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The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Letter from Bordeaux dated December 13, 1776, reports Dr. Franklin's arrival in France on December 7 aboard a 16-gun ship with two prizes; French and Spanish war preparations; rumors of Russian troops for England and impending European war; Dutch opposition to Americans; Lord Chatham near death.
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Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Bourdeaux,
dated December 13, 1776.
"Dr. Franklin arrived at Nantz in France, on the
7th inst. in a ship of 16 guns, and has gone to Paris.
His business, which must certainly be very important,
is matter of great speculation among the French.
I am very glad he has got safe here, as his superior abi-
lities and experience will probably at this juncture be
of the greatest advantage to America. The ship
brought in two prizes with her, taken in the bay.
The French are now, and have been for four months
past, preparing both by sea and land: Their marine
force is at this day very formidable, and the Spaniards
are not much behind them. A war with Spain and
Portugal is thought to be unavoidable, should this
take place, France and England will necessarily be
engaged in it: the arrival of Doctor Franklin will pro-
bably hasten it. It is very confidently reported, and
said to come from good authority, that Russia has en-
gaged to furnish England with 20,000 men for the
American service, in the spring; France and Spain
will not, I think, see this, and remain idle spectators;
The Dutch were attached to their interest, seem very
generally disposed to retard and clog the Americans,
both in their public and private business, as much as
they can. Lord Chatham is said to be very near his
end. We have not yet heard of the fate of Kings-
bridge: -The French and Spaniards will greatly re-
joice to hear of a decisive action in favour of Ameri-
ca, hope they will soon have that pleasure. Hearing
that Lead was much wanted in America induced me
to purchase so large a quantity, should there be occa-
sion for it, I hope it will do good execution."
From various circumstances we are apt to believe a
war between France and England is actually decla-
red, so that it's not likely the English army in Ame-
rica can be much augmented the next summer.
We hear that several prizes have been lately sent
into safe ports at the Southward.
What sub-type of article is it?
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
France
Event Date
December 13, 1776
Key Persons
Outcome
ship brought in two prizes taken in the bay; rumors of russia furnishing 20,000 men to england; speculation on impending war between france, england, spain, and portugal.
Event Details
Dr. Franklin arrived at Nantz on the 7th inst. in a 16-gun ship and proceeded to Paris; his important business sparks speculation in France. French and Spanish forces preparing for war by sea and land for four months; marine force formidable. War with Spain and Portugal seen as unavoidable, drawing in France and England; Franklin's arrival may hasten it. Russia reportedly to send 20,000 men to England for American service in spring; France and Spain unlikely to remain idle. Dutch disposed to hinder Americans. Lord Chatham near death. No news on Kingsbridge. Several prizes sent into southern ports.