The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-10-05 00:00:00

THE Greenwich Journal
OR New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ] Sept.
SATURDAY, October 5, 1776.
[ No. 20. ]
ESSAY on DETRACTION
IT has been remarked, that men are generally kind in proportion as they are happy; and it is said even of the devil, that he is good humoured when he is pleased. Every act therefore by which another is injured, from whatever motive, contracts more guilt, and expresses greater malignity, if it is committed in those seasons which are set apart to pleasantry and good humour, and brightened with enjoyments peculiar to rational and social beings.
Detraction is among these vices, which the most languid virtue has sufficient force to prevent; because by detraction, that is not gained which is taken away: "He who filches from me my good name, says Shakespeare, enriches not himself, but makes me poor indeed." As nothing therefore degrades human nature more than detraction, nothing more disgraces conversation. The detractor, as he is the lowest moral character, reflects greater dishonor upon his company than a hangman; and he whose disposition is a scandal to his species, should be more diligently avoided, than he who is scandalous only by his offences.
But for this practice, however vile, some have dared to apologize, by contending the report, by which they injured an absent character was true; this, however, amounts to no more, than that they have not complicated malice with falsehood, and that there is some difference between detraction and slander. To relate all the ill that is true of the best man in the world, would probably render him the object of suspicion and distrust; & was this practice universal, mutual confidence and esteem, the comforts of society, and the endearments of friendship, would be at an end.
There is something unspeakably more hateful in those species of villainy by which the law is evaded, than those by which it is violated and defied. Courage has sometimes preserved rapacity from abhorrence, as beauty has been thought to apologize for prostitution; but the injustice of cowardice is universally abhorred, and like the lewdness of deformity has no advocate. Thus hateful are the wretches who detract with caution; & while they perpetrate the wrong, are solicitous to avoid the reproach. They do not say that Cloe forfeited her honor to Lylander: but they say, that such a report has been spread, they know not how true. Those who propagate these reports, frequently invent them; and it's no breach of charity to suppose this always to be the case; because no man who spreads detraction, would have scruple to produce it: And he
who should diffuse poison in a brook, would scarce be acquitted of a malicious design, though he should alledge, that he received it of another who is doing the same elsewhere.
Whatever is incompatible with the highest dignity of our nature, should indeed be excluded from our conversation; as companions, not only that which we owe to ourselves but to others, is required of us; and they who can indulge any vice in the presence of each other, are become obdurate in guilt and insensible to infamy.
Mr. Printer,
Please to insert the following in your paper, and you will oblige a customer.
To the Public,
I HAVE lately travelled through part of the Massachusetts and New-Hampshire colonies; in every town where I made any stop for refreshment, it lead me to enquire What's the news? Why says the farmer, news enough I think; says I, What's that? says the farmer the merchant is determined to get all that the farmer possesses by his extortion; In what? in asking such exorbitant prices for the goods he has for sale—The very next town I put up at, was a town of merchandize; it happened that I was in company with some of my acquaintance, who were merchants; in conversing about the calamities of the day, that the merchant mentioning with other difficulties the exorbitant prices of the farmer; In what? says I; says the merchant the farmer sells his hay for three pounds or more per ton, when kind heaven has given us such a plenty—To day, says another, I was obliged to give nine pence a pound for butter, or go without for my breakfast; and every article the farmer sells shows extortion; says I don't you cry out upon the farmer at this rate, I well remember as I was passing thro' such a town, to my knowledge I heard a number of farmers speak very hard of the merchants, and tell how and what exorbitant prices they took for their molasses, rum, and every other article in proportion; the merchant for answer says—pray consider the risque we run, the insurance we give, with other charges, is a great reason for such extraordinary prices, but not the whole reason, for we are obliged after all this to add a little more; — a little more says I! For what? in the name of common sense; — says the merchant, in order to match the farmer, in his extortion.
My countrymen, you must set better examples if you expect a common blessing; What do you think will become of the tradesman and labourer, between the mer-
chant and farmer? They must starve—O Merchant, O Farmer, are we not fighting at this critical day for the liberties of the Thirteen United States, and will those who have it in their power, take the advantage of the day? Think if this be right, Can you expect a blessing on your merchandize? can you expect the earth will yield her increase? Can you expect that God will bless our arms and cause our enemies to fly before us? if this is your disposition, I am greatly afraid of the consequence—My friends, follow the golden rule, that is, do as you would willingly be done by, and for conscience sake take not any extravagant prices for any article you have for sale, for fear of bringing down the judgments of heaven upon us, &c thereby perhaps we may loose what we are fighting after, and then what will become of poor America, God only knows.
A M I C U S.
L O N D O N, June 10.
The following Letter is said to have been sent to Gen. Howe, in America, from a member of the Council at New-York.
"Sir, New York, May 11. 1776.
"As I have not a doubt of my last letters to administration convincing them that this city and province is the only spot in America for carrying on the war with effect against the rebels, and that in consequence the forces expected this spring as well as those now under your command, will be ordered hither: It may be necessary and adviseable to send the army thro' the Sound, between Connecticut and Long-Island: of the latter it will, be proper to give a description—It is 130 miles long, is very fertile, abounding in wheat, and every other kind of corn, innumerable black cattle, sheep, hogs, &c. is very populous, and Suffolk county in particular, as well as the other parts of it all good and loyal subjects of which they have lately given proof, and only wait to be assisted by the king's troops. The Island has a plain on it, at least 20 miles long, which has a fertile country about it, is 20 miles from the city of N. York; Connecticut opposite to it; N. Jersey about 30 miles distant; Philadelphia 110; Maryland 130; R. Island 150: so that in this fertile island the army can subsist without any succour from Britain or Ireland, and in 5 or 6 days invade and reduce any of the above colonies at pleasure. Add to these great advantages, that the possession of the Narrows, and Nutten-Island would be the destruction of this city, but of this I think there would be no need, for all the principal inhabitants are at heart, with the crown, particularly all my brethren the members of the assembly, but as the mob now commands, prudence forbids them to declare without a military force. You have many with you who are acquainted with the navigation of the Sound. The spot which I advise you to land at is Cowbay. W, S M I T H."

From the Continental Journal. To the PRINTER.
THROUGH the conveyance of your useful paper, I beg leave to lay before the public the immediate necessity of inquiring, whether there are not men who probably may be appointed to offices of great emolument in the public departments, who 'till the prospect of private gain opened to their view, have given the strongest proofs of their unfriendly sentiments and behaviour to the noble cause of American freedom. As far as the observation of an individual (who wishes well to the efforts of disinterested liberty) extends, I am apprehensive there are, & may, on a very slender inquiry, be easily known. When I reflect that the extensive fund, formed for carrying on the present just contest with Great-Britain, will probably be sunk by taxes, raised partly on the hard labour of the industrious freeman, I am induced to believe the people, from motives of public virtue, will not let them be longer employed in the public service, but leave them, as they ought, to enjoy in obscurity their secret principles of inglorious Toryism. Should the people continue these men in office, it will be rewarding the criminal for not doing as much mischief as their natural dispositions would, at first breaking out of this contest, have inclined them.
Although I have pointed out one set of men, who unworthily enjoy public benefits, I think it my duty farther to observe, that there are other men, who by fair appearances are studying popularity, in order to raise themselves and connexions into public stations. In any case I apprehend they are unsuitable for public employments, as the consequence of their measures can only tend to reap the harvest they have not sown.
The caution therefore, to "beware of counterfeits," is not improper to be attended to, in the present glorious struggle for liberty, by the people in general, and particularly by those bodies of men who have either honorary or pecuniary gifts in their hands. As the continuing or promoting of these interested men in the public service will, in the end, be incompatible with the public good.
PHILADELPHIA, September 14.
LAST Monday the honourable Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge Esqrs, Members of the honorable Congress, set off for New-York, in order, it is said, to confer with Lord Howe, upon the subject of sundry propositions sent by his Lordship to the Congress by General Sullivan. On Thursday ni, the following Mr. Rutledge returned to this city, and the next day Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams arrived. It is said his Lordship's proposals for peace were a mere finesse, as he acknowledged he had no other power than what is mentioned in the act of Parliament.
SEPTEMBER 17.
The following papers are published by order of Congress.
Extract of a Letter from General WASHINGTON, to the PRESIDENT of CONGRESS dated New-York, August 18, 1776.
I HAVE the honor to enclose you, for the perusal and consideration of Congress, sundry papers, the whole of which, except No. 2 and 7, I received yesterday evening by a bag, and to which I beg leave to refer Congress."
"Sir,"
"August 17, 1776."
Being deeply interested in the welfare of America, I think it my duty to communicate a matter of intelligence, which I flatter myself, may be rendered conducive to the restoration of a desirable peace. And in this view I request your Excellency's permission to land at New-York, to go directly to Philadelphia in order to lay the same before the General Congress.
"In the course of a conversation I have had with Lord Howe, I perceive that the powers he is vested with, as well as his disposition for establishing an equitable and permanent peace, are altogether misunderstood by the colonies."
"For in consequence of a sketch of some propositions being offered for his consideration, he very frankly assured me he was willing to confer upon those grounds with any gentlemen of the greatest influence in his country."
"As I am at liberty to declare his sentiments I have the honor to enclose for your Excellency's information, a copy of my correspondence with his Lordship, and of the propositions referred to in his letter, which are the motives of my present request."
"Attending to the best to be indulged with your answer I have the honor to be your Excellency's most humble servant. DRUMMOND."
"General Washington, &c &c &c."
"My Lord, New-York, Aug 17, 1776."
"I have your Lordship's favour of this day, ac-
companied by papers on subjects of the greatest moment, and deserving the most deliberate consideration."
"I can allow much for your Lordship's zeal on such an occasion, but I fear it has transported you beyond that attention to your parole, which comprehends the character of a man of strict honor. How your Lordship can reconcile your past or present conduct with your engagement, so as to satisfy your own mind, I must submit to your own feelings, but I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of objecting to the mode of negotiating proposed, while your Lordship's line of conduct appears so exceptionable."
"I shall by express forward to Congress your Lordship's letter, and the papers which accompanied it. The result will be communicated as soon as possible, I am sorry to have detained your Lordship so long, but the unavoidable necessity must be my apology. I am, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient very humble servant. G. WASHINGTON."
"Lord Drummond."
"My Lord,"
"I take the liberty of sending inclosed the sketch of propositions referred to in my late conversation with your Lordship, which propositions, I have understood, the colonies were disposed, not many months ago, to make the basis of a reconciliation with Great-Britain. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your Lordship's most obedient humble servant. DRUMMOND."
Sloop Polly Aug. 12, 1776.
To Lord Howe."
SKETCH of PROPOSITIONS communicated to Lord Howe on the 12th of August, 1776
1. "That it shall be ascertained, as far as can be determined by calculation, what supply towards the general exigency of the state each separate colony can furnish, consistent with its ability."
2. "When such supply is thus ascertained, that each colony shall, by acts of its own assembly, impose such taxes as they shall find expedient for the raising of the said supply."
3. "In consideration of the fluctuating state of all young countries, that such taxes may not in their operations, become partially or accidentally burdensome on the one hand, nor on the other hand gradually become deficient in producing the aid intended by the colonies towards the general exigency of the state, such articles shall be chosen as the objects of imposition, as they shall deem the most likely to keep pace with the growth or decline of the said colonies."
4. "That these taxes so imposed, shall as in the customs, be levied by officers of the appointment of the King; and that a perpetual grant, of the produce of these taxes, shall be made by the respective assemblies to the crown of Great-Britain."
5. "As the direct means of removing the fatal grounds of this contention, by establishing a security against the apprehended invasion of property by Parliament, a formal relinquishment shall be made, on the part of Great-Britain, of all future claim to taxation over these her colonies."
6. "To remove all future suspicions from the minds of the colonists, that under the appearance of regulating commerce, duties may be imposed for the farther purposes of revenue, an application of the produce of all duties, imposed on articles of trade by the British legislature, shall be made towards defraying the expenses of collection, and the surpluses in each colony to be paid into their separate treasuries, and to be subject to the disposal of the respective houses of Assembly. DRUMMOND."
"Eagle off Staten Island, August 15, 1776."
"My Lord,"
"I have received the honor of your Lordship's letter of the 12th enclosing a sketch of the propositions mentioned in your late conversation, which I return herewith."
"As I think they contain matter that, upon a conference and cool discussion, might be wrought into a plan of permanent union, I shall, with great satisfaction, embrace the first opportunity that may be offered upon those grounds, to promote so desirable an event. I have the honor to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient servant. HOWE."
"Right Hon. the Lord Drummond."
The following is the purport of the message sent from Lord Howe to Congress, by General Sullivan.
"That though he could not at present treat with Congress as such, yet he was very desirous of having a conference with some of the members, whom he would consider for the present only as private gentlemen, and meet them himself as such, at such place as they should appoint."
"That he, in conjunction with General Howe, had full powers to compromise the dispute between Great-Britain and America, upon terms advantageous to both, the obtaining of which delayed him near two months in England, and prevented his arrival at this place before the declaration of independency took place."
"That he wished a compact might be settled at this time, when no decisive blow was struck, and neither party could say that they were compelled to enter into such agreement."
"That in case Congress were disposed to treat, many things which they had not as yet asked, might and ought to be granted them; and that if, upon the Conference, they found any probable ground of
an accommodation, the authority of Congress must be afterwards acknowledged, otherwise the compact could not be complete."
Extract from the minutes,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
In CONGRESS, Sept. 5, 1776.
Resolved, That General Sullivan be requested to inform Lord Howe that this Congress, being the Representatives of the Free and Independent States of America, cannot with propriety send any of its members, to confer with his Lordship in their private characters, but that, ever desirous of establishing peace on reasonable terms, they will send a Committee of their Body to know whether he has any authority to treat with persons authorised by Congress for that purpose, in behalf of America, and what that authority is, and to hear such propositions as he shall think fit to make respecting the same.
Resolved, That to-morrow be assigned for electing the Committee.
September 6, 1776
Resolved, That the Committee, to be sent "to know whether Lord Howe has any authority to treat with persons authorised by Congress for that purpose, in behalf of America, and what that authority is, and to hear such propositions as he shall think fit to make respecting the same," consist of three.
The members chosen, Mr. Franklin, Mr. John Adams, and Mr. E. Rutledge.
Extract from the minutes,
CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
The Committee, who were appointed to wait on Lord Howe, having returned to Congress, made their report in the following words:
"In obedience to the order of Congress, we have had a meeting with Lord Howe. It was on Wednesday last, upon Staten Island, opposite to Amboy, where his Lordship received and entertained us with the utmost politeness."
"His Lordship opened the conversation by acquainting us, that though he could not treat with us as a Committee of Congress yet as his powers enabled him to confer and consult with any private Gentlemen of influence in the colonies, in the means of restoring peace between the two countries, he was glad of this opportunity of conferring with us on that subject if we thought ourselves at liberty to enter into a conference with him in that character. We observed to his Lordship, that as our business was to hear, he might consider us in what light he pleased, and communicate to us any propositions he might be authorised to make for the purpose mentioned; but that we could consider ourselves in no other character than that in which we were placed by the order of Congress. His Lordship then entered into a discourse of considerable length, which contained no explicit proposition of peace except one, viz. that the colonies should return to their allegiance and obedience to the government of Great-Britain. The rest consisted principally of assurances that there was an exceeding good disposition in the King and his Ministers to make that government easy to us; with intimations that in case of our submission they would cause the offensive acts of Parliament to be revised, and the instructions to Governors to be reconsidered, that so if any just causes of complaint were found in the acts, or any errors in government were perceived to have crept into the instructions, they might be amended or withdrawn."
"We gave it as our opinion to his Lordship, that a return to the domination of Great-Britain was not now to be expected. We mentioned the repeated humble petitions of the colonies to the King and Parliament, which had been treated with contempt, and answered only by additional injuries; the unexampled patience we had shown under this tyrannical government, and that it was not 'till the last act of Parliament, which denounced war against us and put us out of the King's protection, that we declared our independence. That this declaration had been called for by the people of the colonies in general, that every colony had approved of it when made, and all now considered themselves as Independent States, and were settling or had settled their governments accordingly; so that it was not in the power of the Congress to agree for them that they should return to their former dependant state. That there was no doubt of their inclination to peace, and their willingness to enter into a treaty with Britain that might be advantageous to both countries. That though his Lordship had at present no power to treat with them as independent states, he might, if there was the same good disposition in Britain, much sooner obtain fresh powers from thence for that purpose; than powers could be obtained by Congress from the several colonies, to consent to a submission. His Lordship then, saying that he was sorry to find that no accommodation was like to take place, put an end to the conference."
"Upon the whole, it did not appear to your Committee, that his Lordship's commission contained any other authority of importance than what is expressed in the act of Parliament viz. that of granting pardons with such exceptions as the Commissioners shall think proper to make, and of declaring America or any part of it to be in the King's peace, upon submission. For as to the power of enquiring into the state of America, which his Lordship mentioned to us, and of conferring and consulting with any persons the Commissioners might think proper, and representing the result of such conversations to the Ministry, &c. (provided the colonies would subject themselves) might after all, or might not, at their pleasure, make any alterations in the former instructions to Governors, or propose in Parliament any amendment of the acts complained of, we apprehended any expectation from the effect of

such a power would have been too uncertain and precarious to be relied on by America, had she still continued in her state of dependance."
By an exp's from South Carolina we learn, that our people had enter'd the Cherokee country, had destroyed three of their towns with their corn, &c. That in one of them they had killed 60 Indians, and taken 30 prisoners; and that in another engagement they had surrounded and taken another party of between 30 and 40 men — That the Creeks, which had first taken up the hatchet, had on the Cherokees breaking out, laid down their arms; and when the Cherokees met with some loss, they sent to the Creeks for assistance, who returned for answer, that they (the Cherokees) had taken the thorn out of their foot, and they might take care of it.
On Friday last Major General Prescott, and Brigadier General McDonald set off from this city for New-York, in order to be exchanged for Major General Sullivan and Brigadier General Lord Sterling.
Several letters from France mention the very friendly disposition of the court and people of that kingdom towards the United States.
Yesterday arriv'd the Continental Brig Andrew Doria, Capt. Biddle, from a cruise, in which he took six vessels.
WILLIAMSBURG (Virginia) Sept. 13.
Gen. Lee writes from Purysburg, of August 15th, that he is going to break up East-Florida. President Rutledge, in a letter to the Council writes that the South Carolinians had destroyed five indian towns in the lower settlements, and laid waste their fields of corn. They have had two skirmishes, in both which the Carolinians have been successful. They suppose they have killed between 60 and 70 men.
Another vessel is arrived at Hampton with 1400 Bushels of Salt, and a small quantity of rum. The Captain informs, that he spoke a French ship, one of a fleet of 14 sail, laden with goods, and bound for Delaware. A number of French officers were likewise on board, who intended to offer their service to the United States of America.
NEWARK, Sept. 21.
Since our last, printed in New York, the 9th inst. we have collected the following intelligence relative to the fleet and army of our enemies, viz. That a battery was opened on a point of land on Long Island opposite the east end of Blackwell's Island, which commanded our fort at Horn'sbrook for several days, but to little purpose, we having no more than two men killed and four wounded. Wednesday the 11th a number of the enemy took possession of Bahanna and Montresour's islands, from whence it was imagined they intended to land either at Harlem or Morrisania. — Thursday the 12th, two ships of war made their appearance at Hell Gate, having come through the Sound. — Friday the 13th, a single gun was fired from the Admiral's ship at three o'clock, P. M. when the Phoenix and Roebuck of 45 guns each, the Orpheus of 30, and another frigate, got under way, and went up the East River through a very hot fire from all our batteries. — Saturday the 14th, in the evening, four other frigates and two transports run up the East River, to join those that went the day before. — Sunday the 15th, the Asia, and two other ships of war proceeded up the North River, but were roughly handled by our battery at Powles Hook; and the next morning by day light, the Asia came down much faster than she went up, the three ships of war being nearly all destroyed by four of our fire ships that run in among them and nothing prevented their total destruction but a gale of wind that sprung up at that instant. — On Sunday the 15th, about 11 o'clock, the enemy effected the landing of a number of men near Mr Stuyvesant's house in the Bowery, about two miles from the city under cover of a most tremendous fire from eight or ten ships of war, and in a few hours after took possession of the city of New-York.
NEW-YORK September 9.
Saturday night our guard boats for observing the motions of the fleet, fell in with those of the enemy, when a smart attack began and lasted for some time, but the latter being reinforced with several tenders obliged our's to return to their station.
On Sunday morning a cannonade again commenced, supposed to be from our opposing some new manoeuvres of the enemy up the sound.
We hear that the Deputy Post-Master of this City, hath received Orders to remove his Office immediately from Dobb's Ferry, to Head Quarters; so that the Obstruction that Correspondence hath lately met with, will now, in a great Measure be removed.
BOSTON, September 26.
The Right Honourable the Continental Congress have been pleased to promote John Durkee, Esq; to the Rank of Colonel, Edward Knowlton, Esq; to the Rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and Thomas Dyer, Esq. to the Rank of Major in the American Army.
On the 31st of August last was taken by the Schooner Hannah and Molly, and the Dolphin privateers, and carried into Frenchman's Bay, the Brigantine Royal George, commanded by Dennis Doyle, having on board the following articles, viz. 200 tierces of Pork, 231, barrels of Beef, 270 firkins of Butter, 169 barrels of Oatmeal, 11 tierces of Beef, 1 crock of Butter, 25 Sacks split Peas, 25 boxes Candies, 30 boxes of Soap, 20 barrels Pork; she was bound from Waterford in Ireland to Halifax, out 10 weeks, brings no news excepting that they had an account in Ireland that the British troops had taken possession of the greatest part of Philadelphia, and had taken the Continental Congress prisoners.
Extract of a letter from New-York, dated Dobb's Ferry, September 16.
"Several Persons have come up here who inform, that they landed yesterday at Turtle Bay (about 4 miles to the Eastward of the city on the East River) and at Harlem about 8 miles to the Eastward of the city: you know I told you before that I expected this. It is difficult forming an opinion about these matters, but for my own part I cannot help thinking the enemy have got near their ne plus ultra , as it does not appear to me that their men of war can be of any more service to them."
Extract of a letter from Dobb's Ferry, New York, September 16, 1776.
"I believe it may be depended upon that the enemy have landed at Harlem on New-York Island, 8 miles east of the city, and at Turtle Bay, 4 miles nearer to the city both on East River. It is said they are in possession of the city itself, but it wants confirmation; however they may be when they please, as the possession of our late lines on Long-Island and their shipping give them the absolute command of it"
Camp Mount Independence, opposite Ticonderoga September 4 1776.
On the 1st inst. departed this life of a bilious disorder, Col. William Bond. He met the last enemy with the greatest calmness and intrepidity. In his death our country has lost a true patriot and most vigilant officer of tried bravery. The first of this inst. his remains, were escorted with military parade to the place of burial in the front of the regiment, where the Rev. Ebenezer David delivered a funeral oration, and made a prayer. After which the corps was interred, and the Colonel's character honored by the discharge of 3 24 pounders from the fort, and the usual volleys from the musketry. The whole was conducted in a manner suitable to the occasion.
Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga, dated Mount Independence, Sept. 15.
"The 7th inst. our Fleet lying across the Lake against a place called the Isle of Mort, they sent a Boat ashore with 18 Men to cut Fascines for some use on board, as soon as they got on shore, they set their Guns against a rock when a serjeant took two Men as a centry, while the others were at work. He had not placed them before he saw an indian within half a stones throw. The indian hailed the serjeant saying, who is there? The serjeant answer'd who are you? To which he replied I'm a Cognawaga. Then the serjeant and men run on board, and push'd off the Boat as soon as possible; but the Indians were too nigh for them; for they came so nigh as to near Tomhawk them. The serjeant had a match in his hand just going to fire a cannon charged with shot, when an Indian fir'd and cut the match off, so that he could not fire: They then discharg'd their 18 pieces, but do not know whether they killed any. After which the fleet fired a considerable number of cannon into the woods, which soon scattered the Savages. In the action, we have three men killed, and 5 wounded, tho' not mortally. After the fleet found they had fled, there went a number on shore, but could find nothing but one laced hat. Our people are making strong here as fast as possible." This accounts for the firing lately mentioned on the Lake.
The Privateer General Greene, of East-Greenwich, and the privateer Harlequin of Baltimore, have taken a Jamaica ship of 310 tons, and sent her into a safe port.
Sunday senn't was sent into Providence, by Capt. Munroe the prize ship Blaze Castle, from Barbados, bound for London, having
on board 100 pipes Madeira wine, 125 hogheads sugar, 18000 wt; Whalebone, 120 barrels oil &c.
BOSTON October 3. 1776.
Saturday last arrived at Cape Ann, from a short cruise, Capt. Coos, and carried in with him another fine prize ship from the W. Indies, with 394 Hogheads Sugar, 180 p. bcheons rum, 30 Bags Cotton, 20 casks Indigo, 20 casks turtle shell, 30 Turtle, a quantity of Mahogany, some Plate and Cash.
Extract of a letter from Harlem (New York) September 26, 1776.
"Friday last was discovered a vast cloud of smoke arising from the North part of the city, which continued till Saturday evening. The consequence was, that the broad way from the new city hall down to white-hall, is laid in ashes. Our friends were immediately suspected, and according to the report of a flag of truce who came to our lines soon after, those that were found on or near the spot were pitched into the conflagration: some hang'd by the neck, and others by their necks, with their throats cut: Inhuman barbarity! — One Hale in New York, on suspicion of being a spy, was taken up & dragged without ceremony to the execution post, and hung up — Gen Washington has since sent in a flag, supposed to be on that account. — The 22d instant was tried for cowardice, disobedience of orders, and daring to present his firelock at a superior officer in time of the late skirmish, one Lefsingwell of Norwich, for which he was condemned to be shot, accordingly all preparations were made, himself brought to the field, was fixed on his knees, and while the guards was marching to execute the decree, the General sent a pardon, declaring never to hang another."
"Since I set down heard a letter just from the Lake, where General Arnold has taken 150 Carpenters, preparing boats on the Lake."
PORTSMOUTH October 5, 1776.
YESTERDAY arrived here the Brigantine Marquis of Kildare, Capt. Thomas Palmer, in 7 weeks from Bourdeaux with a cargo of military stores &c. He informs us the French treated him with the utmost kindness, and seem'd ready to do every thing in their power to serve him; that the Custom-House officers permitted the American vessels to pass without examination, while the English were all searched. Further particulars in our next.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, Sept. 6.
"Our affairs at Ticonderoga and Crown Point wear a favourable appearance, where by the last return, the Army were about thirteen thousand strong, of which about 3000 were unfit for duty, in addition to these six other Regiments were on their march from Connecticut and Massachusetts, and about 4 regiments at other different posts. At New-York things for the present are a little scattered, by means of the retreat, but the skirmish on Long Island has served to convince our army, that they are now able with the regiments that are disciplined to meet the enemy on equal terms; General Lee, is ordered to reinforce them with several regiments from the Southward, and one from Rhode-Island, and with firm conduct our Generals may yet baffle the enemy, there is reason to imagine that the enemy have suffered more than our army including the captives."
The 1st inst arrived a Palmouth, Casco-Bay a ship from Halifax, commanded by one Patten, and taken off Narraguagus river, by Capt. Joshua Stone, in the Retrieve Privateer, fitted out from Palmouth.
The 23th Sept. arrived at Townsend, a large Brig with 20 horses and Heilan riders and chefs for each. She had on board a number of small arms, &c. taken by a Continental Privateer.
A large Brig, from Newfoundland, laden with green fish, taken by a Privateer fitted out from Boston, and sent into Palmouth the 30th ult. On her passage saw a large fleet of 70 sail.
STRAYED or drove away.
From Deerfield, some time last summer, a dark red HEIFER, two years old last spring, bug horned, branded C. M. on the left horn, marked with a slit in the left ear, and half a crop on the right. Whoever takes up said Heifer, and gives information to Clement March at Greenland, or Joseph March at Deerfield, shall be well rewarded for their trouble. October 5, 1776.
Two Dollars Reward.
STOLEN out of the house of the subscriber, the 31st of August last, a silver CAN, marked with C the letters S E the makers name Porwine, if the same should be offered for sale, it is hereby desired that it may be stop'd, that the thief may be detected and brought to justice, and whoever shall discover said thief, shall receive a reward of TWO DOLLARS and all necessary charges paid by
EBENEZER SAYER.
Wells Sept 6, 1776.
17-19

POET'S CORNER.
ON LIBERTY.
Despicable state of all that groan Under a blind dependency on one! How far inferior to the herds that range, With native freedom o'er the woods & plains!
How're the foolish notion first began, Of trusting Absolute to lawless man; How're a tyrant may by force subsist; For who would be a slave that can resist?
From the LONDON EVENING POST. To the Printer.
THE following is copied verbatim from a letter from an officer under Gen. Howe, and your insertion of it in the Lon- don Evening Post, is requested as a favour by your constant reader and very humble ser- vant
S I R. Nantasket, March 25, 1776.
BEFORE you receive this, you will pro- bably have heard of our having evacuated Boston. Had we remained there a few days longer, the whole town would have been laid in ashes, and the English army put to the sword. It was therefore wisely determined in council of war to depart, and leave was as humanely given by General Washington, who declared that too much blood had alrea- dy been spilt in America. The desperate mannet in which the Rebels kept continual- ly advancing, the expedition and privacy with which they threw up batteries, and the judgment & resolution with which they sup- ported them, made it impossible to check their progress, and is a proof, among many others, that they are regardless of danger, and will sooner die than part with their li- berties. Even the destruction of Boston, and the unavoidable carnage of some of their friends and relations, could not restrain their impetuosity and fury. The late attack at Bunker's-hill, the burning Charlestown and Norfolk in Virginia, the Restraining Bill, and above all, the hiring foreign troops to deso- late their country, has made them fierce, fran- tic and invincible. To use their own words, such internal acts of outrage ought not to be named, much less committed by Christians; they would reflect intamy upon a Nero or a Caligula, & cannot fail to draw down a judg- ment upon the authors and perpetrators of them. At all events, I must acknowledge that the whole of our orders and proceedings hitherto look as if the ministry had rather destroy every town in America and massacre all the inhabitants, than restore peace, or come to an accommodation; or why not repeal all the oppressive acts passed since the year 1763? why contemn the petitions of the city of London, reject every overture from the colonies, and every plan of conciliation from the wisest and best men in Great- Bri- tain? well may our spirits fail, and our hearts bleed under such melancholy consider- ations. We are fighting against our friends, against the clearest conviction, and against heaven, which manifestly frowns upon us. Whether we shall reach Halifax, the place to which we are bound, is uncertain, the season being so stormy and tempestuous, that we are not sure of favourable weather a mo- ment. Scripture somewhere says, that "a violent and blood thirsty man shall not live out half his days." Would to God this de- claration was verified with respect to the jun- to; for they, and they only, have to answer for the calamities which their inflammatory &
inhuman measures have brought upon both countries. Excuse my warmth, our past suf- ferings have been great, our present danger is eminent; an insupportable load of taxes is increasing, commerce is declining, the French and Spaniards are arming and rejoicing, and the lives of his Majesty's soldiers and subjects are things of too serious a nature to be sport- ed with by any set of men under heaven". I remain, your's.
Cash for RAGS,
At the following Rates, viz. Two Pence L. M. pr pound, for white Cotton, Linnen, or Cotton & Linnen; One Penny, for white Canvass, — and — One Copper for mix'd colours, — will be given by the Publisher of this Paper.
P. S. It is requested of those who take any Satisfaction in exhibiting Saving Examples, encouraging Manu- factories, serving the Interest of their Country, or being served themselves with the News-Paper, that they would comply with the trifling, tho' necessary article of saving their R A G S.
Just come to hand, & to be sold at the Print- ing-office, and at the shop opposite Mr. William Appleton's Book-Store, —
The fall of British Tyranny, Or AMERICAN LIBERTY TRIUMPHANT, Also An easy plan of Discipline for a Militia, By TIMOTHY PICKERING jun.
To be SOLD for a CERTAIN TIME, or Let by the month, A genteel sprightly NEGRO FELLOW, in fine health, about eighteen years of age; he can be recommended for many good qualities, has served at sea and land; waits on company well, and is extremely desirous of belonging to a Captain of a privateer, or going in one, as may be agreed. For fur- ther particulars enquire of the printer.
A TAVERN
JUST opened by WILLIAM BREWSTER, at the sign of General Washington, a few rods back of the state-house in Portsmouth; where Gentlemen and Ladies may be accom- modated with genteel Lodgings, a good ta- ble, and the best Liquors the times afford; also good stabling for horses, and constant attendance, &c. &c. &c.
N. B. Said Brewster has for many years kept a house of Entertainment for the mem- bers of the Hon. General Court, and other Gentlemen of distinction, and now hopes to merit the approbation of all good customers. Portsmouth Sept. 26, 1776. 9—1
EDWARD EMERSON, earnestly desires all those who are indebted to him, to make immediate payment, that he may be enabled to fulfil his engagements with his Creditors. As he has lately lost great part of his interest by our unnatural enemies, hopes his debtors will cheerfully comply with his request, otherwise they must expect their notes and accounts will be put in suit. — Said Emerson has to sell the hull of a new double deck'd BRIGANTINE — and at his shop opposite the Town-House in York, a small assortment of English and West-India GOODS, which he is determined to sell as cheap as the times will admit. York, Sept. 26, 1776. 9—1
Rockingham ft. Exeter Sept. 6, 1776. THE Superior Court of judicature, is adjourned to the third Tuesday in November next, then to meet at this place, when all business heretofore pend- ing may be entered. GEO. KING, Clerk. By order of Court. 8—20
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham, ss.
A Libel being filed before me, against the ship named the Royal Exchange, bur- then about one hundred and fifty tons, her cargo and appurtenances commanded by Lawrence Bowden; which vessel is said to have been the property of some inhabitant or inhabitants of Great-Britain, and taken and brought into the county of Rockingham, This Notice is given, agreeable to the Laws of said State, that the Maritime Court erec- ted to try and condemn all vessels found in- festing the sea-coasts of America, and bro't into the county of Rockingham, will be held at the court house in Portsmouth, on Thurs- day the 17th day of October next, at 10 o'clock before noon, to try the justice of said capture, that all persons concerned may ap- pear and shew cause (if any they have) why said vessel, her cargo and appurtenances, should not be condemned.
J. BRACKETT, Judge of said Court. Portsmouth, Sept. 26, 1776. 9—1
Thomas Martin.
Has for Sale at his Shop on the Parade, a small quantity of English Goods, amongst which are some linnen handkerchiefs, mullin ditto — blue flower'd sattin — farsnet & per- sians — velvet caps, — carpeting — fine lawn, Room papers, &c. &c.
A small parcel of Hard Ware — 7 by 5 and 6 by 8 window glass, — jappan'd waiters, pound beads, Frying Pans, &c. &c.
Rum, — Sugar, — Molasses, — Raisins, — Cinnamon, — Cloves, — Mace, — Mustard, Snuff, — Almonds, — Pepper, — Flour and Redwood — Madder; Fustick — Whalebone — Exceeding good Porter by the barrell or dozen — White Lead — Spanish Brown, dry and ground in Oil, — Spanish Yellow — Umber, &c. — He has also for sale, —
A variety of near-sighted GLASSES. 8—0
Five Dollars Reward
DESERTED from on board the Ship of War Raleigh, commanded by Thomas Thompson Esq; Edward Thorp, an English- man five feet six inches high, dark com- plexion, has a cast with one eye. — William M c Daniel, an Englishman, five feet eleven inches high, dark complexion, — And Mi- chael Brown an American, five feet eleven inches high, dark complexion. — Benjamin Gerrish, five feet eight inches high, dark complexion, — Joseph Howard, five feet 4 inches high, brown complexion — John Al- len, five feet nine and three quarter inches high, dark complexion. — Whoever will apprehend said deserters, and return them on board said ship Raleigh, or secure them in any of the colony gaols shall receive FIVE DOLLARS REWARD for each, and necessary Charges allowed.
PETER SHORES. Portsmouth Sept. 18, 1776. 8—0
The Woman who took a Piece of black Taffety Ribbon off the counter, in a shop in Queen Street, between 12 and 1 o'clock at noon, on Friday the 20th instant, is hereby informed, the proper owner is not at all disposed to give it her; therefore, would advise her to return or pay for it, without further notice, or expect a visit from some one more inquisitive than polite.
TO BE SOLD,
GOOD Brown SUGAR, Pomatum, &c. by Moses Safford, at his House near the County House in York — Cash given for good live brown human HAIR, by said Safford. 18—20