We are informed from good authority that a system of justice similar to that adopted against the devoted town of Boston, is likely to be established in this colony, by the renowned Commodore of the Virginia fleet. He has, in the course of this week, as a reprisal for the loss of his tender, seized every vessel belonging to Hampton that came within his reach, and thereby rendered himself the terror of all the small craft and fishing boats in this river; especially the latter, having brought some of them under his stern, by a discharge of his cannon at them. He has likewise seized a vessel belonging to the Eastern shore, and having honoured the passengers so far with his notice, as to receive them on board his own vessel, took the liberty of sending one of their horses as a present to L——d Dunmore.1 This act of GENEROSITY we doubt not, will gain him considerable interest with his Lordship, it being an instance of his industry in distressing a people who have of late become so obnoxious to his Excellency for their spirited behaviour. We hope that those who have lived under and enjoyed the blessings of the British constitution, will not continue tame spectators of such flagrant violations of its most salutary laws in defence of private property. The crimes daily committed by this plunderer we would not willingly brand with the odious name of piracy, but we are confident they come under those offences to which the English laws have denied the benefit of clergy.
We are just informed that he sent, some days ago, a message to the inhabitants of Hampton, with a proposal that if they would return the stores, &c. taken on board the tender, he would molest them no longer, but retire peaceably to his old station. This proposition being taken under consideration by the principal inhabitants, an answer was returned promising a compliance with the Captain's request, provided he would deliver up a negro slave belonging to Mr. Henry King, who has long acted as a pilot to the Otter; but this the honest Captain, as well on account of the fellow's knowledge of the rivers as his singular ATTACHMENT and LOYALTY to his sovereign, refused, and, after damning the IMPUDENCE of these people in demanding his Ethiopian director, swore he would make them no other reply than what his cannon could give them; Accordingly he has taken his station between the two bars to be more convenient for the business.