The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-01-07 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, January 7. 1777.
[ No. 33 ]
HEAD-QUARTERS,
Philadelphia, December 13, 1776.
T HE General has been informed, That some weak or wicked Men have maliciously reported, that it is the Design & Wish of the Officers and Men in the Continental Army, to burn and destroy the City of Philadelphia. To counteract such a false and scandalous Report, he thinks it necessary to inform the Inhabitants who propose to remain in the City, that he has received positive Orders from the Honorable Continental Congress, and from his Excellency Gen. WASHINGTON, to secure and protect the City of Philadelphia against all Invaders and Enemies. The General will consider every Attempt to burn the City of Philadelphia as a Crime of the blackest Dye, and will, without Ceremony, punish capitally any Incendiary who shall have the Hardiness & Cruelty to attempt it.
The General commands all able-bodied Men in the City of Philadelphia, who are not conscientiously scrupulous against bearing Arms, and who have not been known heretofore to entertain such Scruples, to appear in the State-House Yard To-morrow Morning at Ten o'Clock, with their Arms and Accoutrements. This Order must be complied with; the General being resolutely determined that no Person shall remain in this City an idle Spectator of the present Contest, who has it in his Power to injure the American Cause; or who may refuse to lend his Aid to the Support of it, Persons under conscientious Scruples, as before mentioned, only excepted.
All Persons who have Arms and Accoutrements, which they cannot or do not mean to employ in Defence of America, are hereby ordered to deliver them to Mr. ROBERT TOWERS, who will pay for the same. Those who are convicted of secreting any Arms or Accoutrements will be severely punished.
ISRAEL PUTNAM, Major-General.
PORTSMOUTH, Decemb. 28. 1776.
Extracts from the Log-Book of the George-Schooner, a Tender to the Milford (formerly the Warren, commanded by Capt. Burke) which was run on shore in this harbour in the Snow-Storm the 26th instant.
Halifax, Saturday 26th October 1776.
Weigh'd, sail'd in company with his majesty's ship Milford.
Saturday Nov. 2, The Milford re-took a brig and sent her to Halifax.
Wednesday Nov. 5, Took a schooner within Thatcher's island, loaded with wood, &c. were fir'd at from the shore by several people—return'd them great guns & small arms.
Thursday Nov. 7, Stowed away what wood we could from on board the schooner—scuttled her and set her on fire—sail'd in company with the Milford.
Wednesday Nov. 13, The Milford's boat came on board—weigh'd and work'd into Cape-Cod harbour—a boat came on board with two men, &c.
Thursday Nov. 21, Took a schooner within Thatcher's island loaded with fish & lumber, but an officer and 3 men on board and
sent her to the Milford.
Friday Nov. 22, Took a wood sloop in Spiswich Bay, and run down to the Milford; took necessarys out of her, & set her on fire--The Milford scuttled one sloop, and sent two schooners to Halifax.
Sund. Nov. 24, Fired two guns & brought a Brig too, which had been taken by a Marblehead Schooner—sent an officer and four men on board; the Milford took the Brig in tow. N. B. The aforementioned two Brigs, were prizes of the true Blue's; The latter was from the Straights, said to be worth 30,000l. Sterling.
Tuesday Nov. 25, Join'd the Milford, took the Brig in tow, parted with the Milford, bound for Halifax.
Saturday Dec. 1, Came into Halifax harbour—found tiding here, his majesty's ships Rainbow, Amerton, Flora, Liverpool, Richmond, Lizard, Judo, Scarborough, with several other sail.
Friday Dec. 7, Received on Board the Milford's provisions. Sailed hence the Amerton with a fleet of transports for New York.
Saturday Dec. 8, Weigh'd & came to sail out of Halifax harbour.
Friday Dec. 20, Saw a sail to the Westward—hoisted a boat out sent an officer and men on board a Sloop from Portsmouth. bound to Sheeps Gut—Pinkum, master.
Saturday Dec. 21, Got the sloop's sails &c. on board and set her on fire.
The officers taken in the above schooner say, That the day before they left Halifax, an armed Brig named the Independence was taken by Dawson and a transport ship and carried to fort Cumberland—The Brig engag'd Dawson some time, but the ship running up along side having soldiers on board conceal'd, who instantly rose up and fired a volley of small arms into the Brig, oblig'd her to strike.
This schooner belonged to the infamous Henry Mowat, well known at the Eastward, who takes every cruel method to distress the good people of these states, in return for the many civilities he had formerly receiv'd from them—she was employ'd as a tender to the Milford and was cruising in this bay in order to join the said ship which Mowat now commands.
BOSTON, January 2, 1777.
Last evening the gentleman who went from this state to Philadelphia, returned with dispatches from his Excellency Gen. WASHINGTON; the contents of which we have not been able to procure for this day's paper. Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of Character, in Philadelphia, dated December 3.
By a Vessel which arrived here Yesterday, from Cape-Nicholas Mole, Mr. V—, of this Place, a Gentleman of character, writes his friend here, that a frigate had arrived with dispatches for the Governor of that place, in 35 days from France, and bro't the Lady of the Count De Etang: that the Governor had received advices, that 30,000 troops were embarking at Brest, for the West Indies, to be convoyed by four sail of the line, & as many
frigates: That the fleet was commanded by Count D'Etang: That the Court of France would not suffer the Russians to come to America: that Spain was making great Preparations, and that a general War in Europe like to take place.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
WHEREAS THE COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY have, in their present Session, passed an ACT, enabling the Receiver General to borrow a Sum, not exceeding Twenty Thousand Pounds, on Loan, for the term of one year, at six per cent, for the use and service of said state.— Notice is hereby given, that I shall issue Notes to all such persons as are disposed to render service to this state, by lending money to supply the present exigency of its affairs, payable in one year, at six per cent per annum, but not for any sum less than Fifteen Pounds.
NICHOLAS GILMAN, Receiver General. Exeter, Jan. 3, 1777. 3—5
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS, give public notice, that they will attend their business at the house of Mr. Joseph Gilman in Exeter, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, during the sitting of the General Assembly and the sitting of the Committee of Safety.
N. B. No accounts will be receiv'd that are not well vouched. Exeter, Jan. 1. 1777.
State of New Hampshire, Rockingham, ss.
THIS public notice is given, agreeable to the laws of this state, that a maritime court will be held at the court house in Portsmouth on Wednesday the 29th day of this month, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to try the justice of the capture of the arm'd schooner named the George, of about sixty tons burthen, her cargo, guns and appurtenances, lately commanded by Richard Willis—Also, the justice of the capture of the brigantine called the Favourite, her cargo and appurtenances, lately commanded by Christopher Yeoman,—which vessels are said to be the property of some subject or subjects of the King of Great Britain, and taken and brought into this state; that all persons concerned, may then appear and shew cause, (if any they have) why the said vessels, with their cargoes and appurtenances, should not be condemned, according to the request of the libels exhibited, and filed before me,
JOSHUA BRACKETT, Judge of said Court. Portsmouth, Jan. 3. 1777. 3—5
ALL persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Gregory Purcel Esq; late of Portsmouth, deceas'd are desir'd to bring in their accounts to Sarah Purcel, sole executrix to said estate, in order for a speedy settlement. 3—5

TO THE PRINTER.
G REAT disputes have arisen of late between the town and country, relating to the prices of articles each has to dispose of; the blame is laid by each party on each other—disputes of this nature may perhaps be attended with very disagreeable consequences, if they are suffered long to remain.—We should endeavour to search the original cause of this uneasiness, and candidly examine without prejudice, or self-interest—the merchant is condemn'd for his extravagant profits, and great advance of his articles of trade, this charge is become very popular, owing to a contractedness of mind; and those the most ignorant are the most violent accusers.—I will be bold to assert, that the mercantile part of the community, consider'd collectively , have not been any way benefitted by the trade carried on for this two years past, but have sunk in a great measure their former stock—examine the large trading towns, what trifle of business compar'd with what they formerly had, instead of enriching themselves, as many ignorantly imagine, out of twenty merchants, who formerly liv'd in affluence, fifteen are now living upon the small remains of their shatter'd fortune—Our navigation suffers from every quarter; out of twenty vessels sailing not a quarter returns, and considering the high insurance, sailors wages, and the great rise of every kind of stores, the merchant does not in the course of twelve months, make such large profits as he formerly did—nothing can be more disengenuous than the many reflections on our mercantile brethren; when it cannot but be acknowledged by every candid person, that to them is owing the credit of our currency, for by their thus hazarding their interest to foreign ports, the returns have kept our money from totally depreciating—we can now turn our paper into the most valuable commodities, and instead of our money laying useless in our chests, we can lay it out to advantage by purchasing staple articles of merchandise—if these articles of Commerce were not among us, of what real use would our money be? if nothing was to be purchas'd, to what end is money?—we should be like men cast on a desolate island, a pocket full of money, but alas, they must perish unless they can feed on their riches—and we all know our paper, without something more staple, would be but poor nourishment.
I will venture to affirm, that it is greatly owing to the mercantile part of the community, that our army subsists, that our money remains a currency, and that we are not a conquer'd people; for these foreign imports, gives our money a real value ; but stop them, our money would in a little while be depreciated almost to cyphers, having no staple articles, to support the value, of consequence our army disbanded, and we a conquer'd people.
But the great charge is yet unanswer'd, "the prices are too high, and the merchant is undervaluing the currency by his extravagant demands."—we judge of this extravagance by comparing them with what they were formerly, when every article was sold at the most trifling profit, the quantity alone enabled the merchant to maintain his credit—large sales & small profits was then the maxim—from thus judging by what things were formerly sold, leads us into our error of extravagant profits—many articles have been sold for even less than they cost, but now they are considerably rais'd, all are alarm'd, and think the merchants are making their fortunes in the lump; but let any of these violent accusers sit out a few vessels under all the inconveniency's and expence attending them; let them stand the hazard of Enemy's &c. &c. let them carry on this trade for twelve months , and they will find their imports, 'tho' sold at these high prices, will not more than maintain their family, pay their taxes, and make good all their LOSSES—can we be so lost to all reason as to suppose that in our present situation, we can have these foreign necessary's at near the low prices we formerly had; are not our demands double what they were? our maintaining such large armies, and the long contest we are engag'd in, besides the great hazard, and expence of importing every article, these things consider'd, can we any longer wonder at their enhanced prices?—I am certain, it is for want of consideration, that we hear of so many complaints of the merchants—for if we examine the case as it really stands, we cannot but acknowledge, that they dispose of their articles at as low advance as the hazardous state of trade will allow—and that their neat profits at the year's end are no way so great as they formerly were, when prices were not half so high.
I will now take the liberty to make a few remarks on the prices of our country produce—I do not mean to offer any thing to offend, but as the country fall so unmercifully on the merchants, a few hints by way of retaliation, will not, I hope, be amiss—The extravagant rise of every article which is bro't to the market, is a matter of great complaint; every necessary is rais'd a third, some double—Our market is become a seat of oppression and extortion—but every countryman thinks he has a full answer to satisfy every one, viz. "Your merchants have got their articles to such high prices, and we are determined to raise ours as high"—This answer is tho' fully justifiable for any demands—but how ungenerous & inconsiderate! can any man, who is endowed with reason, seriously say, that the cases are any way parallel? I am convinced there is none—In our present state, can the produce of the Farm be any way in proportion to that of our imports?—Our navigation labours under all the vengeance of Great-Britain; but wherein does an act of parliament affect our Farms? The produce is the same this year as the last, and will remain so, unless blasted by the Hand of the ALMIGHTY.—Since the commencement of this war, the Farms and our commerce have been upon a quite different footing; the first has received all benefits, while the latter has been severely shackled—The country interest has been promoted, while that of the sea-ports has been decaying—Free from danger, the husbandman can behold his land flourishing with a valuable produce; can hoard it in his barns with safety, can deal it out with security; and the present great demand of the country gives him a speedy and certain sale—It must be ac-
knowledged, that great part of the profits of the Army are divided among the country—Every Farmer knows, that since the war, his farm produce is much more profitable than ever, and tho' he gives something higher for what few things he may purchase, yet at the year's end he has more money than he had when goods were much cheaper—which shows the advance of goods is not so great as the benefit he receives from the war—but how different is each of these circumstances from the merchants? in every particular the reverse—From these considerations, the complaints of the seaports are much more reasonable than those of the country, as it has been proved, we do not get such profits as they imagine, though our goods are much higher than formerly:—but the charge cannot be got over so clearly on their side.—It must therefore be very ungenerous for to exact such high prices for their produce, when we can prove to demonstration, that we are not taking any undue advantage of them—We generously lay the state of our affairs before them, we ask no further indulgence, than that they would candidly examine our reasons, and give them that weight our unhappy situation requires—Let us not be look'd on by our country brethren as men raising our interest on their ruin, neither give us occasion to have the same severe sentiments respecting them.
CANDIDUS.
Account of the Cruelties and Destruction by the Enemy in the Jerseys.
Bucks County, (Pennsylvania) December 14, 1776.
T HE PROGRESS of the British and Hessian Troops through NEW-JERSEY , has been attended with such scenes of Desolation and Outrage, as would disgrace the most barbarous Nations. Among innumerable other Instances the following are authenticated in such a Manner, as leaves no Doubt of their Truth.
William Smith, of Smith's Farm, near Woodbridge, hearing the Cries of his Daughter, rushed into the Room, and found a Hessian Officer attempting to ravish her; in an Agony of Rage and Resentment, he instantly killed him; but the Officer's Party soon came upon him, and he now lays mortally wounded at his ruined, plundered Dwelling.
On Monday Morning they entered the House of Samuel Stout, Esq; in Hopewell, where they destroyed his Deeds, Papers, Furniture and Effects of every Kind except what they plundered: they took every Horse away, left his House and Farm in Ruin, injuring him to the Value of £. 2000. in less than three Hours. Old Mr. Phillips, his Neighbour, they pillaged in the same Manner, and then cruelly beat him.
On Wednesday last three Women came down to the Jersey Shore in great Distress, a Party of the American Army went & brought them off, when it appeared that they had been all very much abused, and the youngest of them a Girl about 15, had been ravished that Morning by a British Officer.
A Number of young Women in Hopewell, to the Amount of 16, flying from this ravaging and cruel Enemy, took Refuge on the Mountain near Ralph Hart's, but Information being given of their Retreat, they were soon brought down into the British Camp, where they have been kept ever since.
The fine Settlements of Maidenhead and Hopewell , are intirely broke up; no Age, nor Sex has been spared; the Houses are stripped of every Article of Furniture, and what is not portable, is entirely destroyed: the Stock of Cattle and Sheep are drove off; every Article of Cloathing and House Linnen seized and carried away; scarce a Soldier in the Army but what has a Horse loaded with Plunder: Hundreds of Families are reduced from Comfort and Affluence, to Poverty and Ruin, left at this inclement Season to wander through the Woods without House or Cloathing. If these Scenes of Desolation, Ruin and Distress, do not rouse and animate every Man of Spirit to revenge their much injured Countrymen and Countrywomen, all Virtue, Honour and Courage must have left this Country, and we deserve all that we shall meet with, as there can be no Doubt the same Scene will be acted in this Province upon our own Property, and our beloved Wives and Daughters.
NEW LONDON, December 20.
Yesterday se'nnight was sent into Chatham, (Massachusetts State) a prize ship taken by the American Revenue Privateer, Capt. Samuel Champlin of this port, in lat. 27. She is a light Guineaman, was homeward bound from the West Indies, mounted six carriage guns, and made some resistance. The day before this ship was taken, she parted company with 16 sail of ships from the West Indies bound to England, which Capt. Champlin went in quest of,
By a Gentleman from Providence we learn, that the troop of horse from Hartford, and part of the Eastern militia of this state had arrived at Providence; that entrenchments were making at sundry advantageous places on the side of the river below the town. That the enemy, since taking possession of Rhode Island, have appeared very quiet.

NEW YORK, September 30.
ON Saturday the 21st inst. we had a terrible fire in this city, which consumed about one thousand houses, or nearly a 4th of the whole city. The following is the best account we can collect of this melancholy event. The fire broke out first at the most southerly part of the city, near White Hall, and was discovered between 12 & 1 o'clock in the morning, the wind blowing very fresh from the south, and the weather exceeding dry. The rebel army having carried off all the bells of the city, the alarm could not be speedily communicated, & very few of the citizens were in town, most of 'em being driven out by the calamities of war, and several of the first rank sent prisoners to New England and other distant parts. A few minutes after the fire was discovered at White Hall, it was observed to break out in five or six other places, at a considerable distance.
In this dreadful situation, when the whole city was threatened with destruction, major general Robertson, who had the chief command, sent immediately for two regiments that were encamped near the city, placed guards in several streets, & took every other precaution that was practicable to ward off the impending ruin. Lord Howe ordered the boats of the fleet to be manned, & after landing a large number of officers & seamen to assist us, the boats were stationed on each side of the city in the north and east rivers, and the lines near the royal army were extended across the island, as it manifestly appear'd the city was designedly set on fire.
The fire raged with inconceivable violence; and in its destructive progress swept away all the buildings between broad street and the north river, almost as high as the city hall; & from thence, all the houses between broad way & the north river, as far as king's college, a few only excepted. Long before the main fire reached Trinity church, that large, ancient and venerable edifice was in flames, which baffled every effort to suppress them. The steeple, which was 140 feet high, the upper part wood, and placed on an elevated situation, resembled a vast pyramid of fire, exhibiting a most grand & awful spectacle. Several women and children perished in the fire, their shrieks, joined to the roaring of the flames, the crush of falling houses, and the wide spread ruin which every where appeared, formed a scene of horror great beyond description, and which was still heightened by the darkness of the night. Besides Trinity church, the rector's house, the charity school, the old Lutheran church, and many other fine buildings were consumed. St. Paul's church and King's college were directly in the line of fire, but saved with very great difficulty. After raging about ten hours, the fire was extinguished between ten and eleven o'clock, A. M.
During this complicated scene of devastation and distress, at which the most savage heart might relent, several persons were discovered with large bundles of matches, dipped in melted rosin and brimstone, and attempting to set fire to the houses. A New-England man, who had a captain's commission under the Continental Congress, and in their service, was seized with these dreadful implements of ruin—on being searched, the sum of 500l. was found upon him. Gen. Robertson rescued two of those incendiaries from the enraged populace, who had otherwise consigned them to the flames, and reserved them for the hand of deliberate justice. One White a carpenter, was observed to cut the leather buckets which conveyed water—he also wounded, with a cutlass, a woman who was very active in handing water. This provoked the spectators to such a degree,
that they instantly hung him up. One of those villains set fire to the college, & was seized; many others were detected in the like crime, and secured.
The officers of the army & navy, the seamen and soldiers, greatly exerted themselves, and shewed all that alertness and activity for which they are justly celebrated on such occasions. To their vigorous efforts in pulling down such wooden buildings as would conduct the fire, it is owing, under Providence, that the whole city was not consumed; for the number of inhabitants was small, the pumps & fire engines were very much out of order. This last circumstance, together with the removal of our bells, the time & place of the fire's breaking out, when the wind south, the city being set on fire in so many different places nearly at the same time, so many incendiaries being caught in the very act of setting fire to houses: these, to mention no other particulars, clearly evince beyond the possibility of doubt, that this diabolical affair was the result of a preconcerted, deliberate scheme. Thus, the persons who called themselves our friends and protectors, were the perpetrators of this atrocious deed; which in guilt & villainy is not inferior to the gun powder plot; whilst those who were held up as our enemies were the people who gallantly stepped forth, at the risk of their lives, to snatch us from destruction; Our distress were very great indeed before; but this disaster has increased them tenfold. Many hundreds of families have lost their all; and are reduced from a state of affluence to the lowest ebb of want and wretchedness—destitute of shelter, food or cloathing.
Surely, "there must be some chosen curse—some secret thunder in the stores of heaven; red with uncommon wrath to blast" the miscreants, who thus wantonly sport with the lives, property & happiness of their fellow creatures, & unfeelingly doom them to inevitable ruin.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
William Pearne,
Has to sell at his Store in Portsmouth, A Few hogheads 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 Worsted ditto.—Clasp Knives and Cuttoes, Silk Knee Garters and Twiss, 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
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.
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of William Horne, late of Dover, yeoman, deceas'd, are desired to bring their accounts in to Margaret Horne, sole executrix to said estate, for immediate settlement. 1—3.

To HOWE, W. HOWE.
I HAVE seen your proclamation of the 30th of November, and as it is a great curiosity, I think it deserves some notice; and lest no one else should deign to notice it, I will make a few remarks upon what was designed for public benefit . In this rarity , we see slaves offering Liberty to FREE AMERICANS ; thieves and robbers offer to secure our rights and property; murderers offer us pardon; — a perjured Tyrant , by the mouth of two of his hireling butchers , "commands" all the civil and military powers in these Independent States, to resign all pretensions to authority, and to acknowledge subjection to a foreign Despot, even his mock majesty, now reeking with blood and murder . — This is truly a curiosity, and is a compound of the most consummate arrogance and folly the cloven footed spawn of despairing wretches, who are labouring to compleat the works of tyranny and death. — It would be far less wicked, and not quite so stupid, for the Grand Turk to send two of his Slaves into Britain HOWELIZTS and W. HOWOLDOZT to command all the Britons to acknowledge themselves the slaves of the Turk , offering to secure their rights and property, and to pardon such as had borne arms against his Sublime Highness , — upon condition of making their submission within "sixty days."
Messieurs How and W. Howe, pray read your proclamation once more, and consider how modest you appear; and reflect on the infinite contempt with which you are viewed by the Americans, — and remember, the meanest Freeman "scorns the highest slave."
We do not, however, suppose you are such idiots as to expect your proclamation would meet with any thing but contempt from these Independent States; you have had too much experience of their wisdom and valour to hope for any thing else; but as you have failed to subjugate the Colonies (and as our haughty masters had told the nation you would "bring them to obedience") this proclamation is to furnish a puff in the place of victory; thereby to support the dying hopes of those miserable wretches who are wishing for our destruction — So that George and his slaves , while they are gaping for the tidings of our being conquered, will, instead thereof, receive your conquering proclamation , commanding us to submit! — Truly, if I had any pity for tyrants or their tools, I should pity you ; but to be honest, I sincerely despise you, and all your abettors, without the least mixture of fear, esteem or compassion, except that which is due to the greatest criminals.
Before I conclude, I will give you some good advice, & some information, which I had thoughts of issuing by way of Proclamation , but it may suffice in this place. — I advise you, & each of you, jointly & separately, to make the best of your way to Britain; and if your master should frown upon his wicked servants for not having done more wickedly, you may perhaps escape with your necks; and if not, you will perhaps only be hanged, and that may preserve you from a worse punishment in America. — And now for information, (which you seem very much to want,) Know ye, the States of America are now compleating an army, raised for the whole war, consisting of 88 battalions, viz. 64,064 men, who are to be reinforced if necessary from the well formed militia in the States, which may be 346,000. This will be something of an object; but add to this vast army our resource by sea, (the captures this year are estimated at not less than two millions sterling) and consider our rapid progress in arms and all the implements of war; can you suppose, can even the button making idiot of Britain imagine, these United States, with the glorious prize of Liberty in their hands, and the most animating prospect of every felicity that heaven can bestow, will resign themselves, their posterity, and all that is great and good, into the devouring jaws of hellish tyrants! —
You are no doubt pleased with being reinforced by a few dastardly tories at New York; and we sincerely wish every wretch who deserves that name, was with you — I would inform you, that we have assurances from Europe, that several nations are preparing to revenge past injuries received from Britain, and that his Tyrannship will have full employ very soon, without troubling the States of America. I conclude, by advising you to prepare for your latter end, that you may be proper objects for a pardon .
December 23.
An AMERICAN.
PROVIDENCE, December 28.
Another Prize taken by the Alfred is arrived, after having been re-taken by a British Frigate, and again captured by an American Cruiser.
We learn from New-Jersey, that General Lee was lately surprised and taken Prisoner, at a House about two Miles distant from the Division of the Army under his Command, by a Body of the Enemy's Light-Horse, who had passed through the Country in Disguise. The General had retired to this Place in order to transact some important Concerns, and had with him only his Aid-de-Camp, two French Gentlemen, and 8 or 10 of his Guards; the
latter were prevented entering the House, which was notwithstanding bravely defended by the General and his other Attendants, who were at length obliged to submit to superior Numbers. The Gen. and one of the French Gentlemen were immediately carried off and a few of the Enemy left to take Charge of the remaining Prisoners; these however escaped by re-entering the House, and obliging the Enemy to retire, one of whom was killed, and another wounded. Some Dispatches of Consequence, which had just been received from France, were preserved, and forwarded to Congress.
The Gentleman taken with General Lee, was formerly a Col. in the French Service; the Enemy drove him before them on Foot, and treated him with every other Mark of Indignity.
By a Gentleman from Philadelphia we learn, that great Exertions are making for the Defence of that City, from whence large Reinforcements have been sent to join General Washington; that General Howe, with about 10,000 Troops, is still at Trenton: & that a Party of the Enemy's Light-Horse, with some Foot, having proceeded as far as Burlington; were there fired upon by a Row-Gally, which caused them to retreat hastily to their main Body.
Tuesday last eleven Transports, with a Tender, sailed up the Western Sound from Newport.
HARTFORD, December 2.
Last week the honourable General Spencer passed through this town in his way to Providence, being appointed to command on that station in conjunction with the honorable Gen. Lincoln.
A letter from a gentleman at Peek's Kill, says, "Our Brigade have been to Hackinsack, taken 200 tories, killed a number, and made prisoners of 30 regulars, who were stationed there as a guard. We also took a booty worth 6 or 7000l. consisting of wines, rum, &c."
BOSTON, January 2.
The beginning of this week the privateer sloop commanded by William Dennis sent into a safe port at the southward, the Countess of Eglington, a brigantine from Greenock in Glasgow, bound to Antigua, the following is a schedule of the cargo on board the brig Countess of Eglington, viz. 57 bales, 110 boxes, 34 casks, 2 chests and five trunks of haberdashery. 368 yards printed linnen. 1223 pounds of wrought leather shoes. 4513 pounds green glass bottles. 39 barrels and two firkins strong ale. 6797 pounds tallow candles. 2420 refined sugar. 67028 yards British bounty linnen. 7410 yards Irish ditto. 4488 yards British striped and check'd ditto. 207 firkins of butter. 126 gallons Portugal wine, & 210 bundles of iron hoops.
We hear two prizes are sent into a safe port to the Eastward, one of which is wholly loaded with butter.
Copy of a Letter received by Express, from Camp near Machias, to the Committee from the Town of Cumberland, in this Town.
GENTLEMEN, Machias, December 21, 1776.
WE must inform you, in Consequence of Col. Eddy's Attack upon Cumberland, a Party under our Command, and the Command of some others, with a few Volunteers, amounting in the whole to 49, embarked in Boats, and proceeded up the Bay, as a Reinforcement to Col. Eddy: But as we were not all ready to set out at one Time, Lieut. David Prescott, with seven Men, arrived first at Shepody, the 9th Instant, and took 4 Prisoners at Mr. Peek's House, who, together with Mrs. Peek, informed him, that three Men of War, and two Transports arrived at Cumberland the 26th of November, with a Reinforcement for the Fort, and that on the 29th, about Sun-rise, a Party of about 100 British Troops, surprised and drove our Camp. — That our People, Friends, and even Women with their Children, fled into the Woods — That Col. Eddy, and the Chief of his Men, together with the Committee of Cumberland, had set off for Machias, by way of Maugerville, on the river St. John's. — That the British troops then proceeded to burn and destroy as far as Bloody Bridge. — That the Goods and Provisions belonging to our Party there, are burnt. — That Col. Gorham has published a Manifesto, requiring the Inhabitants to come in and lay down their Arms, and promising Protection to the Person and Property of all, except four, who will come in, until his Majesty's Pleasure is known. That some have complied, but Numbers have declared that they would not, but would rather perish in the Woods, — That the Fort is made stronger, with the addition of 16 Cannon. Upon receiving this Intelligence, Lieut. Prescott thought proper to return with all our Party, as we were out of Provision, and could do nothing there. When we came to St. John's, we met with Capt. Samuel Rogers, who came immediately from Cumberland, and confirms the above Account.
We doubt not therefore, but you will use all your Influence with the General Court of this State, to procure a sufficient Armament to subdue and hold that unhappy Province. — We are all ready at a Day's Notice. We are, Gentlemen, your very humble Servants,
EDWARD STEVENS, Esq; DAVID PRESCOTT, Lieut. DANIEL MESERUY, Lieut. JOSEPH HILL.
John Allen, Esq; To Josiah Throop, Esq; Obadiah Ayers.
Boston.
To Mr. DANIEL FARNSWORTH, of Groton, in the state of Massachusetts-Bay :
SIR,
THE privateer you are concerned in has taken and sent a prize to a safe port. — I take this method to acquaint you of it, as letters are uncertain. — When I see you shall be able to give a more particular account about it.
From your friend and humble servant, D. R. Providence December 25, 1776.