Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Letter from St. Eustatius reports Dutch Rear Admiral Krull's arrival on Oct. 2, 1778, enhancing trade protection. He fired at a privateer threatening a Baltimore schooner, and returned a salute from an American brig, signaling improved relations amid the northern alliance.
Clipping
OCR Quality
Full Text
Extract of a letter from St. Eustatius, Oct. 2.
On the 25th ult. arrived on this station the Dutch Rear Admiral Krull, in a 64; this Gentleman has already given us proofs that the trade will be better protected than hitherto; for two days ago as Captain Steel, in a Baltimore schooner, was endeavouring to get into this road, he was cut off by a brigantine privateer that came from towards St. Kitt's: the Admiral got springs on his cables to bring his broadside to bear, and frequently fired, but without effect, the brig being at a distance; the boat, fearing to stand for the road longer, bore away; at this moment of time the Admiral had two barges manned with marines, and ordered them to get on board the boat if possible; this however was rendered impracticable on account of her bearing away, but it shewed the Admiral's good intention. I have also much satisfaction in telling you, that on the said day an American brig from Baltimore saluted the Admiral, which was returned. This is the first instance for some years, and in fact a salute was never returned here but once, for which our Governour was ordered home and severely reprimanded: The Admiral has said, if a continental vessel salutes him, he will return gun for gun; this is a favourable circumstance, and I am convinced the northern alliance will make the different flags very respectable.
What sub-type of article is it?
What keywords are associated?
What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
St. Eustatius
Event Date
25th Ult. To Oct. 2
Key Persons
Outcome
privateer escaped without capture; salute returned to american brig, establishing policy of reciprocal salutes for continental vessels.
Event Details
Dutch Rear Admiral Krull arrived on station in a 64-gun ship on September 25. He demonstrated commitment to protecting trade by firing at a brigantine privateer from St. Kitt's that intercepted Captain Steel's Baltimore schooner, though ineffectively due to distance. Barges with marines were dispatched but could not board as the privateer fled. On the same day, an American brig from Baltimore saluted the Admiral, which was returned—the first such instance in years, contrasting with past reprimands to the Governor.