[list-cumbria] Cumberland Pacquet - 70

[Nev Ramsden]

Whitehaven  - February 13,  - 1777.



Saturday last a vessel called the Boyne, which was standing upon the blocks to be repaired, near Mr. Palmer’s Yard, suddenly slipped down, occasioned, it is supposed by the ground shrinking, and launched near eight foot; several of the shores broke, but what was most remarkable, and should be thankfully remembered by some, is that seven carpenters who were employed at her, pricking the keel (work under her bottom) had only quitted their stations five minutes before she fell down.



The Elizabeth, Capt. King, mentioned in a former paper is since reloaded, and sailed for Corke on Tuesday last.



The John, Capt. Barwise, of this port, from London to Antigua, is taken by an American privateer.



Saturday night a bell man went through the town to desire the owners and masters of ships to set a watch on board from six in the evening to six in the morning. The late alarming accounts render such a caution highly necessary.



Yesterday a primrose in full bloom was plucked at Fleswick near St.Bees where the snow lay two foot thick.



By a vessel which arrived at Workington on Sunday night last from Corke, we have received the intelligence, that the West India fleet, under convoy of the Druid sloop and the Kent an East Indiaman, only left that port on Thursday last. This fleet had sailed before, but were put back; the strong northerly and easterly gales which have prevailed, it is hoped, will reach them, and greatly aid them in making a passage.



Extract of a letter from Portsmouth to this paper Feb. 5, 1777

“Besides the agreeable news brought by the Mercury, a man of war, of the surrender of Rhode Island etc to his Majesty’s arms, I learn from the officers that Gen. Washington is almost deserted by his forces, and retiring further back into the country. General Lee has about 5000 men in the Jerseys, but under no proper command, and the Congress are much divided in their opinion concerning a further resistance. Notwithstanding this, they are in expectations of a fleet of French and Spanish ships of war to assist them next spring; and it is every day more credit here, that those powers do intend it: -- a month or two must determine it.”



There follows a description of the impact of the recent disturbances surrounding the docks and naval facilities at Portsmouth.

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Nev. Ramsden – in a wild, wet & windy Cumberland !
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