The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1774-02-18 00:00:00

From the Massachusetts Spy.
AS TEA has of late been, and is now, the principal subject-Matter of Conversation, and has occasioned such a vast Number of Town-Meetings upon this Continent, it may not be improper at this Time to lay before the Public, an Estimate of the annual Charge of this single Article, to the North-American Colonies. To investigate we shall begin with a Fact ascertained by the East-India Company, in their late Application to the Ministry, to obtain the repeal of the three-penny Duty; in which they say, That the usual yearly Consumption in the Colonies, before that Duty took Place, was two million pounds weight: That in Consequence of the Duty being offensive to the Colonies, they have lost a great part of their Sales: And that in Consequence of this, they have an uncommon Quantity now in their Ware-Houses: And that, supposing the Colonies should take off the usual Quantities; yet, there will remain unfold in December 1774, Four Years Stock.
This Two Millions supplied from the East-India Company, is supposed not more than half the Quantity annually consumed in North-America.
Another Writer supposes that there are Two Million Persons in the Colonies who drink TEA, and reckons Two Pounds to each.
Now it is supposed that there are at this Time, in the Colonies upon the Continent, Five Million Inhabitants, exclusive of Indians; if so, then, agreeable to the above, we may fairly suppose Four Million Pounds wt. of TEA annually consumed among them.
This 4,000,000 lb. wt. at 3d. Sterl. per lb. Duty amounts to £. 50,000. or £. 500,000. And then suppose 25.000.000. per lb. more for its first Cost, Charges and Merchants Profits, until it gets into the Consumers Hands, and this amounts to Sterl. 550,000. --- 5,500,000. 600,000. --- 6,000,000.
By this it appears, that if we consume Yearly Four Million Pounds Weight, and the Consumer pays 30s. old Tenor per Pound upon an Average, we must annually pay Six Million Pounds old Tenor for a Foreign Article, which is absolutely unnecessary, and which we can so well do without, that perhaps it would not be worth our Acceptance at one Penny old Tenor per Pound.
When we consider, the Duty with which this Article is loaded, with its Attendant, SLAVERY; that its MEDICAL VIRTUES do not recommend it; that it drains us of an immense Sum of Money, which if left to circulate among us, would be a great blessing to People of all Ranks; and that various Substitutes are easily obtained, either from among ourselves, or from the West-Indies with our Produce; I say, when these things are considered, we shall scarcely find within us, such an affection for it, as to Sacrifice Six Millions annually for the emolument of the East-India Company, or the Establishment of an American Revenue. And as the Merchants of Boston, New-York, &c. may easily turn their Stock into another Channel, less Injurious to the Country, it is hoped they will readily give up that Article of Commerce, and heartily join the Country in a full and unlimited Renunciation of all Foreign TEAS forever; for, "by UNITING, we stand; by DIVIDING, we Fall."
On the Origin of the Coroner's Jury in England. A Gentlewoman of London, after having buried six Husbands, found a Gentleman hardy enough to make her a Wife once more. For several Months their Happiness was mutual; a Circumstance which seemed to pay no great Compliment to the former Partners of her Bed, who, as she said, had disgusted her by their Sottishness and
Infidelity. In the View of knowing the real Character of his amorous Mate, the Gentleman began frequently to absent himself, to return Home at late Hours, & when he did return to appear as if intoxicated. At first Reproaches, but afterwards Menaces, were the Consequence of his Conduct. The Gentleman persisted, and seemed every Day to become more addicted to his Bottle. One Evening when she imagined him dead drunk, she unfused a leaden Weight from one of the Sleeves of her Gown; & having melted it, she approached her Husband, who pretended still to be asleep, in order to pour it into his Ear through a Pipe. Convinced of her Wickedness, the Gentleman started up and seized her; when having procured Assistance, he secured her till the Morning, and conducted her before a Magistrate, who committed her to Prison. The Bodies of her six Husbands were dug up, and as Marks of Violence were still discoverable upon each of them, the Proof of her Guilt appeared so strong upon her Trial, that she was condemned and executed. To this Circumstance, says the Compiler of the Dictionnaire d' Anecdotes, &c. is the English Nation indebted for that useful Regulation, by which no Corpse can be interred in the English Dominions without a legal Inspection.
ACORONER.
BOSTON, February 14. On Friday last in the Forenoon, the Committee of the House of Representatives appointed to consider of further Proceedings necessary to be had on the Conduct of the Honorable PETER OLIVER, Esq; Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature, bro't in a Report, and desired Leave of the House to sit again. After a full Debate on the Report of the Committee, the House came into the following Resolves, by a Division of 66 to 0, viz.
WHEREAS it appears to this House, by a Writing under the Hand of the Hon. PETER OLIVER, Esq; the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature, Court of Assize and General Goal Delivery over this Province, a Court wholly erected and constituted by the Great and General Court or Assembly of the same Province, by a Power granted to the said General Court by the Royal Charter, that the said Peter Oliver, Esq; declining any more to take and receive the Grants of the General Assembly of this Province, for his Services as Chief Justice of the said Superior Court, hath, contrary to the Usage and Custom of the Justices of the said Court, ever since the erecting and constituting of the same invariably used and approved: and contrary to the plain Sense and Meaning of the said Royal Charter; and against the known Constitution of this Province, accepted, received and taken a Salary and Reward granted him by his Majesty, for his Services as Chief Justice of the said Superior Court, from the fifth Day of July, 1772, to the fifth Day of January 1774: And that he hath also plainly given this House to understand by the same Writing, under his Hand, his Resolution for the future to accept the Salary and Reward, which he affirms is granted to him by his Majesty, during his Residence in the Province, as Chief Justice of the said Superior Court.
And whereas it appears to this House, that the said Peter Oliver, Esq; hath received the said Salary and Reward, out of the Revenue unjustly and unconstitutionally levied and extorted from the Inhabitants of the American Colonies.
And whereas the said Peter Oliver, Esq; hath, perversely and corruptly done as aforesaid, against the known sense of the Body of the People of this Province, most fully and expressly declared in the several Resolutions of divers Houses of Representatives, and otherwise:
Therefore Resolved, That the said Peter Oliver, Esq; hath by his Conduct as aforesaid, proved himself an Enemy to the Constitution of this Province; that he has done that which hath an obvious and direct Tendency to the Perversion of Law and Justice in the said Court, and is become justly obnoxious to the good People of this Province.
Resolved, That the said Peter Oliver, Esq; hath by his Conduct as aforesaid, rendered himself totally disqualified, any longer to hold and act in the Office of a Justice of the said Court, and ought forthwith to be removed therefrom.
Resolved, That this House will remonstrate to his Excellency, the Governor and Council of this Province, the said Conduct of the said Peter Oliver, Esq; praying that he may not be suffered any more to sit and act in his Office of Chief Justice of said Court, and that he may forthwith and without any Delay be removed therefrom.
The following Persons voted against it, viz. Eliza Jones, Esq; Hon. J. Worthington, Esq; Abijah White Esq; Josiah Eason, Esq; Daniel Leonard, Esq; Tho's Gilbert, Esq; Captain Jeremiah Learned, William Tyng, Esq; and Mark Hopkins, Esq;
In the Afternoon of the same Day the House agreed upon a Remonstrance against the Conduct of the Honorable PETER OLIVER, Esq; to the Governor and Council, praying that he may forthwith and without Delay, be removed from the Superior Court; and on the next Day the House directed the Secretary to deliver the same to the Governor.
BOSTON, February 14. 1774. It is a Matter of great Speculation whether the Chief Justice of the Superior Court will take his Seat in that Court while he stands impeached by the Commons of this Province, of having proved himself to be an Enemy to the Constitution, and until the Governor and Council shall have decided upon the Remonstrance and Petition which now lies before them. It is the general Opinion that he WILL NOT.
We are informed that Abijah White, Esq; the Member of the House of Representatives for Marshfield, was the only Dissentient in a full House of Ninety Members, when the Question was put on Tuesday last, Whether further Proceedings should be had on the conduct of Chief Justice Oliver.
It is a Curiosity which the Public are impatient to be satisfied in, Whether the Grand Jury returned to the Superior Court will submit to be sworn to present any of his Majesty's Subjects to be tried before that Court, unless they shall be assured that the Chief Justice will not take his Seat, until there is a final Decision of the Governor and Council on the Remonstrance of the House of Representatives.
We hear from Shrewsbury, that one Day last Week a Pedlar was observed to go into a Tavern there, with a Bag containing about 30lb. of Tea. Information of which being had at Northborough, about five Miles Distance, a Number of Indians went from the Great Swamp, or thereabouts, seized upon it, & committed it to the Flames on the Road facing said Tavern, where it was entirely consumed.
We hear that a Petition was presented to the General Court, a few Days since, by a Number of the principal Inhabitants of Marblehead, setting forth the great Confusion that Town is in, occasioned by the lawless Proceedings of a Number of Persons in burning the Hospital there, committing other Acts of Violence, and by their Threats of doing further Mischief: And praying such speedy Relief as the Court in their Wisdom, should see meet. Upon which a committee of the two Houses was appointed to repair to Marblehead, to enquire into the Grounds of the Un easin-ss subsisting there.
Yesterday 'twas night the following Note, it's said, was sent to several Churches in this Town, viz. "John Malcom desires Prayers of the Christian People of this Congregation, that the vile Abuse received on the 25th Day or Evening of January last past, from a vile rebellious Mob, without Provocation, may be sanctified to him and his Family; and that he may bless God that his Usefulness is still spared, and that he is greatly recovered from his dreadful Wounds and Bruises he then received from the bloody and cruel Hands of these cruel Mortals here below. May God forgive them!"
SAYL EM, February 15, 1774. By Captain Corbett, who arrived at Marblehead last Week from the West-Indies, we are informed, that he spoke a Brig in Distress, which had sprung a Leak, in Lat. 40, 10, Long. 59, 35, could not learn the Master's Name, nor where bound, but understood she came from the Grenades; Capt. Corbett stayed by them for three Days and Nights, one Morning they attempted to come on board in their Yawl, but she sunk alongside; they made a second and third Attempt in the Evening in their Long Boat, when the first Sea, after they had quitted the Brig, struck them, filled the Boat, and every Soul perished. It blew so excessive hard, that it was impossible to give them any Assistance in their deplorable Situation, tho' all possible Means were used that could be at such a Time. After the People were lost, the Vessel soon disappeared. The Brig appeared to be about 140 or 150 Tons, had a Figure Head, the upper Works painted with light Colours, the Quarter Boards red, with white Streaks round them, and had Irish Colours hoisted in the Main Shrouds.
Married. At Halifax, Mr. Anthony Henry, Printer, aged about 30, to Mrs. Barbary Springhoff, aged 96. Died. At Boston, Mr. John Kneeland, aged 80.
PORTSMOUTH, February 18. Nathan Lord, Esq; is appointed a Justice of the Peace for the County of York, in the Massachusetts Bay, and Messrs. Joseph Hobbs, Benjamin Staple and Benjamin Massey, to be Coroners for the same County.
The Reverend Doctor COOPER, has declined accepting the Office of President of Harvard College. A By-Standing asks, what is become of their old President, we never heard he was dead. Some Mystery, Mr. Printer, no Body seems to like the Office. I hope the King isn't a-going to pay his Salary, out of the Duties on Tea?
Last Sunday the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of this Province was prorogued to the 10th of March next. The 10th Instant was married Major SAMUEL HOBARD, Esq; of Hollis, to Mrs. ELIZABETH MARCH, Relict of the late Mr. Stephen March, of this Town.
Falmouth, Casco-Bay, Feb. 10th, 1774.
MANY People being Apprehensive that there will be a Difficulty in preventing some individual Persons from selling TEA, even tho' this Town should Vote against it; We think proper to declare to YOU that you need not doubt of your Resolutions being carried into Execution; for we whose Names are hereunto subscribed, will engage that no Person in this Town, Great or Small, Rich or Poor, shall dare to counteract your laudable Designs.
Thomas Tarbucket, Peter Pitch, Abraham Wildfowl, David Plaister, Benjamin Brusb, Oliver Scarcrow, Henry Hand-Cart, Committee for Tarring and Feathering.
LONDON, November 10.
TUESDAY Night a Pandican at Wapping, notorious for his Profligacy, entered a swearing Match with another of that Stamp, for a Wager of Half a Guinea, and he that uttered the most blasphemous Imprecations and Oaths was to be the Winner. In the Midst of their impious Contention, the Pandican's lower Jaw was turned on one Side, and he continued in that Condition speechless, till next Morning, when he died.
A Correspondent at Elsinore writes, that a Shoe-maker of that Town, in a Fit of Melancholly, not having Resolution enough to make away with himself, his Life being a Burthen to him, determined to be guilty of some Murder, and deliver himself up to the Hand of Justice. Accordingly he sallied forth at Night armed with a Knife for the Purpose, but changing his Mind, not daring to put his Design into Execution, he threw himself into a Canal in one of the streets. Some Sailors had
heard his Fall into the Water, ran to the Place, took him out in Time, and conducted him home to his House. As soon as he was free from his Deliverers, he sent his Wife to an Apothecary, under a Pretence of fetching him a Cordial, which in fact, he much wanted; he no sooner found himself alone, than he approached his Child, which lay in the Cradle, embraced it, and cut off its Head. At this Instant his Wife returned, found the innocent Victim weltering in its Blood, and shrieked. The Neighbours brought the Patrol to the House, who seized the unnatural Father, and conducted him to Prison, where, after depriving him of every Thing that he could possibly make use of to destroy himself, they left him loaded with Irons, and abandoned to the most violent Despair. This unhappy Creature drew himself with Difficulty to his Prison Window, broke a Pane of Glass with his Head, and forcing his Neck upon the Edge of the broken Panes, cut his Throat, and died.
A DEMONSTRATION
To prove to the meanest Capacity in America that if the English Tea is permitted to land here, before the Tea Act is repealed, there is Nothing we possess, whether Lands, Houses, Chattels, Money, or any Thing else, which we can then call our own.
THE CAUSE, if we permit the Landing of the English Tea; before the Tea Act is repealed, the Governor and Council having no Power to suspend an Act of Parliament, were the Tea ever so safe in their Possession, the Duty upon it must be paid, as certainly as if it were in Possession of any Merchant in the City.
If the Duty is paid, then the Tea-Act is complied with. If the Tea-Act be complied with, the Act for raising Money from us without our Consent, is complied with.
If the Act for raising Money from us without our Consent be complied with, then we acknowledge a Right in the British Parliament who framed the Act, to tax us.
If we acknowledge a Right in them to tax us, we acknowledge they have a Right to take away our Property at Pleasure. If they have a Right to take away our Property at Pleasure, we can have no Property in any Thing we can call our own.
If we have no Property in any Thing we can call our own, there is Nothing we possess, whether Lands, Houses, Chattels, Money, or any Thing else, which we can call our own.
Therefore, if we permit the Landing of the English Tea, before the Tea-Act is repealed: There is nothing we possess, whether Lands, Houses, Chattels, Money or any Thing else, which we can then call our own.
My fellow Citizens--What Evil can be productive of so many Miseries to this Country, as the landing of the infamous Tea? The Men then who are dead to every Feeling of Humanity, whose Hearts are like adamant, hardened against the Reproach of their own Country, to all future Ages, only, may aid and assist in the dreadful Atsumpt, for some else's Sake. ZENO.
TO BE LET,
And entered upon the beginning of APRIL next, A FARM in Little-Harbour, containing good Pasturing, Ploughing, Mowing and Orchard, with a good HOUSE and BARN, with Stock, as Cattle, Sheep and Swine. Whoever inclines to hire the same, may know further by applying to JONATHAN WARNER, Esq; of Portsmouth.
ALL PERSONS Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of ELIZABETH WIBIRD, late of Portsmouth, Widow, deceased, are hereby desired to adjust the same with the Subscriber, Administrator on said Estate. JOHN PENHALLOW. Portsmouth, Feb. 15, 1774.
WHEREAS the Proprietors of Land in the Town-ship of Leicester on Otter Creek (which Township was granted by the Governor and Council of New-Hampshire) did at their Meeting in January 1773, Vote, That the Sum of 4 Dollars should be raised and levied on each original Right, and also at their Meeting in March following, Voted, That the Sum of 1 Dollar as aforesaid, for the bounding and letting out said Township, and for the managing and carrying on any other Affairs, for the common Good of said Propriety, and that a Committee be appointed to offset the same. Therefore the Subscribers being appointed a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid, do a second Time notify the Proprietors to pay the same to Mr. Isaac Stone, Collector, or to Capt. Eliza Child, Treasurer, at or before the adjourned Meeting of said Propriety which will be on the second Day of March next, at one o'Clock on said Day, at the House of Nathaniel Child, Esq; of Woodstock in the County of Windham, and Colony of Connecticut; otherwise their Rights will be exposed to Sale at the House of the said Nathaniel Child, Esq; at 1 o'clock P. M. on said Day, according to Law.
Woo d st ck, Nov. 16, 1773. Nathaniel Child, Eliza Child, Samuel Mc Clelland, Com mit tee.
Lost an 18 Foot Moses Boat. Went a drift from Spring-Hill, within a Fortnight, a Moses Boat, Eighteen Feet long, almost new. Whoever has taken up said Boat and will deliver her at Capt. GEORGE WENTWORTH'S Wharfe, or give Information where she may be found, shall be handsomely Rewarded, by JOSHUA WENTWORTH. Portsmouth, Jan. 20. 1774.

Stratham Resolves
PROVINCE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, ROCKINGHAM, ss. At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of STRATHAM, in said County, held at the Town Meeting-House by Adjournment, on Monday the seventh Day of February 1774; of which Meeting Deacon STEPHEN BORDMAN was chosen Moderator.
There is no greater Sign of the Want of Virtue in any People, than the Want of Zeal for the public Good, in promoting the Safety, Welfare, and Reputation, of the Community, of which we are Members; and of the Constitution under which we are protected: And when our Rights, Franchises and Privileges, are surreptitiously taken from us, and appropriated to the most infamous and invidious Purposes, our Silence at such a Time, would imply a tacit Submission to such Violations.
It is therefore with Pleasure, we have now assembled, to join our free Suffrages, with those of our fellow Subjects in America, and thus openly, avowedly, and solemnly, protest and declare, that we are born Freemen, and will remain so, under our present happy Constitution, as long as we have Lives to lose, or Fortunes to spend, in Defence of that & our Freedom, which cost our Ancestors so much Blood and Treasure. Therefore, Resolved, 1st. That Self-Preservation is the First Law of Nature; and that Taxation without Representation, is subversive of our LIBERTIES.
2. That the ACT of Parliament of GREAT-BRITAIN, made for the express Purposes, of Raising a REVENUE in America, is unconstitutional and unjust; and every Person who attempts to execute that Act, is an Enemy to this Country.
3. That the Power given the East-India Company by the Parliament of Great-Britain, (whereby they are introduced to aid in the ministerial PLAN of Enslaving America,) carries a manifest Intention of the Ministry, to leave no Stone unturned, in order to the effectual Execution of the Act of Parliament, laying a Duty upon TEAS payable in the Colonies: Therefore in this View, it becomes our Duty to oppose every Maneuvre of the Ministry to subvert our Constitution, with the utmost Vigour.
4. That the more effectually to frustrate their Designs, and render them abortive, we will not use any of said Company's TEAS in our Families: And whosoever aids, abets, assists, or any Ways countenances the Landing, Sale or Use of said TEAS, we will treat them with such Neglect and Contempt, that such a Conduct deserves.
5. We also conclude, from the Conduct of those Merchants and Retailers, who take the present Opportunity, to raise the Price of Tea, already imported; that they are Enemies to America, and ought to be treated as such; and although they may pretend to stand for Liberty; yet their Conduct proves them to be of a mercenary selfish Disposition; and ought to be had in Contempt by all true-hearted Sons of Liberty.
Also, voted, That the Thanks of this Town be presented to our worthy Fellow-Subjects throughout the Colonies in general; and in the Town of Portsmouth in Particular; for their united Endeavours, and spirited Resolutions, to support the Rights of America; in which they may be assured of the hearty Concurrence of this Town.
Voted, That Deacon STEPHEN BORDMAN, Deac. SAM. LANE, Esq. JOHN TAYLER, Esq. SIMON WIGGINS, and Mr. STEPHEN PIPER, or any Three of them, be a Committee of Correspondence to correspond with the Committee appointed at Portsmouth, or any other Committee; and that they cause the Substance of the Transactions of this Meeting to be published in the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Voted, That this Meeting be dissolved, and it was immediately dissolved by the Moderator.
STEPHEN BORDMAN, Moderator. A true Copy of the Transactions of said Meeting. Attest pr. SAMUEL LANE, Clerk, Pro. Tem. ***** L O N D O N, Nov. 1.
A Maiden Lady at Hackney, who died last Week, left 20 Guineas each to Four Maidens, who were to be her Pall-Bearers, and were to swear that they were Maids before receiving the Money; but when the oath came to be administered Three of them deanted, declaring they should think it a heinous Sin to be guilty of Perjury.
We are told that a Muffin Man, who cries his Goods at the West End of the Town, actually receives an Annuity of 20l. per ann. from a Lady in a Street near Berkley Square, on Condition of his not crying them in that Street, which he has enjoyed these Three Years.
Last Week a Gentleman of immense Fortune, at Uxbridge, purchased a male Infant of one of his Tennants, who had lain in a few Days, and was left a Widow: He gave one Hundred Guineas for the Child, on Consideration the Mother was never to own it, and intends adopting it as his own son.
Nov. 15. One Mr. Fabrigas, a Resident in Minorca, on account of some very heavy Oppressions from General Mosely, his Majesty's Governor of that Island last Summer, brought an Action against that Officer. The Cause was tried before Lord Chief Justice Mansfield, and a Verdict of Three Thousand Pounds Damages was found for the Plaintiff; afterwards the Defendants Counsel moved the Court for a new Trial, which occasioned the Governor to be summoned before a very awful Tribunal, where the following particulars occurred:
One Day last Week a Command was sent to the Culprit to attend immediately at Kew, his Majesty having Business with him of the utmost Importance. This Command was immediately obeyed, and on the Ministerial Officer's Arrival, he was introduced into the royal Closet, where he found Lord North and Lord Mansfield, who had likewise received particular Messages to attend, but were entirely ignorant of the Business on which they were summoned, until the Entrance of the Viceroy gave immediate Intimation to the Noblemen, that it was on his Account. The great Personage soon appeared and confirmed this Opinion, by addressing himself to Lord Mansfield in the following Manner:
"It is from you, my Lord, that we expect a clear Account of the heavy Charge brought lately against this Gentleman, in one of our Courts of Justice; the Relations already given us have been so partially coloured, and so indistinctly confused, that we must rely on the implicit Truth of your Recital, as the only Means of investigating to our own Satisfaction, a Matter that so nearly affects ourselves, and the Safety of our Subjects in foreign Governments. We have, my Lord (addressing him to Lord North) desired your Attendance, not alone to have the Benefit of your Advice, but to shew you that we will not in the least encourage or support any Man, who trusted with our delegated Authority, shall use it to the worst of Purposes, that of oppressing his fellow Subjects." And you, Sir, (speaking to the Viceroy) we thought proper to command your Attendance, to hear
our sincere Opinion of your Conduct, and to convince you, that all Reliance upon our Protection, assistance, or future Favour is in vain, if we find you have merited by Oppression and Injustice, the stigma which has been thrown on your Character." Lord Mansfield then entered into a minute Detail of the Circumstances, but eloquently palliated the most flagrant; he recited the Provocation given to the Viceroy, in a Style that set them on a Level with the most provoking Injuries to his Person and Government; in which Colourings he was more than once interrupted by Lord North, which set them in their true Light. When his Lordship had finished, the King demanded his positive and real Opinion, whether the Verdict given was just and adequate? To this plain Demand, enforced by a determinate Voice and Accent, the equivocating P--- was obliged to give an affirmative Reply. Lord North was then asked his Opinion, who replied, that he had not the least Doubt of the Justness of the Verdict; that the Tyranny and Cruelty of the Viceroy were but too palpable; though it must be confessed, some provocations were given, yet his Conduct was notoriously illegal and oppressive. "I am afraid (continued his Lordship) the Gentleman's high Opinion of Military Government betrayed him into this most flagrant Violation of the civil Power, and as to the Verdict being adequate, the Injuries sustained by the Sufferer, no doubt determined the Jury to fix it; yet the Viceroy's Delinquency being clearly proved, the Sum given was a very inadequate Punishment." His Majesty thanked his Lordship for his Sincerity, and the Honesty of his Opinion; and then turned to the Viceroy, told him he was at liberty to offer any Thing in his own Defence. On which Permission he gave a very short Account of every Transaction, and laboriously endeavoured to gloss over each Circumstance. When he had ended, His Majesty spoke to him as follows: "You will perhaps think, Sir, that our Interference is unnecessary; but when you reflect that the Power you had, and used, we must say so shamefully, originated from us, you must allow our clear Right to see such abuses rectified, such Proceedings stopped. The Laws of your Country have in some Measure punished you; but do not tempt them too far; you may avail yourself of these Delays, which, though the Plague of Individuals, are the Safety of the Laws; but be assured, that our Assistance shall be expected in vain. Our Continuance of Favour or not, a future Time shall inform you." His Majesty then retired, and the Conference broke up.
L O N D O N, Nov. 13. The following Affair is no less odd than true: On Sunday last on old Country Woman, a Pigeon Fancier, who had not been at Church for Nine Years past, had the Curiosity to step into a Church in this Metropolis, and was handed into a Pew; not being used to the Solemnity of Church Service, the soon fell asleep; however, she had not been long in that Situation before the unfortunate broke Wind a Tergo, and so loud as many of the Congregation heard it. A young Lad being near, waked her with, "Goody, Goody, your Back-Door is open." The Woman thinking she was at Home cried out, "Lord, is it! then all my Pigeons are gone." She immediately rose up in great Surprise, and with great Precipitation hurried through a no less surprised Congregation.
W I L L I A M S B U R G, (Virginia) Dec. 23. The following inhuman Affair, we are informed, from good Authority, was transacted on the Frontiers of Fincastle, about the latter end of September last: Capt. William Russell, with several Families, and upwards of 30 Men, set out with an Intention to reconnoitre the Country towards the Ohio, and settle in the Limits of the expected new Government. A few Days after they set out, unluckily the Party was separated into three Detachments; the Main Body in the Front, with the Women and Children, and their Cattle and Baggage; in the Center Captain Russell's Son, with Five white Men, and Two Negroes; who the fatal Night before the Murder, encamped a few Miles short of the Front. In the Morning, about Day break, while asleep in the Camp, they were fired upon by a Party of Indians, who killed young Mr. Russell, & Four other white Men, and One Negro. Captain Russell, shortly after hanging up the Rear, unexpectedly came on the Corpse of his Son, which was mangled in an inhuman Manner, & there was left in him a Dart Arrow, and War-Club was left Beside him. After this unexpected Affair, the Party upon getting Intelligence, returned to the Inhabitants. It appeared that the Indians had pursued young Russell's Party some considerable Distance the Day before, and, upon overtaking them, took that defenceless Opportunity to Perpetrate their Barbarity.
N E W Y O R K, Feb. 3. Monday Evening last Week, the House of Mr. Jesse Reener, of St. George's Manor, in Suffolk County, Long-Island, was burnt to the Ground, by which melancholy Accident, Mr. Reener has lost his Wife and Three Children, they having perished in the Flames. The three Children it seems were sent to Bed in an upper Chamber, and carried with them a Split of Pine which it is supposed they did not take proper Care of and by that Means set Fire to the House; and the Mother being below with two other Children, on the Discovery of the Fire, his imagined went up to the Relief of those above, and by that Means lost her Life.
The Governor of Pennsylvania, in a Message to the Assembly of that Province, on the 14th of December, lays before them the distressed State of the County of Northumberland, by the intolent Outrages of Men who have long bid Defiance to the Laws of the Country and in a warlike Manner attempt to dispossess the Inhabitants of that County.
The Assembly in Answer say, they have prepared and passed a Bill, in order to defer those Emigrants from Connecticut, from Executing their unwarrantable Designs in the known Limits of the Province of Pennsylvania.
The Government of Connecticut claim the Right to the Possession of this County & some other Land, on the Susquehanna; the Assembly begs of his Honor to pursue every effectual Measure to call the Claimants before his Majesty in Council, and to bring it to an immediate Decision.
The Assembly of Pennsylvania was adjourned to the 12th of September next.
The Assembly of Connecticut have passed an Act incorporating that Part of the Colony, known by the Name of Susquehanna, into a Township and annexed it to the County of Litchfield in that Colony.
Doctor John Perkins of Boston, is elected a Member of the American Philosophical Society at Philadelphia.
The City of Philadelphia, is in great Agitation respecting the Seizure of a Shallop going from thence to New-Castle County, without taking out regular Clearances, &c. &c. The Libel expressly lays, from one Colony to another.
B O S T O N, February 10. The 20th of this Instant, a Church was incorporated at Province Town, Cape Cod, and Rev. Mr. Samuel Parker was ordained the Pastor of it.
Monday last the Corporation of Harvard College again met for the Choice of a PRESIDENT, when the Rev. Dr. COOPER, of this Town was unanimously chosen.
In the Grenada Gazette of the 10th of November last there is an Act of their Legislature regulating and restricting the Market and Prices of fresh Beef, Veal, Mutton, Pork, Turtle and Fish--which will probably injure the Trade with that Island.
Proceedings of the Matrons, &c.
At a Meeting of the Matrons of LIBERTY, January 1, 1774. Mrs. SUSANNA SPINDLE was chosen Moderator, and the Meeting was opened with a pathetic ADDRESS by Mrs. Spindle to the LADIES, to take into Consideration the distressed State the Females are reduced, by the unreasonable and arbitrary Procedure of their HUSBANDS, under a Pretence of defending their Liberties, in which she observed; That some few Years since, the Men agreed to make their own Clothing, and not to import from Great-Britain--the Women were set to manufacture the Wool and Flax, whilst the Men never put their Fingers to the Burthen--Many of our Sex, (said Mrs. Spindle) to please their Husbands, laboured beyond their Strength, and fell into Consumption, and are now in their Graves--during which Time we (said Mrs. Spindle) cheered our selves, and recruited our exhausted Spirits with innocent TEAS. But now we are denied that, and many of my Fellow Females are languishing under Head-Achs, confined to their Beds good Part of their Time, yet their daily Task is not diminished by their cruel Lords, who Sorce themselves with their Flip and Punch and live at Ease; and are continually clamouring against the Use of TEA----- My Sisters it is high Time to exert ourselves, and to stand for our just Liberty (which is Arbitrarily wrested from us without our Consent) and come to some spirited RESOLVES. A Committee was chosen, who drew up the following RESOLVES, and being read were Voted Nem. Con.
I. That the Women in America, are intitled to all the Liberties which the Women in Great Britain enjoy, and particularly to drink TEA.
II. That we understood our Husbands did Covenant (when we married) to provide us TEA, or we never would have joined our Hands with theirs.
III. That true Liberty consists in Eating and Drinking that which makes us better fitted for the Business of Life.
IV. That it was much worse for us to pay 12d. per Pound for TEA in Great-Britain, than 3d. here.
V. That we by our Labour pay a much larger Duty for Wine, Punch & Flip for our HUSBANDS, than for TEA for ourselves.
VI. That it is to be feared many Lives of Mothers & Children will be lost, by the severe Measures gone into.
VII. As soon as the Men will forsake Tipling, and content themselves with Pumpkin and Bran Beer; we will leave off sipping TEA, and substitute Sage, Baum, &c. in the Room of it.
VIII. That the Merchants under a pretence of guarding our Liberties, prevented the Landing of the East India Company's TEA; and at the same Time fell their own at such an extravagant Price, make it evident it is not our Interest; but their own private Gain they are pursuing.
IX. That they make Dups of the Country People, who believe what they say.
X. That they are Enemies to this Country, & serving themselves by the present Riots, as they did in the Non Importation Time.
XI. That if our HUSBANDS will not open their Eyes we have a Right to put them quite out, and take the Management of Affairs ourselves.
XII. We will be good and Dutiful to our HUSBANDS, if they will be kind to us.
Attest. SUSANNA SPINDLE. ***** Taken in Execution,
AND TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION, On Monday the 28th Instant, 3 o'Clock P. M. at the Vendue Room of PHILLIP BAILEY in Queen Street, and to continue from Day to Day 'till the whole is sold, SUNDRY SORTS of ENGLISH GOODS, consisting of Scarlet and color'd Bread Cloths, Serge, Bayse, Shalloons, Tamies, Durats, Callicoes, Check Linens, Mistle Buttons, Tawis, Cruels, Worsted Locks and Hinges of all Kinds, Desk Furniture, Sadelery, with a great Variety of other Articles. Also a Quantity of Merchantable, Jamaica, and Scale Fish, St. Martin's Salt, and a Parcel of Junk.
JOHN PARKER, Sheriff. Portsmouth, Feb 9. 1774.
TO BE LET, and entered upon the beginning of APRIL next.
A FARM in Kittery, at the Head of York River, containing about 180 Acres of good pasturing, plowing, mowing, orcharding, and some Wood Land: Now in the Occupation of Mr. George Ham:--there is on said FARM a good House and Garden, two Barns, a Brook running thro' for half a Mile, never dry; with some Stock, as Cattle, Sheep, & Swine. Whoever inclines to hire the same, may know further by applying to JOHN MOFFAT, Esq; of Portsmouth.
WHEREAS the Proprietors of CONWAY have chosen me Collector for the following Sums, one TAX of Twelve Shillings on each Right or proprietors Share in said Conway, granted to the Town to assist them in building a Meeting House, and one TAX of Thirty Shillings on each Right to make Bridges and Roads in said Town; this is to Notify said Proprietors to pay said TAXS to me at my Dwelling House in said Conway, on or before the third Tuesday in March next, or their Lands will be advertised for Sale.
DAVID PAGE, Collector. Jan. 31. 1774.
TO BE SOLD An extraordinary good FARM
containing 80 Acres, lying all together, well fenced, in Newhampton, within a Mile of the Meeting-House, well wooded, together with good Mowing & Pasture Land; a young Orchard, with 300 Apple Trees; is well water'd. On the Premises is a good double House and Barn, Well, &c. with other Accommodations. For Particulars, and the Price, enquire of Samuel Page, who lives on said Farm, or the Printer hereof.
The Subscribers being appointed
a Committee by the GENERAL COURT, for Surveying and Charing a ROAD from CONWAY to Connecticut River, have caus'd the said Road to be survey'd and open'd, and the Proprietors of the under mentioned Tracts are hereby Notified, that the Sums annexed, are due to the Committee for the Surveying and clearing said Road through the same, with other contingent Expenses, the Proprietors are desired to pay the several Sums to the Committee by the 10th Day of March next, if not then paid, the Lands will be advertised for Sale as the Law directs.
  Richard Grid's F. grs. Location 19 15 3   Township of Durand 40 5 2   Township of Dartmouth 48 8 8   Township of Lancaster 10 0 8   AMMIR CUTTER, THOMAS MARTIN, Committee. JACOB TREADWELL, Portsmouth, February 9. 1774.
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, Cheshire, ss. WHEREAS the Proprietors of the Town of Alstead, in the County aforesaid, have been legally Notified to pay Sundry Grants of Money legally assessed on Proprietors Rights or Lots of Land in said Township to me the Subscriber, and several of said Proprietors being yet delinquent in the whole or part, there are therefore to Notify said proprietors, that so much of each delinquent proprietors Lands will be expos'd to Sale at public Vendue at the House of Mr. Oliver Shepherd, Innholder in said Alstead, on Wednesday the 9th Day of March next at Nine of the Clock in the Morning, to pay said TAXES with incidental Charges, the Delinquents Lots being as follows, viz.
   No. Lot. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.     6 in 1st 1 12 2 in 2d 1 0 2 in 3d 3 8   3 3 3 8 4 3 1 3 8 2 4 1 0 0   2 4 3 8 1 5 3 8 2 5 1 0 0 0   3 5 2 16 1 6 3 8 2 6 3 8   3 6 3 8 5 6 3 8 1 7 3 8   2 7 1 0 4 7 3 8 5 7 2 8   6 7 3 8 7 7 3 8 8 7 3 8   1 8 3 8 2 8 3 8 5 8 3 8   6 8 3 8 7 8 3 8 8 8 3 8   1 9 8 4 2 9 8 4 2 9 3 8   8 9 3 8 1 10 8 4 2 10 8 4   3 10 3 8 4 10 3 8 5 10 3 8   6 10 3 8 7 10 3 8 8 10 3 8    AB. ALOM KINGSBURY Collector. Alstead Jan. 24 h 1774.
$ New-Almshury $
THIS is to give Notice to the Proprietors of New-Almshury, so called, (in the County of Hillsborough) and Province of New Hampshire, that unless they pay a TAX of three pounds eighteen shillings, to me for each Right by the 5th Day of March next, their Rights will be expos'd to public Sale. EZEKIEL EVENS, Collector for the Proprietors of New Almshury. New Almshury, Feb 7. 1774.
TO BE SOLD, a commodious New Dwelling-House,
Pleasantly situated on Spring Hill, at a well-convenient place for Trade, as any in the town; it is almost finished together with a good Ware House, Yard, Garden Spot, and almost every Convenience that can be mentioned; with an excellent Cellar, in which is two good Arches: Now in the Occupation of Mr. Benjamin Parker. Enquire of the Printer hereof.
Stavers's STAGE-COACH,
NUMBER ONE, Continues to ply weekly from PORTSMOUTH to BOSTON, with FOUR HORSES, equal to any in AMERICA, and sets out on Tuesday Mornings, eight o'Clock, reaches BOSTON next Day--Leaves Boston Friday Mornings, reaches PORTSMOUTH next Day at said STAVERS's House, where is good Entertainment for Passengers and others; and good Accommodations for Carriages and Horses--He takes Care and provides good Drivers-- His Carriages, for twelve Years has never been overset, nor any Passengers met with any Hurt. One half the Freight paid at Entrance.