Admiral Sir William [sic James] Young's Squadron at Antigua has lately been reinforced, by the Hind and Favorite Men of War; and Admiral Gayton's, at Jamaica, by the Fly, Hornet, and Beaver. The Cruizers on both Stations are so exceedingly vigilant, that it is difficult for any thing to escape them. Besides, these, a Number of piratical Vessels, fitted out at Dominica, Tortola, Antigua, and St. Kitts, without Commissions, greatly annoy our Trade. On the other Hand, the West Indian Seas swarm with armed Vessels from this Continent.
Admiral Hotham's Squadron, which has wintered in the Bay of Chesepeak, we hear, has lately quitted it, and either gone to cruize, or to be hove down.
The 25th of last Month, the following Men of War, having been hove down at Antigua, sailed from thence for this Continent, viz. the Roebuck, Pearl, Mermaid, Perseus and Cameleon.1 The Flora and the Falcon were careening, and to sail about this time. The Captain of the Pearl dying, Capt. Elphinstone of the Perseus was promoted to the command of her; the Captain of the Cameleon to the command of the Perseus, and Capt. Linzee of the Falcon, to that of the Cameleon.
The Perseus Frigate, when she last visited this coast, cruized all the Way from New-York in about 18 to 25 Fathom Water. The Ship Grasshopper, William Coombes, jun. late Master, from Cork, with Provisions for General Howe's Army at New-York, taken by Capt. [Robert] Cochran, was re-taken by the Perseus, and is arrived at Antigua.
