The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-06-15 00:00:00

Spreenans Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I ]
SATURDAY, June 15, 1776.
[ No. 4. ]
The INTEREST of AMERICA.
LETTER I.
P ROPERLY to adjust our political affairs, or settle the civil government of America, is a matter of vast importance. Too much care and pains cannot well be bestowed upon it. 'Tis we hope, doing the work of ages, 'tis acting for our posterity as well as for ourselves; 'tis an arduous, 'tis a difficult affair, and every man that will contribute his mite towards it, may be thought charitable in doing it. He that will suggest any thing useful, and guard against any thing that would be pernicious will do an acceptable service. No man can see or comprehend all things, and even the wisest, in important and difficult undertakings, will be glad of help, though but in a small degree. No one can comprehend the complexed affairs of an whole country. Farmers will not be fully acquainted with, or attentive to maritime or mercantile affairs, nor will the merchant fully understand or attend to affairs in the country. People in high life do not consider or fully understand the concerns of the poorer sort, who are perhaps nine tenths of the useful part of mankind; on the other hand, the poorer sort, by ignorance or prejudice, or both, have very wrong notions of the rich and great. There ought to be all sorts of men in that assembly or body that shall be entrusted and employed, to adjust and settle the affairs of our country; and every man should, as much as possible, put himself in the place of those that are in a situation different from his own; and not set himself to carry things in favour of his own opinion, without properly regarding the good of the whole. Was there a man who had been poor and rich, who had been a farmer in the country, and a merchant in the city, who had an acquaintance with, or had well considered the several occupations and manufactures in town and country, acquainted with civil law and courts of judicature, a friend to religion, but a bigot to no particular party, not haughty or self sufficient, but public spirited, condescending and truly benevolent; such a Phoenix would be a fit person to settle our public affairs. But as it is impossible that all these things should fully be in one man, there ought to be men of various knowledge, and of a condescending disposition, who will attend to one another, in settling the important interests of America.
Before I proceed to propose or consider the form of American government, I beg the patience of my readers, while I offer a few general observations on the nature, design, and rise of civil government .
'Tis most evident that civil government is not designed for one man, or a few in the society, but for the whole body. To suppose, that an hundred or a thousand are made for one man, is contrary to nature, for we are all equal by nature; and contrary to reason and equity, for the greatest of all laws that respect mankind, is, to love our neighbours as ourselves, and do as we would be done by. Mankind, all equal by nature, and
having equal rights, form into societies, for mutual defence, and proper enjoyment of their natural rights. In the days of Adam and Noah, every man had an equal right to the unoccupied earth, which God said he had given to the children of men. The whole world was before them, there was much more land than they could occupy or enjoy. Each man had a right to occupy new land where he pleased, and to take wild beasts by hunting. This was what civilians call a state of nature. In this state every man had a right to enjoy himself, a right to his enclosure, to what he took in hunting, and to feed his flocks where he pleased, so that in any of these, he did not interfere with any pre-occupant. In such a state every man had a right to defend himself, and repel injuries, as he thought best. Injuries there would be in a state of imperfection. Had mankind continued innocent, there would have been such perfect and mutual love, as would have excluded injuries. But mankind, being depraved, proved inordinately craving and jealous, their schemes would clash, and injuries ensue. Every man had an equal right to judge between himself & his neighbour, and to do that which was right in his own eyes. The natural consequences would be, that the strong would overcome the weak, the greatest natural power would prevail, and might would often overcome right. This was frequently the case soon after the flood. Genesis xiv. &c. This no doubt induced mankind to enter into societies for their mutual defence, and for the equitable and peaceable enjoyment of their lives and properties. Societies formed at first for mutual defence, were very small, but by degrees became larger. War soon became a business in the world, much like hunting. We find that our kings, with a few men, took a warlike hunting march of several hundred miles. Gen. xiv. They came across five kingdoms in the plain of Sodom, (which were only five cities) overcame them, took what plunder and captives they pleased, and went on their way.
In those days, any stout active enterprising man, at the head of a number of free-booters, became a king; and as he prevailed against others, they also were added to his kingdom, which increasing thus by degrees, sometimes became very large and extensive. Thus kingly government took place and prevailed in the world, & 'tis because that war and plundering other nations has been so much the business of mankind, that kingly government has so generally prevailed in the world.
The forms of civil government that have taken place in the world, are supposed to be four, not including the theocracy of the Jews. 1. Monarchy. 2. Aristocracy. 3. Democracy. 4. Mixed government.
Monarchy , or kingly government , which has also generally aimed at being hereditary, is where one man or woman rules the whole; and this, (for reasons before mentioned, or easily gathered from what has been said) has been much the most common form of
government in the world. Under absolute Monarchy people are treated as the sovereign pleases, just as a man treats his cattle, horse or slave. He must often favour and be kind to them for his own advantage, that they may serve him the better; but he values not their health or lives, more than he thinks 'tis for his own interest. Aristocracy or Oligarchy , is where a few rule the whole. These are called noble, and are supposed to be hereditarily above the bulk of the people. This form of government differs little from so many kings ruling by consent, and people have but little more advantage under several tyrants than under one. Proper Democracy is where the people have all the power in themselves, who choose whom they please for their head for a time, and dismiss him when they please; make their own laws, choose all their own officers, and replace them at pleasure. A mixed government has several branches of legislature, as that of Great-Britain, where one branch is supposed to be a check upon the others.
Let the form of government be what it will, the design of it is, or ought to be, the good of the whole body governed.
Let us now consider what men relinquish , and what they obtain , by passing out of a state of nature, and entering into society, or a state of civil government. 1st.—They give up their right to judge between themselves and those that offend or injure them, and leave this to the civil magistrate; consequently they give up the right to vindicate or revenge themselves, any other way than by the magistrate or proper officers. 2d.—They give up part of their estates, for the support of government. 3d. They are under obligation to expose their lives for the safety of the state when necessary, and when called upon to do it. If money will not answer, each man must bear his proper part in the defence of the whole. The proper support of government, supposes that we are ready, with our lives and fortunes, to engage in its defence. Shall it now be asked, what we obtain by entering into civil government? I answer we gain protection , the protection of our lives and properties; that we may without violence enjoy our own . The weakest the poorest member of society, has all the power and strength of the government for his defence. Every man has a right to ask and receive protection and help when injured, or when molested contrary to the rule or laws of the state. An inspired writer gives us briefly the nature of civil government, in these words:—“He is the minister of God to thee for good.”—A revenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil:—he beareth not the sword in vain—For this cause pay you tribute also, for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing—Render therefore to all their due, tribute to whom tribute is due, &c.”
I shall in my next, offer something on American government.
SPARTANUS,

EXETER , June 8, 1776. Last Wednesday the Hon. GENERAL AS- SEMBLY, of this colony, met at the state- house in this town, according to adjourn- ment, and are now upon business.
The following is a List of THE HONORABLE COUNCIL, for the Colony of New-Hampshire. For the County of Rockingham. T HE Hon'ble Meshech Weare, Esq; of Hampton-Falls, (President.) Matthew Thornton, Esq; Londonderry. William Whipple, Esq; Portsmouth. Nathaniel Folsom, Esq; Exeter. Josiah Bartlet, Esq; Kingston.
For the County of Strafford. Ebenezer Thompson, Esq; (Sec'ry) Durham. John Wentworth, Esq; Somersworth.
For the County of Hillsborough. Wyseman Claggett, Esq; Litchfield. Jonathan Blanchard, Esq; Merrimac.
For the County of Cheshire. Samuel Ashley, Esq; Winchester. Benjamin Giles, Esq; Newport.
For the County of Grafton. John Hurd, Esq; Haverhill. A List of the Members of the Honorable House of Representatives for the Colony of New- Hampshire.
For the County of Rockingham. H ON. Phillips White, Esq; (Speaker) for Southampton and Newtown.
Noah Emery, Esq; (Clerk) Exeter. Samuel Cutts, Esq; Samuel Sherburne, Esq; and Capt. Pierse Long, Portsmouth. Mr. John Bell, and Capt. Moses Barnett, Londonderry.
Robert Wilson, Esq; and Mr. Samuel Morse, Chester. Josiah Moulton, Esq; Hampton. Dr. Levy Dearborn, Northampton.
Hampton-Falls and Seabrook. Clement March, Esq; Greenland. Richard Downing, Esq; Newington.
Henry Prescott, Esq; New-Castle. Mr. Nathan Goss, Rye. Benjamin Barker, Esq; Stratham.
Thomas Tash, Esq; Newmarket. Samuel Philbrick, Esq; Kingston and East- Kingston.
Capt. Ezekiel Worthen, Kennington. Mr. Samuel Kimball, Plaistow and Atkinson. Capt. John Calse, Hampstead.
Mr. Caleb Dustin, Salem. Mr. James Gibson, Pelham. Capt. Moses Baker, Candia.
John Dudley, Esq; Raymond and Poplin. Samuel Dudley Esq; Brintwood. David Gilman, Esq; Pembrook.
James Betton, Esq; Windham. Timothy Walker, Esq; Concord. Mr. Nehemiah Wheeler, Epping.
Mr. Thomas Clough, Canterbury and Loudon. Mr. Jeremiah Eastman, Deerfield & Northwood. Capt. Caleb Page, Bow and Dunbarton.
John M'Clary, Esq; Epsom, Chichester, and (Allenstown. Major Thomas Bartlet, Nottingham.
Sandown and Hawke. For the County of Strafford. Stephen Evans, and Otis Baker, Esq's Dover.
Mr. John Smith, tert. Durham. Ichabod Rawlins, Esq; Somersworth. Deacon James Knowles, Rochester.
Mr. Samuel Hayes, Barrington. Madbury. Lee. Joseph Badger, Esq; Gilmantown & Barnstead.
Eben. Smith, Esq; Sanborntown & Meredith. Mr. Nath. Balch, Leavittstown, Wakefield, &c. Dan'l Beede, Esq; Moultonboro' Sandwich, &c.
For the County of Hillsborough. Moses Nichols, Esq; and Deacon Nahum Baldwin, Amherst.
Jonathan Lovevell, Esq; Dunstable. Mr. Stephen Ames, Hollis. Mr. John Worth, Weare.
Capt. Stephen Herriman, Hopkinton. Mr. William Shattuck, New-Ipswich. Deac. Amos Dakin, Mason and Raby.
Mr. Asa Davis, Litchfield and Nottingham W. Matthew Patten, Esq; Merrimac and Bedford. Moses Kelley, Esq; Derryfield and Goffstown.
Henry Gerrish, Esq; Boscawen and Salisbury. Mr. Samuel Moore, Temple and Peterborough. Mr. Jacob Abbot, Wilton, &c.
Capt. Jos. Simonds, Heneker, Hillsborough &c. New-Breton, Warren, &c. Francis-Town, & New-Boston.
For the County of Cheshire. Dr. Heber Miller, Westmoreland.
Timothy Ellis, Esq; Keen. John Bellows, Esq; Walpole. Mr. Elijah Grout, Charlestown. Mr. Arch. Robinson, Hinsdale & Chesterfield. Mr. Eliphalet Stone, Monadnock No. 5, &c. Mr. Nath. Sartel Prentice, Marlow, Surry, &c. Moses Chace, Esq; Cornish, Plainfield, &c. Winchester, Claremont, &c. Richmond, Packersfield, &c. For the County of Grafton.
Samuel Emerson, Esq; Daniel Brainard, Esq; Israel Morey, Esq; and Capt. Abijah Learned, are all the members that come from that new County, which contains 45 towns.
The following are contain'd among the re- solves of the CONGRESS of S. Carolina.
1. That this congress being a full and free representation of this colony, shall hence- forth be deemed and called the General As- sembly of South-Carolina , and as such shall continue until the twenty first day of Oc- tober next, and no longer.
2. That the general assembly shall, out of their own body, elect by ballot, a legisla- tive council to consist of thirteen members, (seven whereof shall be a quorum) and to continue for the same time as the general assembly.
3. That the general assembly and the said legislative council, shall jointly choose by ballot, from among themselves, or from the people at large, a president and com- mander in chief, and a vice president, of the colony.
4. That a member of the general assem- bly, being chosen and acting as president and commander in chief, or vice president, or one of the legislative council, shall va- cate his seat in the general assembly and a- nother person shall be elected in his room; and if one of the legislative council is chosen president and commander in chief, or vice president, he shall loose his seat and another person shall be elected in his stead.
5. That there be a privy council where- of the vice president of the colony shall of course be a member and president of the privy council, and that six other members be chosen by ballot, three by the general assembly, and three by the legislative coun- cil. Provided always, that no officer of the army or navy, in the service of the conti- nent, or of this colony shall be eligible.— And a member of the general assembly or of the legislative council, being chosen of the privy council shall not thereby loose his seat in the general assembly or legislative council unless he be elected vice president of the colony, in which case he shall, and another person shall be chosen in his stead. The privy council (of which four to be a quorum) to advise the president and com- mander in chief when required; but he shall not be bound to consult them, unless in cases after mentioned.
6. That the qualifications of the president and commander in chief, and vice president of the colony, and members of the legisla- tive and privy council, shall be the same as of members of general assembly; and on being elected, they shall take an oath of qua- lification in the general assembly.
7. That the legislative authority be vested in the president and commander in chief, the general assembly, and legislative coun- cil. All money-bills for the support of go- vernment shall originate in the general as- sembly, and shall not be altered, or amended by the legislative council, but may be re- jected by them. All other bills and ordinances may take rise in the general assembly or le- gislative council, and be altered, amended, or rejected by either. Bills having passed the general assembly & legislative council, may be assented to, or rejected by the presi- dent and commander in chief; having recei-
ved his assent, they shall have all the force and validity of an act of general assembly of this colony. And the general assembly and legislative council respectively, shall enjoy all other privileges which have at any time been claimed, or exercised by the commons house of assembly; but the legislative council shall have no power of expelling their own mem- bers.
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) May 10
Col. John Willoughby, of Norfolk coun- ty, with his son, and between 60 and 70 Ne- groes, have gone on board Lord Dunmore's fleet. This old gentleman, some few months ago, acted as Lieutenant of his county under a commission from Ld. Dunmore, but plea- ded in his justification, that he had been com- pelled to receive it, and to take the oath pre- scribed by his Lordship. Some witnesses ap- pearing in the old man's favour, the last Con- vention were pleased to restore him to the former good opinion of his countrymen; and now, in requital for such kindness, has volun- tarily, and without any compulsion, gone over to our enemies, thereby marking himself a vile apostate, and black traitor.
His Majesty's sloop Nautilus , of 18 guns, is arrived in Hampton road.
PHILADELPHIA.
Extract of a letter from London, dated Feb. 13. "The English and Irish troops go with in- finite reluctance, and strong guards are obli- ged to be kept upon the transports to keep them from deserting by wholesale.
"The Ministry will encourage the forging the paper currency of the colonies, to distress them. the whole of the American war is now confided to Lord George Sackville. His abilities are moderate, his pride infinite, his enmity most inveterate to Liberty, and his mind unprincipled enough to execute the worst designs against it by the worst means.
Col. nel Allen and his fellow prisoners, were kept in irons in Pendennis castle, but before they could be reached by a Habeas Corpus, they were put on board the Solebay man of war, and carried to Cork, from whence they are, it is said, to be sent prisoners to Boston. God bless you & prosper your undertakings."
Extract of a letter from Bristol, dated Feb. 16.
The bulk of the people are averse to the A- merican war, and though such numbers of the merchant ships are laid up, it is with great difficulty Seamen can be procured to man the frigates. At this hour a press is very ge- nerally expected. To victual the transports the more readily, an embargo is laid on all provi- sions from Ireland, except to England and the plantations in the West-Indies. The I- rish are displeased, and the protestants there, to a man almost, except the dependents on government, are favourers of America.
As very few ships arrive but to govern- ment, we are imperfectly informed of your transactions. The Gazette of London has become as infamous as the Gazette of Brus- sels. When it gives any intelligence it is so mutilated that the shadow of the fact only re- mains. When any event of importance hap- pens in your favor, it would be very material and advantageous, if a circumstantial account was immediately transmitted. When you succed the people are in triumph, and the ministerial advocates are depressed and silent.
"Col. Boyd is again in London, I hear he came through your camp, and that on your making a discovery of him he hastily depart- ed. Many Americans are here, some dumb, others sanguine in the common cause, others, to their eternal disgrace, advocates for the Ministry.
"Are there no opportunities of your con- veying a line with safety? Through Philadel- phia, or New-York should imagine it might easily be accomplished. Our friend Wilkes is a candidate for the Chamberlainship in the gift of the Livery. Alderman Bull is in a poor state of health a warmer friend America can- not boast, though I fear he will soon be re- moved to a more peaceful state. The cause has been the object to which he has sacrific'd. Lee, the elder, is an Alderman, he behaves with spirit, Sayer has brought his action against Lord Rochford for false imprisone- ment. You heard I doubt not of that child-

ish plot. Nothing has disgraced the judgment of administration so much except their blundering American conduct. The Somerset man of war is just arrived, what news she brings we cannot yet learn. We are often amused with reports of disunion among the provincials; these reports answer the purpose of a day, but nothing further. Men who have taken up arms in so glorious a cause will sacrifice to each other, and not permit any thing to operate to the prejudice of the common good. Union cannot too strongly and frequently be inculcated. All depends upon it.
PHILADELPHIA, June 1.
Extract of a letter from Ohingoteagne, May 20.
Friday last the 18th inst. three tenders, one sloop and two schooners came into Chingoteagne inlet, landed about forty men on an island called Wallop's who obliged the tenant on the island to pen what cattle he could, of which they killed six and carried two off alive—they were boarded by a flag from the inhabitants, to whom they declared they meant to offer no violence, unless resisted, that they were in very great want of fresh provisions, and would have some—and were willing to pay the owners for it, but took care not to do it—the islanders say they appeared to be very much afraid of the inhabitants, and made the greatest dispatch possible to get on board with their booty—that their guns were in a bad condition, and the men bad marksmen, as they frequently snapped, several times without firing, and then did but little execution, though at a small distance.
Extract of a Letter from George Town, South-Carolina, April 11.
"We have accounts from Georgia of another small skirmish at Cockspur: There being a few soldiers on shore cutting wood & filling water, the Militia with a few Creek Indians fired on them and killed some, three of which the Indians scalped; they also took 12 negroes and one white, prisoners. On this the Cherokee hauled close on shore, and landed a number of men under a heavy fire, but, it is said, our people fired on them several times, to some advantage, so that the men were obliged to embark, and the vessel to haul off out of gun shot—since this, we are fully informed, that all the vessels have left there except two."
NEW YORK, June 8.
By Capt. Smith of the rifle battallion, and Lieutenants Simpson, and Crafts, from CANADA, we have the following interesting intelligence, viz.
COLONEL BEADLE , with 200 men, was attacked at the Cedars, in his way from Montreal, and the whole party except the Colonel and 18 others, killed or taken prisoners. A detachment was immediately ordered from Col. Patterson's regiment, under the command of Major Sherburne; which was also attacked, and either killed or taken, to a man. General Arnold was immediately dispatched to oppose the enemy, with 180 men, and having intrenched within 7 miles of them, with 2 field pieces, he was reinforced to the number of fifteen hundred men; an engagement ensued, and the whole body of the enemy, consisting of part of the eighth, or King's own regiment, which had been stationed at or near Lake Erie, Canadians and Indians, amounting to about seven hundred men, were kill'd or taken prisoners, and our own people that they had taken, released, of whom, we are told, by one of the gentlemen that brought the intelligence, that there had been about 12 or 14 killed.
Copy of a letter just received from Philadelphia, dated June 6 1776.
"Yesterday arrived Capt. Bingley from Coracoa, at which place they were in great want of provisions; he has brought dry goods."
"The Privateers Congress , Capt. M'Elroy, and Chance , Capt. Allen, who were fitted out here a few weeks ago, are arrived at Egg Harbour, they have taken three ships
from Jamaica, bound to England; the ships were ordered for New England, being afraid to venture our capes, viz. Lady Juliana, Juno and Reynolds , having on board the following valuable articles, viz.
22420 Dollars, 187 Pounds weight of plate, 1052 Hogsheads of sugar, 213 Puncheons of rum, 70 Pipes of madeira wine, 246 Bags of pimento, 396 Bags of Ginger, 568 Hides, 25 Tons of cocoa, 41 Ditto of fustick, 1 Cask of turtle-shell, and 2 large turtle, designed for Lord North.
"The cargo the privateers took on board, is all safely landed here; this morning ten of the bands entered on board the privateers."
We hear that the Congress have determined to augment their army to 70 or 75,000, whereof 20,000 are to be station'd here, 10,000 in the Jerseys, and 20,000 to go to Canada.
The Virginians have driven Dunmore out of his intrenchments at Portsmouth; before they left it, they burnt 50 or 60 sail of small craft. The convention of that Colony have determined to take 200 Indian warriors into their service, and appointed a person to treat with the neighbouring Indian Tribes, for that purpose.
By letters from the West Indies, all seems to agree, that they will soon be in a very bad condition as to provisions, &c.—The French have certainly 10,000 men at St. Domingo, who are to be augmented to 15,000. There are 8000 more at Martinico and Guadaloupe, and 7000 more expected momentarily; so that they will have 30,000 in their islands; the whole under the command of one General, who arrived some days since at Martinico.
BOSTON, June 13.
Thursday last was sent into Cape Ann, a large Jamaica Man, with 500 hogsheads of sugar besides other valuable goods, and a large sum of specie. She was taken by one of the continental cruisers, who put the captain, his lady, and all hands (which did not voluntarily enter on board the cruiser) ashore at Providence. The prize-master of the ship on his passage from the West-Indies met with a Scotch vessel of force with ninety soldiers, bound for Boston, on board of which he breakfasted, and told the Scotch Capt. he was destined from Jamaica for London, but as he thought sugars would bear a better price at Boston, he had thoughts of trying that market first. The Scotchman being a stranger to this coast, desired the prize-master to pilot him in, to Cape Ann, when he observing two of our privateers appearing in sight, discovered the trap, and being considerable to the windward, made the best of his way off.
Friday last Capt. Daniel Waters, in company with a Marblehead privateer, took a large ship from Scotland, having on board 94 Highlanders, and between 30 and 40 sailors for the ministerial fleet, the ship had four 6 pounders mounted, but made no resistance; her cargo consisted of provision & cloathing. Capt. Josiah Waters with the prize arrived safe at Marblehead last Saturday; and on Sunday they were brought to town under a strong guard from Col. Glover's regiment, and lodged in the provost prison. We hear the officers are sent to Concord, and the soldiers are to go to Worcester.
The inhabitants of this colony are determined in future to take no continental currency, that is split in halves and pasted on any piece of paper, as there has been a great deal of fraud carried on in this manner.—This caution is given that the more undiscerning people may be on their guard.
Died, At Ipswich, Mrs. Sarah M'Kean, Wife of Mr. William M'Kean, formerly of this town.
NEWBURY-PORT June 14.
The Archbishops and Bishops (with his Majesty's approbation) have opened a subscription for the clergy of the Church of England in North America, and already collected £2415 5s. sterling.
Friday last the Milford Frigate of 28 guns came up with the Yankey Hero Privateer, Capt. Tracy, of this town, off Cape Ann, & an obstinate engagement ensued, which continued near two hours, when the Yankey Hero was obliged to strike to the Frigate, being vastly superior in force. And on Tuesday last Mr. Samuel White & Mr. Martin Brimmer obtained leave of Gen. Ward for a flag to go on board Captain Banks, and if possible to make an exchange of prisoners of the Yankey Hero. They were very politely received by Capt. Banks, and had his assurance that he would do all in his power to effect an exchange; that he would send to Halifax to his commanding officer immediately, and as soon as he had his answer would send up a flag to town. Capt. Tracy received a wound in his thigh, but no way dangerous; Mr. Maine, the Lieutenant was badly wounded, one Rowe of Cape Ann lost his arm, four killed in the engagement, one died of his wounds removing from the Hero, and 14 wounded. Capt. Tracy informed them that Capt. Banks treated him and his crew with the greatest civility; that they were in want of no one thing; that the surgeon took the greatest care of the wounded.—Capt. Banks had heard of the character he had on shore for his ill treatment to his prisoners, which he said was absolutely false, and appealed to all his officers and to his prisoners, who assured them that they were well treated.
PORTSMOUTH, June 15, 1776.
Extract of a letter from Colonel Woodford, to General Lewis, by express, dated Norfolk May 22.
"The vigilance of my guards has occasioned the enemy to abandon their lines at Portsmouth. This and some rafts I was preparing, has likewise occasioned the fleet to go off. They have thrown over their salt, burnt the most indifferent of their small craft, and are all now below Crany Island, except four ships, which are opposite the distillery, but under way likewise. One of the 14th regiment & five sailors have deserted. They inform me they have the small pox. I have given very particular orders to avoid the evil, if it be true. They all concur in the same story, and likewise that the fleet is bound for Cape Fear; but I doubt whether my Lord does not intend a secret expedition to some other part of the colony."
Extract of a Letter from Major Hendricks to General Lewis, dated Hampton May 23.
"I wrote you this morning that 30 sail of the enemy's fleet were moved down the river, since which it appears that their whole fleet is in motion. From our church steeple I can see 60 or 70 sail of vessels of different kinds, hovering about the coast."
DIED] Since our last, Mr. NATHANIEL JACKSON of this town, in the 74th year of his age. It may be said of this worthy person, that he was a sincere friend to his country, and to the Church of GOD, and often lamented the decay of religion; but to crown the whole, calmly resigned his departing spirit into the arms of his Saviour, and as he lived the life of the righteous man, so we have reason to think he died his death.
PUBLIC VENDUE.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the improvement of the FERRY in Portsmouth, for one Year, from the 29th. of this instant June; will be lett to the highest bidder on thursday the 27th. instant, at the house of Mr. John Fernald at 6 o'clock afternoon. June 15. 4-6.
CASH for sheep & Lamb-skins, (with the wool on or off,) will be paid by JAMES HASLETT, at his shop a little above the state-House.
Advertisements, &c. omitted, will be in our next.