The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-04-12 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, April 12. 1777.
[No. 47]
HONOUR, I obey thee!
AT a crisis when America is invaded by one of the most powerful fleets and armies that ever the world beheld arrayed in order of battle, when the hand of tyranny is up lifted to fell the GLORIOUS PLANT OF LIBERTY , which our ancestors have cherished from the earliest ages, as the tree of life; when war, with all its horrors, is invading this once happy land, and every sacred right is at stake; when every filial and affectionate sentiment should engage us to step forth in support of those who have been the guardians of our tender years, or the sweet companions of our halcyon days; must not that soul be frozen even to apathy, that is not roused by such important and irresistible impulses! Our COUNTRY , our LIVES , our LIBERTIES , our PARENTS , our CHILDREN & our WIVES , &c. are the SACRED PLEDGES for which we are now contending. We stand on the brink of a precipice, for which we cannot advance without the noblest exertions of VIRTUE , UNANIMITY , and FORTITUDE . A single false step may precipitate us from the enjoyment of the inestimable blessings of LIBERTY , PEACE and INDEPENDENCE , to the abyss of slavery and woe. But, on the contrary, whilst we are animated by the GLORIOUS CAUSE we are engaged in, whilst we with cheerfulness embark in the defence of the most valuable of sublunary blessings, whilst we are united in our sentiment, vigilant in our duty, and active in our operations, we need not dread the thunder of cannon, nor tremble at the names of heroes arrayed in all the splendour of a corrupt court, or crowned with the faded laurels which have been plucked by the band of tyranny.
Such, my countrymen, is the present state of America; such the consequence of slumbering in the arms of peace, whilst your enemy is at your gates; and such the glorious reward of those who nobly stand forth and oppose the progress of a mercenary army, more venal than a court favourite, more savage than a band of Tartars, and more spiritless than the sorry sooty sons of Afric, when opposed by men animated by liberty and the sacred love of their country.
Should any one among you require the force of example to animate you on this glorious occasion, let him turn his eyes to that bright luminary of war in whose character conduct of Emillus , the coolness of a Fabius , the intrepidity of an Hannibal , and the indefatigable ardour and military skill of a Cæsar , are united. Let not the name of Brutus or Camillus be remembered whilst that WASHINGTON is to be found in the annals of America. Great in the cabinet as in war, he shines with unrivalled splendour in every department of life; and, whilst his abilities as a Statesman and a General excite our wonder, his disinterested patriotism and domestick virtues command universal veneration. When sent out by Governor Dinwiddie to order the French to desist from their encroachments on Virginia, view him in the
early period of life, traversing in the service of his country, the dreadful wilds of America, through nations of savages, with no other of attendant but an interpreter. Behold him at the head of a handful of his gallant countrymen, engaged for many hours with more than treble the number of French at the Meadows, were the fire first ceased on the side of the enemy, who previously proposed a parley; and, though surrounded by numbers, yet, a stranger to the impulses of fear, he capitulated on the terms of retiring with the honours of war. Follow him to that tremendous scene which struck an universal panic in the bravest of the British troops, when, as aid de-camp to the intrepid Braddock , amidst the dreadful carnage of that day, he was engaged in giving out the orders of that unfortunate General with a coolness that marked the hero, and at length brought him off the field of battle after he had received his mortal wound. Again, behold him exchanging the din of arms for the calmer scenes of life, still active in the service of his country in the senate, until the impending storm, which is now bursting on America, called him forth as the guardian protector of his country. Behold him abandoning the delights of peace, the enjoyment of affluence, and the pleasures of domestick felicity, and entering, with ardour upon a military life again. Let imagination paint him at the head of a few raw undisciplined troops, destitute of arms and ammunition, besieging an army of veterans supported by a powerful navy. Consider with what unparalleled fortitude he withstood the difficulties that surrounded him on every side. Behold him embracing the earliest opportunity of driving the enemy from their advantageous post, and obliging them to abandon the long persecuted town of Boston. Again, survey the plains of Long-Island, whether he flew like a guardian angel to protect and bring off his brave troops, surrounded on every side by an host of foes, and with a conduct unparelleled in history secured their retreat across a river of which the enemy's ships were in full possession. Surely Heaven interposed in behalf of America on that day, by permitting such numbers to escape with glory from such a superior force! Behold his glorious struggles on the heights of Haerlem, and at the White Plains, counteracting the best concerted plans of the ablest Generals of the age; in thought attend him (if thought does not lag behind) when, as it were, he bounded from the White Plains to the Jersey shore, covering the retreat of his men from fort Lee, and throwing himself with them before the enemy, and with the scattered remains of his disbanded army, now amounting only to three thousand men, checking, at every step, the progress of the British army, and often halting to offer battle to numbers vastly superior to his own. Gracious Heaven! can any Virginian his countrymen, or can any American who regards him as the saviour of their States, reflect on his situation at that juncture without horror?—Would he not rather share his for-
tunes for the rest of the war, than hazard the salvation of his country by a short exertion, at the end of which his General might be left without an army to support him? Yet, even in such a situation his calmness and intrepidity never forsook him, but he appeared still greater in proportion to the dangers that surrounded him. At length, when the enemy flattered themselves with the pleasing expectations of a speedy accomplishment of their darling wish, we behold him by coup de main dissipating the fears of his country and striking terror into troops who the day before conceived themselves on the eve of a triumph. Whilst each effeminate son of peace was revelling in luxury, his active mind was employed in preparing for scenes equally glorious to himself, and terrible to his enemies. Success attended this matchless enterprize, and Philadelphia, with the rest of America, hailed him her deliverer and guardian genius.
Such my countrymen, is the General who directs the military operations of America; such the glorious leader of her armies; such the HERO whose bright example should fire every generous heart to enlist in the service of his country. Let it not be said you are callous to the impressions of such noble considerations, but, by following his glorious example, shew ourselves worthy of possessing that inestimable jewel LIBERTY , & reflect that you have nothing to dread whilst you are engaged in so glorious a cause, & blessed with a WASHINGTON for a leader. Williamsburg, (Virginia) January 24, 1777.
Late last evening we received some papers, from which we have only time and room for the following.
Hague Nov. 13. The merchants of the Principal towns of this republic, interested in the fate of some vessels, taken a short time since by the English, under pretence of infringing the orders of the states have presented a petition to the States General, in which they claim the support of their High Mightinesses against the Court of London. They pretend that the vessels seized, whether on their passage from Rotterdam to St. Eustatia, or in coming from St. Croix to Amsterdam, could not on account of their nature and country of the proprietors, which has been sufficiently proved, belong to the commerce of any other nation.
LONDON, November 30, 1776. We are informed, that the restitution of the transport with troops, which has been taken by an America privateer, and carried into Spain, has been formally demanded by our Minister at that Court, and absolutely refused.
A letter from Hamburg, Dated Nov. 15, says, "The news of war arrives here from every quarter. We learn, among other intelligence, that the troops of a formidable power hath received orders to hold themselves in readiness to march on the first signal with every thing necessary for taking the field."
The account of the dispatches said to be thrown over board, and recovered, from the French Court to the Congress of America assuring them of assistance in the spring is a fact and this may account for the sudden and unexpected press. We have very good authority to affirm it to be true.
We bear that Lord Chatham is so very ill, that he is given over by his physicians.

STATE of NEW-HAMPSHIRE, ROCKINGHAM, ss.
P URSUANT to a Precept directed to us from the General Assembly of this State, we hereby Notify the Inhabitants of Portsmouth, who pay Taxes, that each and every Person be prepared to exhibit a true Inventory of his Rateable Estate by the Twenty first Instant, to consist of what each Person was Possessed of the first day of this Instant, in the following kind of Estate. All Male Polls from Eighteen Years old and upwards, except Persons engaged in the Army, or Navy for three Years, or during the War. All Male and Female Slaves from sixteen to forty five years of age. Orchard, Arable, Mowing, and Pasture Land, accounting so much Orchard as will in a common Season produce ten Barrels of Cyder, one Acre; So much Pasture Land as will Summer a Cow, four Acres. And what Mowing Land will commonly produce one Tun of Hay yearly, one Acre. And what Arable or Tillage Land, will commonly produce Twenty five Bushels of Corn yearly, one Acre, in which is to be considered all Land planted with Indian Corn, Potatoes, and Beans, and sown with Grain, Flax, and Peas. All Horses, Mares, & Colts, distinguishing the difference of Year's from One to Three Years old; esteeming all that have Wintered Two Winters one Year old, allowing in like Manner for those Two Years old, and those Three Years old; and all that are Four Years old and upwards to be accounted Horses and Mares. All Oxen, Cows, and young Cattle distinguishing their Ages as above expressed for Horses. All Mills, Wharves and Ferries, & the yearly Rent therefor, yearly Repairs thereof being first deducted. The Sum total of all Money in hand or improved at Interest, more than the Persons, letting or having the same give Interest for. The Sum total of the value of all Stock improved in Trade whether Abroad or at Home. The Sum total of the value of all Real Estate, viz. Land and Buildings not included in the before named Articles, which is to be taken by the Selectmen in the Towns where the Lands and Buildings are. No Lands appropriated to publick Uses to be inventoried. That said Inventory be made and returned in Columns, agreeable to the following Form viz.
  Number of Polls 18 Years old and upwards. No. of Slaves from 16 to 45 Years of Age. No. of Acres of Orchard Land. No. of Acres of Arable or Tillage Land. No. of Acres of Mowing Land. No. of Acres of Pasture Land. No. of Horses and Mares. No. of Colts Three Years old. No. of Colts 2 Years old. No. of Colts one Year old. No. of Oxen. No. of Cows. No. of Cattle 3 Years old. No. of Cattle 2 Years old. No. of Cattle 1 Year old. Yearly Rents of Mills, Wharves & Ferries, Repairs being deducted. Sum total of Stock in Trade. Sum total of Money in Hand or at Interest. Sum total of the Value of all Real Estate not included before. 
And every Person is required to give a true and faithful Inventory of all the foregoing Articles, belonging to him respectively, on Oath when required by the Person or Persons taking said Inventory. And on Refusal or Neglect thereof the Persons taking said Inventory are to set down to him or them so refusing as much as in their Judgment shall appear equitable.
Portsmouth April 9, 1777.
GEORGE KING. GEORGE GAINS. JOSEPH SIMES. WILL. LANGDON. JOHN FURNALD.
Selectmen.
Surveyors of the high Ways, Thomas Seavey, Abia- ham Elliot, Samuel Sherburne, & George Gains Esq. Lot Lagers, Samuel Hale Esq; John Bennett Esq; & Abiah Holbrook. Bread Weights, John Beck, Elisha Hill, Nahum Vard, Joseph Alcock, & James Gourd. Callers and Packers of Fish, George Hull, George How, & John Pitman. Pound Keeper, Captain Samuel Langdon. Surveyors of Boards, Gerhrom Flagg, Capt. John Searles, Samuel Waters, John Cutt, Paul Leighton, & Joseph Cotton. Hag Rovers, Edward Ayers, Wil. Walden, Joseph Benton, Bena. Quint, Thomas Priest, George Abbot. Measurers of Wood, Capt. John Briard, Shaksford Seawards Ephraim Ham, Samuel Waters, John Beck, Joseph Cotton & Ephraim Dennet. Corders of Wood, Joseph Benton, George Abbot Ed- ward Ayers, Thomas Priest, John Ayers, and James Seaward. Sealers of Weights & Mea- sures, Daniel Lunt. Measurers of Wood brought into Town by Land, Jonathan Shillaber, Richard Mills, William Willson Dan. Lunt, Capt. John Pickering, and Robert Neal.
TO THE PUBLICK.  T HOUGH you and I, candid Reader, may see our Way clear, to reject the slavish Bands, of the British Legislature, and are willing to risk our All, even Life itself, in Defence and Maintenance of the righteous Independence, this Country too long delay'd, but at length, has gloriously assum'd; tho' we stand ready with Heart & Hand, to repel the Invaders of our Rights, Liberties and Properties, and are as willing, to fight with, and slay Britons, when in Support of their unjust and unnatural Claims, they turn Pirates, Robbers & Murderers, as with Barbarians, should they make the same dangerous and wicked Attempt; yet if others, from the long Habit of blind Submission, to lawless and arbitrary Power, are still dispos'd, if permitted, to pay the same passive Obedience, to such Power, & plead Conscience, for their Nonresistance; if they will, bona fide , do or say, Nothing more against the public Cause, than that they can't join in it, we ought to do or say, Nothing more against them, than that they are unhappily, essentially and fatally mistaken; & more than this, would be unjustifiable, and one among other Sins, tending to blast the Cause we fight for, in the fight of God.
Let us therefore endeavour, to draw, not drive Men into Measures, without Conviction of their Lawfulness, and against their Consciences. All Duties in such Cases, even that of Unsociability, is both criminal and impolitick. — I am far from agreeing with the Whisperer, in one of these late Papers, that we should not converse freely with Tories; or that he is an unstable Whig, who endeavours by calm Reason, and gentle Methods of Persuasion, to convince them of their Error; which will be much more likely, to change their Sentiments, or reclaim
them from Enmity, to the American Cause, if they have gone so far, than an unsocial & distant Reserve; besides the Opportunity, that an intercourse with them, gives us, to discover any evil Designs, they may have against their Country; if they have none, let such mistaken Persons, remain safe, in strict Neutrality, and live in harmless, but inglorious Security; while others reap the Honours and Applause of the Senate, or the Laurels of the Field, or act in some humbler Sphere, in Defence of their Country, & all that in it, is dear to us.
There are a Variety of most essential Circumstances, which conspire, to render the Attempts of Great Britain upon America abortive; these Circumstances, are all of them strengthened, by the Injustice & Cruelty of the War, she has waged against us; which will secure the divine Aid in our Favour, if our Lives and Manners, and Faith and Trust in Providence, correspond with the Righteousness of the Cause, we are engag'd in: without this religious Principle, and this pious Habit & Disposition we shall be in Danger of failing, in any Cause. — Let us therefore remember, that the Hairs of our Heads are all number'd; that not a Sparrow falls to the ground, unknown to our heavenly Father, (are not we of much more value than many Sparrows, if we don't render ourselves of less Value, by our Milconduct?) that not a Word in our Tongues, or a Tho't in our Hearts but lo, O Lord, thou knowest them altogether.
These Things being so, what manner of Persons ought we to be, to obtain Victory over our Enemies, either spiritual or temporal? We ought to be Christians indeed. — In order to this, let us put on Charity; and if no Instance persevere, grieve or molest those, who differ from us in Opinion, till by
Word or Deed, they appear inimical to their Country; & then let them be call'd in Question, and doom'd agreeable to the Laws of the Land; that is, the Resolves of Congress, & the Acts of each particular State, in which such Delinquents dwell.
The Number of these deluded people is so few, that they may be easily spared, and the Whigs may boast, that they have trod the bloody Paths of War alone, and that of the Tories, there has been none with them; that they have repel'd, baffled & defeated the Enemy, without their Assistance; and, that under God, the thanks of their Country are due only to them. CHARITAS.
[To be continued.]
STATE of NEW-HAMPSHIRE, Rockingham, ss. PORTSMOUTH, April 10, 1777.  A T the annual Town-Meeting held in this Town March 25th, 1777, the following Persons were chose to their respective Offices for the ensuing Year, Mr. THOMAS HART, Moderator. John Penhallow Town-Clerk. Select Men, George Gains, Esq; George King, Esq; William Langdon, Joseph Simes, and John Fernald. Overseers of the Poor, Samuel Cutts, Esq; Richard Hart, Elisha Hill, Jacob Treadwell, Jeremiah Libbey, Ass'tors, Samuel Penhallow, Samuel Cutts, and John Dennet, Esquires. Auditors, John Sherburne & William Knight, Esqrs; Agents, Samuel Cutts, Esq; & Capt. William Pearne. Attorney for the Town, John Pickering, Esq; Firewards, Samuel Hale, Esq; John Sherburne, Esq; Jacob Sheafe, junr. Jacob Treadwell, John Cutt, Wm. Knight, Esq; Joshua Wentworth, Esq; John Marshall and Jeremiah Libbey. Constables, Clement March, Richard Mills, Samuel Jackson, & Timothy Ham. Tyling Men, Supply Clap, Esq; Captain George Wentworth, Abraham Elliot, Neal M'Intyre, Moses Woodward, John Beck, Benjamin Mackey, Jonathan Ayers, & Benjamin Slade. Clerk of the Market, John Cutt. Fence Viewers, Samuel Sherburne, Nathaniel Pevery, William Brewster, Leader Nelson, Abraham Elliot, & William Ham. Searchers and Sealers of Leather, Jonathan Ayers, Nathaniel Jackson, & Peaking Ayers. Sur-

PHILADELPHIA, March 25.
A Gentleman of the first Rank in this City, has received a Letter from his Correspondent in France, who is one of the most eminent Merchants in that Kingdom, informing him that the Commercial Interest in that Country were so much in Favour of the Americans, that, under the Sanction of Government, they had began, and hoped soon to establish a Bank in Favour of Continental Currency, and did not doubt but all the Powers in Europe would immediately receive it, except the English, whose distressed Finances, it was expected, would soon oblige them to acknowledge the Americans Free and Independent States.
The Supreme Executive Council of this State, has appointed the H. N. JOSEPH READ, Esq; Chief Justice of the same, with a Salary of One Thousand Pounds a Year. The Puisne Judges, who are not yet appointed, are to have each Five Hundred Pounds a Year.
On the 6th instant the privateer brig General Mifflin, Capt. Hamilton, of this Port, returning from a cruise, was overtaken by a violent snow-storm which determined the captain to carry her into Sinexupent, but the pilot, being ignorant of the channel, unfortunately ran on shore, when the vessel bilged, and was soon filled with water. The hands (ninety odd) were on the quarter deck the whole night, and suffered exceedingly, and in the morning got on shore on a desolate beach, covered with snow, where seventeen of them perished, but by timely assistance the remainder of the crew were saved. Near three thousand pounds worth of prize effects were on board, which were lost with the vessel.
By accounts from New-Jersey we learn, that deserters daily come over from the enemy, who are pinned up in Brunswick, so that they never peep out, but our people have a knock at them, which as often turns out in our favour. One of which skirmishes happened on Tuesday the 13th inst where we took several waggons, 8 prisoners, and found 4 or 5 dead in the field; and another happened on Friday last, when the enemy made the best of their way into the town, to tell, that they could not get any forage for the rebels.
"Dec. 28 I have just received advice from Paris, that a bank is there instituting, for the exchange of Continental Paper Money, and a vessel may bring safely 3, 4, 5, or 600 l. in paper. This must greatly support the credit of the currency, and be matter of importance to the Continent. I shall be able, probably, to write more fully on this matter by next week."
We learn by letters from Marseilles of the 24th of Dec. that the arsenal at Portsmouth has been entirely consumed by fire. Other letters of the 28th confirm that melancholy news, and estimate the loss at a million sterling. Among the valuable effects which have been burnt, the rigging of at least twenty ships of the line is reckoned. Letters from London of the 18th and 21st of December, say that they had not been able to stop the fire on the third day after it began. [From the Martinique Gazette of the 13th of Feb.]
Extract of a Letter from France, Dec. 14. "England is fitting out a formidable Squadron that will consist nearly of forty sail of the line. France & Spain are likewise equipping, & a general war is expected in the spring. The King of Portugal is certainly dead."
On the first ult. Capt. Shalers, in a privateer sloop belonging to New-London, fell in with and took the brig Elizabeth, William Garnet, from Liverpool for Antigua, one hundred & fifty tons burthen, laden with dry goods, oats and potatoes, valued at ten thousand pounds sterling.
PROVIDENCE, March 29. We are informed that a number of the enemy's vessels are preparing to sail from Newport, and that part of the troops there have orders to hold themselves in readiness for embarkation.
We learn that a person, by the name of Slocum, was apprehended at or near Potowomut on Thursday last, for sending supplies of provision to the enemy at Rhode Island. His father in attempting to rescue him, was wounded by one of the guard, and is since dead.
A brig, Capt. Moody, belonging to Boston, which had been taken by a frigate, and ordered to Newport, arrived near point Judith on Monday last, when the wind proving unfavourable, she came to anchor. The enemy had put on board two midshipmen and eight seamen, and taken out all her former hands, except the mate and a boy; the latter, while his new shipmates were regaling below, went ashore in a boat; the mate soon after cut the cable, and the vessel drifting on the west shore, was secured by our troops stationed there. The prisoners have since been conducted to this town.
BALTIMORE, March 17.
Last Night Mr. Charles Cook, arrived here in 12 days from Newbern, in North Carolina, and brings the following important intelligence, viz.
"That the day before he sat out, Captain Charles Stedman, of the North-Carolina Forces, a gentleman of credit, just returned from Charlestown South Carolina, informed him and others, that he there saw a large French fleet, consisting of 15 men of war, 2 of them 80 gun ships, and 40 of them merchantmen—that 2 of the armed vessels lay within the bar—That these vessels had on board 200 pieces of brass cannon, 30,000 stands of small arms, and a vast quantity of dry goods for the use of the American States. Their Destination was said to be for Delaware and Chesapeake Bays."
[Though the Veracity of the above mentioned Gentleman is not doubted yet as no Express is arrived with the Intelligence, it is supposed that there is some Mistake in the Affair.]
Yesterday arrived the brig Sally, Capt. Stocker, in eleven weeks from Nantz in France, with ten thousand stands of small arms and a large number of gun locks.
BOSTON, APRIL 10. 1777.
Thursday, the first Day of May next, is appointed by Authority for a General Fast throughout this State.
Last Friday came to Town, a large Drove of Sheep, (consisting of several Hundred) being part of the Stock that was brought off Taupolin-Cove island—We hear the Stock was removed off the other Elizabeth Islands, one Time before to prevent their falling into the Hands of the enemy—It is hoped that all who have any Stock exposed, will follow the same Example.
By a Gentleman from the Elizabeth islands, we are informed that there has been for several Days past a sixteen Gun Sloop of war cruising off Gayhead, it is hoped those bound that way will keep a good look out.
We have an account from Philadelphia, That an officer belonging to the British navy was taken up as a spy, and condemned to be executed; he had engaged three Pilots, for a valuable consideration, to conduct a fleet up the Delaware, but as soon as they had received part of their reward gave information to proper Authority, who immediately apprehended the officer.
The Cabot Privateer was lately drove ashore at Geboge, near Cape Pense, by the Milford Frigate. The Capt. and Crew got ashore with their Fuzes; some of whom arrived at Salem Yesterday.
Last Week arrived at a safe Port; from Martinico the Privateer Sloop of War, Rover, belonging to SALEM, after a passage of 31 Days; the Captain of which informed—That a privateer fired out of that Port by the French, carrying 6 Guns and 25 men, had captured & sent in to that Place, a large Guineaman, with 300 slaves on board, a Quantity of Elephant's Teeth, and Gold Dust,—That the American Cruizers sent Prizes into that Port daily,—That a Privateer Brig, fitted out at Providence but belonging to Connecticut, had arrived there, and brought in a Snow, from Guinea, having on board 297 Slaves, a Brig laden with Fish, and a Sloop laden with Slaves, were all condemned at that Port.
Yesterday arrived at a safe port, a privateer Schooner, commanded by Capt. Cunningham, in a short Passage from the French West-Indies, where she has lately sent in several Prizes. We learn that the French Ports are crowded with Cruizers and Merchantmen belonging to these States, and that all kind of Goods are sold at a moderate Price.
Extract of a Letter from Albany, March 29, 1777. "About a week ago the famous Mc Coy (who broke out of Hartford Goal last September and made his escape) with a party of Indians, attacked thirty unarmed recruits with two officers, at Sabbath-day-point, a little before day, as they were asleep round the fire; they were on their way from Ticonderoga to Fort George to join their corps. They surrounded four of the men on the spot, and fired a ball thro' the upper part of the head of captain Bens of which he is getting better. Capt. Whitcomb, with 40 men, was dispatched as soon as the account reached Ticonderoga, with a design to fall in with the enemy on their way to Canada, and I am just now informed, he succeeded in his plan, and has killed several of the Indians and wounded several more. I hope it may be true. Only two of the party, beside the wounded officer, got clear of the savages, the remainder that were not killed, were taken prisoners."
PORTSMOUTH.
We hear that last Thursday, a number of gentlemen from Dover, waited on major General SULLIVAN at the seat of Col. Benjamin Chadburne, in the county of York, and escorted him from thence to Mr. Jonathan Gage's tavern in Dover; where there was an elegant entertainment provided for him: after dinner many patriotic toasts were drank under the discharge of small arms, from two companies of militia, as the general's health would not admit his proceeding home that night, the next day he was escorted from thence, to his seat in Durham: the whole was conducted with decency, joy & mirth appearing in every countenance.
L O N D O N,
Admiralty Office, Dec. 9. 1776.
Advice was Yesterday received by Express, that a Fire broke out in the Ropehouse in his Majesty's Yard at Portsmouth, about Half an Hour after four o'Clock, on Saturday in the Afternoon, which burnt with great Violence and consumed the same, except the outer Walls, which are standing, but by the timely Assistance and vigorous Efforts of the Workmen of the Yard, the Seamen of his Majesty's Ships, the Marines quartered at Portsmouth, & the Men belonging to the Ordnance with their respective Officers, it was happily prevented from extending to any other of the Buildings in the Yard, and was totally got under at Ten o'Clock last Night, nothing but the Embers being left burning. The Loss sustained by this Accident, except the Damage done to the Ropehouse, is not considerable, consisting chiefly of Part of the Princess Amelia's & Deal-Castle's Rigging, the Implements belonging to the Ropemakers and Rigging-House, a small Quantity of Cordage, and some Toppings of Hemp. 'Tis not yet discovered by what Means the Accident happened.
Dec. 12 A letter from Plymouth, says, "The late disaster at Portsmouth has put us upon our guard; no persons whatever are in future to be admitted into our dockyard without a proper person to attend them, both at coming in and going out, by order of the Commissioners."
Jan. 15. All the English transports lately returned from New-York and Quebec are continued, except about ten, which were thought too small.
By a letter from Lisbon, dated November 21, we have the following account of the state of the King of Portugal's health: his Majesty could no longer bear the exercise of being wheeled about his apartment in his armed chair, and for a week preceding this date, had not been out of bed. No person but the Queen, the confessor, the Secretaries of State, and the physicians, were admitted to see him.
All the sloops now building are of a new construction, to mount 14 six pounders and some above. No more of the eight gun sloops are to be built, they having proved of very little service.
A frigate of 36 guns and two sloops of war are to be added to the force already on the coast of Africa.
Dec. 2. Last night an express was sent to Portsmouth and Deal, to stop all the ships bound to New-York from sailing till further orders.
We are assured from good authority, that 20,000 French troops are under orders to march into Spain; so that our gracious sovereign's good officers between two neighbouring powers seem to have turned out abortive. On Saturday dispatches were sent to the Commissioners of the different yards for expediting and fitting out for sea, the men of war wanted for immediate service.
Yesterday day advice was received that the Studdy beggar privateer had taken a Portuguese ship upon their coast bound to London, richly laden, and after taking out part of her cargo, set the ship on fire and she was entirely consumed.
A Dutch ship from Bilboa parted from her anchor the same evening, and went on shore by Whitstable, which gives an account of a transport being carried into Bilboa, with 120 soldiers on board, by an America privateer.
Six Dollars reward.
STOLEN from the shop of SAMUEL GARDNER opposite the market, on or about the evening of the 26th, of last month, about 11 cotton stamped hankerchiefs; any person who will inform him how he may recover them shall receive the above reward for their trouble, or in that proportion for any part of them, one half of the above reward he will pay upon receiving the hankerchiefs, the other upon conviction of the person who stole them—said Gardner had a coverlid taken from off his shop window about three or four months ago: he will pay any person handsomely who will put him in a way to recover it, or satisfaction therefor—If the person who took either of the above articles will return them, they may depend upon not being prosecuted.
TOBACCO.
CHOICE sweet scented Virginia leaf TOBACCO, Providence, and Connecticut ditto, excellent fine pigtail cutt, & all other sorts of Tobacco,—SOLD by Neal McIntyre on spring hill, Portsmouth.
A Private School.
WILL be opened on Monday 21st, of the present Month, at the South Writing House, where WRITING and ARITHMETIC will be taught from Seven to Eight o'Clock A. M. and from Twelve to One by, ABIAH HOLBROOK.
ALL persons indebted to, or have any demands on the estate of John Griffith, Esq; late of Portsmouth in the county of Rockingham deceased, are desired, without delay, to come & settle with the subscriber executors to the testament of the said deceased Samuel Penhallow. William Knight.
LOST a Red Cornelian SEAL set in Silver, with the Letters S. M. engraved thereon—Whoever has found it, and will return it to Stephen Mead, or the Printer here, shall receive ONE DOLLAR for their Trouble.

A SONG, just come to Hand, which was sung before General SULLIVAN, and a Number of respectable Inhabitants of this Town, Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, March 26th, 1777.
To the Tune of the Eugene's March .
HARK, the loud Drums, hark, the shrill Trumpet call to Arms, Come Americans, come, prepare for War's Alarms, Whilst in Array we stand What Soldier dare to land, Sure in the Attempt to meet his Doom, A Leaden Death or Watery Tomb. We, Americans, so brave o'er Land or Wave, All Invaders defy, we'll repulse them or die, We scorn to live as Slaves.
Recall the Days, wherein our Fathers bravely fought, And crown'd with Praise, they Patriot Glory sought, Bid their high Deeds inspire, Bid Magna Charta Fire, Greatly they labour'd for our Good, All sorts of Tyranny withstood, All these we despise, on our Courage rely, For what American so base would his Country disgrace, And from his Colours fly.
No Party-Spite, no more our Measures will oppose, For all unite against our insulting Foes, All then in Chorus sing, And let your Voices ring, Fill unto SULLIVAN the flowing Bowl, Hand it to each gallant Soul, Raise Patriot Flame, his Glory proclaim, Who his Sword boldly draws in his Country's Cause, And Wins an endless Name.
To the Committee's of Safety for the several Towns in the Province of MAIN.
GENTLEMEN,
WHEREAS there is a number of officers recruiting in the several towns in this state of the Massachusetts-Bay, and the service requiring the men as soon as they can be rais'd, would acquaint you that there is a number of men who have enlisted and receiv'd their bounty, and now refuse to march when order'd; and there are others who have enlisted and have not receiv'd their bounty, that refuse likewise to march, notwithstanding the bounty has been offer'd them and is still ready for them, and they have been return'd by the captains of their respective companies in the militia, as part of the quota assign'd them to compleat the New-Army, the officers who enlisted them living perhaps fifty or sixty miles from them, & by that means cannot command them, or perhaps when order'd to march, cannot wait long enough to compel them to march:—these things, if tolerated, will greatly retard the raising the troops as well in other battalions as that to which I belong.
I THEREFORE desire of you, gentlemen, that you would exert yourselves by every method in your power, or consistent with your station and trust, to detect such soldiers who conceal themselves within the town or district to which you belong, and either confine them, or by some other method which you shall think best to oblige them to join the army.—So that after insilling our quota of men, we may not lose one quarter part of them in the manner above-mentioned. YOU are interested in the matter Gentlemen, and I doubt not but you will lend all the assistance in your power to forward the raising this new army.
TOBIAS FERNALD, Maj.
TO BE SOLD,
A Large Dwelling House, Barn & Orchard, with upwards of 40 acres of mowing, planting and pasturing land, well watered, adjoining the country road, leading from Kittery Ferry to Old York, and also adjoining on Piscataqua River, being part of the estate of John Newmarch, Esq; late of Portsmouth, in the state of New Hampshire, deceas'd. Enquire of Mrs. Hannah Newmarch, of Portsmouth, aforesaid, sole Executrix to said Estate. 4—7
THE Creditors to the estate of Samuel Griffith, late of Portsmouth, merchant, deceas'd, represented insolvent, are hereby notified, that two months from the 14th instant, is further allowed for receiving and adjusting their claims, & that the commissioners will attend that service on the first monday in April, & the second monday in May next, from 6 o'clock P. M. at the dwelling house of Nathaniel Folsom, innholder in said Portsmouth.—Portsmouth, March 17, 1777.
TWENTY FOUR SHILLINGS, old tenor is given for old pewter, by John Gooch, at the sign of the Plates: Or one pound of new for two pounds of old.
STRAYED or stolen from me the subscriber, on or about the 20th of Feb. past, a dark Roan MARE, eleven years old, 14 hands high, and well built, paces & trots well; imagined to be with foal. Whoever will inform me of her, that I may have her again, shall be well rewarded; or discover the thief, if stolen, so that he may be brought to justice, shall have twenty shillings reward and all necessary charges paid by me, York, March 15. 1777. | Joseph Nowell.
TO BE SOLD,
By SAMUEL HILL,
North End, Portsmouth,
GARDEN SEEDS of all sorts, warranted to be good, and of last year's growth.—Also for sale at the same place, the following articles, viz. Gun POWDER, Paper Hangings,—Hard Ware,—Sugar, Rice, Chocolate, Raisins, Oatmeal, Nutmegs, Cinnamon, Mace, Cloves, Allspice, Pepper, Ginger, Indigo, Coperas, Alum, Redwood, Logwood, Men's Hatts, Leaf, Roll, and Pigtail Tobacco,— and many other articles.
ALL persons indebted to, or that have demands on the estate of Joseph Drew late of Durham, yeoman, deceas'd, are desired to bring in their accounts to Elizabeth Drew, of Durham, administratrix to said estate, in order for a speedy settlement.
SARAH PURCELL, sole executrix to the estate of her late husband GREGORY PURCELL, Esq; deceased, having requested all persons legal creditors to said estate, to call on her for payment; and those indebted to discharge the same—she once more requests the like favour, and such as neglect to pay their debts owing to said estate, may depend on their accounts and notes being put in suit against them, at the next May court, without distinction.
Portsmouth March, 31, 1777.
ALL persons that have any demands against the estate of JOHN SHERBURNE, late of Portsmouth, Chaise-maker deceased, Intestate, are desired to exhibit the same to SAMUEL SHERBURNE administrator of said estate.
Portsmouth March 31, 1777.
ALL persons indebted to, or that have demands on the estate of Capt. Richard Shortridge, late of Portsmouth, deceas'd, represented insolvent, are hereby desired to bring in their accounts to Mary Shortridge, administratrix to said estate, in order to a speedy settlement.
TO BE SOLD at PUBLIC VENDUE on Monday the 21st day of April next, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, at the house of Mr. Meshach Bell, innholder in New Castle, by virtue of a licence from the hon. Philips White, Esq; Judge of probate of Wills, for the county of Rockingham, ONE LOT OF LAND in New Castle aforesaid, and one ninth part of a PEW in the Meeting House in said town, being the estate of Jacob Clark, late of said New Castle, deceas'd. New Castle, March 27, 1777.
DESERTED from Capt. James Donnel's company, at Boston, in Colonel Brewster's battalion, John Smart, 19 years old, 5 feet 9 inches high, dark complexion, belonging to Kittery. Whoever will take up said deserter, and secure him in any goal, and send word to me the subscriber at York, shall receive Five Dollars reward, & necessary charges paid, per Henry Sewall, Lt. York, March 26, 1777.
A few barrels of Pitch, Tar and Turpentine to be sold. Enquire at the Printing Office.
NOTICE is hereby given to all soldiers who have enlisted under Capt. JABEZ LANE, of Buckstown, that they march immediately to Boston to join the Regiment they belong to. Hereof fail not.
JABEZ LANE, Captain.
Whereas I petition'd the Judge of probate for this county, for liberty to divide a tract of land lying in common, between the heirs of John Burleigh, late of Newmarket, and myself, this is to give notice, agreeable to an order of said Judge, to all persons concern'd, to appear at the probate office, in Exeter, on the last Wednesday of April next, to shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. John Folsom.
Wanted immediately,
For the Continental Service, Men's good Leather Shoes, Yarn Hose, Tow & Wool Cloth, &c. for which the Cash will be given by William Gardner in Portsmouth.
To be sold by Joseph Harris at York, a few Barrels of TURPENTINE.
Genuine Sal-Catharticum,
Or, Purging SALTS, to be sold per pound, or smaller quantity, by Hall Jackson; also, Best refin'd Sperma Cete. 6—8
TO BE SOLD, on board the brigantine Non-Pariel, laying at Captain George Wentworth's Wharfe, near Liberty Bridge, TURKS ISLAND SALT, at ten shillings per bushel. Portsmouth, April 1777.
The UNITED STATES LOTTERY TICKETS to be sold at Portsmouth, by JOSHUA BRACKETT.
WHEREAS Application has been made to me the Subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Rockingham, by the Owners of more than one sixteenth Part of the Township of New Durham, in the County of Strafford, and State of New Hampshire, to call a Meeting of the Proprietors of said New Durham, at the House of Mr. Jeremiah Folsom, Innholder in Durham, in said County of Strafford, on the first Tuesday in May next, at Two o'Clock Afternoon, then and there to chuse a Moderator. 2. To chuse a Committee to perambulate the Lines in that Part of the second Division of said Township already laid out; and lay out the Remainder of said Division. 3. To vote what Sum the Proprietors will grant to assist the Inhabitants of said Township in supporting the Reverend Mr. Porter; and if any, to chuse Assessors, Collector or other Officers that may then & there be thought necessary. 4. To pass any other Vote or Votes, that those then and there assembled may see needful:—I do therefore hereby Notify and Warn all the Proprietors of New Durham aforesaid, to meet at said Time and Place, for the above Purposes.
WALTER BRYENT, Just. Pacis. Newmarket, April 2, 1777.
RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber April 1, 1777 a NEGRO MAN named BONE, about five feet nine inches high, between 20 and 30 Years of Age, speaks good English;—Had on when he went away, a striped Cotton and Linnen Shirt, two short Waistcoats, one side one white wollen mill'd, the other brown, with claret colour'd Sleeves, Leather Breeches, light blue Yarn Rib Stockings, & a very narrow brim'd Felt Hat: He has been in the Continental Service 19 Months and it is suspected that he will, if he can, get to the British Troops. Whoever will take up said Negro, and return him or secure him, and give Information to the Subscriber, shall have Eight Dollars Reward, & all necessary Charges paid by Rochester, April 3, 1777. JOSEPH KNIGHT.
N. B. All Masters of Vessels are caution'd against carrying off said Negro as they will avoid the Penalty of the LAW.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of Samuel Griffith, late of Portsmouth, merchant, deceas'd, are requested to come and settle the same immediately with Joseph Bass, administrator to said estate, or they may expect to be sued to next May court. 6—8 Want to hire 4 or 5 young Men to work at Farming Business and clearing Land. Enquire at the Printing Office.