The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1775-07-11 00:00:00

THE New-Hampshire AND HISTORICAL CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES
Vol. XIX. GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
TUESDAY JULY 11, 1775.
No. 977 } Weeks since this Paper } was first publish'd.
CAMBRIDGE, July 6, 1775.
LAST Sabbath came to Town from Philadelphia, his Excellency George Washington, Esq; appointed by the Continental Congress, General and Commander in Chief of the American Forces, and was received with every Testimony of Respect due to a Gentleman of his real Worth and elevated Dignity. His Excellency was accompanied by the Hon. Charles Lee, Esq; and a Number of other Gentlemen.
The Continental Congress have also appointed the Hon. Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam, Esquires, Major Generals, and Horatio Gates, Esq; Adjutant General, of the American Army.
The following Address was presented to his Excellency General Washington and the Hon. Major General Lee.
To his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq; General and Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.
May it please your Excellency, THE Congress of the Massachusetts Colony, impressed with every Sentiment of Gratitude and Respect, beg Leave to congratulate you on your safe Arrival: and to wish you all imaginable Happiness and Success, in the Execution of the important Duties of your elevated Station. While we applaud that Attention to the public Good, manifested in your Appointment, we equally admire that disinterested Virtue, and distinguished Patriotism, which alone could call you from those Enjoyments of domestic Life, which a sublime and manly taste, joined with a most affluent Fortune, can afford, to hazard your Life, and to endure the Fatigues of a War, in the Defence of the Rights of Mankind, and the Good of your Country.
The laudable Zeal for the common Cause of America, and Compassion for the Distresses of this Colony, exhibited by the great Dispatch made in your Journey hither fully justify the universal Satisfaction we have with Pleasure, observed on this Occasion; and are promising Presages that the great Expectations formed from your personal Character and military Abilities, are well founded.
We wish you may have found such Regularity and Discipline already established in the Army, as may be agreeable to your Expectation. The Hurry with which it was necessarily collected, and the many Disadvantages arising from a Suspension of Government, under which we have raised, and endeavoured to regulate the Forces of this Colony, have rendered it a Work of Time. And though in great Measure effected, the Completion of so difficult, and at the same Time so necessary a Task is reserved to your Excellency; and we doubt not will be properly considered and attended to.
We would not presume to prescribe to your Excellency, but supposing you would choose to be informed of the general Character of the Soldiers who compose this Army, beg Leave to represent, that the greatest Part of them have not before seen Service. And although naturally brave, and of good understanding, yet for Want of Experience in military Life, have but little Knowledge of divers Things most essential to the Preservation of Health, and even of Life. The Youth in the Army are not possessed of the absolute Necessity of Cleanliness in their Dress, and Lodging, continual Exercise, & strict Temperance, to preserve them from Diseases frequently prevailing in Camps; especially among those who, from their Childhood, have been used to a Laborious Life.
We beg leave to assure you, that this Congress will, at all Times be ready to attend to such Requisitions as you may have Occasion to make to us; & to contribute all the Aid in our Power, to the Cause of America, and your Happiness and Ease, in the Discharge of the Duties of your exalted Office.
We most fervently implore Almighty GOD, that the Blessings of divine Providence may rest on you; That your Head may be covered in the Day of Battle: That every necessary Assistance may be afforded; and that you may be long continued in Life and Health, a Blessing to Mankind.
His Excellency's Answer.
GENTLEMEN, YOUR kind Congratulations on my Appointment, and Arrival, demand my warmest acknowledgments, and will be retained in grateful Remembrance.
In exchanging the Enjoyments of domestic Life for the Duties of my present honorable but arduous Station, I only emulate the Virtue and publick Spirit of the whole Province of Massachusetts-Bay, which with a Firmness, and Patriotism without Example in modern History, has sacrificed all the Comforts of social and political Life, in Support of the Rights of Mankind, and the Welfare of our common Country. My highest Ambition is to be the happy Instrument of vindicating those Rights, and to see this devoted Province again restored to Peace, Liberty and Safety.
The Short Space of Time which has elapsed since my Arrival does not permit me to decide upon the State of the Army. The Course of Human Affairs forbids an Expectation, that Troops formed under such Circumstances, should at once possess the Order, Regularity and Discipline of Veterans. Whatever Deficiencies there may be, will I doubt not, soon be made up by the Activity and Zeal of the Officers, and the Docility and Obedience of the Men. These Qualities united with their native Bravery and Spirit will afford a happy Presage of Success, and put a final Period to those Distresses which now overwhelm this once happy Country.
I most sincerely thank you, Gentlemen, for your Declarations of Readiness at all Times to assist me in the Discharge of the Duties of my Station: they are so complicated and extended, that I shall need the Assistance of every good Man, and Lover of his Country; I therefore repose the utmost Confidence in your Aids. In Return for your affectionate Wishes to myself, permit me to say, that I earnestly implore that divine Being in whose Hands are all Human Events, to make you and your Constituents, as distinguished in private and public Happiness, as you have been by ministerial Oppression, by private and public Distress. GEO. WASHINGTON.
To the Honorable CHARLES LEE, Esq; Major General of the Continental Army.
SIR, THE Congress of the Massachusetts Colony, possessed of the fullest Evidence of your Attachment to the Rights of Mankind, and regard to the Distresses which America in general, and this Colony in particular, are involved in, by the impolitic, wicked and tyrannic System, adopted by Administration, and pursued with relentless and savage Fury, do, with Pleasure embrace this Opportunity to express the great Satisfaction and Gratitude they feel on your Appointment as a Major General in the American Army.
We sincerely congratulate you on your safe Arrival here, and wish you all possible Happiness and Success in the Execution of so important a Trust. We admire and respect the Character of a Man who, disregarding the Allurements of Profit and Distinction his Merit might procure, engages in the Cause of Mankind, in Defence of the Injured, and Relief of the Oppressed. From your Character, from your great Abilities and Military Experience, united with those of the Commander in Chief, under the Smiles of Providence, we flatter ourselves with the Prospect of Discipline & Order, Success and Victory.
Be assured, Sir, that it will give us great Pleasure to be able to contribute to your Happiness. May the Favours and Blessings of Heaven attend you. May divine Providence guard and protect you, conduct you in the Paths of Honour and Virtue, grant you the Reward of the brave and Virtuous, the Applauses of Mankind, and the Approbation of your own Conscience and eternal Happiness hereafter.
His Honour's Answer.
To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Massachusetts.
Gentlemen, NOTHING can be so flattering to me as the good Opinion and Approbation of the Delegates of a free and uncorrupt People. I was educated in the highest Reverence, for the Rights of Mankind, and have acquired a long Acquaintance, a most particular Regard for the People of America. You may depend therefore, Gentlemen, on my Zeal and Integrity. I can promise you nothing from my Abilities. God Almighty grant us Success equal to the Righteousness of the Cause. I thank you, Gentlemen, for an Address which does me so much Honour, and shall labour to deserve it.
His Excellency GENERAL WASHINGTON has appointed Thomas Mifflin, Esq; his Aid de Camp, and J. seph Reed, Esq; his Secretary. Samuel Osgood, Esq; is Aid de Camp to the Hon. Major General Ward; and Samuel Griffith, Esq; is Aid de Camp to the Hon. Major General LEE.
None of the Men who have been raised by this and several other Colonies, are, in future, to be distinguished as the Troops of any particular Colony, but as the Forces of "THE UNITED COLONIES OF NORTH AMERICA," into whose joint Service they have been taken by the Continental Congress, and are to be paid and supported accordingly.
The Enemy, early in the Morning of last Sabbath, in Return for some Cannon Shot they received from one of our Fortresses the Afternoon before, began, and continued for several Hours, a heavy Fire upon the Town of Roxbury, but from their Cannon and Mortars. They set one House on Fire, which was consumed; but did little other Damage.
Four of the Enemy's Horses fled from Charlestown, on Monday Night, and were taken by our Men.
We hear from Maripoucaugh, that one Day last Week the Wife of Mr. Jabez Rice, junr. was safely delivered of two Children, a Son and Daughter, who were baptized, the Sabbath following, by the Names of JOHN HANCOCK and DOROTHY QUINCY.
Last Monday Night died of the Wounds he received in the Battle of the 17th ult. the amiable, the gallant Col. THOMAS GARDNER, of this Place.
Governor Tryon is arrived at New-York from England.
The following is thought to contain a true Account of the Loss of the Enemy, including those who died of their Wounds; taken June 29th 1775. Return of the Killed at Charlestown the 17th of June taken from an orderly Serjeant in Boston.
  Commission Officers 92   Serjeants 102   Corporals 100   Rank and File 753   Total of killed 1047   Wounded 445   Total of killed and wounded 1492 
Extract of a Letter from Holland of May 2d, 1775, to the Rev'd Mr. William Gordon of Roxbury, 3 Miles from Boston.
"When the Parliament met, I was in hopes the manly Address of the General Congress to the King, and that to the People of England, would have opened their Eyes, and would have led them to apply a Remedy suitable to the Disease; but instead of that, what have they done? Like
true Quacks they deal in inflammatories, and attempt to heal by exasperating the Evil they should cure: Of this Nature is Lord North's concession, the merit of which (if it has any) is wholly destroyed by the Restraining Bill; by this they will further provoke those who are already sufficiently enraged, and force the disaffected useless Fishermen to fly to Arms, and to fight against Administration, from a Principle of hatred, as well as zeal for the public. Never sure were Ministers more infatuated than those headless Beings who manage the Affairs of England, and to tell you the truth, it is like Man like Master with respect to the latter. Don't you remember what Mr. T--- once told you concerning his invincible Obstinate, as mentioned by a Gentleman who was much about his Person when he was a Youth? has not all his Conduct confirmed it ever, since he mounted the Throne? For I am persuaded he (astutored by the assuming Favourite) and the Junta is at the Bottom of all these wild Measures, nor will they relinquish them till they smart severely for their folly. Don Quixote like, they are obstinately bent on fighting Wind Mills, and no wonder if they get broken Heads in the Encounter; were they alone so smart, it were no great Matter; but the Mischief is, that I fear it will draw down irreparable Evils upon both England and Ireland. Lord North is only a Tool, to do the dirty Work of his more dirty Superiors; and the precious Parl--- are in their Place the Tools to do his dirty Work in Return, for the Pay he gives them: They have lately employ'd that old muggy Jacobite Doctor, alias Dictionary Johnson, alias the Rambler, to answer the Congress in a Pamphlet entitled, Taxation no Tyranny. A Piece full of sophistical Quibbles, dressed out in pedantic bombast Language. I hope to see some good Answer to it; and am pleased to see how effectually the Authors of the Monthly Review, in their last Review (March) have cut him down in a few Words. If you ever see that periodical Work on your Side the Water, it will give you Pleasure to read what they have said on the Subject. If we may believe the Papers all Things with you threaten War; in the last it is affirmed the Standard of Liberty had been lately erected at Salem, and that it was repaired to by Numbers in Arms, determined to fight or die; should the King's Troops be worsted in any general Action, of which I think there is the greatest Probability, what an Uproar will it make in England? And then let the Ministry stand clear. If the Troops beat you, you can soon recruit. If they gain five Battles & lose but one, it's over with them, so great is the Disadvantage under which they engage, besides what arises from the Circumstances of Climate, & fighting against those who fight or are at least persuaded they fight pro Aris et Focis, and this upon their own Ground.
The English Ambassador at the Hague applied to the States to forbid their Subjects supplying the Americans with Arms & Ammunition. The States published a Prohibition, under the Penalty of a 1000 Guilders, that is about 901. Sterling: I leave you to comment on this at your Leisure, and judge if where the Profits of a Voyage are so great as a Voyage of that kind must be, it is not worth the Merchants, while to risk the Sum: And to go on in your Determination on that Point, it is own'd by our Ambassador at this Place that a Dutch Ship is lately got into Virginia where it has landed 400 Barrels of Powder, and 1400 Stands of Arms. France was apply'd to, to forbid its Subjects furnishing you with any Military Stores. France it is well known could easily have crushed all such assistance by an express prohibition; but France knows better than to do it, and therefore only tells its Subjects, if they do it, it is entirely at their own Risk, which is plainly saying, If you will venture you may. Spain when applied to, roundly refused to give any hindrance to her Subjects supplying you; and I dare say from present appearances will soon act openly against England. An article lately appeared in the English papers, that a Prussian ship failed from Stetten to some part of America with 30 field pieces, a good store of powder, ball, and small Arms, and 6 or 7 Prussian Generals, whose names were mentioned at length. This begins to gain great credit, in this part of the World, and is now affirmed to be true. It is said they were engaged for by an American agent at the Court of Berlin. That politic Prince too is on the watch, he bears no good will to the court of London, and in case England should be engaged in a War with her Colonies, will carve himself a handsome slice out of a certain Electorate, or the world will be greatly mistaken."
NEW-YORK, June 29.
The Address of the Provincial Congress of the Colony of New-York to his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Generalissimo of all the Forces raised, and to be raised in the Confederated Colonies of America.
May it please your Excellency, At a Time when the most loyal of his Majesty's Subjects, from a Regard to the Laws and Constitution, by which he sits on the Throne, feel themselves reduced to the unhappy Necessity of taking up Arms, to defend their dearest Rights, and Privileges; while we deplore the Calamities of this divided Empire, we rejoice in the Appointment of a Gentleman, from whole Abilities and Virtue, we are taught to expect both Security and Peace.
Confiding in you, Sir, and in the worthy Generals, immediately under your Command, we have the most flattering Hopes of Success, in the glorious Struggle for American Liberty, and the fullest Assurances that whenever this important Contest shall be decided, by that fondest Wish of each American Soul, an Accommodation with our Mother Country, you will cheerfully resign the important Deposit, committed into your Hands, and re-assume the Character of our worthiest Citizen.
By Order,
P. V. B. LIVINGSTON, President.
June 26th, 1775.
His EXCELLENCY's Answer.
Gentlemen, At the same Time that with you, I deplore the unhappy Necessity of such an Appointment, as that with which I am now honoured, I cannot but feel Sentiments of the highest Gratitude, for this affecting Instance of Distinction and Regard.
May your warmest Wishes be realized in the Success of America, at this important and interesting Period; and be assured, that every Exertion of my worthy Colleagues and myself, will be equally extended to the Re-establishment of Peace and Harmony, between the Mother Country and these Colonies: As to the fatal but necessary Operations of War--- when we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen, and we shall most sincerely rejoice with you, in that happy Hour, when the Establishment of American Liberty, on the most firm and solid Foundations, shall enable us to return to our private Stations, in the Bosom of a free, peaceful, and happy Country. G. WASHINGTON.
June 29th, 1775.
NEW-YORK, June 29.
On Tuesday General Wooster, with the advanced Body of the Connecticut Forces, arrived in the Neighbourhood of this City. When the whole, consisting of about 2000 Men shall have arrived, they will encamp on Ground behind Mr. Hartog's House in the Bowery Lane.

PORTSMOUTH, July 11, 1775. Wednesday last came to Town from Nantucket, (where he arrived a few Days before from England) the Hon. GEORGE BOYD, Esquire. Col. Boyd, having left London, before the Account of the Lexington Battle was received, can inform us of Nothing very material: From a Paper of the 16th May, which the Colonel has favour'd us with, are extracted these Articles following, viz.
L O N D O N, May 16. THE Spanish Ministry have given the strongest Assurances to the British Ambassador at Madrid, that the Armament now fitting out in the different Ports of Spain, "is not intended to act against Great-Britain, or her Colonies." A Correspondent, on whose Authority we can rely, informs us, that the Destination of the Spanish Squadron has at length been discovered. It is intended to rendezvous at Cadiz, and to sail from thence directly for the Rio de Janeiro in South America, where the Spaniards & Portuguese have been at War for several Years, and the Latter have generally had the Superiority. We are assured that Lord Stormont will certainly return to the Court of Versailles in the Character of Ambassador. On Saturday Evening some Dispatches were received at Lord Dartmouth's Office from Gen. Gage at Boston, brought by a Ship arrived at Bristol from that Place, after a quick Passage, which were forwarded to his Majesty.
Yesterday there was a very full House of Commons, considering it is the latter End of the Session. Mr. Burke then produced and read to his Place a Remonstrance to the Parliament of Great Britain from the General Assembly of New-York, said to be signed by 26. The Contents of his Speech upon the Occasion have not transpired; all we know is, that he moved for Leave to bring it up to the Table; and the Question being put by the Speaker, that this Remonstrance be now bro't up--Lord North paved the Way for getting rid of the main Question, by moving an Amendment that the Words "which is derogatory to the supreme Authority of the British Parliament, be added." Upon which a short Debate ensued, and the principal Speakers were, for the Amendment, Lord North, Mr. Cornwall, Mr. Jenkinson, Mr. Aubrey, and Mr. Thomas Walpole: against it, Mr. Cruger, Mr. T. Townshend, Mr. C. Fox, Mr. Burke, Governor Johnson, and Serjeant Adair. At a little after 7 the House divided, for the Amendment 186. against it 67; of course the main Question was lost; and after some private Business the House adjourned to this Day.
Mr. Burke introduced the Business in a short & pathetic Speech and was answered by L. North in a very plausible Manner; to which Mr. Cruger replied with much Spirit and Eloquence; and the Debates upon the whole were very interesting & entertaining. A Correspondent observes, that from the present Procedures of several European Princes, it should seem that the Amusement of a King consists in making the World unhappy. The Spanish Monarch has declared War against the Algerines; the Emperor of Morocco, also, avows himself the Enemy of the Dey of Algiers; the King of Prussia is diligently augmenting his Forces, as if meditating some signal Blow; the King of France is preparing a formidable Fleet; and the King of Great-Britain is at the Eve of a War with his own Subjects. Letters from Mogador, dat. the 17th ult. advise, that the Emperor of Morocco had forbid all Vessels, under the Penalty of 1000 Pieces of Eight, from entering into any of his Ports in the Night, from Sun setting to Sun rising. That Prince, however, has allowed the Dutch the free Liberty of Trade, subject to the above Restraint.
A Correspondent has sent us the following Paragraph: Col. Pickman, a Gentleman of independent Fortune and great Influence in America, is just arrived from Boston, and brings Accounts very agreeable to the Ministry of the State of Affairs in that Country. The Demagogues and Leaders of the rebellious Part of the Province are quite disheartened, and are seeking for Safety in the best Manner they are able; that in all Probability the Arrival of the last Reinforcement of Troops, with the three Generals, will effectually quiet all Disturbances there.
A Correspondent recommends to the Lords & Members of Parliament, a Perusal of the Debates and Evidence on the Quebec Bill last Year, particularly Mr. Maferes's Evidence, as published in the last Volume of Almon's Debates, (for 1774, i. e. last Session;) in order to form a Judgment of the Petitions against the Quebec Act which are to be presented to the two Houses of Parliament by Lord Camden & Sir George Saville. The whole Evidence, which is to be found in the same Place, is not only curious but interesting, and deserves particular Attention at this Time.
PHILADELPHIA. IN CONGRESS, Friday, June 9, 1775. RESOLVED, That no Obedience being due to the Act of Parliament for altering the Charter of the Colony of Massachusetts-Bay, nor to a Governor or Lieutenant-Governor, who will not observe the Directions of, but endeavour to subvert, that Charter, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are to be considered as absent, & these Offices vacant: And as there is no Council there, and the Inconveniences arising from the Suspension of the Powers of Government are intolerable, especially at a Time when General Gage hath actually levied War, and is carrying on Hostilities against his Majesty's peaceable & loyal Subjects of that Colony; that in Order to conform as near as may be to the Spirit and Substance of the Charter, it be recommended to the Provincial Congress to write Letters to the Inhabitants of the several Places which are intitled to Representation in Assembly, requesting them to choose such Representatives; and that the Assembly when chosen should elect Counsellors, which Assembly and Council should exercise the Powers of Government, until a Governor of his Majesty's Appointment will consent to govern the Colony according to its Charter.
A true Copy from the Minutes, CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y. By Order of the Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President. Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay.
In Observance of the foregoing Resolve of the Honorable Continental CONGRESS now sitting at Philadelphia. THESE are to request you forthwith to cause the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of your Town, that have an Estate of Freehold in Land within this Province or Territory, of Forty Shillings per Annum at the least, or other Estate to the Value of Forty Pounds Sterling, to assemble at such Time and Place as you shall appoint; then and there to elect and depute one or more Freeholders, resident in the same Town, according to the Numbers set and limited by an Act of the General Assembly, Intitled "An Act for ascertaining the Number and regulating the House of Representatives," to serve for, and represent them, in a Great and General Court or Assembly, to be convened, held and kept for the Service of the said Colony, until the End of the Day next preceding the last Wednesday of May next, if necessary, and no longer, at the Meeting-House in Watertown, upon Wednesday the 19th Day of July next ensuing the Date hereof, and to wait the Person or Persons so elected by the major Part of the Electors present, at such Election, to be timely notified by one or more of the Constables of your Town, to attend the Service of this Colony, in the said General Court or Assembly, at the Time and Place aforesaid, by Nine of the Clock in the Forenoon and to from Day to Day during their Session and Sessions. Hereof we desire you not to fail, and make Return of this Letter with the Name or Names of the Person or Persons so elected or deputed, and of their being notified, unto the said General Assembly, at the Time and Place above mentioned, for its Meeting. Given under my Hand this 19th Day of June, A. D. 1775. By Order of Congress. JAMES WARREN, President. Attest, SAMUEL FREEMAN, Sec'y. To the Selectmen of the Town of - - -
IN PROVINCIA CONGRESS, Watertown, June 27, 1775. WHEREAS in Consequence of an Application made to the Provincial Congress, sitting in this Town, in May last, by the Officers of the Army, that some effectual Method should be taken for the speedy Return of absconding Soldiers, or such as should tarry beyond the Time limited by Furlow, it was then resolved, that it should be, and accordingly was recommended to the Committees of Correspondence, in the several Towns and Districts in this Colony, or to the Select-men where no such Committees were appointed; that they should take effectual Care, that such absconding or delinquent Soldiers should be immediately sent back to their Respective Regiments; yet it appears to this Congress that the above Resolution has not, in every Instance had the desired Effect. Therefore,
RESOLVED, That it be further recommended to the several Committees of Correspondence, in each Town and District in this Colony, or the Select-Men where no such Committees are appointed, that they take the most speedy and effectual Care that said Resolve be strictly adhered to, and punctually executed.----- And it is also recommended to the good People in the several Towns and Districts aforesaid to give their utmost Aid and Assistance to said Select-Men or Committees, in executing said Resolve, as the Existence of the Army very much depends thereon. And it is further RESOLVED, That all necessary Expences which may accrue by returning said absconding or delinquent Soldiers to their respective Regiments, be paid; and deducted out of the Wages of said Soldiers. By Order of the Congress, A true Copy, JAMES WARREN, President. Attest. SAMUEL FREEMAN, Secretary.
From a late Philadelphia Paper. TO GENERAL BURGOYNE. PERMIT me Sir, though a Stranger to your Person, but not wholly unacquainted with your Character, to address you on your Arrival: Glad should I be to offer the Language of Congratulation--but the Love of my Country forbids. Unhappy Situation! That Virtue must restrain the Plaudits with which the Bath been used to meet the accomplished Burgoyne. With the many Opens of a Soldier you have delivered your Sentiments in the Senate; you have wished that the Bravery of every "military Man" in America "may be judged by the Test of Compassion;" you have chosen "Argument," if admitted to Inter-course in America, "before Activity in the Line of your Profession." The precious Opportunity that you desire is granted; the fertile, the once peaceful, the free Shore of America, has received you; a People delighting in Freedom of Enquiry, susceptible of the force of solid Argument, capable of refuting Sophistry, would gladly meet you on this first Ground of your Choice, with Candour enough to admire the Copiousness of your Eloquence, though possessed with too much Judgment to mistake it for Argument.----- We desire not to meet your Reasoning "to the best of your Power in the Line of your Profession," because, the Issues of War are dreadful and uncertain, and though you have been victorious in "a Cause" which it was honorable "to fight for, to bleed, and to die for," yet in this, we apprehend, whether Victor or Vanquished, you will "find" nothing but Sorrow and Remorse. When Chairman of the Select Committee on East India Affairs, you declared, "that the most infamous Designs had been carried into Execution by Perfidy and Murder:--that the East India Princes had held their Dignities on the precarious Condition of being the biggest Bribers:--and that no Claim could be admitted, however just on their Part, without being introduced by enormous Sums of Rupees. Your noble Nature started at the horrid Scene; the Ghost of Omichund could not have thus appalled you. And can you, Sir, be instrumental to enslave and oppress, not effeminate East-Indians, but the Sons of Englishmen? Can you embrace your Hands in Brother's Blood, or stoop to the infamous Designs of Perfidy? Can you with that Claim the most just should not be admitted, unless the fallacious Scheme of the Treasury be adopted? Forbid it every ennobling Sentiment of the Human Breast! No, Sir, satisfied with the glorious Laurels that adorn your Brow, let the peaceful Olive twine around them.---So shall Britain and America in future Times live together as Brethren, and those Virtues and Compassion were associate Virtues."
A PENNSYLVANIAN. General LEE's Letter to Lord Barrington. Philadelphia, June 22, 1775.
MY LORD, ALTHOUGH I can by no Means subscribe to the Opinion of divers People in the World, that an Officer in half Pay is to be considered in the Service; yet I think it a Point of Delicacy to pay a Deference to this Opinion, erroneous and absurd as it is: I therefore apprise your Lordship in the most public & solemn Manner, that I do renounce my half Pay, from the Date hereof. At the same Time I beg Leave to assure your Lordship, that whenever it shall please his Majesty to call me forth to any honourable Service against the natural hereditary Enemies of our Country, or in Defence of his just Rights and Dignity, no Man will obey the righteous Summons with more Zeal and Alacrity than myself;--but the present Measures seem to me so absolutely subversive of the Rights and Liberties of every individual Subject, so destructive to the whole Empire at large, and ultimately so ruinous to his Majesty's own Person, Dignity and Family, that I think myself obliged in Conscience as a Citizen, Englishman, and Soldier of a free State, to exert my utmost to defeat them. I most devoutly pray to Almighty God to direct his Majesty into Measures more conducive to his Interest and Honour, and more conducive to the Happiness and Glory of his People. I am, my Lord, Your most obedient humble Servant, CHARLES LEE.
To the Right Honorable Lord Viscount Barrington, his Majesty's Sec'y at War. ***** To the AMERICANS.
WE are now called by the Providence of God to fight for those precious Liberties which were handed down to us by our heroic and venerable Ancestors. Our present Circumstances are such, but our Prospect is great and glorious---God hath in a signal Manner favoured our righteous Cause, covered our Heads in the Day of Battle, miraculously given us the Victory over our Enemies and shown us his Salvation.---So very remarkably hath Heaven appeared on our Side, that I hope our murderous Enemies will no longer dare to oppose what GOD approves.---We greatly lament that we are driven by Tyranny to shed human Blood; it would give us infinitely greater Pleasure to make our Enemies free and happy than to triumph in Victory; as a Testimony of this Disposition, we have given Freedom to the Soldiers who were well inclined, that we have taken in the late Engagement. And it is our ardent Wish and Prayer to Almighty GOD, that these Colonies may be enabled to give Freedom & Happiness to our oppressed Land & Nation, without Injury to any Person, and the once happy Union between Britons and Americans be restored, and both for ever live together as Brethren. An AMERICAN,
Portsmouth, July 11, 1775.
We hear the GRAND AMERICAN CONGRESS, have appointed the Hon. JOHN SULLIVAN, Esq; of this Province, a Major-General, in the Continental Army. We have the most certain Intelligence, that the Indians of the Cagnawaga Tribe have taken their Children from Dartmouth College, from which there is great Reason to fear some Attack on our back Settlements will shortly be commenced. We also hear, Governor Carlton of Quebec is endeavouring to procure and has had Conferences with Indians 1500 Miles beyond that City, and has made them great Offers to take an Army against the English Colonies. By a Gentleman who left Cambridge on Sunday last, and came to this Town Yesterday, at twelve o'Clock, we are informed, that the Provincials, about 200 in Number, attacked the Main Guard House of the King's Troops at Roxbury, before Sunrise on Sunday Morning, and fired upon it; upon which the Guards ran to their Intrenchments; they then set Fire to it, and two more Houses, Barns, &c. which were soon consumed. 'Tis uncertain whether any were killed.
Saturday last the Provincial Congress of this Colony adjourned to the 22nd of August next, having completed all the Business, that was necessary to be done at present. The following Paragraph is inserted just as we received it. "We hear from Reading, that a Lad about twelve Years old climbed a Tree in order to catch a Squirrel, and he fell down from the Top, about 35 Feet, amongst sharp Stones, and cut off his Scalp all round to his Ears, so that it turned down on the back Side of his Neck, and fractured 3 of his Ribs: The Doctor, put on his Scalp, and sewed it on, and he told me he was in a good Way of recovering, as he thought."
Committee-Hall Portsmouth, July 8th, 1775. VOTED, that no Inhabitant of this Town shall be permitted to go to Head-Quarters, except he first obtain a Pass from this Committee for that Purpose, and that this Vote be published in the New-Hampshire Paper. Attest, H. WENTWORTH, Chairman. ***** ISAAC WILLIAMS,
BEGGS Leave to acquaint the Publick, that he has removed with his Family from Portsmouth to Exeter, where he intends his future Residence, and to carry on his Business of Peruque making in all its Branches: He returns his grateful Acknowledgments to his former Friends and Customers for all their Favours to him, and begs the Continuance of them, together with their Recommendation to others, which he will do his utmost to merit by a constant Attendance at his Shop in Exeter, near the Town House.--- He further begs Leave to recommend the Continuance of the Publick's Favour to his late Partner, Mr. William Stanwood. Exeter, July 10th, 1775.
Williams and Stanwood, HEREBY acquaint their Friends and Customers, that their Partnership is dissolved by mutual Consent; and all Accounts open with them, are desired to be settled up to the 5th of July inst with Mr. William Stanwood, at their late Shop in Portsmouth, where constant Attendance will be given for that Purpose, as well as to oblige such Gentlemen as will be pleased to favour the said Stanwood with their Custom in Peruque making in all its Branches. Portsmouth, July 7th, 1775.
Warrantes and Quitclaim Deeds, Justice Writs, Shippings Papers, Bail Bonds &c Sold at the Printing Office. *****
A NEW SONG. From a London Paper.
I. COME listen my Cocks, 'tis a Brother and Friend, One and all to my Song gallant Sailors attend. Sons of Freedom ourselves, let's be just as we're brave, Nor America's Freedom attempt to enslave. Firm as Oak are our Hearts, where true glory depends Steady, Boys, steady, We'll always be ready, To fight all our Foes, not to murder our Friends. II. True Glory can ne'er in this Quarrel be won, If New England we conquer, Old England's undone; On Brethren we then should assist to fix Chains, For the Blood of G. Britain flows warm in their Veins. Firm as Oak, &c. III. Shall Courtier's fine Speeches prevail to divide Our Affection from those who have fought by our Side? And who often have join'd us late in the Main The proud Boasting of France and of Spain? Firm as Oak, &c. IV. Near Relations of some who at Court now do thrive, The Pretender did join in the Year Forty five; And many in Favour, disguis'd with foul Arts, While they roar out for George, are for James in their Hearts. Firm as Oak, &c. V. Of such Men as these let us scorn to be Tools, Dirty Work to perform---do they take us for Fools? Brave Sailors are wiser than thus to be bamm'd, Let them turn out themselves, Lads, and fight and be damn'd. Firm as Oak, &c. VI. To the Ground may Disputes with our Colonies fall, And George long in Splendor reign King of us all; And may those who would set the two Lands by the Ears, Be put in the Bilbees, and brought to the Jears. Firm as Oak are our Hearts, where true Glory depends, Steady, Boys, steady, We'll always be ready To fight all our Foes, not to murder our Friends.