New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-05-21 00:00:00

THE New - Hampshire Gazette OR, State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, May 21, 1781.
[ No. 1281. ]
The following ACT was passed by the General Assembly of this State, April 6th, 1781. Additional TREASON ACT.
An Act in addition to an Act of this State, entitled an Act against Treason, and Misprison of Treason, and for regulating TRIALS in such Cases, and for directing the Mode of executing Judgments against Persons convicted of those Crimes: And also in Addition to an Act entitled an Act for preventing and punishing such Offences against the State, as do not amount to Treason, or Misprison of Treason.
WHEREAS the aforesaid Acts do not answer the good and salutary Ends for which they were designed: and it appears necessary that some further Provision should be made: Therefore, BE IT ENACTED By the COUNCIL and HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES, in GENERAL ASSEMBLY convened, and by the Authority of the same, it is hereby enacted, That if any Person who is a Citizen or Subject of this State, or of any of the United States of America, residing within this State, and under the protection of its laws, shall adhere to the enemies of this State, or of the said United States, and in any manner afford them aid and comfort within this State, or elsewhere; or shall by writing profess or declare that the King of Great Britain hath or of right ought to have any authority or dominion in and over this State, or the inhabitants thereof, or that he or they owe allegiance to the said King within the same: or shall seduce or persuade any inhabitant or inhabitants of this State, to renounce his or their allegiance to this State, & the government thereof, as a free & independent State, or to acknowledge allegiance or subjection to the King or Crown of Great Britain, and be thereof convicted, shall be adjudged guilty of high treason against this State and be put to death.
And be it further enacted, That if any person who is a citizen or subject of this State, or any of the United States of America, residing within this State, and under the protection of its laws, shall by words profess or declare that the King hath, or of right ought to have any authority or dominion in and over this State, or the inhabitants thereof; or that he or they owe allegiance to said King within the same; or shall attempt to endeavour to seduce or persuade any inhabitant or inhabitants of this State to renounce his or their allegiance to this State, or the government thereof, as a free and independent State; or to acknowledge subjection or allegiance to the King or Crown of Great Britain, and be thereof convicted, shall suffer imprisonment in some goal within this State, during the continuance of the present war.
And be it further enacted, That any subject of this State, or any of the United States of America, who have joined, or shall hereafter join the enemies of this State, or put themselves under the power and protection of the said enemies who shall come into this State, and rob or plunder any person or persons of their goods or effects; or shall burn any dwelling house or other building, or be aiding or assisting therein, shall not be considered and treated as prisoners of war; but being convicted thereof before the Superior Court, or before a general Court Martial, shall suffer death, or be otherwise punished by being whipped thirty nine stripes
and confined in some goal within the State during the continuance of the present war, (as the Court before whom the conviction is had on consideration of the circumstances and aggravations of the offence) shall judge just and reasonable. And that every conviction or any of the aforesaid crimes, shall work a forfeiture to this State of all the estate real and personal of the person or persons so convicted.
BOSTON, May 14.
We hear that three or four of the enemy's boats, manned with pillagers, lately made their appearance on the coast of Martha's Vineyard and ports adjacent. An intimation of their design having been received at Falmouth between 20 and 30 volunteers immediately entered on board a small sloop lying in that harbour, of which Col. Basset took the command—To deceive the enemy wood was piled on each side of the deck, and the men lay concealed between it, and only three appeared to navigate the vessel. The piratical boats, humorously called in part of the country, shaving mills, discovering the sloop, eagerly made towards her. Col. Basset stood at helm in the appearance of a common coaster; upon an order given from the boats to the sloop to strike, the Col. and the two men who appeared on deck, feigned a surprize and terror, till the robbers approached so near as to be entirely under the command of the sloop. They were ordered in their turn to surrender; instead of which, they fired into the sloop without effect. Instantly the men that had been concealed on board the sloop, rose and discharged their muskets into the boats, killing one, and mortally wounded three of the enemy; upon which they surrendered. A boat at a greater distance from the sloop than the rest, made its escape to the island of Nashaw, where the enemy concealed themselves for some time. An hunting match was beat up, and the men and the boat soon taken. Such a reception it is imagined, will cool the ardor of the British robbers in making such excursions in quest of grist for their shaving-mills.
The French Frigate, la Astrae, commanded by M. Delaperouse, lately returned to this harbour, after a short cruise to the Eastward; she convoyed some stores that were much needed in that quarter of the State, and has brought in here a number of piratical prisoners who have inhumanly pillaged some poor defenceless settlers in that part of the State.
Upwards 300 American prisoners have lately been impressed from the prison ships in New York, to man the British navy there.
We hear a number of transports, with troops on board, sailed from New York the week before last.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman of note in Holland dated Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 1781,
"You have already no doubt been surprized, or will be, when you hear that England, who must for some time past, have fought more from despair than from any rational hopes of conquering her enemies should have been so fool hardy as to declare war to our republic; they have taken many of our merchant vessels, unapprised, in a piratical manner; but we hope the day of retribution is now at hand, from the assistance of the Northern Powers of the armed neutrality,—which will, we think, greatly contribute in humbling that haughty Power
whose iniquitous conduct, for some time past, has rather made it a losing game to Britain. We flatter ourselves it will now be the part of American bravery to extirpate her forces from the Western Continent; whilst we hope the United Powers that fight against Britain in Europe, will shortly compel her to give up her ambitious claims, and compel her to yield to those equitable laws dictated by the Mighty Catharine and allies, whom we hope soon to see hail the American Independence.
May the union of your States with ours grow the stronger by our having made a joint cause of it against the common enemy: and may we both soon enjoy the fruits of it, by a mutually advantageous commerce, secured by a speedy and lasting peace."
Yesterday arrived in port Capt. Porter, in 27 days from France.
By the last letters and accounts brought us by the several vessels just arrived from Europe we find, That the treatment the Dutch have received from the British Court, so contrary to justice and all the laws of civilized nations makes no small impression upon the minds of all Europe: That the Dutch are not all discouraged by the captures the British have made from them, but are every where taking spirited measures, and have a firm reliance on the assistance of the Northern Powers: That they have already made many reprisals in the English channel. Some letters, that mention accounts from Amsterdam so late as the 8th of March, say, That the Empress of Russia held the sword in one hand to Britain, & the olive branch in the other; that before she entered into the war, she chose to offer her mediation for a peaceable settlement: That Britain, which depended upon the immediate submission of the Dutch upon her late violent measures, but being disappointed, began to grow very serious herself, had accepted the mediation of Russia. That the Emperor of Germany was to be joined in the mediation; and one letter says, the conferences were to open at Vienua; another letter mentions Antwerp as the place of negotiation. But whether Britain really intends an accommodation agreeable to the views of the European Powers, or only amuse and retard the operations of those Powers, time will discover.
Extract of a letter from Camp, dated April 24, 1781.
"No news from Gen. Green, except that he has given up the chace, as Lord Cornwallis understands retreating full as well as the advancing. Genl Morgan has recovered from illness and is marching to join Gen. Green with one thousand five hundred militia."
Last Thursday arrived a brig from France after a passage of 36 days—By this vessel we are informed, that a fleet, making upwards of 100 sail have actually sailed from France—That it was generally supposed to be destined to America and the West Indies 15 sail of the line, and a considerable body of land forces it is said, were bound to the former.
Saturday last arrived in this harbour a prize brig of twenty 12 (iron) and 16 4 pounders (brass cannon besides two cohorns, with 112 forced out at Guernsey: She was in concert with a ship of 32 guns which was also taken and was soon expected to arrive.
From the Southward we learn that Cornwallis is got at Wilmington, with 1500 men and about that number of sick, lazy, tired, and deserters, fell into our hands; & Greene,

hath marched to the Southward on some secret important expedition.
Friday last arrived at Marblehead, a prize brig of twelve four pounders, laden with provisions, bound from Liverpool for New York taken by the Pilgrim. Extract of a letter from Amiens, dated Feb. 6, 1781, to a gentleman in Philadelphia.
"When you left France, you knew the arrival of M. de Gutchen at Cadiz, having under his convoy about 100 sail, and that Count d'Estaing was to take the command of the combined fleet, which is composed of seventy one ships of the line, thirty eight French and thirty three Spanish, which sailed with Count D'Estaing as far as the Capes and then retired to Cadiz. Our fleet meeting with contrary wind; it was with difficulty the Count got safe into port the rich fleet under his convoy, two months after he had failed.
"Twenty two English ships of the line, commanded by Derbey, saw our fleet and fled before them. The English had failed to meet their rich East India fleet, which has not yet appeared, this piece of news that is now confirmed, will prevent that rich fleet from arriving safe, which is, that the De-Tronjolly, who commands our fleet at the island of Bourbon, has taken 12 vessels from that fleet which are valued at forty millions of livers, besides a 74 gun ship; many news papers confirm this intelligence, but it has not yet been mentioned in the French Gazette. The siege of Gibraltar is constantly going on, and some of the Spanish works are within 20 feet of the outworks of the place. Don Barcelo intercepts all the provisions; the besieged are reduced to half a ration and the governor is asking succour and provisions with impatience. It is said England is determined to send him some, escorted by 22 ships of the line, but Cadiz contains 40 ships of the line ready to sail and Count D'Estaing may also sail, at the first sight, with 24 sail of the line.
RICHMOND, April 21.
By an officer from the Southward, we are informed, that the garrison at Ninety-Six, which consisted of 90 regulars and about 300 Tories, had surrendered to Gen. Sumpter. The same gentleman also says, That Lord Rawden with about 400 regular troops, were stationed at Camden, and that Gen. Greene was on his march against that post, which it was expected would shortly fall into our hands.
BALTIMORE, April 24.
Paragraph from a correspondent.
"When the continental detachment under the command of the Major General the Marquis de la Fayette, went from Annapolis to the Head of Elk, the rear was brought up at a considerable distance from the main body, by two armed vessels. This circumstance induced two men on shore to mistake the armed ships for British; in consequence of which they came on board of that one where the Marquis was, and informed him that they belonged to the company who furnished the King's troops with provisions; adding, that a sloop was just ready, with supplies, in Gunpowder-Creek, and that they would serve on board as pilots to destroy the rebel property, and carry off some leaders. Upon this, Maj. M'Pherson was dispatched in a barge, who, after a tedious passage, & narrowly escaping with his life, arrived on shore, where he undeceived his guides, and took up a number of the gang, whose names he had obtain'd from their confederates. One of these Fellows, we learn, has been hanged as a spy; the other shot in attempting to make his escape, and a number of names given up to the civil authority, from whom it is hoped some capital information may be obtained."
The last accounts from North Carolina mention, that Lord Cornwallis, & his army, had reached Wilmington, on Cape-Fear river, about 30 miles from the sea, and that General Green and his Forces, were on their way towards Camden, and other British posts, in South Carolina.
Two thousand British, Irish, & American seamen, were taken by Admiral Rodney, at
St. Eustatius, the most of whom were compelled to serve on board the fleet under his command.
The Marquis de la Fayette's division of continental troops have left Elk Ridge landing, where they have been encamped for several days past, & are now on their march to join the southern army.
A Dutch 60 gun ship, it is said, lately arrived at Martinico from Holland, and carried into that island a British Frigate, and another vessel belonging to the same nation.
PHILADELPHIA, May 2.
The papers received yesterday from the southward, contain many accounts of the depredations committed by the British Forces in Chesapeake bay. Their chief employment appears to be in the destruction of property, both public & private, and in distressing, as much as possible, all who appear to take any part in the defence of their country. Letters from that quarter say, that a considerable Force had taken possession of Alexandria, where they were entrenching. Want of time and room obliges us to omit the horrid tales of British barbarity.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of information in Europe, dated Feb. 22, 1781, to his Correspondent in this City.
"I have for some time deferred writing, in hopes of having it in my power to give you more distinct information of the actual situation of affairs in Europe, at this important crisis, when its attention is turned to the conduct of the Empress of Russia and the armed neutrality. It would seem, that if the Empress doth not openly declare against England, she will at all events protect the Dutch commerce, and this may speedily terminate in open hostilities. The republican party in Holland are in good spirits. Zealand hath dropped the opposition it made to hostile measures; so that at present there is unanimity in the States on that interesting point. The troops from England for America and the East Indies, were embarked and embarking the last of the past month. They consist of 3 or 4000 men, recruits included, and of Fullerton's and another ragged regiment, to use the words of my informant. The greater part of these, it is supposed, are destined to the East Indies, & Commodore Johnstone is named by the public to command an expedition, which is to attack the Cape of Good Hope on its passage. Stocks have fallen considerably since the Dutch war, not less than two and an half and three per cent. The subscriptions for the loans of the present year it is generally believed, will be paid in slowly. The Spanish squadron of 30 sail of the line is at sea; that of the English, it is supposed, will sail about this period of time."
LIME, on the New-Hampshire Grants, East side of Connecticut River.
Whereas a Tax is assessed on the following Rights of land in the Township of Lime, pursuant to one vote passed at their meeting held in Lime, April 6, 1780, to raise seven shillings on each original Right, with other incidental charges, in the propriety of Lime aforesaid, to pay the committee for laying out one hundred acre lot to each Right in each propriety, in the fourth division; said money to be paid in Wheat at five shillings per bushel.
The proprietors Names are as follows, viz.
John Nelson, Merchant. John Tomas, Seth Shaw, Barnard McNitt, Thomas Mc Cleithen, Stephen Hatch, Thomas Westbrook Waldron, James Brown, Robert Hunter, Timothy Mackelwein, Stores Pain, William Lament, Noah Tomson, William Mc Nitt, Thomas Johnson, William Spear, M: H. Wentworth, John Nelson, John Clark, Thomas Wentworth, John Ley, Benning Wentworth, Thomas Warren, Nathaniel Dows, John Bertholomew, Robert Breton, Frances Lament, John Hurd, Esq; Robert Brown, Benjamin Tomson, James Mc Nitt, David Shaw, jr. Thomas Johnson, junr. James Lament, John Alen Mackelwein, John Cutts, George Fernald, John Lebbey, John Wentworth, John Langdon, Thomas Peverly, Captain Thomas Martin, Edward Byres, John Green, William Shaw, William McClenithan.
This is therefore to Notify said proprietors, that unless they pay said Taxes to me the subscriber, at my Dwelling House in Lime, by the first day of July next, their lands will be advertised for sale, to pay said taxes, with incidental charges. John Tomson, Collector.
Said Tax is seven Pound eight pence on each Right. Lime, March 23. 1781.
The Remarkable Fast sailing SHIP, ALEXANDER,
THOMAS SIMPSON, Commander, Mounting Twenty GUNS on one Deck, NINE POUNDERS.
Her intended Complement, One Hundred and Forty Men, Officers and Boys included. Now lying at Mr. Moffatt's Wharfe, compleatly fitted, with every Sort of Stores for a three Months Cruise, which is to commence at the Time of her sailing, and to end on her Return, at the Expiration of the Term above mentioned: most of her Officers and Men are already engaged. Those who are inclined to enter on board her, are requested to apply to the Officers attending her Rendezvous, at the House of Mr. Benjamin Chandler, near Sherburne's Wharfe, where they'll find good Encouragement.
Portsmouth, May 12, 1781.
***** [NEW-DURHAM.]
THE Proprietors of NEW-DURHAM, are hereby Notified, that the Meeting of said Proprietors, which was called to be held in said Town, on the 17th Day of April last, stands adjourned to Tuesday the 5th Day of JUNE next, to meet at the Meeting-House, at two o'clock P. M. May 8. 1781: Thomas Tash, Proprietor's Cl. *****
LIME, on the New-Hampshire Grants, East side of Connecticut-River.
Whereas a Tax is assessed on the following Rights of land in the Township of Lime aforesaid, pursuant to one vote passed at their meeting held in Lime the 26th of October 1779, to raise Four hundred and fifty pounds in Continental money, to defray the charges of clearing and making Roads in the Town of Lime & the said money to be paid as good as it was when the vote was passed.
The proprietors Names are as follows, viz.
John Nelson, merchant, John Tomas, Seth Shaw, Barnard McNitt, Thomas Mc Cleithen, Stephen Hatch, Thomas Westbrook Waldron, James Brown, Robert Hunter, Timothy Mackelwein, Stores Pain, William Lament, Noah Tomson, William Mc Nitt, Thomas Johnson, William Spear, Mark Hunting Wentworth, John Nelson, John Clark, Thomas Wentworth, John Ley, Benning Wentworth, Thomas Warren, Nathaniel Dows, John Bertholomew, Robert Breton, Frances Lament, John Hurd, Esq; Robert Brown, Benjamin Tomson, James Mc Nitt, David Shaw, junr. Thomas Johnson, junr. James Lament, John Alen Mackelwein, John Cutts, George Fernald, John Lebbey, John Wentworth, John Langdon, Thomas Peverly, Captain Thomas Martin, Edward Byres, John Green, William Shaw, William McClenithan.
This is therefore to Notify said proprietors, that unless they pay said Taxes to me the subscriber, at my Dwelling House in Lime, by the first day of July next, their lands will be advertised for sale, to pay said taxes, with incidental charges. John Tomson, Collector.
Lime, March 23, 1780:
Taken up between Newbury and Portsmouth, a Leather Pocket-Book, with a Sum of MONEY in it, and a Number of valuable Papers—The Owner proving his Property, and paying Charges, may have it again, by applying to Moses Safford of Old York.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, to the non-resident proprietors of unimproved land in the town of EFFINGHAM, in the county of Strafford, in the State of New-Hampshire, that so much of the following lots of land in the town of EFFINGHAM, and State aforesaid, as will pay the State and Continental TAX for the year 1780, with incidental charges, will be sold by Publick VENDUE, on the 13th Day of JUNE next, at the Dwelling House of Captain John Leavitt, Innholder in said Effingham The Vendue will begin at Ten of the Clock in the Forenoon, unless paid before said time.
   Names. No. Names. No.     Levi Dearborn, 46 Jonathan Drake 66   Saml. Robie Fogg 81 Ezekiel Russel 33   Abraham Towle 85 Joshua Towle, jr. 82 & 48   John Wingate 34 Jonathan Wedgwood 29   David Wedgwood 57 James Wedgwood 19 & 57   Isaac Marston, 4 David Marston 30   Thomas Marston 39 Sally and March 38   James Marston 48 Josiah Marston 61   Jedediah Prescott 68 John Ringe 3  
Effingham, May 2d 1781.
Carr Leavitt, Collector.