New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1778-08-04 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette. OR, State JOURNAL and General ADVERTISER.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1778.
AN ADDRESS
To the Inhabitants of the New Hampshire Grants (so called) lying Westward of Connecticut River.
Friends and Fellow-Countrymen,
THE Occasion of my addressing you at this Time is the sight of a very insignificant Pamphlet the other Day thrown in my Way, intitled, Observations, &c. relative to your Affairs, lately printed at Danvers by E. Russell.
I should not think this Performance worthy of the least Notice, but that I am certainly informed that it is circulated up your Way on both Sides of the River, and is much relied upon, and has a great Effect in misleading the less knowing and judicious, and betraying them into dangerous Errors both in Judgment and Practice, destructive of the public Welfare.
Were we to judge of the Authors Design by his Introduction and indeed by the Bulk of his Performance we should suppose that (however vague and ineffectual it is to any such Purpose) he proposed to offer something of use for your Direction and Assistance in your Endeavours to extricate yourselves from the many Troubles and Perplexities you have for a number of Years been embarrassed with in consequence of your subjugation to the Government of New York. But by some scattered Hints thro' the whole and especially the last Page of his Postscript I am led to judge that the Author's principal View was to pave the Way and facilitate the Introduction of a number of Towns on the East Side of the River Connecticut into your new forming State.
My Design is to offer some Things to your Consideration, which if they shall appear of equal Weight to you as they do to me I imagine you will judge them sufficient Reasons to bar such a Coalition.
The Author's laboured Pretence to trace the two Provinces of New-York and New-Hampshire from their Origin, which take up so much Room in his Performance, serves no other End that I can perceive than to show his own gross Ignorance in those Matters, for whatever Title the Duke of York had either with respect to Soil or Jurisdiction in any part of America, either as a Patentee under his Brother, or afterwards in his own Right as King, he soon lost it all, together with his Crown by his Mis-rule, and New York ever since the Revolution (be it bound where they may) has been considered as a Royal Government in constant Union from the Charter and Proprietary Government. No less ignorant does he seem to be with respect to the Origin of New Hampshire which as far as respects Jurisdiction was from the beginning a Royal Government. Capt. John Mason by several Grants from the Council of Plymouth had all the Land assigned him between Salem River and Piscataqua River, and sixty Miles up into Land, to which he gave the Name of New Hampshire; but it was not in the Power of that Council to give him Jurisdiction over an Inch, so that his Distinction between Masons New-Hampshire, and the King's New Hampshire is the most idle Whim that ever entered in the Head of an enthusiast in Politicks. — No less ignorant does he seem to be of the English Constitution & Mode of Expression where he speaks of "A Degree of the Board of Trade" as the Foundation of your Subjugation to the Government of New-York. — The Board of Trade pass no Decree in such Cases, but act as a sort of Committee who are to enquire
into all Circumstances of any Affair submitted to their Cognizance, and to report to the King and Privy Council their Opinion what is best to be done.
But to pass over this, & some other Things as of little or no Importance, and come to Matters of Fact. — New-York ever since the Revolution, and New-Hampshire from the beginning had been considered a Royal Government, and there I suppose both Lawyers and Politicians in both Englands are agreed, that the King's Commission is the Magna Charta or rather the vivifying Principle that puts Life into the Constitution as well as determines its Limits and many other Circumstances: and now as the Boundaries of these two Provinces, as far as they bordered upon the charter Governments had been ascertained, so when these were passed by, the Place where the two Royal Governments were to meet had not been plainly and explicitly determined until the Year 1764, or thereabouts, that as the King had never told the Governor of New-Hampshire in express Terms how far West he should go and there stop, nor his Governor of New-York how far East he should go and then cease until the Era last mentioned. Now this being the Case it was by the English Constitution a Matter of mere Prerogative, that as it was in the King's Power to fix this Line where and as he pleased; but this, as all Acts of Power should be guided by Wisdom, conducted by Justice and tempered with Goodness, now I suppose it was the want of these amiable Attendants of Power in this instance of its Exertion, that is the principle Ground of your Complaint; that is, you were in a manner contrary to all sound Policy and subversive of the very End of Government, surreptitiously as it were, torn and dissevered from a Province under whose Auspices you settled, where your Connections, Acquaintance and Business lay, and where you had Reason to expect and hope for a good Share of those Comforts and Advantages which render Society eligible, and Government beneficial, and subjected as it were to a Foreign Jurisdiction where these Blessings could not be enjoyed at all, or but in a very imperfect Degree. This however slightly and confusedly it is as it were glanced at by this Author, I suppose is the principal Source of your peculiar Troubles. But now my Friends is any Thing like this the Case with respect to those Towns on the East Side of the River, now about to join you—exactly the reverse—every Step in the whole Progress of their settlement, from its Infancy to its present improved State has been with the intire Consent of the People, they have in every possible way (except personally signing an Instrument for the purpose) expressed their Satisfaction in their Situation as a part of New-Hampshire, in a Manner, and to a Degree that rather verged towards Adulation than the least sign of Disgust and Uneasiness. They applied to the Governor of New-Hampshire & their Lands and Charters of Incorporation, held their Town Meetings, regularly chose their Town Officers, transacted all Business which Towns usually do, without the least lip of Murmur or Complaint, Gentlemen have taken and executed Commissions both Civil and Military, and when the Province was divided into Counties one of those very Towns who are now aiming at a defecation, was honoured as a Shire Town, and at an Expence bordering on Profusion, erected a Court House, held their stated Courts, &c. &c. The Governor of New Hampshire attended the Commencement at Dartmouth
College, (where the People now join in the Defecation) escorted by the principal Gentlemen in the Vicinity, and there treated with all the Celat and Magnificence that could be exhibited on the Occasion.
Thus Matters stood when the British Administration stretched the Iron Rod of Tyranny and Despotism over these Provinces, in a Manner & to a Degree that left no Man secure in the Enjoyment of his Property or even his Life.
At this dark Period Delegates from the several Provinces were desired to meet in general Congress to deliberate and determine what could be done to ward off the fatal Blow. Now these very Towns, by their Representatives, met with their Brethren, the Representatives of the other Towns of New Hampshire, and joined with them in the Choice of Delegates which made a part of that august Body which now figures in the principal Courts of Europe, and is particularly honored with the Alliance and Guarantee of so great a Prince as the Grand Monarque.
But now if the Principle this Author lays down, and which is the Basis of his whole Superstructure, (viz. That the Declaration of Independence dissolves all political Relations and Connections) be admitted as not only true in Theory but also carried into Practice, by this single Blow, by the clumsy Fist of this Dabbler in Politicks the glorious Fabrick (American Independence) which I suppose I may say is the Admiration of all Europe, & the Esteem of all with a very few Exceptions, will be laid prostrate, jumbled into a huge heap of Sand, without any cement to hold it together. For if provincial Lines that were universally acknowledged and acquiesced in, both by Governors and governed as the true Boundaries of the several Provinces be rejected as of no Validity, most certainly all Subordinate Corporations, depending upon the same Authority must share the same Fate: And thus this fine Country that bids so fair to shine in the Annals of Futurity, is at once reduced to a State of Nature (the Author's own Words) and must soon sink under its own Weight. But this is not all, there is a Minority in each of these Towns which sees Things as they are, who look upon themselves, as bound by every social Tye to approve themselves as kege Subjects of the State of New Hampshire, and consequently in Obedience and Conformity to this Principle, which Reason dictates, and Religion patronises, they refuse Subjection to any Rules, Regulations or Orders of what Name or Nature soever, inconsistent with the Faith they have plighted to the State of New Hampshire. — These when they find themselves unable to bear up against the Torrent of Rage and Oppression from their cruel Neighbours will doubtless apply to the State of New-Hampshire for Protection. I must confess I don't see how they can, and I have no Apprehension that they will reject such Application, but after all lenient Measures have been used without Success they must and will employ the Power of the State to vindicate and protect their thus injured Subjects, altho' at the Expence of the Blood and Treasure of another civil War. Now, pray Gentlemen, consider what an unfavourable Light you will stand in with the Confederated States, when you are considered as the Abettors at least, & Accomplices in these Scenes of Devastation and Bloodshed: particularly consider what a Fund of Eloquence and Oratory you are laying up in store for the use of New York to be played off against you whenever you dare
(Turn to the last Page.)

L O N D O N, May 9th, 1778.
House of Lords, Thursday, May 7.
THE order of the day for summoning the Lords being read, the Duke of Richmond rose. His Grace began by apologizing to the House for bringing on a motion relative to the navy, at a time the first Lord of the Admiralty was absent; it was what he should not do, did not the critical situation of this country demand it; a situation that it was superior to point and ceremony. His Grace then observed, that he had been informed that the Toulon fleet had sailed some weeks; that they had been seen in the gut of Gibraltar; that they consisted of twelve or fifteen sail of the line, besides frigates, well manned, and laden with stores of various kinds. He would therefore be glad to know from Administration, whether these were facts or not? He had put the question yesterday to one of his Majesty's ministers, but received no reply, he had moved to summon their Lordships for this day, to be satisfied about particulars, which their Lordships must see were of the highest consequence to them & to the nation.
His Grace then turned to the feelings of Administration, upon the first account of the French fleet, and his Majesty's message to the House in consequence; he said Administration then seemed to feel it as an insult offered to the honour of this kingdom; but notwithstanding this, they have suffered France to do more, they have suffered her not only to form an alliance with America, but to assist America with ships of war and warlike stores, as in all probability the French Admiral might have been half across the Atlantic at present. His Grace then very particularly asked, what was Administration doing all this while? Instead of having a fleet properly manned and equipped in the Mediterranean, to stop the junction of the Brest and Toulon fleets, as was done in the year 1757, and which was always done in times of war, our fleet is parading it at Portsmouth, exhibiting a spectacle to Royalty, but unfit to proceed to sea for want of beer, water, and other necessaries; he appealed to their Lordships recollection, how all this agreed with the first Lord of the Admiralty's constant declarations relative to the goodness of the English fleet, and their being superior to the combined navy of the House of Bourbon.
He argued, in spirited and manly terms, the shocking neglect of Ministry in the whole of this, as in every other transaction of State; he said he was informed, that but one Minister was in town, when the intelligence of the Toulon fleet's sailing arrived; that expenses were obliged to be sent after the others; and that a council was not called in many days after; the consequence of which was, the fleet we should have sent in pursuit of them, were disappointed from sailing by the shifting of the wind on Friday last, though it was fair all the beginning of the week. He appealed to their Lordships, what kind of supporters of national honour or safety ministers were, who could act in this manner? And how much must their Sovereign be insulted in amusing him with shows, in the very hour that the same fleet ought to be protecting the honour of his flag abroad.
His Grace concluded a very timely, spirited and sensible speech, which flashed conviction on all the dispassionate part of his hearers, with the following motion, declaring at the same time, in the most solemn manner, he had no other wish by it, than to bring before their Lordships a true state of their danger, in order to procure the most effectual remedies possible.
"That it has this House doth address his Majesty, that he would be graciously pleased to order the proper officers to lay before them all copies of letters, or extracts of intelligence which his Majesty's Secretaries of State, the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, or any of his Majesty's Ministers whatever, may have received of the equipment and destination of the Toulon Fleet, or any other Fleet in the harbours of France."
His Grace, after delivering in this motion, begged to be understood, at the same time, that he did not mean to include, in this motion, an account of the person or persons who gave this intelligence; he saw the impropriety of such a requisition, and therefore would not demand it.
Lord Weymouth excused himself as one of his Majesty's Ministers, who seldom was absent from town, and always near enough to be ready for any sudden business. In respect to the sailing of the Toulon Fleet, he acknowledged such an account was received, and that he dared to say, every thing considered, his Majesty's Ministers did not neglect to take every necessary precaution in consequence; for that however a Fleet may be, to all appearance, ready to sail, yet there were many little things previously necessary, such as instructions to Commanders, &c. &c. which must necessarily make some little delay.
In respect to the motion, he hoped the noble Duke would consider, that, by laying open the destination of the Toulon fleet to the public, it would be evidently telling our enemies the destination of our own Fleet, the consequence of which his Grace must see very obviously; for this reason, therefore, though he could not think of directly negating the question, yet he found himself under the disagreeable necessity of putting the previous question.
The Duke of Richmond replied, and with a manliness and candour that evinced he had no wish but the real good of his country at heart, agreed to leave the word destination out of his motion, as it might be the means of telling our enemies where we intended sending our Fleet; but he still insisted to know from any of his Majesty's Ministers, when they received the first intelligence of the sailing of the Toulon Fleet, as by that means the nation would be informed, whether every thing was done that ought to be done in such a conjuncture.
Lord Weymouth rose to answer, by telling their Lordships, that Administration received the first intelligence on Monday last night, that they heard other particulars on the Wednesday following; and that as soon as possible a council was called, and a Fleet ordered out to sail, but were prevented by the wind being contrary.
The Duke of Richmond having obtained this answer, reproached Administration in the most spirited terms for their ignorance, inattention, and want of intelligence. He said, he had letters dated the 17th of April, from Paris, of the Toulon Fleet sailing the 13th; and notwithstanding this, administration who should have the first and most private intelligence of every thing which so much respected the safety and honour of this country had not, till the 27th; that even then they did not properly avail themselves of this intelligence, as our Fleet might have sailed either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, for the wind did not shift till Friday; but instead of being ready to slip their cables, as the Fleet of Great Britain was wont in times of expected danger, this Fleet, so gallant off by the first Lord of the Admiralty, wanted water, beer, and many other necessaries; that there were breweries in Portsmouth established but for 17,000 men, instead of 21,000, and the rest were obliged to be supplied from other sea port towns.
His Grace called upon Administration to know, and upon their
Lordships in general to enquire, what could be the reason of all this neglect and strange management? He observed, it could not be for want of money, when the first Lord of the Admiralty had been granted so much; it must be owing to the greatest and most scandalous ignorance and inattention, in not disposing of the ships in proper harbours, to be properly accommodated; in not knowing and foreseeing the use we should soon have for them, and of procuring every possible convenience at hand. But says his Grace, which ought to be done, they were all collected into one harbour to make a shew for his Majesty, at the expence of every thing that is valuable to this country.
The Duke of Bolton was upon his legs, to support the Duke of Richmond, when (whether from a sudden conviction of the truth of what was just stated, or whether he feared a fresh broadside from the other noble Duke, who was preparing his attack) the Weymouth struck, and submitted to the motion, which was carried nem. con. and the Lords with the white staves ordered to attend his Majesty accordingly.
Never, perhaps, did a motion take so unexpected a turn; every body, from Lord Weymouth's putting the previous question on it, and the great appearance of the House, expected a long, and warm debate, and that it would in the end, as usual, be negatived. When on a sudden, his Lordship submitted, the Lord Chancellor put the question, and it was ordered, before half the House could be persuaded of the fact. We hope, for the good of the country, the above proceeding is a forerunner of ministerial reformation.
In a Committee on the Land Forces, recruiting Bill, went through it with amendments, without a division.
POUGHKEEPSIE, July 20.
Since our last, many of the distressed Refugees from the Wyoming settlement on the Susquehannah, who escaped the general massacre of the inhabitants have passed this way, from whom we have collected the following account, viz.
(Previous to the narrative, it may be necessary to inform some of our readers, that the settlement was made by the people of Connecticut, on a grant of lands purchased by the inhabitants of that colony, under sanction of the government of the Indian protectors; and that these lands falling within the limits of the Pennsylvania claim, a Dispute concerning the right has arisen between the two governments, and proceeded to frequent acts of hostility. When it was at a height that threatened the disturbance of the other governments, Congress interposed, by whose recommendation and authority, the decision of the dispute was suspended, till that within Great Britain, equally interesting to every American State, was concluded, when there might be more leisure to attend to the other, & consider the justice of each claim.
On this footing the dispute has lain dormant for two or three years; the inhabitants lived happily, and the settlements increased, consisting of eight towns, viz. Lackawana, Exeter, Kingston, Wilkesborough, Plymouth Nantioak, Huntington and Salem, each containing five miles square. The six lower townships, were pretty full of inhabitants, the two upper ones had comparatively but few thinly scattered. The lands are extremely good, beautifully situated along both sides of the Susquehannah, navigable for flat bottom boats, and produced immense quantities of grain of all sorts, roots, hemp, flax, &c. and stock of all kinds in abundance. The settlement had lately supplied the Continental army with 3000 bushels grain, and the ground was loaded with the most promising crops of every kind. The settlement included upwards of 1000 families which had furnished our army 1000 soldiers, besides the garrisons of four forts in the township of Lackawana, Exeter, Kingston, and Wilkesbury. One of these forts was garrisoned by upwards of 400 soldiers, chiefly of the militia, the principal officers in which were Colonels Dennison and Zebulon Butler.
The Tories and Inhabitants had given some disturbances to these settlements last year before Gen. Harkemer's battle at Oneida Creek near Fort Stanwix, and our skirmishes soon after with parties of the enemy at and near Schoharie, when they were dispersed, and the tories concealed themselves among our different settlements, the people here remained undisturbed during the rest of the year.)
About this time the inhabitants having discovered that many of these villainous tories who had stirred up the Indians, & been with them in fighting against us, were within the settlements, 27 of them were, in Jan. last, taken up and secured. Of these 18 were sent to Connecticut, the rest, after being detained some time and examined, were, for want of sufficient evidence, set at liberty;
they immediately joined the enemy, and became active in raising in the Indians a spirit of hostility against us. This disposition soon after began to appear in the behavior of the Tories and Indians, which gave the people apprehensions of danger, and occasioned some preparations for defence. The people had frequent intimations that the Indians had some mischievous design against them but their fears were somewhat abated by the seeming solicitude of the Indians to preserve peace; they sent down at different times several parties with declarations of their peaceable disposition towards us, and to request the like on our part towards them. They were always dismissed with assurances that there was no design to disturb them. But one of those Indians getting drunk, said he and the other messengers, were only sent to amuse the people in the settlement, but that the Indians intended as soon as they were in order to attack them. On this, the Indian men were confined, & the women sent back with a flag. In March, appearances become more alarming, and the scattered families settled for 30 miles up the river, were collected and brought into the more popular parts. In April and May, roving parties of Indians & Tories, about 30 and under, in a company, made frequent incursions into the settlement robbing and plundering the inhabitants of provision, grain, and live stock. In June, several persons being at work on a farm, from which, the tory inhabitants had gone to the enemy, were attacked, and one man of them killed; soon after, a woman (wife of one of the 27 tories before mentioned) was killed, with her five children, by a party of these Tories and Indians, who plundered the house of every thing they could take away, and destroyed the rest,
On the first instant (July) the whole body of the enemy, consisting, it is supposed of near 1600, (about 300 of whom were tho't to be Indians, under their own chiefs, the rest Tories, painted like them, except their officers, who were dressed like regulars, the whole under the command of Colonel Butler (a Connecticut Tory, and cousin to Col. Z. Butler the second in command in the settlement) came down near the upper fort, but concealed the greatest part of their number; here they had a Skirmish with the inhabitants, who took and killed two Indians, and lost ten of their own men, three of whom they afterwards found killed, scalped, and mangled in the most inhuman manner.
Thursday, July 2: The enemy appeared on the mountains bank of Kingston, where the women and children then fled into the fort. Most of the garrison of Exeter fort were Tories, who treacherously gave it up to the enemy. The same night after a little resistance, they took Lackawana fort, killed Squire Jenkins and his family with several others, in a barbarous manner and made prisoners of most of the women and children, a small number only escaped.
Friday, July 3. The morning Col. Zebulon Butler, leaving a small number to guard the fort (Wilkesbury) crossed the river with about 400 men, and marched into Kingston fort. The enemy sent in a flag demanding a surrender of the fort in two hours. Col. Butler answered he should not surrender, but was ready to receive them. They sent in a second flag, demanding an immediate surrender, otherwise that the fort should be stormed, plundered and burnt with all its contents in a few hours; and said that they had with them 300 men. Col. Z. Butler proposed a Parley, which being agreed to, a place in Kingston was appointed for the meeting, to which Col. Z. Butler repaired with 400 men, well armed, but finding nobody there, he proceeded to the foot of the mountain, where at a distance he saw a flag, which as he advanced, retired as if afraid, 20 or 30 rods; - he following, was led into an ambush, and partly surrounded by the enemy, who suddenly rose and fired upon them. Notwithstanding the great disproportion of 1600 to 400, he and his men bravely stood & returned

the fire for three quarters of an hour, with such briskness and resolution, that the enemy began to give way, and were upon the point of retiring, when one of Col. Z. Butler's men, either through treachery or cowardice, cried out, that the Colonel ordered a retreat. This caused a cessation of their fire, threw them into confusion, and a total rout ensued. The greatest part fled to the river, which they endeavoured to pass to Fort Wilkesbury, the enemy pursued them with the fury of Devils; many were lost or killed in the river; and no more than about 70, some of whom were wounded, escaped to Wilkesbury.
Saturday morning, July 4. The enemy sent 196 Scalps into Fort Kingston, which they invested on the land side, and kept up a continual fire upon it.
This evening Col. Z. Butler with his family quitted the fort & went down the river.
Col. Nathan Denison went with a flag to Exeter fort, to know of Col. John Butler what terms he would grant on a surrender. Butler answered, the hatchet . Col. Denison returned to Fort Kingston, which he defended till Sunday morning, when his men being nearly all killed or wounded, he could hold out no longer and was obliged to surrender at discretion. The enemy took away some of the unhappy prisoners, and shutting up the rest in the houses, set fire to them and they were consumed together. These infernals then crossed the river to Fort Wilkesbury which in a few minutes surrendered at discretion.— About 70 of the men, who had listed in the continental service to defend the frontiers, they inhumanly butchered, with every circumstance of horrid cruelty; and then shutting up the rest with the women & children in the houses, they set fire to them and they all perished together in the flames.
After burning all the buildings in the fort, they proceeded to the Destruction of every building and improvement (except what belonged to some Tories) that came within their reach, on all these flourishing settlements, which they have rendered a scene of desolation and horror almost beyond description, parallel or credibility;— and were not the facts attested by numbers of the unhappy sufferers, from different quarters of the settlement and unconnected with each other, it would be impossible to believe that human nature could be capable of such prodigious enormity.
When these miscreants had destroyed the other improvements, they proceeded to destroy the crops on the ground, letting in the cattle and horses to the corn, and cutting up as much as they could of what was left.— Great numbers of the cattle they shot and destroyed; and cutting out the tongues of many others, left them to perish in misery.
The course of these truly diabolical proceedings, was marked by many particular acts of distinguished enormity, among which were the following, viz.
The Captains James Bedlock, Rob. Durg, and Samuel Ransom, being made prisoners by the enemy. They stripped Capt. Bedlock, tied him to a tree and stuck him full of sharp splinters of pine knots, then pileing a heap of pine knots round him, they set all on fire, put Durkes and Ransom into the fire, & held them down with pitch forks.
Thomas Terry, (whose father was killed by the Indians, last Indian war) with his own hands killed his own mother, his father in law, his sisters and families.
Partial Terry, the son of a man who bore a very respectable character, had several times sent his father word, that he hoped to wash his hands in his heart's blood.— Agreeable to such a horrid declaration, the monster, with his own hand, murdered his father, mother, brothers and sisters, stripped off their scalps, and cut off his father's head.
Col. Denison was seen surrounded by the enemy, and was doubtless murdered. Col. Zebulon Butler is supposed to be the only officer escaped.
It is said he had several times written to
Congress and General Washington, acquainting them with the danger the settlement was in, and requesting assistance;— but that he received no answer, except that he had no cause to fear, since the Indians were all for peace, and quite averse to war . However, he lately received a letter from Capt. Spaulding, acquainting him that neither the Congress nor Gen. Washington had received any of his letters, which had been intercepted by the Pennsylvania Tories, who in all probability acted in concert with these execrable Miscreants, against Wyoming. It is reported that these wretches, after compleating their horrid business at Wyoming, are going or gone to Cherry Valley, and parts adjacent.
We hear that a party of infernals of the like kind, have within this week or two, infested the Parts about Laghawegh, near Rochester, on Minisick road to Philadelphia, where a party of them, about 40 in number, have plundered & burnt several houses, abused some people and carried off three men. It is hoped speedy and effectual measures will be taken to punish and extirpate these monsters in human shape, from the face of the earth.
The distresses of the surviving inhabitants of their late flourishing settlement, are by their present circumstances, rendered such striking objects of charity, that withholding relief from them by those who are able to afford it, argues a criminal obduracy, which deserves, and may be punished by distresses of a singular kind.
We are told that of the 1000 men in the Continental army, who went from that settlement, their number is by sickness and the cruel usage of the prisoners by the enemy, reduced to 400, who have now to lament the loss of their property, wives, children, & all that was dear to them in life! The helpless fugitives from the place, escaped with little more than their lives, they could bring nothing with them—hardly clothes to cover them and nothing to eat, many were two or three days without subsistence, and pregnant women were delivered alone in the woods. This it is hoped will be the concluding scene of the tragedy acted by the British Tyrant, and his murderous, diabolical emissaries, in a part of his late kingdom, which he has justly forfeited, and which is now forever departed from him.
PHILADELPHIA, July 14.
Early last Sunday afternoon, his Excellency Monsieur Gerard, Ambassador from his Most Christian Majesty to the United States, arrived in this city. He was accompanied from Chester to an elegant apartment provided for him in Market Street, by a committee of Congress appointed for that purpose: On his entrance into this city he was saluted by Colonel Proctor's artillery. It is impossible to describe the joy that appeared in every good man's countenance upon this auspicious event. The frigate which brought his Excellency to Chester is one of the French fleet of 12 sail of the line and several frigates from Toulon, under the command of the Count d'Estaing, which arrived last week off Chingoteague in Virginia, and being furnished with pilots at that place were, we hear, to proceed to Sandy Hook, from whence we hourly expect to hear the most important intelligence.
Who would have thought (says a correspondent) that the American Colonies imperfectly known in Europe a few years ago, & claimed by every pettyfoging lawyer in the House of Commons, and every cobler in the beer houses of London, as a part of their property should in the course of three years of war with Great Britain, receive an Ambassador from the most powerful monarchy in Europe!
The French fleet now lays off Sandy Hook and hath completely blocked up that passage. They have taken the Rose and Phoenix ships of war, and sent them into Philadelphia, and driven the Roebuck on shore at the Capes of Delaware, and dismasted her and made prisoners of the crew, besides many provision ships and fishing vessels.
BOSTON July 30.
Three deserters who came off Rhode-Island a few days since inform, That the enemy are determined to destroy all the shipping in the harbour of Newport, should a disposition be made by Count d'Estaing to attack them.
Gen. Varnum and Gen. Glover, with their brigades, under the command of the M ts quis de la Fayette, are on their march towards Providence.
Part of the French Fleet is arrived at Point Judith, near Rhode-Island, and a number of Captains of vessels and seamen, acquainted with that coast, are gone on board to serve as pilots.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
APPLICATION being made to me the subscriber by proprietors and owners of more than a tenth part of said township to notify and warn a meeting of the proprietors to meet at the house of Lt. Jonathan Leavitt, innholder at Hampton, on Tuesday the 6th day of September next, at three of the clock in the afternoon, to act on the following particulars, viz.
1. To chuse a moderator to govern said meeting, and any other officers they may judge necessary. 2 To chuse a committee to examine and settle the collector and treasurer's accounts. 3. To see if the proprietors will be at the expence of perambulating the boundary lines of the township, agreeable to the charter. 4 To see if the proprietors will be at the expence of cutting and clearing a road (at the upper end of the town, on the most suitable ground) by Indian Pond, down to Baker's Pond. Also, of making a good cart road from Col. Morcy's to Baker's Pond and Wentworth line. 5 To see if the proprietors will pay any more of the expence that has been done on the road by the inhabitants, more than they have already voted. 6 To see what assistance the proprietors will give to the inhabitants of Osborn towards settling another minister, and the supporting of the Gospel there, and for any other purpose they may see fit. 7 To see if the proprietors will chuse a committee to confer with a committee that may be chosen by the inhabitants, on matters that may be laid before the meeting. 8 To see what measures the proprietors will take to deal with certain persons, for their ill conduct and mischievous attempts to injure the propriety, and pass such votes thereupon as they may find necessary. 9 To see if the proprietors will be at the expence of having a copy of the records of the town of Osborn taken, to be lodged with the proprietors clerk.
In pursuance of which application, I hereby notify said proprietors to meet at said time and place for the aforesaid purposes. Hampton, July 2, 1778.
JOHN MOULTON, Proprietors Clerk.
ALL Persons that have any Accounts open with JOHN LANGDON, are requested to call and settle them—those especially who have any Accounts against him for public Business, are called upon to adjust the same immediately, as all such must be soon closed. Portsmouth, July 30, 1778.
§ Northumberland. §
THE Proprietors of NORTHUMBERLAND, are desired to meet at the house of Captain Euphasset Giddings, innholder in Exeter, on Tuesday the first day of September next, at ten o'clock, A. M. for the following purposes, viz.—
To chuse a moderator and other officers for said meeting.— To receive the report of a committee concerning the survey of Stonington, and vote what they shall think reasonable.— To chuse persons to keep the roads open in said town.— To appoint a committee for running the lines between the 75 acres lots, and to rectify any mistakes made heretofore.— To know if they will hire preaching and schooling.— To determine whether they will pursue the proper methods, for the fulfilment of Mr. Durken's contract, or agree to the removal of the mills, and contribute something, that they may answer the designed purpose.— To chuse a committee to settle all accounts.— To consult some method for the more convenient crossing Ammonoosuck.— To appoint some person or persons for the purpose of assessing, collecting and paying the tax that shall be thrown, be reasonable by the State, for said township to pay.— Also any monies that may then be voted; and to see any matters that may be thought for the interest of the proprietors and settlers. By order of the officers.
Portsmouth, 31, 1778. AMMI R. CUTTER, Proprietors Clerk.
ALL Persons having any Accounts open with Captain Joseph Chandler, late of Epping deceased, are desired to see the same immediately settled with the Widow Lydia Chandler, Administratrix to said Estate, as they would avoid the same being settled by law.
TO be sold a Right of Land in Buck's-Town, lying within about six Miles of Old Sac. Likewise two Lots in Gilpin-ton. For further Particulars enquire at the Print Office Exeter.
WANTED A BOY,
About twelve Years of Age, to serve in a Family. Enquire of Isaac Witt. Exeter, August 9th, 1778.

comes to be candidly discussed before the Continental Congress (for I am persuaded it must first or last come before that august Assembly; you in a Manner put Words into their Mouths, and direct them to address that venerable Body in such Language as this,— You now plainly see, Gentlemen, what these Men are aiming at, that however modest and submissive a Tone they may at certain Times and on special Occasions have assumed, yet they now begin to throw off the Mask, and discover the latent Principle of Malignity which has all along been at the Bottom as the animating Spring of all that Disturbance which they have occasioned. We appeal to Facts, Gentlemen, you have a recent Instance before you, which plainly shews they are for grasping all they can lay hold of Right or Wrong; they have gone over the Line of New Hampshire, where they had not the least shadow of Pretence to intermeddle, more than in any other of the States of the Confederacy, and have been at least accessory towards raising a Storm which no one knows when, or how it will be appeased.
I have but one Thing more to add, and that is a Hint that is pretty well known in New Hampshire, that the Disappointment of a small Number of aspiring, avaritious Men, in their endeavours to raise themselves and their connections to a Degree of Importance in the State, far, very far beyond what their Numbers or Estates gave them any Pretence to, is the source of all this Feud; now unless the Course of Nature should change, & similar Causes cease to produce similar effects, and may venture to predict that this Spring won't lose its Stimulus and change its vibratory Nature by being turned the other Way, but will be active in Endeavours to embarrass and perplex your Affairs. I have purposely avoided a particular Address to our succeeding Brethren on the East side of the River Connecticut, because I understand their rash proceeding has so awaked the attention of the State, that it will probably be a Matter of public Enquiry when the General Court meets; and it might appear officiousness in a private Subject to anticipate a Business which will be much better done by the United Wisdom of the State.
However that they may not think themselves wholly neglected, if there be any Weight in the reasoning and Observations in the foregoing Pages, if they will be pleased to read them, they may with the Alteration of a few Circumstances apply them to themselves; and they will find many of them, A Fortiori, to conclude against their own Conduct.
Thus Gentlemen, I have honestly endeavoured to lay before you the Truth respecting an Affair, not only of great Importance in itself to the Peace and Weal of those immediately concerned in it, but also will if not seasonably checked, go far in its Consequences towards sapping the Foundation of the Confederation of the United States, and am your sincere Friend, & Well-Wisher in all honest Pursuits.
PACIFICUS.
July 18th, 1778.
India Goods & Co
State of New-Hampshire.
WHEREAS the Owners and Proprietors of the following Lots and Parcels of Land lying in the Town of Merrimack, in the County of Hillsborough, and State of New Hampshire, though duly notified to pay the State Tax laid on the same for the Year 1777, have neglected so to do,—I hereby Notify said Delinquents, that unless they discharge said Tax, with incidental Charges, to me the Subscriber, so much of their Land as will pay the same, will be exposed to Sale at Publick Vendue at my Dwelling House in Londonderry, on Wednesday the 5th Day of August next, at Nine o'Clock in the Morning. The Delinquents are, Lot No. 7. 2d Division, L 0 1 0
  No. 5. 4th Division, 0 1 9   No. 48. 3d Division, 0 1 4   Drawn to Richard Abbott,   Lot No. 104, 3d Division, 6th Range 0 1 7   No. 71, Home Lot, 0 0 9   Drawn to Thomas Tiltons, Esq;   No. 61, 3d Division, 0 1 9   Drawn to the Right of John Ruggles,   50 Acres laid out to John Borland, 0 2 3   100 Acres claim'd by Joseph Taylor, 2 10   No. 64. 3d Range, 3d Division, 0 1 9   Drawn to Edmund Tuckerman,   No. 11. 2d Division, 4th Range 0 2 0   JOHN NEAL, Constable of Merrimack, for the   Londonderry, July 4, 1778. Year 1777. 
JAMES DIMAN,
Takes this Method to inform the Public, That he has lately opened a Shop in Portsmouth, a few Doors above the State-House, where he has for Sale, A Variety of
European and India Goods,
Among which are the following, viz. BROAD-CLOTHS, Serges, Shalloons, Calamancoes, Chintzes, Calicoes, Augustines, Cambric, Muslin, printed Handkerchiefs, Couts for Summer Clothing, Linneus, Buckram, white striped Fustian, sewing Silk, white Thread, Mohair, Tapes, Pins, Needles, Coat and Jacket Buttons, Shot,—4d, 10d, and 20d Nails, Window Glass, 6 by 8, and 7 by 9,— GREEN TEA,—BOHEA,—Snuff Boxes, small Looking-Glasses, Wafers, Almonds, Anniseed, Capers, Olives, Anchovies, Sleeve Buttons, Spoons, Carpenter's Rules, Combs, Curtain Rings, Shoe and Knee-Buckles, Ink stands,—Pen knives,—Pencils,—Sealing Wax,—Cork Screws, Thimbles, Seals, Files, Powder-Flasks, Scissors,—Door Locks, Flat-Irons, &c.
N. B. Many of the above Articles will be sold by Wholesale.
|| Relhan. ||
APPLICATION having been made to me the Subscriber, by more than one fifteenth part of the Proprietors of the Township of RELHAN, in the State of New Hampshire, to call a meeting of said Proprietors at the house of Mr. Tilton in Portsmouth, on Wednesday the 19th Day of August next, then and there to act upon the following matters and things,
 1. To chuse a moderator.  2. To chuse a collector to collect the collection of the last tax of seven dollars, or any former delinquent taxes, in the room of R. L. Fowle, an Absentee.  3. To chuse a committee to examine the state of the town and collect accounts, and the state of the town, and make reports thereon.  4. To give a resolution to the committee chosen to prosecute any trespasses committed in said town, and to warn off any intruders.  5. To see if the Proprietors will give an encouragement to such settlers as may apply for that purpose in six months from this date, the liberty of settling in either quarter of the town where it is not allotted yet, and what quantity of land to each settler.  6. To make choice of some suitable person or persons as agents to procure settlers to go on immediately, to direct where they may pitch, and see that the said settlers are properly accommodated, and to vote what allowance shall be made to said agents.  7. To see if the Proprietors will give leave to any future settlers (within 6 months) to make their pitches on any of the located lots which are drawn to said Proprietors, provided said Proprietors shall have the same quantity given to said settlers, made up to them out of the twelve settling lots laid out for that purpose, which are not actually settled, or out of unlocated lands.  8. To chuse a committee to apply to the General Court for an Incorporation of the town, which it appears necessary should be immediately effected for the better regulation of the town affairs.  9. To chuse another Proprietors clerk in the room of the present, who desires to resign.  10. To consider and determine how to defray the expenses of said Incorporation.  11. To consider and determine of any other matters necessary to forward the settlement of the township. 
This is therefore to notify said Proprietors to meet at the said time and place for the purposes aforesaid. JOHN WENDELL, Portsmouth, July 27, 1778 | Proprietors Clerk,
ON TUESDAY THE ELEVENTH DAY Of August next, will be sold at Publick VENDUE, At Mrs. Tilton's in Portsmouth, at 10 o'Clock A.M.
BETWEEN 50 and 60 choice White-Pine Masts, Yards and Bowsprits; the Masts from 24 to 30 inches: the Yards from 20 Inches upwards; the Bowsprits from 26 to 30 inches.—They were procured formerly for the Use of the British Navy, and will suit now very well for the French Market. Conditions of Sale to be made known at the Time of sale.
JOHN BLUNT } Committee. GEORGE GAINS } Portsmouth, July 25, 1778.
Notice is hereby given to the Proprietors of WAKEFIELD, That there is a Tax of Twelve Shillings voted to be raised on each original Right or Share of Land in said Town for the Year 1775, which Tax they are desired to pay to me at my House in Rochester immediately, otherwise their Lands will be advertised for sale as the Law directs. Rochester, July 27, 1778. Barnabas Palmer, Collector.
To be sold a likely Negro Girl, About Ten Years old. Enquire of Mark Lord in Portsmouth.
Twenty Dollars Reward.
RANAWAY last Night, from his Master Henry Talpey of Old-York, a likely Negro Man named BOB, about twenty Years old—He had on a Homespun Coat and Jacket, Breeches, &c. He carried away several Things of Cloathing done up in a Bundle. Whoever takes up said Negro, is desired to put him in Jail, and give Notice, so as his Master may have him again shall receive the above Reward, and all necessary Charges, per me, HENRY TALPEY,
N. B. All Masters of Vessels and others are hereby cautioned from concealing or carrying off said Negro, as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law. Old-York, July 20, 1778.
NOTICE is hereby given to the following delinquent Proprietors of Lands in that Tract called the GORE, in the County of Strafford, that unless they pay to me at my Dwelling House in the said Gore, in Eight Weeks from the Date hereof, the several Sums due on their respective Lots, agreeable to a legal Assessment of Taxes for the Year 1777, that so much of their Lots or Rights as will pay the said Tax, with incidental Charges, will be then advertised for sale, according to Law, viz.
  March's part of Lot No. 5 in the first Range, 0 5 11   March's part of Lot No. 11 in the 4th Range, 0 5 11   Walter Bryant Esq's part of Lot No. 11 in 4th Range, 0 9 9   Walter Bryant Esq's part of Lot No. 11 in 3d Range, 0 9 9   Solley & March's Lot No. 12 in 4th Range, 2 6 3   Paul March's part of Lot No. 4 in 1st Range, 1 0 0   Gore, July 23 1778.   Jacob Chamberlin, Constable. 
State of New-Hampshire Strafford ss.
NOTICE is hereby given that so much of the following Lots of Land in Sanborntown, as will pay the tax for the year 1777, and charges will be Sold on Thursday the 13th Day of August next at 10 o'clock forenoon, at the Dwelling House of Daniel Sanborn, Esq; in said Sanborntown, unless paid before that time.
Original Proprietors names are as follows,
   First Division Second Division.   No. s. d. No. s. d.     William Chase 0 0 7 6 2   Joshah Smith 0 0 3 16   Jonathan Sanborn 0 0 15 10 9   Thomas Blake 0 0 35 7 5   Simeon Drake 0 0 39 14 2   Law lot No. 1 11 7 51 10 0   David Stevens 0 0 47 10 6   John Rawlins 0 0 44 11 3   Jonathan Calley 0 0 43 12 6   Joseph Smith junr. 71 6 60 10 0   Jonathan Odiorne 64 6 58 6 7   Law lot No. 2 53 7 18 6 0   Solley & Marsh 55 7 76 6 0   John Murfet 56 8 78 11 10   Thomas Packer 59 9 0 0 0   John Thombison 79 9 23 10 11   John Thombison 69 7 61 17 0  
William Thompson Constable. Sanborntown June 29th 1778. 23 25
TO be sold at public Vendue to the highest Bidder at the house of Samuel Preston, Innholder in Derring on the 14th Day of August next, at 10 o'Clock in the Forenoon, so much Land belonging to Atkinson Right, as will pay the Taxes of said Right & necessary charges for the Year 1777, for which a good Deed will be given, by me, Benja. Bradford Constable.
N. B. Articles of sale to be seen at time and place. Atkinson, July 16, 1778.
TO be sold at Public Vendue to the highest Bidder, at the House of Sam'l Preston, Innholder in Deering on the 14th Day of August next, at ten o'Clock in the Forenoon so much Land in Pecker's Right in the south Part of said Right on the Country Road, as will pay the Taxes of said Right with necessary Charges, for the Year 1777, of which a good Deed will be given, by me, Benjamin Bradford, Constable.
N. B. Articles of Sale to be seen at Time and Place. July 17th, 1778.
Cash given for Rags at the Printing Office.
Portsmouth: Printed by D. Fowle.