The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1781-10-27 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER.
[Vol. XXVI.]
SATURDAY, October 27, 1781.
[No. 1304.]
The LIFE and CHARACTER of General ARNOLD, extracted from the new History of the American Revolution.
THIS man was born of reputable parents in Connecticut. His grandfather had been Governor of Rhode Island. His father died when he was about fourteen years of age, which obliged his friends to take him from school, and to put him apprentice to an apothecary. He behaved well in his master's shop, and was admired by every one that frequented it, as an active promising boy. At the age of 20 years he left his master and went to London, where he had address enough to procure a credit for a large quantity of drugs, and returned with them to New-Haven, where he set up an apothecary's store. During his absence from home he had contracted a love for pleasure and idle company. This led him to neglect his pestle and mortar, by which means in a few years he became a bankrupt. Out of the ruins of his shop, he bought a share in a small skipper, and went with a cargo of horses to the West-Indies, where, by coasting along the different Islands, he acquired a good deal of money. After an absence of a year or two he returned to his native country, and with the addition he had made to his fortune built himself an elegant house, and opened a large dry goods store. In this business he early discovered a greater turn for speculation than for fair trade. Upon hearing in New-York, upon a certain occasion, that rum had rose four pence per gallon, he suddenly mounted his horse, and rode 90 miles in one day, in order to buy up a large quantity of rum which he knew had just before been lodged in and about New-Haven. He succeeded to his wishes, and boasted afterwards that he had made 1000l. by this single speculation. The war, in 1775, found him in easy circumstances, and he was one of the foremost of the Connecticut militia in marching to the relief of Boston, after the battle of Lexington. We before spoke of his march from Cambridge to Quebec. The honor he acquired by this enterprize would have been lasting, had he not sullied it in his return, by plundering the town of Montreal. Under cover of an order from General Washington to secure all the goods, in Philadelphia, after the British army evacuated it, in 1778, he committed the most shocking depredations upon private property, and amassed large quantities of goods, which he afterwards sold, through his agents, at private sale, in Philadelphia—neither his rank nor command in the army could restrain him a moment from schemes of speculation. His lobby was crowded in a morning with partners in stores—letters of marque—privateers—and prizes. Sometimes he admitted into his
confidence a continental waggoner, in order to facilitate the transportation of his goods at public expence. His success in the plunder of his country enabled him to exhibit scenes of dissipation and pleasure in his house, that vied with those that had been just before exhibited by the principal officers in the British army. The republican citizens of Philadelphia exclaimed against his conduct, as highly injurious to the morals and manners of the people. At length the Executive Council of Pennsylvania boldly impeached him of all his crimes, and misdemeanors. He was brought before a Court-Martial at Morristown. There is a natural prejudice in favour of a brave man, and soldiers are perhaps the only people who admire and commend the quality they covet most, that is, bravery in other men. The sight of a brother soldier standing before a military tribunal, upon a leg that had been broken and weakened by the most gallant services to his country, would have palliated grosser crimes than those with which he was charged. Many of the evidences against him declined to appear at the Court, while many unexpected witnesses appeared in his favour. There was little doubt with the Court of his being guilty of most of the charges that were brought against him; but the degrees of the evidence would admit of their convicting him of only two out of eight of them. He was found guilty of granting a pass contrary to general orders, to favour a scheme of speculation, and of making use of public waggons at an improper time, to secure and transport his private property. His punishment for these crimes (for in an officer of his rank they deserve no other name) was a reprimand from the Commander in Chief.
There is a fascination in military exploits, that bewitches the minds of men, and proves an apology for a thousand acts of folly and indiscretion. Like charity, they cover a multitude of sins. This sentence of the Court-Martial, and the general clamour against General Arnold's conduct, did not invalidate his military reputation, or destroy his influence in the army. While every body detested the speculator, they admired and honored the soldier.
Hitherto avarice had been the leading principle of Arnold's soul; but now a degree of resentment was added to it for his supposed ill treatment by his countrymen. It was soon after his trial that his correspondence with Major Andre began; but it was not until the summer of 1780 that he received any direct offers from Sir Henry Clinton. Gold was the loadstone of his heart. He did not deliberate a moment whether he should accept the bribe. He was of no country—of no party—and of no religion—and therefore he had no objection to closing with Sir Henry's bargain. He
deliberated only what sacrifice he should make. By General M'Dougall's accepting a seat in Congress, the command of the fortress at West Point, on Hudson's river, became vacant.—This post immediately attracted his attention. It was the key of the North River, the link of the Eastern and Southern States, and the passage of communication between New York and Canada. The British knew its importance, but confessed, by their conduct, that it was impregnable by arms. Arnold, by intrigue and solicitation, obtained the command of this fortress from General Washington. It was now he felicitated himself upon the accomplishment of his schemes of treachery, and enjoyed in prospect the splendid reward which awaited it.
[Here follows a particular account of Arnold's detection & desertion to the enemy, & of Major Andre's execution, which being recent events, and authentically recorded in some late newspapers, are omitted in this. Our author concludes his account of this event as follows.]
Thus was America delivered from one of the greatest catastrophes that ever impended her. All ranks of people spoke with horror of this unparalleled instance of treachery. The streets of every city and village in the United States for many months rung with the crimes of General Arnold. He was burnt in effigy in Philadelphia. But what fixed the enormity of his wickedness most in the minds of the people was a proclamation which the Congress published immediately afterwards, recommending a day of thanksgiving to the Ruler of the Universe, for this great deliverance from the power of the enemy.
There appears, in contemplating the conduct of General Arnold in this act of treachery, a gradation in his crimes that adds much to their malignity. He betrayed his native country—he deserted a cause to which he had sworn allegiance—he had turned his back upon a power that had given him honor and command—he attempted to ruin a people who had generously absolved him of the vices of his private life, from the grateful sense they cherished of his military services to their country. But the highest offence he committed was against himself. He had acquired the first military reputation in America. He had sought and bled often in defence of her liberties and independence—he shared largely in the glory of conquering Burgoyne—all Europe was filled with his name. The King of Prussia spoke handsomely of his military genius and exploits. Even the enemies of the United States were forced to acknowledge the warrior in the reputed rebel. General Burgoyne attributes one of his defeats entirely to the impetuosity and firmness of a body of troops headed by General Arnold. In a word, painters, poets, and

historians crowded about him to ensure him immortality to their performances, by fixing upon General Arnold as the subject of them.
His name was embalmed with the first heroes in America, and was consigned for its full tribute of praise to the gratitude of posterity. But even his reputation, for which a generous mind would have paid millions, and sacrificed a thousand lives, was basely sold for about five thousand pounds. Arnold, the Champion of liberty—the pride of his country—one of the conquerors of Burgoyne—the admiration of Europe—and the terror and scourge of Britain, ends in a traitor and a deserter. An historian must be more or less than man that can mention these things, and not pause a few minutes to bewail the folly and wickedness of human nature. It every record of the inhabitants of our globe should be lost, except the history of Arnold's defection, it would be sufficient to show other beings the extent and degrees of the depravity of man.
America has sometimes blushed for a moment, upon reflecting that in the infancy of her existence, and in the most simple state of her manners, she gave birth to this monster of iniquity. But she soon found consolation in the recollection, that he was first contaminated by the atmosphere of London, and that after his vices had acquired their maturity, the soil of America could afford them no more nourishment. He was compelled to seek for food for them within the limits of the British government.
General Arnold was received with open arms in New-York. He was invited immediately to the tables of all the General Officers. For a while he amused them with the expectations of large defections from the American army, and signed his name to a proclamation composed for that purpose. But in this they were egregiously disappointed. It is remarkable that scarcely a centinel left his post for near three months after Arnold's detection took place. His conduct had stamped an infamy upon desertion, more terrible to the common soldier than the gallows.
Soon after the news of Arnold's treachery reached the Congress, they struck his name out of the list of their Major-Generals. The resolution for this purpose was a short one. It contained no commentary upon his crime. This was of so atrocious and new a nature, that even that august body, so much admired for their original and just compositions, could find no words to convey to the world, and to posterity, their ideas of its peculiar enormity.
Immediately after his name was extirpated from the calendar of American officers, he received a Colonel's commission with the rank of Brigadier-General from Sir Henry Clinton. No remonstrances were made by the officers of the British army against this outrage upon decency, and violation of the rules of promotion. A number of them embarked with him upon a plundering expedition to Virginia. Here he made military duty and service yield to the low purposes of speculation. He directed the arms of Britain only against stores of tobacco, plate, feather-beds, and negroes; all of which he sold at an immense profit. For these exploits he received the approbation of the King of Great Britain, in a letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Henry Clinton. It was said that Lord Cornwallis had refused to do duty with General Arnold, and that this was the reason of the General's sudden departure to New-York after Cornwallis's arrival in Virginia: But his Lordship had been too well educated in the school of despotism, to shew the least mark of disrespect to one whom his Sovereign had honored with a commission and with his royal approbation. If this British officer, together with the other British Generals who have served in America during the revolution, had acquired the smallest share of glory for skill and bravery in battle, or for their perseverance in long and difficult marches under the most unpromising appearances of success, they have justly forfeited it, by suffering their names, and commissions,
and services, to be ranked with General Arnold's.
For the gratification of every class of readers it may not be improper to add, that Arnold's person was small, but well made: His eyes were piercing, and his whole face agreeable. His manner was that of a gentleman's while silent; but his conversation betrayed a vulgar education. His pronunciation was improper, and he seldom connected a sentence of grammar together. He was a stranger to books, and made but a trifling figure upon the most ordinary subjects of conversation. His talents in every thing were moderate, except in that species of business to which he had devoted the greatest part of his life. In making a bargain, no abilities or ties of nature ever overcome him. As an officer, his capacity qualified him for the command of a company. In order to do justice to his character as a soldier, it will be necessary to introduce a distinction between courage and bravery. The first is seated in the mind, and is equally the offspring of principle and reflection. The second is seated in the blood, and is excited by exercise, by music, and by spirituous liquors. By habit it may be so far improved as to produce the effect of courage. It exists in the soldiery of all armies, and it is sometimes found in the worst characters that ever disgraced human nature. General Arnold was destitute of courage, but possessed the highest degree of bravery. There are authentic documents to prove that he was drunk at the time he received his wound in attacking Gen. Burgoyne's lines. Whether he was intoxicated in the battles of Quebec, on the Lakes, and at Danbury, does not appear, but it is certain he discovered in each of those engagements an impetuosity that seemed to arise more from a fermentation of animal spirits than from principle or reflection. It may appear difficult to some people to reconcile this military character of Gen. Arnold, with his uncommon military reputation. But it must be considered that the world is more easily deceived with appearances in this species of character than in any other. Success, and a wound, often constitute a military hero, whereas it is well known that many Generals have deserved the thanks of their country for their defeats, and many more have deserved to be broken for their victories. Accident and necessity gave Arnold rank and reputation in the American army, and extraordinary attainments in villainy alone, gave him both, in the army of the King of Great-Britain.
We have already established the fact of Gen. Arnold's dishonesty and falsehood in private life. To compleat the catalogue of his private vices, it is only necessary to add, that he was unfaithful to the bed of an amiable young wife, the daughter of a wealthy and respectable citizen of Philadelphia, whom he deceived with assurances of equality and independence in point of fortune.
It is to be lamented that a character and crimes like Gen. Arnold's have not been marked, by the universal consent of nations, with such a degree of contempt and infamy as to exterminate them from the list of human productions. The whole community of mankind have more to fear and suffer, from such gross instances of national perfidy, than any one community can be benefited by them. But a code of natural and national jurisprudence, favorable to the interests of justice and humanity, cannot be expected, while Britain maintains her present usurpations in the republic of Europe.
America has yet to learn one important lesson from the defection and treachery of Gen. Arnold. To cultivate domestic and moral virtue as the only basis of true patriotism. Public virtue and private vice are wholly incompatible. A speculator in office, a drunkard, a debauchee, a sharper in business, and a man unfaithful to promises, and treacherous in private friendships, should never be trusted with any share of the power, honor, or treasure, of the United States.
L O N D O N,
August 2. Yesterday Vice Admiral Arbuthnot arrived at Portsmouth from New-York, on board the Roebuck—he brings dispatches from General Clinton, who was preparing to return to Europe when Admiral Arbuthnot left that place.
An officer arrived at the board of one of the Secretary's of State from Gibraltar, he informs That the Spaniards incessantly cannonade the place, nothing is so destructive as their gun and bomb boats, they have completely succeeded in the destruction of the town; they have killed and wounded seven hundred men of the garrison; and it is feared the place will be obliged to surrender.
A report prevails that the French fleet under Mons. de Suffran has taken possession of the island of St. Helena.
August 14. It was last night reported, that the French had evacuated Rhode Island, and spiked up all the cannon, and gone to Boston; and that great Part of La Fayette's army had lain down their arms and joined Cornwallis; but this old stale trick was found unpalatable to the most credulous.
Yesterday a gentleman in town received a letter from his brother, an officer in Admiral Darby's fleet, now at Portsmouth, which says, that the French, Spanish, and Dutch fleets have at last formed a junction, and consist of sixty sail of the line, that they now ride triumphant in the very chops of the channel, bidding defiance to the English flag. We give this important intelligence from the authority of the gentleman who received the letter, whom we know to be a man of veracity. The letter further says, that Darby's fleet will not dare to sail for six weeks.
We have lost since the commencement of the present war, 99 sail of shipping, eight of which were of the line, viz. the Ardent, Augusta, Culloden, Cornwall, Defiance, Somerset, Stirling-Castle, and Thunderer; two were of fifty guns, three of forty-four, 26 frigates, from 20 to 40 guns, and the rest Cutters, armed sloops, &c.
Extract of a letter from Jersey. July 7. "We this day received advice from St. Maloes by a cartel ship which is put in here, that on Thursday last sailed from thence two large frigates and four other armed ships, to join those that are already cruising in the North Seas; by which you may imagine the French entertain some hopes of getting the Jamaica fleet into their possession.—A camp for 10,000 men is now forming along the shore near St. Maloes, it being given out that the English intend to make a descent near that place."
PHILADELPHIA, October 10.
Yesterday evening arrived a gentleman from General Green's army, by whom several letters were received. As an express is on his way to Congress with the General's dispatches, it is highly probable he is delayed in coming by General Washington's head quarters, we shall be able fully to gratify our readers with an authentic detail in our next.
Extract of a letter dated Congarees, Sept. 14.
"I congratulate you on our success on the 8th inst. at Lutaw, in which action the enemy lost, in killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, upwards of 1100 men, and upwards of twenty officers are taken prisoners, among which their Adjutant General.
"The enemy have retreated toward Monk's Corner; our head quarters, by the last accounts, was at Martin's; General Marion, Colonels Lee and Mallum, advanced in their front with their cavalry, and are picking up prisoners, hourly; Hyrne, commissary of prisoners, has an account of five hundred and thirty seven British regulars in our possession, prisoners.
"Inclosed you have General Greene's general orders, as read to the army the day after the action.
Extract of General orders, Burton's, Sept. 9.
"The General presents his most grateful thanks to all the officers and soldiers of the army for their extraordinary exertions in the well fought battle of yesterday. He has infinite pleasure in the opportunity of acknowledging himself satisfied in the highest degree with the troops in general.
"The militia commanded by Brigadier

Marion and Pickens, and Col. Malmody, answered his most sanguine expectations.
"The State troops, commanded by Cols. Henderson, Hampton, Middleton, Polk and Hammond, behaved with the gallantry and firmness which characterise the liberty sons.
"The North Carolina brigade, commanded by Brigadier General Sumner, consisting of three battalions, commanded by Lt. Col. Ash, Majors Armstrong and Blount, discovered a confidence which does honor to young soldiers. The Maryland brigade, commanded by Col. Williams, consisting of the 1st and 2d regiments, commanded by Lieut. Col. Howard and Major Hardman; and the Virginia brigade commanded by Col. Campbell, consisting of the 1st and 3d regiments, commanded by Maj. Snead & Capt. Edmond, exhibited lively examples of that intrepidity and military perfection which is seldom equalled by the oldest troops. The light infantry corps, by Capt. Kirkwood and Rudolph, deserves the highest applause for their great activity.
"The cavalry commanded by Lieutenant Cols. Washington and Lee, supported in the most courageous manner that high reputation which they have acquired by repeated and gallant services; and the corps of artillery, commanded by Captains Brown and Gains (tho' unfortunate) merit particular notice for the cheerful execution of all orders. The very great advantage of a strong brick house, was the strong hold of preserving the remains of the British army from captivity, and though the want of water made it requisite, after the action to retire to this place, yet the victory is compleat; and we have only to lament the loss of several of our brave officers and soldiers whose glorious deaths are to be envied.
"The General presents his hearty thanks to Major Hyrne, Captain Pearce Pendleton and Shubrick, his Aid de Camps, from whose activity material services were derived. The General conceives himself particularly obliged to Col. Kosciisko and Major Forsythe, for their volunteer services in the field; and as he cannot be more particular at present, he hopes that the other gentlemen in the staff departments, will consider that he cannot be unmindful of their respective endeavours to promote the service.
"The officers of the army will make returns of the names, rank, &c. of the British officers paroled in the field, and returns of the killed, wounded and missing immediately."
Extract of a letter, Camp, Williamsburg, September 27, 1781.
"The whole army move down to-morrow as you will see by the inclosed extract from general orders.
GENERAL ORDERS.
September 27, 5 o'clock, P. M.
"The whole army will march by the right in one column, at 5 o'clock to-morrow morning precisely, the particular orders of march for the right wing will be distributed by the Quarter Master General. The Gen. desires that the officers will confine themselves in point of baggage to objects of the first necessity, that the army may march as light as possible. The Quarter Master General will have directions to appoint a proper deposit for the effects that will be left from whence they will be transported to the army, as soon as permanent position is taken.
"The Quarter Master General allot a proportionate number of waggons in his service for the service of the left wing. If the enemy should be tempted to meet the army in its march, the General particularly enjoins the troops to place their principal reliance on the Bayonet, that they may prove the vanity of the boast which the British make of their peculiar prowess in deciding battles with that weapon; he trusts that a generous emulation will actuate the allied armies: That the French, whose national weapon is that of close fight, and the troops that has so often used with success, will distinguish themselves on every occasion that offers. The justice of the cause in which
we are engaged, and the honor of the two nations, will inspire every breast with sentiments that are presages of victory."
BOSTON, October 25.
The French Ambassador, Monsieur de la VEAUSERION, at the Court of Holland, being authorised by the Court of France, has solicited their High Mightinesses to loan the States of America, eight millions of florins, and for France to become guarantee of security for the payment; which there is no doubt will be complied with. Extract of a letter from Providence, Oct. 19.
"Last evening arrived here Capt. Thomas, in a vessel from Virginia, who informs us, That he left the French fleet in Chesapeake, Saturday Afternoon 13th instant, who were close moor'd in with the shore: That our army had compleatly circumscribed Cornwallis within very narrow limits, having taken from him the principal heights, and opened upon his works upwards of 100 cannon and mortars. The batteries began playing five days before he came away, which kept the whole Peninsula trembling with unceasing peals of thunder from the assailants. — The French troops requested of General Washington to storm the works with fixed bayonets, but the General Preferr'd continuing the siege for a few days longer, to exposing the lives of a great number of his brave army to destruction. — His Excellency has had such vast numbers crowding to his camp, as to be under a necessity of dismissing great numbers of them as altogether useless. Cornwallis has attempted to destroy the shipping in York River, by sending down fireships, rafts, &c. but they were rendered very harmless by the French boats towing them ashore. It is farther said that his Lordship's situation in regard to provisions is very consonant to our wishes. The utmost harmony prevails in the combined army and every thing renders the prospect of success extremely flattering."
PORTSMOUTH, October 27.
7 o'clock last evening.
The following extract of a letter, (dated Boston, 8 o'clock, the 26th inst.) is this moment received by express from Newbury-Port, in three hours & an half, viz: ---- "An express is this moment arrived from Newport, who brings the important intelligence of the unconditional surrender of the proud Cornwallis, with his whole army, to the illustrious WASHINGTON, on the 20th instant."
The Gentlemen of this town think themselves much obliged to Jonathan Jackson and Nathaniel Tracy, Esqrs. for their politeness in dispatching an express with this glorious intelligence. A person was immediately dispatched to Falmouth with the news.
The above great and glorious intelligence was received in town the last evening, by express to Col. Langdon, and immediately announced to the public by the discharge of cannon, ringing of bells, illuminations, and every other token of joy that grateful hearts could demonstrate. This morning was likewise usher'd in by the discharge of cannon from the fortresses and the shipping in the harbour, the display of
colours and the ringing of bells, &c. which continues at this publication. We hope in our next to give the public the particulars, authenticated by authority.
Just as the Paper was going to the Press, the following (published in a hand-bill at Salem) was handed to us by a Gentleman directly from thence.
Boston, October 26.
This morning arrived here a Gentleman from Providence, who has favored us with the following GLORIOUS INTELLIGENCE.
Providence, Oct. 25, 1781, 3 o'clock. This Moment an Express arrived at his Honor the Deputy Governor's, from Col. Christopher Olney, Commandant on Rhode Island, announcing the important Intelligence of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his Army, an Account of which was printed this Morning at Newport, and is as follows, viz.
Newport, October 25, 1781.
Yesterday Afternoon arrived in this Harbour Captain Lovett, of the Schooner Adventure, from York-River, in Chesapeake-Bay, which he left the 20th Instant, and brought us the Glorious NEWS of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his Army Prisoners of War to the Allied Army, under the Command of our Illustrious GENERAL, and the French Fleet, under the Command of his Excellency the Count de GRASSE.
A Cessation of Arms took place on Thursday the 18th Instant, in Consequence of Proposals from Lord Cornwallis for a Capitulation. His Lordship proposed a Cessation of 24 Hours, but two only were granted by his Excellency General WASHINGTON. The Articles were compleated the same Day, and the next Day the Allied Army took Possession of York town.
By this Glorious Conquest, Nine thousand of the Enemy, including Seamen, fell into our Hands, with an immense Quantity of warlike Stores, a forty gun Ship, a Frigate, an armed Vessel, and about one hundred Sail of transports.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham. ff.
To all whom it may concern, Notice is hereby given, that a Libel is filed before me, in behalf of Silvanus Tripe, commander of the private armed Sloop John Bunyan, and all concerned therein against the Schooner Betsey, about ten tons burthen, her cargo and appurtenances, Peter Doucett late master ---- which vessel is said to be taken on the high seas, and brought into the port of Piscataqua; and for the trial of the justice of said capture, a Maritime Court for the State aforesaid will be held at the State House in Portsmouth the 19th day of November next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. when and where any person or persons concerned may appear, and show cause (if any they have) why the same should not be condemned: J. BRACKETT, Judge.
Portsmouth, Oct. 24, 1781.
All Persons Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of Samuel Ball, late of Portsmouth deceased, are desire'd to bring in their Claims to Abigail Ball Administratrix to said Estate, in order for settlement.
A Fare to be held at the House of John Poor, Innholder in Greenland, to begin on Tuesday 13th Day of November, to continue three Days successively; at which Time and Place sundry Articles will be for sale.

STATE OF VERMONT.
An Act passed by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, at their Session at Windsor, April A. D. 1781, intituled an Act for the Purpose of emitting a Sum of Money & directing the Redemption of the same.
A ND whereas the land is the great object of the present war, and receives the most solid protection of any estate, a very large part of which has hitherto paid no part of the great cost arisen in defending it, whilst the blood and treasure of the inhabitants of the State has been spent to protect it, who many of them owned but a very small part thereof:
Wherefore, for the redemption of the remaining part of said bills, and lodging a sum of money in the treasury,
Be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That there be, and there is hereby granted and laid, a tax of ten shillings on each hundred acres of land within this State, which will now admit of settlement on account of the war, except public rights, and the college lands; which tax shall be paid into the treasury of this State in silver, at the rate of 6 shillings per Spanish milled dollar, or Gold equivalent, or in said bills.
And the publication of this part of this Act, in the Vermont Gazette, the New-Hampshire Gazette, one of the Boston newspapers, the Connecticut Courant and the Massachusetts-Spy, three weeks successively, as soon as may be, and the Treasurer calling on the Land-holders to pay their tax, agreeable to this act, in the said newspapers, once in the month of November next, and once in the month of December next, shall be sufficient notifications to all Persons concerned.
And whereas difficulties might arise in collecting said tax in any one mode: Which to prevent,
It is enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the following be the mode for collecting the said tax, for the towns of Pownal, Bennington, Shaftsbury, Arlington, Manchester, Dorset, Rupert, Danby, Tinmouth, Clarendon, Pollet, Wells, Poultney, Rutland, Guilford, Halifax, Brattleborough, Marlborough, Townsend, Dummerston, Newfane, Putney, Westminster, Rockingham, Windsor, Hartford, Woodstock, Hartford, Pomfret, Thetford, Strafford, Newbury, Rygate, Alsted, Acworth, Charleston, Cornish, Claremont, Chesterfield, Croydon, Gilson, New-Grantham, Keen, Dresden, Lemster, Marlow, Newport, Plainfield, Richmond, Swansy, Surry, Unity, Walpole, Westmoreland, Winchester, Canaan, Grafton, Haverhill, Hanover, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lyme, Orford, Piermont, Esfeld, Romney, and any other towns that are organized and choose it, that the first Constable chosen for the year 1781, in each respective town, shall be, and they are hereby empowered (on receiving a Warrant therefor from the Treasurer) to collect the said tax in the respective towns, of the several land-owners; and they are hereby empowered to levy on the goods and chattels of the said land-owners for the payment of the same, agreeable to the law directing the levying and serving executions; except, that when the Constable shall have occasion to sell lands, for payment of said tax, such land shall be sold at vendue; and the time of payment of such tax to the Constable, shall be on or before the first day of January next; and the time for his settling with the Treasurer, shall be on or before the first day of April following.
And a copy of the Constable's warrant, with the doings thereon, in respect to the particular land sold for the payment of said tax, agreeable to this act, attested by the Constable, and recorded in the Town-Clerk's Office shall be a good title, to the exclusion of all other claims to the purchaser of said land.
Provided always, Where any lands lie in common or undivided, and a part of the proprietors or owners of such common or undivided land, and if the Constable shall have occasion to sell land for raising the remaining part of the tax of such common or undivided lands, he shall cause to be recorded in the Town-Clerk's Office the names and proportions of the persons who have paid their tax, who shall not be curtailed, but be as fairly entitled to the proportion they pay for, as they were before; and the Constable shall be allowed one pound out of each hundred pounds he collects and pays into the Treasury, and shall be entitled to the same fees from the person whose taxes he receives after the first of January next, as he is in case of levying and serving executions.---And lest any doubt may arise on that head, it is hereby declared, That in case of the State Tax, the towns are to be responsible for the ability and faithfulness of their Constables.
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the mode for collecting said tax for the other towns, as also for any of the aforesaid towns which may neglect paying in their tax by the first day of April, 1782, shall be as follows, viz. It shall be lawful for the proprietors or owners of the land of any town, to meet where it shall be most convenient for them in one or more meetings (any law, or usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding) and choose collectors to collect such tax of the proprietors or land-owners of the respective towns which they are chosen for.---Provided always, That the said Collectors be not empowered to sell land.---And the land-owner who does by himself, or such collector, pay his proportion of said tax to the Treasurer of this State, by the first day of April next, shall be discharged therefrom.
And in case any part of the tax shall remain unpaid at that time, it shall be the duty of the Treasurer to issue his warrant to the Sheriff of the county, or his deputy, commanding him to sell at vendue unimproved land in such town to the amount thereof, and a sufficiency to pay all attending charges, belonging to any such persons, who have not paid their tax.
Provided, That when undivided land is sold, which must always be the Case (if there be any such that is valuable) that the persons paying their proportion of said tax to the Treasurer (before the warrant be issued) shall not be curtailed, but be as fairly entitled to the proportion they pay for as they were before; And a copy of the Sheriff's warrant, with his doings thereon, in respect to the particular land sold for the payment of said tax, agreeable to this act, attested by such Sheriff, recorded in the County-Clerk's Office, shall be a good title (to the exclusion of all other claims) to the purchaser.
Provided always, That it shall be the duty of the Sheriff or Constable to advertise the sale of any lands to be sold for the payment of such tax, three weeks successively, in the Vermont Gazette, at least five days before such sale, and post an advertisement thereof in the town where such land lies, if inhabited---if not inhabited, in the next inhabited town, at least twenty days before such sale.
And lest injustice be done to any person, by having more of his land sold than enough to amount to his rate or proportion of the tax:
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if any person shall have more of his land sold than his proportion, he shall have a right of action and recover against the person or persons who are delinquents with him, either in whole or in part, for their proportion, according to their interest, of the value of the land so sold, according to the appraisal of indifferent men, at the time of such recovery.
Provided, That such action be brought within the term of one year from the sale of such land, and not after.
Provided always, That in case any person pays a land tax of land, supposing it to be his own, and it afterwards appears on trial to belong to another person, he shall have a right of action and recovery against the proper owner of such land, for such sum as he shall pay for such land tax.
Provided also, That whenever the Sheriff or Constable shall sell more land than a sufficiency to pay the tax ordered to be collected, if by a Sheriff, the overplus shall be lodged in the County-Treasury; if by a Constable, the overplus shall be lodged in the Town-Treasury, for the owner.
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That whoever shall be guilty of altering or counterfeiting any of said bills, or shall be any ways concerned therein, by making instruments for that purpose, or be any ways aiding or assisting therein, and be thereof convicted, shall suffer death, any law, usage, or custom to the contrary notwithstanding.
A true Copy of Record,
Examined by JOSEPH FAY, Sec'y.
An Act passed by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, at their Session, in Bennington, June, A. D. 1781, in Addition to an Act, intituled, "An Act for the Purpose of emitting a Sum of Money, and directing the Redemption of the same."
WHEREAS , in the Act for the purpose of emitting a sum of money, and directing the redemption of the same, there is a land tax laid on all towns in this State, which will now admit of settlement, on account of the war; and in said act there is no description of the identical towns that are to pay the land tax:---And as it is now found necessary to name the particular towns---
BE it enacted, and it is hereby enacted, by the representatives of the freemen of the State of Vermont, in General Assembly met, and by the authority of the same, That the towns hereafter named, be the towns that shall pay said tax; that is to say, Pownal, Stamford, alias New-Stamford, Reedburgh, Bennington, Woodford, Shaftsbury, Glastenbury, Somerset, Arlington, Sunderland, Stratton, Manchester, Bromley, Winhall, Londonderry, Rupert, Dorset, Pollet, Danby, Harwich, Wells, Tinmouth, Wallingford, Poultney, Clarendon, Rutland, Killington, Little-Hosack, Harwick, Scituate, Cambridge, the part of Saratoga that lies to the southward of Batton-Kill, White-Creek, Black-Creek, Shrewsbury, Sandgate, Pittsford, Calliston, Hinsdale, on both sides of Connecticut-river, Guilford, Halifax, Wilmington, Brattleborough, New-Fane, Marlborough, Dummerston, Wardborough, Townsend, Putney. A hens, Westminster, Rockingham, Tomlinson, Springfield, Chester, Andover, Wethersfield, Cavendish, Salisb. Ludlow, Windsor, Redding, Hartford, Woodstock, Bridgewater, Stockbridge, Hensford, Pomfret, Bernard, Norwich, Sharon, Royalton, Thetford, Strafford, Tunbridge, Vershire, Farlee, Landgrove, Newbury, Corinth, Rygate, Barnet, Lunenburg, Guildhall, Maidstone, Minehead, Brunswick, Jamaica, Lemington, Averill, Lewis, Werdock, Ferdinand, Granby, Topsham, Peacham, Winchester, Richmond, Chesterfield, Swansy, Westmoreland, Keene, Gilson, Walpole, Alsted, Marlow, Surry, Charlestown, Ackworth, Lemster, Unity, Claremont, Newport, Savill, Cornish, Croydon, Plainfield, New-Grantham, Protecwith, Lebanon, Esfeld, Grafton, Dresden, Canaan, Hanover, Cardigan, Lime, Dorchester, Cockermouth, Orford, Wentworth, Romney, Piermont, Warren, Haverhill, Coventry, Bath, Landaff, Lyman, Gunthwait, Aphorp, Dartmouth, Lancaster, Northumberland, Cockburn, Stuarton, Colebrook, Morriston, Stratford, Shelburne, on the east side of Connecticut-river.
A true copy of record,
Examined by JOSEPH FAY, Sec'y.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham, ff.
BY Order of the Hon. Phillips White, Esq; Judge of Probate of Wills for the county of Rockingham, the subscribers give notice, that they are appointed to receive and examine the claims of the creditors to the estate of Samuel Lamson, jun. late of Exeter; joiner, deceased, represented insolvent; and that they will attend said business at the house of Benjamin Lamson, innholder in Exeter, on the first Monday of the six following months, from three to six o'clock in the afternoon of said days; at which time and place all whom it concerns are requested to attend, with their accounts properly vouched.
Eliphalet Hale, James McClure, William Parker, jun } Commissioners.
Exeter, October 13, 1781.
TO BE SOLD,
A certain piece of MARSH, in Exeter, by Benjamin Lamson, administrator to the estate of Samuel Lamson, jun deceased, at public vendue, at his house, on the second Monday of November next at three o'clock in the afternoon.
ALL PERSONS indebted to the estate of Nathaniel Niles, late of Coventry, deceased, and those to whom said estate is indebted are hereby directed to bring in their accounts to Barnabas Niles, of said Coventry, immediately, in order for settlement.
Coventry, Sept. 4, 1781.
RETURN of the killed and wounded in the late depredatory expedition to New-London and Groton, as given by the traitor Arnold to his master, Sir Harry Clinton:
1 Major, 1 Ensign, 2 Serjeants, 44 Rank and File, killed.---1 Lieut.Col. 3 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 2 Ensigns, 8 Serjeants, 2 Drummers, 127 Rank and File, wounded.---Of the wounded Officers, 1 Captain, 1 Lieutenant, and one Ensign, are since dead.
To be sold at Public Vendue, On Pearn's Wharf, North End, 10 o'clock,
On Friday 2d of November next,
The Brigantine Catherine,
About 100 Tons Burthen, British built, with her Sails, Rigging, Anchors, Cables, &c.
Also, A Quantity of Salt and dry'd Cod-Fish; and sundry other Articles.
Portsmouth, October 20, 1781.
NOTICE is hereby given to the Non-Resident owners of Land in Raymond, (State of New-Hampshire) that so much of their Lands as will pay the taxes annexed to their names, will be sold by public auction on Thursday the 15th Nov. next at the house of Lieut. Benjamin Bean, innholder in said town, at ten o'clock forenoon, as will pay said taxes with accruing charges, unless prevented by previous payment. Their names follow.
   No. l. s. d.     Lott not known, 71 6 15 8   Samuel Ingals, 74 2 15 0   Jehua Wingate, 84 6 10 1   Michael Whidden, part 41 3 6 0   Not known part lott 103 3 6 0   Jonathan Emerson, 81 2 9 4  
JOSEPH CASS, Collector.
Raymond, Octo. 20, 1781.
State of New-Hampshire. Strafford, ff.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in Middleton, in said State and County, that an assessment is made on the land of said proprietors, in said town, agreeable to a vote of said proprietors, to make up the Rev. Mr. Ordway's salary and settlement in said town to the 10th day of June 1781, which is one pound eighteen shillings and six pence, silver money, on each whole right; which tax the said proprietors or owners of said lands, are hereby notified and required to pay to me the subscriber, within eight weeks from the date hereof. Elijah Buzell, Collector.
Middleton. October 6. 1781.
State of New-Hampshire. Rockingham, ff.
TO NOAH EMERY, Esq; one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Rockingham, in said State of New Hampshire, sheweth, Richard Jennens of Rye, in said County of Rockingham, Esq; That he is owner and proprietor of more than one sixteenth part of the rights, shares and interests of and in the township of Topsham, in the said State of New-Hampshire---That it is necessary a meeting of said proprietors of Topsham should be notified & called for the following purposes, viz. 1. To chuse a moderator to govern said meeting. 2. To chuse a proprietor's clerk, and all other necessary officers for said proprietor's. 3. To agree upon how much land shall be allotted out to each proprietor. 4. To chuse a committee to see the said allotment or division effected. 5. To chuse a committee to lay out high-ways in said town, and to agree with persons to clear and make passable the same. 6. To adjust the expences of procuring the Charter and other expences that have accrued respecting said town. And 8thly, To agree upon a method of calling proprietary meetings of the said proprietors in future.---Therefore, pray you agreeable to the law of said State of New-Hampshire, to issue your warrant or notification to the proprietors of said town of Topsham, to meet at the dwelling house of Benjamin Lamson, innholder in Exeter, in said county of Rockingham, on Tuesday the sixth day of November next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, to act on the aforementioned particulars.
Dated Oct. 10. 1781. Richard Jennens, junr.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham, ff.
TO Richard Jennens, Esq; one of the proprietors and owners of more than one sixteenth part of the rights, shares and interests of and in the township of Topsham, YOU are hereby directed, pursuant to the above application, to notify and warn the proprietors of the township of Topsham, to meet at the dwelling-house of Benjamin Lamson, innholder in Exeter, on Tuesday the sixth day of November next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, to act on the aforementioned particulars; and you are to advertise the same according to the law of this State.
Given under my hand at Exeter, in said State, the tenth day of October, A. D. 1781.
Noah Emery, Justice Peace.
Printed at Portsmouth.