The Newport gazette (Newport [R.I.]), 1777-05-08 00:00:00

By His EXCELLENCY SIR WILLIAM HOWE, Knt. One of His Majesty's Commissioners for restoring Peace to the Colonies. Ge- neral and Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's Forces within the Colonies ly- ing on the Atlantic Ocean, from Nova- Scotia to West-Florida, inclusive, &c. &c. &c.
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS for the more speedy and effectual Suppression of the unnatu- ral Rebellion subsisting in North- America, it has been thought proper to levy a Number of Provincial Troops, thereby affording to His Majesty's faithful and well- disposed Subjects, Inhabitants of the Colo- nies, an Opportunity to co-operate in re- lieving Themselves from the Miseries at- tendant on Anarchy and Tyranny, and in restoring the Blessings of Peace and Order with just and lawful Government:—As a Reward for the Promptitude and Zeal wherewith His Majesty's faithful Subjects have entered into the Corps now raising, and as a further Encouragement to Others to follow their Example, His Majesty is hereby, in Consequence of Authority to Me given by His Majesty, promises and engage- that all Persons who have, or do hereafter, enlist into any of the said Provincial Corps, to serve for two Years or during the War in North- America, and shall continue faithfully to serve in any of the said Corps agreeable to such their Engagements, shall, after being reduced or disbanded, obtain, according to their respective Stations, Grants of the fol- lowing Quantities of vacant Lands in the Colonies wherein their Corps have been or shall be raised, or in such other Colony as His Majesty shall think fit viz. Every non-commissioned Officer 200 Acres. Every private Soldier 50 ditto. The same to be granted to such of the said non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers as shall personally apply for the same, by the Governors of the respective Colonies, with- out Fee or Reward, subject, at the Expia- tion of Two Years, to the same Quit Rents as other Lands are subject to in the Province within which they shall be granted, and subject to the same Conditions of Cultiva- tion and Improvement.
Given under my Hand, at Head Quar- ters, in New-York, this 21st Day of April, 1777. W. HOWE.
By his Excellency's Command, ROBERT MACKENZIE, Secretary.
L O N D O N.
The Bill to empower his Majesty to secure and detain Persons charged with, or sus- pected of, the Crime of HIGH TREA- SON, committed in North-America, or on the High Seas, or the Crime of PI- RACY, as filled up and corrected in the Committee, and which was read the third
Time, and passed the 17th of February, 1777.
Whereas open and traiterously levied and carried on in certain of his Majesty's Colonies and Plantations in America, and Acts of Treason and Piracy have been committed on the High Seas, and upon the Ships and Goods of his Majesty's Subjects; and many Persons have been seized and taken, who are expressly charged or strongly suspected of such Treasons and Felonies, and many more such Persons may be hereafter so seized and taken:
And whereas such Persons have been or may be brought into this Kingdom, and in- to other Parts of his Majesty's Dominions; and it may be inconvenient in many such Cases, to proceed forthwith to the Trial of such Criminals, and at the same Time of evil Example to suffer them to go at large:
Be it therefore Enacted, by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the Ad- vice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, that all and every Person or Persons, who have been, or shall hereafter be seized or taken in any of his Majesty's Co- lonies or Plantations in America, or on the High Seas, or in the Act of Piracy, or who are or shall be charged with or sus- pected of the Crime of High Treason, com- mitted in any of the said Colonies, or on the High Seas, or of Piracy, and who have been or shall be committed, in any Part of his Majesty's Dominions, for such Crimes, or any of them, or for Suspicion of such Crimes, or either of them; by any Magistrate having competent Authority in that Behalf, to the common Goal, or other Place of Confinement, as is herein after provided for that Purpose, shall and may be thereupon se- cured and detained in safe Custody, without Bail or Mainprize, until the first of January 1778, and that no Judge or Justice of Peace shall bail or try any such Person or Persons, without Order from his Majesty's most Ho- nourable Privy Council, signed by six of the said Privy Council, until the said first Day of January, 1778, any Law, Statute, or Usage, to the contrary in any wise notwith- standing.
And whereas it may be necessary to pro- vide for such Prisoners, within this Realm, some other Places of Confinement besides the common Goal; Be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that it shall and may be lawful for his Majesty, by Warrant un- der his Sign manual, to appoint one or more other Places of Confinement within the Realm, for the Custody of such Prisoners; and all and every Magistrate and Magi- strates, having competent Authority in that Behalf, are hereby authorized to commit such Persons as aforesaid, to such Place or Places of Confinement, to be appointed, instead of the common Goal.
Provided always, and be it Enacted, That no Offences shall be construed to be Piracy within the Meaning of this Act, ex-
cept Acts of Piracy committed on the Ships and Goods of his Majesty's Subjects by Persons on the High Seas.
And be it further Enacted, that the said Act aforesaid, That this Act be in force and be in Force until the said first Day of January, 1778, and no longer.
HOUSE OF LORDS, Feb. 26.
The Bill to empower his Majesty to se- cure persons charged or convicted of High Treason committed in America, &c. was presented to the House of Peers; and after it had been read a first Time, and ordered to be printed, Lord Suffolk got up, and moved for the said Bill to be read a second Time To-morrow, which was ordered ac- cordingly.
Feb. 25. This Day Lord Coventry beg- ged the Lord Chancellor to explain, "Who- ther a Man, by this Act, might not be taken into Custody, who had never been in America?" That America was in open Re- bellion his Lordship did not doubt, but he saw no Reason why the Suspension Bill should extend itself here, where no Re- bellion exists. His Lordship therefore de- sired to know if an Inhabitant of England could be committed to Prison, and not have the Benefit of the Habeas Corpus Act.
Lord Mansfield gave the answer. If a man has always been an inhabitant of England, most certainly he is not excluded the Benefit. But suppose a person has been an inhabitant of America, and comes and resides here, he might be guilty, and therefore not entitled to the Be- nefit of the Habeas Corpus Act. But my Lord, I am happy to say, no Englishman need to dread the suspension of the habeas corpus bill. Every thing is unaltered as heretofore, and the people here are essentially at- tached to the King. If there had been any attack on the habeas corpus act, that great bulwark of English Liberty, I would have stood up and opposed it. I never consent for the suspension of it in America; or with regard to people guilty of piracy on the high seas. My Lords, though this bill takes away the benefit of the habeas corpus act in America, yet the justices of peace here, upon a charge made, must act as if the bill had not passed; I am proud to say, it was done out of humanity to our own English subjects, and I declare it is the best human act as ever passed.
Lord Coventry, after thanking his Lord- ship, said, he should be glad to be informed, whether it is understood that the judge or justice can or must take him enquiry. If the person is suspected and brought before him, he must be examined. For it might probably happen, that an Eng- lishman, who has never been out of England, might be so persuaded as to take a false oath.
Lord Chancellor. If any such person is taken before a justice, he may obtain the habeas corpus act; the new clause why the judge or justice should discharge him, and if any reasonable grounds are shown, the justice must discharge him.
Lord Suffolk. I neither understand, nor does it become me to enter into nice points.

of law, but I am sure that every satisfaction will be given to any enquiry that can be made; in cases of great emergency, when sedition and conspiracies have been formed at home, it has been judged necessary to arm against such machinations, by acts that otherwise would never have been called into execution. Thank God, this is not the time when it is required to vest the Crown with such power at home: if it was to be attempted, I would be the first to oppose it. But the principal intention of this bill is, to know what to do with the number of prisoners now in custody, and how to dispose of them. It never was intended to charge English subjects, and the magistrates here must proceed with them as if such a bill had never passed.
The House of Lords yesterday ordered that no more causes should be heard till the 5th of March.
Feb. 26. In a Committee of Supply, came to the following Resolutions; viz. that 4000 l. be granted for the support of the island of St. John's; 2815 l. for the civil establishment of Georgia; 4596 l. for Nova-Scotia; 5950 l. for East-Florida; 5900 l. for West-Florida; 5550 l. for Senegal; 2993 l. for several Surveys in North America.
From the Morning Chronicle.
A DIALOGUE between a modern Patriot and a Friend of his Country, whom, for the sake of brevity, I shall distinguish by the names of A. and B.
VIGILANS.
A Virtue! O Liberty! O my country! all ruined.
B. How so, Sir?
A. How so? It is enough to make one die with rage to hear such a question—ministerial influence, tyranny, slavery, butchery of our innocent brethren in America, ruin of our commerce, navy unfit to make any defence. France and Spain coming against us, and all opposition at an end.
B. Pray, Sir, proceed not so fast—if you intend to argue the matter with candour, as you promised me when we were last together; your rage will give me an advantage over you I do not wish to have. Truth is what I seek. As to ministerial influence, I do not altogether deny it; but whether such an influence is an evil depends upon this circumstance, to wit, whether a proper use is made of it.
A. A proper use of it! A likely story, indeed. that Tories and High-Fliers should do that.
B. These are mere words, and have no influence on my mind.
A. I do say, that people under ministerial influence would follow the directions of their masters in every respect, rather than lose their places; and what good can we expect from such?
B. I grant you, Sir, that mankind have always been self-interested. I could mention some instances even among patriots, but I do not wish to irritate you: But it by no means follows, because we observe men influenced in some degree, that therefore they would go any length, even to the overturning the constitution. The same principle of self-interest would prevent them.
A. Why, what greater lengths can they go? As to overturning the constitution, that is not to be done now: The constitution is already destroyed, by bribery and corruption; the people ought to take it into their own hands, to rebuild it anew.
B. I believe you think so. The arguments of your party lately have run more against the constitution itself, than against any mal-administration. It is a principle in your party, that there ought always to be an opposition; and as you cannot find any abuse of the constitution, you attack the form itself, as Dr. Price, for instance, and
one who is as great a Favorite, the author of Common Sense, have done.
A. Why now, to speak candidly, as you are so fond of it, there never was a mere cruel, unjust, and wicked thing, than to murder our innocent brethren in America?
B. Why then, to speak candidly, this is the most barefaced begging of the question that ever was. This is precisely the way the Congress reason in, and all the advocates for rebellion on this side the water. The Congress, in all their petitions and remonstrances, never once mention the causes of the present war, which have been assigned on our side; they mention in general, that their peaceful shores have been invaded, and that they are all doomed to massacre, without they can repel force by force, and the uninformed are led to conclude, as far as their writings go, that all this is determined on, without any reason or provocation at all. Even in their declaration of Independence, which was in a great measure designed as an appeal to the world, as to the justice of their cause; they never once mention the reasons why we entered into the war; suppose them ever so unjust and futile, they ought in honour, in a declaration of that sort, to have given them. They never told the world that they insulted the British nation, by the destruction of the property of their East India company. No, they well knew that any civilized nation would look upon this as a just ground for declaring war. They never told the world that they were in a war against the British state, even before their first petition could arrive in England. They never told the world of the great number of our ships that they had taken, and consequently that the war became in a great measure a defensive one on our part. They never declared of their tyranny, their persecution and oppression of the King's loyal Subjects, their confiscating their property, and condemning several who had hitherto been of the first rank among them, to labour upon their works, in the most degrading and mortifying manner. They never declared their invasion of Canada. They speak only of their humble petitions being rejected, and their own peaceful shores being invaded; but they never told their own invasion of the peaceful woods of Canada. These matters, in making a state of their case, they were in justice and honour bound to lay before the world; at the same time, they might make use of what palliations their fertile imaginations could suggest, but they should, by some means, have given those to whom they appealed, a fair opportunity to judge of their grievances.
A. Now you are rather too fast; before you mention the destruction of the tea, you should say something of the unjust tax laid upon them: This was sufficient to provoke a free people.
B. Admitting, for argument sake, this tax upon tea to have been unjust, (though many palliations might be urged upon the subject) will that justify rebellion? They received their tea three pence per pound cheaper than ever—to that that could be no actual oppression upon the people; if it was an oppression, it was merely speculative, which I never heard would justify such a violent resistance at once. Locke, and the most spirited theoretic writers upon the subject, declare, that the people have no right to appeal to Heaven, (as they call rebellion) until they have tried in vain every possible means of redress, or till their grievances are too heavy for them to bear; and neither of these rules can apply to your Friends in America: But, perhaps, you think that none but some few modern writers should be quoted upon the subject of rebellion.
A. I confess they handle the subject better—What could the people, suppose you allow the tax to be wrong, do upon such an occasion?
B. They might have refused to purchase the tea; this would have been a measure precisely adequate to the grievance, if it was any.
A. But they had so many ministerial tools in Boston, that they dare not trust on the one they would have purchased in opposition to the friends of liberty.
B. I should not apprehend much danger from that; the Yankees have shewed themselves to have been sufficiently masters of the ministerial tools, as you call them; every one of whom are either imprisoned, or banished, or tarred and feathered, &c. &c. I am apt to think that the friends of liberty had a much more forcible reason for destroying the tea, viz. the great quantities of smuggled tea they had then in their warehouses.
A. It was an unjust thing though, to alter the charter of a country; for a riot of so little consequence in itself, and to shut up the port of Boston.
B. I advance as a position, that every charter is revocable—it may be forfeited, either by non-use or mis-use. I do not think the riot of so little consequence as you do: It was committed by the body of the people (as has sometimes been said) it was a very dangerous precedent; if by an insignificant mob, surely some steps should have been taken to have brought the perpetrators to justice. As to the shutting up the port of Boston, the people might have got rid of that grievance whenever they pleased, by only doing an act of common justice, in paying for the tea destroyed.
A. There are many charter acts which the Americans complain of, that passed since 1763.
B. Yes; and the Congress hint that they have several grievances in petto, which they will reveal when they have gained their point:—for the present;—but why do you mention those acts now? They rejected an offer for the revival of them, so that a minute investigation of them would be but to little purpose.
A. New things are gone too far for that now. We never shall be able to conquer them. The ministry will never take good advice; they might have had some lessons on the first day of the sessions, but they only laughed at those who would have sought them better. I must own, I thought they would have more manners at least. France and Spain will certainly be against us in this unjust quarrel.
B. You will say the quarrel is unjust, without offering any reasons; this is the true Congress plea. But how do you know France and Spain will be against us?
A. Why, hasn't several of our Patriots been over to France, and ought not they to know?
B. One great patriot said, they should hear an attack from France, even in the walls of the House of Commons. He at least seems resolved not to hear it; for I understand he has retired in the dunes, or seceded. I have heard so much false prophecy from Patriots, that at length I place my political faith more in his Majesty's speech.
A. Well, but what do you think of the cruel bloody act that is proposed, to pay for the murder of our friends and brethren?
B. I find it is vain to check you for begging the question; I think that acts have been very frequently proclaimed, according to the rights of the Church of England, upon national calamities. The only objection I have to the present act is, that I would not flatter the rebels so far as to make them believe, that their wicked endeavours have brought on such calamity. The rebels have often cursed and prayed against us.
A. I don't dare, I will not fail and pray on that day. Government has no power over my conscience.
B. If you were in America, that land of freedom, you would be obliged to do it.

BOSTON, March 13.
IN duty to my country, and in justice to Brigadier Samuel Thompson, I declare, that on the 27th, 30 and 31st days of October 1776, I saw him review three regiments of his brigade; and after they were reviewed, he addressed himself to them, and among other things said, That there had been stories reported that the officers and soldiers in his brigade were against him; therefore, if it was the case, he never would rule over a people, if he could not rule in their hearts, therefore desired the commanding officer to try a vote, accordingly they tried a vote, and not one officer appeared against him, and only one soldier. Then he cheerfully spoke, and said, I never will forsake you. — This is a glorious cause, it was enough if he could by his death be his country's free, and it was a pleasure to die for the rights of his people, rather than submit to the cruel hand of tyranny, and if we go back we die twice! and he encouraged them to a steady course of discipline, then seeing them united, asked one favour of them, that was, that if he in the day of battle gave back, slay me, said he, for it will be just, and the man that does, must expect the same, and their countenances looked noble and cheerful, and made a warlike appearance, and they said God save the United States, then they were dismissed.
NATH. PURINGTON, Lt. Col. of the 42d Regiment.
Harpwell, in Cumberland, Nov. 4, 1776. WAR-OFFICE, March 5.
THE select men of the towns of the county of Suffolk, are desired forthwith to send to the War-Office in Boston, the Blankets levied on their several Towns by order of the general court of this State, as the service immediately requires them.
Per Order of the Board, J. LORING AUSTON, Secretary.
NEWPORT, May 8.
On Monday Evening last, The Right Honourable EARL PERCY, embarked on board the Mercury Packet, and immediately failed for England — When his Lordship embarked, the Wharfs were crowded with Numbers of all Denominations, desirous of paying their last grateful Respects to their Benefactor. On this Occasion a general Silence was observed, more expressive of their Respect, Affection and Concern, than any Attempt at such Sentiments could have produced.
Previous to the Departure of his Lordship there was a Meeting of the Inhabitants of this Town, when the following Address was agreed to and presented.
To His EXCELLENCY HUGH EARL PERCY, LIEUTENANT GENERAL, Commanding His MAJESTY'S Forces in Rhode-Island, &c. &c. &c.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, WE the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Town of Newport, hearing, with the utmost Concern, that your Excellency intends soon to leave us, beg Permission to approach your Excellency with those Sentiments, which a deep Sense of the great Happiness we have enjoyed under your Excellency's Protection, naturally excites on such an Occasion.
We cannot look upon your Excellency's Departure but as a great Public Loss, when we reflect upon that extraordinary Activity and Vigilance wherewith your Excellency has protected us from surrounding Dangers, and that Justice and Impartiality, that Humanity and Tenderness, with which you have moderated the Exercise of unlimited Power.
With Gratitude we acknowledge, that in Your Excellency's Hands, military Govern-
ment has uniformly worn the fair Form of parental Authority; that no unnecessary Rigour has been used, no Oppression tolerated; and that, during the Noise and Tumults of a Civil War, the Troops under your Excellency's Command, have been kept under such Order and Discipline, as would have done Honour to themselves and their Commander, in Times of Public Peace and settled Government.
The Fear of offending (not Inflexibility) prevents us, at present, from attempting to express how much we are affected with your Excellency's great and amiable private Virtues, with that spotless Integrity of Manners and uniform Regard to Religion and Decency, which would add Dignity to the meanest Station, with that condescending Affability, which stoops without any View to private Advantage, and, above all, with that unbounded and well directed Generosity, which has so often procured for your Excellency, the Blessings of those who were ready to perish.
Great Virtues, my Lord, in an elevated State, are like the Sun; there is nothing hid from the Heat thereof; They have necessarily endeared your Character to all the Inhabitants of this Place; and it is but Justice to say, that during your Residence among us, you have never given any Cause for Uneasiness or Sorrow, but when you declared your Intention of departing from us.
With great Reluctance, we submit to the painful Necessity which deprives us of your Excellency's benign Protection, and sincerely wish you a safe and pleasant Passage to your native Land, and a long Continuance of perfect Health.
Your Excellency's illustrious Rank and Character render it unnecessary for us to wish you any other Blessing of Life; particularly, we reflect, with Pleasure, that your Excellency's early and great Public Services, have gone Home long before you, and have there secured you that great Reward, which is peculiarly reserved for British Worthies, and which will be most suitable to your Excellency's generous Principle, the warmest Approbation of the Best of Princes, and of a brave and free People.
His EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
GENTLEMEN,
ALLOW me to return you many Thanks for your very affectionate Address.
This Public Testimony of your Approbation of my Conduct, since I have had the Honour to command here, at the same Time that it reflects the highest Honour upon me, is most particularly pleasing to me, as it is a Proof that I have been fortunate enough to fulfil the Intentions of our gracious Sovereign, in sending His Troops to this Island.
The Compliments you are pleased to pay these Troops, for their Regularity and good Conduct since they have been amongst you, are justly their Due. As it is the Duty, so it is the Wish, of every British and Hessian Soldier, to protect all peaceable and innocent Inhabitants.
Permit me, Gentlemen, to assure you, that I shall not without Regret quit this Island, whose Inhabitants I shall ever remember with Gratitude and Affection; and be assured, that when I have the Honour to return into the Royal Presence, I shall not fail to do them that Justice, which their Behaviour has justly merited at my Hands.
Yesterday arrived here a large Ship of about 500 Tons, taken by the Diamond. She was from Salem, bound to South Carolina, where she was to take on board a Cargo for France. The Diamond has taken 5 other Prizes which she has sent to Halifax; among which, is a Ship from France laden with Dry Goods to the amount of 8000l Sterling.
We hear that the Rebels have fitted out a Number of Vessels at Boston, for the Purpose of intercepting our Victuallers.
By MAJOR-GENERAL RICHARD PRESCOTT
WHEREAS, by a PROCLAMATION issued by his Excellency the Commander in Chief, dated the 20th Day of March, 1777, Provision is made for the Encouragement and Security of such Persons as may cultivate Lands in their own Behalf, and for the Furtherance of His Majesty's Service.
In Order, therefore, the more effectually to execute these, his Excellency's humane Intentions, all Officers, Soldiers and Others, within this Island and its Dependencies, are hereby enjoined to pay the strictest Attention thereunto, under Pain of the severest Punishment: —
And, on the like Penalty, under no Pretence whatsoever, to attempt destroying Fences or other Inclosures, except by proper Authority, and for the King's Service.
And whereas many Lots of Land, whose Owners have absconded, are now lying Waste: — Any industrious Person, willing to cultivate and improve such Lands to their own Advantage, and the Benefit of the Public, will be put into the Possession of them, for the present, by applying to Captain Savage, Deputy Quarter-Master-General.
Given under my Hand, at Head-Quarters in Newport, this 7th Day of May, 1777. RICHARD PRESCOTT. By the General's Command, JOHN SMITH, Secretary.
On TUESDAY the 13th instant, Between XI and XII o'Clock, in the Forenoon, will be disposed of at PUBLIC SALE
A QUANTITY of Damaged Bread, Butter and Oil, belonging to his Majesty's Victualling Stores at Newport; also, a Number of loose Bread Cask Staves. The whole to be viewed any Day (Sunday excepted) before the Sale from 10 in the Morning till One in the Afternoon, by applying to Mr. GEORGE BRANTON, at the Store-House undermentioned, viz.
The Bread, at Mr. Caleb Gardner's Wharf, Butter, Oil, Loose ? at Mr. John Malbone's Bread Cask Staves, Lower Wharf. JOHN READ, Assistant-Agent Victualler.
TO BE SOLD, By JACOB ISAACKS, At his HOUSE, in BROAD STREET, SALT, by the Bushel or larger Quantity. Men's and Women's Shoes. Black Pepper. Women's Cloaks ready made. West-India Rum. ALSO, a Negro Wench about 30 Years old, a good Cook, and can be well recommended.
MRS. COWLEY Begs Leave to acquaint the GENTLEMEN and LADIES, if agreeable, there will be an ASSEMBLY next Monday Evening; Each GENTLEMAN paying One Dollar.
TO BE SOLD, By MYER POLOCK, IRISH Malt Bass, by the barrel, New Floor ditto, Cask, West-India Rum, by the hoghead, tierce or barrel, Red Wine, by the hoghead, Hams, Ruffin Duck, English Sausage, Sweet Oil, Barley, in 4, 8, 16, Tallow Candles, Hard Soap, Dried Peas.

The following used no Comment. PHILADELPHIA, April 25. Extract of a letter from an American gentleman of eminence, in France, to his friend in this city, dated Jan. 25.
"All the powers in Europe are disposed to favour us, because their interest manifestly leads them to it. But unfortunately that very interest inclines them to act with caution and not involve themselves in a dispute with our enemy, till they are sure we shall be able to maintain our asserted independence: The success which the British troops have had, though less, even as it is magnified by themselves, than in reason might have been expected, furnishes them with still stronger ground for circumspection. We have however received assurances, that most of the ports on the Atlantic are open to our cruizers and our commerce, on terms of neutrality; and 'tis expected in a few months a commerce directly between companies in France, Prussia, and perhaps Holland, on their own bottoms, and at their own risque, with the American States, will be established. In a little time therefore, we have the fullest confidence of establishing an immediate interest in our independency, and opening a certain path for every supply that you can wish."
"In the mean time, as great objects like these are more easily compassed in imagination, than in fact; I hope no reliance upon them will prevent our countrymen from exerting the most unremitting efforts to repel their invaders. A reliance upon themselves will be both more certain and more honorable; but they may with the greatest certainty trust, that if they fail the efforts of England the next campaign, they frustrate them for ever. Events will most assuredly ripen to our wishes in the course of another year. Time and prostration will be fatal to the views of our enemies. Those manoeuvres therefore of war which tend to embarrass and delay the progress of the enemy will be the salvation of our country. From Russia you may be assured that Great Britain can have no aid. In Germany she is collecting recruits at an incredible expence, and it is probable will draw from thence upon the whole 6000 men, 1200 of them are to be light horse. It is the general opinion of the great military men here, that you will find inferior advantage in being superior in light cavalry, which will enable you both to protect your country from their incursions, and to cut off their convoys, harass their march, and impede their progress. They think too that your young men of enterprise and intrepidity should be directed to practise the partizan war, which is most admirable calculated to compass your great object, prostration."
By the Mans-Town Post we are informed, that early last Sabbath-Day Morning a large Body of the Enemy attacked about 400 of our Troops at Sound-Brock, and after a smart Engagement, they got possession of the Village.
A Gentleman just now arrived from Head-Quarters, says, that we lost 2 Men killed, and 30 taken Prisoners, also two Field-Pieces; and that the Enemy are gone off again. The same Gentleman says, that three British Men of War are gone up the River Delaware.
TO BE SOLD, By JOSHUA T. D. ST. CROIX, On board the Sloop BETSY, now lying at Honeyman's Wharf, the following Article: FLOUR, Bread, Hams, Potatoes in Hempt, Bar Iron, Ploughshare Moulds, Nails of all Sorts, Files of Figs, Kegs of pickled Tripe, Pickled Oliver.
TO BE SOLD, By ISAAC HART, At his SHOP on the North Side of the GRAND PARADE, and at his DWELLING HOUSE on the POINT.
(As CHEAP as at any Shop in Newport) The following GOODS, just Imported, viz. YARD-WIDE & 7/8ths do. Cotton Checks, Yard-wide Irish Linen, Royal Plaillos, Irish Sheetings, Russia ditto, Cambric, An Assortment of Linen Handkerchiefs, Black Barcelona do. Coloured ditto, An Assortment of Lutenring ditto, Ditto Negligee ditto, Bandannu ditto, An Assortment of Scots Thread, Best white Silk Stockings, Waite Silk Mitts, Black ditto, Women's Shoes, Souchong Tea, B-hea ditto, Loaf Sugar, Muscovado ditto, Coffee, Pepper, Allspice, Mace, Nutmegs, Sweet Oil, Crackers in Kegs, Cocks, Madeira, Red-Port, and Claret Wine, Jamaica Spirits and Barbadoes Rum, Holland's Geneva, Best London Bottled Porter, Spermaceti Candles, Tallow ditto, Soap, Cut and Pigtail Tobacco, Genuine K'ppln's Scots Snuff, Whale-Bone, A general Assortment of Glass and Earthen Ware, and many other Articles, not here enumerated.
TO BE SOLD, By AGNESS NICOLL, At the HOUSE where lately Mr. EDWARD THURSTON lived, next Door to the Widow CADDINGTON'S, in the Main-Street, FRESH LISBON LEMONS, by the Box or Dozen, Four Years old Antigua Spirit, Good Jamaica and Barbadoes Rum, Madeira and Port Wine by the Quarter Cask or Dozen, White Wine Vinegar, Loaf and Muscovado Sugar, Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Spices, Indigo, Rice, Anchovies Capers, Olives, Mangles, Walnuts, Sarch, Mustard, Tobacco, Cheese, Shirts, Socks, Trocass, Jackets, Men's Worsted plaia and rib'd Stockings, Brown Thread ditto, Best black Patterns for Brechas, Check Hankerchiefs, Hard Brushes for the House, Pine by the Pack, Pound or Paper, Gains's Court or universal Reviver, O'Keirne's Sermons, preached at New York the Sunday after General Howe took Possession of it, and a few Days after the late great Fire, Sermons preached by the Reverend Mr. English and Mr. Moore, on the Death of the late Reverend Doctor Auchmady, Pocket Almanacks, Quarterly Books, Writing Paper, Ink Powder, &c. &c. &c.
By JACOB ISAACKS, At his HOUSE, in BROAD STREET, SUPERFINE Philadelphia and common Flour, A.S. English Flour, Best South Carolina Seal Leather, Florence Oyl, Best Muscovado Sugar, in Barrels or smaller Quantities, Three year old Jamaica Rum in Hogheads, New Irish Malt Beef, Bobs Tea, Best white Ginger, Sperm Cati Candles, &c. &c. &c. Said ISAACKS, continues to carry on the Business of a BROKER, in all its Branches, buying or selling all Sorts of Merchandise, and also buying and selling Vessels which he has before done to the Satisfaction of his Employers.
TO BE SOLD, ATENT and MARQUE, that has been but 4 Months pitched. The Price is TEN GUINEAS. It may be seen at the Printer's.
Newport, April 6, 1777. To be Sold to the highest Bidder, BILLS OF EXCHANGE, to the Amount of £4001. Sterlings, to defray the Expence of his Majesty's Naval Hospital. Whoever is desirous to purchase the Whole or any Part thereof, must send in their Proposals to the Subscriber, who will give the Preference to the Person that offers the most advantageous Terms. JOHN HALLIBURTON, Agent to the Sick and Hurt.
JOHN LAWTON, Hereby informs the Public, that he has opened a SCHOOL in the House lately occupied by William Lake, near the Church, for the Instruction of YOUTH, in READING, WRITING, ARITHMETIC, &c. All Persons who are pleased to favour him with the Tuition of their Children, may depend on his Fidelity in discharging the Trust reposed in him, and their Favours kindly acknowledged.
MRS. COWLEY'S respectful Compliments to the most respectable Gentlemen of the Army and Navy residing here, likewise to the Inhabitants of this Town, accompanied with her most grateful Acknowledgments and many Thanks for the Honour they have done her the past Season, in employing her House in their general Amusements; is still ready to do every Thing in her Power--Wherever they can make it agreeable to collect an Assembly, will turn up, as usual, with some little Addition to their Refreshments; each Gentleman paying one Dollar. She flatters herself to conduct in such a Manner as to merit their universal Approbation--begs some short Notice--and is, with every due Respect, their much obliged and very humble Servant.
TO BE SOLD, By RICHARD JOHNSON At the BAKERS-ARMS on the POINT. The following Articles, Cheap, for CASH: FLOUR, by the barrel or smaller quantity, Bobs Tea, Coffee, Cheese, New-York Chocolate, Scotch Snuff in bottles, Best London bottled Port-Wine, Fresh Irish Butter, Pigtail Rowl and Leaf Tobacco, Best London Pewter Plates and Dishes, Nutmegs, Black Pepper, Coarse Wool, Hams, a small Quantity of Cutlery, &c. &c.
Beim Hessischen Commissary FREEZEL, ist beßer MATERA WEIN, von New-York an kommen V der Poufelge, 2 Schilling, und beßer MUSCADE WEIN, 1 Schilling 10 s. Civilis pfiff.
Just Imported from NEW-YORK, AND TO BE SOLD by JOHN HOWE, At the PRINTING OFFICE in Thames Street, the following Articles of STATIONARY: ROYAL, Fine red and black Wax, Super-Royal, Ink Powder, Demy, Ink Holders, Thick and thin Post, Pounce and Pounce Foolscap, Boxes, Letter paper, Pencils, and Marble-paper, Quills, Ivory Folders.