The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1774-05-13 00:00:00

NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND HISTORICAL
CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES
Friday May 13, 1774.
Vol. XVIII. GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC
NO. 916 { Weeks since this Paper was first Publish'd. }
Last Monday arrived at Marblehead, from London, the Brig Amherst, Capt. Pierson, who failed from thence on Saturday the 19th of March, and brought the public Prints as late as that Day, from which we have taken the following Advices, viz.
L O N D O N, March 15.
A PLAN has been proposed to Lord North, for America to send Representatives to this Parliament, in order that they may be taxed by their own Members.
John Wilkes, Esq; as reported, will sail the first fair Wind to Boston, his Presence being immediately wanted.
Few Forces are necessary to reduce the Bostonians. They will submit upon the Firing of the first Gun; because the 'ripe within, they are not ready without, for Resistance. The Spirit for a Revolt is willing, but the Arm of Flesh is at present weak. Government, therefore, must take care not to be lulled into a fatal Security by a false and hypocritical Submission.
Lord Dartmouth, we are assured, interests himself very greatly in the Affairs of America, and has a Plan respecting them to propose to the upper Assembly, which will do him much Honor.
Government, to support their Authority, are now determined to change their Seat of Power, and therefore the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Custom-House, &c. will be removed from Boston to Casco-Bay, from whence their imperious Mandates will be issued; and all those Vessels which do not enter their Cargoes therein, will be seized as Smugglers.
Friday next the following Motion is expected to be made in the Lower Assembly; That Leave be given to bring in a Bill to take away all Privileges from the Town of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, in North-America, until they shall have made proper Concession and Reparation unto the East India Company, for the Damages they have sustained."
The Motion made Yesterday in the House of Commons, by Lord North, relative to blocking up the Harbour of Boston, was strongly opposed by Mr. Fox, &c. but was at length agreed to without a Division, and a Bill ordered to be brought in accordingly.
Yesterday there were strict Orders that no Person whatever should be admitted into the House of Commons, nor had any Member the Liberty to take in his Friend.
March 18. The Patrizans of RIOT and REBELLION in our Colonies seem, within these few Days, to have lowered their Tone. The approaching Ruin of Britain, and the Grandeur of America, which they so lately held forth to us, has vanished from before them: they now appeal from our JUSTICE to our COMPASSION, and after having madly roused our Vengeance they think to disarm us by their hypocritical Whinnings. If we did not allow the traitorous Bostonians to Smuggle, to burn his Majesty's Ships, and worse than Murder his Officers, their Champions modestly tell us, "they would not pay their Debts;" and if we dared to punish them, they would fall, like another Sampson, and pull down the whole Fabric of the Constitution along with them. Such impudent rant and rhodomontade, if it can be supposed to have had any Effect, must have injured, instead of served the rebellious Bostonians; to the Insurrections and Depredations committed in that HOTBED of SEDITION, their foolish Writers here added Insults and Threats; and by their injudicious Bravadoes and Insolence, they have perhaps contributed to hasten the Punishment of their factious Constituents. But we may be wrong in supposing that those roaring Blusterers are their Agents and Friends, it is more likely they are some sly Enemies of these Rebels, and undertook their sham Defence in order to accelerate their just Punishment.
The Bostonians are sometimes better than their Word; they have told us, that if we chastise their Insolence and Rebellion, "they will not pay their Debts." Now they have actually refused to pay them long ago; or what amounts to the same thing, they have amused the Merchants here with Promises, which they never have yet performed, and never will perform. This, however, has had a happy Effect here; no Credit is now given but to People of tried Honour and real Substance; and the young flashy Bostonian, just out of his Apprenticeship, is under the Necessity of continuing to sweep that Shop of which he expected to be Master.
Whatever is said in the public Prints AGAINST the Rockingham Party, for favouring and encouraging the unwarrantable Action of the People of Boston, must either arise from Ignorance or Misrepresentation; for though that Administration unfortunately REPEALED THE STAMP-ACT, they always held the Doctrine of the SUPREMACY OF PARLIAMENT OVER AMERICA.---This is well known both here & in America.
Yesterday the Right Hon. Jeremiah Dyson, Esq; was sworn in before the Board of Green Cloth, Cofferer of his Majesty's Household, in the room of Hans Stanley.
The Merchants trading to Boston, made an Application yesterday in the Forenoon to Lord North, praying to be heard before the Bill, now in agitation, passes into a Law. The Intention of this Address is not to vindicate the Boston People, or even to pretend to exculpate them in the least. The Merchants trading to Boston, both know and regret the rebellious Outrages committed in that Town, and are clearly of Opinion, that England must now assert her supremacy. But they interpose, in order before coercive Measures are put in Execution, that the Boston People should be allowed to call their Assembly, and vote if they please, a Sum Adequate to the Value of the Tea which they have so wantonly destroyed. The Merchants are to have an Audience this Forenoon.
Yesterday it was positively asserted, that Shiping for 6000 Tons were taken up as Transports, in order to carry Troops to America.
The Fair Quaker of Sternaway, Capt. Dalrymple, from Boston to Glasgow, put in at Crockhaven, in the County of Corke,
reports on the 30th of January, the Day they failed from that Place, a Mob of near 20,000 People patrolled the Streets, threatening any Merchants with destruction, who should import, not only Teas, but other Commodities from Great-Britain, till the Duty on the former should be repealed. Governor Hutchinson went out, and attempted to persuade them to disperse, but they refused to hear a Word on the Subject, whereon he returned precipitately to his House, and the Populace gave three Cheers, in Token of Joy at his Departure.
H O U S E O F C O M M O N S, March 19.
Yesterday the Speaker took the Chair at two o'clock. Several private Bills, Reports, &c. were received, but no public Business done until Lord North came; which was near three o'clock.
Lord North desired that the Order of the Day for taking into Consideration his Majesty's Message, and the American Papers might be deferred until Wednesday next, unless that Day happened to be engaged; if so he should move for the Papers being taken into Consideration on Friday next. He then presented the Bill for the immediate Removal of his Majesty's Customs at Boston, &c. which was read a first Time. A motion was then made, 'that this Bill be now printed,' which was carried in the Negative.
The Contents of the Bill set forth the Behaviour of the People at Boston; their Obstruction to the Laws of this Country, relative to the Trade of the Subject and Revenue of his Majesty being interrupted in the Port and Harbour of Boston.---The Bill enacts, that no Goods, Wares or Merchandise shall be shipped on board any Vessel or landed on any Quay in the Harbour of Boston, between the Points of Nattib and Anderton, and also enacts the Removal of his Majesty's Stores and Custom-House Officers from the Town of Boston. There is an Exception as to Ships laden with Provision for the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston. It further enacts that no Goods, Wares or Merchandise, shall be landed or shipped in the Harbour of Boston, until his Majesty shall be satisfied in his Privy-Council, that for the future there will be no Interruption to the Trade of this Country, nor to the Collection of his Majesty's Revenue and Duties, payable thereon in the Town and Harbour of Boston.
Penalties and forfeitures of the Ship, Goods and Merchandise are the Consequences of Disobedience to the Act.
There is a Clause to prevent his Majesty from reinstating the Trade of the Port or Town until full Satisfaction shall be made to the India Company for the Loss they have sustained.
There were no Debates whatever, and the House broke up at four o'clock, and adjourned to Monday next.
The Gallery Doors were locked all Day, & no Person whatever admitted.
L O N D O N March 19.
We are credibly informed, that the Reason of Lord North's deferring the American Business yesterday, was owing to an Express that arrived on Thursday evening at the Secretary of State's Office, in Cleveland Row.
By the same Authority we are informed that the said Express contains a farther Account of the riotous Proceedings at Boston and other Parts of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The second Reading of the Boston Custom-House Bill, will be in the House of Commons, it is expected on Monday; if so, the Consideration of the American Papers, with his Majesty's Message will come on the Wednesday following.
The Reason for adjourning the American Business is, that the Bill for removing the Custom-House from Boston, and preventing any Trade from being landed between Nattib and Anderton Points, should first pass in the House of Commons.
The Name of the Place where the Custom-House of Boston is to be removed, is Casque-Bay; about 40 Miles from the Capital; a fine spacious open Harbour, and though not so naturally defensible against an Enemy, is said to be much better calculated for Trade, on Account of being free from those small Islands, & little Rocks which narrow the Mouth of the former.
The Reports for some Time past of Troops being ordered for Boston, are without Foundation, as the most effectual, as well as lenient Measures will be adopted without the Aid of the Military.
So affectionately devout are the sanctified Bostonians, that if any Person is found on a Sunday, during Divine Service in the Streets, he is immediately seized, and carried, via et armis, into Church, and placed on a Stool. Some few Years past, a Captain of a Man of War was taken by some of these hypocritical Gentry, and conducted to Church, by the Mayor's own Order: He was to sail the next Week for England, and the Day that he was to leave the Harbour, he invited the Mayor and several of the most religious of the Corporation on board to Dinner: They dined very heartily, and when they were preparing to go on Shore, he informed them he had one Obligation to discharge before they parted, and that was the singular Respect they paid him one Sunday, in complimenting him with a Stool in one of their Churches; upon which he called the Boatswain, and all Hands, tied up the Mayor first, then his puritanical Friends, gave them a Dozen each, at the Gang-Way on their bare Backs, sent them ashore, and then set sail for England.
Several Wagers were last Night offered to be laid, that John Wilkes, Esq; though having a Majority of Votes at the next general Election, would never be admitted to take a Seat in Parliament, or that of Lord-Mayor, during the present Reign.
It is said so low and abject is Mr. Wilkes become, that his few deluded Partizans openly solicit even Subscriptions of half a Guinea for him.
By Letters from Cologne we hear, that many of the Jesuits who were imprisoned for the Attempt of assassinating the King of Portugal, were for some Days past, brought from their horrid dark Dungeons into the open Air, for a prolongation of Health for enduring a longer Confinement, but they immediately expired.
P O R T S M O U T H, May 13, 1774.
Very Important Intelligence.
BY Captain Henderson, who arrived here Yesterday in 28 Days from Falmouth, in England, we have Papers to the 7th of April, but neither Time nor Room to make many Extracts---They contain but few Articles respecting America, more than we have by the Ship arrived at Marblehead on Monday last---The Important Advices, and BITTER PILL, for the Bostonians, it seems were published in a Paper of the 9th of April, which Captain Henderson, & Mr. Davis of Boston, a Passenger, assure us they saw and read, at Falmouth, but could not procure to bring, which Paper contained, the ACT, passed by King, Lords, and Commons, to take Place the 1st of June next, for Blocking up the Harbour of Boston, so that no Vessel shall either go in or out, &c. &c. That the Hon. Board of Commissioners, all the Custom-House Officers, General-Court, and every other Office be removed from Boston, we don't hear where, but 'tis tho't to Salem, some say to Falmouth, Casco-Bay. That General GAGE, is appointed Commander in Chief of all the Forces in North-America, and Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Province, in the Absence of Governor Hutchinson, who has leave to go to England. That the aforesaid severe Act is not to be repealed till the Bostonians pay for all the Tea destroyed, make great Acknowledgments, and convince his Majesty and Parliament, that they will behave well in Future. That the Ships and Troops, sufficient, as is said, to subdue all America, are close at Hand, for these great Purposes.---A few Articles from the Papers of March 22, 24, and April 7th are as follows, viz.
L O N D O N, March 22.
SUMMARY of the PROCEEDINGS in the House of Commons.
The Order of the Day, for the second reading of the Bill for the immediate Removal of Officers concerned in the Collection and Managers of his Majesty's Duties and Customs for the Town of Boston, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in North-America, and to discontinue the Landing and discharge of Lading & Shipping of Goods, Wares and Merchandise, at the said Town of Boston, or within the Harbour thereof, was read.
Mr. R. Fuller said the Bill would be the total Destruction of this Country, if passed; that in his Opinion, the Mode of Punishment ought to be altered to a Fine of 20,000l. to the East-India Company, for the Demolition of their Tea, and another Fine to his Majesty for Damages done; and he would recommend them to follow the Examples mentioned of Edinburgh, Glasgow, &c. He concluded with saying, "First fine them; and if they refuse to obey your Orders, then put this Act in Force."
A Motion was then made, that this Bill be now committed, which was carried in the Affirmative without a Division.
No other Debate ensued.
The House broke up at half past four o'clock, and adjourned to this Day.
To-morrow the whole House will resolve itself into a Committee upon the American Bill, when it is thought several Amendments will be proposed.
Certainly the Colonists, as they enjoy the Privileges and Protection of this Country, ought in Reason to bear a Part of our national Taxes.
Every real Well-Whisher of England hopes, that the Privileges of the Town of Boston will not be restored, till those foolish vapouring Subjects have, in their General Court, not only passed an Act to make good the Damage done to the East-India Company, but also another, expressly acknowledging the full Power and Authority of this Kingdom to make Laws and Statutes of sufficient Force and Validity to bind the Colonies and People of America, subjects of the Crown of Great-Britain, in all Cases.
A Rumour prevails that Col. Barre, is shortly to embark for Boston, upon a ministerial Embassy. This we fancy will turn out "Vox et preterea Nihil," A Rumour in the true Sense of the Word.
A noted minority Member went to feel the Pulse of a great Lord in the Country, and at Dinner lamented his Lordship's Absence at so critical a Crisis; to whom my Lord said, "What unreasonable people you Patriots be! here I conquered America for England, and now you want me to conquer England for America; not I by G---, I put the Colonists in the Way of doing it seven Years ago, that's enough; besides, (z---ds my Leg) this cursed Gout hinders me from taking any adequate Steps in the Matter." [ For more News: see the last Page. ]

H aving lately seen in your useful Gazette some Strictures on the Right of Representation before Taxation, I have been insensibly led into a Train of Thoughts on this very important Matter; important not only from its being very essential to the Peace and Happiness of a People, but without it the Constitution is evidently imperfect; I am greatly amazed that we have been so long silent, so void of Thought, and so remiss in supporting this great and interesting Privilege, till within a few Years past; but I submit, and can only attribute it to an over-ruling Providence, who will take his own Time, and use his own Instruments to accomplish his wise and grand Purposes; he hath given us Light, but would not suffer us to see, or pry into the secret Mysteries of his Providence. Americans are at length brought out of Darkness into Light, even the Peasants know, and are become versed in the Nature and Constitution of Government: no Impositions, no Subsidies, no Taxes can be imposed upon them without a regular and minute Disquisition into the particular Appropriation of such Taxes. The memorable Stamp Act founded the Alarm to America, an Act made without our Consent, by the Parliament of Great-Britain for the sole Purpose of filching a Revenue for the Support of Crown and ministerial Dependents: Many other detested Acts have been framed and enacted for the same Purposes, but from their being anti-commercial, have been repealed, some are still continued to be in force, and evidently intended to keep up and support the Right of taxing the Americans, who have in the most solemn Manner denied and disavowed that Right as being illegal, unjust, and totally unconstitutional; this general Knowledge has been productive of many happy Consequences; but the Harvest is not yet all gathered , there is still a Field for great Improvements; we must not be content with knowing the Nature of the Constitution, (tho' I confess that Knowledge is a great Acquisition,) we must nevertheless be in the actual Possession of our Rights and glory in that Possession, and so tenacious of them as not to surrender them to any Power on Earth. But here let me pause; are all the People of this Province in Possession of their legal Rights? No, it is too true they are not, at least one Third of them are taxed without a Representation ; In what then are we to boast? Surely only a Right without the Use of it, but why are these things so, and to whose Neglect shall we charge this Grievance? To ourselves alone, Petitions it is true have been preferred to the Governor and Council, for this Purpose, but have been dismissed; not with any malevolent or interested Intentions, as has been suggested; it appearing that there were many Towns entitled to the Privilege of Representation, and that a more general one was really necessary; they thought that, previous to the issuing of his Majesty's Writs to any more Towns, there should be an Act of the Legislature in Addition to a former Act, to provide for the Support of the House of Representatives, by obliging every Town that sends a Member, to pay for his Support; if the Representation was to be paid out of the Province Treasury, the Expence would be very unequally borne; and after the Admission of such Members, it would be very difficult, if not impracticable ever afterwards to obtain a Vote of the House, for the Payment of their Members otherwise than out of the public Treasury. These I presume
to think were the secret Motives that prevailed for the Dismissal of the Petitions; however, that may be, as a general Representation of the Province is not only consonant to Equity and Justice, but is the inherent and natural Right of the Subject, and without it, no provincial Taxes are or can be legally assessed or collected, it is hoped that every Obstacle to this just Claim may be removed, and that the additional Act for the Payment of Representatives may be immediately made: it will then be known where the Impediment remains. I cannot deny, but that there are many Towns which justly complain, and I should not be surprised if they absolutely refused the Payment of any provincial Taxes; but yet I would recommend a more condescending Behaviour, and seek a Redress in a constitutional Manner, by Memorials and Remonstrances; and there is not the least Reason to doubt, but that the Governor and Council will be disposed to support the Rights of the Subjects; I know of no Instance wherein they have ever invaded our Privileges; and to suppose the contrary now, is without Foundation, and absurd.— There is one Thing necessary to be observed by us in Respect to this Right of Representation: Our Constitution is different from a charter or Proprietary Government; in short, we have only President Cutts's Commission for our Model, and we are more destitute of Franchises and Privileges than any other Government on the Continent; but we are intitled to the natural Rights; and there is none stronger, than a Right of Representation before Taxation. Sir William Jones, Attorney General to James the 2d, told the King, "That he could no more grant a Commission to levy Money on his Subjects in the Plantations, without their Consent by an Assembly, than they could discharge themselves from their Allegiance." Here Representation appears to be a natural Right, & coequal with Allegiance; than which no Terms can be stronger to express that Right: We have one Thing to fear, the King claims an absolute Power to send his Writs to such new Towns as he pleases, without the Concurrence of the Assembly; and if they should in any Manner interfere with the Prerogative, the Governor no doubt has Instructions to non-concur every Proceeding thereon by Assembly. But if any should be denied by the Crown to be admitted to this Privilege, I am clearly of Opinion with the aforementioned Attorney-General, That the Assembly can no more legally tax such unrepresented Towns, toward the Support of Government, than such Towns can legally deny Obedience to any Laws of the Province.
Upon a whole View of our present Affairs, I foresee some Difficulties will arise, but I chuse to anticipate the Event, rather than further explain myself, hoping I am out in my Politicks; but I do nevertheless assert it, that Representation is almost the first Law of Nature, and that Taxation without it, is contrary to common Sense, the Reason of Things, and public Justice; and I conclude with the Observations of that great Man Lord Camden, in a Parliamentary Speech. "My Position is this, I repeat it, I will maintain it to my last Hour, Taxation and Representation are inseparable , this Position is founded on the Laws of Nature, it is itself an ETERNAL LAW OF NATURE.
CAMILLUS.
All Persons indebted for this Paper, are desired to make payment.
L O N D O N, March 1, 1774.
IT has been given out, that six Regiments, and some Men of War, are to be sent to Boston. But the better Opinion is, grounded upon its being more consistent with the Genius of our Court, that Orders will be sent to Boston to seize the Committee Men, and send them over here to be Tried upon the Act of the 35th of Henry VIII. This Act was lately, upon the Resolution of both Houses, (see the Commons Debates for 1769) construed to extend to America.
Among the variety of Circumstances which happened at Boston, previous to the throwing the Tea into the Sea, one deserves particular Notice. Governor Hutchinson sent for a Gentleman who is Colonel of a Regiment of Militia, and informed him, he apprehended a Riot would speedily happen, and desired him to have his Men ready to quell it. The Colonel acquiesced, and retired; but presently recollecting, that possibly the Governor and himself might differ in their Ideas of a Riot, he returned to the Governor, and desired to have his Excellency's Definition of a Riot, lest they might mistake each other; as for Instance, said the Colonel, your Excellency may order a number of Troops to march into the Town, and thereby disturb the Peace; I may think this a Riot, your Excellency may think otherwise. I may see a number of People assembled, in a very quiet manner, to consider upon something which nearly affects their Interests. Your Excellency may, perhaps, call this a Riot; I may call it a very orderly Meeting. There was no Eclaircissement.
Feb. 2. Mr. Wedderburn's Attack upon Dr. Franklin & the Americans, before the Privy Council on Saturday last, was gross, brutal, and vulgar. However, all the runners and tools of the Court cry it up as a most excellent performance. This Clodius of the bar produced no fact or argument; all was rant, rapsody, and declamation against the Agent, for having done his duty. Doctor Franklin did not speak. Mr. Dunning replied to Mr. Wedderburn. He did not fully approve of the repeal of the stamp-act. From his speech there seemed ground for suspicion that Lord Shelburne's party are endeavouring to make fair weather at St. James's; Mr. Cornwall's pension was an earlier and stronger proof of it. The speeches being ended, the lawyers & Dr. Franklin retired. The Council are said to have debated the matter, and to have been unanimous in their opinion. The report they are to make to the King is said to be highly in favour of Governor Hutchinson, & the whole part he has acted; from which, it is imagined, he will be further complimented with a letter of thanks. The Agent who, for doing nothing more than his duty in his official capacity, was reviled in the bitterest terms; and in the evening of the same day (Saturday) he was informed, by letter from Lord Le Despencer, that his Majesty had dismissed him from his office of Postmaster in America.
B O S T O N, April 25.
A Passenger in Capt. Folger, says, that as Lord Dartmouth was busily examining evidences concerning the destruction of the Tea at Boston, a Clerk of the House of Commons came to him and informing him of the arrival of the Philadelphia Tea Ship, observed it was in vain to make further enquiry about it, for the continent was all in a flame; and upon this his Lordship immediately dismissed the examinants.
We hear that upon the first news of the Tea's being destroyed at Boston, and the dreadful denunciation which were given out against that obnoxious Carthage, a Committee from the North-American Merchants waited on Lord Dartmouth to be informed, whether their property might be safe if shipped to that apparently devoted capital? The large cargoes on board half a Dozen ships come, and hourly expected, seem a pretty satisfactory answer that the town will not yet be laid in ashes, whatever might be the fate of the Committee, who are again talked of to be sent for and tried on the bugbear statute of Henry the 8th.
Yesterday arrived in this Town from the Eastward, Mr. William Goddard, by whom Letters are received from the Committee of Correspondence of Portsmouth, Newbury, Newbury-Port, Salem, &c. expressive of the hearty concurrence of the Gentlemen of those Towns, with the Proposal of erecting a Post-Office upon constitutional Principles, throughout this Continent. Subscriptions are set on foot in each of them, and they have already succeeded beyond the most sanguine expectation in all. The removal of Doctor Franklin from the Post-Office, has added fresh Spirit to the Promoters of this salutary Plan, as several viewed an opposition to his interest at a time when he had signally served the cause of America as a very disagreeable object; but all reluctance from that quarter must now vanish, and all the friends of Liberty rejoice that they have now an opportunity of taking up a Gentleman discarded by an unrighteous Ministry for the faithful discharge of his duty, and placing him above a dependance on their caprice, in the grateful Arms of his applauding Countrymen.
YORK, Feb. 15. On the 1st inst. was married at Saddleworth, Abraham Brooks, a Widower, aged about thirty, to Mary Bradley, a Widow of near seventy; but as the Bride was a little in Debt, the Bridegroom obliged her to be married in her Shift, and the Weather being very severe, it threw her into such a violent Fit of the Shaking, as induced the compassionate Minister to cover her with his Coat whilst the Marriage was solemnizing.
JUST PUBLISH'd, And Sold at the Printing-Office, Portsmouth, Price Nine Pence L. M. single, and half Pisteren by the Dozen, A RATIONAL EXPLICATION OF
St. JOHN'S VISION OF THE Two Beasts
In the XIIIth Chapter of the Revelation, Shewing, that the Beginning, Power, and Duration of POPERY, are plainly predicted in that VISION, and that these Predictions have hitherto been punctually verified.
By SAMUEL LANGDON, D. D. Pastor of the First Church in Portsmouth.
Cash given
For merchantable and unmerchantable POT ASH and POT ASH SALTS, at GOULD'S AUCTION OFFICE: in Back Street, BOSTON.
TO BE SOLD
Three Lots of Land,
Lying in Camden near George's Fort at the Eastward, No. 4. No. 52; No. 30, is an Island. Enquire of the Printer.

R AN away from his Master Benjamin Littlefield of Wells, a NEGRO SERVANT called POMPEY. Had on when he went away, a short Jacket, a pair of Moose Skin Breeches: he says he was baptized in London, and that he is become a Free Negro, having obtained the Opinion of David Sewall, Esq; respecting Slavery, which he calls a Pest, and often brews to People as such. Masters of Vessels and others are cautioned not to entertain him or carry him off. And any Person who shall apprehend the said Pompey, and return him to his said Master, or commit him to his Majesty's Goal in York, or any other of his Majesty's Goals, and notify his said Master thereof, so that he may obtain said Negro again, shall have two Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by BENJAMIN LITTLEFIELD . Wells, May 5th. 1774.
ALL Persons that have any Demands on the Estate of Andrew Wiggin, Esq; late of Straitham, deceased, are desired immediately to bring in their Accounts to Dorothy Wiggin of Straitham, Executrix to the last Will of the deceased, in order for Settlement. And all Persons Indebted to said Estate, are desired to make immediate Payment to said Executrix. Apr. 29, 1774.
NOTICE is hereby given by us the Subscribers, Commissioners, to examine the Claims upon the Estate of John Roberts late of Somersworth deceased, Intestate and Insolvent, that three months more from the date hereof is allowed by the Hon. JOHN SHERBURNE , Esq; Judge of Probate of Wills, &c. for the County of Rockingham, to the several Creditors of the said Roberts, to bring in their Claims; and we hereby Notify them, that we will attend that business at the House of Mr. John Burnam Hanson, Innholder in Dover, on the first Monday in May, June and July next: And all Persons concerned may attend at that place at the times before specified. Charles Baker, John Burnam Hanson, Benjamin Pierce. Commissioners.
LOST the 12th Instant, between Captain Jacob Tilton's, at Portsmouth, and Theophilus Gilman's in Exeter, a Silver Watch, rather small size, China Face, out of which is a small piece broken near the Spring. Steel Chain and Key, Cornelian Stone Seal set in Silver No. 300 and odd, Maker's Name forgot. Any person that may have taken it up, and will deliver it to the Printer, or Mr. John Folsom, Innholder in Greenland, or Theophilus Gilman in Exeter, shall be handsomely Rewarded for their trouble. April 15, 1774.
Stray'd or Stolen on Wednesday Evening last, from Mr. Robert Rose's Shed in York, a Black MARE, about three Years old (with Foal) no artificial Mark; paces and trots (more natural to pace) with a Hunting Saddle, Housing almost new Leather, and a Bridle about half worn; the Pommel of said Saddle worn through, whoever takes up said Mare, Saddle and Bridle, and will bring her to the Subscriber or will let him know where she is, so that she may be found, shall have three Dollars, & all necessary Charges paid by Jonathan Nowel, jr. York, April 15th. 1774.
A young Woman, With a good Breast of MILK wants a Place. Inquire of the Printer.
JAMES HASLET, LEATHER-DRESSER, AND BREECHES MAKER, In King-street, Portsmouth, Has for Sale all sorts of LEATHER-BREECHES & GLOVES, made in the neatest and best Manner. As said HASLET dresses the Leather, he can afford, and will sell as cheap as any in New-England.
St. George de Viart Professor of the polite Arts, BEGS Leave to acquaint the Public that he opened his Academy for dancing last Monday at the Assembly Room, where Ladies and Gentlemen who have not perfected themselves in that agreeable Accomplishment, may be taught in such a Manner as to add Grace and Beauty to the Deportment of either Sex, in the Genteel Characters in Life.
Also the said Viart teaches the French Language in the easiest Method, so that Scholars of the least Aptitude (in the Course of Six Months) may be sufficiently acquainted with the Rudiments of the Language; and pronounce and write it with Delicacy and Propriety. Portsmouth April 15, 1774.
TO BE SOLD.  A Farm adjoining Kennebunk River, in the Township of Wells, containing about 50 Acres, two Thirds of it under good improvement, and in due Proportion for Tillage, Mowing and pasture. The Situation exceeding convenient for a Trader or Tradesman, lying at the Head of the Tide. The House and Barn well finished, within 15 Rods of the principal Landing for Boards and other Lumber; and adjoining the interest of Waldo Emerson deceased, a late and prosperous Merchant in those Parts. Also within a Mile of the Meeting House, and near two Grist Mills, Saw Mill, Iron Works, and Building-Yard. Conditions of Sale may be known at Capt. Kimball's in said Wells, Innholder, or of Moses Little, Esq; in Newbury Port, Merchant. Wells April 25, 1774.
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, Rockingham ss.  WHEREAS Robert Boyes, late of Lonaconerry, in said County and Province, Esq; and others, received a GRANT from his late Excellency BENNING WENTWORTH , Esq; of two Townships of Land, named Manchester and Sandgate, now under the Jurisdiction of New York: And whereas great Numbers of Grantees in each of said Townships, gave Deeds of their Rights to said Boyes, which Deeds are now in our Hands, and as Executors to the Testament of said Boyes, we have a Right to sell all of said Land, not already sold by said Boyes, or us; and all Persons, that gave Deeds in either of said Townships, to Esq; Boyes, are hereby cautioned not to sign Deeds, to any other Person, lest they should come to Damage. And all Persons are also cautioned, not to purchase Lands in any of said Townships, under the Title of Boyes, except from the Subscribers, MATHEW THORNTON, SARAH BOYES.
Londonderry April 25, 1774. N. B. The Reason the Public have this Trouble is the Subscribers have been informed, that a certain Person has got Deeds from Sundries, that gave Deeds to Esq; Boyes, and now in our Hands, and has sold to Sundries, and no Person has, or ever had a Right to sell any Land belonging to said Boyes's Estate but us.
Four DOLLARS Reward.  RUN away from Capt. Jones Lovit, of Capt. Elizabeth, Innholder, a young Man, whose Name (as he says) is Jacob Towns; and carry'd away with him a Silver Watch, glass'd inside, the Chain Leather. A Silver Cup, with two Handles, mark'd I. W. with several other Things. He is of a dark Complexion, black Hair, and black Eyes. Had on when he went away a green Jacket, lined with Green; Buff Breeches, & a Felt Hat; carry'd off a Surcoat Coat which he stole, lightish brown Yarn Stockings; old Shoes that had been tap'd. Whoever will apprehend said Thief, so that he may be brought to Justice, shall have FOUR DOLLARS REWARD , and all necessary Charges paid by JONATHAN LOVIT.
N. B. It is desired any Goldsmith, Watchmaker, or other Person would stop the above Articles, if offered for Sale. Cape Elizabeth, April 29th, 1774.
§ Killington. §  WHEREAS the Proprietors of the Township of Killington, in the Province of New York, have been legally Notified to pay the taxes voted and assessed on each Proprietor's Right, to me the Subscriber; and the following proprietors being yet delinquent in whole or in part; this is therefore to Notify said Delinquents, that their Rights, or so much of them will be sold at public Vendue, on the 16th Day of May next, at eleven o'Clock before Noon, at the Court House in Newport, Rhode Island, as shall be sufficient to pay the said taxes with the incidental Charges. Daniel Rindge 18 Elijah Weedon 18 Ephraim Dennet 18 John Flagg, junr. 9 Daniel Pearce, Esq; 18 David Heald 18 Benjamin Sherburn 9 John Rindge 18 Jonathan Heath 18 John Dennet 18 Samuel Gibson 18 Daniel Wentworth 18 Richard Nason 18 John Dawning 18 Nathaniel Pearce, Esq; 18 Sampson Sheafe 18 James Westgate 18 Joseph Heath 18 Alexander Bradford 18 Ashbel Stiles 18 Zephaniah Heath 18 Ichabod Hew 18 The. Phipps Darrel 30 James Stoodly 18 Edward Upham 9 Wm E. Treadwell 18  JONATHAN OTIS, Collector.
Dated at Newport Rhode Island, April 16, 1774. TO BE LET Immediately for a Term of Years, the Dwelling-House
OF JOSEPH BREWSTER , where he now lives at the North End, leading to Col. Boyd's. It's very convenient for Entertainment, stabling, Cbaises, &c. with a fine Garden, and Well in the middle. Also a fine Spring in the Cellar, which is never dry; with many other Conveniences. Whoever inclines, the sooner the better, upon account of the Garden. Enquire at said House, next to Col. John Tufts Mason's, Cross Street.
WE the Subscribers being appointed Commissioners by the Hon. JOHN SHERBURNE , Esq; Judge of the Probate of Wills, &c. for the County of Rockingham, to examine the Claims of the several Creditors to the Estate of Capt. Ebenezer Hale, late of Hampstead in said County, Gentleman, deceased, represented Insolvent, hereby give Notice, that we will attend upon that Business at the House of the said deceased, in Hampstead aforesaid, on the last Wednesday of May, and the five following Months, from nine o'Clock before Noon 'till five in the Afternoon, of said Days. Hampstead, April 28, 1774. Jesse Johnson, Commissioner. John Calf
RAN away from WILLIAM STINSON of Dunbarton, in New Hampshire, a NEGRO MAN named Jack, about 40 Years of Age, 5 Feet 6 Inches high; bad on a dark, mixed, homespun Coat, striped Lining; a striped homespun Jacket, washed Leather Breeches, and a Beaver Hat. Whoever will take up said Negro, and have him secured in some of his Majesty's Goals, and send Word to Stephen Holland, Esq; of Londonderry, or convey him to Mr. Darius Abbot of Andover, in the Massachusetts Government, so that his Master may have him again, shall have ten Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid, by WILLIAM STINSON . April 14, 1774.
The Co-partnership Of the Subscribers being mutually dissolved the first Instant, they request all those who have Accounts open with them, to come and settle the same. And all who are Indebted to them by Book or Note, to make Payment without Delay, as they determine to bring their Affairs to a close as soon as possible. JONATHAN JACKSON, JOHN BROMFIELD. Newbury port, March 22. 1774.
THE Subscriber having quitted the Business he has been in of late Years, desires all Persons with whom he has Accounts open, to call and settle the same—And all who are Indebted to him, either upon Book or by Note, to make speedy Payment, more especially those whose Debts have been long standing. The Business will be carried on as usual by his Sons. PATRICK TRACY. Newbury port, March 22.
Jackson, Tracy and Tracy BEG Leave to inform the Public that they have taken the Business lately carried on by their Honoured Father, in which they request the Continuance of his good Customers and the Custom of all others, with whom a mutual Advantage is to be obtained. They shall carry on the Distillery as usual. They have by them an Assortment of English Goods, which they will sell by wholesale upon reasonable Terms, and so as to afford a Profit to the Purchaser.
Clocks and Watches Cleaned and Repaired in the cheapest and best Manner, by Nathaniel Sheaff Griffith in Portsmouth, who has a Workman from London, which Work shall be done with Fidelity and Dispatch: And who has all Sorts of Watch Materials, Springs, Chains, Keys, and Seals, &c. An Assortment of Silver plated Buckles and Buttons. Said Griffith gives Cash for old Gold and Silver. WATCHES sent from East, West, North or South by Post Riders, will be mended, cleaned and sent back with great Care.
PURSUANT to a LAW of this Province, for making Rates and Taxes, that every Person may pay in Proportion to their Estate and Income, the Select-Men of Portsmouth Request the Inhabitants of said Town, to give them an exact Invoice of the following rateable Articles, viz. All Male Polls of 18 Years old and upwards, all Male Slaves from 16 to 45 Years old, and Female Slaves from 16 to 45 Years old, the Number of Horses, Oxen, and Cows of 4 Years old and upwards: Also all Horses and Cattle of 2 and 3 Years old: Also the Number of Acres of Orchard, Arable, Mowing and Pasture Land, and the neat yearly Income of Houses, Mills, Wharves & Ferries; All Stock, whether Money in Hand, or at Interest, or improved in Trade.
The said Select-Men will attend at Union Hall, in Portsmouth aforesaid, every Tuesday in May and June next, from Four to Eight of the Clock Afternoon, to receive Invoices; but if any Person should refuse to comply with this Request, they may expect to be dealt with as said Law directs. 6. w. Portsmouth, April 29, 1774.
Warrantee and Quitclaim Deeds, Justice Blanks, Bail Bonds, Shipping Papers, &c. Sold at the Printing Office.

L O N D O N, April 7. The Effrontery of the Gentlemen in Office is such as will render ministerial Audacity proverbial. There was a Time when Administration, whatever might have been their private Inclinations, would yet not have dared publicly to talk of annihilating the political Constitution of either the Mother Country or her Colonies; Designs black as Hell would have been kept secret as the Grave. The Times, however, are altered, & every Miscreant Treasury-Runner, every Coffee-House-Spy in the Pay of the Minister can now harangue upon "the absolute Necessity of new-modelling (as it is called) the American Charters." Lord North is an excellent Hand at this Work; he hath new-modelled the Charter of the East-India Company, that is he hath eventually destroyed it. An Experiment with America is wanting, and if the Minister succeeds in his Plan of overturning the political Constitution of the Colonies, there remains but one glorious Effort to new-model, alias annihilate the English Constitution to compleat the Happiness of the best of Kings, & the Views of the best of Poppy-headed Ministers.
Yesterday the Act for Taring and Feathering at Boston, was repeal'd, and its very uncertain whether it will ever be reviv'd. Of the five flaming Patriots that figured away in the Year 1770, Cornwall and Meredith have fallen, Germaine and Barre are tottering, and Burke alone keeps his former Position.
Yesterday some Dispatches arrived in Town from Governor Hutchinson, of Massachusetts-Bay brought by the Ship Sukey, Captain Brown, to Dover.
We hear that Lieutenant General GAGE is preparing to embark for Boston in New-England, in Consequence of his Appointment to succeed Governor HUTCHINSON, during his Majesty's Pleasure.
A great PERSONAGE was never known so earnest in Business as that of bringing the rebellious AMERICANS to a Sense of their Duty.
The Substance of the American Bill is, "That no Ship or Vessel shall land, discharge, lade, or ship any Goods, Wares, and Merchandise at the Town of BOSTON, or from the Harbour, till they have first made Restitution to the East-India Company for the Damage they have sustained by the Loss of certain TEAS: With a proviso, that it shall not extend to unload any Ship or Vessel having on board any Military Stores."
N E W - Y O R K, April 28, 1774.
By Letters from England, we are informed that the following Regiments, the King's own, Earl Percy's, Lord Blaney's, and General Cary's, were to embark for America in June; that all the Officers under the Rank of Colonels are ordered to accompany them, and also the Gentlemen belonging to the several Regiments which arrived on the Continent last Summer, have notice to join them. His Majesty particularly desired of E. PERCY (a descendant of the never to be forgotten Hero, who fought the Battle of Chevy-Chase) to go over with his own Regiment; and his Lordship is accordingly expected with the other Battalions. It is said, no Regiment now in America, is to return to Europe this Year.
B O S T O N, May 5.
The MINISTERIAL Party in England, have employed themselves and every two Penny Paragraph-Writer they could hire in London, to write SQUIBS against the Colonies, particularly the "factious" and "rebellious Bostonians."
The Removal of Dr. Franklin from his Place in the Post-Office, for his faithfulness to Provinces for which he was Agent is a most injudicious Step of Administration, as it manifests to the World their Intention that no one shall hold a Place, but in subserviency to their detestable Views; and may fully teach the Colonies what it is the design of Ministry in the Multiplication of Revenue, Custom House and Monopoly Officers, and what Americans are to expect from the present set of Placemen and Pensioners.
M O N D A Y, May 9.
At a General Council last Wednesday the Governor was pleased to nominate William Brown, Esq; to be a Justice of the Superior Court in the Room of the Hon. N. Ropes Esq; deceased; but there being but seven Councillors present, they declined to act on a Matter in which the Lives, Liberties and Properties of the People were so deeply interested, and it was put off 'till after the next Election of Councillors.
Capt. Macartney, in the Mercury Man of War, arrived here last Evening in 8 Weeks, with Dispatches, from England.
The Lively Frigate was expected to sail with further Dispatches for this Place, in about 14 Days after the Mercury.
Private Letters by Captain Macartney mention, that General Murray, with 10 Regiments, would be soon ordered for America. The Squadron ordered for Boston, under the Command of Vice Admiral Greaves, is to consist of 5 Sail of the Line, besides Sloops and Tenders, viz. the Dublin of 74 Gns, Boyne 70, Ramilies 74, Somerset 64, Preston 50.
Some of our inquisitive Folks lately asked a certain Patriot, what we are to do, if Troops should be again sent to this Town, Do, do, says the Patriot, why go again to the Old South-Meeting House.
Wednesday sailed for Halifax, his Majesty's Sloop of War King's Fisher, Capt. James Montagu. Same Day sailed the Active Man of War, Captain Talbott, for England, with whom went Passengers, the famous Squire Malcom, of this Town.
And on Thursday sailed his Majesty's Ship Fowey, Captain George Montagu, Commander, for Virginia.
By a Gentleman from Rhode Island we learn that Capt. Shand, in the Snow Tristram, arrived there on Friday last from London.
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To the Printer,
If you will give the following a Place in your next, it will oblige one of your constant Readers.
INASMUCH as the late Act, intitled an Act for the Ease and Relief of Prisoners for Debt, is expired, and as it is doubtless the Wisdom of all Legislative Bodies, to enact such Laws, in such Cases, as may best answer the valuable Ends of Society, consistent with Justice to the Creditor, and that Compassion and Humanity due to all unfortunate Debtors, 'tis probable something may be attempted at the next Sitting of the General Court, to make such an Act as shall be equitable between the one and the other.
That the late Act was insufficient to answer to the Title it bears is very obvious, as it is well known that where a Man has a Number of Creditors, if he strips himself to the last Shilling to pay them, and is drove to the Necessity of taking the Benefit thereof, at the Suit of one of them,
a second may confine him to Goal, notwithstanding any Relief afforded him by said Act.
Now is it possible to assign one Reason, why a Man, after he has resigned up all his Effects, even to his necessary Bedding (which I think is not allowed him by the late Act) should still be confin'd to be a Burden to the Community, merely to humour a merciless Creditor?
Was there ever such a Thing known among Merchants, that after a Debtor had resign'd up all his Effects, he should still be confin'd? No, all the cry among that Sort of Men (who are allowed to be the most useful Members of Society, is, give him Liberty, let him try again, and I believe nine Cases in ten give him a final Discharge.
Is it possible the Wisdom of the Legislative Power of this Province should suffer a merciless Creditor to keep a Man confin'd in Goal, who has been drove to the last Extremity, and strip'd himself of every Thing he has in the World, unless he will support him from the Time of his Commitment? Is there not all the Reason in the World, that a Man that has a Number of Creditors should reap the same Benefit by Law, as he that has but one, which cannot be the Case, unless his Person after he has once sworn, is exempted for a Term of Time, and no Inconveniency I think can arise, to the Public therefrom, as his Estate, (should he acquire any,) is always liable, and certainly there is a Possibility of his retrieving his Affairs, and paying his Debts.
If the Liberty of Mens Persons, and their Lives are worth Notice, it is hop'd some able Pen and humane Heart will expatiate on the Subject till it is fully and clearly understood, so that the same Relief at least, may be afforded to him that has a Number of Creditors, as him that has but one.
Quere, Is it not really the most eligible of the two, to dig in Simsbury Mines (a Place assign'd only for Fellons) than to starve in Goal?
This Afternoon by Public VENDUE TO BE SOLD,
At Five o'Clock P. M.
at the Mansion-House of the late Reverend ARTHUR BROWNE, deceas'd,
A Large Number of valuable
BOOKS,
Belonging to the Estate; a CATALOGUE thereof to be seen any Time at said Place.—
All Persons indebted to or that
Have any Demands on the Estate of John Tuttle late of Dover, deceased, are desired immediately to bring in their Accounts unto Paul Tuttle, Silas Tuttle, or Job Tuttle, Executors of said Deceased, in order for a speedy Settlement.
Dover May 9th, 1774.
AT a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Falmouth qualified to vote in Town Meetings, met at the Town House in said Falmouth, on March 22, 1774.
Voted nem. Con. that the Town detect and abhor a certain Paper brought into the Town Meeting, the 3d of February last, and since printed in the New-Hampshire and Boston News Papers, in the following Words, viz.
Falmouth, Casco Bay, Feb. 3, 1774.
Many People being apprehensive that there will be a Difficulty in preventing some individual Persons from selling Tea, even though this Town should vote against it; We think proper to declare to you that you need not doubt of our Resolutions being carried into Execution; for we whose Names are hereunto subscribed, will engage that no Person in this Town, Great or Small, Rich or Poor, shall dare to counteract our laudable Designs.
Thomas Tarbuckett Peter Pitch Abraham Wildfowl David Plaister Benjamin Brush Oliver Scarcrow Henry Hand Cart.
Committee for taring and feathering.
And that the said Town of Falmouth will at all Times discourage and discountenance Riots & Mobs, let their Pretence be what it will; and this their Sense of said Paper shall be printed; and further voted, that said Paper was as highly disapproved of, and detested at that Meeting as it is at this.
By Order of the Town.
NATHANIEL G. MOODY, Town Clerk.
P O R T S M O U T H, May 13.
It's talked of making Portsmouth a FREE PORT. The Hon. PETER LEVIUS Esq; has taken his Passage in Capt. Hall, and may be hourly expected.
In the Course of last Winter about seventeen Hundred Sleds passed along to the Westward of the Green Mountains, with above seven Hundred Families moved on the Lands granted to the Westward of Connecticut River, by this Province.
Whereas Alice the Wife of me
the Subscriber, has left me and run me in Debt Needlessly without any Provocation, and fearing her Endeavours will succeed farther to my hurt, This is to warn all People from crediting her on my Account, for I will not pay any Debt she may contract from the Date hereof. DAVID LANGLEY.
Durham, April 10th, 1774.
Middletown.
THE Proprietors of MIDDLETOWN so called, are hereby notified, that a Meeting of said Proprietors is to be held, at the House of Mr. Stephen Wentworth, Innholder in Rochester, in the County of Strafford, on Monday the thirtieth Day of this Instant May, at two o'clock P. M. then and there to act and vote on the following Articles, viz. 1. To choose a Moderator. 2. To choose a new Clerk, and a new Treasurer. 3. To choose a Committee to inspect the Books of Records of the present Clerk, in order to see if all past Transactions, relating to said Township at several Meetings have been duly and fairly recorded, and to report the State of the same, at the next Adjournment; and in case of any Errors or Defects appearing in former Records, or Votes, whether the Propriety will agree to rectify the same, by confirming and establishing such Votes as may be hitherto thought defective. 4. To see if the Propriety will agree to fall and clear 8 or 10 Acres of Trees on the ministerial Lot, for the future Encouragement of a Minister — 5 To see what Preaching the Propriety will vote to pay the ensuing Year. 6. To choose and impower a Committee to call the Collector of the Land Taxes to account, and to examine the State of the present Treasurer's Account, and to settle with both Treasurer and Collector up to the present Meeting. 7. To see whether any more Monies may be wanted upon the Roads this Year, and to vote what shall be agreed upon as necessary for that Purpose; and any other contingent Charges as abovementioned, in which Case to choose a Collector for the same. 8. To see whether the Proprietors at said Meeting will choose a Committee to sell all the Pew Privileges in the Meeting House in said Town at public Vendue, and to impower said Committee to appoint or say how many Pews there shall be in said Meeting House, and apply the Money arising therefrom, to the finishing of the Inside of said Meeting House. 9. To hear the Request of Capt John Drew and others, relative to the Saw Mill Privilege, and High Way that is wanted to said Mill, for the Benefit of said Proprietors, and act thereon, as the Proprietors shall think proper at said Meeting: 10. To see whether the Proprietors will choose a Committee, and impower them to exchange any High Way that they shall think proper, for the Benefit of the said Proprietors, and make a Report of their Doings at this Meeting upon Adjournment; and to act on any other Matter that may help to forward the Settlement of the Township. All concerned are desired to attend at Time and Place aforesaid. By Order of the Assessors,
JOHN GAGE, Prop's Clerk.
Dover. May 2d 1774.
N E W - Y O R K, April 28.
On Sunday Night, at 8 P. M. the Committee of Observation returned from the Hook. They inform us, that the Sailors of the Tea-Ship, unwilling to proceed with her to London, made a Raft of Spars & Boards, in order to quit the Ship with the Tide of Flood, but were observed by the Captain, and being aided by the Committee, who offered their Assistance to him, they desisted from their Project.—That on Sunday at 10 A. M. the Ship and the Sloop, with the Committee, weighed their Anchors & stood to Sea; and at 2 P. M. the Pilot Boat and the Committee's Sloop left her at the Distance of three Leagues from the Hook.
B O S T O N, May 5.
We hear that last Friday, Admiral Montagu was pleased to grant a Pardon to the Boatswain of his Majesty's Ship Tamer, who was under Sentence of Death for Mutiny.
Last Monday the Rev. Mr. David Tappan of Manchester, was ordained Pastor of the third Parish and Congregation in Newbury.
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