In consequence of a petition from the masters and owners of ships of this port to his Majesty, seconded by Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart. one of our worthy Members, an order from his Majesty in Council has this week been received here, to permit the ships in the coal trade to take on board guns and stores for defence, in case of an attack from an enemy, on giving security that the same be not sold or otherwise disposed of; and the same permission is also given to every other port on this coast.
1. London Chronicle, August 30 to September 2, 1777.
