The New Hampshire Gazette

Kingston, (in Jamaica.) January 21. On Tuesday in the Afternoon, came to Kingston the Privateer Sloop Thurloe, belonging to St. Christophers, mounting 14 Carriage Guns, with 84 Men, Robert Mantle Commander: Capt. Mantle left Port Royal on the 12th Instant, in Company with his Majesty's Ship the Augusta, and on Sunday the 15th, about 8 A. M. parted from the Man of War off Cape Tiburon; at Ten the same Morning saw a Sloop to the Eastward, which proved to be a French Privateer, called Les Deux Amis, Capt. Felix, of 10 Carriage Guns. and 88 Men, belonging to Port Louis, who bore down on the Thurloe; which being observed by Capt. Mantle, and suspecting her to be a French Privateer prepared to receive her; at one P. M. the Frenchman came very near, on which the Thurloe gave him a Broadside with great and small Guns, which he returned, and then made all the Sail he could to get off, but the intrepid Capt. Mantle was resolv'd not to part so easily and immediately gave Chase, and soon ranged her alongside, when the Frenchmen resolutely boarded the Thurloe on her Bow: And now began the most bloody and obstinate Engagement that has been known in these Parts for many Years past, both Sides being determined to conquer or die; this bloody Conflict lasted near three Hours, with Pistols, Grenades, Powder flasks, &c. and that in such Quantities that Capt. Mantle during the Action expended near 3000 Powder flasks, 72 Hand Stinkpots, besides twelve Rounds of great and small Guns. On board the Thurloe there were 12 Men killed, and 25 wounded; but on board Les Deux Amis it was a mere Slaughterhouse, for when the gallant Capt. Felix struck, there were no more than ten Men capable of continuing this Battle.--The extraordinary Courage shewn by Capt. Mantle on this Occasion, and the Advantage it will be both to the trading and planting Interest of this Island cannot be sufficiently extolled. It is to be hoped therefore, that this Gentleman and his brave Officers and Seamen will receive from the Inhabitants of this Island in general, some publick Acknowledgment for this important Service. [On the Frenchman's boarding the Thurloe, Capt. Mantle hoisted the bloody Flag. he being informed by his Pilot that this Sloop was called the Americana. and was the Vessel whose Crew had so barbarously treated Capt. Phillips, of the Duke Packet, taken by that Vessel off Hispaniola.]