New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-03-26 00:00:00

THE New - Hampshire Gazette OR, State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, March 26, 1781.
[ No. 1273 ]
RICHMOND, (Virginia) Feb. 24
LAST Sunday Gen. Mullenburgh marched with 600 men within sight of Arnold's works at Portsmouth, and there remained 6 hours, during which time a party of his horse surprised and took a picket consisting of a sergeant and 12 men, together with waggon and eight horses.
BALTIMORE, February 27, 1781. Extract of a letter from an officer in the Southern army, dated Guilford Court house February 10.
"Since the action with Tarleton, Lord Cornwallis has pushed us to this place (200 miles) where we joined Gen. Greene; one motive that urged him on so rapidly, was the recovery of the prisoners, but they are luckily safe in Virginia. This place is about midway between Hillsborough & Salisbury. His Lordship, by the last accounts, had crossed the Yadkin. We are not so formidable as I could wish. Col. Otho Williams this day takes the command of the light infantry (now reinforced by Col. Lee's legion, and about 60 riflemen) during the illness of Gen. Morgan, whose absence is sincerely regretted, as he is exactly calculated for the service. A great many militia are turning out, and I hope we shall shortly be strong enough for his Lordship; but the militia are as yet but raw. Since Col. Lee's surprise of Georgetown, Col. Merriam has penetrated as far as Dorchester, within 20 miles of Charlestown, destroyed a number of stores, and took a number of prisoners."
One fourth part of the militia of the State of Virginia have taken the field, and a body of them have already marched for Williamsburg.
Gen. Arnold and his troops, by the last accounts, were busily engaged in fortifying themselves in Portsmouth. Among the British armed vessels lying in Portsmouth, harbour, on Elizabeth River, is the Charon of 44 guns.
PHILADELPHIA, March 7.
Yesterday arrived Capt. M'Clenachan, in three weeks from Dominica, who informs that it was reported there, that after the arrival of Admiral Hood, at St. Lucia, the English fleet put to sea, and that eight of them went to St. Eustatia, and it was said they had taken the Island and seized all the vessels of what nation soever in that road. He further adds, that accounts were received at Dominica, that the English had seized all the Dutch vessels in their ports, and where ever else they could lay their hands on them in Europe.
By a gentleman from New York we learn that 17th light dragoons & a detachment of infantry had marched from New York and the environs, towards the east end of Long Island: That the 22d and 47th British regiments, one Hessian regiment of grenadiers, and the regiment of Anspach, with some more troops, were about to embark for New York for the Southward:—That the transports were not quite ready the 24th ult.—That these troops were supposed to be bound to the Chesapeake, to reinforce or relieve Arnold: That an express had been sent up the Sound on the 20th ult. and another by land from New York, to Arburhnot, at Gardner's Bay, to hasten his departure from thence, whether to go to New York or Chesapeake, is not known. By the same gentleman we
are assured, that they are under very great anxiety at New York, being in expectation of the arrival of a French fleet and 10,000 troops from Europe, of which there were advised by the arrival of the last packet from England:—That the cannon have been actually removed from Nutten Island, on board the ships. The gentleman further adds, that it was confidently said that Mr. Galloway has wrote to Mr. Shoemaker, informing him that the French fleet had sailed from Brest with troops; and that he was under great concern for his friends, the refugees, and says he fears New York will be lost to the King, early in the spring.
Extract of a letter from Fredericksburg, in Virginia, dated February 27.
The 21st inst. General Greene crossed Stanton River. His head quarters were at Hallifax Court house, about 115 miles from Petersburg. The baggage of our army was at Prince Edward Court house. Lord Cornwallis's army is on the north side of Dan River, and, it is said, extends twelve miles up and down the same. By latter accounts we are informed. That the whole militia of the Counties of Prince Edward, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, Hallifax, Henry, Pittsylvania, and part of Bedford, have joined Gen. Greene, amounting to no less than 6000 men; & that he pretended to act again on the offensive;—That Lord Cornwallis had retreated one and half miles from Dan River; that he has 3 pieces of artillery;—That Gen. Calwell, with 400 North Carolina militia, is in his rear; Baron Stuben, with 500 regulars, and as many riflemen, has marched from Richmond towards Taylor's ferry, and Gen. Weedon is to march in a day or two with 800 from Fredericksburg."
Extract of a letter from Alexandria, dated Feb. 25, 1781.
"The report of the day is and I have it from good authority that Cornwallis is retreating: Gen. Greene strong, and after him; Baron Stuben ordered to march into the lower part of North Carolina, to cut off his retreat. Our militia is to meet the French fleet at York, where, it is said, nine sail have arrived, and to assist and co-operate with them. The sea Captains especially those acquainted with the navigation of the bay and rivers, are called for, and Captain C— is particularly named."
"The back country people have and are turning out with good spirit. It is the prevailing opinion with us, that Cornwallis cannot make good his retreat, and that Arnold will be kept in."
Extract of a letter from Rhode Island, dated Feb. 25, 1781.
In pursuance of an act of the Legislature of the State of Maryland, entitled, "An act to empower the Delegates of this State in Congress, to subscribe and ratify the Articles of Confederation," the Delegates of the said State, on Thursday last, at 12 o'clock, signed and ratified the Articles of Confederation; by which act the Confederation of the United States of America was completed, each and every of the Thirteen States, from New Hampshire to Georgia, both included, having adopted and confirmed, and by their Delegates in Congress, ratified.
Extract of a letter from Richmond, in Virginia, dated February 26.
"I gave you information in my last, that General Greene had crossed the Dan, at Boyd's ferry, and that Cornwallis had arrived at the
opposite shore. Large reinforcements of militia have embodied both in front and rear of the enemy; he is retreating with as much rapidity as he advanced. His route is towards Hillsborough. Gen. Greene crossed the Dan the 21st, in pursuit of him. I have the pleasure to inform you that the spirit of opposition among the people, was as universal and ardent as could have been wished. The British at Portsmouth lie close in their lines."
BOSTON, March 22.
One of the happy effects of M. Tilly's expedition to Chesapeake is the ridding that bay of British cruizers, which captured all American vessels entering into it. The French ships went there in a lucky season, and prepared the way for a number of valuable cargoes, that have since arrived safely in that quarter.
The British fleet that lately left Gardner's Bay has been much weakened, not only by the storm that destroyed the Caledon, dismasted another ship of the line, which has not yet been repaired, and drove a third, the America, to sea, the return of which it is said, is not yet ascertained, but also by a prevailing sickness, that has carried off and disabled many sailors in that fleet, which before this was not manned in the compleatest manner.
We hear the ladies in Charlestown, S. C. remarkable for their good sense, politeness, and vivacity, have not a little chagrined the British officers in that place, by their firmness and patriotism. They cannot behold with insensibility the miseries of their country; they cannot regard its inhuman invaders with complacency; they cannot receive the compliments of the officers with a smile, nor take a part in their entertainments. These ladies, full of the sentiments of humanity, as well as delicacy, and reflecting on the sufferings of their countrymen and near connections, have constantly refused their company, tho' warmly and repeatedly solicited, at concerts, balls, assemblies, and all parties of pleasure, with the British officers.
Last Monday Capt. Grimes arrived here in a sloop in 21 days from Cape Francois—Capt. Grimes informs, that the British have taken all the American property that was at Statia: He also informs that they had intelligence at the Cape, which came various ways, that a war has commenced between the Dutch and the British.
Capt. Grimes brings no account of the arrival of Count D'Estaing in those seas.
Extract of a letter dated at sea, 30 leagues to windward of Antigua, February 11, 1781, brought in the prize Union, arrived at Providence.
"This will inform you that for the first capture we have retaken the sloop Union from an English privateer. The sloop was Dutch property from Teneriffe, bound to St. Eustatia.—There being war declared between Holland and Great Britain, they began to make reprisals.—A few days since we spoke with a ship from Denmark, who informed us war was proclaimed in Holland 30 days before he failed. The sloop's log-book confirms this circumstance, by mentioning several Dutch captures."
The above sloop was retaken by the Deane and Protector. Her cargo consists of 65 pipes, 16 hogheads, and 52 quarter casks of Teneriffe wine.

PHILADELPHIA, February 28. The following extracts contain the latest advices of what was passing in the other parts of the Southern States.
Extract of a letter from Gen. Marian to Gen. Greene, dated Santee, Jan. 31.
"On the 29th inst. I sent over the Santee-river two parties of horse, consisting of 30 each, one under the command of Major Postil, the other under Capt. Postil; the first to burn the enemy's stores at Thompson's; the other to burn those at Watboo bridge. The Captain has executed his orders with great spirit and good conduct. At Watboo there were 15 hogheads of rum, a quantity of pork, flour, rice, salt, and turpentine. He marched from there to Keithfield, near Monk's Corner, attacked a British guard, killed 2, wounded 3, took and brought off two Sergeants 1 Quarter Master one Waggon Master, seven Waggons, one Steward, and 25 non commissioned officers and privates of the 7th, 23d, 33d, 63d, and 71st regiments. He had not one man injured. He burned at Keithfield 14 waggons loaded with soldiers cloathing and baggage, 20 hogheads of rum, and retired with his prisoners!"
Extract of a letter from Gen. Merriam to Gen. Greene, dated Black River, Feb. 2.
"Major Postil who was ordered to Col. Thompson's, found no stores there. All had been carried away some days before. But on his return he heard of a great quantity of rum, sugar, salt, flour, pork, soldiers cloathing and baggage, at Mazingault's Ferry. The guard had gone after Capt. Postil, and left only four men in a redoubt of wood, which the Major took, and entirely destroyed all the stores and redoubt, without receiving any loss or hurt."
BOSTON, March 15.
Tuesday afternoon arrived here the privateer Schooner Hope, after a very short cruise, and brought in with her two Schooners, one bound to Penobscot, and the other to Cape Pursue, both from Halifax; and the evening following a number of prisoners from the guardship found means to board the privateer with pistols and cutlasses, and before 8 o'clock the next morning they had proceeded so far as to prevent their being retaken.
Extract of a letter from gentleman in Philadelphia, dated February 21.
"We are informed that Lord Cornwallis made a large detachment, after the defeat of Tarleton, with a view of retaking the prisoners, &c. Gen. Morgan, apprized of the design, sent off the prisoners and baggage, crossed the river and formed an ambuscade. The British attempting to ford the stream were unexpectedly embarrassed with an heavy fire, which killed many, and caused the remainder to rejoin his Lordship."
List of armed Vessels driven up Elizabeth River, near where Arnold is entrenched on a neck of land, Charon, 44 guns, Thames 36, Amphitrite 26, Hope 18, Loyalist 16, Bonetta 16, General Monk 16, Vulcan fire ship, with the Comet and Hussar gallies, carrying two 18 pounders each.
On board one of the prizes lately taken by Mons. Tilly, up Chesapeake Bay were 159 Virginia Refugees with their effects bound from Charlestown to Virginia, to re-establish themselves at their old Habitations.
Since our last arrived at a safe port a brigantine, and (a copper bottomed ship) the latter 300 tons burthen, mounting 18 carriage guns, bound from Charlestown (S.C.) to Jamaica; Their cargo rice, naval stores, and lumber, captur'd by the ship Rhodes.
DIALOGUE between Cusse and Toney, about State Affairs.
Toney. HOW you du Cusse? me no see you dis great while.
Cusse. I tank you Toney, I pretty well, hope you well too.
Toney. Yes Cusse, I been berry well all along tank God. I bin in de army.
Cusse. You bin in de army: What you go dare for? I sorry you go mong dem; da better leave off he fighting, make peace; da nebber be able to pay off all he debts he got now.
Toney. You talk just like a tory Cusse. Merica pay all he debts easy nus; save all he land; he stock tob.
Cusse. How he do dat? I sure he hardly pay he taxes now.
Toney. I tell you Cusse, Merica leave of drinking trong drink, leave of tobacco, dat cost him more than half he tax. You see now Cusse, here be tree million folks here; one quarter part drink one glass rum a day, tree dollars a glass, dat make above eight hundred and twenty million dollars a year; den allow one tenth part de people ten pound tobacco a year, dat make, at four dollars a pound, twelve million dollars more; you see now Cusse, Merica can pay all he debts, no take he land, no take he cattle, he sheep, he horse, he hog, no not one bit.
Cusse. I no tink he spend so much for dram and bakcar, I fess. But Toney you tink Britton he no come gin and beat him next summer; you see Britton he got Carlina, got Georgia away radda.
Toney. Meica no mind dat; Merica he no mad yet; he get mad he drive um all of into the sea; he got Carlina you say; so he be, some part, not all do, what good dat du him? so he got Boston, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, he no keep um, so he no keep Carlina long, he just like a locust, he spoil all fore him den run away.
Cusse. Ay Toney, you stand for Merica; Merica he make poor Negro slave: Britton no make Negro slave.
Toney. Why Cusse, you tory, Britton he no make Negro slave ha: Who make all he rum, all he sugar, he molasses? Sure Cusse, you no see, Britton want make all Merica slave, Negro slave tu: What he come here for? Merica he no hurt him, no steal he tings, no meddle his fairs. O Cusse, you go West Indies, you see Britton slaves dare, some starve, some whip, some hang up by he rib; Britton he kill twenty thousand ebbery year at Jamaica; Merica he no du so, we bread nut here, mea nus, no work all Sabbar day to git bread, no kill Negroes here.
Cusse. You tink Brittons he du so; who tell you dis?
Toney. Me bin West Indies, me see, me read, me know all about it Cusse. I cant bear hear you say so more about Britton, ne all Devil Cusse, farewell:
PORTSMOUTH, March 26.
On Wednesday last, about 11 o'Clock in the Forenoon, an alarming Fire broke out, that threatened the Destruction of a great Part of this Town—It began in a Barn belonging to Mr. Nathaniel Treadwell, which was soon in Flames, and then communicating with another Barn adjoining thereto, belonging to Mr. Jonathan Ayres, that also was immediately on Fire, and there being considerable Hay in the latter, the Flames raged to a dreadful Degree; and though all possible Means were attempted to prevent further Desolation, yet another large Barn belonging to the Honorable Woodbury Langdon, Esq;
was soon in a Blaze; and from thence communicated to his large Store House and the County Goal; and at last to his beautiful and elegant Mansion House, which also fell a Sacrifice to the devouring and merciless Conflagration, whereby it was soon reduced to Ashes, with all the Out-Houses thereto belonging. A Dwelling House of Mr. Mills was pulled down to prevent further Destruction: and if a kind protecting Providence, together with the Assiduity and Alertness of the Inhabitants, had not kept the Flames from firing the Dwelling House of Joseph Whipple, Esq; the Calamity must have been truly distressing and afflicting, as the Wind blew fresh at North West, many Houses must have been burnt, and many reputable Families now feeling the Want of the Necessaries of Life. A Number of other Houses were on Fire, and some at a great Distance. The Loss is supposed to be several Thousand Pounds Sterling. As the Goods, Furniture and Cloathing of many Families were removed into the Streets, and carried to Places, supposed to be out of Danger, it is hoped and expected, that if any Person has in their Custody, any such Goods, &c. that they will immediately inquire for the Owners, who may be easily found; and if there are any so lost to Humanity, as to add Afflictions to the afflicted, by plundering from them what the Flames have left, they must expect (if detected) to feel the Resentment of every compassionate and considerate Man.—Some are suspected of this infamous Crime, that occasions this Caution.
The Fire Wardens of the Town take this earliest Opportunity to return their hearty Thanks to those Gentlemen, not belonging thereto, for their generous Assistance afforded the Inhabitants, in their late vigorous Exertions to extinguish the Fire in said Town. By Order of the Fire Wards, JOHN SHERBURNE, Chairman.
Portsmouth, 24th March 1781.
Those Persons who are possessed of Goods, Cloathing, Furniture, or other Effects lost in the late Fire, are desired to send the same to the Work House, and deliver them to Mr. Clement March.
We can assure the Publick from the best Authority, that on the 20th of December last, GREAT BRITAIN DECLARED WAR against the STATES of HOLLAND ; the Declaration came in a prize brought in here, and was carried out of Town before we could get sight of it.
State of New Hampshire.
PURSUANT to a request of the owners of more than the Sixteenth part of the town of New Durham, in the County of Strafford, the Proprietors of said New Durham are hereby notified and warned, to meet at the meeting House in said Town on Tuesday the 17th Day of April next, at 2 o'Clock P. M. then and there to act on the following articles, viz. 1st. To choose a Moderator to govern said meeting. 2d. To determine what sum of money shall be raised to defray the charge of laying out the 2d Division of said Town. 3dly. To pass such Votes and pursue such measures as may then be thought necessary.
STEPHEN EVANS, Justice Peace. Dover, February 28th, 1781.
TO BE SOLD at PUBLIC VENDUE, on Wednesday the 28th of March next at 2 o'Clock P. M. at the House of Major Peter Coffin, Innholder in Exeter, 10 Lots and a half of Land in the 2d Division of New Durham, viz. No. 29, 42, 44, 49, 52, 65, 74, 89, 92, 97, & a half, of No. 50, unless the Taxes upon the same are paid before that time. Elisha Thomas, Constable.
New Durham, February 28th 1781.