| Citation |
NYJ-P.778.015
23 Nov 1778:21 (1800)
From Rivington's lying Gazette. New-York, [City] September
10. . . [10 lines about other matters] Intelligence
Extraordinary. We are credibly informed that the French
vessel lately taken, brought dispatches of great importance
to Count d'Estaing, and that the first article of the
instructions therein contained was, to proclaim Lewis XVI in
every province in America, and to take immediate possession
of New-England, as a security for the debt already incurred.
In the second article the Count is ordered to make every
member of Congress swear allegiance to his most Christian
Majesty, or in case of refusal, to confine them in the New-
Bastile at Philadelphia. This vessel, besides dispatches,
brought a considerable cargo, consisting of the following
articles, viz.
Mass books, 50,000. Racks and wheels, 200. Consecrated
wafers, 3,000,000. Crucifixes, 15,000. Rosaries,
70,000.Wooden shoes, 200,000. Paint for ladies faces, 5
chests. Pills for the cure of the French disease, 10,000
boxes.* We also learn that the passengers on board are all
priests, in the disguise of hair-dressers, tooth-drawers,
fidlers and dancing masters. By letters brought by the same
ship, we are likewise informed, that Dr. Franklin has
abjured the Protestant religion, and that he is decorated
with the order of the holy cross of Jerusalem. [Thus for
lying Gazette.]
*Rivington would doubtless think himself greatly interested
by so large an importation of an article that has for many
years been a very lucrative branch of his business.
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