The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-11-26 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, November 26, 1776.
[ No. 27. ]
From the London Gazette, August 10.
WHITEHALL, August 10, 1776.
Extracts of two Letters from the Honourable General Howe to Lord George Germaine, dated at Staten Island, the 7th and 8th of July last, which were this day received by Lieutenant Colonel Blunt, who arrived in the Mercury Packet.
THE Mercury Packet is dispatched to inform your Lordship of the arrival of the Halifax fleet, on the 29th of June, at Sandy Hook, where I arrived four days sooner in the Greyhound frigate. I met with Governor Tryon on board of a ship at the Hook, and many gentlemen, fast friends to Government, attending him from whom I have had the fullest information of the state of the rebels, who are numerous, and very advantageously posted with strong entrenchments, both upon Long Island & that of New York, with more than one hundred pieces of cannon for the defence of the town towards the sea, and to obstruct the passage of the fleet up the North River, besides a considerable field train of artillery.
We passed the Narrows with three ships of war and first division of transports; landed the grenadiers and light infantry, as the ships came up, on this island, to the great joy of a most loyal part, long suffering on that account under the oppression of the rebels station'd among them, who precipitately fled on the approach of the shipping. The remainder of the troops landed during the next day & night, and are now distributed in Cantonments, where they have the best refreshment. In justice to Captain Reynar, of his Majesty's ship Chatham, who was directed by the Admiral to make the disposition of boats for landing the troops, and to Captain Curtis commanding the Senegal Sloop of war, who was to superintend the execution, I must express my entire satisfaction in the conduct of those gentlemen, and the dependence to be placed upon their future services in this line.
I propose waiting for the English fleet, or for the arrival of Lieutenant General Clinton, in readiness to proceed, unless by some unexpected change of circumstances in the mean time it should be found expedient to act with the present force.
Vice Admiral Shuldham was joined on his voyage by six transports belonging to the Highland corps, having three companies of the 42d, and three of the 71st on board. There is no other intelligence of this embarkation, excepting an account published in the New-York papers, that two transports of the fleet were taken by the enemies privateers, and carried into Boston;
that major Menzies was killed in the engagement, and Lieut Col. Campbell of the 71st made prisoner, with 15 other officers, and about 450 men.
Governor Franklin, who for a long time maintained his ground in Jersey, has been lately taken into custody at Amboy, and is at this time detained a prisoner in Connecticut: And the Mayor of New-York was confined a few days ago upon a frivolous complaint of sending intelligence to Gov. Tryon, brought to trial, and condemned to suffer death; but, by the last intelligence, the sentence was not carried into execution.
Notwithstanding these violent proceedings, I have the satisfaction to inform your Lordship, that there is great reason to expect a numerous body of the inhabitants to join the army from the Province of New York, the Jerseys, and Connecticut, who in this time of universal oppression, only wait for opportunities to give proof of their loyalty and zeal for government. Sixty men came over two days ago, with a few arms from the neighbourhood of Shrewsbury, in Jersey, who are all desirous to serve, and I understand there are 500 more in that quarter ready to follow their example. This disposition among the people makes me impatient for the arrival of Lord Howe, concluding the powers with which he is furnished will have the best effect at this critical time.
A naval force is preparing to be sent up the north river, and orders are given for two of his Majesty's ships, the one of 40 guns, and the other of 20, to proceed upon that service. Several men have within these two days come over to this island and to the ships, and I am informed that the Continental Congress, have declared the United Colonies free and independent States.
Lieutenant Colonel Blunt, of the fourth regiment, who has my leave to return to Britain from the particular situation of his affairs, will deliver these dispatches.
The following is extract of a letter from Gov. Tryon to Lord G. Germaine, dated on board the ship Duchess of Gordon off Staten Island, the 8th of July past.
I HAVE the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship of the arrival of the fleet under the command of Admiral Shuldham in this port on the 29th ult. and that Gen. Howe, disembarked the troops under his command on Staten Island without opposition; on which occasion the inhabitants of the island came down to welcome the arrival of their deliverers, and have since afforded the army every supply and accommodation in their power.
On Saturday last I reviewed the militia of the island at Richmond Town, where near 400 appeared, who chearfully, on my recommendation, took the oaths of allegiance and fidelity to his Majesty. To morrow I am to have another muster for the enlistment of volunteers, to form a provincial corps for the defence of the island, as the General finds it an important quarter to hold against the rebels.
Admiralty Office, August 10.
By a letter received this day from Vice Admiral Lord Shuldham, dated Staten Island, near New-York, the 8th of July last, it appears that his Lordship arrived there on the 3d of that month with his Majesty's ships under his command, and the whole fleet of transports, victuallers, & store ships under his convoy, without any loss or separation; that his Majesty's troops under the command of Gen. Howe were landed, on that day and the next, upon Staten Island, without any opposition or interruption, the inhabitants having immediately, on the troops landing, surrendered, and put themselves under the protection of his Majesty's arms; that 200 of the inhabitants were embodied; that the whole island had taken the oath of allegiance and fidelity to the King; and that a party of 60 men with their arms had made their escape from the province of New Jersey, & join'd the King's troops. (Thus far the Gazette.)
Extract of a letter from Dover, July 27.
"Yesterday landed at this place a number of refugees from Halifax, amongst whom was Mr. John Powel, formerly a contractor for victualling the army at Boston; he expects great things from government; Mr. Benjamin Gridley a lawyer; this gentleman was made justice of the peace by DOCTOR Hutchinson, to serve the purposes of administration; and to speak the truth of him, he dealt out justice in a plentiful and partial manner in their favor; and as he has a good opinion of his own abilities, he thinks he is justly entitled to a pension warrant of at least 700l. per annum; judge Chandler, of Worcester; a Mr. Serjeant; Mr. Oliver, the three Miss Powels, two daughters of the late judge Hutchinson, Mr. Willard, and his wife. This last gentleman and lady bear a most excellent character, and though on the tory side, are of very moderate principles.
"They sailed from Halifax on the 29th of June. All the news that I can collect is, that Howe sailed on the 10th of the same month, steering his course to the southward. Lord Howe arrived off the harbor the 23d, and having received some advices from his

Brother, shaped his course likewise to the southward, so that it is imagined they are gone for New-York. Two transports with Highlanders, and one with Hessians, had arrived at Halifax; and one transport with two companies of Highlanders on board, making the land somewhere about Cape-Cod, was taken by the American privateers.
"Provisions of all kinds remain very dear and scarce at Halifax, being drained of every thing. Eleven prisoners whom Gage and Howe had confined on various pretences, had broke out of goal, and made their escape. They had likewise advice that the provincials had invaded the back part of Halifax, which threw the ministerialists in great consternation, as they had no force to oppose them. This last news was not confirmed when the vessel sailed. They had also intelligence that the Generals Burgoyne and Carleton had taken Montreal, but that there had not been many killed to either side; that the provincials had retreated towards Crown-point, being determined there to make a stand; that they had destroyed Fort Chamblee and Fort St. John in their retreat. This is all the news I could collect."
L O N D O N August 10.
The Method by which the Yankee privateer was taken was as follows:—Captain Johnson (of the Yankee) Hodges and Ross, were sitting together in the cabin, when Johnson having inadvertently laid down his cutlass, Ross and Hodges took the advantage of it, one coming behind Capt. Johnson, seized and threw him down, while the other got possession of the cutlass. The guard stationed on the quarter deck, having at the same time laid down his cutlass to go forward, one of the Ross's or Hodges's people, who had been let into the conspiracy, immediately seized it, and gave the alarm; on which either Ross or Hodges ran upon the quarter deck, and got possession of the arm chest before the privateer's men and those of the merchantmen, who were at large and unconfined, though then down in the hold, could get upon the main deck. One of the Americans took up a scrubbing brush, and advanced to the quarter deck, he was told by the man possessed of the cutlass, that if he came a step farther, his head should be cut off. The privateer's men thus finding the quarter deck and their arms all in possession of their adversaries, and their Captain a prisoner in the cabin, submitted without further resistance, being promised good treatment, &c to be landed, as soon as possible, in some part of America, and then be at liberty to go where they pleased. So far from this promise being complied with, the men were put in irons, and closely confined in the hold of the privateer, and all of them brought into the river Thames; since which they were, in the night of Saturday last, hurried into a man of war's tender, and smuggled to some place of confinement, but where is not yet certainly known.
Capt. Johnson complained heavily of the illiberal behaviour & cruel usage he suffered, by being insulted frequently at sea, calling him by the most opprobrious names; and threatening him with the cruellest and most savage punishments, and also for suffering many people to come on board after they arrived in the river, to insult him in the basest and grossest terms, though he was then a prisoner; and when his brother came to see him after a three years absence, they would not permit them to talk together one minute in private.
To the independent sons of AMERICA. "What's human life? to gaze upon the sun, And go the vulgar round of useless years? Or is it to be free?" Taste INDEPENDENCE Blissful moments! Defend it 'till ye die.—
BY the favour of Providence, we have reached that political point (which the wise have long seen to be the only foundation of safety) Independence ; our work is now plain before us; to persevere to the end in supporting the declaration we have made to the world. To do this, every consideration urges us; to retreat is death, is slavery, calamities of every name, and all the gloomy horrors of the most odious and execrable tyranny;—before us is all the glory of FREEDOM, pregnant with every felicity our wishes can grasp, or human nature enjoy. If we continue our exertions with that wisdom and magnanimity with which we began, LIBERTY will soon triumph, wealth flow in through ten thousand channels, and America become the glory of all lands. Tyranny is now exerting her utmost power, and if resisted a little longer, George and all his murderers must bid adieu to America forever; then we shall have the double honor and happiness of subduing the Tyrans , and enjoying liberty; the expence and dangers it has cost us will sweeten the blessing. If we have not suffered enough yet to make us duly prize the inestimable jewel, let us patiently bear what is yet to come. But if we continue in the ways of well doing, we shall certainly succeed; for unerring wisdom has told us "if we trust in the Lord and do good, we shall dwell in the land and be fed," therefore we have nothing to do but be faithful to God and our country, and the blessings we contend for will be the portion of us and our children. The price of Liberty is not to be gained in a day, nor bought with a small price but is the reward of long labour and unremitted exertions; and a people are commonly made to realize their dependence on Heaven, for so great a favor before they are crowned with compleat success. The poor Dutch Provinces were oppressed by a Spanish tyrant, much like George of Britain, and they (although poor and small in number, compared with the States of America) resisted the tyrant, who had at his command a great and rich nation, and after a bloody contest of many years gloriously triumphed in the complete Freedom of their Country. During the conflict, they were at some times reduced to such extreme difficulties as would have sunk any but free minds, into absolute despair, but they were blessed with a succession of heroes and statesmen, who wisely preferred Liberty to every thing else, and persevered through a long series of the severest calamities of every kind with undiminished fervor in the glorious cause, until they arrived at the blissful period of independent states! and remain to this day a glorious monument of the supereminent virtue and valor of freemen. Let us imitate this bright example, and with them we shall shine in the history of mankind, until the heavens are no more.—The blood and treasure it may cost, will heighten the value of liberty and brighten the future days of peace and glory, when we or posterity shall recount the noble exertions and amazing intrepidity of those who were honored by heaven as the instruments of saving this great people from infernal tyranny. It will add to the joys of prosperity and sweeten the sacred triumph of freemen, when encircled with the charms of peace, to look back upon the trying scenes of the present time, and review the difficulties surmounted thro' a series of conflicts, while each moment was big with importance, and the fate of thousands hung upon every hour.
A SOLDIER.
PHILADELPHIA: In CONGRESS, October 29th, 1776. RESOLVED,
THAT no private ships or vessels of war, merchant ships and other vessels belonging to the subjects of these states, be permitted to wear Pendants when in company with continental ships or vessels of war, without leave from the commanding officer thereof.
That if any merchant ship or vessel shall wear pendants in company with continental ships or vessels of war, without leave first obtained from the commander thereof, such commander be authorised to take away the Pendants from the offenders.
That if private ships or vessels of war, refuse to pay the respect due to the continental ships or vessels of war, the captain or commander so refusing shall lose his commission: October 30th.
Resolved, That the rank of officers of marines be the same as officers of similar commissions in the land service.
That the commanders, officers, seamen and marines in the continental navy be entitled to one half of merchantmen, transports and store ships by them taken from and after the first day of November, 1776, to be divided amongst them in the shares and proportions fixed by former resolutions of Congress.
That the commanders, officers, seamen and marines, in the continental navy be entitled to the whole value of all ships and vessels of war belonging to the crown of Great Britain by them made prize of, and all privateers authorised by his Britannic Majesty to war against these States, to be divided as aforesaid.
By order of Congress.
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) October 11.
Letters of undoubted credit from Martinique, dated the 27th of July, say, there are now in the French islands about 15,000 troops, that their fortifications are in the best order, and that they only wait for a pretext to break with Great Britain, which most people there imagine will soon be found. The French are much pleased with the Americans becoming an independent people, and highly extol them for the struggle they are making for their liberties. Every kind of continental produce is much wanted in the French islands, and bears a high price.
Since our last a Spanish ship arrived in Hampton road; it is said she came to purchase a cargo of flour, and has on board 6000 dollars. Advices by this ship say, that the French seem determined to strike some capital blow against Great Britain in a very short time.
We hear that 800 North-Carolina troops are daily expected at Suffolk, who are on their march to join the northern army near New-York.
N E W-Y O R K October 14.
It is said, that the titular Lord Sterling, who was lately exchanged for Governor Brown of the Bahama Islands, was seen reconnoitring the other day in front of the Rebel lines.
On Wednesday, the Phoenix and Roeback of 44 guns each and the Tartar of 28, commanded by the Captains Parker, Hamond, and Ommany, sailed up the North River passing through the Cheveaux de Friez and by the Rebel batteries. The Rebels gave them as heavy a fire of cannon as they could, but, 'tis said, without doing them any material damage. The Phoenix's, main top sail was shattered by some shots from the forts on the heights. The Pearl & the Repulse frigates remain at anchor a little below the Cheveaux de Friez.
On Thursday morning the Fowey of 20 guns, Capt. Montague, with a large armed schooner, sailed up the East River.

HARTFORD, Nov. 18. Extract of a letter from Fort Lee, Nov. 2. "Six gentlemen who escaped from the fleet inform us, that there are now seventy sail of transports lying at Red Hook, to take in three thousand troops, who are going for Rhode Island."
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman at North-Castle, (near White Plains) Nov 7.
"Wednesday last the enemy were discovered to be on the move, and have now got off the main entirely; our troops pursued them nine miles yesterday, and took two baggage waggons, and some prisoners; yesterday also came in 10 deserters, who left the enemy at Kingsbridge the same morning."
Last Monday several ships from the enemy's fleet at New York, attempted to go up the N. River, but Fort Washington and Fort Lee being in their way, they were obliged to give over the attempt, and fall down the river, except one, which stuck upon the Chevaux de Frise, where (we hear) she still remains.
Nothing material since our last from the Northward. The army there are in good health and spirits, but much disappointed that General Carleton did not tarry long enough to give them an opportunity properly to welcome his arrival.
PROVIDENCE Nov. 16. Extract of a letter from New-Haven, to a gentleman in this town, dat. Nov. 5.
"I have just received a line from a friend at Norwalk, who writes that there are three men there, that formerly belonged to the Yankee Hero privateer, which was taken by the Milford Frigate last summer, and had made their escape from on board a man of war, at or near New York: They say that a number of the largest men of war are so winter at R. Island."
The following is the substance of intelligence, sent from the Western army to Philadelphia, by a person of distinction, and from thence transmitted to a gentleman in this town.
"Two deserters of the 40th regiment, who came from the enemies York lines, declare, that in the engagement last Friday week, our detachment killed and wounded 800 of the enemy; the detachment consisted of 1500; that we had but 3000 men in that quarter, and that the enemy had at and near the spot 8000; that on Monday last some of our troops fell in with Major Rogers, with his Long Island militia rangers, and gave them a terrible drubbing, killed some, took 36 prisoners, upwards of 60 fine small arms, a number of blankets, and utterly routed his whole corps; that two of our regiments ambushed a body of Hessians, and set them a scampering; that he saw our battalions discharge three volleys at them which it is not doubted did good execution; that after this skirmish the two armies annoyed each other by cannonading; that a deserter informed, that one of our cannon balls killed a centry at the door of General Howe's tent, entered the tent, and scattered the bone of the General's leg so that his life was despaired of, and that the deserter said that he heard his captain say this; that Col. Livingston with two battalions had gone from Fairfield over to the east part of Long Island, and that General Howe had ordered over two battalions to oppose them; that he heard that Livingston had taken some of the enemy's cattle, and transported them to Connecticut; that the enemy had gained nothing of us but by the assistance of their shipping; that if they moved from New Rochelle, where they were when he wrote, a battle would ensue; that the events of war were uncertain, but that our men were in good spirits, and he did not doubt of success."
We learn that the British army under Gen. Howe, which was encamped at the White Plains, has retreated 8 miles towards N. York.
A gentleman from the Westward informs, that there was a heavy cannonading near New York on Monday last.
BOSTON, Nov. 21. Saturday last the General Assembly of this State, appointed Thursday the 12th day of December next, to be observ'd as a day of public Thanksgiving and Prayer.
Last Lord's day arrived at Marblehead, a prize brig of about 120 tons burthen, laden with salt, said to be from Lisbon; taken by the Sloop Polly of Marblehead, lately commanded by Captain Leech, who had the misfortune to be washed overboard four days after he left port, and was drowned.
The Privateer Civil Usage has sent into Newbury Port, a ship and brig, both loaded with Fish.
We also hear Capt. Sampson has carried a prize into Plymouth.
Capt. McFarlan left Broad Bay last Saturday week with a sloop load of wood for this place, and was the next day taken by the enemy, who took all his hands out but himself, and put five men on board, and ordered her for Halifax. The Captain unknown to the men let all the water out, and when it was discovered that the water was gone, and a storm coming on, and the men not being acquainted with the coast, left the care of the sloop to the captain, who likewise was owner, and he took so good care of her as to bring her into Long Island in this harbour last Tuesday, where he delivered the prisoners, who are since brought to town, and committed to gaol.
Extract of a letter from Mount Hope, dat. October 14, 1776.
"All the Prisoners which were taken were sent in by a Flag of truce and are not to serve during the war. There was a party of our Indians with their Lieut. who was likely to be an Indian, put in irons immediately after they were taken, and after our men were sent in by the enemy were delivered up to the savages to be butchered, but contrary to Burgoyne's expectations the savages released them immediately and sent them home, after treating them very kindly; perhaps such an instance as this never was known before, and you may depend on it as fact, as I was in company with the captain of the Indians yesterday, who informed me of it; and finally the enemy's Indians have agreed to return home if ours do, which a number did yesterday, the rest will follow this day."
"We are in daily expectation of an attack from the enemy, who are within 16 miles of us (Crown Point) but we are well prepared to receive them, and I hope in God's name no man's courage will fail in that day, as the cause of Liberty and America depend intirely on the Northern army. Our men recruit daily; we are not in the least want of provision or ammunition."
The Post-rider from Hartford informs, that it was reported that the enemy had made a second and vigorous attack upon Fort Washington, and were repuls'd with the loss of 14,000 stand of arms.
In discharging a Cannon at some of the Enemy's Ships, that were on the 5th instant endeavouring to pass Fort Lee, at New-York, it missed Fire. When the brave (though very young) the intrepid, and the gallant, Capt. Hardy Peirce, of this Town, stepping nimbly before it, to give Orders, it, on a Sudden, went off, when he received the whole Charge in his Body, which put a Period to his Existence.
Extract of a letter from North-Castle, New-York, dated Nov. 12, 1776.
"John Dean Whitworth's information is not true in any one particular. Howe's army does not consist of so many as 30,000 men, much less of 47,000. The communication of our army is not cut off, nor is Fort Washington taken."
"The enemy have certainly abandoned Crown Point, and retired (it is said) to Quebec. The British army near us do not appear to attempt any thing; they have retired too near Dobb's Ferry. It is said a packet has arrived at New-York, which has brought them very bad news, and that this occasioned their withdrawing themselves; I cannot learn what the news. From an apprehen-
on that they intended crossing into New-Jersey, General Washington has removed his head-quarters and a party of our army to Peck's Kill. Our people to the southward, have almost totally extirpated the Cherokee nation of Indians."
Extract of a letter from Cape Nicholas Mole, dat. Sept. 8, 1776.
"The French here are to a man in favor of America. There are 10,000 men in this island, 1000 here, who with 500 negroes, are busily employed in building forts, & a French war is inevitable. A French frigate arrived the other day from France, with orders to the General to protect all American vessels. A pilot boat belonging to a merchant in Philadelphia was taken the day before yesterday, and sent to Jamaica; a French frigate of 36 guns and a guarda costa, which last hoisted continental colours, were immediately sent after her, with orders to follow her into Port Royal harbour, if they could not overtake her before, and demand her; what will be the consequences time will discover. The French were very much exasperated at her being taken, which was within two leagues of the land."
DIED At Marblehead, Mrs. Hannah Hooper, consort of Hon. Robert Hooper of this town. Near Kingsbridge, Hon. Mark Hopkins, Esq; At Salem, Mrs. Orne. Consort of Capt. Josiah Orne. At Halifax, Byfield Lyde, Esq; and the noted Brigadier-General Brattle.
PORTSMOUTH, Nov. 26, 1776.
On Friday the 8th inst. departed this life, in the 40th year of his age, Capt. Jacob Tilton, of this town, Innholder, after a long confinement, with a paralytick disorder; he is much lamented by all his friends and acquaintance, and has left a sorrowful widow and six children.
Died Mrs. Mendum, Æ 64, relict of Mr. David Mendum, late of this town.
Last Thursday was observ'd as a day of public Thanksgiving throughout this State.
There is a report in town, which seems to gain much credit, that Fort Washington near New York is taken by the Pirates.
On Monday evening the 18th inst. about 8 o'clock, came to the shop next door below John Penhallow, Esq's two young women, and three or four men; one of the women bought a pair of cloth shoes, and one of the men bought a pair of sleeve-buttons, and lent the woman who bought the shoes six pence towards paying for them. The other person, who carried off the black Barcelona Handkerchief, (which hung on a line across the window,) is desired to call and pay for it, and no questions will be asked; otherwise may depend on their name's being exposed in this paper.
N. B. The above persons had an ox-team with them.
Two DOLLARS Reward.
On Monday the 18th inst. deserted from my company, a soldier named George Trefethen, about 5 feet 9 inches high, thick set, dark complexion, and black hair; was born at New-Castle, in this State. Whoever apprehends said deserter and returns him to the said company at Piscataqua, or confines him in any of the gaols on the continent, shall have the above reward paid by
EBENEZER DEARING, Captain. Portsmouth 26th Nov. 1776. 7-9
Cash for RAGS,
At the following Rates, viz. Two Pence L. M. pr pound, for white Cotton, Linnen, or Cotton & Linnen One Penny, for white Canvas, — and — One Copper for mix'd colours, — will be given by the Publisher of this Paper.
P. S. It is requested of those who take any Satisfaction in exhibiting Saving Examples, encouraging Manufactories, serving the Interest of their Country, or being served themselves with the News-Paper, that they would comply with the trifling, tho' necessary article of saving their R A G S.

POET'S CORNER.
Mr. Printer.
Having seen the following four lines in some author and being (as I think) well adapted to the present times, are at your service.—In giving them a place in the Free-men's Journal—you'll oblige,
Your constant reader, P. Q.
"Wise men suffer, good men grieve; Knaves invent and fools believe. Help O Lord! send aid unto us; For knaves and fools will quite undo us."
[The following letter was last week omitted, for want of room.]
BOSTON, Nov. 18.
Extract of a letter from Mile-Square, dated October 22, 1776.
"You no doubt heard the enemy landed all their army on Frog's point, the 11th inst. (leaving only 1200 men in York) and there remained till the 18th, which was Friday. I arose early in the morning and went on the hill, with my glass, and discovered a number of ships in the Sound under way; in a very short time saw the boats, upwards of 200 sail, all manned and formed in four grand divisions. Immediately sent off Major Lee express to General Lee, who was about three miles distance, and without waiting his orders, turned out the brigade I have the honor to command, and very lucky for us I did, as it turned out afterwards, the enemy having stole a march one and a half miles on us. I marched down to oppose their landing, with about seven hundred and fifty men, and three field-pieces, but had not gone more than half the distance, before I met their advance guard, about thirty men: upon which I detached a Captain's guard of forty men, to meet them, while I could dispose of the main body to advantage. This plan succeeded very well, as you will hereafter see. The enemy had the advantage of us, being posted on an eminence which commanded the ground we had to march over; however, I did the best I could, and disposed of my little party to the best of my judgment. Col. Reed's on the left of the road—Col. Shepherd's in the rear, and to the right of him; Col. Baldwin's in the rear and on the right of Shepherd's, my own regiment commanded by Capt. Courtis, (Col. Johonnot being sick, and Major Lee being brigade-major) bringing up the rear with the three field pieces of artillery; thus disposed of, I rode forward (O the anxiety of mind I was then in for the fate of the day. The lives of seven hundred and fifty men immediately at hazard and under God their preservation depended on their being well disposed of;—besides this, my country, my honor, my own life, and every thing that was dear, appeared at that critical moment to be at stake. I would have given a thousand worlds to have had General Lee, or some other experienced officer present, to direct, or at least to approve of what I had done. Looked around, but could see none, they all being three miles from me, and the action came on so sudden, it was out of their power to be with me) to the advance guard, and ordered them to advance, who did within fifty yards, and received their fire, without the loss of a man; we returned it, and fell four of them, and kept the ground till we exchanged five rounds; their body being much larger than mine, and having two men killed and several wounded, which weakened my party; the enemy pushing forward, not more than thirty yards distance; I ordered a retreat, which was masterly well done by the captain that commanded the party; the enemy gave a shout & advanced; Col. Reed's laying under cover of a stone wall undiscovered till they came within thirty yards, then rose up and gave them the whole charge; the enemy broke and retreated for the main body to come up. In this situation we remained about an hour and a half, when they appeared about four thousand, with 7 pieces of artillery; they now advance, keeping up
a constant fire with their artillery; we kept our post under cover of the stone wall before mentioned, till they came within fifty yards of us, rose up and gave them the whole charge of the battalion; they halted and returned the fire with showers of musketry and cannon balls; we exchanged 7 rounds at this post, retreated and formed in the rear of Col. Shepherd, and on his left; they then shouted and pushed on till they came on Shepherd, posted behind a fine double stone wall; he rose up and fired by grand divisions, by which he kept up a constant fire, and maintained his post till he exchanged seventeen rounds with them, and caused them to retreat several times, once in particular, so that a soldier of Col. Shepherd's leaped over the wall, and took a hat and canteen, off of a Captain that lay dead on the ground they retreated from.
However, their body being so much larger than ours, we were for the preservation of the men forc'd to retreat, and formed in the rear of Baldwin's regiment; they then came up to Baldwin's, but the ground being much in their favour, and their heavy train of artillery, we could do but little before we retreated to the bottom of the hill, and had to pass through a run of water, the bridge I had taken up before, and then marched up a hill the opposite side of the creek, where I left my artillery, the ground being rough & much broken, I was afraid to risque it over; the enemy halted and played away their artillery at us, and we at them till night, without any damage on our side, and but very little on theirs; at dark we came off and marched about three miles, leading to Dobb's Ferry; after fighting all day without victuals or drink, lay as a picquet all night, the heavens over us, and the earth under us, which was all we had; having left our baggage at the old encampment we left in the morning; the next morning marched over to Mile-Square, I had 8 men killed and 13 wounded, among which was Col. Shepherd, a brave officer. Sunday General Lee sent for and informed me there was 200 barrels of pork and flour at East Chester, if the enemy had not taken it, would be glad I would think of some way to bring it off. I sent out and pressed 15 waggons, and at night turned out the whole brigade, and went down so nigh the enemy; we heard their musick and talk very plain, and brought off the whole.—Wednesday sent out a scouting party, principally from my own regiment, who met with a party of Hessians and attacked them, killed 12 and took three prisoners, one of the slain was an officer of rank on horseback, the horse was taken and brought off; we had one man mortally wounded of Col. Baldwin's regiment. Sunday the enemy struck their tents, and were on a march in two columns, one to the right, and the other to the left, towards the north river; General Lee immediately gave orders for his division, which consisted of 8000 men, to march for North-Castle to take the ground to the Eastward, and North of them, about 14 miles distance, we had not march'd more than 3 miles, before we saw the right column advancing in a cross road to cut us off, not more than three quarters of a mile distance, this being our situation, 8000 men on the road with their baggage, artillery, and 150 waggons filled the road for four miles; we then turned off, and marched by Dobb's Ferry road and got into White Plains about 10 o'clock monday morning, after being out all night; we left Gen. McDougal's brigade posted on a heighth between the enemy and us, to cover our march; about 12 o'clock they attack'd him with a heavy column supported with 12 pieces of artillery, who press'd him so hard was obliged to retreat, having 20 men killed and about 40 wounded, and wholly from their artillery. I am posted on a mountain commanding the roads to Albany and New-England; the enemy on one opposite, about one mile distance; we expect an attack every moment, I don't care how soon, as I am very certain with the blessing of God we shall give them a drubbing—where you will hear from me next is very uncertain."
Sales by Auction.
To be SOLD at PUBLIC AUCTION, On Tuesday the 26th Instant, at the Store of JOSHUA WENTWORTH, by Order of the JUDGE for the Court Maritime, for the State of New Hampshire,
Sundry Kinds of Merchandise and Household Furniture, being Part of the Brigantine Elizabeth's Cargo, not claim'd, consisting of Peices and Remnants of English Goods, Bags of Cotton, Barrells of Flour, Looking Glasses, Feather Beds, Desks, &c.
GEO. WENTWORTH, Auctioneer. Portsmouth, Nov. 18. 1776.
SNUFF
Manufactured and sold by the Barrel or smaller Quantity, by Thomas Thompson, at his Shop in King-street, near the lower Long Wharfe, Newbury Port. 25—27
THIS is to desire all Persons, having Accounts with the Estate of Lieutenant Ebenezer Demeritt, deceas'd, to bring them to Mrs. Hannah Demeritt, in order for Settlement. Madbury Nov. 8. 5—7
ALL persons having demands on the estate of John Hayes late of Barrington, deceased, are desired to exhibit their claims, and those who are indebted to said estate are desired to make speedy payment to the subscribers executors. Paul Hayes, Barrington Sept. 14. 6—8 James Hayes.
TO BE SOLD.
THE FARM that lately belonged to Mr. John Hayes, deceased, in Somersworth; containing about 70 acres of good mowing, planting, pasturing and wood-land, situate on the road that leads to Salmon-Falls, betwixt two and three miles from Cochecho landing-place, and about three miles from Quamphagen; and about a mile from Somersworth meeting-house; with a house and barn, and good orchard; it is well watered and a very extraordinary growth of white oak wood. Conditions of sale may be known by applying to James Hayes of Barrington. Nov. 15, 1776. 6—8
THE Creditors to the Estate of Thomas Buswell late of Sandford, Yeoman, deceased, represented insolvent, are hereby notified that the subscribers appointed by the honourable John Bradbury, Esq., Judge of the probate of Sandford &c. and for the county of York, to receive & examine their claims, (six months being allowed for that purpose) will attend that business at the dwelling-house of Nathaniel Cunnicutt of Sandford, on the last tuesday in this instant, November, and the last tuesdays in the four next following months, from one to six o'Clock in the afternoon. Daniel Coffin, Benj. Barrons, Sandford, Nov. 8. 1776. Isaac Coffin. 5-7
RUN away from York a Negro Man named Cæsar, about five feet six inches high. Had on when he went away a yellowish homespun Coat, blue plush Breeches, a light bound Hat, about forty years of age, speaks very good English—Whoever will take up said Negro and convey him to his Master or secure him and give him Information thereof shall have eight Dollars reward and all necessary Charges paid by York Nov. 9th, 1776. Richard Talpey. N. B. All masters of vessels are caution'd carrying off said Negro as they would avoid the penalty of the Law.
LOST from the South-End of this Town a Black CANOE, about 18 Feet long, and about three and half Feet wide, with a square Stern and Stem, with a Chain to it. Whoever takes up said Canoe, and returns her to Peter Shores of Portsmouth, shall receive THREE DOLLARS Reward. 5-7