besides the fleet that filed with the Count I
D'Eftaing, there are five French ships of force gone
to Virginia, with supplies of various kinds for thel
states, and designing to return to France loaded with
tobacco, &c. viz. 1 of 50 guns, 2 of 4) guns, and
2 °f 3- guns. These ships were firft under the com
mand of Beaumarchais, one of the French ministers,
noted for his affe&ion to the American cause ; and|
though they belonged to the king, came out under|
the appearance of merchantmen. This fleet it is
said is soon expected to j in the Count D'Eftaing,
and a& for a season tin ler his orders.
PROVIDENCE, August 1.
Wednesday lad, to the great joy of every good fub
je&, the flee; of his Mod Christian Majesty, the great
and wife ally of these States, commanded by Adm
ral Count DjEftaign, arrived off Point-Judith,
when a numbered pilots belonging to this town went
immediately on board, and brought them fafe to an
chor off the harbour of New-port, whereby our sav
age enemies are in their turn compleatly blockaded.
On Thursday two French ships of the line came up
the Weft fide of Conanicut, and took their stations
above the North end of that island; several shot were
fired at them as they passed, and a few returned ; the
enemy's ships which lay there got under fail on the
jnear approach of our friends, and entered Newport
hatbom by the East fi Ie of Conanicut. Their troops
soon after evacuated Conanicut, and fled to Rhode-
Island, having previously blown up the magazine,
spiked their canpun, dHhoyel the works, and let
fire 10 the barracks. The Kingfifherof 16 guns,
with two gallies, were blown up by the energy in Se
conet river, on the, approach of two other french
ships. The Borons, with their friends the tories,
are in gloat consternation ; and a few days will pro-'
* bab'y p°duceeven'is of the utmost importance.
Tie feet ba-ve brought in <5 failoj prizes, one of
them a Jbtp bound to Neiv Yok, laden \~itb ^warlike
fores among them are fix large mortars, and a quan
titj of feeds..
Ibe'Hon Major* General Sullinjan mitb bis Suite,
client on bow d the Feneb Admiral's f)ip on TburJda,
las, and jeflerda, returned to tooxn.
PHILADELPHIA, %i 5.
Yederda, m paring Ge rge Spangler was executed
on the common near this city, pursuant to the sen
tence of a general court martial, which Lit here ' lad
week. He was found guilty of frying the enemy
last winter as a spy and guide through the country.
The execution of Frederick Vennor is put off for
a few davs.
TRENTON, August 19.
We bear from Morru-Touun, that bis Excillency the
Governor, upon intelligenie that a number oj people in
Scooley Mountain bad inlifled in the .enemy s service,
bad several of them apprehended, and sent to goal.
Saturday evening an exprefsfrom, Gen. Sullivan
arrived at (Pongrefs i The accounts ace are informed
are, that on the loth infant 5000 oj our troops bad ej
feHed a landing on SEode Ifand under the command of
Generals'Sullivan and Hancock, the enemy abandoning
two redoubts On their approach, and the remainder of
our troops were crofirg.—That during this operation,
the Britifo fleet hove in fight, and Count de Efaing
bore* away in chafe oj them, leaving a fetu Frigates
to cover the pafage. That the Britons bad burnt 4
more of their frigates and a tender, ana have only one
frigate lejt at Rbode-Ifland.
An Account of the Ceremony ohferved at the ff
Audience given to Monsieur Gerard, Minfler
Plenipotentiary from the French King to the
Rebel Colonies, by their General Congress; a
Copy and TranJlation of the French King's Let
ter to them, bis Minifer's Speech in Cpngrefs,
with their Reply by the PreJident.
PHILAL/ELPHIA, August it.
LAST Thursday bein^ the day appointed by Congress
for the audience of the Sieur Gerard, Minister Ple
nipotentiary from bis mod Chriftion Majesty, that Mi
nister received audience accordingly. In pursuance of the
ceremonial established by Congrtfs, the Hon. Richard
Henry Lee, Efa; one of the delegates from Virginia, and
thehon. Samuel Adams, Esq; one of the delegates from
Muffuchufetts-Bay, in a coach and fix, provided by
Congress, waited upon the Minifler at his house. In a
few minutes the Minister and the two deUga es entered
the coach, Mr. Lee pl cing himfelf at the Minister's
left hand on the back feat, Mr. Adams occupying the
front feat; the Minister's chariot being behind, received
his Secretary. The carriages being arrrived at the State
House in this city, the two members of Congress. placing
themlelves at the Minister's left hand, a little before one
o'clock, introduced him to his chair in the Congress
chamber ; the Pr .fident and Congress fitting--the Mirifter
being seated, he gave his credentials into the hand of his
Secretary who advanced and delivered them to the Prefix
dent, T e Secretary of C note's, then read and translated
them.: which being done, Mr. Lee announced the Mini
ster to the Prefi enVan& Congress, at thi time, President,
the Congress, and the Miift-r rose together : He bowed
to the President ard the Congress ; they bowed to him :
Wheeuyon th- whole seated themselves. In a m ment,
the M nifter rose and made a fpeecb to C< ngrefs, §bey
fitting The iprech being fi^ffind, the Minister fit
down, and giving -a c>pv ot his speech to his Secretary,
he prefemed it to the President. The Pref,dent and the
Congress then rose, and the President pronounced their
answer to the speech; the Minister flanding. The an
swer being ended, the whole were again seated, and the
President giving % copy of the answer to the Secretary of
Congress, he prefmted it to the Minister. The Presi
dent, the Congreft, and Minister then again rose t get' er :
The Minister bowed to the Pefideot, who returned the
friute, and then to the Congress, who also bowed in
return : Ad the Minister having bowed to the President
and received his bow, he withdrew, and was attended
home in the fame manner in which he had been con
duced to the udience. -
Within the bar of the house, the Congress formed a
rimin' cle on each fide of the President, and the Minister :
The President fitting at one extremity of the circle, at a
table upon a platform elevated two steps, —the Minister
fitting at the opposite extremity of the circle io an arm
chair upon the fame level with the Congress The door
of the Congress chamber being thrown open, below the
bar, about 200 gentlemen were admitted to the audience,
among whom were the Vice President of the fopreme
executive council of Pennsylvania, the supreme execu
tive council, the Speaker, and members of the house of
assembly, several foreigners of distinction, and officers
of the army.
Thus has a new and noble fight been exhibited in this
new world---tbe representatives of the united states of
America, folemraly giving public audience to a Minister
Plenipotentiary from the most powerful Prince in Europe.
7 Four years ago such an event, at so near a day, was not in
the view even of imagination : But it is the Almighty who
raifeth up; he hath Carioned America among the powers
of the earth, and eloathed her in robes of sovereignty.
The rpdience bring over, the Congerri and the Minister
at a proper hour, repaired to an entertainment by Con
gress given to the Minister; at which were present by
invitation, several foreigners of diftinaion, and gentle
men of public charader. The entertainment was con
du&ed with a decorum suited to the occasion; and gaye
perfect fatisfaaion to the whole company.
In CONGRES S, August 6, 1778.
According to order the hon. the Sieur Gerard being in
troduced to an audience by the two members for that pur
pose appointed, and being seated in his chair, his Secretary
delivered to the President a letter from his molt Christian
Mj-fty, which was read in the words following:
Eery 'Dear Great Friends and Allies,
THE treaties which we have signed with you, in con
fcqurnce of the proposals your Oommiffioners made
to usin your behalf, are a certain assurance of our afFeaion
for the United States In general and for each of them in
particular, as well as of the interest we take, and con
stantly shall take, in their happiness and prosperity. It
is to convince you more particularly of this, that we have
nominated the Sieur Gerard, Secretary of our Council of
State, to reside among you in the quality of our Minister
Plenipotentiary ; he is the better acquainted with our
sentiments toward you, and the more capable of teftify
ing the fame to you, as he was entrusted on < ur part to
negotiate with your Commissioners, and signed with them
the treaties which cement our union. We pray you to
give full credit to all he shall communicate to you from
us, more especially when be shall aflure you of our
affection and constant friendship for you, We pray God,
very dear great Friends and Allies, to have you in his
hoty keeping. Your good Friend and Ally, (Signed)
Verfiilles, 28th March, 1778. LOUIS.
(Under-fened) Gravier de Vergennes.
(Deeded)
To our very Dear Great Friends the Prefdent and Members
of the General Congress of Horib-A^rioa, 4
The Minister was then announced to the President ^nd
the Hobfe, whereupon he a rose and addrelfed Congress in
a speech, which when he had finished, his Secretary delG
vered the f m^ in writing to the President, as; follows :
Gentlemen,
THE connedtiorf formed by the King my raafcr with
the United States of America, i: so agreeable to
him, that he could no longer delay lending me to reside
amongyou for the purpose cf cementing ir. It will give
his Majesty greatfatisfaaion to learn that the fdntiments
which nave shone forth on this o cifion, juftify that con
fidence with which he hath been inspired by the z^al ar d
character of the Cemmiffioners of the United States hi
France, the wisdom and fortitude which have directed
the resolutions of Congress, and the courage and perfr
verance of the people they represent, a confidence which
you know, Gentlemen, has been the basis of that truly
amicable and disinterested system, on which he hath
treated with the United States.
It is not his Majesty's fault that the engagements he
,hath entered into did not establish your independence and
• repefe without -the further effufion of blood, and with
out aggravating the calamities of mankind, whose hap
piness it is his highest ambition to promote and fecure^
But since the hostile measures and designs of the 6oram< n
enemy have given to engagements purely eventual, an im
mediate, positive, permanent qnd indissoluble force, it
is the opinion of the K ng my master, that the allies
should turn their whole attention to fulfil those engage
ments in the manner most ufeful to the common cause,
ami best calculated to obtain that- peace which is the
obj a of the alliance.
Itis upon this principle his Majesty hath hastened to
fend you a powerful assistance which you owe only to his
friendship, to the Sincere regard he has ' for every thing
which relates to the advantage of the United States, and
to his dfie of contributing with efficacy to establish your
rrpofe and prosperity upon an honourable and solid foun
dation, # And further it is his expectation that the prin
ciples which may be adopted by the refpedive govern
ments, will tend to strengthen those bonds of union,
which have originated in the mutual intcreft of the two
rations.
The principles object of inftru&ons is to connect the
interests of France with those of the United States. I
flatter myfelf, Gentlemen, that my past conduct in the
affairs, which concern them, hath already convinced you
of thedetermination I feel to endeavour to obey my in
ftru&ions in such manner as to deserve the confidence of
Congress, the friebdihip of its members, and the efieem
of the citizens of America.
GERARD.
To which the Prefdent was pleased to return the fol.
lowing ANSWE R:
SIR,
THE treaties between his most Christian Majesty and
the United States of America, so fully demonstrate
his wjfdgm and magnanimity as to command thereverence
of all nations. The virtuous citizens of America in
particular, can never forget his beneficent attention to
their violated rights ; nor cease to acknowledge the hand
of a gracious providence in railing them up so powerful and
illustrious a friend. It is the hope and opinion of Con
gress, that the confidence his Majesty reposes in the firm
nefs of these states, will receive additional strength from
every day's experience.
This assembly are convinced, Sir, that had it rested
solely with the most Christian King, not only the Inde
pendence of these states would have been uuiverfally ac
knowledged, but their tranquility fully eftablilhed. We
lament that lust of domination, which gave birth to the
present war, and hath prolonged and extended the mife ice
of mankind. We ardently with to sheath the sword and
spare the farther effufion of blood; but we are determi
ned, by every means in our power, to fulfil those eventual
engagements which have acquired pofi ive arid permanent
force from the hostile designs and measures of the common
enemy.
Congress have reason to believe, that the affiftarice so
wifely and generously sent, will bring Great Britain to a
sense of justice ard moderation, promote the common
interests of Franc: arid Am rica, and fecute peace and tran
quility on the most firm and hon. foundation. Neither
can it be doubted, that those, who administer the powers
of government within the several States of this Union,
will cement that connexion with the fubjecls of France,
the beneficial effects of which have already been so sensibly
felt.
Sir, from the experience we have had of your exertions
to promote the true interests of our country as well as
your own, it is with the highest fatisfaaion Congress re
ceive, as the firft Minister from his most Christian Ma
jc^y, a gentleman, whose past conduct affords a happy
presage, that he will merit the confidence of this body,
the friendship of its members, and the esteem of the ci
tizens of America.
In Congress,
HENRY LAURENS, President.
August 6, 1778.
The Secretary of Congress them delivered to the Mini
ster a copy cf the foregoing reply, signed as above;
whereupon the Minister withdrew, and was conduaed
home in the manner in which he was brought to the
House. Extras from the Minutes,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.
•,sssls^4^^*4^4'*^^
To-morrow, at the Coffee house, will be fold.
The prize sloop Industry,
BURTHEN about 60 tons, condemned
prize to the Tryon, Capt. Squires, now
laying near Brownejohn's wharff. Inventory
to be seen at Templeton and Stewart's office.
To be SO LD,
SUNDRY articles of wearing apparel, an
horse, saddle and bridle, with other ef
feds, the property of a gentleman of the navy,
lately deceased.
Just in p rted jin the ship Tom, James Hafstam, matter,
from St. Vincents, and to be fold on board, by
WILLIAM BIRD,
RUM, mufeovado sugar, coffee, cocoa, and a few
pipes of Weft India wine, which have been three
years from Madeira ; he has also funiry packages of Bri
ti/h manufactured goods, cenfifting of checks, linens,
hose, ozenbrigs, hats, fadlery, g4afs ware, &c. which
will be fold on very reasonable terms by the invoice.
To be fold at public auction,
On Thursday next, at the merchant's coffee 9
house, at i o'clock,
The brig LITCHFIELD,
By order cf the court of vice admiralty foe
'the province of New-York.
THOMAS LUDLOW, j un . Marshal.
For COR K,
JlBtK The Snow DIANA,
John Pym, Maser;
A NEW veird, built tor a yateb,
,A has five state rooms, fails per
haps fafter than any Arp in the har
bour ; is ready in a set of ballast for the very firft op
portunity. For passage apply to the captain, near the
crane, or Rr.be t Thompson, No. 908, Watrr-ftreet.
LAST Friday afternoon, a black leather pocket boo'
containing sundry papers of no value to any pe\
but the right owner. Whoever brings the said p^cc^
book to Hugh Gaine, shall receive One Guinea re ^% :
and no questions a(ked,