The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-09-14 00:00:00

THE Greenwich Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, September 14, 1776.
[ No. 17 ]
Mr. Printer, The following passage, taken out of Burgh's political disquisitions, vol. 3d, p. 822, &c. (a work well worthy the careful perusal of all, but as yet in the hands of but few of your readers) may gratify some, and be instructive to others, if you will give it a place in your useful paper, and add after them the Queries that are subjoined.
“I T is an unsurmountable argument against slavery, that nature in every human being, revolts against it, when it comes to touch himself. We wonder to read of dastardly people, and crafty priests, standing up for the divine rights of tyrants, as if they forgot that by and by themselves may come to be sufferers. But the partisans of tyranny keep always a mental reservation in their own favor. They are for enslaving all mankind, and intend that themselves shall be little tyrants under the great one. Even among the ecclesiastics, the zealous trumpeters of passive obedience in all ages and countries, whenever those clumsy kings, who had not sense enough to keep to the fundamental maxim, That the king and the priest are to play the game into one another's hands, or those few, very few noble minded princes, who have been above the meanness of both king-craft and priest-craft, have broken in upon what churchmen call their sacred Prerogative, and proposed to put them, either as to taxes or incomes, nearly upon a foot with the laity, we always find, that slavery is a very terrible affair; kings who use freedom with their sacred order are tyrants; and heaven is appeal'd to in vindication of their quarrel. Of this the reader will see instances in these collections.
There is always a some what, where human nature, even in the most feeble spirits, vindicates to itself its unalienable right. The following private anecdote, told me by one who knew the parties concerned, illustrates this.
In the mad times of Sacheverel , when many seemed to go all lengths in obedience to authority, a man of sense took some pains to give a lady, a friend of his, juster notions than she had of the limits of obedience. ‘Suppose,’ says he, ‘Madam, that the king should seize, by a quo warranto , your husband's estate, and make him, and yourself, and children, beggars; would you think resistance unlawful?’ ‘I should have much cause of complaint,’ says the lady; ‘but, (raising her pretty eyes to heaven) we must not resist the Lords anointed.’ ‘But, Madam, I will put a harder case still. Suppose the king should force your ladyship into his bed, don't you think your husband might lawfully promote an association for extirpating such a brutish Tarquin ?’ The lady with down cast eyes, and a countenance covered with a rosy blush, answered: The case you now put Sir, is undoubtedly harder than the former. But, as the whole sin should be the king's, and kings are answerable to God only, I do not think my husband could lawfully do any thing towards vindicating his honor by violence.’ The gentleman knowing, that the lady was, as all the votaries of passive obedience, staunch for the establish-
ed church, and bitter, if a lady can be bitter, against the dissenters, resolved to put to her one question farther, which he did as follows: ‘Give me leave, Madam,’ says he, ‘to ask you once more; Suppose the king should order your ladyship to go to meeting?——’ ‘What,’ (says she, rising in a lovely passion, which enlivened every feature, with eyes sparkling, lips quivering, and bosom heaving) ‘me to a wicked schismatical presbyterian meeting!’ (These opprobrious words she had learned from the parson of the parish) ‘I would kill him,’ (says she, clenching her little, weak, soft hand, which made the gentleman hope he should have the pleasure of a box on the ear, of which however he was disappointed) ‘if I were to die for it sooner than he should make me enter the door of a conventicle.’
If a weak delicate woman could be thus roused in defence of what she called her religious liberty, surely a man ought to suffer emasculation as soon as to yield himself a voluntary slave.
QUERE I.  Is being obliged to pray for the Tyrant of Great Britain, according to the liturgy of the church of England, or not to pray at all, consistent with the unalienable rights and liberties of Christians?
Q II.  Doth the oath of canonical obedience, which episcopal clergymen are under in America bring them into such a dilemma?
And if so, then
Q. III.  Is such an oath lawful or proper to be either taken, or kept, if taken?
NEW-YORK, August 29. The following is the substance of an intercepted letter written by Lieutenant-Colonel Zedwitz, To William Tryon, Esq; late Governor of New York.
After presenting his compliments in a formal manner to Lord Howe, and begging the contents of his letter to be explained to him; he proceeds to profess a consciousness, that the world would censure him for his treachery in corresponding with the enemy of those in whose service he had engaged; But he apologizes for himself by appealing to the Governor, as a person who knew he had been forced to accept of his commission for fear of ruin to himself and family; and as he had engaged through Compulsion ( a most villainous lie, for he solicited for it ) from a rebellious mob, infers, that he can be under no obligation to conform to his engagements. Besides this he observes, that previous to his entrance in the continental army, he took the Governor's advice on the occasion, and promised to do all he could in his new capacity, for his majesty's service.
He next declares that ever since his return from Canada, he had been laying plans for the performance of his promise, and was in a fair way of doing something, when Forbes and the Mayor were detected in their conspiracy, which obliged him to lay by his schemes; as Forbes had indiscreetly mentioned to the court on his trial, a message
from Governor Tryon to him, to wit,—“that he would make his fortune, if he would execute a certain commission.” This he says, rendered him suspected, and for the present frustrated his designs.—However, as an instance that he was returning into favour, he informs the Governor that G. W. had lately employed him to translate a paper into High German, which was to be printed and distributed among the Hessian troops.—He advises to keep a good look out.
In the next paragraph he invents this abominable falsehood, that he had lately seen four villains at General Washington's house, with 14 bottles of a mixture as black as ink, with which they were to poison the Warrenton place on Staten-Island, and were to receive a recompence of 1000l. each from the General.
He then informs, that a person always near the General, who was a friend to the king, tho' an interested one, had offered to furnish him with weekly returns of the strength and detail of the army till December, for the sum of 4,000l. sterling, to be paid before hand in hard gold.—that he had proposed a reward of 2,000l. sterling, which was agreed to, and he therefore desires, (if the plan be agreeable) that the money might be immediately conveyed to him.
He concludes with informing them, that he shortly expected a full colonel's commission, with the command of the three forts up the North-River.
The wickedness of this despicable man was discovered by the person whom he engaged to convey his letter.—He endeavoured to debauch one Steen, who being a German, in but indifferent circumstances and unemployed in our service, he imagined would be a proper instrument for his purpose. But Steen perceiving his intention, and being an honest man, and a friend to the country, only amused him with a seeming compliance, till he got his letter into his hands; and then, without delay, laid it before the General.
Zedwitz on his trial acknowledged the letter to be his own, but pleaded that it was intended merely as a trick upon the enemy, to exact from them 2,000l. sterling in lieu of certain expences he had put himself to in raising a regiment in Germany, at the request of the Marquis of Granby, for which he had never been reimbursed.
The verdict of the Court Martial is not yet known, but 'tis supposed he will suffer according to the demerit of his crime.
Extract of a letter from St. Eustatia, dated July 22.
“Since my last Captain Booker's brig for Amsterdam, (as mentioned in my last,) has been libelled at St. Kitts, in consequence of an information on oath, by a scoundrel, who says he assisted to load the vessel here, with powder, and other warlike stores for America, and that the brig had just returned off a voyage from America, after carrying another cargo of the like kind, that he the informer was a seamen on board all the while, and that Capt. Booker had changed his name from Martin to Booker. It is notorious to every person on the island, that there is not

a word of the whole information true, as Captain Booker has made two voyages already to Amsterdam from this island, without being at any other place whatever within the time; one of which voyages in the above brig, now under seizure and carried goods on freight for most of the merchants on this island. Captain Booker has taken every step in his power to defend the vessel, but it is uncertain how it may terminate: Thus you see the sad situation people are reduced to, even in a fair trade, with those sea-robbers under his Britannic Majesty. There never was a vessel left this place on a more clear and regular footing, and no other reason in the world to suspect her, than of the Captain being an Englishman, two of the seamen were English, and four Dutchmen. It is very remarkable that the informer is entirely unknown to Capt. Booker, who says he never in his life saw the man before; so that he must have been procured on purpose to serve their wicked ends.—Several small vessels belonging to this place under Dutch colors, have been seized, and sent into port lately, on frivolous pretences, and no one knows as yet, how far his property can be safe in any case. A day or two ago, a vessel belonging to Bermuda, bound from this, home, was seized and carried into St. Kitts, for only having a few barrels of bread and beef (about ten in number) for the use of his vessel and family at home to keep them from starving; he was so particular when here, that he would not take a single article of foreign manufacture or produce on board, to prevent any risque, but all this would not protect him from the robbers.
“Captain Patterson in a ship from this for Amsterdam, late belonging to your place, was carried into the Downs, about the 10th of May by a cutter, and was lying there two weeks when the last accounts came from Holland, but it was unknown what would be done with her. There was no passing or re-passing up or down the English channel for cruizers, and every step taken to intercept the American vessels. The people of Holland begin to think very serious of the present dispute between England and America, and are somewhat apprehensive of their property in the English funds; this I have from the Dutch merchants letters to their friends here, should their fears continue, it must shake the foundation of national credit, and I hope in the end produce a general bankruptcy.”
Extract of a letter from an Englishman in Hispaniola, March 3.
“The French are mounting their guns every where, and building fortifications in several places. The Spaniards seem likewise preparing to strike some blow, which our stupid ministers at home have not thought of. The 4th of last month 18 sail of Spanish ships of war passed by this place, bound (as they said) to the Havanna, 12 were of the line and six frigates, all as full of men as possible, perhaps in the spring they may pay a visit to Jamaica. The people here are all for the Americans, and last week the General ordered all the ports of this island to be opened to ships of every kind. Powder is now in great plenty.”
L O N D O N, May 20.
It is said that a Great Man in Administration, (Lord Geo. Sackville) whose military knowledge is unquestionable, builds his principle hopes, as to the conquest of America, upon the activity and resolution of the British light horse, who it is presumed, are to gallop some-what faster than the body of Cavalry did at Minden, whom Prince Ferdinand so indispensably wanted in the moment of impending dangers.
Extract of a letter from Plimouth May 17.
“Yesterday arrived off the start, four transports from London, who are waiting here to sail with the rest of the fleet for America as soon as possible. This day orders came down here from London to search every ship that sails from this port, and not to suffer any ship to sail to America without a particular order.”
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, May 19.
“This morning arrived at Spithead two transports which remain with the Diamond and Ambuscade men of war, bound for A-
merica, when the second division of Hessian troops shall arrive.”
The loss of the Thunder Bomb, is computed at 30,000
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia March 19.
“The Congress have raised seven regiments here, one in the lower counties, and three in New-Jersey, of 700 men each;—the people entered readily, and have 37s. 6d. per month. Our armed vessels, viz. two ships, two brigs, two sloops and a schooner sailed the 18th of February, but their destination is a secret.”
“Col. Prescott having put Col. Allen in irons, the Congress by way of reprisal, put Prescott in goal: He lay there for some time, but because of some old wounds which he had, he was released, and now is under a guard at the New Tavern. It is reckoned there are about eighty commissioned Officers prisoners in this and the other colonies.”
“No ships of war trouble us yet; it would not be safe for one or two to approach this city, or even come into the river. A floating battery of 10 guns, 28 pounders, is launched, and a great number of fire-rafts provided. We have 23 boats of one gun each, frames sunk, and a chain and boom at the narrow passage. Four frigates, 100 feet keel, of 32 and 36 guns are building here, and a ship of 16 guns, 18 pounders is nearly ready; at least 36 tons of gunpowder, and 120 salt petre; some arms, linens, & dry goods have been landed here.”
May 22. The business which has brought Count Zernichev from Russia to England, is said to be to negotiate the treaty between his Britannic Majesty & the Empress of Russia, for her to send 30,000 of her forces to assist the British troops to subdue the American rebels if wanted.
Several ships are fitting out in the river by the merchants, in order to carry over to their different plantations in the West-Indies, a sufficient quantity of provisions, which they used to be supplied with from North-America.
Salisbury, (England) May 27. On Thursday 7 felons in our gaol, under sentence of transportation, were reprieved on condition of their entering into the 27th. regiment of foot, to serve his majesty out of England, which they readily agreed to, and were enlisted.
A CURE for the FLUX.
TAKE new churned butter, without salt, melt it over a clear fire, skim off the curdy part, then give the patient two spoonfuls of the clarified remainder three times.
The above remedy has had the greatest good effect of any thing ever used for the Flux. It is said, that it made a speedy cure of a whole garrison; and has been approved of by the famous Doctor Boyd, of London. It has been proved to answer the above recommendation, in the State of New York.
State of Massachusetts Bay,
In COUNCIL August 22 1776.
ORDERED, That the Resolve of the honourable Congress of the 3d of April last, respecting Persons applying for Commissions, or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, be published in the several News Papers in this State, that all Persons fitting out such Vessels may know how to make application for their Commissions.
By Order of Council,
JOHN AVERY, Dep. Sec'y
In CONGRESS, April 3, 1776.
RESOLVED, That every Person intending to set forth and fit out a private Ship or Vessel of War, and applying for a Commission or Letter of Marque and Reprisal for that Purpose, shall produce a Writing, subscribed by him, containing the Name, and Tonnage of the Ship or Vessel, the Number of her Guns, with their Weight of Metal, the Name and Place of Residence of the Owner or Owners, the Names of the Commander and other Officers, the Number of the Crew, and the Quantity of Provisions and Warlike-Stores; which Writing shall be delivered to the Secretary of Congress, or to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Convention or Council, or Committee of Safety of the Colony in which the Ship or Vessel shall be, to be transmitted to the said Secretary, and shall be registered by him. And that the Commander of the Ship or Vessel, before the Commission or Letters of Marque and Reprisal may be granted, shall, together with sufficient Sureties, seal and deliver a Bond, in the Penalty of Five Thousand Dollars, if the Vessel be of One Hundred Tons,
or under or Ten Thousand Dollars, if of greater Burthen, payable to the PRESIDENT of the CONGRESS in Trust for the Use of the United Colonies, with Condition in the form following, to wit,
“The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above-bounden _____ who is Commander of the _____ called _____ belonging to _____ of in the Colony of _____ mounting Carriage Guns, and navigated by _____ Men, and who hath applied for a Commission or Letters of Marque and Reprisal, to arm, equip and set forth to Sea, the said _____ as a private Ship of War, and to make Captures of British Vessels and Cargoes, shall not exceed or transgress the Powers and Authorities which shall be contained in the said Commission, but shall in all Things observe and conduct himself and govern his Crew by and according to the same, and certain Instructions therewith to be delivered, and such other Instructions as may hereafter be given to him; and shall make Reparation for all Damages sustained by any Misconduct or unwarrantable Proceedings of himself, or the Officers or Crew of the said _____ Then this Obligation shall be void, or else remain in Force.
“Sealed and Delivered
“in Presence of”
Which Bond shall be lodged with said Secretary of the Congress. By Order of Congress.
(Signed) JOHN HANCOCK, President.
At a meeting of the committees of correspondence inspection and safety, for the several towns in the county of Middlesex, assembled at Concord, in said county, August 20, 1776.
Present the Committees of thirty two towns, and about one hundred members.
Voted, and chose the Honorable James Prescott, Esq; Chairman.
Chose Oliver Prescott, Esq; Clerk.
Then passed the following Resolves unanimously. WHEREAS confederacies are judged to be formed or forming in many parts of the country, and may be strengthened, and many other great inconveniences ensue from such persons who are inimical to the cause of American Liberty collecting together:
Therefore Resolved, That we will use our best endeavours to prevent such persons assembling together for such purposes, and restrain them from all intercourse with each other, or with the officers and privates sent into this country, or any of these states as prisoners, by confining them to their towns or farms, or laying them under bonds or by committing them to close custody, or otherwise, as may be judged proper, agreeable to the orders of this state: And that all such as are notoriously inimical, (whatever their pretensions may be) shall be disarmed, and confined to the limits of their town or farms, until properly released from said confinement by said committee.
And whereas divers wicked persons intending to defraud the inhabitants of these states, and for the sake of base and unlawful gain, have forged, altered and uttered diverse notes and bills of this and the other American states, and have also used divers artifices and much low cunning, to depreciate the value of our paper currency, to the great damage of the good people of these states &c.
Therefore, Resolved, That we will use our utmost efforts in discovering all such frauds and bringing to condign punishment all such wicked persons as aforesaid, agreeable to the laws of this state.
It is recommended to the committees of safety for the several towns in the county aforesaid that such persons as are prisoners and have hired themselves out for their support, be not permitted to go out of the limits of such towns, until the time of their contract be fulfilled; unless some other person go with them at the order of the committee of such town where they reside.—That their respective masters see that they keep good hours, and conduct themselves well in their families—That the said prisoners be not allowed to frequent public houses, and have no spirituous liquors on the Sabbath, on any pretence whatsoever; and that they be not permitted to dwell with any person judged to be inimical to the American states.
It is also recommended to the several towns in the county aforesaid, that may be defective, that they procure as soon as may be, their town-stock of powder, and furnish the poor in their several towns with fire arms, as are not able to equip themselves, agreeable to the order of this state.
And whereas there are divers persons in these states now on parole, who frequently visit the officers and privates who are prisoners in the several towns, to the great danger and disquietude of the good people of this state:
Therefore, Resolved, That the committee of Reading be desired to acquaint the honorable Board therewith, and desire that all such towns as have officers quartered in them, may be excepted from said parole, that so all such intercourse may be prevented for the future.
It is also recommended, that the committees of the several towns in this county, desire their representatives to use their utmost influence in the General Court, to procure an order of this state, that all persons travelling through the same, shall have passes denoting their friendliness to the American states; and make provision for the taking up and examining all suspected persons.

And we do hereby bear testimony against all mobs, riots and disorderly proceedings, and will endeavour to suppress all vice, immorality and profaneness.
Voted, that a committee be appointed to call county meetings for the future if occasion requires, and that they write to the committees of the several towns and inform them in said notification for what purpose said meeting is called.—Then chose Ephraim Wood, Esq; Jonas Haywood, Esq; and James Barrett, Esq; a committee for that purpose.
Voted, That the clerk be desired to transmit an extract from the minutes to the Publishers of the Monday and Thursday papers.
Extract from the Minutes, OLIVER PRESCOTT, Clerk.
WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia Aug. 16.
From undoubted authority, we can assure the public, that 15,000 wt. of pure lead has been got from our mines in the back country; which, after being cast into bullets, we hope will be unerringly directed against our enemies.
An express from South-Carolina arrived this morning, who brings advice that General Clinton with his troops, escorted by Sir Peter Parker's shattered squadron, departed from Charlestown the 3d of this instant. They had been moving off for several days, and were supposed to be bound part for Virginia, the rest farther northward. In going over Charlestown bar, a row battery that was sent to annoy them made prize of a brig transport, having on board a whole company of the Royal Highland emigrants; the Captain only escaped. The same day a boat from General Clinton's ship was taken, with nine sailors in her. General Lee is expected here soon.
The advices since our last from the back country are, that the Cherokee and Creek Indians to the number of between 6 and 700 are encamped in Carter's valley, from whence they send out parties against the settlements, some of which had perpetrated near 100 miles on this side of the Big Island, carrying destruction wherever they come, by burning houses, fences, fields, of wheat and other grain and turning droves of horses into the corn fields. Upwards of 1000 head of horses have been drove off, and a great number of cattle; the sheep and hogs they shoot down. They had killed and scalped 8 men, one or two women, and several children; some of the people were most barbarously murdered, too shocking to relate. The ruined settlers had collected themselves together at different places, and fortified themselves, 400 and upwards at Major Thelby's about the same number at Captain Campbell's and a considerable number at Amos Eaton's.—The fort at Wataugah, which was besieged by 400 savages, is now relieved, the Indians having abandoned their enterprize upon the approach of Col. Russell with about 300 men.—In all the skirmishes with the Indians, our people have continually worsted them; and in the whole, have killed and scalped 27, and badly wounded many others, as was discovered by the tracks of blood.—A man from the frontiers of Georgia had arrived in Fincastle, who declared upon oath, that he saw upwards of 100 people buried in one day, who were killed by the Creek Indians.
August 17. By an express from Col. Russell of Fincastle, we learn, that on his approaching the Wataugah fort with the men under his command, the Indians retired precipitately; however, not without losing one man and having two wounded, by a party that pursued them. The fort was thus fortunately relieved after a fortnight's close siege, during the greater part of which time our people lived on parched corn. We lost not a man in this long affair, except four or five who ventured out to drive in some cows. Some were found scalped."
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 31.
Extract of a Letter from an Officer in Col. Atlee's Battalion, of Pennsylvania, Aug. 27.
"Yesterday about 120 of our men went as a guard to a place called Red Lion on Long Island; about 11 o'clock at night the centries descried 2 men coming up a water mellon patch, upon which our men fired upon them; the enemy then retreated, and about one o'clock advanced with 2 or 300 men, and endeavoured to surround our guard, but they being watchful, gave them 2 or 3 fires and retreated to alarm the remainder of the Battalion (except one Lt. and about 15 men who have not been heard of as yet) At about 4 o'clock this morning the alarm was given by beating to arms, when the remainder of our battalion, accompanied by the Delaware & Maryland battalions went to the place where our men retreated from. About a quarter of a mile on this side, we saw the enemy when we got into the woods (our battalion being the advance guard) amidst the incessant fire of their field pieces loaded with grape shot, which continued till ten o'clock. The Marylanders on the left flank, and we on the right, kept up a
constant fire amidst all their cannon, and saw several of them fall; but they being too many for us, we retreated a little, and then made a stand. Our Lt. Col. Parry was shot thro' the head, and I was under the necessity of retreating with him to this place, in order to secure his effects, since which I have heard the enemy are within 60 yards of our lines; which I think will cost them some number of men before they gain them."
NEW-HAVEN, Sept. 4.
By advice of a Council of war, last Thursday night and Friday morning, the whole of our army then on Long Island, removed to New-York, and brought off, it is said; all their camp equipage, cannon, &c. Their return was conducted with such secrecy, that it was not discovered by the enemy until all our army and baggage were got over, and only three persons who left the island last in a bateaux, fell into their hands. Saturday and Sunday, our troops on Governor's Island and Red Hook, evacuated our fortifications there, and brought off their cannon, &c. notwithstanding a very heavy fire from the enemy on Long-Island, in which we lost some men.
We hear, that the main body of the enemy's army are now encamped near Hell Gate; they have transported a number of boats over land, and it is supposed they intend to cross and land a little above their encampment, and attack our army near Kingsbridge, where we are making great preparations to receive them.
General Sullivan and Lord Sterling, who were both missing after the battle on the 27th ult. are both alive and well; the former having on his parole, obtained leave to go to Congress, last Saturday passed New-York on his way to Philadelphia. It is said his business is to obtain an exchange of himself and Lord Sterling, for General Prescott a prisoner in Pennsylvania, and General McDonald, a prisoner in North-Carolina.
Since our troops have evacuated Long Island, the Tories and regulars treat the friends to their country with the greatest severity. Col. Woodhull late president of the New-York Congress, for refusing to give up his side arms, was wounded on the head with a cutlass and had a bayonet thrust through his arm.
By some people who I st Hant's don last Monday, we hear, that the inhabitants of Suffolk county were to resign up their arms yesterday.
Our loss in the battle on the 27th ult. remains as yet uncertain, the calculation being from 600 to 1000. Col. Huntington's regiment is said to have suffered much there being missing 6 captains, 6 lieutenants, 21 serjeants, 2 drummers, and 116 rank and file.
Yesterday 64 women landed at Millford, from Long Island, and we hear numbers are coming off daily to the continent.
Col. Zedwitz has had his trial, and has been acquitted by a casting vote. He is yet held a prisoner.
Capt. Redfield of Killingworth, on his return from New-York, was taken by one of the pirates, who burnt his vessel, and after depriving him a few days, he was dismissed. There was another person in the vessel, whom they detained.
WATERTOWN, September 9. Extract of a letter from Cork dated 9th March 1776, to a Gentleman at Kingston.
Your 200 barrels of Pork have been laid in at a seasonable time. That article is now worth from 58/ to £3 per barrel and all other kind of provisions are advanced proportionably, so great is the demand for the use of Government. But it will not rest here; In a little time if the troubles continue no provision will be had in this kingdom, for any money. So that you will do well to act with caution in the sale of your pork.
The friends of the following masters of vessels are hereby made acquainted of their being well, viz. Edward Sargent, Nathaniel Giddings, and Edmund Roberts of Piscataqua, and Nathaniel Leech of Marblehead.
BOSTON, Sept. 12.
Capt. James Tracy and Lieut. Main of the Yankee Hero brig, were sent from Halifax to Staten Island, the last of July, on board the Mercury pirate Frigate, James Montague—[Capt. Procter of Philadelphia, who is now a prisoner in Halifax gaol, was 11 weeks in irons on board the above frigate, during which time he was treated in the most barbarous manner by the above Montague, who, several times threatened to hang him, and offered one of his sailors 40s. to swear his life against him.] Mr. Carpenter of this town, is closely confined in irons in Halifax gaol, by order of General Massie who commands there.
One day last week were sent into Providence, seven vessels, prizes, with supplies for those unrelenting, barbarous, tyrannical, blood-thirsty, butchers, the royal savage of
Britain's troops, now on Staten Island. They were taken by the Captains Biddle & Whipple, in two vessels of war, belonging to the united and confederated States of America. Particulars of their cargoes have not yet come to hand.
Notice is hereby given, that the Lecture this Day is turned into a DAY of PRAYER more especially on Account of the critical State of our military Operations.
Capt. Gill, in a small privateer Schooner from this port, has taken and sent into Plymouth a Brigantine from Antigua bound to Europe, laden with Rum and Sugars. She was first taken by a Connecticut privateer, but the people rose and retook her, and had her in possession the day before Capt. Gill came up with her.
We hear a privateer from Salem has taken a Brigantine from Cork, loaded with provisions for New-York, and sent her into some port at the eastward.
We hear from New-York, that the Rebuck of 44 guns, Capt. Parker in attempting to get up East River, thro' Hell gate, got very roughly handled, being ball'd 15 times.
We hear 8 or 9 prizes, West Indiamen, are taken and carried into Providence.
We learn from undoubted authority, that the Schooner Sally, Capt. Roach which lately went from Piscataqua to Halifax, as a flag with some prisoners, was on her arrival there, made a prize of, and all the hands put on board a man of war.
The Standing Militia of Connecticut together with the Troop of Light Horse, on the east side of Connecticut river, are ordered to march with the utmost expedition to West Chester, near New-York where it is imagined the enemy will make an attempt to land from Long Island.
Among the prisoners lately taken at Long Island is Major Cudgio, chief Ethiopian commander of Lord Sandwich (Dunmore's) regiment of blacks.
Yesterday Sennight was sent to this harbour, by the Lieut. Capt. Waters, a sloop from the Eastward, bound for Halifax, laden with cord-wood.
We hear that a Schooner, laden with rum and sugar, was carried into Cape Ann last week.
Last Sunday was taken and carried into Gouldsborough, by two small boats, a brig from Ireland, bound for Halifax, laden with beef, butter, &c. She parted company with twelve other provision vessels the day on which she was taken, all bound for the above port.
NEWBURY-PORT, Sept. 13.
Last Wednesday arrived in this harbour, the brigantine Georgia Diana, Peter Rigan Master, bound from Grenada for London, taken by the Washington privateer, Nathaniel Oldorne commander, having on board 250 logheads of rum and sugar, and about 20 chaldron of coal, &c. &c.
PORTSMOUTH.
The Friday's Post brought neither papers nor letters from New-York nor Philadelphia, so that we cannot give a particular account of affairs there. The Post-Office is removed about 26 miles from the city of New-York.
Public Auction.
To be sold at public Auction, on Tuesday the 8th. day of October next, at the wharfe of Mess. Daniel & Samuel Sherburne, 10 o'clock forenoon, the prize-ship Nelly Frigate; burthen about 310 tons (with her appurtenances,) being well found, and has near a double suite of sails, good cables and towlines, with five anchors. Also the Cargo of said ship, consisting of 120,000 feet Mahogany, (from the Bay Honduras) and about forty tons of unchipt and chipt Logwood, two double fortify'd four pounders & four double fortify'd two pounders. The said ship 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 Sept. 14, 1776. 17-19
Two Dollars Reward.
RAN away from me the subscriber, the 26th of Aug. last, a Negro man named Cato, about 25 years of age, 5 feet high, speaks good English; carried with him a light coloured fustian coat, grey homespun breeches, striped woolen shirts, &c. Whoever takes up said negro, and conveys him to me, shall have two dollars reward, and all necessary charges paid by
WILLIAM HALEY. Kittery Sept. 13, 1776. 7-9
ALL Persons indebted to or that have any demands on the Estate of Lieut. Jacob Seberly late of Hampton Falls Saddler deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to the Widow Sarah Seberly, and Abner Sanborn jun. administrators to said estate, in order for a settlement.
Hampton-Falls Sept. 4, 1776. 17-19

L O N D O N May 24 th SHOULD the change which is reported to have happened in the French Ministry prove true, in all human probability, a rupture in Europe will be the consequence.
If Choiseul, the Chatham of France, should come again into play, England may bid adieu to peace.
Choiseul is known to have entertained a deep-rooted jealousy against the English,—He will never forget the towering heights to which the genius of England conducted her during the last war. France is determined to retaliate. If she refrains it will only be through a consciousness that we are pursuing a measure which will ruin ourselves.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, May 22.
“Arrived yesterday after post at Spithead, eight transports with Hessian troops on board for North-America.”
If Spain should actually attack Portugal, England must commit a breach of treaty or enter into a war.
The late fall of the stocks is entirely owing to the intelligence received concerning a change in the administration of France.—A war is now more certain than ever, if that should happen, we shall be in a pickled condition.
It is reported that a political breeze of an alarming nature has sprung up between Mr. Rigby, and Lord George Germaine.
Lord Howe, upon having every article in his commission consented to and signed, agreeable to his utmost wishes, pledged himself to his Majesty, before his departure, not to return to Great-Britain without recovering the American Continent by treaty, or the sword.
The ministry begin to be crest-fallen.—The change in the French administration forebodes the downfall of their power.—Their American projects will eventually involve this country in a war. A dismembered empire, drained of its troops, exhausted of its marine, tottering in its credit, ruined in its commerce, tyrannized over, nor governed but by a faction in power, such an empire is ill prepared for the attacks of her powerful neighbours.
Ministry have made an indirect advance to Lord Chatham. Lord Suffolk lately paid a visit to that illustrious character. Lord Chatham received him with the coldness of contempt. When Lord Suffolk introduced the subject of politics, Lord Chatham interrupted him by discoursing on the gout. He asked the Peer whether he had discovered any remedy for that disorder, with which they were both so much afflicted? Lord Suffolk finding his errand vain, retired as uninformed as he went, consequently not over-wise. This is a fact, let Lord Suffolk deny it if he can.
From the visit lately paid by Lord Suffolk to Lord Chatham we may judge the situation of ministry; they have brought on the storm of civil war; they now meanly court the favour of his country, to say to the political wave, “peace be still.”
The following address to his Majesty was moved for on Thursday in the House of Commons by Mr. Hartly, and seconded by Sir George Savile, by which the public will be convinced that the Minority members were desirous to hold themselves in readiness to take into consideration any proposals that might be received from America, tending to a reconciliation with the mother country.
That an humble address be presented to his Majesty, setting forth, that his faithful Commons in compliance with the sentiments and recommendations of his Majesty's most Gracious Speech at the opening of the present session, have been reduced to support his Majesty with very great and expensive armaments, both by sea and land, together with many powers of coercion and punishment of such of his Majesty's subjects in America as are in a state of resistance to his authority.
That his faithful Commons, reposing themselves implicitly upon the wisdom and moderation of his Majesty's Councils, and without any communication of the detail of matters and transactions in America, either from the Governors of the provinces, or the commanders of his Majesty's forces, or any communication of authentic papers from any of the public officers corresponding with the plantations, which
might be explanatory of the views, temper, forces, connections, public proceedings, number and disposition of the people discontented and in arms, have adopted measures in general confidence of the recommendation of his Majesty's most gracious speech from the throne, without specific materials of information, his Majesty not having thought proper to refer any such to this house.
That his Majesty's faithful Commons having thus reposed a boundless trust in the wisdom of his Majesty's councils think themselves so much more bound to their constituents, and to their country, to watch that the powers which they have intrusted to his Majesty, may not be ignorantly or destructively applied by his ministers; and as the events of this anxious and important year may probably be decisive to the future union and well-being of his Majesty's dominions; and as the advice of parliament, at the shortest notice, may be of the utmost importance for the salvation of these kingdoms; and as a continued series of unsuccessful and repromised events have attended the execution of his Majesty's Councils, for many months past, from the loss of Ticonderoga until the retreat of his Majesty's forces from Boston, which seem to betray either ignorance or concealment of the operating causes which have produced such unexpected events, and which have occasioned a general disquietude & alarm.
That his faithful Commons humbly intreat that his Majesty would be most graciously pleased not to prorogue the present Parliament, but suffer them to continue sitting by adjournments during the summer, that they may be ready to receive, from time to time, such information of the transactions in America as his Majesty shall think proper to lay before them, to watch and to provide for every important event at the earliest moment.”
PROVIDENCE , August 24.
Extract of a letter from a Planter in Grenada to his friend in London, dated June 28, found on board the Ship Friendship, lately taken by the Diamond Privateer, of this port.
“All things in the Sugar Islands, at this juncture, afford a most gloomy prospect.—provisions for the Negroes are not to be purchased, and all sorts of commodities for the manufacture of sugar are at three times the price they were last year; while at the same time the Dutch and French Islands abound with every thing. In short calamity is our present lot, and God only knows when it will end.”
Extract of a letter from a merchant in Bermuda to his Friend in London, dated April 5.
“It is lamentable indeed to find the deplorable state our nation is in, the effects of which are severely felt in this place. We have long been hoping and expecting that the next vessel would bring us more favourable accounts: but alas! it is worse & worse, and the prospect now before us is Famine and Death . The Lord (for there is none else can) deliver us from it. There is now little or no provision to be sold on the Island, and no expectation of any. The West-Indies we hear are in the same situation. We thank you for giving us the Heads of the fatal restraining bill .”
NEW-PORT , Aug 15.
Extract of a letter from Hampton, in Virginia.
“Dunmore has sent two or three vessel loads of Negroes to the West-Indies to sell.”
Last Monday arrived in this bay, the brig —, Capt. Savage in seven weeks from Lisbon, having on board a quantity of salt, some fruit, and a fine parcel of medicines for the American army.—We have seen the London Chronicle as late as the 28th of May, brought by Capt. Savage, but it contains nothing of any consequence; excepting that Spain had requested the 24,000 men of France, which they were to furnish by treaty, in order to make an attack on Portugal; that the Empress of Russia was dead; that a French fleet was cruising off Cape St. Vincent, and that two English frigates were watching their motions, &c.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, dated 21st of August.
“Capt. Weeks in the Continental ship Reprisal, is arrived at Martinico, off the harbour he engaged the Shark sloop of war, of 16 guns for 37 minutes, when she was obliged to shear off, and Weeks stood in. The Shark followed him in, and demanded the Rebel Pirate, as he impudently called Capt.
Weeks.—But the French Governor, on his touching him, within the limits of that government, and has given Weeks liberty to leave down. He was 80 men short of his compliment, by manning the three prizes he has sent in.
“I have a letter from Statia, dated August 3d, which says, a French frigate arrived at Martinico last Sunday, from Old France, with dispatches as late as the 22d of June, to the Governors and Commanders in Chief of all the French Islands to put themselves in the best state of defence, and to aid, assist, and protect, all American vessels that might put into their ports as far as possible.”
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
DESERTED from the ship of war Raleigh , under my command, Charles Williams , an Englishman, dark complexion, five feet five inches high— Francis Bennet , a Portuguese, dark complexion, five feet four inches high— Edward Fernald an American, brown complexion, 5 feet 8 inches high,—and Samuel Clark , an American, brown complexion, five feet seven inches high.—Whoever will apprehend the said deserters and bring them on board the said ship, shall have Five Dollars reward for each, and travelling charges allowed.
THOMAS THOMPSON.
Portsmouth Aug. 30, 1776.
N B. Went adrift from said ship, a fourteen foot Moses-Boat , whoever will take up said boat and return her to said ship, shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward. 16—18
THIS may inform the Public, that Capt. Caleb Sanborn , who has so long kept a tavern in Hampton-Falls, is determined to resign that business into the hands of some others, and live a more retired life for the future. CALEB SANBORN.
Hampton-Falls Aug. 30 1776. 16—18
THE SELECT-MEN hereby give notice that they will attend at the WORK-HOUSE on the first, second and third Tuesdays in September next, from 3 to 6 o'Clock P. M. to make any reasonable abatements on the Taxes of such Persons as are over rated.
Portsmouth Aug. 30th, 1776. 15—17
State of New-Hampshire.
DESERTED from my Company at New-Castle, Timothy Knox of Pembroke and John Thing Connor , of Hopkinton; the Committees of said towns are desired to take up said deserters and convey them to their respective company.
TIMOTHY CLEMENTS, Capt.
New-Castle Aug. 29, 1776. 15—17
ALL Persons indebted to or that have any demands on the estate of Paul Hayes , late of Barrington deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to James Hayes of Barrington, executor of his last will and testament, in order for a speedy settlement.
Barrington Aug. 23, 1776. 15—17
Two Dollars Reward.
BROKE from the guard at Fort Sullivan, Frederick Peverly Drummer of my company in Col. David Gilman's Regiment, on the 28th of August inst. he is of a dark complexion about five feet and a half high, light hair, a crooked nose, large fore teeth; had on when he deserted a new hat, blue regimental coat, white breeches, &c. Whoever will take up said Deserter, and convey him to said fort, or confine him in any of the colony gaols shall have TWO DOLLARS REWARD .
ELIPHALET DANIELS.
Fort Sullivan Aug. 29th, 1776. 15—17
ALL Persons indebted to or that have demands on the estate of Mr. Joshua Weeks late of Loudon, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to Nathaniel Weeks of said Loudon, administrator on said estate for immediate settlement.
Loudon Aug. 22, 1776. 15—17
Clean Linnen R A G S
Taken in at the Printing-Office.