We have just now learnt, that the Fleet to sail from Jamaica, on or about the first of May, will consist of 176 Sail, very richly laden, having on board, besides their usual Cargoes of Sugar, Rum, Cotton, Coffee, &c., a large Quantity of Carolina Indigo; purchased in the French Islands: That they were to be convoyed, as far as Bermuda, by the Maidstone and Winchelsea Frigates of 26 Guns each, the Badger and Porcupine Sloops, of 16 and 14 Guns, and the Racehorse armed Vessel of 10 Three-Pounders: and, from Bermuda home, by the Maidstone. ー This Information was obtained by the Master of a Vessel, who, on the 13th Instant, met, and under English Colours, sailed several Days in Company with a Sloop from Kingston in Jamaica, Isaac Cobb, Master, cleared for Halifax, and furnished with American as well as Jamaica Papers: There were at the same Time in Sight, off the Havana, coming through the Gulph [of Florida] a Ship of 12 SixPounders, with 40 M~n, one Forster, Master, from Kingston, bound for London, having a good Deal of Specie and Indico on board, said to be worth 100,000 I. Sterling; and a Brig of 8 Guns, full of Bale Goods, one Freebody, Master, cleared for Gaspee, also furnished with British and American Papers, but belonging to said Freebody and a Mr. Dolbeir of Jamaica, which Vessels, it is supposed have not yet passed this Coast.
The Hind Frigate, with eleven Sail of Transports from Ireland, passed in Sight of St. Eustatius, on Sunday the 30th of last Month, bound for NewYork.
The Pearl Frigate, a few Days before, on the Way to New-York, took a single-decked Brig, said to be from this State, just going into St. Eustatius, the Mate of which was killed during the Chace.
A great Number of American Vessels have lately been taken by the Men of War on the Antigua Station; and by piratical Vessels cruizing without Commissions, from Antigua, Anguilla, Tortola and Dominica. By the latter, no less than 29 Sail had been sent into Tortola alone. These Pirates carefully avoid falling in with the Men of War, by which Means such as escape the one, fall into the Hands of the other. Among others lately taken, are said to be the following Masters from this State, Richard Minors, of the Sloop Rutledge; Jacob Wyatt, of the Scooner Splatt; Benjamin Wainwright, of the Sloop Family Traders; Paul Lightbourn, of the Sloop Nanny; Stafford Amory, of the Sloop Charming Nancy; William Peirut, of the Slo[o]p Elizabeth; George Griffin of the Scooner Wild-Cat; Boaz Bell, Richard Somerfall, Richard King, Foster Bascom, and one Morgan.
From St. Eustatius we are advised, that a Privateer belonging to Philadelphia, has lately taken 2 Sail out of a Cork Fleet, and carried them all safe into Martinique.
