The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

From the London Gazette, April 27.

Admiralty-Office, April 27, 1782.

Extract of a letter from the Hon. Vice-Admiral Barrington to Mr. Stephens, dated on board the Britannia, at St. Helen's, the 25th of April, 1782.

I have the pleasure to acquaint you, for the information of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that on the 20th instant, Ushant bearing N. E. half E. 23 leagues, at one P.M. I perceived the Artois, Capt. Macbride, with the signal out for discovering an enemy's fleet, but at such a distance that it was with the utmost difficulty I could distinguish the colour of his flag.

It was then calm, but a breeze soon springing up, I made the signal for a general chase; the enemy at such a distance that I could but just discover them from the Britannia's main-head, at three o'clock. At the close of the evening seven of our ships had got a good distance a-head of me, the Foudroyant, Capt. Jervis, the foremost; and in the night, it coming to blow strong, with hazy weather, after having lost sight of his companions, at 47 minutes after 12, brought the Pégase, of 74 guns and 700 men, to a close action, which continued three quarters of an hour, when the Foudroyant, having laid her on board on the larboard quarter, the Frenchman struck. My pen is not equal to the praise that is due to the good conduct, bravery and discipline of Captain Jervis, his officers and seamen, on this occasion.

The next morning, soon after day-break, the wind then at South blowing strong, it shifted in an instant to West, and with such violence that it was with difficulty I could carry my courses to clear Ushant, and get the channel open; which being accomplished by noon, I brought to, and remained so until the 22d, to collect the squadron.

By the accounts of the prisoners, there were 18 sail, laden with stores, provision, & ammunition, under convoy of the Protecteur, of 74, Pégase, 74, L'Andromache, 32, together with L'Actionnaire, a two decker, armée en flute, all bound for Isle de France. They left Brest the 19th instant.

I cannot pretend to give their Lordships a particular account of the number of prizes taken, but must refer them to that they may receive as they arrive in port, tho' I believe there are ten at least.

N. B. Advice has been received, that the Pégase, of 74 guns, is arrived at Spithead, and the following ships, part of the above-mentioned captures, at Plymouth.

La Fidélité, with 178 troops and stores.

La Bellone, 147 troops and stores.

La Lionne, 180 troops and stores.

Le Duc de Chartres, stores and arms.

[Thus far Lond. Gaz.]