The Gazette

NEWPORT, JAN. 1.

It is with pleasure we communicate the following information to the merchants of this State, which may be confidently relied on—

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman of undoubted information, dated Philadelphia, Dec. 19, 1798.

The principal part of the naval force of the United States, will be employed and distributed this winter in the West Indies, as follows: Several vessels of considerable force, and some of 10 and 14 guns, will rendezvous at Prince Rupert's Bay in the island of Dominica, and will have for their object, the protection of our trade, from St. Kitt's as far windward as Tobago and Barbados, and will pay attention to Curacao, and as the force increases, to the Spanish Main. A strong ship and 4 or 5 vessels of inferior force will rendezvous at St. Kitt's and cruise as far leeward as Porto Rico. A strong ship and 1 or 2 smaller vessels, will guard the windward passage, between Cuba & Hispaniola; and a similar force will cruise in the Havannah, for the protection of that trade. The greater part of the vessels destined for these several objects have sailed, or are under sailing orders, three others will soon follow, and it is expected that considerable security will be given to our trade, during the present winter, in those seas.