The New Hampshire Gazette

August 12.

Capt. Cole, of the Eurydice frigate, arrived on Saturday at the admiralty with dispatches from Earl Howe. The noble Admiral fell in with the French fleet, consisting of fourteen ships of the line, and six frigates, off Belleisle, so advantageously situated, as to make it impossible for his lordship to bring them to action.

The two fleets continued in sight of each other for some time; but at length the French, through the favor of a brisk gale, made off, and were completely out of sight when the Eurydice was dispatched. The English fleet consisted of 19 ships of the line. The French fleet formed in line on the approach of the British fleet, and offered battle; but they were not by any dexterity of manoeuvre to be drawn from their position.

The inaction hitherto of Lord Howe and Hood, reminds us of the story of the two Irish labourers; the first was asked what he was doing; to which he answered, I am busy doing nothing; and the same question being put to his comrade, he said, he was helping him!

A person who affected to pass for a great scholar, was asked by a friend, what was meant by posthumous works? Works, said he, that a man writes after he is dead.