With more than one Fountain on the island, it’s hard to be sure which one is intended.
Quote
“A letter from Portsmouth, dated April 23, says, “Part of the 54th regiment, now on duty in our garrison, marched from hence to Dover, the remainder follow to-morrow, to make room for the 2d, or Queen’s regiment just arrived from Gibraltar; and the 57th, marched from Hilsea Barracks, to Guildford and Godalming, to make room for the 59th regiment also from Gibraltar.
“This forenoon the 2d, (or Queen’s) and 59th regiments, from Gibraltar, which place they left the 25th of March, disembarked at Port Beach. — The former immediately took the garrison duty, and the latter were drawn up on the Parade, to receive and compliment the Lieutenant Governor, and afterwards marched off to Hilsea Barracks.
“The whole of the Fountain Inn is engaged for the accommodation of Lord Macartney and his retinue, on their arrival here, previous to their embarkation for China.
“Last night came into the harbour the Waakzampheys, a Dutch vessel from Batavia, with Capt. Hunter, and the officers and crew of his Majesty’s late ship Sirius, from Port Jackson, which place she left in March 1791.
“This vessel had been employed by Governor Phillip in carrying provisions to the above colony, at 10s. per day, and the passengers went from thence to Batavia, in which passage they were 26 weeks, owing partly to a current, which for 21 days was so strong that they went astern with a fair wind. They have been in all 47 weeks at sea, and on short allowance.
“An epidemical fever of the most fatal sort, had raged at Batavia for twelve months before they sailed, which carried off from 40 to 50 people a day, and threatened the total destruction of the Europeans there. Several ships loaded for Europe, were stopped, having lost their entire crews.
“In the British Channel they spoke with the Syren frigate, Capt. Manley, on a cruize, which the preceding day had hailed the Supply tender, express from Jackson’s Bay.
“The Bonetta sloop of war, Capt. Elliot, will sail on Wednesday next for Berwick, having on board Admiral Roddam’s baggage and suit.”
— Kentish Gazette, Friday 27 April, 1792 source