The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-09-27 00:00:00

THE Greenleaf's Journal
OR New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. II. ]
SATURDAY, September 27, 1777.
[ No. 16. ]
For the FREEMAN'S JOURNAL.
T HE depreciation of our paper money has become a matter that demands the serious consideration of every one, especially of our legislative bodies: — Many plans have been adopted to prevent this growing Evil, and every one is sensible of the need of some effectual remedy—The general sentiments respecting the depreciation, are, "That there is too great a plenty of money; and the remedy assign'd, is to lay "a heavy Tax."—Supposing that lessening the quantity, it will make the remainder the more valuable, I must beg leave to differ from most people respecting this affair, and assert, that the plenty of money is not the cause of the depreciation, but the embarrassments of Trade, and the scarcity of all Manufactures ; — this is the root from which springs all these evils, and renders our currency uncertain, and depreciating — We cannot remedy this complaint by exacting large taxes, even if we were to reduce every 20 s. to 5 s. this would not answer the design of making our currency more valuable, or relieving the distress of those who now feel the effects of its depreciating: it would only be shifting the nominal sum; but as to establishing by this measure more value on it, the supposition is all a whim.
What I apprehend by putting a greater value on any article is, that it will purchase a greater quantity of any commodity than formerly; but suppose we reduce every 20 s. to 5 s. will the remaining 5 s. purchase any more than the former 20 s.? — Though the nominal prices of merchandize be reduced in proportion, yet the grievance still remains; for every article would be high in proportion to the decrease of money, and a man to give 2 s. a bushell for corn then, will be as much distressed as for him now to give 8 s. we cannot suppose, that by decreasing the quantity of money, we augment the quantity of manufactures; & unless both is done, it signifies nothing to meddle in this way with either.
Some answer, the soldiers and all those whose pay is stated, will be benefitted by a large Tax; this is only a superficial manner of arguing: pray who supports the soldier, and all others in government? the individuals of the community; and if they now cannot allow the soldier more than 40 s. per month, how will they be able to pay 'em 40 s. when their property is thus reduced? Destroy the property of the individual, and every one who lives by them must inevitably feel it; the soldiers wages must of consequence be lessened. — we may judge more accurately of this case by bringing it to a plain simple circumstance; suppose a city besieged, and the inhabitants reduced to the greatest distress for want of cloathing, and provisions,
that the price of all necessaries were extravagantly dear, suppose the inhabitants were to assign the cause to the plenty of money, & endeavour to remedy this distress by calling in by a tax 3 quarters—would not the benefits accruing from this measure be all imaginary? would the decrease of their money make cloathing, and provisions cheaper, and plentier? — would not every inhabitant remain as much distressed as before? — its true, his 5s. is equal to his former 20s, but not better, and if he was miserable with his 20s. he is now with his 5s. and every one is just as he was— but if on the other hand, they by their industry, oeconomy and by encouragements to all who would endeavour to bring in those necessary supplies, they would quickly find that the evil did not arise from their plenty of money, but the want of those articles which must, and does effectually establish a real value on any currency—this is exactly the situation of these states; and to reason from analogy, we cannot expect any remedy but from the same measures; nothing short of this will ever effect it, and we must wait patiently till this is effected; from no other source will our money (take what methods we please) ever become a farthing better than at present—commerce establishes the value of all specie; destroy that, and all value, and distinction of coin ceases— we imagine that by reducing the plenty, every paper dollar will be equal to a silver one; and suppose it is, unless necessaries of life can be purchas'd, there is no more value in silver than paper; our paper currency is now in as good credit, as if it was so much silver, and if the continent was to pay off every farthing in silver, and gold, and the trade of the colonies was to remain under the same embarrassments, we should still be in the same distressed circumstances; only with this difference, we should not then hear so much of the benefits of destroying three quarters of it; the continent, to do themselves justice, should equally value their credit in a paper bill of their own emission, as if it was the hard coin of Spain, or England, and not by any measures hint to the world, that the independent states have been so lavish of their money, are not able to support it on the same equitable footing with all other free nations, — when the immortal washington, aided by the God of our fathers, sweeps from this land those sons of belial, a value will be fixed on our medium from our lands, forfeited estates, and the wise regular police of the states.— By these few remarks we must see that the value of our money, by a large tax, is not increas'd, that the people would remain equally as distressed, — and that it is not for the credit of the states to endeavour to effect it.— besides these objections, I think there is one still more interesting, the dan-
ger of disunion, murmurings, and discontent among us—every one knows that in all free governments, taxes are of the most delicate nature, and the wisdom of the community is more embarrass'd to arraign & adjust this measure than any concern that arises; and seldom with all their caution can they exact and proportion this important measure without giving uneasiness to a great part of the community— we know this even in the yearly requisitions, when the taxes were only for the ordinary exigencies of the government; but at this particular time, when our All depends, on peace, and quietness, to lay on a heavy tax would introduce confusion among us, as we may rue the day the fatal measure was agitated— I now esteem the currency, tho' so plenty, equal to the credit of the continent, and their credit renders it as valuable as any currency in Europe; I shall never have it in such low repute as to think by destroying 1 fourth, I put a value on the remainder, the public basis stands equally firm as when first emitted, and every dollar is supported on the firm bottom of our independence.
As states just rising in the world, we should enlarge our sentiments of commerce, and give every encouragement to promote the mercantile branch; for from this connection must arise our greatness— we must manure, and nourish this root, if we expect to flourish among the nations of the world.
Far from cramping or infringing on the interest of the merchant, all indulgencies should be granted, and his property should be as sacred as his life: — not that I should encourage the base villain who hoards his property, regardless of the necessity of his neighbours, but the honest merchant , who willingly risks his property to serve the community, and freely offers his goods for sale; this man should be treated with the utmost delicacy; we should willingly allow him a generous profit, candidly considering the risque , and hazard of trade: — from such encouragements we might in time have such supply, as would satisfy the wants of the poor, and necessitous, and establish the value of our currency as all nations do on produce & commerce . CANDIDUS.
Wanted,
For the Continental Service,
A QUANTITY of Shoes, Yarn Stockings, Felt Hats, Woollens, coarse Linnens, &c. for which a generous Price will be paid by
WILLIAM GARDNER, Agent, for Cloathing in Portsmouth.
Those who live at a Distance, and cannot with Convenience convey any of the above Articles to him, more especially Shoes, which are much wanted) are desired to apply to either of the following Persons viz. Mr. Josiah Moulton of Hampton, Mr. David Griffith of Exeter, Mr. Peter Drown at Newmarket or Mr. Benjamin Pierce at Dover, who will receive and pay for the same.

PORTSMOUTH, Sep. 27. Last night by EXPRESS, we received the following Important and most agreeable Intelligence.
To the Honorable Committee of Safety of this State at Exeter.
SIRS,
I Here inclosed, send you a Copy of Gen. Bayley's Letters from Charlestown, and he informs me, that he sends 100 Prisoners to be disposed of as may be thought best;—these are therefore to desire your Honors to send by the Bearer hereof what Rout they must take, and how they shall be provided for on the Road. Pray Sirs, give him all possible Dispatch that can be. From your's, in the Name and Behalf of the Committee of Safety of this Town;
PETER LABEREE, Chairman. Charlestown, Sept. 23, 1777.
Charlestown, September 22. 1777.
SIR.
YOU will see by the inclosed what we are doing here. General Lincoln is gone to join General Gates, and left us to act in this Quarter with 1500 Men; our Ground is too large for our Men, therefore request that all the Militia above Charlestown and Eastward, march to our Assistance, with Horses, bringing Flower and Beef to serve themselves one Month; by which Time I hope the whole of Gen. Burgoyne's Army will be in our Hands, I think now every Man of Spirit will turn out, pasturing is good and plenty this Way. I am your very humble servant, Jacob Bayley, B.D.G.
I send about 100 Prisoners to you, to dispose of as you think will be most Safe; some Provision must be sent to morrow, to meet the Prisoners, as far as one Days Travil from hence, as we have none to Spare. The Number to Supply will be about 150 Men, no Time may be Lost, in sending along the Militia. General ARNOLD, has Fought the Right Wing of Gen. BURGOYNE's, won Three Field Peices, the Field, and 250 Prisoners.—Great Loss on both Sides. B. BAYLEY. A true Copy.
Attest PETER LABEREE, Chairman.
PARTICULARS of the Movements of Gen. Lincoln from Sept. 13th, to the 21st. 13 th , marched in three Divisions from Pawlet, commanded by Col. Brown, Johnson and Woodbury; Col. Brown crossed South Bay to relieve our Prisoners at the North of Lake George, Col. Johnson, at the same time, to divert the Enemy at Independence, Col. Woodbury at Skeneborough to cover Col. Brown's retreat, &c. On Wednesday Morning the 17th at Day break, Col. Brown began the Attack, set at liberty 100 of our Men which were Prisoners, took Prisoners 293 of the Enemy, amongst which were 2 Captains, and 7 Lieutenants, & two other Officers, took Mount Defiance, Mount Hope, the French Lines, and the Block-House, the Landing. 200 Batteaus, one armed Sloop, several Gun Boats; on Sunday took about 100 Prisoners, the Prisoners are marched for Connecticut, except 100, took a vast Quantity of Plunder. His water craft are with a Party set out for the South End of Lake George, where are all their Boats, Baggage, & heavy Artillery. I have not the least Doubt but they will succeed; the Division consists of 500 Men each, Col. Brown is reinforced now to 700, we mean to keep possession of the Ground at Ticonderoga.—The Field is now opened wide, the Time is now come, that we may entirely cut off Gen. Burgoyne's whole Army if we exert Ourselves, our Numbers are not sufficient to keep what we have, and can get. I think it the Duty of every Man to turn out with his Horse & one Month's Provision, undoubtedly accomplish our Design. I must call on all Friends to America, to turn out and come to our Assistance at Ticonderoga.
JACOB BAYLEY, B. D. G.
P. S. Gen. Lincoln is gone to join General Gates. A true Copy.
Attest, PETER LABEREE, Chairman. Castleton, Sept. 21st, 1777.
We learn that Briga. General STARK is arrived from the Northern Army in a poor state of Health; the brave General endeavoured by every Means in his power to persuade his Brigade to tarry three weeks longer, that he and they might have the Pleasure of convincing Mr. Burgoyne that all the General Officers were not Poltroons. That on Friday last a Party from the Enemy after going round a Lake in the Westerly part of Saratoga, fell in with the Rear of General GATES's Army, who not only beat them off with great Loss, but actually took 250 Men, Prisoners, with 3 Brass Field Pieces.—The Loss on our Side we do not learn.—These Facts may be depended upon.
By a Letter from Capt. Thompson of the Continental Frigate, Raleigh, we are informed, that they were all the 8th Instant in the Lat. 41, 30, Long. 46, 30, was then in pursuit of a Windward Island Fleet, under convoy of 3 Men of War; one of which she engaged for 45 Minutes, and had obliged them to quit their Quarters; 15 Minutes before she left her only one Man was left on Deck, she was in a shattered Condition, and no doubt lost many Men; the Loss on our Side is trifling, only one Man kill'd. There is no Manner of doubt but their whole Fleet must have fallen into our Hands, provided the Alfred could sail equal to the Raleigh.—Too much Praise cannot be given to the Officers and Men, who behaved with the greatest Bravery imaginable.
The Raleigh has taken a valuable Prize which may be daily expected.
The Portsmouth Privateer Capt. Hart, was spoke with in the Lat. 45—Long. 30 all hands well on board—had not taken any Prizes at that time: Although some infernal Villain propagated as truth, that she was taken by the Enemy and sent to England—it is hop'd he that would report such falsehoods, might be taken up by Authority & Whip'd from one end of the Continent to the other, which would deter others from such heinous practices.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 6.
Extract of a letter from Chester town dated August 30 "Our shores are crowded with dead bodies, both men and horses."
PHILADELPHIA, September 10.
A Gentleman has favoured us with the General Orders of our great and illustrious Commander, the Prop and Glory of this Western World, issued to his Army on Friday last, which we publish, on Account of the virtuous and noble Sentiments they contain.
GENERAL ORDERS.
Wilmington, September 5, 1777.
FROM every information of the enemy's design, and from their movements, it is manifest that their aim is, if possible, to possess themselves of Philadelphia. This is, with them, a capital object, 'tis what they last year strove to effect, but were happily disappointed.—They made a second attempt at the opening of this campaign; but, after vast preparation and expence for that purpose, they abandoned their design, and totally evacuated the Jerseys. They are now making their last efforts. It seems they first intended to come up the Delaware, but, from the measures taken against them in the river, judged the enterprise that way too hazardous. At length they have landed on the eastern shore in Maryland, and advanced some little way into the country; but the General thinks they will be again disappointed in their views, should they push their designs against Philadelphia on this route. Their all is at stake—They will put the contest on the event of a single battle: If they are overthrown they are utterly undone, the war is at an end. Now then is the time for our strenuous exertions; one bold stroke will free the land from rapine, devastation and burnings, and female innocence from brutal lust and violence. In every other quarter the American arms have been of late rapidly successful; great numbers of the enemy have fallen in battle, and still greater numbers have been taken prisoners. The Militia to the Northward have fought with a resolution that would have done honor to the oldest soldiers—they bravely fought and conquered, and glory attends them. Who can forbear to emulate their noble spirits? Who is there without ambition to share with them the applause of their countrymen, and of all posterity, as the defenders of liberty, and preservors of peace and happiness to millions in the present and future generations?
Two years we have maintained the war, and struggle with difficulties innumerable; but the prospect has since brightened, and our affairs put on a better face. Now is the time to reap the fruits of all our toils and dangers; if we behave like men, this third campaign will be our last. Ours is the main army; to Us our countrymen look for protection; the eyes of all America and Europe are turned upon us as on
these by whom the event of the war is determined; and the General assures his country, and fellow soldiers, that he believes the critical the important time is at hand, which demands their most spirited exertions in the field.
Here glory waits to crown the brave—Peace Freedom and Happiness will be the rewards of Victory—Animated by motives like these, Soldiers fighting in the cause of Innocence, Humanity and Justice, will never give way; but with undaunted resolution push on to conquest.—And this the General assures himself is the part the American Forces, now in arms, will act; and thus acting, he will ensure them success,
HARTFORD, September 15.
We hear from Poughkeepsie, that about a week ago, seven Tories were committed to goal there, charged with robbing several houses and putting the families in fear. It is said, when taken, they were all painted and dressed like Indian men, but that five of them proved to be women, three of whom are a mother and two daughters.—Thus does the infernal designs and proceedings of the Court of Great Britain assimilate to their own character, all those who espouse their cause, not only seducing them to become base treacherous thieves, robbers, murderers, &c. but divesting them of humanity, and covering them to savages and perfect devils in human shape.
FISH KILL, Sept. 18.
Yesterday we received the following by express from Feck's Kill:
"By a gentleman who arrived at General Putnam's head quarters last evening from Philadelphia we have the following intelligence that may be depended on: Our loss sustained in the action of the 11th instant, on Brandywine Creek, doth not exceed 1000 killed and wounded. The enemy's loss, killed and wound is reckoned to be 2000. We lost 7 field pieces in the action. H. we never moved from the field of action all Friday and Saturday, but was busied in taking care of the wounded, and burying his dead. General Washington, who had retired on this side the Schuylkill, after being reinforced, on the 14th recrossed for Chester, in order to make Gen. Howe another visit. Our army are in good spirits; and although they have met with a small repulse, Gen. Howe's whole force being opposed to little more than one half of Gen. Washington's strength, owing to the situation in which the engagement happened, yet he repulse serves as a stimulus to put our people on their mettle, and to arouse them to tremendous exertions; their spirits rising at Howe's approaching, whose destruction hastens with his advancing.—as the southern army are determined not to suffer the northward to outvie them in military exploits & glory. We hear that night before last, Col. Burr had the address, with a party of men, to surprise the enemy's picket, near Hackensack, killed 16 dead on the spot, mortally wounded 7, and took the rest, except three without having a man killed or wounded, that we have heard of."
Extract of a letter from Albany, Sept. 15.
"Last Monday, at gun firing, our army moved forward, and they are now four miles above Still water, in the greatest spirits and health. The enemy have called in their advanced posts, which were stationed a little below Gen. Schuyler's house. Burgoyne continues his head quarters at fort Miller. Gen. Lincoln with his army is at Pawlet, a place from whence he can easily move in the rear of the enemy."
"Yesterday between 2 and 300 Indians arrived here, they almost all brought their arms with them, and no doubt they will now be taken into our service."
BOSTON, September 25.
By a letter from an officer of distinction dated Head-Quarters, September 14, we learn,
That on the 11th instant, our army had an obstinate engagement with the enemy, with the loss of some men and artillery; but from every account there was reason to believe the enemy suffer'd much more than we did in the number kill'd and wounded. That our troops were in high spirits, and in hopes of soon compensating for the loss they had received. They were order'd to German Town for the sake of refreshing them with conveniency and security, and were, on the day the letter was dated, begining their march to return towards the enemy.
Another letter of the same date says "We are going off, as is expected, for the field of action."
We hear that his Excellency Gen. Washington has given orders for all the continental forces in this State, to repair immediately to Head-Quarters.
"Young Capt. Lee of Bland's light horse has given such proof of his bravery and conduct as would do honor to the oldest officer. He has, with a few of his troops, at different times, taken 50 of the Enemy; but he had like once to have fallen into their hands, his horse in attempting to leap a very high fence, made a faux pas, by which means he lost his cap or helmet; he, however, made a second attempt, and succeeded, none of the British light horse could follow him, & he got off clear. We have about 13000 continental troops and I imagine 5 or 6000 militia."
Arrived yesterday the privateer Brigantine Washington, and bro't in with her, a prize Big 359 hogheads of Sagar, 50 bags of Cotton, and 50 casks of Coffee.—Also, a Schooner with 60 Hogheads of Rum bound to Guinea. We hear she has taken two other prizes, all in a short cruise of about a month.
PORTSMOUTH, PRINTED.

The 1st Instant arrived at New-York from Falmouth, the Harriet Packet , Captain Spargo, which brought Prints to the 3d of July, from which (through Gaine's New York Mercury ) we have the following Articles.
June 6. Yesterday Sir George Howard's regiment marched from Chatham to Portsmouth, in order to embark with all expedition to America, in which regiment (the 7th,) Lord Cathcart goes a volunteer.
June 9. This Day his Majesty gave his Assent to all the Bills which had passed both Houses;
After which his Majesty made the following most gracious Speech from the Throne.
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
"THE conclusion of the public business, and the consideration of the inconveniences which I fear you must have suffered by so long an attendance, call upon me to an end to this session of Parliament; but I cannot let you go into your several counties, without expressing my intire approbation of your conduct, and without thanking you for the unquestionable proofs you have given me, and to all the world, of the continuance of your attachment to my person and government, of your clear discernment of the true interests of your country, and of your steady perseverance in maintaining the rights of the legislature.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
"I cannot sufficiently thank you for the zeal and public spirit with which you have granted the large and extraordinary supplies which I have found myself under the necessity of asking of my faithful Commons, for the service of the current year; and I must at the same time acknowledge the particular marks of your affection to me, as well in enabling me to discharge the duties contracted on account of my civil government, as in making so considerable an augmentation to the civil list revenue during my life.
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
"I trust in the Divine Providence, that by a well concerted and vigorous exertion of the great force you have now put into my hands, the operations of this campaign, by sea and land, will be blessed with such success as may most effectually tend to the suppression of the rebellion in America, and to the re-establishment of that constitutional obedience which all the subjects of a free state owe to the authority of law."
Then the chancellor, by his Majesty's command, said.
"My Lords and Gentlemen,
"It is his Majesty's royal will and pleasure, that this parliament be prorogued to Monday the 21st day of July next, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Monday the 21st day of July next."
When the Speaker of the House of Commons came to the bar of the House of Peers last Friday, he delivered himself to the following effect:
"Your Majesty's loyal Commons have passed five money bills for the service of the current year.—The first a bill for enabling your Majesty to defray the extra expences of the American war, & to make good the deficiency of the gold coin; the second for raising five millions by annuities, and for establishing a lottery; another for laying a tax upon servants; another for laying a tax upon auctions, & upon sales of estates, leases and goods, by auction; & another for granting your Majesty a certain sum out the sinking fund, and for appropriating the several sums granted in this session to uses therein provided, to which your faithful Commons, sir, humbly desire your assent. Your Commons, sir, in the course of the present session, have applied themselves with all possible diligence to public business; and have done all in their power to procure the ease, happiness, and prosperity of your subjects; and have granted the more ample supplies. They have strengthened the hands of Government, and done all in their power to procure a speedy and effectual reconciliation with America. They are fully conscious how necessary it is, that the troubles in America should be amicably settled; and that the legislative authority of this country should be established and maintained over all your subjects, we have strengthened your hands in the fullest manner; and have every reason to expect that
your Majesty's subjects in America will return to a proper sense of their duty; & that disorder and rebellion will give place to peace and conciliation."
June 11. A letter from the Hague, dated June 3, says, "By letters from the Danube we hear, that the Imperial Ministry has sent orders to the Commissaries of War at Bude, to get ready in the magazines of the kingdom of Hungary one year's provision, & forage for 60,000 or 70,000 men."
It is said that Earl Percy will return to America with a Commission of importance, & will embark for that purpose on board a frigate which is to sail for New-York the middle of next month."
His Excellency the Dutch Ambassador has given notice for the Subjects of the States who belong to their army and navy, at this time resident in this kingdom, to return home with all speed.
Yesterday some fresh dispatches were sent from Lord Germaine's Office to Falmouth, to be put on board a packet for Gen. Howe, which is to sail immediately for New-York, with strict orders not to stop at any port, if they can possibly avoid it.
General Wilson goes to Gen. Howe's army, in the Experiment man of war, Capt. Sir James Wallace.
June 13. When Gen. Burgoyne embarked for America, it is said the instructions he carried out with him for Gen. Carleton & himself, were, That the operations of the next campaign should begin at Lake Champlain, and that they should endeavour to join the army under the command of Gen. Howe; that whilst the army remained within the boundaries of Canada, Gen. Carleton was to have the chief command, but when the army passed the frontiers of Canada, Gen. Burgoyne was to have the chief command.
The Marquis of Lindsey, Lord Cathcart, and several officers, will embark with the last division of Hessian troops for New-York.
July 5. His Majesty on Wednesday spoke of the late conduct of Gov. Tryon, in the warmest terms imaginable; indeed he seems to have acquitted himself through the whole of the present rebellion, in a manner that cannot fail to endear him to his King, as well as his fellow subjects.
HARTFORD, September 17. The following Intelligence was received in Town last Night by Express.
Chad's Fort, Sept. 11, 1777, 5 o'Clock, P. M.
SIR. WHEN I had the honour of addressing you this morning, I mentioned that the enemy were advancing, and had begun a cannonade; I would now beg leave to inform you, that they have kept up a brisk fire from their artillery ever since, their advanced parties was attacked by our light troops under General Maxwell, who crossed the Brandywine for that purpose, and had posted his men on some high ground, on each side the road; the fire from our people was not of long duration as the enemy pressed on in force, but was very severe, what loss the enemy sustained cannot be ascertained with precision; but from our situation and brilliancy of attack, it is the general opinion, particularly of those who were engaged that they had at least 300 men killed and wounded; our damage is not exactly known; but from the best account, we have been able to obtain, it does not exceed fifty in the whole. After this affair the enemy halted upon the heights where they have remained ever since, except a detachment of them which fled off about eleven o'clock from their left and which has since passed Brandywine at Jones' Ford between five and six miles above Chad's; the amount of it is not known, accounts respecting it being various; some make it two or three thousand strong, and others more. Generals Sullivan, Stirling and Stevens, with their divisions are gone in pursuit and to attack it, if they can with any prospect of success. There has been a scattering loose fire between our parties on each side of the brook since the action in the morning, which just now became warm, when Gen. Maxwell pushed over with his corps, and drove them from their ground with the loss of 30 men left dead on the spot, among them a captain of the 49th, & a number of intrenching tools with which they were throwing up a battery. At half after 4 o'clock the enemy attacked Gen. Sullivan, at the ford and above this, & the action has been very violent ever since—it still continues—A very severe cannonade has began here too, and I suppose we shall have a hot evening, I hope it will be a happy one.
I have the honor to be, in great haste, Sir, your most obedient humble servant.
ROBERT H. HARRISON.
Chester, 11th Sept. 12 o'Clock at Night.
SIR I am sorry to inform you that in this day's engagement we have been obliged to leave the enemy ma-
sters of the field. Unfortunately the intelligence received of the enemy's advancing up the Brandywine and crossing at a ford about six miles above us, was uncertain and contradictory, notwithstanding all my pains to get the best. This prevented my making a disposition adequate to the force with which the enemy attacked us on our right; in consequence of which the troops first engaged were obliged to retire before they could be reinforced. In the midst of the attack on the right, that body of the enemy which remained on the other side of Chad's ford, crossed it, and attacked the division then under the command of Gen. Wayne, and the light troops under General Maxwell, who after a severe conflict also retired. The militia under the command of General Armstrong, being posted at a ford about two miles below Chad's, had no opportunity of engaging: But tho' we fought under many disadvantages, and were from the causes above mentioned, obliged to retire; yet our loss of men is not, I am persuaded, very considerable; I believe much less than the enemy. We have also lost 7 or 8 pieces of cannon, according to the best information I can at present obtain.—The baggage having been previously moved off, is all secure, saving the men's blankets, which being at their backs, many of them doubtless were lost.
I have directed all the troops to assemble behind Chester, where they are now arranging for this night. Notwithstanding the misfortune of the day, I am happy to find the troops in good spirits, and I hope another time we shall compensate for the losses now sustained.
The Marquis Fayette was wounded in the leg, and General Woodford in the hand; divers other officers were wounded, and some slain, but the numbers of either cannot now be ascertained.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient humble servant, G. WASHINGTON.
P. S. It has not been in my power to send you earlier intelligence; the present being the first leisure moment I have had since the action.
Published by order of Congress, CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y. Extract of a Letter dated Bourdeaux, July 12, 1777. "The Americans have all the indulgence they can expect, and there is great Appearance of a French War.—The King of France has issued a Proclamation that all the Vessels that are loaded with American Goods, and properly cleared from the French West Indies and bound for France, if taken, he will make a Demand for them; and if they won't give them up, he shall declare war against them, which seems very pleasing to all the Merchants."
Tuesday Night last died at Hartford, Mr. Ebenezer Watson of that Place, Printer of the Connecticut Courant.
NOTICE is hereby given, That the Superior COURT of Judicature, which by Law should sit at Keene, in and for the County of Cheshire, on the first Tuesday in October next, will then be adjourned to Tuesday the 18th of November next, to meet at said Keene. By Order of Court, Portsmouth, Sept. 24 1777. GEO. KING, Cl.
Boys and Girls to bind out. THE peculiar Situation of the Town of Portsmouth with regard to the Poor, and the difficulty of procuring the necessaries for the comfortable support of those immediately under the direction of the Overseers, obliges them to bind out to good Families in the country, a number of said persons now in the work house: Any person inclining to take one or more of them, are desired to call on Richard Hart, Jacob Readwell, Jeremiah Libbey and Elisha Hill, Overseers of said Poor.
N. B. There is also a number of Boys and Girls in said house, which they would bind out to good places.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of Benjamin Randall, late of Hampton, Mariner, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to Thankful Randall and John Weeks, both of Greenland, Administrators to said Estate, in order for a speedy Settlement. Greenland, Sept. 25 1777.
STRAYED, or stolen from Portsmouth, the 7th Instant, a dark brown MARE, very fat, & without shoes, naturally inclined to pace.—Whoever will find said mare, & return her to NEHEMIAH FURBER, of Newington, shall be well rewarded; or if they will apprehend the thief, shall receive TEN DOLLARS and charges.
TAKEN up by JOHN CLAY of Candia, some Time last Fall, a black STEER, three Years old last Spring, with some White on his Tail, with a Crop off his left Ear, and a Halpeny under Ears of the same. Whoever owns said Steer, and makes good his Claim, may have him, paying for his keeping, and Charge of advertising. 15—17

PHILADELPHIA, August 19. Extract of a letter from Paris to a Gentleman in Pennsylvania, dated April 10, 1777.
"I think it my duty to give you every information in my power, which through your means in your public character, can possibly be useful to the United States of America.
"I found the ministry at this Court anxious to know the success of our opposition to the violent attempts of Great-Britain; they were surprised they had not received more frequent intelligence and applications. Partly through the representations which I had the honor of making a commercial company, with the sanction of Administration, is formed under the firm of one of the most reputable houses; by that channel you will soon receive arms, cloathing, tents, cannon, mortars, gunpowder, and every other necessary article for an army of 30,000 men, together with a few good officers of artillery. We had for a long time received no certain intelligence from Congress, while English emissaries were busy in retailing the grossest falsehoods, first, that the dispute was like to be soon accommodated, and when the declaration of Independence made that impossible, they pretended that dissensions prevailed among the Colonies, and that the vast armaments employed by Great-Britain would infallibly finish the contest in one campaign.
"Our total want of intelligence had for some time rendered the ministry at Versailles timid and apprehensive; in this situation of affairs I quitted France, in order, if possible, to negotiate a loan in Holland, and to open an intercourse with the Court of Prussia, which by its Ambassador in France had expressed a desire of knowing the true state of the thirteen United Colonies, & of making some essay in our trade.
At Amsterdam, Bremen and Hamburgh, I endeavoured to excite speculators to open a direct commerce with us, and nothing but the total want of proper and due intelligence from Congress, or of an equal share of ability in the art of coining to counteract the abominable lies of England who stuck at nothing to make Europe believe we were on the point of subjugating, has hitherto prevented my success. Companies, however, are actually formed even in the heart of Germany, from whence our wants will certainly be supplied, and good markets found for vending our commodities.
At Berlin I met a more favourable reception than I could possibly have expected. I made there proper representations to the King and minister, who gave me strong assurances that all the great powers in Europe wished our Independence, but his Majesty was pleased to say, "that until we throw sixes they must keep up appearances with England." I still have the honor of corresponding with the Prussian minister, and several persons of rank about the Court, and I long to be enabled to inform the King that we have thrown sixes. The present King is infirm; his presumptive successor is rather inclined to ease & pleasure, whence 'tis to be presumed he will prefer commerce to war. I will soon transmit you a sketch of the Prussian trade and manufactures.
"In my way through Saxony, Lusatia & the Palatine, I found the capital merchants meditating a future commerce with us. I received a thousand civilities from them; they sent after me to Paris, patterns of various manufactures, of different countries. I have cultivated this good disposition, & make these merchants the vehicles of communicating through Germany, true accounts of every important event in the American States, to confound the false reports spread by the creatures of the British ministry.
"There is no doubt of obtaining you very large supplies of money to enable you to carry on the war, as long as England is mad enough to continue it, and very large sums are already actually obtained for your use. The French nation is clamorous for war with England; the nobility breathe the same sentiments, and the Court in general lean towards us. The Ministers wish to provoke Great-Britain to attack them; in that event their allies the Emperor, Spain, Sweden, &c. will be obliged to support them. Your Commissioners are provoking them by taking English ships in the British channel and selling
them in French ports. Upon the whole it appears that war on this side is inevitable, although to deprecate the stroke, the Court of London has stooped very low.
"This letter will be put in your hands by the Marquis De -----, of a noble and ancient family in France, connected by birth and marriage with the first in the kingdom, and in possession of an estate of upwards of 14,000. sterling per annum, beloved and almost adored by his numerous acquaintance, but preferring glory to every enjoyment with these, in the arms of a young and beautiful wife and young family, could give him, he courts danger in defence of our cause, which is here universally celebrated as the cause of mankind; and nothing amazes sensible men in Europe more than to hear there are any disaffected people among you.
"The situation of every friend to America residing in England is now become critical. The American refugees are parceling already your spoils, and disputing about offices and their different shares of our estates. The infatuation of the people of England almost equals the wickedness of their Ministry. We had an opportunity of seeing their intended Mercy , when before the affair of Trenton they expected an entire conquest. I hope no proposals for accommodation will be accepted by you until that country shall be so reduced as to leave America no room to fear her further tyranny. From the best authority I can assure you their force this year will not equal that of the former. Their new German hirelings go out with great reluctance, and many of them have been bound hands and feet & sent down the river to the ports of embarkation. Be firm on your part, your cause is good and must therefore be crowned with success."
F I S H K I L L, Sept. 11,
From good intelligence from the southward, we are informed, General Howe had sealed orders from home which he was not to open till he arrived at the Delaware. These directed him to go to the head of Elk river, whence he was to take his route to Philadelphia. His army now is near Iron Hill, about three miles advanced from the head of Elk, towards Philadelphia. Our army is so near him, that the advanced parties of both armies are within shot of each other. The militia are collecting very fast to reinforce our army, and in such numbers that we doubt not will oblige Gen. Howe to repeat his manoeuvre to that quarter if he should be so hardy as to advance. We are entrenched on the roads that leads to Wilmington. A great spirit of desertion prevails in the enemy's army. Seventy have come in since they landed there. They have sent out parties to forage, and to plunder, as usual; but they have been drove in with considerable loss and about seventy made prisoners.
Last Tuesday Morning, Adam Steward, Charles Crow, William Stacpole, John O'Brien, and ----- Williams, were seized by a Body of People in this Town, fixed in a Cart, and carried over the Neck, where they were shifted into a Cellier's Cart, provided for their Reception by the People of Roxbury, by whom they were to be conveyed to Dedham; and so from Town to Town till they should be pushed into the Hands of the Enemy at Rhode Island. These Persons had rendered themselves obnoxious, by having renounced their several Occupations of Carpenter, Cooper, Butcher, Shoemaker, Sand Driver, &c. & in diciously commencing Monopolizers & Extortioners, in which detestable Tribe they had notoriously signified themselves. Several others of the Fraternity were also seized, made to take their Seats in the Cart, and were conveyed Part of the Way towards Roxbury; but making some humble Acknowledgements, & promising Amendments, they were released.
A return of Ammunition and Artillery Stores taken at the Camp before Fort Schuyler, August 21st, 1777. — 4 Ryal's, 4 5 inches diameter, 126 shells for ditto, 3 traveling carriages damaged, 2 damaged limbers for ditto, 135 three pound round shot, 20 six pound ditto, 72 three pound shot small cartridges, 4 tin tube boxes, 60 tubes, 11 canisters, 1 set harness, 1 set of men's ditto, 4 sponges, 3 ladles, 3 wad hooks, 28 boxes musket balls, 2 powder horns, 2 lanthorns, 4 handspikes, 3 haversacks, 1 drudging box, 2 knapsacks, 2 port fires, 1 apron, 1 pair of good limbers, 27 oil cloaths, 2 pair cloaths, 1 coil rope, a large quantity junk, a quantity of woollen yarn, 17 three pound boxes of cartridges damaged, 5 six pound ditto, 2160 good musket cartridges, a large number of ditto damaged, and 30 copper hoops.
Thursday last, pursuant to the Sentence of a Court Martial, one Elijah Woodward, was shot at the Bottom of the Common in this Town for Desertion.
HARTFORD, September 15.
By the last accounts from the southward we learn, That Mr. Howe's army had landed near the Elk—
That his numbers did not exceed ten thousand—That his artillery consisted of 72 pieces of brass cannon, 18, 12, 6, 4 and 3 pounders—That General Washington with a very numerous army, 800 light horse, and a fine train of artillery, was at the distance of 4 miles, then advanced central within musket shot—That our people had taken 170 prisoners, who were all after plunder—That 61 deserters had come into head quarters—That the Hessians were sickly, but the regular troops healthy, and that Howe had 300 light horse. The enemy's light horse are much enteeb'd, & fled, with great precipitation, at the sight of ours.
Last night came to town Mr. Brown, the Governor's post, who left General Washington last Tuesday morning, by whom we have the following intelligence: That General Washington with 25000 men was at Newport, 3 miles below Wilmington, and 30 miles from Philadelphia.—That Mr. Howe with about 14000 men marched on Monday in a solid column his whole army from Christeen or thereabouts, which is ten or twelve miles below Newport, to Mill Town, where he encamped on Monday night, within about one mile and a half of General Washington's main body. About one o'clock on Tuesday morning the enemy struck their tents and filed off to the right of our army in order to pass themselves of a Port on the heights of Brandy Wine, but General Washington perceiving their design, ordered Lord Sterling with his division to take possession of it before them if possible, which he effected by ten o'clock the same day; the enemy finding him there, retired back about a mile and a half, and there encamped, where they were when Mr. Brown came away.
He also informs, that General Smallwood had arrived at the head of the Elk on Monday, in the rear of Howe's army, with about 5000 troops, consisting of the Maryland Militia.
We also learn from the Northward, That last Monday 8 o'clock in the morning General Gates, with a large army, advanced in three columns: Gen. Lincoln at the head of one column. General Arnold at the head of another column, and his Excellency General Gates in the centre.
Last week Gordon Whitmore, who was indicted for high handed misdemeanors against the country, on conviction before the Superior Court held in this place, was sentenced to two years imprisonment, and a confiscation of his estate.
We are informed that General Gates, with his whole Force, left Half Moon last Monday night, from which, we may hourly expect some important Advices from that Quarter.
Thursday last, pursuant to the Sentence of a Court Martial, one Elijah Woodward, was shot at the Bottom of the Common in this Town for desertion.
The same day, one Peter Pickman Frye, was to have been shot for the like crime, received a free Pardon a few minutes before the sentence was to have been put in execution.
By the HONORABLE HORATIO GATES, Esq; Major General & Commander in Chief of the Army of the United States of AMERICA, in the Northern Department.
Whereas Numbers of Officers and Soldiers belonging to the Army in this Department, are found so insensible of their Duty, and regardless of the interest of their country, as to be at this important & critical Juncture, loitering in Boston and other Towns of Massachusetts Bay and New-Hampshire.
The Commander of the Detachment thinks proper to assure such Persons, that he shall, agreeable to the Power vested in him by the Honorable Continental Congress, suspend all Officers who do not join their respective Corps by the 25th Day, of September, and appoint Gentlemen to the Posts, which they have only filled to disgrace; and that all Non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers who absent themselves, after that Period, will be treated as Deserters and punished accordingly:—And whereas a Number of Non commissioned Officers and Soldiers, from Timidity or Accident, did on the Retreat, from Ticonderoga, leave the Army, and may be detered returning to their Duty, by the Apprehension of being punished for Desertion, The General promises Pardon to all such Persons who join their respective Regiments within the above prescribed Time.
Given at Head-Quarters, August 31, 1777.
JAMES WILKINSON, Adj. Gen. N. Department.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
In Committee of Safety, September 11th, 1777.
ORDERED, That the foregoing Advertisement be inserted in the Freeman's Journal or New-Hampshire Gazette : And all Officers, civil and military, in this State, are hereby directed to use their most vigorous Endeavours that the Design of the same may be accomplished without Delay.
M. WEARE, President.
TO BE SOLD, By SAMUEL HILL, At his Shop in Portsmouth, The best of Jarr Raisins.