The Virginia Gazette

LONDON, March 11.

As the Americans were not to be duped by ministerial chicanery, recourse hath been had to corruption.

One hundred thousand pounds hath been sent over to America, to be properly distributed amongst the members of the Congress. Col. Barré mentioned this fact on Friday in the House of Commons. It is not to be doubted. The Americans themselves are apprised of the transaction, and they know the persons who are entrusted with the distribution of this money.

To the eternal disgrace of the Minister, the whole of this negotiation shall in due time be laid before the public. The names of the agents shall be mentioned.

The Americans have given several specimens of their policy. They know how to act on such occasions. They will scarcely permit so large a sum to return to England, at the same time that it is too small to purchase the integrity of America.

Query, Does Mr. Burton (the friend of Lord Dartmouth, and the disciple of Shebbeare) know anything of this transaction?

Government has contracted for one thousand baggage waggons, ten thousand horseshoes, and two thousand saddles, for the use of the King's troops in America.

It is shameful that a parliamentary inquiry is not made into the expenditure of the public money. Who can wonder that Ministers should amass such immense fortunes, when they can pocket what they please, and let it down to the article of secret service.

No account will be given of the money sent over to bribe the Congress. It will fall under the head of secret service.

Orders are given for two frigates to be immediately stationed on the Irish coast, where, we are informed, some foreign vessels have lately been discovered making observations.

The following is an extract of a letter from Colonel Faucit, to General Yorke, Ambassador at the Hague, dated Hanover, Feb. 7:

"The first column of Hessian troops, consisting of 8000 men, begin to march the 15th instant, in conformity to the first arrangements; but having received the King's orders for them to stop their march for some days, till the rivers were cleared from ice, I immediately despatched couriers, which found the troops already arrived in the Hanoverian territories, the first place for their halting. In consequence of an express sent to the Landgrave, to inform him of the orders, he ordered them to return to their first quarters, which caused a great alarm among them, thinking an accommodation had been agreed on with the rebels, and that there would be no occasion for their service. They are most excellent troops, and seem fully satisfied with their destination. Not one man deserted during their first march. One General officer had demanded his dismission, which has been granted, the reason for which I know not. I can, however, assure you, that the only dissatisfaction shewn among the Hessian troops, is amongst those that are to continue at home."

Several hundred pounds worth of silver, in small casks, is preparing to be sent to Portsmouth, to be shipped on board the men of war bound to America, to pay the troops.

March 14. A report was circulated yesterday, that there was an embargo laid on all ships bound to France; but on what foundation we will not pretend to say.

Ten independent companies of invalids are to be formed from among the out pensioners of Kilmainham, who are designed to garrison some parts of this kingdom. A board of the Governors is summoned for that purpose, and will meet this day.

In a list of promotions as inserted in the London gazette, and dated War Office, January 30, it will be found that no less a number than seven officers belonging to the regiments now in Boston have resigned their commissions. A strong proof of the disagreeable service in which the army is now employed.

Advices from Dublin say, "This capital will soon be too hot for the Viceroy's adviser, manager, and Secretary, to remain much longer; so that another must very speedily be appointed in his room."