The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-07-20 00:00:00

Greene's Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, July 20, 1776.
[ No. 9. ]
DEAR COUNTRYMEN.
IF any of the American charters have stipulated, the right of legislation in any particular or particulars, to be in the parliament of Great-Britain, the grantees are so far enslav'd, but it would be nevertheless their duty to abide by this act and deed so long as it is lawful and practicable; that is so long as the immediate grantees have stipulated things possible, innocent, and conscientious, for themselves to perform, and which likewise would be lawfully binding on posterity; provided the grantors or their heirs had at no period of time (as by their present conduct they have) forfeited all right of Legislation of every kind. If any American grantees have stipulated the entire legislation over them, to be in the British Parliament, they have voluntarily, if they as stupidly and wickedly abide by it, become the most absolute slaves, and in consideration for their liberty, have really and truly received nothing at all; for tho' there may be ever so specious a shew, of the mines of Mexico and Peru being conveyed to them, is it not in the power of the grantors and legislators to retract to their own hands, more than the value of the grants, in taxes of every kind? and more than all this, if others may make for us what laws they please, they may forbid our laughing or smiling upon penalty of death; singing and dancing may become as capital crimes, and every punishment but annihilation or damnation may be inflicted for non obedience to their legislation, how unreasonable soever; without the power of salvation, or even the protraction of this present miserable existence, for a reward under intolerable tyranny and oppression, if peradventure any are slaves enough in their inclination to think life worth enjoying upon such base and cruel terms. Whoever voluntarily promises and engages this unlawful servitude, let them, if they are so determined, as voluntarily perform it, and contentedly hug and sustain the chains, they have no right to assent to wear; but is this the predicament, under which three or four millions of Americans justly claiming the same rights with Britons, are involuntarily reduc'd without any previous compact to submit to slavery, and tamely acquiesce with all the horrid impositions, attendant on such an abject and forlorn state and condition? God forbid, that while we have life and breath, we should want spirit and grace, to resist so wicked a design upon our liberties civil and religious, by which we are made free in the Lord; and which he has commanded us to support and maintain, against the gates of Hell itself.
If O Americans! ye are held in unlawful bands, by the unrighteous and impious imposition of others, untye, break, or cut them asunder; and if the unwary assent of ancestors, or even our own incautious compliance, has closer knit the snare, and stronger rivetted such unnatural and iniquitous chains, it alters not the case, we have nevertheless a right to be free! Tho' I think the project too dangerous for any one to try the experiment of parting with his liberty, relying upon his right to recover it, least his power should fail of success, being unequal to such an effect, and the richest jewel he is possessed of, lost without remedy.
But why should I contend any longer with a castle in the air? since neither the immediate, the intermediate, or the present grantees, have done a thing so inconsistent, with self-interest, with common honesty or common sense; why should I affront the understandings of a prudent sagacious people; with a supposition so derogatory to their wisdom and virtue? or why should I detain the public, with an amusing speculation of points, whether real or imaginary, when the time only calls for arms, to fight— pro aris et focis —for our temples and dwellings; and to drive our enemies with loss and shame, and the disgraceful infamy of lawless free-booters and murderers, from the much injur'd, and justly inrag'd coasts of America.
ORTHODOXUS.
W A T E R T O W N July 8. In the House of Representatives, July 2, 1776. W HEREAS it is of great importance for the defence of this colony in the present struggle with Great-Britain, that a sufficient quantity of leaden Balls be immediately procured: Therefore,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the Inhabitants of the several towns in this colony, that they spare their leaden window-weights for that purpose. And the Commissary General is hereby directed to receive and pay for all such lead, and have it cast into balls.
Sent up for concurrence.
TIM o DANIELSON, Speak'r pro tem. In Council July 2, 1776. Read and concurr'd.
JOHN AVERY, Dep'y. Sec. pro tem. Consented to by the major part of the Council.
In the House of Representatives, July 6, 1776.
R ESOLVED, That Jonathan Brown, Esq; Dr. Moses Morse, Mr. Benjamin Guild, Oliver Wendell, Esq; and Major Jacob Davis, be a committee to agree with two suitable persons to ride post to Crown-Point once a week, until the last day of November next; and that the said posts take such routes as the Committee aforesaid shall think best.—The said posts to set out from and return to Watertown, until the further order of this Court. And it is further resolved, That some person
be appointed at Watertown by the committee aforesaid to receive and deliver all such letters as shall not be delivered before said post's arrival at Watertown; and that all letters to, or from any persons in the army, be carried free of charge.
Sent up for concurrence.
WILLIAM COOPER, Speaker, P. T. Read and concurr'd.
In COUNCIL, July 6, 1776.
JOHN AVERY, Dep. Sec.
Consented to by the major part of the council. A true copy.
Attest. JOHN AVERY, Dep. Sec.
Extract of a letter from Alexandria, Virginia, dated June 27, 1776.
"Capt. Barron has carried into Hampton, the Oxford transport from Glasgow, with 217 Highlanders, & a number of women. This ship had been taken by the Andrew Doria, one of the Continental fleet, who disarmed them, & took out all of their principal officers and put 8 hands on board to carry her into port. However, the carpenter formed a party, and was making up the Bay to Lord Dunmore, after making prisoners of our 8 men, but Capt. Barron happened to come across them. Ld. Dunmore is still at Gwyn's-Island, and a number of our troops opposite them on the main land; but for want of a naval force cannot get over to them."
Colony of New Hampshire, Rockingham, ss. L IBELS being filed before me, against the ship named Susannah , burthen about one hundred and eighty tons, her cargo and appurtenances, commanded by John Frazier.—Also against the Schooner named the Rainbow , about thirty tons burthen, her cargo and appurtenances, commanded by John M'Monagle, which vessels are said to have been improved in carrying supplies to the fleet and army employed against the united colonies, and brought into the county of Rockingham. This notice is given agreeable to the laws of the colony, that the maritime court erected to try and condemn all vessels found infesting the Sea-Coasts of America, and brought into the county of Rockingham, will be held at the court-house in Portsmouth, on Tuesday the sixth day of August, 1776, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to try the justice of the said Captures, that all persons concerned may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the said vessels, their cargoes and appurtenances should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT Judge of said Court. Portsmouth July 11, 1776.
N. B. All Claimants are by law to file their claims before the Judge five days before trial.
8-10
A GENTEEL NEW CHAISE To be sold cheap for CASH. by WILLIAM MARSHALL, at his shop in Queen Street.
The Book so much admired, entitled COMMON SENSE , may be had at the Printing Office.

N E W - Y O R K, July 1.  By the arrival of Capt. Williams, at Philadelphia from St. Eustatia, we have the following Letter, which was received in this city yesterday evening.
London, April 9, 1776.
"It will no doubt be entertaining to you to know something truely of the plan formed by the ministry here against America, therefore you may depend on the veracity of the following intelligence. Shew this Letter to whom you please (in Philadelphia) and it's possible some persons may guess the writer. The Designs of the British cabinet are to make the greatest effort possible this year to reduce America to an unconditional submission, being thoroughly sensible that it is not in the power of this country to carry on the war another year, if the present armament should prove unsuccessful; therefore all the wise men think that the Americans will keep on the defensive, intrench themselves at every pass, and never come to a general decisive engagement but when sure of victory. They will no doubt harass the British mercenaries on their march, cut off their convoys, and keep them as much as possible from all kinds of provisions. Sir P. Parker sailed last month from Cork, with Lord Cornwallis, and 3000 Men, from Cape Fear river, in North Carolina, where Gen. Clinton is gone from Boston to take the command, with 1000 stand of arms from Virginia, to put into the hands of Scotchmen settled on the head of that river; and when Cornwallis arrives, they are either to invade South-Carolina or go down to Virginia, to Petersburg or James River. Gen. Burgoyne sailed from Portsmouth the 4th inst, with Col. Phillips and Capt. Foy (who commanded the British Artillery at Minden) and 3000 Brunswick troops, the 29th Regiment and marines, in all to the amount of 4000 men for Quebec; 4000 more are soon to follow for the same place. If they can (next summer) they are from Canada to penetrate into the colonies over the Lakes. Next month the Hessian troops and a few regiments from England and Ireland, are to sail for Boston, when Howe is to leave that place, leaving a garrison there, &c to go to Long-Island with about 20,000 men for the Grand Army; where, after making his ground good, he is to subdue the province of New-York, and from thence thro' the Jerseys, penetrate to Philadelphia. 70 or 80 Ships of war from 16 to 32 and 40 guns, are kept continually cruising on the coast to prevent any supplies of arms, &c. and all the transports have about 12 or 14 guns; but as the Men of war are not above a quarter man'd with seamen, and the transports have hardly seamen enough to navigate the ships, it is imagined that many will be taken by the provincial privateers if the Americans will fight like common men. By land it is supposed the Americans must be successful if they have either spirit or sagacity; tho' Administration depend a great deal on the assistance they are to get from traitors in North Carolina, and from the scotchmen in Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas. An old experienced general, said the other day, that the Americans were wise in using the pick axe and spade, for by intrenching themselves always they might save many lives, and if they followed the wisdom of the Roman general Fabius in opposing Hannibal and the Carthaginians, the Americans must be successful in the end. Indeed it appears now that America has no other alternative but to submit to more than Turkish slavery, or declare itself independent of G. Britain; in which case many of the European powers would be glad to afford her all the assistance in their power. We have this day
a report that a vessel from Philadelphia, bound to Bordeaux, with flour, &c. has been brought into Bristol, the crew having seized and confined the Capt.—This report wants confirmation.
Remarks on the above Letter (Amsterdam)
Sir Peter Parker's fleet was dispersed, half of them put back to England and Ireland, and those that were not lost are but lately sailed again; should they all arrive at Cape Fear river, and be joined by 1000 men there from that province, will any man that is acquainted with that country, say they are able to march 250 miles to Charles town, South-Carolina, or 350 miles to Virginia. I say the climate and distance is more than they are able to stand if no opposition: If Quebec is in the hands of the Provincials before Burgoyne gets there (as I think it will) his 8000 men will have work enough next year. Howe with his 20,000 men on Long Island, will find double that number to oppose him from Connecticut, New Jersey & Pennsylvania, without a man from Boston (those that are now with Lee excepted.) Virginia and Maryland will be able to defend themselves. I am very sorry to confirm the report of a vessel from Philadelphia to France, being in Bristol.—Mess. Bayard, Jackson, and Co's Letter of the 13th January 1776, to Capt. Meston, is published in all the News papers of the 12th April, and the villains have told of six other Captains that sailed with them on the same account, and the signals they are to make at the Capes of Delaware on their return.
L O N D O N.
By an abstract of the naval and military estimates for the year 1704, taken from the records of Parliament, when Godolphin was Lord High Treasurer, Prince George of Denmark, Lord High Admiral, and the victorious and immortal John Duke of Marlborough, Commander in Chief; when the campaign was carried on in Spain, Portugal the Lower Countries, on the Rhine & the Danube; when our fleets were victorious in the West-Indies, the narrow seas, and on the ocean; and when the lines of Scheldenburg were forced; and the power, fame and military strength of the French monarch, then aiming at universal empire, was nearly annihilated at Blenheim and Hockstet, it appears that the grant for the navy amounted to
  For guards and garrisons, £. 2,693,135   For men in the low countries, & subsidies to the King of Denmark, Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel, and Elector of Treves, 357,000   To troops of augmentation serving in the Low Countries, and subsidy to the King of Portugal. 933,344   Ordnance for the land service, 504,661   153,000 
Total 4,641,140
Lord North's budget for the year 1775, when the campaign was carried on at Boston neck, Bunker's Hill, Mystic river, Charles-town, Lexington, Concord and Boston Common, a circuit of 87 furlongs.
By the above estimate it appears that the glorious campaign of 1775 cost us more than the ever memorable victories gained in the year 1704, though we had an army of fifty thousand men in the low countries and in Germany; sixteen thousand men serving in Portugal; forty thousand seamen; and that we traversed with our armies the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal, great part of the Empire, Flanders, and part of the dominions of France, while we defended our own coasts against all attacks, and spread terror through those of our enemies. The pay of our seamen and soldiers was the same at both periods. Add to this, we had a pretender to the throne, Scotland was disunited and disaffected, and a fourth part of the people even in England were zealously attached to the Stuart family.
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) June 28.
By a gentleman from Bermuda, who left that island the 15th instant, we learn, that advices had been received from Martinico, just before he sailed, that great preparations were making there for some important expedition, which no one doubted was against the British West-Indies; and the gentleman says he shall not be at all surprized to hear that the chief part of the Islands are in the possession of France in a very few weeks. That the men of property in the islands have been for some time shipping off their valuable effects to England, and ordering insurances to be made on their estates; and that the price of provisions has risen to an enormous height, corn selling at 18 shillings per Bushel; pork at four half joes per barrel, butter at 6s per pound, and flour fetches any price that is asked.
PHILADELPHIA, July 6.
Extract of a letter from an officer in St. Mary's county, Maryland, dated the 9th ult.
"Our neighbour Dunmore has removed up to Gwyn's Island, and has there intrenched himself. Four days ago he sent a party of marines and sailors on shore to a wood, to the amount of fifty, who to a man deserted, with their arms and tools. Three of them would have insisted with us, but we being full, could not take them. They say he intends to make a push at us in Harvest. I apprehend his crop will be hardly worth gathering."
In CONGRESS, June 24, 1776.
RESOLVED , That all persons abiding within any of the United Colonies, and desiring protection from the laws of the same, owe allegiance to the laws, and are members of such colony; and that all persons passing through, visiting or making a temporary stay in any of the said colonies, being intitled to the protection of the laws during the time of such visitation, or temporary stay, owe during the same time, allegiance thereto.
That all persons members of, or owing allegiance to any of the United Colonies as before described, who shall levy war against any of the said colonies within the same, or be adherent to the King of Great-Britain, or others, the enemies of the said colonies, or any of them within the same, giving to him or them aid and comfort, are guilty of treason against such colony.
That it be recommended to the legislatures of the several United Colonies, to pass laws for punishing in such manner as to them shall seem fit, such persons before described, as shall be proveably attained of open deed, by people of their condition, of any of the treasons before described.
That it be recommended to the Legislatures of the several United Colonies to pass laws for punishing in such manner as they shall think fit, persons who shall counterfeit, or aid or abet in counterfeiting the continental bills of credit, or who shall pass any such bill in payment, knowing the same to be counterfeit.
By order of Congress, (Copy) JOHN HANCOCK, President.
N E W - Y O R K, June 19.
Yesterday an elegant entertainment was given by our Provincial Congress, to his Excellency General Washington, and his suite, the General and Staff Officers, and the Commanding Officers, of different regiments in & near this city, when the following Toasts were drank.
 1. The Congress.  2. The American army  3. The American fleet.  4. The colony of New-York.  5. The protesting Lords.  6. The president of South Carolina.  7. Mr. Burke.  8. Doctor Price.  9. The friends of America in both Houses of parliament.  10. The patriotic citizens of London.  11. The Whigs throughout the British Empire.  12. The friends to the rights of mankind in every part of the earth.  13. Freedom to those who have virtue to defend it. 

In CONGRESS, DECLARATION By the Representatives UNITED STATES of In General Congress a
WHEN in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind require that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.—That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying it's foundation on such principles, and organizing it's powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes, and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great-Britain is a history of repeated insults and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these States. To prove this, let the facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into a compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firm-
ness his invasions on the rights of the people:
He has refused for a long time after dissolutions, to cause others to be elected whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising conditions of new appropriated lands.
He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of all their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the military independent of & superior to the civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, unacknowledged by our laws; given his assent to their acts of pretended legislation.
For quartering large bodies of armed Troops among us:
For protecting them by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing taxes on us without our consent:
For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of trial by jury:
For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences:
For abolishing the free system of English laws, in a neighbouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging it's boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies:
For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our governments:
For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection, and waging war against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
us to the most humble terms: Our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British Brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice & magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of Justice and Consanguinity. We must therefore acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in war; in peace, Friends.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , in GENERAL CONGRESS assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions, do in the name, and by the Authority of the good people of these Colonies, solemnly publish and Declare, that these United Colonies, are, & of right ought to be FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES , that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Britain, is, & ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free & Independent States , they have full Power, to levy War, conclude peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and do all other Acts & Things which INDEPENDENT STATES , may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress.
JOHN HANCOCK President.
Attest, CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'ry.

delphia, ted Adju. Esq, Quart. mental Army
NEW YORK, July 11.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, July 6. "On Saturday last the brig Nancy, Captain Montgomery, of Wilmington, loaded on Congress account, with 400 barrels of powder, 50 or 60 small arms, dry goods, 105 hogheads of rum, and 62 hogheads sugar, was drove on shore by the King Fisher, at Cape May; the brig had 6 three pounders mounted, with which, at one time, they beat off the boats and one of their tenders; after which, being assisted by Capt. Barry and Weekes, they got out of her in a Fog, 62 firelocks, 262 barrels of powder, and some dry goods; but the Fog clearing away, the ships came within shot, and sent five barges full of men, when the brig's people finding they could not hold her, started about 140 Casks of powder in the cal'in, and 50lb. in the mainsail, in which they wrapped some fire with an intent to communicate to the powder, and then quitted her. One or two of the men of war's boats soon boarded her, one was close under her stern, and others very near her; those on board had given three cheers, and fired their arms at our people, when the fire took effect on the powder, and sent 30 or 40 of them, as is supposed, into the air, some of them 30 or 40 yards high, who returned to the water, unable to tell who hurt them. They have taken up 11 bodies, two laced hats, a leg with a white spaterdash, both supposed to belong to officers; the water was covered with heads, legs, arms, entrails, &c. one of the boats was towed off much scattered, with only six men. Thus did they huzza for a Scotch prize. Some of our people had got one or two small cannon on shore, with which they fired at the boarding the brig; the men of war returned the fire, and killed the brother of Capt. Weekes, who was third Lieut. of the Reprisal, and wounded a boy in the thigh. Last Monday evening the equestrian statue of George III, with Tory pride & folly raised in the year 1770, was, by the Sons of Freedom, laid prostrate in the dust, the just desert of an ungrateful Tyrant! The lead where-with this monument was made, is to be run into bullets, to assimilate with the brains of our infatuated adversaries, who, to gain a pepper-corn, have lost an Empire." Quin Deus vult per dere, prius clementat.
A Gentleman who was present at the Ominous fall of leaden Majesty, looking back to the Original's hopeful beginning pertinently exclaimed, in the language of the Angel to Lucifer, "I thou best he; but ah! how fallen! how chang'd!"
* Lord Clare, in the house of Commons, declared that a pepper-corn, in acknowledgment of Britain's rights to tax America, was of more importance than millions without it.
Since our last several of the new-raised regiments of Connecticut troops have arrived in town, and appear to be as fine a body of men as any engaged in the present grand struggle for Liberty and independence. A
long them the Light dragoons, between 4 and 600, who came to town yesterday, and paraded on horseback through the city, made noble and martial appearance; and as this corps are composed of the substantial yeomanry of a virtuous sister state, nothing could be more agreeable or animating to all true friends to their country.—Some of these worthy soldiers assisted in their present uniforms, the first reduction of Louisbourg, and their lank lean cheeks, and worn out coats, are viewed with more veneration by their honest countrymen, than if they were glittering Nans from India, or Bathams with nine tails. A general goal delivery to debtors took place here yesterday. One of the first fruits of independency, the oppressed are set free. On Tuesday morning the remainder of the fleet from Halifax came to the Watering-place, and there landed their men, our people leaving it the day before. It is said there are on the island 10,000 men.
Upwards of 5000 men, have, within the space of this week arrived here from New-Jersey, Long Island, &c.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, July 3. Last Night Mr. Sykes arrived here from Charleston, South Carolina, who informs that 30 sail of transports had got over Charleston bar; that a fifty gun ship got over by firing out her guns, with several small men of war; that one 50 gun ship struck on the bar going in, and was entirely lost; and that General Lee had arrived with 1500 men from North-Carolina. A boat from one of the ships attempted to land with a flag, but was fired on by the fort. The commanding officer of the fort afterwards went on board with a flag, and asked pardon for firing on theirs, and desired to know what was the purport of that flag, was answered that it was to desire them to deliver up the town; upon which our officer replied, that it would not be done as long as they were able to defend it, and that they would stand to the last extremity."
BOSTON, July 18, 1776.
Monday last an express arrived at Headquarters in this town, from His Excellency Genl Washington at New-York, with orders for all the troops in pay of the continent to march for that city as soon as possible; and this day, it is said one regiment will set off.
Saturday last the General Assembly of this colony adjourned to Wednesday the 28th day of August next, then to meet at Watertown.
On Friday last about four o'clock in the afternoon 2 men of war, a 40 gun and a 28 with two tenders, taking the advantage of wind and tide, run by the forts at New-York up the north river, for about 20 miles above the city.
Yesterday morning, a fifth 13 inch iron mortar was found off the end of the Hon. John Hancock, Esq's wharf.
The sloop Mifflin, Capt. Palmer, arriv'd at Philadelphia the third inst. from St. Eustatia, with six tons of powder dry goods, &c.
PORTSMOUTH July 20.
LAST Tuesday arrived here in 21 days from Halifax, Capt. John Salter of this town, Capt. Nathaniel Dowle, Capt. Crawford, Mr. Skinner and Mr. Jones.—On the 6th Sept. 1775 Capt. Salter in the ship Crisis, sailed from Newbury Port for the Island of Antigua; on the 12th was taken by Capt. Bithop, of the Lively, and carried into Boston, where his chest was broke open and all his money, (to the amount of 800 Dollars) with sundry other valuable articles stole: On the 12th March following, from a false representation to General Howe, was sent on board the ship Thames, kept in irons 10 days, and 4 weeks a prisoner—then sent ashore at Halifax, and there confined three weeks in goal—On the 28th of April, by order of Gen. Howe was released without any trial, after petitioning the General for a hearing.
The Day before yesterday (pursuant to an order from the Great and General Court of this colony) the Independent Company under Col. SHERBURNE, and the Light-Infantry Company under Col. LANGDON, were drawn up on the parade, in their uniforms, when the Declaration of Independence, from the grand CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, was read, in the hearing of a numerous and respectable
auditory; the pleasing countenances of the many Patriots present, spoke a hearty concurrence in this interesting measure, which was confirm'd by three Huzzas, and all conducted in peace and good order.
An Express passed through this town last Thursday, who bro't an account that Capt. Mowat in the Canceaux, had taken all the fishing boats which lay within his reach, to the number of 20 sail, at the Eastward of Casco-Bay; it's supposed has carried them into Halifax.
Last Wednesday set out on their march for our Northern army, the first company of the first battalion of New-Hampshire forces, (commanded by Capt. JAMES ARNOLD, late from Boston) consisting of above 100 stout, active, enterprizing volunteers, who have all engaged in the service, and march'd off with great spirit, and good order within the short space of ten days, such is the ardor, such the resolution of freemen, to support a cause in which their all is interested.
We are desired to assure the public, that the account of a battle at Staten-Island, as published in the Boston papers, last week, is a mistake.
Colony of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss.
A LIBEL is filed before me, in behalf of the United Colonies, and of the Officers, Marines and Mariners of the continental armed vessels, Hancock, Lee, and Lynch, against the Brigantine named the Elizabeth, about 140 tons burthen; commanded by Peter Ramsay; retaken and brought into the Port of Piscataquana in the County of Rockingham, which vessel is said, to have been taken from Richard Hart of Portsmouth, Merchant, late owner thereof, by some armed vessels belonging to the British fleet, and detained in their possession more than 96 hours, and was at the time of her recapture, carrying her cargo to and for the use of the fleet & army employed against the United American Colonies.
For the trial of this recapture, the Court maritime for said colony, will be held at the court-house in Portsmouth on Tuesday the 20th day of August 1776, at 10 o'clock A. M. of which this notice is given pursuant to the law of said colony, that the owner of the vessel retaken as aforesaid, or any persons concerned in vessel or cargo, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the said vessel, with her cargo and appurtenances, should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT Judge of said Court.
Portsmouth July 12, 1776.
N. B. Persons claiming the whole, or any part, either as owners, or captors of any vessel taken & libelled must by law file their claims before the Judge of said court, five days before the day of trial. And all Libels against any vessel taken and brought into this colony before the 3d of July inst. must be filed within 20 days from that time, or such claimants, or libellants will be barred from exhibiting such claims or libels after the periods aforesaid.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Brigantine Elizabeth and Cargo, Peter Ramsay late master, bound from Boston to Halifax,) retaken and brought into this port, by Commodore Manly and others, in the service of the united colonies, are to commence invoicing at Portsmouth, the 24th day of this instant July (in preparation for sale, agreeable to a resolve of the honorable Continental Congress) and to continue till the whole is completed.
All persons legal claimants to any part of said brigantine and cargo, are desired to attend on said day, that their interest may be selected. Those persons interested, and neglecting to attend duly will be deprived the benefit of claiming, as all goods that may not be legally claim'd, will be invoiced for the use of the continent and captors, & sold accordingly. JOSHUA WENTWORTH, Agent.
Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, July 1, 1776.
N. B. There were four negroes taken with said brig, viz. A negro man named Adam, John Rowe, Esq; owner. A negro man named Scip, Harrison Gray, Esq; owner. A negro woman named Belinder, Benjamin Austin, Esq; owner. A negro woman named Brada, a widow Kircath owner. 7-6