The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-08-17 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
O R
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, August 17, 1776.
[ No. 13 ]
IN the last page of the last week's paper, in a letter signed ORTHODOXUS , for these words, the rage of Hellen , read, the rape of Hellen , which entirely alters the sense of the passage, relative to the context.
PHILADELPHIA
The following is an exact state of what passed at the interview between his Excellency General Washington and Col. Patterson, Adjutant-General of the army under General Howe, July 20, 1776.
After usual compliments, in which, as through the whole conversation, Col. Patterson addressed General Washington by the title of Excellency, Col. Patterson entered upon the business by saying, that General Howe much regretted the difficulties which had arisen respecting the address of the letters to General Washington; that it was deemed consistent with propriety, & founded on precedents of the like nature by Ambassadors and Plenipotentiaries where disputes or difficulties of rank had arisen; that General Washington might recollect he had, last summer, addressed a letter to Gen. Howe, To the Hon. Wm. Howe, Esq; that Lord Howe and Gen. Howe did not mean to derogate from the respect or rank of General Washington; that they held his person and character in the highest esteem; that the direction, with the addition of &c. &c. &c. implied every thing that ought to follow. He then produced a letter which he did not directly offer to General Washington, but observed that it was the same letter which had been sent, and laid it on the table, with a superscription to George Washington, &c. &c. &c. The General declined the letter, and said that a letter directed to a person in a public character, should have some description or indication of it, otherwise it would appear a mere private letter; that it was true the &c. &c. &c. implied every thing, and they also implied any thing; that the letter to Gen. Howe alluded to, was in answer to one received under a like address from him, which the officer on duty having taken, he did not think proper to return, but answered it in the same mode of address; that he should absolutely decline any letter directed to him as a private person, when it related to his public station. Col. Patterson then said, that General Howe would not urge his delicacy any further, and repeated his assertions, that no failure of respect was intended. He then said, that he would endeavour as well as he could, to recollect General Howe's sentiments on the letter and resolve of Congress, sent him a few days before, respecting the treatment of our prisoners in Canada. "That the affairs of Canada were in another department not subject to the controul of General Howe, but that he and Lord Howe utterly disapproved of every infringement on the rights of humanity." Col. Patterson then took a paper out of his pocket; and after looking it over, said he had expressed nearly the words. General Washington said that he had also forwarded a copy of the resolves
to General Burgoyne. To which Col. Patterson replied, he did not doubt a proper attention would be paid to them, and that he (Gen. Washington) was sensible that cruelty was not the characteristic of the British nation. Col. Patterson then proceeded to say, he had it in charge to mention the case of Gen. Prescott, who they were informed was treated with such rigour, that under his age and infirmities, fatal consequences might be apprehended.
General Washington replied, that General Prescott's treatment had not fallen under his notice; that all persons under his particular direction, he had treated with kindness, and made their situation as easy and comfortable as possible; that he did not know where General Prescott was, but believed his treatment was very different from their information. General Washington then mentioned the case of Col. Allen, and the officers who had been confined in Boston goal. As to the first, Col. Patterson answered, that General Howe, had no knowledge of it but by information from General Washington, and that the Canada department was not under his direction or controul; that as to the other prisoners at Boston, when ever the state of the army at Boston admitted it, they were treated with humanity and even indulgence; that this he asserted upon his honour, and should be happy in an opportunity to prove it.
General Washington then observed, that the conduct of several of the officers would well have warranted a different treatment from what they had received; some having refused to give any parole, and others having broke it when given, by escaping, or endeavouring so to do. Col. Patterson answered, that as to the first, they misunderstood the matter very much, and seemed to have mistook the line of propriety exceedingly; and as to the latter, General Howe utterly disapproved and condemned their conduct.
That if a remonstrance was made, such violations of good faith, would be severely punished; but that he hoped General Washington was too just to draw public inferences from the misbehaviour of some private individuals; that bad men were to be found in every class and society; that such behaviour was considered as a dishonour to the British army. Col. Patterson then proceeded to say, that the goodness and benevolence of the King had induced him to appoint Lord and Gen. Howe his Commissioners, to accommodate this unhappy dispute, that they had great powers, & would derive the greatest pleasure from effecting an accommodation; & that he (Col. Patterson) wished to have this visit considered as making the first advances to this desirable object. General Washington replied that, he was not vested with any powers on this subject, by those from whom he derived his authority and power. But from what had appeared or transpired on this head Lord Howe and General Howe were only to grant pardons; that those who had committed no fault wanted no pardon, that we were only defending what we deemed our indisputable right. Col. Patterson said that
would open a very wide field for argument. He then expressed his apprehension that an adherence to forms was likely to obstruct business of the greatest moment and concern.
He then observed that a proposal had been formerly made of exchanging Gov. Skene for Mr. Lovell; that he now had authority to accede to that proposal, General Washington replied, that the proposition had been made by the direction of Congress, and having been then rejected, he could not now renew the business, or give any answer, till he had previously communicated it to them.
Col. Patterson behaved with the greatest attention and politeness during the whole business, expressing strong acknowledgments that the usual ceremony of blinding his eyes had been dispensed with. At the breaking up of the conference, General Washington strongly invited him to partake of a small collation provided for him, which he politely declined, alledging his late breakfast, and an impatience to return to General Howe, thought he had not executed his commission so amply as he wished. Finding he did not propose staying, he was introduced to the General Officers, after which he took his leave, and was safely conducted to his own boat, which waited for him about four miles distant from the city.
Made public by order of Congress.
JOHN HANCOCK. President.
In CONGRESS, July 10, 1776.
THE Committee to whom the cartel between Brigadier General Arnold, and Capt. Foster, and the several papers thereto relating were committed, having had the same under their consideration, and made diligent inquiry into the facts, have agreed to the following report:
They find that a party of three hundred & ninety Continental troops, under the command of Col. Bedel was posted at the Cedars, about forty-three miles above Montreal: that they had there formed some works of defence, the greater part of them piqueted lines, the rest a breast-work of earth, with two field pieces mounted.
That on Wednesday, the fifteen of May, Col. Bedel received intelligence that a party of the enemy consisting of about six hundred regulars, Canadians & Indians, were on their way to attack his post, & were then within nine miles of it—that Col. Bedel thereon set out himself for Montreal to procure a reinforcement, whereupon the command at the Cedars devolved on Major Butterfield.
That on Thursday a reinforcement under the command of Major Sherburn, marched from Montreal for the Cedars while a larger detachment should be getting ready to proceed thither with Brigadier Gen. Arnold.
That on Friday the nineteenth the enemy, under the command of Capt. Foster, invested the post at the Cedars, and for two days kept up a loose, scattering fire—that Major Butterfield proposed from the very first to surrender the post, and refused repeated solicitations from his officers and men to permit them to sally out on the enemy.
That on Sunday afternoon, a flag being sent in by the enemy, Major Butterfield agreed to surrender the fort and garrison to Capt. Foster capitulating with him (whether verbally or in writing does not appear) that the garrison should not be put into the hands of the Savages, and that their baggage should not be plundered.
That at the time of the surrender, the enemy con-

consisted of about forty regulars, one hundred Canadians, and five hundred Indians, and had no cannon; the garrison had sustained no injury from the fire, but they having one man wounded—they had twenty rounds of cartridges a man, thirty rounds for one field piece, five for another, half a barrel of gun-powder, fifteen pounds of musket ball, and provision sufficient to have lasted them twenty or thirty days. Major Butterfield knew that a reinforcement was on its way, and moreover was so near the main body of the army that he could not doubt of being supported by that.
That immediately on the surrender, the garrison was put into the custody of the Savages, who plundered them of their baggage, and even stripped them of their cloaths.
That Major Sherburne having landed, on Monday the twentieth, at Quisecheones, about nine mile from the Cedars, and marched on with his party consisting then of one hundred men, to within four miles thereof, was there attacked by about five hundred of the enemy—that he maintained his ground about an hour, and then, being constrained to retreat, performed the same in good order, receiving and returning a constant fire for about forty minutes, when the enemy finding means to post advanced parties in such a manner as to intercept their farther retreat, they also were made prisoners of war.
That they were immediately put into the custody of the Savages carried to where Major Butterfield & his party were, and stripped of their baggage and wearing apparel.
That two of them were put to death, that evening, but or five others at different times afterwards, one of whom was of those who surrendered on capitulation at the Cedars, and was killed on the eighth day after that surrender. That one man was first shot, and while retaining life and sensation was roasted, as was related by his companion now in possession of the Savages, who himself saw the fact, and that several others, being worn down, by fatigue and cruelty, were left exposed in an island naked and perishing with cold and hunger.
That while Major Sherburne was in custody of the enemy, Capt. Foster required of him and the other officers to sign a cartel, stipulating the exchange of themselves and their men for as many of equal condition of the British troops in our possession. And farther notwithstanding the exchange, neither themselves nor men should ever again bear arms, against the British government. And for the performance of this, four hostages were to be delivered, which they, being under the absolute power of the enemy did sign.
That on Sunday the twenty-sixth the prisoners were carried to Juningrehener, when it was discovered that General Arnold was approaching and making dispositions to attack them.
That Capt. Foster, having desired Major Sherburne to attend a flag which he was about to send to Gen. Arnold for confirmation of the cartel carried him into the Council of the Indians then sitting, who told him, "that it was a mercy never before shown in their wars, that they had put to death so few of the prisoners, but that he must expect and so inform Gen. Arnold that they should certainly kill every man who should thereafter fall into their hands." That Capt. Foster joined in desiring that this bloody message should be delivered to Gen. Arnold, and moreover that he should be notified, that if he rejected the cartel, and attacked him, every man of the prisoners would be put to instant death.
That General Arnold was extremely averse from entering into any agreement, and was at length induced to do it, by no other motive than that of saving the prisoners from cruel & inhuman death, threatened in such terms as left no doubt it was to be perpetrated; and that he did in the end conclude it after several flags received from Capt. Foster, and a relinquishment by him of the unequal article restraining our Soldiers from again bearing arms.
That the prisoners so stipulated to be given up to the enemy, were not in the possession of Gen. Arnold, nor under his direction, but were, at that time, distributed through various parts of the continent, under the orders of this House.
That four hostages were accordingly delivered to Captain Foster, who were immediately plundered & stripped by the Savages; and on his part were delivered one Major, four Captains, sixteen subalterns and three hundred and fifty-five privates as specified in a certificate of Capt. James Osgood, and others, of whom no specification by their names or number has yet been transmitted; that he retained twelve Canadians, alledging, in his justification, express orders to do so; and that living in a military government, they were to be considered even in a worse light than deserters from his Majesty's armies. These he carried away in irons, but afterwards released; that he permitted the Indians to carry into their countries several other natives of the United States, for purposes unknown.
That during the time of their captivity, not half food was allowed the prisoners. They were continually insulted, buffeted, & ill treated by the Savages; and when the first parties of them were carried off from the shore, to be delivered to General Arnold, balls of mud were fired at them, and at the last parties, musket balls.
Whereupon the Congress came to the following resolutions:
Resolved , That all acts, contrary to good faith, the laws of nature or the custom of civilized nations, done by the officers and soldiers of his Britannic Majesty, or by foreigners or Savages taken into his service, are to be considered as done by his orders, unless indemnification be made in cases which admit indemnification and in all other cases, unless immediate & effective measures be taken by him or his officers for bringing to condign punishment the authors, abettors, and perpetrators of the act.
Resolved , That the plundering the baggage of the garrison at the Cedars, stripping them of their cloathes, and delivering them into the hands of the Savages, was a breach of the capitulation on the part of the enemy, for which indemnification ought to be demanded.
Resolved , That the murder of the prisoners of war was a gross and inhuman violation of the laws of nature and nations; that condign punishment should be inflicted on the authors, abettors, and perpetrators of the same; and that for this purpose, it be required that they be delivered into our hands.
Resolved , That the agreement entered into by Gen. Arnold was a mere sponson on his part, he not being invested with the powers for disposing of prisoners not in his possession, nor under his directions, and that therefore it is subject to be ratified or annulled at the discretion of this House.
Resolved , That the shameful surrender of the post at the Cedars, is chargeable on the commanding officer. That such other of the prisoners, as were taken there, shewed a willingness and desire to fight the enemy; and that Major Sherburne, and the prisoners taken with him, through their disparity of numbers was great, fought the enemy bravely for a considerable time, and surrendered at last, but on absolute necessity, on which considerations, & on which alone, it is resolved that the said sponson be ratified, and that an equal number of captives from the enemy of the same rank and condition be restored to them as stipulated by the said sponson.
Resolved , That previous to the delivery of the prisoners to be returned on one part the British Commander in Canada be required to deliver into our hands the authors, abettors, and perpetrators of the horrid murder committed on the prisoners, to suffer such punishment as their crime deserves; and also to make indemnification for the plunder at the Cedars, taken contrary to the faith of capitulation; & that, until such delivery and indemnification be made, the said prisoners be not delivered.
Resolved , That if the enemy shall commit any farther violences by putting to death, torturing or otherwise ill treating the prisoners retained by them, or any of the hostages put into their hands, recourse be had to retaliation, as the sole means of stopping the progress of human butchery; and for that purpose punishments of the same kind and degree be inflicted on an equal number of the captives from thence in our possession, till they shall be taught due respect to the violated rights of nations.
Resolved , That a copy of this report be transmitted to the Commander in Chief of the Continental forces, to be by him sent to Generals Howe and Burgoyne.
By Order of the Congress. JOHN HANCOCK, President.
MR. PRINTER, Please to give the following a place in your useful Gazette.
OF all the disorders incident to the human race, there is none (the plague only excepted) that has been attended with more dreadful, and fatal consequences, than the small pox . It is universally allowed, that there is not one person in Ten Thousand but what is obnoxious to this disease. And from innumerable observations, and the most accurate accounts which have been kept, it has been found to prove fatal, to one seventh part of all those who have been attacked therewith: While one third of the surviving part, have escaped with the loss of their eyes, or have been otherwise so disfigured, as to render them (were it not so common) the most disagreeable objects. In other parts of the world, it is found impossible to keep the distemper from among them, they therefore take no pains to prevent it. The inhabitants in general have the disease in their infancy, in which state it does not prove so mortal; notwithstanding we find, by the annual bills of mortality published in London, that as many, and oftentimes more perish with the small pox , than with any other disease. In the year 1760 there died in London with Fevers of every kind 2136, with the small pox only 2187, and nearly the same proportion every year since. In the infant state of America, when the inhabitants were few and scattered, it was found not only necessary, but practicable, to keep the small pox from spreading: succeeding generations pursued the same measures, & with the utmost difficulty kept it from becoming general, untill the year 1760 when the inhabitants of America, from a handful of people had encreased, to the amazing number of millions, and scarcely one in a hundred, but was liable to this depopulating disease. Where it was found impossible, (in the southern governments) any longer to restrain its destructive progress, the wise and merciful author of our beings, in tender pity & compassion, in a most miraculous manner, pointed out a method in which all ages, sexes, and constitutions,
might be freed from the ravages of this distemper, with ease, safety, & scarce any inconvenience. Shall we then, any longer be stupidly blinded to ourselves? Shall we dispise so great a blessing, by ungratefully neglecting to enjoy it? Do we prefer ease to pain, comeliness to deformity, life to death, and shall we neglect the proper means to secure the one, and guard against the other? For my part, not only myself, but family are liable to this disorder, which is now spreading around us, I think myself accountable to Providence, not only for my own life, but the lives of those he has been pleased to commit to my care, and charge. I think it, therefore, an indispensable duty, incumbent upon me, to take every method that he has put into my power, to secure them from danger and misfortunes of every kind, more especially, so destructive an evil as the natural small pox : And as our inveterate enemies are endeavouring by every method, to spread this fatal disorder through our armies & towns, knowing it to be the most effectual measure to distress and destroy us, I am determined, therefore no longer to leave myself and family in their power, but immediately embrace the salutary means which God in his infinite mercy has pointed out, let the consequence to a few obstinate persons (who prefer their own particular ease to the safety and welfare of millions) be what it will.
Z. Y.
Mr. Dearborn, WE have read with attention your several publications under the signature of Orthodoxus , the author of which discovers an ingenious knowledge of the fundamental causes of the present dispute, between America and Britain, and though he has thrown some additional light on the subject, with a design to quiet the minds of the timorous and fearful, yet, as that subject has been so thoroughly handled heretofore, and the merits or the controversy are wholly out of the question now, Conquest being the aim of Great-Britain, we could wish to see that Author, who appears to have a happy talent at writing, employing his leisure hours in speculations more immediately analogous to the present times, and that he would give us his opinion on the nature of government, & the best means to promote the interest and happiness of the state wherein he resides, that he would stimulate the soldiers and officers to the defence of their natural rights as freemen, that he would favor us with his speculations of every kind that may conduce to the public peace, liberty and safety, as he is fully capable of discharging that office, as may be seen by his publications in your late useful papers.
Vox Populi.
WILLIAMSBURG, July 19. From Hampton we learn, that advice was brought there from the Eastern shore of a tender, mounting two carriage and twelve swivel guns, being drove ashore in a squall of wind, five or six days ago, with eighteen pirates on board, among them Mr. James Parker, late of Norfolk, merchant; who immediately surrendered themselves to a party of our troops, and begged for quarters. A boat from another tender, her consort, attempted to cut her out from the creek where she was secured; but our people, perceiving their design, lay in ambush for them, and when nigh enough, rushed into the water and fired upon them, killing five of the crew, it was supposed, as three were seen to fall overboard, and two to drop down in the boat, upon which the pirates backed about, and rowed faster than they came to their tender.
Benjamin Woodward, against whom an information was lodged for attempting to counterfeit the paper currency of the American states, was brought to town last Wednesday, with four other persons, suspected to be accomplices, and lodged in the public jail. They were attacked at Pittsylvania county, with types and other implements to carry on their wicked and destructive scheme.
Of the vast number of shells which were thrown against Fort Sullivan, near Charleston, but two fell into it, and only one did any execution. The express that bro't General Lee's letter, and who may be depended upon, assures us, that the following is an exact list of the loss we sustained by that shell, viz. three ducks, one goose, and a turkey killed; and one goose so wounded that the cook despaired of its life, and therefore cut off his head.
NEW-YORK, August 8. Yesterday came in to town two deserters from the fleet, by whom we are informed, that Lord Howe is preparing for an attack, their field pieces were put on board a vessel, and it was supposed that the forces would land on Long-Island, while the shipping attack the city.
Yesterday was executed and decently interred at Kip's Bay, a deserter (in the shape of a large green turtle) from the ministerial fleet, now lying at the Watering place, near this city, commanded by Admiral Howe; he was as ugly a beast as any of the crew, but from his desertion has plainly proved

that he was possessed of better principles than most of them. Many patriotic healths were drank at his interment.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, August 3.
"Since my last, we have arrived, a sloop from North-Carolina with naval stores, and a sloop of 8 4 pounders; she belongs to the Goodrich's of Virginia, and was commanded by one of them; was out three days from Bermuda, when he discovered & gave chase to the brig Lexington, Captain Barry, but finding his mistake, put back too late; for in about an hour and a half, Barry ran along side, when she struck. She had 8 negroes on board; all or most of the men, to the amount of 25, entered on board of Barry. Goodrich is a prisoner on board the brig."
"This morning we have an express from a schooner taken by Capt. Weeks, in the continental ship Reprisal; she was bound from St. Vincents for Liverpool, with upwards of 100 hogsheads of rum, and is safe at Absecomb Inlet. They bring an account of his having taken a ship of 4 or 500 tons burthen, from Grenada for London;—she was quite full, and by the captors said to be worth 35,000l."
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, Aug. 1.
Last night arrived an account of the capture of the brig Richmond, by the sloop Congress (fitted out of this place) she was bound from London and Nevis for Halifax and had on board the following articles, viz. 1078 joes, 672 guineas 15 moidores, 41 hogsheads of rum, 6 hogsheads, 5 tierces, & 5 barrels sugar, one hogshead loaf sugar, 24 hogsheads prize molasses, 3 cases drugs, and a trunk of Irish linen. The brig is safely arrived at Egg Harbour, the gold they had in the water cask. The cash and several London passengers are on board the privateer, who was left in chase of a three decker. They took several London letters directed for people in New-York, also some news-papers, one of them the 23d of April, which is the only one we have not seen before; it contains very little except advices from Jamaica, by which they seem alarmed at the arrival of the French troops at Hispaniola, and that some of the merchants had forbade their orders for goods, expecting a visit from them. That seven ships, one of them the Hancock and Adams with wheat, had arrived at Lisbon from Philadelphia, and that two Tobacco and one wheat loaded ships were arrived in France.
"Mr. Gibb's ship, Capt. Robinson is below, from Marseilles, with 1100 arms, 37 tons of lead, 15 tons of powder, flints, &c.—I have just seen the supercargo, who tells me they are 7 weeks out; that he could not procure a news-paper, although he offered a guinea for one; but saw one as late as the 15th of May. He says the first embarkation of troops sailed with Lord Howe, about the 12th of May; that the second detachment of foreigners had not left Holland and that it was reported that they had refused sailing till a cartel was established; that France had two formidable fleets at sea, who were to join off St. Vincents; that the Duke de Chartres was to command the whole, and was cruising off that Cape, where he had retaken an American vessel from an English man war; that the carpenters in the French shipyards were kept close at work Sunday and holidays not excepted; that all the naval and military stores were engaged for the King's use; that all the seamen were ordered immediately to be registered & every thing bare the appearance of war; the Spaniards had marched a large body of troops to the environs of Portugal; that the English Parliament was prorogued and the Irish dissolved, and that a ship and brig from New-York, were arrived at Marseilles."
Tuesday last arrived Capt. McKay from St. Christophers, with a cargo of Rum, Sugar, Fruit &c. having met with none of the British Cruizers in the voyage, till he made Block Island, on his homeward bound passage when he was chased by two frigates, but being near the shore, soon got out of their reach.—The Inhabitants of St. Kitts he says, continue warmly attached to our cause, and that their reigning toasts are Washington, Lee, and INDEPENDENCY to AMERICA.
HARTFORD, Aug. 12.
A letter from a gentleman at New-York
to his friend in Weathersfield, informs "That soon after the British Fleet left Carolina, one of the ships run aground, her cargo consisting of five companies of Highlanders; and that a party of General Lee's men boarded her, took out the men, and burnt the vessel." Scotch lumber, on the American coasts, is apt to get among the breakers!
Last week a new batch of Tories (between twenty and thirty) arrived in town from the county of Albany. They are a motley mess! fifteen of whom, it is said, are to be station'd at New-London.
A letter from Skeensborough, dated the 24th ult. mentions General Arnold's being at that place, to superintend the vessels building there; and that it was hoped we should in a few days have a sufficient fleet to command the lake.
NEW-LONDON, August 2.
Since our last arrived here Capt. Joseph Packwood in an armed sloop, from the West-Indies, with ten tons of Powder, 3 or 400 stand of arms, and a quantity of European Goods.
Last Tuesday Capt. Bigelow arrived here from the West-Indies, with five tons of Powder, &c. They were both chased by the Cerberus frigate, Capt. Simmons, but had the good fortune to get in safe.
PORTSMOUTH, Aug. 7, 1776.
On the 7th Instant departed this life, Nathaniel Wells Esq. Aged, 72 years. Besides several officers, civil and military, which he sustained with honour, He was for many years a Deacon of the first church in Wells, He was a gentleman of good understanding, great integrity, and singular modesty. One who feared God, and wrought Righteousness, He was no showy man, but one of real goodness, and solid worth, religious without affectation, prudent without any craft, in short, a plain, sensible, sincere, honest, good man, He left a widow and four children.
By Capt. Ladd, who arrived here in 18 days, from Cape Nichola Mole, we are informed, that the fleet of sugar ships was to sail the 2d of August from Jamaica, under convoy of one 20 gun ship; that a French ship convoy'd him through the Windward Passage, and informed him France & Spain had declared War against Portugal.
DIED Mrs. Robins,
A child of Mr. Day's.
At Hingham Mrs. Cushing, consort of Jacob Cushing, Esq;
At Marblehead, Mrs. Susannah Jayne.
Sundry articles must be omitted till our next, for want of room.
A VENDUE ROOM,
Adjoining the Printing-Office, will soon be opened, for the Sale of any Kind of Household Furniture, Merchandize, &c.
By public Vendue,
ON Thursday the 22d day of August inst. at ten o'clock in the morning, will begin the sale of part of the Cargo of the Prize-ship Reward , from Tortola, now lying at Bell's wharfe, consisting of
649 Casks choice Muscovado Sugar.
Conditions to be made known the day before the sale.
JOHN PARKER Vendue Master.
Portsmouth Aug. 13, 1776.
Rum by the hh'd or barrel,
SUGAR by the barrel or hundred,—to be sold by KEITH SPENCE,—at the store lately improv'd by George Craigie, in pav'd Street. 12—14
West-India Rum,
By the hogshead or barrel,—to be sold by BENJAMIN AUSTIN. 12—14
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
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
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 Baille, 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
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
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 unfriendly 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
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
PUBLIC 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 Jaffary 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
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

POET'S CORNER.
Mr. DEARBORN, If you think the following lines worthy of notice, please to give them a place in your paper.
ON INDEPENDENCE.
COME all you brave soldiers, both valiant & free, It's for independence we all now agree, Let us gird on our Swords, and prepare to defend our Liberty, Property, ourselves and our friends.
In a cause that's so righteous, come let us agree, And from hostile invaders set America free. The cause is so glorious we need not to fear but from merciless Tyrants we'll set ourselves clear
Heavens blessing attending us, no Tyrant shall say that Americans e'er to such monsters gave way. But fighting we'll die in Americans cause before we'll submit to Tyrannical laws.
George the third of Great-Britain, no more shall he with unlimited sway o'er these free states again. Lord North, nor old Bute, nor none of their clan shall ever be honor'd by an American.
May heaven's blessings descend on our united states, And grant that the union may never abate. May love peace and harmony ever be found for to go hand in hand America round.
Upon our grand Congress, may heaven bestow both wisdom and skill our good to pursue. On heaven alone dependant we'll be, But from all earthly Tyrants we mean to be free.
Unto our brave Generals may heaven give skill, our Armies to guide and the Sword for to wield May their hands taught to war & their fingers to fight be able to put British Armies to flight.
And now brave Americans since it is so, that we are Independent we'll have them to know That united we are, and united we'll be, and from all British Tyrants we'll try to keep free.
May heaven smile on us in all our endeavours, safe guard our Sea ports, our Towns & our Rivers, Keep us from Invaders, by Land and by Sea, and from all w'od deprive us of our Liberty.
PHILADELPHIA, July 29.
In CONGRESS, July 19, 1776.
Resolved, That the Paper Makers in Pennsylvania be detained from proceeding with the Associates to New-Jersey.
Extract from the Minutes.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
IN CONGRESS. July 24.
Resolved, That all the resolutions of this Congress passed on the 23d day of April last, relating to ships and other vessels, their tackle apparel, and furniture, and all goods, wares, and merchandize, belonging to any inhabitant or inhabitants of Great-Britain, taken on the high seas or between high and low water mark, be extended to all ships and other vessels, their tackle, apparel and furniture, and all goods, wares and merchandizes belonging to any subject or subjects of the said King, except the inhabitants of the Bermudas and Providence or Bahama Islands.
By Order of the Congress.
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
NEW-POR T, July 29.
Last Saturday night, as the Cerberus was lying about three miles from Block-Island, Frank Gould, a mutineer lad, of this place, swam from the ship to the Island, where he got a cedar boat with two sails, in which he came off, alone and naked, and landed at the fort on Brenton's Point yesterday in the Afternoon. He is one of the hands Capt. Biddle put on board one of the Scotch transports for some time past, and which was retaken by the Cerberus, and again taken by a New-York privateer. He lays, Mr. James Josiah, Capt. Biddle's former Lieutenant, who was prize-master on board the transport, is treated very ill on board the Cerberus, as are some others, for refusing to act against their country; that there are about 40 Americans on board said ship, her whole number of men being now about 160; she has taken on this station 18 vessels, mostly small sloops and schooners, 16 of which have been burnt; and
that about a week ago they spoke with 7 sail of transports, with Scotch troops on board bound to New-York who had been into Boston bay.
PROVIDENCE, August 3
Sunday last the Montgomery Privateer, Capt. Daniel Bucklin, of this Port, returned from a Cruise, during which she took three valuable Prizes, also two others in Company with a Privateer belonging to Salem: She brought in with her a Snow of 180 Tons, Capt. Goodwin, bound from Nevis to London, having on board 119 Hogheads, 137 Teirces and 20 Barrels of Sugar, 62 Hogheads of Rum, &c.
On Monday arrived a Brig taken by the Diamond Privateer, Capt. William Chase, of this Port; her Cargo consists of 195 Hogheads and some Barrels of Sugar, 65 Bales of Cotton 25 Tons of Fustick, and a Quantity of Staves and Heading; she was bound from Tortola to Liverpool.
Yesterday se'nnight the Jamaica ship lately taken by the Andrew Doria, Capt. Biddle, was chased on shore near Watch-Hill by the Cerberus Frigate. The prize unfortunately struck on a reef of rocks near the shore, and has since gone to pieces; nearly all the rum on board, and about 8 or 10 hogheads of sugar were saved, also her sails, rigging and anchors.
Since our last several companies of foot, from the State of Massachusetts-Bay, have passed through this town on their way to join the grand army at New-York.
State of New-Hampshire.
In Committee of Safety, August 7, 1776.
THE Committee request the select-men and committee of safety, of the several towns in this state, to immediately make return of the association papers sent them, to be signed by the inhabitants of their respective towns; together with the names of such who are delinquent; in order that the measures recommended by the Continental Congress may be carried into execution.
By order of the Committee.
12-14 M. WEARE, Chairman.
Colony of New-Hampshire,
In Committee of Safety, July 25th, 1776.
WHEREAS frequent Complaints are daily making to this Committee by Persons employed in transporting warlike Stores, and other Necessaries to the Frontiers of the Colony, of the Negligence of the Inhabitants and Proprietors of sundry Inland Towns and Places, respecting the clearing up, and mending the High Ways, and Bridges in their several Towns and Places, particularly the Road from Dover to Cohas by Conway.
The COMMITTEE do seriously recommend to said Inhabitants, and Owners of Land that they speedily take particular Care to see that the Ways and Bridges in the several Towns, are kept in such Repair, as may be sufficient for Carriages, &c. to pass and repass. Otherwise the Legislative Authority will be obliged to employ Persons to perform the Business, and charge the same, on the Lands the Road goes through.
12-14 By Order of the Committee. M. THORNTON, Chairman, P. T.
Colony of New-Hampshire.
In Committee of Safety, July 25th, 1776.
THE Committee being greatly alarmed at the Conduct of many Persons in this Colony, who taking the Advantage of the public Calamities, and great Scarcity of many of the Necessaries of Life, have demanded, exacted & taken exorbitant Prices for such Articles, and thereby greatly distressed the Poor, are of Opinion that such Proceedings have a great Tendency to break that Band of Union so much sought for, and desired at this critical Time by all good Men. Therefore strongly urge and recommend to all Persons as they esteem the Welfare of their much distressed Country, that none will be so lost to all Sense of Honour and Virtue, to conti-
nue or make use of so pernicious a practice, and by their Avarice ruin the Land, as no real Friends to their Country and the Rights thereof now contending for, can ever be guilty of Actions so destructive and ruinous thereto.
12-14 By Order of the Committee. M. THORNTON, Chairman, P. T.
Portsmouth, July 31, 1776.
Colony of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss.
AT a meeting of the freeholders and others, inhabitants of said Portsmouth, pr. adjournment, among other things Voted, —That the representatives of this town at the General-Assembly be instructed for the following purposes, viz.
1. That they do their utmost endeavour to procure the enactment of a law, that from and after the dissolution of this present Assembly, that no member of any future Assembly hold any other place in government, than his seat in said Assembly, and that when any such shall be chosen, and accept of a place his seat shall become vacant, and a new writ issue to his constituents for a new choice.
2. That they do not consent that any person should hold more than one place in government at a time.
3. That they do in the most effectual manner secure to the people of this State their inherent right of being judg'd and governed in the least prejudicial manner.
4. That they nor any other representative in future shall consent to any alteration, innovation or abridgment of the constitutional form that may be adopted, without first consulting their constituents in a matter of so much importance to their safety.
a true copy, 12-14
Attest, JOHN PENHALLOW, Town-Clerk.
PUBLIC AUCTION.
To be sold at public Auction, on the 28th inst. at 10 o'clock before noon, at the wharfe of Messieurs Daniel and Samuel Sherburne, the Ship Susannah, burthen about 240 tons, with her appurtenances; also the cargo of said ship, consisting of Porter in butts, Sour Krout, a few chaldrons of Smiths-Coals, sacks of Hair for mattrosses, Beans and Bean-Meal, in bags, and a few other small articles.
Also to be sold on the 30th inst. the Schooner Rainbow, burthen about 40 tons with her appurtenances, at Capt. George Wentworth's wharfe. —The said vessels and cargo, having been decreed forfeited to the United Colonies and Captors, by the court maritime for the state of New-Hampshire.
JOSHUA WENTWORTH Agent. Portsmouth Aug. 8, 1776. 12-14
WILLIAM PEARNE,
Has to sell at his store in Portsmouth, a small quantity of West-India and New-England Rum, Molasses, Coffee, Chocolate, and good Brown Sugar, Rice, Ship-Bread & Allspice. Also, a few European Goods, viz. Looking-Glasses of various prices; some cutlery and Hosiery Ware, Chest and Box-Loks, Felt Hatts, Dutch Caps, Paper, Japan'd Ware, Pins, &c. &c.
He has also still left to sell, a few Casks of Maderia Wine; and some very good Old Spirits. 12-14
The Acts and Laws
Of this State, passed since the new Form of Government took Place, are now in the Press, and in a few Weeks will be published, at the Printing Office in Exeter, on good American Paper, and neat Types.
Exeter August 3, 1776. 12-14
TO BE SOLD
West-India Rum, and Philadelphia FLOUR, at a store upon the Long-Wharfe, if apply'd for soon.
Enquire of Mr. John Beck. 12-14