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Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Letter from Madeira dated Dec. 5, 1785, reports Moorish squadron anchoring, interacting with Governor, showing interest in American vessel Brig Richmond. They claim peace but confess intent to cruise for American ships, threatening commerce.
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"Yesterday morning a Moorish cruizer anchored in this road, and saluted the fort with two guns: she seemed to be full of men, and carries about ten guns. The Captain and some of the officers waited on the Governor, who gave them a polite invitation. While they were sitting at the Governor's table, the Brig Richmond came to anchor before the castle windows, and hoisted American colours.
R. L. Bisset, who was present, observed the Moor's eye fixed on that object with solicitude in his countenance, and that the manner of expressing himself to his officers indicated no small disappointment.
They threw out in conversation that they are not at war with the Americans, but were ordered out by the Emperor of Morocco for their improvement in navigation, and particularly to anchor at Madeira, and to gain the Governor's certificate that they had all accordingly touched here.
This morning came to anchor a stout vessel of about 12 guns, being the Commodore of the squadron, which consists of four ships; the other two will soon be in.
Though they talk of being at peace with all the world, their first enquiries were after American vessels: indeed one of them, who appears to be a renegado, confesses that was their real object, and that they were to cruize for three months between the Canaries, Madeira and the Western Islands. If so, they must infinitely distress our commerce."
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Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Madeira
Event Date
Dec. 4 5, 1785
Key Persons
Outcome
squadron intends to cruise for american vessels for three months between the canaries, madeira, and western islands, potentially distressing american commerce.
Event Details
Moorish cruiser anchored in Madeira roadstead on Dec. 4, saluted fort, captain and officers visited Governor. Brig Richmond arrived with American colors, causing disappointment to Moors. They claimed ordered by Emperor of Morocco for navigation training and to obtain Governor's certificate at Madeira, but confessed real aim to target American vessels. On Dec. 5, Commodore's vessel of 12 guns anchored; squadron totals four ships.