The Newport gazette (Newport [R.I.]), 1777-07-24 00:00:00

Mr. WASHINGTON's Answer to General WILLIAM HOWE's Letter, in an- swer to Genl. Howe's of July the 9th.
Middle Brook, June 20th, 1777.
SIR,
YOUR several Letters of the 21st of April, 22d of May, and 5th instant, have been received.
Having stated my sentiments in an ex- plained manner, in my letter of the 6th of April, upon the subject of your demand, and the disagreement between us, I thought it unnecessary to trouble you with a repeti- tion of them. From the complexion of your of the 21st of April, we appeared to differ so widely, that I could entertain no hopes of a compromise being effected, or that an answer would produce any good end.
But as you have called upon me again for my final determination upon the matter, I shall freely give it, after making some ob- servations upon what you have said, to ob- viate the objections, on my part, to a com- pliance with your demand through Lieut. Col. Walcutt.
You admit the principle upon which my objection, to account for the whole number of prisoners that can be by you, is founded, burdening the application, by delicately insi- nuating, in the first instance, that the ill treatment complained of was an "expedi- ent to cherish popular delusion," and by af- firming in the second, that supposing their sufferings to have been real, they were to be attributed to error rather than to those alleged by me.
I shall not undertake to determine on when the charge of endeavouring to excite popular delusion falls with most propriety; but I cannot forbear intimating, that how- ever fallacious, ingenious misrepresentations may be in some instances, to perplex the under- standing in matters of speculation, yet it is difficult to persuade mankind to doubt the evidence of their senses, and the reality of those facts for which they can appeal to them. Unless this can be done, permit me to assure you, it will always be believed, whatever may be suggested to the contrary, that men could not be in a more deplorable situation than these unhappy sufferers were, who are the subject of our difference. Did I imagine that you, Sir, had any serious scruples on the occasion, I might produce, in support of what I have alleged, the strongest proofs that human testimony can afford.
To prove that the prisoners did not suffer from any ill treatment or neglect of yours, you say, if they were confined in the most rigid bondage, and on bread the largest baskets in the field—That they were sup- plied with the same provisions both in quan- tity and quality as were allowed to your troops and officers—That the sick, such of them as required peculiar care, were re- ceived into the British Hospitals, and the rest attended by their own officers, who were
supplied with medicines without restriction, it will be discovered that they disposed of their quantities by private sale."
That any building, were chosen to con- fine our men in, is a fact I shall not dispute. But whether this was an advantage or not, in the winter season, I leave you to decide. I am inclined to think it was not—especially as there was a general complaint; that they were deficient in the greater part of the time, and were only prevented from feeling the inclemency of the weather, in its ex- treme rigour, by their crowded situation. This I must believe was not very conducive to their health, and if we may judge by com- parison, we must conclude, they endured similar inconveniences on board the trans- ports.
As to the supplies of provision, I know not what they were. My ideas of the mat- ter were drawn from their united testimony, confirmed by their appearance, which re- presented the allowance as insufficient in quantity, bad in quality, and irregularly served. You yourself mention some "ac- cidental circumstances of omission,"—I ap- prehend, they were much more frequent than you were apprized of. It may not be improper to observe, that there is a material difference between persons confined and deprived of every means of subsistence in aid of their allowance, and those who are at large, and have other resources, as is the case with your troops not on service, who have the benefit of their pay, and what they can occasionally gain by their labour. You might also find, from inquiry, that we made no difference in the supplies, between your soldiers, prisoners with us, and our own in the field. They were not limited to a scanty pittance, but had full as much as they could use, and of the best kind.
In respect to the attention paid to the sick, I am sorry their accommodation was in- jured, in any degree, by the misconduct of the surgeons. I heartily join with you in reprobating their proceedings, and shall esteem it a favour, if you point out the per- sons, and furnish me with such proofs of their guilt as you may be possessed of.
The more effectually to exonerate your- self from the consequences imputed to the neglect or ill treatment of the prisoners, you assert they had every comfort and suffi- cence from you, their situation would admit; and that they wanted nothing but money and cloathing, which ought to have been furnished by me.
Had we left your prisoners with us to depend entirely upon the supplies they drew immediately from you, their condition would be little better than that of ours in your hands. Your officers and soldiers can both inform you, that they experienced every mark of public and private gene- rosity that could possibly be shown them; frequent instances might be adduced, that on notice of your man being ill, orders were immediately given, that necessaries should be procured for them. Every thing
was done on our part to facilitate any steps you took for the same end. You were per- mitted to have an agent among us, count- enanced by public authority, and allowed every latitude he could wish to enable him to execute his office. I am sorry to say the same conduct has not been observed towards us, and there are instances to show, that far from endeavouring to remove the difficul- ties that necessarily lay in our way to mak- ing such ample supplies as we could wish, obstacles have been made, that might very well have been waved. A late instance of this is to be found in your refusing to let us have a procuring agent with you, who might procure what was necessary to supply the wants of our men. You must be sensible, that for want of a regular mode being ad- joined, for mutually conveying supplies, there was a necessity for an exercise of ge- nerosity on both sides. This was done by us, and we supposed would have been done by you, which made us less anxious in pro- viding than we should have been, had we foreseen what has really happened. We attributed every deficiency on your part to the intermediate situation of affairs in this respect; and, looking forward to a more provident arrangement of the matter, we thought it our duty not to let the prisoners with us be destitute of any thing necessary for their preservation; and imagined that your reasonings and feelings would have been the same. Your saying we were fre- quently advised of their distress, is of little avail—it was not done until it was too late to remedy the ill consequences of the past neglect, and till the prisoners were al- ready reduced to a miserable extremity. I wish their sufferings may not have been increased, in the article of cloathing, by their being deprived of what they had, through the rapacity of too many of their captors: Reports of this kind have not been wanting.
You further observe, that my own expe- rience would suggest, whether our army, in the course of the last campaign, was not subject to the same calamitous mortality with the prisoners in your possession. I can not but confess, that there was a great de- gree of sickness among us; but I can assure you; that the mortality bore no kind of rea- semblance to that which was experienced by the prisoners with you, and that the dis- order in the camp had nearly ceased, before the captivity of a large proportion of them. The garrison, that fell into your hands, on the 16th of November, was found, I am convinced, in good health.
In reply to my intimation, that it would have been happy if the expedient of send- ing out our men had been earlier thought of, you are pleased to say that the event has proved the caution with which you ought to have adopted the measure. Want in- terests can be drawn for my refusing to ac- count for prisoners scarcely alive, and by no means in an exchangeable condition, to (For the remainder of this letter, see last page)

LONDON, May 10.
WHITBULL, May 10, 1777.
Extract of a Letter from General Sir William Howe, to Lord George Germaine, dated New-York, April 1, 1777.
THERE have not been any occurrences since my last worthy your Lordship's notice, excepting the success of a detachment of 500 Men I sent up the North River the 22nd of March, conveyed by the Brigs Prigates , to destroy a considerable Depot of provisions and stores, which the enemy had made at Peek's-Kill, near 50 miles distant from New-York. Lieut. Col. Bird, of the 15th regiment, commanded the party. The Rebels stationed there retiring upon his approach, he got easy possession of the post. Before their retreat, they set fire to the principal store-houses, and thereby rendered useless the only wharf where it was practicable to embark the remaining stores in convenient time, which made it expedient to destroy the greater part. This was completely effected to the amount specified in the inclosed return; and the detachment re-embarking, without interruption, returned here the 26th.
RETURN of Provisions, Stores, &c. for the Use of the Rebel Army, taken and destroyed by a Detachment of the King's Troops, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Bird, of the 15th Infantry, at Peek's-Kill, at Peek's-Kill, upon the North River, the 23rd and 24th of March, 1777.
Destroyed and burnt by the King's Troops: 310 hogheads of rum, 150 hogheads of molasses, 800 barrels of flour, 150 barrels of biscuit, 170 barrels of pork, 30 barrels of beef, 17 barrels of pitch and tar, 800 bundles of oats, 2500 bushels of wheat, 800 bushels of buck-wheat, 12 casks of coffee, 9 cases of chocolate, 50 casks of tallow, 30 chests of candles, 15 barrels of salt, 200 iron pots and camp-kettles, 500 cantens of wood and bowls, &c. 400 inching tools, 30 casks of nails, 150 waggon and carts, with harness, 1 iron twelve-pounder on a field-carriage.
Destroyed and burnt by the Rebels: 100 hogheads of rum, 500 barrels of flour, 500 bundles of straw, 1 magazine of hay, 2000 bushels of wheat, 1 ammunition waggon loaded.
Total: 410 hogheads of rum, 150 hogheads of molasses, 1300 barrels of flour, 150 barrels of biscuit, 170 barrels of pork, 30 barrels of beef, 17 barrels of pitch and tar, 500 bundles of straw, 1 magazine of hay, 800 bushels of oats, 4500 bushels of wheat, 800 bushels of buck-wheat, 12 casks of coffee, 9 cases of chocolate, 50 casks of tallow, 30 chests of candles, 15 barrels of salt, 200 iron pots and camp-kettles, 500 cantens of wood and bowls, &c. 400 inching tools, 30 casks of nails, 150 waggon and carts, with harness, 1 iron twelve-pounder on a field-carriage, and 1 ammunition waggon loaded.
N. B. Two piles of barracks for 1200 men, and seven storehouses, containing the above stores, with many other articles that cannot be justly estimated, were burnt, as also several shops and private houses destroyed loaded with provisions.
(Signed) JOHN BIRD, Lieut. Col. 15th regiment foot
Admiralty-Office, May 20, 1777.
Extract of a Letter from Lord Viscount HOWE, Vice Admiral of the White, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America, to Mr. Stephens, dated at New-York, the 31st of March, 1777.
COMMODORE Holham anchored the 19th of January in Chesapeake Bay, where, by his unexpected appearance, an opportunity offered for seizing a ship laden with about 500 hogheads of rum, bound for Nantz. He sailed from Chesapeake Bay on the 11th of February, and arriving off the Delaware the 17th, was forced away from that
station by a strong gale of wind, which continued his course until the 11th inst. and an opportunity was thereby offered for an armed vessel fitted by the rebels, with several trading vessels, to put to sea from that river. The Commodore had the good fortune to take an American ship laden with ammunition and military stores, from Nantz, soon after his return, and sent her under convoy of the Daphne to this port. Several other captures have been made by the ships in the Southern Squadron, in number from 25 to 30, which have been mostly sunk or otherwise destroyed. I have reason, from different relations, to believe, that the small squadrons, under Captain Hammond and Capt. Davis, have made as many more; but the particulars having not been yet transmitted, none of these captures are added to the general list herewith inclosed.
The General meditating an attempt, by surprise, to take or destroy a considerable magazine which the Rebels had formed at Peek's-Kill, about 50 miles up the North River, a corps of troops, commanded by Col. Bird, embarked on board four transports, and proceeding up the North River the 22nd inst. under the conduct of Capt. Ferguson, in the Brave , with the Dependence , and another galley fitted for the occasion; the enemy, upon the sudden discovery and approach of the armament next day, set fire to a part of their magazines and barracks, before they retreated. The troops, after they landed, did the same to the rest, whereby this plentiful deposit of provisions, stores, and other necessaries of various kinds, was totally destroyed, with no other loss than two men, who were missing when the troops re-embarked the succeeding day.
Yesterday the House of Commons agreed to the report of the amendments made to the bill for allowing the exportation of wheat to the Sugar-Colonies in America, and to the East Indies; likewise to the bill to prevent frauds, in the revenues of excise, in respect to teas, and ordered them severally to be engrossed.
The Prince of Orange Packet , Captain Story, from Harwich to Helvoetsluys, was taken by the Surprize Privateer , Captain Cunningham, of four Guns and 10 Swivels, within three leagues of the coast of Holland. It was at night, and the privateer coming close along side the Packet, laid the grade gun, and asked her if she was coming on board her, for that they should soon be foul of each other. The Privateer immediately laid her along side, and took her. It is imagined she expected to find a quantity of foreign Coin on board, as the Packet which sailed before the Prince of Orange had to the amount of ten thousand pounds. The Passengers and Crew were civilly treated, among whom was a King's Messenger, their Properties were returned them, and they were landed in Holland. The Mate arrived in Town on Monday Night, who says the Packet was a fine new Vessel, and that he heard she would be converted into a Privateer, she being a remarkable swift sailing Ship. The Surprize had 21 Hands on board, who, it is said, were mostly Smugglers, and it is thought the Vessel never was in America, but was fitted out in France for that Purpose, where a Commission from the Congress had been sent for her.
It is reported, some Merchants have sustained a considerable Loss by the above Packet being taken.
In consequence of the above Captures, Insurance in Holland is risen to six per Cent. Extract of a Letter from Portsmouth, dated May 5.
The Hawke Sloop of War is ordered into Harbour to be docked and fitted immediately.
The Worcester Man of War is gone to Spithead, to wait for General Elliot and his Family, who is going to Gibraltar, to take upon him the Government of that Fortress. Col. Boyd, the Lieutenant Governor, will return from thence by the Worcester , who is to take under her Convoy all such Ships as
may be bound to Portugal, Spain, or the Straits.
Arrived at Spithead the British Virgin Indian, taken into Commission by Captain, commanded by a Lieutenant, and bound to America.
The Privateer taken by his Majesty's Ship Terrible is come into this Harbour, and the Prisoners will be removed to morrow to Porton Prison .
A Letter received from Dublin says, Orders have been issued for raising four new Regiments of Foot on this Establishment, for which Purpose recruiting Parties have begun to be sent on for Volunteers.
OLD FAREY IN FULTON-ST.
Yesterday John Dignan, Patrick Scapgrave and Matthew Connel, were tried for the willful murder of Robert Roby, and convicted.
Immediately after the Rev. D. Duggan was, by an order of court, conducted along to the bar, to receive sentence of death, for the forgery of which he was convicted last session. The Rev. Mr. Butler, Dr. Cogan, Mr. Beck, Rev. Mr. Hatcher, Mr. Drisham, and Mr. Hawes, attended the Attorney General to the door of the dock, from whence he could scarcely advance, on account of extreme weakness. Being asked, at what, why sentence of death should not be pronounced. — he paused for a few moments, and then addressed the court in the following manner. My Lord,
"I now stand before you, a dreadful example of human infirmity. I entered upon life with all the flattering expectations of a young man, whose birth and education entitled him to hope for comfort; I taught the truth of the gospel, with the purity of a Christian, and have the happiness to reflect that by listening to my doctrines, some have been preserved from sin, and I have been called to repentance — yet, whilst preach virtue to others, I could not avoid the moment of my own confusion, in which temptation came upon me in the full bulk. I will not, however, presume to oppose or counter balance, I will not excuse, but by declaring that I did not intend to offend. I have fallen from fortune and reputation to extreme poverty and contempt; my name is in the public streets, the sport of the thoughtless and inhuman. It may however, appear strange, that amidst this accumulated misery, I still wish to live; I wish to atone for the enormity of my transgression by exemplary repentance. I do not mingle with the beaten principles, so as not to fear the approach of death, I confess that I dread the struggle of a violent death, and I wish also to atone for the rashness I have brought upon the Clergy, besides my Lord, I stand myself but ill prepared for that awful moment. The dreadful gloom of a prison is but badly suited to repentance: let not then a little life be refused me in return for thirty years spent in purity, and in such acts of charity and benevolence as possibly came within my reach. Recommend me, my Lord, in your report to the royal mercy, and let my remaining punishment be left to that Judge whose mercy is equal to his wrath." — During this short and pathetic speech, he was frequently interrupted by tears and emotions, too eager for description, and such as produced a general sympathy. — After a short pause, the Recorder addressed him with the utmost tenderness; said that he had a fair and impartial trial, which he himself had acknowledged; that he was happy to find he entertained a just sense of his offence, and advised him to make a public acknowledgment thereof, without any palliation, as the best moment his situation would admit. He said there was no doubt a power yet remaining in which we all dwell, but he advised him not to flatter himself with vain hopes. And now, says the humane Judge, the very principal duty only remains of pronouncing that awful sentence which the Laws have provided for offences of so high a nature. — While the sentence was pronouncing, the hangman stood in readiness to perform the

be brave and unswerving enemies of spring... The trembling coward could hardly support himself upon his feet to his friends, who were obliged to assist him to the delectable and alluring... in his melancholy situation.
NEW-YORK, July 29.
Since our last between thirty and forty deserters came in from the Rebel army, among them three light-horse, with their arms and accoutrements.
A letter from Falmouth, dated May 21. 1777, to a merchant in this city, says,— "The French court has delivered up the Harwich privateer, taken by an American privateer, and ordered the crew of the latter, leaving on them as pirates."
We are credibly informed that the Northern Army, under the command of his Excellency General Burgoyne, laid siege to Ticonderoga the 21. and carried the fort the 4th instant; and that a great part of M c Voy's army are on their march to the northward, to prevent their passing farther into the country. We hope to be able to furnish our readers with a full account of the above transaction in our next.
Since our last several transports from Cobee, with provisions, and 400 recruits, for the 71st regiment, arrived here.
A letter from London, dated May 17. mentions that two Rebel privateers, mounting 16 guns each, had been lately taken on the coast of England.
NEWPORT, July 24.
On Monday last, arrived here the Swan Sloop of War, having on board His Excellency Major-General PIGOT. At Twelve o'Clock his Excellency landed upon the Long Wharf, where he was received by the principal Officers of the Army and Navy. A Detachment of Hessian Troops, accompanied by an elegant Band of Music, escorted his Excellency to the House prepar'd for his Reception.
At One o'Clock Mr Peter Parker, joined his Flag being appointed Rear Admiral of the Blue. In Consequence of which there was a general Salute.
Several Officers, and some Recruits, have arrived to join their Regiments.
The Rebels have at length published in their Papers the mortifying Account of Ticonderoga being taken.
When the last Vessel left New-York, Sir William Howe was embark'd with the main Body of his Army, and their Destination a profound Secret beyond the possibility of Conjecture.
General Clinton commands at New-York. General de Heister, has sail'd for England in the Niger.
Extract of a letter from St. Augustine, dated June 20.
"Some few weeks since, a famous Col. Baker, so call'd, came with 2 or 300 men to St. John's river, in this province, in order to plunder and rob the plantation. As soon as we had notice of it, the General order'd out Major Brown, with about 30 or 40 men, some Indians, and a few Rangers, in order to intercept them; which was done very effectually. We crossed over the river St. John's, and after marching a long time, one of our Scouts came in and informed Major Brown, that he had discovered the Rebels about six or seven miles off, near a swamp, encamped, upon which we laid a scheme to surround them, and immediately began our march in three columns, of about thirty in each column: the Indians and Rangers were ordered upon the left of the whole, at the same time we pursued our march, in hope of attacking them in the rear, by which means we should have had them between two fires; but very unfortunately for us, the Indians came upon some of them before they expected it, which gave the alarm, and a smart fire was kept up on both sides, when the Indians and
and Rangers got worsted, and were obliged to make a retreat, the Rebels following them very close: as they did not suspect any regular troops near, they thought themselves very happy in beating the Indians and Rangers; but it is impossible to describe the fright they were in when they saw us with fixed bayonets within 100 or 200 yards of them. As soon as we found we were discovered the Major order'd a charge, which we gave them very warmly; they return'd it but faintly, and he was the best fellow who could run the fastest.—In this little affair, we had not a man hurt. Their loss is, kill'd, 1 Lieut. and 30 or 40 privates; two Captains and 11 privates prisoners; besides the Indians took 15 scalps, and 40 or 50 horses: many more we have reason to think died in the swamp, as they were soon to take that way in their confusion, and blood being found in many places near the swamp. If it had not been for the unlucky accident of the Indians falling upon some of them before they were aware of it, we must have cut off the whole or the greatest part. Such a cowardly set of rascals I never saw before, and yet they have the impudence to call themselves soldiers."
Extract of a Letter from New York, dated June 30, 1777.
"General Howe, with the principal Part of the Army, moved within two Miles of Washington's strong Post in the Mountains, tarried there some Days, and levee up Works, with seeming Inclination to attack. On Friday Se'nnight he suddenly withdrew his whole Army, and retreated with Precipitation. The Brit took as we thought, and the Rebels pursued his Rear. He continued his March to Amboy, sent Part of the Troops to Staten-Island, and actually embark'd some. The Rebels, highly elated, sang TE DEUM, illuminated Brunswick, Elizabeth-Town, &c. Washington, with his Army, quitted their skulking Holes, and, with great Resolution, came within ten Miles of Amboy. About One o'Clock on Wednesday Morning last, General Howe march'd out with the Army in two Divisions, one under his immediate Command, the other under Lord Cornwallis. The Rebels, by some Means or other, got Intelligence of the Movement, and, as usual, took to their Holes. Unhappily for poor Lord Sirling, his Canteens were too heavy, and he could not move with that Alacrity which was necessary; his Command was overtaken, and well drubbed. It is said he had five hundred killed, and seventy-two made Prisoners, with three Field-Pieces. The Prisoners, with the Field-Pieces, were brought to Town this Day."
TO BE SOLD, BY CHRISTOPHER CHAMPLIN, Next Door below the Printing-Office. A HANDSOME HORSE and CHAISE. Likewise a likely NEGRO BOY about 14 or 15 Years of Age.
TO BE SOLD BY SMITH and ROBERTSON, At their Shop next Door to Mrs. Almer's.
A NEAT Assortment of ENGLISH GOODS. ALSO, GROCERIES, viz.
Lisbon and Sherry Wine, by the Pipe or Quarter Cask. Parker's London bottled Port by the Dozen. Loaf Sugar, Hyson and Bohoa Tea, Raisins, Currants by the Cask and Jar, Figs by the Basket, Bottled Mustard, Anchovies, Capers, Florence Oil by the Cask, Starch by the Barrel and Stone Blue, Cinnamon, Lemmon Juice by the Bottle, Coffs and Chocolate.
SUCH of the FARMERS as are in Want of SCYTHES, by applying to M c CAMPBELL, Deputy-Commissary of Forage, may be supplied, by giving a Receipt to return the same is good. Q. 407. July 24. 1777.
Just Imported from LONDON, AND TO BE SOLD, BY JOHN M c KINNON,
At the HOUSE where Mr. EDWARD THRUSTON lately lived, in the MAIN-STREET, near the PERRY-MARKET, Wholesale and Retail.
The following ARTICLES: SILVER and metal watches, Repeating ditto, Stone snuff-box, stock and shirt buckler, Garter, hoop, pearl pins, gold fancy rings, earrings and hair pins, Gold, silver, and steel steel shirt buckles, Ditto seals, lockets and wire ear-rings, Ladies horn combs and wax beads, Pearl drop earrings and pins, Tortoise-shell inlaid tooth pick cases & smelling bottles, Cornelian, intaglio, chrysal and cypher seals, of all sorts, Gold trinkets, Box beam scates, lacquered seals gold, silver, and velvet instrument books, Morocco pocket-books, of all sorts. Silver and brass thimbles, Gold, silver, corseman, steel and enamel'd buttons and studs, Powder chargers, Marking instruments Children's metal alphabets, Penknives, razors, spoons, Garnet beads, Watch springs, Cases, keys, wire's and plated buttons of all sorts, Ditto bridle and saddle bits, Blue and black buckles, Block tin, ditto, &c. &c. Gilt watch chains of all sorts. Gilt and plated silver buttons, Swords and belts, &c. &c. &c.
ALSO TO BE SOLD, BY AGNESS NICHOLS, RUM, Sugar, Molasses, Wine, Coffee, Tea, &c. &c.
Just Imported and to be SOLD, at Mrs. BELL'S STORE, in THAMES-STREET!
SUPERFINE stipp'd Camblets, Coarse Cloths, Callimancoes, Durants, Women and Children's Shirts, Irish Linens, Sheetings, Lombs, Plated and gilt Buttons, Death's-Head and Champagne ditto, Dowlas, Dutch Tape, Cotton Checks, London and Shoe Quality, Farretta, Worsted and Silk Knee-Garters, Writing-Paper, Ribbands, Barcelona Handkerchiefs, Cravats, Romalls and check Silk Handkerchiefs, Beaver and Lamb Gloves, Men's Silk, Thread, Cotton & Worsted black, buff, and white Breches-Pieces, Silk and Hair Twine, Sewing Silk, Brown Buckram, Fustian, Calicoes and Nan's Thread, German Sergees, Wiltons, London Shalloons, Linen Handkerchiefs, Calicoes, Chintzes, Nankeens, Table-Cloths, Cambricks, Piatilla Royals, White and spotted Jennets, Brown Holland, White and black Calicoes, White and black figured Gauze, Black Petticoats, Gauze Handkerchiefs, Fancy Waistcoat Patterns, Book and Calfskin Muslin, Fans, Hats, Women's black Worsted Mitts, White Cord, Morea Gauze, Lawn, Black Mousel, Bengal, Black Pelong Buttons.
TURNIP SEED,
WARRANTED Good and New, to be sold by CHARLES DUNBAR, at CALEB EARLE'S, in Broad Street.

warrant an objection that I should have done the same, had they been received under different circumstances, let your own candour decide it.
Barbary you ask, "How is the case of captivity in prisoners to be understood?" This seems to be considered as a perplexing question. For my part, I always view it as involving no great difficulty. There is no more natural mode of reasoning than from effects to causes, even in matters of the most perplexing importance. In the case before us the appearance of the prisoners, and what eventually happened, proved that they had been hardly dealt with; but their joint representations, aided by the information of others, not interest in the slightest more than as they regarded the right of humanity, established the law too firmly for incredulity itself to doubt it.
I should hardly believe you to be serious in your application of the exception, to which you allude, to the case of Major General Lee, if you had not persisted in a discrimination respecting him. I did not entertain the most distant idea, that he could have been supposed to come under the description contained in it; and to force such a construction upon that gentleman's circumstances, however it may be an evidence of ingenuity, is but an indifferent specimen of candour. I still adhere to what I have already advanced on this head, and can by no means think of departing from it.
I am now to give you my final decision on the subject of your demands. In doing this, I can little more than repeat what I have already said. I am extremely desirous of a general exchange on liberal and impartial principles, and it is with great concern I find that a matter so mutually interesting is impeded by unnecessary obstacles. But I cannot consent to its taking place on terms so disadvantageous as those you propose, and which appear to me so contrary to justice and the spirit of the agreement.
I think it proper to declare that I with the difference between us to be adjusted on a generous and equitable plan, and mean not to avoid myself of the releasement of the prisoners, to extort any thing from you not compatible with the strictest justice. Let a reasonable proportion of prisoners, to be accounted for, be settled, and General Lee declared exchangeable, when we shall have an offer of youths at equal rank in our possession; I ask no more. These being done, I shall be happy to proceed to a general exchange. But, in the mean time, I am willing that a partial one should take place for the prisoners now in your hands, as far as those in ours will extend, except with regard to Lieutenant Colonel Campbell and the Hessians field officers, who will be demanded till you recognize General Lee a prisoner of war, and place him on the footing I claim.
This latter proposition I am induced to make, from the distinction which your letter, of the 22d of May, seems to hold forth, and I think it necessary to add, that your conduct towards prisoners will govern mine.
The situation of Lieut. Col. Campbell, as represented to you, is such as I neither wished or approve. Upon the first intimation of his complaints, I wrote upon the subject, and hoped there would have been no cause of uneasiness. That General Lee, I am persuaded, will do me the justice to say, he has no need of my statement at my instance. Unnecessary severity and every species of insult I despise, and I trust, none will ever have just reason to censure me in this respect. I have written again on your remonstrance, and have no doubt such a line of conduct will be adopted, as will be consistent with the dictates of hu-
manity, and agreeable to both his and your wishes.
I am, Sir, with due Respect, Your most obedient Servant, G. WASHINGTON.
His Excellency General Sir William Howe.
Extract from a late Boston Paper Mr. EDES. — Please to give this a Place in your next.
A NOTIFICATION. T HIS is to give public Notice, that there is a set of men belonging to Watertown, Waltham and Weston, whose names are known, meet often together, from place to place, not only a week days, but also on Lord's days, which are accounted enemies to the United States. — We therefore require and command them forthwith, who are guilty of these practices, that they forthwith cease such practices; or else we are resolved to publish their names at large in the next. — We likewise recommend to our brethren the committees of correspondence, inspection and safety, of this State, and all Friends of Liberty, that they would exert themselves to the utmost of their power, in finding out these our unnatural enemies, which are as serpents in the way, and adders in the path.
By Order of Committee, RICHARD CLARK, Chairman.
Watertown, April 26th, 1777. (What greater Curse could befall an unfortunate Man, than to be subject to the Domination of a Set of ignorant, illiterate, unprincipled Committee-Men? — The above Notification will afford us a sufficient Example of that Spirit of LIBERTY — that inestimable Blessing — we have been so often told they were contending for, (which is a Liberty derived from their Forefathers, to crucify every One who differs from them in Sentiments). — It seems, that a few Men, who in the Midst of the Persecution they have met with, have still retained, unshaken, their Loyalty to their Sovereign, required, as often as convenient, to get together, to enjoy that Comfort in such others Society, which the Malice of their Enemies had deprived them of elsewhere. These Villains could not let them enjoy even this. — And it is likewise worthy of Observation, that this unrelenting Committee cover the Malice of their Conduct under a pretended Regard for Religion, and Veneration for the Lord's Day. — It was justly observed, by a Spectator of the Progress of this Rebellion, that "the People of New Eng and had been "prach'd and pray'd out of every Sentiment of Religion or Morality."
To be Sold to the highest Bidder
BILLS OF EXCHANGE
To the Amount of FIVE or SIX HUNDRED POUNDS 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.
TO BE SOLD, By MYER POLOCK, NEW-ENGLAND RUM, by the Hoghead, Tierce, Barrel, or smaller Quantity.
TO BE SOLD, By ISAAC HART,
At his SHOP on the North Side of the GRAND PARADE, and at his Dwell- ing House on the Point,
(As CHEAP as at any Shop in Newport)
  The following GOODS, just imported, viz.    WARD-WIDE  Beck's Tea,    1 and 7 Shds.  Loaf Sugar,    Cotton Checks,  Muscovado ditto,    Yard-wide Irish Linens,  Coffee,    Fans,  Pepper,    74 Thread Laces,  Allspice,    Cambric,  Mace,    An Assortment of  Nutmegs,    Linen Handkerchiefs  Sweet Oil,    Black Barcelona do.  Corks,    Coloured ditto,  Molasses, Red-Port,    An Assortment of  and Claret Wine,    Linenstring ditto,  Jamaica Spirits and    Ditto Negligee ditto,  Barbadoes Rum,    Barcelona ditto,  Holland's Geneva,    An Assortment of  Best London Bottled    Scots Thread,  Porter,    Best white Silk  Spermaceti Candles,    Stockings,  Tallow ditto,    White Silk Mitts,  Soap,    Black ditto,  Cut and Pigtail Tobacco,    Women's Shoes,  Genuine Kippin's    Hyson Tea,  Scott's Sack,    Souchong ditto,  Whale-Bone,  
With an Assortment of Glass and Earthen Ware, and many other Articles.
ANY Person or Persons who are willing to contract for the supplying His MAJESTY'S NAVAL HOSPITAL with FRESH PROVISIONS, or such other Necessaries as such People may require, are desired to send in their Proposals, in Writing, to the Subscriber; who, on examining their Terms, will give the Preference to the lowest Offerer.
JOHN HALLIBURTON, Agent to the Sick and Maimed
THERE is wanted immediately, for MAKING HAY, for the Use of His Majesty's Troops, a Number of RAKES and PITCHFORK TAILS. — These are therefore desired such as may have got either of these Articles by chance or proper Wood for making them, to send them immediately to the Commissary of Forage, who will pay them the current Prices.
JAMES CAMPBELL, Com. Forage Newport, July 16, 1777.
N. B. If ASH cannot be had for the Pitchfork-Tails, PINB will do.
WANTED for an OFFICER, a NEGRO SERVANT, who can be well recommended, and the Care of Horses. — Enquire of the Prisoner.
NEW FLOUR TO BE SOLD, By Simon Pease.
A LANCET CASE,
Containing Four Lancets, With a broad Piece of Tape about it, and a barrel BARCELONA HANDKERCHIEF, was LOST, on Monday, between NEWPORT and FOGLAND-FERRY. — It is requested, if any One should find either of the above Articles, they would be so obliging as to send them to Mr. Howe, the Prisoner. July 14, 1777.