New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1779-10-26 00:00:00

From a late Paper.
BALTIMORE, in Maryland:
A Gentleman just arrived here from Holland, by the way of Statia, hath favoured us with the following spirited Speech of Lord GEORGE GORDON, in the British House of Commons.
MR. SPEAKER,
I AM sorry to rise so soon after the meeting of Parliament, in opposition to the measures proposed by administration; and I am more especially concerned that it should be a complimentary address to our present sovereign, moved by the Hon. Member on the other side of the house, one of his Majesty's Lords of Trade [Hon. Charles Greville] and seconded by that very respectable Highland Chieftain, the Thane of Cowder [Mr. Campbell.] But, Sir, many compliments cannot in reason be expected from the friends of liberty on this side of the house, to that King under whose government the court of Great Britain has been rendered contemptible in the eyes of France, and the friendship, commerce, and assistance of America cut off, perhaps forever, from his subjects.
The distresses of the people at home, and the neglect of their possessions abroad, are becoming every day more apparent and intolerable, which render it impossible for me as one of their Representatives, either to compliment his Majesty, or approve of his conduct in such circumstances. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, to compliment his Majesty in his present situation, would tend much more, in my opinion, to illustrate the servility of the House of Commons, than to exemplify to the world any blessings of his government.
Would his Commons congratulate him on his drawn battle at sea? Would they congratulate him on his retreat by land? Will they compliment him on the third year of the independence of the United States? Will they thank him for the honours and emoluments he has heaped upon his favourites during the course of the summer, particularly on the noble Lord with the blue riband [Right Hon. Lord North] the ostensible Minister at the dismemberment of the empire? Will gentlemen rejoice and be glad at this fresh proof his Majesty has given us in his speech of his gracious intention to carry on the war in America? Will they declare their readiness to impose more taxes on their Constituents? and will they answer to his Majesty, for the people paying them without a revolt at home?
I mention the possibility of a revolt at home, because our Constituents have borne much already; they have been patient and of long suffering. They have felt a gradual imposition of taxes, till they have become an intolerable oppression; they have seen the revenues of the Kingdom lavished in pensions to the most exceptionable characters. They have seen their trade with America cut off; and they have had a successful example of their fellow subjects revolting from the expensive government of England, to the protection of a wise and virtuous Congress.
All these heavy calamities, with many more, which it would be tedious to enumerate, have been brought upon this country since the accession of the present King; which make me of opinion, that it is not just now a proper time to applaud his wisdom, or support his counsellors.
Much has been said of his Majesty's counsellors—I have opposed them in Parliament with great constancy and firmness, and entertain as bad an opinion of their public capacity as any gentlemen on this side of
the House does. But they are his Majesty's chosen servants, whom he has been collecting from the different parties ever since his accession—men, I presume, after his own heart.
They proceed in the war with our colonies according to his wishes, and America is now nearly lost to Great Britain. Their unhappy misconduct has rendered them contemptible to many of their fellow subjects, and they have now little to depend on but his Majesty's favor and firmness. Yet, Sir, I see no prospect of a real change; for I don't believe his Majesty will be guilty of the ingratitude to abandon (at this Crisis) his obedient servants in their distress; and I do not hear, or know, that the people are about to chuse a Congress, or proclaim a protector.
The times, in my humble opinion, call aloud for a strong remonstrance to the King, setting forth our unparalleled grievances under his Majesty's government. When the people shew an inclination to demand redress I will accompany them with the greatest pleasure; but I will not be seen complimenting when we should be calling to account.
I am afraid, Sir, I speak too loud, as that may give an appearance of passion to what I assure the house are my most deliberate sentiments. I will say no more at present, but hope to see you rise yourself, Mr. Speaker, in the greatness of your authority, and oppose this designing, mischievous address to his Majesty, which will be doing great honor to your own situation, and to the character of the house, and to the dignity of the people—whom God preserve!
CHARLESTOWN, August 24.
Captains Isman and Newman have lately made prisoners of sixteen men, who were driving 400 cattle in Georgia, and brought off the cattle; and Col. Twigs of the Georgia militia, with Major Jamieson of the light horse, have lately (the 14th inst.) defeated a party of the enemy below Briar Creek, commanded by M'Girt; of whom they killed five, wounded five, and took four prisoners with twenty horses and fifteen stand of arms.
PHILADELPHIA, October 6.
By Capt. Willson, from Havannah, we learn, that the Spaniards have sent two thousand land forces, with some men of war to Pensacola, which by accounts, they have not the least doubt of carrying.
PROVIDENCE, October 16.
Early last Monday morning a large fleet appeared off the harbour of Newport, consisting of 32 ships, 8 brigs, 5 schooners, and 11 sloops, 56 in the whole. 'Tis said 3 or 4 of them were armed vessels, and the rest empty transports. They went into the harbour about 2 o'clock the same day.
Yesterday morning three men arrived here, from Rhode Island: One of them came to Newport in the above fleet, and informs that they came from New York, to carry the troops on the Island to that garrison.
On Thursday morning a soldier of the 22d British regiment, having deserted the evening before, was pursued by a party of the enemy, and overtaken on the shore opposite Tiverton. A party of our troops immediately went over, drove off the enemy, rescued the deserter, and brought him to Tiverton; but he had previously received three stabs in the body, and a ball through one of his arms. He informs, that all the
heavy artillery and baggage were embarked; and that general orders had been issued, whereby the tories had liberty to embark their effects, & go in the fleet to New York.
NEW LONDON, October 13.
Monday last Capt. King, in the brig defiance, arrived here from a cruise. Last Saturday, off Blue point, the south side of Long Island, he fell in with and took the ship Badger, commanded by Edward Lynn, under jury mast, having on board 122 troops but she was the next morning met by a British cruising ship, and retaken. Captain King took out of the vessel 4 Hessian officers and 9 soldiers, 10 British belonging to the 44th regiment, the captain, mate and 9 seamen belonging to the Badger, and also a parcel of small arms.
We learn that this vessel sailed from New York the 10th of September, in company with 11 other transports, bound to Quebec, having on board two Hessian regiments and one (the 44th) British, with 14 merchantmen in company, bound to Halifax and Quebec, that on the 13th of the month they met with a violent gale of wind, which continued to the 17th; that on the 16th, at 5 o'clock, A. M. they fell foul of Clemmentia, a transport ship, one of the above fleet, having 120 troops on board: she was lying on her beam ends, her main and mizen mast gone, a terrible sea going, and the vessel water log'd; the two vessels lay in this condition about 5 minutes, in which time 15 of the soldiers and sailors got on board the Badger, but a number of others attempting to do the same were drowned. The people of the Badger think the other ship foundered immediately on her being disengag'd from them. Capt. Flynn was forced as far westward and southward as lat. 33. long. 75. and attempted to get into Georgia, but the wind coming a head he stood for New York.
BOSTON, October 21.
We hear that Congress have come to a resolution to call in fifteen million of Dollars monthly, in confidence that the great plenty of money will render it not only comparatively easy, but eligible, in our present circumstances, to the good people of these States.—This step must soon appreciate our money, and go a good way towards bringing us out of the difficulties occasioned by its depreciation.
The late Governor Johnstone, we find by the English papers, is now a Commodore, and has the command of a fleet in one of the British ports, which is pretended was soon to look into St. Maloes, and other French ports. He may however, not succeed better as a naval commander, than he did as a commissioner to America; and be as much confined from his rout on the sea, as he was at New York from his intended rout of America.
We cannot give our readers any particular and authentic account of the late tumult at Philadelphia. The city was for a while in no small confusion; a large collection of people insisting upon sending some persons whom they deemed tories to the enemies lines, who stood upon their own defence; several were killed in the affray, and others wounded; but by the last accounts, matters came more tranquil, and the city restored to order and peace.
It is said, that the Count d'Estaing, when he was not far from Georgia, sent a detachment of his fleet to the Bahama islands, to make a stroke upon the British possessions in that quarter.

The Government of Pennsylvania have passed an act to facilitate the immediate supply of the French fleet, expected every moment, with provisions, &c.
Our accounts from Providence, and other places not far distant from Rhode Island, support a belief that Newport will soon be evacuated. Advices by the post, last evening, confidently affirm, that the heavy cannon and baggage of the enemy, with a number of their troops, are already embarked in the transports that came from New York; that every thing looks like an immediate and total departure of the whole British force that has lately held the island; that the organs and bells have been taken by the enemy from the churches; and the plate belonging to it, as well as much more that was private property.
Congress has lately appointed the Hon. John Adams, Esq; Plenipotentiary from these States for settling the terms of peace, when Britain shall be disposed, in earnest, to treat; and the Hon. Francis Dana, Esq; Secretary to the Embassy. The Hon. John Jay, Esq; late President of Congress, is appointed Minister for the Court of Madrid; and Mr. Carmichael, Member of Congress from the State of Maryland, Secretary to Mr. Jay: As also Mr. Laurens, son to the late President, Secretary to Doctor Franklin, now Minister at the Court of Versailles. Extract of a letter, dated Nantz August 12.
"The present appearances in the political affairs of Europe are distressing and humiliating for England. Not one power has declared in our favour; France & Spain are united against her. The utmost efforts of the British ministry have produced only about 40 sail of the line, which are now blocked in the channel by 66 ships.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in L'Orten Aug. 18.
"Sixty four sail of the line, and 47 frigates and smaller vessels of war (French and Spanish) are now in the channel.—Sixty thousand French troops are embarking with all expedition at St. Maloes &c.—Gibraltar is blocked up by sea by 7 Spanish men of war and several frigates, and also by land by 30,000 men; it cannot stand out long for want of provisions—You will see that England has offered us our Independence, a very great favour to be sure!—The King of Prussia has ordered the States of Holland, in very spirited terms, a strict neutrality—Portugal, I suppose, will very soon follow France and Spain.—The English fleet consists of 36 sail of the line, and 10 frigates; they have been obliged to go into port."
Extract of another letter from the same place, August 20, 1779.
"M. D'Orvilliers, with 66 ships of the line, French and Spanish, in the channel. Since the 10th instant, 50 or 60 thousand men embarked on board 550 transports in the ports of d' Grace, St. Maloes & Grandville, waiting for the Signal—Great Britain with about 50 ships of the line, off Torbay and St. Helens, and a great number of militia on their coast; without any allies, or such only as offer their mediation for a peace; several are of opinion that this last will take place; If Capt. Thompson tarries two or three days longer in this port, he will certainly bring you some great news."
Last Tuesday evening arrived at Providence, Capt. James Munro, late of the Privateer Baratoga, having made his Escape from the Prison ship at New York, with a number of other Prisoners who were confined there.
Capt. Munro left the Prison ship the 6th inst. and informs, that the enemy at New
York are in the greatest confusion, expecting the Count D'Estaing at the Hook hourly: That all the inhabitants of the city were obliged to go to work at the fortifications or Governor's island on the 5th inst. That 11 large ships were prepared to sink in the Narrows below the town on the Count's arrival: And that a large number of heavy cannon were placed in the South Battery, and at Powles Hook.
Capt. Munro further informs, that a report prevailed in New York, that the Count D'Estaing had captured Sir James Wallace with his fleet, and all the army at Georgia.
Extract of a Letter, dated Head Quarters, West Point, Oct. 9. 1779.
"If the Count D'Estaing should give us an opportunity of co-operating against the enemy at New York, I am led to think Sir Henry and his troops will be in a bad box before the close of November."
It appears from the London papers that the British Admiralty have changed the name of the frigate Hancock, which they captured from us, into that of the Iris.
Honest Parker, publisher of the General Advertiser, in London, a free paper that has severely scourged the ministry, and printed many things in favour of America, upon being called before the house of Lords on account of one of his publications, complains that Lord Radner, and even the Duke of Richmond gave him but a very feeble support, tho' to support them he had run many a risk. Indeed there seems no spirit in Britain sufficient to preserve their constitution, & overthrow the present administration; Lord North and his colleagues still stand upon firm ground; the opposition has never united upon a broad bottom; it consists of different parties, each of which seem to be influenced in their conduct by secret hopes of succeeding to the royal favour, upon a change of ministry. This has probably kept them from uniting. It makes a free republican of America smile, to see the slavish adulation that is paid by the Britons, and even some of the greatest characters in the opposition, to a King who has brought their nation to the brink of ruin. That nation is too far enslaved ever to expect another revolution in support of its liberties: Despotism is compleatly established there, as it was in Rome, under all the forms of a free government. The admirers of liberty have only to hope for an happy retreat in the free States of America. Here they will soon emigrate with their wealth, strengthen our republic, and exult with us in the enjoyment of their rights of human nature.
The committee in London for raising and applying subscriptions for the relief of the American prisoners, gave notice last winter that they had sufficient money in hand; but the war continuing beyond expectation, they began last March to call upon the public again for new subscriptions, which are very readily made. While Britain as a nation, has carried on the war in America with the greatest inhumanity, it ought to be acknowledged that many individuals have exhibited a compassion and liberality to our countrymen that does honour to human nature.
The opposition to Lord North and the junto in England seemed to place large hopes of routing their adversaries upon the treatment of Keppel, and the favour shown to Palliser, and the warm commotions in consequence of both; but in this they have been mistaken. Such tameness is there in Britain, with all their bluster, that the King can support, and keep in place whom he pleases. If the American war, and the manner of conducting it has not rouzed the na-
tion, it must be some great catastrophe that must do it. The war will continue as long as the best of Kings shall please; and nothing but what shall shake that nation to its centre, and give their despot a near prospect of his own ruin, will engage him to quit his attempts for enslaving and scourging America.
A late London paper mentions that the richest presents have been made to the Chevalier de St. Priest, Ambassador of his Most Christian Majesty at Constantinople, by the Empress of Russia, that ever was given on any such occasion, for his good offices in mediating the peace between her Majesty and the Ottoman Court.—This settlement redounds to the advantage of France and America, as the Court of London built much upon a new rupture between those powers.—The young Monarch of France rises in glory, and has established his influence in Europe.
On Thursday 8th Inst. at Worcester, one Robert Young was tried before the Hon. Superior Court of Judicature, &c. for a rape on the body of a girl between 11 and 12 years of age; and after a fair and impartial trial, the case was committed to a jury duly sworn to try the same, who returned their verdict upon oath, guilty, and judgment of death was given against him on the day following.—Robert Young was a prisoner of convention, and has resided at Brookfield some time past, in the character of School master, and the unhappy girl upon whom the horrid fact was perpetrated was one of his scholars.
The KING of BRITAIN'S SPEECH
at the prorogation of his Parliament.
My Lords and Gentlemen,
THE many great and essential services you have rendered to me and to your country, during the course of your attendance in parliament, demand my most cordial thanks.
I have seen with entire approbation the zeal you have manifested for the support and prosecution of the just and necessary war in which I am engaged, nor am I less sensible of your attention to the present state of the kingdom of Ireland: My paternal affection for all my people makes me sincerely anxious for the happiness and prosperity of every part of my dominions.
Hitherto the events of war have afforded the court of France no reason to triumph on the consequences of their injustice and breach of public faith; and I trust by a spirited and prosperous exertion of the force you have put into my hands, that ambitious power may be brought to wish they had not, without provocation or cause of complaint, insulted the honour and invaded the rights of my crown.
I have already acquainted you with the hostile steps which has already been lately taken by the court of Spain. Whatever colour may be attempted to be put upon that unjust proceeding, I am conscious that I have nothing to reproach myself with: It has been followed by the clearest demonstrations of the loyalty and affection of my parliament to my person and government, for which I repeat to you my warmest thanks; and I consider it as a happy omen of the success of my arms, that the encrease of difficulties serves only to augment the courage and constancy of the nation, and to animate and unite my people in the defence of their country, and every thing that is dear to them.
The advanced season of the year requires that I should afford you some recess from

the public business; and I do with the less reluctance, as by the powers vested in me by law, I can have the aid of your advice and assistance within fourteen days, should emergency make it necessary for me to convene you before the usual time.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons, The various and extensive operations of the war have unavoidably occasioned uncommon expence, and brought additional burthens on my faithful and beloved people, which I most sincerely regret. I cannot sufficiently thank you for the confidence you have reposed in me, and for the cheerfulness and public spirit with which the large supplies for the current year have been granted. My Lords and Gentlemen,
It is impossible to speak of the continuance of the rebellion in North America without the deepest concern; but we have given such unquestionable proofs of our sincere disposition to put an end to those troubles, that I must still hope, that the malignant designs of the enemies of Great Britain cannot long prevail against the evident interest of those unhappy provinces, and that they will not blindly persist in preferring an unnatural and dangerous connection with a foreign power, to peace and to union with their mother country.
Then the Lord Chancellor, by his Majesty's command said,
My Lords and Gentlemen,
It is his Majesty's royal will and pleasure, that this parliament be prorogued to Thursday the 5th day of August next, to be then here holden; and this parliament is accordingly prorogued to Thursday the 5th day of August next.
"King George has by Proclamation ordered the Cattle to be driven from the Sea Coast, fearing a Descent from the French, who have at least 60,000 Men between Brest and Dunkirk.—We suppose ourselves on the Eve of a grand Event some think a Peace, as England driven to the last Extremity, will be obliged to comply with any Terms—These, however, are only Conjectures, and Time only can determine.—The American Commerce in Holland has received a Check by the Capture of two Vessels, just as they came out of the Texel, the Pomonea, Captain Chambers, and the Union, Capt. M c Flaten.—The English now watch very narrowly, and on account of their Vicinity, will always be able to block all the Ports in Holland against us by a small Force, which the last Letters say is at present the Case.
A gentleman of penetration and rank at Providence, writes an officer here, that the worthy Gen. Gates has had several deserters before him, who inform that the troops are certainly going to evacuate Newport—they are carrying all their cannon on the wharves, together with their baggage, for an immediate embarkation. One of the deserters who gives this account is a man that belongs to Bristol, was taken and carried into New York, and came as a hand in the fleet that arrived there last Monday, he says they came on purpose to fetch the troops away.—We expect further accounts every moment, as the General has scouts out all round. We are fitting out every thing here that can carry a gun, to dogg the villains when they leave port. I wish all the vessels of force with you would set sail immediately, they would do great service.
WORCESTER, October 14.
Elisha Smith, junr. of this town, was convicted of uttering counterfeit money to William Raymond, junr. and sentenced to pay a fine of 400l. and costs of prosecution, and stand committed till sentence be performed.
CHARLESTOWN, (South Carolina.)
Aug. 31.
Copy of a letter from a British officer at Port Royal Island, to his friend at New York, dated August 10. 1779.
Dear JAMES,
"I Received your obliging favour by the sloop General Collier, and am very happy to find you recovered from your dangerous wound in so short time. I myself and indeed the army in general, have been put in an ill state of health some weeks past, so violently have fevers and military diseases prevailed among us.
"By letters lately arrived at Savannah from England, we have had many articles of intelligence, and among the rest we hear the Ministry are so elated with the success of our forces in Georgia, that they have no doubt of reducing the two Carolina's this campaign. In consequence of this, Lord North is immediately to bring two bills into Parliament; one for the confiscation of all lands of Rebels, the best of which is to be measured out and divided to adventurers who have lately lent money on this condition to government, for suppressing the rebellion, and among the officers and soldiers of our army, in lieu of arrears; part also to form a fund to provide for all who have been wounded or disabled, and for the children and widows of those who fell in the public service. By the second bill are to be erected High Commission Courts of Justice in Georgia and South Carolina, to enquire into all the lands liable to forfeiture. In order to secure our conquests, a chain of forts and garrisons is to be formed from the Altamaha to North Carolina, to scour the country, keep the Rebels in awe, prevent future insurrections, and the troops will be but little expence to government, as they may be supported by contributions in a country abounding with all sorts of provisions.
"This Plan, for my own part, I disapprove, were it even practicable; but I think in building castles in the air; for the French are carrying island after island in the West Indies. The Spaniards, we just learn, have commenced hostilities, and our army doing nothing but plundering the Rebels, and not subduing them.
"In a few days I expect to receive orders for the evacuation of Beaufort so that either Georgia or the West Indies will be the place from which you may next hear from me.
BALTIMORE, Sept. 28:
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in Virginia, to his Friend in this town, dated Sept. 28.
"Captain Conway who arrived here a few Days ago, from the West Indies informs, that on his passage he fell in with and counted the French and Spanish Fleets together, which consisted of 23 French and 12 Spanish ships of the line, and many frigates, who were on their way to attack Jamaica."
The Sale of Lands in Barnstead,
stands adjourned to the last Wednesday in November, at Ten o'Clock before Noon, then to meet at Samuel Pickering's, Innholder in Greenland.
***** ALL Persons Indebted to, to or that have any Demands on the Estate of the Widow Ruth Currier of East Kingston, deceased, are hereby desired to settle the same with Ezra Currier, Administrator of said Estate. East Kingston, Sept. 29, 1779.
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of Thomas Brown, late of Deerfield, Yeoman, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to Raeben Brown of Deerfield, in order for a speedy settlement. Deerfield Sept. 28.
Cash and West India Goods
are given for
Baybury Tallow and Bees Wax,
by JOSEPH HAVEN,
Portsmouth, October 25th, 1779.
WHEREAS ABIGAL the Wife of me the Subscriber, has elop'd from my Bed and Board: This is therefore to forbid all Persons harbouring or trusting her, as I am determined not to pay any Debts of her contracting from the Date hereof.
Chester, October 8, 1779 JACOB BASFORD.
Delatour,
At his Shop in Pav'd Street, has for Sale,
Choice Wool and Cotton Cards,
At nine Dollars and half per Pair by the Dozen, And Ten Dollars by the single Pair.
Those Persons who are Indebted
For this Paper, are desired to settle and pay off to the beginning of this Month of October. And those Customers in the Country are desired to send a little Butter, Cheese, Meal, Wood.
WHEREAS by a late Act of the General Court of this State, the Lands of the non resident proprietors of the Town of Lyndeborough, have been taxed by the Select Men of said Town, for the year 1777, the following Rate; and whereas thro' some Mistake in publishing the Land under specified, has not been sold, and the Taxes remain unpaid, these are therefore to request the Owner or Owners of said Land to pay the Taxes of the same to the subscriber immediately, or said Land will be advertised for sale, as the Law directs,
Thomas Flucker, Esq; No. 3: £ 0 14 0 Jonas Kidder, Constable.
Lyndeborough, Sept. 12, 1779.
A true Copy Test.
Daniel Gould, Jacob Weillmen, Select Men.
TO BE LETT,
A Large Brick House, very
suitable for Gentlemen in Business—It is likewise well accommodated for keeping genteel Boarders, having not less than twenty-four different Rooms, and a large Shop, and twelve Cellars under it, with Warehouse, Stable, Well, &c. &c. And one or more Warehouses may be hired with the same—Enquire of Capt. Giles Seward.
State of New-Hampshire.
War-Office, Portsmouth, October 4th, 1779.
THE Captains of the several Companies in the first Regiment of Militia, and others who have received Arms or Ammunition from the War-Office, are desired to return them immediately.
By Order of the Board, JOHN FOSTER, Secretary.
Sundry valuable Lots of Land
In New-Durham, to be sold, and the Number of each Lot may be known by enquiring at the Print-Office in Portsmouth.
LOST, on the fifth Day of
October, in Exeter or Stratham; A Leather POCKET-BOOK, containing three or four hundred Dollars in Money, several Notes of Hand, &c. Whoever has found said Book, and will send it to the Printing Office in Exeter, shall have Fifty Dollars reward.
Wanted immediately,
A few Thousand of BOARDS, and a few Tons of English Hay; also a quantity of FLAX-SEED. For which Cash or West India Goods will be given. Inquire of ELIPHALET LADD, of Exeter.
Cash, West-India, or English Goods, given for good Flax-Seed, By SAMUEL HILL, at his Shop on Spring-Hill, Portsmouth.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY,
A small Family to go on a New Farm in Canterbury; whoever can be well recommended, may meet with good Encouragement by applying to STEPHEN HARDY, Newmarket Oct. 25, 1779.