... Several persons who lately left New-York inform, that the Count D'Estaing was cruizing off that place, intercepting all supplies coming into the harbor: That Admiral Lord Howe had laid an embargo there for some weeks past, during which time, none but public vessels had been permitted to sail: That the press for manning the British ships was the most violent ever known, extending even to the Captains of transports, a number of whom had been obliged in the present extremity, to serve on board the British-fleet: That the largest offers had been made to Americans confined in their prison ships to engage them in their service on the present occasion, with promises of soon dismissing them, and setting them on shore in any part of the continent: That Lord Howe, had some time ago sent running vessels to collect his eastern cruizers at Halifax, and those on our coast and to the southward at New-York: That he had left at the last place, 8 or 10 sail from 40 to 64 guns, and a number of smaller ships with which he was fallen down to the Hook,¹ with a design as was given out, to fight the French fleet; and that Admiral Gambier,² had hoisted his flag on board the Emerald frigate, near the city. He lately brought to that place, upwards of forty thousand pounds sterling in specie for the pay of the British army and navy. 

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We hear that Capt. Thompson, late commander of the Rawleigh, frigate, whom we mentioned some weeks ago as on trial for his behavior at the capture of the Alfred, is broke.³ 

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The Warren, Capt. Hopkins,⁴ and another Continental frigate, are immediately to sail, to join the French fleet; all the Continental ships have orders to do the same as soon as possible, and not wait for their complement of hands, as the French fleet is so well manned, as to be able to spare a great number of seamen.⁵