The New Hampshire Gazette

BOSTON, March 16.

English & French Misconduct.

The public mind having been much agitated by the treatment which Capt. Blackmer lately received from a British man of war, on his voyage from Jamaica—we have received from him the following occurrences of the voyage; and pledge the reputation of our paper, for their accuracy.

Capt. Blackmer, in the schooner Hope, sailed from Jamaica the 5th Feb. in company with two other American vessels, and at 8 o'clock, P. M. fell in with three French privateers—one of which fired a number shot at him, brought him too, and ordered him to come on board the privateer. Capt. B. immediately went on board the privateer, the Capt. of which examined his papers, and told him to go on board his vessel. When Capt. B. was going on board his vessel, the privateer's Captain, hailed the mate of the Hope, and said, "you damn'd rascal haul down your mainsail, and clue up your maintop sail, or I'll fire at you." The mate having only a boy with him, could not immediately comply, on which the Captain of the privateer again said, "you son of a bitch, haul down your sails, and put your helm a starboard." The mate immediately put the helm up, and ran foul of the privateer, cut down all her quarter, and broke her rudder in midships. She then wore clear. During this, about twenty of the crew jumped on board the Hope. Soon after, the other two privateers came up, and ordered Capt. B. and the other vessels in company, to lie too until morning, which they did. In the morning Capt. B. carried the men on board the privateer, and gave them assistance to repair their vessel.—Immediately boats from all the privateers boarded Capt. B. and took from him all his water, except one cask, searched him for money; plundered him of a trumpet, and articles of clothing, to the amount of near 50 dollars, telling him he might go to Jamaica and get more water; but refused to give up the water casks. In consequence of this treatment, Capt. B. was obliged to put his men on short allowance of water; and put away to the Grand Caymans for more. But this was only the beginning of his misfortunes.

On the 6th inst. in lat. 40, long. 70, off Block-Island, the weather clearing away from a fog, a vessel hove in sight, which proved to be a frigate under French colours, which fired a shot. On this Capt. Blackmer immediately put his helm up, handed his maintop sail and flying-jib, bore down, and fell into the frigate's wake. She tacked ship, and Capt. B. wore round, put down his helm, and laid too, waiting for the frigate to speak him. The frigate came up on his lee, at the distance of 50 yards, laid there with all sails aback, for 10 minutes; and then without hailing fired a musket, the shot from which entered Capt. Blackmer's face just on the left jaw bone, & came out near his mouth, wounding him very severely. Capt. B. saw the man on the quarter-deck with the musket in his hand, saw him, level it, but had no conception that he had an intention to fire. After this a Lieutenant hailed the schooner, and inquired what cargo was on board, & from whence he came—to which Capt. B. gave suitable replies; adding, that they had wounded him severely, and requested assistance: but received no answer. After short pause, they said they were French and that Capt. B. might proceed on his voyage. Capt. B. then requested them for God's sake, to lend him some assistance to dress his wounds, as he had no medicine on board. After again inquiring where the vessel came from, the frigate's boat was got out, and the Captain and Lieutenant came alongside the schooner; on which Capt. B. jumped from the quarter deck, and said, "Gentlemen, I am happy to see you, but I am sorry you should attempt to take my life." The Captain bid the Lieutenant go on board the schooner, and he went himself on board another frigate which was then in company. When the Captain was going off, he was again requested to send his surgeon on board the schooner: but returned no answer. The Lieutenant however. Soon after ordered the surgeon on board; who immediately appeared, and expressed his utmost detestation of the proceeding, dressed the wounds, offered to tarry all night, left a quantity of medicine, and in all his conduct displayed the gentleman, and man of humanity. The Lieutenant too, conducted himself like a gentleman, and requested to purchase some fruit of Capt. B. who notwithstanding the injury which he had received, generously furnished him with some oranges, &c. refusing any compensation for them. Every endeavor of Capt. B. to find out the names of the frigate, or commander, was in vain—They refused to give them, alleging it was not customary. One of the frigates was a 36, or 40, the other 32.—The Captain of the largest was about 5 feet and 4 inches high, full faced, and rough looking, appeared to be about 40 years of age, a little pitted with the small-pox. black hair, and dressed in the uniform of the British navy. The Lieutenant about 5 feet 7 inches, about 25 years old, light hair, was very genteel and polite, and dressed in uniform—The surgeon near 6 feet high, about 23 years old, very portly and genteel, dark hair, had on a light blue surtout. By this description it is to be hoped the name of the frigate will be ascertained, that proper representations may be made on the subject.