The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1775-09-05 00:00:00

THE New-Hampshire AND HISTORICAL CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES
Vol. XIX. GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
TUESDAY Sept. 5, 1775.
No. 985 } Weeks since this Paper was first publish'd }
PHILADELPHIA, August 16.
To the KING's Most Excellent MAJESTY.
Most gracious SOVEREIGN,
WE your Majesty's faithful Subjects of the Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, in Behalf of Ourselves, and the Inhabitants of these Colonies, who have deputed us to represent them in general Congress, entreat your Majesty's gracious Attention to this our humble Petition.
The Union between our Mother Country and these Colonies, and the Energy of mild and just Government, produced Benefits so remarkably important, & afforded such an Assurance of their permanency and Increase, that the Wonder and Envy of other Nations were excited, while they beheld Great Britain rising to a Power the most extraordinary the World had ever known.
Her Rivals observing, that there was no Probability of this happy Connection being broken by Civil Dissentions, and apprehending its future Effects, if left any longer undisturbed, resolved to prevent her receiving such continual and formidable Accessions of Wealth and Strength, by checking the Growth of those Settlements from which they were to be derived.
In the Prosecution of this Attempt, Events so unfavourable to the Design took Place, that every Friend to the Interest of Great Britain and these Colonies, entertained pleasing and reasonable Expectations of seeing an additional Force and Extension immediately given to the Operations of the Union hitherto experienced, by an Enlargement of the Dominions of the Crown, and the Removal of ancient and warlike Enemies to a greater Distance.
At the Conclusion therefore of the late War, the most glorious and advantageous that ever had been carried on by British Arms, your loyal Colonists, having contributed to its Success, by such repeated and strenuous Exertions, as frequently procured them the distinguished Approbation of your Majesty, of the late King, and of Parliament, doubted not, but that they should be permitted, with the Rest of the Empire to share in the Blessings of Peace, and the Emoluments of Victory and Conquest.
While these recent and honorable Acknowledgements of the Merits remained on Record in the Journals and Acts of that august Legislature, the Parliament, undaunted by the Imputation or even the Suspicion of any Offence, they were alarmed by a new System of Statutes and Regulations, adopted for the Administration of the Colonies, that filled their Minds with the most painful Fears, & Jealousies; and to their inexpressible Astonishment, perceived the Danger of a foreign Quarrel, quickly succeeded by domestic Dangers in their Judgment of a more dreadful Kind.
Nor were these Anxieties alleviated by any Tendency in this System to promote the Welfare of their Mother Country. For though its Effects were more immediately felt by them, yet its Influence appeared to be injurious to the Commerce and Prosperity of Great Britain.
We shall decline the ungrateful Task of describing the irksome Variety of Artifices, practised by many of your Majesty's Ministers, the delusive Pretences, fruitless Terrors, and unavailing Severities, that have from Time to Time been dealt out by them, in their Attempts to execute this impolitic Plan, or of tracing thro' a Series of Years past the Progress of the unhappy Differences between Great Britain and these Colonies, that have flowed from this fatal Source.
Your Majesty's Ministers, persevering in their Measures, and proceeding to open Hostilities for enforcing them, have compelled us to arm in our own Defence, and have engaged us in a Controversy so peculiarly abhorrent to the Affections of your still faithful Colonists, that when we consider whom we must oppose in this Contest, and if it continues, what may be the Consequences, our own particular Misfortunes are accounted by us only as Parts of our Distress.
Knowing to what violent Resentments and incurable Animosities, civil Discords are apt to exasperate and inflame the contending Parties, we think Ourselves required by indispensable Obligations to Almighty GOD, to your Majesty, to our Fellow Subjects and to Ourselves, immediately to use all the Means in our Power, not incompatible with our Safety, for stopping the further Effusion of Blood, and for averting the impending Calamities that threaten the British Empire.
Thus called upon to address your Majesty on Affairs of such Moment to America, and probably to all your Dominions, we are earnestly desirous of performing this Office, with the utmost Deference for your Majesty; and we therefore pray, that your Majesty's royal Magnanimity & Benevolence may make the most favourable Constructions of our Expressions on so uncommon an Occasion. Could we represent in their full Force the Sentiments that agitate the Minds of us your dutiful Subjects, we are persuaded, your Majesty would ascribe any seeming Deviation from Reverence in our Language, and even in our Conduct, nor to any reprehensible Intention, but to the Impossibility of reconciling the usual Appearances of Respect with a just Attention to our own Preservation against those awful and cruel Enemies, who abuse your royal Confidence and Authority, for the Purpose of effecting our Destruction.
Attached to your Majesty's Person, Family and Government, with all Devotion that Principle and Affection can inspire, connected with Great Britain by the strongest Ties that can unite Societies, & deplored every Event that tends in any Degree to weaken them: We solemnly assure your Majesty, that we, not only most ardently desire the former Harmony between Her and these Colonies, may be restored, but that a Concord may be established between them upon so firm a Basis as to perpetuate its Blessings, uninterrupted by any future Dissentions, to succeeding Generations in both Countries, and to transmit your Majesty's Name to Posterity, adorned with that signal and lasting Glory that has attended the Memory of those illustrious Personages, whose Virtues & Abilities have extricated States from dangerous Convulsions, and by securing Happiness to others, have erected the most noble and durable Monuments to their own Fame.
We beg leave further to assure your Majesty, that notwithstanding the Sufferings of your loyal Colonists, during the Course of this present Controversy, our Breasts retain too tender a Regard for the Kingdom from which we derive our Origin, to request such a Reconciliation, as might in any manner be inconsistent with her Dignity or her Welfare. These, related as we are to Her, Honor and Duty, as well as Inclination, induce us to support and advance; and the apprehensions that now oppress our Hearts
with unspeakable Grief, being once removed, your Majesty will find your faithful Subjects on this Continent ready and willing at all times as they have ever been, with their Lives and Fortunes to assert and maintain the Rights and Interests of your Majesty, and of our Mother Country.
We therefore beseech your Majesty, that your Royal Authority and Influence may be graciously interposed to procure us Relief from our afflicting Fears and Jealousies, occasioned by the System before-mentioned, and to settle Peace thro' every Part of your Dominions, with all Humility submitting to your Majesty's wise Consideration, whether it may not be expedient for facilitating those important Purposes, that your Majesty be pleased to direct some Mode, by which the United Applications of your faithful Colonists to the Throne in presence of their Common Councils, may be improved into a happy and permanent Reconciliation; & that in the mean Time measures may be taken for preventing the further Destruction of the Lives of your Majesty's Subjects; and that such Statutes as more immediately distress any of your Majesty's Colonies may be repealed.
For by such Arrangements as your Majesty's Wisdom can form for collecting the united Sense of your American People, we are convinced, your Majesty would receive such satisfactory Proofs of the Disposition of the Colonists towards their Sovereign and the Parent State, that the wished for Opportunity would soon be restored to them, of evincing the sincerity of their Professions, by every Testimony of Devotion becoming the most dutiful Subjects and the most affectionate Colonists.
That your Majesty may enjoy a long and prosperous Reign, and that your Descendants may govern your Dominions, with Honour to themselves and Happiness to their Subjects, is our sincere and fervent Prayer.
L O N D O N, June 12.
Ministry have at length received advices from America, and in the Gazette of Saturday evening, the substance of those advices was related in the following manner.
LONDON GAZETTE. Whitehall, June 10, 1775. LIEUT. Nunn, of the Navy, arrived this morning at Lord Dartmouth's, and has brought letters from Gen. Gage, Lord Percy, and Lieut. Col. Smith, containing the following particulars of what passed on the 19th of April last, between a detachment of the King's troops in the province of Massachusetts Bay, and several parties of rebel Provincials, viz.
Gen. Gage, having received intelligence of a large quantity of military stores being collected at Concord, for the avowed purposes of supplying a body of troops to act in opposition to his Majesty's government, detached on the 18th of April at night, the grenadiers of his army and the light infantry, under the command of Lieut. Col. Smith, of the tenth regiment, and Major Pitcairne of the marines, with orders to destroy the said stores; and the next morning eight companies of the fourth, the same number of the twenty-third and forty-ninth, and some marines, marched under the command of Lord Percy to support the other detachment.
Lieutenant Colonel Smith finding, after he had advanced some miles on his march, that the country had been alarmed by firing of guns and ringing of bells, dispatched six companies of light infantry, in order to secure two bridges on different roads beyond Concord, who, upon their arrival at Lexington, found a body of the country people drawn up under arms on a green close to the road; and upon the King's troops marching up to them in order to inquire the reason of their being so assembled, they went off in great confusion, and several guns were fired upon the King's troops from behind a stone wall, and also from the meeting-house and other houses, by which one man was wounded, and Major Pitcairne's horse shot in two places. In consequence of this attack by the rebels, the troops returned the fire, and killed several of them; after which the detachment marched on to Concord, without any thing farther happening, where they effected the purpose for which they were sent, having knocked off the trunnions of three pieces of iron ordnance, burnt some new gun carriages, and a great number of carriage wheels, and thrown into the river a considerable quantity of flour, gunpowder, musket balls, and other articles. Whilst this service was performing, great numbers of the rebels assembled in many parts, and a considerable body of them attacked the light infantry posted at one of the bridges, on which an action ensued, and some few were killed & wounded.
On the return of the troops from Concord, they were very much annoyed, and had several men killed and wounded, by the rebels firing from behind walls, ditches, trees, and other ambushes; but the brigade under the command of Lord Percy having joined them at Lexington, with two pieces of cannon, the rebels were for a while dispersed; but, as soon as the troops resumed their march, they began to fire upon them from behind stone walls & houses; and kept up in that manner a scattering fire during the whole of their march of fifteen miles, by which means several were killed and wounded; and such was the cruelty and barbarity of the rebels, that they scalped and cut off the ears of some of the wounded men, who fell into their hands.
It is not known what numbers of the rebels were killed and wounded, but it is supposed that their loss was very considerable. General Gage says that too much praise cannot be given to Lord Percy, for his remarkable activity during the whole day; and that Lieut. Col. Smith, and Major Pitcairne did every thing that men could do, as did all the officers in general; and that the men behaved with their usual intrepidity.
RETURN of the Commission, Non commissioned Officers, Rank and File Killed, Wounded and taken Prisoners, on the 19th of April, 1775, in the Civil War Commenced in support of the Usurpation of Parliament.
4th, or King's own regiment.---Lieut. Knight, killed; Lieut. Gould, wounded & prisoner; 3 serjeants 1 drummer, wounded; 7 rank and file killed, 21 wounded. 8 missing.
5th regiment.---Lieut. Thomas Baker, Lieut. William Cox, Lieut. Thomas Hawkshaw, wounded; 5 rank and file killed, 15 wounded, 1 missing.
10th regiment.---Lieut. Col. Francis Smith, Capt. Lawrence Parsons, Lieut. Wald. Kelley, Ensign Jeremiah Lester, wounded; 1 rank and file killed, 13 wounded, 1 missing.
18th regiment.---1 rank and file killed, 4 wounded, 1 missing.
22d regiment.---Lieut. Col. Bev. Bernard, wounded; 4 rank and file killed, 26 wounded, 6 missing.
33d regiment.---Lieut. William Sutherland wounded; 1 serjeant wounded; 4 rank and file killed, 11 wounded.
43d regiment.---Lieut. Hull wounded and prisoner; 4 rank and file killed, 5 wounded, 2 missing.
47th regiment.---Lieut. Donald M'Cloud, Ensign Henry Baldwin, wounded; 1 serjeant wounded; 5 rank & file killed, 21 wounded.
52d regiment.---1 serjeant missing; 3 rank and file killed, 2 wounded.
59th regiment.---3 rank and file killed, 3 wounded.
Marines.---Capt. Souter, second Lieut. McDonald, wounded; second Lieut. Isaac Potter, missing; 1 serjeant killed, 2 wounded, 1 missing; 1 drummer killed; 25 rank and file killed, 36 wounded, 5 missing.
TOTAL. 1 Lieutenant killed, 2 Lieut. Colonels wounded, 2 Captains wounded, 9 Lieutenants wounded, 1 Lieutenant missing, 2 Ensigns wounded, 1 Serjeant killed, 7 wounded, 2 missing, 41 Drummer killed, 1 wounded, 62 rank & file killed, 157 wounded, 24 missing.
N. B. Lieut. Isaac Potter reported to be wounded and taken prisoner. (Signed) THOMAS GAGE.
The Ministry have applied to Lord Chatham to take the helm in the present storm, not to conciliate but to conduct their bloody measures. He rejected the proposition with a disdain that became him. This Tory sanguinary administration will leave nothing unattempted to destroy the lives and liberties of our persecuted fellow subjects in America.
A late governor of the Massachusetts Bay was sent for expressly, to advise in the present alarming state of America. It shews consummate wisdom in asking the opinion of a man who has constantly deceived this country, and whose misrepresentations have ended in the blood, instead of the slavery, as he intended, of his countrymen. Old as he is, he may live to suffer for, if not repent of his wickedness.
We are informed, that four vessels, containing about 700 emigrants, have sailed for America, from Port Glasgow and Greenock, in the course of the last and preceding week. Most of these emigrants are from the North Highlands; and it is said, two vessels are sailed for that country, in order to carry over more.
It is certain that since the news of the American skirmish arrived, a well known person has engaged an additional number of mercenary scribblers for six months, at the moderate sum of 100 guineas each.
Extract of a Letter from Plymouth Dock, June 6. "His Majesty's ship Kent, Capt. Rayner, is ordered to join the grand fleet fitting out at Portsmouth; the Romney of 50 guns, Admiral Duff, is at anchor in the Sound; the Ocean, Dublin, Albion, Raisonable, & Turbay, guardships, are at their moorings, in the Hamez; the Hunter sloop of war is going into dock; the Rippon and Fame are in the docks repairing; and the Prudenta are from the East Indies, is docked, being very leaky."
June 10. A Correspondent informs us, that the Faithful have given up all Hopes of the American Secretary; a most pious and venerable Lady of that Sect having recently declared her Opinion, founded upon a thorough Knowledge of his real Character and Principles, "that he was just SAINT enough to play the DEVIL."
June 15. Monday & Yesterday several Vessels were taken up in the River, on Government Contract, to carry Troops to America.
A few Days ago Lord Mansfield, Mr. Jenkinson, and Governor Hutchinson, dined together at Lord Suffolk's. In all Parties of Consultation on American Affairs, Governor Hutchinson has constantly been one. Before the Generals went to America, he was frequently consulted by them, dined with them, &c. &c. Mr. Cornwall, who acts as Master of the Ceremonies, introduces him; and Mr. Jenkinson, who has long been the Secret , and is now almost the ostensible Premier , patronizes him. It is said Governor Hutchinson has a Pension of two Thousand Pounds per annum.---Is it to be wondered at?---But it is surprising that the Piety of Lord Dartmouth will permit him to avow a share in Measures, in which it is notorious he has no Share, except being the mere Executor or Jack Ketch of them. The Plans all originate, and are finished elsewhere, before he sees them. Yet this pious Lord , and Lord Sandwich, and Lord Suffolk, affect great Importance, assume great Pomposity, in being allowed to see an act of Parliament before it has received the royal Assent. Like the Moon, if they shine, it is by borrowed Light.
Orders were given from the War Office for recalling the Warrants which were given out last Week to raise Recruits for the three Regiments of Guards, as no Draft is to be made from them.
June 17. We hear that four Regiments of Foot will be shortly sent to reinforce the Army under General Gage, and that Orders will be given to the Lord Lieutenants of Sixteen Counties to cause the Militia to be embodied within their respective Commanderies.
Extract of a Letter from Portsmouth, June 15. "Sailed the Navy Sloop of War, Capt. Sutherland, for Plymouth. The Shipwrights who left off Work Yesterday on account of their Grievances not being redressed (Lord Sandwich being called on important Business to Town) amounted to 400; so that this Town is in a State of Confusion."
Yesterday a Commission passed the great Seal giving full Power and Authority to Josiah Martin, Esq; his Majesty's Captain General and Governor in chief of the Province of North Carolina, or to the Governor for the Time being (after reciting that Herman Husband, and divers others, had raised a Rebellion, and levied War against his Majesty in that Province, which hath been suppressed) to pardon, release, and forgive all Treasons, Felonies, and other Crimes by them or any of them committed, the said Herman Husband alone excepted.
A large Train of Artillery is now preparing at Woolwich, to be shipped off with all Speed for America.
June 20. The Master General of the Ordnance has given Orders for several Tons of Ordnance Stores to be shipped off as soon as possible for the Use of the Forces in America.
Extract of a Letter from Portsmouth, June 16. "Yesterday an Express arrived here from the Admiralty, with Orders for the following Ships of the Line to be got ready with the greatest Expedition, viz. the Neptune of 90 Guns---Superb, 74---Firm, 64---Essex, 64---and Windsor and America of 60 Guns. The Destination of the above Ships is kept a profound Secret."
We hear that General Gage has sent home for more light Ordnance and Stores; in Consequence of which the necessary Orders have been given. A Transport sailed about three Weeks or a Month since with some of the above from the Tower, for the Use of the Troops in America.
A Journeyman Taylor of Braintree, in Essex, who over a Pot of Beer had often bewailed the Misfortunes of his Country, cursed the Minister, and like a true Patriot, got drunk with his last Six Pence;---the Moment he heard the Americans had defeated the

King's Troops, jumped from the Board, and after halting the glorious Goddess of Liberty to waste him to the pine-crowned Mountains of New England, desired his Master would pay him his Day's Wages; adding, "I will no longer live in this Land of Slavery, and be cipt to Death by the Shears of ministerial Oppression; they shall no longer cabbage me of my Liberty, while I can wield a bare Bokin; no, I have a Brother in Boston, and by G-d I will go and fight for him."
They write from Paris, that a French Merchant, who carries on a very extensive Woollen Manufacture at Abbeville, has lately received a Premium of 2000 Livres for fabricating a Piece of Broad Cloth, pronounced by the best Judges to be equal to any made in England, both in Firmness, Texture and Dye. It is computed he has near sixty Tons of Irish Wool in his Warehouse, for the Purpose of carrying on this important Manufacture.
Extract of a Letter from Dublin.
June 12. "The Post Assembly, which is to be held To-morrow, for the Purpose of considering an Address to the King, in behalf of our oppressed American Brethren, is likely to be the fullest ever known."
Dublin, June 10. We hear the following six Regiments of Foot are ordered to get ready to embark for America; the 13th Regiment, commanded by Major General Sir C. Thompson; 27th, by Colonel Eyre Massey; 28th, by Major General Thomas Ede; 42d, by Lieut. General Lord John Murray; 46th, by Col. Hon. John Vaughan; and 55th, by Major General Richard Earl of Cavan.
CAMBRIDGE, August 31.
Last Saturday Night about 2000 Troops of the united Colonies entrenched on a Hill in Charlestown, known by the Name of Plow'd Hill, within point blank Shot of the Enemy; and notwithstanding a continual Fire from them almost all the Day following, we had only two killed and two wounded, viz. Adjutant Mumford of Rhode Island and a Private killed, and Mr. William Simpson, a Volunteer of Pennsylvania, lost a Leg, and another Man wounded. While our Entrenchments were carrying on upon the Hill, Parties of Rifle-Men were employed in firing upon the Advanced Guards on Charlestown Neck; but how many of the Enemy were killed, we have not been able to learn; one of their Officers and several Men were seen to fall. Two of the Enemy's Floating Batteries attempting to annoy our People at work upon the Hill, were silenced in Mistic River, and one of them partly sunk, by some of our Cannon placed at Temple's Farm.
Bunker-Hill, Plow'd Hill and Winter Hill are situated in a Range from East to West, each of them on or near Mistic River; Plow'd Hill is in the Middle, and is the lowest of the three, the Summit of which is about Half a Mile from the Enemy's Works on Bunker Hill.
The Enemy, finding but little Effect from their firing last Sabbath, began to relax on Monday; they, however, at Times, still continue their Fire. Our Men are now well secured in their new Post, and are compleating their Works with great Expedition.
The Hon. Continental Congress have appointed Col. Samuel Mott, Chief Engineer of the Army under General Schuyler.
The Enemies to Liberty and America, headed by Tom Gage, lately gave a notable Specimen of their Hatred to the very Name of Liberty. A Party of them, of whom one Job Williams was the Ringleader, a few Days since, repaired to a Tree at the South End of Boston, known by the Name of Liberty-Tree, and armed with Axes, &c. made a furious Attack upon it. After a long Spell of laughing and grinning, sweating, swearing and foaming, with Malice diabolical, they cut down a Tree, because it bore the Name of Liberty. But, be it known to this infamous Band of Traitors, that the GRAND AMERICAN TREE OF LIBERTY, planted in the Center of the United Colonies of North America, now flourishes with unrivalled, increasing Beauty, and bids fair, in a short Time, to afford, under its wide spreading Branches, a safe and happy Retreat for all the Sons of Liberty, however numerous and dispersed.
It is said the Port of Boston is open on the same Footing as the other Governments, Trade being allowed to be carried on to G. Britain, Ireland and the British Islands in the West Indies.
The Honorable Continental Congress has appointed the Hon. James Warren, Esq; Paymaster General of the United Forces of North America.
Friday last the General Assembly of this Colony adjourn'd to Wednesday the 20th of September.
We are told that a Captain and Lieutenant, both belonging to the Marines, in the ministerial Army, lately fought a DUEL in Boston, occasioned by a political Dispute; in which the Captain was killed, and the Lieutenant badly wounded.
The Merchants of New Haven have unanimously agreed to ship no more Flax Seed from that Place, during the Continuance of the present Disturbances.
The Constitutional Society in London have subscribed One Hundred Pounds Sterling, for the Use of the Widows of the brave Americans who fell in the Battle on the 19th of April.
By a Gentleman from Dartmouth, we hear, that a few Days ago, as one of the piratical Ships of War (supposed to be the King Fisher) was passing up the Sound between Martha's Vineyard & the Elizabeth Islands, she stood into Tarpolean Cove, close in with one of the Houses, where stood a Number of People without Arms, looking at the Ship, when without the least Provocation, they received a Number of Cannon Balls, and some Musket Shot, from the Ship, which obliged them to secure themselves. After which the Ship fired a Number of Cannon Shot at the House, some of which went through the same, and damaged several Barrels of Provisions, &c. but happily no Person was killed or wounded. As soon as this was done, the Ship immediately put about and came to Anchor at a considerable Distance from the Shore, and soon after made off.
It may be remembered that about the Beginning of June last, on one of the sail Islands, a Number of poor People were robbed by Capt. Lindzee, in the Falkland Sloop of War, of more than 200 Sheep, besides other Stock, for which they have received no recompence. Since after such repeated abuses, the Admiral and Commanders of the King's Ships cannot think it bad if they are not suffered to land in these Parts.
Last Saturday a Barn in Andover, belonging to Lieut. David Chandler of Col. Frye's Regiment, was consumed by Fire, with all his Hay, English Grain and Flax. The Loss is computed at 150 L. Lawful Money.
Died at Col. Stoddard's in Chelmsford, Mrs. Elisabeth Waterhouse. Relict of the late Capt. Samuel Waterhouse.
On Friday died at Hartford, the Rev. Joseph Howe, late Pastor of a Church in Boston.
HARTFORD, Aug. 28.
Extract of a Letter from Crown Point, Aug. 14.
Yesterday came in two Subalterns who had been down the Lake as far as Onion River, to procure all the Water Craft on the Lake. On their Return they turned in to see one Gilliland, a Justice of Peace, late a Merchant in New York, now settled about 30 Miles down the Lake, a Man of great Interest, & our zealous Friend; they went to see him, when he was White, high Sheriff of Ticonderoga (at Sir William Johnson's) with two others, entered without Ceremony, and enquired for Mr. Gilliland. After a few Words our Men disarmed them. Soon after came up one more white Man, with three Indians, who seeing the Situation of their Friends, attempted to make their Escape, but were soon taken and conducted to this Place. The Indians say they came to take Mr. Gilliland, and carry him to Canada, as White and his Accomplishes could stay no longer at Ticonderoga. The People there were so enraged against them. The Indians are dismissed with Presents, but the others sent to New Gate in Simsbury, whose gloomy Mansions are judged a suitable Abode for these Sons of Darkness."
Mr. White, Sheriff of Ticonderoga, with his Accomplishes, mentioned in the foregoing Letter, is now a Prisoner in Albany Goal.
Last Week about six Hundred Indians from the Six Nations arrived at Albany, where they are to be met by a Number of Gentlemen from this and the neighbouring Colonies. We bear their Business is to enquire into the Cause of the present Controversy between Great Britain and the Colonies.
N E W-Y O R K, August 24.
The Provincial Congress having resolved that the Cannon should be removed from the Battery, a Number of the Citizens collected for that Purpose last Night; and, Part of the Provincial Artillery, under the Command of Capt. Lamb, were posted on the Battery, to prevent the Landing of any Party from the Asia Man of War, to annoy them while at Work. When they marched down, they observed one of the above Ship's Barges, lying at some Distance from the Shore, where she continued for upwards of an Hour; then she got under Sail, and fired a Musket at the men that were posted on the Battery. This was immediately returned by a constant Fire from the Artillery Men, and a Number of Citizens, that were likewise posted there for the above Purpose. Upon this the Asia fired more than Twenty-eight Times; some of their Cannon were loaded with Grape-Shot; But as far as we have learnt, without doing any further Mischief, than damaging several Houses, and wounding two or three Men. But, notwithstanding the Fire from the Asia, the Citizens effected their Purpose, and carried off Twenty-one Pieces of Cannon, that were mounted on their Carriages.
On Monday arrived the Duke of Cumberland, Capt. Marshall, from Falmouth, which he left the 18th of June, a Ship from Bristol, Capt. M'Davitt, who brings Bristol Papers till the 24th June, a Ship from Ireland and another from Scotland with Passengers, and sundry other Vessels. The Intelligence by these Vessels is very immaterial, except that it seems to be the Determination of the Ministry, that if they cannot enslave, they will destroy the Inhabitants of the British Colonies.
NEWBERN, (N. Carolina) August 6.
In COMMITTEE, August 5.
From the late conduct of Governor Martin at Fort Johnston, and intelligence since received by this committee, it appears he intends erecting the King's Standard, and commencing hostilities against the people of this Province. It is therefore RESOLVED, That no person or persons whatsoever have any correspondence with him, either by personal communication or letter, on pain of being deemed enemies to the liberties of America, and dealt with accordingly. And that no person or persons presume to remove him or themselves from hence to Core Sound, or any other part of the province where the Governor resides, without leave of this Committee, as he or they will not be suffered to return here.
By Order, R. COGDELL, Chairman.
By a Gentleman just come to town from Cape Fear, we have a certain account that the armed force which lately went down to burn Fort Johnston, have effected the same by destroying all the houses, and rendering the fortifications entirely useless. Captain Collett, who commanded that fort, 'tis said, had a number of Slaves, which he had instigated to revolt from their masters, actually concealed in the fort, which were again recovered by their several owners; for this treachery they burnt his dwelling-house, with all his furniture and every thing valuable, he had not time to get on board the man of war.
WILLIAMSBURGH, (Virginia) August 4.
Lord Dunmore reviewed his 60 Body-guard-Men, lately arrived from St. Augustine, last Tuesday at Gosport; and, we hear, that he daily expects an additional Reinforcement of 40 more Soldiers, from the same Place. His Lordship, it is said, as soon as they arrive, and when joined by the Marines from the Mercury and Outer Men of War, and a number of other Select Friends in different Places, intends coming round to York Town; ----- from whence, if not prevented, it is likely he will pay us a Visit in this City, although he cannot expect the same cordial Reception as on former Occasions, but will probably be received with such Illuminations, &c. as may make him forget his Way to the Palace. The good People of Virginia now consider Lord Dunmore as their mortal Enemy, and will no longer brook the many gross Insults they have received from him, which are daily repeated; and the damn'd Shirriffs, as they are emphatically called by some of his Minions, it is more than probable, will make some rue, before long, their ill-timed, base, and ungenerous Conduct.
The Men of War's Officers, we are credibly informed, have been guilty of many Outrages, both at Norfolk & Portsmouth; which ungentle Behaviour lately exposed one of them to the Resentment of a certain Mr. O'Shields, who drubbed him handsomely.
L O N D O N June 5.
With what astonishment people are struck at reading an article in the gazette published by authority, and as it were under the eye of Majesty, calling the murder of upwards of 150 British subjects, A SKIRMISH! Good God; at what times are we arrived, when our fellow subjects, blood of our blood, and flesh of our flesh, are set to murder and destroy one another; & upon the loss of so great a number, we read (published by authority) that it is "a skirmish between some of the people in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, and a detachment of his Majesty's troops!" That this bloody business may fix some right honorable heads on Temple Bar seems to be the most zealous wish of the whole kingdom.
Saturday, May 20. A Tanner, who lives within 20 Miles of Hutchinson Back-Street, near Baldock, returning late from his Work, found his Wife had gone to Bed, but had forgot to lock the Door. The Husband blundering in the Dark, just gave time to another, who had supplied his Place, to get under the Bed. The Husband had put off his Cloaths, and was getting also into Bed, when his Wife complained she was exceedingly ill, and should be glad of some Anniseed Water, but feared the public Houses were all shut up, except the Sun Inn, which was at a great Distance. The honest Man put on his Cloaths, and went to the Sun, where, putting his Hand into his Pocket for a Shilling to pay for the Water, the Waiter returned it him, telling him he could not change his Guinea. The Man, amazed to hear mention of a Guinea (as knowing he had but a few Shillings) hastily put his Hand again into his Pocket, and pulled out nine more, with a ten pound Bank Note, and on further Examination found he had a new pair of Breeches, and a fine Watch. Comprehending the whole then in an Instant, he observed, with the Coolness of a Philosopher, that the Affair was over before this, and what was done could not be undone; as his Wife, therefore, had been so industrious in putting him into so much ready Money, he would have a Bottle of Wine first, & then carry her the Anniseed Water. The Tanner had the Breeches cried on Tuesday in the open Market, but has not yet found the Owner.
China-Mending
PERFORM'D in the neatest and best Manner, by JOHN DAVENPORT, at his Shop at the lower End of Queen Street, Portsmouth; where the Goldsmith's and Jeweler's Business is carried on as usual.
Portsmouth, Sept: 5, 1775:
Last Saturday our Provincial Congress, adjourn'd to the 31st of October. They have made choice of Col. Josiah Bartlet, of Kingston, to represent this Colony in the Grand Congress, in the Room of John Sullivan, Esq; who is appointed a General in the American Army.
Yesterday Morning John Langdon, Esq; and Josiah Bartlet, Esq; Delegates from this Colony, set off for Philadelphia, to join the Grand Congress, who were adjourn'd to this Day.
Two Ships will sail for London the first Wind. In the last Ship that sailed from this Place for London, a few Days since, went Passengers, Mr. John Marsh, and Mr. George Craigie, of this Town. Merchants.
Married ] Andrew Sparhawk, Esq; to Miss Polly Turner, Daughter of Capt. George Turner.
Mr. John Raynes, to Miss Elizabeth Adams, eldest Daughter of the late Capt. Nathaniel Adams, of this Town.
THE United American Army near Bosten, now consists of 25,000 Men, well disciplined, and in every Respect prepared for Action to defend their civil and natural Rights. Thirty Thousand Minute Men are also in Readiness to join them, on the shortest Notice, with a plentiful Supply of military Stores. The Ministerial Army is closely besieged at Bosten, and in the greatest Distress for Food Provisions; very sickly, and the Officers & men dispirited, while they see their American Brethren enjoying in Plenty, every Blessing of Life; and nobly resisting every Attempt to subjugate them to Slavery and Despotism; Thousands of Spectators daily visit the American Army, which gives a Spring to their Spirits, as they all assure them that they will fly to their Assistance on News of a General Battle. How very absurd is the Conduct of Administration, suppose an Army of 15,000 can make any Head against the united Forces of this Country, rather let them adopt more healing Measures, and yet present to Britain, her Colonies, by a Renunciation of any unconstitutional and unjustifiable Exercise of arbitrary Schemes.
The two Countries are so nearly connected with each other by every natural Tie, that this Controversy is the most unnatural that even disgraced the History of any Reign.
By a Gentleman who left Head Quarters last Friday Evening, we are informed that 15,000 weight of Powder, a large Quantity of Balls, Lead, &c. is arrived safe at Rhode Island.
Died suddenly in this Town, Mr. William Berry of Greenland, in an Apoplectic Fit.
Messieurs PRINTERS,
If you will give the following Lines a Place in your next, you will much oblige many of your Readers,
PALMIRA'S Prospect, with her tumbling Walls, Huge Piles of Ruin heap'd on ev'ry Side, From each Beholder, Tears of Pity calls, Sad Monuments extending far and wide. Yet far more dismal to the Patriot's Eye, The dear Remains of Charlestown's former Show, Behind whose Walls did hundred Warriors die, And Britain's Centre felt the fatal Blow. To see a Town so elegantly form'd, Such Buildings grac'd with ev'ry curious Art, Spoil'd in a Moment, on a sudden storm'd, Must fill with Indignation ev'ry Heart. But when we find the Reasons of her Fate To be but trifling---Trifling did I say? For being noble, daring to be great, Nor calmly yielding to tyrannic Sway; To see the Relicks of that once fam'd Place Pointing to Heav'n as 'twere in ardent Cry, By lawless Power robb'd of every Grace, Yet calling Bolts of Vengeance from on high. To find, I say, such Dealings with Mankind, To see those Royal Robbers planted near, Those glorious Buildings, turning into Wind, And loth to mingle with the common Air; Whilst such Chastisement coming from a State Who calls herself our Parent, Nurse, and Friend, Must rouse each Soul, that's noble, frank, and great, And urge us on, our Lives and all to spend. Oh Spot once graceful, but alas! no more; Till Signs shall end, and Time itself shall cease, Thy Name shall live and on Fame's Pinion soar To mark grim Blackness on Great-Britain's Face; Nor shall the Blood of Heroes, on the Plain, Who nobly fell that Day in Freedom's Cause, Lie unreveng'd, though with thy Thoulands slain, Whilst there's a King, who fears nor minds thy Laws! Shall Cain who madly spilt his Brother's Blood, Receive such Curses from the God of all? Is not that Sov'reign still as just and good To hear the Cries of Children when they call? Yes, there's a GOD whose Laws are still the same, Whose Years are endless, and whose Power is great: He is our GOD; JEHOVAH is his Name, With him we trust our fore oppressed State. When he shall rise (Oh Britain dread the Day, Nor can I stretch the Period of thy Fate) What Heart of Steel, what Tyrant then shall sway A Throne that's sinking, by Oppression's Weight. Thy Crimes, Oh NORTH, shall then like Spectres stand, Nor Charlestown hindmost in the ghastly Roll, And faithless GAGE, who gave the dread Command, Shall find due Torments goe upon his Soul. Yea in this World, we trust those Ills so dread Which fill the Nation with such matchless Woes, Shall fall with double Vengeance on thy Head, Nor 'scape those Minions which thy Court compose.
Richard Wibird Penballow.
(Has upon Hand) for Sale, at his Warehouse on long Wharf, the following Articles for Cash only, viz. A few Bolts of Russia Duck, 2d, 3d, and 4d Deck Nails, 4d, 10d, and 20d Ditto, Sheet Lead, best of London Pewter, Role Brimsstone, Houssin and Marlin, Handsaws, Bellows, Stock Locks, &c. &c.
Choice Vinegar.
To be sold by DAVID GRIFFITH.