WILLIAMSBURG, March 8.
WE have intelligence that the jail distemper rages with great violence on board lord Dunmore’s fleet, particularly among the negro forces, upwards of 150 of whom, it is positively affirmed, have died within a short time, and who, as fast as they expire, are tumbled into the deep, to regale the sharks, which it seems swarm thereabouts, and no doubt keep as sharp a look-out, for all such sorts of provision, as the land animals do for fresh pork, good mutton, poultry, &c.
Twelve deserters have come into Suffolk within these few days, from the fleet at Norfolk, viz. a serjeant and corporal, with five marines, and five common sailors, who all confirm the miserable situation of the people on board, occasioned by the jail fever breaking out among them; and one of the marines declared, that he firmly believed his captain would come on shore likewise, had he a good opportunity.
