The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON, May 25.

The following is the real cause of the Earl of Sandwich's present survey of the dock-yards: At the beginning of the last session of parliament, Sir Edward Hawke declared, not only in the House of Commons but in the Privy-Council, that a certain number of ships were fit for immediate service; in a few days afterwards he was obliged to retract the assertion he had made, not one third of the number being fit for sea. Sir Edward was therefore summoned to a Cabinet-Council, to answer for his bad conduct and neglect of duty. His defence was, that he spoke from the reports made to him by the Surveyor of the Navy, Sir Thomas Slade. It was then resolved in Council, that Sir Thomas should answer for his conduct before the House of Commons. This resolution being taken only two or three days previous to the adjournment of the House for the Christmas holidays, it was referred to the next meeting before which time Sir Thomas Slade died. On this occasion a certain Nobleman was heard to say, he died just in time to save his neck. It was then agreed in Council, that Sir Edward Hawke should be dismissed; and that for the future the Navy and dock-yards, throughout the kingdom, should be surveyed by the Lords of the Admiralty every two years.