Dealing with the Portuguese refugees which left begin January Plymouth with an unknown destination were tow different rumours. One rumour at London based on a letter of Terceira claimed that they arrived 8 January safely at that island. But the newspaper the Times doubted this because the first group commanded by general Saldanha left 6 January Plymouth and it was impossible to sail within 2 days to Terceira. Newspapers of Paris referred to a letter dated Brest 30 January according to which the day before the 4 ships with the general and his men on board arrived there coming from Madera. Two British frigates prevented their landing at Terceira and even shot at them killing one man and wounding another. They 'escorted' the 4 ships back to Cape Finisterre where they 26 January still were. Lacking victuals they were forced to enter Brest. One of the newspapers reported that the Navy Department immediately was telegraphed when the ships arrived and dealing with the treatment by the British frigates.
Note
The Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant published 9 February more details. The 4 ships with 630 refugees arrived 16 January off Terceira
Note
The Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant published 9 February more details. The 4 ships with 630 refugees arrived 16 January off Terceira
