dition to follow the French, who had frigates to tow them off. I am informed the French, on this occasion, had put on board the Sceptre her full complement of guns, either from the shore, or out of the India ship; and had also mounted the Outarde store-ship with her full proportion of guns; and had taken not only the men out of the merchant ships, but soldiers from the garrison, in hopes their appearance would frighten our small squadron, and oblige them to leave their coast clear for them to carry out their large convoy of merchant ships; but our captains were too gallant to be terrified at their formidable appearance; and so far from avoiding them, that they bore down, and engaged with the greatest resolution and good conduct. And I have the pleasure to acquaint their lordships, that the captains, officers, seamen, and marines, have done their duty on this occasion, much to their honour; and I hope their good behaviour will be approved by their lordships."
William Page, who had not long before taken his trial at the Old Bailey, and at Hertford affizes, for divers robberies on the highway, and was acquitted at both places, was, after a short trial at Rochester assizes, found guilty for robbing the late commissioner Farrington, about two years ago, on the evidence of the servant.
27th. Richard William Vaughan, late a linen-draper at Stafford, was committed to Newgate, for counterfeiting the notes of the Bank of England. He had employed several artists to engrave the different parts of the note, by one of whom the discovery was made. He had filled up to the number of 20, and deposited them in the hands of a young lady, whom he courted, as a proof of his being a person of substance. This is the first attempt of the kind that ever was made.
29th. Mrs. Dennington, a quaker of eighty years of age, at Harefield in Middlesex, was baptized, and admitted a member of the church of England.
MARCH.
1st. His grace the Duke of Richmond ordered a room at Whitehall to be opened for the use of those who study painting, sculpture, and engraving, in which is contained a large collection of original plaister casts from the best antique statues and busts now at Rome and Florence, where any painter, sculptor, carver, or other artist, to whom the study of these gesses may be of use, will have liberty to draw, or model at any time: and upon application to the person that has the care of them, any particular figure will be placed in such a light as the artist shall desire. And any young man or boy, above the age of twelve years, may also have the same liberty, by a recommendation from any known artist. On Saturdays, Meffrs. Wilton and Capriani are to attend to see what progress each has made, to correct their drawings and models, and to give them such instructions as shall be thought necessary. There will be given at Christmas and Midsummer annually to those who distinguish themselves by making the greatest progress, the following premiums: a figure will be selected from the rest, and a large silver medal will be given for the best design of it, and another for the best model in bassorelievo.
