New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1778-10-20 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette. OR State JOURNAL and General ADVERTISER.
Vol. I.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1778
No. 25.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 7. Extract of a letter from Gen. Washington to Congress, dated Head quarters, White Plains, Sept. 11, 1778.
"SIR,
I DO myself the honor of transmitting to you a copy of a letter I this minute received from Gen. Sullivan. I congratulate Congress on the repulse of the enemy." Head-Quarters, August 29th, on the North end of Rhode-Island.
"Dear General,
A Retreat to the North-end of the island having been deemed advisable, (from our great diminution of numbers) by the determination of a council of war, held the 28th instant, I last evening gave the necessary orders for, and effected a well-timed and regular retreat, without losing any part of my baggage, stores, or heavy ordnance.—The enemy was apprized of the movement some time in the night—they had, I suppose, concluded that I had retreated in confusion and with precipitation, & no doubt with an expectation of my having crossed part of my army, and that the remainder would become an easy victory. In this belief they advanced in two columns, on the east and west roads, and vigorously attacked Colonels Liviston & Laurens, whose corps were disposed between the two roads in front of the army; they were warmly received by these two gentlemen, whom I reinforced occasionally, to prevent the contests being too unequal, though at the same time they were directed to retreat regularly and at their leisure. They strictly complied with the order, for I scarcely remember any thing of the kind more regular. The enemy were naturally led on to the neighbourhood, they took post on commanding ground in our front, and immediately attempted to turn our right flank. To prevent this, I detached considerable bodies of infantry. Our artillery was well served, did great execution, and contributed not a little to the honor of the day—skirmishing prevailed during the day, and the success of it was determined by a warm action which lasted near an hour.—The enemy were obliged to retire in great disorder, leaving us in full possession of the field of action. Our loss in killed & wounded is not yet ascertained by returns, but is very considerable—among the latter I have the mortification to find many valuable officers, whose names & rank shall be transmitted to your Excellency in my next. The loss of the enemy must be great. Two of the enemy's frigates endeavoured to ensnare our lines, but did us no injury. I shall make it my business to inform your Excellency as soon as possible of such corps & officers who had an opportunity of doing themselves and country honor. I am sorry I cannot at present be more particular. I am, dear General, your Excellency's most obedient & very humble servant, JOHN SULLIVAN. His Excellency General Washington."
Published by order of Congress,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
Letter from the Hon'ble Major General Sullivan to the President of Congress, dated Head-Quarters, Tiverton, Aug. 31, 1778.
"Esteemed Sir,
UPON the Count D'Estaing's finding himself under a necessity of going to Boston to repair the loss he sustained in the late gale of wind, I thought it best to carry on my approaches with as much vigour as possible against Newport, that no time might be lost in making the attack upon the return of his Fleet, or any part of it to co-operate with us.
—I had sent express to the Count to hasten his return, which I had no doubt would at least bring part of his fleet to us in a few days. Our batteries played upon the enemy's works for several days with apparent good success, as the enemy's fire on the outworks visibly grew weaker, and they began to abandon some of those next us; and on the 27th we found they had removed their cannon from all the out-works except one. The town of Newport is defended by two lines—supported by several redoubts connected with the lines.—The first of these lines extends from a large pond called Easton pond, near to Tomminy Hill, and then turns off to the water, on the north of Windmill Hill: this line was defended by five redoubts in front. The second line is more than a quarter of a mile within this, and extends from the sea to the North side of the island, terminating at the north battery: on the south, at the entrance by Easton's Beach, where this line terminates, is a redoubt which commands the pass, and has another redoubt about 20 rods on the north. There are a number of small works interspersed between the lines, which render an attack extremely hazardous on the land side, without a naval force to co-operate with it. I should have attempted carrying the works by storm as soon as I found they had withdrawn their cannon from their out-works, had I not found to my great surprise that the volunteers, which composed great part of my army, had returned, and reduced my numbers to little more than that of the enemy; between 2 and 3000 returned in the course of 24 hours, and others were still going off, upon a supposition that nothing could be done before the return of the Fleet. Under these circumstances, and the apprehension of the arrival of an English Fleet with a reinforcement to relieve the garrison, I sent away all the heavy articles that could be spared from the army, to the main; also a large party was detached to get the works in repair on the north end of the Island, to throw up some additional ones, and put in good repair the batteries at Tiverton, and Bristol, to secure a retreat in case of necessity.
On the 28th a Council was called, in which it was unanimously determined to remove to the north end of the island, fortify our camp, secure our communication with the main and hold our ground on the island till we could know whether the French fleet would soon return to our assistance. On the evening of the 28th we moved with our stores & baggage, which had not been previously sent forward, and about two in the morning encamped on Bull's Hill, with our right extending to the west road, and left to the east road; the flanking and covering parties still further towards the water on right and left; One regiment was posted in a redoubt advanced of the right of the first line; Colonel Henry B. Livingston with a light corps consisting of Col. Jackson's detachment and a detachment from the army, was stationed in the east road; Another light corps under the command of Col. Laurens, Col. Flueri and Major Tolbot, was posted on the west road. These corps were posted near 3 miles in front; in the rear of those was the picket of the army, commanded by Colonel Wade. The enemy having received intelligence of our movement, came out early in the morning with nearly their whole force in two columns, advanced in the two roads, and attacked our light corps; they made a brave resistance, and were supported for some time by the picket. I ordered a regiment to support Col. Livingston, another to Col. Lau-
rens, and at the same time sent them orders to retire to the main army in the best order they could: They kept up a retreating fire upon the enemy, and retired in excellent order to the main army. The enemy advanced on our left very near, but were repulsed by Gen. Glover: Then they retired to Quaker Hill. The Hessian column formed on a chain of hills running northward from Quaker Hill. Our army was drawn up, the first line in front of the works on Bull's Hill, the second in rear of the hill, & the reserve near a creek, and near half a mile in rear of the first line. The distance between those hills is about one mile. The ground between the hills is meadow land, interspersed with trees and small copses of wood.
The enemy began a cannonade upon us about nine in the morning, which was returned with double force. Skirmishing continued between the advance parties until near ten o'clock, when the enemy's two ships of war, and some small armed vessels having gained our right flank and began a fire, the enemy bent their whole force that way, and endeavoured to turn our right under cover of the ship's fire, and to take the advanced redoubt on the right: They were twice driven back with great confusion; but a third trial was made with greater numbers and with more resolution, which, had it not been for the timely aid sent forward would have succeeded. A sharp conflict of near an hour ensued, in which the cannon from both armies placed on the hills, played briskly in support of their own party. The enemy were at length routed, and fled in great confusion to the hill, where they first formed, and where they had artillery and some works to cover them, leaving their dead and wounded in considerable numbers behind them. It was impossible to ascertain the number of dead on the field, as it could not be approached by either party without being exposed to the cannon of the other army. Our party recovered about twenty of their wounded, and took near sixty prisoners according to the best accounts, I have been able to collect; amongst the prisoners is a Lieut. of grenadiers. The number of their dead I have not been able to ascertain, but know them to be very considerable. An officer informs me, that in one place he counted sixty of their dead. Col. Campbell came out the next day to gain permission to view the field of action, to search for his nephew, who was killed by his side, whose body he could not get off, as they were closely pursued. The firing of artillery continued through the day; the musketry with intermission six hours. The heat of the action continued near an hour, which must have ended in the ruin of the British army, had not their redoubts on the hill covered them from further pursuit. We were about to attack them in their lines, but the men's having had no rest the night before, and nothing to eat either that night or the day of the action, & having been in constant action through most of the day, it was not thought advisable, especially as their position was exceedingly strong, and their numbers fully equal, if not superior to ours. Not more than fifteen hundred of our troops have ever been in action before. I should before have taken possession of the hill they occupied and fortified it, but it is no defence against an enemy coming from the south part of the Island, though exceedingly good against an enemy advancing from the north end towards the town, & had been fortified by the enemy for that purpose.
I have the pleasure to inform Congress

that no troops could possibly show more spirit than those of ours which were engaged. Col. Livingston, and all the officers of the light troops, behaved with remarkable spirit: Colonels Laurens, Fleury, and Major Talbot, with the officers of that corps, behaved with great gallantry. The brigades of the first line, Varnum's, Glover's, Cornell's and Green's behaved with great firmness. Major General Green, who commanded in the attack on the right, did himself the highest honour by the judgment & bravery exhibited in the action. One brigade only of the second line was brought into action, commanded by Brig. Gen. Lovell; he, and his brigade of militia, behaved with great resolution. Col. Crane, and the officers of artillery, deserve the highest praise. I enclose Congress a return of the killed, wounded and missing on our side; and beg leave to assure them, that from my own observation, the enemy's loss must be much greater. — Our army retired to camp after the action; the enemy employed themselves in fortifying their camp through the night. In the morning of the 30th I received a letter from his Excellency General Washington, giving me notice that Lord Howe had again sailed with the fleet, and receiving intelligence at the same time that a fleet was off Block Island, and also a letter from Boston informing me that the Count d'Estaing could not come round so soon as I expected, a council was called, and as we could have no prospect of operating against Newport with success, without the assistance of a fleet, it was unanimously agreed to quit the Island until the return of the French Squadron. — To make a retreat in the face of an enemy, equal, if not superior in number, and cross a river without loss, I knew was an arduous task, and seldom accomplished if attempted. As our sentries were within 200 yards of each other, I knew it would require the greatest care and attention. — To cover my design from the enemy, I ordered a number of tents to be brought forward, and pitched in sight of the enemy, and almost the whole army to employ themselves in fortifying the camp. — The heavy baggage and stores were falling back and crossing through the day; at dark the tents were struck, the light baggage and troops passed down, and before 12 o'clock the main army had crossed with the stores & baggage. The Marquis de la Fayette arrived about eleven in the evening from Boston, where he had been by request of the General Officers, to solicit the speedy return of the fleet. — He was sensibly mortified that he was out of action, and that he might not be out of the way in case of action he had rode from hence to Boston in seven hours, & returned in six and a half, the distance near 70 miles: He returned time enough to bring off the pickets and other parties which covered the retreat of the army, which he did in excellent order; not a man was left behind, nor the smallest article lost. I hope my conduct through this expedition may merit the approbation of Congress. Major Morris, one of my aids, will have the honor of delivering this to your Excellency; I must beg leave to recommend him to Congress as an officer who in the last, as well as several other actions, has behaved with great spirit & good conduct, and doubt not Congress will take such notice of him as his long service and spirited conduct deserves. I have the honour to be, dear Sir, with much esteem,
Your Excellency's most obedient and humble servant, JOHN SULLIVAN. P. S. The event has proved how timely my retreat took place, as one hundred sail of the enemy's ships arrived in the harbour in the morning after the retreat. I should do the highest injustice if I neglected to mention that Brigadier Cornell's indefatigable industry in preparing for the expedition, and his good conduct through the whole, merits particular notice. Major Talbot, who assisted in preparing the boats, afterwards served in Col. Laurens's corps, deserves praise.
JOHN SULLIVAN. A RETURN of the killed, wounded and
missing of the army under the command of the Honorable Major Gen. Sullivan, in the action of 29th of August 1778.
KILLED : 4 Subalterns 3 Serjeants, 23 rank & file. WOUNDED : 2 Lieutenant Colonels, 1 Captain, 8 Subalterns, 13 Serjeants, 113 rank and file. MISSING : 2 Serjeants, 42 rank and file, Total; 211.
Published by order of Congress, CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'y.
From the Cork Evening Post of July 27, sent us by our Salem Correspondent, we have selected the following Foreign Intelligence.
Hanover, July 3.
W e have accounts from Petersburg, that upon the reception of some important dispatches from the King of Great-Britain, the Empress of Russia had ordered her Fleet to be equipped and put to sea, as she meant to take part with England.
Hamburg, July 7. The augmentation in the Hanoverian troops have been very rapidly, only volunteers are enlisted. It is universally believed, that the Hanoverians will be employed in Germany, and more so as a train of 70 pieces of large cannon is preparing at Hanover, which is most probably not destined for America.
Paris, July 6. On the 4th inst. at 5 o'clock in the evening, the Dutchess of Chartres received a courier from the Duke, her husband, that on the third in the afternoon the fleet from Brest sailed; and as the letters from London mention that Admiral Keppel was to sail soon after his return to Portsmouth, we expect daily to hear of a sea fight.
Utrecht, July 13. Our accounts from Paris say positively, that two couriers are arrived at Paris to the Count d'Aradne, with the ratification of the treaty of commerce with the Americans. These letters add, that the Marshal de Breglio was to go to Bayeux the 15th of this month, which place is the head-quarters of his army; and in short that 42 battalions of French were to march to Lunders. This last particular furnishes matter for various conjectures.
Paris, July 8. A report prevails, that the orders for sailing of the Brest squadron were not dispatched till after the ministry were informed of Admiral Keppel's fleet having taken the Pallas and Licorne frigates. The King of England hath not disavowed, in the manner we expected, the attack made on the Belle Poule by the Arethusa.
LONDON, July 17 and 18.
Stocks fell one and half per cent, yesterday in consequence of the rumours of approaching war.
The French Cabinet is said to have judged it prudent to wait the arrival of intelligence from Count d'Estaing before they determine how to act with Great Britain, for the late national insult off Brest.
Numbers of Arethusa's men are said to be incurable, owing to the rascal implements fired from the Belle Poule, in the late engagement off Brest. Such inhumanity should teach our commanders to fight them with their own weapons, and sanctifies the law of retaliation.
July 18. A gentleman just arrived from Hanover, on whose veracity we can depend assures us that a very warm press for soldiers had taken place there by an order from the King of Great Britain, and that no less than a thousand had been forced into the service the week before his departure; young men being dragged off their horses in the public ways, and even seized in the several churches at the time of worship; but that nothing more than conjectures could be formed on the real motives for so doing.
RICHARD CHAMPNEY
Informs his Customers and others, that he has remov'd to the Corner of Buck Street, in Court-street, opposite to the Post-Office, where he has to sell by Retail, the following Articles viz
RAISINS , excellent BOHEA TEA , — choice West-India RUM , a few Dozen of excellent London PORTER , Nutmegs, Cinnamon, All-spice,
Ginger, — 20d, 10d, and 4d Nails, Shoe-Nails, Hart and Club German-Steel by the Bar, Tap-Forers, Augers, yard-wide and seven-eight Irish Linens, yard-wide and seven-eight Manchester Check, Downfalls, Ozn Brigs, Ravens Deck, Seaman's Felt Hats, M d Caps and Gloves, striped Woollen Caps, Cirres Velvet, Naikens, Bays, Buckram, sewing Silks of all Colours, Silk-Knee Straps, Stockings, Crewels, Ink-Powder, good Writing Paper, Paste Board, London No. 4 Pins and Needles, Whalebone a Quantity of sewing Twine, Lynn Shees, pink and white Lace, Men's very neat white Lamb Gloves.
Notice is hereby given, to the
Proprietors of Gilmantown, that their Proprietors Meeting of the 25th day of June last past, stands adjourned to the last Tuesday of October instant. Joseph Badger, Proprietors Clerk. Gilmantown, October 13th, 1778.
PORTSMOUTH, October 13. 1778. Friday last was sent into a safe port at the Eastward, by the privateer ship Mifflin, of this port, command by Capt. Daniel Mc Neil, a prize brigantine with bread & flour. Capt. Mc Neil in the course of his cruise has taken eleven prizes, five of which he burnt, four he sent to France, and two he ordered to this port. In one of which he took several English Papers which he sent his owners, from them we have collected the following intelligence, viz.
From the LONDON GAZETTE of August 1.
At the Court at St. James's, July 29, 1778.
PRESENT,
The KING'S Most Excellent Majesty in Council.
W Hereas many injuries and acts of hostility have been committed, and many unjust seizures made, by the French King and his subjects, unto & upon the ships and goods of his Majesty's subjects, contrary to the faith of treaties; and whereas his Majesty has lately received advice, that such acts of hostility are now publicly encouraged and authorised by the French King's orders: his Majesty has taken into consideration these injurious proceedings of the French court; and his Majesty being determined to take such measures as are necessary for vindicating the honour of his crown, and for procuring reparation and satisfaction for his injured subjects, is pleased, by and with the advice of his Privy Council, to order, and it is hereby ordered, that general reprisals be granted against the ships, goods, and subjects of the French King, so that as well his Majesty's fleet and ships, as also all other ships and vessels that shall be commissioned by letters of marque or general reprisals, or otherwise by his Majesty's Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, shall and may lawfully seize all ships, vessels, and goods belonging to the French King or his subjects, or others inhabiting with in any the territories of the French King, and bring the same to judgment in any of the Courts of Admiralty within his Majesty's dominions; and to that end his Majesty's Advocate General, with the Advocate of the Admiralty, are forthwith to prepare the draught of a commission, and present the same to his Majesty at this Board, authorizing the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral, or any persons by them empowered and appointed, to issue forth and grant letters of marque and reprisal to any of his Majesty's subjects, or others whom the said Commissioners shall deem fitly qualified in that behalf, for the apprehending, seizing, and taking the ships, vessels, and goods belonging to the French King, and the vassals and subjects of the French King, or any inhabiting within his countries, territories, or dominions; and that such powers and clauses be inserted in the

commission as have been usual, and are according to former precedents: and his Majesty's said Advocate-General, with the Advocate of the Admiralty, are also forthwith to prepare the draught of a commission, and present the same to his Majesty at this Board, authorizing the said Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral, to will and require the High Court of Admiralty of Great Britain, and the Lieutenant and Judge of the said Court, his Surrogate or Surrogates, as also the several Courts of Admiralty within his Majesty's dominions, to take cognizance of, and judicially proceed upon, all and all manner of captures, seizures, prizes, and reprisals of all ships and goods that are or shall be taken, and to hear and determine the same; and according to the course of Admiralty, and the laws of nations, to adjudge and condemn all such ships, vessels and goods as shall belong to the French King, or to the vassals and subjects of the French King, or to any other inhabiting within any of his countries, territories, and dominions; and that such powers and clauses be inserted in the said commission as have been usual, and are according to former precedents: and they are likewise to prepare, and lay before his Majesty at this Board, a draught of such instructions as may be proper to be sent to the Courts of Admiralty in his Majesty's foreign governments and plantations, for their guidance herein; as also another draught of instructions for such ships as shall be commissioned for the purposes aforementioned.
From the LONDON GAZETTE EXTRA-ORDINARY.
Admiralty office Aug. 2, 1778.
CAPTAIN Faulkner, of his Majesty's ship the Victory, arrived at this office yesterday in the afternoon, with a letter from the Hon. Augustus Keppel, Admiral of the blue, and commander in chief of his Majesty's ships employed to the westward, to Mr. Stephens, of which the following is a copy: Victory, at sea, July 30, 1778.
SIR,
MY letters of the 23d and 24th inst. by the Peggy and Union Cutters, acquainted you, for their Lordships information, that I was in pursuit, with the Kings fleet under my command, of a numerous fleet of French ships of war.
From that time till the 27th, the winds constantly in the S. W. & N. W. Quarters, sometimes blowing strong, and the French fleet always to windward going off, I made use of every method to close in with them that was possible, keeping the King's ships at the same time collected as much as the nature of a pursuit would admit of, and which became necessary from the cautious manner the French proceeded in, and the disinclination that appeared in them to allow of my bringing the King's ships close up to a regular engagement. This left but but little other chance of getting in with them, then by seizing the opportunity that offered the morning of the 27th by the winds admitting of the Van of the King's fleet under my command, leading up with, and closing with their centres and rear.
The French began firing upon the headmost of Vice Admiral Sir Robert Harland's division, and the ships with him, as they led up; which cannonade the leading Ships and the Vice Admiral soon returned, as did every ship as they could close up: — The chase had occasioned their being extended, nevertheless they were all soon in battle.
The fleets being upon different tacks, passed each other very close: The object of the French seemed to be the disabling the King's ships in their masts and sails, in which they so far succeeded as to prevent many of the ships of my Fleet being able to follow me when I wore to stand after the French fleet; this obliged me to wear again, to join those
ships, & thereby allowed of the French forming their fleet again, and ranging it in a line to leeward of the King's fleet towards the close of the day, which I did not discourage but allowed of their doing it without firing upon them, thinking they meant handsomely to try their force with us the next morning; but they had been so beaten in the day, that they took the advantage of the night to go off.
The wind and weather being such that they could reach their own shores before there was any chance of the King's fleet getting up with them in the state the ships were in, in their masts, yards, and sails, left me no choice of what was proper & advisable to do.
The spirited conduct of Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Harland, Vice-Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser, and the captains of the fleet, supported by their officers and men, deserves much commendation.
I send Captain Faulkner, captain of the Victory, with this account to their Lordships, and am Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, A. KEPPEL.
Philip Stephens, Esq; Sec'y of the Admiralty.
PHILADELPHIA, October 1.
We learn from New-York, that Ld Howe resigned the command of the British fleet to Admiral Gambier, on Tuesday last, and that all the enemy's out guards were ordered with in their lines. Every movement promises a speedy evacuation of that city.
Sept. 29. By a vessel just arrived, in 13 days from Martinico, we are informed, That the forces of His Most Christian Majesty, had, on the 7th inst. taken the island of Dominica; & that a well appointed body of 4000 troops properly accommodated, was dispatched against the island of Jamaica, who, in all probability have, before this time, accomplished the business on which they were sent. A confirmation of this intelligence, shall, with pleasure, be communicated to the public, immediately upon receiving it.
POUGHKEEPSIE, Octo. 5.
—Last Saturday we were informed, by a gentleman from Fish Kill, that he had seen some officers who had been prisoners at New York, from whence they were just come up, who reported, that Gen. Sir Henry Clinton had lately issued a proclamation, giving notice to the inhabitants, to meet on the eighth inst. in order to consult and determine, who of them intended to remain in the city, and who to go with the King's troops; to inform them that there would be vessels provided for the accommodation of all that chose to go with the Fleet to the West Indies, & that the 14th instant was the day appointed for the sailing of the fleet, nine regiments of the troops being then embarked.
BOSTON, October 15,
Since our last several valuable Prizes loaded with Rum, Sugar, Molasses, Cotton, Ginger, Flour, Oats, &c. have arrived at safe Ports.
In addition to the intelligence from the Southward, respecting the taking of Dominica, by the forces of his Most Christian Majesty, we can assure the public, Count d'Estaing has received such information, that renders it beyond a doubt, that that island is in the hands of the French.
Last Sunday a prize Schooner laden with rum, sugar, &c. was cast away on Ipswich Beach, and 5 of the hands perished.
Yesterday afternoon arrived here, a cartel from Halifax, with 400 unfortunate American prisoners, who have been long starving in gaols, and on board guard ships.
Our latest Accounts from France are, That on the 16th and 17th of August last, Admiral Fabius, commanding seven Sail of Ships of the Line, and ten Frigates and Xebecs, upon the Cruise in the Mediterranean, had taken Prizes to the Amount of Eleven Millions of Livres; and that the King of France, had taken from the Friars, Twenty Millions of Livres, for the Benefit of the Poor.
RELHAN Meeting stands adjourn'd to the last Thursday in this Month, at Tilton's Tavern in Portsmouth.
PORTSMOUTH, Octob. 19,
Thursday the 15th instant, arrived here from France, the Frigates Providence and Boston, and the Ship of War Ranger, commanded by the Captains Whipple, Tucker and Sampson; they left Brest the 20th of August, from which Port the French Fleet consisting of a large number of Ships of the Line, Frigates, Bomb Ketches, Fire-Ships, &c. had sailed a day or two before in Quest of the British Fleet; the French confidently assert, that their present Naval Armament, under command of the Count D'Orvilliers, when joined with the Reinforcements, which they expect from Toulon, Rochfort, &c. will be superior to any Power the English can bring to oppose them, and bid Defiance to the whole Force of Great Britain, acting by Sea.
The Lively, an English Frigate has been carried into the Port of Brest, as also the Alert Cutter who made capture of the Lexington, Capt. Johnson, with several other Cutters and Merchantmen, all which have been condemned.
In the homeward bound Passage the Ships have made three Prizes in Company. The Ranger since her leaving this Port has captured two Brigs laden with Fruit, from Malaga, bound for London, and in St. George's Channel one Brig laden with Flax seed, which they sunk; near Dublin took a Ship from London bound for Dublin, 300 Tons burthen, laden with Porter, Cotton, Iron, Hemp, Baggage, &c. took a Sloop and Schooner & sunk them; off Castlefrigus the Drake Sloop of War came on to take the Ranger, an obstinate Engagement ensued which lasted 65 Minutes, when the Drake struck, having lost her Captain, and several other Officers; next Day took a Brig from Whitehaven, which with the Drake and Merchant Ship before mentioned, were carried safe into Brest, with 180 Prisoners.
This Morning arrived the General Sullivan Privateer from a Cruise, having sent one Prize into Port, and taken another, which is hourly expected.
Since our last a valuable Prize, taken by the General Mifflin Privateer, arrived at a safe Port.
EXETER, Oct. 20, 1778.
By the Rhode Island Post we are informed, That ten Regiments, & all the British Light Horse, were embarked on board Transports, and proceeding through Hell Gate down the Sound.
We also hear, That the Commissioners for making Peace with America, have sent a Packet to Governor Trumbull, and all the Sheriffs and Justices of D. D. throughout that State. Contents not yet made publick.
§ Effingham. §
State of New Hampshire.
APPLICATION having been made to us the subscribers to call a meeting of the proprietors of Effingham (formerly called Leavitt's Town) to meet at the house of John Leavitt, Esq; innholder, in North Hampton, on the second Tuesday of November next at 12 o'clock at noon, for the following purposes, viz. 1. To chuse a moderator. 2. To examine the accounts of the former collectors and treasurers of former taxes, or chuse a committee for that purpose. — 3. To chuse any officers or committees that may be thought necessary for said proprietors. 4. To see if the proprietors will build a meeting house in said town, or how much they will give the inhabitants towards building said house. 5. To see what they will do towards settling a minister, and supporting him 6. To take into consideration whether the school lot in the first and second division can and shall be appropriated to the use of the first settled minister in said town — These are therefore to notify the proprietors to meet at time and place for said purpose.
John Leavitt, North Hampton, Thomas Parsons, Sept 3, 1778. Samuel Lane, } Committee.
To all whom it may concern,
NOTICE is hereby given, That LIBELS are filed before me, against the following Vessels, their Cargoes and Appurtenances, viz In behalf of Thomas Dalling, commander of the private armed ship GENERAL SULLIVAN, and all concerned therein, against the Brigantine Galedonia, of the burthen of seventy tons, Robert Brown late master. — And in behalf of Daniel Mc Neal, commander of the private armed ship GENERAL MIFFLING, and all concerned therein, against the brigantine Sampson, about one hundred and sixty tons burthen, Joseph Millar late master; which vessels and their cargoes, to libelled are said to have been taken, and brought into the port of Piscataqua, in the State aforesaid: And for the trial of the justice of said captures, a Maritime Court for said State will be held at the Court House in Portsmouth, on Wednesday the 4th day of November next, when and where the owners of said captures, or any persons concerned therein, may appear, and shew cause (if any they have) why the same should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT, Judge of said Court. Portsmouth, October 14, 1778.
Publick Auction.
ON Thursday the 5th Day of November next, will be SOLD on the Wharfe of Capt. William Pearne, the Prize Brigantine CALEDONIA, and her Cargo, consisting of One Hundred and Twenty five Hogheads of Grenada SUGARS, — Fifty Hogheads of Grenada RUM. — Twenty five Bags of COTTON. — And three Hogheads of TOBACCO. — Sale to begin precisely at 10 o'Clock at Noon. — Inventory of the Brig's Stores, &c. to be seen at the Place and Time of Sale.
Portsmouth, Octob. GEO. WENTWORTH } Agents. 19. 1778. NATH. FOLSOM }

State of New-Hampshire.  THE Non resident Owners of Lands in Canada, whose Taxes for the present Year 1778. Remain unpaid, are hereby required to pay the same to the Subscriber, or to the Collector for said Town (agreeable to the following list with Charges) within Eight Weeks from this Date.—In Case of failure so much of their Lands will be notified for Sale as will pay the same.
   Third Division   Names No. £. s. d. q.    Jeremiah Sanborn 3 0 15 6 0  Rev. Moses Hale 12 2 13 0 0  Samuel Prescott 27 2 2 0 2  Henry Works 23 2 2 0 2  Rev. Thomas Simes 26 1 1 0 0  Samuel Shurburne 30 1 1 0 0  John Prescott 31 1 11 7 0  Thomas Westbrook 42 3 3 7 0  Joseph Young 48 2 2 0 2  James Fogg 50 1 11 7 0  Col. Mark Hunking 53 1 3 9 1  Nathaniel Sanborn 55 0 10 7 0  Samuel Shackford 74 1 3 9 1  William Daniels 75 1 11 7 0  Col. Peter Weare 76 1 11 7 0  Samuel Penhallow 93 2 13 0 0  Richard Hastleton 102 0 15 6 1  Moses Blake 77 0 15 6 1  Edward Sanborn 106 0 10 7 0  Samuel Shaw 107 0 10 7 0  Stephen Swett 108 0 10 7 0  Clement Hughs 110 0 10 7 0  Col. Shadrick Walton 111 0 10 7 0  Col. Richard Kent 112 1 1 0 0  Cutts and Akerman 113 1 3 10 0  Benjamin Smith 114 1 6 6 0  Michael Whidden 125 1 1 0 0  Jacob Bassford 118 0 10 7 0  John Sanborn 120 0 10 7 0  122 0 10 7 0  123 0 10 7 0  
Second part of the second Division.
   Names No. £. s. d. q.    Richard Wibird 32 2 9 9 1  Samuel Sherburne 45 1 19 8 2  Thomas Dean 46 1 9 10 3  Samuel Penhallow 122 4 6 1 2  Eleazer Russel 133 3 3 0 1  Edward Sanborn 28 0 19 10 1  Stephen Webster 27 0 19 10 1  Rev'd Thomas Sims 29 0 19 10 1  
JOHN TAYLOR GILMAN, Receiver of Non-Residents Taxes. Exeter, October 8th, 1778. 34—36
Notice is hereby given, That a Petition has been preferred to the General Court of said State, by Thomas Chadbourne, Esq; and others, in behalf of the Inhabitants of the Town of Conway; setting forth, That in the Year 1777, the Selectmen of said Conway were directed to make a Valuation of the Estates in Conway, and of those unincorporated Places which were nearer to said Conway, than to any other incorporated Town, and to assess them accordingly:—That the said Selectmen inadvertently omitted taking in any of those Places as directed, and only made the Valuation of and Assessment upon the Town of Conway; which they are since convinced was too large for that Town; but was nevertheless collected and paid. And praying, that in future they may be directed as in the Year 1777, to take in such unincorporated Places, and join them in their Assessment with said Conway. Upon considering of which Petition the said Court ordered that the Petitioners be heard thereon, the first Tuesday of the next Session of said Court, when any Persons concerned, may appear and shew Cause, if any they have, why said Prayers should not be granted. Attest. Ebenezer Thompson, Sec'y. August 21st, 1778.
All Persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the Estate of Dr. Thomas Peabody, late of Brimfield, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts for speedy settlement to Elizabeth Peabody, Administratrix.
To all whom it may concern, NOTICE is hereby given, That a Libel is filed before me, against the ship Desire, her Cargo and Appurtenances, about 60 Tons burthen, Joseph Atkins late Master, which Vessel is said to have been seized and captured on the high Seas and within 30 Leagues of the American Shore, by one Thomas Shucker, and others in an open Boat, and is now brought into the Harbour of Piscataqua by said Shucker and others: For the Trial of the Justice of said Capture, a Maritime Court for said State will be held at Portsmouth on Monday the 26th day of October instant, at which Time and Place, any Persons concerned, may appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the said Stoop, &c. should not be condemned. JOSHUA BRACKETT, Judge of said Court. Portsmouth, October 24th, 1778.
Portsmouth, October 12, 1778.  WHEREAS I John Salter have lately sold Brown Sugar to sundry Persons, I now desire all Persons in Town and Country, that have bought of me at more than Six Shillings, to apply to me, and I will return the Money over and above Six Shillings per Pound. JOHN SALTER.
The Schooner toed in by the Fortune's Prize, and which was to have been sold the sixth instant, will be sold at the North End at 12 o'clock at Robert Parker's Wharf on Tuesday next, Portsmouth, Octo 13 ROBERT PARKER, Agt.
|| Millsfield. ||  State of New Hampshire.  WHEREAS Application hath been made to me the Subscriber, by the owners of more than one sixth part of the Township of Millsfield, in the county of Grafton that a Meeting might be called as soon as may be,—There are there to notify all the proprietors of said Township, that they meet at the House of David Ropes, innholder in Salem, on the 4th Day of November next, at three of the clock Afternoon, to chuse 1. A Moderator. 2. To chuse a Clerk. 3. To act upon any other matters that the proprietors shall think fit for the settlement and interest of said Township. H. WENTWORTH, Ju. Peace. Portsmouth, October 12, 1778.
To be sold by Joseph Simes, At his House near the Market, WINDOW-GLASS, 8 by 10. 7 by 9. 6 by 8, 7 by 5.—Paper Hangings.—Putty—Linseed OYL—Painters Colours and Brushes.— GOLD and SILVER LEAF, &c. Sept. 26, 1778.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or that have any demands against the Estate of Deacon Sam. Hart late of Portsmouth Esq; Deceased are desired to lettle the same Immediately with GEORGE HART Administrator. Portsmouth, October 3, 1778
Twenty Dollars Reward.  STOLEN out of my shop on the night of the 23d of Sept. last, one new pocket pistol silver mounted, mark'd name Parkes, on the side plate mark'd P. D. the hammer spring broke, the barrel unscrews, and upon the cap a Rampart Lyon upon a piece of Fortification.—Also, about three dozen English Cuttos knives something rusty,—one pair round stone buttons, red boil, new eyes and chains,—one round diamond cut women's silver buckle newly mended in 2 places, mark'd L. P.—one pair silver buttons mark'd D. S. on the upper side— one pair scotch pebble buttons, new eyes and chains,— one cypher'd stone bay hook — one child's cypher'd stone button—one gold ring with a cypher'd stone:—sundry silver thimbles, elms with steel tops.—and sundry other articles of the goldsmith's business.—Any person that will give information of any of the above articles, so that the thief or thieves may be convicted, shall be entitled to the above Reward. Portsmouth, Octob 3d 1778. SAMUEL DROWNE.
SAMUEL BOWLES INFORMS THE PUBLIC, that he has to sell at his Shop just below the State House, in Portsmouth, THE best of REDWOOD, French and Carolina INDIGO, by Wholesale or Retail,—Logwood, Allum, Capers, Brimstone, Pepper, Spice, Currants, Coffee, TEA, SALT,—And many other Articles, which he will sell at cheap as any one in the State.
This Day Will be sold at Public VENDUE, at Mrs. Tilton's in Portsmouth, at Ten o'Clock, A. M. BETWEEN 50 and 60 choice White Pine Masts, Yards and Bowsprits; the Masts from 24 to 30 Inches: the Yards from 20 Inches upwards; the Bowsprits from 26 to 30 Inches.—They were procured formerly for the Use of the British Navy, and will suit new very well for the French Market. Conditions of sale to be made known at the time of sale.  JOHN BLUNT, GEORGE GAINS, } Committee.
Ten Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from Daniel Tilton of Exeter, on Thursday last, a Negro Servant named Cato, 19 Years old, about five Feet, 3 or
9 Inches high, and slim, speaks tolerably plain, had on when he went away, an old Felt Hat, check Linnen Shirt, a pair of coarse Dup'd Tow and Linnen Trowsers, a red half thick Wool coat, and a blue outside jacket very ragged; without either Shoe or Stocking. Whoever will take up said Negro, and convey him to me the Subscriber, shall have the above Reward, and all necessary charges paid. DANIEL TILTON. Exeter, October 6th, 1778.
Whereas Naomi, wife of me the Subscriber has eloped from me, and strolls about from house to house. Tis to caution all persons against trusting her on my account, as I am determined to pay no debt of her contracting from the date hereof. JOHN ROBE. Chester, October 5th, 1778.
TO BE SOLD BY  David Griffith, at his Shop in Exeter, REDWOOD of the best quality, Allum, Capers, Brimstone, Indigo, Salt, Cinnamon, Green Tea, Cloves, Nutmegs, Allspice, Omeal, Pepper, Ginger, best English cake Soap, for shaving, Ba-Lead, Lamp Oil, Lamp Black, with many other Articles. N. B. The Goldsmiths and Jewellers Business carried on as usual.
Strayed or stolen from Major COFFIN's pasture in Exeter; A dark brown Horse, about 14 hands high, trots & paces, five years old, has a star in his forehead.—Whoever will take up said Horse shall be handsomely rewarded, and all necessary charges paid, by me Jeremiah Caffe. Exeter, Octo. 2d, 1778.
All Persons indebted to, or that have any demands against the estate of Sam'l Haines, late of Greenland, Husbandman, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to Nathaniel Haines, Administrator to said Estate, in order for a speedy settlement. North Hampton, October 2d, 1778.
Scheme of a Lottery
GRANTED by the Council and House of Representatives of this State, February 1778, for raising Six Hundred Pounds, in order to compleat a Bridge from New Castle to the Main, wherein Sam. Cutts, John Parker and Henry Prescott, Esqrs; Mr. George Frost & Capt. John Blunt, or any three of them are appointed Managers, & who are sworn to the faithful Performance of the Trust.
The Lottery consists of 2600 Tickets, at Four Dollars per Ticket, 868 of which are Prizes of the following Value. viz.
  1 of 500 is 500  1 of 150 is 150  2 of 100 is 200  2 of 50 is 100  10 of 20 is 200  20 of 10 is 200  832 of 8 is 6656  
8006 868 Benefit Tickets, which makes less than two Blanks to a Prize. The Utility of this Bridge to the Town of New-Castle, and the adjacent Towns, is too evident, to need any Recommendation here. 'tis therefore presumed that all Persons will encourage and promote it by purchasing Tickets as soon as may be, which may be had of the Respective Managers—Notice will soon be given of the Time of drawing, and as soon as drawn, a List of the Prizes will be published in the Freeman's Journal or New-Hampshire Gazette. Benefit Tickets will be paid off in Twenty Days after drawing by the Managers, who signed them; Prizes not demanded within Six Months from the Time of drawing, are not to be demanded afterwards, but deemed as generously given the Use to, of the design, and applied accordingly. Tickets to be had at Capt. Eliphalet Giddings, in Exeter.
EXETER: Printed by Z. FOWLE, 1778.