The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMS BURG, May 23.

There is certain Advice, by Way of New-York, which is sent by Commodore Knowles, from St. Christophers, That 7 French Men of War are arriv'd at Martinico, from Cadiz, viz. Two of 80 Guns, Two of 70, Two of 60, and One of 36 Guns, with 28 Transports, &c. and upwards of 3000 Land Forces: The Arrival of this great Armament has thrown the Inhabitants of the Islands into the greatest Hurry and Confusion, expecting daily a Visit from them: However, they are fortifying themselves with great Diligence, and particularly at Antigua, where 'tis said Commodore Knowles has laid a Bomb across the Mouth of the Harbour, and made other Preparations in case of a Visit.

By a Vessel lately arriv'd at Norfolk, from Barbados, we hear, that the French Privateers were so numerous and strong among the Islands, that it was dangerous for our Vessels to stir out; for which Reason, and for fear of an Invasion, an Embargo is laid on all the Vessels in most of the Islands.

We hear that Port-Pierre, in Martinico, is burnt to the Ground; but by what Accident we have not yet learnt.

As it is uncertain where the Fury of the French, who grow so strong in the American Parts, may fall, whether on the Islands, or Continent, the Governors of the several Colonies have given the necessary Orders for the best Defence that can be made in case of Invasions. And we hear His Honour, our Governor, has been pleas'd to send Orders to the Commanding Officers of the several Counties, near the Sea and the Bay, to have the Militia in Readiness. and to have constant Look-outs on the Sea-coast; and also advises the driving away of the Cattle, from those Parts, in case of an Invasion, thereby to prevent the Enemy's being supply'd with Provision, which they may perhaps be in great Want of, and be thereby disappointed.
We hear by way of North-Carolina, That 7 English Men of War are lately arriv'd at South-Carolina, from England; and, as a likelihood of the Truth of this, it's further added, That a new Chief Judge of North-Carolina, and an Agent for the Right Hon. the Lord Carteret, are arriv'd in this Fleet. If this should prove true, no doubt our Fleet have Orders to watch the Motions and baulk the Designs of the French Fleet lately arriv'd.