A Vessel just arrived here from St. Eustatia, brings Advice, that a Fleet of near 200 Sail of British Merchantmen, under Convoy of four Men of War, arrived last Month at different Islands in the West Indies. Three of the Fleet only are missing. They are supposed to be taken by American Cruisers. One of them is judged to be a Three Decker, commanded by Capt. Cox bound to St. Kitts, with a large Quantity of English Goods on board.
The Sturdy Beggar Privateer, Capt. Keel [John McKeel], of this Port, hath taken three Prizes, two Ships and a Brig, one of the former and the latter, loaded with Flour and other Articles for the Use of Howe's Army, are arrived at a safe Port. The missing Ship, laden with British Goods, was estimated in Britain to be worth upwards of 10,000 1. Sterling.
Capt. [John] Martin just arrived here from Martinico brought with him a French News Paper of February 3d, containing the three following Paragraphs, with the London Head, dated November 30, 1776.
Our Seamen no more walk the Streets but in large Bodies; they have entered into Confederation among themselves, and parade with Weapons, about the Quays and Docks, having unanimously resolved to oppose any Violence which may be done them, and rather die than assist the Royalists in shedding the Blood of their American Brethren.
It is positively asserted, that Great Britain will in a short Time, have at Sea, 44 Ships of the Line. Vice Admiral [Augustus] Keppel is to command his Majestys Fleet in the Channel, with the rank of Admiral, and hoist his Flag on board the Victory. The Earl of Bristol, a Rear Admiral, will have the command of 15 Ships to watch the Spanish Fleet; and Vice-Admiral Shuldham is to command the Fleet in the West Indies. All those Ships are to be ready early in the Spring, and rendezvous at Spithead, where the King himself will review them.
It is observed here on the Occasion of the Fast ー inflicted by His Majesty, that, unless there be a great Change in our Affairs, the Fast must become general and indispensable, without the Assistance of Proclamations.
