The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-06-29 00:00:00

Screener's Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, June 29, 1776.
[ No. 6. ]
TO THE PUBLIC.
Fortitudinem spes generat.
DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
SUFFER me to exhort you to be of good heart and courage, relying upon the smiles of Providence on the justice of our cause, and the blessings of heaven on our righteous exertions of the means of defence, so amply placed in our hands, to repel, baffle & defeat the wicked ministerial attempts of Great Britain upon America.
If any doubt of our power to defend with the sword, those rights we are able to defend with the pen, let them attend to the nature and operations of the war, carried on against us, at the distance of a thousand leagues; by a people divided in their dispositions of friendship and enmity towards us, which may sooner or later unsheathe the sword of civil discord among themselves; surrounded by powerful nations, watching a lucky moment to make them a prey, and rejoicing for that purpose, in their present unnatural persecution of their brethren, who were once their greatest strength and support; and they must be convinced of the utter impracticability, of executing the unjust inhumane and impolitick designs of our unnatural foes, replete with folly, wickedness and desperation; the most timid may feel secure in having so clearly demonstrated to them, that the British troops now in America, with all that can reinforce them, are not able to subdue and subject to their lawless pleasure, the united colonies, so strongly combin'd in defence of their common rights, as they at present be, and are likely to remain.
Let us religiously exult and return thanks to the God of armies, for our various successes both by sea and land: in particular, for the recovery of the capital of one of our principal colonies, from the hands of Britons; who lately so ingloriously fled from it, to a far distant retreat from our conquering arms;—Let us depend for future victory and achievements, on the same divine aid and assistance.
How conspicuous O Americans! is the arm of the Lord in our defence and protection? Sic Dii adjunt ut pene videantur ,—our guardian angels, the ministering spirits of heaven are so present, that we may almost see them.—Behold ye sons of liberty and religion, the constant immediate interposition of Providence, in inspiring with wisdom, rectitude and firmness the Grand-Continental Congress;—with skill, spirit and integrity, all the separate councils of the united colonies;—with courage and conduct our fleets and armies;—with martial vigilance
and puissance, our most accomplish'd General; whose unbounded patriotism, and other unparalel'd excellencies, both in peace and war, stops the progress of my pen; to describe which, would surpass the power of a more able panegyrist.
Let these considerations lead us confidently but humbly, and with modest assurance, to hope for success, against the enemies of our liberties civil and religious; life property and authority, and ever, just right of America. ORTHODOXUS.
THE INTEREST OF AMERICA. LETTER II.
THE important day is come, or near at hand, that America is to assume a form of government for herself: We should be very desirous to know what form is best.—And that surely is best which is most natural, easy, cheap, and which best secures the rights of the people. We should always keep in mind that great truth, viz. That the good of the people is the ultimate end of civil Government. As we must, some Provinces at least, in a short time assume some new mode of Government, and the matter cannot be deferred so long, as to canvass, deliberately weigh, and fully adjust every thing that may hereafter appear necessary, we should leave room to alter for the better in time to come. Every Province should be viewed as having a right, either with or without an application to the Continental Congress, to alter their form of Government in some particulars, and that without being liable to raise a clamour, by some who would be glad to say that it was contrary to the constitution, that they first formed upon; that it was overturning the original plan, and leaving people at uncertainties as to the foundation they are upon, and the like. As the Government is for the people, the people when properly represented have a right to alter it for their advantage.
The affair now in view is the most important that ever was before America. In my opinion it is the most important that has been transacted in any nation for some centuries past. If our civil Government is well constructed, and well managed, America bids fair to be the most glorious state that has ever been on earth. We should now at the beginning lay the foundation right. Most if not all other Governments have had a corrupt mixture in their very constitution; they have generally been formed in haste, or out of necessity, or tyrannically, or in a state of ignorance; and being badly formed, the management of them has been with difficulty. But we have opportunity to form with some deliberation, with free choice, with good advantages for knowledge; we have opportunity to observe what has been right, and what wrong in other states, and to profit by them. The plan of American Government, should, as much as possible, be formed to suit all the variety of circumstances that people may be in. Virtuous, or vicious, a-
greeing or contending, moving regularly, or convulsed by the intrigues of aspiring men; for we may expect a variety of circumstances in a course of time, and we should be prepared for every condition. We should assume that mode of Government which is most equitable, and adapted to the good of mankind, and trust Providence for the event; for God who determines the fate of Governments, is most like to prosper that which is most equitable. And I think there can be no doubt that a well regulated Democracy is most equitable. An annual, or frequent choice of Magistrates, who in a year, or after a few years, are again left upon a level with their neighbours, is most likely to prevent usurpation and tyranny, and most likely to secure the privileges of the people. If rulers know that they shall, in a short term of time be again out of power, and it may be liable to be called to an account for misconduct, it will guard them against maladministration. A truly popular Government has I believe, never yet been tried in the world. The most remarkable Government that has ever been; viz. the Roman Republic was something near it but not fully so. And the want of it being fully so, kept a continual contest between the Senate and Plebeians.
—America must consist of a number of confederate Provinces, Cantons, Districts, or whatever they may be called. These must be united in a General Congress; but each Province must have a distinct Legislature, and have as much power within itself as possible. The General Congress should not interfere, or meddle with Provincial Affairs; more than needs must. Every Province should be left to do as much within itself as may be. And every Province should allow each county, yea and each town, to do as much within themselves as possible. Small bodies manage affairs much easier, & cheaper than large ones. If every county and town, manage as much business as may be within themselves, people will be better satisfied, and the Provincial Congress saved much trouble. Our counties and towns have heretofore been left to manage many of their own affairs, and it has been a great privilege, and their business has been managed to great advantage. Each county should now choose their officers, which were heretofore appointed by the crown; these matters may now be adjusted with much ease. Every Province should be allowed such full power within itself, and receive such advantages by a general union, or confederation, that it would choose to continue in that union. The connection of the Provinces should be made to be for the interest of each, and be agreeable to each. This will keep them quiet and peaceable; and nothing will tend so much to this, as to let every Province have as much power and liberty within itself as will consist with the good of the whole. Neither the Continental Congress, or any other number of men, should assume, or use, any power, or office, for their own sake, but for the good of the whole. Let America increase ever so much, there must never be any power,

like a kingly power; no power used for its own sake, or for the advantage, or dignity of any number of men, as distinct from the good of the whole. And while things are thus managed, a general union will be agreeable, and people will not complain.
Notwithstanding every Province should have all possible power within itself, yet some things must be left to the General Congress. As (1.) Making, and managing war, & making peace. (2.) Settling differences between Provinces. (3.) Making some maritime laws, or general regulations respecting trade; otherwise one Province might unjustly interfere with another. (4.) Ordering a currency for the whole Continent, for it would be best, that as soon as may be, there should be one currency for the whole, The General Congress might order the quota for each Province. (5.) The forming of new Provinces. (6.) The sale of new lands. (7.) Treaties with other nations, consequently some general directions of our Indian Affairs.
As we are now to assume a new mode of Government, I think it ought properly to be new . Some are for keeping as near the old form of government in each province, as can well be. But I think 'tis entirely wrong, 'tis mistaken policy. 'Tis probable, that some who propose it, mean well; but I humbly conceive they have not thoroughly considered the thing. Others who propose it may have self interest at bottom, hoping thereby to retain, or obtain places of profit or honour. We must come as near a new form of Government as we can without destroying private property. So far as private property will allow, we must form our government in each province, just as if we had never any form of government before. 'Tis much easier to form a new government than to patch up one partly old and partly new, because 'tis more simple and natural. I speak chiefly with respect to legislature. We should by all means avoid several branches of legislature.
One branch of Legislature is much preferable to more than one, because a plurality causes perpetual contention & waste of time. It was so in Rome, it has been so in Great-Britain, and has been remarkably so in these provinces, in times past—The ever memorable Congress now in America, has done business infinitely better, than if there had been several orders of Delegates, to contest, interrupt and be a negative one upon another.
A patched government consisting of several parts, has been the difficulty, I may call it the disease of some of the best civil governments that have been in the world; I mean the Roman Republic and the government of Great-Britain. Had the Romans been a true democracy, without a senate, or body different from the plebians, they might have avoided those jars & contentions which continually subsisted between those two bodies. Should we admit different branches of legislature, it might give occasion in time to degenerates into that form of government, or something like that which has been so oppressive in our nation. It might open a door for ill disposed aspiring men to destroy the state. Our having several branches of legislature heretofore, is an argument against rather than for it, in time to come, because it is a word that not only has been abused, but in its nature, tends to abuse. The simplest mode of legislation is certainly best,—The European nations, have, for some centuries past, derived most of their knowledge from the Greeks and Romans. The Romans especially have been in a sort, an example, being excellent in many things, we have been ready to view them so in all things. We are very apt to take in, or imitate the imperfections as well as the excellencies of those that are excellent. Hence, I suppose, it is that most, if not all the Republics in Europe, have a body of Senators in their form of government. I doubt not, it will be an argument with many, that we in America must have something like a Senate, or Council, or Upper House, because the Romans and other Republics have had.—But the argument is the other way, it was their imperfection, it was a source of trouble, it was a step towards arbitrary power, and therefore to be avoided. Free government can better much better subsist without it. Different branches of Legislature cause much needless expence, two
ways. First, As there are more persons to maintain, and—Second, As they waste time, and prolong a session by their contentions. Besides, 'tis a great absurdity that one branch of a legislature that can negative all the rest, should be the principal executive power in the state. There can be but little chance for proper freedom, where the making and executing the laws lie in the same hand, and that not of the people in general, but of a single person. The legislative and executive power, in every province ought to be kept as distinct as possible. Wise, experienced & public spirited persons, should be in places of power and if so, they must be sought out, chosen and introduced. For this reason, there ought not to be a number that are hereditary; for wisdom is not a birth-right, nor a number put in place for life, for men's abilities & manners may change. Rulers should be frequently chose to their office—A Provincial Congress is the whole province met by Representatives; and there is no need of a Representative of a King, for we have none; nor can there be need of a Council to represent the House of Lords, for we have not, and hope never shall have an hereditary nobility different from the general body of the people; but if we admit different branches of legislature, there is danger that there may be, in time.
PORTSMOUTH, June 29, 1776.
LAST Tuesday arrived in this town, from Halifax Capt. Moses Harris of the ship Bolton, who sail'd from this place the 17th of March 1775, and foundered on his passage the 1st of May last, with a load of Sugars, from the W. I dies to London, from whence he came passenger to Halifax, and with a number of other Gentlemen, hired a vessel the 13th inst. which brought them to Cape-Porpus. Capt. Harris informs us that Shuldham's fleet, of 150 sail, came out of Halifax the 10th inst. with Howe's army on board, consisting of 5 or 6,000 Troops; the report there was that they were bound for New-York; at which place, without doubt, they will meet with a very suitable reception. They had taken nine vessels at Halifax, six of them with provisions. The Nova-Scotia Gazette affords us very little, the most material as follows:
H A L I F A X, June 11, 1776.
The General Assembly of this province which was to meet on Monday the 10th inst. stands prorogued unto Saturday the 15th inst. then to meet for the dispatch of public business.
Thursday last arrived his Majesty's ship the Centurion, Capt. Braithwaite, from a cruise.
Same day arrived a packet in 5 Weeks from Falmouth, by her we are informed that Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe with the fleet under his command sailed from Spithead the 28th of April last.
Friday evening arrived a transport with part of the 42d Regiment from Scotland.
Yesterday sailed the Fleet and army (lately arrived here from Boston) under the command of Vice Admiral Shuldham and Gen. Howe.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in QUEBEC to his Friend in this Town, dated May 13, brought here by his Majesty's Ship Niger, Capt. Talbot, which arrived the 31st of May.
DEAR NAT.
I HAVE the pleasure of informing you that we are still in possession of Quebec, after a siege of near 6 months, during which time we have suffered much fatigue, as one third of the garrison was always on guard, & those off guard frequently employed in working parties; at every night every man off duty obliged to sleep at extra pickets upon bear-skin, with his arms by the side of him; every English gentleman in the city has done the duty of a common soldier in the British militia, sharing fatigue and danger with the lowest person in the garrison.
On the 14th of November, Gen. Arnold made his appearance with about 600 men before the city, and on the 25th Gen. Montgomery arrived with his troops from Montreal; grown giddy with his success above, he expected to carry the city without the formality of a siege, and sends a flag to demand it, but General Carleton thought proper to refuse admittance to the flag, which occasioned a most extraordinary letter being
shot into town, upon an arrow, which letter you have inclosed *; our General has persevered in this conduct the whole winter, acquainting them, whenever they sent a flag, that unless they meant to implore the King's mercy, they must return immediately. From the 9th of December to the 31st, they kept pelting us with shot and shell, though with little success, on which morning at about 3 o'clock, Mr. Montgomery thought proper to storm the lower town, making two feints upon the upper town, at Cape Diamond and St. John's Gate. The lower town is situated under the hill of the upper town, and upon the side of the river St. Lawrence, about 3/4ths of a mile in length, at each end a passage under the hill of the upper town, which were the only ways the rebels could come at it, the front being on the side of the river; it was agreed that Mr. Montgomery with 750 men should attack the south end of the town, by way of the pot-ash, and Arnold the north end, with between six and seven hundred more; they were to meet at the market place about the centre of the lower town, and from thence were to assault the upper town. Arnold's attack was a short time before Mr. Montgomery's; he was wounded in his approach and carried off, but his party entered the barrier, which was defended by two pieces of cannon, without any further opposition than the firing of one gun; the captain who commanded the post and his whole guard were taken prisoners. A large picket in the lower town, and parties sent from the upper checked their progress, until a party ordered out by the general at palace Gate, came upon the back of them, when finding themselves between two fires and their retreat cut off, tho' proper to surrender themselves prisoners, amounting to 500 privates and 32 officers, the remainder of the party, (except about half a dozen that went off with Arnold) were all killed; our loss was a brave Lieut. Anderson, of the navy, and five other brave fellows killed & died of their wounds.
The pot-ash (at which I happened to be posted) was attacked in a short time after the other, the place was fortified by a barrier across the road, and 7 pieces of cannon, 3 pounders, some placed at the barrier, the rest in the pot-ash house, which was a little advanced of the barrier; our guard consisted of a French Captain of militia and about 30 men, a ship's captain by the name of Barns-fare, and 9 seamen for serving the cannon, a corporal and eight of the British militia.
My being urged to accept a commission in the militia, which I refused, I thought would countenance me in usurping the authority of an officer, which I did by encouraging the men, before the rebels come on, & posting myself at the corner of the pot-ash which commanded the best view; and, when the enemy were advanced within twenty five yards of the pot-ash, I gave the orders for firing, which was followed by the French, we kept up our fire about ten minutes, which obliged the rebels to retreat, with the loss of their General, his aid de camp, Capt. M'Pherson, Captain Cheeseman and two or three others; we suppose many fell over the bank into the river as they were shot, and doubtless they had many wounded.
The rebels were no sooner retreated than we received an account of Arnold's having forced the post at the Sant de Maitilor with the addition of their having got possession of the lower town, which so frightened the French party of our guard, that they threw down their arms and run out of the barrier, to make their peace with them as well as they could:—such dastardly scoundrels are the Canadians in general.
This check kept them quiet for some time, but after a reinforcement arrived they began to be troublesome again, frequently alarming us and obliging us to keep a constant good look out; the last alarm was the 3d instant, about nine o'clock in the evening, when they sent a fire-ship up from Orleans with a design of setting fire to the shipping and the lower town; they lost their chance of succeeding by quitting her too soon, had their fire ship been successful, they were to have made an assault, for which we were well prepared. On the 6th inst. in the morning early, we
* The letter wrote by General Montgomery, and publish'd in the papers some time since.

were agreeably surprized with the sight of 3 men of war, a 50 gun ship, a frigate and a sloop with about 170 of the 29th Regiment, the troops were landed before noon, and at twelve o'clock they, with all the garrison off duty, the whole amounting to 1000 men, marched out of the town, upon the plain, with two field pieces and two grasshoppers; notwithstanding the rebels force was near 4 thousand, they run off with the utmost precipitation, leaving all their cannon and stores behind; their fright was so great, that officers did not wait for men, or men for officers; but every one shifted for himself, many of them throwing away their arms that they might run the faster. Thus ended our trouble some, lengthy siege.—With 200 Emigrants, 60 Fuzileers, 500 Seamen, 300 British militia and about 700 French militia, we have kept the town of Quebec, against these scoundrels near six months.—I hope, after this you will not despair of Great-Britain's success. I am much mistaken if the check they have received in this province don't damp their ardor; rely upon it, they have lost a great number of men by sickness, besides what have died of their wounds & been killed. The arrival of the reinforcements has made a total change in the conduct of the Canadians, they are constantly coming into town, bringing their priests with them to apologize for their conduct, and offering their service to government. Our present relief is the 29th and 47th Regiments, but are in expectation of 12 or 15,000 troops the latter end of this month, which will penetrate the colonies by the way of the lakes; and rely upon it there will be no want of Canadians or Indians to join them; I should not be surprized if this summer should make them entirely sick of their disputes with Great-Britain; depend upon it brother Nat, whenever the King's troops can come at them fairly, they will give them a most horrid beating.
From the Royal Kalendar for the year 1776. A List of Shipping on the North American Station.
Third Rates.
  Asia, Capt. George Vandeput, 64   Boyne, Brod. Hantwell, 70   Eagle, Vice Adm. Howe, H. Duncan 64   Somerfet, G. Ourry, 64 
Fourth Rates.
  Bristol, Com. Sr P. Parker, John Morris, 50   Centurion, Richard Braithwaite, 50   Chatham, V. Ad. Shuldham, J. Rayner, 50   Experiment, Robert Keeler, 50   Jersey, Hosp. Ship, W. A. Halsted, 60   Isis, C. Douglass, 50   Preston, J. Robinson, 50   Renown, F. Banks, 50 
Fifth Rates.
  Blonde, P. Pownal, 32   Brune, 32   Emerald, B. Caldwell, 32   Niger, G. Talbot, 32   Orpheus, C. Hudson, 32   Pearl, J. O'Hara, 32   Phoenix, H. Parker, jun. 44   Roebuck, Andrew Snape Hammond. 44   Thetis, 32 
Sixth Rates.
  Acteon, C. Atkins, 28   Active, W. Williams, 28   Breas, C. Thompson, 28   Carryfort, — Fanshaw 28   Cerberus, 28   Deal Castle, Worth, 24   Fowey, G. Montague, 24   Fox, Fotheringham, 28   Greyhound, 24   Glasgow, T. Howe, 24   Lively, T. Bishop, 29   Lizard 28   Mercury, 24   Milford, J. Burr, 28   Rose, J. Wallace, 20   Scarborough, Andrew Barclay, 20   Seaford, J. Colpoy, 20   Solebay, T. Symons, 28   Sphinx, A. Hunt. 20   Syren, T. Furneaux, 28   Tartar, 28   Triton, Skeff. Lutwidge. 28 
Sloops.
  Atalanta, T. Underwood 16   Carcass, R. Dring 8   Cruizer, F. Parry 8   Falcon, J. Lindzee 18 
  Ferret, J Rodney, 18   Hawke, R. Cooper, 10   Kingfisher, 16   Martin, W. Parker, 14   Merlin, C. Burnaby 18   Nautilus, J. Collins, 16   Otter, M. Squire, 10   Savage, H. Bromedge, 8   Scorpion, J. Tolemahe, 16   Senegal, W. Duddington, 16   Swan, J. Ayscough, 14   Tamer, E. Thornborough, 16   Viper, D. Price, 10 
Armed Vessels.
  Canceaux, Cherokee, Lt. Ferguson, Diligence,   Labradore, Magdalen, Lt. Jos. Nunn, Sultana.   Bomb Ketch, Thunder, J. Reid. 
By a gentleman who came in the Savage, we are informed, that the inhabitants of the city of New York, to the number of twenty thousand men, are ready to join the king's troops whenever a sufficient body shall appear to protect them. We also hear that Lee, late a General in the rebel army, has lately joined the King's forces to the southward, with 5000 men.
N E W-Y O R K, June 17.
We hear from Morris Town, that in obedience to orders received from General Dickenson, Col. Ford drew up his regiment in order to draught one quarter of them for immediate service; who to the honor of the county, and cause in which they are engaged, immediately turned out as volunteers. It is to be hoped, that these spirited people will meet with the applause they deserve, and encourage others to imitate their noble example.
Last Saturday week arrived at Long Island a sloop from Cape Francois, laden with sugars coffee, wines, hollands, cambricks and duck.
We are informed, that the sloop James, Capt. Puller, was taken and carried into Halifax, by the Ministerial Fleet from Antigua.
By London papers as late as the 28th of March, we learn, that the King of Prussia had positively objected against the Landgrave and Hesse Cassel's forces going into the English service.
Extract of a letter from Albany, dated June 12, 1775.
"I was this moment informed by Gen. Schuyler, that about 300 of the regular troops came up the river St. Lawrence as far as three rivers, where they were busy in intrenching themselves, at which time Gen. Sullivan, with his brigade, arrived at the Sorrel; he immediately ordered 2000 of his troops under Gen. Thompson, to march down to dislodge them, and by appearances there is not the least doubt but he will effect his purposes: should he succeed in this, he is determined to march his army to Quebec, as the enemy have no sufficient force to withstand them. Besides, the Canadians are extremely friendly, furnish our army with all such kind of provisions as they have, barely on having a certificate for the delivery. They also take commissions and join our army by great numbers, previous to Gen. Sullivan's arrival, and finding our little army retreating, they begged and prayed that our army should not leave the Country.—From these circumstances, although they are termed a treacherous people, we have reason to conclude that they are determined to be our friends, and to support us with their all. Gen. Sullivan's letter is dated the 5th. & 6th. instant.
H A R T F O R D, June 24.
By an Express arrived last night from Albany we have the following, extracted from a Letter to Gen. Schuyler, dated Sorel, June 12 1776.
"On the 6th inst. about 2000 men, under the command of Gen. Thompson, marched to attack the enemy at Three Rivers—they design-
ed to have surprized them at day break on the 8th inst. but the guide led them into a morass, returning from which took them two hours: they then had to pass through a long swamp, in the face of the enemy, who had a large reinforcement arrived very unhappily that evening, and landed in sight of our men: Being well equip'd they gave Gen. Thompson's party so warm a reception he thought prudent to retreat, in the mean time a body of 600 were sent off from the enemy to cut off our retreat, & destroy our batteaus, which they could not effect, and our batteaus were all saved but one, out of which the men escaped. Gen. Thompson, Col. Irvin, Dr McKennie, Parson McCutley, Lieuts. Bird and Currey and about 40 men are taken prisoners, and about 150 more are missing.
It is supposed that Gen. Bargoine has with him the whole reinforcement designed for Canada. Our army are more than half sick with the small pox, the other part have an enemy of more than three times their number—may they be recruited—but I fear the usual slowness will prevent it."
BOSTON, June 27.
Extract of a Letter from New York, June 26.
"The Jersey Convention on the 14th inst. resolved, that the proclamation of W. Franklin, Esq; late governor, &c. ought not to be obeyed, &c. and that all payments of salary to said Franklin as Governor, ought from henceforth to cease.
"The four Pennsylvania Battallions are to be stationed at Harlem, under the command of Gen. Mifflin.
"Gen. Gates is going to Canada.
"The 18th inst. the conference for the Philadelphia convention, met in that city, and the assembly expired.
"We daily expect a fleet here. Our Militia are called in, and we shall soon be 30,000 strong. We are building fire-rafts and Gundaloes with expedition, and are filling our channel. Are now strongly fortified, and in a good condition to repel their force."
P O R T S M O U T H.
Last Sunday arrived at Falmouth, Casco Bay, a large French sloop in 19 days from Martinico, laden with Rum, Wines, Drugs, Linnens, Cloths, &c. The master informs us there are a number of Vessels on their passage bound to this and other ports; also assures us the French in general are firm friends to the American cause.
A few days ago Mr. Osgood of Amesbury, a Gentleman who had been blind for several years past, came to this town, and had one of his eyes couched by Dr. Hall Jackson, which happily succeeded in restoring him to sight; the next day he returned home in good spirits.
DIED.] Mrs. Quint, the wife of Mr. Benjamin Quint of this Town.
BAPTIZED.] One.
Lost, in one of the Streets in the Northerly part of this town, on Friday evening the 21st instant a Woman's POCKET, containing seven keys, a work'd Pocketbook, with some change &c. Whoever has found the same, & will leave it at the printing office shall receive one dollar reward, for their trouble. June 29, 6—8
WILLIAM PEARNE
Has to sell at his store in Portsmouth, excellent good madeira WINE, by the Pipe or Quarter-Cask. 6—8
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. 6—7

POET'S CORNER.
The Publisher congratulates his readers, on having an opportunity to grace Poet's Corner, by presenting them with the following incomparable Production from a Halifax paper.
Y E Yankees who Mole-like still throw up the Earth, And like them, to your follies are blind from your birth; Attempt not to hold British troops at defiance, True Britons with whom you pretend an alliance. Mistake not, such blood ne'er run in your veins, 'Tis no more than the dregs, the lees or the drains; Ye affect to talk big of your hourly attacks, Come on, and I'll warrant we'll soon see your backs, Such threats of bravados serve only to warn, The true British hearts you ne'er can alarm; And the lion once roar'd will strike such a terror, Shall shew you poor souls your presumption and error; And the time will soon come when your whole RABBL race, Will be drove from the lands nor dare more shew your face; Here's a health to great GEORGE, may he fully determine, To root from the Earth all such insolent vermine.
Surely this Genius has forgot the Battles, at Lexington and Bunker-Hill.
The following is inserted by particular desire. From the Pennsylvania Packet.
To the Common People of Pennsylvania.
IT is remarkable that the tories in every Colony have affected to differ from the whigs only in small matters. Thus in Massachusetts-Bay the tories pretended to believe with the whigs that Great-Britain could not tax us without our consent; but at the same time insisted upon her supreme legislative authority over us. In New-York they attempted to justify external and to reprobate internal taxes. In Pennsylvania they tell us to fight till we are half cut off, and never to relax any of our claims, but by no means ever to think of independence. The tories among us tell the whigs further, that they have changed the ground of the controversy. Have not the tories followed them in every step but the last? Thus when the whigs proposed non-importation and non-exportation agreements, the tories urged petitions to the king only, and when the whigs proposed making military preparations, the tories urged them to adhere to the non-importation and non-exportation agreements. And now when a declaration of independence is absolutely necessary for our safety and future welfare, they tell us to rely upon our arms and Great-Britain will soon come down to our terms. Talk to them of the numbers and enterprising spirit of our troops, and they will tell you that they are no match for the power of Britain. Talk to them of a foreign alliance, and they tell you that all foreign courts are perfidious, and urge you to depend only upon yourselves. Propose declarations of independence in a committee or convention, and they will tell you that it is the business of the congress only to make us independent. Let the Congress pass a resolve for suppressing all authority derived from the King of Britain in the united colonies, and they will tell you no congress has a right to interfere with the "domestic police" of a colony, although this police is derived directly from the crown. Talk to them of the necessity of instituting a government under the authority of the people, and they will tell you that our present government is sufficient for all the exigencies of our affairs, altho' all power, legislative, executive and judicial is lodged in one body, by which means we live under a species of government which has always been reprobated by good men as the worst in the world. In a word, the history of mankind does not furnish a more absurd or ridiculous character, than that of a tory, or a pretended moderate man.
It is now high time, my dear countrymen, to emancipate yourselves from the delusions of such artful men. You have been told that you are unfit to have any share in the formation of a new government, and yet you are acknowledged at the same time to compose nine tenths of the people of Pennsylvania. Strange that the majority should yield to the minority in a matter of so much consequence! But your Leaders it is said, are men of no fortune. I deny the charge. In
the first place you have no leaders—you all act from the impulses of public and not of party spirit, and in the second place you have nine tenths of the property of Pennsylvania on your side the question. But you are told that you are all aiming at offices and power—Suppose this were true, you are just in your aims, for all offices and power belong solely to you, and are in your gift.
Here I cannot help making a digression from my subject. It was a custom among the Jews on certain occasions, to acknowledge the origin of their families as an antidote to pride. "a Syrian ready to perish was my father," was the confession with which they approached the temple.—Suppose the same acknowledgment was demanded from some of our uncommon people, I believe the answer should be, a poor tradesman, a day-labourer, or a vagrant, "ready to perish was my father."—Talk not ye pretenders to rank and gentility, of your elevated stations, they are derived from those very people whom you treat with so much contempt.—Talk not of their vulgar countenances and behaviour. Their vulgarity is seated only in their manners. It occupies a higher place among yourselves. It's seated in your minds. This the profane, obscene, and trifling conversation so peculiar to high life abundantly witnesses. Had you concurred in the present virtuous and necessary measure of instituting a new form of government, you would have probably continued to occupy your posts and offices, with that additional lustre which they would have received from being the unbiased gifts of freemen, but you have now forfeited the confidence of the people, by despising their authority, and you have furnished them with a suspicion that in taking arms you yielded only to the violence of the times, or that you meant to fight for your offices, and not for your country.
A WATCHMAN.
L O N D O N.
April 15. The Eagle Man of War, and some of the Transports that sailed from Gravesend on Saturday last for America, have lost several of their sails and some of them their topmasts on Monday last in a hard gale of wind.
They write from Madeira that 2000 Stands of muskets had been taken out of a Dutch ship, bound to America from Flushing, by an English Frigate cruising off that island.
April 16. Letters from Stockholm advise, that the great Activity shewn in putting the Army, Fleet, and Fortresses in the best state of defence, causes much talk; which, added to the like Activity in the Prussian ports, make some think all things are not right between the two powers: Time, however, will clear up this matter.
April 17. It is now confidently asserted that the Congress will listen to no terms of accommodation till the authors of all the mischiefs brought upon America shall have received condign punishment.
The Governors of Gibraltar and Port Mahon are shortly expected in England; the consequence of which will be, that the command of both these fortresses will devolve on two Hanoverian Generals.
A new corps of Roman Catholics, and said to consist mostly of white boys, have been raised in Ireland, and are called, the Limerick Volunteers.
Some of our Customers are desirous of seeing the constitution of S. Carolina continued, which was begun in No. 4 of this paper, to oblige them the following is inserted.
8. That the general assembly and legislative council may adjourn themselves respectively, and the president and commander in chief shall have no power to adjourn, prorogue, or dissolve them, but may, if necessary, call them before the time to which they shall stand adjourned. And where a bill has been rejected, it may, on a meeting after an adjournment, for not less
than three days, of the general assembly and legislative council, be brought in again.
9. That the general assembly and the legislative council shall each choose their respective speakers, and their own officers, without controul.
10. That if any member of the general assembly, or of the legislative council, shall accept any place of emolument, or any commission (except in the militia) he shall vacate his seat, and there shall be thereupon a new election, but he shall not be disqualified from serving, upon being re-elected.
11. That on the last Monday in October next, and the day following, and on the same days of every second year thereafter, members of the general assembly shall be chosen, to meet on the first Monday in December then next, and continue for two years, from the said last Monday in October. The general assembly to consist of the same number of members as this congress does, each parish and district having the same representation as at present.
Here follows a list of the different parishes, with their respective members.
N E W P O R T, June 6.
By a number of American and French vessels lately arrived on this continent, from the West-Indies, we learn, that the French are impatient for the Congress to declare this country independent, when they will exert themselves in our behalf, and afford us all the assistance in their power.
The Pennsylvanians are assiduously engaged in measures for new modelling their government, and freeing it from that worst of plagues, the KING's EVIL; which disorder, it is hoped, by the blessing of divine Providence, will soon be extirpated from this otherwise happy land, and never more be suffered to infest it again.
A LL Persons Indebted to, or that have Demands on the Estate of JOHN NEWMARCH, Esq; late of Portsmouth, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts, to HANNAH NEWMARCH of Portsmouth aforesaid, Executrix to the last Will and Testament of the said deceased, in order for a speedy Settlement. 3—6
ALL PERSONS indebted to, or that have any demands on the Estate of Deacon MARK LANGDON, late of Portsmouth, deceased, are requested to bring in their accounts to MARY LANGDON, sole Executrix to the last will and testament of said deceased: June 8, 1776. 3—6
A LL Persons indebted to, or that have Demands on the Estate of Captain GREENLEAF CLARKE, late of Greenland, deceased are hereby desired to bring in their Accounts for immediate settlement to MARY CLARKE, Administratrix. Greenland June 6 1776 3—6
A good second-hand CHAISE and Harness to be Sold.—Enquire of the Printer. 3—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.
The Book so much admired, entitled COMMON SENSE, may be had at the Printing Office.