The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

NEW YORK, May 23.

On Tuesday last arrived here a Sloop from Martinico,
which brought Letters for several Gentlemen in Town.

We hear that a Vessel just arrived there, met at Sea by a
Vessel from the East Indies, bound to England, having Col.
Coote on board, who stopped the Vessel till he wrote and sent
on board her a Letter for General Rufane, Governor
of Martinico, giving an Account of the Conquest of the
Island of Manilla, by Colonel Draper, in November last
where he found, Two Millions, some say Two and a half
Millions Sterling in Specie and that a rich Acapulco Ship
had also fallen into his Hands. [Luconia, or Manilla, the
chief of the Philippine Islands, in Asia, lying in the South Sea.
It is 800 miles in length, and 100 in breadth. It is not so hot
as might be expected, because it is well watered by the large lakes
and rivers, and the periodical rains, which lay all the plains
under water. There are several volcanos in the mountains,
which occasion earthquakes ; and there are variety of hot baths.
The produce of this island is, wax, cotton, wild cinnamon, sul-
phur, cocoa nuts, rice, gold, horses, buffaloes, and game: The
Inhabitants are a mixture of Several nations, besides Spaniards ;
and they all produce a mixed breed, distinct from any of the
rest. The blacks have long hair, and good features : and there
is one tribe, who prick their skin, and draws figures on them,
as they do in most other countries where they go naked. To this
island the Spaniards bring all sorts of commodities; such as silver.
from New Spain, Mexico, and Peru ; diamonds from Golconda :
Silks, tea, Japan and China ware, and gold dust, from China
and Japan. The Spaniards send 2 large ships every year from
hence to Acapulco in Mexico with merchandise, and return
back with silver. The Spaniards have an inquisition here, but
it does not affect the natives and the Mahometans. In 1743.
near this island, admiral Anson took the large Acapulco ship,
which was loaded with a vast deal of treasure, which he bro't to
England in 1744. Long from 137. 0. to 141. 35. Lat. from 13.
10 to 19. 0.]