A Brigantine from Ireland for the West-Indies, laden with Salt Provisions, &c. taken by a Letter of Marque belonging to a Northern State, was lately carried into Charlestown, South-Carolina.
The Brig Active, belonging to Newbury Port, and bound to Bilboa, is taken and carried into Plymouth in England, by the Thetis Man of War. An American Privateer of 10 Guns, Francis Brown, Commander, is also taken and carried into the same Port.
The London Papers as late as January 23, mention . . . That the French Court, notwithstanding the spirited Memorial of Lord Weymouth, demanding the Restitution of an English Ship, (taken by the armed Vessel which carried Dr. Franklin to France) have permitted the Ship and Cargo to be publicly sold at Nantz ー That an Express had arrived from Spain with an Account of the sailing of a second strong Squadron from Cadiz ー That in Consequence of fresh Advices of the Designs of France and Spain, the greatest Warlike Preparations were making in England, and that the Press for Seamen had become hotter than ever on the River Thames, &c. ー That four American Privateers, were in January last, lying in the Harbour of Bourdeaux ー That Portsmouth Rope-house was supposed to be set on Fire designedly, and 1000 1. Reward is offered by Government for the Discovery of the Offenders ー That the Inhabitants of Bristol have congratulated their King on the Success of his Arms against the Americans ー That a Number of Ships, Houses, and Stores in that City had been wilfully set on Fire, and great Damage done ー That three Troops of Guards had arrived there to guard the City against Incendiaries ー That Mr. Ebenezer Platt, a Planter from Georgia, has been committed to Newgate, for High Treason, being accused of having made free with the King's Stores at Savannah, and of Supplying his Enemies with Ammunition ー That Instructions are sent to Lord Stormont at the Court of Versailles to demand the Delivery of Dr. Franklin, in order to be sent to England, and in case of a Refusal, that his Lordship has Orders to return Home immediately.
