The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

HAGUE, August 19.

NOBLE, RESPECTABLE, GALLANT, FAITHFUL, AND WELL BELOVED, COUNTRYMEN!

We have learnt with the utmost satisfaction, that the fleet of the Republic under the command of Rear Admiral Zoutman, tho' greatly inferior in ships, guns, and in number of men, to the English fleet, under Vice Admiral Parker, made such a brave resistance to their attack on the 5th instant, that their fleet, after an obstinate contest which lasted from eight o'clock in the morning till half past eleven, was obliged to retreat.

The heroic courage displayed by Admiral Zoutman, the Captains, officers, subalterns, and the common sailors and soldiers concerned in the action, and who, through the Divine Benediction, acquitted themselves so well in their different departments, merits the highest praise that can be bestowed, and demands our particular approbation. We have therefore thought proper to write this letter to return public thanks in our own name, to the said Rear-Admiral, Captains, officers, subalterns and common sailors and soldiers, commanding it to be read on board every ship that had any share in the engagement, in which the officers and common men fought with equal bravery; causing an authentic copy of it to be transmitted by the Secretary of the fleet to Admiral Zoutman, and to such of the Commanders of the ships under him (with whose conduct the Admiral has every cause to be satisfied) and to declare finally, that we have no doubt but that both they, and all the other officers and common men employed in the service of the state, will prove, at every opportunity that may present itself in future, that the Republic is in no want of defenders of the country and its liberties, and that the ancient valour of the Batavians still flourishes among us, and will never be extinct. Upon which, noble, respectable, gallant, faithful, and well beloved Countrymen, we recommend you to the Divine protection. Your affectionate Friend,

WILLIAM, PRINCE OF ORANGE.

Given at the Hague, August 14. 1781.

By order of his Highness,

T. J. DE LARREY.