The Newport gazette (Newport [R.I.]), 1777-12-18 00:00:00

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1777.
The ship Bloisheim, Capt. Hucery, who left the Downs, October 6th, and arrived at New York, the 9th inst. we have the following intelligence.
PETERSBURGH, Aug. 22. SUNDAY last the Empress celebrated the anniversary of the raising the regiment of Preobrazensk guards. There was on this occasion a drawing room at the summer palace; and her Majesty dined afterwards in public with the officers of the corps.
The same day Lord Hope, and three other Lords of his country, had the honour to be presented to the Empress.
Hamburg, Sept. 12. The Duke of Orléans left this city at eight o'clock in the morning to return to Stockholm; his departure was honoured with his presence the four united lodges of free-masons, who entertained him with an elegant supper.
From the LONDON GAZETTE. Lord Chamberlain's office; Sept. 16, 1777. Orders for Court mourning on Sunday next, the 21st instant, for his late Serene Highness Prince Maurice of Sax-Gotha, uncle to his Majesty, viz.
The ladies to wear black silk, fringed or plain linen, white gloves, necklaces, and earrings, black or white shoes, fans and tiplets.
Undresses, white or grey lace strings, tabbies, or damask.
The men to wear black full trimmed, fringed or plain linen, black swords and buckles.
Undresses, grey frocks.
Admiralty Office, Sept. 18. His Majesty has been pleased to appoint, in his marine forces, Robert Douglass, Harris Innes, James Perkins, Thomas Athbury, John M'Fie, William Rothenam, Andrew Eliot, John Bowater, Thomas Averae, Thomas Duval, John Campbell, George Preston, William Levin, Mordecai Abbott, Myles Sardys, Christopher Middleton, Henry Fletcher, John Barclay, John Graham, Thomas Groves, and John Johnston, Captains, to be Majors.
John Tappan, and the Hon. Francis Napier, Majors, to be Lieutenant Colonels.
War Office, Sept. 18. His Majesty has been pleased to appoint John Mackenzie, John Bell, and Henry Smith, Colonels in his marine forces, to be Major Generals in the army.
WHITEHALL, Sept. 20.
The King has been pleased to appoint Frederick Haldimand, Esq; Lieutenant General of his Majesty's forces, to be Captain General and Commander in chief of his Majesty's forces in the said Province of Quebec, and upon the frontiers of the provinces
bordering thereon in the room of Sir Guy Carleton, Knight of the Bath.
St. James's, September 22. This day, being the anniversary of their Majesty's coronation, the Park and Tower guns were fired at noon, and in the evening there were illuminations, and all public demonstrations of joy.
LONDON, Sept. 18. The Empress of Russia, desirous still to make further discoveries at sea, has given orders that three ships shall sail annually from Kamschatka, for the northern New Archipelago; three for America, as many for Ochotskoy, and one for the Kurilands. Extract of a letter from Folkestone, Sept. 6. "From the yard of Mr. Phineas Jacobs was launched, the Eleonor Schooner, burthen 220 tons, a letter of marque, carries 22 carriage guns and 80 men; she is computed by those whose judgments can be by no means doubted or biased, to be the completest vessel ever launched from our beach."
Extract of a letter from Harwich, Sept. 12. "The City of London's guns at Landguard fort were taken down and put on board a vessel, with the ordnance stores and artillery apparatus used in the late experiments there, and on Friday sailed with the officers and private men, to Woolwich."
"In the course of the above experiments, many important discoveries have been made; among others, it appears, that on future occasions, the destructive annoyance of the enemy, from any given or random distance, is so perfectly planned, as to leave no doubt of gaining any advantage when a cannonading or bombardment takes place; a proof of which, it is said, will be made by some of the same engineers, as soon as they join our Army in America. These useful discoveries having been represented to his Majesty, he was pleased to express his approbation thereof; and as the situation of Landguard fort is thought to be the most eligible in England for such performances, it is expected as annual exercise of the artillery will be repeated here. Lords Townsend and Amherst were present, who, with the general officers received the greatest satisfaction. The utmost politeness and civility to all the spectators, were observed through the whole camp, and the performance was conducted with the greatest regularity and free from mischief. The number of persons that visited Landguard fort, on this occasion, were computed to be 20,000."
Extract of a Letter from Lewes, in Sussex, Sept. 15.
"We never remember a harvest to have been pursued with more fair and alacrity than the present: Most of the principal farmers in this neighbourhood finished in the course of last week. The crops in general were never finer nor more plentiful."
Sept. 20. Yesterday at one o'clock His Majesty came from Kew to St. James's, where there was a levee; at which were present the Lords Germaine, Townsend and Weymouth, Generals Ivison and Haldimand, the Lords in waiting, &c. After it broke up Lords Germaine and Townsend held a long conference with the King. His Majesty returned to Kew at half past three o'clock.
Yesterday, General Haldimand took leave of his Majesty at St. James's, and to-morrow will set out for Portsmouth in order to embark on board the Hibernia frigate, in order to go on his government to Quebec.
Yesterday noon a message, with dispatches, was sent from Lord Weymouth's office, for Falmouth, for Lord and General Howe, to be forwarded with all expedition for America.
This week six snows and brigs have been hired of the merchants, by government. They are to mount from 14 to 18 guns each, and are to cruise on the coast of Ireland and Scotland all the ensuing winter.
WAR OFFICE, Sept. 8, 1777.
4th Regiment of Dragoons, Edmund Preby, Gent. is appointed to be Colonel, vice Genl. Mercer.
18th Regiment of Foot Guards, Brevet George Parker to be Lieutenant, vice John Finch. Ditto Lord Strathearn to be Ensign, vice George Parker.
Ditto E. F. Finch Richardson to be Adjutant, vice John Finch.
31st Regiment of Foot Guards, Lieutenant Colonel William Cavendish Lyttel, to be Captain of a Company, vice Sir George Osborn.
Ditto, Captain Daniel D'Avers Rieh, to be Captain Lieutenant, vice William Cavendish Lyttel.
Ditto, Brevet George Watkins to be Lieutenant, vice Daniel D'Avers Rieh.
Ditto, Campbell, Gent. to be Ensign, vice George Watkins.
1st Battalion, Lieutenant Ninian Imrie to be Captain, vice John Balcar.
2d Regiment of Foot, James Poole, Gent. to be Ensign, vice Christopher Sankey.
4th Regiment of Foot, Brevet George Boden to be Lieutenant, vice Goddard Butler.
Ditto, George Johnson, Gent. to be Ensign, vice George Boden.
Ditto, James Hunt, Gent. to be Adjutant, vice Peregrine Francis Thurn.
Ditto, Surgeon's Mate, Gillispie, of 45th Foot, to be Surgeon, vice Richard Knowles.
5th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant William Charlton to be Captain, vice Francis Madden.
Ditto, Brevet Patrick Bagland to be Lieutenant, vice William Charlton.
7th Regiment of Foot, William Lewis An-

 are, Gent. to be Lieutenant, vice Samuel Cleaveland.  10th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant Thomas Hewitt, of 2d, Foot, to be Captain, vice Thomas Herbert.  14th Regiment of Foot, Ensign James Tulliken to be Lieutenant, vice Randal Borough.  Ditto, Bats Lindsey, Gent. to be Ensign, vice James Tulliken.  15th Regiment of Foot, Captain Henry Braine, of 63, Foot, to be Major vice William Prescott.  Ditto, Lieutenant James Pierse to be Captain, vice James Loffe.  Ditto, Ensign Gustavus Hamilton to be Lieutenant, vice James Pierse.  16th Regiment of Foot, Addison, Low, Gent. to be Quarters Master, vice William Gogan.  17th Regiment of Foot, Ensign Mervyn Murray to be Lieutenant, vice Humphry May.  22d Regiment of Foot, Ensign _____ Dumaresque to be Lieutenant, vice Thomas Hewitt.  27th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant Richard Pakenham to be Captain, vice Wm. Cooke.  Ditto, Ensign John Minchin to be Lieutenant, vice Richard Pakenham.  Ditto, Peter Barnard, Gent. to be Ensign, vice Benjamin White.  28th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant William Stewart to be Captain, vice Thomas Harris.  Ditto, Ensign William Cornwallis Hall to be Lieutenant, vice William Stewart.  31st Regiment of Foot, Nigell Kingstree, Gent. to be Ensign, vice Thomas Kingstree.  33d Regiment of Foot, Ensign George Matthew Bailey to be Lieutenant, vice Henry Brodwick.  37th Regiment of Foot, Captain Lieutenant Francis Graham to be Captain, vice John Stewart.  Ditto, Lieutenant George Beckwith to be Captain Lieutenant, vice Francis Graham.  Ditto, Ensign William Henry Hamilton to be Lieutenant, vice George Beckwith.  38th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant Mathew Millett, of 64th Foot, to be Captain, vice Henry Edward Fox.  Ditto, Thomas Croker, Gent. to be Ensign, vice William Davis.  Ditto, Surgeon's Mate, _____ Gary to be Surgeon, vice James Auchincloss.  39th Regiment of Foot, Ensign Charles Burleigh to be Lieutenant, vice Robert Brett.  40th Regiment of Foot, John Anderson, Gent. to be Ensign, vice Edward Chesire.  46th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant Lullum Batwell to be Captain Lieutenant, vice Henry Perse.  Ditto, Ensign George Hart to be Lieutenant vice Lullum Batwell.  Ditto, Lieutenant Humphry May, of 17th, Foot to be Captain, vice Edward Downes.  49th Regiment of Foot, Captain Henry Edward Fox, of 38th, Foot, to be Major, vice Thomas Dakers.  55th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant Henry Broderick, of 33rd, Foot, to be Captain, vice Decimus Reynolds.  Ditto, Ensign Cloy Swindell to be Lieutenant, vice Peter Marland.  56th Regiment of Foot, Ensign William Cunninghame to be Lieutenant, vice Mathew Stuart.  Ditto, John Cnapman, Gent. to be Ensign, vice William Cunninghame. 
 58th Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant William Markham to be Quarter Master, vice G. G. Grant.  60th Regiment of Foot, 1st Battalion, Christian Pleas, Gent. to be Ensign, vice Thomas Milward Smith.  63d Regiment of Foot, Lieutenant Hayes St. Leger to be Captain vice Henry Brune.  Ditto, Ensign Henry Wrixon to be Lieutenant, vice Hayes St. Leger.  64th Regiment of Foot, Ensign William Wynyard to be Lieutenant, vice Mathew Millett.  Ditto, Henry David Fraser, Gent. to be Ensign, vice Lord Viscount Deethurst.  Arthur Holdsworth, Esq; to be Governor of Dartmouth, vice Arthur Holdsworth.  John Brown, late Captain in 7th, Dagoons, to be Town Adjutant of Louisbourg.  Major Lucius Ferdinand Cary to be Lieutenant Colonel in the Army.  Staff Officers in North America.  Surgeon Richard Knowles, of 4th, Foot, to be Surgeon to the General Hospital.  Surgeon James Auchincloss, of 38th, Foot, to be ditto. 
NEW-YORK, December 8. By A rival of the Sloop York, in Turland's Light, and the Roman Emps or Transport, the Saturday following, from the Delaware, which they left the 22d ult. we learn, that three Batteries on Province Island, the first of two 32 Pounders, with one 18 and one 12 Pounder; the second five 24 Pounder, one 8 Inch Mortar, and a Howitzer of the same Bore; the third mounting one 13 and an 8 Inch Mortar, and one 8 Inch Howitzer, being completed on the 9th ult. they opened on Monday the 10th on Mud Island, or Fort Mifflin, and kept up a constant Fire until Saturday the 15th, when about 9 o'clock in the Morning, His Majesty's ships Hiss, Some set, Pearl, Vigilant, and an armed Sloop came up, attacked the Fort and silenced eighteen or twenty Pieces of Cannon, which had played on them from the time they came within reach, and demolished the three Block Houses. During the Cannonade, the Men stationed in the Taps of the Vigilant did great Execution amongst the Rebels, with Swivels and small Arms.
As soon as the Shipping came up, the Rebels hoisted a Jack half Staff, as a Signal for Assistance from their Fleet, which lay under Red Bank, about one Mile and an half from Mud Island, on the Jersey Shore, who immediately sent down a Number of Boats filled with Men, who were afterwards employed in carrying back their wounded, under the Fire of our Ships and Batteries. The Rebels evacuated the Fort about 9 o'Clock in the Evening, after setting Fire to the Barracks, which were calculated to contain Two Thousand Men, leaving their Colours flying. They were prevented from carrying off their Cannon by our Ships and Batteries. A Gondola, with twelve 18 Pounders, soon after leaving the Island, was sunk by a Shot, but being near the Shore, the Cannon were next Day recovered by our Troops. Sir George Osborn, with the Guards, who were prepared to Storm the Fort next Morning, had it not been evacuated, took Possession, and found about 40 Pieces of Cannon, a Quantity of Ammunition, &c. The Loss of the Rebels, in killed and wounded, by the best Accounts, from the first Attack 'till they evacuated the Island, amounts to near 500 Men, among whom are two Captains of Artillery. In this Attack we lost one Midshipman and two or three Men, on board the Vigilant, and three or four brave Tars on board the other Vessels. When the
other Ships were engaged at Mud Island the Roebuck, Capt. Hammond, attacked Battery near Billingsport, on the Jersey Shore, and in less than an Hour silenced it.
Admiral Howe, during the severe Cannonade perhaps ever heard, landed on Province Island, and continued in Front of our Batteries, within Musket Shot of the Rebel Fort, giving Orders for the Attack with his Lordship's usual Calmness.
On the 16th ult. Preparations were made to remove the Chevaux de Frize, and cut an excessive strong Chain fixed to two large Piers, and extended across the River to obstruct the Navigation. The Rebels at Red Bank, observing the Troops and Sailors beginning this arduous Task, removed their Snipping up the River, within three Miles of Philadelphia.
On the 17th, Lieut. General Earl Cornwallis, and General Sir William Howe, with about 3000 Men, marched to Custer, where they seized a Picquet Guard of Militia, killed 7, and took 25 Prisoners; then crossed the River to Billingsport, where they joined Major General Sir Thomas Spencer Wilson, and General Patterson of the Royal Artillery, who had also landed there with a Body of Troops the same Day. They tarried till the Afternoon of the 19th, when a Detachment moved towards Red Bank, which the Rebels getting Intelligence of, abandoned the Fort about seven in the Evening, after blowing up their Magazine.
Next Morning about six o'Clock, the Rebels abandoned their Fleet, consisting of twenty five Ships, Brigs, Schooners, Sloops, and one Row Galley which mounted eighteen 24 Pounders, to prevent their Retreat being cut off by the King's Troops, who were then on their March from Billingsport. Before their Vessels were evacuated they set them on Fire, but with such Caution, that it was almost six o'Clock before it was discerned, and so effectually that none of them could be saved.
The Rebels passed Philadelphia in the Night, close under the Jersey Shore, with several of their Row Gallies, but not without being discovered by the Delaware Frigate, which lay above the City, and kept up a constant Fire on them as they passed.
The Chain near Mud Island, was severed on the 21st, and the Army Vessels tending Vessels, &c. went up to Philadelphia the Day following.
PROVIDENCE, December 13.  EXTRACT from the Proceedings of a Court of Enquiry, which lately sat at Providence, to enquire into the Causes and Grounds of the Failure of the late Intended Expedition against the Enemy on Rhode Island.
Saturday, November 15, 1779.  THE Court having fully heard the General Officers concerned in the aforesaid expedition, relative to the causes and grounds of its failure, the and evidences produced on this occasion, and maturely considered what they have severally declared, are of opinion, that their want of opportunity making a descent on the Island of Rhode Island, and of attacking the enemy there, on the night of the 10th of October, which opportunity was lost by the means hereinafter mentioned.
That it appears to this Court, that by direction of General Spencer, all necessary provision was seasonably made of military stores, ammunition, hospital and commissary stores: That a plenty of field pieces and heavy cannon, with large supplies of ammunition, were also provided, and forwarded to the place of general rendezvous, before all the troops and Brigadiers were arrived.

That orders were timely given to General Spencer for the boats to be in a readiness for use; and that they were all collected, and upwards of two hundred of them, including flat-bottoms, cedar and oak boats, by the 12th of October were brought as near to the place of embarkation as could be done consistent with prudence and safety; all which were sufficient to carry five thousand troops, besides twenty scows, for the use of the light and heavy artillery. It further appears, that General Spencer, on the 9th of October, gave positive orders to Brigadier Palmer to have the boats numbered, and have an estimate made of what number of men they would carry with the utmost dispatch, and to make report of his doings. It also appears, that after the place for the descent upon Rhode-Island had been unanimously settled by the General Officers, and the number of men of which the advanced guard should consist had been determined on, and it had been agreed that the first division should be by detachments nearly equal from each brigade, that General Spencer on the 15th of October ordered that each Brigadier should have his brigade assembled and embodied, at such place as each Brigadier should appoint for the brigade parade, half an hour before sun rise on the morning of the 16th, in order that on that day they might be, by the respective Brigadiers, properly instructed, equipped and prepared for embarkation the ensuing night, in order that the descent on the island of Rhode-Island might then be made, and the enemy attacked.
Upon the whole it appears, that General Spencer, from the beginning, has been zealously engaged in this expedition, and has paid the closest attention to it: That all necessary orders from time to time have been by him given, and that with propriety, clearness and perspicuity. It also appears, that the brigades under the command of Brigadiers Douglass, Lovel and Cornell, and Col. Commandant Sherburne, were assembled and embodied on the morning of the 16th, agreeable to the General's orders, and that those several Brigadiers and Commanders, together with Col. Crafts and Col. Elliott, had punctually and constantly observed the General's orders, and given due attention to the service. But it appears that the expedition failed at this time, and the reasons assigned by the General are, that Brigadier Palmer's brigade was not assembled and embodied on that morning, or during the whole day, and so not in readiness for embarkation; and that boats were not seasonably prepared for distribution to the several brigades, as was expected by the General. It appears by General Spencer's orders to General Palmer, of the 9th of October, that he was very solicitous to have the boats numbered, and ready for distribution. It would have been happy, in the opinion of this Court, if the General, previous to his order of the 15th of October for making the preparations for the descent, had been fully assured that the boats were prepared for allotment among the several Brigadiers, or that General Palmer had been ordered at the 9th of October effectually executed; but what in the opinion of this Court is of greater weight and importance, in our investigating the causes of the failure of this expedition at this time, is, that all the brigades were not assembled and embodied on the day preceding the night assigned for making the descent and attack upon the enemy. We do not mean to impute General Palmer with being disaffected in the cause; we are persuaded he has been fully and zealously attached to it, and it
would have given us pleasure to have been able to report that he had strictly adhered to and punctually complied with General Spencer's orders of the 9th and 15th of October, as in the opinion of this Court he ought to have done. It appears to the Court, that in case the boats had been ready for allotment, and the brigades had all been embodied on the 16th of October, the descent upon the island on the evening of that day might have been easily effected, and it is highly probable the attack would have been crowned with success. The night was fine and calm, the enemy unprepared for, or at least at that time would not believe we had any such design; our troops in high spirits, and eager for action; all very favourable circumstances. It does not appear to this Court, that there was any other time at which it would have been expedient to have attempted making the attack previous to this; the troops were not all come in; and in readiness; several times were assigned for the attack, but the weather and other circumstances proved so unfavourable at the time assigned, that it was not prudent. And the Court taking into their consideration the badness of the weather, it having been wet and stormy from the 17th to the 20th of October; considering also, that the term for which most of the troops engaged was near expiring, and also the state, circumstances and disposition of the army at that time; are of opinion, that the determination of the Council of War on the 26th of October was judicious, and well founded.
Signed. Artemas Ward, Thomas Cushing, Timothy Dannilson, James Huntington, Erastus Wolcott, Nathaniel Wales, jun. John Sayles, Ebenezer Thompson, Eliza Hopkins, Gideon Comstock.
Extract from the Minutes of a Council of War held at Tiverton, Oct. 26, 1777. "Upon full consideration of the situation of the situation of the army, we are unanimously of opinion, that we immediately make all the provisions in our power for the security of the New-England States, dismiss the remainder of the army, and make no further trial for landing on Rhode-Island at this time."
NEWPORT, December 18.
Saturday last, the Falcon Sloop of War, Capt. Lintey, arrived with Dispatches from New-York. She brought in with her an armed Sloop, which she took in the Sound, having on board 2 Colonels, 2 Adjutants, several Captains and Subalterns, with upwards of 60 Privates. They were ornamented with the 20th Regt. Clothing, which some Time since fell into their Hands, and were bound from Connecticut to Long-Island, to perform some secret Piece of Villainy. There were two other Vessels the Falcon was so fortunate as to fall in with.
Sunday, the Swan, Capt. Ascouh, arrived here from Long-Island, where he was stationed, to cover a Party of Men from New-York, for the Purpose of cutting Timber. Having been on Shore, and coming off again in the Boat, Capt. Ascouh, was fired upon by some Villains who had concealed themselves on Shore, and both he and his Surgeon were wounded.
Since our last a Fleet of Victuallers have arrived here from New-York. Another Fleet are hourly expected. Extract of a Letter from New-York, dated December 10. "By a Vessel arrived this Day from England, we are informed, that 12,000 Recruits had failed, and might be hourly expected."
MRS. COWLEY, most respectful Compliments to the respectable Gentlemen of the Army... the travelling Gentlemen, a respectable Gentlemen, John Bingham, Esq. Town, that next MONDAY ASSEMBLY BEGINS, which will be continued for the Season... Tickets of Admittance to be had at the Assembly Room, at the Crown Coffee House, on Monday Morning; each Gentleman paying three Shillings at the receipt of his Ticket. —No Gentlemen to be admitted without. —It is earnestly requested that every Gentleman will carefully deliver his Ticket at the Door to the Person appointed to receive them. —She, with gratefulness of Heart, acknowledges the Honour they have done her in their kind Favour, and their present Expectations to have her—will make her ready to render everything as agreeable as in her Power: —and flatters herself she shall merit their future Applause, and is, with many Thanks, their very obliged humble Servant.
STEPHEN DEBLOIS, Has just opened a Large Assortment of GOODS CONSISTING of Blankets, Duffles, Coatings, Kerseys, Flannels, Baizes, Broad-Cloths, Plaine, Half-thicks, Forrest Cloth, Camblets, Everlastings, Poplins, Woollen Stockings, Beaver Hats, Sewing Silk, Threads, Raisins, Spices, &c. &c.
TO BE SOLD, By JOHN GROZART, At the Shop lately occupied by Mr. Philip Wanica, as an Apothecary's Shop. GREEN and Bohea TEA, by the Chest. Loaf Sugar, Nutmegs, —Superior Scarlet, Blue, and White Broad Cloth. The 22d, 23d and 24th Regimental Battalions, Bath and Beaver Coatings, —Red, Blue, Crimson and white Baizes, Flannel, German Serge, Duffle, Mens worsted and Thread Hose, Womens coloured and black worsted Hose. —With a Variety of other Articles, suitable to the Season.
TO BE SOLD, by Private CONTRACT. THE good Schooner Lady Parker, William Bogg, jun. master, burthen 100 tons: Also, the Sloop General Pigot, George Mowett, master, burthen about 90 tons; and the Sloop Chance of about 60 tons; lying at and near Collins's wharf. —Inventory to be seen of the whole on board the Sloop General Pigot, and at the printing-office.
ALL persons having any demands upon the Engineer department for carriage, are desired to send their accounts to the Engineer office.
ALMANACKS For the Year 1778, May be had at the Printing Office.

is impossible to reconcile the stability of our distressed country with the arbitrary leaders can do with the spirit of Quixotism which...
NEW-HAVEN, Nov. 19.
At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Connecticut, held at Hartford, by adjournment, on the 11th day of October, Anno. Domini. 1777.
An ACT to encourage FAIR DEALING, and to restrain and punish SHARPERS and OPPRESSORS.
WHEREAS all conspiracies, and other arts to enhance the price of merchandise, or any of the necessaries and conveniences of life, bought and sold, are at all times immoral, oppressive to the poor, and pernicious to this State, and more especially so at the present time, by reason of the interruption of commerce, and great demand for many articles occasioned by the war.
Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That from and after the twenty eighth day of November next, no person in this State shall purchase any of the following articles, except in small quantities, for their own use, and consumption of their families, or immediate dependents, or tradesmen and artificers, for carrying on the business of their trades, viz. rum, sugar, molasses, tea, wine, coffee, salt, tow-cloth, or any kind of linen or woollen cloth, stockings, shoes, raw-hides, leather, wool, flax, cotton, cotton and wool cards, butter, cheese, wheat, rye, Indian corn, bean, pea, meal or flour of any kind, beef, pork, cider, tobacco, neat-cattle, sheep, or other live stock, except to keep or fat on their own farms; unless such persons first obtain a licence therefor, signed by the civil authority and selectmen in the town wherein they dwell, or a majority of them when convened together, who shall not grant such licence to any person, but such as are known to be of good character for probity, public spirit, and friends to the freedom and independence of the American States, and who shall have taken the oath of fidelity to this State by law prescribed. And if any person so licenced, shall misbehave in said business, by selling any articles at unreasonable prices, or refusing to sell them at reasonable prices, for bills of credit of this State, or bills of the United States, the said authority and selectmen, or the major part of them, may revoke the licence granted to such person so mils having as aforesaid.
Be it further enacted; That no person shall sell in this State any of the articles aforesaid, which he has engrossed, or has now in his possession, or which he may hereafter purchase and bring in from any of the neighbouring States, without first obtaining a licence therefor as aforesaid, or a permit from the Governor and Council of Safety of this State, on penalty of forfeiting double the value of every article so sold, or suffer six months imprisonment.
And to prevent any fraud in regard of said articles which shall be sold by any such purchaser or engrosser, who has any of the
said articles in his possession, he shall before any such licence or permit be given him, make out a true list or account of all such articles, which he has for sale, and deliver the same on oath to the authority granting such licence.
And whereas many persons, under pretence of being employed to purchase for the army, have heretofore purchased up many of the articles enumerated in this act, in order to engross them, and sell them at exorbitant prices:
Be it further enacted, That no Commissary, or Assistant Commissary, or other person whatever, authorized to purchase supplies for the army or navy of the United States, shall purchase any such articles in this State, until he hath produced his authority to, and obtained a certificate from the Governor, Deputy Governor, or an Assistant in this State.
And any person who shall purchase any of the articles aforesaid, under pretence that they are for the use of the army or navy, who is not properly authorized as aforesaid, shall forfeit to the value of the articles so purchased, and be liable to be imprisoned at the discretion of the court before whom the conviction is, not exceeding six months.
And whenever shall be guilty of the breach or the first paragraph in this act, by purchasing any of the articles therein mentioned without licence, shall forfeit double the value of the articles so purchased; and all forfeitures by virtue of this act, shall belong one half to the informer, who shall prosecute his information to effect, and the other half to the treasury of the State, unless the prosecution be made by an informing officer, in which case the whole for ever shall belong to the treasury of the State. And it is enjoined on all informing officers, and recommended to all other persons, to be vigilant in detecting and prosecuting all breaches of this act.
This act shall continue in force until the rising of the General Assembly in October next, and no longer.
LOST, LATELY,
A THERMOMETER, marked J. SIMONS, London. Whoever brings it to Mr. Arnold, Silver Smith, shall have Five Shillings Reward and no Question asked.
THE Farmers are hereby requested to throw out what Corn, Barley and Oats, they can spare His Majesty's Troops, immediately, and send it to the Forage Magazine.
JAMES CAMPBELL, Commissary of Forage.
WILLIAM CLOWET,
Steward to the late Captain Francis Banks.
TAKES this Method to acquaint the Gentlemen of the Navy and Army, that he has opened a House at the Sign of the King's Arms-Tavern, in the Main Street, where Gentlemen will meet with genteel Accomodations.
FOR SALE
THE Prize Ship the MONTGOMERY, a very fine well built Vessel, and an excellent Sea Boat: she is 300 Tons Burthen well found, and only three Years old.
The Sloop THREE FRIENDS, about 50 Tons Burthen, Be much in built, and of Red Cedar. ALSO,
A Quantity of Fire and Coarse Flour And a Few Hogheads of the very best Virginia Tobacco. Price: Goods to his Majesty's Ship Reasonable.
Both Vessels are condemned in his Majesty's Court of Vice-Admiralty, at Halifax.
Any person inclining to purchase the above Vessels, &c, may know the Terms applying to
WILLIAM WANTON,
Newport, 4th December, 1777.
LOST, SUPPOSED TO BE STOLEN,
A BOAT-CLOAK, of brown Camblet, lined with green Baize, almost new. Any Person giving information of it, so that it may be recovered, shall receive ONE GUINEA Reward of Mr. ARNOLD, Silver Smith. If lent to any Gentleman, he is intreated to return it.
AS all the STRAW on the Island will be wanted for the Troops, the Farmers are hereby requested to throw their Gain, and send in the Straw dry to the BARRACK-MASTER, at the Barrack Office in Newport, where they will be paid the same Price for it as is given by the Commissary.
STEPHEN COOK, Barrack Master of Newport.
TO BE SOLD,
A SMALL FARM of good Land pleasantly situated in Portsmouth, nine Miles from Newport, containing about 34 Acres, a dwelling House, Barn and Cistern: Also, three Milk Cows, a Horse and Cart. For Conditions of Sale, apply to Mr. EWING, living near Doctor STILES's Meeting-House in Newport. Newport, November 27, 1777.
FLAX-SEED, PURCHASED, BY MYER POLOCK.
Constant Attendance will be given at the House on the Point, or at Mr. John Nichols's, on the North Side the Parade.
Myer Polock has for SALE
COARSE SALT, Dry Cod-Fish, West India Rum, Beef, and Pork, Cherry and plain Butter, Brandy, Talow Candles, Molasses, the box, New Rice, Nails,