The New-York gazette, and the weekly Mercury — New-York [N.Y.], 1781-07-16 00:00:00, page 2

HAGUE, Feb. 18, 17S1.
From the Remitter of the Reflations of the
Sates-General, of 6th Feb. 1,81.
HAVING heard the report of Mr. Brent
fon, and the other deputies of their high
mightinesses, for foreign affairs, who conform
ably, and to fatisfy the commiffional resolve
of their high mightinesses, have examined the
different re solutions of the states of Zealand;
by the two firft of which they make ltrong in
stances to accommodate by a negociation, the
differences which have arisen between the
kingdom of Great-Britain aq^^his republic,
In which, after an apology for their conduct
in this conjunctive, they consent to the repri
sals direded by their high mightinesses, againll
the hostilities of England, making freffi in
stances, as Strongly as before, to resume, at
this time, the mode of negotiation; upon
which, having deliberated, it has been agreed
and resolved to represent by letter to the states
of Zealand.
" That their high mightinesses, have exa
mined the several rcfolutions cfthe laid States,
of the 3d, 21d, and 29th oflalt month, tranf
z.iitted to this assembly, are highly pleased
with the assurances, therein given, that they
will concur, in the present difficult circum
stances, to all measures, which Shall bejudged
best and moil efficacious, to repel the enemy,
and to bring about a speedy peace : that their
high mightinesses confider these assurances as
a new proof of the fidelity of the said Rates to
the confederation ; but that they would have
rather wished, that at the moment, when the
said Rates, calling to mind the obligations
they are under by the treaty of union, to offer
their afllftance and concurrence, and consider
ing concord and cordial franknefs, as the only
means by which they can be fafe, under the
biffing of God, they would not have entered
upon a recapitulation of the reasons, of whicli
their high mightinesses were not ignorant,
whereon the opinion of the said Rates was
founded: That it would have afforded no
small fatisfaftion to their high mightinesses, if
the promise of assistance and inviolable adher
ence to the principles of the confederation,
had not been mixed with reserves, the appear
ance of which doth not countenance that good
harmony so essentially necessary, and that con
fidence which Should subsist between the con
federates; and if, particularly, the Rates of
Zealand had net renewed their former inßances
to begin negociations with the Court of Eng
land.
' That by anting thus, their high mighti
nesses, feeing themselves almost reduced to
the necessity of a disagreeable answer to some
ill-timed arguments, whilst there is now no
time to carry on pen and ink disputes and
that little advantage could be derived from
discussing what has been done, and what might
or ought to have been done, for the preserva
tion of the honour of the Rate, and of the
rights of the citizens, have preferred, after
the example of the said Rates, to postpone this
controveify till a more peaceable period, in
case, that contrary to every hope, it shall then
be necessary; that their high mightinesses
cannot, however, forbear to declare, inas
much as these resolutions continually tend to
hold out. That all possible endeavours may
be used to terminate by the way of negociati
on, the differences which have happened with
England," to represent to the Rates of 7 -
land:
'That from the commencement of the dif
ficulties which have arisen between the crown
of Great-Britain and the republic, their high
mightinesses have never deviated from senti
ments of peace and that all their Reps, as far
as comparable with their honour and fafety,
have been chiefly directed to preserve perma
nent peace, and to secure the duration of the
friendship of their ancient allies.
6 That their high mightinesses are fully con
vinced, that it can never be the political in
xerelt of Great-Britain, nor of this republic,
to ruin each other; and that therefore their
high mightinesses will not negleft, nor ever
lose fight of any measure proper and becoming
to obtain an honourable and solid peace; but
as all times are not suitable for this purpose,
and as a power which has arrived at that epo
cha, at which Ihe is careful not to loose her
consideration in Europe, ffiould take no step,
which might give ground to fufped her capa
ble of oafe condefeentions; so, in the present
case, a negotiation cannot be offered, without
wounding the honour and independence of the
common wealth.
'That their high mightinesses would do in
justice to the penetration of the states of Zea
land, should they enter upon a full detail of
the reasons, which would carry to a degree of
demonstration, the unfuitablenefs of such a
proportion:
'That it may fuffice to remark to the said
states, in a few words, that from the begin
ning of the disturbances between the crowns
of France and England, their high mightines
ses having adopted the fyflem of an exaft
neutrality, they must have assumed, as a rule
of conduct, the not hazarding, on the one
hand, the fafety of the republic, by concert
ing, on the other, for the advantage of Great-
Britain, an arrangement, from whence might
result a deviation from a solemn treaty.
'Thatthey have also, from these principles,
eonfidered all negotiations as very dangerous:
but, nevertheless, they have made use of eve
ry possible condefeention, and have endea
voured to cultivate the friendship of his Bri
tannic Majesty by their moderation, and by
avoiding to manifeft a serious resentment,
however othetwife it might have become them,
with* refpeft to attacks upon their dignity,
and the rights of their fubjeds.
'That having, notwithflanding, had the
misfortune to find their amicable endeavours,
answered by depredation and adls of violence,
which daily increased, as well as by threats,
incomputable mith the independence of a Jovereign
poster. Their high mightinesses, upon an
invitation, as generous, as it was unexpected,
of her Majesty the empress of Russia, have
manifefted a good liking, and at the fame
time have thought to accord with the interests
of the Rate to accept the invitation, and to
enter into a negociation, concerning a pro
jected plan of an armed neutrality, for the
protection of the free navigation and com
merce of their refpedtive fubjeds, with such
affea, that this important business, has by
this time, been reduced to form, as a treaty
actually concluded, in which the northern
powers are parties."
'That thereby their high mightinesses are
under an obligation, from which, in good
faith and sincerity they can never, by any
procedure, depart; and that, by a farther
consequence, they cannot commence negotia
tions, or make propositions, which might con
tradid the aforefaid engagements, or prejudice
the lawful rights of their citizens, as these
certainly ivould, which could remove the real and
principal diffatisfaflion of his Britannic Majefy.
Beftdes, that by the attack, as unfriendly as
unjust, of the crown of England, as well as
by the departure of the refpedive ministers,
matters are brought to such an extremity, and
into such a situation, that ifthe principal ob
je&s of controverfe' were susceptible of an easy
adjustment, and that their high mightinesses
were not bound up by engagements, they
could, nevertheless, take no Rep to propose
negotiations, without endangering the honour and
the independence of the republic, so dearly bought
with the wealth and blood of her ancestors,
and without rendering the republic, whose
one highly refpe&ed consideration, hath al
ready, for a long time passed, been observa
bly on the decline, absolutely despicable in
the eyes of all Europe:'
'That their high mightinesses flatter them
selves, that the reasons above mentioned, up
on further and cool refledion^of the Rates of
Zealand, concerning all circumstances, will
not appear to them to be without foundation ;
and that therefore they beseech the said Rates,
in the most earn<ft manner to renounce, for
the time to come, all farther inßances for that
purpose, and on the contrary, to ratify the
treaty entered into with her imperial Majesty
of Russia, so that by consenting immediately
to the means proposed for the defence of the
Rate, as well by sea as land, to concur in ac
complilhing in the molt desirable manner,
those measures, which the present situation of
affairs, renders extremely necessary; that, at
the fame time, laying aside, as much as possi
ble, all considerations of finance, they
strengthen their consents already given, and
^thereby afford a fufficient security, that the
said Rates do not intend to withdraw themselves
entirely from the burden of the war, leaving
it upon the shoulders of their confederated
brethren, who have aded from a pure love of
their country, and for the benefit of their
fellow citizens, who are unfortunately engag
ed in hostilities, but that the Rates of Zealand
ferioully intend, without heiitation, to join
their hands to the work, and repel, with all
vigour, and by every effort, the hostile attack,
as becomes faithful confederates: That, in
short, the Rates of Zealand will call forth
afrefh the true and ancient patriotic fenti
/ meats by which their citizens were formerly so
highly diltinguifhed, and encourage them to
activity and to make use of every means to dis
tress the enemy, protest commerce, and
avenge the losses which the merchants have
fußained.
' That their high mightinesses are persuaded
that by such efforts only, can the solid basis
of a real union be supported; and that the
republic, though weakened in her means of
defence, is not so far fallen, as to be under the
necessity of Jacrafting to the domineering Jpirit of
her enemies, provided that all the confederates
be determined, with a sincere unanimity, and
with cordiality, to hazard their lives and for
tunes, in the defence of their rights and liber
ties, in hopes of the divine blessing, and with
the co-operation of a prince, (the Radholder,
prince of Orange, whose glorious ancestors
have so often propped up the edifice of the
Rate, in circumstances perhaps, more alarm
ing than the prefent.'
BASSETERRE, (St. Christopher's) June 2.
In our last we mentioned the French having invested
Tobago, since which we have been favoured with the fol
lowing particulars, received by a v ffel which failed from
one of the out ports of tha* Island, on Sunday last, and
arrived here two dvys ago. The French squadron confin
ing of the Pluto a 64 gun ship, three small ihips, and 4 or
5 cutters appeared off that Island, on Thursday the 24th
ult. they landed their troops, confining of Ifo regulars,
supposed by their uniforms to be part of the Irish brigade,
and about Soo freebooters; the Governor spiked up the
guns, and retreated to Concordia Hill, just above the town,
and which commands both it and the batteries ; on which
he got two field pieces, one 18 pounder, two howitzers,
and was getting up another 18 pound-r. The French got
some of the spikes out of the English cannon, and sum
moned the Governor to surrender, offering him any terms
he should demand ; but he answered he would not sur
render the sovereignty of the Island while he had a man
left. His force consisted of 280 regulars, exclusive of a
reinforcement of 40 men which arrived a few days before
the Island was invested, from Barbadoes in the Rattle snake
privateer, besides the militia, which are reckoned well
disciplined.
By a vessel from St. Lucia we are informed, that on
Tuesday morning last, the French fleet, consisting of 25
large ships, weathered that Island, supposed to be steering
for Tobago.
Letters from St, Lucia mention that Admiral Rodney,
with 21 fail of the line, had failed from Barbadoes on Sa
turday last, for the relief of Tobago. Other accounts fay
that he did not know of that Aland's being invested on
Sunday morning last; but we suppose this account to be
erroneous, as we have certain accounts of an express being
dispatched from Tobago to barbadoes, immediately on the 1
appearance of the enemy, and which, if not taken, must
have arrived there on Friday, as the wind was in her fa
vour.
The Ranger cutter had joined Admiral Rodney with
dispatches from the Lords of the Admiralty, informing
him th^t the gra-d fleet had thrown fuccours into Gibral
tar, without opposition from the Spanish fleet, who stretch
ed into Cadiz bay, on the approach of our squadron ; and
orders that he mast rettore all British property fe:zed at
St. Euftatius.
Richard Butler, Col. commanding
the advanced light corps.
Copy of a letter from Colonel Tarkton to Lord Corn
wallis, dated Colonel Adams's Plantation, June 13th,
half past 4 , P. M.
" My Lord,
" I believe that La Fayette passed the Southanna or
Purnunkey this morning, for the mountain road at Bird's
Ordinary. He lay at Bird's Mill yeftprday evening, I
have been on the three notch'd road all day. I have left
it for this place for the benefit of forage and communica
tion with your Lordship. 1 shall strike it again to-mor
row morning, and go by Napier's to Pier's Mill, I cannot
yet learn what water it stands on. La Fayette's design is
to follow, I will immediately inform your Lordihip if he
doti not keep a proper distance ; any detachment I shall
strike at,
" I have the honoufto be, my Lord,
" Your Lordship's most obliged servant,
" B. TARLETON."
Published by order of Congrejs,
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'ry.
Last Tuesday evening arrived the brjg Vir
ginia, Captain Hopkins, from Cadiz, which
place be left about the firft of June. The ship
General Wayne, who had marched to the
support of Butler, sent down some troops un
der Major Hamilton. The whole British army
came out to save Simcoe, and on the arrival of
our army upon this ground, returned to Wil
liamsburg. The poll they now occupy is Strong,
and under protection of their Shipping, but
upwards of one hundred miles from Point of
Fork.
I had the honour to communicate these
movements to the Executive of the Common
wealth, that the, feat of government might be
again re-established in the capital.
Lord Cornwallis has received a reinforce
ment form Portsmouth. With the greatest re
fpeCt, I have the honour, &c. LA FAYETTE.
Major Gen. Greene.
Return of the killed, <wourded and miffing of the
light corps, under Colonel Butler, in the a&ion
of the 26th of June, 1781.
Cavalry under Major Macpherfon—Of the
Ift regiment of dragoons, 1 Captain wounded ;
5 privates killed;- 1 private taken (since re
turned) Of Armand's horse, 2 Lieutenants
and I private killed; 1 Lieutenant prisoner.
Infantry and riflemen under Major Macpher
fon—Captain Long's company of riflemen,
I Lieutenant killed; 1 private wounded; 5 pri
vates miffing. Horses loft. ir.
Loss of Major Willis's corps of riflemen—
-3 privates wounded; 2 privates miffing.
Loss of Major Call's corps of riflemen
I Captain wounded; 6 privates wounded;
I Lieutenant miffing; 7 privates miffing.
Total. Wounded—2 Captains ; 2 Lieuts.;
10 privates. Killed—2 Lieutenants; 1 fer
jeant; 6 privates. Miffing—l Lieutenant ;
12 privates. Prisoners—l ferjeant; 1 private,
returned since.
—Extra^sjrom Rebel Papers. —
Philadelphia, July 7.
Mr. Tyree's Plantation, 20 miles from
WilliumJburgh, 28th June, 1781.
SIR,
I Do myfelf the honour to enclose your Ex
cellency a copy of my letter to Gen. Green,
containing the events which have taken place
since my last, of the 18th. I also include the
copy of a letter from Colonel Tarleton to
Lord Cornwallis, which fell into our hands
on his Lordship's retrograde movement. I have
the honor to be, with the greatest refped, your
Excellency's most obedient servant,
LA FAYETTE.
His Excellency Samuel Huntington.
Mr, Tyrefs Plantation, twenty miles from
Williamjburgh, 27th June, 1781.
SIR,
MY letter of the 18th informed you of the
enemy's retrograde movement to Richmond,
where they had made a stop. Our loss at the
Point of Fork, chiefly consisted of old arms out
of repair, and some cannon, most of which
have been since recovered.
On the 18th the British army moved towards
us, with design, as 1 apprehend, to strike at a
detached corps commanded by General Muh
lenburg. Upon this the light infantry and
Pennsylvanians, marched under Gen. Wayne,
when the enemy returned into town. The
day following I was joined by Gen. Steuben's
troops, and on the night of the 20th Rich
mond was evacuated.
Having followed the enemy, our light par
ties fell in with them near New Kent Court-
House. The army was Rill at a dißance, and
Lord Cornwallis continued his route towards
Williamsburg. His rear and flank were co
vered by a large corps commanded by Colonel
Simcoe. I pushed forward a detachment un
der Colonel Butler, but notwithstanding a most
fatiguing march, the Colonel reports that he
could not have overtaken them, had not Ma
jor Macpherfon mounted 50 light infantry be
hind an equal number of dragoons, which com
ing up with the enemy, charged them within
fix miles of Williamsburg. Such of the ad
vanced corps as could arrive, composed of rifle
men, under Major Call, and Major Willis,
began a smart action. Inclofed is the return
of our loss. That of the enemy is about sixty
killed, including several officers, and one hun
dred wounded, a disproportion which the (kill
of our riflemen easily explains. I am under
great obligations to Colonel Butler, and the
officers and men of the detachment, for their
ardour in the pursuit, and their condud in
the action.
The following are the particulars of the tranfa&ions at
Kingibridge on the 3d infant, and of the fkirm sh be
tween 300 Yagers and 30 horse, under the command
of L eut. Col. de Pruefcheock. and the advanced corps
of the Rebel army, of 800 foot, and gou horse.,
IN the evening of the 2d, Lieut. Colonel Emmerich
marched with 100 men, drawn from the regiments of the
line, to Philips's house, as the next morning a number of
waggons, under an escort of 200 foot, and 30 m 1 nted
Yagers, were to be sent to the fame place for forae hay.
But about ten o'clock the fame evening, intelligence wag
received of General Walhington's having been at Singling
in tile afternoon of the 2d instant. It was therefore rc
fo-lved to leave the waggons within the lines, and fend the
detachment to recal Colonel Emmerich. Lidut. Colonel
de Pruefchenck, with the following officers under hiscom
mand, viz. Capt. Hendricks, Capt. de Wangeohalm, Li cut.
Schaefer, Lieut, de Deimar, and Lieut, de Bcitholmai,
left the camp at day-break, and having left Kingibririge,
would not pals a series of defiles before he h-d recon
noitred Fort Independence, he therefore ordered his ad
vanced guard under Lieut. Schaefer, and another party of
a ferjaant and ten men to examine the fort and its envi
rons: It being yet not quite day, the parties did not per
ceive the enemy drawn up in a line of battle, till they
w ere within ten yards of them, they receives the enemy's
fire, returned it, and fell back to a proper d stance. Lieut.
Ce lonel Pruefchenck immediately, and with great resolu
tion and prelence of mind endeavoured to gain the height
in the rear of the fort, and tho' he received the enemy's
whole fire, succeeded so far as to take possession of the
ruins of a house which was formerly fortified by Colonel
Emmerich ; trom whence he attacked the rebels in their
advantageous pc(ition, intending to dislodge them, but
observing a battalion with flying colours in the fort,
finding their superiority of numbers, being furicufly at
tacked, with the bayonet, and at the fme time fedirg
no possibility of gaining any ground, to his advantage,
resolved to fall back under the cannon in Charles re
doubt, but the rebels pressing two hard upon him, and
his infantry, on acount of the narrow passage, began to
loose ground, and being apprehensive of fuftaiaing some
loss in repaffing the defiles in such a situation, to avoid
this and prevent confufibn, he ordered his cavalry under
Liet. Files, to Charge the advancing ememy. This had
the expelled effect, the rebels flopped, the Yagers formed
again and recommenced the attack with redoubled vigour,
obliged the rebels to quit the fort and drove them from
the heights as far as Deveaux's house, and took possession
of the ground the rebels had quitted. At this time
Lieut. Col de Wurmb arrived with the rest of the Yager
corps from Kingibride, and took possession of the rising
ground between the Bridge and Fort Independence, re
connoitered the enemy's new position, extending from
Miles-square road over the heights to Williams's bridge,
with a thick wood in their rear, plainly indicating a de
sign to conceal their real strength ; and as repeated intel
ligence was received that 300 French horse covered the
enemy's left at Williams's bridge, Col. de Wurmb a&ed
with precaution, and did not think proper to rifle another
attack; but Lieutenant Eramerich retreating over Spiten
Devil, and being cut off by the rebels position, 200 men
being arrived at this time from the regiments of the line,
and the Refugees from Morriffania having joined, it was
absolutely necessary to force the rebels from their giound,
to give Col. Emmerich an opportunity of joining by the
way of Cortlandt's house, still in possession of the rebels.
The Yagers moved forward and took peffrffion of Cort
landt's bridge, the Refugees and the advanced parties of
the Yagers engaged the rebel advanced polls and drove
them to their main bedy, who immediately filed off to
the left and retreated towards Williams's bridge; the
passage being now open, Col. Emmerich was desired to
leave Spiten Devil, and to join, which he did, and inform
ed General de Lolberg that he drew zoo rebels into hit
ambufeade at Philips's house, of which he killed three
and took nine—that the rebel army was moving in two
columns (one of which was already seen on Valentine's
Hill advancing towards Cortlandt's bridge.) The troops
were now ordered to fall back to their former position,
leaving 100 Yagers at Fort Independence, and observed
all the motions of General Walhington's army, who him
fclf reconnoitered Spiten Devil at 3 o'clock in the after
noon. At four o'clock the troops moved into their lines
and to their encampment.
The lofsof the Yagers is 3 men killed, 1 officer, 1 fer
jeant, 26 men wounded and 5 miffing.
That of the rebels is very considerable; intelligence
was received that they embarked 101 wouhded men at
Sing-sing, and lent them up the North-River, besides a
great many who died of their wounds before they reached
that place, and 1 officer and 17 men who v ire left on th^
field, with 17 rtand of arms,
Queen of France, John Dixey, of Newberry-
Port, and Hercules, Edmund Lewis, were to
fail in fix or seven weeks after Capt. Hopkins.
Extras of a letter from Cadiz, dated May 28,
1781, received by the brig Virginia, Captain
Hopkins,
" There is very great talk of a p,ce here,
but they could wish Gibraltar to remain in their
own hands firft, to obtain which, have made
immense preparations in the camp at Saint
Roque, and in consequence will very probably
make an assault on that garrison."
A C A R D.
THE gentlemen of the medical department, present
their most refpedful compliments to Congress, and
humbly request that Five Shillings in gold or fiber be
immediately sent on to each officer, with the three month#
pay lately voted them, in order to redeem their letters,
which, tor want of hard caffi, are detained in the hancs
of post-masters.
NEW-LONDON, Jwne 8.
Sunday the (loop Randolph, Captain Peck, returned
into port, from a cru:ze of tour days, and brought in a
brig laden with lumber and flour. She was from Phila
delphia bound to the Weft-indies, but had beta taken by
a British cruller, called the General Arnold, and was
near the Hok, when the Randolph fell in with her.
Monday arrived the Young Crom well, Captain Hillard,
and brought in a new brig laden with fiffi and lumber.
The above brig fail-4 from Pifcataqua, bound to Marti
nico, but was taken by the Assurance, a British ship, who
put a midshipman ano nine hands on board,
MORRISTOW N, July 3.
About three o'clock this morning the Jersey line moved
from their huts to join the mam a my against New-York.
CHATHA M, July ll. a
The most particular account we have been able to ob
tain from Kingsbridge, is as follows: That on Wednesday
last a detachment under the command of Col. Scammel,
confining of his Excellency's guards, &c. attacked a party
of the enemy, who, after some resistance, gave way, and
retreated over the bridge with considerable loss in killed
and wounded. Our loss is not ascertained, though it is
said the guards buffered considerably. We alf) hear thee
has been another renc ontre since, but nothing to be de
p-mded on has come co hand.
Head-Quarters, Williamsburg, June 27.
Lord Cornwallis defircs that Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe
will accept his warmeftacknowledgements for his judici
ous and spirited conduct in the adinn of the 26th instant,
when he repulsed and defeated so superior a force of the
enemy. He likewise desires that Lieut. Col. Simcoe will
communicate his thanks to Captain Ewald, and to the
detachment of Yagers, and to the officers and foldier# of
the Queen's Rangers.
NEW-YORK, July 14.
ORDER S.