The New Hampshire Gazette

From the LONDON GAZETTE.

Extract of a Letter from General Barrington, to the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Pitt, dated, Head Quarters, in Cape Terre, Guadalupe, May 9, 1759.

I have the satisfaction to inform you, that, by great perseverance and changing entirely the nature of the war, by carrying it on by detachments, I have at length made myself master of Guadalupe and Grand Terre. This is a work, Sir, that, I believe, the most sanguine (considering our total separation from the fleet) could not expect to have been performed by so small a body of men. I shall not in this trouble you with the detail, as I have done myself the honour of sending it to you in my other letter. I shall only say in general, that the great good conduct and zeal of Brigadiers Clavering and Cramp, and the bravery of the troops, got the better of every obstacle; forced the enemy in all their entrenchments, and strong passes; took fifty pieces of cannon, and advanced as far as the Capesterre, the only unreduced part of the country. This at last brought the enemy to terms. My situation was such, that it was absolutely necessary, that what was done should not be procrastinated, as I was determined to grant no truce for time enough for the inhabitants to recover from their fears. Mr. Moore was absent, the thing pressed; and some resolution was to be taken immediately. That, which I took, was according to the best of my understanding: and I hope, Sir, you will approve of it.

I believe, Sir, the infinite consequence and value of Guadalupe, and Grand Terre, is not perfectly known in England, as (if I am rightly informed) there is more sugar grown here than in all the Leeward-Islands put together; besides great quantities of cotton and coffee. The country, especially the Capesterre, the finest I ever saw, watered with good rivers every mile or two; and a port belonging to it, where all the navy of England may ride safe from hurricanes. All this can be explained much better, than I can by letter, by Brigadier Clavering, whose infinite zeal for his Majesty's service, and talents as a soldier, I hope will recommend him to protection. Such men are rare; and I think I may venture to assure you, there are few things in our profession, that he is not equal to, if it should be thought fit to honour him with the execution of any future commands.

I have appointed Col. Crump to the government, who, since Governor Haldane left us, I have made act as a Brigadier: His merit is very great, both as a soldier, and a man of judgment: he is of this part of the world; understands the trade, customs and genius of the people; and as he thinks nobly and disinterestedly, he would not have accepted of the government, but in hopes of advancing himself in the army by that means. I cannot say, how very useful, and how much our success are owing to his good conduct, and great zeal.

As I have now nothing to fear from the land, I am repairing as well as I can Fort Louis, and fortifying the isle of Cochon for the greater security of the harbour. The poor people here are in a miserable condition, but I shall do every thing in my power to procure them the things they want. I have the honour to send you enclosed the capitulation of the governor, as well as that of the inhabitants. The latter have behaved, in all their dealings, with great candour, and it is a justice I owe them, to acquaint you with it. It has not as yet been possible for me to go round the islands to see the different posts that must be occupied, I therefore cannot yet determine the exact number of troops that will be necessary to be left for their defence. The great assistance I have received from Capt. Lynn, of the Roebuck, in the different services I have been carrying on for the reduction of these islands, ought not to be forgot by me, as well as his first Lieutenant Mr. Keating, both whom I beg leave to recommend to your favour.

I find it is impossible (from the different parts of the islands where they are to be received) for me to procure a return of the artillery and stores (which have been delivered up, in consequence of the capitulations) to send by this opportunity; but I hope to be able to have the honour of sending it very soon.

I cannot help congratulating myself, that I had just signed the capitulation with the inhabitants of Grand Terre, when a messenger arrived in their camp to acquaint them, that M. Beauharnois, the general of these islands, had landed at St. Anne's, on the windward part of that island, with a reinforcement from Martinico, of 600 regulars, 2000 Buccaneers, and 2000 spare arms for the inhabitants, with artillery and mortars, under the convoy of M. Bombart's squadron. This support, had it arrived an hour sooner, must have made the conquest of that island very difficult, if not impossible. As soon as he heard the capitulation was signed, he reimbarked again.

Extract of a Letter from Commodore Moore to the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Pitt, dated, Prince Rupert's Bay, Dominique, May 11, 1759.

By the Griffin, which arrived here on the 27th of April, I was honoured with, your letter Signifying his Majesty's most gracious approbation of my conduct, and of the behaviour of those under my command, which I took the liberty to communicate to those gentlemen: and give me leave to say, Sir, nothing can contribute so much to our happiness, as executing orders to the honour of his Majesty's arms.

Give me leave, Sir, to congratulate you on the capitulation of the Islands of Guadaloupe and Grand Terre, which Major General Barrington sends you by this express: in gaining which great honour is due to the troops. The strong holds the enemy had, could not be conquer'd but by great conduct and resolution. I hope the conquest will prove as great an acquisition as it appears to me.

It is with great pleasure, I think I may say, Sir, that on this expedition, great unanimity has been kept up between the two corps, as well in obedience to his Majesty's commands, as from our own inclinations. It has ever been my wish to have such harmony subsist, and I flatter myself I have always succeeded.

I beg leave to acquaint you, Sir, that on the 2d Instant, being informed the French squadron, under the command of M. Bompart, was to windward of Marigalante, I put to sea in the night, and endeavoured to get up with them; but, after beating five days, and having gained very little, two of our cruisers, that I had sent different ways to watch the enemy's motions, saw them, the 6th instant, returned betwixt the two islands into Fort Royal. From the almost constant lee currents, it being very difficult for ships to get to windward, it must always be in the enemy's choice, whether they will come to a general action or not. Their squadron consists of nine sail of the line, and three frigates.

I shall in conjunction with General Barrington, give every assistance in my power to any other service.