Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

February 28.

Letters received at Plymouth, dated in December last, from our fleet in the Dardanelles, state the following interesting particulars of the state of affairs at that period in Turkey :-- "The Canopus, 84, rear admiral Louis, Endymion, 44, and another frigate, are stationed directly opposite the Grand Seignor's seraglio, or palace. The Thunderer, 74, and Standard, 64, and two frigates, are anchored to command the passage of the Dardanelles. A few days before these letters came away, a Russian frigate, from the Mediterranean, passed the Dardanelles, without molestation from the Turkish batteries. But Sebastiani, the French intriguing ambassador from France to the Ottoman Porte, made a violent remonstrance at this frigate passing the Dardanelles. He could get no redress, as our envoy Mr. Arbuthnot gave in a representation of the business, and placed it in its proper point of view, to the satisfaction of the Turkish government. There are 20 sail of the line and 25 frigates in the arsenal, but not above five of them half manned. Our ships are all in high order and discipline. The Turks treat our people with the greatest civility and attention Refreshments of all kinds are sent on board our men of war. Our gallant admiral and his officers, and the captains and officers of the other British men of war, frequently dine on shore with Mr. Arbuthnot."