New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-05-14 00:00:00

THE New - Hampshire Gazette OR, State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, May 14, 1781.
[ No. 1280. ]
BOSTON, May 10.
LAST Sunday arrived in this harbour, after a passage of about 6 weeks from Brest, M. M. de Barras, Rear Admiral appointed to the chief command of the squadron of his most Christian Majesty at Newport, in the frigate la Concorde, commanded by M. de Tanouarn. This frigate has also brought back to America the Viscount Rochambeau, son of the Count Rochambeau, commander in chief of the French army; and the Baron Dubourg.
As the la Concorde had been destined to another quarter, and was suddenly and unexpectedly order'd to attend the Admiral this way, no private letters, we are told, are come tho' public dispatches are gone forward to the commander at Rhode Island, & to Congress. This frigate, it is said, has brought a large sum of money for the land and naval forces of France in America. We have not yet been able obtain any European news papers.—Accounts in general are, that some days before the la Concorde left Brest, a squadron of 28 ships of the line besides frigates and a large number of merchantmen and transports, had sailed from that port, the greater part bound to the West Indies, and some to the East Indies to act in conjunction with the Dutch forces in that quarter;—That Holland had begun reprisals upon Britain, and was now making every preparation to carry on the war with vigour: That Portugal had undoubtedly joined the armed neutrality, and was fitting out men of war for the support of it; and that the Court of Russia had ordered 8 ships of the line to the coast of Portugal for the same purpose: That the armed neutral powers would make up for the coming season, a fleet consisting of 56 sail of the line; while it was concluded in Europe that Britain, in her present circumstances, could not retain for the channel service, and her home defence, more than about 30 ships of the line: That the blockade of Gibraltar was still continued, and the garrison much straitened for supplies: That the Continental frigate the Alliance, which sailed from this port last February, in which Col. Laurens went on public business to the Court of France, had arrived at Port l'Orient about the middle of March: That M. Necker, the celebrated Director General of the Finances of France, had published, by order of the King, the account he had rendered to his Majesty of the state of his finances, on the first of January last, which had given the highest satisfaction to the whole kingdom, as this is the first instance of the kind, and as it evidently appears from the state, that by the abilities of that great man, the revenues of the kingdom are now in a better situation than before the war began: That it did not appear that Britain had been able to procure a single ally in Europe, tho' reports had been spread that the Emperor of Germany and the Empress of Russia would become mediators for a general pacification, which Britain appeared to want; but these reports were too vague to have any dependences placed upon them.
A person lately from the Southward acquaints us, that merchandizes to a considerable amount, imported from New York have lately been seized at Philadelphia: The whole amount belongs to the persons who made the seizure the moment the goods passed the Delaware. Unhappily the traitor principally
concerned in this infamous commerce made his escape; but it was believed they have got the clue of all the iniquity, and it is hoped all who have any part in it will be discovered. Some who are suspected, are narrowly watched. One of them never was thought capable of so dark a business.
The Continental frigate Confederacy, Seth Harding commander, on his passage from Cape Francois to Philadelphia, was taken by a British ship of war, and sent to New York where she arrived the 17th ult. 'Tis said his invoice amounted to 50,000l. the cargo, consisted of sugar, cotton, indigo, and cloathing for the Continental army.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in the country to his friend in this town.
"I have read with much pleasure the late Ordinance of Congress relative to prizes and the commerce with great Britain and Bermuda—Nothing could be more seasonable or have an happier effect upon the great cause of America. All the friends to this cause, that I meet with express the highest approbation of it. I am particularly pleased with the energy and dignity with which Congress express themselves in this act.—It must do them honour in the eyes of this and all the States, and even of the Britons themselves, who have laughed at, and reproached us for the advantages we have given them against ourselves. They are much chagrined, I am well assured, at the completion of the Confederation of the States, and at the vigilance, firmness and energy of our Government."
NEW-YORK, April 24.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of distinction in London, dated Jan. 3, 1781.
"The Dutch War has given the nation more joy than it is possible for me to describe. The whole trade of the perfidious Mynbeers will soon be in our ports, before they can be prepared to save it. The number of their ships already taken is incredible.—Yesterday and the day before, seventy were entered on Lloyd's list; in short, this event will be the means of uniting the spirit of the nation against all its enemies."
On the 5th of February Lord George Gordon's Trial, on an indictment for high treason, came on before the Earl of Mansfield, the Justices Willes, Ashurst and Buller, when the jury, after an absence of three quarters of an hour, pronounced his Lordship NOT GUILTY; after which Lord George addressed the jury in the following words:
"Gentlemen of the Jury,
"You have done perfectly right in the verdict you have given. I am not the person I was charged to be. I declare to God, that I am as innocent as any of you, and never designed any thing of treason against my king and country. Gentlemen, it has been a wicked prosecution"
His Lordship was interrupted by the jury, who cried out, "have done my Lord, it was a nice point."
Lord George then concluded;
"Gentlemen, I beg your pardon; excuse my warmth, I heartily thank you, and God bless you."
His Lordship at near six o'clock in the morning, went from the Hall, attended by his brothers, the Duke of Gordon, and Lord William Gordon.
ST. PIERRE, (Martinico) Feb. 15, 1781.
The privateer Holker of Philadelphia, of 16 six pounders, sailed last week on a cruise; and returned into this port on the 12th inst.
with an English cutter, the Hypocrite, of 19 and 4 12-pounders, which she took the day before, between Grand Terre and Antigua, after an action of three quarters of an hour. The cutter chased the Holker, who affected to run from her, till the cutter came up within close shot. The cutter had sailed from St. Kitts on the 8th, had 4 men killed and seven wounded, among the former is the Captain; the Holker had three killed & one wounded.
A Cutter lately arrived from England at St. Lucia, and immediately sailed to join Admiral Rodney, and bro't an account that a Cork fleet destined for the islands, under convoy of three ships of war, fell in with a French Fleet about 400 leagues from the islands, from which the Cutter escaped with difficulty.
Two American Frigates, one of 26 guns, from New London, & another of 36, from Boston, have just arrived at this port. The Captain of a vessel from Holland, which they retook off this island, and sent to New-England, informed them, that 43 days ago, he met a large French Fleet of transports, convoyed by one ship of the line and three frigates. The Captain thinks they must have met with each other.
Feb. 22. By a Holland vessel lately arrived at Amsterdam from the East Indies, we are informed, that some French men of war have taken & carried into the Cape of Good Hope, three of the English India ships.
The privateer Holker, of Philadelphia, left this harbour on Sunday last, and has taken an English brig, which left St. Lucia that day, and sent her in here. By persons on board the brig we learn, there were 13 ships of the line at St. Lucia, ready for sea, and 3 others laid up. Rodney left 600 men at St. Eustatia.
March 1. The noted privateer Holker, commanded by Capt. Kean came in here on Monday last, with a ship of 16 guns, the cargo of which is valued at between 2 & 300,000 livres. This rich prize having sailed from Glasgow, touched at Cork, and has been out six weeks from the last mention'd port. Capt. Kean met her to Windward of Antigua, and took her after a single discharge of musketry, without the loss of a single man. According to the report of the Captain of this prize, a large Fleet had sailed from the Thames three weeks before he left Europe, & a report prevailed in Ireland, that it had fallen in with the fleet commanded by Vice Admiral Count D'Estaing, who'd suffered very few to escape.
A small force was lately sent to surprize Desirada, but their stratagem failed, & they were taken prisoners, and sent to Guadaloupe.
We are informed, that 25 sail of merchantmen and transports are arrived at St. Lucia, which left Europe under convoy of two Frigates. We know not whether they were part of the grand fleet which sailed from the Thames, but it is taken for granted in the English islands, that Count D'Estaing has made a rich capture. It is asserted, that he took the ships of war which commanded the fleet. Passengers lately arrived in a flag of truce from Montserrat, confirms this account.
By a vessel which left Bayonne, January 7, and arrived here yesterday, we hear that on the 26th of December the Prince of Nassau had executed his project of a descent on the islands of Jersey and Guernsey, with 12000 men.
ANTIGUA, February 22.
Yesterday a vessel arrived in 8 days from Barbados; she informs that a fleet of vessels

Arrived at that Island from London, & those destined for the other islands were to have sailed the day after she left them.
The above fleet was convoyed part of the way by a 74 gun ship; and several frigates, but having captured two rich Dutch East Indiamen, the line of battle ships returned with them to England and the frigates convoyed the fleet out. The news by the fleet is, that the English had captured 350 vessels in the channel belonging to the Dutch before they sailed.
BALTIMORE, April 17.
On Sunday last the Marquis De la Fayette, a Major General in the American service, arrived here from the Head of Elk. His division of troops arrived in town this morning.
PILADELPHIA, April 25.
Capt. Durham, who left Martinico the 21st ult. informs, that at the time of his sailing, a signal was flying on the look-out post for destroying a large fleet to windward of that island, then supposed to be the fleet from Old France.
By a vessel in a short passage from Hispaniola, we are informed that a French fleet of thirty odd sail, & a number of troops on board were arrived at Martinico.
The last vessels from the Havannah brings the following interesting intelligence: On the 4th of January the important post of San Juan de Nicaragua, on the Spanish Main, was retaken by his Catholic Majesty's forces; part of the garrison were taken, and the rest escaped in boats the preceding night, or else they would have shared the same fate.
We further learn, that about the middle of February Gen. De Galvez, sailed from Havannah for Mobile, with 3000 troops, to join those already there, to the amount of 4000, and with the whole to carry on the siege of Pensacola; that by a packet from thence, at the Havannah, they had the following account—That on the 18th he forced the post of Rosel Island, at the entrance of the harbour of Pensacola; that on the 19th his fleet entered the harbour; that Gen. De Galvez landed his men, and had advanced his batteries within half cannon shot of the works at Pensacola.
Our informant further adds, that about the beginning of March, a fleet from Jamaica of 8 ships of the line and 40 transports were seen to pass the west end of Cuba, supposed for the relief of Pensacola; on which the Spanish fleet of 18 sail, lying at Havannah, took on board between 5 and 6000 soldiers, and in 4 days sailed in pursuit of the British. Extract of a letter from St. Pierre, (Martinique) March 18, 1781.
"Arrived here the 5th instant from Brest, in 44 days, a lugger with dispatches from the Minister to the General the Marquis De Bouille, advising him of an approaching arrival of a large fleet, consisting of 400 sail, or thereabouts, among which he expects 30 sail of the line. I hope soon to be able to give you a more particular account of this piece of news."
Extract of a letter from Martinico, dated March 4, 1781.
"The States General are making the greatest preparations to fit out a formidable fleet; it is expected that they will have 50 sail of the line ready by the beginning of the campaign. They have sent great reinforcements to their E. India possessions."
"Portugal has acceded to the armed neutrality and has already 8 ships of the line already fit for sea, in the Teague, and it is expected will have 18 by beginning of April."
"The death of the Empress Queen will not at all damage the political system of the Northern Powers."
"It is confidently reported and believed that the Count d'Estaing, in his passage from Cadiz to Brest, where he arrived the 10th of January, captured 40 sail of English transports and some ships of the line that escorted them, destined for the Windward Islands and Jamaica, on board of which was considerable number of troops. The long passage of this fleet will prevent the reinforcement sailing for America as soon as was expected."
The Remarkable Fast sailing SHIP, The ALEXANDER, THOMAS SIMPSON, Commander , Mounting Twenty GUNS on one Deck, NINE POUNDERS.
Her intended Complement, One Hundred and Forty Men, Officers and Boys included. Now lying at BOSTON, compleatly fitted, With every Sort of Stores for a three Months Cruise—is expected round to this Port in a few Days, where her Cruise is to commence at the Time of her sailing, and to end on her Return, at the Expiration of the Term above mentioned: most of her Officers and Men are already engaged. Those who are inclined to enter on board her, are requested to apply to the Officers attending her Rendezvous, at the House of Mr. Benjamin Chandler, near Sherburne's Wharfe, where they'll find good Encouragement.
Portsmouth, May 12, 1781.
***** [NEW-DURHAM] THE Proprietors of NEW-DURHAM, are hereby Notified that the Meeting of said Proprietors, which was called to be held in said Town, on the 17th Day of April last, stands adjourned to Tuesday the 5th Day of JUNE next, to meet at the Meeting-House, at two o'clock P. M. May 8. 1781. Thomas Tabb, Proprietor's Cl.
***** LONDON Crown GLASS, and Putty, Linseed Oil, White and Red Lead, Spanish Brown, Venetian and India Red, Vermillion, Stone and Spruce Yellow, European and American Lamp-Black, Ivory and Blue Black, Umber, Prussian Blue, White Copperas, Gold and Silver Leaf, India Ink, &c. Best White Paint, to join China, for Hard Money; Sold by JOHN SIMES in Portsmouth.
THIS IS TO GIVE NOTICE TO THE Public, That Jonathan Allen, jun. hath lately published that he was Guardian for his Father: The Judge was pleased to grant an Appeal from him, to be tried at the Superior Court, this is therefore to forbid any Person or Persons buying or selling part of the Estate, or cutting any wood or Timber on said Allen's Land, as they would avoid the Penalty of the LAW in that Case. Greenland, May the 4th, 1781. JONATHAN ALLEN.
UNITED STATES, PENNSYLVANIA, ff. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Court of Appeals in Cases of Captures, will sit at the City of Philadelphia, on Monday the twelfth Day of March next, for hearing and determining all Appeals now, or which may by that Day be lodged at the Register's Office, and pending in the said Court.
The Court will sit at Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, on Monday the 18th Day of June next, for hearing and determining such Causes as may be then depending. Those Appellants who choose to have their Cases tried at that Day, and Place, will be pleased to lodge their Records with Hezekiah Wyllys, Esq; of the said Town, and give timely Notice thereof to the Appellees. By Order of the Court, ANDREW ROBERSON, Register.
P. S. As this Advertisement is of general Concern, the Printers in the different States will do a very acceptable Service to their Fellow-Citizens, who may be Sutors of the Court, by affording it a Place in their Paper.
Taken up between Newbury and Portsmouth, a Leather Pocket-Book, with a Sum of MONEY in it, and a Number of valuable Papers—The Owner proving his Property, and paying Charges, may have it again, by applying to Moses Safford of Old York.
SEVERAL LOTS of LAND to be sold in Wolfeborough. Enquire of the Printer
TO BE SOLD, By James Sheafe, Raisins by the Cask
Stop Runaway Negro.
RAN away from the Subscriber in Portsmouth, on Saturday Evening the 28th Instant, a NEGRO MAN named CESAR, about 32 Years old, about five Feet high, and of a tawny Colour; a thick set Fellow, speaks good English. Had on when he went away, a grey homespun Coat, striped Woollen Shirt, old grey Breeches, and grey Stockings. Whoever will apprehend said Negro, and convey him to the subscriber, or commit him to any Goal, and give Information thereof to him, shall receive two hundred Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by me, SAMUEL LANGDON.
N. B. All Masters of Vessels and others are forbid entertaining or carrying off said Negro, as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law.
Portsmouth, April 30, 1781.
LIME, on the New-Hampshire Grants, East side of Connecticut River.
Whereas a Tax is assessed on the following Rights of land in the Township of Lime, pursuant to one vote passed at their meeting held in Lime, April 6, 1780, to raise seven shillings on each original Right, with other incidental charges, in the propriety of Lime aforesaid, to pay the committee for laying out one hundred acre lot in each Right in each propriety, in the fourth division; said money to be paid in Wheat at five shillings per bushel.
The proprietors Names are as follows, viz.
John Nelson, Merchant. John Tomas, Seth Shaw, Barnard Mcnitt, Thomas Mc Clinten, Stephen Hatch, Thomas Westbrook Waldron, James Brown, Robert Hunter, Timothy Mackelwain, Stores Pain, William Lamont, Noah Tomson, William Mcnitt, Thomas Johnson, William Spear, M. H. Wentworth, John Nelson, John Clark, Thomas Wentworth, John Ley, Benning Wentworth, Thomas Warren, Nathaniel Dows, John Bertholomew, Robert Breton, Frances Lament, John Hurd, Esq; Robert Brown, Benjamin Tomson, James Mcnitt, David Shaw, jr. Thomas Johnson, junr. James Lament, John Allen Mackelwain, John Cutts, George Fernald, John Lebbey, John Wentworth, John Langdon, Thomas Pevery, Captain Thomas Martin, Edward Eyres, John Green, William Shaw, William McClenithan.
This is therefore to Notify said proprietors, that unless they pay said Taxes to me the subscriber, at my Dwelling House in Lime, by the first day of July next, their lands will be advertised for sale, to pay said taxes, with incidental charges. John Tomson, Collector.
Said Tax is seven Pound eight pence on each Right: Lime, March 23, 1781.
LIME, on the New-Hampshire Grants, East side of Connecticut River.
Whereas a Tax is assessed on the following Rights of land in the Township of Lime aforesaid, pursuant to one vote passed at their meeting held in Lime the 26th of October 1779, to raise Four hundred and fifty pounds in Continental money, to defray the charges of clearing and making Roads in the Town of Lime; the said money to be paid as good as it was when the vote was passed.
The proprietors Names are as follows, viz.
John Nelson, merchant, John Tomas, Seth Shaw, Barnard Mcnitt, Thomas Mc Clinten, Stephen Hatch, Thomas Westbrook Waldron, James Brown, Robert Hunter, Timothy Mackelwain, Stores Pain, William Lamont, Noah Tomson, William Mcnitt, Thomas Johnson, William Spear, Mark Hunking Wentworth, John Nelson, John Clark, Thomas Wentworth, John Ley, Benning Wentworth, Thomas Warren, Nathaniel Dows, John Bertholomew, Robert Breton, Frances Lament, John Hurd, Esq; Robert Brown, Benjamin Tomson, James Mcnitt, David Shaw, junr. Thomas Johnson, junr. James Lament, John Allen Mackelwain, John Cutts, George Fernald, John Lebbey, John Wentworth, John Langdon, Thomas Pevery, Captain Thomas Martin, Edward Eyres, John Green, William Shaw, William McClenithan.
This is therefore to Notify said proprietors, that unless they pay said Taxes to me the subscriber, at my Dwelling House in Lime, by the first day of July next, their lands will be advertised for sale, to pay said taxes, with incidental charges. John Tomson, Collector.
Lime, March 23, 1780.
TO BE LETT, a convenient Dwelling House, situated at the North End of this Town: Enquire of Mary Shotridge on Spring Hill.
To be lett, the half of a commodious Dwelling House, with a good Garden and many other privileges, if applied for soon, at the North End of the Town.
Enquire of the Widow Rowel, who lives on the Premises.