The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1775-08-22 00:00:00

THE New-Hampshire AND HISTORICAL CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES
Vol. XIX GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
TUESDAY August 22, 1775.
No. 983 } Weeks since this Paper was first publish'd.
Province of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
In the House of REPRESENTATIVES, August 11th, 1775.
WHEREAS there has been a frequent Firing of small Arms in divers Parts of this Colony, whereby many of the Inhabitants have been needlessly alarmed, and much Ammunition unnecessarily expended:
---Therefore RESOLVED, That it be, and hereby is recommended to the Inhabitants of this Colony, not to fire a Gun at Beast, Bird or Mark, without real Necessity therefor: And it is recommended to the several Towns and Districts in this Colony to use their Endeavours that the Spirit of this Resolve be strictly and faithfully adhered to, and that this Resolve be published in the several News-Papers.
Sent up for Concurrence, August 12, 1775. Samuel Freeman, Speaker P. T. In Council Read and Concurred. P. Morton, Secr'y pro temp.
Consented to, James Otis B. Greenleaf Caleb Cushing Enoch Freeman James Prescott Eldad Taylor Charles Chauncy M. Farley J. Palmer S. Holten Jabez Fisher Moses Gill John Taylor Benja. White Benja. Chadbourn.
A true Copy, Attest. Perez Morton. Secr'y pro temp.
CAMBRIDGE, August 17.
The Hon. Continental Congress on the 2d Inst. adjourned until the 5th Day of Sept. then to be again convened at Philadelphia, leaving several Committees to prepare some Matters of Importance against their Meeting. Among other Things, they have taken the Management of Indian Affairs out of the Hands of the Crown Officers, and divided the Indian Tribes into three Departments: The first taking in the Six Nations, and all to the Northward of them; the 2d, all the Tribes from the Six Nations to the south Line of the Colony of Virginia; and the Third, all the Indians to the Southward of the South Line of Virginia. They have appointed Commissioners for each of these Departments, with proper Presents, Talks, and Belts of Wampum, and the usual and necessary Articles of Trade for the several Nations. The Commissioners for the first and second Departments have already set out for the Places of their Destination; and we are well assured that such Measures have been taken, and such satisfactory and authentic Accounts received by the Congress, that all Apprehensions of Danger from our Fellow Subjects in Canada, and the Indians, are entirely removed. The Congress have appointed Messrs. Hilleegas and Clymer, of Philadelphia, joint Treasurers of the United Colonies. They have also established a Post Office from Georgia to New-Hampshire, and appointed Dr. Benjamin Franklin, sole Post Master. No other Alteration hath been made in the Continental Association, than permitting all Vessels which shall bring Powder into the Colonies, to receive Provisions, or any Thing else to the Amount thereof.
Since our last the Hon. John Hancock, Hon. Thomas Cushing, Hon. John Adams, Hon. Samuel Adams, and the Hon. Robert Treat Paine, Esquires, the worthy Representatives of this Colony in the Hon'ble Continental Congress, arrived at their respective Homes from Philadelphia.
We hear from Virginia, That their Provincial Convention had stopped all Exports (except Tobacco) from the 5th Instant; that Lord Dunmore had seized a Ship and good out of one of the Custom Houses for his own Use; that thereupon the People had seized all the Money in the Custom-House, Treasury, &c.
We are informed that last Thursday Evening returned to Boston after about 3 Weeks Cruise, twelve Transports (having on board about 1000 Ministerial Butchers) under Convoy of three Men of War. During their Cruise they plunder'd & pillag'd about 130 Sheep and 30 Head of Cattle off Fisher's and Gardner's Islands near New-London, though, 'tis said, after they were secured they tendered Payment. 'Tis also said they took and carried in with them an outward-bound Vessel with about 40 Head of Cattle, and 30 Sheep.---With these Trophies of Victory on their Arrival at Boston, the Bells, we hear, were set to Musick, to the no small Joy and Comfort of the poor, half-starved Tories.
Yesterday Afternoon, the Printers hereof received a Letter from a Gentleman at Taunton, dated the Day before, of which the following is an Extract.
THIS Afternoon came into this Town, Capt. Abraham Stephen Remsen, who informs, That on the 26th of last Month in Lat. 25. 15 Long. 65. 30, he spoke with the Ship Juno, John M'Henderson Master, who had been then only 17 Days out from Dublin. Capt. Remsen went on board the Juno and tarried on board 3 Hours, where he read a Paragraph in the Dublin Paper, "That Lord North and Governor Hutchinson were both gone to France, that the Parliament House was pulled down, and that it was judged that Lords Chatham and Camden, with John Wilkes, Esq; headed the Populace."---The above Account I had from Capt. Remsen's own Mouth, and I believe him to be a Man of Truth, and if you think proper to convey it to the Publick through your Paper, you may do it. Without Doubt it will be thought to be a most interesting Piece of Intelligence if it should turn out true, and I believe it will."
Friday last was conducted to this Town by an Escort commanded by Capt. Melcher, the Officers & Crew of the armed Cutter Marga-retta, Diligent, and Tender, taken at Machias, together with that noted Friend to Government, Ichabod Jones, formerly of Boston, and a staunch Friend to that infernal Traitor to his Country, T. Hutchinson. Capt. Moore of the Marga-retta, was killed in the Engagement. Capt. Knight, Lieut. Spry, five Midshipmen and Warrant Officers, together with 17 Privates belonging to the above Vessels, we hear are ordered to the more interior Parts of this Colony.
Last Monday Morning came to Town from Ipswich, 20 of the Prisoners taken at Cape-Ann the Tuesday before.
One of the Enemy's floating Batteries approaching rather too near some of our Works on the Bay, between this Town & Roxbury, occasioned considerable Firing on Tuesday last; but nothing material was effected on either Side.
A very intelligent Soldier, belonging to the 23d Regiment, who deserted from the Enemy last Week, and who is known by several Gentlemen in our Army, we are informed made oath before his Excellency General Washington, that according to the most exact account there were killed of the Enemy at the Battle on Bunker's Hill, and since died of their Wounds then received, six Field Officers, 32 Captains, 52 Subalterns, 55 Serjeants, thirteen Drummers, and 899 Privates; in the whole when he left the Regular Army 1057; and that it was thought 300 more Officers and Privates, would die of their Wounds.
We hear that in Consequence of Letters sent from T. Gage to the Governor of Halifax, the Rev. Mr. Simeon Howard, late Pastor of the West Church in Boston, has been apprehended, tried and honourably acquitted; but for what Crime or Offence, we have not heard.
Joseph Trumbull, Esq; is appointed by the Hon. Continental Congress, Commissary General of the Grand American Army.
'Tis said Ben. Faneuil, and a Number of other Tories, have purchas'd or charter'd a large Vessel to transport their Families & Effects to---Look sharp, take Care---See how the---prepare. Bonum Securum. She is near ready to Sail.
His Excellency the General has been pleased to appoint Edmund Randolph and George Baylor, Esquires, his Aids de Camp.
Thomas Mifflin, Esq;, is appointed Quarter-Master-General of the Continental Army.
Last Monday was the Anniversary of the first active Opposition, made on this Continent, to the Tyranny of a British Ministry. In the Year 1765, the infamous Stamp-Act passed the British Parliament, and a compleat System of Slavery was then intended to be established on the Ruins of American Liberty. The People were alarmed; but Opposition to the Parent State, to whom they were attached by the strongest Ties of Affection was their strange Work. It is therefore no Wonder that their first Efforts, in the Cause of Liberty were somewhat confused. On the 14th of August a Number of the Inhabitants of Boston (ever foremost in the Cause of Liberty and their Country) exhibited on a Tree, (since called Liberty Tree) at the South End of the Town, the Effigies of the Massachusetts Stamp-Master, attended with Representations of Lord Bute and the Devil. The Pageantry remained suspended on the Tree from Morning till towards Night, when it was carried, accompanied by Thousands of People, to Fort-Hill, and there consumed to Ashes; the Multitude demolishing in their Way, a Building belonging to the Stamp-Master, and said to be designed for a Stamp Office. They also, on being provoked, considerably damaged his House.---Opposition to the detestable Act immediately became general in all the Colonies from New Hampshire to Georgia; and in the ensuing Session of Parliament the Colonies triumphed in a compleat Victory, by obtaining a total Repeal of that infernal Edict.
To celebrate therefore, the Anniversary of the Fourteenth of August 1765, a Day so auspicious to the Liberties of America, a large Company of the most worthy and respectable Sons of Freedom assembled, on the Day above-mentioned, at the House of Mrs. Coolidge in Watertown, where an elegant Entertainment was provided; and where, with a Spirit and Pleasure unknown to the Base, sordid Tools of Tyranny, a Number of Patriotic Toasts were drank. The whole was conducted and concluded with Elegance and Decorum. [We have not been able to obtain a Copy of the Toasts for this Day's Paper.]
On Friday last, as Mr. Benjamin Mumford, with the Southern and Western Mails, was crossing one of the Ferries from Narragansett to Newport, he was taken by one of the Piratical Cruisers which have long infested this Coast. The Mails were broke open, sundry Letters taken out and detained, and the Rest sent to Newport. Mr. Mumford was told that she should be sent to Boston.
Extract of a Letter from Glasgow, dated April 14, 1775. "As to the Contest between Britain and America, the Dispute in Parliament runs very high, as also among almost every one else of the Subjects; and Petitions in Behalf of the Americans are presented to the King or Parliament from Societies of almost every Denomination. But the Favourers of America here are afraid of nothing so much as the Americans breaking among themselves, as they can easily see every Method is tried by Parliament to effect a Breach among them. Pray let me hear what you can discover to be the Sentiments of the judicious Part of the People, and Persons of Interest. Let us hear what Connecticut and the other Provinces are doing with their Militia; whether they are preparing to take the Field, or whether the greatest Part are for complying."
General SULLIVAN's Answer To the Honourable the Committee of Safety for the County of Hillsborough.
GENTLEMEN, YOUR polite congratulatory Address upon my Appointment to the Rank of Brigadier General, in the American Army, demands my most sincere and cordial Thanks. Your Approbation of my Conduct while at the Bar acting in Defence of an injured People, against the arbitrary Tools of Government, gives me the highest Satisfaction.
The favourable Opinion which you have formed of my Courage and military Skill, must alone be a sufficient Inducement for me to exert myself at this important Day, and if possible prevent you from being disappointed in your Expectations.---It gives me great Pleasure to find that so respectable a Number of the worthy Sons of Freedom, in the Colony to which I belong, have so publicly given their Approbation of my Conduct in assisting to secure the warlike Stores at Fort William and Mary, and thereby preventing those Evils which must have resulted from our Enemies having the Possession of them.---That the important Office you sustain, may be ever held by such worthy Patriots, who while they so nobly exert themselves in Defence of our common Liberties, are endeavouring to strengthen the Hands of others, is, Gentlemen, the earnest Prayer of
Your most obedient Servant, JOHN SULLIVAN.
Camp at Winter-Hill. August 10, 1775. PHILADELPHIA, August 2.
Extract of a letter from London, dated June 1. "It is my indispensable duty to inform my countrymen on your side the water, of whatever resolutions are formed on this side, injurious to your sacred rights, that you may be timely on your guard to defeat the pernicious attempts of that implacable and tyrannical Administration.---My intelligence is founded on the best information, and therefore full credence ought to be paid to it."
"On the arrival of the news of the defeat and retreat of the detachment under Lord Percy and Col. Smith, this great city was agitated to its center. The friends to America rejoiced at the noble victory of the Bostonians, and its enemies were abashed at their courage,---grinning horribly a ghastly smile, as Milton's Devil did in Paradise.---The news flew rapidly, and soon caught the ear of an unwise and deluded King.---Administration were alarmed at the unexpected success of the Provincials, and were at a loss what lies to fabricate which would destroy the force of the qualifications which accompanied the intelligence. Runners were sent to every part of the city, who were authorised to deny the authenticity of the facts, and so distressed was government that they officially requested a suspension of belief, until dispatches were received from General Gage. No advice is received yet from that quarter. In the mean time frequent ministerial Councils were held, without any conclusive determinations until yesterday, when his Majesty presided at one of them. The King, after hav-
ing heard the news read, asked what mode should be pursued to support the dignity of the nation, retrieve the honour of the British arms, and annihilate the American opposition? Lord North replied, that there were 30,000 troops in Quebec and Canada ready to march to Boston for General Gage's relief; that more men of war should be sent out, and that the Admiral should have positive orders to seize provision vessels for the due supply of the navy and army. He observed that from the natural formation of the entrance into Boston, with the precautions taken by the General, there was no apprehension of any attack, for in fact it could not be storm'd. Upon this futile opinion, instructions were immediately dispatched to Gage, to order the regulars from Quebec, and to march the militia of Canada, as well as to obtain the necessary supply of provisions, by seizing the American vessels at sea, or in the harbours. To facilitate this accursed plan, the General is to assure the Officers of the King's determination to promote them, and to stimulate the Soldiers to acts of butchery, their pay is to be increased---to which purpose 50,000. was sent off last night to Boston.
"The General has positive orders to destroy the magazines, to spike up the cannon, to order the riot act to be read, and to set up the King's standard immediately. What infatuation possesses this nation! You and I, who know the strength of America and the consolidated union of its inhabitants, must laugh at their threats and despise their shallow schemes. But whilst they are forming this impracticable plan of extracting 30,000 troops from Canada, they dread the arrival of the packet, because, however they would dupe the credulous inhabitants of England with fallacious contradictions of the Facts announced they cannot help believing that General Gage and his army are even now either cut off, or ignominiously constrained to retreat into the castle, or on board of the men of war."
"Such also is the terror of Administration, that they have dispatched some of the Nobility and Gentry throughout England to contradict the Boston news, in order to quiet the landed Gentlemen, cajole the manufacturing cities and prevent the dreadful effects on the stocks. But alas! these are temporary, ineffectual expedients---for the next American intelligence will arouse the supine landed and manufacturing interest, and a vital stab will be given to the funds. This nation has passed her meridian splendor---America, by her virtue and her numbers, will permanently establish her rights, will be the blessed means of extirpation of this most flagitious Ministry, and of establishing the British Throne in wisdom and clemency."
"This evening some of the principal Common Councilmen meet, to revive and effectually equip the Military of London, which consist of 3000 men, in order to co-operate with the Americans, in forcing a relinquishment of the present internal politics, and in supporting constitutional liberty throughout the British dominions."
NEW-YORK, Aug. 10.
On Wednesday the 12th Ult. at 55 Minutes after three o'Clock in the Evening there was a violent Shock of an Earthquake at Jessupborough, Twelve Miles South West of Lake George; the Earth was much agitated, with small tossing agile Waves, and the Noise thereof as loud as Thunder; and it was with difficulty that some People that were building a House could sit on the Timber, &c. At 51 Minutes after Six, and 41 Minutes after Seven were two small Shocks and less Noise, and we hear, that the first Shock was considerable at Ticonderoga, Fort Edward, and felt by some People in Albany about the same Time.
Last Thursday Capt. Patrick Sinclair, Lieut. Governor and Superintendent at Michillimackinack, who lately arrived from North Britain, at some Port in Maryland, & after passing through Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, was apprehended by Order of our Provincial Congress, and sent to Suffolk County on Nassau-Island, there to reside on his giving his Promise Parole on his Honour, that he will not take any Part in the present unhappy Controversy between Great-Britain and the Colonies; and that he will not depart from, or go out of the said County without permission of the Continental Congress, or of this or some future Provincial Congress, until the present unhappy Controversy between Great-Britain and the Colonies shall be determined.
Last Tuesday the first division of Col. McDougal's battalion of provincial troops failed, under the command of Lieut. Col. Ritze-ma, to join Maj. Gen. Schuyler, at Ticonderoga; they will soon be followed by the 2d, under Maj. Zedwitz; and the Colonel is preparing immediately to follow with the third & last division.
By Accounts received (via Virginia) we are informed that the dispatches with Gen. Gage's account of the affair at Lexington, arrived in England on the 13th of June, 17 days after those sent from the inhabitants of Massachusetts, by Capt. Derby.
Last Friday at the White Plains, in Westchester county, one Nathaniel Adams, a Tory, shot and wounded desperately, John McDonald, a recruit belonging to Col. Holmes's regiment, now raising in this Colony. The villain made his escape, but was secured, and is now under confinement.
HARTFORD, August 14.
A few days since three children belonging to Sharon, playing in a meadow, pulled up the hemlock, or wild parsnip root, and eat of it, and in about five hours they all expired, and were buried in one grave the next day. This root is thought by some, one of the greatest poisons in nature, and that an extract from it of three grains, would be sufficient to kill any person---great care ought to be taken by parents to prevent their children going among it.
Extract of a Letter from Ticonderoga, August 4, 1775.
"Two persons who have lately come from St. John's (being examined under oath before the General) give accounts that the King's troops are well fortified at St. John's---that there is at that place 470 regulars, and 110 at Chumblee about 12 miles distant, about 20 at Montreal, and one company at Quebec; 40 Indians at St. John's, Col. Guy Johnson and Col. Sels with 500 Indians just arrived at Montreal, and just a going to join the English rebels against us. One of these men was at Montreal and saw Johnson and his Indians. They appear to be two sensible men and give a very direct account. There is two large and strong vessels near finished at St. John's to carry about 14 or 16 carriage guns each, and they are every day in expectation of being joined by about 4000 regulars that are come into the river, and then to come against us. The Canadians are determined not to fight against us unless forced by a formidable army. About three weeks ago an attempt was made to force the Canadians to take up arms, and they were about to bang some in every parish, when the Canadians arose in a body of near three thousand men, disarmed the officer that was after recruits, and made him flee being determined to defend themselves in the best manner they could by a full resistance, rather than be forced to arm against the colonies. The common people there can't bear to have the old French laws take place again amongst them, as they will be thereby plunged into enormous taxes. We had a few days ago two men who went down the Lake with an Indian boy from Dr. Wheelock's college, intending to land him about 30 miles this side of St. John's, who are taken by a scout of the enemy and held prisoners."

By a Vessel from England, arrived at Philadelphia, we have the following Advices, viz.
L O N D O N, June 3.
NEVER were debates in the cabinet council so high as at present; Lord North is for conciliation at all events with the colonies; Mr. Rigby insists upon coercive measures.
By the new arrangement, settled at the last extraordinary council, Gen. Gage is to be reinforced with 7,500 men, with positive orders to quit Boston; a camp is to be formed near Cork, and another upon blackheath; this does not look as if the ministry put much trust in Spanish assurances.
June 5. Col. Dalrymple killed hands on Friday. He is going to America with dispatches.
June 6. A correspondent observes, that if the account expected from Gen. Gage should differ from that already received, as to circumstances, and even as to some of the facts, it will not be very wonderful, for there never was perhaps a perfect agreement of accounts in every particular, after such an engagement, both armies sometimes even claiming the victory; but that in all the main parts, there will be too great an agreement, is, we fear, beyond all doubt.
By letters lately received from Boston we learn, that there is no less than three German Princes upon their travels incog. in New-England! This looks not a little suspicious; certain it is, there is not a court in Germany, that would not send their best generals to the assistance of the Americans.
We are assured, that Lord Chatham has had no less than three audiences of a great personage within the last three weeks.
L O N D O N.
As we have already been informed of the noble spirited Conduct of the Earl of Effingham, in resigning his Commission into his Majesty's Hands, on leaving his Regiment was ordered for America; the following Abridgement of his Lordship's Speech in the House of Lords on the Motion to receive the New-York Memorial, cannot but prove acceptable.
MY LORDS, whatever has been done by the AMERICANS I must deem the mere Consequence of our unjust Demands. They have come to you with fair Arguments, you have refused to hear them; they make their respectful Remonstrances, you answer them with Pains and Penalties; they know they ought to be free, you tell them they shall be Slaves. Is it then a Wonder, if they say in return, "That the sport Remainder of our Lives we will be free!" Is there any among your Lordships, whom in a Situation similar to that which I have described, would not resolve the same? If there could be such a one, I am sure he ought not to be here.
"To bring the History down to the present Scene, here are two Armies in Presence of each other; Armies of Brothers and Countrymen; each dreading the Event, yet each feeling that it is in the Power of the most trifling Accident, a private Dispute, a drunken Fray in any public House in Boston; in short, a Nothing, to cause the Sword to be drawn, and to plunge the whole Country into all the Horrors of Blood, Flames and Parricide.
"In this direful Moment, a set of Men, more wise and moderate than the rest, exert themselves to bring us all to Reason. They state their Claims and their Grievances; nay, if any Thing can be proved by Law and History, they prove them. They propose oblivion, they make the first Concession; ---- we treat them with contempt, we prefer Poverty, Blood, and Servitude, to Wealth, Happiness and Liberty.
"What Weight these few Observations may have I don't know; but the Candour your Lordships have indulged me with, requires a Concession on my Part which may still lessen that Weight. I must own I am not personally disinterested.
"Ever since I was of an Age to have any Ambition at all, my highest has been to serve my Country in a military Capacity. If there was on Earth an Event I dreaded, it was to see this Country so situated as to make that Profession incompatible with my Duty as a Citizen.
"That Period is, in my Opinion, arrived----and I have thought myself bound to relinquish the Hopes I formed, by a Resignation, which appeared to me the only Method of avoiding the Guilt of enslaving my Country, and embracing my Hands in the Blood of her Sons.
"When the Duties of a Soldier and a Citizen become inconsistent I shall always think myself obliged to sink the Character of a Soldier in that of the Citizen, till such Time as their Duties shall again by the Malice of our real Enemies become united.
"It is no small Sacrifice which a Man makes who gives up his Profession; ----but it is a much greater, when a Predilection, strengthened by Habit, has given him so strong an Attachment to his Profession as I feel. I have however this one Consolation, that by making that Sacrifice, I at least give to my Country an equivocal Proof of the sincerity of my Principles."
To the truly noble and virtuous Lord Effingham, on his Resignation of becoming a Ministerial Butcher.
EFFINGHAM thy Name shall be remembered in America---Thou shalt be remembered in the fervent Prayers of every honest and good Man---the social Glass shall not go round but for thy Prosperity---and the festive Board shall bear Testimony to thy Merits.
Province of Massachusetts-Bay.
In Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Hardwick, August 7th. 1775.
WHEREAS Deacon James Fay, Jonathan Danforth, Abner Conant, Joseph Ruggles, jun. Israel Corkey, and Jonathan Nye, all of Hardwick, in the County of Worcester, have by their Conduct in various Instances manifested a Disposition inimical to the Rights and Privileges of their Countrymen,----Therefore Resolved, That their Names be published to the World agreeable to the Association of the Continental Congress; & that it be earnestly recommended to the Inhabitants of this Town, County and Colony not to have any commercial Connection with the said Fay, Danforth, &c. but to shun their Persons and Causes, and treat them with that Contempt and Neglect they deserve. And whereas the said Committee have thought it necessary that the said Danforth, Fay, &c. be confined to this Town, and that they assemble not together more than two of them at a Time (except at publick Worship and at Funerals) therefore further recommend it to the good People of this Colony that (if the said Persons or any one of them should depart out of this Town without a Permit from said Committee) they take up and confine or send them back again.
Per Order of the said Committee,
SETH PADELFORD, Clerk of said Committee. N. B. All Printers in this Colony, are desired to publish this, From the Providence Gazette.
An ACROSTIC.
J U S T as JOSEPH took his Flight O nward to the Realms of Light, S atan hurl'd his hellish Darts, E vil Angels play their Parts; P iercy, Burgoyne, Howe and Gage, H ove about infernal Rage: W ARREN slept beyond their Path, A w'd by none, nor fear'd their Wrath; R an his Race to Joy and Rest, R ose amongst the loyal Blest; E nter'd in the Rolls of Fame, N orth and Devil mist their Aim.
China-Mending
PERFORM'D in the neatest and best Manner, by JOHN DAVENPORT, at his Shop at the lower End of Queen Street, Portsmouth; where the Goldsmith's and Jeweler's Business is carried on as usual.
P O R T S M O U T H,
Mr. Printer,
IN the last Gazette, I saw the Sentiments of a Writer on a Loan Money, and have since heard his Proposals very much approved of, by Gentlemen of the first Character for Knowledge in the Province; and if I may be allowed to add some other Remarks on the same Subject, I would observe; that the Necessity of the present Times, calls for every Aid from the Community to Individuals, without which many must suffer; and if the Plan of a Loan Office is fully considered, with the Advantages that arise therefrom, both to the Public and private Persons, it cannot require an Hour's further Consideration, it carries with it even a mathematical Demonstration, which admits of no Doubt---One thing may be said, that the Congress may not be existing, but some other Form of Government established at the Time the Loan Money may be called in; I apprehend it immaterial what Government is then in Being---The only thing required is public Credit; which may be procured in the following Manner.
Let the Congress appoint seven Gentlemen of known Reputation for Integrity and Ability, as Trustees for letting out the Loan Money; these Gentlemen to be put under Oath and give Bonds for their Fidelity, in executing the Trust, to seven more Gentlemen of Credit and strict Honour; to the first Seven, let the Borrower mortgage his Estate for the Money he receives; such Mortgages to be made to them as Trustees to the Loan; and these Trustees to be accountable to the other Seven Gentlemen for the Interest they receive annually, which is by them to be appropriated as the STATE requires.
There will always be a public Voice, or a Vex Populi, and we may be assured, that the People will always interest themselves for what is allowed to be for their Advantage; and as I suppose most of the real Estates will be incumbered with this Money, it certainly will be supported by all the Borrowers, who of themselves will be sufficient to give it a Currency; and the more so because all are bound to do it, by that never failing Motive SELF INTEREST; The Method of conducting this Office is plain, easy and useful, and practiced by other Colonies; as I am credibly informed---The Poor will want to be employed immediately; I would propose that the first Year's Interest should be borrowed out of the Principal, and a Quantity of FLAX and WOOL be immediately bought up; and every kind of Manufacture promoted, which will all be wanted by the Soldiers; Thus at least 20,000 Persons will be employed in knitting Stockings, spinning Linnen, weaving Cloth; all which the Army will want---The Difference about the Emission of the Money, whether by the Assembly or the Congress, is of no Consequence; the same Objection may be made to the Continental Congress Money. It is the Amer Patre which will always support such monies as are emitted by the People, for their mutual Interest; and no People can be supposed so ungrateful to their Benefactors, who have voluntarily given them an Interest of six per Cent, for a Credit, in which there is not the least Risk or Danger in their acquisition; one thing more may be said in its Favour, it will carry an Interest with it which I suppose the Continental Money will not, and on that Account, I doubt not it will all be immediately bought up by Persons who will either give Gold and Silver for it or other Currencies, which will be no Damage; but greatly enhance its Value. It is not for Want of a Sufficiency of circulating Currency that this Office is proposed, but to let in the Possessors of real Estates to be benefitted, and the Public more so, at a Time when they want every possible Assistance.
I would have any Money to be received by the Trustees in Discharge of Mortgages; and to prevent an engrossing the Loan-Money; to make any other or more Advantage of it than the Interest, it should be made redeemable by the other circulating Monies. Thus no unfair Use should be made of it, added to other Advantages accruing by this Money, will be the Increase of those very Estates mortgaged, for most Persons will hire the Money to improve them, and thereby increase the Value of the Security---When the Money is determined on by the Congress; the next thing is to regulate the Office; and in that we have the Usage and Example of other Communities.
Si quid novisti, rectius illis candide imperti, si non his utere mecum. BENEVOLUS.
From the Newport Mercury.
Mr. SOUTHWICK,
SIR.
Please to give this a Place in your next Week's Paper, and you will oblige A FRIEND to LIBERTY. The FEMALE SUPPORTERS of LIBERTY.
WHEREAS our Country has long groaned under the Oppression of a tyrannical Ministry; and has lately been invaded by our Enemies, who stained the Land with the Blood of our dear Brethren: THEREFORE we, the Subscribers, are determined to defend our Liberties, both civil and religious, to the utmost that lies in our Power. We do not mean to take up Arms, for that does not become our Sex: But we will put our Hands to the Plough, hoe and rake, and till the Ground, for our Men to go to the Assistance of our distressed Brethren, there to conquer our Enemies, or die in the Attempt. And we further determine to undergo all the Hardships which Human Life can be exposed to: We will forsake the Gaieties of this World, content ourselves to live in solitary Caves on Bread and Water, before we will give up our Country's Liberties and Religion. We are to stand by each other, and all Sons and Daughters of Liberty throughout America; determining to bear no evil spoken of them without vindicating them. Our Company is to consist of as many true Daughters of Liberty as will undertake the noble Cause. No one to be admitted who retains any of the Tory Principles.
GOD SAVE AMERICA.
Upwards of 70 Daughters of Liberty have signed the above Articles, within a small Circle.
N E W Y O R K, August 3.
To the Committee of Cherry Valley, to be communicated to the inhabitants of the Butternuts.
A Speech of the Chiefs of the ONEIDAS, respecting the late Murder, committed in the Plantation of the Butternuts.
BRETHREN, we have heard of your alarming and distressing situation, by the unnatural and very inhuman murder of one in your place; we are very much surprised at the account, and feel for you in this your distress; both you & we, shall likely soon discover the murderer---You white people have some malicious will minded persons amongst you, & we Indians have likewise the same: We have long resided hard by our brethren on Mohawk river, and never knew such an instance as has happened in your place, a man found dead and murdered in such a manner? ---- Brethren, quiet your minds, and indulge no fears nor jealousies respecting our friendship; don't leave your plantations, continue where you are, and follow your work (we don't think you would have suspected any of us Oneidas to have done such a thing, were it not for the troubles and confusions that prevail in the Eastward, meaning New England: We Oneidas have made search, and can find no person of our nation that has been so lately hunting in the woods; nor any of the Onoheggawahes: We therefore intreat you to quiet your minds, and by no means indulge any fears respecting us; and when ever we meet again let it be in great friendship and brotherly love; or if any of our people should pass that way, treat them with your usual kindness, that peace may always continue, and be maintained between us. We have only farther to remark, that had there been on our part, any design of mischief, or beginning a quarrel with the white people, and had an Indian committed the inhuman murder, he would never have come off & left the man uncaused; for which reason, and some other circumstances, we are of opinion that some other person, and not an Indian has been guilty of the murder: We hope you may never know the like again, but continue in peace, and prosper. Present, four of the Onoheggawahes, as interpreted and wrote by Samuel Kirkland, Missionary.
Extract of a Letter from Charlestown, (South Carolina), June 18th 1775.
"Last week two negroes were heard, by their master, who lay secreted, to mention a plan which had been laid to destroy the white people, and take both town and country: They were both taken up, and on trial discovered the whole plot. They expected the King would send troops here, on the arrival of which they were to set the town a fire, and fall on the inhabitants, One Bishop a Dutchman, was to have been the leader; he had been supplied with a large sum of money to buy arms, drums, &c. he told the part of his boys where the money was kept, and many other circumstances, which on searching appeared exactly as they had represented. Sixteen hundred pounds sterling in cash some drums, &c. were found in his house: Bishop was immediately committed to goal, but has not as yet confessed any thing. Within two days past another white man, and some negroes, have been taken upon this hellish business, which doubtless originated either in the British cabinet, or at Gage's head quarters, in Boston.
"P. S. June 20, Since writing the above it has been discovered, that the insurrection was to have been general throughout the province, and to have been executed as soon as Bishop had procured the arms, &c. he, with a free negro, named Jersey, were to head the blacks. ---Since this important discovery, we have had two companies on guard every night and one in the day time.
WILMINGTON, (North Carolina) June 26.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in London to his friend in North Carolina, dated March 29.
"The gloomy aspect of your country and America in general, mentioned in your last, is truly alarming. I feel for Mr. ----, and wish he would make this his retreat. Let me advise you to leave your uncertain situation, and bring your family over. If you object to this, pray sell your slave estate at any rate. This early hint, will give you an opportunity of doing this to advantage. Last week a friend wished me joy on having the good fortune to sell my slaves and American estate, for says he, "It was lately whispered by the minister, that all slaves in the continent would be seized or forfeited by the provinces, and sold in the French and Spanish islands, the profits arising to reimburse the great expence of ships, troops, &c. lent to America." This will tend to the great disappointment of our West India planters, who will expect to flock the sugar works from the continent. Your lands must be cultivated by the poor as in their kingdoms."
L O N D O N. May 10.
American affairs now engage all conversation, at the tables of the great; and at a petit scouper given some time ago by a noble Lord, not less celebrated for his political abilities than for his gallantries and dissipation, the following question was put by his Lordship to a private Gentleman, whose reply carries more weight with it than all the long essays and florid speeches which have appeared in public upon the subject. "Well, Sir, what do you think of this damn'd American business?" "Faith, my Lord, I think all long winded reasonings upon the matter very absurd. Experience is the best schoolmaster in politics, as well as in arts. The King's grandfather, in the course of a long reign, had various and frequent occasions to raise extra supplies, in the times of public difficulty and danger; and the minister understood the art of squeezing money from the people, as well, or better, than their successors, yet they never thought of double taxing America, already obliged to take all our manufactures at the high prices they bear, when loaded with some taxes on the first materials, excises on the necessaries of life for the poor manufacturer, and an extravagant profit to the luxurious chief manufacturer, who now lives better than many foreign princes. The navigation act, my Lord, is a perpetual tax on America, and you have no right to any other."