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The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
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Letter from officer on privateer Defiance off Hispaniola reports French naval movements, expected frigates on New England coast, minimal sea opposition to Louisbourg expedition, Prussian victories, and impending Spanish war, dated May 27, 1758.
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Extract of a Letter from an Officer on board the Privateer Brig Defiance, Esek Hopkins Commander, belonging to Providence, dated on board, on the North Side of Hispaniola, 27th May, 1758.
The Fleet by whom you have this: sailed from Brest about 10 Weeks ago, with 5 Sail of Men of War and 11 Sail of Merchant Ships, bound to this Place, which I believe are not yet got in, and this being the first we have had any Account of, we took the 4th Inst. within 5 Leagues of the Cape. You may expect 3 French Frigates daily on the Coast of New England, to cruize the Summer Season, sent from France by a Company of Merchants for that Purpose, one mounting 36, one 32, and the other 28 Guns, and all extreme good sailing Ships, built for that Coast, to cruize between South Carolina and the Capes of Delaware. I believe that our Expedition against Louisbourg will meet with but little Opposition by Sea, for the 15 Ships of the Line destined for that Place from France, are stopped on Account of Sickness on board, and not being sufficient to withstand the English Fleet. It seems they are well acquainted in France with our Designs in America, and much fear the Consequence. We have a Confirmation of the glorious Victories obtained by the King of Prussia over the French and Austrians; and likewise hear that a Spanish War is daily expected, as there is great Preparations in all Parts of Spain besides several unreasonable Demands made by his Catholic Majesty, of the King of Portugal, which must consequently draw us into a Quarrel.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
North Side Of Hispaniola
Event Date
27th May, 1758
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Event Details
Extract of a letter from an officer on board the Privateer Brig Defiance, reporting on a French fleet from Brest with 5 Sail of Men of War and 11 Sail of Merchant Ships bound to this Place, sailed about 10 Weeks ago; capture of a prize on the 4th Inst. within 5 Leagues of the Cape; expectation of 3 French Frigates on the Coast of New England mounting 36, 32, and 28 Guns; little opposition by sea to the expedition against Louisbourg due to 15 French Ships of the Line stopped by sickness; French awareness of American designs; confirmation of Prussian victories over French and Austrians; expectation of Spanish War due to preparations and demands on Portugal.