The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-01-21 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, January 21. 1777.
[ No. 35 ]
TO THE PRINTER.
THE rise of goods at vendue has become a matter of great uneasiness to the people in general, and a subject of enquiry of the legislative body in some states.—Many plans have been propos'd to stop this great extravagance;—modes have been adopted by fixing certain prices to various articles—regulations of this nature should be cautiously enter'd into, as we may, by being too sudden in our determinations, by avoiding a lesser evil, involve ourselves in a greater, or in other words, the remedy may prove worse than the disease.—The great dispute lies within a very small compass, viz. That the owners of privateers, by their avarice, occasion the rise of all articles of sale; we, on the other hand, are endeavouring to regulate this mal-conduct by fixing certain prices to these various commodities—These two grand opposites are of infinite importance to the well-being of these states.—Errors in judgment, in this case, tho' they may appear trifling, may produce the most alarming consequences; consequently we should be calm and deliberate in our determinations—We must all acknowledge, our affairs, as they are at present circumstanced, are very difficult to be remedied:—Let us consider them with candor and attention.—The privateering has been carried on agreeable to permission of Congress; regulations were made as to the manner of disposal of these prizes, viz. by auction; but not a word mentioned as to the advance of any articles, or any limitation whatever: every one that apply'd, received a commission without any distinction—At the first granting these commissions, the benefit of the prizes, by supplying the colonies with necessaries, & distressing the enemy, were the principal motives, and then thought to be fully equivalent to any advantage individuals might receive—regulating the prices of articles was not then consider'd, by our aiming at the advantages already mention'd—thus were our affairs circumstanced, we fitted out privateers, and each one thought he was doing his country, as well as himself, service—the prizes arrive; and they are dispos'd of at auction, agreeable to the tenor of their commission: the owner of the privateer is on a level with the rest of the purchasers, and has a right to bid equal with them, because there is no regulation to the contrary—every one is anxious to turn his money into some articles of merchandise; the owner and others all become bidders, each advance on the other, which consequently raises the articles to their present extravagance—By this short detail, I believe we are convinced wherein our error lies, i.e. by a wrong setting out, & not guarding against these natural consequences, by certain limitations in these privateer commissions; but granting them indiscriminately, and without any regulation, the effects of our imprudence, we now too plainly feel—Where there is no law there is no transgression. No owner of a privateer, agreeable to his commission, by becoming a purchaser, breaks any law or recommendation of these states, but has a right equal with every other, to buy any article he thinks fit.—His prizes are dispos'd of at auction, agreeable to the laws of the states, but wherein does he break any law by purchasing any of these articles?—By what has arisen in consequence of these vague
commissions of privateers, show clearly that the error is in our first granting them, without any limitations, regulations, &c. &c.—All these evils would not have attended, if we had been more cautious in the tenor of these commissions by certain conditions & penalties, each person would then have known what he had to depend on, and what would have ensued if he had acted contrary—These were the faults we were guilty of in the particular of granting private commissions, but for my own opinion, with all deference, we were guilty of an error, by suffering any privateering—In our public situation, where individuals depended on the whole, and where the whole welfare depended on public benefits and success, the continent and the several states should have fitted out armed vessels for to intercept the enemy's supply; and to supply the continent with these necessary articles, this would have been doing something to the purpose, and not have put it in the power of individuals to cause this general uneasiness, by making it their interest to raise on these several articles.—Under this establishment, it would have been for the Interest of every one to keep goods as low as possible; and even then, if they should have gone high, each individual would have received the benefit from it.
From this feint representation of our affairs, we cannot but see where the error lies, by granting private commissions, without any regulations; & more especially by suffering any privateering, but have had the whole of our maritime affairs on the publick account—the advantage we should have receiv'd from this establishment, and the disadvantage we have experienc'd from privateering, are evidences sufficient to prove the Utility of the former, and our misconduct with respect to the latter.
By what is already in agitation in particular states of regulating the prices of several articles, I presume my remarks are founded on just principles; but errors of this nature are sooner discover'd than avoided—individuals are not to suffer by publick errors—publick faults cannot be rectify'd immediately on being known or by too sudden amendments—for why should individuals suffer for publick misconduct?—for these natural reasons the regulations with regard to fixing the prices to the articles already among us, will, instead of making all easy, only be shifting complaint from one part of the community to the other, which in a governmental sense, is no way relieving our situation.—the community must be consider'd all in common, therefore to shift the burthen from one to the other, is no remedy; such maneuvres as these leave us just as we were—with what propriety or justice can we pretend to fix a price to articles below even what they cost the purchasers? has not the person thus suffering in his property, great reason to complain? why should this individual, who innocently purchas'd his goods that by some trifling profit he might be enabled to maintain his family, or get some scanty maintenance to himself; no way acting contrary to any law of these states; shall this individual suffer in his property, and be depriv'd of his maintenance? and all under the pious pretence of regulations—impossible this should produce any good effect.
I have already remark'd, that our own publick errors have been the principal source from whence has arisen our present uneasiness; can we then thus precipitately, think to remedy these evils, & at one blow deprive hundreds of their subsistence who were entrapp'd intirely by our publick misconduct?—to avoid one evil, we plunge into another, the imaginary benefits we should receiv'd from thus reducing the prices of these articles of commerce, cannot be equal to the real distress, and certain ruin of many honest individuals.—Commercial regulations were always dangerous, but must be particularly so, as our affairs are thus unhappily circumstanced.—We begin at the wrong end in this maneuvre, instead of laying the blame on the cause, we punish the effect.—We must acknowledge by our publick faults, these publick calamities have arisen, but to distress individuals as a remedy, is making the remedy as afflicting as the disease: it must therefore by every judicious person, be allow'd, that these regulations cannot be made suddenly; proper notice must be given: some previous measures, must be taken, that all may be duly notify'd: any person then acting contrary to these instructions, must blame himself for his folly as he will suffer only by his own imprudence.
But many are ready to ask, are we to continue in our present state of extortion & have no means to regulate these difficulties?—I answer, we now have it in our power by the late stopping of all privateering and merchandise whatever—we can now establish any regulations for the publick benefit—all merchandise that arrives (according to our new plan of having only publick vessels) may be under every restriction the wisdom of the legislative body, thinks proper; these restrictions should be made known, that no one may plead ignorance—we may on the return of these publick cargoes, dispose of them agreeable to any mode thought most eligible: this proceeding will be acting consistent with the publick interest, without taking any undue advantage of individuals:—but in an abrupt manner to force a person to sell rum at 6s. which cost him 9s. is an act of injustice too glaring to be practic'd by the independant states of America, whose constitution is founded on justice—let us wait patiently till this error can be regulated agreeable to justice & not punish individuals for publick misconduct.
CANDIDUS.
N. B. Let us in order to judge of this affair with candor, define it to a plain simple case—suppose a person whose circumstances would not admit of his purchasing one hoghead of rum, but depends on the charity of those who would credit him; he gets a hhd. at the market price which was then 9s.—he expected to receive some trifling profit by retailing it; but to his great disappointment an act passes the general court that he shall not sell his rum above 6s.—this innocent person who meant nothing further than to keep himself from being a burden to the community is at one stroke, and without any previous notice, depriv'd of this small pittance of maintenance & actually involv'd in a debt of upward twenty pounds lawful money by this fatal measure—this fair representation needs no comment.

TO BE LETT,
SIX small Farms of 50 and 75 acres each, situated on the country road, near to each other, on either of which an industrious man may get a comfortable support—There is wood, pasturing, plow, and grass land, sufficient to keep stock, and raise grain for six small families; a grist and saw mill within three quarters of a mile, with full employment, for which a suitable person is wanted on good terms. None need apply but such as have the character of honest and industrious men; and such will meet with every encouragement. Enquire at the Print Office, and know further. 5—7
TO BE SOLD, about One Thousand Acres of choice Land in the Town of Chester, 28 miles from Portsmouth, part of which lays in the Parishes of Raymond and Candia. For particulars, enquire at the Printing Office in Portsmouth. 5—7
State of New Hampshire, Portsmouth, Jan. 20. I N obedience to my Orders from the hon. the Council of this State, I do hereby require and order all the soldiers who have enlisted under me into the continental army, and under the new establishment, to repair to Mr. Gidden's tavern in Exeter, on Monday the 27th current, at 10 o'clock before noon, in order to pass muster—in the mean time for every man to get himself in the utmost readiness for an immediate march.
ZECHARIAH BEAL, Captain.
BROKE GOAL
O N the night of the 1st instant, in Exeter, the persons lately bro't from the State of New York, & notorious enemies to American Liberty, viz. — Benjamin Moril, of a midling stature, about 35 years of age, of a robust make; had on a red straight bodied coat and waistcoat, long blue trowsers, and a short brown wig.— Wm. Slack, of a short stature, about 25 years of age; had on a blue short coat, brown waistcoat, old leather breeches and short brown hair.— John Lawson, of a tall slender make, about 35 years of age; had on a homespun Bengall coat, brown jacket & breeches, short brown hair, & remarkably pitted with the small pox. 'Tis imagin'd the above persons absconded with a view to join and give intelligence to the ministerial forces.— All true friends to their country, are earnestly desir'd to exert themselves in endeavouring to apprehend said enemies, and confine them, and give notice to the subscriber, at Exeter, (in New Hampshire) where he or they shall be handsomely rewarded, and all charges paid by
JOSEPH STACY, Goal Keeper.
N.B. The printers in this, and the neighbouring states are desir'd to publish the above
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
BROKE out of the Goal in Exeter, in the night after the first inst. James Ryan, an Irishman, about 25 years of age, 5 feet six inches high, pock broken, and wears his own hair; had on a blue coat lapell'd with red, red jacket, buff breeches, and grey fustout. Whoever will apprehend said Ryan, & convey him to either of the Goals in this county, shall have Five Dollars paid him by
JOHN PARKER, Sheriff.
Portsmouth, Jan. 6, 1777. —46,
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Captain Samuel Haves, late of Barrington, in the county of Strafford, deceas'd, are hereby desired to bring in their accounts to Sarah Haves of Barrington aforesaid, administratrix to said estate, in order for settlement.
Barrington, December 24, 1776.
THE creditors to the estate of Samuel Hancock, late of Wells, deceased, in testate, represented insolvent, are hereby notified, that the commissioners appointed to receive, examine, and allow their respective claims, will attend that business at the dwelling house of John Cole, innholder in Wells, on the first Friday of February next, and on the first Friday of the three next succeeding months, from five to seven o'clock in the evening. David Sewall, } com- * Jan. 11, 1777. Nathaniel Wells } missi.
ALL persons who have any demands on the estate of Daniel Ham, late of Barrington, deceas'd, are desir'd to bring in their accounts; and all who are indebted to said estate, are also desir'd to make payment to Elizabeth Ham, executrix to said estate.
Barrington, Jan. 4, 1777. 4—6
TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
BROKE out of the Goal in Portsmouth, Daniel M'Guin an Irishman, about five feet ten inches high, wears his own hair:— had on a light colour'd fustuit, a white hat, and a pair of boots. Also, Israel Tuttle an American, about five feet eight inches high, a fair complexion, and wears his own hair.— Had on a grey fustuit, and old shoes. Whoever will apprehend said prisoners, & convey them to said Goal, or secure them in any other Goal in this state, shall have the above Reward, or Five Dollars for either of them.
JOHN PARKER, Sheriff.
Portsmouth, Dec. 24. 1777. 4—6
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Genteel Lodgings,
In a commodious part of the town, for Ladies or Gentlemen, who chuse to board in a private family—Enquire of the printer.
Benj a Dearborn
Informs the Public,
He has removed from the house of Mr. John Elliot, to that late improv'd by John Parker, Esq; opposite Maj. Samuel Hale's; where may be had, variety of
English, West-India and other G O O D S
William Pearne,
Has to sell at his Store in Portsmouth, 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 Twist, Chest and Box Locks, Writing Paper, and sundry other Articles.— He has also to sell at wholesale or retail some good old Maderia Wine.
FOR SALE
NOW on the stocks at York, a new ship of the following dimensions, viz. 85 feet keel, and 29 feet beam, well seasoned, in the opinion of those who are judges, as well calculated for a prime sailer, as any ship built for that purpose: the materials and workmanship will recommend themselves; the main deck is laid, and can be finished on short notice—Any Gentlemen, inclining to purchase, may be made acquainted with particulars by applying to
JOHN STONE.
York December 19.
Cash for RAGS,
At the following Rates, viz.
Two Pence L. M. pr pound, for white Cotton, Linnen, or Cotton & Linnen One Penny, for white Canvass,—and— One Copper for mix'd colours,—will be given by the Publisher of this Paper.
P. S. It is requested of those who take any Satisfaction in exhibiting Saving Examples, encouraging Manufactories, serving the Interest of their Country, or being served themselves with the News-Paper, that they would comply with the trifling, tho' necessary article of saving their R A G S.

CHARLESTOWN, South Carolina, Nov. 14.
Within these few Weeks upwards of 20 vessels have arriv'd here with cargoes of flour, salt, Rum, molasses, sugar, dry goods, &c.
Capt. Richard Buffel, of Rhode Island arrived here yesterday from St. Augustine. He informs, that he left that place the 8th Inst. that the whole regular force in East-Florida, does not amount to 1500 men, and most of them new recruits, whose appearance denotes their late intimate acquaintance with New-gate and the Whipping-Post.
NEW-HAVEN, Jan. 8.
Last Wednesday a Flag of Truce vessel arrived at Milford from New-York, after a tedious passage of several days, having on board upwards of 200 American prisoners, whose rueful countenances too well discover the ill treatment they received while they were prisoners in New-York; twenty of these unfortunate people died on the passage, and 20 have died since they landed at Milford.
NEW-LONDON, Jan. 10.
Last Monday in the forenoon, nine ships from the westward, passed this harbour, and stood to the eastward.
HARTFORD, Jan. 14.
The last Wednesday of January instant, is appointed a day of Fasting and Prayer thro'out this State.
The following letter from the Honorable General Parsons, was received at Middletown, on Friday night last, by express, viz.
Peck's-Kill, January 7, 1777.
"The series of successes attending our arms for some weeks past, has spread universal consternation among the enemy's troops, & affords the fairest prospect of driving them from New-Jersey, if not totally routing. To facilitate these operations, a large body of men is necessary on this side, which at present are not here. I am therefore, at the desire of his Excellency, earnestly to request you, to use your utmost endeavours to rouse & animate every friend to the liberties of our country, immediately to arm and embody themselves and march to Rye & Marineck, by the end of the week, if possible, to assist in making an effort to destroy the enemy, for which the fairest opportunity now offers. I beg that no delay may be made, nor pains spared, to effect the raising and forwarding this body of volunteers; this coming on this emergency cannot possibly be wanted more than ten days or a fortnight at farthest. I also desire you to send forward the four battalions, and the companies of volunteers, or such of them as are raised, to hasten to Rye with the greatest expedition, without first going to Peck's-Kill."
In consequence of the above letter, we are told, several companies in some of the southern towns in this State, have voluntarily turned out; and it is hoped many more will immediately follow their example, as there is now the fairest prospect of their doing the most essential service for their country.
BOSTON, JANUARY 16, 1777.
The following important NEWS, was received Yesterday Forenoon.
PROVIDENCE, Jan. 12, 1777.
This Morning an Express arrived to his Honor the Governor, from the Honorable Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, with the following very agreeable and important INTELLIGENCE, viz.
Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Gov. Trumbull, to the Honorable Governor Cooke, dated January 10, 1777.
"I send an Express, with the agreeable News inclosed, which has just come to Hand, the Enjoyment of which I could not delay communicating to you, and most sincerely congratulate you thereon. I also received, in a few Moments after, a verbal Account, attended with a good Degree of Credibility, but not sufficiently authentic to be relied on, that General Putnam had attacked the Enemy (I take it not far from Burlington, on the East of Delaware, opposite Bristol, 26 Miles from Philadelphia) killed & taken the whole 17th Regiment, save 20 Men, nearly destroy-
ed the 46th, and taken almost the whole Baggage of two Brigades more."
Copy of a Letter from Thaddeus Burr, Esq; to the Authority and several Committees in Connecticut, dated Fairfield, Jan. 9. 1777, 6 o'clock in the Evening.
Gentlemen,
"I herewith send you an Extract of a Letter, from Colonel Jesse Root, dated Jan. 8, 1777, viz.
"Last Night an Express arrived from Gen. Washington, with the agreeable News, that last Friday, he attacked a Party of the Enemy, about 3 miles East of Princetown, killed and took 500; he also took 6 Field Pieces, and a great Quantity of Blankets, Stores, Waggons, &c. The Waggons were left behind, by Reason of the Enemy's cutting the Traces, and taking the Horses out before our People got up."
"The Express also informs, that on Sunday the Militia at Morris Town, turned out very spiritedly, & that they attacked a Party of Waldeckers, took 35, and killed several, the Number not known; they also took a Light Horse-Man."
One Division of General Washington's Army, was at Morris-Town, in New-Jersey, when the last Account came away.
Our Advices from Newport, Rhode Island, are, That the Enemy are making such Movements, as indicate their speedy Departure from that Place, having in the Night moved all their Cannon, &c. which were placed at different Parts of the Island, to Mabboner's Distill-House, which is a considerable Distance from the Town; That Gen. Clinton's Baggage was all put on board the Asia Man of War, and was to sail in a short Time for England; & that the infamous Capt. Wallace, had sailed for the same Place a few Days ago.
The brave Gen. ARNOLD is arrived at Providence, to take the Command of the American Army in that Department.
It is said, Gen. Howe has released most of our brave Countrymen, that were made Prisoners at Fort-Washington, &c. from their Confinement at New-York, who are now on their Way to their respective Homes; but the Officers are all detained.
A Gentleman of Veracity, arrived in Town last Evening, at 7 o'Clock, from Providence, which Place he left early Yesterday Morning and informs, That between 2 & 3 o'Clock on Tuesday Afternoon, the Report of 3 or 4 heavy Cannon were heard there; on which, a Number of Gentlemen repaired to the Hill where the Bacon is fixed, and soon after perceived a very large & heavy Column of Smoke arise, directly over the Town of Newport, which increased till Dark, when it was plainly perceived that a great Part, if not the whole of that Town, was in Flames. That an Express arrived before he sat out, from Bristol, with an Account, that the whole Town of Newport was in Flames, when he left the former Place; but by what Means, the Express could not learn; though doubtless fired on Purpose, by the Enemy stationed there. That a Gentleman, who left Newport last Monday, brought an Account to Providence, That there was the greatest Disunion between the British and Hessian Troops there, which could not possibly subsist without a general Mutiny. That the Asia Man of War, of 60 Guns, commanded by Vandeputt, had sailed from Newport last Monday, for England, on board of which took Passage, Gen. Clinton; a Frigate sailed in Company with the Asia. The British Gen. at New-York has given Orders for all the Troops to be Readiness to march, 'tis said, for the Jerseys; & has compelled the Tories to march with them.
We learn, that the Enemy, on their Retreat from Princeton, demolished the elegant Colleges at that Place.
A Gentleman from Peck's Kill informs us, that a British Officer in Disguise, having insisted 30 Tories in the Jerseys, had retired to an Inn with his motly Crew, in order to regale themselves; a Party of our Troops receiving Intelligence of their Situation, entered the House and made them all Prisoners, without the least Opposition.
From the remarkable Success, which under GOD, has lately attended our Arms in
the Jerseys, very great Numbers of our injured Countrymen, in that State, have with an Ardor not easily expressed, armed & taken the Field, and joined the Army, under the brave, intrepid Gen. WASHINGTON.
By a Person from New-York, we learn. That the infamous Rogers, with a Party of 1500 Tories, commands the Posts of Harlem & Kingsbridge. That Gen. Robertson, commands in the City; and General Pigot, on Long Island. We also learn, that the poor Devils of Tories, Refugees from this & the neighbouring Counties, who fled with the British Army, from this City, are arrived at New York, from Halifax, & are wandering about the City, like lost Sheep: Also, That Joshua Loring, formerly of this Town, is appointed by Gen. Howe, Commissary for the Prisoners, taken from these States.
Mr. Richard Carpenter of this Town, who was under Sentence of Death in this Metropolis last Winter, by Order of Gen. Gage, and ever since detained a Prisoner, & treated in the most barbarous Manner, it is said, made his Escape from the Enemy, at New-York, about a Fortnight since.
Colonel Ethan Allen, is with the Enemy still, in the City of New-York, on Parole.
Last Friday arrived in Town, from the City of New-York, Mr. Consider Howland, of Plymouth, Master of the Brig Washington, which was taken last February, by the Fowey Man of War. He was dismissed on Parole.
Col. Griffin, is appointed Adjutant Gen. to the Troops in & about the City of Philadelphia.
A Person who lately left Halifax, informs That a few Days before he came away, a Schooner arrived there from Falmouth, with Dispatches, Part of which she left at that Place, & proceeded with the Rest, to Gen. Howe, at New-York. And that he heard Gen. Massie (who commands at Halifax) the next Day declare on Change, That a War with France was inevitable; and that the 'damnd Rebels' (as he stiled us) would still hold America in Possession. He also reports, that when the Hessians were paraded at Halifax, they took an Oath to spare neither Man, Woman, nor Child.
We learn from Halifax, That the Brig Independence, in the Service of this State, commanded by Capt. Sampson, was lately taken, by Dawson, in Company with a Transport Ship, after a smart Engagement, and carried into Annapolis-Royal, in Nova Scotia. The Brig engaged Dawson for near Two Hours, when the Transport Ship, having 100 Soldiers on board, concealed, came up, and fired a Volley of Small Arms into the Brig, which obliged her to give over the Contest.
Capt. Sampson, would undoubtedly have taken Dawson, before the Ship came up, had his Men stood to their Quarters; two or three of whom, he Shot, for deserting their Posts.
A Letter from Peck Kill, says, "The Tories in New Jersey are quite sick of their new Masters, & are daily returning to General Washington."
We further learn by a gentleman from Camp, that Gen. Gates had killed and taken 500 of the enemy in Hackinsack; and that the Generals Lincoln and Parsons, were on their march for Amboy, in order to cut off the retreat of the enemy.
PORTSMOUTH.
A Gentleman from Providence informs, that the Enemy at Rhode Island are embarking, and getting away in as secret a Manner as they could. And the Report that Newport was on fire, is contradicted.

LOWER-MAKEFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA:
"Tuesday Evening, 24th December, 1776.
Y O U must, before this can reach you, have heard the Circumstances attending General LEE's being made a Prisoner. The Enemy shewed an ungenerous, nay boyish Triumph, after they had got him secure at Brunswick, by making his Horse drunk, while they toasted their King, till they were in the same Condition. A Band or two of Mufick played all Night to proclaim their Joy for this important Acquisition. They say we cannot now stand another Campaign. Mistaken Fools! to think the Fate of America depended on one Man. They will find ere long, I hope, that it has had no other Effect than to urge us on to a noble Revenge."
DECEMBER. 25.
The Country from Princeton to the Delaware, is inland, being about Midway between New-York and Philadelphia, and has been thought the happiest Retreat of Peace and Safety, instead of which it is now the Scene of Blood shed and Rapine, Humanity forces a Sigh for the suffering Women and Children. The Hessians are Robbers, and the English Troops Brutes; for while the first were breaking open Trunks and Draws, the others were ravishing the unfortunate Girls, who, having no Place to fly to, could not escape their Clutches. Such are the Horrors of War, and such the infamous pretended Rights of Conquests! This is not colouring; in many Instances literally & strictly true."
TRENTON. December 30.
The long series of Disasters which have attended us for almost the whole of this Month, and which coming fast upon the Heels of each other, must have sunk your Spirits to extreme Dejection, must certainly call for something very clever to exhilarate them; it is therefore with particular Pleasure I improve a leisure Hour to give an animating Piece of Intelligence, which will certainly have this Effect, & which has produced Consequences of the happiest Nature.
The General finding it absolutely necessary to rouse the Spirits of his Army, resolved to Attempt surprizing a considerable Body of Hessians, quartered at Trenton, consisting of about Nineteen Hundred, & a Detachment of British Light Horse. The Plan was as spiritedly executed, as it was judiciously concerted, & terminated in fully answering the warmest Expectations of its Projectors. On the Morning of the 24th December, Orders were given for a large Part of the Army to have three Days Provisions ready cooked, and 40 rounds a Man, and to be ready to March by 5 o'Clock, in the Afternoon; accordingly the farthest Brigades marched by two o'Clock; the next Morning the whole Body, which did not exceed 2400 Men, had crossed the Delaware, with several Companies of Artillery and 18 Field Pieces, they formed in two Divisions, the one commanded by General Green, and the other by General Sullivan, and the whole by General Washington. It began snowing about 11 o'Clock, and continued so 'till Day-break, when a most violent North-East Storm came on, of Snow, Rain and Hail together: the Attack began about 7 o'Clock, by the Van-guard of Sullivan's Division, who attacked the Hessians advanced Guard, about a Mile from the Town which they soon drove, when the whole pushed with the utmost Vigour for the Town, which they immediately entered. General Green's Division attacked the Town on the other Side at the same Time. The Hessians did as much as could be expected from People so surprized, but the Impetuosity of our Men were irresistible: 15 Minutes decided the Action, & the Enemy threw down their Arms, and surrendered Prisoners of War. They consisted of three Regiments of Grenadiers and Fusileers, and was equal to any Troops the Prince of Hesse could boast of. The Troop of British Dragoons, without waiting to be charged, scampered off with the utmost Expedition. Could the Brigade under Col: Ewing have landed below the Town, as was intended the Light-Horse must inevitably have been taken, as well as a considerable Number of the Hessians, who got off, but the Violence of the Wind was such, and the Quantity of Ice so great, that he found it impossible to cross. Our Success, though not complete, was great, as you will judge from the following List of killed and wounded, and Prisoners, and which is an exact as could be obtained, viz:
 1 Colonel, dangerously wounded, since dead,  2 Lieutenant-Colonels,  3 Majors, one badly wounded,  9 Captains, 2 killed,  3 Lieutenants,  12 Ensigns,  2 Subalterns, killed,  2 Sergeants,  92 Sergeants,  20 Drummers,  9 Musicians,  25 Servants,  752 Privates, and about 50 killed and wounded, making in the whole 989. 
To these you will add a considerable Number since taken, making in the whole about 1200. The Trophies were 6 Field Pieces, Brads excellently mounted, and 7 Standards. Seven most valuable Waggons were taken, and a Quantity of Pork and Flour. Our
Loss does not exceed 20 killed and wounded:
The Men behaved with the utmost Bravery, finding that their Guns did not generally go off, owing to their having been exposed to the Snow and Rain, for six Hours the Men charged Bayonets, and with three Cheers rushed like Blood-Hounds upon the Hessians, who, astonished at their Fury, fled or threw down their Arms, and it was owing to the Ardour of the Attack, that so little Blood was shed. The Army returned the same Day, and notwithstanding a continual pelting for 12 Hours, of a most violent Rain, Hail and Snow-Storm, we had only two Men froze to Death, luckily they found some Hogheads of Rum at Trenton, large Draughts of which alone preserved the Lives of many. The Soldiers behaved exceedingly well with Respect to plundering, considering they were animated by Revenge for past Insults, exasperated by the Injuries done their Mess-Mates taken at Fort Washington, animated by every Incentive that could work upon the Licence of a successful Army. The General gave the Hessians all their Baggage, and they have since gone to the Western Counties of Pennsylvania, with their Pack's unsearched they were amazed at the Generosity of the General, so opposite to their own Conduct, and called him a very good Rebel.
The Enemy who lay at Bordington, soon had the Alarm, which was communicated to all the Parties along the River, who after remaining under Arms the whole Day, in the Evening marched off, leaving us to take Possession of Bordington, Mount-Holly and Burlington. Such are some of the Effects of this Action. Ten Days ago there was scarce a Town in the Jerseys, that the Enemy did not occupy or overawe, there is now scarce one in the West Jersey they are in Possession of. The General is determined to prosecute his advantage, & if can prevail on the New-England Troops to stay after their Time is out, which is To-Morrow, I have not the least Doubt he will be able to push the Enemy beyond the Rariton.
The Pennsylvanians are arming with Spirit—Brigadier Cadwallader came to Trenton to Day with 1800 Men, and Putnam and Mifflin crossed at Philadelphia with an equal Number, and all coming forward, having been joined by 700 of the Jersey Militia. The Enemy were crossing the River all that Night, & to Day, a Junction of our whole Force, is expected To-Morrow, when the Army, which will then be 10,000 Men (such has been the Alteration within five Days) will march for Princeton. The Captains of the Frigates at Philadelphia with 160 brave Tars and nine Pieces of Cannon, have come up, and are willing to beat the Enemy by Land as well as by Sea, provided the General will let them be commanded by their own Officers and fight their Cannon their own Way. The General has gratified them, and they are attached to particular Brigades. These generous, rough Sailors are in the highest Spirits and come Volunteers, and swear they will never flinch while the General will find them in RUM, BEEF and BISCUIT. A Train of 30 Pieces of Field Artillery is to accompany the Army—They are all over, and will remove in the Morning, supported by Regiments who from a Gloom bordering on Despair, have now new strong Nerves, & brightened Countenances. I think from present Appearances, we have much to hope."
Extract of a Letter from Trenton, December 31.
"Since the Affair of Trenton, the Pennsylvania Militia have passed the River in great Numbers, and we have Possession of all the Jersey Coast, with a fine Body of Troops, with which we are pushing forward, & shall soon try the Force of the Enemy in this State.
The Eastern Troops have this Evening most of them agreed to tarry five Weeks longer, before which our Army will be formed. Be assured, we are in fine Spirits, & suffer patiently the Inclemencies of a Winter Campaign. We cannot fail of Success, if we do but our Duty, as our Militia, and Southern Continental Troops arrive in Camp daily."
TRENTON. January 1. 1777.
"Your Letter of—, is just delivered me, & I am happy to have it in my Power to tell you the Enemy are retreating in their Turn, and that this Letter is dated from a Town where three Regiments of Hessians, six Days ago, were obliged to throw down their Arms, and are now harmless two-legged Animals in the back Counties of Pennsylvania. The Enemy are at Princeton, a Detachment of our Men last Night beat their advanced Guard, and drove them into Princeton, we have just heard they are leading their Waggons, and preparing to retreat to Brunswick, one Division of the Army is close at their Heels, and the rest will follow immediately. We have a most excellent Train of Field Artillery, and Things are in a very promising Way. In a Cause so just as ours, no one should despair of the Common-Wealth, do you take Care of New-England, and I think the Army here will check General Howe's further Advancement."
TRENTON, January 2. 1777.
"Matters have not gone right—The Congress have now given our worthy General ample power to rectify all abuses—New-England must exert herself or she will repent in dust and ashes. It is not the turning out for six weeks, but it must be an army engaged for a considerable term of time—It will ever be the Policy of the enemy to push us at the expiration of the men's time. The New-Englanders have
dobe themselves immortal honour, in generally continuing for a farther space of time. These brave Lads will & are able to combat an equal number of troops of any nation. Our present views are great—We are near some important event, it must be, and, O, my God! most earnestly do I entreat thee to favour America against the unjust claims of Tyrants."
S A L E M, Sunday evening 9 o'clock.
THIS afternoon arrived here one Mr. Hassie, from New-York, which place he left this day week, and says that the evening before he came away an express arrived from their army at Princetown, informing there had been a general battle, and that their army was intirely routed, the loss on both sides very great: inasmuch that of the 17th British Regiment, only 18 men were left alive; but on Sunday morning, it was said, they kept the ground, having collected their artillery on an eminence, and there defended themselves. Lord Howe lay at the point of death, and was not expected to live an hour. General Howe was sent for from the army, and arrived a few days before he came away; and left the army in the Jerseys, under Cornwallis. Clinton was gone home, and Cornwallis was soliciting the same favor—Great uneasiness among the Hessian troops—their General and General Howe quite at variance—the officers and men taken at Fort-Washington, &c. all set at liberty—the officers and men taken in privateers, are still detain'd.
On General Washington's granting the Hessian prisoners their baggage unopened, he permitted 14 of them to return to the enemy; in consequence of this kind treatment, we just learn that there is a mutiny in Howe's army; and that he had already hung and shot 25 of the mercenary troops, and the mutiny was not quell'd when our informant came away,
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
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, ss.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of Shadrach Hodgdon, jr. late of Dover, in the county of Strafford, Mariner, deceas'd, intestate, are requested to make immediate payment to Anna Hodgdon & Aaron Wingate, the administrators of said estate, as they are determined to make a speedy settlement thereof. Dover, Dec. 30. 1776. 4—6
ALL persons indebted to William Rogers of the town of Berwick, in the county of York, within the state of the Massachusetts Bay, either by Note or Book Debt, are requested immediately to call on him & settle the same, otherwise he will be under the disagreeable necessity of commencing suits against them.—Constant attendance will be given at his dwelling house for that purpose. Berwick, Dec. 29. 1776. 4—6
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS, give public notice, that they will attend that 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.
B. N. No accounts will be receiv'd that are not well vouched. Exeter, Jan. 1. 1777