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Story
August 24, 1739
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
In Williamsburg on August 24, the Governor receives orders from Britain to issue commissions of marque and reprisals against Spanish ships due to war with Spain. War is proclaimed in England and various colonies, with British ships ordered to attack Spanish vessels.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
WILLIAMSBURG, August 24.
On Tuesday last, His Honour, the Governor, received a Packet from one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, with Orders and Instructions of great Moment in the present Situation of Affairs, between Great-Britain and Spain: In Consequence of which, His Honour has been pleased to Publish his Readiness to grant Commissions of Marque and Reprisals to any of His Majesty's Subjects, for Fitting out Vessels for Seizing and Taking the Ships, Vessels, and Goods, belonging to the King of Spain, or his Subjects. This Packet came by the Tartar Man of War, Capt. Durell, to Boston, who was dispatched with Orders and Instructions to the several Governors, and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships, in the Northern Parts of His American Dominions. And by a Sloop, which arrived two Days ago at Hampton, from Barbadoes, we learn, That a small Ship of War was arrived at that Island from England, with Advice That War was proclaimed in England, against Spain. She brought Orders and Instructions to the Governor of that Island; and is proceeded to some of the other Islands with the like Dispatches: That 5 Days before the above-mentioned Sloop left Barbadoes, War was proclaimed there against Spain: And we are informed, by Letters from the Northward, and Ships that came down the Bay, that War is Proclaimed, at New-York, Amboy, Philadelphia, Annapolis, &c. -- We hear, That His Majesty's Ships on this Station, have received Orders from the Right Hon. the Lords of the Admiralty, to cruise forthwith on this Coast, and to take, sink, burn, destroy, or otherwise annoy, any Ship or other Vessels belonging to the King or Subjects of Spain, wherever they meet with them. So that it's beyond Doubt that War is proclaimed in England; of which we daily expect further Accounts. ---- Several of our Merchants have been long complaining of the Difficulties and Dangers they underwent in sending their Vessels to Sea, lest they should be taken by the Spaniards; they have now a fair Opportunity of redressing their Grievances, by making Reprisals on their Enemies; and it is not doubted but there are Men of Spirit as well as Ability, in this Colony, who will fit out Vessels for that Purpose, to the Honour and Interest of themselves and their Country.
On Tuesday last, His Honour, the Governor, received a Packet from one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, with Orders and Instructions of great Moment in the present Situation of Affairs, between Great-Britain and Spain: In Consequence of which, His Honour has been pleased to Publish his Readiness to grant Commissions of Marque and Reprisals to any of His Majesty's Subjects, for Fitting out Vessels for Seizing and Taking the Ships, Vessels, and Goods, belonging to the King of Spain, or his Subjects. This Packet came by the Tartar Man of War, Capt. Durell, to Boston, who was dispatched with Orders and Instructions to the several Governors, and Commanders of His Majesty's Ships, in the Northern Parts of His American Dominions. And by a Sloop, which arrived two Days ago at Hampton, from Barbadoes, we learn, That a small Ship of War was arrived at that Island from England, with Advice That War was proclaimed in England, against Spain. She brought Orders and Instructions to the Governor of that Island; and is proceeded to some of the other Islands with the like Dispatches: That 5 Days before the above-mentioned Sloop left Barbadoes, War was proclaimed there against Spain: And we are informed, by Letters from the Northward, and Ships that came down the Bay, that War is Proclaimed, at New-York, Amboy, Philadelphia, Annapolis, &c. -- We hear, That His Majesty's Ships on this Station, have received Orders from the Right Hon. the Lords of the Admiralty, to cruise forthwith on this Coast, and to take, sink, burn, destroy, or otherwise annoy, any Ship or other Vessels belonging to the King or Subjects of Spain, wherever they meet with them. So that it's beyond Doubt that War is proclaimed in England; of which we daily expect further Accounts. ---- Several of our Merchants have been long complaining of the Difficulties and Dangers they underwent in sending their Vessels to Sea, lest they should be taken by the Spaniards; they have now a fair Opportunity of redressing their Grievances, by making Reprisals on their Enemies; and it is not doubted but there are Men of Spirit as well as Ability, in this Colony, who will fit out Vessels for that Purpose, to the Honour and Interest of themselves and their Country.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What keywords are associated?
War Proclamation
Spain
Commissions Of Marque
Reprisals
British Colonies
Privateers
What entities or persons were involved?
His Honour, The Governor
Capt. Durell
King Of Spain
Where did it happen?
Williamsburg
Story Details
Key Persons
His Honour, The Governor
Capt. Durell
King Of Spain
Location
Williamsburg
Event Date
August 24
Story Details
The Governor receives a packet with orders to grant commissions of marque against Spain following war declaration; war proclaimed in England and colonies; British ships ordered to attack Spanish vessels; merchants encouraged to fit out privateers.