The New-York gazette, and the weekly Mercury — New-York [N.Y.], 1779-06-14 00:00:00, page 2

From the Hibernian Chronicle, Jan 14.
To the PRINTER.
S I R,
IT was my wish, when the Commissioners
went out, that the Congress would not
treat with r.icm, and that the Congress would
behave in the manner they have. For my
own pare I never could entertain an idea of
their ailing otherwise Though I converse,
Sir, with people of very different sentiments
and opinions from rhine, and listen with great
attention to what they fay, never one yet made
the least impression on me, nor did l ever find
from their arguments the fmalieft reason to
alter my opinion. The case is, Ido not find
they argue from any regular political principle,
but chiefly from events, accidents, and the
news of the day, and are generally biaffed by
them, or some partial interest. Believe me,
Sir, there is not one in five hundred who talk
politicks as they imagine, that understand it
in the leatt. They are deceived likewise by
the indefatigable and persevering voice of
fadion. The most glaring falfehoods are
asserted daily, and received upon trust, without
examining into them ; they originate in the
metropolis, where there are numbers of active
American and French partisans, besides money
dealers, who fuhfiß on the hopes and fears of
people in general. There is not any thing
propagated or laid, let it originate from that
description of men or not, that has any effeft
on me, orthat makes me vary my sentiments
in the least. It has nothing to do with the
great political line. J am, therefore, pleased,
that the Congress have refufed all treaty, not
that I with the Commissioners had not gone,
but so far matters operate agreeable to my
ideas. In refped to the war with France, it
will soon now be known whether it will be
carried on, without a formal declaration or
"°The having America against, inßead of be
ing for us, has been triumpeted forth am@-
ty odds Now, Ido not recoiled any thing
of American prowess last war or any great
>lp they were to us. We fought their battles,
and paid very dear for what they supplied us
with. Can we but keep clear of fending a
force to the Continent, we ihall find ourselves
more in our proper element, thdn in any war
for above a century past.
I am pleased to hear that the idea of Ame
rican Independerce is now reprobated and
laughed at^v all parties; it certainly was as
absurd a notion as entered a fanatick brain.
Throwing themselves into the arms, or under
the protection of France, cannot make the
Americans a free and independent people.
They are in a situation of a country girl,
filling into the handsof a Procurefs, who is
furnished with cloaths, &c. until the is so in
volved in debt, that She cannot extricate her
felf, and becomes the Have of her prote&refs
for ever. This must be the cause with Ameri
ca. if England mould tamely submit to fee her
take such vagrant courses, without interposing
to refeue her from perdition.
The French, Sir, are the aggressors ; they
have thrust the knife between the bark and the
tree: let us, therefore, give them a good
drubbing, which we are capable of doing, if
we aft with vigour. Then, Sir, will be the
time to talk about America.
That we, the Americans, and French, have
been deceived, must appear very obvious to
those who will refle& ; and all bv the abbet
tors and fomentors of the Rebellion. We,
and the Americans were firft so; and we the
firft that have become sensible of it ; the Ame
ricans when it was too late ; and the French
if they have not as yet made the difeovery,
certainlv will before the affair is over.
The Englim are remarkable for being fond
of drawing the most melancholy pictures of
the distress and situation of their nation ; and
they never appear to have taken more pains in
the dismal than at this time. lam not in the
least dismayed ; on the contrary, I have every
reason to think success will attend our efforts,
if they are made with a proper spirit and
vigour.
J am, Sir, yours,
An Old Englishman.
LOND O N,
March 16. Sir Charles Hardy is to com
mand the fleet, in order to make room for Sir
Thomas Pre to come in as Governor of Green
wich Hospital.
On Wednesday Lord Charles Spencer resign
ed his feat at the Board of Admiralty.
Letters by yesterday's French mail, fay,
that three large French Welt Indiamen had
put into Vigo for fear of the Englilh privateers,
and waited for convoy.
The Centlivre privateer, of i £ guns. Mons.
Ie Fevre, is taken by the Licorne, and sent to
Plymouth.
The Chatham, Commodore Evans, the
Romney, Portland, Surprise, and Sybil men
of war, are appointed to the Newfoundland
Ration.
The Lords of the Admiralty in their new
regulations for the marine forces, have order
ed that no gentleman (hall be received as an
officer into that corps, but as a second lieute
nant, and further that he must not be more
than 21 years of age.
Basseterre, (St. Kitt's,) April 19, 1779.
From St. Lucia we learn, That our troops
are intrenching themselves up to the teeth,
and putting the island in the most refpedable
Rate of defence possible ; it is Admiral Byron's
intent, let what will be the consequence, when
our Cork fleet arrives, in which is a reinforce
ment of 7000 British regulars, under convoy
of fix fail of the lire and five frigates, to have
at Martino. The Lord bare mere, m th'
Craft eaters ! „
We are credibly ii :fmed that the Admiral
has assured his Exce 7 General Burt, by
an express which arrived here from St. Lucia
on lalt Friday morning, that he will immedi
ately fend down all the 50 gun Ships in the
fleet with as many (hips of the line as will make
up a squadron of 14 fail, they are to be Ration
ed at Nevis in order to protest the Leeward
Islands, and to cover a number of frigates
which are to cruize to intercept the viduallers
from St. Euftatius to the French Illands.
We hear that his Excellency the General
has intercepted two Hoops loaded with beef
for St. Euftatius, and that he intends Storing
the beef on Brimstone Hill, where there is
already a fufficient quantity of provisions to
serve the troops and militia for fix months.
A Gentleman who has been lately on Brim-
Hone Hill assures us, That it is so thoroughly
repaired, that 300 men is fufficient to defend
it against the combined forces of the House of
Bourbon.
From Rebel Papers.
POUGHKEEPSIE, May 31.
Extract of a letter from Tryon County, May 17.
" On the beginning oflaft week, a party
of 12 Indians, from Ofwegache, killed three
persons, scalped two women who are Hill alive,
and carried off one prisoner, from the German
Flatts.
" Parties of Indians are frequently seen,
in almost every neighbourhood in these parts.
“ There are now in Johnstown goal, 15 or
16 men who were detected in a treasonable
conspiracy against the country. It is laid they
were actually affixing in thedeftrudion at Tib
blefborough. The inhabitants who have sun
dry times fuffered much by the liberation of
such mifereants seem determined they Ihall
not go out of their reach, till they have had
a fair trial.
“ It is truly diftrefling to fee the great num
ber of families, that have moved, and are
daily moving from these parts. Many of these,
who till lately, were Grangers to want, unless
by name, know not where they are going, nor
nor how to subsist ; and thole that Ray, are
feeing offtheir Hock of ail kinds, that it may
not fall into the hands of the enemy, nor ob
ftrud them in their flight, in case of an alarm ;
in Short the desolation is so great, that Should
peace take place immediately, it will be a lung
time before these parts will be Rocked again,
as well as they were before The exceffivc
rife of grain, and other necessaries of life, has
reduced many of the people to the greatest
distress, and almost to despair ; when at the
fame time the Tory-women, for their hard mo
ney conveyed to them from Canada, can buy all
kinds of provision, and many articles of cloth
ing, at the former prices.
" It is thought, that the conspiracy before
mentioned, is very extensive, and that some
very important difeoveries will soon be made ;
mean while it behoves every true friend of
America, to exert himfelf to the utmost as the
behaviour of the Tories oflate, is grown very
bold and menacing—perhaps thro' too much
lenity or indulgence.
“ The author of the inclofed letter, being a
Stranger to you, if you think proper to pub
lish it, I will give you his name, when you
please ; and I believe all he has asserted can be
proved without difficulty.
" I intend to write to you by every oppor
tunity, and am convinced there are many de
predations committed in this county, that
never are publickly.known in the country.
Youa's, &c."
From a Philadelphia Paper, June 2.
Capt. lagerfol, in a Privateer Brig from
Massachusetts, off Egg-Harbour, fell in with
and took a large Ship from London for New-
York, with which he is gone to the Eastward.
'June 5. We have the Peafure of informing
our Readers, that Capt. Barry, in the Brig
Delaware, with four others, arrived in this
Port Yeßerdav, in 14 Days from Hispaniola,
loaded with W.lndia Produce and Dry Goods.
FISH-KILL, June 3 .
The latter end of last week a number of
British vessels made their appearance in the
North River; they confiß of thirteen Ships,
three brigs, four topsail schooners, three gal
lies, fix topsail sloops, about twenty smaller
vessels, and a great number of flat bottom boats.
Last Lord's day, 30th ult. 1500 men landed
8 miles below Peek's Kill, on Taller's Point,
confining of British and Hessian grenadiers,
light infantry, volunteers of Ireland, and Ya
gers. —Monday the 31st inst. the enemy landed
a party on the weft fide of the river, where
they burnt some houses, and opened two small
batteries, from which they threw some Shells,
and cannonaded Fort de la Fayette across the
river, all that day ; two gallies kept up a se
vere fire on the fort at the fame time. They
continued their firing till 11 o'clock on Tues
day forenoon ; mean while their army marched
from Taker's to Ver Plank's Point, on which
the fort Rands ; by a flag they demanded a sur
render; the parly continued two hours: Capt.
Armstrong thought fit to surrender; General
M'Dougall has not yet received a juftifiable
reason why the fort was given up.—This little
fort was built on purpose to fccure King's
ferry from the insults of the enemy's vessels,
which frequently had interrupted our boats
from crossing: It was small, and would contain
with conveniency, about a company of men :
The redoubt was strong, and covered a bar
bette battery, mounting three pieces of can
non. We had in the barbette a company of
artillery, who were all drawn off but a Ser
jeant, a corporal and twelve privates. In the
redoubt were a Captain, two Subalterns, three
ferjeants, and forty- feur rank and file. They
had provisions and water to serve them thirty
days.
Wednesday evening—the wind now prevents
the fllipping from advancing to fort Clinton
on Wert Point; which, we suppose, is the
energy's n^in object. "I he fort is now in to
lerable order, and well provided, and the men
in high spirits—the militia are coming in faft,
and every appearance is promifing — Ihe ene
my have come out in force, and it is said, are
from feyen to ten thousand men. — 1 heir troops
from their late excursion to Virginia, returned
last Thursday, and without landing at New-
Y~k pushed up the river.
Thursday morning, 4 o'clock, we learn that
the enemy are in motion, as if they meant to
come up the eaH fide of the river.
Athol's Highlander's, called the 74th, who
arrived at New-York some weeks ago, are all
the reinforcements the enemy have yet received
that we can learn.
Since the Britilh landed, we have taken
seven prisoners, and three deserters have come
in.
Yetterday it was reported, that the enemy
had burnt Lieut. Governor Cortlandt's house
Croton River, where they firft landed.
Extract of a letter from Albany, dated May 20.
“ We learn by three prisoners taken by our
people, that Brant and Butler have betaken
themselves to Niagara, to make preparations
to oppose our troops this campaign.''
B O S T O N, May 27.
Last Sunday returned into port, the priva
teer Ihip Monmouth, having taken a copper
bottom privateer brig of 14 guns and 75 men.
She left the prize 7 days ago.
Sunday a fchoener arrived here from Gua
daloupe, and brings an account that four
store ships, with provisions for the French
fleet at Martinico, had arrived at Euftatius ;
they failed in company with 20 Spanish and
French ffiips of the line, in order to reinforce
the Count D'ERaing.\
Last Monday arrived at a fafe port, a prize
brig, laden with rum, sugar, &c. taken by
the Continental frigate Boston. The prize
was bound from New-York to Quebec.
Thursday laR arrived fafe in port a prize
brig, taken by the Mifflin privateer of this
port. Her cargo consists of wine, from Fay
al. The Mifflin was left in chafe of a large
ship when the prize left her.
We hear that the privateer ship Pilgrim,
from Beverly, has taken two valuable prizes,
both of which are fafe arrived, one laden with
about ICCO bulhels of salt, the other with
flour. 1
Last Saturday arrived in a fafe port, a prize
snow, laden with sugar, &c. She was cut out
of a harbour in Newfoundland by a boat be
longing to this place: The boat also took a
brig laden with provisions, bound for Quebec.
The Rover privateer packet, of fix carriage
guns, betides swivels, bound from New-York
to Halifax, laden with rum, sugar, and mo
lasses, is taken by Capt. Sweat of Salem, and
carried into a fafe port.
N E W-LONDON, May 20.
Monday evening returned into port, the
ship Oliver Cromwell, Capt. Parker; during
his short cruize he took four prizes; one of
which was mentioned in our last, two others
rived with the ship, viz. the privateer schoon
er St George, of to guns, Capt. Carew, from
New-York, and a retaken ichooner, laden
with mahogany ; the fourth is an armed sloop
tender to the Renown, which arrived on Tues
day.
The Oliver Cromwell, brought in 60 pri
soners which were taken out of the above
prizes.
Extract of a letter from Boston, May 17.
66 The brig Venus, Capt. Dunn, is arrived
at Plymouth, from Cape Francois. She was
captured by a Britilh privateer, but previous
to their coming on board, Capt. Dunn desired
leveral of his passengers to repair below and
conceal themselves, supposing, as he added,
it was probable that the enemy would fend but
few men on board the brig, his conjectures
were right, and as the privateer soon difeover
ed and pursued another vessel, the persons be
low rushed upon deck, recovered possession of
the brig and conducted her fife to the above
port."
Providence, May 20.
Thursday morning arrived here a prize (loop
of about 70 tons captured the preceding day,
off Newport harbour, by the armed boats
Seven-Brothers, General Sullivan, and Brad
ford She was bound from the island of New-
Providence to New-York, and had been taken
by the Monmouth Privateer, re-captured by a
Britilh Tender, and again re-taken by the
armed Boats as above. His Cargo confilts of
Rum, Molasses, Fruit, &c. A Midihipman and
four Seamen belonging to the Renown Man of
War, were made Prisoners.
CHATHA M, June 8.
Last week the whole of the army under the
immediate command of his Excellency Gene
ral Washington, left their barracks and pro
ceeded towards the North-River.
Last week one Lawrence was detected at
Second River enlisting men for the Britilh Ser
vice, who afteiwardsmade his escape, while
our people were endeavouring to save the
papers which his wife threw in the fire. His
enlisting roll was saved, by which means thir
teen of the inhabitants, who had enlisted,
were apprehended, and fafely lodged in Mor
ris town Gaol.
Our last advices from the North-River are,
that the enemy's main body, confiding of near
10,000 men, is on the east fide of the river,
in the vicinity of Peek's Kill ; that they have
demanded the fort at Weft-Point, which Gene
ral M'Dougall commands, who had about
2cco troops, arc numbers of militia joining
him. This poll is of the utmost impi rtancc,
it being the key to Huron's river. St is look
ed upon to be the belt fort we ever had on that
river, being bomb proof; and ue have the
molt fangume hopes that, as General Wash
ington is proceeding to that department with
the main body, the plan of the enemy will be
marred. —Governor Clinton vas fortifying
the Highlands.
*W******W*W***^^
>*'HE Citdituis of Me. JOHN WALSH rue
l detireft to meet at Roubilet's Tavern in W„
ter-S'rept, this Afternoon at Six o'Clock.
Public Auftion.
To-morrow, at 11 c'Clock, wilTbe
fold at the Bridge,
A FEW Barrels of Beef, Pork, and Flour,
also, nine Hogsheads of Port Wine,
and eight of Sherry, by the Sample. Any
Person desirous of tailing the Wines before the
Sale, will apply to Mr. Gabriel Ludlow, or at
the Subscriber's, No. 7, Water-Street.
JOHN TENCH.
Sturgis Perry, Baker,
At No. 46, in Queen Street, near Beekman's Slip,
Has for Cale,
FRESH baked SHIP BREAD, of the heft qua
lity ; alfoa quantity of water biead in kefos,
by wholesale 01 ictail, of the belt fuperfine flour,
m'table for house or ship nfe.
ih For GLASGOW,
^i^& Tle SHIP
&#; TARTAR,
Capt.JAMESCLA RK.
1_ 7 ILL fail with the firft
fleet. For freight or
piffige, apply to the Captain on board, or to Hen
ry Mitchell, at No. 1, Mdi (beet
Public Notary's Office,
By JOHN WOODS,
Attorney at Law,
At No. 129, the upp r end of Qjeen-Street,
BY whom the business of this Office will be exe
cuted with pun&uality and dispatch. The
molt impartial advise and opinion will continue to
be given in all cases where persons, their estates, or
other property, are any ways encroached on, or en
dangered, with equal regard to the constitution, as
the fundamentals of law and equity.
Wills, memorials, charter parties, deeds, bottom
ree, and all other bonds, letters of attorney, with the
Notary Public's seal, and all other writings fairly
transcribed ; and authenticated copies of commissions
for privateers, with which it is neceffury every vessel
in that way Should be furnished, with the Notary
Public's seal.
The Sale of negroes willse carefully attended---
A book is regularly kept for the entry of ail such;
and also of estates in land, houfe#, or ground to
build on, to fell or let, either in town or country;
by which means persons are accommodated with little
trouble.
Cash indefatigably solicited at this distressed junc
ture at 71. per cent, on good mortgages or personal
security.
N. B. Office hours from fun-rife to nine o'clock
in the evening.
THIS D~T~Y?
At the Vendue House, No. 30, below the'
Coffee-houfe, will be fold at 11 o'Clock,
The PRIZE GOODS,
Advertised in last Saturday's Paper,
Consisting of Russia Sheeting, thick white
fwanfkin cloths, blue and brown cloths, purple
callicoes, a neat assortment of pins, cards,
and thread flockings.
P. M"DAVITT.
To be fold, TO-MORROW,
At the Ven 'tie-Store near the Coffee-Houfe,
An elegant Alf>rtment of the following Articles,
Silk Lining, Burdets, Plumder Roy,
Gingham Gowns firft Quality,
Some elegant Waistcoats suitable to the
Season Grandurells. And some
fine ruffled Shirts. With a fine
Clincher-built YAW L,
Now laying at the Coffee-Houfe Also,
A few Tierces and Barrels of choice VINEGAR.
P. M"DAVITT.
On Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock,
Will be fold on the Wharff below the Coffee
House,
A Cargo of Prize Tobacco, Maho
gany, Logwood and Sails,
by P. M"Davitt.
To be fold at PUBLIC VENDUE,
at the Ceffee-H^ufe, on Friday next,
Thf FAST SAILING, Cutter,
DUBLI N,
With all her guns, Rores, &c. as per Inventdrv.
Enquire of PATRICK M"D WITT,
Venduc-Mafter.
From the Rhode Island ^Sews-PAper.
The Managers of the affbeiated LOYALISTS
L O TTE R Y,
With pleasure inform the Public, that such en
couragement has been given in the sale of the
Tickets, as to juftify them in publishing their
intentions to commence
DRAWING
In a very Short time.
The necessary preparations are new
making for that purpose ; and those who with
to encourage the Associators, by becoming ad
venturers in this Lottery, are requited to call on
the Managers, for the few Tickets that are
remaining. Tickets to be had of V. P. Aih
field. Merchant, and all the Printers in New-
York.