THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Intelligence received of activities of John Paul Jones off the Kerry coast

Paul Jones’s activities: Dublin, 27th August—To George Partis, Esq, collector of this port: Sir—Sir Richard Heron, by directions of His Excellency my Lord Lieutenant, has communicated to the Board of Customs intelligence which his Excellency has received that the 24th inst, at one o’clock, seven men landed at Ballinkellie, in the County of Kerry, from a frigate mounting 40 guns, command by Paul Jones, having in company another frigate mounting 36 guns, another mounting 32 guns, a brig mounting 12 guns, another vessel mounting 14 guns, and a large cutter mounting 18 guns, having board in all about 2,000 men. The people imagine that Jones’s intention is scour the coast and burn some particular towns; having a number combustibles shipped board the vessels in France. You are forthwith to make this intelligence known in the most extensive manner, and that all persons, particularly on the coast, may be on their guard repel any hostile attempt. By order of the Commissioners, S Hamilton.

A false alarm: Ardfinan Camp, 1st September — An express arrived from Limerick with an account that Paul Jones with his fleet had entered the Shannon, and appeared to aim tor the city, and on yesterday morning two o’clock, the 18th Light Dragoons and 32nd Regiment were ordered immediately to march for Limerick, and the Dragoons and 19th Foot from Kilworth to march Charleville; in about two hours another express countermanded the troops, as it gave an information that the ships seen were two French Indiamen and a St Domingo vessel, taken by two of our ships.

For the Volunteer Corps: Belfast, 30th August — This day is published, and to be sold H & R Joy, and all the booksellers Belfast, price 8d, a second edition of the exercise a Company of Foot, compiled chiefly from the practice of the Volunteers Belfast. To which (in this edition) are added, (1) plan of a review calculated for three companies; (2) rules lately ordered by the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Ireland, to be observed and practised the several regiments present in this kingdom, so as to he able manoeuvre together; with minute explanation of the nine manoeuvres therein recommended. For the use of Volunteer Corps.

A Cushendun wreck: Cushenden. 27th August — To be sold on Monday, the 6th September next, at 12 o’clock at noon, Cusdendun, near Ballycastle, a mast, bowsprit, boom, three anchors, piece of large cable, almost new, and several other articles, being part the wreck a sloop of 80 tons burthen. Any person wanting further information relating to the articles sold may apply to Mr Edmund McNeill, Cushendun, or Mr Ewing at Belfast.