The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-08-31 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, August 31, 1776.
[ No. 15. ]
An ADDRESS to the NATIVES of SCOTLAND residing in AMERICA. By JOHN WITHERSPOON, D. D. PRESIDENT of the COLLEGE of NEW JERSEY.
[ Added to a Fast-Day SERMON, just published, ]
Countrymen and Friends,
AS soon as I had consented to the publication of the sermon, I felt an irresistible desire to accompany it with a few words, addressed to you in particular. I am certain I feel the attachment of country as far as it is a virtuous or laudable principle, perhaps it would be nearer the truth to say, as far as it is a natural and pardonable prejudice. He who is so pleased may attribute it to this last, when I say, that I have never seen cause to be ashamed of the place of my birth; that since the revival of arts and letters in Europe, in the close of the fourteenth and beginning of the fifteenth century, the natives of Scotland have not been inferior to those of any other country, for genius, erudition, military prowess, or any of those accomplishments which improve or embellish human nature. When to this it is added, that since my coming to America at an advanced period of life, the friendship of my countrymen has been as much above my expectation as desert. I hope every reader will consider what is now to be offered, as the effect not only of unfeigned good-will, but of the most ardent affection.
It has given me no little uneasiness to hear the word Scotch used as a term of reproach in the American controversy, which could only be upon the supposition, that strangers of that country are more universally opposed to the liberties of America, than those who were born in South-Britain, or in Ireland. I am sensible that this has been done in some newspapers and contemptible anonymous publications, in a manner that was neither warranted by truth nor dictated by prudence. There are many natives of Scotland in this country, whose opposition to the unjust claims of Great-Britain has been as early and uniform, founded upon as rational and liberal principles, & therefore likely to be as lasting, as that of any set of men whatever. As to Great-Britain itself, time has now fully discovered, that the real friends of America in any part of that kingdom were very few, and those whose friendship was disinterested and in no degree owing to their own political factions, still fewer. The wise and valuable part of the nation were, and as yet are, in a great measure ignorant of the state of things in this country; neither is it easy for the bulk of a people to shake off their prejudices, & open their eyes upon the great principles of universal liberty. It is therefore at least very disputable whether there is any just ground for the distinction between Scots and English on this subject at all.
This dispute, however, I do not mean to enter upon because it is of too little moment to find a place here; but supposing that, in some provinces especially, the natives of Scotland have been too much inclined to support the usurpations of the parent state, I will first endeavour to account for it by assigning some of its probable causes; and then offer a few considerations which should induce them to wipe off the aspersion entirely, by a contrary conduct.
As to the first of these, I will mention what I suppose to have been the first and radical cause, and which gave birth to every other, of the disaffection of some of the natives of Scotland to the just privileges of America. What I have in view, was the friends of liberty in many places of America, taking the part of, and seeming to consider themselves as in a great measure engaged in the same cause with, that very distinguished person, J. Wilkes, Esq. of London. This was done not only in many writings and news-paper dissertations, but one or two colonies, in some of their most respectable meetings, manifested their attachment to him, and seemed to consider him as their patron and friend. No. 45, which was the most offensive
number of a worthless paper, was repeated and echoed, by the most silly and ridiculous allusions to it, through every part of the country, and by many who could not tell what was signified by the term.
It will not be necessary to say much on the prudence of such conduct, because I suppose those who expected Wilkes's mob would pull down the parliament house, or that there would be insurrections all over the kingdom in behalf of America are by this time fully satisfied of their mistake. It appears now in the clearest manner, that, till very lately those who seemed to take the part of America in the British parliament, never did it on American principles. They either did not understand, or were not willing to admit the extent of our claim. Even the great Lord Chatham's bill for reconciliation would not have been accepted here & did not materially differ from what the ministry would have consented to. The truth is, the far greatest part of the countenance given in Britain to the complaints of this country, was by those who had no other intention in it than to use them as an engine of opposition to the ministry for the time being. It is true, some of them have now learned to reason very justly, and upon the most liberal principles; but their number is not great, and it was not the case with any one speaker or writer, whose works I have had an opportunity of perusing, till the very last stage of the quarrel.
What effect this Wilkism, (if I may speak so) of many Americans may be supposed to have had upon the minds of gentlemen from Scotland it is not difficult to explain. That gentlemen and his associates thought proper to found the whole of their opposition to the then ministry, upon a contempt and hatred of the Scots nation; and by the most illiberal methods, and the most scandalous falsehoods, to stir up a national jealousy between the northern and the southern parts of the island. There was not a vile term or hateful idea, which ancient vulgar animosity had ever used, though long union had made them scarcely intelligible which he did not take up and attempt to bring credit, by writing & conversation. Wilkes and some others were burnt in effigy in Scotland, and it produced so general attachment to the king and ministry, as has not yet spent its force. In these circumstances it is to be wondered at, that many who left Scotland within the last fifteen years, when they heard Wilkes and those who adhered to him extolled and celebrated by the sons of liberty, should be apt to consider it as an evidence of the same spirit, and that they were engaged in support of the same cause. Perhaps we may go a little higher with this remark, in tracing political appearances to their source. It is generally said that the king himself has discovered a violent rancorous personal hatred against the Americans. If this be true and I know nothing to the contrary, it may be easily accounted for upon the very same principles.
I am far from supposing that this was a good reason for any man's being cool to the American cause, which was as different from that of Wilkes, as light is from darkness. It was indeed doing great dishonor to the noble struggle to suppose it to have any connection with who should be in or out of court favour at London; & therefore it was always my opinion, that those who railed against the king and ministry only, did not carry the argument home, nor fully understand the nature of their own plea. In order to justify the American opposition, it is not necessary to shew that the persons in power have invaded liberty in Britain. It is sufficient to say that they, with the concurrence of the whole nation, have refused to suffer it to continue in the colonies. This leads me to the second part of my design, which was to lay before you the reasons which, I think should induce every lover of justice & of mankind, not only to be a well-wisher, but a firm and steadfast friend to America, in
this important contest.
It has been often said, that the present is likely to be an important era in the history of America. I think we may say much more; it is like to be an important era in the history of mankind. In the ancient migrations, a new country was generally settled by a small unconnected, and often an ignorant band. The people and the soil were alike uncultivated, and therefore they proceeded to improvement by very slow degrees; nay, many of them fell back and degenerated into a state vastly more savage than the people from whence they came. In America we see a rich and valuable soil & an extensive country, taken possession of by the power, the learning & the wealth of Europe. For this reason it is now exhibiting to the world a scene which was never seen before. It has had a progress in improvement and population so rapid, as no political calculators have been able to ascertain. I look upon every thing that has been said upon this subject to be mere conjecture; except in such places as there has been an actual numeration. When men say that America doubles its number in fifteen twenty, or twenty five years, they speak by guess, and they say nothing. In some places they may be under or over the truth; but there are vast tracts of land that fill every year with inhabitants; and yet the old settled places still continue to encrease.
It is proper to observe that the British settlements have been improved in a proportion far beyond the settlements of other European nations. To what can this be ascribed? Not to the climate; for they are of all climates: Not to the people; for they are a mixture of all nations. It must therefore be resolved singly into the degree of British liberty which they brought from home, & which pervaded more or less their several constitutions. It has been repeated to us, I know not how often, by the mercenary short-sighted writers in favour of submission to, or re-union with Great-Britain, that we have thriven very much in past times by our dependance on the mother country, and therefore we should be loth to part. These writers forget, that the very complaint is, that she will not suffer us to enjoy our antient rights. Can any past experience shew that we shall thrive under new impositions? I should be glad if any such reasoners would attempt to prove, that we have thriven by our dependance, and not by the degree of independence which we have hitherto enjoyed. If we have thriven by our dependance, I conceive it is a necessary consequence that those provinces must have thriven most of which have been most dependent. But the contrary is self evident. Those which have hitherto enjoyed the freest form of government though greatly inferior in soil and climate, have yet outstripped the others in number of people and value of land, merely because the last were most under the influence of appointments and authority from home.
When this is the undesirable state of things, can any person of a liberal mind wish that these great & growing countries should be brought back to a state of subjection to a distant power? And can any man deny, that if they had yielded to the claims of the British parliament, they would have been no better than a parcel of tributary states, ruled by lordly tyrants, and exhausted by unfeeling pensioners, under the commission of one, too distant to hear the cry of oppression, and surrounded by those who had an interest in deceiving him. It ought, therefore in my opinion, to meet with the cordial approbation of every impartial person, as I am confident it will of posterity, that they have united for common defence, and resolved that they will be both free and independent, because they cannot be one without the other.
As this measure long foreseen, has now taken place, I shall beg leave to say a few things upon it; in which I mean to shew, 1. That it was necessary. 2. That it will be honourable and profitable. 3. That in

all probability, it will be no injury, but a real advantage to the Island of Great-Britain.
1. It had become absolutely necessary. All reconciliation, but upon the footing of absolute unconditional submission, had been positively refused by Great-Britain; unless, therefore, the colonies had resolved to continue in a loote and broken state, with the name of a government which they had taken arms to oppose, the step which they have now taken could not have been avoided. Besides, things had proceeded so far, and such measures had been taken on both sides, that it became impossible to lay down a scheme, by which they should be sure of our dependance, and we, the same time secured in our liberties. While things continued in their ancient state, there was perhaps a power on the part of each, of which they were hardly conscious, or were afraid or unwilling to exert. But after the encroachments had been made and resisted, to expect any thing else than a continual attempt to extend authority on the one hand, and to guard against it on the other, is to discover very little knowledge of human nature. In such a situation, though every claim of America should be yielded, she would soon be either in a state of continual confusion, or absolute submission. The king of England, living in his English dominions, would not, and indeed durst not, assent to any act of an American legislature, that was, or was supposed to be hurtful to his English subjects. This is not founded on conjecture, but experience. There is not (at least Dean Swift affirms) any dependence of Ireland upon England, except an act of the Irish parliament, that the king of England shall be king of Ireland. This last has a separate independent legislature, and in every thing else but the above circumstance, seems to be perfectly free; yet if any man should assert, that the one kingdom is not truly subject to the other, he would in my opinion know very little of the state and history of either.
2. A state of independency will be both honourable and profitable to this country. I pass over many advantages in the way of commerce, as in other respects, that must necessarily accrue from it, that I may dwell a little upon the great & leading benefit, which is the foundation of all the rest. We shall have the opportunity of forming plans of government upon the most rational, just and equal principles. I confess I have always looked upon this with a kind of enthusiastic satisfaction. The case never happened before since the world began. All the governments we have read of in former ages were settled by caprice or accident, by the influence of prevailing parties or particular persons, or prescribed by a conqueror. Important improvements indeed have been forced upon some constitutions by the spirit of daring men supported by successful insurrections. But to see government in large and populous countries settled from its foundation, by deliberate council, and directed immediately to the public good of the present & future generations, while the people are waiting for the decision with full confidence in the wisdom and impartiality of those to whom they have committed the important trust, is certainly altogether new. We learn, indeed, from history, that in all tribes and feeble new settlements, did some times employ one man of eminent wisdom, to prepare a system of laws for them. Even this was a wise measure, and attended with happy effects. But how vast the difference, when we have the experience of past ages, the history of human society, and the well known causes of prosperity and misery in other governments, to assist us in the choice.
The prospect of this happy circumstance, and the possibility of losing it, and suffering the season to pass over, has filled me with anxiety for some time. So far as we have hitherto proceeded, there has been great unanimity and public spirit. The inhabitants of every province, and persons of all denominations, have vied with each other in zeal for the common interest. But was it not to be feared that some men would acquire, over-bearing influence? that human weakness and human passions would discover themselves, and prevent the finishing what had been so happily begun. In the time of the civil wars in England, had they settled a regular form of government as the parliament had obtained an evident superiority, their liberties would never have been shaken, and the revolution would have been unnecessary. But by delaying the thing too long, they were broken into parties & bewildered in their views, and at last tamely submitted without resistance to that very tyrant against whom they had fought with so much glory & success. For this reason I think that every candid and liberal mind ought to rejoice in the measures lately taken through the States of America, and particularly the late Declaration of Independence, as it will not only give union and force to the measures of defence while they are necessary, but lay a foundation for the birth of millions, and the future improvement of a great part of the globe.
[To be Continued.]
L O N D O N. April 27.
Two men of war and four frigates are ordered to be got ready with all expedition to sail for St. Helena, and wait there for the homeward bound East Indiamen, which they are to convoy to the river, intelligence having been lately received, (from the New-York
Tories) that several armed American vessels have sailed for that coast, in order to attack them on their return.
May 1. Guy Johnson, Superintendent of Indian affairs, kissed his Majesty's hand, and took leave previous to his setting out for America.
They write from St. Maloes, that the Commander in Chief of the marine department there, had ordered four American vessels laden with musquets, pistols, swords, bayonets, &c. toreland their cargoes and proceed home in Ballast.
On the second reading of the bill in the House of Commons, "to prevent the inhuman practice of plundering vessels" wrecked on the coast," after two hours debate the bill was thrown out.
"The French Admiral Garnier, of this Court, disclaims any knowledge of a squadron having been fitted or now fitting out in France, with hostile intentions towards Great Britain."
Brunswick, May 10. The second division of our troops designed for America, are not marched hither. They cannot possibly arrive there till late in the year.
Gibraltar, March 25. The restraining act of parliament respecting the American Colonies, has been received here, with orders to put it in execution. In consequence of which, two frigates have sailed from this place, one to cruise off Cadiz, the other off Lisbon, in order to seize any American armed or trading ships they may fall in with.
May 28.
Extract of a letter from Paris, May 17.
"The King has, it's said, ordered 20 men of war to be fitted out as soon as possible, and is going to make a numerous promotion of field officers, which occasions various speculations."
The ministry have confidently asserted, in the House of Commons, that the kingdom was never in a more flourishing condition, yet provisions of all kinds were never so dear: The wealthy are sinking into indigence, the middling to the meanest state, and the poor to beggary.
Yesterday a report was circulated, that New-York was entirely destroyed, but whether by the Provincials, after the manner of Norfolk, or by the king's troops, it is not said.
A letter from Cadiz says, "An American Privateer is arrived at this port, she brought dispatches from the Congress for the Court of Madrid. The above vessel is frigate built, mounts 28 guns, 9 pounders, and is commanded by Capt. James Blake."
A letter from Rhode-Island, says, "In this port we have four armed ships from 20 to 28 guns each, which have been here some time, but the commanders think it not prudent to put to sea on account of the number of English ships of war now cruising on the coast. We are almost ruined, trade at an end, provisions dear, people over head and ears in debt, are ready to tear each other to pieces; and in fact, there is great uneasiness among the people in general in America; in some of the Provinces, it is much if there be not a civil war among themselves. [Tory.]
Letters from Dominica, dated the 1st of April mention that two American vessels with flour, were taken and carried into that place by one of our English privateers, and that scarce a day passes but some of the American armed vessels pass by the above Island.
In Lord Howe's fleet were shipped a vast number of small cannon for the use of the army; They are on a new construction, mostly about 4 pounders, so contrived that one horse will carry two of them at a great rate, in any roads through the thickest woods. [excellent invention!]
H O U S E O F C O M M O N S.
General Conway, after a speech of an hour, moved for an address to his Majesty, that he would direct to be laid before the House, copies of the instructions to Lord and General Howe, for making peace with America.
He arraigned the conduct of the Ministry, in very severe pointed terms, and concluded his speech by observing, "That if the House continued to vote at the pleasure of the Ministry, argument would have as little effect there as the troops had in America."
He was seconded by Colonel Barre, who,
in an animated stile, condemned every measure that had hitherto been taken, and observed, that whenever a motion of this nature was to be made, he saw a set of features to which he was an intire stranger, except upon such Treasury attendances.
Lord North combatted the arguments of both the Colonel and General; denied the necessity of shewing the accounts and orders, and argued upon the prudence and good management of keeping that secret, which if known, might frustrate future operations.
He was answered with severity by Lord John Cavendish; Mr. Burke contended for the necessity of the motion, rallied the weakness of administration. Their measures he said were full of blunders, their designs attended with an uncommon fatality, and the execution of their orders was such, as served to heighten the spirit of the Americans, and disgrace the glory of England.
Mr. Fox strenuously opposed every measure of government, canvassed every argument of Lord North's with spirit and judgment, and said, they magnified every defeat into victory and every shameful retreat into prudence, good conduct and heroism.
At length the question was put when the numbers were,
For the motion, 85—Against it, 171.
General Lee has fortified New-York in the strongest manner, several houses have been taken down in order to strengthen the fortifications, which are now mounted with 212 cannon, in order to salute the detachment of the Guards on their arrival, who have orders to land there.
Glasgow April 27. Recent advices from Lisbon import, that upwards of twenty sail of American vessels are detained there, by an order procured through the interest of the British consul at that port. Most of them are said to belong to merchants at Philadelphia.
Gosport, April 28. Spithead looks like a thick wood; we have not had so many ships here since the last war, including men of war there are about one hundred sail.—All the men of war will shortly proceed to America.
Portsmouth April 29. The Guards are all embarked and expected to sail in a day or two, with the Hessian troops, under convoy of the Preston man of war, Commodore Hotham, and several other men of war bound to America.
Portsmouth April 30. The men of war and all the transports bound to America, were preparing to sail with a fair wind; but it is doubtful whether the troops with the Hessians will sail with them, as they wait for the remainder. They amount in the whole to 20,000 men.
Portsmouth May 22. Arrived yesterday 8 transports with Hessians for N. America.
Dartmouth May 24. Yesterday arrived here the King of Naples, Capt. Shandy, who in lat. 48. 9. long. 9. 10. spoke his Majesty's ship Tartar, and two other men of war, with several transports under their convoy, bound to New-York, all well, who had parted with the rest of the fleet on the 24th of April.
Portsmouth May 26. Last Thursday fell down to St. Helens, nine sail of transports with the 2d division of Hessian troops, and yesterday they sailed, under convoy of the Repulse, Capt. Davis, for America. The ship Aurora, Capt. Guther, from Philadelphia, with wheat and flour, for Barcelona, is taken and carried into Gibraltar, by his majesty's ship Enterprise.
Tower-Hill, 22d May, 1776.
Mr. — compliments to Mr. —, may rely on it that the French Ministry is changed, the pacific men are turned out, and the spirited men, friends to America, to come in, viz. Duke Choiseul, &c. &c. therefore, French war, or submission to America, is inevitable. The stocks from the battle of Lexington to this day, have fallen upwards of 6 per cent. a loss on the national debt of at least seven millions. These things should be publicly made known. At Saracens, Head Inn, Friday Street.
To Mr. —."
The above letter is from Mr. —, of London, to Mr. Maddison, a gentleman who arrived in the Lord Hyde Packet from Falmouth, at Staten-Island the 29th of July, and cannot be doubted.

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 29.
Last Saturday, George Morgan, Esq; arrived in this city from the Westward. On the 9th ult. whilst at one of the Shawanese to was on the Scioto, he received intelligence of three Six Nation warriors having passed by there with two prisoners they had taken, sixteen days before, from Virginia. Mr. Morgan followed and got to their town before them, prevented the usual punishment of the prisoners on their entry, and insisted on their being immediately delivered up to him, unless they intended this breach of the peace as an open declaration of war. All the head men of the Six Nations, Shawanese and Delawares who were called together on this occasion, behaved in a very friendly manner, and joined with Mr. Morgan in his demand made to the warriors, who soon complied therewith, and were promised forgiveness on condition of future good behaviour. These warriors told Mr. Morgan they had done no other damage, except they had killed a young man they shot at when they took these prisoners: but he made his escape, tho' they believed the ball entered his breast. The prisoners are twin sons of Andrew M'Connel late of Pennsylvania, who removed last winter to Lees-town on Kentucky-river, and were taken within a few hundred yards of the town. Mr. Morgan brought them with him to Pittsburgh, and delivered them to their uncle in Westmoreland county in this province. Since then, a small party of Shawanese in returning from the Cherokee country killed and scalped two persons near the big Bone Lacke; they were pursued by a few of the neighbours who killed and scalped two of the Indians, the others escaped. This breach is also likely to be settled to the satisfaction of all parties, as the head men had expressed great concern at the conduct of their foolish young people, and promise to do all in their power to preserve our friendship. A treaty is to be held at Pittsburgh with the Western Indians the beginning of October, when 'tis hoped they will listen to and follow their true interest, as they have promised to do.
The Chiefs of the six Nations met in Council at Onondago on the 17th, 19th, & 20th days of last June, promised Mr. Morgan to call all their warriors from Canada and to listen to the Thirteen United States of America, being convinced that their advice was for their true interest, as they have no business to join either side in the present war between Britain and America. They accordingly sent off a party for the above purpose the 22d of June, and another party to Niagara, to insist on Col. Butler's bringing all their people safe back immediately. They likewise sent off two large belts to the Lake and other Western Indians, to inform them of their determination, and to desire they will also sit still.
August 20. We are informed by a Captain of a vessel arrived in this city, who escaped a few days ago from Staten-Island, that the German troops lately arrived from Halifax are landed on the island, where it is said they are to wait the arrival of another reinforcement (which is hourly expected) before the attack will be made on New-York. He adds that the British troops speak with great contempt of General Washington's army, and are assured that they will have the pleasure of soon meeting and spending the winter with General Burgoyne and his troops in New-York.
We hear that Lord Dunmore, with the remains of his Ethiopian regiment, joined his Britannic Majesty's troops on Staten-Island, on the 13th of this month.
NEW-YORK, August 19.
Last Friday two Fire-Ships, commanded by Capt. Fosdyke and Thomas (Gentlemen Volunteers of Rank in the Army of the United States) proceeded up the North-River, with intent to give a suitable warning to those piratical Gentry that have infested it since the 12th of July last. The night was dark and favourable to the Design, and the Enemy did not perceive our Vessels till they were near ahead of them. Capt. Fosdyke grappled the Phoenix, but the Fire not communicating so soon as was expected, she disentangled herself in about 20 Minutes, after sustaining considerable Damage in her Rigging. Capt. Thomas fell on board one of the Tenders, which was soon consumed; & we are truly sorry to inform the Public that this intrepid Commander is yet missing. This gallant Enterprise struck so great a Panic upon the Enemy that they thought it prudent to quit their Station; and Yesterday, taking the Advantage of a fresh Wind at S. E. attended with considerable Rain, they run the Gauntlet through a great Number of well directed Shot from our Batteries in and near this City, which undoubtedly must have damaged them much. Our Gallies played smartly, and followed the Ships a considerable Distance into the Bay. The Enemy's Fire seemed to be mostly directed upon the City as the Tops of the Houses were crowded with Spectators, but very little Damage was done to the Buildings, nor any Lives lost upon the Occasion.
Troops from all quarters have been daily arriving to our assistance since our last, and yesterday afternoon 24 sail of transports, full of hearty troops, arrived here from the Eastward, so that we can with great truth assert, that we have now an army in and about this city, of at least 70,000 men.
August 21. For some days past, the British army, on Staten-Island, have been embarking on board the transports; so that we expect their whole force before this city every tide. We hope to give them a reception, worthy the free born sons of America, and may
every freeman of America make this his toast, "That New-York is now an asylum for American Liberty."
Yesterday a number of the ministerial fleet left their station at Staten-Island, and went through the Narrows, it is supposed they mean to land part of their troops on Long-Island.
Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga, July 29. "We have lately received a supply of fresh beef, which has been of infinite service, recovered all our sick, and put the whole army into high spirits. Our marine force consists of eight gondolas and 4 schooners. We are going from here down the lake, in order to retake St. John's which Burgoyne has at present. As we have numbers, and our army are determined, I do not entertain a doubt of success."
A few days since, about 100 women, inhabitants of Dutchess County, went to the house of Col. Brinkerhoff, at Fishkill, and insisting upon having tea at the lawful price of six shillings per pound, obliged that gentleman to accommodate them with one chest from his store for that price. Shortly after he sold his cargo to some Yorkers, who for fear of another female attack, forwarded the nefarious stuff to the North river, precipitately, where it is now afloat, but the women have planted their guards on each side.
We can assure the public, that the foreigners, in Burgoyne's army, are beginning to desert in large numbers. About 60 of them in a boat came over to our troops the other day at Ticonderoga.
Friday the 24th of June, arrived at Halifax several transports from Nantasket Road, near Boston, having on board a number of Frazier's Highlanders, about 1000 of whom had arrived there some time since, and are at Staten Island.
HARTFORD, Aug. 26.
By a gentleman from Norwich we are informed, that last Friday 3 Ships and 2 tenders appeared off New-London, and soon after came to anchor near Fisher's Island.
Last Saturday a number of Gentlemen were brought to this town from New-York, where they were lately taken up on suspicion of entertaining sentiments unfriendly to the American States. We hear they are soon to set out for Norwich, where (for the present) they are desired to remain.
Last Monday David Matthews, Esq. Mayor of the city of New-York, was brought to this town from Litchfield, and on Friday returned, having obtained liberty to remain there, under the care of Capt. Moses Seymour.
Extract of a letter from New-York, dated August 16.
"The complement of men expected is pretty near filled up by the last reinforcements from New-England and Pennsylvania. Every thing I can with truth assure you has the most agreeable appearance. All have their proper stations. Posts of importance are strongly manned, while reserves are kept for possible contingencies. The spirit of the soldiery promises every thing. No levity or boasting in their countenances; but all the marks of a composure, patient, and determined resolution, that makes me anticipate either a most glorious resistance or complete victory."
BOSTON, Aug. 29, 1776.
We hear all the women and children, with the sick and infirm, are removed out of New York, agreeable to the recommendation of his Excellency General Washington.
Yesterday the Hon. Samuel Adams, one of the Delegates from this State, arrived in town from Philadelphia.
The Post from No. Four, informs of a gandaloe, with about 25 men, being taken by the enemy in Lake Champlain.
The privateer sloop Broome, Capt. William Nutt commander, belonging to New Haven, arrived at Dartmouth on Monday last from a cruise, and has taken the following valuable prizes, viz. The ship Charming Sally, John Stell Captain, bound to Europe from Dominica; had on board 465 hogsheads, 31 tierces, 35 barrels of sugar, and 25 tons huffic. The snow Ann, John Bowes Captain, from Tobago to Lancaster; had on board 169 hogsheads, 20 tierces, 26 barrels of sugar, 40 bags of Ginger, and 118 bales of Cotton. The Brig Carolina Packet. Mark Towel, Captain, bound from Antigua to London; had on board 151 hogsheads, 12 tierces and 10 barrels sugar, 2 hogsheads of rum, and 14 tons of Lignumvitae and Fustic. Also the brig John, Daniel M c Kay, Captain, from Grenada to Dublin; had on board 90 hogsheads and 2 tierces of rum.
Extract of a letter from New-York, dated Aug. 22.
"I have but a moment in which to tell you what I have to say. It is said the enemy are now attempting to land on Long Island. There is a smoke there, from whence a General Officer told me he concluded that our people were burning dwelling houses, barns, grain and hay, for which orders have been for some time issued in case the enemy should attempt to land there. He told me they had
certain intelligence that the enemy could not remain on Staten Island, and they could not return to England; they were therefore under a necessity of attacking. They are expected here this day if the wind should favor; it is now a head. Last night was the most dismal I ever saw. The Almighty appeared in terrible majesty. The sharpest and almost incessant lightning, from darkness thick as Egyptian, and accompanied with dreadful thunder, formed a most awful scene. A New-York Captain and 2 Lieutenants were killed in one tent; the Centinel was struck deaf and dumb, and still continues so. A Private in town was killed."
EXETER, Aug. 24, 1776.
A POWDER MILL erected in this Town by Col. SAMUEL HOBART is now going, and is an Improvement upon the former plan of Powder-Mills, said to be preferable to those before built in New-England.
PORTSMOUTH Aug. 31.
Last Evening arrived here from Philadelphia Col. William Whipple, one of the Members of the Right Honourable Continental Congress of the united States of America.
Last Sunday the wife of Mr. James Watson, of Nottingham, was deliver'd of three fine Boys, all very brisk, and like to do well. Very good
Just Published at the Printing Office in EXETER.
THE following new ACTS and LAWS, past at the last Session of the General-Court of this State, viz.
An Act for establishing Courts of Law for the Administration of Justice within this Colony,
An Act for establishing the stile of Commissions, which shall hereafter be issued, and for altering the stile of Writs, Processes, & all Law proceedings within this Colony; and for directing how Recognizances to the use of this Colony shall in future be taken and prosecuted.
An Act to establish an equitable Method of making Rates and Taxes, and determining who shall be legal Voters in town and Parish Affairs.
An Act to remove any Doubts that have, or may arise concerning the Legality of any Taxes granted by the late Congress for this Colony; and to enforce the payment of Taxes in future.
An Act for the better Regulating of Marriages and for punishing the neglect of Registering Births and Burials.
An Act to invest the overseers of the Poor, with power more effectually to employ them, and to provide for bringing up their Children more usefully.
An Act for the better regulating Highways.
An Act to prevent the Forgeing & altering Bills of public Credit, and for preventing the Depreciation thereof; and for making the Bills of Credit of the United Colonies, and the Bills of this Colony a Tender in all payments.
An Act for the relief of Ideots and distracted Persons.
An Act to abolish the Court of Appeals in this Colony, and to empower the Superior Court of Judicature to sustain and determine all Matters pending in said Court of Appeals, and to prevent the absurd Practice of granting Appeals to the King of Great-Britain in Council, from the Judgments of any Courts in this Colony, in future.
A few Copies exclusive of what the Assembly take off may had of the Printer.
THE SELECT-MEN hereby give notice that they will attend at the WORK-HOUSE on the first, second and third Tuesdays in September next, from 3 to 6 o'Clock P. M. to make any reasonable abatements on the Taxes of such Persons as are over rated.
Portsmouth Aug. 30th, 1776. 15-17
Two Dollars Reward.
BROKE from the guard at Fort Sullivan, Frederick Poverly Drummer of my company in Col. David Gilman's Regiment, on the 28th of August inst. he is of a dark complexion about six feet and a half high, light hair, a crooked nose, large fore teeth; had on when he deserted a new hat, blue regimental coat, white breeches, &c. Whoever will take up said Deserter, and convey him to said fort, or confine him in any of the colony goals shall have TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
ELIPHALET DANIELS.
Fort Sullivan Aug. 29th, 1776. 15-17

POET'S CORNER.
On GAMING.
DORINDA chearful, young, and gay, Brilliant at balls, at park and play; Blest with a free engaging air; In short entirely debonnaire: Shall I relate?—Excuse the truth— That bane of misled heedless youth, Gaming! had quite engross'd her mind; To not a vice beside inclin'd. Oft would she melancholy sit, No partner near for dear piquet! At last a cruel spoiler came, Deep in the myst'ries of the game, A son of Mars, with brazen face, Furnish'd with impudence and lace; Yet could he fawn, and sesm'd so mild, That innocence was sure beguil'd. Her intimacy soon he gains: She seem'd a prize deserving pains: Cards, after nonsense, came in course; By sap he surer works than force. The table set—the game begins, The captain soon her money wins: She can't desist; loses and frets; Her brilliant necklace then she bets; Would save her watch, but can't resist, A miniature can scarce be mis'd. At last both watch and trinkets go A prey to the devouring foe! Nay, more (if fame tells us true) She lost her diamond buckles too! Her bracelet next became his prize, And in his hat the treasure lies. Upon her virtue next he treats, And Honour's sacred name repeats! Then swears, with hand upon his breast, That without her he can't be blest; Plies her, with unremitting pains, To exchange her virtue for his gains. Shame now with scarlet dies her face; He triumphs over her disgrace: Soon turns to jest her scruples nice; In brief, she falls a sacrifice! So some fair flower its charms displays Conspicuous to the solar rays; Pride of the garden where it grows, Guiltless and unsuspecting where it blows, Till some foul reptile, under ground, The root approaches, fair and sound: From noxious bite the flower declines, And all its beauteous tints resigns; Its verdure fades, it droops its head From cause unseen, the plant is dead. Spoil'd of her virtue in her prime, The dread of shame succeeds her crime; Lost to the hopes of earthly joy, Rage and despair her mind destroy. Dorinda—gentle, hapless maid! Bereft of Reason's timely aid, From consciousness, from scandal's rod, Rous'd, without summons to her God! Ye fair, if happiness ye prize, Be warn'd, shun gaming, and be wise.
WILLIAMSBURG, July 19.
Capt. Denny has lately taken-up, before Gwyn's-Island, 11 anchors and 10 cables, which were left by Lord Dunmore's fugitive squadron. One of the anchors is of 1 300 wt. with a new cable 120 fathoms long, supposed to have belonged to the Otter.
By advices since our last we learn, that Lord Dunmore in attempting to get possession of St. George's Island, in Maryland, was drove off with the loss of 11 men killed and two tenders, which the Marylanders set fire to, after taking out what was valuable in them, and sending back to his Lordship, by way of present, the stinking black prisoners they had taken.—His fleet has since gone up to Potomack, to get water, of which they are much in want; and some of them it is said have appeared in sight of Alexandria.
NEW-PORT, Aug 5.
Last Monday morning two brigs went up the east side of the Island; one of which is an Antiguaman, loaded with sugar, rum and cotton, sent in by the privateer Diamond,
Capt. Chace, but had been taken before by Capt. Newman, of Philadelphia, and was taken again by Capt. Chace, because she had no copy of Capt. Newman's commission on board:—The other brig is a whaleman, which is released.
NEW-JERSEY.
The whole standing militia of this state, West of the river Connecticut, with two regiments on the east side of said river have marched to join the grand American army at New-York. They consist on the most moderate computation of at least ten thousand men.
A Libel being filed before me against the ship named the Nelly, burthen about three hundred tons, her cargo and appurtenances commanded by Lyonel Bradstreet; which vessel is said to have been the property of some inhabitant or inhabitants of Great Britain, and taken and brought into the county of Rockingham.—This notice is given, agreeable to the laws of said Colony, that the maritime courts, erected to try and condemn all vessels, found infesting the sea coasts of America, and brought into the county of Rockingham, will be held at the Court-House in Portsmouth, on Thursday the 12th day of September next, at 10 o'clock forenoon, to try the justice of said capture, that all persons concerned may appear and shew cause (if any they have) why said vessel, her cargo and appurtenances, should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT Judge of said court. Portsmouth August 23 1776. 15—17
ON Thursday the 5th day of September next, at ten o'clock in the morning, at Capt. Moffatt's wharfe, will be sold by public vendue.
250 Hogsheads choice Muscovado Sugars, being the remainder of those taken in the prize-ship Reward.
JOHN PARKER, Vendue-Master. Portsmouth Aug. 29, 1776. 15—17
State of New-Hampshire.
DESERTED from my Company at New-Castle, Timothy Knox of Pembroke and John King Connor, of Hopkinton; the Committees of said towns are desired to take up said deserters and convey them to their respective company.
TIMOTHY CLEMENTS, Capt. New-Castle Aug. 29, 1776. 15—17
ALL Persons indebted to or that have demands on the estate Mr. Joshua Weeks late of Loudon, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to Nathaniel Weeks of said Loudon, administrator on said estate for immediate settlement.
Loudon Aug. 22, 1776. 15—17
ALL Persons indebted to or that have any demands on the estate of Paul Hayes, late of Barrington deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to James Hayes of Barrington, executor of his last will and testament, in order for a speedy settlement.
Barrington Aug. 23, 1776. 15—17
GEORGE WENTWORTH
Proposes, if a suitable encouragement is given, to open a PUBLIC VENDUE, once a fortnight or month, as it may be most convenient to his employers, at the house that was lately improved as a custom-house in this town. Therefore any persons that may incline, to put any kind of goods whatever, into his hands, may rely on his endeavors and integrity in making the most of them, and such persons who should not like to have themselves or goods known, may depend on the strictest secrecy.
Portsmouth, Aug. 16, 1776. 13—15
Cash given for Old Pewter,
by JOHN GOOCH, at the sign of the Plates, in King-Street, or one pound of new Pewter for two pound of old. 13—15
A Libel being filed before me against the ship named the Reward, burthen'd about two hundred tons, her cargo and appurtenances commanded by James Bailee,—which vessel is said to have been the property of some inhabitant or inhabitants of Great-Britain, or inhabitant or inhabitants of Tortola, subject or subjects of the King of Great-Britain, and taken & brought into the county of Rockingham.
This Notice is given agreeable to the laws of said colony, that the maritime court, erected to try and condemn all vessels found infesting the sea-coasts of America, & bro't into the county of Rockingham, will be held at the court-house in Portsmouth, on Thursday the 12th day of September next, at 10 o'clock forenoon, to try the justice of said capture, that all persons concerned may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why said vessel her cargo and appurtenances should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT, Judge of said court. All claimants are by law to file their claims five days at least, before the sitting of said court.
Portsmouth Aug. 13, 1776. 13—15
STATE of NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
PUBLICK Notice is hereby given to the several constables, whose names are returned and also to the select-men to whom warrants were issued for a colony Tax: bearing date September 1775. who have not returned the name of the constables nor paid said sum; that unless they and each of them speedily pay into the Treasury the sums contained in their respective warrants: Extents will issue against them. Also the former constables and select men as aforesaid who are delinquent in paying the Colony Tax to the honourable George Jaffery Esq; late Treasurer, are hereby notified that unless they immediately pay their respective sums contained in his warrant into the hand of me the subscriber (who am authorized to receive the same) Extents will issue against each of them.
By Order of the Committee of Safety. NICH. GILMAN, Treasurer.
Exeter Aug. 8. 1776. 13—15
AS there are some of the Inhabitants of this Town, who have not paid their Taxes for the last year, the Selectmen are constrained, to give them this public notice, that unless they pay the same to the respective Collectors, they shall be under the very disagreeable necessity, of publishing their Names in this Paper, as untruly to their Country, supposing that no man who really wishes it well, can object to the payment of his just Proportion of the Public expence.—If any are over rated, the Selectmen are ready on application to them, to make any reasonable Abatements.
Portsmouth August 16 1776 13—15
Five Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, about the 1st inst. a Negro-Man named Newport, between 30 and 40 years of age, speaks good English, 5 feet 7 inches high, carried with him a Round, homespun Jackett, Leather Breeches, long Trowsers, check'd homespun Shirts, &c. Whoever will convey said Negro to me, or confine him in any Goal in this State, so that I may have him again, shall have Five Dollars Reward, and all necessary charges paid by Tilly Haggens. Berwick August 15, 1776. 13—16
A VENDUE ROOM,
Adjoining the Printing-Office, will soon be opened, for the Sale of any Kind of Household Furniture, Merchandize, &c.
A FEW GALLONS OF WEST-INDIA RUM,
TO BE SOLD by STEPHEN MEEDS, at six shillings lawful money by the single gallon, if applied for soon. 13—15
Good Sheeps Wool
To be sold by JOHN FIELD, in Bradford, opposite the upper Ferry. August 16 1776. 13—15