When was it published?

October 25, 1776 in The Virginia Gazette

Foreign News October 25, 1776

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Naval Affairs, Diplomatic, War Report

Q: What keywords are associated?

French Support America, Naval Pursuit, Pilot Boat Capture, Fort Building, Inevitable French War, Cape Nichola Mole

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

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What is this article about?

Letter from Cape Nichola Mole, Sept. 18, reports French in Haiti strongly favoring America, building forts amid inevitable war. French frigate ordered to protect American vessels. After a Philadelphia merchant's pilot boat was captured and sent to Jamaica, French ships pursue to demand its return, causing French exasperation.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Extract of a letter from Cape Nichola Mole, dated Sept. 18.

"The French here are to a man in favour of America. There are 10,000 men in this island, 1000 here, who with 500 Negroes are busy employed in building forts, and a French war is inevitable. A French frigate arrived the other day from France with orders to the General to protect all American vessels: A pilot boat belonging to a merchant in Philadelphia was taken the day before yesterday and sent to Jamaica; a French frigate of 36 guns and a Guarda Costa, which last hoisted continental colours, were immediately sent after her, with orders to follow her into Port Royal harbour, if they could not overtake her before, and demand her; what will be the consequences time will discover. The French were very much exasperated at her being taken, which was within two leagues of the land."

What sub-type of article is it?

Naval Affairs Diplomatic War Report

What keywords are associated?

French Support America Naval Pursuit Pilot Boat Capture Fort Building Inevitable French War Cape Nichola Mole

Where did it happen?

Cape Nichola Mole

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Cape Nichola Mole

Event Date

Sept. 18

Outcome

consequences of french pursuit of captured american pilot boat pending discovery; no casualties reported.

Event Details

French in the area favor America unanimously; 10,000 troops on island, 1,000 locally with 500 Negroes building forts; war with France inevitable. French frigate from France orders general to protect American vessels. Philadelphia merchant's pilot boat captured two days prior and sent to Jamaica; French 36-gun frigate and Guarda Costa (hoisting continental colors) sent in pursuit to overtake or follow into Port Royal and demand return. French exasperated by capture within two leagues of land.