New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-09-03 00:00:00

New - Hampshire Gazette State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, September 3, 1781.
[ No. 1296. ]
PORTSMOUTH, September 3.
Mr. PRINTERR,
Your inserting the following narrative of facts of British cruelty, in your useful paper, will, I trust oblige many of your Correspondents, and evince the unthinking part of the Continent the many falsehoods and enormities those boasted Sons of Britain are guilty of;—at the same time it will give Satisfaction to many of my long suffering brethren, and oblige your humble Servant,
A SOUTH CAROLINIAN.
Facts are Stubborn Things
HAVING just arrived in this town, from a most cruel captivity, in Charlestown South Carolina, I trust it will not be unacceptable to the public, to make known to the world, the many cruelties and enormities that have been, and are now put in practice on our suffering brethren in South Carolina—I trust, the publication of the following facts, will, at least, have the good effect, that it will contribute to evince to the world the oppressions and wanton cruelty of the British in Charlestown, which neither motives of policy, nor the most solemn compacts restrain. The many deliberate acts of cruelty, as well as of wanton barbarity, by the British, in direct violation of the most solemn articles of capitulation, must convince all America, how little is to be expected, from the generosity or justice of those who have been guilty of such cruel conduct; therefore, it is certainly the most salutary method that we can pursue to inflexibly persevere, in spite of every hazard, and sufferings; to expel them from the Continent, and thereby escape such cruelties as the following narration of truths will convince to you.
I was a citizen of Charlestown South Carolina, (when Sir Henry Clinton landed on John's Island, in order to invest Charlestown) as such I remained there to defend (with my countrymen) our Country and Property, against the ravages of a cruel enemy, which we defended to the last extremity, when dire necessity (thro' the want of provisions) obliged us to capitulate, having endured a close investiture 42 days, & a siege of three months—The terms of our capitulation were honourable to us had the British NERO not have violated them—as a citizen I was to be secured in my person and property (how long they observed the solemn compact, you may judge from the following facts) immediately after the surrender of the town, they took possession of my house, of which they have ever since held in possession, which I was obliged to rent another for my family to reside in;—most of my fellow sufferers shar'd the same fate.—The British NERO, commandant of the garrison next issued a Mandate, forbidding any prisoners of War to follow any mercantile business;—many of us who had been bred to that business, and had follow'd it for several years, were thereby deprived of a means to support ourselves and families.
His next mandate was forbidding any prisoners of war, to dispose of any part of his property (which by the articles of capitulation were secured to him) without his consent, this to be done by memorial to him, and couch'd in terms, that it was to discharge debts due to loyal subjects; in any other case than that, he would not give liberty for the disposal, so that when dire necessity and want star'd us in the face, many of us have been compel'd to give a piece of plate into the hands of a friend (who was a British subject) to dispose of privately for our relief, as the vendue master and all other loyal subjects, were forbid either to sell for us, or to purchase of us; no rations were allow'd, of which as prisoners of war, we were fully entitled to; application has been repeatedly made, for rations, by some of my suffering brethren, but to no purpose; they
have been insulted, and inform'd, that if they want rations, they might have them on board a prison ship.—
On the 17th Dec. 1780, one of my brother sufferers, was sent for by the town major, who inform'd him, he had a letter to read to him, and requested he would hear it read, the contents of which was, that he had wrote a letter to his brother in law in Beaufort, informing him of the total defeat of the British major Henry's, and his party, himself taken and wounded, that General Leslie had landed in Virginia, but had met with so genteel a rebuff he was oblig'd to retreat, (this was wrote at the request of his brother in law, who was a British subject) in consequence of which letter, the writer observ'd, that place was in the utmost confusion; the town major thus observ'd to him, Sir, do you recollect any circumstance of this letter? he reply'd, Sir, I never was asham'd of any transaction of my life, neither wou'd I deny any matter I ever wrote (I have as strict a sense of honor as any man) and do not conceive I have any way violated my parole; I did write a letter to my brother in law, at his own request; he was a British subject, therefore corresponding with him, could not be consider'd as a breach of my parole, as I was bound not to correspond with his majesty's enemies, for surely you cannot conceive a loyal British subject to be his enemy—Notwithstanding this, he was drag'd into a most cruel dungeon, and not even suffer'd to stop (under a guard) at his own door as he past, to inform his distressed family of his fate; here he met some of his brother sufferers, who had been drag'd in here, for pretended crimes, they could not even tell themselves; in which place, were indiscriminately confin'd among them British deserters, fellows under sentence of death, loaded with chains, negroes, and every species of villainy, who hourly insulted them, with the epithet of damn'd rebels, and with the most abusive language: This horrid dungeon, a description of which will not be amiss; I here describe, it is under ground, that when a shower of rain falls, it immediately penetrates into this horrid recess, so that they were obliged to bail it out with buckets; the dampness of this place, together with the horrid stench therein, bro't on most violent disorders, none while there was the small pox, yellow fever, camp fever, and itch, raging in this hellish dungeon:—Form but an idea, my countrymen to yourselves, what must have been the feelings of our brother sufferers there confin'd, who had been bred up in ease and affluence, & had enjoy'd the sweets of liberty from their infancy, to be distressed in the silent hours of the night, with the rattling of chains, and clinking of irons on those wretches who were doom'd to death, to hear the most execrable oaths, & the yelling of those in their cups, with the melancholy spent voices of some of our poor fellow sufferers, who were labouring under cruel disorders, crying out to the supreme Being, to relieve them from their distresses, is shocking to relate, but horrible to behold; scarcely a citizen of Charlestown, that was there confin'd, but what was so, by information of those who had applied to the British for protection, and who had formerly been our neighbours and friends, and whose studied malice, was to persecute us, into the same labyrinth with themselves (but thank God) a determin'd perseverance, has at last extricated us from the most cruel persecutions & brought us amongst our friends, & asserters of our just cause, though strip'd of our fortunes and estates, and seperated from our families, we are happy under these trials (that we now enjoy our birthright Liberty) to lend an assisting hand, to extricate those pervaders of our just rights, that the supreme Being has
blest us with, and what our fore-fathers carefully handed down to us (from the continent) Now is the time, be steady and persevere, push forward, with a determin'd resolution, and I am convinc'd, a few months more will reinstate us (under the blessing of divine providence) in the full possession of our just rights, when every man may sit down under his own vine and fig-tree, with his pleasing offspring, in peace; who is there, that would not undergo a few trials and hardships, to gain that desirable end; be assured the British tyrants are heartily sick of their contest, and have given up the thoughts of conquest and subjugation, their only motive now is plunder and rapine, regardless of their Masters interest (Soldiers loose their bravery, when once they give themselves up to plunder & rapine) so that now is our time to extricate them from among us, rest assur'd that their resources of men and money are at an end, (this I had from some of themselves, therefore persevere to the end, is the advice of one, who has suffer'd for his Country's cause, every species of cruelty—as a further proof of their cruelty I insert another remarkable instance, while my brother sufferers was confin'd in their dungeon at Charlestown;—two sailors that were there confin'd, went under the guard of a Hessian soldier to fetch water for the use of the people there confin'd; while they were out, one of the sailors, by the alertness of his heels made his escape, on which account, the officer of the guard would not suffer a drop of water to be admitted into the dungeon, during his guard, which was twenty four hours; many poor wretches, who were obliged to live on their salt rations during that period, were almost spent with thirst; and during the course of the night, he heard many of them crying out, thro' the grates, to people passing by, for GOD's sake to give them a drop of water, but could not procure it: Several of them offered a Gold half Johannes, for half a pint of water, but in vain. This is the mild British government, (that these advocates for that government, among us) would fain persuade the ignorant, is the most humane & well regulated in the known World, (as a specimen, let 'em take the above mentioned facts) as facts, I boldly insert them, as facts I publish them to the World, and defy a contradiction (as many of the above cruelties were inflicted on myself) —Therefore, my countrymen, be steady, and persevere, for rely, you may never expect lenity, nor even common humanity, at their hands, and rather fall nobly fighting, for your country, than accept of any terms from them, for rest assured, (by the total violation of the solemn articles of capitulation at Charlestown) that no compacts are consider'd as binding with 'em;—Honour—Honesty—and Humanity—they have altogether banish'd from them, for their tender Mercies are cruelty.
A SOUTH CAROLINIAN.
ANNAPOLIS, August 2.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman with the Marquis de la Fayette, July 26. 1781.
“YOU will have no doubt received from Congress copies of ministerial letters to Sir Henry Clinton. At present the plan is deranged, but its continuing so, will in a great measure rest with us. England was so far gone in the conquest of America, as to announce to the different courts in Europe, that the four southern States were wholly in their possession, and at perfect peace with the mother country. This, it is probable, assisted in putting an end to the so much talked of negotiation.
“I dare say, however, that Czarina & the emperor will bring it on again; but, by the bye, this said emperor has the best appoint-

ment and largest army in Europe, and may be desirous to recover certain tracts of land that were once in his family. Should this kindle a war with France, it may not be auspicious to us. But let us think, that her policy will manage this matter so as to keep the emperor quiet till our business is done. In this case, or in any case, we shall have the negotiation reward; and should we be successful in this campaign, I do not despair of peace in 1782; but one is afraid to decide upon a point of this nature, who has seen the most likely things turn out contrary to the best calculations. Spain is once more employed against Gibraltar, and not a little angry with France for not preventing its relief. The affairs of England in the East Indies are really tumbling into ruin, as mentioned in our papers. Holland moves slowly, but my principal fear from England is, lest the emperor should enter the lists as a disputant, instead of a negotiator.
"The movements against New York are in our favour: but will we improve them? Will we fill up our army and expel, or, if this cannot be accomplished, confine the enemy to mere posts?"
"Lord Cornwallis is at Portsmouth, with his main body; an advanced party is at Suffolk, & another at Smithfield. About 1000 have embarked for New York, said to be under Gen. Leslie: The fleet [49] lay in Hampton road; we are pretty certain of two Battalions of light infantry under Col. Abercrombie, and the queen's rangers, being ordered, and that the guards, and perhaps one or two British regiments, may go on the same duty. They announce Chesapeake and Patowmack, but New York appears the present object."
PHILADELPHIA, August 9.
A gentleman from South Carolina informs, that a packet was arrived at Charlestown, which left England in June, by which he learned that the whole of the fleet from St. Eustatia with Rodney's plunder, except five, were taken by a French squadron.
By the same gentleman we learn, the British in Charlestown acknowledged that Commodore Johnstone with his squadron bound to the East Indies, was intercepted by a French fleet, and was considerably worsted, the damage not known.
NEW LONDON, August 24.
Tuesday last a flag returned here from New York, which bro't from the Hospital ship 51 American prisoners, 2 of which died on their passage, and the others are in a sickly and emaciated condition.
The prisoners taken in this vessel say, That Admiral Graves's fleet returned to Sandy Hook last Wednesday Se'nnight; but where he had been cruising was not known.
SALEM, August 28.
Last Friday was sent into port a prize ship to the letter of marque brig Romulus, Capt. Waters; her cargo consists of rum, sugar, coffee, &c. The Captain of this prize informs, that he sailed from St. Kitts, the first of this instant in company with a fleet of merchantmen consisting of about 200 sail, under convoy of four ships of the line and four frigates bound for Europe.
We learn that the British ship, (as mentioned in this paper sometime since to have had a severe engagement with the ship Marquis, Capt. Cowell,) is taken and carried into Philadelphia, and that she had 17 men killed and several wounded in the beforementioned engagement.
BOSTON, August 30.
Yesterday arrived in town from Philadelphia, the Hon. Major-General Sullivan, and Capt. John Paul Jones, by whom we learn, That General Greene has been victorious in several skirmishes with the enemy in Carolina, in one of which he took a party of dragoons, consisting of 45 privates and 3 officers; and that Gen. Sumpter had another severe skirmish with Lord Rawdon, from whom he took some prisoners: That the arms of Britain were dispossessed of every part in the Carolinas but Charlestown: That Lieut. Col. Lee, with his Legion, was within two miles
of that place: That Gen. Greene had posted his troops in such a manner as to cut off all supplies from the country; and that very probably that garrison would soon be reduced, the American army augmenting, surprising fast in that quarter.
Wednesday arrived the Resolu frigate from Brest, in which came passenger Col. Laurens, with a convoy of two large transports. These vessels, after a passage of 86 days, have happily arrived with a large sum in specie, and a great quantity of cloathing, and all kinds of military stores for Congress; an event that must diffuse joy thro' the United States of America, and is a fresh pledge of the affection of the Court of France to our glorious cause.
We are informed that before the arrival of Col. Laurens at the Versailles, Dr. Franklin had obtained for the United States a loan of ten millions of livres; and after the arrival of the Colonel who has executed his commission with great dispatch and an happy success of ten millions more were readily obtained. Part of this loan happily arrived in a large quantity of military stores of all kinds as well as in specie.
When Col. Laurens took leave of the King of France, his Majesty presented him with his picture, richly set, and at the same time said to him, "assure my friends, the United States, of the sincerity and warmth of my regard for them; and that I am still ready to afford them every aid that the circumstances of my kingdom will allow, and the events of the war may demand."
We have an account that may be relied on from the West Indies, That a French frigate in those seas meeting an English one, a smart engagement ensued, when the latter sunk in so sudden a manner, that no assistance could be given to the men, all of whom perished.
The following is from Robertson's N. York Gazette. NEW-YORK, August 14.
Yesterday arrived the brig Swift, Captain Graves, in 50 hours from Virginia: By her we learn, that Lt. General the Right Hon. Earl Cornwallis, after leaving a sufficient garrison in Portsmouth, under the command of Brigadier General O'Hara, had proceeded with the army, and took possession of York town.
On Saturday last a fleet of 23 sail of transports, having on board near 3000 German troops, under convoy of his Majesty's ship Amphion, John Bazely, Esq; commander, & the armed ship Britannia & Osiris, arriv'd here in 13 weeks from Bremer in Hanover. On the passage Capt. Bazely captur'd a ship and a brig, the former from Salem, laden with fish and lumber, bound for Cape Francois; at the same time arrived his Majesty's ship Iris, Dawson, Esq; commander, and bro't in the rebel frigate Trumbull, Nicholson, commander, pierced for 36 guns, but had only 24 twelves and six pounders mounted; her crew consists of 180 men, most of them Europeans forced into the service.
The Trumbull was taken last Wednesday off the Capes of Delaware, after a running fight of more than an hour, having sailed the day before with 15 vessels under convoy, all loaded with flour for Cape Francois, but separated from them in a gale of wind, in which the Trumbull lost her fore top-mast. Three of the above fleet are brought in, and several frigates and privateers were gone in quest of the others.
Last Sunday was sent in here by his Majesty's frigates Medea and Ampetrite, the rebel ship Bellisarius, of 20 nine pounders, and 150 men, belonging to Salem.
Same day was brought in by Capt. Stout, of the Triumph privateer of 16 guns, belonging to this port, the rebel letter of marque ship Revolution, Capt. M. Naughton, of 20 guns, laden with 1200 barrels of flour, from Philadelphia for the Havanna.
Saturday last Major Ward, with a party of refugees, took and brought in a rebel guard of about 15 men, posted near Hackinsack.
PHILADELPHIA, August 14.
Extract of a Letter from Lieut. Col. Lee, dated July 3.
"Knowing the distressed situation of the British army, and having learnt that his Lordship had left a body of his cavalry at Ninety six, I detached Capt. Armstrong with an additional troop to reinforce Capt. Egglestone, with advice to pass the river Saluda, to gain the forage country, and to seek an opportunity for striking at the enemy's foragers."
In the night of the 2d Capt. Egglestone fortunately crossed the enemy undiscovered, and took a judicious position two miles in their front. Early the ensuing morning, the main body of the British horse were observed advancing. On the first notice preparations were made for manoeuvring, and the enemy presuming on militia prize, pushed on with vigor. They were met with great gallantry, and were in a few moments entirely defeated, and pursued to the piquets of the army. One Captain, one Lieutenant, and one Cornet, and 40 privates were brought off, with their horses, arms and accoutrements; but one man escaped.
"Capt. Egglestone speaks in the most handsome terms of the zeal displayed by the soldiers on this occasion, and declares the great obligations to Captain Armstrong and Cornet Winston, who seconded his exertions with the most exemplary intrepidity and judgment. Captain Egglestone has claim to every praise, for his efforts, and adds to the many obligations which his zeal for the public service, and unwearied attention to duty, had imposed on his commanding officer."
Published by Order of Congress, CHARLES THOMSON. Sec'try.
ALL Persons Indebted to the Estate of Mrs. Abigail King, late of Portsmouth, Widow, deceased, are desired to make Payment; and those to whom said Estate is Indebted, are requested to bring in their Claims to GEORGE ATKINSON, Exec. Portsmouth, Sept. 1. 1781.
PORTSMOUTH Sept. 27.
Last Friday Afternoon, arrived in this Town Le Chevalier JOHN PAUL JONES, from Philadelphia, who is appointed to the Command of the New 74 Gun Ship building here. We may now hope, thro' the Influence of this Gentleman, to see that Ship afloat, and under the Command of an Officer who has so distinguished himself in the Service of the United States, may soon make a respectable Appearance for the Protection of our American Commerce.
We also learn, with Pleasure, that Major General SULLIVAN is arrived at his Seat in Durham from Congress, having discharged his important Trust, as a Member of that Honorable Body, agreeable to his Appointment. Thus we see this patriotic Friend of his Country, shining in the Characters as well of a Member of State and Police in the Cabinet, as a most able and accomplished General in the Field: And the Public will ever return him their Tribute of Thanks, 'till they can introduce him into a Department in the State, by which the Abilities of this finished Politician may shine more conspicuous.
-To-morrow,-
At Public Vendue, to be sold,
On Tuesday the 4th of September Ten o'Clock, A. M. at Sheafe's Wharfe, North End,
THE HULL of a Brigantine. Also, Cables, Anchors, Sails, and Rigging, belonging to said Vessel. Portsmouth, August 25. 1781.
A likely, capable Negro Girl, 14 Years of Age, to be sold, or exchang'd for a Negro Boy. Enquire of the Printer.
ALL Persons Indebted to the Estate of Capt. Simon Bradstreet, late of Portsmouth, Marriner, deceased, are desired to make speedy Payment. And all who have any just Demands on said Estate, are desired to exhibit their Accounts to NATHANIEL FOLSOM, Adminfr. Portsmouth, Aug. 18. 1781.
Whole Right of Land in Savel To be sold Enquire of the Printer.