Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

FRANCE.

PARIS, December 15,

Extract of a letter from Naples, Dec. 1.

"The 13th of last month a terrible battle was fought near the island of Corsica, between a Maltefe frigate commanded by a Noble Knight of Malta, and an Algerine cruizer of equal force; the engagement began at ten o'clock in the morning, and continued without intermission till two in the afternoon, during which they were along side each other frequently. fighting yard-arm and yard-arm with the most determined resolution.

The Algerines made several attempts to board sword in hand, but were vigorously repulsed every time with great slaughter. The Maltefe, who are sworn enemies to the infidels, shewed astonishing bravery throughout the whole action, and fought like so many furies, determined never to strike, but at last unfortunately their ship took fire, and in a short time blew up, and all on board perished except one man, who was taken up the next day upon a piece of the mast by a small bark, and brought in here a miserable spectacle. By the man's account, it is generally believed what remained of the pirate must have sunk soon after, as their vessel was entirely dismasted, and in a very shattered condition a considerable time before the frigate blew up. He further says, the Maltefe had not above 40 left alive when she took fire, out of the whole complement, and that the Captain and first Lieutenant were killed in the beginning of the action."