The Virginia Gazette

From the CraftsMan.

This Writer undertakes to shew, that a vigorous Exertion of our Naval Power is the only Way to humble France and Spain, what an ill Use we have made of this Power, and how we shall use it for the future, gives us the following Account of this our superior Naval Strength.

We have now 6 Ships of the first Rate, 100 Guns, and 950 Men each; we have 16 Ships of the second Rate, 90 Guns, and 750 Men each; we have 59 third Rate Ships, 12 of which are 80 Guns, and 600 Men, 23 of which are 70 Guns, and 480 Men and 24 of which are 60 Guns, and 400 Men; of fourth Rates, we have 31 of 50 Guns, and 300 Men; there are 22 fifth Rates, 16 of which have 44 Guns, and 240 Men each; the Number of our sixth Rate is 22, one of which is of 24 Guns and 150 Men, the rest have 22 Guns, and 130 Men each. We have 16 Fire-ships, 9 Bomb Ketches, 2 Store-ships, 2 Hospital Ships, 11 Sloops, and 7 Yachts. In the Several Parts of the West-Indies, belonging to us, we have now 16 Ships of War, exclusive of the preceding List, stationed. In this Number our Readers must take Notice, that I have not mentioned the Victory, a first Rate, lost, and the Northumberland, a third Rate, and the Grampus Sloop, taken.

First, Second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth Rate Ships
156

Fire-ships, Bomb-ketches, Store-ships, Hospital-ships, Sloops, and Yachts
50

Ships of War Station'd in the West-Indies
16

The Number of Ships in the British Navy
225

Here is a View of our Naval Power: And from the Number of Ships which blocked up the united Fleets of France and Spain at Toulon, we may judge of the Effects of such a Navy as the British Navy is, under the Direction of Men of Knowledge and Integrity.