The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-02-25 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, February 25. 1777.
[ No. 40. ]
PORTSMOUTH, February 24.
A Whisper to the FOLKS called TORIES.
As you have given Bonds not to disturb the Peace of the Town, nor do any Thing directly or indirectly against the American Cause, would advise, that you keep in your own Houses as much as possible, and not assemble together in the Street or elsewhere in too great a Number, as that will be look'd upon as an indirect Method taken against the public Good, and subject your Persons to Insults—It would also be prudent for those who desire to preserve the Name of staunch Whigs, not to join their Assemblies so frequently in the open Streets, as that gives a Sanction to their evil Doings—The Court has acquitted them on Conditions, therefore pass them with silent Contempt, and let their own guilty Reflections be their Punishment.—It would also be proper that whiffling Whigs should be distinguish'd, and assemble together, as their mixing with either of the above, is taking an unfair Advantage, and consequently brings a Reflection on both Parties, as they must be considered by the Public a Species beneath the Notice of either Class.
We hear from Exeter, That the infamous John Shepard, who was a recruiting officer for General Howe, and who broke Goal in Hartford some time since, is now taken up by Col. Silley, and secur'd in Exeter Goal.
Memorandum from the Schooner McClary's Log Book, Joshua Moore, Commander.
Wednesday Feb. 22. in lat. 32 43 n. long. 57, west, spoke a brig from Newbury, Joseph Davis, master, out 8 days, bound for St. Eustatia.
Jan. 23. Spoke a Schooner from Newbury lat. 33, 42 n. long. 57, 30, w. out 9 days, all well on board, bound to Guadalupe.
Feb. 3. Took Capt. York from off a wreck in lat. 38, 49 n. long. 61 west.
FISH KILL,
Feb. 13. The Express Rider, who arrived here yesterday from Head Quarters, gives the following interesting Intelligence,
THAT when he came off with the dispatches from General Washington, General Green brought in the following account:—That 300 of our troops were stationed at Quibble-Town, under the command of Col. Scott, and that 300 of the enemy from Brunswick attacked them, which obliged Col. Scott to retreat about a mile and a half; that being reinforced by a party of Ld Sterling's army, with 4 pieces of cannon, they renewed the engagement, obliged the enemy to retreat with the loss of 300 left dead on the field, and 100 taken prisoners; and were in pursuit of them when Gen. Green came away.
That deserters from the enemy inform, That their army are at half allowance, and their horses dying for want of fodder.
Last Saturday six of the enemy's light horse advancing towards West Chester, 3 or 4 miles from Kingsbridge, a small party of our militia attacked them, shot 3 of the riders, took one horse, the other 2 ran off with the other 3 remaining riders.
NEW HAVEN, Feb. 12.
A few days ago 2 or 3 of the enemy's tenders came too near Cable's Mills, at a place called Compo, the West part of Fairfield, where, for several hours, they made a most furious fire at the mills and scattering houses in the neighbourhood, but without doing any damage.
BALTIMORE, January 24.
In CONGRESS. Oct. 24.
RESOLVED, That every officer who holds, or shall hereafter hold a commission or office from Congress, shall subscribe the following declaration, and take the following oath, viz.
I do acknowledge the Thirteen United-States of America, namely, New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, N. Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to be Free, Independent and Sovereign States; and declare that the people thereof owe no allegiance or obedience to George the Third, King of Great-Britain. And I renounce, refuse, and abjure any allegiance or obedience to him. And I do swear, that I will to the utmost of my power support, maintain, and defend the said United-States against the said King George the Third, and his heirs and successors, & his & their abettors, assistants & adherents; and will serve the United-States in the office of _____ which I now hold, and in any other office which I may hereafter hold by their appointment, or under their authority, with fidelity and honor, and according to the best of my skill and understanding. So help me GOD.
By Order of Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President.
In CONGRESS, January 16, 1777.
RESOLVED, That a Committee of seven be appointed to enquire into the conduct of the British and Hessian General Officers, towards the officers, soldiers and mariners in the service of the United-States, and any other persons inhabitants of these States, in their possession as prisoners of war, or otherwise; and also into the conduct of the said Generals and officers, and the troops under their command, towards the subjects of these States and their property, more especially of the States of New-York and New-Jersey.
The members chosen, Mr. Chase, Mr. Witherspoon, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rofs, Mr. Heyward and Mr. Smith.
Extract from the Minutes, Publish'd by Order of Congress, CHARES THOMPSON, Sec.
Every printer is desired to publish the above, and continue the same in their news-papers for some time.
NEW-LONDON, Feb. 13.
Tuesday last Capt. Daniel Deshon, arrived here in a Schooner, in 32 days from Martinico; he informs that an English armed brig having taken sundry northern vessels within three leagues of the Cape, a French man of
war was sent after her, who bro't her into the Cape, where she was condemned and sold, and that an account thereof was immediately sent to France—That the French continue to fortify Martinico, two Forts being now erecting; and that two regiments of troops arrived from France while he lay there.
BOSTON, February 20.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of Character at Morris-Town, to his Friend here, dated Jan. 30.
"We had a very extraordinary skirmish with the enemy the 23d. A large number of waggons under an escort of 600 men, consisting of the 28th and 37th regiments, with 2 pieces of cannon, were proceeding from Brunswick to Amboy, were perceived by the 6th Virginia regiment, who were an out-post, consisting of 400 men, commanded by Col. Buckner. The Lieut. Col. (Parker) was dispatched with an advanced party of 600, who posted themselves most advantageously. The enemy advanced in a column ten in front, when they came up within a hundred yards, Parker gave them a well-levelled fire, by which their Commandant, Col. Preston, was killed.—They kept up an incessant blaze for 20 minutes, when Parker finding himself unsupported, retreated. The enemy had 25 killed on the spot, and 40 wounded; they carried off their killed and wounded, except 13, who were left, and were afterwards dressed by a surgeon of ours; besides the Colonel killed, the second in command was shot through the body, and carried off speechless; they had 1 Captain killed, and 1 wounded. These particulars we have from the people living near the spot, and from a corporal of the 3d regiment of guards, who deserted from them 2 days ago. Colonel Buckner, who got panic-struck, and left his Lieut. Colonel unsupported, is under an arrest, and will be tried for his life.—What under this little affair so extraordinary is, that we had not a single man either killed or wounded; such wretched shooters are British soldiers. The enemy are closely watched in Brunswick. They have got to living, officers as well as men, on salt provisions, and find it extremely difficult to get forage. That you may judge what a clever way we are in, take a memorandum of five or six days.
Jan. 17th. 3 of the guards and 1 dragoon, deserted.—Same day a large scouting party took 90 waggons, loaded with stores, in the country of Monmouth.
18th. 1 of the 42d regiment, and 2 light infantry, and 3 rangers deserted.
19th. 2 of the 46th regiment, and 2 of the 71st, deserted.
20th. 4 Waldeckers were taken prisoners.
21st. 4 of 71st regiment, 2 of the 40th, 3 of the 28th, 1 of the 55th, and 2 marines, were taken prisoners, with 47 waggons and 106 horses; they were part of a large foraging party, who were attacked by an inferior number of our troops, and were soon set a scampering, with the loss of the greatest part of their waggons.
22d. 4 of the 3d regiment of guards were made prisoners."
The Piece sign'd Candidus, and several other Pieces, together with Advertisements, must be omitted, to make Room for the following Laws, ordered to be published by Authority, which it is hoped will be duly observed.

In the Year of our LORD, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six. STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
AN ACT,
For regulating the Choice of County Treasurers and Recorders of Deeds in the several Counties in said State.
WHEREAS in the Form of Government established by the late Congress, it is directed that the Council and Assembly should ascertain the manner of choosing county-treasurers and recorders of deeds for the several counties in said State, by the people of each county respectively:
BE it therefore Enacted by the COUNCIL and ASSEMBLY, and by the Authority of the same, That at the annual meeting of each town and parish in the respective counties ( if in the month of March) or at some other meeting, to be appointed for said purpose, to be held in the month of March, each voter shall bring in one vote for a county-treasurer, and one vote for a recorder of deeds, for their respective counties, and that the votes for a county-treasurer be sealed up in one paper, and the votes for a recorder of deeds in another, and certified thereon, which are votes for a treasurer, and which for a recorder, by the town or parish clerk, who shall return said votes so sealed up and certified, to the clerk of the court of general-sessions of the peace, to be holden next after the said month of March, within and for such county; which votes shall be sorted by a committee to be appointed by said court, who shall make known to said court what person has the highest number of votes for each of said offices, and such person shall by the said court be declared to be chosen to said offices respectively, and be entered in the clerk's book accordingly. And in case there is an equal number of votes for any persons who have the highest number, the choice shall be determined by the votes of the major part of the justices of said court present.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That in case of refusal, death or other incapacity of any such officer, the said court shall issue a precept to the selectmen of each town and parish in such county, requiring them to call a meeting ( according to law) of their town or parish respectively, to chuse another in the manner before directed.
And that the said court shall appoint a committee, which in case of death or other incapacity of any such officer, shall receive into safe keeping all records and papers belonging to the said office so vacant, which committee shall be under oath for the faithful performance of said trust.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That all such recorders of deeds, before they be qualified for said office, shall give bond to the speaker of the house of representatives for the time being ( for the use of this State) with two sufficient sureties, in the sum of two thousand pounds, for the faithful performance of said trust. And that all such county treasurers, before they enter upon the duty of said office, shall give bond with two sufficient sureties, to the clerk of the court of general sessions of the peace for such county, in the sum of two thousand pounds ( for the use of such county ) for the faithful discharge of said trust.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That all persons who now hold such offices, shall hold and execute the same until such further choice be made and declared, pursuant to this Act.
In the Year of our LORD, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-six.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
AN ACT,
To prevent the spreading of the Small-Pox in this State.
WHEREAS the salutary ends proposed by the Law of this State, entitled, "An Act providing in case of Sickness," are not sufficiently answered thereby, but a further provision is found to be necessary: Therefore,
BE it Enacted by the COUNCIL and ASSEMBLY; and it is hereby Enacted and Ordained by the Authority of the same, That if any person, without licence first had and obtained from the General Assembly, or Committee of Safety, for the time being, or from the select-men of the town in which he dwells, and two justices of the peace in the next adjacent towns, shall presume to inoculate him or herself or any other person, with the small-pox, or shall be inoculated therefor, each person so offending, shall pay a fine of thirty pounds lawful money, to be recovered by bill, plaint, information or indictment of the grand jury, before the superior court of judicature within this state, the one half thereof to the use of the informer or prosecutor for the same, and the other half to the use of the county where such offence shall be committed.
L O N D O N, November 7, 1776. His Britannick Majesty's most gracious Speech, to both Houses of his Parliament, on Thursday Oct. 31
My Lords and Gentlemen,
NOTHING could have afforded me of much satisfaction as to have been able to inform you, at the opening of this session, that the troubles, which have so long distracted my Colonies in North-America, were at an end; and that my unhappy people, recovered from their delusion, had delivered themselves from the oppression of their leaders, and returned to their duty; but so daring and desperate is the spirit of those leaders, whose object has always been dominion and power, that they have now openly renounced all allegiance to the Crown; and all political connections with this country; they have rejected, with circumstances of indignity and insult, the means of consolation held out to them under the authority of our commission, and have presumed to set up their rebellious confederacies for independent States. If their treason be suffered to take root, much mischief must grow from it to the safety of my loyal Colonies, to the commerce of my Kingdoms, and indeed to the present system of all Europe. One great advantage however, will be derived from their object of the rebels being openly avowed, and clearly understood; we shall have unanimity at Home, found in the general conviction of the justice and necessity of our measures.
I am happy to inform you, that by the blessing of divine Providence on the good conduct and valor of my officers and forces by sea and land, and on the zeal and bravery of the auxiliary troops in my Service, Canada is recovered. And altho', from unavoidable delays, the operations at New-York could not begin before the month of August, the success in that province has been so important, as to give the strongest hopes of the most decisive good consequences: But notwithstanding this fair prospect, we must, at all events prepare for another campaign. I continue to receive assurances of amity from the several courts of Europe, and am using my utmost endeavours, to conciliate unhappy difference between two neighbouring Powers, and I hope that all misunderstanding may be removed, and Europe continue to enjoy the inestimable blessing of peace; I think, nevertheless, that, in the present situation of affairs, it is expedient that we should be in a respectable State of Defence at Home.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
I will order the estimate for the ensuing year to be laid before you; it is matter of real concern to me, that the important considerations, which I have stated to you must necessarily be followed with great expence; I doubt not however, but that my faithful Commons will readily and cheerfully grant me such supplies, as the maintenance of the honour of my Crown, the vindication of the just rights of parliament, and the publick welfare shall be found to require.
My Lords and Gentlemen,
In this arduous contest, I can have no other object but to promote the true interests of all my subjects; no people ever enjoyed more happiness, or lived under a milder government than those now revolted provinces: The improvements in every art, of which they boast, declare it; their numbers, their wealth, their strength by sea and land, which they think sufficient to enable them to make head against the whole power of the mother country, are irrefragable proofs of it. My desire is to restore to them, the blessings of law and liberty, equally enjoyed by every British Subject, which they have fatally & desperately exchanged for all the calamities of War, & the arbitrary tyranny of their chiefs.
In Committee of Safety, Portsmouth, Feb. 18, 1777. NOTICE is hereby given, that by Order of the Hon. Committee of Safety of this state, an embargo is laid on the following articles, which are forbid being sent out of this state either by land or water, viz. Rum, molasses, sugar, cotton wool, sheeps wool, flax, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, linnen, cotton and linnen, wollen and cotton goods of all kinds. — Provisions of all and every sort, — Shoes, hides, deer skins, sheepskins, and leather of all kinds. — In case any of the inhabitants of this town shall attempt to break in order that they may be prevented. By order of the Committee, H. WENTWORTH, Chairman.

AN ACT for regulating the PRICES of sundry ARTICLES therein enumerated.
WHERE AS the exorbitant Price of the Necessary and convenient Articles of Life, and also of Labour, within this State, at this Time of Distress (unless speedily and effectually remedied) will be attended with the most fatal and pernicious Consequences.
BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED, BY THE COUNCIL AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, IN GENERAL-COURT ASSEMBLED, That the Rates and Prices of the several Articles herein after enumerated be and hereby are, limited, within this State, as follows, viz
Good Merchantable Wheat shall not exceed the price of seven shillings and six pence, per Bushel.
Good Merchantable Rye shall not exceed the price of four Shillings and six pence, per Bushel.
Good Merchantable Indian Corn, shall not exceed the Price of three Shillings and six pence per Bushel.
Good Merchantable Oats shall not exceed the price of two shillings per Bushel.
Good Merchantable Peas shall not exceed the price of eight shillings per Bushel.
Good merchantable Beans shall not exceed the price of six shillings per bushel.
Potatoes of the best sort, shall not in the fall of the year exceed one shilling and four pence, nor at any season, 2s. per bushel.
American made Cheesee shall not exceed six pence per pound.
Butter of the best quality, shall not exceed ten pence per pound.
Pork, weighing from five, to seven scores, shall not exceed four pence, half penny per pound. From seven to ten scores, shall not exceed four pence three farthings per pound; and all above ten scores shall not exceed five pence per pound.
Salted Pork by the barrel, containing two hundred and twenty pounds weight, shall not exceed the price of five pounds.
Grass fed Beef of the best quality, shall not exceed three pence per pound, and in that proportion for stall fed Beef, and likewise Beef of an inferior quality.
Good tried Tallow shall not exceed seven pence half penny by the single pound.
Mutton shall not exceed the price per pound, herein set for Beef.
Veal shall not exceed three pence per pound.
Raw Hides shall not exceed three pence per pound.
Good Soal Leather shall not exceed one shilling and six pence per pound. Upper Leather in proportion.
Men's neat Leather Shoes of the best sort, shall not exceed eight shillings per pair.
Other Shoes in proportion, according to their quality.
Good merchantable West India RUM, shall not exceed six shillings and eight pence per gallon, by the hogshead; seven shillings and eight pence per single gallon; and two shillings by the single quart: And so in like proportion for smaller quantities, according to the former custom of retailers; saving an allowance of one penny per gallon, for every ten miles the same shall be conveyed by land carriage, from the first port of delivery, for the charge and risque of transporting the same.
New-England RUM of the best quality, shall not exceed three shillings and ten pence per gallon, by the hogshead; four shillings per gallon by the barrel; and four shillings and six pence by the single gallon, at the ports and places where the same shall be distilled (exclusive of the cask) and in like proportion for smaller quantities, saving the same allowance for carriage from the place of distilling, as is herein before made for West-India Rum.
Best Muscavado SUGARS, shall not exceed fifty four shillings per hundred weight by the hogshead; sixty shillings by the single hundred weight, and eight pence by the single pound, at the first port of delivery, allowing nine pence per hundred weight for every ten miles land carriage, from the said first port of delivery.
Molasses of the best quality, shall not exceed three shillings and four pence per gallon by the hogshead; three shillings and eight pence per gallon by the barrel; and four shillings by the single gallon, at the first port of delivery, allowing one penny per gallon for every ten miles land carriage from the said first port of delivery.
Good merchantable Salt shall not exceed ten shillings per bushel, allowing a reasonable price for transportation.
Good Coffee shall not exceed 1s. and 4d. per single pound.
Cotton shall not exceed three shillings per pound by the bag; and three shillings and eight pence per single pound.
Good well dressed merchantable Flax shall not exceed one shilling per pound.
Good merchantable Sheep's Wool shall not exceed two shillings, and two-pence per pound.
Men's good Yarn Stockings shall not exceed six shillings per pair; & in that proportion for those of inferior Quality.
Good yard wide Strip'd Flannel shall not exceed three shillings and six pence per yard, and other Flannels in proportion, according to their widths and qualities, and other Wollen Cloths in like proportion.
Good yard wide Tow Cloth shall not exceed 2s. and 3d. per
yard, and so in proportion according to its quality.
Coarse Linnens, yard wide, shall not exceed 4s. per yard; & in that proportion, according to other Widths & qualities.
Good Cotton Cloth, and Cotton and Linnen Cloth, yard wide, shall not exceed three shillings & eight pence per yard; and so in proportion if of different widths and qualities.
Good New-England Bar Iron shall not exceed forty shillings per hundred weight at the Iron Works.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the prices of European Goods, and Merchandize which have been, or shall be, imported into this State, as also all Goods and Merchandize brought into the same in any prize Vessel be regulated as follows viz. Woolen Goods, Coarse Linnens, Duck, Ticklingburgs & Oznabrigs shall not be sold by wholesale at a higher advance than in the proportion of two hundred & seventy five pounds for what cost one hundred of like money in Europe. And all other Goods, Wares, and Merchandizes imported from thence or brought into this State in any prize Vessel (warlike, and military stores excepted) shall be sold by wholesale at an advance not exceeding two hundred and fifty pounds for what cost one hundred pounds of like money in Europe.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That no Trader, Shop Keeper or other Person shall vend any Goods, Wares or Merchandizes (imported and brought in as aforesaid) by Retail, at a higher advance than twenty per cent, upon the wholesale price as before limited, making a reasonable allowance for the risque and charge of Land Carriage from the first place of purchase.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That no Goods, Wares or Merchandizes shall be sold at Vendue or Public Sale at a higher rate than is before limited.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the price of Farming Labour shall not in the summer season, exceed three shillings and four pence per day, and so in the usual proportion at other seasons of the year. And the labour of Mechanics and Tradesmen, and other labour to be computed according to the usages & customs that have heretofore been adopted and practised in this State, compared with Farming Labour.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons, after the publishing of this Act, shall sell any of the Articles, Goods, Wares, or Merchandizes herein mentioned or enumerated, at a higher price or advance than is herein limited, such person or persons so offending, shall forfeit the price demanded or taken for such Articles, if sold for more than twenty shillings, & if sold for twenty shillings or under—shall forfeit the sum of twenty shillings.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any labourer shall contract for, or receive more per day than is herein limited, for his labour, he shall forfeit the sum of twenty shillings for each day he shall so offend.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any person shall at any Vendue, or public-sale, give or bid for any Article or Merchandize, a greater price than is herein before limited—he shall forfeit the price so bid or given.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That all forfeitures arising by virtue of this Act shall be, the one half to the prosecutor—the other half for the use of the County wherein such offence is committed; to be recovered by Action of Debt in the same County. Which Action shall be commenced before any Justice of the peace in said County if the forfeitures do not amount to more than forty shillings—& where they exceed that sum, before the Inferior-Court of Common-Pleas in the same County. Which Courts are hereby authorized and impowered to try the same, and to grant appeals when demanded.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons within this State, having any Goods, Provisions, or warlike Stores, (more than sufficient for his own use and consumption) which shall be wanted for the supply of the American Army or Navy, and shall withhold, or refuse to sell the same at a reasonable rate, for the purpose aforesaid, when thereto required, it shall be lawful for the Committee of Safety, or chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature of this State, upon Information thereof, to issue a Warrant directed to the Sheriff of the County, (or his Deputy) where such person or persons so refusing, dwell—requiring him immediately to seize & take the same out of their hands or possession, and to break open any Stores, Ware-House, or other places for that purpose. And the said Sheriff & his deputy & each of them, are hereby authorized & impowered to execute such Warrant in the manner aforesaid. And the said Committee of Safety, or said Justice of the Superior Court who shall grant the said Warrant, shall thereupon appoint two impartial and judicious Men to appraise such Goods, Provisions, or warlike Stores under Oath—upon return of which appraisal the said Committee or Chief-justice shall, after deducting the charges of taking and appraising as aforesaid, order the Treasurer of this State to pay the residue to the owner.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That this Act shall take effect, and be in Force upon the first Day of February, Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven,—and not before,

G I B R A L T A R, October 8. THE British Consul resident at Morocco, has sent advice, that the Emperor has declared war against the Algerines, and intends to march with a considerable army against Tremecan, Arceo, and other places. Some private letters confirm this account, & add, that the Emperor has ordered the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of the Algerine territories to take all the cattle going to & from Algiers, and confiscate them to their own profit, without making any restitution.
Lisbon, Oct. 15. His Majesty has published a general pardon to all his subjects who have fled to the country for different crimes, on condition of their serving five years in the army.
The American privateers still continue to cruise on our coasts. One of them has taken an English vessel at the very instant that she was entering the Tagus.
L O N D O N, November 23.
The press for seamen, which is now extended to every part of the kingdom, has already increased the price of coals and fish 69 per cent and if continued, it is feared, other articles of life will feel its effects.
By the late stoppage of a capital West-India house in the city, said to be for upwards of 400,000. a considerable house at Bristol is likely to be affected, and it is feared the consequences may extend farther, if not prevented by the support of the merchants, many of whom have agreed to subscribe large sums to be drawn upon the Bank of England, but it is as yet doubtful whether a sufficient sum can be raised to answer this emergency, which is said at least to require 150,000.
In the course of one week, an aid of four shillings in the pound, land tax, voted to his Majesty; a number of seamen voted for the service of the year 1777, so large as 45,000, at 4l. each man per month, which reckoning 13 months in the year, makes the sum of 2,340,000 0 0
For 86,000 land forces, including foreign auxiliaries, with extra contingences, deficiencies to be made good, &c. nearly the same. 2,340,000 0 0 above 4 millions and a half 74,680,000 0 0 voted away without any one man asking a single question about the matter.
On the arrival of the troops at New-York, they took possession of Inking barrack, a very strong post. The provincial army had the good fortune to carry off all their sick from New-York.
Sir John Johnson is gone to raise the Indians on the Mohawk River.
When the last advices left New-York, a cartel for the general exchange of prisoners was negotiating. General Prescott, Governor Skeene, and Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, were to be exchanged for Stirling, Sullivan, and others of the provincial officers.
The magazines of the Provincials are placed some miles in the rear of their lines. They have entrenchments from King's Bridge to New Rochelle, an extent of seven miles.
The three royal provincial battalions of General De Lancey, Cortland Skinner, and Major Robert Rogers, are nearly compleated. The first commands on Long Island.
Advice is received at Montreal that General Schuyler had been ordered to take possession of port Stawix.
The force of Gates and Arnold, at Ticonderoga, is said to be about 5000 men, distinct from that under Schyler.
Trinity Church, at New-York, was set on fire in three places: the Church Corporation sustains a loss of upwards of 40,000. by the catastrophe.
The troops under Carlton and Burgoyne, are said to consist of 11,000 British and Germans, 3,000 Canadians, and 600 St. Regis and Gagnawaga Indians, together with 800 English seamen under the command of Captain Douglas, of the Isis.
The following is an extract of a letter from a house in Dublin, dated the 15th instant, to another in London, received the 20th instant. "Iers received this day from Coake, import the arrival there of five transports from New York, which bring an account that the rebels were repulsed from Kinbridge, with the loss of several thousand men, and that the king's army were on their march for Philadelphia, there to take winter quarters."
Another letter from Dublin, says, "Mr. Streitz, an eminent merchant here, has this day (November the 16th) received an account by one of his vessels, which arrived from America on the 14th, that his Majesty's forces under the command of General Clinton, having made good a landing, and got behind the Provincial army, made a signal to General Sir William Howe, who immediately marched and attacked them in front, while he engaged them in the rear; that the rebels, with a surprising carnage, were totally routed; and that the King's forces lost but 300 men, without an officer of distinction. A postscript mentions the loss of the provincials to amount to 7000, killed, and made prisoners of war."
We are well informed, that Mr. Dean had no public character at Paris, but that he was solely employed by the planters of Virginia & Maryland to negotiate an exclusive contract with the French Court for all the tobacco produced in those two colonies.
Yesterday the Yankee privateer, taken some time ago from the Americans, was sold at Old Lloyd's coffee-house, for 301.
The Spanish fleet that lay in Cadiz Bay, failed the 27th of last month, and was spoke with at sea by a vessel arrived from Madeira at Bristol; the master of which says, he imagines it was destined for Buenos Ayres.
The French are making the same preparations at Toulon as they are at Brest. Four large ships of the line & one frigate will be immediately put into commission. Writing is forbid all persons under severe penalties.
The very identical Dr. Franklin whom Lord Chatham so much caressed, and used to say he was proud in calling him his friend, is now at the head of the rebellion in North-America.
It is said that the militia of this kingdom will be called out the ensuing spring for garrison duty; ten battalions to be embodied at a time for three months in rotation.
Yesterday at noon a messenger arrived at Lord Germaine's office, express from Sir Guy Carleton, Gov. of Quebec, with an account that his Majesty's forces under his & General Burgoyne's command, had gained a complete victory over the Americans, in crossing the Lake Champlain, & had destroyed a number of their vessels; after which they marched to Crown-Point, which the rebels had reduced to ashes; his Majesty's forces then marched to Ticonderoga, where the rebels under the command of Colonel Arnold were defeated, and he himself taken prisoner. This account was carried to his Majesty by Lord George Germaine, & laid before the Privy Council.
Six millions extraordinary will be wanted for service of the ensuing year.
Upon a review of the public disbursements from the year 1716 to the present time, it appears upon the most authentic testimony, that this nation has expended no less a sum than 34,697, 142l. 10s. 10d. [thirty four million six hundred ninety-seven thousand one hundred and forty-two pounds, ten shillings, and ten pence] in support of her revolted subjects in America, without including the expenditures for maintaining the West-India Islands.
Orders are issued from the Privy Council, for the Provincial prisoners (Officers and Commanders excepted) to be carried in transports to Gibraltar, and when there, the Governor will be vested with a power of granting them their pardon, on condition that they serve five years, in the Company's settlements in the East-Indies, for their passage to which, the outward bound East-Indiamen are to touch at Gibraltar. Those who refuse these conditions, will be brought to England, and tried as rebels.
A treaty is concluded with Russia; by which it is stipulated, that the Czarina is to send 12 ships of the line into the Mediterranean, under the command of a British Admiral, in case of a war, with the House of Bourbon. Seven ships are expected at Portsmouth, from the Baltic, about the 15th of December.
B O S T O N, February 20, 1777.
A few days ago, a Hessian Major and two Assistants came over to General Washington, from the enemy; & every day more or less of their soldiers desert and come to us.
Captain Dean, in a Privateer Sloop from Salem, has taken and sent into Marblehead, a Ship from England, laden with English Goods and Provisions.
A Letter from the West-Indies, of the 28th ult. says, "That about 30 Privateers are fitted out at Martinico, one of which has taken and carried into Port, a Guineaman of very considerable Value."
Last Friday arrived in this Harbour, a large Ship, laden with Provisions & Sea Coal, Prize to the Boston Sloop of War, WILLIAM BROWN, Esq; Commander, who sailed from this Port. She has also taken two Guineamen, with 140 Slaves on board, and ordered them to the Southward; and a Ship bound to Jamaica, with a Quantity of Cash on board.
Capt. Henry Johnson, late of the Yankee Privateer fitted out of this Port, who escaped from a British Man War, lying at the Nore, arrived at Baltimore the 30th of January, from France. We hear he brings very pleasing Accounts of the friendly Disposition of the French Court and Nation towards the American Cause.
On Tuesday last the Privateer Sloop Revenge, of 10 Carriage Guns, commanded by Joseph Sheffield, arrived in here. On the 20th of last Month, in Lat. 13. Long. 56, he fell in with two large Ships, the Thomas and Sarah, from Liverpool, bound to Barbadoes, each of which mounted 14 Carriage Guns, of double fortified 6 Pounders, both of whom he attacked, and after an Engagement, which lasted near four Hours, boarded the Thomas and obliged her to strike. Capt. Sheffield, manned his Prize, and she may be hourly expected. Capt. Sheffield made Sail for the Sarah, but Night coming on, she gave him the Slip.
Extract of a letter from Phillip's Manor, dated Feb. 1, 1777.
"Since our arrival here have been in sight of the enemy every day at Kings-Bridge and fort Independence—At our first coming down we encamp'd about half a mile from the fort in the open field for six days, till there came a very heavy storm of snow, &c. and drove us back to the Manor again; and now have got a good house to live in, but how long we shall stay here is uncertain, for ever since our arrival, we have been marching sometimes to the enemy and sometimes from them. We have had
no proper engagement with them, but several small skirmishes, but have not lost one man out of our Regiment; Col. Thatcher has lost several; our Regiment is on this side fort Independence, and two Regiments on the other side; this fort is about half a mile from Kings-Bridge, on York-side.—The Hessians have got a breast-work hove up thro' much difficulty; at the beginning we beat them off with two field pieces, but the next day they came again, and we were obliged to retreat by a cannonading from Fort Washington; since that we have been down several times, but cannot persuade them to come out to us, altho' their army is superior to ours; they have got almost all their troops out of York on the lines and in the three forts to prevent our going in; for in the morning we got down, as we were unexpected, put them in great surprize; at break of day their guards were all in confusion, some run one way, some another, but could not take any of them prisoners, altho' in their hurry they left their baggage, which was very considerable; their guard-houses are now ours—since our departure from Boston, General Washington has been beating them, and has taken a great many prisoners, and a great deal of baggage, and continues to do—General Putman has taken 96 waggons with provision which was going to Howe's army, and Howe has sent in a flag desiring a cessation of arms till April, but General Washington sent him word he should accomplish his design, and then there would be a final one; and it seems very probable, for the day we were to cross the river he sent orders for us to march down and keep them in motion, whilst he was pursuing them—General Washington has brought his army along with him, and a plenty of provisions and all other stores. Our company are all in good health and high spirits, altho' we undergo the hardships of lying on the cold ground, sometimes have a house, and sometimes none; but think it no great hardship to that we conquer them, and have our LIBERTY.
PROVIDENCE, February 15.
We are credibly informed, that on Friday, last week, the enemy at Rhode-Island were so terrified at the appearance of a few Oyster Boats in the Bay, that their out-guards deserted their posts and fled to Newport; their main body lay on their arms all night, expecting an attack, and the guards on board the ships were doubled.
The privateer schooner Eagle, Capt. Isaac Field, has taken and sent into a safe port, a transport schooner, burthen about 114 tons, bound from Quebec to New-York, with a cargo of Coal.
HARTFORD, February 12.
We hear a considerable body of our Forces are draughted from the army near Kings-bridge, and stationed at Fairfield, to watch the motions of several men of war that lay off the sound near that town.
To be sold at Public Vendue, On Thursday the sixth Day of March next, at 11 o'Clock in the Forenoon, THE Ship POLLY , not two years and half old, built for private use, with all her appurtenances, as she now lays, at Mr. Darby's Wharfe in Salem.—Inventories of Stores may be seen on board said Ship, or Capt. Warren's at Salem, unless sold by private Sale before.
TO BE LETT, On Reasonable Terms, THE TAVERN-HOUSE , out-houses and twenty acres of land thereto belonging, situate in Greenland on the Post Road from Portsmouth to Boston—being the same house wherein Enoch Clark, Esq; deceas'd, lately kept Tavern—For further particulars, enquire of Mary Clark, administratrix of the estate of said deceas'd. Greenland, Feb. 21, 1777. 0-2
LOST between Mr. Samuel Service's and the Rev. Dr. Haven's, on Wednesday evening, the 19th instant, about ten pounds in paper bills, inclosed in inlisting orders, under capt. Carr.—Whoever has found the same, and will leave it at the Printing Office in Portsmouth, shall receive five Dollars reward for their Trouble.
30 or 40 Quintals of good FISH to be sold; Enquire at Mrs Tilton's, Inn-holder in Portsmouth.