We have intelligence that the jail distemper rages with great violence on board lord Dunmore's fleet, particularly among the negro forces, upwards of 150 of whom, it is positively affirmed, have died withina short time, and who, as fast as they expire, are tumbled into the deep, to regale the sharks, which it seems swarm thereabouts, and no doubt keep a sharp a look-out for all such sorts of provision, as the land animals do for fresh port, good mutton, poultry, &c.
Twelve deserters have come into Suffolk within these few days, from the fleet at Norfolk, viz. a serjeant and corporal, with five marines, and five common sailors, who all confirm the miserable situation of the people on board, occasioned by the jail fever breaking out among them; and one of the marines declared, that he firmly believed his captain would come on shore likewise, had he a good opportunity.
Last Tuesday se'nnight [February 27] capt. William Deane (some time ago sent prisoner to Boston by lord Dunmore, but retaken by capt. Manly of the Lee privateer) had the misfortune to have his vessel seized, the sloop John, from Cape Anne, about six miles below York, by one of the ministerial tenders. She was loaded with 3000 bushels of salt, 1000 wt. of raisins, 500 do. of chocolate, a few boxes of lemons and candles, &c.&c. The captain, with his people, escaped in their boat; and, had it not been calm, and the tide against him, he would have saved his vessel likewise.
We have undoubted intelligence, that 60 tuns of saltpetre, 15 tuns of gunpowder, and 1300 stand of arms, are lately landed at Philadelphia, and more daily expected.