The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-08-10 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
O R New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, August 10, 1776.
[ No. 12 ]
DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
THE difference between assent to a law by representation and stipulation, is as great as that between two opposites; for consent to a law by stipulation, is a blind consent to the will of another, we know not what; but assent to a law by representation, is an assent, after debating the law to be enacted, which, is all that can reasonably be wish'd for; while the former, is below a rational creature voluntarily to comply with, even in the smallest matter, when it is in his power to help it. A wise man, would not put it in the power of another, to oblige him to wear high or low heel'd shoes, or to crack his eggs at the great or little end, which would render him, as absolute a slave in those respects, as if he was under the Grand Monarch , and should be ordered to eat no eggs, and to wear no shoes at all, or at best wooden ones. — This may seem trifling with so important a subject; but by no means, is it of less consequence than taxation, the regulation of trade, or any other law; for as on one hand, if the degree of the heel is not describ'd and limited in the stipulation, (which would in effect, be making the law yourselves, and so not within the present supposition,) the legislators might order it to be made as thin as a wafer, or multiply so many lifts, as to carry a man on stilts, to the height of a steeple, and inevitably break his neck; which, would be as fatal, as on the other hand, taxes being so extended, or trade so contracted as to starve you. From hence you see the danger, of stipulating any law to be made for you by others, unless the law be defin'd, which is tantamount to making the law yourselves, and so, I say, beside the present purpose. Thus likewise, a law might be made compelling of you, to break your eggs mathematically, at the centre point, of the great or little end; which, however intelligible in theory, could hardly be reduced to practice, or if easily practicable, would be vain and useless, and yet, so chimerical and ridiculous a law, might be enjoin'd, upon the penalty of death. — In this respect every law may be of equal importance, and equally dangerous to be committed, to the formation and injunction of others, than those, or their representatives who are to be subject to the law. — Rewards and punishments, are the only things, which give validity and force to laws; consequently the highest penalty may be wantonly annexed, to a law of the slightest moment and least concern, without any regard to proportion and circumstances: as in the Arabian night tales, we read of
one who after undergoing every other excruciating torment, was by the arbitrary law or will of the prince, (it was his unhappy lot and hard fate, to be the subject of,) compell'd to travel through his whole dominions in a cage, for only omitting to put pepper into cream-tarts; tho' totally ignorant of the strange inclination of his sovereign, and of his odd and vitiated palate and taste. One single law, it's tenor and penalty being in the hands of others, may as effectually enslave you, as the whole code of law; and if you admit of one, it is indifferent what law that is, since it may be so contriv'd, as to compleat absolute slavery. There is I say, in some sense, no difference in the importance of any laws; a sumptuary law (for instance) as to diet and apparel, may be equal to any law. A man of a puny stomach may be compell'd to eat Benjamin's mess, without one of his garments to cover him; or ten changes of raiment might be allowed to him, but having a strong and eager appetite, not be admitted, to a reasonable gratification of it. Britons, having only the regulation of our buttons, may put a hundred buttons, of a hundred pound weight each, upon a man's coat, and so, load, fasten, and button him down, equal to chains; or by prescribing cloth of tissue for the poor, cause them to go naked, (it being out of their reach or purchase,) and crocus wrappers and sack cloth, being enjoined upon the rich, may reduce them below poverty itself, when cloath'd in rags, (familiar and easy by custom, to those who know no other garb) and absolute wretchedness and misery might be comprehended, in any one law, by wicked ministerial contrivance, fruitful in the invention of mischief, to the utter destruction of a state. I shall elucidate this doctrine, by only one example more; if a pin or a needle, may be demanded of you, by a law made without your own consent, a penalty may be annexed to that law, demanding your lives, for the non-payment of that pin or needle; and the pin, tho' a minnekin, may be ordered to be made, with a head as big as a pumpkin, and the needle, tho' a cambrick one, with an eye large enough, for a camel literally to pass through, without even grazing, the bunch on his back. OR THODOXUS.
NEW-YORK, July 25.
To the honourable JOHN SULLIVAN, Esq; Brigadier General, late commanding the Army of the United Colonies in Canada.
The humble ADDRESS of the Field Officers, late under his Command.
"WE, the Field Officers, of the several Regiments now composing the Army of the
United Colonies in the Northern Department, having been informed of your Honours intended departure from hence, esteem it would be unpardonable in us should we forego this opportunity of rendering the homage due to you, who upon the late most trying occasion, has comforted, supported and protected, the shattered remains of a debilitated army; and, with unwearied care, watchfulness and attention, has landed the public stores of every kind, without the least diminution, safe at this place. — It is, to you, Sir, the Public are indebted, for the preservation of their property in Canada. — It is, to you, we owe our safety thus far. Your humanity will call forth the silent tear, and grateful ejaculation of the sick; your universal impartiality, will force the applause of the wearied soldier. Permit us, then, worthy Sir, to take our leave; wishing you every happiness and success, your most sanguine inclinations can suggest, or our most fervent prayers procure."
(Signed)
  John Mers,  Matth. Ogden.    Wm. De Haas,  Moses Hozen,    Seth Reed,  John Greaton,    Edward Antil,  Joseph Vose,    Israel Shreve,  Joseph Celty,    Nathan Fuller,  W. Maxwell,    John M c Duffee,  John Stark,    David Rhea,  Thomas Poor,    John Patterson,  Jotham Loring,    Enoch Poor,  William Bond,    Elisha Porter,  J. Alden,    James Reed,  Abner Morgan,    Charles Burrel,  Ar. Clair,    Antho. Wayne.   
Crown Point, July 8, 1776.
To the Field Officers of the several Regiments composing the Northern Army.
Gentlemen,
"YOUR polite and friendly Address, presented at this hour of my departure from the army, demands my most cordial thanks. The favourable opinion you are pleased to entertain of my exertions, in protecting and supporting our distressed army in Canada, gives me the highest satisfaction.
If the public are in any measure indebted to me for the preservation of their property in Canada, or the army for its safety, thus far your generosity in voluntarily giving your testimony thereto, at this time, evinces that generous spirit which I have ever found you to possess. — The debilitated state of our army, rendered the task of saving it extremely arduous, and had not your zeal and activity so strongly seconded my endeavours, it must have become impossible. Duty to my country demanded that humanity to the sick, and impartiality to the soldiers, which you are pleased so politely to mention; it gives me the most sensible pleasure, to find my conduct in this respect, meets with the approbation of officers so truly deserving.
Gentlemen, I deeply deplore the necessity I am under of quitting this department, and most sincerely wish, that I could with honour, have remained to share with you the fortune of the campaign; — yet, give me leave to assure you, that wherever fo

place me in future, whether the alarms of war, may summon me again to the field, or domestic affairs call me to private life, your safety and success I shall deem inseparable from my own. — That an indulgent Heaven may grant you success equal to your merits, reward your toil with the conquest of your unnatural enemies, and in due time, return you, crowned with laurels, to your respective families, shall be my most earnest prayer.
(Signed) JOHN SULLIVAN.
L O N D O N May 3, 1776.
The King has been pleased to order letters patent to be passed under the great seal of Great-Britain, constituting and appointing Richard Lord Viscount Howe, of the kingdom of Ireland, & the Hon. William Howe, Esq; Major-General of his Majesty's forces, and General of his Majesty's forces in North-America only, to be his Majesty's commissioners for restoring peace to his Majesty's colonies and plantations in America, and for granting pardons to such of his Majesty's subjects there, now in rebellion, as shall deserve the royal mercy.
Several Jamaica merchants, it's said, have received letters from thence yesterday, with orders not to send any more goods there till further orders, as they imagined that there would soon be a strange revolution in that island.
It was this day confidently reported on Change, that the French had landed fourteen thousand men on the island of Jamaica, near which they have a fleet; — which piece of News, whether true or false, has already had a great effect on the price of stocks.
A private letter from Jamaica, by the William, Capt. Whately, who is arrived at Portsmouth, has the following article: "What we have been a long time apprehensive of is at last almost at our doors. The intentions of the French and Spaniards remain no longer a secret in this part of the world; they have thrown off the mask, and I believe, before this reaches you, they will be in possession of this once flourishing and happy island. Fourteen thousand French troops are just landed at Cape Francois, and their fleet consists of nine ships of the line and seven frigates. The Spaniards also have at the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola a much superior force; and when united, it is impossible that we should keep this island."
It is whispered, that the ministry are endeavouring to fix a certainty which party fired first at Lexington before hostilities commenced, as the Congress declare, if it can be proved that American blood was first shed, it will go a great way towards effecting a reconciliation on the most honorable terms.
By a gentleman lately arrived from New-York, we are informed, that the American Generals are determined to dispute the march of the British Army into the country — but not by a general action. They are to make it a war of post, by throwing up redoubts at the passes.
The distracted state of East-India affairs, the quarrels of their servants, the encroaching power of France, and the invasion of the morattoes, have alarmed the court to a high degree.
Extract of a letter from Spithead, May 2.
"It is expected we shall sail tomorrow for Boston, under the command of Commodore William Hotham, who is to hoist his broad pendant on board of the Preston, a 50 gun ship. The Ships which go under his command are the Jersey hospital ship, the Emerald of 32 guns, the Strombolo fireship, the Carcass bomb, and all the transports which are ready. There are upwards of 100 sail of transports now here, all of which have foreign troops on board. We have on board five small casks, and 30 chests Spanish dollars, amounting to 30,000l. for paying the marine troops at Boston."
[The following paragraphs were taken from a Halifax Paper of the 2d of July.]
WHITE-HALL , May 3.
GENERAL HOWE , Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces in North-America, having taken a resolution on the seventh of March to remove from Boston to Halifax with the troops under his command, and such of the inhabitants with their ef-
fects, as were desirous to continue under the protection of his Majesty's forces; the embarkation was effected the 17th of the same month, with the greatest order and regularity, and without the least interruption from the Rebels. When the Packet came a way, the first division of transports was under sail, and the remainder were preparing to follow in a few days; the Admiral leaving behind as many of the men of war as could be spared from the convoy, for the security and protection of such vessels as might be bound to Boston.
Land. Gaz.
L O N D O N . May 1.
The following is a list of the Men of War ordered by the Congress to cruise off St. Helena, to intercept the East-India ships, viz.
The Victory, 36; the Congress, 36; the Dickenson, 36; the Freedom, 30; and the United Colonies, 30 guns.
The Hancock and Adams frigate, of 32 guns, fitted out by order of the Congress, is put into Lisbon.
So desirous are the Dutch of observing a strict neutrality with Great Britain, and preventing any of their vessels from supplying the Americans with any kind of warlike stores, that they have stationed two frigates off St. Eustatia and Coracoa, to cruise against, and take any of their own ships that may be found carrying any supplies to the Americans.
May 3. The Congress have determined to declare AMERICA an independent state; and to send Ambassadors to such of the Courts of Europe as will admit them.
It is generally reported that we shall certainly be at war both with France and Spain before Michaelmas-day.
The redoubts which the Americans have thrown up at several important situations, have been done under the direction of a German Engineer, who served twenty years in the King of Prussia's army.
It is said that twelve ships of the line will be kept at Spithead this summer, com-pleatly manned and victualled, under the command of a Rear Admiral, as a fleet of observation.
Letters from Lisbon, dated the 13th ult. brought by a ship which arrived this day, say, that three ships from Georgia, with indigo, &c. had arrived there, that they all mounted from 32 to 46 guns, and were so well manned as to be able to cope with any one of our frigates.
We are informed that the tears of the foot guards are now dried up, for they have got a reprieve from the American service.
We hear the plan on which the terms of accomodation with America is bottomed is, that the Americans shall abide by those particular engagements which the original charters and establishments only granted them. This on their side, is to be the whole extent of their claim; the additional immunities & privileges to be left to our government. The Constitutions of the American Provinces are of three kinds; first, Royal Government; secondly, Proprietary Establishments; and thirdly, Civil Corporations; therefore some of their Rights are very different from others, which, in all probability will occasion a long but we hope, not a fruitless negotiation.
H A L I F A X , July 2.
Thursday morning last arrived here from her station in Boston Bay, the Milford frigate, Capt. Burr.
Yesterday evening arrived here his Majesty's Frigate Brune, in 8 weeks from Portsmouth, and two transports, having on board a number of the Foot Guards and some foreign troops.
ENGLISH HARBOUR . (in Antigua) June 17.
This morning arrived the Bellahou tender, Lieut. Nicholas, belonging to his Majesty's ship Hind. The regret and concern shewn by every person here, for some time past, at the supposed fate of so worthy a man and so good an officer, could only be equalled by the universal joy at his safe arrival. He had undergone a great many hardships, & was chased by some of Hopkins's squadron, but the weather blowing fresh, the enemy were not able to come up with him. Their foremast and sail were carried away, which they repaired at Aquadilla, a Town on the West end of Hispaniola. While they lay
there, seven sail of men of war, one of 80 guns, with an Admiral and Commodore, & 3000 land forces arrived there. The death of the King of Portugal is confirmed, and it is supposed the Spaniards intend renewing their old claims on that Kingdom.
There are in this harbour, at present, four prizes, viz. one ship and three Brigantines, all laden with spermaceti oil. The ship was taken by his Majesty's ship the Hind, and the Brigantines by the Hawke.
B A L T I M O R E . (in Maryland.)
July, 20th. We this moment hear by Express that Dunmore has got as far up the Bay as George's Island, about 40 miles below Annapolis, landed some of his Troops and most of his black Fusileers, headed and commanded by Gov. Eden, where he was attacked by the Militia of St. Maria's County, — when the Express came off, they were engaging — Four Companies of the Flying Camp, marched from hence this Morning.
P H I L A D E L P H I A , July 29.
On Friday evening arrived in this city from Canada, Brigadier-General Sullivan.
We hear that one of the Continental Frigates lately launched in this city is called the Delaware, and the other the Randolph, in honour of the late illustrious senator of that name.
The Militia of this state continue to pass thro' this city daily in companies on their way to New-Jersey. It is thought that Pennsylvania will send not less than 20,000 men to the assistance of our neighbours.
The Hon. Convention of Maryland have resolved, that a bounty of one shilling be paid for every bushel of salt imported into that colony before the first day of March next, the importer to sell the same at any price not exceeding 7/6.
N E W - Y O R K , July 29.
The fourth man in the counties of King's, Queen's and Suffolk, on Long-Island, and Westchester, Dutches, Orange and Ulster, were last week ordered to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment's warning; indeed many of them are gone to their proper stations already.
An old gentleman between 60 and 70, now does duty in the militia near Newark, in New-Jersey, is the father of about 15 children now alive, 9 of which are in the continental army, from Captains to privates.
Several cannon were fired last Thursday afternoon, from our battery at Amboy, at a number of boats from Staten Island, bound to Sandy-hook, supposed to join part of the ministerial fleet laying there: This brought on a cannonade from the encampment of the regulars near Billop's point, on the island, which continued very hot on both sides for near an hour: The boats got clear, but many of the regulars were seen to fall, and several carried off, supposed to be wounded. On our side, a soldier belonging to one of the Philadelphia battalions, was killed, and one wounded; a horse in a carriage had his head shot off in the street, and some damage was done the houses.
N E W - Y O R K , August 1.
The Reverend Synod of New-York and Philadelphia, at their Meeting in May last, appointed the second Thursday of August inst. to be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, to Almighty God, by all the congregations under their care, on account of the present oppressed and bleeding state of our country.
Since our last upwards of six thousand troops have arrived here from Boston, Connecticut &c. and more are daily expected.
On Monday last five of the men of war's boats endeavouring to land on Tappan meadows, where about 15 inhabitants of the neighbourhood concealed themselves in a fishing hut, on the edge of the meadows, which they had barricaded up, and lay there until three of the boats were within shot of them, when they fired, loaded again, and fired eleven rounds, without the loss of a man on our side. They killed several of the ene-

may, as they heard a great shrieking and crying amongst them.
We have now, in and near this city, a larger army perhaps, than ever was in one place in America before.
Extract of a letter from Fort Montgomery, dated 23d July, 1776.
"The ships of war in the North River, are now at Haverstraw. 'Tis evident their designs are frustrated, not expecting we were so well prepared to receive them.—They are well watched on both sides of the river. Capt. Wallace with 30 men landed and set fire to Capt. Lilly's house: Tho' the house was owned by a great tory, we find the British act of parliament makes no provision to distinguish such from the free-men of America. At this post we have 1000 men, and 700 at Fort Constitution, well equipt; several thousands are at Peck's Kill, and the opposite side of the river. I came here yesterday at the request of General Clinton. Should the ships attempt to pass, it must be through fire and smoke.—Last Thursday a man made his escape from on board the Rose, by swimming. He is well known here by officers and men from Boston, in the train. He was taken last summer by the Rose, in going to the W. Indies. He says they expected to be joined by several hundred Tories, who were to drive down to them stock of all sorts; they had been informed that great quantities of goods were deposited in the stores at Peck's Kill, that they were to destroy, after which were to proceed through the Highlands to Poughkeepsie, and burn our ships of war there: That they were much chagrined at the disappointment—they had on board 120 men and boys, and 20 marines: That the most damage they received was in passing the batteries at Powle's Hook and the blue bell—The cook of the ship had a leg shot off, some others wounded, a 12 pounder lodged in the head of their foremast, one came through her quarter gallery into the cabin, and that her shrouds and rigging suffered much. The Phoenix's damage he could not tell, only that she had received a shot in her bowsprit. What he saw he declared. As he was a prisoner, 'tis not likely they would let him know their disasters."
N O R W I C H, July 15.
By a Gentleman who left N W London this morning we learn, that Capt. Penvier arrived there last Evening in 17 days from the Cape, who informs That the Spaniards have declared War against Portugal—That the Spanish Ambassador has had some Altercation with the British Ministry, and had left London without taking leave at Court—That the French Court had made a Demand upon the King of Great Britain for Payment for the Shipping taken from them by the English before the last War, (agreeable to the Treaty entered into between the two Nations at the Close of the War) at ten per cent. Interest; and that the French had protested against any foreign Troops being sent to America. Capt. Penvier further informs, that Capt. -----, with 12 Tons of powder, bound for Philadelphia, was taken by an English Frigate and carried into Jamaica, and that a Captain of a French Man of War had sent & demanded her. He also says with that 30 Sail of Spanish Men of War had passed by the Cape for the Havannah, but had no transports with them.
P O R T S M O U T H, Aug. 10, 1776.
On Wednesday the 7th inst. was sent in here, by the Privateer Brig. Hancock, Capt. Newman, belonging to Philadelphia, the ship Reward, belonging to London, loaded with upwards of seven hundred casks of Sugar, sixty hhd's of Rum some Cotton, a few pipes of Wine, Turtle, &c. from Tortola—a very valuable prize.—The letters by her inform us, that every sort of provision was very high, Flower scarce a barrel to be had, at any price;
Batter at £6.12s currency pr. firkin. All wishing the dispute settled with America, and in great expectation that matters would be accommodated by the discretionary powers of Ld. Howe. This Ship was taken in Lat. 28 N. Lon. 62. The prize master, Mr. Barton, informs us that the Hancock, had taken a Brigantine from the West Indies, just before this Ship, and sent her to Egg Harbour, and was in chase of a Ship, supposed to be a Jamaica-man and almost within gun shot, when he left her.
Mr. Printer, Please to put the following in your useful paper and you'll oblige a number of your Customers. As there has been industriously propagated in the Country a report that prevailed in this town a few days since of Hon. Mark H. Wentworth's giving one hundred Dollars towards the Incouragement of enlisting Soldiers lately raised in this Town, this is therefore to inform the Public that said report, was totally void of any Foundation whatever.
Q U I B U S
The foregoing was inserted in our last, instead of the following, which was sent us by a Correspondent.
Mr. Printer, Please to put the following in your useful paper, and you'll oblige a number of your Customers. As there has been industriously propagated in the country, a report that prevailed in this town, a few days since, of Mark Hunking Wentworth's giving one hundred Dollars towards the incouragement of enlisting soldiers lately raised in this town, this is therefore to inform the Public, that said Report was totally void of any foundation whatever, and first started and calculated by some enemy, in order to raise in the esteem of the people a person who never, has appear'd, directly, or indirectly, as a Friend to the common Cause, we are struggling in.
Q U I B U S.
Portsmouth July 30, 1776.
As the omission of part of the above, has given offence; the Publisher very candidly acknowledges, the reason was, that he was apprehensive it would injure his paper, thinking it carried an oblique reflection, which he would wish to avoid, as being contrary to the establishment upon which he set out; and being greatly hurried in business, had not time to consult his correspondent upon the alteration; and a gentleman being present with whom he advised, was the more readily induced to it.—If he was injudicious in the omission without leave of the author, hopes not to offend in future; but would earnestly wish to avoid every thing personal, that may look reflecting, except by AUTHORITY of the STATE: having determined if he can't get a living without it in his business, he will seek another branch.
For want of room, Z. Y. must be deferred till our next. Also, sundry articles of intelligence, &c.
State of New-Hampshire.
In Committee of Safety, August 7, 1776.
THE Committee request the select-men and committee of safety, of the several towns in this state, to immediately make return of the association papers sent them, to be signed by the inhabitants of their respective towns; together with the names of such who are delinquent; in order that the measures recommended by the Continental Congress may be carried into execution.
By order of the Committee.
M. WEARE, Chairman.
Molasses by the hh'd or barrel, SUGAR by the barrel or hundred, —to be sold by KEITH SPENCE, —at the store lately improv'd by George Craigie, in pav'd Street.
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West-India Rum, By the hoghead or barrel, —to be sold by BENJAMIN AUSTIN.
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Colony of New-Hampshire, In Committee of Safety, July 25th, 1776. WHEREAS frequent Complaints are daily making to this Committee by Persons employed in transporting warlike Stores, and other Necessaries to the Frontiers of the Colony, of the Negligence of the Inhabitants and Proprietors of sundry Inland Towns and Places, respecting the clearing up, and mending the High Ways, and Bridges in their several Towns and Places, particularly the Road from Dover to Cohas by Conway.
The COMMITTEE do seriously recommend to said Inhabitants, and Owners of Land that they speedily take particular Care to see that the Ways and Bridges in the several Towns, are kept in such Repair, as may be sufficient for Carriages, &c. to pass and repass. Otherwise the Legislative Authority will be obliged to employ Persons to perform the Business, and charge the same, on the Lands the Road goes through.
By Order of the Committee.
M. THORNTON, Chairman, P. T.
Colony of New-Hampshire.
In Committee of Safety, July 25th, 1776.
THE Committee being greatly alarmed at the Conduct of many Persons in this Colony, who taking the Advantage of the public Calamities, and great Scarcity of many of the Necessaries of Life, have demanded, exacted & taken exorbitant Prices for such Articles, and thereby greatly distressed the Poor, are of Opinion that such Proceedings have a great Tendency to break that Band of Union so much sought for, and desired at this critical Time by all good Men. Therefore strongly urge and recommend to all Persons as they esteem the Welfare of their much distressed Country, that none will be so lost to all Sense of Honour and Virtue, to continue or make use of so pernicious a practice, and by their Avarice ruin the Land, as no real Friends to their Country and the Rights thereof now contending for, can ever be Guilty of Actions so destructive and ruinous thereto.
By Order of the Committee.
M. THORNTON, Chairman, P. T.
PUBLIC AUCTION.
To be sold at public Auction, on the 28th inst. at 10 o'clock before noon, at the wharfe of Messieurs Daniel and Samuel Sherburne, the Ship Susannah, burthen about 240 tons, with her appurtenances; also the cargo of said ship, consisting of Porter in butts, Sour Stout, a few chaldrons of Smiths-Coals, sacks of Hair for mattresses, Beans and Bean-Meal, in bags, and a few other small articles.
Also to be sold on the 30th inst. the Schooner Rainbow, burthen about 40 tons with her appurtenances, at Capt. George Wentworth's wharfe.—The said vessels and cargo, having been decreed forfeited to the United Colonies and Captors, by the court maritime for the state of New-Hampshire.
JOSHUA WENTWORTH Agent.
Portsmouth Aug. 8, 1776.
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WILLIAM PEARNE,
Has to sell at his store in Portsmouth, a small quantity of West-India and New-England Rum, Molasses, Coffee, Chocolate, and good Brown Sugar, Rice, Ship-Bread & Allspice. Also, a few European Goods, viz. Looking-Glasses of various prices; some cutlery and Hosiery Ware, Chest and Box-Loks, Felt Hatts, Dutch Caps, Paper, Japan'd Ware, Pins, &c. &c.
He has also still left to sell, a few Casks of Maderia Wine; and some very good Old Spirits.
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The Acts and Laws
Of this State, passed since the new Form of Government took Place, are now in the Press, and in a few Weeks will be published, at the Printing Office in Exeter, on good American Paper, and neat Types.
Exeter August 3, 1776.
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TO BE SOLD
West-India Rum, and Philadelphia FLOUR, at a store upon the Long-Wharfe, if apply'd for soon.
Enquire of Mr. John Beck,
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A MERICA no longer bears the cause Of her oppression, by Great-Britain's An Independence glorious and great, [laws. She now declares shall be her future State. Her Sons she arms, to hazard all their lives; To save their country, children & their wives: T' oppose the tyrant, and his multitude Of pension'd Placemen, a corrupted Brood! [sell, Men, who for posts of honor, themselves would And d—n the rest of all mankind to H—ll. On such New-Albion sons, dependence scorn, For such a wretched state, they ne'er were
[born: They rather take the field than condescend To loose their sacred rights, and not contend, Cease, Britons cease, nor such vile plans pur- sue; [imbrue.
Nor in your brethren's blood, your hands When Hutchinson's proud head, with North's and Butes; [brutes;
Those trait'rous monsters, those infernal Th' accursed causes of a civil War, Shall once be seen, decorating Temple-Bar; Then, may you hope, with us to gain alliance: But until then, we boldly bid defiance To your pretended claims, and murd'rous
[schemes, The fell production of a * Villain's dreams. * Tom Hutchinson's.
DEAR COUNTRYMEN,
B E not offended with the levity, and ridiculous oddity and singularity, as well as the cruelty and inhumanity, of the suppositious fictions of law, brought in illustration of the subject of my preceding letter, since mankind are, in too many instances, as vain, ridiculous, odd and singular, and as cruel and inhuman, as has there been represented.
Would the Roman Emperor Caligula, who carried cockle shells from the sea shore, in triumph over Neptune, at the immense expence of a more serious war, undertaken by his subjects, with some purpose and design, worthy the glory of the Roman arms,) have scrupled, making any of the whimsical and mischievous laws that I have mentioned, for the sake of shewing how much the power of caprice, as well as that of ambition, lust, avarice or revenge, ought to be guarded against; since, from each of these principles, have proceeded, the downfal of cities, states and empires?
Was not Rome burnt in sport? Did not the rage of Hellen prove the destruction of Troy? What havoc has ambition made in the world? How fatal is avarice to the welfare of it? and still more fatal and dreadful is revenge; the three last of which dangerous passions, have actuated the breasts of the British ministry, against America.
How unfit are such men as these, to make laws for us, while the awful and amazing depravity of human nature, shews, that all mankind are disqualified, to legislate for any body, but themselves, or those whom they represent, to whom they are amenable for their conduct? and that the power and majesty of the people, should never be alienated, or so delegated, as not to be revocable upon just occasion. What has been said, most evidently demonstrates, how sacredly whole and entire, all legislation should be preserv'd; that this is the only safe barrier to liberty, and that yielding a part how small so ever endangers the whole privilege of making any law for yourselves, that can be given by a distinct legislature; like a breach in a dam, which if neglected and suffer'd to endure, will open a passage as wide as the waters it withstands, can require
to flow; at least, sufficient to overwhelm and drown the region within; that was before secure. Penalty is the causa sine qua non of the law; by which, I don't mean, the occasional, but the essential cause of it, or that without which, no law can exist, any more than matter can exist without solidity or extension, or than a house can stand, without a foundation, without which, no building could be raised. This essential and primary quality or attribute of the law, is the strongest ligament & power, that it has; which may be so extremely coercive or impulsive, and so extravagantly applied, as to compel obedience, in the smallest matters, by the greatest punishments, that can be inflicted; which convinces me that men have not a right, to part with the power of making law for themselves, in one instance more than in all, since one law, I say, may be so constructed and executed, as to prove fatal to them; tho' at my first attending to this subject I tho't otherwise, and in some former letters, made a distinction, between more, and less essential matters; but upon a nearer inspection, not knowing where to draw the line of discrimination, and discerning the danger of penalty in any law, I am constrained to enlarge my claim, in the bill of rights essential to humanity; and to deny the power, of a man's alienating his right of legislation for himself, in any one case whatever. This, is placing of liberty, in her fairest point of light, which, I beg leave (in concluding these orthodox epistles) to stile, American Liberty .
ORTHODOXUS.
To the Printer of the Whitehall Evening Post . IN answer to a tory letter in your paper of Dec. 5, 1775, permit me, Mr. Printer, to observe, that it is to Oliver Cromwell, and the people to whom your correspondent laughably calls Puritans this kingdom stands indebted for the Island of Jamaica, which at a moderate computation, hath brought above one hundred millions of money into Great-Britain, besides the other great advantages attendant on its situation, and will continue a lasting mine of gold to us. Let it also be farther remembered, that it was the puritan Cromwell who forced France to deliver up Dunkirk into his hands; and that it was the people commonly stiled whigs or puritans, who were the cause of fixing the crown on the head of King William. These are some of the noble deeds done by the puritans: But never, to my knowledge, have I read of any great or good action done by a tory.
TRUTH.
Copy of a Letter from Fort Johnston, (South-Carolina,) to General LEE, at Charlestown, dated July 1, 1776.
"I have the pleasure to send to your Excellency five seeming very honest fellows, who slipt from the men of war last night, & came to us a little before day light. Their names are, Thomas Bennet of Massachusetts-Bay, Daniel Howlin of Boston, James Scott, of Virginia, Robert Hamilton of New-Hampshire, Edmund Alston, of ditt.
"The first 3 were taken in the sloop Sally, Jenkins, master, bound from Cape Nicholas to Dartmouth; Scott was mate of her. The two last were taken third of March, in the brigantine Friendship, John Haddden, master, bound from Madeira to Piscataqua, in New-Hampshire."
A BAY MARE, with a black main and tail, was left at the Globe Tavern, on the Plains in this town; the person who left her has not since been heard of. The owner is desired to call for said mare, and pay the charge of keeping and advertizing her. 10—12
Portsmouth, July 31, 1776.
Colony of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss. A T a meeting of the freeholders and others, inhabitants of said Portsmouth, pr. adjournment, among other things Voted, —That the representatives of this town at the General Assembly be instructed for the following purposes, viz.
1. That they do their utmost endeavour to procure the enactment of a law, that from and after the dissolution of this present Assembly,, that no member of any future Assembly hold any other place in government, than his seat in said Assembly, and that when any such shall be chosen, and accept of a place his seat shall become vacant, and a new writ issue to his constituents for a new choice.
2. That they do not consent that any person should hold more than one place in government at a time.
3. That they do in the most effectual manner secure to the people of this State their inherent right of being judg'd and governed in the least prejudicial manner.
4. That they nor any other representative in future shall consent to any alteration, innovation or abridgment of the constitutional form that may be adopted, without first consulting their constituents in a matter of so much importance to their safety.
a true copy, 12—14
Attest, JOHN PENHALLOW, Town-Clerk.
Colony of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss. N OTICE is hereby given to all concern'd that the maritime court for the colony aforesaid, will be held at the state-house in Portsmouth, on Thursday the 22d day of August, at ten o'clock A. M. to try the justice of the capture of the ship, named the Prince George, her cargo and appurtenances of the burthen of about 200 tons, lately commanded by Richard Emms, against which a libel is filed before me, (the said ship being bro't into the port of Piscataqua) in behalf of the officers and soldiers belonging to the matross company, stationed at Fort Washington, under the command of Capt. Titus Salter, in the service of the said colony. The owner of said ship, or any person concerned may appear and shew cause (if any they have,) why the same ship, her cargo and appurtenances should not be condemned and distributed as the law directs.
At the court aforesaid, will be tried the justice of the capture or seizure of a certain quantity or number of masts, yards, & bowsprits, and a lighter or hulk, used in lading mast-ships, which are said to be British property, taken between high & low water mark in Piscataqua river, in the colony aforesaid; against both libels are filed before me in behalf of the colony aforesaid, and any persons concerned may appear and shew cause (if any they have,) why the same masts, yards, bowsprits and lighter should not be condemned. J. BRACKETT, Judge of said court. 10—12
T HE Select-men hereby notify the public that a Smoak-house is erected at the Great Swamp, where it is expected all persons coming from places infected with the Small Pox will stop to be properly smoaked and cleaned from infection, and that no traveller coming from any infected place will presume to enter this town by any other way. Portsmouth July 24, 1776. 10—12
TO BE LETT
A LARGE commodious BRICK HOUSE in York, that has been for many years improv'd as a Tavern, countenanced and encouraged by the judges and officers of the courts, and well situated for the reception of travellers. —Any person inclining to hire said house may treat with Nathaniel Sparhawk, Esq; of Kittery, and meet with due encouragement. 10—12
Clean Linnen RAGS Taken in at the Printing-Office.