The New Hampshire Gazette

Portsmouth, Feb. 13. Yesterday arrived here, with a Messenger belonging to the Admiralty, in the greatest haste, a Person who was immediately introduced, by Orders from above, to admiral Bocawen; of whom the following Particulars have transpired.

This Person was some time since Master of an English Vessel, trading from Port to Port in North America, particularly up the River St. Lawrence; but being taken by the Enemy, has been prisoner with the General Montcalm and others near three Years, who would not admit of any Exchange for him, on Account of his extensive Knowledge of all the Coast, more particularly the Strength and Soundings of Quebeck and Louisbourg: they therefore came to a Resolution to send him to Old France, in the next Packet Boat, there to be confined 'til the End of the War.

He was accordingly embarked, (the only Englishman,) and the Packet put on board. In their Voyage he was admitted to the Cabin, where he took Notice one Day of their bundling up the Packet, and putting of it into a Canvas Bag, having previously thereto made it ready to-be thrown overboard, upon any Danger of being taken.

They were constrained to put into Vigo for some Provisions, as also to gain some Intelligence of the Strength of the English Men of War at Anchor, which he thought afforded a proper Opportunity for putting the following Scheme in Execution.

One Night, when all, but the Watch, were in a sound Sleep, he took the Packet out of the Bag; and having fixed it in his Mouth, he silently let himself down into the Bay; and to prevent Noise by swimming, floated upon his Back into the Wake of the English Man of War, where he secured himself by the Hawser; and upon calling out for Assistance, was immediately taken on board, with the Packet entire.

The Captain examined him, treated him with great Humanity; gave him a Suit of his own Cloaths, Scarlet trimmed with Black Velvet, which he here appeared in; transcribed the Packet (which is said to be of the utmost Importance in Regard to our Success in North-America, and then sent him Post Over Land with the Copy of the Packet to Lisbon; from whence he was brought to Falmouth in a Sloop of War. and immediately set out Post for London.

Upon his Arrival in Town, he was examined by proper Persons in the Administration, and rewarded with a present Supply; and by his own Desire, was immediately sent to Portsmouth, to go out on board Admiral Bocawen's own Ship, upon the present Expedition to North America.