The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-07-26 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. II. ]
SATURDAY, July 26, 1777.
[ No. 7 ]
Encouragement for seamen.
WHEREAS the seamen of these States have for some time past been discouraged from entering into the navy, by thinking they have hitherto been unfairly dealt with in respect of prize money, and the regular payment of wages: Therefore, to remove all cause of future complaint, I will be answerable to every person who may enter to serve under my command, for the punctual and regular payment of wages. And I will also, with the consent and approbation of officers and men, appoint an agent for the prizes, whose duty it shall be to see the captors part sold to the best advantage, and to make punctual, just and regular payments to every person concern'd.
Every seaman in the navy is entitled to eight dollars per month wages, with an advance of forty dollars at entry on board. Every marine, or landsman is entitled to six dollars & two thirds per month wages, with an advance of twenty dollars at entry on board. Every private person, who may lose a limb or be disabled in engagement, will receive two hundred dollars smart money; if kill'd, his wife or family will receive it. Every person who may be disabled in engagement, will receive half pay during life, or an allowance proportion'd to the injury sustained. The pay is extended to persons in captivity, provided they return to the service as soon as possible. The captors share one half of all merchant ships, and of all effects taken by sea or land, without resistance; they share the whole of all ships of war, & of all privateers authorized by his Britannic Majesty to war against these States. They will also receive a bounty of twenty dollars for every carriage gun then mounted, and of eight dollars per head for every man then on board and belonging to such prizes. There are ten shares set apart for the most deserving, with various other Advantages, grounded upon resolves of Congress. Persons of abilities will be promoted in proportion to their diligence and merit;—and no equal encouragement can be given in privateers.
The Continental Ship of war Ranger at Portsmouth under my command is in readiness for sea. Such persons as think proper to enter, are requested to apply on board, or at the Ship's rendezvous where they will receive further information.
JOHN PAUL JONES.
Portsmouth, July 26, 1777.
LETTERS from the DEAD to the LIVING.
LETTER III.
DEAR AMERICANS,
I Am not in the least offended with you, for changing the Name of America , to that of Columbia , or Columbia , being wil-
ling, that Columbus should have the whole Credit and Honour of first discovering that Continent; but he is of Opinion, that after so long Usage to the contrary, it would be a vain, or at best, a difficult Attempt.—We have several times, over a Bowl of Nectar, made ourselves merry on this occasion; for Sailors (you know) are no Churls, when the Bowl or Glass circulates freely.—We both of us think the Draper to blame (whose Example, some other Elysionary Writers have follow'd) in introducing the Term Vesputia , instead of the more intelligible one, America ; but if they incline to correspond with Americans, under the Name of Vesputians , you had best conform to the Humour, of so good Friends to the American Cause, as are all the Inhabitants of Elysium .—
Vesputius Americus.
A Letter from Sir ISAAC NEWTON to Lord SEPENTRIO, Prime Minister of Laputa .
My Lord,
Stepping one Evening to the Verge of Elysium , in Order to observe a most awful Aurora Borealis , in the Atmosphere, of the Northern Hemisphere, of the Terrestrial Globe, metho't, I discern'd the Effect to proceed, from a Transmutation of the North Star, into a Comet. Should this be the Case, (which God forbid,) we may soon expect to see the Starry Region, jumbled into one baleful Chaos.—If the North or Pole Star should become a Comet, it would threaten as great Havock among the Stars, as a foolish, rash, mad, distracted Minister of State, would introduce into a Nation, committed to his hair brain'd, or brainless Care to guide, and conduct; who, if his Heart was as wicked, as his Head senseless, erroneous and absurd, would give an Example to the World (within his Department) of a complete Hell upon Earth—
The dangerous Phenomenon in Astronomy, which I have mention'd, is not more to be dreaded in the Heavens, than so wild and vile a Charioteer, is in the Wheels of Government, in the lower World.—
Now, to prevent this Infernal Mischief, would it not be best, to strike such an unprincipled, as well as unskilful a Phaeton, from his Car, and lay him prostrate, at the Feet of those whom he boasts to lay at his?
Let no one deem this, too great Asperity of Language towards such an Instrument of Oppression, Impiety and Inhumanity; who would, with all his Power and Might enforce, even with Blood, Acts of the Laputian Parliament, for taxing the Vesputians , without their being represented, but likewise, introduce the Whore of Babylon , into a free, pure, Protestant State: This, tho' not the immediate, may be the remote Consequence of the Canada Bill , to the whole Laputian Empire .—
Laputa having conquer'd the Gallic Colony in Columbia (which now makes the Northern Province of Vesputia ) has caught a Tartar; for instead of liberating this unhappy deluded people, from Slavery, both spiritual and temporal, which should have been one principal Design of the Conquest; yet, thro' the undue Influence of certain powerful, but corrupt and wicked Laputians ; these cunning Gauls, tho' spiritually blind, are likely to seduce their Conquerors, with their distractive Errors, Civil & Religious; & to spread Popish Darkness & Subjection, thro' all Laputa , Tegosa and Vesputia : the last of which, to shun this great Evil, and other fatal attempts of Ministerial Power, has made itself wholly independent of Laputa ; and this Independence is ratified in Heaven.—If St. Paul was upon Earth, and should ask this Question—Quæ vos Dementia cepit? Who hath bewitched you, O foolish Laputians , or what Madness has seized your distracted Minds? The Answer would be ready at Hand;—The Court of Gallia , has outwitted the Court of Laputa .—With the greatest Abhorrence and Detestation of your wicked Deeds, I am, My Lord, your Lordship's incens'd and angry Spectator, from the Empyrean Region, down to the devoted Isle of Albion (or Laputa ) falling a Sacrifice, to your Corruption, Ambition, Obstinance, perverse and desperate Ministerial Resolutions, Measures and Executions, against the Life, Liberty, Property, Authority, and every just Right of Vesputia .—
I. N.
NOTICE is hereby given to the Proprietors of CONWAY, that at a Proprietors Meeting at Capt. Joshua Heath's in said Town on the third Day of June 1777, voted to raise Four Dollars on each original Right or Share of Land, to make Roads, chose me the Subscriber Collector, I do hereby require all said Proprietors to pay the above-mentioned Sum to me, on or before the Tenth of August next; upon Neglect, I shall take such Methods as the Law directs. [8]
AMOS MERRILL, Collector.
Conway, June 28, 1777.
TAKEN up by me the Subscriber a black MARE, with a Star in her Forehead, and some White on her Nose: said Mare is about six Years old, & about 14 or 15 Hands high, she trots & paces very well. The Owner may have her again by applying to the Subscriber at Madbury, and paying Charges. Madbury, June 19, 1777. Thomas Davis.
RAN AWAY from FORT WASHINGTON, Cato Dearing, a Negro Man, belonging to Capt. Dearing of Portsmouth; he was about Forty Years old, about five Feet six Inches tall, thick set; had on a gray Jacket, and Leather Breeches, blue Yarn Stockings. Whoever will take up said Negro Man, and return him to Capt. TITUS SALTER, shall receive Thirty Shillings Lawful Money, and all necessary Charges paid by me. July 1, 1777. TITUS SALTER, Capt.

BOSTON, July 24. To the People of the Massachusetts-Bay: Friends and Brethren,
R ESENTMENT has fired the soul of every lover of his country, at the disgraceful evacuation of Ticonderoga. Every circumstance that we have yet heard of, marks villainy and treason in its strongest colours. All our accounts agree, that our force at Ticonderoga nearly equalled the enemy in numbers; that the quantity of provisions there, would have supported them at full allowance, during a siege of half a year; that they were well supplied with battering cannon and field artillery; that the stores of gun powder were immense; that the enemy's force was entirely insufficient to invest the place completely; and that the works were so formed as to secure a retreat, if they were driven from such posts, as were necessarily exposed to the first attack. Had the enemy attempted to carry it by storm, they could not have hoped for success. They must have made the attack on a part that was fully manned. They must have advanced against a dreadful fire of cannon, while their march was retarded by the situation of the ground. Even, supposing them to have forced the out lines, their success could not have served them. A retreat to the Citadel remained for us; and, in case of a second retreat, Mount-Independence would have been ours, which effectually commanded all the out works. But such were the circumstances that an attack need not be feared. Better success they could not expect from a siege: The stores were sufficient for half a year, at least. In less than one month a reinforcement would have arrived, and raised the siege. The army there was disposed to defend the place till every man should be cut off. Many of our officers declared openly against quitting a post of such importance. But the orders were absolute; and our troops left the place with all the disorder of a mob. Scarcely had they begun to move, when an hour was set on fire, which informed the enemy of their design. The British forces pursued, and a number of our bravest officers and soldiers fell by their hands. In a disorderly flight our men were incapable of exerting themselves, with effect, & were slaughtered by their enemies.
It is vain to palliate such conduct, by assigning fear as the cause. Fear was treason. It is equally vain to excuse such conduct, by want of skill in war. Every officer ought to know the extent of his military abilities, before he undertakes a command. It is therefore as treasonable to take upon him a command, without the necessary qualifications, as to neglect his duty if he has them. Public justice and the honour of American arms, demand an inquiry into this procedure. Let this enquiry be made by Congress. The call of the whole Continent is to them. The confidence of all America is reposed in them, as in the wisest and best of men. They are therefore the most proper persons to make the enquiry; and no determination but theirs will satisfy the people.
In the mean time our duty is enlarged. The blood of our brethren crieth from the ground for vengeance. Rouse then, my countrymen, gird on your swords, and rival the most celebrated feats of antiquity. Let us take this for our motto, "Cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood." It is in our power still to retrieve our characters. Let us then do it.
I cannot finish this address without taking notice of a futile publication in last week's paper, pretended to be a letter from an officer of distinction in the northern army. The writer of this letter seems to think of vindicating the retreat, by reflecting on the army. Was not this army better disciplined than the army last year? Had not the officers greater experience in war than they had the last year? Yet the last year the place was defended; this year it is deserted. The last year it was defended by militia, against a much superior force, when the works were incomplete; this year a standing army, well provided, and with the works compleated, have fled before equal numbers. But what dignity of sentiment do we discover in the concluding sentence of this curious epistle: "I think myself happy upon the whole, in having made a retreat from under their noise." Is it possible that this sentence could come from an officer of distinction? It is incredible that a man of any feeling could be the author of it. Be not deceived. Reward merit wherever you find it, but punish villains, however exalted their station may be. MARCUS BRUTUS.
BOSTON, July 24.
Last Saturday a Fleet of 40 Sail of Shipping were seen off Guildford.
Yesterday arrived here, a Vessel from the West-Indies, laden with Salt and Molasses.
Some Day, four Officers, Prisoners, taken on board the Fox, arrived in Town, under a proper Guard, from the Eastward, and were immediately sent on board our Prison Ship.
We have it from the best Authority, to inform our Readers, that the Garrison at Ticonderoga, when given up to our implacable Enemy, consisted of 5000 Troops, armed, disciplined, clothed, and a Plenty of Provisions to have sustained a long Siege.
Last Tuesday arrived at Dartmouth, a Sloop from S. Carolina, the Master of which informed, that on Monday last, he saw a Fleet of 40 Sail off Block-Island, standing N. E.
Last Tuesday Morning arrived here an Express from Providence informing that a Fleet of Transports
Convey, came to Anchor off Point Judith, on Monday Evening: It was conjectured, that they were bound to Rhode-Island.
FISH-KILL, July 17.
We learn, by way of Peekskill, that Gen. Clinton arrived at New-York last Week, with nine hundred Recruits; that the Enemy's Troops are on board their Transports, ready to pull somewhere. That the poor Tory Merchants of New-York are under great uneasiness, and are selling off their Goods on very moderate Terms. That the Friends of Government, as they are termed, who don't chuse to take Protection on board the Fleet, are plundered indiscriminately, as well as the Whigs.
We are credibly informed, that the infatuated Tories, who have been deluded by the specious Promises of Barton, Baskirk, and others, have now, too late, had their Eyes opened. Among other Things they were assured of returning to their Families by the 1st of April, and if not, being carried out of the Province, but presuming to repine at their hard Fate, the Grumblers have been clapt on board Transports, in Irons, &c.
Extract of a Letter from Albany, July 14th.
"In Consequence of the Determination of a Council of War, Gen. Sinclair, with his Army, on Sunday Morning the 6th inst. evacuated Ticonderoga. Part of the Troops came by the Way of Skeensborough, & the Main Body by the Way of Castle Town, and so through the Grants. Those that came by the Way of Skeensborough, were pursued by the Enemy's Shipping, and several Companies of Light-Infantry, who landed almost as soon as our Troops; between these Parties some Skirmishing ensued, with little Loss on either Side. Our People retired to Fort Ann and were, on the Tuesday following, reinforced by some Militia, under the command of Lieut. Col. Henry, B. Van Rensselaer. Upon his Arrival at that Post, the commanding Officer ordered a few Men to go in search of a Batteau; who had not been gone above 15 Minutes before they were attacked by a Party of 150, under the command of a Capt. Montgomery, upon which the commanding Officer sent Col. Rensselaer, with 100 Militia, to reinforce them. Rensselaer soon came up with them; upon which the Engagement was renewed with Spirit, on both Sides, for a few Minutes, when the Enemy gave way, and were pursued for two Miles, when unluckily Rensselaer was wounded thro' the Thigh. Had not this happened, the whole Party of the Enemy would have fallen into our Hands. This was confessed by Capt. Montgomery, and a Surgeon, who were taken Prisoners. Never did Men behave better than our Militia did. They stood the Enemy's Fire with the utmost Coolness, & rushed on with the greatest Intrepidity. Indeed, Sir, never were Men in better Spirits than the Militia are."
"General Sinclair was also pursued by a Body of the Enemy's Infantry, Grenadiers, Canadians and Indians (a Body far superior to our Rear Guard) who fell upon our Rear Guard, which consisted of about 1000 Men. Between these an Engagement ensued, which lasted about two Hours, when the Enemy retired. Their Loss on this Occasion exceeds 500 Men; for Lieut. Col. Reed, who walked over the Field after the Engagement, pointed his Sword on 50 Red Coats, as he walked along. He adds, that he saw a vast number lying around in the Bushes. Our Loss upon this Occasion, and in the Retreat, does not amount to 300. It may easily be supposed that the Enemy lost many Men, when their choicest Troops superior in number to ours, retired, without a Reinforcement's arriving to the assistance of our Troops. Never did nor can troops behave better than ours did on this Occasion.--- We however lost some brave Officers; among whom is Col. Francis, from Massachusetts. This Gentleman behaved like a Hero; and so did the rest of the Officers in general. General Schyler is now at Fort Edward, with the main Body of our Army, and Major Yates, with about 1000 at Fort-George. We have saved forty odd Pieces of Cannon, a large Quantity of Powder, &c."
"Gen. Sinclair took 24 prisoners, who will be in To-Day; as also those taken by Rensselaer's party."
PHILADELPHIA, July 8th, 1777.
We can assure the public, from undoubted authority, that upwards of THREE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED people have taken the oath or affirmation of allegiance to this State, before the magistrates of this city, within these ten days past.
Copy of a letter from General Washington to Congress, dated Middle-Brook, June 28, 1777.
SIR,
"On Thursday morning General Howe advanced with his whole army in several columns, from Amboy as far as Westfield. We are certainly informed that the troops sent to Staten-Island returned the succeeding evening, and, it is said, with an augmentation of marines; so that carrying them there, was a feint, with intention to deceive us. His design in this sudden movement was either to bring on a general engagement upon disadvantageous terms, considering matters in point of view, or to cut off our light parties, and Lord Stirling's division, which was sent down to support them, or to possess himself of the heights and passes in the mountains on our left. The two last seemed to be the first objects of his intention, as his march was rapid against these parties, and indicated a strong disposition to gain those passes. In this situation of affairs, it was thought absolutely necessary that we should move our force from our low grounds, to occupy the heights before them, which was effected. As they advanced, they fell in with some of our light parties, and part of Lord Stirling's division, with which they had some pretty smart skirmishing, but with very little loss, I believe on our side, except in three field pieces, which unfortunately fell into the enemy's hands; but not having obtained returns yet, I cannot determine it with certainty; nor can we ascertain what the enemy's loss was. As soon as we had gain'd the passes, I detached a body of light troops, under Brig. Gen. Scott, to hang on their flank, and to watch their motions; and ordered Morgan's corps of rifle-men to join him thence. The enemy remained at Westfield till yesterday afternoon, when about three o'clock they moved towards Spark Town, with our light troops in their rear and pursuing. The enemy have plundered all before them, and, it is said, burnt some houses. I have the honour to be, &c. G. WASHINGTON. "
Extract of a letter from the same to Congress, dated Head-Quarters, Middle-Brook, June 29, 1777, nine o'clock, P. M.
SIR,
"I have not been able to ascertain yet, with any degree of precision, the loss sustained by the enemy, in the several skirmishes on Thursday, though we have many reasons to believe it was much more considerable than what it was apprehended to be, when I had the honour of addressing you on the subject."
"As to our loss, I am assured by Lord Stirling, that it was trifling; and by such deserters as have come in, that they saw but very few prisoners taken. It would have certainly been known before this (that is the number not yet returned) had not some of the parties, and I believe the most, which were then out, joined the corps since detached. I have the honour to be, &c. G. WASHINGTON. "
"June 30th, P. M. The prisoners taken by us were thirteen, two of which are light dragoons; the rest infantry. G. WASHINGTON. "
Published by order of Congress. CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
PORTSMOUTH, July 26.
Thursday the seventh of August next, is appointed as a Day of Fasting and Prayer throughout this State.
Dunstable, New-Hampshire, July 3, 1777.
Last Friday Evening a very melancholly Accident happened in this Town, of which the following is an Account. As several Men were emptying a Barrel of Brandy, in the Dwelling House of the Widow Mary Butterfield and Mr. John Butterfield, her Son, a Light being held too near, the Brandy took Fire from it, the Barrel burst in an Instant, and the burning Liquor spread through the House every Room in which, was so suddenly filled with the Flames, that scarcely any Thing in it, belonging to either Family, was saved from being consumed. Mr. Charles Butterfield, another Son of the said Widow Butterfield, was standing by the Barrel when it burst, and was so burnt that he expired in a few Hours, leaving a very sorrowful Widow and six Children. A little Son of his, between two and three Years of Age, who was asleep on a Bed in the Room where the Brandy was, could not be got out of the House, but was consumed in the Flames. Several Persons besides were badly burnt, before they could make their Escape out of the House; but it is hoped they are not dangerous. God grant that we may all make a right Improvement of this alarming Dispensation of Providence: May it excite us always to watch and be ready, since "the Son of Man cometh at an Hour, when we think not."
ALL PERSONS Indebted to, or that have an Demands on the Estate of CLEMENT MARCH Esq; late of Greenland, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to CLEMENT MARCH and STEPHEN MARCH of said Greenland, Executors of the last Will and Testament of the deceased, in order for a speedy Settlement.

BOSTON, July 27.
By an express arrived here last Friday night from Manchester, in the State of Vermont, which he left on Tuesday the 15th inst. we learn, That the enemy were then in possession of, and fortifying Castle Town, on the Hampshire Grants, so called, and cutting a road through towards South Bay, in order to get to Fort Ann—That there had been a battle at Hughbarton, between a body of our troops under the command of Colonel Ebenezer Francis, of the Massachusetts State, and Colonel Hale of the Hampshire State, and above 2000 of the enemy, when our people retreated, being overpowered by numbers; that the loss on our side was reported to be about 150 killed and missing, among the former were the above mentioned Col. Francis and Hale—That there had been a second engagement at or near Fort Ann, between another body of our troops under the command of Col. Warner and about 1500 of the enemy, when they were repulsed with considerable loss—That 'twas reported and believed that the enemy, in both actions, had between 4 and 500 killed, and must have had a greater number wounded—And that Major Skeene (for whom Mr. Lovel was exchanged) had got to Skeneborough with a number of Tories and soldiers, and was determined to fortify and defend that place to the last extremity, being offered what assistance he required from the humane General Howe.
Yesterday arrived a Schooner from South Carolina in ten days.
Same day arrived a Schooner from Hispaniola.
An officer of rank at Ticonderoga, and who may be relied on, wrote expressly, that the post was not given up for want of spirit in the men to defend it. They were the same men, and at least as well provided, as those at Fort Ann, under the brave Colonel PIERCE LONG, who has twice repulsed the enemy with great loss, tho' they were more than three times the number of the garrison of that place, that had been little attended to. This shows us what might have been expected at Ticonderoga.
The abandoning Ticonderoga, is a correspondent tho' at present one is at a loss to reconcile it in all its circumstances with any tolerable degree of prudence, honor, or spirit, may yet in the end prove of advantage more than sufficient to compensate our present loss. It is an event that alarms and rouses; that leads us to collect ourselves; to unite in the most spirited exertions for the common safety: To keep an attentive eye upon all in civil and military employments; and to preserve a public jealousy ever salutary to a State: It may produce such public inquiries & results, as will bring our military affairs into an improved method, & increase in other ways the strength and vigor of the States. We have lost, through the favor of Heaven, sufficient means for our defence; this event will stimulate us to employ those means with double diligence and resolution. It has had such an effect already. The public spirit rises rather than abates. This shows a greatness of mind in the Americans worthy of their cause, and must appall our enemies. Their northern army is now in a much more dangerous situation than it has yet known. It has already divided itself; and must do so more. If we exert ourselves properly, we may soon weaken and drive it back, if not annihilate it. Our people are well adapted to a partisan war if they are well supplied & conducted, and act with their usual spirit: the enemy may soon sorely repent that they ever accepted the gift of Ticonderoga, and came into our territories.
General S----- says in his letter, that our army at Ticonderoga were "naked and ill arm'd." This is the more remarkable, as he represents the army to be very small. Who can forbear asking, what is become of all the cloathing purchas'd at such vast expence for the Continental troops? What is become of the arms that have been so plentifully imported? Have they been sent forward to the army? Have they been delivered to the men? Or in whose hands do they now rest? There are some persons who may authoritatively put these questions; and others who ought to be prepar'd to give a satisfactory answer to them. Either the account in the letter is not just, or there is great unfaithfulness some where. If there was not proper cloathing and arms for such a handful of men, what would have been the cause had the army consisted of eight or ten thousand men?
TO BE SOLD.
By public AUCTION,
On Friday the 8th of August next, at the Continental Store in this Town, at 10 o'Clock, A.M. the following Articles, viz.
 About 30 Pieces Sail Cloth.  50 Pieces White Linnen,  6 Pieces Striped ditto.  8 Pieces Halles de St. Paul ditto.  40 Pieces Hessian.  3 Dozen Pair Worsted Hose.  JOHN PARKER, Sheriff.
Portsmouth, July 25th, 1777.
TO BE LETT.
The Shop and Dwelling-House
Lately improved by Hugh Henderson, opposite the Printing Office in the pav'd Street. For Particulars, enquire of Mrs. Henderson or at the Printing Office.
Scheme of a Lottery
FOR raising a sum of money for repairing bridges in Dover agreeable to an act of the general court, passed June 27th, 1777.
WHEREIN Moses Emerson Esq; Col. John Waldron, and Benjamin Peirce, (or the major part of them) are appointed managers, who are sworn to the faithful performance of their trust; Dover LOTTERY consists of one class only, and contains 3300 Tickets, at two Dollars each, 1100 of which are benefit Tickets of the following value, viz.
 1 of 500 is 500  1 of 150 is 150  2 of 100 are 200  10 of 50 are 500  20 of 10 are 200  60 of 6 are 360  6 of 5 are 30  1000 of 4 are 4000 
1100 Prizes amounts to 5940 2200 Blanks.
3300 Tickets at two Dollars each, is 6600 Dollars.
To be paid in Prizes 5940
Remaining for the use of said Bridges 660 dollars.
The Managers having calculated this Scheme so much in favour of the Adventurers, there not being more than two Blanks to a Prize, and being a Number of valuable Prizes, they doubt not but there will be a very speedy sale of the Tickets; it is desired that those who have a mind to purchase any of said Tickets, would apply soon.
Publick Notice will be given of the Time and Place of drawing, and soon as the Drawing is finished, a List of the Prizes will be published in the Freeman's Journal, or New Hampshire Gazette, and the Money paid to the Possessors of benefit Tickets in 20 Days. Prizes not demanded in three Months after drawing, will be deemed as generously given to the common Stock, for the Use of the Bridges, and will be applied accordingly.
TICKETS are to be sold by the Managers at their respective Dwellings in Dover.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
NOTICE is hereby given, that Jonathan Moulton, Joseph Senter, and Bradbury Richardson, Esquires, in Behalf of the Inhabitants of that Tract of Land, called Moultonborough, in the County of Strafford, in this State, have petitioned the General Assembly, for an Act to be passed, to erect the aforesaid Tract of Land into two distinct Townships, each of which Towns to be invested with all the Powers, and enfranchised with all the Rights, Privileges and Immunities which any Towns in this State, hold and enjoy.—One of which Towns to be bounded as followeth, viz. Beginning at the South Easterly Corner of Meredith, at Winnepissiokee Pond; then running North Westerly by said Meredith to the North Easterly Corner thereof; thence on a straight Line, with the North Easterly Line of Meredith to Holderness; thence North Easterly by said Holderness to Sandwich; thence Easterly by Sandwich and Tamworth to the South Easterly Corner of Tamworth; thence South Westerly to the North Westerly Corner of Tuftonborough; thence South Westerly by said Tuftonborough to Winnepissiokee Pond; thence Westerly by the Shore of said Pond as that lays, to the Bound first mentioned.—And that the other Town be within the following Bounds, viz. Beginning at the North Easterly Corner of Meredith, Thirty Rods from Winnepissiokee Pond, thence running South fifty five Degree West, by Meredith and Sandborn-Town, to Pemigewasset River; thence running Northerly up said River by the middle thereof, to the south westerly Corner of Holderness; thence running Easterly by said Holderness to the south East Corner thereof; thence running Northerly by said Holderness, till it comes to the Westerly Line of that Part of said Tract above bounded; thence South Easterly by said Line to the said North Easterly Corner of Meredith.—And the General Assembly on the 16th Day of June 1777, voted, that the Petitioners be heard thereon, on the first Day
of August next, if the General Assembly be then sitting, and if not, then on the second Wednesday of the next sitting of the General Assembly next after that Day. And that in the mean Time, the Petitioners at their own Cost, cause the Substance of the Petition and this Order thereon, to be published, 3 Weeks successively in the Public News-Papers of this State; and cause the same to be posted up in some of the most public Places in said Township, fifteen Days at least beforehand—That any Person concerned may if they see Cause, appear before the General Assembly on said Day, and shew Cause, if any they have why the Prayer thereof, should not be granted.
By Order of the General Assembly, E. THOMPSON, Secretary
York ss. { To the heirs of Joseph Moody deceased, and of John Kingsbury deceased, the heirs of Geo and Benjamin Jacobs, and John Jacobs —Greeting.
THIS is to notify you, that Mary Ramsdell widow & administratrix of the estate of Timothy Ramsdell late of York deceased. Jona. Willson, of the same place, Laborah and Eliab Littlefield of Wells in said county yeoman, have petitioned the justices of the superior court, now holden at York for said county shewing that the lot of land, knowby n the name of lot No. three in the ninth range of the division of the outer commons so called in York aforesaid, containing 100 acres, and consisting of 36 shares lays in common and undivided between them & you, in this proportion viz. the sd. Tim. Ramsdell 10 shares and an half, Jona. Willson four and an half, & Eliab Littlefield six, the heirs of Jose. Moody eight, the heirs of John Kingsbury deceased, two, the heirs of George and Benja. Jacobs and John Jacobs five, & thereupon prayed the court to cause partition of the sd. lot to be made so far as it respects them that so they may hereafter hold and improve their respective shares in severality—of which you have this notice to the End that if you have ought to object, you may be heard at the superior court which will be held at Boston in the county of Suffolk, on the last tues. of Aug. next when the said petition will be considered and acted upon.
Dated at York aforesaid, June, 26 h 1777.
By order of court. SAMUES WINTHROP, Clerk.
To all whom it may concern.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Justice of the Capture of the Brigantine called the TRIPIS, about 50 Tons Burthen, John Russell, late Master, will be tried at the Maritime Court, which is to be held at Portsmouth on Monday the 28th Day of this Instant, a LIBEL against which, is filed before me, in Behalf of the Owners and Mariners of the private armed Schooner named the MC CLARY, commanded by THOMAS DALLING. — Any Person concerned, may then appear, and shew Cause: (if any they have) why the said Vessel, Cargo, and Appurtenances should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT, Judge of said Court. Portsmouth, Ju'y 7th, 1777.
Deserted from the first New-
Hampshire battalion, John Reemer, 27 years of age, 5 feet 11 inches high, dark complexion, dark brown hair, belonging to Landaff, in the county of Cheshire. Whoever will apprehend said deserter and send him to his respective regiment, or secure him in any of the goals in this State, shall have five dollars reward and all necessary charges paid by Ticonderoga, June 28, 1777. Samuel Sweet, Ensign
All persons indebted to, or that
have any demands on the estate of Theodore Moses, late of Portsmouth, Barber deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to Joseph Walton, and Samuel Moses, executors to his last will and testament, in order for a speedy settlement. Samuel Moses likewise desires all persons that have accounts open with him while in partnership with his late Brother, now deceased, to close them as soon as possible.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
In the House of Representatives, June 28, 1777, Voted, THAT the Bounty on SALT, manufactured in this State, from Sea Water, be Three Shillings per Bushel, instead of the Two Shillings already granted, for the Term of one Year next coming.
Sent up for Concurrence.
JOHN LANGDON, Speaker.
In Council the same Day read and concurred. E. THOMPSON, Secretary.
TO be sold by JONATHAN PAYSON Esq; in Haverhill, it applied for immediately, two hundred and ten acres of land in the township of Barnington, five miles from the meeting house, any person inclining to purchase may see the premises, by applying to Deacon Cate, by the meeting house.
PORTSMOUTH, PRINTED

To the People of Massachusetts-Bay. Friends and Brethren,
ALREADY have we been too long amused with idle reports of the prosperous state of our affairs, by hot-headed zealots, whose sole business it is to deceive. We have been told, that our army is infinitely superior to that of our enemies: That at Ticonderoga, we had a garrison equal to all the British forces in Canada: That it would be inevitable destruction to the enemy, should they attack us. In consequence of these and numberless similar reports, both officers and soldiers have been suffered to loiter about this capital, as if an army was not wanted, and to waste their time in gallanting the ladies, instead of defending their country. Government has, in the mean time, been passing fruitless resolves, requiring the officers to make returns to them of the forces already inlisted: They have threatened delinquent officers with the loss of their commissions: They have ordered the troops to be collected and to join the grand army. After passing resolves, they seem to have considered the business as completed. Instead of attending to measures for enforcing their own orders, they have been teaching others to despise their authority, by disputing it themselves, and finding fault with the constitution. We have been repeatedly warned of the dangerous tendency of such measures; and unless we alter them, they will prove our ruin. Now is the time for action. A campaign is now opening, which may probably determine our fate. Is it not then the extravagance of folly to spend our time in speculation, when we ought to strain every nerve to secure our country? Had our soldiers been assembled & disciplined as fast as they were inlisted, our army would have been, before this time, in a much more respectable state. On the contrary, they have been suffered to remain at home in riot. Had we attended to the war, as a matter of such importance demands, Ticonderoga had been now in our possession. But through too great neglect at home, that fortress on which immense labour and enormous sums have been bestowed, at present answers no other than as a magazine for the enemy, and to prevent our arms from penetrating into their country. It is to an high degree provoking, that when we have a numerous army in pay, those few, who have the resolution not to desert their country's cause, should be, in a great measure, unsupported. It is owing to this cause, that so many of our forces have been relinquished, and become places of defence for our enemies. Let us not then employ ourselves any longer in vain disputes about the form of government. Let us first see whether we have a country to govern, and ascertain the Lords of the soil. Let us unite our endeavours to prosecute the war with vigour: Then, and not before, we shall carry it on with success. Let all orders of men exert all their powers to bring the war to a speedy & an happy issue. Our country is not yet lost, though we have lost one barrier against the enemy; but certain ruin awaits us, unless we attend more to the war than we have lately done. This year is probably pregnant with the fate of the American States. If we unite our efforts now, we shall save our country: If we continue to dispute on matters, comparatively of little importance, we are undone.
MARCUS BRUTUS.
PROVIDENCE, July 19.
We learn from Rhode Island, that some of the Inhabitants have been persecuted & imprisoned, for relating Intelligence favourable to the American States, particularly one Person, who mentioned the Certainty of a War between France & Great Britain. This Mode has probably been adopted with a View to serve their Cause, by keeping the Soldiers in Ignorance; The boldest of our Enemies, and even the Newport Tories, must however lop their Ears, on being made acquainted with How's late disgraceful Retreat from New Jersey, at a Time when they hoped he was in his full Career to
Saturday Evening last a Flag of Truce came up the River from Newport, with Baggage, &c. for General Prescott. An officer who came in the Flag, strongly solicited for Leave to come up to Town, and to have an Interview with the General, which was not granted. The baggage, &c. was received, and next Day the Flag returned to Newport.
On Monday last General Prescott and his Aid-de-Camp were sent in a Coach to Connecticut, properly attended.
By Defectors from Rhode-Island we learn, that the Capture of General Prescott threw the Enemy into great Confusion.
BOSTON, July 12.
Yesterday a Courier passed through this Town with Dispatches for Congress, brought by a Packet which arrived at an Eastern Port last Friday, in 42 Days from France. Extract of a letter, dated Morris-Town July 9. 1777.
"By the information receiv'd by three New-England sailors, the enemy are going to evacuate New York. The Hessians have embarked, & the British troops were to go on board the transports the day after they left it. The shipping are wooded and watered for sea."
Morris-Town, July 8, 1777.
"As it is very probable we shall move soon some where, we have twenty flat-bottomed boats on carriages now here; each will conveniently transport fifty men. It is not determined by the politicians which way Howe will proceed. His preparations for sea are very large. No person is permitted to come out of New-York before he is sworn to secrecy; but from the information of spies and deserters it cannot be a small voyage."
Peeks Kill, July 10, 1777.
"Three sailors are come in from the enemy's fleet, and informs that all the troops are on board with three weeks provision and water, and have received orders to put to sea: It is conjectured they are going to Virginia."
Extract of a Letter from Camp, at Morris-Town, dated July 5th, 1777.
"Since my last, Mr. Howe has thought proper to retire to Staten-Island, and has left us room for deep Cogitation—Our army has remov'd to Morris-Town, in order to be more Central, & march either over the Delaware or North River, as Mr. Howe pleases, we rather think from the intelligence received from Albany, that they have not totally laid aside their favourite scheme of forming a junction of the two Armies—Our Army still continues in high Spirits—When we were following Howe to Amboy, he endeavoured to surround us, but miss'd his aim—However, he made a shift to carry off three pieces of our Cannon, owing to their not being properly supported by the Infantry—Upon the whole, he had no great cause to brag of his Expedition, for from the best Accounts we can get, he lost a great number of Men, some of whom were Officers of Distinction; our loss was very inconsiderable."
We hear that a prize ship from Jamaica, with 400 hogheads sugar, &c. &c. was sent into port last Monday to the southward; taken by two privateer sloops, one of which was called the American Revenue; & that a prize brig was likewise sent into Butlers's Hole.
We also hear two prizes are arrived safe into port at the eastward.
F I S H K I L L, July 10.
We learn that a man was hanged at Albany a few days ago, who had been recruiting for the enemy. Another was hanged
the other day at Livingston's Manor, for a similar crime.
The latest accounts from the Jerseys inform, that the enemy are all past over from Amboy to Staten Island; where they are encamped, and not on board their shipping, as was reported.
In CONGRESS, June 20, 1777.
RESOLVED, That a corps of invalids be formed, consisting of eight companies, each company, to have one Captain, two Lieutenants, two ensigns, five serjeants, six corporals, two drummers, two fifers, and one hundred men. This corps to be employed in garrisons, and for guards in the cities and other places, where magazines or arsenals are placed; as also to serve as a military school for young gentlemen, previous to their being appointed to marching regiments; for which purpose all the subaltern officers, when off duty, shall be obliged to attend a mathematical school, appointed for the purpose to learn geometry, arithmetic, vulgar and decimal fractions, and the extraction of roots; and that the officers of this corps shall be obliged to contribute one day's pay in every month, and stoppages shall be made of it accordingly, for the purpose of purchasing a regimental library of the most approved authors on tactics and the petite guerre; that some officers from this corps be constantly employed in the recruiting service, in the neighbourhood of the places in which they shall be stationed; that all recruits so made shall be brought into the corps and drilled, and afterwards drafted into other regiments, as occasion may require.
Extract from the Minutes.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
The printers are requested to publish this resolution in their several news papers.
State of New-Hampshire Exeter, June 29, 1777.
A Petition having been preferred to the Council & Assem. of this State, by Sim. Dearborn, Esq; in Behalf of the Inhabitants of Middleton & Leavitt's-town, praying for the Reasons therein mentioned, that the said Towns may be invested with Town Privileges in such a Manner (if consistent) as to retain the Proprietary Privileges.
These are therefore to give Notice that an Order has passed the General Assembly, directing that a hearing be had on said Petition, on the first Day of August next, if the General Assembly be then Sitting, and if not, then on the second Wednesday of the sitting of the General Assembly after that Day, and that in the mean Time the Petitioner cause the Substance of the Petition and Order thereon to be published three Weeks successively in the public News-Papers of this State, & cause the same to be posted up in some of the most public Places in said Towns of Middleton and Leavittstown, fifteen Days at least beforehand, that any Person concerned may, if they see cause, appear before the General Assembly on said Day, and shew Cause, if any they have, why the Prayer thereof should not be granted. Attest. E. THOMPSON, Sec'y.
Whereas I the Subscriber on the 16th of August 1775, in a Gazette, then printed at Newbury, advertised Naomi, my Wife, as eloped, &c. and forbid Persons crediting her on my account, &c. As the Difference then subsisting is now compromised, I hereby disannul and revoke said Advertisement, being sorry it was ever inserted.
Chester, July 5th, 1777. JOHN ROBIE.
Deserted April 20th, 1777.
from Number Four, Joseph Frost, belonging to the town of Unity in Cheshire County, about 23 years of age, and about five feet six inches high, dark complexion, had on when he went away a blanket coat, and blanket overhauls. Seth Rice of Paramount, about 26 years of age, dark complexion, five feet, ten inches high. Whoever takes up said deserters & secures them in any goal or sends them to Ticonderoga to Capt. Nathaniel Hutchins's company in Col. Gilley's regiment belonging to this State, shall have five dollars reward for each, and all necessary charges paid by me. SIMON SARTWELL, Lieut.