The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-06-22 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, June 22, 1776.
[ No. 5. ]
Quicumque vult, capiat.
THE first great lesson in life, to be studied by every one, is, to KNOW HIMSELF.—Every man, in a greater or less degree, is governed by self interest, and although this principle is allowable, so far as it regards the preservation of life and property, from the ill designs of malicious men; yet to be SELFISH in any other view is as derogatory to the human mind as any character whatever: those who are under the predominancy of this passion, unfit themselves for every department whether private or public, there is one continued object and sameness of principle in all they say and do: view them in private life and their dispositions are replete with envy and distrust: they consider other mens prosperity as a deprivation of their own: and like misers they know not the value of the things they possess; it is a trite observation, that we know not the value of our friends until we have lost them ; which is literally true in respect to friendship: but those wretches who are wholly governed by selfish principles, know not the value of their possessions, and, like the horseleech, cry give, give, and are never contented, they are so very invidious and avaricious, as even to begrudge the dogs, those crumbs that fall from their masters tables; some may say these reflections are too severe, but when the character of the selfish man is to be delineated, no simile is too striking or pointed that can describe him in his true colours, so as to be shun'd as an ille niger est, hunc, tu romane caveto .
Let us now view him in his public character, & see what a figure he there makes; —Is there a post of honor (except in the field) that he does not seek, though ever so unqualified for it? Is there a place of profit that he does not want, even though by his parsimony he has accumulated what a generous man would think a sufficiency? and does he not expect the highest seat in the synagogue, tho' he would appear more in character at the foot of the altar, and humility or self abasement would better become him? far different is the generous, well disposed man, he waits the calls of his country, and is ever ready to administer his advice, without any other reward to himself than the pleasure resulting from the benevolent principle of doing good , his honest, upright open heart is ever attached to the public weal; He is never happier than while his friends participate in his bounties, wisely and justly concluding, that the value of a thing is to be estimated only by its enjoyment, and if he can but obtain a comfortable support through this vale of tears , and
be INDEPENDENT, UNPLAC'D and UNPENSIONED, it is the summit of his ambition.
The world is a well furnish'd table, Where guests are promiscuously set, We all fare as well as we're able, And scramble for what we can get; My familie holds to a tittle, Some gorge, while some scarce have a taste, But if I'm content with a little, Enough is as good as a feast.
L O N D O N.
St. J A M E S's, March 22, 1776. This day the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, several of the Aldermen, the Sheriffs and some of the Common Council of the city of London, waited upon his Majesty, (being introduced by the Earl of Hartford, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's household) with the following Address and Petition, which was read by the Recorder.
To the KING's Most Excellent MAJESTY. THE humble Address and petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council of the city of London, in Common Council assembled, beg leave to approach your throne, and to intreat your Majesty's Royal attention, whilst with the humility of dutiful subjects, we lay before your Majesty, what at present most immediately affects us in the spirit & tendency of the public measure now depending; and the anxiety we feel at the naked and exposed state, in which this country will be left, by draining it of the national troops, as well as of the danger and disgrace attending the late treaties for foreign mercenaries, whose latitude is such, as to provide the means of introducing a foreign army even into this realm.
We cannot, Sir without horror, look forward to that dismemberment of the empire, that increase of the national debt, and burthensome taxes, that loss of our most valuable resources, those distresses of our merchants and manufacturers, those deficiencies of the revenue, that effusion of the blood of our countrymen and brethren, that failure of public credit, and those dreadful calamities and convulsions which must follow a civil war, so begun and pursued, whose extent no wisdom can foresee. We humbly conceive, that no people can be bound to surrender their rights and liberties as a return for protection. The colonies have fought our battles with us, and in the last war they so far exceeded their abilities, that this nation thought it just and necessary, to make them an actual compensation, and even now, driven to open hostilities in their own defence, they are willing, (their charters being inviolably secured) to continue to us all those advantages of a regular and exclusive commerce, to which we have long owed our opulence and prosperity. And we have every assurance, which men in their situation can safely give, that if asked as freemen, they are willing to go farther, and to afford the exhausted state of the revenue of this country, such reasonable voluntary aid as
their abilities will permit, provided that their contributions are unalienably applied to releive that distress, which is the only fair & politic foundation of request in them, and that neither their aids, nor our own sinking funds shall be any longer perverted from a public benefit, and misapplied to the purpose of corruption, instead of redeeming the debts of the nation, according to the first wise and just institution.
Indulge but, most gracious Sovereign, the humanity & dignity of your own royal disposition, and our prayers will be granted. We implore the extension of your Majesty's justice and mercy towards that continent which when arbiter of the terms of peace, it was your Majesty's own determination to prefer to every other compensation, for all the expences of the last war.
We humbly & earnestly beseech your Majesty, that the most solemn, clear, distinct and unambiguous specification of those just and honourable terms, which your Majesty, with both Houses of Parliament, meant to grant to the colonies, may precede the dreadful operations of your armament. Every colour and suspicion of injustice and oppression will then be removed from the proceedings of the mother country; and if those just and honourable terms are not submitted to, your Majesty will undoubtedly be able to meet what will then be rebellion, with the zealous hearts and hands of a determined, loyal and united people.
To which his Majesty was pleased to return the following Answer:
I deplore with the deepest concern, the miseries which a great part of my subjects in North-America have brought upon themselves by an unjustifiable resistance to the constitutional authority of this kingdom, and I shall be ready and happy to alleviate those miseries by acts of mercy and clemency, whenever that authority is established and the now existing rebellion is at an end. To obtain those salutary purposes, I will invariably pursue the most proper and effectual means.
PUBLIC VENDUE.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the improvement of the FERRY in Portsmouth, for one Year, from the 29th. of this instant June; will be let to the highest bidder on thursday the 27th. instant, at the house of Mr. John Fernald at 6 o'clock afternoon. June 15. 4—6
CASH for Sheep & Lamb-Skins, (with the wool on or off,) will be paid by JAMES HASLETT, at his shop a little above the state-House.
The Book so much admired, entitled COMMON SENSE, may be had at the Printing Office.
CASH given for RAGS at the Printing Office.

PHILADELPHIA, June 8.
We hear that the remonstrance to the assembly of this province against the resolve of the Honorable Congress of the 15th instant (now signing by a few people in this city) was burnt in the most ignominious manner, at Reading in Berks county, as a seditious and treasonable libel tending to destroy the union of the colonies, and to ruin this province.
We hear that there has been a skirmish between a regiment of regulars that lay at Niagara last winter, in their way to Canada, and a party of our people, the particulars of which we have not been able to learn.
Extract of a letter from Virginia, dated Suffolk, May 24, 1776.
"About 3,000 men and upwards have landed at Cape-Fear, and 15,000 are on their march to oppose them. The British troops can make no impression on our coast. The river St. Lawrence ought to be particularly attended to—that is the principal inlet, and the Capes of Virginia the next; every other port is shut against them. They cannot make any considerable impression in Carolina—the malecontents being dispersed, all their measures are disconcerted there."
Extract of a letter from St. Eustatia, dated May 16, 1776.
I wrote you some days ago of a Schooner's being seized in this road by the Seaford twenty gun ship, who kept possession of her till on my making application to the Governor; he sent a guard of soldiers and took the possession from them; next morning the Seaford sailed, and since that the Governor has sent a flag to the Admiral to know the reason of such violence. The Burghers were much enraged and we may now depend on any American bottom in this road being defended to the last, in case of such attempts.
Extract of a letter from Elk, (Maryland) June 2.
"Yesterday two vessels arrived here, from Rappahannock, the masters of whom say, that Lord Dunmore, with his fleet, had left Norfolk, and landed (on Friday last) on Gwin's island, at the mouth of Piankitank, just below Rappahannock, with about 700 men, negroes included, covered by the Roebuck, Otter, and some other armed vessels. He has about eighty sail with him, all laying in the mouth of Piankitank."
The Legislature at the island of Montserrat, and of the island of Antigua, have offered bounties on the importation of provisions into those islands.
The following Advertisement is taken from the St. Kitts Paper of May 5.
"By order of the Hon. Admiral Young, a convoy will sail from St. Christopher's with the homeward bound ships the first week in June, the first ditto in July, the first ditto in August, and immediately after the full moon in October. All Masters of vessels desirous of taking the benefit of said convoys, are hereby informed to rendezvous at that island to hold themselves in readiness."
In C O N G R E S S , May 30, 1776.
Whereas it hath been represented to Congress, that avaricious & designing men have taken advantage of the resolve of Congress passed the 30th of April (for withdrawing from the Committees of inspection the power of regulating the price of goods) to extort from the people a most exorbitant price for SALT.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Committees of observation and inspection in the United Colonies so to regulate the price of salt as to prevent unreasonable exaction on the part of the seller, having due regard to the difficulty & risk of importation, subject however to such regulations as have been or shall hereafter be made by the legislatures of the respective colonies.
Extract from the minutes, CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
N E W - Y O R K, May 30.
Extract of a letter from Chester Town, Maryland, dated May 21.
"Our Convention is now sitting at Annapolis. I am well assured there has been produced to them a sample of earth, taken from what is called a salt-petre mine, in the side of a mountain, on the borders of Virginia, so impregnated, that it will flash like gun-powder, and supposed to contain not less than 10lb. of good nitre for every half bushel of it. The Convention has sent Dr. Weisenthal
from Baltimore to make experiments, and we conceive great hopes of the success of it. Besides this, there are large quantities of rich sulphur ore discovered on land belonging to one of the Convention. These, we hope, will furnish us with an abundant supply of the necessary ingredients for making good gun-powder, and save the country immense sums of money."
We hear some Salt Works are speedily to be erected on the South side of Long-Island.
Extract of a letter from Wilmington, North-Carolina: April 29.
"By two men, who arrived here last night, after making their escape from the men of war below, I find there are a number of prizes, to the amount of 30 sail. They say five transports arrived a few days past from Cork, being part of a fleet of 45 sail, viz. 30 transports, 10 store ships, one 50 gun ship, 2 frigates, 2 bombs, with 9 regiments on board, destined for this place, which are expected to land when the whole fleet arrives. This is generally believed here, as the ships were seen off on Monday by the pilots. The Militia, who have been but a few days discharged, are coming in fast, and who with the continental forces already here, will be able to make a good stand."
BOSTON, June 20.
The following important Letter was published in a Hand-Bill at New-York after the Post left that City, which we have from a Gentleman just arriv'd from Providence.
Philadelphia, June 11.
GENTLEMEN, T HE Congress have this Day received Advice and are fully convinced, that it is the Design of General Howe to make an Attack upon the City of New-York as soon as possible; the Attack they have Reason to believe will be made within ten Days; I am therefore most earnestly to request you, by Order of Congress, to call forth your Militia, as requested in my Letter of the 4th Instant, and to forward them with all Dispatch to the City of New-York; and that you direct that they march in Companies, or any other Way, that will hasten their Arrival there. The important Day is at Hand that will decide not only the Fate of the City of New-York, but in all Probability of the whole Province. On such an Occasion there is no Necessity to use Arguments with Americans; their Feelings I well know will prompt them to their Duty, and the Sacredness of the Cause will urge them to the Field. The greatest Exertions of Vigor and Expedition are requisite to prevent our Enemies from getting Possession of that Town; I must therefore again most earnestly request you, in the Name, and by the Authority of Congress, to send forward the Militia, agreeable to the Requisition of Congress, and that you will do it with all the Dispatch which the infinite Importance of the Cause demands.
I have the Honor to be, Gentlemen, Your most obedient humble Servant, JOHN HANCOCK, President. To the Honorable Convention of New York.
Last Thursday the inhabitants of this town were made acquainted by beat of drum, that an expedition was to be undertaken against our enemy's ships in Nantasket road, and for erecting proper Fortifications in the lower Harbour. Accordingly Detachments from the Colonial Regiments, commanded by Colonels Marshal and Whitney, and Battalion of Train commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Crafts, were embarked on board Boats at the Long-Wharfe, together with Cannon, Ammunition, Provisions, Intrenching Tools, and every necessary Implement, and proceeded for Pettick's- Island and Hull, where they were join'd by some Continental Troops, and Sea-Coast Companies, so as to make near 600 Men at each Place; a like Number of the Militia from the Towns in the Vicinity of Boston Harbour, with a Detachment from the Train and some Field-Pieces, took post at Moon-Island, Hoff's Neck, and Point Alerton. At the same time a Detachment from the Continental Army, under command of Col. Whitcomb, with two Eighteen Pounders, one 13 inch Mortar, with the necessary Apparatus, Intrenching-tools, &c. were embarked for Long-Island, to take post there. The Troops did not arrive at their several Places of destination until near morning, occasioned by a flat Calm; notwithstanding
such was the Activity and Alertness of our Men, that they had the Cannon planted, and a Line of Defence hove up on Long-Island and Nantasket-Hill in a few Hours, when a Cannon-Shot from Long-Island announced to the Enemy our Design: Upon which a signal was immediately made for the whole Fleet, consisting of eight Ships, two Snows, two Brigs, and one Schooner, to remove and get under Way. The Commodore, (Banks) bore our Fire and returned it with Spirit, until a Shot from Long-Island pierced the upper Works of his Ship, when he unmoored, or cut his Cables and got under sail, and happy for him that he did so, for in a small space of Time afterwards, a Shell from our Works fell into the very Spot he had but just before quitted. Unhappily our Cannon did not arrive at Pettick's-Island and Nantasket as soon as might have been wished, but the Fire from the latter place being properly pointed against the Commodore's Ship who came too in the Light-House Channel, is apprehended to have done considerable execution.—In short, the Enemy were compelled once more to make a disgraceful, precipitate Flight; and we have it now in our Power to congratulate our Readers on our being in full Possession of the lower Harbour of Boston; and had the Wind have been to the Eastward, we are confident we should have had the much greater Pleasure of giving them Joy on our being in the Possession of many of their Ships.—Through divine Providence, not one of our Men were hurt.
The Ministerial Fleet, on Friday last, before they quitted the Harbour of Boston, blew up the Light-House, which entirely destroyed it.
We can assure the public, that there is not a Ministerial troop in all New-England, except what are prisoners; nor is there a ministerial ship in any harbour in New-England.
Yesterday sevnight the Highlanders taken in the Scotchman, were conducted to the Provost Prison in Boston by a strong Guard from Colonel Glover's at Marblehead—The Officers are sent to Concord, and we hear the Soldiers are going to Worcester.
'Tis worthy of special notice, that the 14th of June 1774, was the last day allowed for trading vessels to leave or enter the port of Boston, through the cruelty of a British act of parliament; and that on the 14th of June 1776, through the blessing of God upon the operations of a much injured and oppressed people, was the last day allowed for British men of war, or ministerial vessels to remain or enter within the said port, but as American prizes. Thus has Providence retaliated.
We hear the independent Battalions in New York, are taken into continental pay, and are beating up for volunteers to make their compliment of men compleat; their number is to be 1260 for the city and county. Their delegates in continental Congress have informed their provincial convention, that the question of a declaration of independence will soon be agitated there, desiring their opinion.
Last Sunday night two transports, a ship and a brig, from Scotland, with 220 Highlanders on board, were chased by 3 or 4 of our privateers, into Nantasket, where, instead of finding protection from British pirates, they were obliged to strike to the American flag.—The ship, mounting 6 six pounders, with about 130 soldiers, besides sailors, maintained an engagement of several hours, in which she had about 17 kill'd and wounded. Lieut. Col. Campbell, and a considerable number of other officers, all belonging to the corps of Highlanders, are among the Prisoners. Major Mackenzie, of the same corps, was killed in the Engagement. His remains were interred here with military honors, the day following.—Four men on board the privateers were wounded, one or two of them it is feared, mortally; but none killed.
On Tuesday last another Scotch transport ship, with 112 Highlanders on board, was brought into Nantasket by our privateers; she was taken a small distance from the light-house, and made no resistance.

PORTSMOUTH, June 22, 1776.
Last Tuesday passed through this town, on his way from Nova Scotia, to Boston, Capt. Joseph Cook , who was taken by the ministerial pirates, the 17th of April last, on his passage from Sandwich to St. Peter's Island, and carried into Canso, where they robbed him of great part of his cargo, provisions, cash, hands, &c. which obliged him to sell his vessel at half price, and he came here on foot. He informs they are in such distressful circumstances, at the island of St. John's, for want of provisions, that a boat going with a family from that to another island, a child of eight years of age, died with hunger on the passage, & the unhappy parents were obliged to eat the dead body, to preserve their own lives. The following Articles are taken from Halifax papers bro't by Capt. Cook.
HALIFAX, May 28, 1776.
Last Sunday morning arrived the Schooner Three Friends , Capt. Stalker in five weeks from London, by whom we have received prints to the nineteenth of April, from which the following articles are taken.
WESTMINSTER, April 2.
THIS day his Majesty went to the House of Peers, and being in his royal robes, seated on the throne with the usual solemnity, Sir Francis Molyneaux, Gentleman usher of the black rod, was sent with a message from his Majesty to the House of Commons, commanding their attendance in the House of Peers; The commons being come thither accordingly, his Majesty was pleased to give the royal assent to twelve public and ten private bills.
LONDON March 29, 1776.
An evening paper of last night says, out of the provision article of hogs lately sent to Boston, we can assure the public, that what from diseases, and other accidents, only four hogs were landed, which after paying every expence, stood government in the very moderate sum of eleven hundred pounds per hog; the four crost, from similar circumstances, cost them Seven hundred pounds. Query: If an army of fifty thousand men, at the distance of three thousand miles, are to be fed at this expence (allowing them to be victorious) is it not paying too dear for such a conquest?
Col. St. Paul is appointed Minister plenipotentiary to the court of France.
Orders are said to be given from the war-office, and also from the victualling office, to stop all provisions from being put on board the transport ships, and for all the soldiers laying at Portsmouth, Chatham, &c. from embarking, and to stop all other proceedings for 20 days.
Yesterday morning four waggons laden with money were sent off from the bank, under a proper escort, to Portsmouth, for payment of his Majesty's ships, and the transports lying there, bound to America.
March 30. Previous to the departure of the foreign mercenaries to America, the sums stipulated for their hire and pay is to be advanced by Great-Britain. The prince of Waldeck, and several of the German princes who have engaged to furnish troops, are expected in England. These princes have a juster notion of the finances of England to permit their subjects to embark before they are paid for their hire.
It is astonishing how any man could ever dream of sending cavalry to America. Only let us for a moment conceive, a dragoon, with his bags, his bucket, his boots, his belts, his havre sack, his cloak, his cantine, his broad sword and his carbine, galloping round a tree to catch a rifle-man or an indian! It is a cow catching a hare. The idea is laughable if the consequences were not serious.
Notwithstanding the pacific notions of the Spaniards, as we have been hitherto amused with, we are credibly informed they have been a long time both recruiting their infantry and marine, that they have no less than four formidable camps at present forming, the principal of which is not far from the lines of Gibraltar, and that there is in every department both civil and military, a great alacrity for war.
April 2. Mr. Hartley, member for Kingston upon Hull, rose a little after four; and in an introductory speech, which lasted till near six o'clock, he went through the management of the American war in all the departments of the army and navy, and endeavoured to shew that the expence far exceeded what had been stated to the house by administration; that the supplies voted would prove inadequate; that the estimate fell short as they had been laid before the house; and that the real charge of the war for the current year remained unprovided for. He therefore moved, that a full and clear account of the total expence for the navy and army should be laid before the house, and he thought it would be found to amount to 12 millions. This is the best information we could collect, and we hope it is in substance the meaning of the motion, but the gallery doors as usual were locked.
April 13. General Burgoyne carried with him 1200 flat-bottomed boats (all ready framed) to carry his army across the lakes to penetrate into the back settlements of New-England.
Extract of a letter from Madrid, March 17.
"Our court seems to have quite given up the proposed attempt of a second expedition against Algiers. All the preparations for that expedition have now another destination, and are said to be intended to watch over our settlements in America, as the war between England and its colonies renders it necessary for all powers who have any settlements in those parts to put them in so secure a situation, that they may be in no danger of suffering from the above-mentioned disputes."
Extract of a letter from Bristol, April 13.
"This morning arrived here the Hibernia , Capt. Knethell , from Cork, who sailed from thence the 9th inst. and informs, that the men of war, with upwards of 40 sail of transports under their convoy, sailed the 8th from the Cove, and as the wind blew fresh at N. E. & continu'd so for some days, it is imagined they must be got quite clear. The Farter , Capt. Russel , and the Friendly Trader , with several volunteers on board, sailed from this place for Cork and America."
April 16. Letters from Warsaw say the journey of Prince Henry of Prussia to Petersburg is looked upon to relate to the affairs of other nations besides those of Poland.
The Spaniards are augmenting every garrison of the least consequence in the Streights. At Barcelona an entire new battery is raised of eighteen pounders, all Brads.
Some new regulations are to be made in the naval Departments; for which orders are sent to the commissioners of the several dock yards to attend the Admiralty board the second of next month.
April 19. Yesterday an express arrived at Lord Germaine's office from Governor Tryon at New-York, which was immediately sent to the King at Buckingham-House.
Yesterday private letters were received at Northumberland House from Lord Percy at Boston, which were brought by way of New-York.
The last French mail brought certain accounts, that there was a fleet equipped at Toulon, and ready to put to sea upon three days notice, consisting of twelve ships of the line of battle, three frigates, and a bomb.
The two french ships which the Dickenfon saw up the river Delaware, with ammunition for Philadelphia, were both under French colours.
"Since my last arrived at Spithead ten transports, to take on board the guards &c. going to America."
Extract of a letter from Gosport, April 15.
"His Majesty's ship Garland is put into commission at this port, and the command given to Capt. Pearson , and is ordered to fit for America."
HALIFAX, May, 14.
Last Tuesday morning arrived a vessel from Canso, by her we learn, that a fleet of
transports (about 13 sail) full of troops were seen off that place, supposed bound for Quebec.
Friday last arrived the Schooner Britannia Capt. Boden , in 28 days from St. Christopher's, by whom we learn, that the provision fleet under the convoy of his Majesty's ship Experiment , sailed 4 days before, and may be daily expected.
Sunday last the Glasgow man of war, Capt. Howe , with four vessels under her convoy sailed for England:—In this fleet went passengers many gentlemen of distinction, viz. Francis Legge , Esq; Governor, and James Moxk Esq; Solicitor General of this province, Gov. Wright of Georgia, Tho. Oliver Esq; Lieut. Governor of Massachusetts-Bay, and President of the Council, Hon. Peter Oliver , Harrison Gray , John Murrey , Richard Lechmere , John Erving , Nathaniel Hatch , and George Erving , Esqrs. Counsellors; Brigadier General Royal , Colonel Vassal , John Gore , Esq; Adm. Paddock , Esq; Capt. Joy , Mr. Laughton , Mr. Brindley , Mr. Bowes , Mr. Inman , Mr. Deblos , Thomas Dafforth Esq; Benjamin Gridley Esquire, Mr. Pitman , and Mr. Pelham , all of them of Boston, and most of them with families; Charles Dudley , and George Rome , Esqrs; of New port.
Saturday night arrived a packet from England for their Excellencies Admiral Shuldham and General Howe .
May 28. Wednesday last was sent in here by the Orpheus frigate, Capt. Hammond , a French Schooner, which by her course when taken was bound to Block-Island near Connecticut.
Friday afternoon sailed the Lively man of war, Capt. Bishop .
The same evening sailed the ship Adamant , Capt. Wilson , for London.
Saturday arrived the Senegal sloop of war Capt. Duddingston .
Sunday morning arrived the Merlin sloop of war.
Sunday evening arrived the brig Eliot Capt. Squires in 4 weeks and a few days, from London.
Since our last several Transports and Victuallers arrived here.
By the above vessels we hear, that a number of transports with German troops, in his Majesty's service, on board, were seen going up the English Channel, the latter end of April ult. to join Admiral Howe , who was expected to sail for America, about the middle of this month.
Sunday last arrived his Majesty's ship Swan from Newport, Rhode-Island.
His Excellency Molyneaux Shuldham , Esq; Rear Admiral of the Blue.
His Majesty has been pleased to make the following promotions in the Land Forces now in America.
Major-General Carleton , to be General in America only.
Major-General Howe , to be General in America only. 1st Jan. 1776.
DIED Mr. Theophilus Lillie .
DUBLIN, March 20, 1776.
The vessels freighted by George Ogle , Esq; (in opposition to the late proclamation for an embargo on provision) after the goods having passed entry were refused to be out voiced; this of course, will bring the affair to a legal determination, and it now rests in the bosom of twelve honest men, whether the King's partial proclamation, without act of parliament, is to be considered as part of the law by which we are to be bound. To this spirited and patriotic gentleman, the kingdom stands very much indebted; as he has, at his own expence made an attempt to rescue them from the tyranny of ministers in a most essential point; every good citizen who regards the trade and manufacture of Ireland must honor, applaud and assist the man who thus stands forward in the face of an over-bearing administration, to prevent an injury arising to the constitution from a scheme planned with a view to enrich a few ministerial hirelings, at the expence of the merchants of Ireland.

POET'S CORNER.
The following prologue was spoken at the opening of the Theatre, by the Ministerial Army at Boston.
Prologue to the Tragedy of Zara. By General BURGOYNE.
IN Britain once, (it stains th' historic page) Freedom was vital struck with party rage, Cromwell the fever watch'd, the knife supply'd, She madden'd, and by suicide she died: Amidst her groans sunk ev'ry liberal art, That polish'd life, or humaniz'd the heart; Then sunk the stage, quell'd by the bigot's roar, Truth fled with sense, and Shakespear charm'd no more. To sooth the times too much resembling those, And lull the care-tir'd thought, this Stage arose; Proud if you hear, rewarded if you're pleas'd, We come to minister to minds diseas'd. To you who guardians of a nation's cause, Unsheath the sword, to vindicate her laws, The tragic Scene sets glory up to view, And bid's heroic virtue live anew, With ravisht ears, and emulative fire, Rise Britons to examples we admire, Unite the warrior's with the patriot's care, And while we learn to conquer, wish to spare. The comic Muse presides o'er social life, And forms the parent, husband, friend and wife; 'Tis her's the mind from prejudice to save, And call your good old Homer from the grave; To paint from nature, and with colours nice, Shew us ourselves, and laugh us out of vice. Now say ye Boston Prudes, (if prudes there are) Is this a task unworthy of the fair? Will form, decorum, piety refuse, A call on beauty to conduct the muse, And by the influence of the young and chaste, Diffuse instruction, charity and taste? Perish the narrow thought, the sland'rous tongue. Where the heart's right, the action can't be wrong--- Behold the test, mark as the curtains rise, How Malice shrink's abash'd from Zara's eyes.
A Parody on Gen. Burgoyne's Prologue to the Tragedy of Zara.
IN Boston once, ('twill stain th' historic Page,) Freedom was sunk, oppress'd with tyrant rage; North, chief assassin, then the sword supplied, And stab'd by ministerial hand---she died: With her last breath fled ev'ry liberal art, That polish'd life, or humaniz'd the heart; Then rose a stage, prop'd up by martial roar, Where truth, and sense, and Shakespear charm'd no more. To sooth those times, replete with guilty fears, And lull corroding thought, that stage appears, Where painted belles with brother beaux are pleas'd, And heads with love of pageantry diseas'd. But you, infringers of Heaven's noblest cause! Who draw your swords to violate her laws, The tragic scene will paint to future view, And blast your murd'rous actions o'er anew; While future offspring watch their parent's eyes, And taught by them, your hateful names despise, Unite the Briton with the Russian race, To heav'n a pest, to mankind a disgrace. The comic muse presiding social life, That forms the parent, husband, friend and wife, That blinded minds from prejudice can save, Will call your vaunting leaders from the grave; Will paint from nature, and with colours nice, Draw your true pictures, shaded o'er with vice--- Then say, base Briton's son's! (for such there are) Will this just task demean the beauteous fair,? Will form, decorum, piety refuse, A call on justice to conduct the muse? And by the influence of the wise and good, Transmit the purchase of their father's blood. Awake each gen'rous thought, each kindly lay, And hail the near approach of beaming day. Behold this western world an empire rise, Which cheats like orient more th' ent'vish'd eyes!
BASSETTERRE, (St. Christopher's.) May, 15.
On Monday last divine service was performed at the parish church, accompanied by several pieces of divine music, by the gentlemen of this island and Nevis, for the benefit of the poor in our several parishes in the present melancholy situation of this devoted country. On this occasion the Rev'd Dr. Hutchinson preached a most excellent sermon, wherein he so pathetically described the distresses of the poor, as to draw tears from the major part of his very numerous auditors. The collection in the Church, and the sale of tickets, produced a considerable sum, which is to be immediately applied to the benevolent purposes for which it was collected.
We can assure the public, from the best authority, that provisions are so scarce at Barbados, that pork now sells there at 10l. per barrel, adequate to four joes of our currency; and that Guinea corn, which used to be sold at 18 or 20 pints for a bit, is now sold at 5 or 6 pints for the same money, and that famine seems to stare the inhabitants in the face— Blessed effects of modern policy!  Cursed are those Children, who love, honour, and obey their parents, for they shall be starved.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 11.
On Wednesday last the honourable convention of this colony came to the following unanimous resolution, of giving instruction to our delegates in congress at Philadelphia, to propose a final separation of these colonies from Great-Britain, by declaring them free and independent states. The day following the troops in this city, with the train of artillery, were drawn up, and went through their firings, and various other military manœuvres, with the greatest exactness; a continental union flag was displayed upon the capitol, and in the evening many of the inhabitants illuminated their houses.
May 24. Extract of a letter from Capt. George Johnston, May 20. 1776.
"Messieurs Tebbs, Dickson, and myself, with about 15 men, took a walk into Norfolk this evening. I detached a serjeant, with six of the men, to the Windmill point, where they observed about 25 of the ministerial gentry, at whom our men fired a few guns; upon which the enemy ran towards the shore, in expectation of decoying us, but I luckily got up and prevented a pursuit, observing that they meant to surround us. I then ordered our people to retreat to the cross roads, upon which they followed, and when within about 200 yards the firing began, although I much wished to have kept ours till they came nearer, but the ardor of our men could not be restrained. The engagement lasted about twenty-five minutes, very hot; and at length the enemy retreated, after losing some blood. A little before it was over, I was reinforced to the number of about 50, in all. I detached Capt. Fleming, with a few men, to their ground, who observed them paraded on the beach, about 160 strong. I kept my post till sun-set, & they have chiefly gone on board, though I am inclined to believe they intend renewing the attack some time this night: If they do, I shall endeavor to keep my ground. None of my men are hurt. I received a ball on my toe, which did no other execution than cutting the foal of my shoe."
HARTFORD, May 20.
Capt. David Hawley who came to town last Saturday from Halifax (which place he left the 24th ult.) informs, that he left at said place the following vessels, viz. the Chatham of 50 guns, Orpheus of 34 guns, Scarborough, Glasgow and Rose of 20 guns, the King Fisher, Tamer, and another of 16 guns, an armed brig, 2 schooners, and 2 small sloops, and a number of transports; the Tamer and the Glasgow are sent home to resist.—On the 24th of April the Nigar frigate of 32 guns, with two ships and a brig having on board 7000 troops sailed for Quebec. Five transports arrived at Halifax from the West Indies with troops. From the best information there were about 8 or 9000 troops at Halifax before any were sent away.—On the 24th a packet arrived from England with accounts that about three regiments were lost on their passage to America; and by what he could learn they expected 20,000 troops to come to America this spring, and no more. That they designed to make their strongest efforts at Quebec and New-York, to open communication from one to the other, and to cut off all communications of the New England colonies with the Southern; they are very anxious to know how the people stand affected, and whether there will great numbers join the ministerial army. The tories are in miserable circumstances, appear very melancholy and dejected; large families are huddled into small rooms, and some left on board the ships. Provisions are very scarce, beef is 1s. 3d. lb. the army and navy at two thirds allowance; they don't seem to expect to drive the country, but to destroy us by sea.
A good second-hand CHAISE and Harness to be Sold.—Enquire of the Printer.
3--6
WENT a drift one day last week on flood tide (from the wharf of Geo. Boyd Esq;) a fifteen feet MOSES BOAT, marked G. B. in several places, with marking irons.—Whoever hath taken up said boat, and will bring her, or leave information at said Boyd's where she may be found, shall receive SIX SHILLINGS reward.
Portsmouth May 28th, 1776. 2 5
TO BE SOLD BY JOSHUA WENTWORTH.
MOLASSES by the Hoghead—STEEL the manufacture of New England, (very little inferior to German,) by the pound or hundred, at eighteen pence per. pound—NAIL RODS suitable for making rod, 20d, and DECK NAILS. 2 5
ALL persons that have any demands against the estate of JONATHAN GOSS, late of Rye, yeoman deceased, are hereby desired to bring in the same well attested to me the subscriber, executor of the last will of the deceased, in order for payment—and all that are indebted to the said estate are desired to make speedy payment.
2 5 MERIFIED BERRY. Rye, May 27th, 1776.
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
ALL 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 Demands on the Estate of Captain GREENLEAF CLARKE, late of Greenland, deceas'd are hereby desir'd to bring in their Accounts for immediate settlement to MARY CLARKE, Administratrix. Greenland June 6 1776 3—6
TO BE SOLD, (for want of employ)
A likely healthy NEGRO MAN, aged about twenty five, and understands farming business well. Enquire of the printer. 3 6
ALL PERSONS indebted to, or that have demands on the estate of Capt. WILLIAM BERRY, late of Greenland, Yeoman, deceased; are desir'd to bring in their accounts to Thomas Berry, jr. administrator on said estate, in order for a speedy settlement. 1---5
TO BE SOLD, THE HOUSE FURNITURE of a person intending soon to remove out the Province, among which are some very genteel—a beautiful Table set of enamel'd China—Also a large Beam and Scales—For further particulars enquire of the printer hereof. 1—5
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.