The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-09-07 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, September 7, 1776.
[ No. 16. ]
Dr. JOHN WITHERSPOON ADDRESS, continued from our last.
I have only further to observe, 3 That I am confident the Independence of America will, in the end, be to the real advantage of the Island of Great-Britain. Were this even otherwise it would be a weak argument against the claim of justice. Why should the security or prosperity of this vast country be sacrificed to the supposed interest of an inconsiderable spot? But I cannot believe that the misery or subjection of any country on earth, is necessary to the happiness of another. Blind partiality and self interest may present it in this light; but the opinion is delusive, the supposition is false. The success and increase of one nation is, or may be a benefit to every other. It is seldom indeed, that a people in general can receive and adopt these generous sentiments; they are nevertheless perfectly just. It is industry only, and not possessions, that makes the strength of a nation; and this is not hindered but encouraged, provoked, and rewarded by the industry of others. [See David Hume's Essay on the jealousy of trade.]
But to leave the general principle, or rather to apply it to the case of Great-Britain & America: What profit has the former hitherto received from the latter? and what can it reasonably expect for the future? Only its trade, and such part of that trade as tends to encourage the industry and increase the number of the inhabitants of that Island. It will be said they intend to raise a large, clear, net revenue upon us, by taxation. It has been shewn by many, that all the taxes they could raise, would only serve to feed the insatiable desire in placemen and pensioners, to increase the influence of the crown, & the corruption of the people. It was by the acquisition of numerous provinces that Rome hastened to its ruin. But even supposing it otherwise, and that without any bad consequence among themselves, they were to acquire a great addition to their yearly revenue, for every shilling they gained by taxes, they would lose ten in the way of trade. For a trifling addition to the sums of public money to be applied or wasted by ministers of state, they would lose ten times the quantity distributed among useful manufacturers, the strength and glory of a state. I think this has been sometimes compared to the difference between draughts of spirituous liquors to intoxicate the head or weaken the stomach, and cool refreshing food to give foundness, health, and vigour to every member of the body.
The trade then of America, as soon as peace is settled, will be as open to them as ever. But it will be said, they have now an exclusive trade, they will then but share it with other nations. I answer, an exclusive trade is not easily preserved, and when it is preserved, the restriction is commonly more hurtful than useful. Trade is of a nice and delicate nature: it is founded upon interest. It will force its way wherever interest leads and can hardly by any yet be made to go in another direction.
The Spaniards have an exclusive trade as far as they please to confine it, to their own plantations. Do they reap much benefit from it? I believe not. Has it made their own people more industrious at home? Just the contrary. Does it, in the natural course of things make a people less careful to work as well & as cheap as others, to procure voluntary purchasers, when they know that they can send their goods to those who are obliged to take them? Does it not both tempt and enable great merchants in the capital to import from other nations what they can export to such a forced market, to advantage? By this means a considerable profit may come into the coffers of a few particulars, while no essential service is done to the people, and the ultimate profit is carried to that country where the goods are produced or fabricated. It has been repeatedly said by political writers in England, that the balance of trade is against that country
to every nation, excepting Portugal and its own plantations. I will not answer for the truth or universality of this assertion, but if it be true in any measure, I will venture to affirm, upon the principles of general reason, that the cause which produces it is no other than the exclusive trade they have hitherto enjoyed to the American settlements.
But the circumstance which I apprehend will contribute most to the interest of Great-Britain in American Independence is, its influence in peopling and enriching this continent. It will certainly tend to make the American States numerous, powerful, and opulent, to a degree not easily conceived. The great and penetrating Montesquieu, in his Spirit of Laws, has shewn in the clearest manner, that nothing contributes so much to the prosperity of a people, as the state of society among them, and the form of their government. A free government overcomes every obstacle, makes a desert a fruitful field, and fills a bleak and barren country with all the conveniencies of life. If so, what must be the operation of this powerful cause upon countries enjoying in the highest degree every advantage that can be derived from situation, climate, and soil? If the trade of America has hitherto been of so great benefit to England, how much more valuable may it be when these countries shall be still more highly improved, if she shall continue to enjoy it? This argument is liable to no objection but what may arise from the loss of an exclusive trade, which I have already considered. It may be added, however, that there is not now, nor ever has been, any aversion in the Americans to the people of Great-Britain, so that they may be sure of our trade if they treat us as well as others, and if otherwise, they do not deserve it.
I might illustrate the argument by stating the probable consequence of a contrary supposition. If Great-Britain should prevail, or overcome the American States & establish viceroys with absolute powers in every province, all men of spirit and lovers of freedom would certainly withdraw themselves to a corner, if such could be found, out of the reach of tyranny and oppression. The numbers of people at any rate would sensibly decrease their wealth would be speedily exhausted, and there would remain only a nominal authority over a desolate country, in return for a vast expence laid out in the conquest, and in place of a great and profitable trade, by which both nations were made happy. One of the arguments, if they may be called so, made use of against this country, and on which an obligation to obedience has been founded, is taken from the expence they have been at in blood and treasure for our protection in former wars. This argument has been often answer'd in the fullest manner, but if they shall continue to urge it, how fearful to think of the obligations we shall be under, after this war is finished? Then shall we owe them all the sums which they shall have laid out in subduing us, and all that we have spent in attempting to prevent it; all the blood which they shall have shed in attacking us and all that we shall have spilt in our own defence. There is unquestionably a loss to Great-Britain by the one side of the account as well as the other; and it tends to show, in the clearest manner, the unspeakable folly as well as great injustice of the promoters of this war.
Thus I have stated to you, though very briefly, the principles on which I think the American cause ought to be pleaded, on which it ought to be espoused and supported, by every lover of justice and of Mankind. But though the general plea in justice were less clear than it is, there is a light in which the conduct of the opposers of it has always appeared to me unreasonable and ungenerous to the highest degree. That resistance to Great-Britain has been determined on, in the most resolute manner, through all the colonies, by a vast majority, is not only certain but undeniable.
In the beginning of the controversy, some writers, with an impudence hardly to be paralleled, called the fact in question, attempted to deceive the people in this country, and effectually deceived the people of England, by making them believe that it was only a few factious and violent men that had engaged in the contest. It is not very long since a writer had the courage to assert, that "nine tenths of the people of Pennsylvania were against independence." The falsehood of such misrepresentations is now manifest, and indeed was probably known from the beginning by those who desired to have them believed. Taking this for granted, then, for an inconsiderable minority, whether natives or strangers, to set themselves in opposition to the public councils, is contrary to reason & justice, and even to the very first principles of the social life.
If there is any principle that was never controverted upon the social union, it is, that as a body every society must be determined by the plurality. There was a time when it was not only just and consistent but necessary, that every one should speak his mind freely and fully of the necessity or expediency of resisting the authority of Great-Britain. But that time is over long ago. The measures being resolved upon, and the conflict began, one who is barely matter can scarce be forgiven, a secret plodding enemy must be considered as a traitor. Every person who continued among us after the decisive resolutions formed by all the colonies, ought to be considered as pledging his faith and honour to assist in the common cause. Let me try to illustrate it by a similar case. Suppose that a ship at sea springs a leak, which exposes the whole crew to the most imminent danger of perishing. Suppose a council is called of all the persons on board to determine what port they shall endeavour to gain. Then it is not only the right, but the duty of every one to speak his own judgment, & to press it upon others by every argument in his power. Suppose a great majority determines to push for a certain place, and to go to the pump by turns every quarter of an hour; but that two or three or one, if you please, is of opinion that they should have gone another course, because of the wind, current, or any other circumstance, and that it would be best to change hands at pump only every half hour. All this is well. But if after the determination this same gentleman, because his advice was not taken, should refuse to pump at all, should sily alter the ship's course, or deaden her way by every means in his power, or even should only by continual complaints and despondent fears discourage others, on whose activity the common safety depended, I desire to know what treatment he would receive or deserve? Without doubt he would be thrown over-board in less time than I have taken to state the case. I am not able to perceive the least difference between this supposition and what takes place in America at the present time.
If this argument is just with respect to every inhabitant of the country, it ought to have some additional weight with those who are not natives, and whose residence is not certain or has not been long. There is a great degree of indecency in such taking any part against what the majority of the inhabitants think, to be their interest and that of their country. Were they even wrong, their mistake should be lamented, not resisted; on the contrary, it would be the part of generosity and justice to support them effectually in a contest which wisdom would have declined. We see indeed every day melancholy instances of a base and selfish temper operating different ways. Many when they do not obtain that rank and honour, which their pride and partiality think their due, or if their advice is not followed, immediately renounce the service of their country, and it may go to destruction for them. In opposition to this, let me recommend the example of the illustrious Fabius of Rome.

He had given strict orders to all his officers not to engage the enemy, but to keep at a distance. Unluckily his lieutenant-general, by his own rashness, got entangled with a part of the army under his command and was engaged. Fabius, preferring his country's good to fame, rivalry, and safety, came immediately to his support with all expedition, and thereby gained a glorious and compleat victory.
I hope you will take in good part the above reflections, which I think contain nothing that is virulent or indecent against any man or body of men. They are the effects of judgment and conviction. The author, as is probably known to many of you, has been personally abused in news-papers at home for the part he was supposed to have taken in the American cause, which was in some degree indeed the motive of this address. He hopes that an honest & faithful support to liberty and equal government in this part of the world, will be no just reproach to his character, either as a scholar, a minister or a Christian, and that it is perfectly consistent with an undiminished regard for the country which gave him birth.
The above is submitted to your candid perusal by Gentlemen, Your sincere friend, and Obedient humble servant, The AUTHOR.
L O N D O N. Proceedings in the HOUSE of COMMONS. Monday, May 6.
COLONEL Barre arose, and holding a paper in his hand, which he informed the house he had cut out of the London Gazette, and which he observed, was the only account, or reason assigned, for the British troops quitting Boston followed this short exordium, with moving, "That copies of the last dispatches received from the 1st of March last, from General Howe, and Vice Admiral Shuldham, be laid before the house, before they proceed to grant any further supplies for carrying on the said war." The Colonel observed that the only paper published by authority was become a disgrace to the nation; that the most shameful efforts had been made to mislead the people without doors; but what was infinitely of worse consequence to the nation at large, that House had been grossly misled in every single communication which had come from his Majesty's servants, or, which amounted to nearly the same thing, every degree and species of information had been refused.
Lord North asserted, that the troops were not compelled to abandon Boston. He confirmed the contents of the London Gazette; said that as the British troops met not with the least interruption from the rebels, neither did the General come into any compromise whatever. He said the stores, ammunition, &c, were not abandoned; that the army suffered no loss, either immediately before, or on its embarkation; that the troops embarked with all possible coolness and regularity, and even, as he emphatically expressed it, "perfectly at their ease."
Lord John Cavendish spoke warmly in defence of the motion. He observed that the nation had been insidiously led into a war; when once embarked it was too late to recede; and from the very first day the sword was drawn, his Majesty's ministers have refused to impart a single tittle relative to the conduct of this war, and the minister comes down, day after day, to this house, and expects an implicit obedience and assent to whatever demand he pleases to make, without any other pretensions to their favour or confidence, but what he can build on the information; that under his administration the whole British empire has near lost at the national expence of twenty millions of money, precisely in eleven months, from day to day, that is, from the date of the defeat at Lexington, to the celebrated embarkation, which was the subject of the present debate.
Mr. Byng spoke on the same side. He said the public ought to be informed what was doing in America, and to what purposes the money was to be applied which they were granting out of their own pockets.
Sir George Yonge arraigned the conduct of Administration in very pointed terms.—He said it was impossible but the consequences of the present war must be the destruction of the nation, in any hands, the event would be doubtful, but in such hands, the ruin and disgrace of the nation, and the loss of America, were inevitable.
Mr. Hartly spoke very full on the subject,
He contended, notwithstanding the broad, unqualified assertions of the noble Lord at the head of the treasury, that Gen. Howe was driven from Boston, and that nothing but a dread of having his whole army cut to pieces, or made prisoners, induced him to make so precipitate & unexpected a retreat.
Mr. Burke observed, that the noble Lord had disclaimed any intention of giving false colours to the account which appeared in the London Gazette, but there was no room left for a possibility of a misrepresentation; for though the Boston extraordinaries for 8000 men, in the course of twelve months, had amounted to one million and a half, or nearly two hundred pounds a man, for salt beef and four crows, he would be bold to affirm, and called upon the noble Lord to contradict him, that the troops could not have remained in that town ten days longer, if the Heavens had not rained down manna and quails; and, in a similar expectation, he presumed, the troops were embarked for Halifax, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Mr. Ellis and Mr. Lyttleton spoke against the motion. They insisted that the communication would be exceedingly improper in the present critical situation of affairs.
General Conway was bold, animated, and persuasive. He said the British Councils had fallen into contempt, and the honour of the nation was deeply wounded. He condemned the conduct of Administration without reserve, and said, the army, which was destined for the conquest of America, now lying inactive and stuffed into transports waiting at Spithead; that some of them were in Germany, some of them at Spithead, and none of them where they should long since have been; that he always thought the measure of coercing America for the purpose of raising a revenue, an unjust one; he always looked on it to be impracticable; but was certain it was to the last degree cruel oppressive, and destructive; destructive in either event, of the commerce, importance and dearest interest of this country, in case it should miscarry; destructive of what was still, if possible, more valuable, its liberties, if it should succeed.
Lord George Germaine said, by what little of the correspondence he had seen, he never understood that General Howe intended to begin his operations in Boston. His opinion was well known. It was the opinion of the Majority of the House, as long therefore as the House thought it proper to continue the war, or support it, he thought it would be right to pursue it, and no longer. Whatever his own sentiments were, if the House should change theirs, he was ready to acquiesce. When he came into the office, the nation was already engaged in it, so that on either hand, he remained perfectly contented.
Col. Barre again spoke to his motion. He was, if possible, stronger in his expressions than before. He observed, that the embarkations were all made too late last year; that convoys were neglected; that the provisions, ammunition and stores, by that means had fallen into the hands of the Provincials. That the naval force was inadequate to the service, and that unequal as it was to the service, it was still worse provided, and more improperly directed. He should be glad to know to whom those delays, mismanagements, if not malversations in office, were to be imputed. He then took a view of the conduct of Administration since the commencement of the present year, & desired to know how it comes to pass, that now, the 6th of May, the greatest part of the army should be lying at Spithead, or what was the reason that some of the Hessians, who ought to have been at the place of their destination in America, have not yet left Germany.
Mr. Hopkins spoke against the motion; said secrecy should be observed, otherwise all our plans would shortly come to the knowledge of our enemies.
A few minutes before nine o'clock, the question was put, and the house divided, Ayes 54 Noes 171.
   Pay of a Battalion in the Continental Service.     Colonel 50 Dollars per Kalender month,   Lieut. Colonel 40   Major 33 1-3   Captain 26 2-3  
   Lieutenant 18   Ensign 13 1-3   Adjutant 18 1-3   Quarter-Master 18 1-3   Surgeon 25 raised to 35, June 5, 1776.   Mate 18   Chaplain 20 raised to 33 1-3, July 5,   Serjeant, 8   Corporal, Drummer) and Fifer, each ) 7 1-3   Private 6 2-3 Light Infantry the same.  
A R T I L L E R Y.
   Captain 26 2-3   Captain-Lieutenant 20   First and second Lieut. 18 1-3   Lieutenant-Fireworker 13 1-3   Sergeant 8 1-3   Corporal 7 1-2   Bombardier 7   Matross 6 5-6   Serjeant-Major 9   Quarter-Master-Serj. 9   Drum-Major 8 1-3   Fife-Major 8 1-3   Regimental Paymaster, 26 2-3  
The Ration for each man, as copied from the minutes of the Honorable the Continental Congress, is as follows,
One pound of beef, or three quarters of a pound of pork, or one pound of salt fish per day—One pound of bread or flour per day, three pints of peas or beans per week, or vegetables, equivalent, at one dollar per bushel for peas or beans—One pint of milk per man, per day, at the rate of 1-72 of a dollar—One half pint of rice, or one pint of indian meal per man, per week—One quart of spruce beer or cyder, per man per day, or 9 gallons of molasses per company of one hundred men per week—Three pounds of candles to one hundred men per week for guards—Twenty-four pounds of soft, or 8 pounds of hard soap for one hundred men per week.
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) Aug. 3. Fincastle, ff.
The deposition of Jarret Williams, taken before me, Anthony Bledsoe, a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid, being first sworn on the holy evangelists of Almighty God, depoteth and saith, That he left the Cherokee nation, on Monday night the 8th instant (July) that the part of the nation called the Overhills were then preparing to go to war against the frontiers of Virginia, having purchased to the amount of 1500 skins, or thereabouts, for mockafons. They purpose to take away negroes, horses &c. and to kill all kinds of cattle, sheep, &c. for which purpose they are well stocked with bows & arrows, &c. also to destroy all corn, barns houses, &c. And he also heard that the Valley Towns were, a part of them set off; but that they had sent a runner to stop them, till all were ready to start. He farther relates, that Alexander Cameron informed them, that he had concluded to send Captain Nathaniel Guest, William Faulin, Isaac Williams, and the deponent with the above mentioned Indians, till they came near to Nanachuckey; then the Indians were to stop, and guest, and the other whites above mentioned were to go to see if there were any King's men among the inhabitants; and if they found any they were to take them off to the Indians, or have a white signal in their hands, or otherwise to distinguish them. When this was done, they were to fall on the inhabitants, and kill and drive all they possibly could. That on Saturday the 6th of July, in the night, he heard two prisoners were brought in about midnight, but the deponent saw only one. That the within Williams saw one scalp brought by a party of the Indians, with a prisoner, but from accounts, they had five scalps. He also says, he heard a prisoner examined by Cameron, tho' he gave a very imperfect account, being very much cast down. He further says that the Cherokees had received the war belt from the Shawanese, Mingo, Taawah, & Delaware nations, to strike the white people. That fifteen of the said nations were lately in the Cherokee towns, and that few of the Cherokees went in company with the Shawanese, &c. That they all intended to strike the settlers on Kentucky; and that the Cherokees gave the said Shawanese, &c. four scalps of white men, which they carried away with them. The said Shawanese and Mingos, informed

the Cherokees, that they then were at peace with every other nation; that the French were to supply them with ammunition, and that they wanted the Cherokees to join them to strike the white people on the frontiers, which the Cherokees have agreed to. And the deponent further saith, that a number of the Cherokees in the lower towns were gone to fall on the frontiers of South-Carolina & Georgia; and further saith not.
JARRET WILLIAMS.
L O N D O N May 24.
Private letters from Lisbon mention that two Portuguese gentlemen had embarked on board an American Vessel, in order to treat with the General Congress for some part of the American trade.
We hear that Gen. Burgoyne's regiment of light horse intended for America, are countermanded for the present.
H A L I F A X, Aug. 13.
We hear that a Spanish vessel, with a large quantity of cash on board, was taken going up Delaware river, to Philadelphia, by one of his Majesty's ships of war cruising off there, and that a ship from Hamburg, laden with woollen cloth, and all sorts of linen, &c. was likewise taken bound for the above port.
We have undoubted authority, that two thousand Highlanders, under convoy of three frigates, and three armed Schooners on a new construction for drawing the least quantity of water, have been dispatched by Lord Howe, up the bay of Fundy, to penetrate by that side into the New-Hampshire government and that Col. M c Lane with 3000 of the lower country militia of Canada, with 600 Indians are on their full march to join that body of Highlanders at the head of the river St. John's and to co-operate with them.
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21.
Since our last, came to town, Capt. Alexander Hunter, who was taken last January by Lord Dunmore, and returned to Great-Britain, from whence he got a passage in one of the fleet which brought out the second division of Hessians, from which he made his escape in a boat on Wednesday last, by him we learn that the first division of foreign troops sailed the beginning of May, and the second, consisting of 27 sail the 25th, that they fell in with each other off Sandy Hook, and came in together on Monday the 12th inst. that they made up about 110 sail, and contained 8000 Hessians & Waldeckers, and 100 of the English guards: They were in general healthy, except a little of the scurvy and itch. The English troops on Staten-Island were embarking when he left the fleet, and the foreigners were disembarking to encamp on Staten Island. He also informs that there were 5000 foreigners more to follow in a third division.
From the best accounts, we find the force at Staten Island to be
Gen. Howe from Halifax. Men. 8000 Boston 3000, out of which 850 were taken by our Cruizers. 2350 The defeated troops under Cornwallis and Clinton from South Carolina, supposed not more than 2500 The two divisions of Hessians, Waldeckers, & English guards, which arrived on Monday the 12th inst 9000 Lord Danmore's scrubby fleet, about 50 fighting men, but with negroes, Tories, &c. 150 Total, 22,000
Marines unknown.
Ships Asia and Eagle of 64 guns, the Roebuck and Phoenix of 44 one bomb, and about 20 frigates and sloops of war. They have also above 300 sail of transports, store ships and prizes.
Some persons in calculating the above add 1500, as part of the army destined for Carolina, of whose arrival we have not had any account, either at South Carolina or Staten-Island.
PHILADELPHIA, August 27.
Since the departure of the able bodied men from the forks of Brandywine, in Chester County, on the service of their country, the patriotic young women, to prevent the evil that would follow the neglect of putting in the fall crop in season, have joined the ploughs and are preparing the fallows for the seed, and should their fathers, brothers and lovers be detained abroad in defence of the liberties of these States, they are determined to put in the crop themselves—a very laudable example, and highly worthy of imitation.
NEW-YORK, August 26.
Tuesday last a number of ships with troops on board sailed from Staten Island out of the narrows; next day they were followed by many more, and about ten o'clock Thursday morning about 10,000 men landed between New Utrecht and Gravesend, on Long-Island. Friday a party of them came and took possession of Flat Bush, which immediately brought on a very hot
fire from our troops who are advantageously posted in the woods, & on every eminence round that place.
An advanced party of the regulars are encamped a little to the North West of Flatbush Church, and have a battery somewhat to the Westward of Mr. Jeremiah Vanderbilt's, from whence they continue to fire briskly on our people, who often approach and discharge their rifles within 200 yards of their works. We have had only 4 men wounded since the enemy landed; but we are certain many of them fell, one a Hessian was killed last Friday: Several dollars were found in his pocket and he had an excellent rifle, and many of the regulars are in rifle dress.
Aug. 29. On Monday, by express, and by several other messengers since, we hear an armed brig of the enemy with two sloops and some smaller vessels, are in the sound, near White Stone, a little above Hellgate.
The great, the important day, big with the fate of America and Liberty seems to draw near! The British troops began to land on Long-Island last Thursday, nearly their whole force, supposed to be more than 20,000 British and foreign troops. They marched through the small town of New Utrecht, in their way to Flatbush, another town about five miles from this city, near which they encamped; but were much harassed by our riflemen. Scouting parties were sent from our army to the adjoining woods, but were rather scanty in their numbers considering the extent of ground they had to guard. The British forces in three divisions, taking three different roads, and the advantage of the night, almost surrounded the whole of our out-parties, who though incircled with more than treble their number bravely fought their way through the enemy, killing great numbers of them, and brought off some prisoners. The New-York first battalion behaved with great bravery—Lord Stirling's brigade sustained the most of the enemy's fire: it consisted of Col. Miles two battalions, Col. Atlee's, Col. Smallwood's and Col. Hatch's regiments; they were all surrounded by the enemy, and had to fight their way through the blaze of their fire. They fought and fell like Romans! Lieut. Col. Barry of the Pennsylvania musketry, was shot through the head, as he was giving orders to and animating his men. The major part of Col. Atlee's and Col. Pipers regiments are missing. Dr. Davis and his mate were both taken prisoners as they were dressing a wounded man in the woods. Col. Miles is missing (a truly amiable character) and supposed to be slain. Generals Stirling and Sullivan are thought to be killed. General Parsons, with 7 men, came in yesterday morning, much fatigued, being for ten hours in the utmost danger of falling into the enemy's hands. Our killed, wounded and missing are imagined to be about 1000; but for our encouragement the missing are hourly coming in. Gen. Grant of the British troops, from good intelligence, is among the killed; his hat with his name on it, was found lying near the dead body; the bullet had gone through the hat and carried some of his grey hairs with it. Thus fell the hero, who boasted in the British house of Commons, he would march through America with five thousand men having only marched five miles on Long-Island with an army of more than four times the number. Our out-guards have returned to the main body of the army within the lines. The British army have two encampments about a mile from our lines, and by their manoeuvres, 'tis plain they mean to attack us by surprise, & storm our intrenchments. Our men show the greatest bravery, and with them to come to action. The firing continued yesterday all the day.
On Tuesday 22 prisoners of the Regulars, among whom is a captain, a lieutenant, and an ensign, were brought over, yesterday another, and the same day 37 prisoners more were taken by one of our detached parties. On Tuesday five or six ships stood a moat within reach of our grand battery, but came to an anchor, and yesterday morning dropped down again to the fleet.
The alarm was so great last Tuesday (occasioned by the attack of the British troops) the day appointed for fasting, humiliation and prayer in this state, for imploring divine assistance in forming the new government, that the churches were not opened nor public worship performed.
It is reported in town that last week two transport ships from Halifax, falling in with each other at night, and thinking they had made their market, hailed each other, when one of them answered "from the continent:" Upon which a smart engagement ensued and continued for some hours, till one of them struck; finding their mistake, (after expending most of their ammunition) the captain of one of our privateers at a short distance, immediately slept for h to decide the controversy but not agreeing in sentiments, was obliged to pilot them into a safe port, and hope we shall soon see: [Tomorrow will be sold at public venture, the transport ships, —, &c. with all their cargoes, &c. &c]
PROVIDENCE, August 18.
Extract of a Letter, dated Barbados, June 17. "My Affairs are in the utmost Confusion, on Account of the present Disputes, which God grant to be soon over, and a happy Reconciliation; which if not soon, never will
be, for depend upon it, the Americans will declare themselves FREE, and will open their Ports to all Nations except England. They have at present 80,000 Men in Pay, as good Troops as any Nation ever produced, besides a Militia of 80,000 more, always ready to join the Grand Army, Every Man from 15 to 50 is in Arms. Their Army is well supplied with every thing necessary to carry on the War. Their Cruizers have taken a great Number of English Vessels. This and the neighbouring Islands are in great Distress for Provisions, and in three Months there will be a general Famine in this Part of the World, if some speedy Relief is not given to them. At present any Man that wants Negroes, may have as many as he pleases to work for him for their Food. You cannot form an Idea of the Distress that appears in every one's Countenance."
W A T E R T O W N, September 2.
Wednesday last the General Assembly of this State convened in this Town, agreeable to Adjournment. At a general Court Martial held at Ticonderoga, the 26th Day of July 1776, by Order of the Hon. Maj. General Gates.
Colonel FOOR, President.
M E M B E R S.
The four eldest Colonels the four eldest Lieutenant Colonels and four eldest Majors of the Northern Army.
CAPTAIN Wentworth was brought before the Court, and accused of Refusing to go on duty, when regularly warned by the Adjutant of the Regiment to which he belong'd."
The Court having considered the Evidences, were of Opinion, that Captain Wentworth was Guilty—and sentenced him to be cashier'd, and advertiz'd in the public Papers, as having wilfully neglected his Duty, with a View of being discharged from the Service.
Agreeable to this sentence, Jonathan Wentworth, of Somersworth, in Stafford County, New Hampshire, late Captain in Col. Poor's Regiment, is published to the World as a Scoundrel, guilty of neglecting his Duty—evidently with a Design of obtaining a Discharge from the Service of his Country—A Crime 'till this Day unheard of!
His Countrymen, 'tis hoped will treat him with the Contempt merited by so infamous a Conduct.
By the General's Order,
JOHN TRUMBULL, Deputy Adjutant (General of the Northern Army.)
Head-Quarters, Ticonderoga, Aug. 25, 1776. [All Printers in the United States of America, are desired to publish the foregoing in their respective Papers.] J. T.
B O S T O N, Sept. 1.
Monday and Tuesday last the British Tyrant Frigate Milford, was seen in our Bay, & to have two Schooners and a Sloop as prizes: She has taken the Continental privateer Warren, Capt. Burk, and is continually cruising between Cape Cod and Cape Ann, that we apprehend she will intercept all our trade. It is hoped some of the American Frigates will come this way, and rid our coast of this inhuman plunderer.
September 5. Our last Accounts from Halifax say—They left there 40 Sail of Vessels, Prizes, &c.—That they were in great Fright, expecting an Attack from our Troops, every Day; three Expresses arrived successively, with an Account of their being at Cumberland, and having 500 Indians with them;—and it was supposed there, about 2000 Americans; they had, it was said, cut a Road of 90 Miles, in 3 Weeks, through the Woods, from Shepherd's to Cumberland—That the News came from the Mouth of an Express from Colonel Gorham; who, every Moment, expected to be besieged, and wrote to Halifax for Succours.—And, that an Indian (of the St. John Tribe) was executed for damning his Excellency General Washington.
Sails for London, from Halifax, in the Princess-Royal, Jamaicaman, Robert Holowell, Nat Mills, Printer, Margaret Draper and Family; George Deblois, Sam Rogers, Sam Hughes, John Atkinson, the Miss Cummings's; and Junice Cutler of New-Hampshire.
Our American Prisoners (to the Number of 31) are confined in the common Goal of Halifax (a lousy, filthy, unwholesome Place) and are treated in the most inhuman and barbarous Manner possible, having nothing to live upon but salt Provisions (and that very scant) thrown in among Negroes, Robbers &c.—&c are told, they know no distinction between them.
CASH will be given for a few Sheets of TIN, at the Printing-Office.

POET'S CORNER.
HAPPY the man, (but ah how few we find!) Who feels the pleasure of a tranquil mind, Who meets all blessings with content alone, Nor knows a station happier than his own; No anxious cares disturb his peaceful breast, With life content, and with contentment blest, No pangs he feels to break his calm repose, No envy fears, for he no envy knows: To man still faithful, and to God resign'd, His body subject to its lord the mind; He must be good,—for surely Heav'n ne'er meant, Without strict virtue to bestow content. 'Tis not the glory false ambition brings, The wealth of misers, or the pow'r of kings; Not all the feeling joys by man possess, Can give the earthly frame that heav'nly guest; Whate'er the mule of love or glory sings, VIRTUE alone the sacred stranger brings.
NEW-YORK, Aug. 22. Extract of a Letter from St. Eustatia, dated the 28th July, 1776
"I have acquainted you by my former from Martinico, of the good Disposition the French are in towards the Continent of America, and how willing they are to admit and welcome all Vessels from thence; for which they have now and daily import all Sorts of Goods in demand with you, particularly Powder, and other warlike Stores, which they may purchase and ship without any Difficulty: And it is more than probable that if the Congress declare its Independence to the European States, and offers to open their Ports to Foreigners, your Ports will be crowded with them from all Parts; and it seems that France only waits for that Event, to assist you in your Defence.
"We have at present no other News than what is brought by a Dutch ship arrived within two Days here from Amsterdam, viz.
"That the French, Spanish and Portuguese, are making great Preparations of War by Land and by Sea, as well the States General. That the Spaniards had marched an army to the frontiers of Portugal, and had sent to sea a fleet of sixteen sail of the line, the destination of which was not known; and that they send considerable numbers of troops to their colonies. That the states of Holland had absolutely refused to renew the prohibition for the exportation of powder &c. to the Colonies; or to cede to the English the four Scotch regiments the State have in their service; nor furnish them with a number of men of war which the British Court required of them. The vexation occasioned by this in the British ministry, induced them to take several Dutch ships, amongst which are, two who sailed from this Island, who were carried to London, and another to St. Christopher's. In consequence of this, the Dutch have armed 40 ships of war, and ordered 60 more to be built with the greatest diligence in their different ports, and to raise 20,000 men to augment their land forces, &c."
Extract of a letter from Independent Point. July 30.
"Three schooners are gone down the lake, and a sloop and six or eight gondolas will follow in a few days. Two hundred carpenters are employed in building more, after the Delaware mould. We have plenty of large guns and hope soon to have a formidable fleet upon Lake Champlain. Carleton and Burgoyne are at St. John's. likewise busy in preparing a fleet.
"A Canadian, a friend of ours, and an officer in the militia, arrived yesterday from St. Francois, 12 miles below Sorel, his property being seized by Carleton. He says, that Carleton and Burgoyne have not yet ordered the Canadians to arms, but have notified them to be ready in September, to come with them over the lakes, as they intend to drive the rebels out of the country, and winter in Albany. This may be their intention, but I am certain they will find it impracticable. They will have to pass in the first place the gondolas; 2dly, Crown Point; and thirdly, the narrows below Independent Point
and Ticonderoga. Our fortifications are much stronger than when the French had this post, when with only three thousand French and Canadians, they made such a terrible havock of the British army, in 1758. Good living here at present, having plenty of fresh beef and excellent bread."
Since I wrote you, we have arrived several vessels at different inlets in New-Jersey, one of which is a brig belonging to New-York; has for the Congress, 9 tons powder, 779 stands of arms, and 20 pieces of cannon, 4 and 6 pounders."
The Congress have Advices from Ticonderoga, of two Deserters from the Brunswickers being got in, who informed of 90 more who came off with them.
PROVIDENCE, August 17. Extract of a Letter from a Planter in Barbados to his Friend in London, dated May 11, 1776, found on board the Ship Eagle, lately taken by the Montgomery Privateer, of this Port.
"I do not choose to meddle with Politics, yet this I foresee, that if Matters are not settled with North America this Year, we shall all be ruined. We shall not have Lumber to make a single Cask with, nor even to repair our Buildings."
Extract of another Letter, dated Barbados, June 15.
"Unless we are soon blessed with good Weather, and a Continuance of it, I see nothing to prevent a Famine. This Island is now feeling a great Distress as ever was known; It is really now feeling the sad Effects of the unhappy Disputes with America. Yesterday News arrived that General Howe had left Boston, and it was thought going to Philadelphia. Report says there are many People in Virginia who are Friends to Government, and only want to be supported by a proper Force: I wish the Report to be true, because the Trade to that Colony being opened, would relieve us very much in Barbados; for from thence we chiefly obtain our Corn. God grant a happy Reconciliation. Our Governor tells me, he has Hopes that Matters will be ended this year, from the great Armament going to America; for that there will be a bold Stroke made this Summer's Campagin: It may be so; but I fear it is all Imagination. I begin to be afraid that Great-Britain is not able to send a Force sufficient to subdue the Americans, who are now become obstinate, and drove to Despair. They are sensible of their own Strength. We are teaching them, and indeed we have taught them to fight. Numbers then must overpower."
Extract of another Letter, dated Barbados June 16.
"I should have sent you some Yams, Potatoes, &c. but there is such a Scarcity, that we cannot get them for our own support. I assure you that all Kinds of Provisions are so scarce, it is with the greatest Difficulty that we can get them for our own Families Use. The Lord mend the Times, for we are at present in a deplorable State."
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
DESERTED from the ship of war Raleigh , under my command, Charles Williams , an Englishman, dark complexion, five feet five inches high— Francis Bennet , a Portuguese, dark complexion, five feet four inches high— Edward Fernald , an American, brown complexion, 5 feet 8 inches high,—and Samuel Clark , an American, brown complexion, five feet seven inches high.—Whoever will apprehend the said deserters and bring them on board the said ship, shall have Five Dollars reward for each, and travelling charges allowed.
THOMAS THOMPSON.
Portsmouth Aug. 30, 1776.
N. B. Went adrift from said ship, a fourteen foot Moses-Boat , whoever will take up said boat and return her to said ship, shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward. 16—18
THIS may inform the Public, that Capt. Caleb Sanborn , who has so long kept a tavern in Hampton-Falls, is determined to resign that business into the hands of some others, and live a more retired life for the future. CALEB SANBORN.
Hampton-Falls Aug. 30 1776. 16—18
THE SELECT-MEN hereby give notice that they will attend at the WORK-HOUSE on the first, second and third Tuesdays in September next, from 3 to 6 o'Clock P. M. to make any reasonable abatements on the Taxes of such Persons as are over rated. Portsmouth Aug. 30th, 1776. 15—17
Two Dollars Reward.
BROKE from the guard at Port Sullivan, Frederick Peverly , Drummer of my company in Col. David Gilman's Regiment on the 28th of August inst. he is of a dark complexion about five feet and a half high, light hair, a crooked nose, large fore teeth; had on when he deserted a new hat, blue regimental coat, white breeches, &c. Whoever will take up said Deserter, and convey him to said fort, or confine him in any of the colony goals shall have TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
ELIPHALET DANIELS.
Fort Sullivan Aug. 29th, 1776. 15—17
A Libel being filed before me against the ship named the Nelly , burthen about three hundred tons, her cargo and appurtenances commanded by Lyonel Bradstreet ; which vessel is said to have been the property of some inhabitant or inhabitants of Great Britain, and taken and brought into the county of Rockingham.—This notice is given, agreeable to the laws of said Colony, that the maritime courts, erected to try and condemn all vessels, found infesting the sea coasts of America, and brought into the county of Rockingham, will be held at the Court-House in Portsmouth, on Thursday the 12th day of September next, at 10 o'clock forenoon, to try the justice of said capture, that all persons concerned may appear and shew cause (if any they have) why said vessel, her cargo and appurtenances, should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKET Judge of said court. Portsmouth August 23 1776. 15—17
State of New-Hampshire.
DESERTED from my Company at New-Castle, Timothy Knox of Pembroke and John Thing Connor , of Hopkinton; the Committees of said towns are desired to take up said deserters and convey them to their respective company.
TIMOTHY CLEMENTS, Capt.
New-Castle Aug. 29, 1776. 15—17
ALL Persons indebted to or that have any demands on the estate of Paul Hayes , late of Barrington deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to James Hayes of Barrington, executor of his last will and testament, in order for a speedy settlement. Barrington Aug. 23, 1776. 15—17
Five Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, about the 1st inst. a Negro-Man named Newport , between 30 and 40 years of age, speaks good English, 5 feet 7 inches high, carried with him a Round, homespun Jackett, Leather Breeches, long Trowsers, check'd homespun Shirts, &c. Whoever will convey said Negro to me, or confine him in any Goal in this State, so that I may have him again, shall have Five Dollars Reward, and all necessary charges paid by Tilly Haggens . Berwick August 15, 1776. 13—16
A VENDUE ROOM,
Adjoining the Printing-Office, will soon be opened, for the Sale of any Kind of Household Furniture, Merchandize, &c.
ALL Persons indebted to or that have demands on the estate of Mr. Joshua Weeks late of Loudon, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to Nathaniel Weeks of said Loudon, administrator on said estate for immediate settlement. Loudon Aug. 22, 1776. 15—17