The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-03-08 00:00:00

Screams Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, March 8. 1771.
[ No. 42 ]
PORTSMOUTH, March 6. TO THE PUBLICK.
IT has been the unhappy Fate of Britain's deluded King, to loose his American Dominions, which, in Free and Independent States, will, it is probable, become the future Pride and Glory of the whole World; the natural Consequence and Effect of the wicked Doctrine and Practice (with a far different Design) of the British Ministry, breathing the genuine Spirit of the most malignant Enemies, to the Welfare and Prosperity of the whole English Empire; but He, who sitteth in the Heavens, holds them in Derision, and divine Providence will, I trust, bring good out of the Evil intended for us, by our unnatural Foes. Let this be the Consolation of America, in her present Hour of Trial & Affliction.—And let what has been offered, instruct earthy Princes, to imitate the KING of Righteousness, in defending his oppressed, from his oppressing Subjects— Parcere subiectis et debellare superbos —Had this been the Rule of George the Third, America would not have parted with her Halcyon Days of Amity with Britain, and the domineering Ministry would fall blasted to the Ground, and burst with Envy, at their mutual happy State, prevented from becoming a Prey to the curs'd Avarice and Ambition of abandon'd Traitors, and Great Britain snatch'd from the Jaws of Fate and Destruction, by the best of Princes, had he thus patroniz'd and protected his once loyal American Subjects.—Whatever better Fate is reserv'd for these, at present, miserable Countries, no Thanks will be due to him, who ought always to have been the Father of his People, and to have preserv'd them from the Evil past, tho' his Repentance should be instantaneous, and he might have it both in his Power and Will, to preserve them, from the future ill Consequences of his lawless Reign.
To all human Appearance, AMERICA WILL RISE on the RUINS of Britain.—This pleasing melancholy Idea, to a Mind rightly inform'd & well dispos'd, must afford alternate Grief and Joy, the latter, because the Justice of the American Cause will finally be crown'd with Success; the former, because the innocent, impotent Friends of America in Britain, will be equally punished, in this World, with her most guilty and cruel Enemies. I shall conclude, with the grateful Recollection of the late Prosperity of the American Arms, under the Command of the victorious and invincible Leader, of the brave, hardy, faithful, patient and indefatigable Forces of the UNITED STATES of America. AMERICANUS.
UPON reading several Extracts from the last London Papers, it appears a Matter worthy of Speculation, (if not of Moment) to see that the British Court crown, and publish Success, to every Manoeuvre, they or their Commanders take against the Americans, without the least Regard to the Event. The Evil of such a Measure is as obvious, as the Purpose they intend to effect by it. Doubtless, they have in View, not only the keep-
ing up the Spirit of the Nation, in order to facilitate the Execution of their fallacious Plans, but that the other Courts in Europe should obtain Information from them, and thereby prevent their taking that Part in Favour of America, which otherwise they would, upon a just Representation of Matters of Fact. It is not to be doubted, but that the General Congress have taken such Methods, and used such Precaution therein, as to be able to transmit to Foreign Powers, the most authenticated Accounts of Matters, as they may in fact exist from Time to Time. However the Britains may exult from the seeming Appearance of a temporary Advantage, & show to the World a true Picture of their Minds, Strength and Cause; yet the Americans will embrace the kind Admonition, and avail themselves of great Advantage thereby; for why should they thus exult in the Shadow, if they had any Expectation of obtaining the Substance. As America is now in a State of Infancy, and with the Smiles of Heaven, will soon be in a Capacity to take her Rank with the Empires and Governments in the World, she may be furnished with no small Advantage, in laying a permanent Basis, which may be continually increasing in Grandeur & Happiness 'till Time shall be no more, in that she has an Opportunity of taking a View of the Cause of the Rise and Fall of all the Nations that have passed before her, and see wherein they have failed in establishing Principles of Government, and how Venality, Pride and unbounded Thirst for Honor and Grandeur have pervaded Kingdoms and States, and put a Period to their Existence.
MR. PRINTER,
AFTER a long Silence of my Friend Can-didus , I find he has at last made a kind of Reply to my Answer (relative to his Performance) that was inserted as long ago as the 28th of January last, which at first little puzzled me to guess the Reason of his long Delay, but on Recollection, soon accounted for it; and I think he might have made a suitable Apology, by way of Preface, for his Neglect: However, as it would be of no Service to him, I would not wish to point out the Reason, neither desire to cast any Reflections on that Gentleman, whose Character is so unblemished, notwithstanding his Assertion of Slander and Defamation in my former Piece, which I beg Leave to submit to those who have read the same, and leave them to judge thereon.—Facts ought not to bear such base Epithets as them. It cannot be expected a Person of such narrow Principles, mix'd with Incorrectness and want of Argument, (as he terms it) should make much Head against one of his (opinionated) Education; but in order that the Public may judge of my Performance being so much "below his Notice," I shall leave it to the judicious and impartial for the Truth and Equity therein written.—At the same Time, would observe, that it is nothing new for Persons of his Stamp, to treat every Thing for the Good of the Community, otherwise than with Contempt; but I could with there might be a Revival of both his & mine
(first inserted) and after duly weighing the Consequences that would attend the executing or rejecting the Act of Regulation, strike the Balance, and give the Credit on the Side found due. He gives himself a large Latitude in his Reply, by attributing the following abusive Enormities, viz. Ignorance, Passion, Untruth, Incorrectness, want of Argument, Slander, and Defamation—all which he alleges it to be compos'd of—but we cannot expect Beaver off a Hog's Back,—therefore I the more readily execute him: As to what I have asserted therein, I have the Vanity to think would not need much Difficulty to prove.—If I thought it really of Importance to proceed further to prove the Regulation Act to be the most essential of any Thing at this Time, I would branch out with Pleasure, but it is too obvious for any one to frustrate, and none would attempt it but such of his Cast, that are so lukewarm in the Grand Cause, as to let private Interest bear the Sway. And did I think it worth while, I would point out the particular Persons he has Reference to, (altho' he would make us think he was a staunch Advocate for the Public) and how far zealous they are in the Cause, together with what Losses they have sustained by the present Struggle.—To conclude, Much has already been said by his Superiors in Learning and Understanding on this Subject, both here and other Places, which is more than sufficient to confute him or any of his Abettors.—In future, I am determined to take no Notice of any of his Performances, but pass them in Silence, to convince him, that I have as little Esteem for a Tory's Tool as he has for me; and perhaps much less.
VERACITAS.
B O S T O N, February 27.
It is reported, by several Persons lately arrived in Town, That the same Evening our Army withdrew from Fort Independence. our Garrison abandoned the Fort, in Expectation of a Storm; but afterwards, recovering from their Fright, they took Possession of it again. The Enemy were in the same Terror at New-York, hearing of General Heath's Approach, and it is thought would have made but little Resistance to a brisk and early Attack. It is doubted, however, whether the Circumstances of our Army would have allowed this. The Public will doubtless soon be favoured with some clear and authentic Account of this interesting Matter.
A Letter from a Gentleman at Baltimore to his Friend here, says, "We may expect 50 or 60 Thousand of the Enemy in June next, their Design will still be to subdue the obstinate States of New-England, and to attack New-England on all Sides.—I hope every possible Method will be used to quicken the new Levies, and that the Fortifications in the Harbour of Boston will be in complete Readiness.—Much depend upon our Dilligence this Winter."
That the British Army will have large See more last Page.

To have a copy of indictment, & panel 48 hours before arraignment for trial.
person whatsoever that shall be accused and indicted for treason or for misprision of treason, shall have a true copy of the whole indictment delivered unto him or them by the clerk forty-eight hours at least before he or they shall be arraigned for the same, and also a copy of the panel of the jurors who are to try him or them for the like space of time before trial, and shall be admitted to make his or their defence, by counsel learned in the law, which, if requested, the court shall assign him or them, to whom such counsel shall have free access at all seasonable hours.
Two witnesses necessary,
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , That no person or persons shall be convicted of treason or misprision of treason, but upon the testimony of two lawful witnesses at least, both of them testifying to the same treason, unless the person indicted voluntarily in open court, confess the same.
Standing mute. Jury to be impanelled.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , That if any person indicted for treason or misprision of treason, and being arraigned thereupon, shall stand mute, a jury shall forthwith be impanelled and sworn to try whether the person so standing mute standeth mute by the providence of God, or fraudulently, wilfully, and obstinately: and if they shall return their verdict, that he standeth mute by the providence of God, the court shall thereupon cause him to be remanded to prison, and shall not proceed against him until he shall have recovered therefrom; but if the jury shall return their verdict, that the prisoner standeth mute fraudulently, wilfully and obstinately, then the court shall cause to be entered upon the indictment against the prisoner the plea of not guilty , and shall proceed upon his trial in like manner in all respects as if the prisoner had voluntarily pleaded the same plea, and put himself up the country for his trial, except that the prisoner shall not be admitted to make any challenges to the jurors.
To be remanded in case,
Plea of not guilty to be entered on the indictment.
To make no challenges in such case.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , That every person indicted for treason or misprision of treason, who shall have duly pleaded to such indictment, and put himself upon the country for trial, shall be admitted to challenge, without assigning any reason, twenty three of the jury, and no more, and as great a number further as he can shew good cause for challenging. And if any person indicted as above, after having voluntarily pleaded as aforesaid, shall refuse to put himself upon the country for trial, or shall peremptorily challenge a greater number than twenty three, the court shall disallow of all such challenges, over and above the said number of twenty three, and the jury shall be charged, and the trial shall proceed in like manner in all respects as if the person so indicted, and having pleaded as aforesaid, had duly put himself upon the country for his trial, and had not peremptorily challenged a greater number than twenty-three of the jury as aforesaid.
To challenge 23 jurors peremptorily.
If more, to be disallowed, and trial to proceed.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , That the Attorney-General or any other person prosecuting for and in behalf of this state, shall not be admitted in any case whatsoever, peremptorily to challenge any juror about to be impaneled for the trial of any criminal accusation or charge.
Attorney General not to challenge.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , That no person or persons whatsoever shall be indicted or tried for any treason or for misprision of treason that shall be committed in violation of this act, unless the indictment for the same be found within two years next after the offence committed.
Indictment to be found within two years.
And be it further enacted by the same authority , That every person who shall be convicted of treason within this state, and adjudged to suffer death, shall be hanged by the neck till dead. Any law or custom to the contrary notwithstanding.
Manner of execution.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , That any person who shall be found guilty of treason or misprision of treason against this state, may be pardoned by the Council and House of Representatives of this state, by warrant under the seal of this state.
May be pardoned.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , That no person upon whom any judgment or sentence of death shall be passed by the justices of the superior court of judicature for this state, shall be put to death in, pursuance of such judgment or sentence, until the whole Record of the case be certified by the clerk of the same court, under the Seal thereof, to the said Council and House of Representatives, nor till they shall issue a warrant under the Seal of this state, with a copy of said Record annexed, directed to the Sheriff of the county wherein the trial of the person so condemned was had, commanding the same Sheriff in the name of the government and people of said state, to cause execution to be done upon the person so condemned, in all things, according to the judgment against him. And the Sheriff to whom such warrant shall be directed, is hereby authorized and required to execute the same in due form of law.
Not to be put to death till a copy of record be made out.
Counsel & House to issue warrants with such copy annexed.
Sheriff to execute the same.
NOTICE is hereby given to all the Soldiers, who have enlisted under Capt. EBENEZER FRY, of Pembroke, that they appear immediately at the House of Colonel SAMUEL CONNER's, in Pembroke aforesaid, in order to march as soon as possible. Hereof fail not.
EBENEZER FRY, Captain.
TO be sold at Public Auction on Thursday the 13th day of March at 11 o'Clock A. M. at Messrs Daniel & Samuel Sherburne's Wharf, the Privateer Schooner M c Clarey, a prime Sailer: at the same time will be sold the Stores belonging to said Schooner.
Portsmouth Feb. 28, 1777. 41-43
WHEREAS some Person, or Persons, do encourage the Seamen belonging to the RALEIGH, to neglect their Duty, by harbouring and secreting them in Houses, for the design'd Purpose of tempting them to spend their Money, thereby making them intoxicated with Liquor; by which Means Disorders are committed against public Peace, to the great Disgrace of this Town, and manifest Disadvantage to the Service of the United States; This is therefore to warn all Persons from harbouring, secreting, enticing or inveigling any Seaman or Marine belonging to the said Ship, from their Duty, as they will be made to answer such Offences as the Law directs. Likewise to warn them against trusting or crediting any Seaman or Marine belonging to said Ship, as no such Debts will be paid.
THOMAS THOMPSON.
On Board the Raleigh, at Portsmouth, March 3d. 1777.
TO BE SOLD or LETT, On Reasonable Terms, By JONATHAN MOULTON, of Hampton,
A Farm situate in the parish of Deerfield, lying within about half a mile of the meeting house, containing about 150 acres of good land, with a dwelling-house, barn, and orchard thereon; the house double in length & breadth, very pleasantly situated, the more so as the building and orchard are facing the fore-street, leading to the meeting house, part of which was lately owned by Robert Kelse: The land runs northerly about one mile to another road, leading to Gilmantown: — This Farm may be divided into two, and each to lay upon a public road. — Also, to be Lett, By said MOULTON, several Farms laying in the Township of Moultonborough and Tamworth, some of which are very large and commodious, the land is of an excellent quality, and has convenient dwellings, &c. thereon. — Any person inclining to take on hire either of said Farms, may know the terms by applying to said Moulton; and those who incline to move on in a short time, may be supplied with Wheat, Corn, or Rye, until a new crop, delivered at the Farm at the price fixed by the General Court of this state, and good English Hay to do their Spring's Work, at half the price, it is now sold in the lower towns. — Also
TO BE SOLD by said MOULTON, at Hampton, high proof Jamaica RUM by the gallon; choice SUGAR by the hundred &c. &c. at prices agreeable to the late Regulation Act of this state. Hampton, Feb. 8.
STOLEN from me the subscriber, on the night of the 28th instant, a bay MARE, about fifteen hands high, trots and paces, has some white on one of her forelocks, stands with one of her hind forelock joints as if it had been somewhat strain'd, has something of a low neck, black mane and tail.
Whoever will take up said Mare, & convey her to the subscriber, & secure the thief, shall have five Dollars reward, & all necessary charges paid by me,
WILLIAM ELIOT.
Exeter, January 20, 1777. 9-5

Reinforcements early this Year, is confirmed by Accounts from other Quarters. —The Advice in the above Letter is timely given, and it is hoped will be timely applied.—If any of the Works for the Defence of the Harbour are unfinished or necessary Supplies wanted, no Time is to be lost. Neither the Severity of the Winter, nor Rain, nor Snows, hinder our Brethren at the Southward from doing Business. They dig, they march, they fight. A Word to the Wise is sufficient.
The following is a true State of the Forces under Gen. Howe, taken February 4. 1777; brought by a Gentleman who lately made his Escape from New-York.
  British from Halifax, 7,500   King's Guards, 1,076   Clinton's from Carolina 3,600   Highlanders, 2,000   Hessians, 8,000   Waldeckers from Quebec, 450   Recruits from Germany and Ireland; 1,000   New-Levies in America; 1,000   25,626   DEDUCTION.   Highlanders taken, 1,000   Unfit for Duty. 1,500   Lost in Jersey, 2,800   Lost by different Engagements & Sick. 3,000   In Rhode-Island, 5,000   In New-York, 2,000   On Long-Island, 800   On Staten-Island, 300   17,400 
  Whole Number, 25,626   Deduction, 17,400 
  Whole Number in New-Jersey, 8,226 
The present Station of all the British Troops.
44 Regiments in America, viz. The 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 21th, 22d, 23d, 24th, 26, 27th, 28th, 29th, 31st, 33d, 34th, 35th, 37th, 38th, 40th, 42d, 43d, 44th, 45th, 46th, 47th, 49th, 52d, 53d, 54th, 55th, 57th, 62d, 63d, 64th, 71st, two Battalions.
2 Battalions in Jamaica, viz. the 1st and 4th Battalions of the 60th.
1 Battalion in Antigua, viz. the 2d Battalion of the 60th.
1 Battalion in Grenades, viz. the 3d Battalion of the 60th.
2 Regiments in Minorca, viz. the 51st and 61st.
4 Regiments in Gibraltar, viz. the 12th, 39th, 55th, and 58th.
9 Regiments in Ireland, viz. the 3d, 11th, 19th, 50th, 32d, 36th, 66th, 67th, and 68.
13 Regiments in Britain, viz. the 1st of 1st, the 2d of 1st, 2d, 13th, 18th, 25th, 48th, 50th, 59th, 75th, 59th, 70th, 41st, or Invalids. In all 76.
Extract of a letter from Morris Town, dated Feb. 1. January 25th. A Corporal of the Guards deserted to us.
26th. Two Dragoons were killed, and one of 33d deserted.
27th. One of 71st and one Ranger were taken.
28th. Two Highlanders were taken.
29th. A Serjeant-Major of 2d Battalion of 71st deserted.
30th. Seven Highlanders were taken.
31st. A Serjeant of 42d deserted.
In this short detail, I include none who have deserted over to, or been taken by the detachment under General Putnam, who commands at Princeton: from the deserters & prisoners we are informed, that their army which now lies at Amboy and Brunswick, are totally deprived of fresh provision—that their allowance of salt is only 4 lb. of beef, and 4 lb. of bread, with a quart of rum to six per day—that they are badly paid—that their duty is excessive hard, owing to the frequent alarms, which our advanced parties give them—that forage is very scarce, and that their situation is extremely disagreeable.—The British army at present are so circumcribed, that Gen. Howe must soon either quit the Jerseys intirely or make a vigorous push.—the latter it is thought he will do when joined by Clinton and Percy, who we hear have left Rhode-Island: I hope our recruits will get in time enough, to prevent Gen. How's getting so far into the Country as he has done though since drove back.
The following detail of the enemies force this way may not be unsatisfactory; we have it from a very intelligent Serjeant who deserted from their army a few days ago:
  Troops at Brunswick.   Grenadiers. 1400 } 3,000   Light Infantry. 1400   Medium Grenadiers. 700   At Brunswick Landing.   2 Regiments of guards. 900 } 1,500   3 Brigades, 5th, 23d, 49th, and 37 a 600   mounting to, 600   At Piscataqua.   2d or Highland watch 700 } 1,700   Morris Town, 33d 500, & 71st 500 1000 
  At Amboy.   Waldeckers, one brigade, 500 } 1650   6th brigade, consisting of 17th, 40th, 55th, 70th, 1050   On Staten Island.   7th and 56th mostly without arms, being lately exchanged, say, 500 } 500   At New-York.   The 5th brigade, 672 } 1432   One Hessian brigade, 700   And 60 light horse. 60   Total. 10282 
Extract of a Letter from Morristown, New Jersey, Feb. 11, 1777.
The enemy have retired to Brunswick and Amboy, where they are so narrowly watched by our People, that they cannot get the least forage without fighting for it. In these skirmishes, we have, for the most part, got the better of them; so that they do not venture out now, in less bodies than 12 or 13 hundred men.—Our army are in good spirits, and are growing better every day. The Southern troops begin to come in, and if the New-England States exert themselves in sending their's forward, I think there will be a good chance of striking a bold stroke.—This winter's campaign has been of infinite service to our cause, and I look upon our success as an earnest of the blessings which a kind providence has in store for a much injured people. What the event of the next campaign will be is uncertain, but if we get our army together early, it will be one step towards bringing it to a happy close.—By advices from England, a war with France and Spain seems almost inevitable: should this take place, farewell to the pride and tyranny of Great-Britain. A few days since a company of volunteers, headed by the Parson of the Parish, a churchman, came in from Virginia: I mention this as an instance, that there are some exceptions to that almost general rule, that churchmen are Tories.
PORTSMOUTH.
Last Wednesday the Armed Sloop Satisfaction, John Stevens Commander, sent into Falmouth Harbour a large Prize Ship, from London, bound to Constantinople: She was taken off the Rocks of Lisbon—Her Loading is Tin, Alum, Pepper, Indigo, Bail Goods, and Doctor's Drugs: She is a very valuable Prize.
We hear the famous Capt. John Shepard, who made his Escape out of Exeter Goal last Week, and for whom an hundred Dollars Reward was offered for taking him up, is now safely convey'd to the above Place.
The Boston POST leaves the Post Office every Tuesday Morning at Nine o'Clock. The Falmouth POST every Saturday Morning: and both return on Fridays. Office Hours Fridays in the Afternoon, and Saturdays in the Forenoon.
On Account of another new Regulation of the Post Riders, this Paper will be published on Saturdays about 12 o'Clock before Noon, with the most material News that arrives by both Posts, reserving the other of less Consequence to the next Paper; also the Pieces of Amusement, Speculation, &c. unless some very extraordinary Intelligence should arrive by Express or otherwise, (as may be daily expected, as the whole of the United Independent States are now in Arms, and determin'd to make a vigorous Push, and not be subjected to any one Power on Earth.
B O S T O N, March 6, 1777.
A Letter from an Officer of Distinction dated Head Quarters, Morris-Town, February 25. 1777. received late last Evening, says:—"I must inform you that on Sunday last, about 4000 of the Enemy, that came out on a Foraging Party, were attacked by a few of our troops, who retreated a little Way, and were soon reinforced to the Number of 400, when a heavy Fire began with Cannon and Small Arms; the Enemy were drove into Brunswick; their Loss of killed and wounded, very great; the Country People say, they carried 3 Waggons & a Cart Load of them in; 11 left on the Field; 7 taken Prisoners last night; four Hessians taken; our Loss 3 killed, and 5 wounded: Our Successes exceed Description."
Captain Brown, in the Privateer Boston, of this Port, has taken and sent into North-Carolina, a Ship and Schooner, from Guinea, with Negroes, bound to the West-Indies; He took also a large 3 Deck Ship, laden with Rum and Sugar, from the West-Indies, bound to London.
Capt. Pinkham, in a brig from London, bound to St. Augustine, on his passage put into St. Martin's, on some business;—he had on board cloathing for a regiment of soldiers, military stores & dry goods; also, the whole furniture, plate, &c. of the governor of St. Augustine, & several gentlemen, passengers; who, being ashore one evening, Capt. Pinkham weighed anchor, and stood to Sea, and is safe arrived at North-Carolina.
We hear that the Hon. Major General LEE has been tried by a General Court Martial at New-York, for Desertion from the British Army, and honorably acquitted. It is said he is now on his Parole of Honour in that City.
Extract of a Letter from an Officer of Distinction in the Continental Army, dated Peck's Kill, Feb. 11, 1777.
The two Regiments from the County of Worcester, I left last Week at a Place called Bound Brook; five Miles from Brunswick, where layed about five or six Thousand of the Enemy; General Warner was well and in good Spirits, and so was all our Men; the rest of the Massachusetts Militia, with General Lincoln, are now crossing the River for the Jerseys: The Enemy lay intirely still, excepting Foraging Parties, which they send out once or twice a Week, who have always been dogged back again, with Loss. They have, according to the best Accounts, lost since Christmas Day, or the Battle of Trenton, Four Thousand Men, killed and taken Prisoners; and with so small Loss on our Side, that some People say thirty, and none more than forty. The Tories in the Jerseys are taking the Advantage of General Washington's Proclamation, and delivering up their Protection, &c. It is said these two Governments were never firmer in the Interest of America, than at this Moment.
From the Craftsman, or Say's [British] JOURNAL. Extract of a letter from a Merchant at Barbados Sept. 3
The Ranger, a privateer brig of 16 guns, fitted out here to cruise against the Americans, has brought into Carlisle Bay an American armed Schooner of ten carriage guns, from Brest, bound to Philadelphia, on board of which were found several letters, amongst others was one addressed to the Hon. John Hancock, Esq; from one Mr. Hamilton, an American Gentleman, who has been some time at the Court of Versailles, I just had a sight of it, cannot remember the particulars, but have as near as possible, sent you the contents, which are as follows,
"Sir, I have the happiness to acquaint you, that you may assure the Congress, that the French Ministry perfectly acquiesce with the proposals which Messrs. Needham, Gunning, and myself, had the honour to lay before them. They have sent orders for a number of ships of war to be fitted for sea with all possible dispatch; and a strong squadron will certainly sail from Brest for Philadelphia early in the month of November; & they will also have a very formidable squadron, two bombs and a fire ship ready against Spring, which they intend to send to Quebec.
Signed, FRED. HAMILTON."
Extract of a letter from Hamburg, October 16.
The great intimacy which now subsists between the Courts of Vienna, Versailles and Madrid, can have no less a tendency than to overthrow the present system and ballance of Europe. We are assured from the best authority that within these ten or twelve days a very extraordinary treaty was settled between Austria, France and Spain; and the Count de Breteuille, the French Ambassador at the Court of Vienna, set out from latter place to Paris but a few days ago, with the new treaty signed by the Emperor and Empress Queen. It is a matter of fact, that orders have just been issued from the Court of Vienna to the respective arsenals, to cast ten thousand pieces of cannon, of different sizes. It would be right down madness to suppose that all this is a matter of mere speculation, and that Europe can long enjoy peace."
F I S H - K I L L, February 27. Extract of a letter from an officer at Morris-Town, dated February 21.
"I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that a few days ago a party of General Putnam's division, attacked and defeated a party of Tory soldiers, in Monmouth, killed a number, & took about 40, with their arms, and one Major Stockton, an infamous Tory, who commanded them. [The above Major Stockton is the identical villain that betrayed his Excellency Gen. LEE into the hands of the enemy.]
Extract of a letter from Morris-Town, February 23.
"The 20th inst. four Hessian and two British soldiers came over to us. Yesterday 12 Tories and one English Captain, were brought to Head-Quarters. This morning we have received an account of 12 of the enemy's light horse being taken, by our brave and vigilant scouts. A French vessel is just arrived at Philadelphia, but no news has as yet transpired."
H A R T F O R D, March 3.
We hear that Major Rogers, commander of a pack of infamous Tories stationed at Kingsbridge, has lately been broke by order of General Howe, for acting a part consistent with himself; and that Major French late prisoner of war, in this town, succeeds him in command on that station.
PROVIDENCE, March 1.
Friday se'nnight a Party of our Troops landed on Rhode Island, and brought off a Quantity of Hay and Oat. Capt. Tyler, in the Spitfire Galley, attended the Landing, and gallantly sustained the Enemy's Fire from a Battery of six Guns, for several Hours, which was briskly returned, but with what Effect we have not yet learnt. When the Troops had compleated the Service assign'd them, the Spitfire drew off; she was considerably damaged in her Hull and Rigging, and had seven Men wounded, one of them mortally.
NEW-HAVEN, Feb. 26.
We hear that two Privateers of considerable Force, have been lately fitted out at Martinico, and manned with Frenchmen, but officered with Subjects of the United States, who are commissioned by Congress.
On Saturday last a small Flag Vessel arrived from New-York, with Shirts and Stockings, for the Prisoners in this State, taken at Princeton the 3d ult.