The New Hampshire Gazette

Extract of a Letter from the Hague, Jan. 27.

There has perhaps been no naval action this War, in which the reputation of the English arms has been so fully impressed on the minds of a portion of all nations, as that which happened the 24th instant, between the frigates Felicite and Richmond, the cannon of the combat being fairly heard at this place, which was about eight English miles from the scene, and which terminated within three quarters of a mile of the shore, near a village called Scheveningen.

Captain Durel, of the Felicite, behaved till his death with all the persevering courage of a resolute commander ; as did the second in command. who was more happy in escaping, and who left his ship with the colours flying, when she was a perfect wreck : that had not the shore taken her up, he must at that instant inevitably have foundered, as near 200 shot had lodged in her hull, and the greatest part near and under the water. The concourse of people of all denominations that flocked down from the Hague, and the neighbouring towns, to be spectators of the action, were in multitude only to be equalled by a vast army. The prince, all the foreign ministers, gentry, &c. were present ; nor was there a horse within the district, on the Saturday or Sunday. but what was employed to carry somebody to see the transaction ; and it being fine and clear weather, they were particularly gratified in the novelty.

Monsieur D'Affry. the French minister, has promised to recommend the surviving Captain of the Felicite. Monsieur Laugarrens, to his court, to their particular notice. He has made remonstrances to the States General. about the infraction of the neutrality of their territories ; and the Dutch ministry sent off Captain Blackwell of their guards with a letter to remonstrate with Captain Elphinston, who, as we are informed, has sent them a judicious reply, which is properly supported:

The States likewise gave orders to their Strand-Master. who is the proper officer on that occasion, to interpose in hoisting Dutch colours on board, and in saving the wreck ; but it was too late, for before these orders could be executed, she was on fire, and consumed to low water mark, which as she keeled was on one side destroyed too near the keel.

Monsieur D'Affry, notwithstanding his great chagrin in seeing his master's ship, sent on an important service, so unluckily destroyed, and the number of wounded brought on shore, among which was the brave, dead Capt. Durel, ... : could not, amidst this affecting scene, decline doing justice to the magnanimity and conduct of the English commander. who from the beginning to the end acted with a determined heroism and judgment, that could not be surpassed.

The superior seamanship and manoeuvres of the English in the Richmond, was apparent to all, as she was equally ashore with the Frenchman, and within her, notwithstanding the other was stranded, and the Richmond got off.

The Felicite came originally from Brest, last from Dunkirk ; took in part of her cargo at Havre de Grace, which consisted of cloathing, flour, wine, brandy, cordage. and other naval stores for the colonies ; and was proceeding northabout. Her consort the Hermione being lost, the Felicite had not only her own, but the other's packets and dispatches, besides her passengers, which were numerous, and some of them Governors.

General Yorke. who viewed the transaction, and always most sensibly feels for the honour and welfare of his countrymen, seems greatly elated at this good success, which appears hourly more important, and omits no circumstance to confirm what thousands saw, that if the breach of neutrality is disputed, the Frenchman was an equal aggressor, and that the English ship being ashore, fired for her own preservation, and ceased when the enemy did. .... In fine, the Hollanders, who in these parts are well inclined to the English, are not displeased with the catastrophe of the French ship, as a casual rencounter upon their coast.