| Citation |
RNYG.778.112
17 Oct 1778:34 (214)
Intelligence Extraordinary. We are credibly informed that
the French vessel lately taken, brought dispatches of great
importance to Count D-Estaign, 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 the Ladies Faces, five Chests,
Pills for the cure of the French disease, 10,000 boxes.
We also learn that the passengers on board were 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.
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