New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-04-16 00:00:00

THE New - Hampshire Gazette OR, State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, April 16, 1781.
[ No. 1276. ]
From the Royal Gazette Extraordinary. NEW-YORK, March 26, 1781.
Last Sunday arrived here Mr. Galgey, midshipman of His Majesty's ship Royal Oak, dispatched express by Vice Admiral Arbuthnot; the following is an account of an action fought on the 16th, between the British and French squadrons, off the Chesapeake.
Royal Oak, Lyn-Haven Bay, March 21.
ON Friday the 16th instant at 6 A. M. the Iris made the signal for discovering five strange sail to the N. N. E. and soon after hailed the Admiral, that they were large ships standing for the Capes of Virginia, and supposed to be distant about three miles. The Admiral immediately concluded it must be the enemy was in search of, accordingly prepared the squadron for battle, by forming the line ahead to the wind which was then fresh, and proceeding on with a press of sail in the chase: At this time Cape Henry bore S. W. by W. distant about four leagues, wind at west, the French bearing from us N. N. E. the weather so hazy as scarcely to be able to discern the length of the British line. At a quarter after 8 the wind veered to the N. W. by W. which gave the enemy the advantage of the weather gauge. About this time several of the ships were discovered to windward endeavouring to form in a line. Twenty five minutes after eight, the Admiral directed the Iris by signal, to make sail ahead and keep fight of the French fleet, the British line by this time completely formed. At twenty minutes after nine, the headmost of the French ships tacked as did the rest in succession, and formed the line on the starboard tack: At thirty-five minutes after nine, the wind being very squally, the Admiral formed a line ahead two cables length asunder. At a quarter after ten the Admiral made the signal for the squadron to tack, the headmost and weathermost first, and gain the wind of the enemy; at a quarter after eleven, the headmost of the French line tacked, but one of them having missed stays, the rest wore and formed the line on the larboard tack; at forty minutes after eleven the Admiral again formed his line at cables length asunder: At twelve there being a prospect of the van of the British line reaching the enemy, the whole of the British line tacked by signal: At one P.M. the French squadron being also in a line ahead of eight two deckers, bore E. by S. the British line close hauled, steering E. S.E. wind N. E. At thirty minutes after one, the enemy being apprehensive of the danger and ill inconvenience of engaging to windward, from the very high sea that was running, wore, and formed their line to leeward of the British line; and in a few minutes the Robust, which led the fleet in the most gallant and officer like manner, was warmly engaged with the van of the enemy; the ships in the van and center were all engaged at half past two, and by three the French line broke, part of them began soon after to wear, and to form their line again, with their heads to the south east.
At twenty minutes after three we wore and stood after them, but the Robust, Prudent and Europe, which, from the manner of the enemy's engaging, bore the brunt of the action, were so entirely disabled as to be incapable of pursuit, and of securing the trophies of victory they had already gained. At half after 4 a thick fog arose, intercepting the sight of the enemy from our view.
The Meadea joined us, soon after which we were directed to proceed and observe the rout of the enemy, while the British squadron proceeded to the Chesapeake, in the hope of intercepting them, should they attempt to get in there. At seven o'clock we brought to, to put the disabled ships in a situation to execute these intentions. The next morning we made sail, and the same evening we anchored in Lyn Haven Bay.
The object of the enemy was directed against Brigadier Gen. Arnold in Virginia; they had 2000 troops on board for the purpose: They were then to march in a body to act in co-operation with the rebels against Lord Cornwallis in North Carolina. La Fayette has 2000 continentals to cross from Annapolis, which are blocked up there by his Majesty's ships Hope and Gen. Monk. The Rebel Gen. Nelson is at Williamsburgh with 2000 militia. Their whole plan is now totally disconcerted. We have ever since the action worked day & night in repairing our damaged ships, which will be finished this evening, and we will sail in the morning in pursuit of the French fleet. All our frigates are out reconnoitring.
Gen. Arnold and Col. Simcoe came down by land, and have been on board to see the Admiral; they are in spirits, and consider themselves in perfect security against all the rebel force that can be brought against them.
Killed, 1 Lieut. 2 Midshipmen, 40 seamen, Wounded 80.
NEW-YORK, March 17.
Last Thursday arrived the ship Nancy, Capt. Miller, who left Gravesend on the 9th of January; papers by this vessel inform us, that in a very short time after the declaration of War against Holland was published, viz. from Dec. 21, to Jan. 9, Eighty sail of Dutch ships, &c. with a man of war of 50 guns, were bro't to Portsmouth, and that three very large vessels, laden with masts, bound to Brest, were also bro't into our harbours. Three hundred and fifty commissions against the Dutch trade had been already issued; the channel swarmed with the British privateers; Admiral Darby had returned to port, but every ship of his late squadron fit for sea, was out on cruises; that two 74 gun ships and two frigates had been detach'd after several Dutch East India men, which had sailed at the instant of our Manifesto's being published; that TERESA, the Empress of Hungary, and mother of the present Emperor of Germany, died on the 29th of November, an event, in all probability, will occasion a convulsion amongst the European powers, and in its consequence, oblige the House of Bourbon to employ their troops for the defence of their own territories, rather than hazard them to distant countries, in favour of a people who have hitherto derived very little advantage from their treacherous intervention.
PHILADELPHIA, March 27.
The Confederacy and Saratoga ships of war, have lately carried into Cape Francois a ship of 20 guns, from St. Eustatia for Jamaica, with a very valuable cargo on board, said to be part of Ad. Rodney's plunder at St. Eustatia.
The Commissioners appointed to examine and burn the old Continental money called in by tax, have proceeded in the business, and according to order of Congress, have burnt three millions three hundred and two thousand three hundred and nine dollars and
one third of a dollar; and the public are informed, that there are large sums in the several offices ready for the same purpose.
Advices were yesterday received from the southward of an action being fought between Gen. Greene and Lord Cornwallis, on the 15th inst. at Guilford Court house, in North Carolina; that Gen. Greene retired a small distance, with intent to renew the next day, but the weather proving unfavourable, prevented any further operations for that time. These are all the particulars yet come to hand and those not authentic. We anxiously wait for accounts from authority of this event.
BOSTON, April 12.
Since our last, arrived at Marblehead, Capt. Ross from Cales, in a passage of 8 weeks: He brings the following intelligence; That Admirals Digby and Derby, had sailed for Gibraltar with 27 sail of the line: That in consequence of which, Count D'Estaing immediately sailed from Brest, with a large fleet, in order to intercept the British: And that a Spanish fleet consisting of 31 sail of the line had sailed from Cales Bay, in pursuit of the above British fleet.
Capt. Ross likewise informs, that there had been a Manifesto published in Cales, authorizing all the subjects of the States of Holland to make reprisals of all British vessels that may fall into their hands: That their High Mightinesses had entered into a State of Alliance with France and Spain: And that they had hauled up nearly all the ships that were in Holland, in order, it is supposed, with a determination of fixing out a powerful fleet.
Last Sunday arrived at Newbury the privateer ship Thorn, Captain Tucker, having captured a second prize, viz. a ship from Liverpool, bound to Charlestown, mounting sixteen 6 pounders; her cargo consists of wine, brandy, dry goods, &c.
In our next we hope to give our readers an official account of the late important battle between Gen. Greene and Lord Cornwallis.
Thursday the third Day of May next, is appointed by the Congress of the United States of America, to be observed as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, thro' out the same.
We hear that two British Men of War have arrived at New-York from Chesapeake Bay, in so shattered a condition, that they could barely keep above water, owing to the damage they received in the late action.
We have accounts from the Southward, that Gen. Arnold has lost half his army by Desertion.
Extract of a Letter of the 6th of Feb. from a Gentleman in Cadiz, to his Friend in this Town.
"The Spanish Fleet sail to-morrow, to intercept a British Fleet, said to consist of twenty two sail of the Line, and one hundred Transports, gone with provisions to supply the Garrison at Gibraltar.—The Spanish Fleet consists of thirty two Sail of the Line.
Exact of a letter from a gentleman in Philadelphia, dated March 5, 1781.
"We have lately had a vessel seized here that came from Coake with goods for private persons in this city—All honest men among us only wish that all interested in such voyages may suffer in proportion to their guilt.—How detestable is such a trade? How infamous the wealth acquired by it? It is the price of blood: the blood of your country.

I hope the Governments of the United States will use every precaution to prevent, & employ all proper measures for punishing, when detected, a commerce, that if winked at, may ruin our glorious cause, and enslave America forever. What? shall we trade with our cruel enemies, and thereby enable them the better to support a war, in which they are ravaging our possessions, and deluging our land in blood, with a barbarous ferocity. We cannot be guilty of a meaner and blacker treason. I own I am particularly affected with the disgrace such a commerce reflects upon our whole country. Our enemies themselves must despise such base avarice, and think us worthy of all the cruelties they inflict upon us.—Our allies must be justly offended with it, towards whom it is a most dishonourable violation of faith, at a time when they are shedding their blood in profusion to establish our Independence & safety, against those very enemies. It is at the same time, a gross injury to the fair trader. I know that men are to be found in all countries who will sacrifice every principal of honour and honesty for gold: But I believe, at the same time, there is virtue enough in the Body of the citizens of America, to detect and effectually to prevent such an injury to the honest merchant, such an imputation on our government, and such a stab to our liberties, as this odious trade, in every branch of it."
PORTSMOUTH, April 16.
On Saturday last arrived here the Brig Venus, in 28 Days from Grenada; on leaving which Port, she spoke with the Brigantine George and Fanny, Adams Master, from Boston, chased from the Coast of Surinam, and was obliged to bear away for Grenada, having lost the Head of her Main-Mast. The Garrison of Surinam being apprized of the Commencement of Hostilities with England, had taken the necessary Steps for its Defence.
BALTIMORE, Feb. 20.
To the Printer of the Maryland Journal. This being the Birth Day of our illustrious military Chief, you will much oblige many Friends of Freedom, and can offend none of that Denomination, by the insertion of the following Lines in your next paper.
Yours, &c.
February 11, 1781.
A SOLDIER.
On GENERAL WASHINGTON.
|| Tune, The Highland March. ||
WHEN Alcides, the Son of Olympian Jove, Was call'd from the Earth to the Regions above,
The Fetters grim Tyranny burst from his Hand, And with Rapine & Murder usurp'd the Command; While peace, lovely Maiden, was fear'd from the (Plains, And Liberty, Captive, sat wailing in Chains; Her once gallant Offspring lay bleeding around, Nor on Earth cou'd a Champion to save her be found.
The Thunder's mov'd with Compassion, look'd down On a World so accurs'd, from his Chrystaline Throne, Then open'd the Book, in whose mystical Page Were enrolld the heroes of each future Age; Read of Brutus, and Sidney, who dar'd to be free, Of their Virtues approv'd, & confirm'd the Decree; Then, turn'd to the Annals of that happy Age, When Washington's Glories illumin'd the Page.
When Britania shall strive with tyranical Hand To establish her Empire in each distant Land, A Chief shall arise in Columbia's Defence, To whom the just Gods shall their favours dispense: Triumphant as Mars, in the glorious Field, While Minerva shall lend him her wisdom & Shield And Liberty, freed from her Shackles, shall own Great Washington's Claim as her favorite Son."
To be leased out for one Year, A Tavern House at Greenland, well known by the Name of Clark's Tavern. Enquire of Mary Clark of said Greenland.
Siberian Wheat,
Free from Adulteration, to be Sold by JOHN SPARHAWK, Portsmouth.
BOSTON.
The conduct of the British Court in falling upon the Dutch without any previous notice, or declaration of war, is so base and dastardly, so contrary to the laws and practice of civilized nations, and the common security of mankind, as must excite the abhorrence and indignation of the whole world. The Dutch are now forced to take a part in the present war in their own defence; they can no longer enjoy the sweets of a neutrality. For who would trust his property on bottoms or in ports where they may be rifled by another nation with impunity. Holland is a rich & powerful nation; England in former wars, has felt the weight of her resentment, & has been almost crushed by it. She can equip 50 sail of ships of the line as expeditiously as any power in Europe; when pushed, she can augment her navy to double that number. She is slowly roused, but when once determined and exasperated, no nation contends with greater animosity; or abounds with harder and more skilful seamen. Holland will be supported in this contest, not only by France, Spain and America, but by all the nations that compose the armed neutrality, and with the good wishes of all the rest of the world. All will be glad to see a nation intoxicated with pride and resentment, and whose power has been so injurious to the commerce and rights of all, reduced within the bounds of justice & moderation. Britain in her madness, has gained a present booty, but at the same time has struck a blow, which tho' painful to individuals, is one of the most important events during the war in favour of the independence of America, and the rights of the whole commercial world.
To be sold by Auction,
At 11 o'Clock A. M. on Wednesday the 18th of April Instant, on the Wharfe of John Moffat, Esq;
One Pair of Nine Pound CANNON, with all their Appurtenances; and several SAILS.
SIX MONTHS TIME from the Date, being allowed by the Hon. PHILLIPS WHITE, Esq; Judge of the Probate of Wills, &c. for the County of Rockingham, to the several Creditors to the Estates of Thomas Forsey and of Benjamin Forsey, both late of Albany, in the State of New-York, Merchants, deceased, represented Insolvent, the Commissioners appointed to receive and examine said Claims, give Notice, that they will meet at Mrs. Tilton's in Portsmouth, on the last Monday in April next, and the five following Months, from 6 to 8 o'Clock P. M. to receive said Claims.
Portsmouth, March 28, 1781.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
THE Non-resident Owners of LAND in the following Towns, viz. Chester, New-Chester, Bedford, Windham, Plymouth, Haverhill, Raymond, Stratford, Henniker, Moultonborough, Chichester, Barrington, Warren, Chesterfield, Lempster, Northumberland, Hopkinton, Rindge, Weare, Boscawen, Lancaster, Savile second Tax, Sanbornton ditto, Cockermouth ditto, Dorchester ditto, New-Hampton ditto, Jaffrey ditto, Mason ditto, Packerfield, Sandwich; are hereby notified, that their Lands in said Towns were taxed for the Year 1780, and if not paid within eight Weeks from the first publication of this Advertisement, either to the Collector or Subscriber, they will be notified for Sale.
THOMAS ODIORNE,
Receiver of Non-residents Taxes.
Exeter, March 16, 1781.
The above Advertisement is inserted in the New-Hampshire Gazette, printed at Exeter, so that the Owners of Lands are advised to look out sharp, and pay their Taxes in Season.
ALL Persons that have any Demands on the Estate of Mr. John Foster, late of this Town, deceased, are desired to render their Accounts for Payment: And those who are Indebted to said Estate, are desired to make Payment to
JOSHUA WENTWORTH, Executor.
Portsmouth, April 5th, 1781.
Any Person having Books on loan, belonging to said Estate, are desired to return them to the Executor.
State of New Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the following delinquent Proprietors or owners of Land in the Township of Piermont, that unless they pay their Continental State & other Taxes, for the Year 1780, with incidental charges, to me the subscriber that so much of their Lands will be sold at Public Vendue at the House of John Poor, Innholder in Greenland on Tuesday the 24th day of April next, at 3 o'Clock P. M.
   Names. No. of Acres. £. s.     Joseph Smith 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   House Lot 45 17 13   Samuel Wentworth 100 35 5   House Lot 45 17 13   Undivided Land 35 5   Joseph Newmarch 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Wiseman Clager, undivided Land 35 5   Jonathan Moulton 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Benjamin Stevens 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   John Goffe 100 35 5   House Lot 45 17 13   Meadow Lot 7 17 13   Undivided Land 35 5   Charles Paxton 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Ezekiel Werthen 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Robert Auchmudy 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Nathan Whitings, undivided Land 35 5   Jonathan Church 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   John Hale 100 35 5   House Lot 45 17 13   Undivided Land 35 5   Samuel Barr 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Christopher Tappin 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   George Frost 100 35 5   Meadow Lot 7 17 13   Undivided Land 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Rob. Temple No. 11 4. R. 100 35 5   Joseph Blanchard 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   John M'Duffee 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Joseph Page 100 25 5   Meadow Lot 7 17 13   Undivided Land 35 5   Joseph Wright 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Samuel Greely 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Col. Joseph Smith 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   James Nevian 100 35 5   Undivided Land 35 5   Meadow Lot 7 17 13   House Lot 45 17 13  
Any of the foregoing Proprietors who are still delinquent for their Taxes for 1777, 1778, 1779, as formerly advertised for Sale, which were not then Sold; their Lands will be Sold at the same time.
Benjamin Patterson, Collector.
Piermont, March 20th, 1781.
WANTED to Hire a good Hand, to work on a Farm, within a few miles of Portsmouth, for which a good prise will be given.
Enquire of the Printer, Portsmouth.