The Newport gazette (Newport [R.I.]), 1777-12-26 00:00:00

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1777.
L O N D O N, Sept. 20.
LETTERS from Bordeaux say, that a courier arrived there the 23d of August, at eight o'clock at night: He was dispatched from Paris with an express to the Marquis de Mouchy: In consequence of which, M. de Mayre Judge of the Admiralty Court, instantly set out for the mouth of the river: At his return, it was understood that he had taken from one of our American ships four pieces of cannon, some powder, and cartridges, which the privateer had bought up there. This is said to be in consequence of the agreement entered into by the Courts of Versailles and London, to preserve peace between the two crowns.
The same letters advise, that an English ship that was cruising off the river's mouth, had hoisted Dutch colours, in order to deceive a ship from Boston, that was riding at anchor; that the stratagem had succeeded; the Capt. and crew were secured, and four of the officers, being Frenchmen, were set on shore by the English.
A letter from one William Lewis to his wife in Whitehaven, dated Ticonderoga, July the 14th, says, that he, along with fourteen others, who had been forced into the American service, were taken in attempting an escape, and being carried to Ticonderoga were tried by a court-martial and received sentence of death, which was to have been executed the 8th of July, but provisionally for them the rebels abandoned the fort on the 7th, leaving them in prison, from which they were immediately released.
They write from Gibraltar, that the foreign troops, officers and soldiers, who had been taken ill on their first arrival there, were now perfectly recovered; that the garrison was remarkably healthy, and never better supplied with provisions, as well by the Spaniards as from the African coast.
A carriage has been built, and is now on its way to Italy, for the convenience of his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester to England. It is an improvement upon Revel's machine, and the letters used by the Romans. The bed it contains is fitted up in a most elegant style, and the room is so commodious, as to admit of two attendants, besides all the apparatus of a sick chamber.
The above carriage is said to be the Princess Amelia's present to the Duke of Gloucester, and to have cost upwards of 2000l. Extract of a Letter from Oxford, Sept. 16.
"I am sorry to acquaint you of a melancholy accident which happened yesterday at Newasham (about five miles from this city) the seat of the right hon. Lord Harcourt.—His Lordship (Earl Harcourt) went out for a walk in his park, as he frequently did about noon; not returning at his usual time to dress before dinner, to which time he was always remarkably punctual, the family were
unsasy: Near an hour being elapsed beyond the time of his Lordship's general return, the family became more alarmed, and sent out every way in expectation of meeting him, but he could not be found. More persons were then employed, fearing some accident had happened to his Lordship. After about two hours it's search, his Lordship was discovered to have fallen into a well, and appeared to be quite dead: He was immediately carried to his own house, about a mile from the spot where the accident happened, and the medical gentlemen from this city hurried over as fast as possible; but alas! in vain, for no assistance could prevail, as the accident was supposed to have happened three hours before his Lordship was found. This unhappy catastrophe is supposed to have happened as follows: His Lordship in his walk near home was generally accompanied by a favourite dog only; the dog, in running about, accidentally fell into this old well, which was quite overgrown with sedges, so as not to be discovered; his Lordship, with his usual humanity, hastening to rescue his little animal, came to its relief, and in stooping to get out the dog, his Lordship fell into the well head almost where he stuck quite fast, in which manner he was found. The place was about eight feet deep, and about three feet in diameter in it. This melancholy event has spread universal concern all over the country, as his Lordship was universally respected by all ranks of people."
Sept. 22. Saturday morning arrived in the river the Lord Shelburne, armed ship, Capt. Rouse, from New York, which landed several sick and wounded soldiers, who are to be admitted into Chelsea hospital. Extract of a letter from Gosport, Sept. 19.
"Sailed from Spithead several armed transports, with troops and provisions, bound to New York."
Extract of a letter from Irvine, Sept. 5. "The Earl of Shelburne, transport, arrived here from New York, and left from Staten Island, has brought in with her an American Schooner, laden with rice, indigo, &c. from Carolina to New York, which she took after an engagement of three glances, without having a single man killed or wounded. The Schooner mounted eight guns, and maintained a running fight, thinking to reach the coast of France, from which she was distant but three leagues when she was taken; a broad side of grape, which cut the rigging much, and wounded several hands, made her strike; her cargo is valued at 5000l. the vessel at 300l."
Sept. 23. Some hundred chaldrons of coal have, within these few days, been contracted for by government, which are to be sent immediately to America, for the use of His Majesty's troops, before the cold weather sets in.
The King of Prussia has fixed the attention of our politicians. Some will have it, that the object of it was to form an alliance between the courts of Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, London and Berlin. They say the King of Prussia has refused to admit the American privateers into the port of Embden, and that he has offered the King of Great Britain, a body of his forces on very reasonable conditions, to be employed against his Rebel colonies.
The Lords of the Admiralty have put his Majesty's ship the Ruby, now lying at Woolwich, into commission, and appointed Joseph Daine, Esq; commander.
Sept. 25. Yesterday at half past twelve o'clock his Majesty came from Windsor to St. James's, where there was a levee, at the breaking up of which there was a privy council.
Yesterday Lord Percy, the Marquis of Lothian, Colonel Mackenzie, Colonel Smith, and Bell, had all the honour to kiss the King's hand on their last promotions.
Yesterday morning an express arrived at Lord Shelburne's from America. The Comptroller of the Navy was instantly sent for, and ten more ships will immediately be put into commission.
The Howe, General Conway and Friend-ship transports are under sailing orders with camp necessaries and other stores for General Howe's army in America.
Lord Shelburne is to relieve Admiral Young at Barbadoes, and Sir Peter Parker, Admiral Gayton at Jamaica; Admiral Graves takes the command at Plymouth, in the room of Lord Shelburne.
BY THE KING. A PROCLAMATION. GEORGE, R.
Where as our parliament stands prorogued to Thursday the 13th day of October next, we, with the advice of our privy council, do hereby publish and declare, that the said parliament shall be further prorogued on the said 13th day of October next, to Tuesday the 20th day of November following: And we have given order to our Chancellor of Great Britain to prepare a commission for proroguing the same accordingly. And we do hereby further declare our royal pleasure, that the said parliament shall be held for the despatch of diverse weighty and important affairs. And the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses, and the Commissioners for Shires and Boroughs, of the House of Commons, are hereby required to give their attendance accordingly, at Westminster, on the said 20th day of November next.
Given at our court at St. James's the 24th day of September, 1777, in the 17th year of our reign.
GOD SAVE THE KING.

A Letter from New York, of the 24th ult. By, arrived here by Gage, Norman; Ann and Mary, Timpson; Prince of Wales, Denton; Howe, Aikin; Polly, Lane; Albion, Louis; Betty, McDougal; Sally, Niccols; Esther, Lander, Doby; and Nathaniel, Ruler, from New-York; the Rachel, Ruler; Betty, Calloway; Friendship, Lander; Success, Davis; Prince William, Milbourn; Rachel, Dylas; and Ann, Dylas, from Rhode Island; the Jason, Jack; Deborah, Ruhwan; Nancy, Murray; Peter, Hutson; Houghton, Hutson; Nottingham, Huzel; British Queen, Judge; and Success, Beard, from Quebec.
The Cupid, a Ship of 14 Guns, at Deptford, lately purchased by Government, is to be employed as a Packet between this Kingdom and America, she being a remarkable quick Sailer.
Colonel Harecourt, who took General Lee Prisoner, is appointed an Aid de Camp to the King.
Orders are sent to Hanover, to keep the Troops of that Electorate strictly disciplined, to complete the Number of every Corps, and to grant no Furloughs on any Pretence for six Months.
NEW-YORK, Dec. 11.
The Benheim, letter of marque, Capt. Hggey, arrived here on Monday last, from England. On the 5th ult. she fell in with and retook the brig Expedition, Leonard Wightman, master, belonging to this port, laden with wine from St. Michael's; taken by the Civil Usage privateer, Goodrags, master, belonging to Tracy and Co. of Newbury. On the 23d ult. she took the Schooner Harriot, Benjamin Berry, master, with wine and salt, from Teneriffe, for Nantucket; and on the 25th fell in with a rebel privateer brig of 16 guns, and after an engagement of three glass's, she sheered off, having received much damage in her hull, rigging, &c. The gallantry and good conduct of the officers and men of the Benheim merit the highest encomiums.
The following regiment in the Electorate of Hanover have orders to hold themselves in readiness to march to whatever part of the world they may be ordered by his Britannick Majesty, viz. Somerset, Saltow, Schutter, Beck, Prince Charles, Saxegotha, Schwienburg Otto, Walhausen, Spoken, and Wangenheim, with eight battalions of grenadiers at 400 men each, and two of Jagers. Each of the regiments consists of two battalions, and the whole, we may suppose, will amount to about 11 000 men. They are to be commanded by General Wangenheim, and it is said Prince Brunck of Mecklenburg, brother to the Queen of Great Britain, will come out a volunteer. Extract of a letter by the last packet from London: It is from very good authority.
"Be perfectly easy on the score of a French war, and depend on it the provincial will not meet in their ports the same countenance as formerly."
Extract of another letter dated London, Sept. 3.
"Several small ships are put into commission, others are building; so that I hope in a very short time we shall have a ship of force for every seaport town in Great Britain. This is an excellent plan to destroy American pirates, increase our naval force, and it will serve to furnish, on any emergency, our large ships with proper hands to man them. Every merchant ship capable of mounting 20 guns is either bought or taken into the service. We are upon good terms with every Court in Europe."
Boston, Nov. 6. We have advices from Europe, that there has been a very great drought in England, Scotland, and Ireland,
the latter part of last summer, which have greatly diminished the fruits of the earth.
The Sandwich Packet, which arrived last Monday, has brought the following, which may prove a tolerable refutation of the preceding paragraph.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in England, to his friend in this city, dated Oct. 2, 1777.
"The smiling fields around me look charmingly; they are just in the act of being freed from their burden, and a noble load indeed they carry. Heaven be praised for all its blessings; and send you an equal degree of plenty, as well as peace, to what we are likely to enjoy in this glorious kingdom. — A very large body of troops will constantly be transmitted to America, if the present year should not break the neck of the rebellion; and preparations for every thing of the kind are in every unfeigned forwardness: it being determined to make use of the preceding autumn, rather than the succeeding spring."
We learn by Mr. Beason of Long-Island, who arrived here in the Cartel from Boston, that the cargo which he brought with him from Cadiz in the brig Two Friends, by license from his Excellency, consisted of salt, port wine, claret, Florence wine, raisins, tent, herring, sherry wine of five different qualities, mountain, Cordials (in 300 bottles) balsam peruv, jesuits bark, gum elemi, licorice root, balm capivi, jalap, gum arabic, &c. That the sherry laid from 45 to 50. lawful per quarter cask, the salt at 5 dollars per bushel; and the jesuits bark at 4. lawful or 3. Rixdollars per pound, and the whole produced upwards of 50,000. lawful or 70,000. New-York currency.
The above mentioned brig and cargo were taken on the 10th of August last by the Gloucester privateer, John Coughlin commander, mounting 18 carriage guns and 10 swivels with 30 men, in lat. 39, 50, long. 59 and was sent in as a prize to Cape Ann, where the cargo was sold.
The prices of goods were as follows, Muscovado sugar from 4 to 5. lawful per pound, reduced by order of the committee to 3. 4. per pound, coffee 10. lawful or 13. 4. N. Y. currency per pound, cotton 3 dollars per pound, New-England rum 8 dollars per gallon, cyder 14 dollars per barrel, which used to be sold at 3. lawful, cord wood, 14 dollars per cord, flour 15 dollars per cwt. salt 15 dollars per bushel, and for bohea tea, 30 dollars had been demanded, although told a little while before at 15 Continental dollars, which entitles the bearer to receive Spanish milled dollars, or the value thereof in gold or silver, according to a resolution of Congress passed at Philadelphia the 17th of February, 176. Such is the blessed state of that once flourishing province, and the great advantage the inhabitants derive from this unnatural rebellion.
A rebel privateer, mounting twelve guns, and commanded by one Williams of Boston, was said to be brought into this port on Thursday last, and the royal frigate Mermaid, who took her, also retakes the Hope fore ship, which had been made a prize of by the enemy.
The inhabitants of Boston and its neighbourhood feel the most extreme distress from the great scarceness and immoderate high prices of the necessaries of life, for, since the arrival there of General Burgoyne's troops, the farmers and others carry all their provisions to the soldiers, for which they receive gold and silver, a species that, in usage all their loud clamours for liberty, they cannot so bear preferring to continental paper.
The 5th Instant a Party of Rebels, consisting of some Officers and twelve Men,
proceeding on an Errand to fire the Prison of Mr. Van Buskirk at Bergen Point, were intercepted on their Road, through the Vigilance of Colonel Turnbull, Commander at Powder Hook, whose men fired upon them, and Mr. Livingston, said to be a son or Brother of Colonel Livingston who was taken at Fort Montgomery, was killed on the spot, and the other Person taken Prisoner.
By a flag of truce from Albany, we learn that his Majesty's troops evacuated Ticonderoga the 5th of last Month, taking with them all the Guns, Stores and Provisions, having before their departure, burnt and entirely destroyed the works. From this Movement the Royal Fleet on Lake Champlain will be effectually secured.
The Day following, arrived here the Schooner Sachem, Captain Brabbs, from Cadiz: A Letter brought by him, says, "The French and Spaniards have agreed to give you their Protection in their Ports, to the American Privateers or their Prizes."
Seve al Letters from London by the last Vessel mention the great Prospect of a most plentiful Harvest throughout the whole Kingdom, and there is not the least Prospect of a Rupture with Great Britain and any of the Powers of Europe.
PROVIDENCE, Dec. 20.
State of Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantations.
In COUNCIL of WAR, Providence, Dec. 19. 1777.
A Very great Fleet of the Enemy's Ships of War and Transports being now in the River, and there being Reason to apprehend that they will soon make an Attempt upon this Place, RESOLVED, That the Inhabitants of the neighbouring Country be earnestly requested to hold themselves in Readiness to march immediately upon the Ring of the BEACON, with the best Accoutrements, warlike Instruments and Stores to this Town, to attack and repulse the common Enemy: They are desired to take Notice, that in case of an Alarm, when the Beacon is fired, we have given orders for the Discharging of Cannon, that they may be notified to look out for the Beacon; that the Discharge of Cannon alone is not to be deemed an Alarm; but that the Firing of the Beacon itself, even without the Discharge of Cannon, is to be considered as an Alarm.
It is further Resolved, That a Copy of this Resolution be inserted in the next Providence Gazette.
By order, R. J. HELME, Clerk.

Several persons from the Westward inform, that a detachment of American troops lately made a descent on Staten Island took a number of the enemy prisoners, drove the remainder off, and took a quantity of baggage.
The House have order a Tax of Forty-eight Thousands Pounds Lawful Money to be assessed upon the Inhabitants of this State, to be collected and paid into the General-Treasury on or before the First Day of March next.
Yesterday the Hon. General Assembly was specially convened at the State-House in this Town, pursuant to a Warrant issued for that Purpose by his Excellency the Governor.
The latest advices, from the Westward are to the 6th Instant, when Howe had left Philadelphia, and advanced as far as Chesnut-Hill, towards the American army, which lay at or near White-Marsh. The Militia had drove in the Enemy's piquets, which they did not think proper to support. General Washington had struck his Tents, and was waiting Howe's approach—Being properly prepared for running.
We learn that about 750 of the Enemy's Troops, including Grenadiers and Light-Infantry, marched to the North End of Rhode-Island a few Nights since.
NEWPORT, December 26.
Last Tuesday arrived here His Majesty's Ship Bristol, of 50 Guns, having been but three Days from the Delaware. By her we learn, that nothing Material has taken Place in that Quarter since the Reduction of Red Bank, &c.—The Troops have gone into Winter Quarters, after trying by every Stratagem to bring Mr. Washington to another Engagement, which he very prudently declined by suddenly decamping from Germantown. His main Body are now about 40 Miles distant from Philadelphia, and the Remainder scattered into such Parties as will pillage and ruin the wretched Inhabitants who yet groan under their Tyranny.
Upon the Arrival of the large Ships from the Delaware to this Port, the Inhabitants of Providence began to remove their Effects and are still in constant Dread of a Visit.
Lieutenant General Earl Cornwallis, has sailed from Philadelphia in His Majesty's Ship Bristol for England.
The General Assembly of the Massachusetts Bay, have voted, that a Suit of Clothes and a Piece of Linen be presented to Mr. Stark who commanded their Militia in Bunker-Hill.—What mighty Actions will act such great Rewards prompt Men to perform!
A Sloop attempting to pass the Scituate Passage on Wednesday Night, was drove on Shore by the Gale.
MRS. COWLEY , with her most respectful Compliments, humbly begs Leave to acquaint the respectable Gentlemen of the Army and Navy—the traveling Gentlemen, and the respectable Gentlemen, Inhabitants of this Town that MONDAY THEIR WILL BE AN ASSEMBLY which will be continued for the Season—Tickets for Admittance to be had at the Assembly Room, at the Crown Coffee-House, every Monday Morning; each Gentleman paying one Shilling at the receipt of his Ticket.—No Gentleman to be admitted without.—It is earnestly requested that every Gentleman will carefully deliver his Ticket at the Door to the Person appointed to receive them.—She, with gratefulness of Heart, acknowledges the Honour they have done her in their past Favours, and their present Intentions to serve her—will make it her Study to render everything as agreeable as in her Power—and flatters herself she shall merit their future Approbation, and is, with many Thanks their very obliged humble Servant.
Samuel Goldsbury, Has for SALE,
At his Shop opposite the Main Guard, A few London made Boots and Shoes.
FINEST FLA- Men's Hats, vor'd Hylon House Brushes, TEA. Hats, ditto. White and Green Black, ditto. Bracketh, Port Wine, Baskets, Loaf and Brown Coarse & fine Thread, Sugars, Cotton and Linen Coffee, Tea, Candles, Handkerchiefs, Ivory Rose Buttery the Fikin, Stamped Cotton for Ruffs, Currants, Women's Gowns. Mace and Gloves.
With a Number of other Articles. N.B. COMMISSION BUSINESS of all Kinds is executed by said GOLDSBURY, with Punctuality and Dispatch.—All Favours in this Way will be gratefully acknowledged.
TO BE SOLD. THE Sloop BEEBY, about 20 Tons Burthen, being a Tender belonging to His Majesty's Ship Amazon—Remarkable for her fast sailing—Newly painted and grained—is completely fitted with two Suits of Sails, a Boat and 3 Arc'tons, with a sufficiency of good Cables—Her Rigging is in good Condition—She has also, a new spare Bowprit, almost a new Sloop's Jibb for a Vessel of 70 Tons Burthen.—The SALE will begin on MONDAY the 29th Instant at XI o'Clock, at Cowley's Wharf.
BEAVER-HATS.
AN Assortment of excellent BEAVER-HATS, Cut and Cocked by the most approved Method, to be sold by PHILIP ROBINSON, at his Shop opposite the Printing Office, in Thames-Street.
N.B. Hats Dressed and Cocked in the neatest and most expeditious Manner. Likewise FUR HATS suitable for lining Caps, Gloves, &c.
By MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT PIGOT,
Commanding His Majesty's Forces within the Colony of Rhode-Island, &c. &c. &c.
A PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS Complaint hath been made to me, that some of the Inhabitants of the Town of Newport have made it a Practice to purchase from the Soldiers and Sailors, Timber, Boards, &c. which has been found to be productive of many bad Consequences:—For remedy whereof, I have thought fit to issue this Proclamation, hereby forbidding any Inhabitant of the Town, or other Person from purchasing from any Soldier or Sailor any Timber, Boards or other Fuel:—And any Person who shall be found Guilty of so doing, may depend upon being punished with the utmost Severity.
Given under my Hand, at Head Quarters in Newport, this 25th Day of December, 1777.
RT. PIGOT.
By the General's Command, HENRY BARRY, Secretary.
Head Quarters, Newport, Decem. 21, 1777.
FOR the Preservation of Order and Regularity in the Market, the GENERAL has directed a Guard to attend there from the Hours of VIII to XI in the Morning: And all Kinds of Provisions are to be brought, cut up, and sold there, and none to be disposed of, but within those Hours.
This Guard is directed immediately to confine any one found guilty of committing Disorders.
By Order of the General, HENRY BARRY, Secretary.
Just Imported from New-York, AND TO BE SOLD, By JOHN HOWE, AT THE
Printing Office in Thames-Street
The following ARTICLES of STATIONARY
DEMY, Thick and Thin Post, Quarts, ditto, gilt and plain, Fools Cap, ditto, gilt and plain, Cartridge, Blotting, and Bonnet Paper, Pens and Quills, Account Books, Orderly Books, Journal Books, Pocket Books, Small Memorandum Books, Ivory ditto, Pounce and Pounce Stone.
LIKEWISE,
A Silver mounted Sword, Steel bladed ditto, Sword Blades with Scabbards, Steel Sword Hooks, Razors, Stone Shoe Buckles, Pens and ditto, Pinchbeck, ditto, Sarcet Buckles of various Kinds, Plated Spoons, Onyx Seals, Composition ditto, Playing Cards, Seed and Seed Boxes, Wafers, Red and black Wax, Cakes Ink, Red and black Ink, Powder, Powder Ink Crusts, Powder Ink Stamps, Ink-Holder, Pearls, Slate and Pencils, Steel Pencil Cases, Pen-Knives, Quadrants, Gunner's Rules and Dividers, Wax Tapers and Candles.

S M Y R N A, July 29. T HE following event happened here. On the 27th of last month, a French bark, commanded by the Chevalier de Villagie, anchored in this port, and the sailors got into a quarrel with some Venetian sailors, and about seventy fellows of the same nation who left this place; from words they came to blows, but the presence of the Chevalier de Villagie, and the soldiers sent by the Master, put an end to the dispute for the time. The Chevalier de Villagie having complained to the Venetian consul, and of obtaining satisfaction, it is said he ordered his men to fire upon the Venetians, if they returned the quarrel. Whether this order is true or not, the dispute rising again between the same parties, the French fired, which being returned, a desperate battle ensued, as they had got some pieces of cannon; five or six were killed, and many wounded; among the latter were some Greeks, who were only spectators. This affair has alarmed the town very much, and particularly the Turks; luckily the latter had all gone to their quarters, as it was evening; for if by accident any one of them had been wounded, things would have been carried much farther. The French and Venetian Consuls, at least put an end to the dispute, but the Cadi and Mussulmen require satisfaction, on account of some Rayas being wounded, and have demanded the Venetian Vassals to be delivered up, which the Consul granting, some men were sent to seize them, but they made their escape on board the Venetian ships. In the mean time the Cadi and Mussulmen are far from being satisfied, and threaten to find an account of this event with Porte, and it is imagined nothing but a sum of money will be able to make them quiet. It is since reported, that the Chevalier de Villagie did not order his men to fire, but that they only fired to excite their proceedings.
L O N D O N.
Sep. 26. The appointment of Inspector-general of the West India Islands, becomes vacant by General Hymann's succeeding to the government of Quebec, in the room of Sir Guy Carleton.
A letter from Lisbon, dated August 10, says, "On the 6th inst at the mob of this city assembled to a great number, and invaded the Palace; their general cry was, for the punishment of the Marquis de Pombal. The King and Queen appeared at the Palace windows, and bowed several times to the people, and sent them a message, offering them strict justice should be done, and desiring them to disperse as good subjects which they did, crying, "May the King and Queen live many years to reign over Portugal." Since which the Marquis has been confined in the Castle of St. Julian, 'till an opportunity offers of sending him to the island of Teneriffe, where he is to spend a certain number of years."
Yesterday, after the council at St. James's, Lord Barrington had a conference with the King.
Extract of a letter from a merchant in Bourdeaux, to his correspondent here, dated August 30.
"An English cutter privateer has taken, a few days ago, no less than five American vessels coming here, after they had got pilotless on board. I do not know how the court of France will take this. The pilots were put on shore, and came up here to make their declaration; in consequence of which an express was sent to court."
"At the same time, it would appear, that the French ministry were disposed to discourage the Americans; as there came
lately an order to visit all the American vessels in this harbour, and to oblige them to re-land all warlike ammunition they had taken on board; as likewise to prevent their taking any French sailors; about this they seem to be in earnest, for they went on board at twelve o'clock at night to execute the order."
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, September 24.
"This morning arrived at Spithead, His Majesty's ships, Valiant, Terrible, and the Royal Oak, from a cruise."
A vessel with the Silver Bell transport, Captain Adams, from Quebec. An officer landed from her, and immediately set off with an express for London. Nothing of any consequence has happened. The above transport spoke with the Alert cutter of 10 guns, under the command of Lieutenant Beazley, which came out with her the Lexington privateer of 15 guns, which she took in the chops of the Channel, after an engagement of about five hours.
Extract of a letter from Gosport, Sept. 24.
"Last night arrived at Spithead, His Majesty's ship Valiant, Captain Gower, who has taken several prizes."
TO BE SOLD,
By JOHN GROZART,
At the Shop lately occupied by Mr. Philip Wanton, as an Apothecary's Shop.
GREEN and BOHEA TEA, by the Chest. Leaf Sugar, Nutmegs—Superfine Scarlet, Blue, and White Broad Cloths, The 22d, 43d and 54d Regimental Battalions, Bah and new Coatings, Red, Blue, Crimson and white Boys, Flannel, German Serge, Duffel, Mons worsted and Tweed Hosiery, Women coloured and black worsted Hosiery—With a Variety of other Articles, suitable to the Season.
TO BE SOLD, by
By private CONTRACT,
T HE good Schooner Lady Parker, William Engs, jun. master, burthen 100 tons; Also, the sloop General Pigot, George Mowett, master, burthen about 80 tons; and the sloop Chance of about 30 tons; lying at and near Collins's wharf—Inventory to be seen of the whole on board the sloop General Pigot, and at the printing-office.
A LL persons having any demands upon the Engineer department for cargo, are desired to send their accounts to the Engineer office.
STEPHEN DEBLOIS,
Has just opened a Large Assortment of G O O D S.
C ONSISTING of Blankets, Duffels, Coatings, Kerseys, Flannels, Baizes, Broad-Cloths, Plains, Hosiery-thicks, Forrest Cloths, Camblets, Everlastings, Poplins, Wested Stockings, Beaver Hats, Sewing Silk, Threads, Raisins, Spices &c. &c.
FOR SALE,
T HE Prize Ship General MONTGOMERY, a very handsome well built Vessel, and an excellent Sea Boat: she is 300 Tons Burthen, well found, and only three Years old.
The Sloop THREE FRIENDS, about 50 Tons Burthen, Bermudian built, and all of Red Cedar. A L S O,
A Quantity of Fine and Coarse Flour, And a Few Hogsheads of the very best Virginia Tobacco. Price: Goods to his Majesty's Ship Reasonable.
Both Vessels are condemned in his Majesty's Court of Vice-Admiralty at Halifax.
Any person inclining to purchase the above Vessels, &c, may know the Terms by applying to
WILLIAM WANTON.
Newport, 4th December, 1777
T HE Farmers are hereby requested to thrash out their Corn, Barley and Oats, they can spare His Majesty's Troops, immediately, and send it in to the Forage Magazine.
JAMES CAMPBELL, Commissary of Forage.
WILLIAM CLOWET,
Steward to the late Captain Francis Banks. T AKES this Method to acquaint the Gentlemen of the Navy and Army, that he has opened a House at the Sign of the King's Arms-Tavern, in the Main street, where Gentlemen will meet with gentle Accomodations.
A S all the STRAW on the Island will be wanted for the Troops, the Farmers are hereby requested to thrash their Grain, and store it in the Straw-yards to the BARRACK-MASTER at the Barrack-Office in Newport, where they will be paid the same Price for it as is given by the Commissary.
STEPHEN COOK, Barrack Master of Newport.
TO BE SOLD,
A SMALL FARM of good Land pleasantly situated in Portsmouth, nine Miles from Newport, containing about 34 Acres, a dwelling House, Barn and Cisterns: Also, three Milch Cows, a Horse and Cart. For Conditions of Sale, apply to Mr. Ewing, living near Doctor Stiles', Moving House in Newport Newport, November 27, 1777.
F L A X - F E E D, PURCHASED, BY MYER POLOCK.
Constant Attendance will be given at his House on the Point, or at Mr. John Nichols', on the North Side the Parade. Myer Polock has for SALE,
  C OARSE SALT,  Dry Cod-Fish,    West India Rum  Beef, and Pork,    Cherry and plain  Butter,    Brandy,  Tallow Candles, by    Molasses,  the box,    New Rice,  Nails,