The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-12-31 00:00:00

Freeman's Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, December 31. 1776.
[ No. 32 ]
In the House of Representatives, December 24, 1776.
Voted, THAT all Persons who have received the public Monies out of the Treasury of this State, be called upon to lay their Accounts and Expenditures of the same before the Committee, on Claims, at Exeter, as soon as may be, and the Secretary cause this Vote to be advertized in the several public News Papers in this State as soon as may be, that all such Persons may be without Excuse.
Sent up for Concurrence,
JOHN LANGDON, Speaker.
In Council, Eodem Die, read & concurred, E. THOMPSON, Secretary.
A Copy examin'd by E. Thompson, Secr.
ANY persons having demands on the armed Schooner McClary , or any of her prizes, or on the prize ship Susanah , — are requested to lodge their accounts with the Agents for payment— Those who neglect it, must not suppose themselves ill treated if excluded. Portsmouth, Dec. 29, 1776.
POWDER TO BE SOLD
By SAMUEL HILL at the North End.
Portsmouth,
Also, West India GOODS, And many other Articles.
Genteel Lodgings,
In a commodious part of the town, for Ladies or Gentlemen, who chuse to board in a private family—Enquire of the printer.
Benj a Dearborn
Informs the Public,
He has removed from the house of Mr. John Elliot , to that late improv'd by John Parker , Esq; opposite Maj. Samuel Hale's ; where may be had, variety of
English, West-India and other G O O D S
NOTICE is hereby given to the legal Representatives of sundry soldiers belonging to the late company of the subscriber, in the continental service, viz — Soldiers dead—in captivity—on board the fleet—and some on furlough; by applying to me, at the house of Mr. Stephen Wentworth, innholder in Rochester, on the first Tuesday in the three following months, from twelve to three o'clock, may receive said soldiers wages. DAVID PLACE, Capt. Rochester Dec. 24, 1776.
THE Subscriber's Thanks are presented to those Gentlemen who have encouraged the publication of the Freeman's Journal : This will inform them that (for reasons already given) he has resigned said paper into the hands of DANIEL FOWLE, Esq; original Printer of the New-Hampshire Gazette ; who will supply the Customers with it 'till the expiration of the time paid for. BENJAMIN DEARBORN. Portsmouth December 31, 1776.
STOLE, the 24th DECEMBER inst. out of the House of the Subscriber a Copper Tea KITTLE, an Iron SPIDER, and Dutch OVEN, — Whoever will discover the THIEF, so that he may be brought to JUSTICE, shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward by me, GEORGE DOIG. Portsmouth, Dec. 30, 1776. 2—4
WE the subscribers, being appointed Commissioners by the Honorable Ichabod Rollins, Esq; Judge of the probate of wills, &c. to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Ebenezer Hobbs, late of Somersworth, mariner, deceas'd, represented insolvent, hereby give notice, that we will attend upon that business at the house of the widow Elizabeth Hobbs, at Somersworth, on the second Monday in Jan. 1777, and the second Monday of the five following months from two o'clock 'till eight in the afternoon of said day. John Rollins, Ebenezer Ricker. Somersworth, Dec. 28. 1776.
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Captain Samuel Hayes, late of Barrington, in the county of Strafford, deceas'd, are hereby desired to bring in their accounts to Sarah Hayes of Barrington aforesaid, administratrix to said estate, in order for settlement. Barrington, December 24, 1776.
PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 31, 1776. The 21st inst. died at his seat in Kittery, after a few days illness, the Hon. NATHANIEL SPARHAWK, Esq; in the 62d year of his age, Son in Law to the Hon. Sir WILLIAM PEPPERELL Baronet, deceased. He was a Gentleman bred to, and spent the chief part of his life in merchantile business. His abilities and qualifications justly recommended him to the particular notice of his town and country, both of which he served in various departments of honour and importance; the duties of which he discharged to general acceptance. On Friday last his remains were decently interr'd.
DIED] Mrs. Elizabeth Ham, Æ. 56, consort of Mr. Will. Ham of this town. A Child of Mr. Joseph Ayers. A Child of Woodbury Langdon, Esq;
The following Gentlemen, are returned to serve in the COUNCIL.
For the County of Rockingham. MESHECH WEARE, Esq; JOSIAH BARTLET, Esq; NICHOLAS GILMAN, Esq; GEORGE KING, Esq; TIMOTHY WALKER, Esq;
For Strafford County.
JOHN WENTWORTH, Esq; EBENEZER THOMPSON, Esq;
For Hillsborough County,
JONATHAN BLANCHARD, Esq; MATTHEW PATTEN, Esq;
For Cheshire County,
SAMUEL ASHLEY, Esq; BENJAMIN BELLOWS, Junr. Esq;
For Grafton County,
No Gentlemen yet returned.
The Hon. MESHECH WEARE, Esq; is appointed President: And, EBENEZER THOMPSON, Esq; Secretary for this State.
The Hon. JOHN LANGDON, Esq; of this Town, is chosen Speaker. And
NOAH EMERY, Esq; Clerk of the House.
Last Wednesday night, in a severe snow storm, by the skill of Capt. Pinkham, was steer'd safe into this harbour, the Schooner George , of about 80 tons, being the Milton's Tender of 8 carriage guns, having a considerable quantity of provisions on board for her. — Capt. Pinkham, the 19th instant, sail'd from this port for the Eastward, after having deliver'd a Load of Wood; the 20th he was taken by the above Tender, the 21st they burnt his vessel, with about 100 l. in stores on board, and kept Capt. Pinkham and his two men he had with him, in pursuit of more prizes, but by reason of the violence of the above storm, they beg'd of Pinkham to take the helm at York ledge, and save their lives if he could, & he should be welcome to the vessel, which he at first steer'd into Little Harbour, and is now at Mr. Moffatt's wharfe— She had fifty one officers and privates on board, who are all safe under guard in this town. — The above was a continental vessel, and commanded by Capt. Burk as a privateer, but now by one Richard Willis.
Last Friday came to town the Captains Clark, Parrot and Manning, who took their passage from London 13 weeks ago, by the way of Antigua, from thence to Virginia, and Philadelphia, and from thence by land.
BOSTON, December 26.
The prize ship Melliss , lately taken by the ship Alfred , in the service of the United States, is safe arrived at Bedford, in Dartmouth. — She has, it is said on board, upwards of ten thousand suits of cloathing, four thousand stands of arms, a large quantity of gold lace, some bale goods, camp furniture, and sea coal, designed for the ministerial mercenaries and other hirlings, at New York.

To the Publisher of the New-Hampshire Gazette.
If you judge the following extract worthy of a place in your paper, please to insert it accordingly.
THE knowledge of history is justly esteemed a valuable attainment, not only as it makes us acquainted with the most remarkable events past, but also informs us of the most amiable characters, and such as are the most worthy of imitation, and upon an exact examination and scrutiny, the history of the Romans in the various parts of it will perhaps be found to be the best of any to furnish remarkable events and illustrious characters. It is obvious that this must be restrained to the early part of their history, before they had adopted the vices and fashions of the east, and before their manners were precipitated, as Sallust expresses it, to the depth of corruption, after the manner of a resistless torrent, when they had regard to virtue and religion, for their own historians tell us "that they founded their system of policy, at the very origin of their state upon that best and wisest principle, the fear of the Gods, a firm belief of a divine superintending Providence, and a future state of rewards and punishments." Their children were trained up in this belief from their tender infancy, which took root and grew up with them, by the influence of an excellent education where they had the benefit of example as well as precept, hence we read of no heathen nation in the world where both the public and private duties of religion were so strictly adhered to, and so scrupulously observed as amongst the Romans; they imputed their good or bad success to their observance of these duties, and they received public calamities as blessings conferred, or punishments inflicted by their Gods. Their historians hardly ever give us an account of any defeat received by that people which they do not ascribe to the omission or contempt of some religious ceremony by their generals; for tho' the ceremonies there mention'd justly appear to us instances of the most absurd and most extravagant superstition, yet as they were esteemed essential acts of religion by the Romans, they must consequently carry all the force of religious principle. We neither exceeded says Cicero, speaking of his countrymen, the Spaniards in number, nor did we excel the Gauls in strength of Body, nor the Carthaginians in craft, nor the Greeks in arts and sciences; but we have indisputably surpassed all the nations in the universe, in piety and attachment to religion, and in the only point which can be called true wisdom, a thorough conviction that all things here below are directed and governed by divine providence—To this principle alone Cicero wisely attributes the grandeur & good fortune of his country: For what man is there, says he, who is convinced of the existence of the Gods, but must be convinced at the same time, that our mighty Empire owes its increase and preservation to the protecting care of their divine providence. A plain proof, that these continued to be the real sentiments of the wiser Romans, even in the corrupt times of Cicero. From this principle, proceeded that respect for & submission to their laws, and that temperance, moderation & contempt for wealth, which are the best defence against the encroachments of injustice and oppression.—Hence arose that inextinguishable love for their country, which next to the Gods they looked upon as the chief object of veneration. This they carried to such a height of enthusiasm as to make every human tie of social love, natural affection, and self preservation give way to this duty to their dearer country, because they not only loved their country as their common mother, but rever'd it as the place which was dear to their Gods, which they had destined to give laws to the rest of the universe, and consequently favored with their peculiar care and protection. Hence proceeded that obstinate and undaunted courage, that insuperable contempt of danger and death itself, in defence of their country, which compleat the idea of the Roman character, as it is drawn by historians in the virtuous ages of the republic, as long as the manners of the Romans were regulated by this first great principle of religion, they were free and invincible. But the atheistical doctrine of Epicurus which insinuated it-
self at Rome, under the name of Philosophy, after their acquaintance with the Greeks, undermined and destroyed this ruling principle. It must indeed be allowed, that luxury, by corrupting manners had weakened this principle, and prepared the Romans for the reception of atheism, which is the never failing attendant of luxury."
Let the intelligent reader judge whether this is not a very good lesson to a new independent State.
BOSTON, December 19:
IT may suffice, for the present, to observe, that the proclamation in the second page of last week's paper, contains little in it besides a pardon to those who have been guilty of no crime, and together therewith a vague indeterminate intimation , with respect to their "reaping the benefit of his majesty's paternal goodness in the preservation of their property, and security of their most invaluable rights, under the just & moderate authority of the Crown & Parliament of Great Britain." Americans well know, from the cruel sufferings they have felt, and still feel, what idea to form of "paternal goodness and just and moderate authority, of the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain." This they have signified to the world by their declaration of independance , which they were driven to in justice to themselves, & their posterity; nor is there one in a thousand among them, but will venture their fortunes and lives in the support of it against all opposition. Charges and commands from an authority that has been openly disclaimed, does not appear a very likely method to establish peace, in the room of that unnatural war, which has been, and still is, as hurtful to Great Britain, as to these states. There may be a comparatively small number of friends to what they call government , who may be pleased with this proclamation; and it is the general hearty wish, that they would all take the benefit of it, (if there is any in it) and repair to New York, to this end. The several states in America would gladly be at the expence of their transportation; as being fully satisfied they would do less mischief there , than where they now live.
For the Encouragement of the Soldiers.
To the PRINTER.
YOU are desired to inform the public, That the Gen. Assembly in their session last Oct. in order to prevent the soldiers from being imposed upon by the sutlers as they were last campaign; appointed a committee to purchase such slops or small stores, roots, vegetables, &c. as they should think necessary for the present and future relief of that part of the Continental army, both northern & southern, that has been raised in this state, and to convey the same to the commissaries in proportion to the number of soldiers in their respective departments; and the commissaries are to sell said articles at the prime cost, charges, & no more . The commissaries to be accountable to the General Court for their doings in said office, and to be allowed for their services as the court shall think just. Another of Peter Oliver's jun's Letters that was taken in the Ship lately bro't in here.
To Col. Edson, at Halifax, Nova Scotia. London, St. James's Street,
Dear Sir; July 10th, 1776.
I flatter myself it will not be disagreeable to you to hear from me; and therefore take this opportunity to inform you where we are and how we got here.
At present we live in Governor Hutchinson's family, but my Father has taken a house in high street, Marybone Garden's, in which we shall soon move to.
Thanks to a kind providence we arrived at Falmouth in 35 days, being the 29th of April, after a most disagreeable passage; the
11th of May we got up to London all safe; for my part I am as well, or better, than I ever was in all my life; Mrs. Oliver and the children are hearty. A most fertile country beyond description. Such confusion of different noises; such constant passing of carriages; such large businesses carried on in every branch of the arts is enough to turn the brains of a poor Middleborough Doctor that was not turned before. Why Col. Edson, words are wanting to describe London to you; it is beyond any thing I ever had any idea of; it is the wickedest and best place on the globe; robberies are as frequent here, as getting drunk in Middleborough was; the public charities for orphans, for foundlings, for reclaiming common prostitutes, for the sick and lame, or poor pregnant women, and many other objects are all supported by a voluntary subscription. We read "charity covereth a multitude of sins," and I am led to think that this in the reason that providence smiles on this kingdom; for it is allowed that there are more public charities in London than in the globe besides. To every order there is public charities to support those who are advanced in life, and beyond getting their bread by their calling—it is amazing the different curiosities—the many different ways the people have of getting a living, and yet the beggars are plenty.
I have had the pleasure of seeing his majesty many times, but saw the queen but once—they are both much liked of.
The infamous Wilkes is lower than ever. I hope you will have the pleasure of seeing your dwelling within these twelve months, as I think there are troops enough gone out to conquer, if they can conquer.—The news of Quebec must give you all good spirits.—I charge you retain the same fortitude I left you possessed of—Have but a little patience, and I trust in providence we shall meet again in our own homes, and sit under our own roofs, & none to make us afraid—such a rebellion never can be supported through by heaven—the people must and will be humbled—they have only been suffered to go on that the judgements of heaven may fall the heavier upon them. I own it is exceeding disagreeable to me, and must be to all of you, to leave your pleasant habitations to the rage of a distracted people—but it is no doubt best, and we shall one day or another rejoice that it happened, I am positive. Be kind enough to give the enclosed to Mr. Spooner if he be with you, if he is gone any where else, and no freight opportunity offers that it can be conveyed to him, burn it. Let me hear from you by the first opportunity, how you are, & where you are, and whether you have any news from the county of Plymouth from any of my old acquaintance: In the mean time I pray heaven to protect you through the remainder of your life; may you be so prospered as to meet your good wife and children under your own roof; and may your integrity, which I know of no man to have more, be rewarded with seventy fold blessings.—I assure you it will give me the highest pleasure to receive a long letter from you, as great as any thing beside setting my feet upon land after a voyage of thirty five days. I am your's most sincerely,
PETER OLIVER, jun.
By a gentleman from Falmouth, we have collected a more particular account of what happened at the Elizabeth Islands; on or about the 6th day of December the enemy made their appearance with two ships in the mouth of the Sound between Gay-Head and the westernmost islands; after cruising 2 days some of the crew went ashore on the outermost island, where was a little hutt; after buying a few turkeys, asking the price of

Deep, and what force was at Tarpaulin Cove, on Naushan-Island, they went on board-ship again, came to sail, and run into Robinson's hole, near which place lived Mr. Jeremiah Robinson, a quaker, who made not the least opposition to their landing, but his family thro' fear, which consisted of his wife, an aged mother of 80 years, with nine or ten children, fled to the woods for safety. The enemy landed about 150 men, plundered and burnt the house in which was all the poor man's beef, pork, roots, butter, cheese, &c. together, with all his furniture, not content with all this, they burnt his corn, barn, in which was all his grain, killed and carried off two or three cattle and hogs; likewise killed and left dead on the ground some of his milch cows, and wounded and mangled others in the most cruel manner.—Thus was a peaceable and good liver in a few hours reduced to the greatest distress, by worse than brutal enemies.
Capt. Nye, who was stationed at the Cove, with the help of the militia from the neighbouring towns very soon made a strong party, went up to the west end of the island, but they had gone on board the ships, and the next day stood out of the sound. We have not been able to learn who commanded the ships.
Extract of a Letter from Peck's-Kill, (New-York) December 4, 1776.
“I am now preparing to set off for the Jerseys, to which place General Lee with his division is now bending his course. General Washington has received a reinforcement from the southward, and part of the troops late at the northward have also join'd him, with General Gates—I make no doubt some stroke of importance will soon be struck, as the enemy are so flush'd with their late successes, that they have ventured to divide themselves into several bodies.—They have about 10,000 men on the Jersey side of the river; the main body between Newark & Elizabeth-Town. General Washington is at Brunswick. Our men begin to enlist fast; and I hope we shall at least be able to make a stand 'till the next army is compleated. The inhabitants of Bergen county, and the lower part of Orange, have gone in, & made their submission to the King in the person of his Commissioners; but I trust their loyalty will be but short liv'd, and that General Lee will teach them to dance to a tune very different from “God save the king.”
L O N D O N, August 20.
A letter from a gentleman at Philadelphia, says, “You have no doubt heard that the Indians have declared in favour of America; I can, however, assure you they have absolutely refused to oppose the Great King. The Congress used every art that could be devised to induce them to take up the hatchet, but to no purpose. I was present at a talk held by the Deputies from the Congress with the Chiefs of the six nations, about three months ago, and was exceedingly pleased with the gratitude & honest simplicity of an ignorant and unpolished people. Finding they could not by fair argument prevail on the Indians to join the Congress, a clergyman from Boston, a celebrated orator, made a pompous oration, addressed to the passions, near the conclusion of which he took up twelve reeds, saying “Brethren, if you join us, we shall be like twelve reeds, so strong that we cannot be broken, we shall overcome and trample our enemies under our feet; but if you refuse to join us, Brethren, we shall be each of us like a single reed, thus crushed (breaking one) by the great person beyond the Lake.” On this rose up an aged warrior, and said, “Brothers, settle your disputes among yourselves, we Indians will not interfere; we have received many favours from the King beyond the Lake; we will not oppose him be has done us no hurt; he is like one great stick, much bigger & stronger than all your reeds: Brethren, we owe you no ill, we would live in peace under the Great
King, do us no injury yourselves and we will not hurt you.” The Deputies were much disappointed at their reception from the Indians, but finding they would not join America, the Congress now rail loudly at the wanton cruelty of government's arming the savages of the desert to oppose them, tho' they themselves first endeavoured to arm them against government.
The new raised corps in Ireland, commanded by Capt. Dalrymple, late of the 20th regiment, are ordered immediately to Jamaica.
The Empress of Russia has finally concluded a Treaty with our court, by which it is expressly stipulated, that 24,000 Russians shall be embarked for America by the beginning of April, 1777.
The Josepha, Hill, from Cadiz, for which the owners had so many fears, has been out from that port 35 days, though the passage is generally made from thence to London in 14 or 15 days.
This day, however, advice was received by the Lisbon mail, that the above ship having sprung a leak is put into Lisbon to repair.—Sixty per cent had been offered upon her last night and refused.
Besides the money on board her on the merchants accounts, the said ship is reported to have 50,000 dollars on account of the king of Spain.
Oct. 4. The king has taken the greatest pains to enter in the military ledger the names of all the officers that were wounded, or mentioned for behaving well in the late actions in America, in order that the preferment may be under his own eye: he has been so solicitous about this matter, that Lord Sandwich and Lord Barrington have been with him several times about it; and Gen. Hervey having received a private letter in which mention was made of a lieutenant behaving very gallantly, the king made him read it to him, and when he came to that passage, took out his pocket book and made a memorandum of it.
London, Aug. 15. Yesterday the subscribers to 1,400,000l. to be raised by annuities, for the service of the present year, made good another payment at the Bank of fifteen per cent. of the said capital.
Aug. 30. Friday last four ships were taking up into Government service, and ordered to be fitted out immediately as privateers, to sail by the 4th of September at farthest.
Six small ships are now fitting out in the river, as privateers to cruise about the windward passage, in order to protect the homeward bound Jamaica ships.
Sep. 4. Politics were yesterday opened at Lloyd's coffee house, and five guineas given to receive one hundred, if the provincials declare war against Portugal within one year.
Sep. 5. The Civil List is now Six Quarters in arrear. It is perfectly scandalous. The King's income is upwards of fifteen hundred thousand pounds. He lives meanly; and his family being very young, cannot be expensive. What becomes of the money?
Gen. Clinton and Sir Peter Parker will be recalled, Letters, requiring their attendance in England, having been dispatched from government. [The latter, it is probable, in order to repair his Breeches!]
We hear by a private letter received from France, that all the troops in that kingdom will be in motion early in the spring; every preparation is making for that purpose, and that expresses are daily dispatching to the general officers for completing their regiments.
Sept. 14. A weekly paper says, we are assured by a gentleman who has a good opportunity of knowing the fact, that the remittances of the treasury, for the purposes of
the American war, are not one penny less than the enormous sum of 100,000l. per week.
The Spaniards are under great Apprehensions that the vast Armament which was sent from England to reduce the Colonies to Slavery, would succeed, in one Campaign; but that should they miscarry in their diabolical Project, Affairs in that Kingdom and in France would take a more favourable Turn for America.
Upwards of thirty merchant ships are taking in their loading in the river, in order to sail with the convoy, which is to be ready to sail for the Leeward Islands by the 10th of October. Most of the above ships have from 10 to 12 guns, so that they will not be in much danger from the American privateers.
William Pearne,
Has to sell at his Store in Portsmouth, A Few hogsheads of West-India Rum, Sugar and Molasses; some New-England Rum, Cotton, Coffee, All-spice, Rice, Ship-Bread, —Also, a few European Goods, viz. Looking-Glasses of various sizes, Japan Ware of different kinds, Men's worsted and mill'd Caps, and Dutch Caps, Felt Hats, Men's Cotton and Thread Stockings; some Childrens Worstid ditto.— Clasp Knives and Cuttoes, Silk Knee Garters and Twist, Chest and Box Locks, Writing Paper, and sundry other Articles.—He has also to sell at wholesale or retail some good old Madeira Wine. 1—3
FOR SALE
NOW on the stocks at York, a new ship of the following dimensions, viz. 86 feet keel, and 29 feet beam, well seasoned, in the opinion of those who are judges, as well calculated for a prime sailer, as any ship built for that purpose: the materials and workmanship will recommend themselves; the main deck is laid, and can be finished on short notice—Any Gentlemen inclining to purchase, may be made acquainted with particulars by applying to JOHN STONE. 1—3
York December 19. N. B. The owner is on a journey, and will not return 'till the last of this month.
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of William Horne, late of Dover, yeoman, deceas'd, are desir'd to bring their accounts in to Margaret Horne, sole executrix to said estate, for immediate settlement. 1—3.
State of New-Hampshire.
A LIBEL being filed before me, against the Schooner called the Hope, her cargo and appurtenances; of the burthen of about fifty tons, lately commanded by Robert Caldwell; which Schooner, cargo and appurtenances, are alledged, to belong to some inhabitant or inhabitants of Great-Britain, or some subject or subjects thereof, other than the inhabitants of the Bermudas and Bahama Islands, and taken and brought into the county of Rockingham.
Notice is hereby given, agreeable to the law of said State, that the maritime court, erected to try and condemn all vessels found infesting the sea coast of America, &c. taken and brought into any port or place within this State, will be held, at the Court-house in Portsmouth, on Thursday the 9th day of January next, at ten 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 BRACKETT, Judge of said court. Portsmouth 16th December, 1776: 0—2
ALL Persons indebted to or that have any demands on the estate of John Wingate, late of Madbury deceased, are desir'd to bring in their accounts to John Wingate jun. of Madbury aforesaid, executor to said estate, in order for a settlement. 0—2
Low's ALMANACK, for the year 1777, sold at the Printing-Office in the Paved-Street, leading to the Market.

BOSTON, December 26, 1776.
Arrived in York river in Virginia, the Sloop Jane , Booker , Schooner success , Hill , and Schooner Rambler , Buffingham , all from St. Eustatia, with 600 casks of gunpowder, considerable cargoes of salt, cordage, and dry goods.
A Letter from Peek's-kill, dated Dec. 9, says, "The enemy are at Brunswick, and that ours are at Princeton and Trenton; — that by order of the council of safety all business has ceased at Philadelphia, except preparing to fight—that all the ships are shut up;—that the 13 Philadelphia Gondoliers are gone and going up to Trenton, and that their seafaring men have many of them formed themselves into artillery companies, & have marched with iron Field Pieces to Trenton to reinforce General Washington. It is reported that a chance shot across Brunswick river killed the second in command of the Hessians. That General Lee and Gates are on their way to reinforce G. Washington; the former has got as far as Morris Town: I am told he has clothed a Brigade with the spoils of Tories, who have lately taken the oath of allegiance to the King of England— Appearances are against us at present, but America will be victorious;—I feel a kind of Oliverian persuasion, that Heaven will soon interpose in our favour, and change the face of our affairs; the thought that Our GOD reigns, affords me great Consolation. I wish we were a better People."
Tuesday last the General Assembly of this State met after a short adjournment. The Truth of the following extraordinary Affair may be relied on, viz.
Capt. Eda, with 70 men, who, about two months since left St. John's, in order to take Fort-Cumberland, seven days after his departure, took a scouring party of 12 men from the fort, who some time since arrived at Newbury-Port.—Five days after taking the aforesaid party, as they were lying in ambush near the fort, they discovered a frigate and a sloop, both which went up as far as the fort; and the frigate leaving the sloop behind, departed.—About 48 hours after, in the night, 17 of Capt. Eda's men determined to take the sloop; they accordingly went & boarded her; a serjeant on board, who was made acquainted with the affair by the watch, ordered them to fire; but upon being told by Capt. Eda's men if they did, they should all be put to the sword, they tho't proper to desist; & accordingly resigned themselves & vessel (the cargo of which was valued at Halifax at 5000 Sterl.) into the hands of the brave Americans. The next morning, the captain of the aforesaid sloop, a doctor and chaplain (not knowing what had happened) came on board, & in a short time after, 15 men in a yawl, in order to unload the vessel, then 7 in a two mast boat, all which are taken proper care of, and, were together with the sloop, which is laden with beef, pork, flour, peas, candles, blankets, iron, steel, nails, &c. carried into Newbury-Port the beginning of last week.
And, it is supposed that by this time, Capt. Eda, with the remainder of his men, is in possession of Fort Cumberland.
On Friday 34 of the aforesaid prisoners were committed to goal in this town, among whom, are Capt. Barron of the 4th regiment, Doctor Cullen, and the pious parson Eggleston, who yesterday were sent off to reside at Hardwich.
By a gentleman of veracity who left London the 24th of September, we learn, That the merchants were very much alarmed at so many captures being taken from them, & were petitioning for an accommodation with the Colonists upon commercial principles only; that the court of Britain had demanded a categorical answer from France where her fleet and troops were destined; but an evasive answer was returned from that court, implying, they should know in due season.
PROVIDENCE, December 21.
By some deserters from the ministerial fleet at Newport we learn, that the troops lately arrived there consist of about 6000 Men, one half of them Hessians; & that it was reported on board the fleet, that they were soon to proceed to Boston, through this Town.
We learn from Newport, that upon the arrival of a ship there on Thursday last, supposed to be from New-York, the transports in the harbour began to take on board hay & straw; & it was whispered that Gen. Howe had met with a rebuff in New-Jersey.
The troops from the neighbouring States continue to arrive here daily; and last night came to town a company of volunteers from Salem.
Tuesday last arrived here Major General LINCOLN, who is appointed to the chief command of the American Troops in this department.
H A R T F O R D, Dec. 23. Extract of a letter dated Head-Quarters, Trenton Falls December 12, 1776.
"My last to you was by Capt. —, of the 5th instant, from Trenton—I was then in hopes my next would have acquainted you we were advancing on the enemy; my reason for presuming this, was a speedy arrival of Gen. Lee, with his division of the army—our enemy knowing how far he was in the rear, and our weak situation, made a forced march to come up with us, and were within two miles of Princeton when Lord Sterling began his retreat with two brigades. Boats from every quarter were collected, and our stores, together with the troops remaining at Trenton, were immediately conveyed over the Delaware. On Sunday morning, having every thing over, we cross'd the Delaware, & took our quarters about half a mile from the river. About 11 o'clock, the enemy came marching down with all the pomp of war, in great expectation of getting boats, & immediately pursuing, but of this we took proper care, by destroying every boat, shallop, &c. we could lay our hands on. They made forced marches up & down the river, in pursuit of boats, but in vain. This is Thursday;—the enemy are much scattered, some in Trenton, directly opposite, from that on their left to Burdentown and Burlington, on the river Banks.—The enemy are at least 12,000 strong, determined for Philadelphia, for which purpose they are transporting flat bottomed boats from Brunswick to Trenton by land."
N O R W I C H, Dec. 2.
The General Assembly of this State, at their last session, fixed the following prices, viz. labour in the summer not to exceed 3s. per day; wheat 6s. per bushel; rye 3s. 6d. Indian corn 3s. wool 2s. per pound; flax 10d. pork from five to seven score 3d. 1q. from seven to ten 3d. 2q. from ten and upwards 3d. 3q. grass feed beef not to exceed 24s. per hundred, so in proportion according to its quantity; raw hides 3d. per lb. salt 10s. per bushel; West-India rum 6s. per gallon, per hoghead; best muscovado sugar, 60s. per hundred; New-England rum 3s. 6d. per gallon, per hoghead; molasses 3s. per gallon, per hoghead; tea 4s. 6d. per pound; butter 10d. cheese 6d.
Mr. Ebenezer Grover, jun. of this town, who returned from the army last evening informs us, that at the evacuation of Fort Lee, as he was coming from the fort, he was, after being fired at several times, taken by a small party of the enemy, who took from him his horse and pack, threatening his life every minute, and carried him before Gen. Cornwallis, who examined him, and ordered him to be searched; and after breaking open & burning several letters, took his pocket-book, which contained several Continental bills, at which they were much diverted, and talked of burning them; but he begged them not to, as they would pass among us as well as silver; after detaining him two days, with nine other prisoners, the brigade major gave him a pass, and informed him that he was at liberty to return home; the other nine were ordered to New-York. The Gen. and his officers requested Mr. Grover to give their compliments to the people of Connecticut, and that they would come and pay us a visit as soon as they had been to see the Congress.—Mr. Grover did not get his horse and pack again.
By several Gentlemen from the Southward we are informed that the Saturday after the Enemy entered Trenton, having collected a Number of Boats, attempted to cross Delaware River in their Way to Philadelphia, but being vigorously opposed by our men on the opposite Shore, great Numbers of them (some say 1700) were either killed or drowned: But this, as it is received only as Report, the Public receive it from the Press in the same Manner.
We hear the Hon. Gen. Parsons, with a
small Body of Men is now at Hackinsack, in New-Jersey, where he lately had a considerable engagement with a party of the enemy, wherein he routed them, killed a number, & took about 70 prisoners, together with a large quantity of baggage, stores, &c.
On Friday the 13th instant, about 11 o'clock, his Excellency General Lee being at a house in Baskenridge, in New-Jersey, at a great distance from the enemy's army, the house was on a sudden surrounded by 60 of the light horse, who immediately fired 60 or 70 shot into the house, when his Excellency, seeing there was not a possibility of making his escape, surrendered himself a prisoner of war. Upon this, the enemy mounted him upon a horse, without hat or cloak, & rode off with the utmost expedition.
Intelligence of Gen. Lee's unguarded Situation, was given to the Enemy the Evening before, by an Inhabitant of Baskenridge, personally known to the General, and who had made great pretensions of Friendship for the American Cause, tho' at Heart the greatest Villain that ever existed. This Judas rode all the preceding Night to carry the Intelligence, and served as a Pilot to conduct the Enemy, and came personally with them to the House where the General was taken.
LONDON, September 14.
The Scotch Cabinet not being able to collect a revenue in America, to feed their hungry countrymen, have permitted the Revenue Commissioners, Messrs. Paxton, Halton and Hollowell, to come to England. They arrived in one of the last ships from Halifax.
The last thing the Board of Treasury did before they adjourned, was to order 17,000l. to be given among their refugees from America, who are in fact the principal authors of the present civil war.
It is very remarkable, says a correspondent, that the event of this unnatural war, should so directly contradict Lord Sandwich's assertion, in calling the Americans "Cowards" and that his particular friend should suffer so essentially. Major Pitcairn echoed his Lordship's opinion, and boasted, before he embarked at Portsmouth, that if he drew his sword but half out of the scabbard, the whole banditti (as he termed them) of Massachusetts Bay, would flee from him. Behold he is slain, on the first time he appears in the field against them. Capt. Howe, of the Glasgow, another of his Lordship's friends, falls in with two or three raggamuffin privateers; and he brings his Lordship an undeniable proof that the Americans are not cowards. And now we have a Gazette account, that those cowards have beat two 50 gun ships, four frigates of 28 guns each; & two others of 28 guns each; making together 252 guns. How many had these cowardly Americans? Why, truly 19; and though the King's ships had so many as 252 well manned, to so few as 19; yet those cowardly Americans made those heroes, and friends of Lord Sandwich, with his bon companion Sir Peter Parker, and a Scotch Lord, confess that their attempts to take an insignificant fort "was impracticable, and that a further attempt would have been the destruction of many brave men, without the least probability of success." They certainly confided in Lord Sandwich's bare ipse dixit, & could not be otherwise convinced, without losing one of the King's ships. and having five more nearly battered to pieces, besides losing 64 men killed, and 141 wounded, Ob! rare Jemmy Twitcher, Ob!
Letters from Cork, dated Sept. 7, mention that on the 6th the following ships, all laden with provisions, and ordered for New-York, sailed from the Cove, viz. the Francis , Hall ; Lord North , Harrington ; Union Island , Rowle ; Sally , Bishop ; Charming Sally , Pickering ; Mary , Smith ; Catherine , Fortune ; Peter , Long ; and Richard , Crockle .
The piece sign'd Candidus be deterr'd at present