The Virginia Gazette

BALTIMORE, August 29.

A few days ago, passed through this town, on his way to Alexandria, Captain Richard Grinnel, who was lately captured in a vessel from that port, and carried to New York, whence he effected his escape, from the Scorpion prison ship, in the manner related in the annexed deposition, on the 19th instant. He informs us, that on the day he left New York, there was the hottest press ever known there, 600 men having been impressed that day, and the press was still continuing when he took his departure. That seamen were not only taken, but also all the refugees, labourers and merchants clerks they could find. That previous to the commencement of the press, proclamations were brought onboard the prison ships, and read amongst the prisoners, offering three guineas bounty to able seamen, and two guineas to landmen, who should enter into the British service for three months only, at the expiration of which term they were to be discharged but that they did not get a single man from on board either of the prison ships. Captain Grinnel adds that there hath been a great alteration, for the better, on board the prison ships, in New York harbour, since the last summer, a hospital ship having been provided for the sick, and more grateful provisions served to the prisoners in general; they however, still keep up their old custom of having three banyan days in a week, when nothing but bread and oil are allowed; this fare added to the close confinement every night, render these prison ships, at this intense hot season, inexpressibly distressing to the unfortunate prisoners.