The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette

BOSTON, January 23, 1777.

Capt. Smith, in the privateer Brig Washington, belonging to Beverly, arrived at Plymouth a few days ago, from a cruise, during which he took eight prizes: the last of which was a brig from London, bound to Barbados, with beer, pork, butter, flour, cheese, and some dry goods: She sailed from Spithead the first of December. Mr. Hunter, who sailed from this port last summer in the Yankee Privateer, Capt. Johnson, and was taken, as formerly mentioned, was on board the above brig: He informs, that Capt. Johnson made his escape from the Rippon Man of War, and got to France, a month before he sailed.—That the Dr. (Downing) is very sick on board the Rippon of 50 guns. That while he was in London, there was a very hot press for seamen, and that two rendezvous houses were opened near Tower-Hill only, and five pounds sterling bounty offered for seaman. One of Capt. Smith's prizes had 200 pipes of wine. Capt. Johnson also informs, that he left 22 of his fellow-sufferers on board the ship he made his escape from, and that by what he could learn, they were to be carried to the East-Indies: and that some extraordinary appearance of a French War had taken place, as there was 2000 seamen press'd in one night.

A London print, of the 2d of December, was taken in the above prize, wherein was inserted an account, that an English cutter had taken and carried to England, a vessel from France bound to America, with dispatches, by which they learn, that the court of France were determined to assist the Americans with a powerful fleet in the spring. That on the British Court's receiving this account, they immediately gave orders for fitting several large ships.