The Pennsylvania journal, or, Weekly advertiser — Philadelphia, Pa., 1776-04-17 00:00:00, page 2

Total 33000
Press warrants are sent out to Admiral Graves to press all
American seamen. .
Press warrants are expected to be issued out soon, as the
Captains of all the outward bound Blips have been very So
licitous to procure protections.
Orders have been sent to Plymouth for all the guardflups
there to take on board their full complement of men, as in
time of war.
Orders have been sent to all the cut-ports to be very cau
tious and ftrieft in examining all peifons and vellels, &c. that
may be judged the least suspicious. rir ,
Orders are given for a quantity of beef and pork, Efficient
for ten ships of the line for fix months, to be got ready as soon
as possible. . 11
We hear from Dublin, that the difeontents of the people
have been lately considerably increased by the appointments
given to Mr. Jenkinfon, Wcibore Ellis and Lord Clare, whom
the Infh hold in a very contemptible light; the Coffee-houfes
in Dublin abound with the mod virulent abuse against these
ministerial favourites, for attempting to get an increase of sa
lary annexed to offices, which are mere sinecures, and a bur
den to the nation;—nay the Irish gentlemen in theintereft of
the crown, think themselves ill used by having such appoint
ments bellowed on Jenkinfon and Ellis, who are Grangers to
the country, and consequently no ways mterefted tn its pro
sperity, farther than it may answer the particular views of
their patron. .-
A compaa is lately signed between our court and that of
three northern powers, by which they have stipulated to
furnifh Great-Britain between them with 60,000 troops, the
7 better to enable the latter to carry on the continental war.
Several transports are brought up to the tower in order to
take in cannon, balls, and other warlike (lores, for Boston;
which transports are to be conveyed by fix men of war, to
prevent their being taken by the Provincials..
A small vessel will be dispatched to America this week,
with orders for all the transports that have delivered their
cargoes at Boston, &c. to leave that place immediately, and
return to England with all expedition.
Monday a brig from Quebec arrived at Portsmouth. She
brings an account of the Provincials having taken Montreal.
Some didinguiflied members of the minority have, it is con
fidently said, been offered to have their names inferred in the
commission appointing Delegates to pardon the American Co
lonies, which several of them have accepted.
A correfpoodent fays, that premiums of insurance on flop
ping, efpcciaby to the westward, me as high now as at any
time in a French or Spanish war. „
A considerable general repair of all the fortifications in
France on the frontiers of Germany, is now going on, parti
cularly in Alsace; which looks asifthe Court of Vcrfaillcs had
apprehensions of an attack in that quarter.
SAVANNAH, [Georgia,! February 7.
The petition from the Congress of this province to the King,
was printed to his Majesty by Governor Johuftone, on the
of November last. ~ , ,
Friday last our Provincial Congress proceeded to the elec
tion of Delegates to represent this province in rhe grand Con
tinental Congress, when, on doting the poll, it appeared, that
Archibald Bullock, John Houftoun, Lyman Hall, Button
Gwinnett and George Walton, Efqrs, were duly elciftcd, and
declared Delegates accordingly.£
February 1, Last Friday arrived a large transport with sol
diers from Boston. . ,
February it. The Blip which arrived at Cockfpur, on Mon
day the rath inflant, proves to be a transport from Boston
with more soldiers. , ,
On the lath inflant, our Governor and his family tock
themselves on board the Scarborough, from which he has
wrote a letter, to endeavour to persuade us to let the officers,
lately arrived in our river, land in this town, and de
claring the fleet only want water and frefli provisions, which
they will pay for, with a great deal of fluff, to lull the peo
ple asleep. , , ,„
Feb. 18. The Cherokee, the two transports from Boston,
a (loop and three small vessels, are now laying at anchor
within three miles of this town. „ ~
Besides the militia of the town and diflrift 0 Savannah,
there are a number of companies from the country now in
this place. , „
CHARLESTOWN, „outo Carolina ] February 16.
WE hear from Georgia, that the Scarborough man of war,
of a# guns, lately arrived in Savannah river, with a prize
schooner, having qoeolt). of gunpowder on board, proba
bly the Scarborough was the fliip that was seen off George
town bar abou; a fortnight since, and which took the pilot*
boat mentioned in oct last.
LO N D O N, fyw, 8.
LETTERS from Rome bring an account of the death er
Cardinal York who had been in a decline for three
months before his death, which happened the z6th of Octo
ber last. The letter adds, that it is thought the disappoint
ment he met with in not being chosen Pope, firft brought on
his disorder.
January ~ The prisoners brought from America, and now
in Cornwall, were taken by a small party of Indians inhabit
ing the back settlements of New-York ; two of their chiefs
are now in town, and lodge in Lad-lane, with several other
American gentlemen lately come over with Col. Johnsen ;
the chiefs are come with an offer of their Services to govern
ment. „ _
Extraff of a letter from Portfmoutb,
“ This morning arrived the Tartar man of war from Suf
ton, after a fine passage of twenty-one days having on board
fevunty-five rebels of the American army, which woe taken
by a privateer the Americans had fitted out at Brilon. She
brought fume frefli dispatcher, which were sent up to the Se
cretary of State's office on Saturday nigh<." #
A Commodore with fix line of battle Blips and eight fri
gates, will fail, we are told, to America the beginning of
March next; the above ships are to take on board their full
complement of marines, and arc to be laden as deep as pot-
Gble with provisions, &c.
The Council, it is laid, is much agitated with contrary
opinions since General Burgoyne's arrival from Boston; some,
we are told, are for conciliatory measures.
By a letter from Rochfort, we are assured thirteen frigates
are fitting out at that port only, fdr their American settlements,
each of which is to carry over land forces.
We are well assured the following is a lift of the forces
government purpose to have in America nr the spring.
Foreign troops for America.
Hessians &o
Brunfwickers 4 °°°
From Hanau -------
Waldeck - - - -
17000
British trocps.
Go with General Cornwallis - - - - 4000
More to be sent in spring - ~ ~ ~ '°°°
More at Boston, including marines . - - 3000
The following is the best account we have been able to ob
tain of the Georgia Squadron: Syren, Capt. Furneaux. 18
guns; Scarborough, Capt. Barclay, 20; Tamar, Capt. Thorn
brough, 18; Raven, Capt. Stanhope, 18; Cherokee, Capt.
Ferguson, 10; with some armed fehooners and tenders.
March 8. On Sunday a detachment of rxo men of he
Charleftown volunteer companies, set out for Savannah.
On the 24th of last month, the Provincial Congress appoint
ed the following gentlemen to be Delegates to represent this
province in the Continental Congress, viz. John Rutledge,
Thomas Lynch, Edward Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, a^d
Thomas Heyward jun. Efqrs.
We hear from Savannah that two armed schooners and a
fiobp had gotabove the town, through Back River, and had
taken a brigand a schooner lying fherc; that the Cyicn was
arrived in the river; and that some more large veiled nrre
in the offing; That the troops, Did to be about 5 o. 60%
were in transports near the town; 1 hat it was cxpofHt! ib & y
would attempt to land, to prevent which, upwards or rooo
Georgia at d Carolina militia-men were in Savannah ; and
that there is too great reason to fear there will be much b.ocd
(heel. : , . , ~
The troops are said to be the 40th regiment, and a detach
ment of marines: Majors Grant and Maitland are among
them, alfoCapt. Pitcairn.
Cfof a letter just received by Expel; from Ge^^a.
In the Council of Safety, Savarna, March 4. 1776.
THE intimate connection between this and your province,
in a particular manner, renders it necetlary, to acquaint
vou with the occurrences in the former, since the date of our
last; to which, and the dispatches proceeding, we refer you.
Our dispositions in tire evening of the zd, were such as ap
peared to our officers the mod likely to prevent the landing
of our enemy; and so as, if they Ihould make their lauding
good, either above or below the town, to prevent their get
ting in; however, notwithstanding cur vigilance, they, by
collation with the masters and others on board the me, chant
flopping, which bawled near ifie shore of Hutchinson > Illand
in the night time, got on board these Blips, about four o'clock
yesterday morning; to the number as far as we are competent
to judge, from the observations we made, and the intelligence
we received, of between two and three hundred, where tli-y
affected to conceal themselves.
We had our fears resetting these flipping, and therefore
kept a good watch upon them; but it was impoffibie for cen
tinels, on this (hore, to d«fcry them in boarding from the
other,' the vessels being betwixt.
Captain Rice, who commanded a boat of observation, was
sent on board the dipping about nine o'clock, to order the
ringing on shore, and was, without any noifc, or the fmalieit
knowledge of us, kidnapped. This we did not know, till
about half an hour afterwards: Two sailors, uncer pretence of
coming on fliore for cloaths, gave information of the troops
being on board the flipping, and of Rice's being taken, about
three hundred men were then immediately marched to Yama
craw, opposite the dipping, frith three four-pounders and
threw up a bread work. The armed schooner. Hrochinbrook,
of guns, with a number of men on board, which with others,
went up the Back river in the afternoon of the day preceding,
about this time set fail down the South River, with intent, no
doubt, of covering the landing of the troops, from on board
the merchant Dipping: But being continually fired at, by two
companies of rifle-men who were placed 10 ambufeade, die
was obliged to come very slowly, and often came to, and re
turned a very (mart fire at every place where the rifle-men
fired from, until the tide was spent, and die could not get
down. During the couffe of their firing, only one of our men
got wounded, and that nightly in the thigh; but on board,
several were seen to fall.
In town we had exhibited a dill more interesting feene, we
found the officers and men clamorous, about tire capture and
detention of Rice; and two gentlemen, Lieutenant Daniel
Roberts, of the St. John Rangers, and Mr. Raymond De
mere, of St. Andrew's parish, fol.cited and were permitted,
to go'on board, to demand 2 surrender of Rice and his people.
They accordingly divided themselves of arms, and were row
ed by a negro on board a vessel, in which were Capt. Barclay
the Commodore, and Major Grant; and these officers, con
trary to all the principles which cement society, and govern
mankind, immediately arrested our deputies, and yet detain
them as prisoners. We waited with anxious expectation for
near half an hour, when we demanded our deputies, by the
help of a trumpet, without getting any other but insulting
answers; whereupon we fired two four-pounders, directly in
to them; and then they informed us, that they would lend an
answer in writing; which they presently after did, signed by
Lieutenant Roberts and Mr. Demere, purporting, that if we
would fend two of the perfoos in whom the people most con
fided, they would treat with them.
Capt. Screven, of the St. John's Rangers, and Capt. Ba
ker, of the St. John's Rifle-men, chagrined, no doubt (the
former particularly, on account of his Lieutenant) by the de
tention of our deputies,took about a dozen of Rifle-men in a
boat, and rowed directly under the Bern of Capt Inglis, in
whose vessel were a great part of the soldiery, and, in perem
tory terms, demanded the deputies, and were answered, after
one (hot from Capt. Baker, by a difeharge down directly
upon them, of near two hundred foot, both from Swivels
and small arms; which was kept up while they were in reach;
the Captains and men in the boat, notin the smallest degree
confufed, or even, perhaps, disappointed by the attack, fired
their rifles, mod of them three several times, and as they fay,
not without execution: and wonderful to tell! not a man of
them killed; one man only received a slug in the fleshy part
of his flioulder, which was immediately cut out, without the
smallest inconvenience or danger. The (peculators all declare,
as we now do, that such a providential deliverance has not
yet been known.
This unmanly attack, upon a few men in an open boat,
produced a general fire from our field pieces and intrench
ments; and as (mart a return from two four pounders and se
veral swivels from the flripping; which lasted from about
twelve o'clock to four; and, although they often fired lang
ridge, which continually whirled about our men, not a tin
gle man was even touched; but we have no doubt, a number
of the enemy met with a worse fate, as they were seen fre
quently to fall.
About four o'clock, we called a Council, and determined
to have the vessels immediately burnt; arid issued orders to
Col. M'lntofh accordingly, whereupon the Inverness, late
Capt. Mc'Gi:livray, loaded with rice and deer-skins, was set
on fire, and cut loose, to the amount of i;,o®c£. ftcrling.
Upon this the soldiers, in the most laughable confufion, got
afhorc in the marfli; while our Rifle-men, and field pieces,
with grape shot, were incessantly galling them. The flip
ping were now also io contuhon some got up the river, un
der cover of the armed schooner, while others caught the flame,
and, as night approached, exhibited a feene, as they passed
and repaffed with the tide, which in any other, but the pre
fcat times, would be truly horrible, but is now a fuhje& only
of gratulation and appiaufe.
The Blips of Captains Inglis and Wardell, neither got up
the river, or on fire, they were ordered on fliore, and now are
prisoners of Capt. Screven in the country, and their vessel
brought down close in to a wharf. They were permitted L
write to Capt. Barclay in the evening, to inform of their fitii
ation, and to request an exchange of prisoners, which the la
ter ^emmptorily refuted.
We have thus given you a particular detail of things,
they ready happened, to prevent the belief of any erronee
nu: digence; and, from which, you will be competent i
judge of out (iteration.
Col. M'lntelh laid before the board, a resolution of you:
Congress to aid u>, accompanied by a letter from Mr^ Lownd<l
and we arc very gad, that you have determined to afford n
farther alliftance. We with it may arrrivc io time.
By 9 dcr of the Council of Safety,
William Ewen, President.
To the Wtv the Congress, or Council
of Safer, j:r South Carolina.
Wj L L I A MSBURG 11, April 6.
The Duke .I Cumberland packet arrived a few days ago
from Falmouth, with government dispatches for Lord. Dur
more. It is said die left England .the 23d of January and
brings advice, that Lord Cornwallis failed about the faro
time, with a number of transports under convoy of twelve
frigates; the place of their defamation uncertain. The pac
ket was at South-Carolina, but found Lord William Camp
bed had left the province, and joined Governor Martin :
Cape Feo. Some gentlemen from below fay, that soon to
ter the arivai of h s vessel they published a paper wl<
wa> called a declaration ot wo agaiuft the colonies, and t\
ccived it with loud acciama ons.
It is reported that Lend Dunmore has sent to England
in the Duk of Cumberland packer, which tailed last Wed
nefday four French gentlemen, who were lately taken in
vessel b mod hec from Cape Nichola Mole, pretending he bar
fduod letters upon them which prove their business was to
treat with the Congress.
WA TERTO WN, April 8.
Last F'iday fe'noight Capt. Joby Allen, late a (hopkeeper
in Boston, with some other tories, besides women and chi
dien, in a (loop, ran ashore on the back of Cape Cod ; think
ing he had got into the harbour of Halifax, this is a valu
blc prize being laden with piece goods and some cash.
Last W;doefday Capt. Manly took and sent into Beve:
ly, * large brig, after fogie refinance. This vessel was pu:
chafed by William Jackson, at the brazen head, who wr
Crean Bufli, and a number of others, women and children
were on board, besides a ferjeant and twelve privates of ths
4h or King's own regiment, who are made prisoners. She w?,
bound tor Haiitax, and has on board a variery of articles; h
is estimated to be worth about 35 ©oct sterling.
We hear, that on Wednesday last the Rev. President, Fe
lows arid Overseers of Harvard College, waited on his Exet
lency General Washington, wto an address, conferring e
him the degree of Dm-tor of Laws?
NEWPOR T, < Rhode-Iftand) April 8.
Last Friday the nuniftcrial fleet went a little without th.
mouth of our har bour, and in the evening they all returns
and anchored btween Gould-lfland and Coddington's-Poinr.
except the Glasgow of 14 guns, and a small tender, whict
kept out all night.—As soon as it wa. light next morning,
party or the troops ftatioped on this ifltid got down twoc
their 18 pounders upon the point, and played so well upon
those woife than Algerine rovers, that they hulled the Rest
two or three times, the Nautilus once or twice, and fenr n,
shot through and through one of the armed tenders, upct
which Capt. Wallace, of the Rose, sent off a boat to cut
way the buoy of his anchor, then flipped his cable, and made
offas faft as possible, and the rest of his fleet followed in the
utmost hurry and confufion, having fired about i§ cannc.
upon our people without the least effect, though they ftocel
in considerable numbers as open as they could well be
without the lealt brekft-work or other (belter.—
For several hours before, and during the above engage
ment, a vast number of cannon were heard from the S 5
and about sunrise, eight or ten fail of ships, brigs, &c. wet
seen a little to the eastward of Biock-Illand, and indeed th
slashes of the cannon were seen by some people about day
break. These things caused much Speculation; but in a fez
hours the miftery was somewhat cleared up, for away cam
the poor Glasgow, under all the fail (he could let, yelpin.
from the mouths of her cannon (as bad as a broken-leg'
dog) in token of her being sadly wounded:—And though IL
fettled away, and handed the most of her fails, just befor
flic came into the harbour, it was plainly perceived by th
holes in those £he had Banding, and by the hanging of he
yards, that Bie had been treated in a very rough manner.-
The other vessels, seen off, flood up the western found
and by very authentic intelligence, received on Saturday
evening, we arc fully convinced, they were rx fail of ihe
ecntincntal navy, very deeply laden with cannon, mortar
cannon shot, bombs, and other warlike Bores, frou th.
Weft Indies; so that it if probable their precious cargoes were
the foie cause of Mrs. Glasgow's making her escape; he.
tender 'tis supposed was taken; as also the bomb brig, and A
schooner, which had been out near a week in search of
p re y-
As soon as the Glasgow got in, the Rose, Capt. Wallace,
the Nautillus, Capt. Collins, the Swan, Capt. Ayfcough
with several tenders and pirated prizes, flood out to feu,
leaving the Glasgow, a large snow, and two small sloops, at
anchor, about three quarters of a mile from Brenton's point
— The ensuing night, a party of troops carried one 18 poun
der, one 9, one 6, and two 4 pounders on said point; and
early yesterday morning falutcd the Glasgow with such
warmth that Bic flipped her cable, and pushed up the rive,
without firing a gun, under all the fail Bie could make, and
the others followed with great precipitation. By the terrible
cracking on board the Glasgow, the noifc and confufion a
mong her men, 'cis thought the cannon did good execution.
—The wind ihifting to the northward about noon, those vef
fels run down the back of Conanicut, and flood out to sea,
supposed to have gone in quest of Capt. Wallace, to make a.
woful complaint of the incivility of the YANKIESI
Yesterday in the forenoon, as a company of American re
gulars were getting up the cable and anchor which the
Glasgow had a little before left in her great fright, a large
prize (loop came in, which Wallace had carried out with him
the day before; and it being a very thick air, and die ex
pecting to find the Glasgow lying where (he was left got c'ofc
in with the boat before they discovered her, when the boar
immediately laid her aboard, and brought her in here. She
had on board seven men and one woman. This sloop was
loaded with flour, &c. and was, when taken by the pirates,
bound from Maryland to Providence.
Last week nine men deserted from the miaiftcrial navy,
on this Nation, and brought off three boats.
N E W-Y 0 R K,
April Is. Monday night 1000 of the Continental troop:
Rationed here, went over and took poffeffien of the Govei
nor's Island, and began to fortify it; the fame night a regimen:
went over to Red Hook, and fortified that place l,krwifc.
Saturday last his Excellency General WASHINGTON a?
rived here from Cambridge, attended by • Palfrey, Esq;
his Aid-de-Camp, Horatio Gates, Esq; Adjutant-General
and several other Gentlemen *f diflin&ion,