New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-08-27 00:00:00

New - Hampshire Gazette
State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, August 27, 1781.
[ No. 1295 ]
ANNAPOLIS, August 2. Extract of a letter dated Malven (or Neal-vern's) hill, July 29, 1781.
It is not easy to make any thing out of lord Cornwallis's present movements. The fleet with about 1300 troops on board (some say 2000) were by our latest advices still in Hampton road. Since taking this position, there have been winds that would have carried them out of the capes or up the Bay. They have pilots on board, acquainted with the navigation of the Chesapeake. The fleet is watered, and the enemy give out that Baltimore is the place of destination; I know not well what to lay in this case. To deceive more effectually, generals sometimes announce their real intentions; for Cornwallis has done this in some instances. Going up the Bay is also agreeable to the ministerial system. The composition of the troops is likewise calculated for such service comprehending the light infantry, or a regiment of cavalry, or the queen's rangers. On the other hand, New York seems to call for their assistance, and they may be waiting for a convoy, or a second embarkation. In fine, if I dared to conclude any thing, it would be they were destined for New York. Nevertheless, precautions may not be improper in your quarter, but I state the intelligence, and you will be the best judge of the measure.
"It appears to me that this state will not be evacuated, nor their design of penetrating Maryland even suspended at this moment, unless the French have obtained such a naval superiority as to place New York and Charlestown in the last degree of danger. Such an event only, or a certainty that the army will be too much exposed to capture from such a superiority, can or will force them from this State."
"The Maryland dragoons have been ordered to return, and I suppose have commenced their march this morning."
BALTIMORE, July 31.
It is said two thousand British troops were a few days since embarked at Portsmouth; supposed to be destined for New York.
PHILADELPHIA, August 11.
Thursday evening another flag arrived here from Charlestown, with a number of families of the gentlemen already in this city, belonging to South Carolina, but who have left their all for the sake of the glorious cause of their country.
A second flag from St. Augustine is come up as high as Chester, with more of the worthy inhabitants of the State of S. Carolina. Extract of a letter from Major General the Marquis de la Fayette's camp, dated July 21.
"I have just learnt that it is reported, from good authority, that Lord Dunmore was to sail from England the very day after Cornwallis evacuated Williamsburg, with the pensioned refugees of this State, who, on this occasion, had received a year's pay advance. His Lordship's business in coming, was to give the antient capital its old masters and to establish the British government thro'out Virginia. How unfortunate are the English ministry in their plans! Lord Cornwallis, who was at the Point of Fork but the other day, is now at Portsmouth; which place may not be more favourable to Lord Dunmore, than was Guin's Island in the year 1776."
"We learn from the army in Virginia, that Tarleton having been detached by Lord Cornwallis, to destroy some stores in Amelia county, has been obliged to make a rapid retreat to his Lordship, who is at Portsmouth,
in consequence of Gen. Wayne and Morgan crossing to the south side of James River."
A gentleman just arrived from Virginia advises, that before he left that State, the Pennsylvania line, commanded by Gen. Wayne, had marched to reinforce Gen. Greene, in South Carolina.
TRENTON, August 8.
We are informed that Gen. Clinton lately sent an order to Lord Cornwallis to detach Simcoe's corps, and the light infantry of his army to New York; but his Lordship objects against this requisition, in his present situation at Sleepy Hole, Clinton repeated his order in the most positive terms; but the result of his Lordship has not come to our knowledge.
The troops lately embarked from New York were invalids, bound to Halifax, to relieve the garrison there, which was ordered to New York.
It was currently reported, yesterday, that a British fleet with troops supposed to be Cornwallis's army, was in the Chesapeake, bound for Baltimore.
HARTFORD, August 21.
A few days since a Subaltern officer of the 52d. regiment, with his whole guard, deserted the British and came to Gen. Washington's head quarters.
NEW LONDON, August 17.
Tuesday morning last a flag with 51 American prisoners, returned here from New York. The flag left the city on Sunday, at which time it was reported that a fleet arrived at the Hook on Saturday, from England, having 4000 German troops on board. We learn by this flag the Continental frigate Trumbull, the privateer Balitarius, of Providence, and a privateer brig and a schooner from Philadelphia, were carried into New York last week; the Trumbull was captured by the Iris, of 32 guns, and a sloop of war of 18 guns after gallant defence. The Trumbull, it is said, sailed from the Delaware with a fleet of merchantmen under her convoy, bound to the Havana, & that during the action they returned safe into the Delaware.
CHARLESTOWN, July 18.
Early on Sunday a considerable party of mounted rebels, chiefly militia, under Henry Hampton, who formerly resided at the Congarees, made a sudden irruption into Goose creek parish, surrounded the church during the time of service, made prisoners of some of the congregation, to some of whom they gave paroles, and took several horses. About two o'clock they came to the quarter house. Lieut. Waugh, with 18 cavaleers, of the South Carolina dragoons, having a little before received intelligence of some flying parties of rebels being seen in the neighbourhood, had just then mounted and was going out to reconnoitre; he was immediately attacked. The great disparity of force admitted of but a short contest, in which the gallant Waugh cut down John Wright, of Wasmaw, a rebel captain, and it is said, two others. He then surrendered, and was afterwards shot. Some of the rebels affected to regret the death of so brave a man, and to condemn the infamous deed.
Several gentlemen from town were then at the quarter house, some of whom got off; others were taken and admitted on their parole. Mr. William Trefler of this town, in attempting to make his escape, was shot.
After staying there about two hours, and regaling themselves with better fare than they have been accustomed to, the whole party decamped.
The above gentlemen at the quarter house were upon the point of sitting down to dinner when the rude Americans thus interrupted and dispersed them.
July 21. For these some weeks past, both the secret and avowed adherents of rebellion have been indulging themselves in the most sanguine expectations; and by industriously propagating the most exaggerated reports of the numbers, discipline and appointment of Green's army, particularly of Lee's cavalry, have induced many of their credulous unhappy countrymen to swerve from their allegiance, and thereby involve themselves in misery and want.
BOSTON, August 23.
Last Friday his Most Christian Majesty's frigate Harmoine and Astre, arrived here from a successful cruise.
The report of a French frigate arriving at Philadelphia, with a loan of three millions of livres, is premature.
Monday arrived into port the letter of marque ship Fox, belonging to Falmouth, and bro't in with her a large prize ship, loaded with rice, indigo, furs, &c. homeward bound, from Charlestown South Carolina.
On Tuesday evening arrived in town, Capt. Samuel Tucker, and Dr. William Ramsey, of the Thorn cruiser, from the Island of St. John's, which place they were carried into by Sir William Younge, of the Hynde British ship of war, from whom (as well as from Governor Patterson, of that island) they confess to have experienced every mark of humanity and politeness, of which they entertain a grateful sense.
A ship from New York bound to Penobscot with several refugees Tories which was taken a few days ago by a small privateer from Newbury port, and is safe arrived.
We hear from the Southward, that a number of British officers to the amount of 40, went out upon a party of pleasure, about 15 miles from Charlestown, taking with them about 30 light horse as a guard, to dine upon turtle, elegantly provided for them:—No sooner they entered the house, and being all seated round the table, when behold to their astonishment, as well as surprize! a number of unwelcome guests, called Continentals, soon made their appearance surrounded the house killed most of the guard, and made the officers prisoners—& after refreshing themselves from the turtles, made the best of their way off with the officers.
A gentleman from the Southward informs that the 19th regiment, on their retreat from Ninety six, to Charlestown, were all taken prisoners.
Extract of a letter dated on board the Jersey (vulgerly called HELL) PRISON SHIP, New York, August 10, 1781.
"There is nothing but death or entering into the British service before me. Our ship's company is reduced to the small number (by death and entering into the British service) of 19—There is a partial cartel arrived and bro't 11 prisoners, and the names of 10 many as makes up that number, sent from Boston by somebody,—and damn the villain that trades that way, tho' there is many such in Boston, that are making widows and fatherless children a curse on them all. The commissary told us one and all, to the number of 400 men, that the whole fault lays on Boston, and we might all be exchange'd, but they never card about us; and he said the Commissaries were damn'd rogues and liars."
"I am not able to give you even the outlines of my exile; but thus much I will inform you, that we bury 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 men in a day: we have 200 more sick, and falling sick every day; the sickness is the

yellow fever, small pox, and in short every thing else that can be mentioned.
"I had almost forgot to tell you our morning's salutation is, "Rebels! turn out your dead!"
BOSTON, August 23.
(No. 6.) (Duplicate)
Charlestown, June 27. 1781.
My LORD,
AFTER the advantages gained by Lord Rawdon, on the 25th of April, over Gen. Greene's army, of which your Lordship was informed by my dispatch of the first ultimo, the general state of this province, the almost universal revolt of its inhabitants, and the many parties of the enemy, which were everywhere harassing it, rendering it expedient to relinquish the post at Camden, Lord Rawdon therefore quitted that place, after having again offered battle to Gen. Greene, who secured in a strong position, behind Sawney Creek, could by no efforts be induced from it.
On the corps under Lord Rawdon falling back towards this town, the enemy, by detachments, invested the posts at Mott's House, Congarees and Augusta, having previously taken that at Wrights Bluff; these posts, my Lord, had been establish'd for controuling the country and preserving its communications—Unfortunately, from the superiority of the enemy, and the impossibility of immediate relief, as affairs were then circumstanc'd, these garrisons were obliged to surrender, though gallantly defended, however, I have the satisfaction to inform your Lordship, that the stores in them were but inconsiderable, & the amount of regular troops, in all, not exceeding six hundred, and even they have since been exchanged, under a cartel which has lately taken place between my Lord Cornwallis and Major General Green, for the release of all prisoners of war in the southern district.
Having accomplished these smaller purposes, Gen. Greene combined his force, and laid close siege to Ninety-six, the most commanding and important of all the posts in the back country, & which was therefore maintained by about 350 men, exclusive of militia and put under the charge of Lieut. Colonel Cruger, an able and zealous officer.
Thus circumstanced was this province, when a reinforcement of three regiments from Ireland arrived, and as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made, Lord Rawdon, having under him a corps of near 2000 men, proceeded to the relief of Ninety-six, an undertaking, from the unfavourableness of the climate at this season which your Lordship knows must have been attended with many difficulties and much fatigue, but which the zeal and exertion of the troops enabled them to surmount.
General Greene, on finding this corps approaching him, took the resolution of attempting to storm the garrison, as an expedient less dangerous and decisive than coming to action with Lord Rawdon.—On the morning of the 19th instant, he therefore made the experiment, but by the gallantry of the troops was repulsed, having, as acknowledged by the enemy, at least 75 killed & 150 wounded.—On this occasion, and during the siege, our loss was truly inconsiderable, though at present I am unable to specify to your Lordship the particulars of it.
Thus disappointed in his views, General Greene, the ensuing day, raised the siege, and retired with his army behind the Saluda, to a strong situation, within 16 miles of Ninety-six, at which post Lord Rawdon arrived on the 21st.
The essential service done by the troops under Col. Cruger, in their gallant defence of the post, which was closely pressed by the enemy, and the noble spirit with which they repel'd the assault of all Greene's army, is much too obvious to require any tribute I could pay to such distinguish'd merit.
I have the honor to be, my Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient and most humble servant, W. BALFOUR.
Right Hon. Lord George Germain, &c. &c.
(No. 7.)
(Duplicate)
Charlestown, July 2. 1781.
My LORD,
BY the Prince William Henry packet, I was honoured, on the 28th ult. with the duplicates of your Lordship's letters of the 7th of March and 4th of April last, the originals of which have not yet come to hand.
Your Lordship may be assured, that no exertions, on my part, will be wanting for the defence and maintainance of this place, which has lately received, from works constructed by the commanding engineer, Lt. Col. Moncrieffe, every additional security, which professional abilities can bestow.
Since the date of my dispatch No. 6, I have been honoured with two letters from Lord Rawdon, who pursued Gen. Greene to the Fords of the Enmoree, but tho' near, was unable to come up with him, from the uncommon precipitancy with which the enemy retreated, and their having so much the advance on the march.
This circumstance, and the great fatigue of the troops in attempting to counteract it, rendering improbable all hopes of overtaking Gen. Greene's army, so as to effect any thing decisive. Lord Rawdon is returned to Ninety-six, and General Greene having passed the Tyger & Broad Rivers, it would from thence seem, that the object of his march, pointed towards Virginia, which I am the rather inclined to believe, from the intelligence, to which however I do not give the fullest credit, which has reached me, of his being ordered there to join the force now under Generals La Fayette and Wayne.
The last dispatches which I have received from Lord Cornwallis, were dated at Peterburgh, the 25th May, and give accounts of his having accomplished his junction with the army under the late Maj. General Phillips. His Lordship was at that time, proceeding in the pursuit of La Fayette, who daily expected to be reinforced by a corps under Gen. Wayne, detached by Gen. Washington to his support. I have the honour to be,
My Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and humble Servant, W. BALFOUR. Right Hon. Lord Geo. Germain, &c. &c.
The above are copies of two original letters from Col. Balfour to Lord George Germain, taken in a packet bound from Charlestown, South Carolina, to London.
Attest JOHN AVERY, Sec'y.
NORWICH, June 21.
Saturday last the honourable General Assembly of this state finished their sessions at Hartford; They have ordered that 100,000 worth of confiscated estates be sold, and a tax levied adequate to raise 28,000. for the express purpose of calling in this State's money; which sum will entirely consume the whole.—Look out, ye money jobbers—now is your time;—a word of advice to those numerous and staunch friends to the community ought to be timely and sacredly given, lest a neglect should prove fatal to the State, and thereby prevent its salvation.
It is reported that 800 militia are ordered from this State to camp.
Benjamin Woodbury,
From Newbury, informs the Publick, THAT he makes all sorts of Womens SHOES, at his Shop nearly opposite Tilton's Tavern, in Portsmouth; where he has also Women's Shoes for sale.
TO BE SOLD,
NUMBER 93, 94, 95, Lots of LAND, adjoining together, lying in New Durham; good Land in general, and will make a very valuable Farm, containing 130 acres each lot, as laid out; and is 25 miles from Portsmouth.—Enquire of the Printer hereof, or of Major Tash of New-Durham.
James Haslet,
INFORMS the Public in general, and his Customers in particular, that he will sell Leather and Leather Breeches, made in the best Manner, for Silver Money, as cheap as he formerly sold them before the present War; and would be obliged for their Favours, and do his utmost Endeavours to serve them with Faithfulness & Punctuality. Portsmouth, July 12. 1781.
Whole Right of Land in Savel To be sold Enquire of the Printer.
At Public Auction.
To-morrow, 10 o'Clock, A.M.
Will be sold at Auction, near Col. Langdon's Store, Portsmouth,
THE HULLS of the Brigantines, Gen. HALDIMAN and EDWARDS. Also, Cables, Anchors, Rigging, Sails, Boats, and small Stores; with a Quantity of Sheet Cork, Indigo and Tobacco.
Portsmouth, August 27, 1781.
At Public Vendue, to be sold,
On Tuesday the 4th of September next, Ten o'Clock, A. M. at Sheate's Wharfe, North End,
THE HULL of a Brigantine.
Also, Cables, Anchors, Sails, and Rigging, belonging to said Vessel.
Portsmouth, August 25. 1781.
A likely, capable Negro Girl,
14 Years of Age, to be sold, or exchang'd for a Negro Boy. Enquire of the Printer
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, ROCKINGHAM, ss.
To all whom it may concern.
NOTICE is hereby given, that LIBELS are filed before me, in behalf of Thomas Simpson, Esq. commander of the private armed ship Alexander, and all concerned therein, against the brigantine Catherine, of 70 tons burthen, her cargo, &c. Frances Trotter late master;—Against the brigantine Salley of 80 tons burthen her cargo, &c. Nicholas Baker late master;—And against the brigantine Jane and Elizabeth, about 70 tons burthen, her cargo, &c. William Geaves, junr. late master.—In behalf of Henry Moore, commander of the private armed brigantine Venus, and all concerned therein; against the brigantine Lady Clanbrassil, burthen 100 tons, her cargo, &c. late master. Also, in behalf of Thomas Roch, commander of the private armed cutter Grey-Hound, and all concerned therein; against the brigantine General Haldiman, 100 tons burthen, her cargo, &c. Lemuel Goddard late master: And against the brigantine Edwards, about 100 tons burthen, her cargo, &c. John Peeples late master—Which vessels are said to have been taken, and brought into the port of Piscataqua, in the State aforesaid: and for the trial of the justice of said captures, the Maritime Court will be held at Portsmouth, on Monday the 3d day of September 1781, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, when and where the owners of said captures, or any persons concerned therein, may appear, and show cause (if any they have) why the same should not be condemned.
J. BRACKETT, Judge of said Court.
Portsmouth, August 10. 1781.
ALL Persons Indebted to the Estate of
Capt. Simon Bradstreet, late of Portsmouth, Mariner, deceased, are desired to make speedy Payment. And all who have any just Demands on said Estate, are desired to exhibit their Accounts to
NATHANIEL FOLSOM, Adminfr. Portsmouth, Aug. 18, 1781.
The Members of the Convention
For forming a PLAN of GOVERNMENT, are hereby Notified, that their Meeting stands adjourned to the second Tuesday of September next. They are earnestly desired to be punctual in their Attendance then at Concord. GEORGE ATKINSON, Portsmouth, Aug. 11. 1781. (President.)
THE Inhabitants on the Western Side of Connecticut River, having embodied themselves into a State by the Name of VERMONT, without ever consulting the Thirteen United States of America for that Purpose, have usurped a further Extension of Jurisdiction over 54 Towns on the Eastern Side of said River, and have taxed the Lands in said Towns at ten Billings Silver Money for every 100 Acres improved or unimproved. By this Infringement they would take away a most valuable Part of this State, and throw us all into Confusion, for the same Towns are taxed to this State as they have been hitherto during the War, and the Subjects thereof are now at a loss what to do: many People think this Infringement is made on purpose to divide us; and a Paragraph in Lord Germain's Letter to Clinton about the Inhabitants of Vermont returning to their Allegiance, we are fearful have more Meaning in it than is generally known. or we could wish should prove too true: However, Time will bring forth, and we hope the Wisdom of Congress will prevent their Design.