The Barbadoes packet, ————, from Philadelphia, is arrived at Bristol, in thirty two days. Governor [John] Penn is come over express in the above ship, by desire of the Congress. They left Philadelphia the 12th of July, and arrived at Bristol on Sunday morning, and have brought over a petition to his Majesty from the Congress at Philadelphia.
The Commerce, Capt. Rice, from Philadelphia, is arrived at Bristol, who brings advices dated the 9th of July, in which not a word is mentioned of another engagement between our troops and the Provincials near Boston; on the contrary, matters at present are rather quiet. . . .
Yesterday a Pennsylvania ship arrived in the river; she brought some news-papers, . . .
Government is still determined to enforce vigorous measures against America; and in the spring an amazing armament is to be embarked, if they can get people to go; for the officers and soldiery are universally disgusted; and if they have the spirit of Englishmen, they will, with firmness, refuse and disdain a service, that is to annihilate their liberties, and ruin their country. ー Lond. Packet.
By order of the Lords of the Admiralty, no less than twelve frigates and sloops of war have been built in private yards, which are all ready for sea.
On Friday last [August 11] a survey was made of all the merchant ships in the river, fit to be emplryed in the service of the Government, and a report was made of them yesterday to the Commissioners of the Navy; they are to carry 100 men [each], and be commanded by the Lieutenant[s] of the Royal Navy.
Eight thousand tons of transports are already taken up in the river, and more are expected to offer daily; twenty-five flat-bottomed boats are nearly constructed for the debarkation of troops: each ship is to carry one; and every boat will row with sixteen oars, and carry forty men besides officers.
Yesterday morning bills were stuck up about the Royal Exchange and other public places; offering encouragement to sailors who enter on board the men of war therein mentioned, now fitting up at Portsmouth for foreign service.
