1784 - The London Chronicle [19/08/1784]

From TUESDAY, August 17, to THURSDAY, August 19 1784. Nº 4337

Letters from Newfoundland, of the 21st ult. contain accounts of Admiral Campbell being at St. John’s, in the Salisbury, of 50 guns; the other ships of the squadron were on separate stations on the banks, to see that the French and Americans keep within the limits of their fishery, and that no disturbance is given to the English. The French had near 200 sail of vessels employed in the fishery at the beginning of the month; the number of Americans, who frequent chiefly the French settlement, was not known, but supposed to be about as many more. From the 16th of June to the 10th of July, 18 British vessels had sailed from the coast to the Mediterranean markets, where it was supposed they would arrive before any of their rivals, and thereby procure good markes for their fish, which were very fine. Several French familes had arrived at the islands of St Pierre and Miquelon, where it was expected they would winter, as they had brought out household goods of every kind, and materials for erecting dwellings : the French, however, are restricted by the late treaty of Versailles from building any tenable fort at either place.