Our trade with Waterford, Corke, Belfast, and Derry, is entirely at a stand, in consequence of the swarms of American privateers, which infest our coast. Sixteen sailors from on board a Boston brig, landed yesterday near Skerries, and staid in that part of the county several hours; they behaved with great civility to the countrypeople, whom they upon all occasions excite to rebellion. The appearance of the rebels, in a manner at our doors, has given spirits to the Whiteboys and other disaffected persons; and, in truth, not only commerce, but all legal authority, seems annihilated.
1. Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser, London, July 21, 1777.