The New-York gazette, and the weekly Mercury — New-York [N.Y.], 1778-04-13 00:00:00, page 5

Charleftown, (South-Carolina) Jan. 29.
ON Thursday the \yh infant, a little
after four o'clock in the morning, a fire
was difco%ered in the bake-house of one
Moore, at the north end of Unicorn
flreet. The alarm being immediately given, a
number of people with the engines, &c. was soon
assembled, but the wind blowing frefh at N. N. E.
drove the fames with an impetuosity that could not
be checked. The fire was so rapid in its progress,
that before twelve o'clock it had entirely defrayed
all Union freet; the south fide of Qieen-freet from
Mrs. Doyley's house to the Bay-.-greatest part of
Chalker's Alley-—all the Bay, except 15 houses,
from Qieen-freet to Granville's Baflion—the north
fide of Broad-street from Mr. Thomas Smith'rhoufe
to the Bay ; the foutb fide of the fame from Mr.
Sarrazin's to Mr. Guerard's house-all Gadjden s
alley---Elliot-street, excepting two houses-— Bedon's
alley—the east fide of Church-street from Broad
freet to Stoll's alley, excepting five 1 elements— and
the whole of Tradd-freet to the eastward of
Church-street. The crackling of the fame-— the
dreadful columns of smoke, bearing with them my
riads of large fiery fakes, which fell in all parts
of the town lying i* the direction of the wind—the
roar of expofitons—the craft of falling houses--the
forieks of unhappy fufferers—the horror painted in
every countenance-—the confufion apparent every
where-—and detecting the infamous wretches (and
they were not afew) who availed themselves of the
opportunity to pilfer—-altogether formed one of the
mos dismal scenes of woe and diflrejs that can pof-
Jibly be conceived. Much praise is due to the offi
cers and soldiers quartered in town, who afforded
every affiance in their power to the inhabitants ;
and it was chiefly owing to their extraordinary ex
ertions, that the houfis at thefouth end of the Bay
were preferred, Capt. Biddle, with a party of
bis crew also affifed, as did mos of the makers
and Jailors belonging to other vfels in harbour,
and were of fngular service. Thefre did not pro
ceed any farther after 12 o'clock on the 15th, but
it is not yet entirely extinguished.
The number of dwelling-houses defrayed, exclu
fue of fores and out-houses, is upwards of 250.
The quantity of merchandize and furniture lof is
very confdurable. The whole loss, by the mos mo
derate computation, exceeds three millions of dol
lars : Many are of opinion it exceeds a million fer
ling. The number of lives loft is not so great as
was at frf apprehended : We have not heard of
more than fix, some of whom were Negroos.
The Charleflown Library Society's valuable col
leftion of books, infruments and apparatus for as
tronomical and philosophical obfer uations and expe
riments, ^c. &c. being unfortunately placed in a
boufe, in the neighbourhood of that in whitb the
fire broke out, is almof entirely, loft.
In the evening of the igth, publick notice was
given to all those who were at a loss for lodgings
and victuals, that both were provided for them,
at the publick expence, in the several publick build
ings ; and on the 16th the General dffembly voted
20,000/. for the immediate relief of the fufferers.
Our f/ler State of Georgia has remembered us
in the hour of our difrefs : Their Assembly has
generously voted 10,000 dollars for the unfortunate
Jufferers.
NEWBERN, (North Carolina) Feb. 13.
On Sunday last arrived here from the island
of Providence, Mr. Wright Stanley, who was
lately taken in the Letter of Marque sloop the
Lydia, belonging to this port, and carried to
Jamaica, where all the Americans that arc
taken are confined till they can be lent to
England, but Mr. Stanley, with several Cap
tains of vessels, were fortunate enough to make
their escape to Providence.
Mr, Stanley, who himfelf, with Captains
Cochran, Annibal, Moor, and some others
arrived with him, were in the action, bring a
very particular account of the taking the forts
on the said inland of Providence, and cutting
out of the harbour seven fail of vessels, one a
very large Jamaica ship richly laden, with
only a single privateer, and about 60 or 70
Americans. The account is as follows :
About it o'clock at night, on the 27th of
January, the continental sloop of war Provi
dence, mounting twelve four pounders, car
rying 50 men, commanded by John Pech Rath
burne, landed 25 of her crew under the com
mand of his Captain of marines on the island
of New-Providence. They werejoined by 18
or 20 Americans, who had been made prisoners
The N EW-YORKGAZETTE,
And, WEEK LY MERCURY,
EX TRAORDINA R Y.
From REBEL PAPERS.
Printed by H. GAINE, in Hanoyer-Square.----Given to the Subferibers. gratis,
W EDNESDA Y, April 8, r 7 78.
In pursuance of orders from his Excellency, the
Commander in Chief, a General Court Martial was
held at this place, when Henry Manfi 1 (who con
feffed himfelf an officer in the British aimy) and
Wendel Myer, an inhabitant of this county, were
brought before the Court and charged with being
spies, carrying on a traitorous correspondence and
supplying the [enemy with horses, &c. The Court,
after a fair and candid trial, which lasted some days,
and every opportunity given ,0 them to make their
defence, found them guilty, and unanimously sen
tenced them to fuffer death : In consequence of
which, they were on Monday last executed near this
town, amidst a very numerous concourse of fpe&a
tors.--The unhappy wretches before their execution,
acknowledged the justice of their sentence, and died
fully convinced of the heineoufnefs of their offence.
They took possession of Fort Nassau, with
the cannon, ammunition, and 300 hand of
small arms. A ship mounting i6guns,4s men)
Johnson, commander, with rum, sugar, and
coffee, from Jamaica to New-York, lay there
in the road, as also five vessels captured by the
privateer sloop Gayton, Capt. Chalmers, of
Jamaica, and sent in there for condemnation.
At day break four men were sent on board
the 16 gun ship to take possession and fend the
officers and crew into the fort, the command
ing officer being shewn the 13 stripes hoisted in
the fort, and informed that it was then in the
hands of the Americans, who would finl< the
ship if the order was not immediately complied
with, thought proper to submit, they were
carried to the fort and there put in irons. Other
parties were sent to take possession of the five
prizes, which they soon effected, and secured
their prize masters in the fame manner.
This being done, a party marched to the
Governor's and demanded the keys of the east
ern fort, which after being informed what had
happened (it being then only fun-rife) he de
livered: They took possession of that fort also,
removed some powder and final! arms, spiked
up the cannon and returned to Fort-Nassau.
All this was effected by ten o'clock, by
which time the inhabitants were in the utmost
surprise and confufion, and were removing
their effe&s out of towh, but were informed
by the Americans that they did not intend to
molest the person or property of any inhabi
tantof the island, unless reduced to the ne
cessity in their own defence.
About 12 o'clock a motley ttw of negroes,
mulattoes, and whites, to the number of 150
or zoo, appeared armed, and threatened to
attack the fort, but on being told that if they
presumed to fire a gun, the town should be
laid in allies; and feeing preparations for that
purpose, they dispersed.
T'se Providence now came into the road,
and anchored near the ship, and very soon
after the Gayton also appeared. Continental
colours were immediately struck, and the
guns, on board the Providence hoofed, in
hopes the Gayton would come to an anchor,
but signals being given by a number of per
sons from the beach and hills adjacent, she
tacked and flood off, on which the fort began
to play on her with eighteen pounders, from
which flie received considerable damage, but
under cover of the night made her escape.
No attack was made this night on the fort,
but next day by three o'clock two bodies of
men, confining of about 500, with several
pieces of cannon, marched within fight of
the fort, and summoned it to surrender, or
that they should give no quarter. The garri
son nailed the colours to the flag-ftaff, in the
presence of the messengers, cutaway the hal
liards, and returned for answer, that they
would not surrender while a man survived.
Until twelve at night the garrison expefted
to be attacked, but their enemy being more
disposed to deep than fight, retired to rest.
Next morning early the prizes were man
ned, the guns of the fort spiked, the ammu
nition and small arms carried on board the pri
vateer, and the whole garrison with their pri
soners embarked, and put to sea. Two of
the prizes being of little value, were set on
fire, the rest flood for New-England, except a
sloop called the Tryall, which on the yth In
stant fafely arrived here with Captains Moor,
Cochran, Annibal, Mr. Stanley, and some
others belonging to this place.
on board different flhips of war, and made
their escape from Jamaica and were there
waiting for opportunities to their refpeftive
homes.
LANCAST ER, March 18.
The Supreme Court of this State, and the Courts
of Common Pleas and General Quarter Sessions of
the Peace for Middlesex county, are appointed to be
held at New-Brunswick, on the firft Tuesday in
April next.
Extract of a letter Jrom tamp, March 14., 177^-
" Yelterday four waggons, loaded with flour and
pork, were taken near the lines, by a party of Col.
Morgan's corps. They had been fpurchafed for the
use of the enemy, by some difaffe&ed persons in
York-Town, and had got thus far on their way to
Philadelphia. Besides the waggoners, four persons
accompanied the waggons as a guard. One of these
were killed, another wounded, and the rest with the
waggons taken. Itis said they have given informa
tion who their employers are, and I have no doubt
they will meet with the punishment due to their
crimes."
Yesterday Major General Lee passed through Bor
dentown from New-York, on his way to Philadel
phia; where, it is said, he is likely to be exchanged.
TRENTO N, April 1.
On Saturday night last a heavy southeast
form came on, and continued till Monday
morning.
Last Week k brig from Ireland bound to
New-York, with a large quantity of linen,
butter, &c. &c. was taken off Egg-Harbour,
and carried into a fafe port. The sailors and
several other persons, who were made prison
ers in the brig, were brought to this town
yesterday.
At several General Courts-Martial held at
Camp in January and February last, some
persons, inhabitants/of the State of Pennsyl
vania, having been found guilty of supplying
the enemy with provisions, &c.-contrary to a
resolution of Congress, dated the Sth of Oct.
! 777, were sentenced either to be fined, whip
ped or imprisoned, which was confirmed by
the Commander in Chief. These examples,
it is hoped, will deter others from committing
the like offence.
The King's troops have loft only one man killed
since their going into the Jerfeysi He was of the
Queen's Rangers and behaved gallantly in a skirmish
with the militia, who have had twenty men killed on
the spot, and ten prisoners taken with a French
Lieutenant on the recruiting service.
By a vessel which arrived here last Monday from
Salem, we learn, that the King's troops, now in
possession of that place, have collected a great quan
tity of forage, andthattm transports which are now
nearly loaded, will be ready to fiil in a few days.
On Wednesday last, a rebel gun boat, with one
three pounder, called the Fame, No. 71, was taken
by the Pearl and Camilla's boats out of a creek a
little above Reedy Point.
Thursday the Pearl's boats took two rebel boats
out of a canal at Reedy Point; one alarge long boat,
fitted for a four pounder and one Swivel ; the other
a yawl, fitted for five swivels, but neither men nor
arms in them.
By advise from Salem county we learn, that a
number of the British troops, supposed to be between
fifteen hundred and two thoufahd, landed lalt
Thursday at the town of Salem, with whom our
militia has had some ikirmilhes, but with no great
loss on either fide. Orders are issued for a large
re-inforcement of the militia to join Col. Ellis in
Gloucester County ; and Col.Shreve with his battali
on of Continental troops,has crossed the Delaware and
is on his march to oppose the enemy.---It is reported
that the militia of Cumberland have turned out with
the most laudable fpiiit, and it is expected the British
troops will not be able to leave this State without
great loss, unless they dacamp with the hurry and
confufion which distinguished their last vifit-^or ra
iber visitation.
Last week a rebel schooner was taken in Duck
creek, and brought up to this city. The number
of the crew now prisoners, are about twenty,
amongst whom are two pilots, Henry Tudor and
James Bruce. It is said file was taken by a party
of the crew belonging to the Diamond.
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman on board bis
Majefly's foty Emerald, dated in Hampton-Bay,
Virginia, March 6, 1778.
" Since my ladto you per Capt. H. we and the
Richmond frigate pushed up the Rapahannock river
after three French tobacco vessels, viz. a ship, a brig
and a snow, containing 800 hhds. and took them all
in one day, their value, at lead, twenty five thou
sand pounds, but as the fleet here, viz. St. Allans,
Phoenix, and Otter sloop, (hares with us, it will
greatly abridge our good fortune; but to compen
sate for this, the Phoenix and Richmond have been
cruising off the capes, and have taken and sent into
They have difcoVered several persons who aided and
affixed them, but unfortunately made their escape
upon the caption of these culprits, however, it is
hoped that justice will overtake them, and infli& the
punishment due to fUeh parricides.
PHILADELPHIA, March 1;
TRENTON, March 25.
York some valuable prizes. Scarce a day passes but
we are taking fomething' :another French ship
attempting to get out a few days ago, in a gale, was
picked up by the Solebays (so that Monfeur gets no
thing by trading with these obstinate people.) A
fine French fltip loaded with sundry eloathing, &c:
for the rebels was fairly funk by the St. Alban's
guns i/i attempting to pAfs her in the night.
" A week ago we gave fair chace after the rebel
Virginia frigate, and had we had one hour more day
light, we mould certainly have taken her, but she
escaped us in the night.
“ Yesterday three Frigates undefFrench colours apX
peered just within the capes, but as soon as they dif
tihguifhed the St. Albans lying in Hampton-read
they scouted away ; the Richmond and Senegal Ilocp
went in full chace of them. One of them is brought
in to d&y by the St. Albans; proves to be a French
ship mounting 24 guns, tho' pierced for 32, loaded
with silks, salt and sundry other articles.
“ The Richmohd has just now brought in a large
Dutch ship, laden with salt and various other arti
cles, betides fifty brass cannon and a large quantity
of (hot. They fay there are 40 more vessels on their
passage differently loaderi; we are upon a drift look
out after them;
“ When the St.,Albans took the 24 gun ship flie
had 300 men on board, and a forty gun ihip in com
pany with her, which made her escape in the night."
NEW-YORK, April 8.
A Lift of French Vessels and others, taken by ihk
Virginia Squadron, from the 28th of December,
1777, to the gift of March, i 7 78.
Arc-en Ciel, Brig, Bale Goods and Sundries
St. Albans, (destroyed)
Le Courur De Miquilon, Sloop, Molaffel
and Rum, Emerald.
Alexandrine, Brig, Tobacco, Emerald.
Dragon, Ship, Tobacco, Emerald.
L'Elegante, Snow, Tobacco, Richmond ahd
Emerald.
Not known, Brig, Bale Goods, Wine and
Sugar, St. Alban's, destroyed.
Mariann, Brig, Bale Goods and Cordage,
Otter's Tender.
Le Hardy, Sloop, Sundries, Otter's Tender.
Fortune, Ship, Rum and Sugar, St. Albans
and Otter.
Vifcomte De Veaux, Ship, 26 Guns, Bale
Goods and Sundries, Solebay, St. Albans, ahd
Senegal. She had another Name when she
left France.
Le Tonnere, Ship, 20 Guns, Baje Goods
and Cordage, Senegal, destroyed.
Le He&or, Ship, 16 Guns, Bale Goods and
Salt, Richmond and Senegal.
Jean Andria, Ship, 12 Guns, Bale Goods
and Cordage, St. Albans.
Three Frenchmen taken by the Phoenix and
sent into New-York, their Names not yet
known.
Good Hope, a Dane, Ship, 700 Tons, Salt,
Richmond.
Louisa Undrique, (a Swede) Ship, Braf#
Cannon, Senegal.
Virginia Frigate, (Congress) 30 Guns and
159 Men, 24 Twelve Pounders, Emerald.
Besides a Tobacco Ship belonging to the
Congress, and 20 final! American Vessels.
In the Vifcomte De Veaui was a French
Viscount, an Officer in the French Army, who
was to have the Rank of a Major-General in
the Rebel Army.
The Commander of the Virginia Frigate,
(Nicholson) made his Escape by getting aihore
in his Boat.
The Ariel Frigate we hear is below with three
Prizes from Chefapeak, besides those mentioned in
the above Lift*
The Continental Fleet seems to be on the
decline, for out of the 13 Frigates that were
built, 6 are taken and destroyed, viz. Boston,
Delaware, and Virginia taken, Congress and
Montgomery, burnt, and another cooped up
in the Delaware.
Capt. Colvill of the Emerald Frigate, finca
he has been last at Chefepeak, is concerned
in no less than 43 Prizes.
Last Sunday Morning a Party of about ±OO of
the King's troops landed at a Place called Squam,
40 Miles to the Southward of Sandy-Hook, in New-
Jersey, and destroyed the Rebel Salt-Works at that
Place, and next Day also destroyed some of the fame
Kind of Works lately set up at Shark-River near
that Neighbourhood. The Particulars of which we
must defer till our next.
REQUESTS ail those indebted to them for SPRUCE
BEER, to pa, off their refpcflive account? on
being waited upon, as they find the business no longer
worth carrying on to deliver by the barrel.---The belt
double spruce beer that ever was offer'd for sale, may be
had from them by the dozen, as they intend to battle
what they hereafter fnay brew,
Hildreth and Leadbetter,
[No. 138!.]