The New Hampshire Gazette

Extract from a Letter, dated Basse-Terre, Guadaloupe, February 12.

We have just received the agreeable News of the Surrender of Fort Louis, and the Town, and the batteries in the Neighbourhood of Point Peter. The Ships first Sent up were reinforced by the Panther, and began the attack about 10 o'Clock yesterday. The cannonading was very smart for some hours, but about five in the afternoon, the enemy's fire ceased. and English Colours were hoisted in the Fort ; and the Town, which is but small, was presently reduced to ashes. Our loss in this action was not more than 10 or 12 men ; that of the enemy we do not know. but what remained of them fled into the Country. The Fort is a very good one, and on it and the batteries 40 odd Guns were mounted. It is said a Garrison will be left in the Fort. and the Ships employed at Marie-Galante. The report in the Fleet at first was, that all Grand-Terre had surrendered on Terms, but that was a mistake.

I have also this day heard of another material step which has been taken towards bringing this Island under obedience to the crown of England ; which is this, the General and the Commodore have published a Declaration, importing, that at the first landing of His Majesty's Troops at this place, Letters were addressed to the French Governor and the Inhabitants of the Island in general, signifying. that in case the Inhabitants came in within a limited time, and submitted to the Government of his Britannick Majesty,they should be protected in the possession of their Houses, Lands and effects of all kinds ; but that, for reasons best known to himself. the Said French Governor had kept the contents of the said Letters to himself. and concealed them from the Inhabitants. Therefore, to prevent the effusion of blood, &c. the General and Commodore thought it their duty to inform the Inhabitants in general, that in case they surrendered within 12 days from the 12th instant, and behaved with due obedience to his Britannick Majesty, They. (the General and the Commodore ) would, as far as in them lay, protect them in the quiet possession of their estates, effects, &c. and all free negroes, mulatto's, &c. who behaved as above, and brought in their arms, should have their freedom and privileges confirmed : But in case of failure to comply with these favourable Conditions, Military Execution was to be expected.

I am in great hopes that if means can be found to make this declaration sufficiently known, it will have the desired effect ; for the enemy must know our army is very sufficient to force a submission to much harder terms : also the taking of Fort Louis, and the havock our Privateers make along the Coasts of the Island. must be strong inducements to submit under the favourable conditions which have been offer-ed. From Basse-Terre all along the Coast as far as Englishman's Head, the Privateers have hardly left a House standing near the Sea, but have burnt and plundered all the Coast, and the reduction of Fort Louis will encourage them to do the same by Grand-Terre and the S. E. Coast of Guadaloupe.