The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1775-04-07 00:00:00

THE New-Hampshire AND HISTORICAL CONTAINING the FRESHEST ADVICES
Vol. XX. 1 GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
No. 963 } Weeks since this Paper was first Publish'd.
FRIDAY April 7, 1775.
Last Sabbath the Captains Barker & Andrews arrived at Marblehead from Falmouth, which Place they left the 17th of February, by whom we have the following interesting Advices, viz.
L O N D O N.
House of Commons, January 31.
M R. Burke informed the House, that the Merchants, Traders and Factors of Birmingham, trading or concerned in the Trade and Commerce carried on with North-America, having observed, by the Votes of the House, that a Petition had been presented by Persons pretending to be concerned in said Commerce, he was instructed to lay such Information respecting the same before them, as would not only prove that they were not concerned in said Trade, but convince them of the very extraordinary Means made use of to procure said Petition. He moved that the Committee appointed to consider of the several Petitions presented from the Merchants and others concerned in the American Commerce, be instructed to inquire into the Manner of obtaining the Petition from the Inhabitants of the Town and Neighbourhood of Birmingham; and into the actual Situation of the Persons who signed it. Mr. Burke added, that he would not only prove, that the Petitioners were not concerned by Evidence produced at the Bar, but he would bring the very Persons, signing said Petition, to the Bar to convict themselves, or more properly speaking, to confess there was not one of them who could have the most distant Pretence for petitioning that possessed a Capital of a Thousand Pounds.
The Question being put on Mr. Burke's Motion, the House divided, Ayes 47, Noes 87.
House of Commons, Feb. 2.
This Day a few Minutes after four, Lord North rose, and in a Speech which lasted near 2 Hours, recapitulated the Contents of the American Papers which had been read to the House, & pronounced the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and other parts of New-England, to be in a State of actual Rebellion, and proposed a Conference with the House of Lords, that a joint Address might be carried up to the Throne. He said that Administration wished to adopt conciliatory Measures, if America would permit them; but at all Events, in the first Instance, the present Step was become indispensable. Among other Things his Lordship stated the Burthens borne by Britain and America, from which he drew this Deduction, that every Person in the former, on an Average contributed at the Rate of 2s. a Head, whereas the Latter did not contribute 6d. His Lordship likewise in the Course of his Speech, pointed out the Measures intended to be pursued in Case the King should agree to comply with their Address. He said, he should propose a temporary Act to put a Stop to all the foreign Trade of New-England, and particularly to their Fishery on the Banks of Newfoundland, till they returned to their Duty; at the same time declaring, that whenever they should acknowledge the supreme Authority of the British Legislature, pay Obedience to the Laws of this Realm, and make a due Submission to the King, their real Grievances, upon their making proper Application, would be redressed. His Lordship further observed, that the other Colonies were not so culpable, & he hoped might yet be brought to a Sense of their Duty to the Mother Country by more lenient Measures, & he then concluded with a Motion, "That an humble Address be presented to his Majesty, to return Thanks to his Majesty for communicating to the House the American Papers, and that he would be pleased to take such Measures as might be suitable to his Wisdom for enforcing the Laws against America, and promising to support him in a full & vigorous Execution of the same with their Lives & Fortunes." The Measures proposed to be taken the better to force Obedience in New England were mentioned generally, and are said to be, to send fourteen Frigates to Boston, and 10,000 Troops, including Preston's Regiment of Horse; to ask a Supply of 2000 Seamen more to man the Fleet for Boston, and to Supply the Naval Establishment at Home, which falls short, because Admiral Harland is not arrived, as was expected, with the Fleet from India.
After Lord North had finished his Speech, the Motion was read by the Chairman; when Mr. D---g rose and spoke to the following Purport:
"The noble Lord has endeavoured, by every Light into which he can throw the Question, to prove that the Resistance of the Americans, though it has gone no further than Votes & Resolutions, is actual & open Rebellion; and we are to come to a Resolution declaratory of the same Idea. I think, Mr. Speaker, that there is no Difficulty in proving the direct contrary Position; that the Americans are not in Rebellion; that the Votes and Resolutions of the several Congresses, both provincial & continental, are decent and moderate, though firm Declarations of the Estimation in which Liberty ought to be held, and tempered with the highest Expressions of Loyalty and Duty to their Sovereign. Against what is it that they rebel? Do they deny Allegiance to his Majesty? Are they in Arms in opposing the King's Troops? By what Explanation, or by what Misconception their Conduct is now to be branded with so violent and so fatal an Epithet, I cannot apprehend. You passed Acts in the last Session, which instead of governing America, carried Tyranny into the Bowels of America, and overturned all legal Constitution in one of their Provinces; and you utterly ruined the Capital of the Empire in that part of the World, by way of punishing the Insolence of a Mob--you executed those Acts by Force of Arms;--the People of the Colonies thinking themselves tyrannically used, and conceiving that the Nature of their Dependency upon the Parliament of Great-Britain, was not well understood on either Side the Water, in order to treat with this Country upon such momentous points, convened a General Congress--the Deputies met in that Congress, came to Resolutions declaratory of their Ideas of their Submission unto Britain, full of Duty and Allegiance to the King, and Respect of Parliament; but as all free Countries have licentious Subjects, and Freedom in that Country attended with licentious News-Papers, we the Parliament of Great Britain are to overlook the Conduct of the Congresses, and search for Proof of Rebellion among the American Mobs and Colony News-Papers, which have actually been laid before
us as State-Papers, upon which we are to form our Resolutions; yet in the Action of those Mobs, and in the Expressions of these News Papers, is not Rebellion to be found;
The Attorney General answered Mr. Dunning with great Sense and Spirit. A general Debate now ensued, in which all the able Speakers on both Sides shewed their abilities.
Col. B---e pointed out the inextricable Difficulties into which A---n were now plunging the whole Empire, by declaring the Resistance of the Americans to be Rebellion; that when once that Declaration was passed by the Legislature, the civil American War would be commenced, the Sword would be drawn to punish the Rebellion that was declared; and he warned the House against a miserable and unhappy Catalogue of Evils of the deepest Hue and the most alarming Magnitude that would follow.
Mr. Burke laid forth the numerous ill Consequences that must inevitably follow---called the present Moment the true Crisis of Britain's Fate, painted the dreadful Abyss into which the Nation was going to be plunged; he called upon the commercial Part of the House to rouse themselves at the open Declaration of their approaching Ruin. He pathetically described to the landed Interest the fatal Effects that must inevitably reach them.
The Solicitor General in his Speech defended the Measure in a very able Manner. He gave every Allowance for, and paid all Deference to the Interests of Commerce and Manufactures; but contended, that in the present Case Interests were concerned of yet greater Consequence; that all the World must acknowledge that when the clearest Right of the Legislative Power of a Country are invaded and denied, and when in Consequence the People so denying are in actual and open Rebellion, that then there are Points of greater Importance to be settled and decided than Points of Commerce and Manufacture.
These Arguments were replied to in a very masterly Manner by the other Side of the House, and the Debate ran very much into an Examination of what was Rebellion. It was strongly contended that the Resistance of the Americans could not possibly come within that Description, for a Thousand Reasons, and none more than the very Declaration in Question, since real Rebellion never wants a declaratory Vote to prove it; it is seen and acknowledged by all the World. In the two Rebellions of 1715 and 1745 there was no such Vote; the Fact was taken for granted, and the Address of Support in the first Instance.
Colonel Grant, in Reply to Mr. Dunning, said, that he had often acted as an Officer in the same Service with the Americans; that he knew them well, and from that Knowledge would venture to predict they would never dare to face an English Army, as they were destitute of every one Requisite necessary to constitute good Soldiers.
Mr. Cruger answered Col. Grant as to the Reflections thrown by that Gentleman on his Countrymen; and lamented in the most pathetic Manner the dreadful Consequences of a civil War.
Capt. Luttrell was violent on the Side of Opposition, differed greatly from what was thrown out by his brother Officer; said he knew the Disposition and Temper of the Americans well, from a long personal Acquaintance with them; and assured the House, they would never submit to be dragooned out of either their Liberties or Property.
The Right Hon. Mr. C. F--- made a Motion for an Amendment to Lord North's Motion, by leaving out almost the Whole of it, except Thanks for the Papers; and when the Question was called for, it was, whether the Words proposed to be left out, stand Part of the Motion. The House then divided, Ayes 304 Noes 105.
The Question was then put on Lord North's original Motion, and the House again divided, Ayes 296. Noes 106.
Deferred the Consideration of the London Merchants Petition, and the other Petitions on American Affairs till Wednesday next.
House of Commons, February 7.
As soon as the Speaker this Day took the Chair, which was about half after two o'clock, Lord George Germaine, Gen. Howe, and with some other Members, were sent on a Message to the Lords to desire a Conference. The Messengers returned in a Quarter of an Hour, to acquaint the House, that their Lordships would immediately confer with them in the painted Chamber. The Committee appointed to draw up the Address, accordingly attended, & delivered it to the Lord President, who with fourteen or fifteen other Lords, were the Managers appointed on the Part of the Peers, desiring that the Blank might be filled up, with the Words "Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and." As soon as they came back and reported the Conference, the House rose and adjourned.
Feb. 8. A Message was delivered from the Lords desiring a conference with the House in the painted Chamber. The Committee who managed the last Conference, met their Lordships in the painted Chamber, when the Lord President, (Lord Gower) acquainted them, that the House of Lords had consented to fill up the Blank with the Words, "Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and."
As soon as the Conference was reported, Lord North rose and informed the House that he had intended to have moved some other Propositions respecting the Measures to be pursued towards America, but his Majesty having signified his Pleasure that he would that Day receive the Address of both Houses, and that it would be difficult to procure a full House, as many of the Members would not probably return, when the Order of the Day came to be read, for the House to go into a Committee on the American Papers; he gave this timely Notice that he should move to postpone the further Consideration of the Papers till Friday.
Mr. Fox observed, that the Noble Lord was all Hasty till he had effected Measures for rescuing General Gage out of the very dangerous Situation he was in; that he now imagined he had got him into a State of Security, he meant to proceed more coolly and deliberately, because he dreaded that the Defeat & Destruction of that General and his Troops would be solely attributed to his Lordship's Negligence and Rashness. He contrasted his Lordship's Conduct respecting the several Petitions presented by the American Merchants, remarking that Administration would not wait a single Day to hear the Complaints of so respectable a Body; but now that his favourite Measure was carried, he seemed to proceed with Caution & Deliberation. He concluded by observing that he understood the Measure his Lordship had next in Contemplation to carry into Execution was the most extraordinary that ever entered into the Head of an English Minister, to prevent the New England Provin-
ces from fishing on the Banks of Newfoundland.
Lord North replied with great Warmth to those Charges. He said, it was impossible for him to escape the Censure of the honorable Gentleman, let him act as he might. If he had proposed any Measure to the Consideration of Parliament this Day, or to-morrow, but by delaying Matters precipitately would be imputed to him; now that he had given the House a Respite of one Day to consider and deliberate, he was charged with Procrastination, and to what Motive was this Delay attributed? because Gen. Gage was in Safety. For his Part, he did not see how any Resolution of either House of Parliament, could be a Means of immediate Security to that Gentleman, if he were in Danger. He was sure he was not; but was at present in all imaginable Safety and Security. As to the Petitions, he denied that the House refused to hear them; neither were they withdrawn, but were still properly under the Consideration of the House. As to the Petition of the West-India Merchants, they might have presented it if they pleased; they might still present it if they thought fit; nor upon any Ground could the Information of one Day, upon a Subject so vast & extensive, be of any material Service.
The Question in the House of Lords was put for filling up the Blanks in the Address with the Words, "Lords Spiritual and Temporal." Contents 87; Non Contents 27.
Two Protests against the above Proceedings were yesterday entered, one against their Lordships not going into the Merits of either Petition, and the other against the Impropriety of the Address agreed to by the House. The Protests were signed by the following Right Hon. Members: R---d, C---n, T---n, A---r, S---e, C---r, R---m, W---e, A---n, C---y, C---n, E---m, P---y, A---y, S---h, F---n, P---d, T---e.
St. JAMES, FEBRUARY 9
This Day the two Houses of Parliament presented to his Majesty the following ADDRESS:
The humble Address of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament assembled, Die Martis, 7 Februarii, 1775.
MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN, W E Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons in Parliament assembled, return your Majesty our most humble Thanks for having been graciously pleased to communicate to us the several papers relative to the present State of the British Colonies in America, which by your Majesty's Command have been laid before us. We have taken them into our most serious Consideration; and we find that a part of your Majesty's Subjects in the province of the Massachusetts Bay have, proceeded so far as to resist the Authority of the supreme Legislature; that a Rebellion at this time actually exists within the said province; and we see with the utmost Concern that they have been countenanced and encouraged by unlawful Combinations and Encouragements entered into by your Majesty's Subjects in several of the other Colonies, to the Injury and Oppression of many of their innocent Fellow Subjects, resident within the Kingdom of Great-Britain, and the rest of your Majesty's Dominions. This Conduct on their part appears to us the more inexcusable when we consider with how much temper your Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament have acted in support of the Laws and Constitution of Great Britain: We can never so far desert the Trust reposed in us, as to relinquish any part of the sovereign Authority over all your Majesty's Dominions, which by Law is vested in your Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament. And the conduct of many persons in several of the Colonies during the late Disturbances, is alone sufficient to convince how necessary this power is for protection of the Lives & Fortunes of all your Majesty's Subjects.
We have ever been, and always shall be ready to pay attention and regard to any real Grievances of any of your Majesty's Subjects; which shall, in a dutiful and constitutional Manner, be laid before us; and whenever any of the Colonies shall make a proper Application to us, we shall be ready to afford them every just and reasonable Indulgence: At the same time, we consider it as our indispensable Duty, humbly to beseech your Majesty, that you will take the most effectual Measures to enforce due Obedience to the Laws and Authority of the supreme Legislature; and we beg Leave, in the most solemn Manner, to assure your Majesty, that it is our fixed Resolution, at the Hazard of our Lives and Properties, to stand by your Majesty against all rebellious Attempts, in the Maintenance of the just Rights of your MAJESTY, and the two Houses of Parliament.
His Majesty's most gracious Answer.
"My Lords and Gentlemen, "I thank you for this very dutiful and loyal Address, and for the affectionate and solemn Assurances you give me of your Support in maintaining the just Rights of my Crown, and of the two Houses of Parliament; and you may depend on my taking the most speedy and effectual Measures for enforcing due Obedience to the Laws, and the Authority of the supreme Legislature.
"Whenever any of my Colonies shall make a proper and dutiful Application, I shall be ready to concur with you, in affording them every just and reasonable Indulgence; and it is my ardent Wish, that this Disposition may have a happy Effect on the Temper and Conduct of my Subjects in America."
PORTSMOUTH, April 7.
Paragraphs having been lately inserted in the Boston and Salem News-Papers, declaring that many Officers in this Government had resigned in Consequence of the Dismissal of some, who had been concerned in the Robbery of the Fort, we think it incumbent on us to contradict these Reports, which, as we are informed from very good Authority, are entirely without Foundation. No such Resignations having taken Place.
The Hon. JOHN SHERBURNE, Esq; is sworn in one of His Majesty's Council for this Province.
Yesterday Morning Major John Sullivan, Esq; and Capt. John Langdon set out from hence for Philadelphia, to meet the Congress.

BOSTON.
MASSACHUSETTENSIS continu'd. To the INHABITANTS of the Province of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
THUS the argument that is drawn from their first principle of our being entitled to English liberties, destroys the principle itself, it deprives us of the Bill of Rights, and all the benefits resulting from the revolution, of English laws and of the British constitution. Our patriots have been so intent upon building up American rights, that they have overlooked the rights of Great-Britain, and our own interest.— Instead of proving that we were entitled to privileges that our fathers knew our situation would not admit us to enjoy, they have been arguing away our most essential rights. If there be any grievance it does not consist in our being subject to the authority of Parliament, but in our not having an actual representation in it. Were it possible for the colonies to have an equal representation in Parliament, and were refused it upon proper application, I confess I should think it a grievance; but at present it seems to be allowed, by all parties to be impracticable, considering the colonies are distant from Great-Britain a thousand transmarine leagues. If that be the case, the right or privilege that we complain of being deprived of, is not withheld by Britain, but the first principles of government and the immutable laws of nature, render it impossible for us to enjoy it. This is apparently the meaning of that celebrated passage in Gov. Hutchinson's letter, that rang through the continent, viz. "There must be an abridgement of what is called English liberties. He subjoins, that he had never yet seen the projection, whereby a colony three thousand miles distant from the parent state, might enjoy all the privileges of the parent state and remain subject to it, or in words to that effect. The obnoxious sentence taken detached from the letter, appears very unfriendly to the colonies; but consider'd in connection with the other parts of the letter, is but a necessary result from our situation.— Allegiance and protection are reciprocal. It is our highest interest to continue a part of the British empire, and equally our duty to remain subject to the authority of parliament. Our own internal police may generally be regulated by our provincial legislatures, but in national concerns, or where our own assemblies do not answer the ends of government with respect to ourselves, the ordinances or interposition of the great council of the nation is necessary.— In this case the major must rule the minor. After many more centuries shall have rolled away, long after we who are now bustling upon the stage of life, shall have been received to the bosom of mother earth, and our names are forgotten, the colonies may be so far increased as to have the ballance of wealth, numbers, and power in their favour, the good of the empire make it necessary to fix the seat of government here; and some future GEORGE, equally the Friend of mankind with him that now sways the British sceptre, may cross the Atlantic, and rule Great-Britain by an American Parliament.
MASSACHUSETTENSIS.
N. B. There was a Mistake in our Paper of February 17, 2d Page, 3d Col. 11 Lines from the Bottom, in saying the Board of Commissioners were like the Board of Trade; it should have been, like the Board of Commissioners of the Customs in England.
Nath'l S. Griffith,
CLOCK & WATCH-MAKER in Portsmouth, At the Sign of the Clock opposite Dr. Cutter, WILL speedily and properly repair and rectify any Clocks & Watches, which are out of Order, in the best and cheapest Manner. Any Watches sent said Griffith will be speedily resitted, and expeditiously returned; and if they don't answer the first Mending, they may be sent back again, and rectify'd without Cost.
N. B. Said Griffith has an Assortment of plated BUCKLES at the cheapest Rate, and will give new Buckles or Money for any old Gold and Silver.
He has also for Sale new Watches as low as ten Dollars, and a Number of others at different Prices; also Keys and Chains.
BOSTON.
NOVANGLUS to be continu'd. To the Inhabitants of the Colony of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
My FRIENDS,
THAT if Parliament is to tax the Colonies, their Assemblies of Representatives may be dismissed as useless."
"That taxing the Colonies in Parliament for their own Defence against the French, is not more just, than it would be to oblige the cinque Ports, and other Coasts of Britain, to maintain a Force against France, and to tax them for this Purpose, without allowing them Representatives in Parliament."
"That the Colonists have always been indirectly taxed by the Mother Country (besides paying the Taxes necessarily laid on by their own Assemblies) inasmuch as they are obliged to purchase the Manufactures of Britain charged with innumerable heavy Taxes; some of which Manufactures they could make, and others could purchase cheaper at other Markets."
"That the Colonists are besides taxed by the Mother Country, by being obliged to carry great Part of their Produce to Britain, and accept a lower Price, than they might have at other Markets. The Difference is a Tax paid to Britain."
"That the whole Wealth of the Colonists centers at last in the Mother-Country, which enables her to pay her Taxes."
"That the Colonies have, at the Hazard of their Lives and Fortunes, extended the Dominions, and increased the Commerce and Riches of the Mother Country, that therefore the Colonists do not deserve to be deprived of the native Right of Britons, the right of being taxed only by Representatives chosen by themselves."
"That an adequate Representation in Parliament would probably be acceptable to the Colonists, and would best unite themselves and Interests of the whole Empire."
The last of these Propositions seems not to have been well considered, because an adequate Representation in Parliament, is totally impracticable: but the others have exhausted the Subject.—If any one should ask what Authority or Evidence I have of this Anecdote, I refer him to the second Volume of political Disquisitions, Page 276, 7, 8, 9. A Book which ought to be in the Hands of every American who has learned to read.
Whether the Ministry at Home or the Junta here, were discouraged by these masterly Remarks, or by any other Cause, the Project of taxing the Colonies was laid aside, Mr. Shirley was removed from this Government, and Mr. Pownal was placed in his stead.—
Mr. Pownal seems to have been a Friend to Liberty & to our Constitution, and to have had an Aversion to all Plots against either, and consequently to have given his Confidence to other Persons than Hutchinson and Oliver, who stung with Envy against Mr. Pratt and others, who had the Lead in Affairs, set themselves, by propagating Slanders against the Governor among the People, and especially among the Clergy, to raise Discontents, and make him uneasy in his Seat. Pownal averse to wrangling, and fond of the Delights of England, solicited to be recalled, and after some time Mr. Bernard was removed from New-Jersey to the Chair of this Province.—
Bernard was the Man for the Purpose of the Junta—educated in the highest Principles of Monarchy, naturally daring & courageous, skilled enough in Law and Policy to do Mischief, and avaricious to a most infamous Degree: needy at the same time, and having a numerous Family to provide for,— he was an Instrument, suitable in every Respect, excepting one, for this Junta to employ. The Exception I mean, was blunt Frankness, very opposite to that cautious Cunning, that deep Dissimulation, to which they had by long Practice disciplined themselves. However, they did not despair of teaching him this necessary artful Quality by Degrees, and the Event shew'd they were not wholly unsuccessful, in their Endeavours to do it.
While the War lasted, these simple Provinces were of too much Importance in the Conduct of it, to be disgusted, by any open Attempt against their Liberties. The Junta
therefore, contented themselves with preparing their Ground by extending their Connections and Correspondencies in England, & by conciliating the Friendship of the Crown Officers occasionally here, and insinuating their Designs as necessary to be undertaken in some future favourable Opportunity, for the Good of the Empire, as well as of the Colonies.
The following is inserted by particular Desire. The TESTIMONY of the People called QUAKERS, given forth by a Meeting of the Representatives of said People, in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, held at Philadelphia the twenty-fourth Day of the first Month, 1775.
HAVING considered with real Sorrow, the unhappy Contest between the Legislature of Great-Britain and the People of these Colonies, & the Animosities consequent thereon; we have by repeated public Advices and private Admonitions, used our Endeavours to dissuade the Members of our religious Society from joining with the public Resolutions promoted and entered into by some of the People, which as we apprehended, so we now find have increased Contention, & produced great Discord and Confusion.
The Divine Principle of Grace and Truth which we profess, leads all who attend to it's Dictates, to demean themselves as peaceable Subjects, and to discountenance and avoid every Measure tending to excite Disaffection to the King, as supreme Magistrate, or to the legal Authority of his Government; to which Purpose many of the late political Writings and Addresses to the People, appearing to be calculated, we are led by a Sense of Duty to declare our entire Disapprobation of them—their Spirit and Temper being not only contrary to the Nature and Precepts of the Gospel, but destructive of the Peace and Harmony of civil Society, disqualifies Men in these Times of Difficulty, for the wise and judicious Consideration & promoting of such Measures as would be most effectual for reconciling Differences, or obtaining the Redress of Grievances.
From our past Experience of the Clemency of the King and his royal Ancestors, we have Grounds to hope and believe, that decent and respectful Addresses from those who are vested with legal Authority, representing the prevailing Dissatisfactions and the Cause of them, would avail towards obtaining Relief, ascertaining and establishing the just Rights of the People and restoring the Public Tranquility; and we deeply lament that contrary Modes of Proceedings have been pursued, which have involved the Colonies in Confusion, appear likely to produce Violence and Bloodshed, & threaten the Subversion of the constitutional Government, and of that Liberty of Conscience, for the Enjoyment of which, our Ancestors were induced to encounter the manifold Dangers & Difficulties of crossing the Seas, and of settling in the Wilderness.
We are, therefore, incited by a sincere Concern for the Peace and Welfare of our Country, publicly to declare against every Usurpation of Power and Authority, in Opposition to the Laws and Government, and against all Combinations, Insurrections, Conspiracies, and illegal Assemblies: and as we are restrained from them by the conscientious Discharge of our Duty to Almighty God, "by whom Kings reign, and Princes decree Justice," we hope through his Assistance and Favour, to be enabled to maintain our Testimony against any Requisitions may be made of us, inconsistent with our religious Principles, and the Fidelity we owe to the King and his Government, as by Law established; earnestly desiring the restoration of that Harmony & Concord which have heretofore united the People of these Provinces, and been attended by the divine Blessing on their Labours.
Signed in and on Behalf of the said Meeting. JAMES PEMBERTON, Clerk at this Time.
CHOICE
Philadelphia Flour
To be Sold by JOHN SPARHAWK, at a Store on Mr. Evans's Wharf cheap for Cash.

Wakefield.
WHEREAS the Proprietors of Wakefield, (formerly called East Town) in the County of Strafford and province of New Hampshire, having been legally Notified to pay sundry Taxes to me the Subscriber; and several of them being yet delinquent in the whole or Part; this is therefore to notify such Persons that so much of each delinquent Proprietors Land will be exposed to Sale at public Vendue at my House in Rochester, on Tuesday the 18th Day of April next, at ten of the Clock in the Forenoon, to pay said Taxes, with incidental Charges. The delinquent Proprietors Names are as follows, with the Sums due.
   1st. Division. 2d. Div.   l. s. d. l. s. d.    Thomas Miller 2 2 9  Joseph Hussey 1 0 3 0 9 0  Isaac Horn 0 4 6  Mathew Livermore Esq; 0 2 6  James Kelley 0 4 6  Moses Gage 1 14 6 2 2 9  Joha Evans 4 5 6  Joha Wentworth Esq; 0 10 6  Samuel Alley 4 11 6 2 0 6  Ebenezer Roberts 3 8 6 0 9 0  Solomon Hanson 2 13 0 0 9 0  Thomas Miller, jun. 3 12 9  William Still 4 8 3 4 5 6  Joha Roberts 0 12 6  Love Roberts 1 10 10 2 2 9  Paul Gerrish 4 3 6 0 9 0  Benjamin Roberts jun 0 12 0  Daniel Young 3 11 6 0 9 0  Stephen Varney 0 9 4  Capt. Stephen Evans 0 9 0  John Hussey 1 14 4  William Twombly 2 11 8  Hezekiah Cook 0 16 6  John Dewas 16 6 6  Ebenezer Wentworth 2 2 9 2 2 9  John Brown 0 9 6  Joseph Roberts 1 5 6  Samuel Austin 2 8 6  Gershon Downs 2 10 6  Joseph Hicks 2 9 3  Samuel Readel 0 0 0 0 15 6  Thomas Downs 0 6 6  Robert Hanson 4 5 6 2 15 8  James Caney 1 2 9  William Hussey 3 6 4 2 4 6  Lt. John Ham 0 9 4 2 0 6  John Miller 3 14 1  William Downs 0 9 0  William Gerrish 2 4 6 1 0 6  Timothy Hanson 4 5 6  Philip Yeaton 0 9 2 0 9 0  Richard Downs 0 9 8 4 5 6  Samuel Downs 4 5 6  Solomon Emerson 0 9 0  Ebenezer Tuttle 0 9 0  William Willard 0 9 0  Job Clements 1 18 6  Samuel Dam 0 9 0  Thomas Miller jr. 1 7 0  
BARNABAS PALMER, Collector.
Rochester, March 23d, 1775.
Lancaster.
WHEREAS the Proprietors of Lancaster, at a legal Meeting held in said Township, on the Ninth Day of August 1774, voted to Raise Four Dollars on each original Right or share in said Township, for building Bridges and Repairing Roads in said Town; and a to Eight shillings and Four pence Lawful Money toward building New Mills in said Township; These are to Notify the Owners of said Land, to pay their respective Taxes to me at my Dwelling House in said Township, on or before the twenty fifth Day of April next, or their Lands will be advertised for sale, at the Law directs. Edward Bucknam, Collector.
Lancaster, Feb. 13, 1775.
Choice Floor of MUSTARD,
BY the Dozen or single Bottle to be sold at the Shop adjoining the House of Joseph Whipple, & next Door to Capt. George Turner—where also may be had a Variety of English Goods, and where is wanted a Quantity of the following Articles of the Manufacture of this Country, viz—Cotton Cloth; Check'd Woollen ditto: Yarn Stockings, and Mens Shoes.
THE Creditors to the Estate of Richard Calley, late of Epping, in the county of Rockingham, Taylor, deceased, Represented Insolvent, are hereby Notified, that the Commissioners appointed to receive and examine their several Claims to said Estate, will attend that Business at the Dwelling House of Lieut. Colonel Samuel Folsom, Innholder in Exeter, on the third Monday of this and the four following Months, from five to seven o'clock P. M. of said Day.
March 14th, 1775.
John Adams,
Has removed to the Shop the Corner of Bromfield's Lane, a little Southward of the Province House, BOSTON, which was lately improved by William Blair Townend, Esq;—Where he has for Sale, A large and fresh Assortment of
GARDEN SEEDS,
Imported from LONDON, which he warrants good, and all of the last Year's Growth, viz:
   Early Golden Hotspur Best cur'd Parsley,   Pease, Pepper-grass,   Early Charlton ditto, White Mustard,   Ormerods Hotspur, blue, Summer & Winter Spinage,   Rouncivals, Ledmans Salmon, scarlet; short   Dwarfs, Spanish Morat- top'd Sailed and Turnip   tos, large & dwarf Mar- Radish,   rowfats, and crooked Italian and solid Celery,   Sugar Pease, Beet, Parsnip,   Large Windsor, early Lis- Green and white Endive,   bon, large Toker and Early and long prickly   green Norfolk Beans, Cucumber,   early yellow Dwarfs, Musk and Water Melon,   white and speckled Pole Summer & winter Squash,   and Kidney Beans, Squash Pepper,   White Spanish, Portugal Asparagus, Thyme,   white, Blood red, and Sweet Marjoram,   Silver skin Onion, Summer Savory,   Early Dutch, early low Baum, Sage,   Dutch, early Yorkshire, Bush Basil,   Sugar loaf best read and Rosemary, Lavender, and   large Winter Cabbage, Hysop,   Early and late Cabbage Blue Lupins, Nasturtians,   Green and yellow cur'd with a great Variety of   Savoy Cabbage. Flower Seeds,   Green and white Cobs, Hemp, Rape, Canary and   brown Dutch, Silvers, Maw Seeds for Birds.   hardy Green, Marble, Red and White Clover,   Honey, Tennishell and and Herds Grass,   best Head Lettuce, Spit Pease and boiling   Early yellow and Orange Beans,   Carrot, Earthen WARE & Gro-   Early Dutch, long French ceries as usual.   and Winter Turnip,  
WE the Subscribers Commissioners appointed by the Hon. John Sherburne, Esq; Judge of Probate of Wills, &c. for the County of Rockingham, to receive and examine the Claims of the several Creditors of the Estate of Timothy Murry, late of Newmarket, deceased, represented insolvent, hereby give Notice that we will attend that Service at the House of Mr. Benjamin Mead, Innholder in Newmarket, the last Monday of this & the five next following Months, from Three to Eight o'clock P. M.
WENTWORTH CHESWILL, JOSHUA FROST,
Wanted to hire immediately
For six or eight Months, five or six good Labourers, who are acquainted with the Business of clearing of Land; one or two Carpenters, and one Blacksmith, who can shoe Horses— Also, Wanted two or three Bushels of well cleaned Hards Grass SEED. Enquire of Joseph Whipple.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of Waldo Emerson, late of Wells, deceased, intestate are once more requested forthwith to pay the same to Edward Emerson of York, or Samuel Hancock of Wells.
March 20th, 1775.
THE Hull of a new Vessel barthen'd about 150 Tons, double deck'd, to be sold cheap for Cash or good Security, by Edward Emerson at York,—who also has to sell good Indian CORN, and an Assortment of English and West India GOODS, PORK and Molasses, cheap for Cash or White Pine Boards delivered at York.
ALL Persons having Demands on the Estate of Deacon Daniel Jackson, late of Portsmouth, Blackmaker, deceased, are desired to exhibit their Claims; and those who are indebted to said Estate, are desired to make speedy Payment to the Subscribers, Administrators of said Estate.
Portsmouth, George Jackson, March 21st, 1775. John Jackson.
Eight or Ten Settlers,
ARE wanted to set down immediately in a good Township in this Province, to each of whom will be given One hundred ACRES of Land.
Enquire of the Printer.
† Dummer †
THE Proprietors of Dummer are desired to meet at Capt. Tilton's in Portsmouth on the 19th of April next, at 6 o'Clock, P. M.
PAUL LANGDON, Proprietors Clerk. Portsmouth, March 28th, 1775.
TO BE SOLD By William Bell,
Lately from Scotland, now of Greenland, the following BOOKS, viz.
Flavel's Works, 8 Vol. Fisher's Catechism. Confession of Faith; Boston's four fold State; Boston on the Covenants; Owen on indwelling Sin; Owen on the Person of Christ, Call on God's Sovereignty; Watt's Psalms & Hymns; Hervey's Letters; Ambrose looking to Jesus; Gray's Work's; York's Sermons, 2 Vol. Rodrack Random, 2 Volumes. Josephus's Work's, 4 Vol. Col. Gardner's Life; Spectator, 8 Vol. Boston's Body of Divinity, 3 Vol. Fisher's young Man's Companion; Hervey's Dialogues, 2 Vol. Salmon's Geography; Pilgrim's Progress 3 Parts;—Pope's Essay on Man; Young on the last Day. Moors Sermons; Scot's Psalm Books;—Whole Duty of Man, 4 Vol. M'Ewen on the Types; Collections of Confessions of Faith; Boston's Sermons; large Bibles, Testaments, and small Bibles; Willison's Sacramental Discourses and Catechisms; Willison on the Sanctification of the Lord's Day; Afflicted Man's Companion; Balm of Gilead. Also, English and West-India GOODS.
Neal M'Intyer,
HAS Removed from the Store he formerly kept on Spring-Hill, Portsmouth, to the House opposite;—where he has for Sale, A Quantity of choice TOBACCO of every Sort, by Wholesale or Retail; likewise a large Assortment of Earthen and China WARE, among which is a compleat Sett of CHINA, which will be sold for sterling Cost & Charges; also, Rum, Sugar, Molasses, Coffee, Indigo, Pepper, Spices, Snuff; and all Kinds of Groceries;—Orange, Clove, Anniseed, Snake-Root, and Dr. Stevens's WATER, by the Cask, cheap for Cash or short Credit.
Garden Seeds,
A general Assortment, lately imported, To be Sold by SAMUEL HILL
At his Shop near the Assembly House, North End, Portsmouth. Likewise,
Painters Colours, Oyl, Gold Leaf, Paper Hangings, Looking Glasses and Coffin Furniture of all Sorts, cheap for Cash.
New-Brittain.
Province of New Hampshire, Rockingham ss.
THE Proprietors of the Township of New Britain, (so called) are hereby Notified to meet at the House of Capt. Caleb Sanborn, Innholder in Hampton Falls, on Tuesday the 11th Day of April next, at one of the Clock Afternoon, to act on the following Articles, as they shall see fit. 1. To chuse a Moderator for said Meeting. 2 A proprietors Clerk, a Committee, to call proprietors Meetings, Assessors, a Collector and Treasurer. 3. To see what said proprietors will do concerning clearing & repairing Roads in said Township. 4. To see if said proprietors will agree to hire preaching in said Township some part of this present Year, and for how long. 5 To see if said proprietors will agree to raise any sum or sums of Money for the purposes aforesaid. Anthony Emery { Proprietors Clerk. Hampton, March 20, 1775: Caleb Sanborn.
Broke Open, on the Night
Following the Fifteenth Instant, the subscriber's Shop at Exeter, and was stole from thence the following Articles, viz. Sixty pair of Copper and Brass cut Rimed Shoe Buckles, and about thirty pair of Kam dit. sundry pair of Brass Sleye Buttons, sundry new Files, chiefly of the glazing Kind; also sundry small Boxes with a Quantity of second handed Stones for Sleye Buttons in them, and also another small wooden Box with a Tea Spoon and some Money in it, together with sundry other Articles in the Goldsmith and Braziers Business. Whoever shall apprehend the Thief or Thieves, so that he or they may be brought to Justice, shall have Three Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by Ichabod Shaw Davis.
N. B. 'Tis apprehended that some or all the above mentioned Articles may be offered to some Goldsmith for sale; if so, it is desire'd they may be stopped.
Exeter, March 16, 1775.
Rags of all Kinds to make Paper
Taken in by Mr. George Marshall, Sailmaker, and Capt. Robert Furness—Fine Rags at two Coppers and half per Pound, and coarse ditto as customary.

LONDON Feb. 9. The SPEECH of the LORD-MAYOR, on the Motion of Lord North, for an Address to his Majesty against the Americans.
MR. SPEAKER,
THE Business now before the House respecting America is of as great importance as was ever debated in Parliament. It comprehends almost every Question relative to the common Rights of Mankind, almost every Question of Policy & Legislation. I do not mean to enter into so vast, so well trodden a Field. I will confine myself to the Business before us. The Address now reported from the Committee of the whole House appears to me unfounded, rash and sanguinary, and most unjustly to draw the Sword against America; but before Administration are suffered to plunge this Nation into the Horrors of a civil War, before they are permitted to force Englishmen to sheathe their Swords in the Bowels of their Fellow-Subjects, I hope this House will seriously weigh the original Ground and Cause of this unhappy dispute, & in time reflect whether Justice is on our Side. The assumed Right of taxation without the Consent of the Subject is plainly the primary Cause of the present Quarrel. Have we, Sir, any Right to tax the Americans? That is the Question. The fundamental Laws of Human Nature, and the Principles of the English Constitution, are equally repugnant to the Claim. The very Idea of Property excludes the Right of another's taking anything from me without my Consent, otherwise I cannot call it my own. What Property have I in what another Person can seize at Pleasure? If we can tax the Americans without their Consent, they have no Property, nothing which they can call their own; we might take their All. The Words, "Liberty and Property," so dear to an Englishman, so pleasing in our Ears, would become Mockery and Insult to an American. The Laws of Society are professedly calculated to secure the Property of each Individual, of every Subject of the State. The great Principles of the Constitution under which we live, likewise clearly determine this Point. All Subsidies to the Crown are Grants from the Commons, free Gifts from the People. Their full Consent is always expressed in the Grant. Much has been said of the Prerogative of Chester, and the Principality of Wales and the Period of their Taxation; but, Sir, there is a more remarkable Case in Point, which alone would determine the Question. If Gentlemen will search the Records in the Tower, they will find that the Town of Calais in France, when it belonged to the Imperial Crown of these Realms, was not taxed till it sent Representatives to Parliament. Two Burgesses from Calais actually sat and voted in this House. Then, and not till then, was Calais taxed. The Writ out of Chancery, & the Return to it, in the Reign of Edward VI. with the Names of the Burgesses, are still extant. I faithfully gave them to the Public from attested Copies.
But, Sir, it will be said, is America then to enjoy the Protection of Great Britain, and to contribute nothing towards the Support of that State, which has so long given it Protection and Security, which has nursed it up to its present Greatness? The Americans themselves have given the fullest Answer to this Objection in a Manner not to be controverted, by their Conduct through a long Series of Years, and by the most explicit Declarations. Equally in Words and Actions of the most unequivocal Nature, they have demonstrated their Love, their Ardour, their strong filial Piety towards the Mother Country. They have always appeared ready not only to contribute towards the Expenses of their own Government, but likewise to the Wants and Necessities of this State, although perhaps they may not be over-fond of all the proud, extensive Trappings of Royalty. In the two last Wars they far exceeded the cold Line of Prudence. With the most liberal Hearts they gave you almost their All, and they fought gallantly by your Side with equal Valour against our and their Enemy, against the common Enemy of Mankind, the ambitious and faithless French, whom we now fear and flatter. Our Journals, Sir, will bear Witness to the grateful Sense of the important Services of the Americans, and the great Sums we voted to be repaid them for what they expended in the spirited Expeditions, which they carried through with equal Courage and Conduct, sometimes without the least Knowledge or Participation on our Part, will demonstrate the warm Affection of their Hearts to this Country. But, Sir, the Whole was the Gift of Freemen, of fellow Subjects, who feel that they are, & know that they have a Right to be, as free as ourselves. What is their Language now, when you are planning their Destruction, when you are declaring them Rebels? In the late Petition of the General Congress to the King, they declare "they are ready and willing, as they ever have been, when constitutionally required, to demonstrate their Loyalty to his Majesty, by exerting their most strenuous Efforts in granting Supplies and raising Forces." This is the unanimous Resolution of a Congress, composed of Deputies from the several Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island & Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent & Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the two Carolinas. I have heard, Sir, of a Plan of accommodation, which I believe would reconcile all Differences. But, alas! Sir, it did not come from any Servant of the Crown. It comes from the noble Lord for whom this Country has the most essential Obligations, and is so much indebted for its late Splendor and Glory. It is to assemble another Congress in the Spring, under the Authority of the Parliament of Great-Britain; the Deputies of the several Colonies to meet together, and to be jointly empowered to regulate the various Quotas to be paid by each Province to the general Treasury of the whole Empire. I would in Addition to that Plan propose, that a Regulation similar to what actually takes place with respect to Scotland be adopted as to America. The Proportion of each Colony might be settled according to the Land-Tax in England, at one, two, or more Shillings in the Pound. I am not deep Politician enough to know what the Proportion should be of each Province, & they will vary greatly in Half a Century, but I speak of their Quota being always to be regulated according to the Land Tax of this Country. The very flourishing Colonies of the Massachusetts Bay, Virginia and South-Carolina, for Instance, should contribute more, the smaller and poorer Colonies of New-Hampshire & New-Jersey less; but, Sir, I insist not a single Shilling can be taken without their Consent; and after this Day's Debate, should the Address be carried, I greatly fear every Idea of a Reconciliation will be utterly impracticable.
The Americans, Sir, have of late both within Doors and without been treated with the greatest Injustice, and even a wanton Degree of Cruelty. An honourable Gentleman has just told us that they complain of the Navigation Act, and insist on its Repeal. We have authentic Evidence to the contrary. In the Resolutions of the Congress they repeatedly desire to be put only on the Footing they were at the Close of the late War, "as to the System of Statutes and Regulations;" nor among the various Acts of which they desire the Repeal, do they once mention either the Navigation or the Declaratory Act. It is said likewise, they wish to throw off the Supremacy of this Country. Many express Resolutions, both of the General Congress and the Provincial Congresses, are the fullest Evidence of the Sense which the Americans entertain of their Obedience and Duty to this Country. They are too numerous to be quoted. Their full Claim, as stated by themselves, is so well
worded, I beg to read it to the House from their Petition to the King. "We ask but for Peace, Liberty and Safety." Surely, Sir, no Request was ever more reasonable, no claim better founded. "We wish with a Diminution of the Prerogative, nor do we solicit a Grant of any new Right in our Favour. Your Royal Authority over us, and our Connection with Great-Britain, we shall always carefully and zealously endeavour to Support and maintain;" while Administration are endeavouring to tear asunder those Ties, which have so long & happily bound us together.
The Address, Sir, mentions the particular Province of Massachusetts Bay as in a State of actual Rebellion, and the other Provinces are considered as aiding and abetting them. Much has been said by some learned Gentlemen to involve them in all the Consequences of a declared Rebellion, and to encourage our Officers and Troops to act against them as against Rebels. Whether their present State is that of Rebellion, or of a fit and proper Resistance to unlawful Acts of power, to our Attempts to rob them of their property and Liberties, as they imagine, I do not determine. This I know, a successful Resistance is a Revolution not a Rebellion. Who can tell, Sir, whether in Consequence of this very Day's violent and mad Address to his Majesty, the Scabbard may not be thrown away by them as well as by us, and should Success attend them, whether in a few Years the Americans may not celebrate the glorious Era of the Revolution of 1775, as we do that of 1688? Success crowned the generous Efforts of our Fore Fathers for Freedom, else they had died on the Scaffold as Traitors and Rebels, and the Period of our History, which does us the most honour, would have been deemed a Rebellion against lawful Authority, not a Resistance authorised by all the Laws of God and Man, not the expulsion of a Tyrant.
The Policy, Sir, of this Measure, I can no more comprehend, than I can acknowledge the Justice of it. Is your Force adequate to the Attempt? I am satisfied it is not. What are your Armies, and how are they to be recruited? Do you recollect that the single Province of Massachusetts Bay has at this Moment above 30,000 Men, well trained and disciplined; and can bring near 90,000 into the Field? They will do it, when they are fighting for their Liberties. You will not be able to conquer and keep even that single Province. The noble Lord proposes only 10,000 of our Troops to be there, including the four Regiments now going from Ireland, and he acknowledges very truly that the Army cannot enforce the late Acts of Parliament. Why then is it sent? Boston indeed you may lay in ashes, or it may be made a strong Garrison, but the Province will be lost to you. Boston will be like Gibraltar. You will hold in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, as you do in Spain, a single Town, the whole Country in the Power and Possession of the Enemy. Your Fleets and Armies may keep a few Towns on the Coast, for some Time at least, Boston, New-York, St. Augustine. The vast Continent of America will be lost to you. A few Forests on the Coast and some Sea Ports only you will keep, all the back Settlements will be independent of you, and will thrive in the rapid Progression of your Violence and unjust Exactions on their Towns. The ancient Story of the Carthaginian hide will be verified as to you. Where you tread, it will be keep down, but it will rise the more in all the other Parts. Where your Fleets and Armies are stationed, the Possession will be yours, but all the rest will be lost. I fear from this Day in the great Scale of Empire you will decline, and the Americans will rise to independence, to power, to all the greatness of the most renowned States, for they build on the solid Basis of public Liberty.
Sir, this Address is founded in injustice and cruelty. It is equally contrary to the sound Maxims of true Policy, and to the unerring rule of natural right. The Americans will defend their Property and their Liberties with the spirit of Freemen, with the spirit I hope we should. They will sooner declare themselves independent, and risk every Consequence of such a Contest, than submit to the Yoke which Administration is preparing for them. An Address of so sanguinary a Nature cannot fail of driving them to despair. They will see that you are preparing not only to draw the Sword, but to burn the Scabbard. You are declaring them Rebels. Every Idea of a Reconciliation will vanish. They will pursue the most vigorous Measures in their own defence. The whole Continent will be dismembered from Great-Britain, and the wide Arch of the raised Empire fall. But I hope the just Vengeance of the People will overtake the Author of these pernicious Counsels, and the loss of the first province to the Empire be speedily followed by the loss of the Heads of those Ministers who advised these wicked and fatal Measures.
House of Commons, February 9.
Lord North acquainted the House that he had a Message from his Majesty, which he read in his Place, delivered in at the Table, and is as follows:
G. R.
"His Majesty being determined, in Consequence of the Address of both Houses of Parliament, to take the most speedy and effectual Measures for supporting the just Rights of his Crown, and the two Houses of Parliament; think it proper to acquaint this House, that Additions to his Forces by Sea and Land will be necessary for that Purpose, and does not doubt but his faithful Commons, on whose Zeal and Affection he entirely relies, will enable him to make such an Augmentation to his Forces, as on the present Occasion shall be thought proper."
Ordered, that his Majesty's said Message be referred to the Consideration of the Committee of Supply.
At Half after five o'clock the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House, on the American Papers; when after a Speech of above an Hour long, in which the Propriety and Necessity of the Measures was fully explained. Lord North moved, "that the Chairman be directed to move the House, that Leave be given to bring in a Bill to restrain the Trade and Commerce of the Provinces of Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Providence, & Rhode Island Colonies in North America, to Great-Britain, Ireland, and the West-Indies, and to prohibit such Provinces and Colonies from carrying on any Fishery on the Banks of Newfoundland, or other parts therein mentioned, under certain Conditions, and for a Time to be limited." This produced a Debate which continued till past 11 o'Clock, when the Question being put, the Committee divided, Ayes 268, Noes 85.
The said Resolution was reported immediately, and a Bill ordered in pursuant thereto. Committee ordered to sit again on Friday.
The Debate was supported on the part of Administration by Lord North, Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Solicitor General, Sir Fletcher Norton, and Lord Beachamp. Sir William Meredith, and Welbore Ellis; on that of Opposition by Mr. Dunning, Mr. Serjeant Glynn, Mr. C. Turner, Sir George Saville, Governor Johnstone, Mr. T. Townshend, and Mr. Burke.
The Debate was mostly supported by the Gentlemen of the long Robe, relating to whether the Disturbances in America could be legally deemed a Rebellion. It was clear that Mr. Dunning, and the learned Serjeant had much the better of the Argument against their two learned and official Antagonists, till Sir Fletcher Norton rose, and gave a turn to the Debate, by confessing that rebellion was not technically defined in our Law Books, but that several of the Acts committed by the Americans were certainly
Treason. This he endeavoured to prove in a variety of Instances, such as pulling down Bawdy Houses, levelling Inclosures, destroying Turnpike-gates; in short, resisting an act of Parliament.
The Opposition against the Motion for an Augmentation of the Navy contended, that the whole Conduct of Administration, from the beginning of the Affair, was full of Ignorance, Treachery, & Incapacity. Why was the Navy reduced at a Time that the Ministry ought to have foreseen the Want that would probably arise? Does not this add one more additional Proof to the Numbers we have experienced of their total want of Foresight? Does it not clearly display the instability of their motives? Does it not yield the clearest Exhibition of the paltry veering Conduct which turns with every little Event, foresees Nothing, and abounds in nought but Palliatives!
Next Sessions, perhaps next Month, they will be of another Mind, and having changed their Tone with the Advices they receive, will come for three Times 2000 Men, perhaps five times as many. That the Conduct of the Land Forces has been upon the same Principles. At first 3 Regiments as a Garrison in Boston were to do all the Business. The Army now runs up to 16 Regiments.
By and by we shall find the Feas of Administration speak a different Language, we shall gradually hear of 20, of 30, & of 40,000 Men.
In what are these additional seamen to be employed? to destroy and prevent the fishing Trade of New England, and thereby throw into the hands of France the employment of 20,000 sailors and seamen: the fishery of Boston, &c. will naturally and inevitably go to the French, you cannot take it up, the towns in Britain that carry it on, it is well known cannot succeed them.
This blessed Effect will be one of the best presents made to their country by our present Measures in the department of their American Measures.
LONDON, January 31.
It was proposed at the last Cabinet Council to send over six more regiments to Boston with all speed, which proposition stands for further consideration.
Feb. 1. Lord North presented to the House several papers, bro't by the last dispatches. The most remarkable incident contained in these fresh advices is, that on the 14th of December 400 persons, armed, attacked & seized Fort William in New-Hampshire, and made the Commander of the Fort with his whole garrison, consisting of 5 men, prisoners; after which they took away 100 barrels of gunpowder belonging to his Majesty.
Yesterday the Upper Assembly was crowded below the bar at half after one o'clock, in expectation of L— C— making a motion respecting America. At two his L— made his appearance, and, after waiting for above an hour for the several members of administration, he acquainted the House, that he had a Bill of a conciliating nature in his hand, which he proposed to submit to their consideration. He now entered very fully into the main objects it had in view, apologized for the rude, informal manner it was drawn up, entreated their indulgence and assistance to model, and bring it into form.
The Bill is directed to a variety of important objects, but the two main points on which it principally turns are the repeal of the declaratory act of 1766, which asserts the supremacy of the British Parliament in all cases whatsoever, and substitutes in its place a supremacy directed to acts of mere legislation and control only, and to make it lawful for a Congress to meet at Philadelphia on the 9th of May next, where the whole continent of America (the infant Colonies and Quebec excepted) should acknowledge this restricted supremacy, and grant a certain benevolence or sum of money to his Majesty, to be under the disposal of Parliament, and to be employed towards alleviating the public burthens the mother country labours under.
L— S— opposed this strenuously; said he had receiv'd letters a few days since, informing him, that vessels are now loading at Amsterdam, L'Orient and Rochfort, the cargoes of which were intended for America; that all conciliating measures were to no purpose; and he should therefore move, that the bill be rejected in the first instance.
A very able and well supported debate now ensued, which continued till ten o'clock, when the question being put, there appeared for L— S—'s motion, contents 61; Poxies 7, in all 68. No Contents 32; so the Bill was rejected by a majority of 36.
Feb. 11. We hear, that previous to the commencement of any hostilities in America, a MANIFESTO will be distributed amongst all the provinces, setting forth at large the claims of Government on one Side, and the expected concessions of America on the other.
The Otter sloop, of 18 guns, Capt. Squire, now at Port mouth, is appointed to carry money to Boston, for the payment of the troops;