The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-12-10 00:00:00

Greenough's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, December 10, 1776.
[ No. 29. ]
BOSTON, December 5, 1776. LAST Saturday Afternoon Capt. St. Barbe in a Vessel belonging to Newbury arrived at Squam from Bilbo, in 30 Days, with whom came Passenger Mr. George Cabot of Beverly, Merchant, who informs that the Spanish and French Ports are open to our Cruizers and their Prizes, and that they permit the American Vessels to carry the American Flag in their Ports; and that both the Courts of Madrid and Versailles were determined to prevent the Russians coming to America. [This may be credited as the natural Dictate of the soundest Policy.] Extract of a Letter from BILBOA, dated October 6, 1776.
"By this time we judge the capital events of the American armies are over, and from the silence observ'd in the court of London every body imagines the King's troops have been worsted; all Europe is in expectation of what has happen'd on your side, and we in hourly hopes of some arrival, may God Almighty bring it soon and to our entire satisfaction, is the hearty wish of those that are and will be with true esteem. We are now on the 14th inst. and your favour 22d Aug. per Lee is come to hand, after 39 days passage, in which he took five prizes, so that he will make a fine voyage if they get in safe. On his arrival one Mr. Gomez who receives some Newfoundlanders, applied to the Commissary to stop the vessel on account of her being an illegal privateer, and said Commissary granted it, and order'd the master to present his commission, which we had him comply with, with a proper protest and petition, insisting on his being set at liberty; upon which it was order'd that the vessel should remain until his Majesty should give instructions how to proceed about it—As soon as we heard of it, we drew out a fine petition for his Majesty and dispatched an express for the purpose, and notwithstanding the power and activity of the British Ambassador, we have obtain'd a charming order from His Catholic Majesty, a copy whereof you have herein translated into English, by which you see the point is now settled for the future, & all American vessels, are allow'd to enter into our ports without distinction, whether privateers or merchantmen; on sight hereof our commissary releas'd Capt. Lee's vessel immediately, and is now getting things in order to proceed home. Some great news just come to hand—In consequence of the express sent to Madrid we find the Commissary has receiv'd orders from his Majesty to inform Capt. Lee and all other Americans, that all their vessels, viz. privateers, and prizes will have all manner of assistance in the Spanish ports, to say they will be safe and unmolested and will be provided with every thing but the articles prohibited in such cases; in short that a strict neutrality will be observ'd by his Catholic Majesty, so that you may henceforward be quite easy and send your vessels freely, as well as prizes from any quarter whatsoever; you ought to improve this fine opening, and your worthy rulers ought to send over some body, or empower some person—We are with joy but in haste,
A true Copy of His Catholic Majesty's ORDER wrote by the Marquis of Grimaldy, prime Minister in Spain, to d' Manuel de Mollinedo, Commissary of Marine, translated into English.
BY your letter of the 4th inst. and the testimony that accompanied it, his Majesty is acquainted with what has occurred respecting the American Schooner Hawk, Capt. John Lee, from the time of your laying her under a formal embargo by obliging her to deliver up the tiller—all at the instance of Gomez de la terre, inhabitant at your place, his Majesty has likewise seen the protest of said American captain against all the damages that might ensue:
In consequence of which, says to you, that whereas his Majesty, from the great friendship he professes to his Britannick Majesty, maintains a perfect neutrality in the present war—not giving to the Colonists any of those aids prohibited in like cases, so likewise it corresponds to the same neutrality not to deny them the entrance into his ports which they have always been used to enjoy, so long as they respect the territories of his Majesty in proper terms; besides the above, his Majesty thinks Mr. Gomez an unqualified improper person to solicit a proceeding of the like nature. You will therefore be pleased immediately to put said American in full liberty, restoring him all his papers, and permitting him to purchase what provisions and goods he needs to return to his own country, but without assisting in any prohibited thing.
Signed, MARQUIS OF GRIMALDY.
A Letter from a gentleman in camp, N. York, dated Nov. 26, says, "We have accounts that may be depended upon, that orders were given for wooding and watering, immediately, a sufficient number of transports to carry 15,000 men, and that 10,000 were actually embarked. We suspect some news is received per packet, which has occasioned a recall of the troops. A general officer said yesterday, he had seen a sailor who had deserted from one of the ships, and informed, that orders were given for them to go somewhere, but he could not tell where—And that they were reading news papers, and talking on board, and they said there was the Devil to pay in London—that they pulled down Tories houses there, and burned Lord North (his effigy, I suppose) in Spittalfields, &c.
By an Express who arrived in town on Tuesday evening from Newport, we are informed, that a fleet of transports, under convoy, were seen off that harbour last Monday.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, Nov. 1.
"I am sorry to acquaint you of our ill success at Fort Washington, but we have the great consolation, that our troops behaved well—Hove invested the lines with his whole army, consisting of 18,000 men; Magaw's and Cadwalader's regiments have suffered principally: They never quit the lines until the enemy were in the intrenchments. Major Beatz, Major West, Captains Lenox, Baylis, Stuart, & a number of subalterns are among the slain. Upon the whole, we have lost 400 men killed and wounded, and 1600 taken prisoners. By a deserter we learn, that the enemy
had 1500 killed and great numbers wounded.—General Washington had been in the Fort not long before the surrender. Men never behaved with more bravery; and had they not met with the loss they did before they quitted the lines, and their retreat cut off by overpowering them with numbers, they would have kept the Fort—This was more than Bunker-Hill."
We hear the Hon. Council of this State have lately sent a long and particular message to the House, representing, among other things, the expediency of a large Tax this year for the support of the credit of our paper currency—a point of the utmost importance to the whole community, and particularly to the army; who deserve at least, after all their uncommon Fatigues and Hazards, and their important services to their country, to receive a payment adequate in real value to what has been stipulated to them. The American cause undoubtedly depends upon the credit of those bills, by which their brave warriors are to be paid: for which no man, who loves his country, can refuse a generous tax at this important crisis, and when money is so plenty.
We hear the Hon. James Lovel, and the hon. Francis Dana, Esqrs; are chosen Delegates to represent this State in General Congress, in addition to the five members now present at Philadelphia.
By authentic intelligence from officers of the first rank in our army, we hear, that four days after the surrender of Fort Washington, the enemy landed a large body of troops on the Jersey shore, below Dobb's Ferry, and advanced very rapidly to Fort Lee, which not being tenable, & our army on a narrow neck of land, the passes out of which, the enemy were attempting to seize; it was thought advisable to leave this Fort, and for that part of our army stationed there, to move over to the West side of Hachinack River, which was done accordingly: Since which we have no accounts of the movements of the enemy.
We hear that a Beverly Privateer has taken five empty Transports, being part of a Fleet of near 200 sail, bound Home, from New-York, whether with design to bring over some Russians, or fetch provisions, time will discover.
Last Sunday between 50 and 60 prisoners (sailors) arrived in town on their way to Marblehead, in order to be exchanged for a number of our men, who lately arrived in the Cartel there.
Captain Friend, in the Newbury Packet, bound round to this Port, was a few Days since, taken by one of the Enemy's Cruisers.
MARRIED ] By the Rev. Mr. Sergeant, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Parker, Pastor of Trinity Church, to Miss Nancy Cutler, Daughter to Mr. John Cutler, Founder and Braizer — A most amiable young Lady, possessing every Accomplishment requisite to render the Marriage State agreeable and happy.
Extract of a Letter from Gen. LEE. Nov. 2.
"I beg you will compliment Col. Ross, in my name, for the spirited officer-like conduct of his son, the Major, in our late shooting match with the Hessian chasseurs."

By a person lately from camp we are informed, that a gentleman of undoubted veracity, who was prisoner and enlarged by Gen. Howe assures us, that the enemy lost before the lines of Fort Washington, 1700 killed on the field, and 96 waggons load of wounded, the most mortally; that our people behaved with the greatest intrepidity and resolution; that our loss was about 300 killed and wounded.—This account may be depended on, as it came from divers of the British officers, with whom the gentleman was intimately acquainted.
We can further assure the public, that the attack did not commence at the lines at Harlem, as has been reported, that post being at least six miles distant from Fort-Washington, but at the outlines north of the fort, distant about a quarter of a mile; that the Hessians made the attack, and marched within point-blank pistol shot of the lines where they were kept at least two hours, and were by the intrepidity and well-placed fire of our people cut down in whole ranks. The brave American kept their post until a heavy column of British troops appeared in their rear, the lines there being entirely open, obliged them to retreat and endeavor to gain the fort; but the British troops being nearer the fort, cut off and obliged a considerable part to surrender prisoners. The fort was immediately surrounded but the commanding officer first pleaded for a term of five days, that being refused, plead for the honors of war, which was also denied, and the garrison informed that unless they surrendered at discretion, the fort would be immediately invested, and they must abide the consequence. A council of war was immediately held, who were of opinion that as they had not any water, nor could not get at any, the places from which the garrison had been supplied with the article, being in possession of the enemy, and that the fort was not capable of defence, agreed to surrender it and themselves at discretion. The commanding officer of the fort is a gentleman of great courage, and would have defended it as long as a single soldier remained to support it, had it been capable of defence. The highest honors are due to him, his gallant officers and the brave soldiers who were under his command.
We are desired to assure the public, that Gen. WASHINGTON offer'd BATTLE to the British Army, near Fort LEE, which was declined.
NEWPORT, Nov. 25.
On Thursday night a Schooner from France went up the Bay; she brings advice, that a declaration of WAR was expected every moment; also that there were very great confusions in Ireland; that the British court were about sending some foreign troops to that island, which increased the uneasiness of the people:—That there were the greatest preparations in France for War ever known; and that the British Ministry had applied to the Court of France for leave to march a body of Russians through that kingdom to embark them in the Mediterranean for America, but were absolutely forbidden.
Large Bets have been offered, that Ireland becomes an Independent State within eighteen months.
A vessel arrived here yesterday from Hispaniola, with advice that Spain had ceded all their part of that island to France, and that a large French & Spanish Fleet, with a large body of troops were hourly expected—perhaps to take Jamaica for Spain.
Last evening arrived in town Mr. Spooner, late Lieut. of the Alfred, and informs that he arrived at an eastern port, in a brigantine of which he was prize master, taken by the Ship Alfred and sloop Providence, having on board a cargo of stores, cloaths, &c. to the amount of 6000 l. sterling at the prime cost; mounted with 6 carriage guns, and bound to New York; also that the Alfred and Providence had taken a very valuable ship, mounting 16 guns, having on board 40 seamen and passengers, and 30 recruits for the British Army, who it is not doubted are arrived in port by this time.
We hear the Honorable General Assembly of this State, who met at East-Greenwich last Thursday, have voted 1000 more men to be raised as soon as possible, for the defence of this island, and ordered all the independent companies to march in, to continue 'till those men are embodied.
PROVIDENCE, Nov. 30.
Capt. West, in the privateer Joseph, has taken a transport ship, that left New-York in company with 150 sail, all in ballast, bound to Europe,
under convoy of 3 men of war. Capt. West has also taken a Guineaman that had been captured by the enemy: the privateer that first took her, it is said, found a large sum of money on board, which was secured.
NEW-YORK, Octo. 21.
In Consequence of an Advertisement in our last—requesting his Majesty's loyal Subjects, Inhabitants of the City and County of New-York to meet at the City-Hall on Wednesday the 16th instant, at 10 o'Clock in the Forenoon; a very large Concours of People attended at the Place and Time appointed. The Members of his Majesty's Council, the Judges and all the other well-affected Citizens, who were not driven away by the hand of Violence, or sent Prisoners to other Provinces, were present; when a decent & respectful Address to Lord Howe and General Howe, The King's Commissioners for restoring Peace to America , was read—"Representing "the firm Attachment of the Inhabitants to "our rightful and gracious Sovereign George "the Third, and their Sense of the constitutional Supremacy of Great-Britain over "these Colonies, and praying that this City "and County might be restored to his Ma-jesty's Peace and Protection."—The Address was unanimously approved & adopted; and it was agreed that the Inhabitants should all sign it. But the Number assembled being too great to sign at that Time, two respectable Citizens were appointed to attend at a public House, adjoining the City-Hall, from ten o'Clock A. M. till two o'Clock, P. M. every Day, to take Subscriptions till all had signed. As this Measure was the first Step that was necessary to be taken on our Part towards effecting a Reconciliation with Great Britain, Joy was lighted up in every Countenance on the Prospect of returning Peace & Union with the parent State. The Populace expressed the Feelings of their Hearts by loud Acclamations and Shouts of Applause.
After this, an affectionate Address to his Excellency William Tryon, Esq; our worthy Governor was read—"requesting him to present the above Address to the Commissioners and otherwise to exert himself that "the Prayer of it might be granted."—This Address was unanimously approved and agreed to; and the Honourable Mr. Chief Justice Harsden was desired to sign and deliver it to his Excellency in Behalf of the Inhabitants.
It is said that 30 Hessians have deserted, & bro't a field piece into Fort Washington.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 21.
In CONGRESS, Nov. 14. 1776. Copy of a Letter to the President from Maj. Gen. Gates, at Ticonderoga, Nov. 5. 1776.
"Sir,—I have the honor to congratulate the Congress upon the retreat of Lieut. General Sir Guy Carleton, with the fleet & army under his command, from Crown Point. — Saturday last, the works being put in the best order, the boom and bridge of communication finished, and every necessary preparative for defence made, I determined to send a detachment down each side of the lake, to beat up the enemy's quarters at their advanced post on Putnam's point & the opposite shore. About eight at night the detachment, under the command of Major Delap, proceeded down the east side of the lake, and the other under Col. Conner, down the west side. — Sunday morning Major Delap, with his detachment, took possession of Putnam's point, which the enemy had just abandoned; and immediately detached a subaltern, with a small party, to reconnoitre Crown Point.—The officer, having returned, reported that he saw the enemy embark, a number of their vessels under sail, and the whole preparing to get under way. Col. Conner, on taking possession of the post opposite to Putnam's point, found that likewise abandoned. Yesterday an officer, and a party whom I sent to Crown-Point, returned, & reported he had been at Crown Point, with the inhabitants
there; that the enemy were all gone from that post, and the inhabitants would come this day to Ticonderoga, to make their submission, and beg the protection of the United States. I have the honor to be, &c.
HORATIO GATES.
"P.S. This will be delivered to you by my first Aid de Camp, Major Sturtevant, a deserving officer."
The foregoing is a copy of General Gates's letter. JOHN HANCOCK, President.
A Treaty of alliance was lately formed at Fort Pitt with the Delawares, Mongoes and Shawanese. The Commissioners and several Indian Chiefs, are expected in this city tomorrow.
A return of the killed and wounded in the engagement at Mount Washington is not yet arrived. It is certain the enemy have paid very dear for it, as from the best accounts, it appears they have at least 2000 kill'd and wounded, which is a greater number than we had engaged.
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) Oct. 25.
By a gentleman from Fort Pitt we learn, that 11 settlers at the mouth of Wheeling, about 50 miles below that post, were killed by the Taawahs, Wyandots, Mingoos, and other disaffected Indians, on the 9th instant.
Since our last three vessels have arrived from different parts, one of them with a considerable quantity of European goods.
TO-MORROW,
Sales by Auction.
TO be sold at public Auction, on Wednesday the eleventh day of December next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. at mess. Daniel & Samuel Sherburne's wharfe in Portsmouth, the following articles viz:
193 Hogheads, 9 tierces, and 32 barrels of excellent muscovada sugar. 1 bag of Coffee, and 500 hogheads of high proof Jamaica Rum. The sale to continue from day to day until completed. and
On the 12th day precisely at 12 o'clock at noon, will be put up the Ship HERO , about 280 tons burthen, river built, an exceeding fast sailing vessel, well built and well found, full six feet between decks, well calculated for an armed vessel, to carry 16 or 18 guns under deck.
Likewise on the same day the brigantine THREE FRIENDS , about 140 tons burthen, and well found. also
The Ship LIVE OAK , about 180 tons burthen, well found and well built, two years old, and will be put up with her cargo intire, now on board, consisting of 28 tons Logwood, and 63 thousand feet Mahogany.—The original invoice of the cargo may be seen at the time of sale.
The above ships with the inventories of their stores may be seen any time before the sale, by applying to
GEO. WENTWORTH, Auctioneer. Portsmouth, Nov. 28, 1776.
Daniel Fowle;
Original Printer of the New-Hampshire-Gazette and Historical-Chronicle, having removed his Printing-Office out of the Town of Portsmouth, about a Year ago, and published that Paper till the beginning of February last, now proposes carrying on the Printing Business, at his Office in Portsmouth, in the pav'd Street, leading to Spring-Hill.
TO BE SOLD,
A good strong Saddle Horse. Enquire of the Printer.
LOST three Weeks ago, a Black Sable Tippit, between the Plains and the State House. Whoever brings it to the Printer, shall be rewarded therefor.
PORTSMOUTH: Printed by BENJAMIN DEARBORN, near the Parade, where this Paper may be had at Eight Shillings L. M. per year, one half at entrance. The Printing-Business, in it's different branches carried on with care and fidelity.