The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

WILLIAMSBURGH. (in VIRGINIA) MARCH 2.

Lieut. Robinson, Deputy Quartermaster General, who was sent from New York, some time ago, with a body of troops, to take possession of the lands to the Southward ceded to Great-Britain by the late treaty, informs, that after having garrisoned St. Augustine he proceeded to Pensacola and Fort Conde on the Mobile, at which places he likewise left garrisons, and from thence went to New Orleans: there he was kindly received by the French Governor there: he then sent the 22d regiment, in batteaus, to take possession of the great Fort on the forks of the Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi, which entirely secures our back settlements, and which the French Governor told him would be a voyage of at least three Months, the navigation being very tedious, owing to the rapid current of the Mississippi, though the distance is no more than 1200 miles. Lieut. Colonel Robinson says the land about the Mobile are light, sandy, and barren: that there are some good lands about Pensacola, which are chiefly taken up for a certain noble family; and that the lands at St Augustine are bought as private property of the Spaniards, who had grants for the same from his Catholick Majesty. He likewise informs that Fort Balbama is given up to the Greeks, and that no troops are left there.