The Massachusetts spy (Boston [Mass.]), 1770-11-22 00:00:00

The Massachusetts Spy.
VOL. I.] From MONDAY, November 19, to THURSDAY, November 22, 1770. [N o . 45.
EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE.
OURANTO, [ a province of Naples in Italy ] August 20. LETTERS from Zante confirm the account of the destruction of the Turkish fleet. Admiral Elphinstone, who is cruising near the straits of the Dardanelles, has taken fourteen ships, laden with provisions, &c. for Constantinople, which has thrown the inhabitants of that place into the greatest consternation. The Russians have laid several islands under contribution, and are battering Napoli di Romania in Breach; and it is generally thought throughout the Levant, that the Russians will attempt to pass the Dardanelles, and set fire to Constantinople.
LEGHORN, [ Italy ] August 28. A letter from Tunis advises, that 900 French grenadiers, part of the armament sent against that place, had been surprised by the Tunisians near Biferte, and had been all put to the sword.
WARSAW, [ capital of Poland ] August 25. General Count Panin continues the siege of Bender with great spirit; and the Turks, notwithstanding the several losses they have sustained, defend the place with surprising obstinacy.
LONDON, September 12. It is asserted, that fresh overtures of peace have been made to the Czarina, on the part of the Grand Signor, which are likely to procure a cessation of arms.
A Letter from Italy, dated August 17, says, "All the artillery which the Turks had landed at Scio, and some other islands, for the better defence of those places, is fallen into the hands of the Russians. The Turks who escaped, and flew to Smyrna, after the total defeat of their squadron, have massacred all the Greeks they found there."
Extract of a Letter from a merchant at Lisbon, to a gentleman in London, dated August 7.
"On the 4th instant, Mr. Dennis Connell was committed to gaol in a most arbitrary manner, by an inferior officer of the city magistrates, in violation of the privileges granted to the British nation by the most solemn treaties, confirmed by many royal decrees, for refusing to sign a claim made by brokers, for brokerage on sales, at which they were not employed, nor had any thing to do with. It is done with a view to subject all sales to the charge of brokerage; on which pretence there is a lawsuit now depending between the body of brokers and the British factory, as a claim on an antient royal grant, though often denied them on appeals to courts of justice. It is a stale attempt at abuse revived, and made with violence to intimidate us into acquiescence. A design to lay our ruining trade and traders under contribution. It is, in short, an insult on our country, and an actual vio-
lation of our rights. We shall see what our government will do, as a representation of the affair from the consul and factory is going to England. Our judge conservator officially interposed, but without effect. The privileges were violated by sending Mr. Connell to a common prison for a pretended civil offence. Had it been a real one, it was his right to be sent to the castle; but he was removed thither yesterday."
September 13. Last night a messenger arrived at St. James's from the court of Peterburgh, with some secret dispatches of importance, which were immediately, forwarded to Richmond.
A fleet of observation is actually fitting out for channel service, and to cruise to the westward, as far as Cape Finisterre.
We can assure the public, that orders are issued from the Admiralty-office, to equip and completely man sixteen sail of the line, which are to have three months provisions on board: their destination is not yet made public, but from this, and other concurring circumstances, it seems as if we were not far from the eve of a war, at least our ministry wisely put themselves upon their guard, against any sudden stroke; indeed, the amazing numbers of ships that are getting ready at the several ports of France and Spain, is a circumstance that demands their most cautious attention.
It is said that the Earl of Chatham has been particularly requested to attend the privy councils.
It is now confirmed, that Lord N-----n strongly recommends the restoring the seals immediately to Lord Camden.
The strictest orders are sent to New-York, to support the friends of government in that colony with the utmost exertion of both the naval and military powers.
A Council will be holden in a few days; when the affair of the imprisonment of Mr. Connell, a British merchant in Portugal, will be taken into consideration.
Mr. Sheriff Townsend, in a late conference with some of the members of administration, relative to the exonerating himself from the contract he is at present engaged in, was, after some conversation, told, that no sum of money should acquit him. Well then, Gentlemen, replied the patriot, though you force me to be your servant, you may depend upon it I shall never be your Tool.
September 14. We are informed that the Russians have erected an hospital for their sick at Scio; but when the last letters came away, they had not set foot in Attica or Egypt, nor yet attempted the passage of the Dardanelles, which is but narrow, being no more than three quarters of a mile over, the current exceeding rapid and contrary and secured by batteries on the two opposite shores.

By the latest accounts from the East-Indies, we hear, that though Heyder Ali has not formally broke with the English in those parts, yet he has cantoned his troops within twenty miles of their principal settlements, so as to be able in two days to draw together an army of 50,000 men, to a distance less than a day's march from Madras.
Thursday arrived and remain in the Downs the Russian squadron, consisting of three ships of war and sixteen transports, commanded by Admiral Arff.
September 25. The Favourite sloop is just arrived at the Mother-Bank, from Falkland Island, and brings advice, that five Spanish frigates, with land forces and artillery, arrived there the 24th of June last, and dispossessed his Majesty's forces of our settlement on that island. Ye Sons of despotism, who sneered at Lord Chatham's assertion in the House of Peers last session, "that a blow had, or soon would be struck." With what shame are ye now covered? Do ye not, to use Lord Pomfret's beautiful metaphor, "hold down your heads like bulrushes, and blink like owls in the sun." Lord Chatham, when in office, was always provided with the earliest and most authentic intelligence, and transactions abroad, which carried the most plausible appearance of innocence, were easily investigated, and the deep hidden mischief immediately developed by this assiduous and politic statesman, who by his universal intelligence was previously acquainted with their secret springs of action, which could alone have enabled him to discover their mystery; his plan of intelligence, we hear, he still pursues, and though in retirement, he is generally better acquainted with what passes in all the foreign courts, than the ostensible minister, however active the latter may appear.
The Lords of the Admiralty are so perfectly convinced of the French and Spanish hostile measures, that they apprehend they cannot act quick enough to be upon a footing with them.
We hear, in case of a rupture with France, Major Rogers will be appointed to the command of a regiment of British Rangers, to be principally employed after the manner of the Americans rangers, in harassing the enemy on their own coasts.
A naval officer assures us, that near 6000 men have been impressed for the use of his Majesty's navy since this day se'nnight.
Dispatches are preparing to be sent off with the greatest expedition to the governors and consuls at all the English settlements in the West-Indies, and on the continent.
September 26. The Premier has publicly declared that before the end of the approaching sessions, he will make every colony in America act as dutifully and obediently as that of New-York has done.
The press for seamen began in Ireland the very day it did in London.
September 27. All the letters received by our merchants from Madrid, brought by the last packet, mention a report which prevailed in that city, of an intended rupture with England; and that they every hour expect a declaration of war to be made there.
It is reported, we hope without foundation, that the
plague rages with some violence in the Island of Minorca.
Press-warrants are signed by the Lord-Mayor for impressing men within this city and its liberties.
Tuesday several merchants waited on the Lords of the Admiralty, praying their Lordships attention to the homeward bound ships, from North-America in particular, and received for answer, that the merchants might depend on due attention being paid to their request.
No less than 2000 men have been entered at the Portsmouth rendezvous, and returned to the Admiralty, from the 18th of August to the 22d of September, and near 600 since the proclamation.
The Parliament is prorogued to the 15th of November, then to meet.
Notwithstanding the great naval preparations, there are not wanting some who pretend to believe that we shall not have a war. By virtue of Great-Britain's treaty with Russia, they say, we are obliged to furnish that nation, with a large fleet of ships, when called upon, and give this as a reason of our present armaments. However fifteen men of war are all they pretend to demand, whereas there are already upwards of thirty ships of the line ordered to be got ready, besides frigates.
From the GAZETTEER, Sept. 25.
To the FATHER OF HIS PEOPLE,---the greatest of all Titles.
GREAT SIR, PERMIT a faithful subject to approach your Royal Presence by his pen, whose station in life (though not contemptible) doth not enable him to seek it any other way. Though a stranger to your Royal Person, yet he is not so to those natural amiable qualities you are endued with. And this sentiment he takes, not from hearsay , but as he had the honour of being well known to the late worthy Dr. Hayter, Bishop of London; so from the conversation he has had with him, he is convinced of the rectitude of your royal intentions, and of your earnest desires to make your people happy . At your first accession, every subject was delighted with the prospect of a long and happy reign; every heart filled with a desire to shew their loyalty: How unhappily the prospect has been changed by artful and self-interested men, I need not say; nor shall I aggravate any grievances, but with a new system of better regulation might banish to oblivion what is past.---But how is this to be done? Let not your Royal Person be angry with, or despise the advice of a faithful subject---now buried in obscurity, once an active man on the stage of life.---And the humble advice I propose to your Majesty is, to attend to that of some very able statesmen, honest, active, judicious men: Your Majesty loves reading; the conclusion of Bishop Burnet's History of his own Time points out the many imperfections of our constitution, and the means to remedy them. This work of the Bishop's deserves to be engraved on the hearts of English Princes: he was a great, a good man, and a sincere friend to your illustrious House; and but a short time survived the settlement

he so much desired to see take place. If your Majesty has read it, I would request a serious and iterated perusal. And so far as he convinces the Judgment, so far let some trial be made, to practise the reformation in many respects he so justly, so wisely, and so emphatically recommends. However, some warmth in his temper might, in a few instances, mislead his judgment; yet, through life, he was a man of a good heart, a clear judgment, and strove to do good in his station. The next writer whom I with every Royal Personage to fix in their minds is, the Duke de Sully , whose memoirs afford many judicious observations, from a Prime Minister of a sound head, of strict virtue and integrity, of unbiaffed zeal for his Prince and his country, who feared not to oppose his Sovereign, Henry IV. with decency and spirit, whenever he thought his conduct wrong. The great Earl of Clarendon is another, whose bias indeed to King Charles I. is pretty visible; but in the last and best work of his, The Continuation of his History and his Life , he has interspersed so many judicious reflections and maxims on the impolitic, and, indeed wicked system of government under Charles II. as if duly attended to, may be made the greatest use of to a King, who studies the welfare of his people. To the foregoing I will add but one more work, and that, though short, indeed a most valuable one: it is the Preface to the edition of State trials , published by the late Solom Emlyn, Esq; a gentleman bred to the law, of abilities equal to any in that profession, of integrity and virtuous principles exceeded by none. He was in great esteem with the late Earl of Hardwick, and the late Arthur Onslow, Esq; two persons whose acumen and judgment were too clear to be imposed on by any specious knowledge, or crafty disguise. In this Preface, which deserves to be written on the hearts of kings and statesmen, are so clearly pointed out, many emendanda , in the law and courts of justice, as well as some in the state, their great hurt to the subject made so manifest, and the means to alter and amend them so judiciously advised, and strongly inculcated, that why no steps have ever been taken to put in practice this most necessary work, can only be resolved by the corruption and self-interestedness of men, which the legislature alone can remedy, under God's providence; and which it is certainly criminal not to endeavour to remedy, as far as lies in the power of human authority to do. In King Alfred's time, history tells us, that by his indefatigable endeavours, a person might travel over England with money in his hand, and not be robbed. Though I will not say now the nation is so populous, and the face of things so much altered, this can be expected, yet sure I am, that some few Acts of Parliament, strictly put in practice, (and many useless and intricate ones abrogated) that dissoluteness of morals, drunkenness, false and profane swearing, violence and robbery, the tediousness, expensiveness, and unjust tricks and quibbles in the law, might be much amended; a more equal taxation laid, by which the necessaries of life may be made easy to the poor, and luxury bear the chief burdens; the marriage act, a source of much mischief, abolished, and that state encouraged by every means possible; and the case of im-
prisonment duly considered in its whole extent, and never permitted but on some extravagant and fraudulent debtors, or those who do violence to their neighbour's person or property. These general heads of a reformation are more minutely and judiciously pointed out by the forementioned authors. May your Majesty, and whoever you shall appoint for your Ministers of State, read, consider, and retain, the observations of those sensible men. And as your great encouragement of the polite arts is very commendable, Oh! yet let the necessary regulations for general good be the precious jewels of your Majesty's reign, and the polite arts only the polish to make their brilliancy more resplendent. Then indeed these nations will be the admiration of other countries, and your Majesty's character heightened, superior to any Prince who ever sat on this Imperial Throne. Then may we say, Justice and Peace have kissed each other, and Righteousness looked down from Heaven. May God inspire your Majesty with the heart to listen to these important truths, with resolution to attempt them, and with success to establish them; and to pardon the freedom of the writer, conscious he means well, however unequal to this task he has attempted. His heart subscribes to be your dutiful and loyal subject. J. W. Fui.
AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE. PHILADELPHIA, November 8.
BY Captain Allibone from North Carolina, we learn, that on the 21st of last month, about three o'clock in the afternoon, a most violent storm of hail fell at Newberry; many of the hail stones were an inch diameter, and in common as large as pigeon's eggs, which did considerable damage, most of the houses in town having their windows broke.
Nov. 12. Captain Loxley, from London, but last from Falmouth, which he left on the 30th of September, informs us, that advice it was said, had been received by the British Ministry of a very formidable fleet of French and Spanish men of war having entered the Mediterranean, with design, it was apprehended, to interrupt the rapid progress of the Russians arms in the Levant; in consequence of this and other alarming intelligence, orders were issued for equipping at Chatham and Portsmouth with all possible expedition, thirty-two ships of the line, and several smaller men of war, the principal part of which were to be sent into the Mediterranean as a fleet of observation, and a strong squadron was destined for North-America.---That it was currently reported that a war between Britain, France and Spain would inevitably take place in a short time, and all the other powers of Europe seemed to be preparing for action, particularly the King of Prussia, who has now, ready for the field, the best disciplined army in the world, and it was generally believed he would soon strike some capital stroke---That it was reported some terrible commotions had lately arisen at Constantinople, which obliged all the European ambassadors to fly from the place in disguise, to preserve their lives.
NEW-YORK, November 15. On Saturday, came to

town from Philadelphia, Captain Bedlow lately from Jamaica, which he left the 12 of October, and reports, that on the 28th of September a vessel arrived there from Hispaniola, which brought advice that a Plague was broke out there at Leogane, Port au Prince, and other places in the Bite. That the disorder was not brought from any infected place, but supposed to originate there, and to be occasioned by unwholesome effluvia, from the frequent irruptions and earthquakes, with which that place have been visited for some months past, and have continued almost every day since. That soon after the people are taken, a boil rises under the arm, and they generally die in eighteen hours. That the general had retired from Port au Prince to the Plat Form, and that the French on the south-side of the island, had posted troops to guard the passes and prevent communications with infected places.
On the above intelligence, depositions were taken before the County Lieutenant in Jamaica, and orders given to admit no vessel without examination, or quarantine. We hear there are orders for the like precaution in this place.
Yesterday the Earl of Halifax Packet Boat, Captain Boulderson, sailed with the mail for Falmouth.
Tuesday last Peter Mennel was executed at Gloucester, pursuant to his sentence, for the murder of his master's daughter, his was body delivered to the surgeons.
THURSDAY, November 15. BOSTON.
We hear the trial of the soldiers is put off till Monday next.
Last Tuesday Captain Davis and Captain Freeman arrived here from Cape Nichola-Mole, which place they left the 20th of October. They inform us, that when they sailed from thence, it was very healthy there: But that a Fever, (not a Plague, as has been reported) had prevailed at Port-au-Prince, which swept off many of the inhabitants there. They were both detained below, by orders from Commodore Gambier, and agreeable to instructions lately received for that purpose, by express from General Gage, at New-York: But are since come up to town by permission of the Lieutenant-Governor.
We are informed, That Captain Saunders, of Salem, lately died at Cape Nichola-Mole.
Extract of a Letter from London, dated September 26.
“A war with Spain is now the principal topic of conversation here; bets at great odds are laid that it will commence before the expiration of a month. It was yesterday reported, from good authority, at Lloyd's coffee-house, that the Spaniards had taken possession of Falkland-Island in the East Indies, and sunk an English
frigate; if this proves true, a war with Spain will be unavoidable.”
Extract of another Letter from London, Sept. 26.
“The noise of War now subsides, the French, by an express over land from Admiral Proby, have only ten sail of the line abroad, and those in different parts of the Mediterranean; six of them before Tunis, the small power with whom they are at war. Prince Mazarine the Spanish Ambassador, disavows the proceedings of the ships at Falkner's island, and he is sure the same will be disapproved by his Court, and that the island will be restored again to the English. The Captains of men of war who came to town on this alarm, are very angry, and insist that Prince Mazarine ought to pay their expences.”
DIED.] Capt. Benjamin Brackett.
NEW RAISINS, New Philadelphia FLOUR; West-India and New-England RUM by the hoghead or barrel; SUGARS of various qualities, by the hoghead, barrel or single hundred; very best French INDIGO, by large or small quantities, Coffee, Kippen's Snuff; and many other Articles; are sold very cheap by SAMUEL ELIOT, jun. opposite the east end of Faneuil-Hall Market.
WHEREAS the Co-partnership of JOSEPH and DANIEL WALDO, is mutually dissolved. This is to give notice to all persons who have any demands on said company, to apply to DANIEL WALDO for payment: And those who are indebted to said company, are hereby directed to pay their several balances to said DANIEL WALDO, as soon as possible.
JOSEPH WALDO, DANIEL WALDO.
N. B. The said DANIEL WALDO continues the Business as usual. The customers of the late company, and all others, who may favour him with their custom, may depend on being used in the best manner.
Boston, November 11, 1770.
HAT LININGS, made and sold at 30s. old tenor the dozen, or 3s. single, by JOHN BROWNE, at the Manufactory-house, near the Common, Boston.
ALEXANDER STEELE, Bookbinder, in Marlborough-Street, between Bromfield's-Lane and the sign of the Golden Cock, hereby informs the Public, that he binds Books of all sorts, gilt or plain, in the neatest manner. He likewise cleans and letters Libraries, and makes and sells pocket-books of all kinds. All executed on the most reasonable terms.
BOSTON: Printed by ISAIAH THOMAS, at the New Printing-Office in Union-Street, (near the Market) where this Paper will be regularly published every MONDAY and THURSDAY, ; and where Subscriptions, Articles of Intelligence, and Advertisements, &c. for this Paper, are taken in ; and PRINTING, in general, done in a neat Manner, on very reasonable Terms.