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Domestic News December 24, 1776

The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

What is this article about?

The American Navy's Alfred Man of War and Sloop Providence captured several British vessels during a cruise from Rhode Island in November, including transports and merchant ships, before Alfred evaded a British pursuer and arrived safely in Nantasket Road on December 6 with 140 prisoners.

Merged-components note: Continuation of naval news article from page 1 to page 4, explicitly indicated by '(See last PAGE.)' and '(continued from the first page.)' in the text.

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Full Text

BOSTON: December 19:

The Alfred Man of War, of the American Navy, with the Sloop Providence, sailed from Rhode Island, the 2d of Nov.--
On the 12th they took a Brig with a very valuable Cargo, from Liverpool for Halifax and on the 14th of Louisburg they took a fine Transport, laden with Cloathing, for Canada-- the 16th, off Cape North, they took a Snow, with a Cargo of Fish, &c. from Galway for Barbados--in the night of the 18th, the Providence disappeared.--The Alfred kept the Transport Ship under Convoy, having mounted her with Guns, and manned her well--on the 22d they were off Cano, the Alfred's Boats were Sent to burn a Transport, laden with Provision, as she had got ashore within the Harbour, and could not be got off--the Boats also burnt the Oil Stores, with their Contents, and all the Materials for the Whale Fishery.-- The 23d, the Alfred took three Transport Ships from Spanish River for New-York, under Convoy of the Flora Frigate; it was then hazy, otherwise the Flora would have been within Sight.--On the 26th, the Alfred took a Merchant Ship, of 10 Guns, from Liverpool for Halifax; she had now five Ships under Convoy, and being unable to man a greater Number proceeded for Port.--

On the 8th December, on St. Georges Bank, she was chaced by a large Ship and ordered the Quebeck Transport to make Sail and run a Head, some of the fastest sailing Ships accompanied her, and the Alfred fell in between them and the Stranger: the Wind shifted in the Night.--The Alfred carried a top Light, and stood to the Northward-- The Cloathing Ship and others that had been a-Head stood on to the Southward--the strange Ship was near the Alfred in the Morning. & appeared a Man of War with St. George's Colours--The last taken Ship, as she sailed fast, was sent after to view the Enemy and make a Signal agreed on, if she was of superior Force, she made the Signal that the Enemy was of superior Force--the Wind increased to a violent Gale in the Evening, and by that Means
(See last PAGE.)
(continued from the first page.)
the Alfred and Prize Ship got clear of the Enemy, and the Alfred arrived safe in Nantasket Road the 6th current, having on board one Hundred and Forty Prisoners, among whom are; the Attorney General of Canada. with Lady and Family, and several Officers and Soldiers--she had only two Day's Provision left, and left Rhode Island with no more than one Hundred and Forty Officers and Men. -- The Quebeck Transport is called the MeLLIaH-she was lately a Bomb in the English Service, & was then named the THUNDER.

What sub-type of article is it?

Military Shipping

What keywords are associated?

Alfred Man Of War American Navy Sloop Providence British Transports Prize Captures Nantasket Road Naval Chase

What entities or persons were involved?

Attorney General Of Canada

Where did it happen?

Boston

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Boston

Event Date

From The 2d Of Nov. To The 6th Current

Key Persons

Attorney General Of Canada

Outcome

captured multiple british vessels including a brig, transport ships, snow, and merchant ship; burnt a transport and oil stores; evaded chase by british man of war; arrived safe with 140 prisoners including officers and soldiers; had only two days' provisions left after departing with 140 officers and men.

Event Details

The Alfred Man of War and Sloop Providence sailed from Rhode Island on November 2, capturing several British ships between November 12 and 26; Providence disappeared on November 18; Alfred's boats burnt a grounded transport and oil stores on November 22; chased by a British ship on December 8, escaped via gale and arrived in Nantasket Road on December 6.

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