The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-08-03 00:00:00

Greenough's Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, August 3, 1776.
[ No. 11. ]
DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
THE word requisition , made use of in my last letter, is perhaps, too strong a term; and does not, in its common use, express a freedom of non compliance, in the party requested, if he or they see meet, and may carry in it more the sense of a command; but the context plainly shews my meaning. Having thus explained the word, as I have, and intend to use it for the future in these letters, let it be a term of art to that purpose, however I might possibly have chose, a properer sign or expression of that Idea; but as sounds were made for, and must conform to ideas, & not ideas to them, we have a right to affix to any word, (at least may do so) what meaning we please; tho' it is better, not to alter or change the use of them; but when it is accidentally done, and repeatedly, it is much easier explaining the variation of the sense of the terms, and will be more unison and agreeable, than to introduce in the same treatise, other sounds or signs of our ideas, though more correct, and more familiar and intelligible by usage and custom, till the former are explain'd. Candour should lead us, if we can guess at a man's meaning only by his gaping, to conceive of, and kindly accept of his ideas by that sign, sooner than perversely to contradict, dispute and wrangle with him. If this disposition prevailed, in the discussion of doubtful and intricate points, how much would it conduce to the advancement of truth, peace and harmony? The requisition of law, I have mentioned, gives the party requesting no power over the party requested. This, it may be objected, leaves the latter at liberty, to refuse the request, how reasonable soever. To which I reply, that without this liberty, the requisition could not be rejected, how unreasonable soever. If the British parliament, before the independence of the colonies, might refuse complying with the requisitions of the American parliaments, why not the American legislatures, withhold their concurrence, with the desires or demands of the former? The King of England (by himself or his representatives) once made a third part, and no more, in all these legislatures, till by the fatal delusion, and baneful ministerial snares, which incompas him, (attempting to exalt one legislature over the others, and to have that ride upon the back of all the rest.) he has lost his American dominions, and by the destruction of the free constitution of the state, over which he should preside and rule, equally in its various parts, may fall himself, in the dissolution of all government, and the general
wreck of his whole empire.
If it be said, that an umpire among various legislatures, will prevent an uncertainty of compliance, with the necessary requisitions that may be made; I grant it; but is not such a remedy worse than the disease? The umpire would be more liable and apt, partially and unjustly, to consult it's own interest, in preference to that of the others, (being under no check or controul; or subject to a retaliation of injury, by a sub legislature) than an equal legislature would be, not to hearken to reason and equity, when ask'd for; because, in her turn of requisition she might have a deaf ear given, to her most earnest, just and reasonable requests. Whatever imperfection might remain, it would be only what necessarily results from the best human contrivance of a legislature consistent with liberty; and must needs be a less evil, than one man, or one body of men, trusting another with an absolute legislation over them. The subjecting all the legislatures to one, is a greater extremum, and more dangerous, than leaving all at a loose, and depending upon their voluntary consent, to join in the common good; if they join, it is happy, if not, it is an evil irremediable by any thing but a greater evil.
If in the free and independent states of America, any of the colonies were so remote from the Grand Continental Congress, as to make it impossible, to be there represented, any injunctions from the Congress, upon such colonies, would be tyrannical, and the only mode of union, consistent with liberty, must be such requisition, as has been mentioned. No supreme and absolute government over others, is safe to the subject, except theocracy, where GOD himself is the legislator; whose immediate divine interposition seems now requisite, to avert the impending destruction of the British empire, (if the day of grace is not over) and to rescue it from the fatal machinations of abandoned ministers, who have rendered it the derision of the surrounding nations, who laugh at their unnatural contest with their brethren; well knowing, that Great-Britain, united with the colonies, securely stood, but divided from them, will tumble to the ground, without a miracle to prevent it, and lick the dust of that slavery, which she would precipitately, wantonly, unjustly, and cruelly, have inflicted upon her dearest and most essential members; and the whole body partake of the pain, felt by the remotest, as well as the nearest parts.
It may not be amiss to conclude this letter, with the following prayer,—that the King of Great-Britain, may be delivered &
preserved, from the wicked devices of evil councillors, and rescued out of the hands of blood thirsty and tyrannical ministers, inflexibly bent on his and the nation's ruin and destruction. May he forsake and bring them to condign punishment, and by that means, regain the affection and esteem, of his British subjects; and may Americans no longer be his enemies or refuse an equal and safe alliance with Britain, when all injuries and losses sustained by them, from Britons, are repair'd, and every account equitably settled, except that of blood shed, for which there is no other atonement but blood; yet, upon due contrition, may it be forgiven, but never forgot: No longer may we have occasion to exclaim, do not we O Lord! hate them that hate thee, and are not our souls grieved with those, who rise up against thee? may this grief and hatred, be turned into joy and friendship, by evil men turning from the evil of their ways, and by a thorough reformation of measures, men and manners.  ORTHODOXUS.
Colony of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss.  NOTICE is hereby given to all concern'd that the maritime court for the colony aforesaid, will be held at the state-house in Portsmouth, on Thursday the 22d day of August, at ten o'clock A. M. to try the justice of the capture of the ship, named the Prince George, her cargo and appurtenances of the burthen of about 200 tons, lately commanded by Richard Emms, against which a libel is filed before me, (the said ship being bro't into the port of Piscataqua) in behalf of the officers and soldiers belonging to the matross company, stationed at Fort Washington, under the command of Capt. Titus Salter, in the service of the said colony. The owner of said ship, or any person concerned may appear and shew cause (if any they have,) why the same ship, her cargo and appurtenances should not be condemned and distributed as the law directs.
At the court aforesaid, will be tried the justice of the capture or seizure of a certain quantity or number of masts, yards, & bowsprits, and a lighter or hulk, used in lading mast ships, which are said to be British property, taken between high & low water mark in Piscataqua river, in the colony aforesaid; against both libels are filed before me in behalf of the colony aforesaid, and any persons concerned may appear and shew cause (if any they have,) why the same masts, yards, bowsprits and lighter should not be condemned. J. BRACKETT, Judge of said court.
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A GENTEEL NEW CHAISE To be sold cheap for CASH. by WILLIAM MARSHALL, at his shop in Queen-Street.
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In Statu Romano, Imperium in magistratibus Authoritatem in Senatu, Potestatem in Plebe, MAJESTATEM IN POPULO, jure esse dicebant. Bodin de Rep lib. 2 C 1
So many years past as when Bodin wrote the majesty of the people was an acknowledged term; it is the strongest expression that any language affords, to denote the origin of power to be in the people : & that people which gives away their liberty into the hands of an uncontrollable body of men, deserve to be enslaved without pity.
The institution of government was wholly for the benefit of the people, and when any form is adopted that does not effectually answer that great end, it ought to be remonstrated against, exposed and even annihilated, & the public peace, liberty & safety guarded and protected from every such pernicious and destructive plans.
AMERICA now glories in an independency that will surprize the world, manifestly instituted by the supreme direction of God himself , and none but an Atheist can or will deny it—There have been so many apparent events happened from the commencement of the british ministerial tyranny, that have conspired as it were to force America into this state, that they appear even supernatural and miraculous: may that same sovereign disposer of sublunary things still appear for her, and tho' at this time she is attacked by unnatural enemies without , & still more wicked wretches within who are aiming to destroy her, may they fall into those very pits themselves they have digged for her, and like Haman be bang'd on the very gallows they have erected for others—The controversy is great & interesting, the struggle mighty and grand, the success truly desirable, and, by perseverance easily attainable, let us all unite with heart and hand to support that independency which must thus be acknowledged to be the gift of heaven, and while we are opposing the common enemy, let us not forget our own governmental police & security, but attentively observe the conduct of our rulers.
We are now called to form plans of government that may be permanent and lasting, that are not incompatible and inconsistent in their natures with each other, and which are most consonant to the dignity & majesty of the people.
A late writer in the Massachusetts Spy, for May last says, "I revere a government in which the regal power has no part, and which I hope will be universally established in these colonies, but would most sacredly guard the fountains of that government, least any thing should gain admittance, which might contaminate its purity, obstruct its due course and destroy its salutary influence"—The sentiments of this author are genuinely patriotic , and every gentleman of any feeling for his native country must approve them,—those who are instrumental to the subversion of the very principles of good government, should be attentively watched and guarded. The ambition of men is unbounded, and no man breathing should be entrusted with too much power nor with offices and places opposite to their institutions, incompatible with each other. The public have an inherent right to complain of Grievances and to request remedies. Under the king of Britain's late government of this state of New Hampshire the people complained of the court of appeals, and the family compact so called, which meant the Councillors, who were appointed by the king out of a family connection, and that connection shared all the places of honor and profit amongst themselves and friends—Our present general assembly, hank God, have abolished that iniquitous
court, whose members by its constitution, were uncontroled judges and juries at the same time—we could have wished to see the same assembly would have condemned the dangerous consequences of lodging the legislative and executive powers in the same persons, which is a political solecism , and equally destructive as the court of appeals. For the remedy of which no person should sustain but one office at a time under the government, and all officers to have salaries in proportion to the importance of their offices, but such a regulation should not take place till made by an assembly, the members of which have no places themselves, but their seats in said assemblies, otherwise they will be judges of their own wages —which ought never to be the case in any government, the fountains of which ought to be as pure and free as a living spring.
AMICUS REIPUBLICA.
ENGLISH HARBOUR. (in Antigua) June 3.
Last week arrived here his Majesty's ship the Hynd, Capt. Bryne, after having landed 3 companies of the 60th regiment at St. Augustine. Being informed on his return, that in a creek near Sunbury in Georgia, a brigantine lay taking in lumber, near which was a ship on the stocks pierced for twenty guns; Captain Bryne, when he arrived off that place ordered his tender and boats armed, who set fire to and burned both. This expedition & voyage was performed in the space of six weeks; but its success was damped by the loss of Lieutenant Nicholas, a very worthy officer, who commanded the tender, but lost company about 30 leagues from land, and is supposed to have foundered.
It is observable that we have a more powerful squadron on this station than we have had since the year 1771. It consists of the portland of 50 guns, carrying Admiral Young's flag, Captain Damarecq; the Argo of 28 guns, Captain Garnier; the Hynd of 24 guns, Capt. Bryne; the Seaford of 24 guns, Capt. Colpoys; the Pomona of 18 guns, Capt. Bastwood; the Hawk of 14 guns, Captain Cooper; the Endeavour armed vessel, Captain Tinsley; another armed vessel to be purchased, and the Sandwich tender, commanded by Captain Douglas. Orders are received from England to raise the ships companies to the highest complement of men.
PHILADELPHIA, July 17,
Extract of a letter from Crown Point, July 3.
"We left Sorrel the 14th of June, and arrived at Isle aux noix the 18th, after having burned and destroyed two gondolas, two schooners and a sloop, which we could not get over the Rapids, together with the forts Chamble and St. Johns and Hazens house. While we lay at Isle aux Noix, 8 officers and 4 privates, of the 6th battalion, went without their arms to a French house on the opposite shore, about a mile from the encampment, in order to get spruce beer, where they were attacked by a number of Indians, who killed and scalped Capt. Adams, Ensign Culbertson, and two privates, & took prisoners Capt. M c Lane, Lieutenants M c Farran, M c Callister and Hog, and two privates; Capt. Rippey and Ensign Rush made their escape. As soon as the firing was heard, a boat was sent to their assistance, but too late."
July 22.
Extract of a letter from Williamsburg, Virginia, July 13.
"A battery of two 18 pounders was opened on the enemy's fleet on Tuesday morning, whilst another of four 9 pounders played on their works and camp on Gwin's Island. In a short time the whole fleet was forced to tow out of reach of the battery; their fire ceased after a few rounds. Their camp was thrown into confusion, and in the night, before we could procure boats to carry over our men, they removed all their tents except one, their cannon except one, and all their stores, &c. There were three tenders in the haven, which attempted to prevent our passage."
Their works were still manned as if they meant to dispute their ground, but as soon as our soldiers put off in a few canoes they retreated precipitately to their ships. The tenders fell into our hands, one they set on fire, but our people boarded it and extinguished the flames. The Enemy burnt two small vessels, and the night following, a very large ship, supposed to be the Dunmore, for she was very much damaged, having received four 18 pound shot through her sides and a double-headed one through her stern which raked her. Her mate was killed, a sailor had his arm taken off, and Lord Dunmore had his leg wounded by this shot. The fleet has sailed from the island, which we are in quiet possession of. From their works and preparations for others, and stocks of cattle left on the island, it is evident they left it much against their inclination and long before they expected it. We found 150 graves and 12 dead negroes lying in the open air. They have had a dreadful fever amongst them, and the small-pox, I with our army may not catch the infection. The Roebuck was at the mouth of Rappahannock. The Fowey and Otter did not choose to come to the assistance of the Dunmore, which unfortunately for her, had changed station with the Otter, and by this means came into the jaws of our battery which was concealed.—We did not lose a man."
Dr. William Shippen, junr. is appointed by the Hon. Congress, Surgeon General and Director of the hospital for the Flying Camp.
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
Resolved, That the Board of War be empowered to employ such a number of persons as they shall find necessary to manufacture Flints for the Continent; and for this purpose to apply to the respective Assemblies, Conventions, and Councils or Committees of safety of the United American States, or Committees of Inspection of the counties & Towns thereto belonging, for the names and places of abode of persons skilled in the manufactory aforesaid, and of the places in their respective States where the best Flint Stones are to be obtained with samples of the same.
By Order of Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President.
NEW-YORK, July 25.
By the last account we had of the two men of war that lately went up the North river, they then lay in Haverstraw Bay, their tenders cruising about; last Saturday one of them went near the fort, upon which our people fired a 32 pounder at her, which went through her quarter, when she tacked about, and stood down the river. Some time after, they landed a party of their men at Peck's Kill, set fire to a wheat-field, and burnt the house of Mr. John Lilly; a number of the militia were soon collected, who attacked and killed seven of them, without any loss on our side.
Extract of a letter from an officer at Fort George, to his friend an officer in New-York, July 14.
"I never, never knew the fatigue of a campaign until I arrived at Canada. The most shocking scenes that ever appeared in a camp were constantly exhibited to view. When General Sullivan arrived in Canada, the army was torn in pieces by sickness and other unaccountable occurrences. A whole regiment was not to be found together: General Sullivan with his usual activity and alertness collected together a debilitated, dispirited army; tried the strength of the enemy, who were at least four to one, and performed one of the most remarkable retreats that was ever known. No person who was not present can conceive a tenth part of the difficulties attending it; the enemy at our heels, 3000 of our men sick with the small-pox—those who were most healthy like so many walking apparitions.—All our baggage, stores and artillery to be removed, officers as well as men all employed in hauling cannon, &c. Our batteaus loaded were all moved up the rapids six miles, one hundred of them were towed by our wearied men, up to their armpits in water.—This was performed in one day and a half; our sick and baggage all safely landed at St. John's and from thence at Crown-Point, with the loss of only three cannon, which were but poor ones. All this was accomplished, thro' the

amazing exertions of General Sullivan, who performed what appeared to be almost impossible to have been done by mortal man! He is now on his way to New-York.
Wednesday several ships to the number of about sixteen or twenty, part of the fleet at Staten-Island, got under way and stood thro' the Narrows, but we have not been able to get any certain intelligence of their destination. Some conjecture they are bound to the Eastward, to attempt an entrance through the sound; should that be the case, it affords us pleasure to think we are in a fit condition there also to give them a suitable reception.
Since our last, several of our late King's ships from the fleet at Staten Island sailed thro' the Narrows towards Sandy Hook; and it is generally believed, they are gone to the Sound to stop the communication between the New-England States and this.
WAR OFFICE , Philadelphia, July 6, 1776. ALL persons in the United American States who are able to inform the Congress of any quantities of Flint Stone, or of any persons who are skilled in the manufacture of Flints, are requested to apply in person, or by letter, to the board of War and Ordnance, at the War Office, in Market-street, near the corner of Fourth street.---All printers of newspapers in the several States are desired to insert this advertisement.
RICHARD PETERS, jun. Sec'y.
Extract of a letter from Williamsburg, July 4.
"Our convention is not yet broke up; they have appointed PATRICK HENRY, Governor, and chosen a Council of eight members, which is to be the executive power; the legislative power consists of two branches, one consisting of a House of Burgesses or Delegates, the other consists of 24 members called Senators, to be chosen by the Freeholders as soon as the colony is laid out in districts; the House of Burgesses to be elected as customary. Governor not to continue more than three years, and annually elected."
NEW - HAVEN , July 10.
Governor Franklin is stationed at Wallingford as a Prisoner.
The Continental Congress have recommended to the legislatures of the several United Colonies to pass laws for punishing all those who shall counterfeit, aid or abet in counterfeiting the continental bills of credit, or who shall pass any bill in payment, knowing the same to be counterfeited.
HARTFORD July 15.
Last Week about 150 Tories in the Nine partners and Places adjacent, rose in a body, fell upon the Sons of Liberty there, disarmed them, and took Possession of the committee chamber; but were quelled by a party of near 3000 Men from the Western Parts of this Colony, and about 20 of their Number taken and confined in prison.
HARTFORD , July 29.
The following is a true state of the situation of the Northern Army, with respect to the Small Pox.
"All infected with said disorder are removed to Fort George---the main body of the army is now at Ticonderoga, at which place a stand is to be made. The greatest care is taken to prevent the further spreading of that fatal disorder, as the Generals have taken every precaution necessary, and have left no infected person with the main body, which together with the stations assigned for the two battalions now raised in this colony for the northern army, viz. at Skeensborough and the east side of Ticonderoga, will effectually render the campaign safe as to the above disorder.
"N. B. The health of the army is much recruiting. Provisions now are plenty, both fresh and salt."
BOSTON , Thursday, August 2.
Yesterday was observed here as a day of public Humiliation, fasting and prayer.
We have the Pleasure to inform the Public that such has been the Dexterity of the Select Men, &c. in carrying the Small Pox through this Town, that Leave is now given to persons lately visited with that distemper, to go into the Country, after ob-
taining a Certificate therefor, agreeable to an Act passed the last Session of the General Court, for that Purpose.
Last Friday Mr. Joseph Austin, an ingenious Armourer in the Detachment of the Continental Army stationed in this Town, was fatally wounded by the Discharge of a Musquet sent for Repair, loaded with a Ball & Buck Shot, of which wound he died last Tuesday Evening.
Friday last was taken to the Eastward of Mount Desert, by two Whalemens, and last Wednesday sent in here, a large Schooner of 160 Tons, from Jamaica bound to Halifax, laden with Rum, Sugar, Pimenta, &c. She, it is said was formerly owned in Salem.
Last Lord's Day was carried into Marblehead, the Ship Peggy, commanded by James Kennedy, mounts six 3 and two 2-pounders, bound for New-York, taken by the armed Vessels Hancock, Capt. Tucker, and the Franklin, Capt. Skimmer. She is one of the Fleet of 34 Sail, who, it is said, by those that were taken in her, came out with transports, under convoy of two men of war, the Renown of 50 and the Flora of 20 guns, having on board a number of troops. The cargo consists of 75 doz. hose, 180 yards Irish sheeting, 2 boxes cord, 74 doz. porter, 83 doz. strong beer, 311 tierces salted beef, 6 barrels herring, 24 camp kettles, 5 doz. canteens, 2 doz. kettles with covers, candlesticks and spoons, 2648 mutton hams, 50 doz. Rappée snuff, 100 gallons of rum, 3884 yards oznabrigs, 12 and and half doz. claret, 4 barrels flour, 2 kegs barley, 230 doz. red port wine, 50 doz. Sherry, 53 doz white port wine, 16 doz. strong beer, amounting to £. 1509 1 9 sterling, and some cash. Also the following Tory gentlemen and ladies, viz. Patrick Reed, Thomas Frazier, Robert Semple, & and wife, Elizabeth Burns, and John Burns, Abigail Pecit, Thomas Semple, & the pious Benjamin Davis and son, Thomas Pamp, & John Whitehead. The Privateer Warren, Capt. Burk, engaged with another of the fleet, & near taking her, when by some accident she had three of her men blown up & seven wounded, which obliged them to put into port.
The above Tories were brought to Town in a Marblehead Schooner on Monday morning, and escorted up to Gaol;---they inform that they left Halifax the 4th July; that they sailed in Company with 3 Transports with Hessian Troops bound to New-York; and that the Day they left Halifax, they saw a fleet of 40 Sail, which they supposed to be Transports with Hessian Troops.
PORTSMOUTH.
By an Express from Falmouth last Evening, we are inform'd, that Capt. White the Day before, in a privateer, had arriv'd there, having 40 men on board, with the particulars of the following prizes he had taken, viz. The Brig Fanny, 130 Hhds Rum from Antigua,---Sloop Betty, 150 Hhds Rum, and a Brig from Antigua, for Liverpool, with 230 Hhds Rum---Brig Harlequin from Nevis for London, 273 Hhds Sugar, & 65 Hhds of Rum.---Ship Polly, from Antigua, 450 Hhds Rum, 12 Hhds Sugar. Ship Anna Maria, 495 Hhds Sugar, & 52 Pipes of Wine, and some Bails of Cotton, carried into Falmouth. The Captain also took a seventh Vessel, which he gave the Prisoners,---Capt. Lear, and Capt. Hoply Yeaton, of this Town, we hear, are on Board one of the Vessels, which put into Towns End at the Eastward.
HANOVER July 26. 1776.
ON the 24th of this inst. was held a private commencement at Dartmouth College, five weeks before the usual time, on account of the situation of our publick affairs.
The Trustees were well satisfied, as to the qualifications of the following gentlemen who received the honours of the College, viz.
Messrs Abel Curtis, Experience Estabrook, Caleb Jewet, Silas Little, Stephen March, Ebenezer Mattoon, Jonathan Sherburne, Samuel Sherburne, Solomon Walcutt, Eleazer Wheelock Junr. James Wheelock, Levi Willard, Bachelors of Arts:---and Messrs. Stephen Davis, James Dean, Emerson Foster, David Huntington, Joseph Grover, and John Smith, Masters of Arts.
And these may certify, that those, who intend to offer themselves as candidates for admission into College this year, may be examined by the president and tutors before, or at the end of vacation, which will be the 9th day of September next, and tho' there have been various alarming reports from apprehensions of a northern invasion on our frontiers; yet, by repeated and credible accounts, it appears, that there is no more immediate danger, than in other parts of the continent; but, that the students may pursue their studies, without any molestation or concern from that quarter.
We hear two men of war now lay near Amboy, in order 'tis supposed to stop all navigation that way.
Mr. Printer,
Please to put the following in your useful paper and you'll Oblige a number of your Customers.
As there has been industriously propagated in the Country a report that prevailed in this town a few days since of Hon. Mark H. Wentworth's giving one hundred Dollars towards the Incouragement of enlisting Soldiers lately raised in this Town, this is therefore to inform the Public that said report, was totally void of any Foundation whatever.
QUIBUS
Colony of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss.
A LIBEL is filed before me, in behalf of the United Colonies, and of the Officers, Marines and Mariners of the continental armed vessels, Hancock, Lee, and Lynch, against the Brigantine named the Elizabeth, about 140 tons burthen, commanded by Peter Ramsey; retaken and brought into the Port of Piscataqua in the County of Rockingham, which vessel is said, to have been taken from Richard Hart of Portsmouth, Merchant, late owner thereof, by some armed vessels belonging to the British fleet, and detained in their possession more than 96 hours, and was at the time of her recapture, carrying her cargo to and for the use of the fleet & army employed against the United American Colonies.
For the trial of this recapture, the Court maritime for said colony, will be held at the court-house in Portsmouth on Tuesday the 20th day of August 1776, at 10 o'clock A. M. of which this notice is given pursuant to the law of said colony, that the owner of the vessel retaken as aforesaid, or any persons concerned in vessel or cargo, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the said vessel, with her cargo and appurtenances, should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT Judge of said Court.
Portsmouth July 12, 1776.
N. B. Persons claiming the whole, or any part, either as owners, or captors of any vessel taken & libelled must by law file their claims before the Judge of said court, five days before the day of trial. And all Libels against any vessel taken and brought into this colony before the 3d of July inst. must be filed within 20 days from that time, or such claimants, or libellants will be barred from exhibiting such claims or libels after the periods aforesaid.
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ON Wednesday the 7th Instant, at 10 O'clock A. M. Sundry Household FURNITURE, will be sold at Auction, at the house of Mr. NATHANIEL FOLSOM, Innholder, the same may be seen at the place for sale the day preceding.
A BAY MARE, with a black main and tail, was left at the Globe Tavern, on the Plains in this town; the person who left her has not since been heard of. The owner is desired to call for said mare, and pay the charge of keeping and advertizing her.
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THE birds, upon a time not nam'd, Against the beasts a war proclaim'd ; And threatn'd from their airy station, Plunder, and blood, and devastation, By fire, and sword, and quick invasion. The beasts appell'd to Council go, For ways and means to ward the blow, And humble the insulting foe.
At length a brute of penetration, Rever'd and lov'd by all the nation, After long harangue made a motion, For strong alliance with the ocean. "Invite (quoth he) the fish to treaty, Or else the birds will surely beat ye ; But with the herrings kind assistance, You'll make no doubt a good resistance: To such a force the birds must yield, And we shall drive them from the field. The motion pleas'd—they give assent, The Envoy on the errand went ; The treaty's sign'd, the herrings granted, Their friends the succors which they wanted, For which, in full consideration, They made, without a limitation, Their terms for coin and navigation. The feathered host advances made ; The beasts call in the fish to aid.
The fish reply'd, that they were there, But not indeed prepar'd for war ; And—that they could not understand, Who could expect their aid on land : They made the league with great good-will, With true intention to fulfill ; But could not take a resolution, Which must effect their Constitution ; And therefore beg'd the beasts excuse, If they their succours should refuse.
The fable teaches to beware Of false dependencies in war, Of faithless treaties, treach'rous friends, Who seek alone their private ends, Who would betray the common cause, To gain a tyrant's vile applause ; Or, brib'd by fair and sordid gold, Have liberty and conscience sold.
Quem Deus Vult perdere, primus dementat: Whom God means to destroy, he first permits to act like madmen.
GOD forbid, that the foregoing proverb should be verified in any colony of the United States of America, and is here only quoted to shew the danger those men are exposed to, who are governed by no principles of reason or equity, and in the conduct of their affairs act so much like madmen, as to become obnoxious to the Deity.
We are now struggling for the preservation of our sacred and inestimable Rights as FREEMEN, we are jeopardizing our lives in defence of these rights, and have a powerful and great nation to oppose, who are aiming at reducing us to servility. The contest is sharp, bloody, and distressing on both sides; and the most unnatural that history can produce, and amidst this din and clashing of arms, we yet experience oppression among ourselves, and what adds to our distress is, we cannot stop the career of our unbounded avarice, as we are at a loss to know who to begin with : the cry seems to be, He that is without fault, let him cast the first stone ; the Oppression which I would mean to point out, is the extravagant and unreasonable prices of all kinds of merchandize both in town and country—Commerce is now become an act of Phrenzy. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof , if we are not supplied to day with what we shall want for the morrow, tomorrow changes the scene, and a different price is put on every species of merchandize, and this conduct runs thro' every class of traders, throughout the continent, and the mischief, or more properly
the disease seems incurable, and we are told, it must be borne with: Absurd and preposterous is such reasoning, and argues infatuation more than any thing I ever heard of, to say these matters cannot be helped, is in my opinion as much as to say, that, virtue honesty and integrity must yield to baseness, avarice and extortion, I could paint in lively colours the consequences of this conduct, but I shall forbear least I should rouse the indignation and resentment of the people who being thus irritated should proceed to acts of violence and riot, which never answers any good purposes but distraction, discord and subversion of government.
Extremes are said to require extremes, which if true in respect to the natural, why will not the same reason hold good in the political body— What is the cause of our extreme opposition to the ministry of Great Britain, but their extreme oppression of us ? and wherever oppression appears, it should be discouraged in it's beginning.— obsta principiis is an excellent maxim in all matters of grievances. As a remedy for the ills of which we now complain, I would purpose that government should stipulate the prices of all the necessaries of life pro rata to the plentiful seasons in the country, and all West India goods pro rata to the risque added to the former prices, before the prohibitory act of the British Parliament took place ; and English goods at an advance within reason, and all persons not conforming to the orders of Government to have their shops shut up. There is no doubt but we shall have a plentiful supply of West India goods from the French Islands which with the captures of English sugar ships, will reduce the price of things greatly, but it is a work of time that a regular channel should be opened for that purpose ; in the mean time I would propose that every town that inclines would each one fit out a vessel for the West Indies, and load them with boards, staves, hoops, shingles and horses, and therewith supply themselves with salt, sugar, cotton and coffee, and let every man in such towns have only a proportionable part of the returns.; by this means they ship off a number of horses that can be well spared, and they may have the property insured if they incline, and in three or four months their immediate wants may be supplied till another voyage may be made, and in six months, they will have every thing at their own price. This plan is so obvious that it requires no great capacity to execute it. By this means the poor will be assisted, and the credit of our currency supported, which is now depreciating beyond all reason, by the gross impositions of all concerned in trade.
RATIONALIS.
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) June 29.
This day PATRICK HENRY, Esq ; was chosen Governor of this county, and a committee appointed to acquaint him therewith ; to which he returned the following answer to the Convention.
To the Honourable President and House of Convention.
Gentlemen, "THE vote of this day, appointing me Governor of this Commonwealth, has been notified to me in the most polite and obliging manner, by George Mason, Henry Lee, Dudley Digges, John Blair, and Bartholomew Dandridge, Esquires.
"A sense of the high and unmerited honour conferred upon me by the Convention fills my heart with gratitude, which I trust my whole life will manifest. I take this earliest opportunity to express my thanks, which
I wish to convey to you, Gentlemen, in the strongest terms of acknowledgment.
"When I reflect that the tyranny of the British King and Parliament hath kindled a formidable war, now raging throughout this wide extended continent, and in the operation of which this commonwealth must bear so great a part ; and that, from the events of this war, the lasting happiness, or misery, of a great proportion of the human species will finally result ; that, in order to preserve this commonwealth from anarchy, and its attendant ruin, and to give vigour to our councils, and effect to all our measures, government hath been necessarily assumed, and new modelled ; that it is exposed to numberless hazards and perils in its infantine state ; that it can never attain to maturity, or ripen into firmness, unless it is guarded by affectionate assiduity, and managed by great abilities ; I lament my want of talents ; I feel my mind filled with anxiety and uneasiness to find myself so unequal to the duties of that important station to which I am called by favour of my fellow citizens, at this truly critical conjuncture. The errors of my conduct shall be atoned for, so far as I am able, by unwearied endeavours to secure the freedom and happiness of our common country.
"I shall enter upon the duties of my office whenever you, Gentlemen, shall be pleased to direct ; relying upon the known wisdom and virtue of your Honourable House to supply my defects, and to give permanency and success to that system of government which you have formed, and which is so wisely calculated to secure equal liberty, and advance human happiness.
I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, your most obedient, And very humble servant, Williamsburg. P. HENRY, jun. June 29, 1776.
Colony of NOTICE is hereby given to all persons interested in Lot No. 8, in the second division of the Stated Commons in York aforesaid, that Samuel Shaw has petitioned to have his seven shares in said lot that lies in common, to be divided, and set off to him to hold in severality.
So likewise notice is given to those interested in lot No. 6, in the same 2d division, that Samuel Freethy has petitioned to have his 13 shares in the said lot No. 6, which lies in common to be divided and set off to him, to hold in severality, of both which this notice is given to the end that if any person has ought to say why the prayer of the said petitioners should not be granted they may be heard touching the same, at the superior court to be held in Boston (or Braintree) in the county of Suffolk, on the last Tuesday of August next, to which time the consideration of said petitions are refer'd.
By order of the Justices of the Superior Court at York, June 25, 1776. 8—11
THE Select-men hereby notify the public that a Smoak-house is erected at the Great Swamp, where it is expected all persons coming from places infected with the Small Pox will stop to be properly smoaked and cleaned from infection, and that no traveller coming from any infected place will presume to enter this town by any other way. Portsmouth July 24, 1776. 10—12
TO BE LETT A LARGE commodious BRICK HOUSE in York, that has been for many years improv'd as a Tavern, countenanced and encouraged by the judges and officers of the courts, and well situated for the reception of travellers.—Any person inclining to hire said house may treat with Nathaniel Sparhawk, Esq; of Kittery, and meet with due encouragement. 10—12
Clean Linnen R A G S
Taken in at the Printing-Office.