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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Article from the North-Carolina Gazette concerning British ships off the coast
No Author
September 19, 1777
Volume 11, Page 774

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[North Carolina Gazette, September, 19, 1777.]

New Bern, September 19, 1777.

A few days age we received an Account from the Bar, that two English Brigs, one a very large one, the other mounting 10 or 12 Guns, were arrived within the Bar, and had taken several Vessels which lay there, particularly a large French Brig. There were many Vessles there ready to go out, but the chief of them escaped by running up into the River again. The utmost Dispatch is making here to drive these Sheep steelers from whence they came, for 'tis supposed the fat Mutton on the Banks has been the chief temptation to this desperate Manoeuvre. The Sturdy Beggar Privateer, of 14 Carriage Guns and 100 Men, the State Brig Pennsylvania Farmer, of 16 Guns and 80 Men, belonging to this Town, are preparing to sail with all Expedition, in Quest of the English Pirates.