The New Hampshire Gazette

N E W PORT. July 25.

Extract of a Letter from Antigua, dated June 25.

The cartel for exchange of prisoners at Martinic has been stopt for some time, by a difference between commodore Douglas and the General of that island, occasioned, as I am informed, by one of our men of war going there as a flag of truce for exchange of prisoners, when another of his Majesty's ships cruising, at the same time in the offing, retook a French prize, while the other ship's barge was ashore; this conduct so incens'd the French General, that he detained the barge and men; upon which, commodore Douglas Sent all the French prisoners in this port to England, in some merchantmen: the General of Martinico threatning that he would send the English prisoners likewise to Old France: However, he has permitted some New-England men to come to this island, in a small boat, on their parole, in order to procure as many French to return in the said boat, which if they could not obtain, they were to repair to Martinico again, this however, they have had no occasion of performing, the difference in a great measure being accommodated, the General having restored the barge and crew. Lord Rollo has publickly declared, that those inhabitants of Dominico who do not appear by the 24th instant. and take an oath of allegiance, will be treated as rebels and hang'd.

The last accounts from that place mention, that the design of the English is. to take possession of all the other neutral islands, but first to attack the Grenades, which is of the greatest strength, and when subdued, will render them a more easy conquest. This once effected, will be a great security to our navigation, as these islands are places of resort and refuge to the Mar- tinico privateers. 'Tis the unanimous opinion of the gentlemen at Antigua, that as soon as the hurricane months are over, a body of 10,000 men from England will join the forces already here, and attempt the re- duction of Martinico.