The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

NEW YORK. September 5.

By letters from Chesapeake, dated the 31st ult. we learn, that a French fleet or squadron, including frigates and inferior vessels were arrived at Lynn Haven bay in Virginia, from whence a 64, and two frigates were dispatched up York river, and had took a station off York town; every preparation was making by our noble General to defend the important posts his Lordship there possesses, and as a very formidable and truly well appointed squadron of the British line, commanded by Admiral Graves, is, through much exertion, supposed to be now in the vicinity of our combined enemies, we may conclude the present to be the most interesting and critical Era since the commencement of the American rebellion, for an expected action at sea is likely to become decisive of the inadmissible idle Independence: we have at present the satisfaction to perceive a great part of the French navy in more peculiar, and perhaps a more dangerous position than they were ever yet reduced to.

Extract of a letter from Virginia, dated York-town, August 31.

"I now inform you that we are blocked up by a French fleet of 21 sail, one 64 and two frigates lie in sight of us. We are making all the preparations we can to give them a warm reception.

Yesterday came up two victuallers, part of the fleet committed to the protection of his majesty's frigate Pegasus, and dispatched by Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood to New York: the Pegasus and her convoy on her passage fell in with a French squadron of eight line of battle ships, supposed to be Mon. de Barras: it was apprehended the whole consisting of 6 victuallers & a vessel with the 40th regiment's cloathing had fallen into the hands of the enemy, until happily those two effected a safe arrival in our harbour."