The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1774-12-30 00:00:00

Oliver Whipple, Attorney at Law,
Gives his Friends and the Public to understand that he has Removed his Office, lately opposite the Post Office, in Portsmouth, to the House of Thomas Bell, Esq; deceased, at the North End of said Portsmouth, where all Persons, who chuse to favour him with their Business in the LAW, will find him attentive to their Interest, and punctual and faithful in the Dispatch of their Business.
Portsmouth, December 28,
By the Mercury Packet, Capt. Dillon, arrived at New York in 35 Days from Falmouth, and by a Ship from Bristol, arrived at Philadelphia, we have the following Intelligence, viz.
L O N D O N, October 15.
A Correspondent assures us, that notwithstanding the various Causes assigned for the sudden Death of the late Parliament, that it died rotten of the King's Evil.
Many People censure the K--- for the American Business; he certainly does not act himself, but does implicitly as he is bid; but when Monarchs are so dictated to; and those Councils prove detrimental to public Good, does it not beboke the People to enquire into the Machinations of those, who are the Conductors of such base Matters?
One Hundred Thousand Pounds, it is computed, will not defray the Expenses Government, or the Public, hath already been at, in their Endeavour to subject the Americans, and yet they seem just where they were.
Oct. 22. Lord Chatham still continues inflexible, notwithstanding, as it is said, he has within this Month had Offers to unite himself with Administration, that few Men in the Kingdom would have withstood.
Lord Mansfield, we are informed, hath negotiated the Business he went on to the Court of France, in so compleat a Manner, that it is said, he has obtained a Peace with France some Years; the French Monarch having assured his Lordship, that nothing is more distant from his Thoughts, than breaking the Peace with the Crown of Great-Britain.
A Report was yesterday current, that some bad News had arrived from America, which occasioned the holding a Cabinet Council; it is added, that an Express was dispatched from the Admiralty, for the Ships now fitting out for Boston to sail with all possible Dispatch.
The West-India Governors have received Orders, we hear, to return home immediately, on Account of repeated Complaints of their Inattention and Inability.
Notwithstanding the ministerial Accounts from America are kept a profound Secret, the late Embargo on Gunpowder proves their Fears respecting that Country to be very great. Great Quantities of Nitre and Salt-Petre just shipped, are again disembarking in Consequence of Saturday's Gazette.
Oct. 27. A Letter received in Town from an English Gentleman at Brest, says, that a French Frigate & a Snow lately sail'd from that Port for America, laden with Firelocks, Gunpowder, &c. It is added, that two experienced military Officers embarked on board the said Frigate.
Oct. 29. Yesterday Mr. Remembrancer waited upon the Lord High Chancellor, and notified to his Lordship the Election of Mr. Wilkes as Lord Mayor for the Year ensuing, when Thursday next was appointed for the Lord Mayor elect being presented to the Chancellor.
November 2. No Poll for Members to represent Bristol was ever known to continue so long as the Present; it has been held three Weeks already, and it is imagined will not be yet finally closed for some Days. The Number of Voters that have been made free is incredible, being near two Thousand, and a very considerable Part of them even since the Poll began.
PORTSMOUTH.
We hear from Greenland that a large Number of the most respectable Inhabitants of that Town convened on Saturday the 17th Day of December current, at the House of Mr. John Folsom, Innholder in said Town, and by erecting a LIBERTY-POLE, and by several Votes there passed discovered the firmest Attachment to the Cause of Liberty and a fix'd Determination to defend the Privileges of Americans with their Lives and Fortunes.
N. B. The above Conduct & Determinations being very disagreeable to Col. March, he enter'd his Dissent, and said none but lazy, idle Fellows, such as you Andrew Mc. Clarys and Jo. Cellys would have any Thing to do with such Business, and that he would indemnify any one that would cut the Pole down.
ROCHESTER December 26th, 1774.
The following melancholly Accidents have happened with us within this few Days. On the 3th of this Instant, one Christopher Pottle of this Town was assisting in disengaging a lodged Tree, it slipped, and caught him in the Leg, and wounded him in such a Manner that his Leg was cut off above his Knee, on the 11th inst. and he expired in the Evening following. He has left a Wife and five Children, to deplore the Loss of a kind Husband and indulgent Father.
On the 23d Inst. as one Asa Ricker of this Place, was fixing a Ramrod into the Thimbles of a Loaded Musket, it accidentally discharged itself into his Bowels; of which Wound he expired in about one Hour. He has left a sorrowful Wife, and one Child to lament the Misfortune.
Also one Aaron Drew of Middletown, in falling a Tree, and endeavouring to get out of the Way, fell into a Hole and broke his Back, & died in about a Month after, leaving a Wife & 3 Children
S T R A T H A M, Dec. 20, 1774.
Mr. FOWLE. A Person of this Place, Mr. William Pottle, jr. was roughly handled in your Town on Friday last; which by some of his Friends is attributed to me.---I would not willingly lie under the Charge of unjustly injuring any Man; much less one of my Fellow Townsmen: For which Reason I desire you to insert in your next Paper, the following plain Narration of Matters of Fact; that the World may judge how far I was the blameable Cause of his Suffering.---
Having rode to Portsmouth that Day upon Business; when I had entered the Town, I found a Number of Men from other Towns, to the Amount of an 100, assembled at the East End of the State House.--- While I was viewing the Company, & enquiring the Reason of their being together; I saw the aforementioned William Pottle, approach the Body on Horse back; when a Gentleman, from amidst the Crowd, pointing at Mr. Pottle, said, "There is a Tory---there is an Enemy to his Country---see how he looks---behold him, how he looks---" and many more Words of the like Import. To this, Mr. Pottle answered, "Why Gentlemen, why do you say so?" To which the Gentleman before mentioned reply'd, "Sir, we know you to be so; we can prove it." Another, from the Crowd, said, "yet it is true;---for I heard him not long since, say, "He would join General GAGE, in fighting against his Country, whenever he was called; or Words to that Purpose." Upon this, knowing the said Pottle had conducted in a Manner inimical to his Country, and thinking this a suitable Time to intimidate and humble him, I said; Gentlemen, this Villain has appeared an open Enemy to his Country." "In Evidence of which I observed, that when there was a Town Meeting in Stratham, to choose Delegates to appear at Exeter, and join those of other Towns in appointing suitable Persons to represent the Province at the general continental Congress; the said Pottle (as I was credibly informed) held a Mock-Meeting at his Shop, &c. and that at another Time when we had a legal Town Meeting, to see what the Town would vote towards supplying the suffering Poor in Boston; said Pottle entered his Dissent against the Vote.---Some of the Company interrupting me, by exclaiming against him,---I said, pray Gentlemen, be silent, I think this Man, ought to sign an Acknowledgment in Writing, and ask Pardon of this Body; and let it be published in the News Paper. To which, the Gentleman who spoke first replied; "No Gentlemen, I would not give one Farthing for his Acknowledgment---his and drive him out of Town---that is the best Treatment he deserves---he is beneath our Notice." Immediately there was a general shout, and the said Pottle rode off; who instead of going directly out of Town, went round the State House, and passed by the Recorder's, a Number of People following, and hissing at him. I immediately repaired to Captain Tilton's; before whose Door, I said to the Company there gathered, "Gentlemen, I think this Man has conducted in such a Manner that we ought not to buy any of his Malt---for my Part I am determined I will not; I should not choose to drink Beer, made of Tory Malt." Not that I had any Objection to his Malt as not good in itself; but because I thought we ought to conform to the Advice of the Continental Congress, and have nothing to do with Men of that Character. Some time after this, I heard said Pottle was gone round by Church-Hill, and was pursued, and unhorsed, at one of the Wharves, and roughly handled---that by the Advice of some Persons of Moderation, he was permitted to remount his Horse, and ride off, and that a Number followed him till they saw him out of Town. Not long after, on the same Day, I heard said Pottle was seen in Town again: a Number of People following him, and crying, stop him,---stop him,---that z Men, supposing him to be a Thief, (as I am informed) took hold of his Horse's Bridle, and stop'd him---when the Company came up, they said, let him go---let him go---which they did; and he rode off,---some crying stop him; and others let him go.---For my own Part, I saw not said Pottle, after he first left the State House, 'till I passed by him, about a Mile below Greenland Meeting House on my Return Home; I spoke not a Word to him; but rode directly to my own Habitation.---Having thus given a true Account of all I knew of the Transactions of that Day & how far I was concerned in them; I think it Duty out of Regard to Community, to mention 2 or 3 Things in this Man's Conduct; wherein his rooted Enmity against his Country will sufficiently appear.---The first was his open Opposition to the Meeting at Stratham, for suppressing the Consumption of Tea.---Another was his Conduct on the Day of the Fast recommended by the Members of the late House of Representatives.
This Man, instead of attending upon the public Exercises of the Day, and joining in the general Prayers for the Salvation of his Country; endeavoured to the utmost of his Power, to keep others from their Duty; and took Pains to hire Men to work with him, and accordingly did work in his Field through the Day. A Third was what passed between the Rev. Mr. Adams of this Town and him, while the Continental Congress was sitting. Mr. Adams meeting this Mr. Pottle, asked how he did; to which Pottle replied, never the better for you.---Why said Mr. Adams, what is the Matter? What, returned Pottle, why you pray'd for those wicked Fellows that are gone upon the Congress. And should not they be pray'd for? said Mr. Adams; I pray'd for the whole Congress. Pottle answered, I will never come to hear you any more: And according to his Word has never attended upon Mr. Adams's Ministry since. Now to conclude, though I abhor all illegal Mobs and Assemblies and would have no Man's Person or Property injured; I think every one who is a Friend to America, is in Duty bound to contemn such a Man, and have no Connection or Dealings with him, 'till Repentance and Reformation entitle him to Forgiveness.
STEPHEN BORDMAN, one of the
Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Stratham. N. B. This Piece was design'd for our last Paper, but coming too late were obliged to omit it.
SALEM, December 27.
By a Letter from Cadiz, dated the 6th of November, we learn, that three Days before, WAR was declared by the King of Spain against the Emperor of Morocco, both by Sea and Land.
A Gentleman is arrived from Cape Nicholas Mole, which he left the 17th of November. Just as he was coming away, a Vessel arrived from the Island of Cuba, which she left only two Days before; the Master of which informed, that he was obliged to quit the Island in the greatest Hurry and leave all his Cargo behind.---There were so many Spanish Vessels cruising to intercept all Provision Vessels bound to the Island of Jamaica, that it was hardly possible for any to escape. And that all the French and Spaniards were employed Night and Day in repairing and building Fortifications, with the greatest Expedition, and furnishing all their Garrisons with a large Stock of Provisions and Ammunition.---During his Stay at the Mole, Transports were arriving daily with Troops and Provisions.
The General Assembly of Rhode Island have passed a Law, whereby it is enacted, That the Militia Companies in that Colony shall be mustered one Day in every Month, and exercised in martial Discipline according to the Mode established by his present Majesty in the Year 1764: That there be a general Muster and Review of each Regiment, or Battalion, twice in every Year, in April and October; and that there be a general Muster and Review of Brigade once in every two Years. That the Captain-General, Lieutenant-General, and Major-General, or any two of them, be authorized to order which and in what Manner, the Forces shall march to the Assistance of the other Colonies, when invaded or attacked, and to make use of the Cannon belonging to the Colony, either in or out of the same, as they may deem expedient; and that the Forces when out of the Colony, shall be under the Command of the Major-General.
We hear that the interior Parts of the Country are well provided with Gun-Powder.
BOSTON, Thursday, December 22.
Letters from London inform us, that the Empress of Russia, in Consequence of the Advantages she has received from the Support afforded to her Operations by the Crown of Great Britain in the late War against the Ottoman Empire, has granted to the Subjects of our most gracious Sovereign, a free Navigation in all the Seas of her Majesty's Realm, including those Rights secured to the Crown of Russia by the late glorious Peace concluded with the Turks.
A Vessel loaded with upwards of 1000 Bushels of Corn from Rappahannock in Virginia, for the suffering Poor of this Town, hath been blown off the Coast, and is got to St. Eustatia, where the Cargo will be sold and the Proceeds remitted to Boston.
EXTRACT of a LETTER from a GENTLEMAN in ABINGTON, to the PRINTER of the SPY, dated Dec. 9. 1774.
YESTERDAY I was invited to assist a Woman in Travail, she lived about four Miles from my Dwelling-House in Abington. The Infant was speedily born: A curious Phenomenon was exhibited. Nature had formed a cartilaginous CAP, which was regularly placed on the Head of the Child, contiguous to the Cranium, only the Skin on the Top of the Forehead, and round about the Ears to the back part of the Head, rising about three or four Inches from the Skull Bone, on the fore part of the Head, and then gradually declining towards the back Part. It very nearly resembled some Caps not long since worn by the young Ladies. The Woman received a Hutt about a Week before her Delivery, she was in the 7th Month of her Pregnancy. The Child was still born.
We are well assured, that at a Funeral in a neighbouring Town a few Days ago, the aged, and venerable Minister of the Gospel being presented with a Pair of Gloves as usual on such Occasions, declined taking them, and upon being urged to take them, he utterly refused, giving for Reason, that his Refusal was in Compliance with the Recommendation of the Continental Congress, which he thought every one ought to conform to; upon which the Gloves were taken back, and those which had been laid upon the Coffin for the Use of the Pall-Holder, were taken away also. A noble Example this!
INTELLIGENCE EXTRAORDINARY.
We hear, that when Commodore Fight-All, the Roxbury Hero, heard that the brave Hampshire Men, had taken the Cannon, Powder and small Arms out of the Fort, at Portsmouth, and secured them out of the Reach of his Majesty's Enemies, he called them Rebels, and swore that if the Admiral would give him one of his Frigates, he would go and blow the Town down. Reader remark---he was well assured first, that the Cannon, Powder and small Arms were removed.
NEWPORT, December 19.
By a Gentleman who came Passenger with Capt. Casey, who arrived here last Thursday from Liverpool, we are informed, that the Merchants and People in general, at Liverpool, and as far round as he could learn, were heartily disposed in Favour of America.---That Sir William Meredith declared openly, before and at the Election for Liverpool, his Sentiments against the Measures of Administration towards the Colonies.---That the Order of his Majesty in Council, prohibiting the Exportation of Gun-Powder, Arms, &c. had stopped ten or 15 Ships there, almost ready for the Sea, bound for the Coast of Africa.
BOSTON, December 26.
The Governor of Virginia has concluded a Peace with the several Tribes of Indians that have been at War with the English, and taken Hostages of them for their faithful complying with the Terms of it; the Principle of which are, that they shall totally abandon the Lands on this Side of the Ohio (which River is to be the Boundary between them and the White People) and never more to take up the Hatchet against the English. The Army was thereupon broke up and returned home.
Capt. Lotbrop, from Turks Island to New-London, on the 26th of November, in Lat. 28 N. and Long. 73 W. met with the Hull of a Schooner dismasted; she had bright Sides and black Stern, with yellow Mouldings, red Quarter Boards, with white Flour de Luce, a Lumber Port forward, and another abaft; had Sand Ballast, about 12 Hogsheads of Molasses, and about two Feet of Water in her Hold; appeared to be Eastern built, about a Year old, with a long Quarter Deck, her Cabin papered; had been stripped of every Thing worth taking, the Molasses excepted, and had no Person on board.

Continental Congress continu'd.
Then the Congress be adjourn'd to meet at this place to morrow morning 10 o'clock, Tuesday , Sept. 6, at 10 o'clock, 1774. A.M. The Congress met according to adjournment
PRESENT,
THE same members as yesterday, and moreover from the colony of Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, Esq;
The congress resuming the consideration of rules of conduct to be observed in debating and determining questions that come under consideration.
Resolved , That in determining questions in this congress, each colony or province shall have one vote. The congress not being possessed of, or at present able to procure proper materials for ascertaining the importance of each colony,
Resolved , That no person shall speak more than twice on the same point, without leave of the congress.
Resolved , That no questions shall be determined the day on which it is agitated and debated, if any one of the colonies desire the determination to be postpon'd to another day.
Resolved , That the doors be kept shut during the time of business, and that the members consider themselves under the strongest obligations of honour, to keep the proceedings secret, until the majority shall direct them to be made public.
Resolved , That a committee be appointed to state the rights of the colonies in general, the several instances in which those rights are violated or infringed, and the means most proper to be pursued for obtaining a restoration of them.
Ordered , That the appointment of the committee, and the number of which it shall consist, be deferred until to morrow.
Resolved , That a committee be appointed to examine and report the several statutes which affect the trade and manufactures of the colonies.
Same order as above respecting the appointment and number of this committee.
Resolved , That the Rev. Mr. Duche be desired to open the congress to morrow morning with prayers, at the carpenters-hall, at 9 o'clock.
Adjourned to five o'clock this afternoon, Five o'clock P. M.
The congress met according to adjournment.
Thomas Johnson, jr. Esq; one of the delegates from Maryland, attended and took his seat.
Extract from the minutes of the directors of the library company of Philadelphia, dat. August 31, 1774, directed to the president, was read as follows :
"Upon motion ordered, "That the librarian furnish the gentlemen who are to meet in congress, with the use of such books as they may have occasion for, during their sitting, taking a receipt for them. Signed by order of the Directors, William Atmore, secr'y.
Ordered , That the thanks of the congress be returned to the directors of the library company of Philadelphia, for their obliging order. Adjourned till 9 o'clock to morrow. Wednesday , Sept. 7, 9 o'clock, 1774, A.M. The congress met according to adjournment.
Agreeable to the resolve of yesterday, the meeting was opened with prayers by the Reverend Mr. Duche.
Voted , That the thanks of the congress be given to Mr. Duche, by Mr. Cushing and Mr. Ward, for performing divine service, and for the excellent prayer which he composed and delivered on the occasion.
The congress taking into consideration the
appointment of the committees, A vote was taken on the number of which the first committee should consist, and carried by a great majority that it consist of two from each of the colonies, whereupon each colony named its respective members as follows.
For New-Hampshire, 2, Maj. John Sullivan and Col. Folsom.
Massachusetts-Bay, 2, Mr. Sam'l Adams, and Mr. John Adams.
Rhode-Island, 2, Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Ward.
Connecticut, 2, Colonel Dyer and Mr. Sherman.
New-York, 2, Mr. James Duane, & Mr. John Jay.
New-Jersey, 2, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Dehart.
Pennsylvania, 2, Mr. Joseph Galloway, and Mr. Edward Biddle.
Three Counties, 2, Mr. Cæsar Rodney, and Mr. Mc. Kean.
Maryland, 2, Mr. Thomas Johnston, and Mr. Goldsborough.
Virginia, 2, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Pendleton.
South-Carolina, 2, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. J. Rutledge.
Agreed , That the second committee consist of one chosen from each Colony as follows: New Hampshire, Mr. Sullivan.
Massachusetts Bay, Mr. Cushing,
Rhode Island, Mr. Hopkins.
Connecticut, Mr. Deane.
New York, Mr. Low,
New Jersey, Mr. Kinsey.
Pennsylvania, Mr. Mifflin,
Three Counties, Mr. Read.
Maryland, Mr. Chase.
Virginia, Mr. Henry,
South Carolina, Mr. Gadsden.
Ordered , That Mr. Isaac Lefevre, and Mr. James Lynch, be employed as door-keepers and messengers to this congress.
Resolved , That the President may adjourn the congress from day to day when he finds there is no business prepared to be laid before them, and may when he finds it necessary call them together before the time to which they may stand adjourned.
Adjourned till to morrow morning 9 o'clock.
Thursday nine o'clock, A. M.
The congress is farther adjourned till to morrow morning nine o'clock.
Friday, nine o'clock, A. M.
The President agreeable to the resolve of the 7th instant adjourned the Congress till to morrow 9 o'clock.
Saturday nine o'clock, A. M.
Adjourned till monday next at 9 o'clock.
Monday, Sept 12, 1774,
Mathew Tilghman, Esq; one of the delegates from Maryland, appeared and took his seat in congress.
No business being prepared for the congress, the President adjourned it till tuesday and from tuesday till wednesday.
§ To be continued. §
CHOICE MOLASSES for Retailers, by the Hoshead, Barrell, or less Quantity, TO BE SOLD,
By Samuel Gardner,
At his Store on Spring-Hill. Also, An Assortment of IRON HOLLOW WARE,
Among which are, Coolers, Dish-Kettles, Cart Boxes, large and small Tea-Kettles, two Quart, one Quart, and Pint Skellets ; large and small Hand Pots, Hand Kettles ; large and small Spiders ; large and small Stew-Pans with and without Covers, &c. — Said Gardner would engage to supply Shop-Keepers, Traders and others, with IRON WARE, in large or small Quantities, on the most advantageous Terms. He has also to sell, a Parcel of Leather BREECHES. — The aforesaid Articles may be bought very cheap for ready Money.
BOSTON.
To the INHABITANTS of the Province of Massachusetts-Bay.
WHEN a People, by what Means soever, are reduced to such a Situation, that every Thing they hold dear, as Men and Citizens is at stake, it is not only excusable, but even praiseworthy for an Individual to offer to the public any Thing that he may think has a Tendency to ward off the impending Danger ; nor should he be restrained, from an Apprehension that what he may offer will be unpopular, any more than a Physician should be restrained from prescribing a salutary Medicine, thro' fear it might be unpalatable to his Patient.
The Press when open to all Parties, influenced by none, is a salutary Engine in a free State, perhaps a necessary one to preserve the Freedom of that State ; but, when a Party has gained the Ascendency so far as to become the Licencers of the Press, either by an Act of Government, or by playing off the Resentment of the Populace, against Printers and Authors, the Press itself becomes an Engine of Oppression and Licentiousness, and is as pernicious to Society as otherwise it would be beneficial. It is too true to be denied that since our Controversy with Great-Britain, the Press in this Town has been much devoted to the Partizans of Liberty, they have been indulged in publishing what they pleased, fas vel nefas , while little has been published on the Part of Government, the Effect this must have had upon the Minds of the People in general is Obvious ; they must have formed their Opinion upon a Partial View of the Subject, & of course it must have been in some Degree erroneous : in short, the Changes have been rung so often upon Oppression, Tyranny and Slavery, that whether sleeping or waking they are continually vibrating in our Ears, and it is now high Time to ask ourselves whether we have not been deluded by Sound only.
My dear Countrymen, let us divest ourselves of Prejudice, take a View of our present wretched Situation, contrast it with our former happy one, carefully investigate the Cause, and industriously seek some Means to escape the Evils we now feel, and prevent those that we have reason to expect.
We have been so long advancing to our present State, and by such Gradations, that perhaps many of us are insensible of our true State and real Danger. Should you be told that Acts of High Treason are flagrant thro' the Country, that a great Part of the Province is in actual Rebellion, would you believe it true ? — Should you not deem the Person asserting of it an Enemy to the Province ? Nay should you not spurn him from you with Indignation ? Be calm, my Friends, it is necessary to know the Worst of a Disease, to enable us to provide an effectual Remedy. Are not the Bonds of Society cut asunder, & the Sanctions, that hold Man to Man trampled upon ? Can any of us recover a Debt, or obtain Compensation for an Injury by Law ? Are not many Persons who once we respected and revered driven from their Homes and Families, and forced to fly the Army for protection, for no other Reason but their having accepted Commissions under our King ? Is not civil Government dissolved ? Some have been made to believe that nothing short of attempting the Life of the King, or fighting his Troops can amount to High Treason or Rebellion. If, Reader you are one of those, apply to an honest Lawyer (if such an one can be found) and enquire what kind of Offence it is for a Number of Men to assemble armed, and forcibly to obstruct the Course of Justice, even to prevent the King's Courts from being held at their stated Terms ; for a Body of People to seize upon the King's provincial Revenue ; I mean the Monies collected by Virtue of Grants made by the General Court to his Majesty for the Support of his Government within this Province ; for a Body of Men to assemble without being called by Authority, and to pass governmental Acts, or for a Number of People to take the Militia out of the Hands of the King's Representative, or to form a new Militia, or to raise Men and appoint Officers for a public Purpose, without the Order or Permission of the King or his Representative ; or for a Number of Men to take to their Arms, and march, with a professed De-

sign of opposing the King's Troops, ask, Reader of such a Lawyer, what is the Crime, & what the Punishment, and if perchance thou art one that hast been active in these Things, and are not insensibility itself; his Answer will harrow up thy Soul.
I assure you, my Friends, I would not that this Conduct should be told beyond the Borders of this Province, I wish it were consigned to perpetual Oblivion; but alas it is too notorious to be concealed, our News Papers have already published it to the World, we can neither prevent nor conceal it, the Shaft is already sped, and the utmost Exertion is necessary to prevent the Blow. We already feel the Effects of Anarchy, mutual Confidence, Affection and Tranquility, those Sweeteners of Human Life, are succeeded by Distrust, Hatred and wild Uproar; the useful Arts of Agriculture & Commerce are neglected for caballing, mobbing this or the other Man, because he acts speaks, or is suspected of thinking different from the prevailing Sentiment of the Times, in purchasing Arms and forming a Militia, O Height of Madness! with a professed Design of opposing Great Britain. I suspect many of us have been induced to join in the Measures, or but faintly to oppose them, from an Apprehension that Great Britain would not, or could not exert herself sufficiently to subdue America. Let us consider this Matter. However closely we may hug ourselves in the Opinion that the Parliament has no Right to tax or legislate for us, the People of England hold the contrary Opinions as firmly, they tell us we are a Part of the British Empire, that every State from the Nature of Government must have a supreme uncontroulable Power co extensive with the Empire itself, and that, that Power is vested in Parliament, it is as unpopular to deny this Doctrine in Great Britain as it is to assert it in the Colonies, so there is little Probability of serving ourselves at this Day by our ingenious Distinctions between external and internal Taxes, between a Right of Legislation for one Purpose and not for another. We have bid them defiance, and the longest Sword must carry it, unless we change our Measures. Mankind are the same in all Parts of the World, the same Fondness for Dominion that presides in the Breast of an American, rules in the Breast of an European. If the Colonies are not a Part of the British Empire already, and subject to the supreme Authority of the State, Great Britain will make them so. Had we been prudent enough to confine our Opposition within certain Limits, we might have stood some Chance of succeeding once more, but alas we have pass'd the Rubicon. It is now universally believed in England, that if this Opportunity of reclaiming the Colonies, and reducing them to a Sense of their Duty, is lost, they in truth will be dismembered from the Empire, and become as distinct a State from Great Britain as Hanover; that is, although they may continue their allegiance to the Person of the King, they will owe none to the imperial Crown of Great Britain, nor yield Obedience to any of her Laws but such as they shall think proper to adopt. Can you indulge the tho' one Moment, that Great Britain will consent to this? For what has she protected and defended the Colonies against the maritime Powers of Europe from their first British Settlement to this Day? For what did she purchase New York of the Dutch? For what was she so lavish of her best Blood and Treasure in the Conquest of Canada and other Territories in America? Was it to raise up a rival State, or to enlarge her own Empire? Or if the Consideration of Empire was out of the Question, what security can she have of our Trade, when once she has lost our Obedience? I mention these Things, my Friends, that you may know how People reason upon the Subject in England, and to convince you that you are much deceived if you imagine Great Britain will accede to the Claims of the Colonies, she will as soon conquer New England as Ireland or Canada, if either of them revolted, and by Arms, if the milder influences of Government prove ineffectual. Perhaps you are as fatally mistaken in another Respect. I mean as to the Power of Great Britain to conquer, but can any of you that think soberly upon the Matter be so deluded as to believe at Great Britain who so lately carried her
Arms with success to every Part of the Globe, triumphed over the united Powers of France and Spain, and whose Fleets gave Law to the Ocean is unable to conquer us. Should the Colonies unite in a War against Great Britain (which by the Way is not a supposeable Case) the Colonies south of Pennsylvania would be unable to furnish any Men; they have not more than is necessary to govern their numerous Slaves and to defend themselves against the Indians. I will suppose that the Northern Colonies can furnish as many, & indeed more than can be used to advantage, but have you Arms fit for a Campaign? If you have Arms, have you military Stores, or can you procure them? when this War is proclaimed, all Supplies from foreign Parts will be cut off. Have you Money to maintain the War? Or had you all those Things, some others are still wanting, which are absolutely necessary to encounter regular Troops, that is Discipline, and that Subordination whereby each can command all below him, from a general Officer to the lowest Subaltern, these you neither have or can have in such a War. It is well known that the Provincials in the late War were never brought to a proper Discipline, though they had the Example of the regular Troops to encourage, and the martial Law to enforce it.
We all know, notwithstanding the Province Law for regulating the Militia, it was under little more command than what the Officers could obtain from treating & humouring the common Soldiers; what then can be expected from such an Army as you can bring into the Field, if you bring any, each one a Politician, puffed up with his own Opinion, and feeling himself second to none? Can any of you command forty Thousand such Men? can you punish the Disobedient? Can all your Wisdom direct their Strength, Courage or Activity to any given Point? Would not the least Disappointment or unfavourable Aspect cause a general Derelection of the Service? Your new-fangled Militia have already given us a Specimen of their future Conduct, in some of their Companies; they have already chosen two, in others three Sets of Officers, and are as dissatisfied with the last Choice as with the first. I do not doubt the natural bravery of my Countrymen, all men would act the same Part in the same Situation, such is the Army with which you are to oppose the most powerful Nation upon the Globe. An experienced Officer would rather take his Chance with five Thousand British Troops, than with fifty Thousand such Militia. I have hitherto confined my Observations to the War within the interior Parts of the Colonies, let us now turn our Eyes to our extensive Sea Coasts, and that we find wholly at the Mercy of Great Britain; our Trade, Fishery, Navigation and maritime Towns taken from us the very Day that war is proclaimed, inconceivably shocking the Scene; if we turn our Views to the Wilderness, our back Settlements a Prey to our ancient Enemy, the Canadians, whose Wounds received from us in the late War will bleed afresh at the Prospect of Revenge, and to the numerous Tribes of Savages, whose tender Mercies are Cruelties; thus with the British Navy in the Front, Canadians and Savages in the Rear, a regular Army in the Midst, we must be certain that whenever the Sword of civil War is unsheathed, Desolation will pass through our Land like a Whirlwind, our Houses be burnt to Ashes, our fair Possessions laid waste, and he that falls by the Sword will be happy in escaping a more ignominious Death.
I have hitherto gone upon a Supposition that all the Colonies from Nova-Scotia to Georgia would unite in the War against Great Britain, but I believe if we consider coolly upon the Matter, we shall find no Reason to expect any Assistance out of New-England; if so, there will be no Arm stretched out to save us, New-England, or perhaps this self-devoted Province will fall alone the unpitied Victim of its own Folly, and furnish the World with one more Instance of the fatal Consequences of Rebellion.
I have as yet said nothing of the Difference in Sentiment among ourselves; upon a superficial View we might imagine that this Province was nearly unanimous, but the Case is far different; a very considerable Part of the Men of Property in this Province, are at this
Day firmly attached to the Cause of Government; Bodies of Men compelling Persons to disavow their Sentiments, to resign Commissions, or to subscribe Leagues and Covenants, has wrought no Change in their Sentiments, it has only attached them more closely to Government, and caused them to wish more fervently, and to pray more devoutly for its Restoration; these and Thousands beside, if they fight at all, will fight under the Banners of loyalty. I can assure you that associations are now forming in several Parts of this Province for the Support of his Majesty's Government and mutual Defence; and let me tell you whenever the Royal Standard shall be set up, there will be such a flocking to it, as will astonish the most obdurate. And now, in God's Name, what is it that has brought us to this Brink of Destruction? Has not the Government of Great Britain been as mild and equitable in the Colonies as in any Part of her extensive Dominions? Has not she been a nursing Mother to us from the Day of our Infancy to this Time? Has she not been indulged almost to a Fault? Might not each one of us at this Day have sat quietly under his own Vine and Fig-Tree, and there have been none to make us afraid, were it not for our own Folly? Will not Posterity be amazed when they are told that the present Distraction took its Rise from the Parliament's taking off a Shilling Duty on a Pound of Tea, and imposing three Pence, and call it a more unaccountable Phrenzy, & more disgraceful to the Annals of America than that of the Witchcraft? I will attempt in the next Paper to retrace the Steps and mark the Progression that led us to this State.
I promise to do it with Fidelity, and if any Thing should look like reflecting on Individuals or Bodies of Men, it must be set down to my Impartiality, and not to a Desire of censuring.
MASSACHUSETTENSIS.
Richard Champney,
INFORMS his good Customers and others, that in Addition to his former Assortment he has opened for Sale a great Variety of Falt GOODS, which were imported before the 1st day of Dec. which he will sell at his Shop in Queen-Street, as low as can be purchased in any Shop in Town.
BAIZES of all Widths and Colours, scarlet & other colour'd Broad-Cloths, Ratteens, Yorkshire Planes, Duffil Blanketts, Kilmar-nock Caps, striped Swanskin, Sarges, Shalloons and Trimmings of all colours, Lambkins for Surtout Coats, Ravens Duck, Flannels, strip'd and plain Camblets, Cambletens, fine Tabarets, Missinets, Brilliants, Denmark Lustres, Poplins, Irish Linnens of all Widths, fine and coarse Checks, Dutch Laces, Tassities and Tassity-Persians, Yard wide Allamodes, Snail-Trimings, Variety of Ribbands, Sarsenets, Pins, Needles, worsted Caps, green mock-velvet ditto, 2od. 1od. 6d. and 2d. Nails, Powder, Shot, Lead, Gun-Flints, Indigo, all kinds Spices, Snuff by the Bottle or Doz. long and short Whalebone, Florence and Cask Oil, Raisins by the Cask, Sieves by the Doz, Coffee, Chocolate, Loaf and Brown Sugar, Cotton-Wool, Barcelony and Spittlefields black Handkerchiefs, West-India and N. England Rum, by the Hogshead or Barrel, Molasses by the Hogshead, a few C. Ship Bread, choice clear Pork, warranted of best Quality, Cod & Scale Fish by the Quantity or Retail; Tin Ware made and sold by Wholesale or Retail at the cheapest Rate; fresh Lisbon Lemmons, by the Hundred or Doz. Scotch Pigtail Tobacco.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of John Walton, late of Newington, deceas'd, are desired to bring in their Accounts to George Walton of Portsmouth, and Shadrach Walton, of Barnstead, in order for Settlement.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or who have Demands on the Estate of John Lamson, late of Exeter, in the County of Rockingham, Surgeon, deceas'd, are desired to settle the same with Elizabeth Lamson, Relict of said deceas'd, and sole Administratrix of said Estate.
Exeter, Dec 15. 1774.
N. B. The LIBRARY of said deceas'd is to be sold at private Sale at his late Dwelling House.

BOSTON, Dec. 26.
The Honourable General Assembly of Pennsylvania have unanimously approved of the Proceedings of the Grand Continental Congress, and recommended a strict Attention to them.
We hear from Lunenburg, that Dr. John Taylor, late Representative from that Town, in order for the Promotion of the Military Art, an Acquaintance with which in these Times of public Calamity seems indispensably necessary, generously gave to the Minute Company in that Town, 55 Military Books, according to the Plan of Exercise ordered by his Majesty in 1764, viz. one Book to each Officer and Soldier in said Company,---A notable Instance of the truly patriotic Spirit of the Donor.
Considerable Quantities of Goods have been given up in Pennsylvania, New-York, Connecticut, &c. which arrived after the 1st Instant, to be disposed of agreeable to the Association of the Congress.
A Donation of 8 Cords of Wood was received last Week from North-Yarmouth, in this Province.
We hear that on Friday last a Soldier of the 64th Regiment was found froze to Death on Durdorfer Neck.
Last Saturday Morning one William Ferguson, aged 28 Years, a Soldier in his Majesty's 10th Regiment, was shot at the Bottom of the Common for attempting a Desertion, pursuant to the Sentence of a Court-Martial.
NEW YORK, Dec. 19.
Last Week Capt. Riker in a Schooner from Charles-Town, arrived here with 103 Tierces of Rice, consigned to Philip Livingston and Charles M'Evers, Esqrs. to be disposed of for the Support of the Poor of Boston, being part of the generous Benefactions from the Province of South-Carolina, for the Relief of the much injured and oppressed Inhabitants of that devoted Town.
The neat Proceeds of 375 Tierces of Rice (lately arrived here from Charles-Town, in the Sloop Phoenix, Capt. Dickenon) being also part of the Benefactions from the same Place and for the same People, we hear, amounted to 1200l. and will be remitted in a few Days.
Extract of a LETTER from London, Sept. 2. 1774.
"I hope the Americans, every where, will be firm, unanimous, and steady, in Support of their injured and violated Rights and Liberties. The Sword is drawn here, therefore you should throw away the Scabbard. Depend on your internal Strength and Resources, and not on Petitions and Remonstrances; for they are only used to make Kites for the great and little Babies at Kew and Buckingham House. Read attentively the History of James the second's Reign, and then you will have a very perfect Idea of the present political System here."
We hear the LETTER of the General Congress, to the Inhabitants of CANADA, had met with a very general and high Approbation throughout that Country, where a Translation of it had been published.
His MAJESTY has been pleased to grant the Dignity of a Baronet of Great Britain on WILLIAM PEPPERHILL, of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in America, Esq;
Mr. WILLIAM GAGE, second Son to General GAGE, died in London about two Months ago.
From the MIDDLESEX JOURNAL. To the PRINTER.
THAT there has been a gradual Decay of Public Spirit for some Years, cannot be denied, and which owes its Original, if I am not mistaken, to our party Division.
There is a particular Maxim among parties, which alone is sufficient to corrupt a whole Nation; which is, to Countenance and protect the most infamous Fellows who happen to herd amongst them.—There is no Man, let his private Character be ever so Scandalous, that can be of some use to serve a turn, but immediately grows to be a Man of Consequence with his Party.
It is something shocking to common Sense to see the Man of honour and the Knave, the Man of parts and the Blockhead put upon an equal Footing; which is often the Case among Parties. In the Struggles that happen about Elections, when some Candidate of a fair Character has been set up on one Side, how often have you seen the most abandoned Knave of the other Party, put up to oppose him, and both supported with equal Zeal. Parties will always find something or other in the worst of Men, to reconcile them to the obnoxious Parts of their Characters. He that has not Sense enough to distinguish Right from Wrong, can make a Noise; nay, the less Sense the more Obstinacy, especially in a bad Cause; and the greater Knave, the more obedient to his Leaders, especially when they are Playing the Rogue. They are the best Tools, and such are the Qualities necessary for putting in Execution the bad Measures which the corrupt Leaders of Parties intend to carry on if they are Uppermost.
Party Zeal Changes the name of Things; Black is White, Vice is Virtue, a Bribe in an Office is called a Perquisite, and the most studied and concerted Fraud that can enter into the Head of the most thorough paced Knave, shall be Voted a little Negligence.—In Fine, party merit takes away all Blots and Stains out of the blackest Characters, and he that deserves to be Hanged by the Laws, Human and Divine, for his Conduct in private Life, may at the same Time, be an Angel with his Party. A SPY.
TO BE SOLD, By George Craigie At his Store in Portsmouth, A General Assortment of English Goods, Exceeding Cheap for CASH.
SUPERFINE and low priz'd Broad Cloths, Wiltons, German Serges-Ratteens, Kerseys, Flannels, Baizes, Swanskins, Thicksetts, Fustians, Cotton Velvet and Velverets, Shalloons, Tammies, Durants, Calamancoes,—plain and striped Camblets,—yard wide Crapes, Poplins, figured Stuffs, Grograms, Russells, worsted Damasks, Bombazeen.—A great variety of fashionable Galicoes and Patches,—black, cloth and sky blue Taffities,—Black Satin, Capuchine Silk,—sky blue, cloth and black all wide Persians, French Alimode, Barcelona and other Silk Handkerchiefs, Linnen, Kenting and Cotton ditto, black and white Gauze, black and white Catgut, 3 qrs. 7 8ths & yard wide Linnens, strip'd, plain & flower'd Lawns, demy Cambric, Lawn Aprons, filefia Linnen, Nankeens, Ginghams, Check Linnen, Dowlas, strip'd Holland, yellow Holland, Stay Braid,—black, blue, white, and Crimson Satin Hats,—black and white Laces, snail Trimings. Mens and Womens Thread, Cotton and Worsted Hose, Mens white silk Ditto, silk & worsted Gloves and Mitts, Womens English and Lynn Calamanco Shoes, Castor and Felt Hatts,—white Lamb Gloves, black Glaz'd dit. white Kid dit.—Breeches Patterns, Kilmarnock, Worsted and mock Velvet Capps, white and brown Buckram, silk Knee Garters, scarf Twist, sewing Silk, coloured & white Threads, Twist, Metal & Horn Buttons, Shoe Bindings, silk Ferrits, Ostrich Feathers, Ivory, crooked horn and Barbers Combs, Qualities, Garterings, Tapes, Pins, white Chappell Needles, Cap-Wire, Skilletons, Looking Glasses, Cloth, Shoe, Buckle, and Floor Brushes,—Horse Whips, Warming Pans, Frying Pans, Flat Irons, Box Irons, Brass and Iron Candlesticks, Shovels and Tongs, Bellows.—A large Assortment of Iron Ware,—Case Knives, Pen, Cuttoe, and Jack dit. Sleeve Buttons, Jews Harps, Spectacles,—Snuff Boxes, Shears, Scizars, Thimbles, Razors, Knitting Needles, Spurs, Tobacco Boxes, Shoe Knives, Awlblades, Shoe Tacks, Shoe Nails, Pinchers, Nippers, Hammers, Gimblets, Tapborers, Hinges,—and Locks of all sorts.—A variety of metal, shoe, and Knee Buckles, Brass Cocks, large and small Files, Glue,—Handsaws, Pewter, Platters, Plates, Pots, Porringers, Basons, blocktin Spoons,—Bibles, Testaments, Pslters, Spelling Books, Primers, Cartridge & Writing Paper, Paste Board, Ink Powder, Sealing Wax, Wafers, Slates, 4d. 6d. 10d. and 20d. Nails, 3d. 4d. 5d. 6d. Brads, Ozna-brigs, Ticklinburgs, Powder, Shott, Lead, German Steel, Cod-Lines, Fish Hooks, Twine, Time Glasses, Velvet Corks, Seives, pound Beads, Keppins Snuff, Wool Cards.
A good Assortment of Crockery Ware. West-India and New-England Rum.—Molasses, by the Hoghead or Barrel.—Loaf Sugar by the Hundred.—Brown Sugar and Flour by the Barrel.—Cotton, Chocolate and Rice, by the Hundred.—Indigo, Pepper, Allspice, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Mace, Nutmegs, Raisins, Mustard, Starch, Red Wood, Log-Wood, Allum, &c. &c. &c. &c. &c.
NEW YORK, Dec. 19.
Some Ships fitting out at the Port of Liverpool about 7 Weeks since, could not have Permission to take on Board either Gunpowder, or any Kind of Guns, Swords, &c.
By a Gentleman who left Quebec about 20 Days ago, we learn, That the Reports we have had here of the Canadians and Indians being to be raised and sent to act against the People of Boston, &c. are entirely groundless; and that should a Thing of that Nature be proposed to the French, 'twould be rejected with Disdain.
The Suffolk County Resolves are published in the London Papers of the 29th of October, and has given some Uneasiness 'tis said to the Ministry.
   CUSTOM-HOUSE, Piscataqua, Dec. 29.   Inward Entries NONE.     Clear'd Outwards, FOR,   Sloop Friendship, John Perkins, North Carolina.   Sloop Clarissa, Noah Miller, New London.   Sloop Betsey, Benj. Lurvey, West Indies.   Brig Nancy, Robert Angutt, ditto.   Brig Thomas and Martha, Thomas Thomas, Gibraltar.   Brig Kingston, James Nichols, Cadiz.  
WANTED a Pair of extraordinary good large Bay HORSES, trott all, and well match'd. Enquire of the Printer.
TO BE LET, One Half of a floor PEW, In the North Meeting House, in Portsmouth. Enquire at the Printing Office.
ALL Persons having any Demands on the Estate of John Thurston, late of Stratham, deceas'd, are hereby Notified to bring in their Accounts attested, to Stephen Poper, Executor. Stratham, December 27th 1774.
Ranaway from the Subscriber the Evening of the 18th Instant, a NEGRO FELLOW named POMP, a likely well made Fellow, about five Feet and six Inches high or better—Had on when he went off, a brown Bread Cloth Coat, a double breasted Jacket of the same, mix'd colour'd Breeches with silver Thread Buttons, grey Yarn Stockings, Linnen shirt over a Speck'd woollen Shirt, a black silk Handkerchief round his Neck, and a green Cap—Whoever will apprehend said Negro, and bring him to his Master, or secure him in his Majesty's Goal at York shall have FOUR DOLLARS Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by EBENEZER SAYER. N. B. Said Negro before his Elopement, procur'd a counterfeit Pass, changing his own Name and his Master's. All Persons are cautioned against being deceived by such Artifice; and all Masters of Vessels and others are cautioned not to harbour, conceal or carry off said Negro, as they would avoid the Penalties of the Law in such Case provided. Wells Dec. 23, 1774.
WE the Subscribers, appointed Commissioners to receive and examine the Claims of the several Creditors to the Estate of Benjamin Holt, late of Pembroke, Gentleman, deceas'd intestate, represented Insolvent, give notice that we will attend at Business at the late Dwelling House of the said Deceas'd on the last Tuesday of January next, and the first Tuesdays of the five following Months, from one to six o'clock, in the Afternoon of said Days. RICARD BARTLET, JOSEPH BAKER. Dec. 28, 1774.
§ Fitz-William. § WHEREAS the Proprietors of the Town of FITZ WILLIAM, in the County of Cheshire, and Province of New Hampshire, at a legal Meeting of said Proprietors held on the thirteenth Day of April 1774. at Fitz William, voted Four shillings to be raised on each Lot liable to pay Proprietors Taxes in said Town: and I have received a Warrant under the Hand and Seal of the Proprietors Assessors to collect the same, with an additional TAX formerly voted by said Proprietors, to pay the Minister's yearly Salary of five Shillings and three Pence one Farthing; I do hereby notify the Proprietors of FitzWilliam to pay the above said Taxes it being nine Shillings and three Pence one Farthing in the whole, to me the Subscriber on or before the first Tuesday in January next at my House in FitzWilliam, or their Lands will be advertised for sale, as the Law directs. Dated at FitzWilliam the 5th Day of December 1774. Caleb Winch Collector.
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC VENDUE, On the First Monday in January next, at the Dwelling House of the late Mr. Samuel Clarke, deceas'd, in Lee, in the County of Strafford. All the Household Furniture, and other Moveables belonging to the Estate of the said deceas'd.—They will be sold by PAUL GILES, Administrator to said Estate; the Sale to begin at ten o'Clock before Noon. Conditions of Sale to be known at time and Place of Sale. PAUL GILES, Administrator, December 12, 1774.