Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

BOSTON, May 21

By the arrival of Capt. Griffin, from Alicant, we are informed, that since the last decree of the French relative to British produce and manufactures; the number of privateers in the Mediterranean, in the Bay of Biscay, and on the coasts of Spain and Portugal, has been very much increased; from the port of Malaga only. the number was about 35; they capture and send into port almost every vessel they meet with, and few, very few escape condemnation—the smallest article of British produce or manufacture, found on board, or the most trifling error in their papers, is with them a sufficient reason to make good prize of vessel and cargo; indeed they are often condemned on pretexts the most frivolous, unjust and vexatious, which could be imagined—One vessel was condemned for having a few plates, part of the cabin furniture, of English manufacture—Another for a few handkerchiefs—A Swedish vessel from Carthagena, with Brandy, bound to some other port in Spain was made prize of because by accident it was mentioned in one of the bills of lading, that part of the cargo was for account of a merchant living in Oporto! they condemned her, as expressed in the decree of condemnation for having property on board belonging to a port in Portugal—a British Province!!

The Danes have two or three frigates, and as many brigs constantly convoying their vessels up and down the Mediterranean, yet more Danes and Swedes were sent into port and fewer cleared than of any other flag; just before capt. Griffin sailed the Danish captains of the frigates received orders to bring too every French privateer they might meet with, and examine her papers, to ascertain if she had instructions to plunder; if the privateers do not instantly comply they are to be fired into, and to be sunk if they resist.