1. Appearance of this fanciful item undoubtedly prompted the following spurious paragraph, which appeared in the Public Advertiser, London, on August 2:

The following is taken from a Letter reeived by a Merchant in the City, which came by the Way of France from Philadelphia, dated June 1. 'The 28th ult. arrived in this Port three Ships Genoese built, which mounted 64, 56, and 48 Guns each. They are named the Defence, Cumberland, and Supreme. Each Vessel ー is provided with close Quarters, and boarding Nets, &c.'