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The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
British forces, including six ships of the line, four frigates, and seventy transports carrying 6-7000 men from British and Hessian regiments, occupied the defenceless town of Newport and island in Rhode Island under Parker and Clinton. Clinton departed for home, leaving command to Lord Percy; Major Prescott appointed governor, Camble lieutenant governor. Harsh rule imposed on remaining Tories, goods seized, fuel shortages led to transports sent for wood from Long Island. On January 7, two regiments embarked, possibly heading to New York, with plans to withdraw most troops.
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By accounts from Rhode Island, we learn that soon after the arrival of six ships of the line, four frigates, and seventy transports, with twelve British and six Hessian regiments, amounting to between 6 and 7000 men, they took possession of the defenceless town of Newport and the island: that the expedition was carried on by Parker and Clinton; that Clinton is since gone home, and the command devolves to lord Percy; that major Prescott (late a prisoner in this state) is appointed governor of that small island, and one Camble lieutenant governor; that they look on the few Tories who remained in the town not as friends, but as prisoners of war; that they rule them with a rod of iron; that they have seized all the sugar, &c. which they deem goods taken at sea by our privateers, and if a man says a wry word, he is hove into jail, a blessed specimen of English government; that they were in great distress for want of fuel, and had sent a number of transports to the east end of Long Island for wood; that in the night of the 7th instant the enemy embarked two regiments on board the transports, and it was said more were to follow, supposed for New York. We are told they propose drawing all their troops from thence, except a small garrison, which we hope, ere long, to inform our readers is in our hands.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Newport, Rhode Island
Event Date
January 7
Key Persons
Outcome
british occupation of newport and island; harsh rule on tories treated as prisoners; seizure of goods; fuel distress; embarkation of two regiments on transports, possibly to new york; plan to draw off most troops leaving small garrison.
Event Details
Soon after arrival of six ships of the line, four frigates, and seventy transports with twelve British and six Hessian regiments (6-7000 men), they took possession of defenceless Newport and island. Expedition by Parker and Clinton; Clinton gone home, command to lord Percy; major Prescott governor, Camble lieutenant governor. Tories ruled with iron rod, seized sugar and goods from privateers, dissenters jailed. In great distress for fuel, sent transports to east end of Long Island for wood. On night of 7th instant, enemy embarked two regiments, more to follow, supposed for New York.