The Newport gazette (Newport [R.I.]), 1777-12-11 00:00:00

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1777.
PHILADELPHIA November 3.
Copy of a letter from His Excellency Lieut General BURGQYNE, to His Excellency Sir WILLIAM HOWE, K. B. brought by Lieut. Valency, of the 62d regiment.
Albany October 20, 1777.
SIR, In conformity to my orders, "to proceed by the most vigorous exertions to Albany," I passed the Hudson's river at Saratoga on the 13th of September. No exertion have been left untried. The army under my command has fought twice against great superiority of numbers. The first action was on the 19th of September, when, after four hours sharp conflict, we remained masters of the field of battle; the second (on the 7th of October) was not so successful, and ended with a storm upon two parts of our entrenchments, the one defended by Lieut. Col. Breymann who was killed upon the spot, and the post was lost, the other defended by Lord Balcarres at the head of the British Light Infantry, who repulsed the enemy with great loss. The army afterwards made good their retreat to the heights of Saratoga, unable to proceed further, the enemy having possession of all the fords and the passes on the east side of Hudson's river.
The army there waited the chance of events and offered themselves to the attack of the enemy till the 13th instant, when only three days provision at short allowance remained. At that time the last hope of timely assistance being exhausted, my numbers reduced by past actions to three thousand five hundred fighting men, of which about nineteen hundred alone were British; invested by the enemy's troops to the amount of fifteen thousand men; I was induced by the general concurrence and advice of the Generals, Field Officers, and Captains, commanding corps, to open a treaty with Major Gen. Gates. Your Excellency will observe by the papers transmitted herewith, the disagreeable prospect that attended the first overtures. The army determined to die to a man rather than submit to terms, repugnant to national and personal honour. I wish you will think the treaty inclosed consistent with both. I am with the greatest respect and attachment, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant, J. BURGQYNE.
The first Overtures alluded to in the above letter.
12. GENERAL Burgoyne's army being exceedingly reduced by repeated defeats, by desertion, sickness, &c.—their provisions exhausted, their military stores, tents and baggage taken or destroyed; their retreat cut off and their camp invested, they can only be allowed to surrender prisoners of war.
ANSWER. Lieut. Gen. Burgoyne's army, however reduced, will never admit that their retreat is cut off, while they have arms in their hands.
2d. The officers and soldiers may keep the baggage belonging to them. The Generals of the United States never permit individuals to be pillaged.
3d. The troops under his Excellency Gen. Burgoyne will be conducted by the most convenient route to New-England, marching by easy marches, and sufficiently provided for by the way.
4th. The officers will be admitted on parole, may wear their side arms, and will be treated with the liberality customary in Europe, so long as they, by proper behaviour, continue to deserve it; but those who are apprehended, having broke their parole, (as some British officers have done) must expect to be close confined.
ANSWER. There being no officer in this army under, or capable of being under the description of breaking parole, this article needs no answer.
5th. All public stores, artillery, arms, ammunition, &c. shall be delivered to commissioners appointed to receive them.
ANSWER. All public stores may be delivered, arms excepted.
6th. These terms being agreed to and signed, the troops under his Excellency Gen. Burgoyne's command may be drawn up in their encampment, where they will be ordered to ground their arms, and may be thereupon marched to the river side, to be passed over in their way towards Bennington.
ANSWER. This article is inadmissible in any extremity; sooner than this army will consent to ground their arms in their encampment, they will rush on the enemy, determined to take no quarter.
Signed HORATIO GATES.
Camp at Saratoga, October 14, 1777. These overtures being rejected, the following convention took place:
ARTICLES of Convention between Lieutenant General Burgoyne, and Major General Gates.
Article I. THE troops under Lieutenant General Burgoyne are to march out of their camp with the honors of war, and the artillery of the intrenchments, to the verge of the river, where the old fort stood, where the arms and artillery are to be left; the arms to be piled by word of command from their own officers.
Art. II. A free passage to be granted to the army under Lieutenant General Burgoyne to Great-Britain, upon condition of not serving again in North America during the present contest; and the port of Boston is assigned for the entry of transports to receive the troops, whenever General Howe shall so order.
Art. III. Should any cartel take place, by which the army under Lieutenant General Burgoyne, or any part of it, may be exchanged, the foregoing article to be void as far as such exchange shall be made.
Art. IV. The army under Lieutenant General Burgoyne to march to Massachusetts Bay, by the easiest, most expeditious and convenient route; and to be quartered in, near, or as convenient as possible to Boston, that the march of the troops may not be delayed when transports arrive to receive them.
Art. V. The troops to be supplied on the march, and during their being in quarters, with provisions by General Gates's orders, at the same rate of rations as the troops of his own army; and if possible, the officers horses and cattle are to be supplied with forage at the usual rates.
Art. VI. All officers are to retain their carriages, bat horses, and other cattle, and no baggage to be molested or searched; Lieutenant General Burgoyne giving his honor there are no public stores secured the same; and that the commissioners appointed to receive the same for the use of the army, should any carriage be wanting during the march for the transportation of officers baggage, they are if possible to be supplied by the country at the usual rates.
Art. VII. Upon the march, and during the time the army shall remain in quarters in the Massachusetts Bay, the officers are not, as far as circumstances will admit, to be separated from their men. The officers are to be quartered according to rank, and are not to be hindered from assembling their men for roll-calling, and other necessary purposes of regularity.
Art. VIII. All corps whatever of General Burgoyne's army, whether composed of sailors, bateaux men, artificers, drivers, independent companies, or followers of the army, of whatever country, shall be included in the fullest sense and utmost extent of the above articles, and comprehended in every respect as British subjects.
Art. IX. All Canadians and persons belonging to the Canadian establishment, consisting of sailors, bateaux men, artificers, drivers, independent companies, and many other followers of the army, who come under no particular description are to be permitted to return there; they are to be conducted immediately by the shortest route to the first British post on Lake George, and to be supplied with provisions in the same manner as the other troops, and are to be bound by the same condition of not serving during the present contest in North America.
Art. X. Passports to be immediately granted for three officers not exceeding the rank of Captains, who shall be appointed by Lieutenant General Burgoyne to be present at the signing of these articles.

lieutenant General Burgoyne to carry dispatches to Sir William Howe, Sir Guy Carleton, and to Great Britain by way of New York; and Major General Gates engages the public faith that these dispatches shall not be opened. These officers are to set out immediately after receiving their dispatches, and to travel the shortest route, and in the most expeditious manner.
Art. XI. During the stay of the troops in the Massachusetts Bay, the officers are to be admitted on parole, and are to be permitted to wear their side arms.
Art. XII. Should the army under Lieutenant General Burgoyne find it necessary to send for their clothing and other baggage to Canada, they are to be permitted to do it in the most convenient manner and the necessary passes granted for that purpose.
Art. XIII. These articles are to be mutually observed and exchanged to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, and the troops under Lieutenant General Burgoyne are to march out of their encampments at three o'clock in the afternoon.
Camp at Saratoga, Oct. 16 h, 1777.
Signed, HORATIO GATES, Major Gen.
To prevent any doubt that might arise from Lieutenant General Burgoyne's name not being mentioned in the above treaty, Major General Gates hereby declares that he is understood to be comprehended in it as fully as if his name had been specifically mentioned.
Signed, HORATIO GATES.
On Thursday the 21 st of October, the Royal Army under the command of his Excellency Sir WILLIAM HOWE, Knight of the Bath, marched in two grand divisions, one by the Falls of Schuylkill and the other by the road to Germantown, and formed their camp at or near those places. Next morning a large detachment, under the command of the Right Honourable EARL CORNWALLIS, entered this city, marched through Southwark Street, and after placing the proper guards, encamped to the southward of the town.
The first appearance of the soldiery—the brevity of their discipline—the politeness of the Officers—and the orderly behaviour of the whole body immediately dispelled every apprehension of the inhabitants, kindled joy in the countenances of the well-affected, and gave the most convincing reutation of the false reports which evil and designing men had been long spreading to terrify the peaceable and the innocent. A perfect tranquillity has since prevailed in the city—Numbers who had been obliged to hide themselves from the former tyranny, and to avoid being forced into measures against their conscience, have appeared to share the general satisfaction and to welcome the dawn of returning Liberty.
The morning after the army entered, the Delaware frigate, the Province ship, the Royal George and an armed Schooner, came up the river, under the command of Sir William, upon the city, without the least intention of molesting the inhabitants, whose pockets have been arbitrarily drained to fit them out with the pretence of being our protectors; but were afterwards saluted by some Grenadiers, with two or three small field pieces, that the Delaware was soon obliged to strike, and the province ship to shear off as fast as possible. In the mean while the gallies and Schooner attempted to pass up the river on the other side the Bar, but finding another battery upon one of the wharfs up town, they soon returned down after the province ship, the Schooner being dismasted in passing by the lower battery. Great numbers of
the men have since deserted from the gallies which are now and then throwing long shot at the British ships and works near the Cheux de Fer. It is expected in a few days the river will be wholly cleared.
After all the preparations made by Mr. Washington's army to dispute the passage of the Schuylkill, and the boasts thrown out of their only making an opportunity to meet His Majesty's troops, they deserted all their works at the Swedish Ford without firing a gun, and retired precipitately to the hills, where they continued, not venturing to make the least opposition to the Royal army during their march to Germantown, no force till Saturday morning the 11 th (4 th October) when their main body, supposed to be about twelve thousand, but which they magnified by their own accounts to nearly double the number, with the most daring folly, made an attack before day on the columns of the Royal Army in the north end of Germantown, where one battalion of light infantry for a long time sustained the battle against their whole force, and not more than twenty-five hundred of His Majesty's troops at last put them wholly to the rout, and pursued them nine miles. An attack was made at the same time on the Hessians, who were posted on the left wing at the Falls of Schuylkill, where this brave body of men, consisting of about five hundred, drove more than thrice their own number from a very advantageous post on the high grounds above Wolfhill Mill, and pursued them up the hill till they wholly dispersed and run to the woods. Another feeble attack was made on the right wing on the old York road, and a fourth party of the rebels, about five hundred, appeared on the other side Schuylkill, opposite Mark Street, fired across on the picket guard at Olden's Ferry, and made a shift to cut the boat rope, but camped off on the appearance of a few light horses from town.
The loss of the rebels killed, wounded, prisoners, (among which are some capital officers) and deserters since coming in is very great; but we have not been able to procure any certainty of the numbers. The loss on the side of the royal army, is inconsiderable, and fell chiefly on the brave corps of light infantry. It is said the rebels were led to this desperate attempt, on hearing that a large part of the Royal Army was detached below Philadelphia, to reduce the works on Delaware, and that their leaders promised them possession of the city that night.
On Tuesday the 21 st of October, a party of Hessians, under the command of Count Donop, crossed the river Delaware, and proceeding to Haddonfield, took possession of a quantity of rebel stores, and sent them to this city;—the next morning proceeded down to Red Bank, where the rebels had thrown up a very strong fortification on a high mole of ground. They got there that evening, when a party of about 500 immediately made an attack on the fort, with an intention, if possible, to carry it by storm—but found that it had been very strongly reinforced, and their few small field pieces not sufficient to beat down the works;—were therefore, after bravely effecting a lodgment on the outer works, and driving the rebels, twice their number, into their innermost post, obliged to decline the attack. The loss of the Hessians on this occasion, considering they had to pass through the fire of the row-gallies, both to and from the fort, which kept pouring grape-shot upon them, is inconsiderable. Count Donop is among the wounded.
Early the next morning the Augusta man of war of 64 guns came up and attacked the fort on Mud Island—having silenced it for some time, preparations were making for
taking for taking possession of it, when by some unlucky accident she took fire, and finding every effort to extinguish it in vain, all on board left her and a little while after she blew up. A small sloop of war, supposed to be the Merlin, having got aground on the Jersey shore during the firing of the Augusta upon the fort, was set on fire and burnt to the water's edge.
The next day after the above action some more large ships of war moved up to the station the Augusta had held, and we have no doubt but in a few days, we shall have the pleasure of seeing the whole fleet laying off this city.
Should the rebels continue to come in as they have done for some time past, His Excellency General Howe will be able to fight their army with their own men;—and surely they will not have less heart and courage, upon hard dollars, good clothes, good provisions, a good cause, and good officers than they had with paper stuff, ragged clothes, thinking provisions, and bad officers.
Nov. 12. On Monday last the new six-gun battery on Province Island began to play on Mud Island Fort, and continued firing upon it yesterday, now and then throwing a shell till about five o'clock in the afternoon, by which time they had demolished the chief of the cannon the rebels had, and a shell lighting upon their Magazine of powder took fire, and a little while after blew up with a very great explosion.
From a Rebel Handbill printed at Lancaster
GLORIOUS INTELLIGENCE.
Lancaster, October 20 1777.
Certain advices have just now been received by express sent by General Mifflin from Reading, that General Howe began yesterday, to evacuate Philadelphia, retreating by the way of Derby. General Washington had despatched a large detachment to harass them.
IN CONGRESS, September 26, 1777.
Resolved, That the interest which shall arise, after the date of this resolution, on loan office certificates already issued, or which shall be issued before the first day of March next, be annually paid at the respective loan offices, in bills of exchange, on the commissioners of the United States in Paris, (the Moon, or at the Pump at Aldgate,) at the rate of five livres of France for every sterling miles dollar, due for interest as aforesaid, or in Continental Bills of Credit, at the option of the respective lenders.
Nov. 19. On Friday evening last the Virginian came over the Bar into the Channel, between Province Island and Mud Island, and the next morning began a very heavy cannonade on that side of Fort Mifflin, at the same time that a ship or two of war attacked it in front, and continued an incessant firing the whole day, battering it in every quarter. The city approaching an attack it by storm, the Rebels sufficiently panic struck by the operations of the day, and dreading an event, which they had formerly fully expected and prepared for, abandoned it with the greatest precipitation and flight, setting fire to their barracks, but leaving their cannon, white stores, cattle, &c. they had, behind them. A party of British troops immediately took possession of it, and found it battered and torn by their cannon in every part. The loss, on the side of the Royal Army, is a Midshipman killed, and three or four privates wounded. The Rebel's loss must have been very great every part of the Fort was marked with the most terrible carnage. Further particulars the Printer has not been able to collect, but hopes shortly to give them more fully to the public.

NEW-YORK, Nov. 27.
Last Monday night three villains were apprehended about two miles from this city by a party of the King's troops, who, we hear, had information of their design to go over to the Rebels. One of them was taken calling a field to a canoe prepared for their reception, the other two in a house. It is confidently asserted that a treasonable paper, with the names of several disaffected persons, who had agreed, in the Rebels had made their appearance near this city, to let it on fire, and otherwise aid and abet them in their diabolical designs. The three persons, together with their accomplices, who have been since apprehended, are now in the Provost guard, waiting the time of that high exaltation which their merit justly claims.
The night of Tuesday last, a number of Rebels crossed the river opposite Bloomingdale, and entered the house of General Delancey, which, after plundering, they set on fire, and returned with their booty. (The following was published in a hand bill on Tuesday last by Mr. JAMES RIVINGTON.)
This morning arrived here from the Delaware, a trade boat, belonging to His Majesty's ship Rebecca , which brings the agreeable news of the taking the fort on Red Bank and Mud Island, and the destroying many of the Rebel vessels. The taking of these posts was greatly facilitated by His Majesty's ships Iris , Rebecca , Liverpool , Pearl , and Vigilant . The loss sustained on this occasion was about five privates of the Royal army and six of the Royal navy. Lord Cornwallis, with a part of the Royal Army, crossed over from Philadelphia to Blenheim, and there joined the reinforcement of four thousand men from New-York under the command of Major-General Sir Thomas Spence. Wilson; and, on his Lordship's approach to Red Bank, the enemy were fired on their magazines, and destroyed many of their shipping. A few of their galleys have they endeavoured themselves in Timber Creek, upon the river, between Gloucester Point and Red Bank.
The Rebels left a great number of men in the posts, the taking of which has opened a free communication with the city of Philadelphia.
His Majesty's ship Senegal is hourly expected with the particulars of the operations carried on against the enemy upon the Delaware, which will be published as soon as she arrives.
Since our left His Majesty's ships Venus and Foy , with twenty seven of the fleet from England, (mentioned in our last,) have got into this port; also two army victuallers, being part of the fleet which sailed from Cork the 11th of September, bound to this port. By the above arrivals we have the following Intelligence.
LONDON, Sept. 5.
Positive orders are sent to Lord Stormont to demand the two Jamaica ships lately carried into Nantz, and, in case of refusal, to quit Paris immediately.
Extract of a letter from Chatham, Sept. 3.
This morning orders were received here for His Majesty's ship Sultan , of 74 guns, to be fitted out at this port, for the reception of a flag officer; she was this day put into commission, and the command given to Captain William Parker.
His Majesty has been pleased to appoint Col. Cunningham, of the 14th regiment of foot, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
His Majesty has promoted five Lieutenant Generals, to the rank of Generals.
The report of the enquiry into the conduct of Captain Ayscough, has been confirmed by the King, to the reputation of that officer.
confirmed by the King, to the reputation of that officer.
The last accounts from Madras mention, that the Council had determined to send home Lord Pigot by force in one of the Company's ships, but were opposed by all the civil servants of the Company, and that 43 of them had sent a letter, by way of remonstrance and protest, to the Council against the measure, which had the desired effect.
Admiralty Office, Sept. 5. 1777.
The Hawke letter of marque, of London, Samuel Goube, commander, has taken the following prizes: The brig Charles , from South-Carolina, laden with rice, which she fell in with off Beaufort; the Schooner Elizabeth , laden with rice, turpentine, indigo, and deer skins.
And also, in company with the Union , another letter of marque, the brig Industry , from South-Carolina, bound to Bordeaux, laden with rice, and the snow Bon Dieu yacht, from Coke, bound to Bordeaux, with provisions.
Extract of a letter from Plymouth, Sept. 2.
Sailed His Majesty's ship Foudroyant on a cruise. This morning the two following prizes were brought into this port, viz. the Pudence , Captain Young, and the Industry , Captain Baker, both from South-Carolina to Nantz, laden with rice, indigo, &c. which were taken by the Union , a letter of marque, Capt. Stop, belonging to London.
FISH-KILL, November 27.
Extract of a letter from Easton, Nov. 23.
An express has this morning arrived from camp; the accounts by him are, that 3000 of the enemy, under the command of Gen. Cornwallis, crossed the Delaware to act in concert with 2000 men, commanded by Gen. Wilson from New-York.
On Thursday a very severe cannonade began, and continued all that day, supposed against the fort at Red Bank, which was renewed on Friday; in consequence of this Gen. Greene, with his division and Col. Huntington's brigade had marched into the defences; the event must be important, which we are waiting for with anxious expectation. Our fleet is above the city.
On Saturday evening the 15th inst. our people evacuated Fort Mifflin; the attack was very severe, we lost about 60 men killed and wounded; our troops stood out until the fort was almost demolished; the stores were brought off, the barracks burnt, and the bank cut down to let in the water, which overflowed the Island. The enemy cut down an Indianma for a floating battery, which greatly annoyed our people. Further particulars we have not been able to learn.
We hear that 30 infamous Tories, traitors, and defectors, are condemned to the gallows at Morris Town.
We are informed from good authority, that Gen. Gates's command is enlarged to Peekskill, and that Gen. Putnam goes to the Southward.
NEWPORT, December 11.
Since our last 27 Sail of Transports have arrived here from Delaware, under Convoy of His Majesty's Ship Raisable of 64 Guns. They are to take on board General Bargoyne's Troops for England.
The Juno , arrived here on Sunday last.
The Wood Fleet from Long-Island, have arrived safe under Convoy of the Union .
All Accounts from the Southward, agree that the Royal Army are very healthy; that the Rebels have fled before them whenever
they they attempted to approach; that General Howe has fortified Philadelphia; and that another Action was expected before the Army went into Winter Quarters.
On Monday Night 5 Men deserted from the Main, and came to this Island.
The Congress finding it impossible to keep Philadelphia, or any other Place where the Royal Army chose to move, have issued a pompous Proclamation forbidding all Persons to supply them with Provisions, vainly imagining they depended on the Country for Support.
From the Reports of Persons from the Country, and from the Rebel Publications, we are sufficiently assured of the excessive scarcity of all Kinds of Provisions. The Providence Paper of the 6th inst. contains an Advertisement, calling upon the Farmers to bring in their Grain, that the Poor may be kept from perishing.
THE distressed Situation of many poor Inhabitants of the Town of Newport, where Want calls for the assisting Hand of Liberality, to screen them from the Rigour of approaching Winter, being noticed by many Gentlemen of the Navy and Army—with a Generosity peculiar to the Character of British Officers, they have opened a Subscription for the noble Purpos, which is by WILLIAM WANTON, who acknowledges the Receipt of the several Sums undermentioned.
  Sir Peter Parker, 5 5 0  Major General Pigot, 5 5 0  Captain Cuthbert, 5 5 0  Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, 4 5 6  in Part of a Fine from an Inhabitant for baying Soldiers & Cattle.  Captain Brabazon, 0 9 0  John Read, Esq; 1 1 0  Captain Savage, 1 7 0  Captain Greame, 1 0 3  Major Holman, 0 13 6  Lieutenant Handfield, 1 2 6  Captain Feilding, 5 5 0  The Gentlemen of the Ward-  Room, of His Majesty's Ship Diamond. 5 5 0  Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, 1 16 0  Lieutenant Colonel Marsh, 1 16 0  Lieutenant Colonel Bruce, 1 16 0  Major Barry, 1 16 0  Major M'Kenzie, 1 1 0  Captain Walsh, 1 1 0  Brigadier General Smith, 3 12 0  Captain Ford, 5 5 0  
FOR SALE,
THE Prize Ship General MONTGOMERY a very handsome 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, Bermudian built, and all of Red Cedar. A L S O,
A Quantity of Fire and Coarse Plows, And a Few Hogheads of the very best Virginia Tobacco, Prize Goods to his Majesty's Ship Raisable .
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 by applying to
WILLIAM WANTON, Newport, 4th December, 1777.

The Affair of the Cedars, concluded.
AFTER the mature deliberation on the customs and manners of the savages in war, which I find so opposite and contrary to the humane disposition of the British Government, and to all civilized nations; and, to avoid the inevitable consequences of their customs in former wars, (which, by their threats and menaces I find is not changed) that of putting their prisoners to death to disencumber themselves in case of being attacked by an enemy; I have, therefore, in compliance with the above disposition in government, and the dictates of humanity, thought fit to enter into the following articles and agreement with Major Henry Shelburne, and the under subscribing officers, in the name of the power they were employed by, and of the officers and soldiers who shall be released by this agreement, and whose rank and number shall be indorsed on this cartel.
"I That there shall be an exchange of prisoners faithfully made, returning an equal number to his Majesty's troops, and of the same rank with those released by this agreement as soon as possible, within the space of two months, allowing a moderate time for casualties that may render the performance of this article impracticable.
"II. That those prisoners taken in opposing Government, shall not, on any pretext whatsoever, hereafter take up arms against the Government of Great Britain.
"III. That they shall be conducted in safety, with all possible convenience and dispatch that circumstances will permit, to the south shore of the river St. Laurence, from which they are to repair to St. John's, and return to their own country immediately, without committing any waste or spoil on their march thither; allowing ten or twelve to go to Montreal to transact their private affairs.
"IV. That the prisoners so returned, shall not, under any pretext whatsoever, either by words, writing, or signs, give the least information to Government's enemies, now in arms; or by any other kind of means, by which his Majesty's service may be hurt, to their adherents or others.
"V. That the batteaux or other conveyances made use of to transport the prisoners to the south shore of said river, and the people necessary to conduct them, shall return unharmed.
"VI That hostages be delivered for the performance of these articles, to the full, according to the tenor and spirit of the agreement, without any equivocation whatsoever.
"VII. That the security of the subscribers be given to the inhabitants for all the waste and spoil committed on them by the detachment under the command of Colonel Bedel, on fair accounts, attested and signed, being delivered, for which the hostages are not to be answerable.
"It being our full intention to fulfil the above articles, we mutually sign, and interchange them as assurances of performance, signed at Vaudriel, this 26th day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six.
"By order of Captain George Foster, commanding his Majesty's forces at Vaudriel.
ANDREW PARKE, Lieut. in the King's or eighth regiment of foot.
CHEV. LORIMIER, FREDERICK DE MONTIGNY,
HENRY SHERBURNE, ISAAC BUTTERFIELD, THEODORE BLISS, DANIEL WILKINS, JOHN STEVENS, EBENEZER SULLIVAN.
The cartel had indorsed on the back 497 prisoners, being the full number who fell into the hands of the savages.
On the 25th, Monsieur de Montigny found it necessary to move the prisoners who were under his care to an island in the St. Laurence, about a mile from his house. The morning following they joined the other prisoners at Quinchien, to which place we had returned on the preceding day. Here it was reported, that a prisoner had been shot by a savage, for refusing to embark from the island, while Mr. Arnold's party was approaching it; but, on making the strictest enquiry, we could not find any person who saw this act of cruelty, nor could any of the prisoners name the person so said to have been killed; and we do declare, the prisoners were in every respect treated with all possible attention which humanity could suggest, and our situation admit; they were daily fed with good provisions (of which we had plenty) and that in the same proportion which is allowed to the King's troops, and of which allowance we never heard them complain.
About noon, on the 26th, we perceived a party advancing to attack us, which proved to be about 600 men, sent for that purpose under the command of Mr. Arnold. In the evening they made a descent on our post, with their whole party, in fifteen batteaux and three canoes, but were repulsed. Now the savages seemed more than ever determined to disencumber themselves of their prisoners, from whom they had much to dread, being double our numbers. To frustrate their inhuman purpose, a flag was sent to Mr. Arnold, desiring a safe conduct for the boats to pass to the south side of the river, with the prisoners, as stipulated by the cartel, a copy of which was sent him, with a request that he should sign it. He returned for answer, he would have nothing to do with it, on account of the inaccuracy of the second article; which, to remove all difficulties, was immediately given up by Captain Foster, as the only means to avoid the destruction of the prisoners.
On the 27th, Mr. Arnold signed a fresh cartel, the same as the former, excepting the second article which was left out, and a suspension of hostilities for four days was agreed upon. This evening five batteaux with prisoners were sent off, but the wind blowing contrary, the batteaux could not return, and it was the 30th at night, before all the prisoners were sent away. Here let us observe, there was not the least insult offered to any prisoner, after the cartel was signed, nor before, except as before related; it is true, that on the 30th, in the evening, while they were embarking, the savages amusing themselves by the water side, did fire several muskets, but without the least intention to injure them, nor were any of them injured.
In the night of the 30th, after embarking our prisoners at Quinchien, we quitted that post, and set out for Oswegatchie, the savages covering our retreat, as far as St. Regis, where, and afterwards at Oswegatchie, most of the prisoners who remained with the savages, were bought from them, at a considerable expence, and are now at Montreal; they were during the time of their captivity with the Indians treated more like children than prisoners; and we have reason to believe, those who yet remain in their hands, do so by choice.
Thus have we faithfully stated the truth and nothing but the truth, lies and perfidy being the refuge of knaves and fools. Let those who have sense and leisure to analyze and search to the bottom, compare this simple narrative, with the flagitious and con-
temptible report and resolves of the conqueror, whose violation of truth, marks the weakness of their cause.
ANDREW PARKE, captain in the King's or 8th regiment of foot. J. MAURER, L. R. Yorkers. HUGH MACKAY, A. D. C.
Montreal 6th Sept. 1776. "I have perused the foregoing sheets, and so far as I was an eye-witness to the transactions related, I know them to contain the truth, and nothing but the truth. As to the transactions of the detached parties, they are clearly stated as reported to me.
GEORGE FOSTER, captain in the King's or 8th regiment of foot. Montreal, 27th Sept. 1776.
LOST, LATELY, A THERMOMETER, marked J. SIMONS, London. Whoever brings it to Mr. Arnold, Silver-Smith, shall have Five Shillings Reward and no Questions asked.
THE Farmers are hereby requested to thrash out what Corn, Barly and Oats, they can spare His Majesty's Troops, immediately, and send it in to the Forage Magazine. JAMES CAMPBELL, Commissary of Forage.
TO BE SOLD, A SMALL FARM of good Land pleasantly situated in Pownouh, nine Miles from Newport, containing about 34 Acres, a dwelling House, Barn and Cistern: Also, three Milch 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.
AS all the STRAW on the Island will be wanted for the Troops, the Farmers are hereby requested to thrash their Grain, 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.
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.
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.