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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
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Philadelphia, June 13: Capt. Rees reports from Antigua on French squadron of four large ships cruising to intercept British merchant fleet under Admiral Medley's convoy from England. Ten merchantmen arrived safely without convoy. Commodore Lee's ships reinforce Knowles to join Medley against French under Caylus (nine ships listed). Two enemy privateers captured. Schooner Charming Peggy taken; another captured ship accidentally burned with cargo.
Merged-components note: Table of French ships is integral to the Philadelphia news on naval activities.
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By Capt. Rees from Antigua, there is Advice, that four of the largest of the French Squadron were cruizing to the Windward of Barbadoes, to intercept a large Fleet of Merchantmen bound thither under the Convoy of Admiral Medley, who 'tis said, left England with 6 Ships of the Line. Ten Sail of Merchantmen of Force, bound to Jamaica, which came away without the Convoy, were arrived at Antigua in 30 Days from Plymouth; by whom they have an Account, that one Ship of 70 Guns, one of 60 and one of 50, under Command of Commodore Lee, were bound to Antigua directly, to reinforce Commodore Knowles, and were not to take any of the Trade under their Convoy. 'Tis said, that as soon as these Ships are joined, they are to join Admiral Medley, lest he should be attacked by the whole French Squadron under Monsieur Caylus, which consists of nine Sail, viz. A Frigate of 36 Guns, and two of 30, of 300 Men each. One Fireship and Bomb; fitted since they came to Martinico.
We hear farther from Antigua, that two Privateers of the Enemy have been taken and brought in there lately by one of our Men of War. That the Schooner Charming Peggy, Capt. Strawbridge of this Place, bound to Antigua, was taken within Sight of the Island, and carried to Guadaloupe, by a French Privateer, who the Day before had taken a large Ship, bound from Bristol to St. Kitts, and put some Men on board her to carry her in; but they attempting to light a Fire by shooting the Wads of their Pistols into a Parcel of Oakum, the Straw in some Crates of Earthen Ware took Fire, and got to such a Head, that they could not extinguish it, and the Ship with a very valuable Cargo was burnt. Capt. Strawbridge is come home with Capt. Rees.
| L'Esperance, | 74 Guns, | 650 Men. |
| Le Nortumberland, | 70 | 600 |
| Le Trident, | 64 | 550 |
| Le Serieux, | 64 | 550 |
| Le Diamant, | 56 | 500 |
| L'Aquillon, | 44 | 450 |
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Antigua
Event Date
June 13
Key Persons
Outcome
two enemy privateers captured and brought to antigua; schooner charming peggy captured and taken to guadaloupe; large ship from bristol to st. kitts captured but accidentally burned with valuable cargo.
Event Details
Four largest French squadron ships cruising to windward of Barbadoes to intercept merchant fleet under Admiral Medley's convoy of 6 ships of the line from England. Ten merchantmen to Jamaica arrived Antigua in 30 days from Plymouth without convoy. Ships of 70, 60, 50 guns under Commodore Lee bound directly to Antigua to reinforce Commodore Knowles, then join Medley against full French squadron of nine sail under Monsieur Caylus, including frigates, fireship, bomb fitted at Martinico. List of French ships provided.