The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1781-10-13 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER.
Vol. XXVI.]
SATURDAY, October 13, 1781.
[No. 1302.]
A DIALOGUE between the United States of America, and the different Princes of Europe.
Prince of the Empire.
IT appears to me, Gentlemen, that your Affairs are in a fine Train. You have driven the British from the Southern Parts of your Country: Cornwallis is come to the last extremity. Clinton may indeed make some Clutter in the Environs of New York, but that can continue only for a very short Time. Your affairs, I think, have taken an excellent turn. You are now of a fine stature to form an Empire, and want nothing but an Emperor. I am just the thing for you. I will make Electorates of your principal States: Those of Delaware and Rhode-Island will make very fine Dutchies. Georgia, New-Hampshire, and Vermont shall be Margraviates. I will bring you the most ancient Nobility in the Universe; a race that have never debased themselves with the gold of Peru; excellent Hunters, insatiable drinkers; in a word, the flower of the Germanick empire.
Prince of France.
I would not advise you gentlemen, to take a King, tho' we are of that trade, and great friends to monarchy. But if you are determined to have one, you will certainly give the preference to the blood of the BOURBONS. If you choose one from that House, he will be sure to make himself beloved by his subjects: He will introduce among you a young and a generous Nobility: He will keep a polite and brilliant Court. If your women were less fair and amiable than they are, he might conduct to you some French ladies. This, however, would be superfluous; and I will content myself with promising to your ladies, continual feasts, shows, and amusements. The arts of every kind, the sciences, and letters shall embellish this rising kingdom. Your Sovereign will employ every care to insure to you the blessings of peace; but if war should unavoidable arise, you must be sensible that we know how to carry it on as well as our neighbours.
Prince of Spain.
It is not our disposition, gentlemen, to intrude, or cajole: The empire of America, however, is well worth a small compliment. We are indeed, a little proud; but we are brave and good. I offer you all the treasures of the new world, with a Court in the compleatest order: It will not be a very joyous one; but it shall be majestic and splendid; and you shall be entertained from time to time with bull fightings, and the most magnificent processions in the world.
Prince of Portugal.
My cousins of Germany, France, and Spain, know nothing of the matter: They are neither of them the thing you want. If you give me the preference, I promise you ships loaded with diamonds and immense riches. Burn your paper money, and swim in floods of silver and gold. But the care of your souls impresses me more than that of procuring you wealth: Accordingly I will not fail to bring with me a grand inquisitor and a subinquisitor for each State: they will take care to burn all those who entertain an opinion different from their own; and every six months you shall have the agreeable pastime of an Auto de Fe.
Prince of Prussia.
The dismemberment of countries is enough to our family. Give to the thirteen candidates, who now
offer themselves to you, one of the thirteen States; give to me only the smallest of them; I will engage to enlarge it. You shall have the pleasure of being all soldiers from the cradle. You shall wheel to the right and to the left; you shall march in front and rear, and on the wings, more perfectly than any nation in the universe. Your cloathing and your rations may perhaps be a little short, but you shall be excellent soldiers; and the small state will, I doubt not, very soon make a most respectable figure.
Prince of the two Sicilies.
We have legions of Monks, Abbots, Bishops and Priests of all kind; and if you should want more of them than my kingdom can furnish, our neighbour the Pope will send you large cargoes. Permit them to preach for some time, and they will convince you that my family merits the preference, upon condition, however, that it shall found a number of convents, abbeys, canonships, bishopricks, and all other establishments of that kind so evidently calculated for the good of mankind.
Prince of Sardinia.
I understand you are putting your finances in order; give me the crown and I will furnish you with an army of placemen, commissaries, farmers, and financiers, so that you shall have nothing to do but to pay your money.
Prince of Denmark.
The Danish nation gave away the supreme power to one of my ancestors: you cannot forbear to imitate so good an example, and I will save you from all the trouble of your Congress, your assemblies, your councils, and your senates. In one word, I will release you from all the cares of government, and you shall have no other trouble but to obey.
Prince of Sweden.
My family reigns over a brave and warlike nation that was once free: It now ceases to be so, and yet doth not complain: Submit yourselves to me, and I promise you a government equally moderate.
Prince of Russia.
Let not my name affright you: The times of the knout, of the torture, of the scaffold, and of Siberia are no more. An illustrious Princess has taught us that the throne is better established by beneficence than by chastisements. Place the sceptre in my hand; if I abase it you may give it to my wife.
The Grand Seignior.
I offer you my second son; his household is formed; Eunuchs, his Spahies his Visirs are all ready. As to the Seraglio, I am told, you have charming daughters, you will please to provide for it five hundred of the most beautiful.
A Polander.
In truth, all who have spoken before me are quite mistaken: It is an elective King you want. Begin by chusing me, and after me every freeman may aspire to the throne: Blood, indeed, will sometimes be shed at the elections, but the body politic will only be the more healthy after such a bleeding.
Prince William Henry.
I have allowed, Gentlemen, all these candidates to speak before me, and without the least interruption: They have made you brilliant offers, but mine will be much more brilliant. My father, the best of Kings, has sent me here, persuaded that you cannot refuse me the crown, when you come to know
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what

ANNAPOLIS, September 20.
We have it from the best authority, that the Count de Grasse is returned to his station at Cape Henry, having driven the British fleet from the coast, formed a junction with the squadron of the Count de Barras, and captured two British frigates.
About 4000 French troops, with a train of artillery, marched into this city on Tuesday last, from the southward, and will embark this evening or to-morrow morning, for Virginia; they are to be convoyed by the Romulus.
BALTIMORE, September 18.
Early on Sunday morning last, his most Christian Majesty's forces, consisting of several thousand choice troops (who arrived here on Tuesday last) attended by several Generals and other officers of distinction, marched for Annapolis, where they are to embark with all possible expedition for Virginia. The behaviour of every corps, during their stay here, deserves universal applause.
The same morning the ship Sharpe, bound from Charlestown to York-river, Virginia, commanded by Capt. Alexander Bugg, laden with rice, coffee, &c. arrived at Feil's-point, having been captured by one of the French fleet near the mouth of the Chesapeake.
On Thursday night last, a fleet of transports from the Head of Elk, having on board the artillery, grenadiers and light troops of the allied army, arrived at Annapolis, on their route to James-river. They sailed again for their destination on Sunday.
Within a few days past several hundred waggons and carts, loaded with the baggage, provisions, &c. of the allied army, passed thro' this town on their way to Annapolis.
The British fleet under the command of Admiral Graves, Hood, and Drake, on the 7th inst. made a feeble effort to enter the Chesapeake, but were attacked and driven to sea by the Count de Grasse, who, after pursuing them several leagues, with 26 ships of the fleet, returned safe to the Bay, with 23 ships, the other three having been left in chase of a single British man of war, supposed to be the Royal Oak.
While the Count de Grasse was chasing the British fleet, the Count de Barras, with 8 French line of battle ships, besides frigates, transports and victuallers, arrived in the Bay, and brought in two British provision ships, bound from St. Lucia to New-York.
On Tuesday last the British frigates Iris and Richmond, the former commanded by Capt. Dawson, and the latter by Capt. Hudson, were captured near Cape Henry, by a part of Count de Grasse's fleet, as they were returning into the Chesapeake. The frigates (one of which fought with great bravery and perseverance against a superior force) were coming into the Bay, under the idea, it is supposed, that the Count de Barras's squadron was British.
The French fleet in and near Chesapeake, now consist of about 50 sail of men of war, transports, victuallers, &c. 35 of which are of the line.
Eighty pieces of battering cannon, many mortars, and an immense quantity of shells, shot, and other warlike stores, have been brought in by the Count de Barras's fleet, for the use of the allied army.
The Romulus of 44 guns, and le Gentille of 32, with 8 transport ships, and one brig, arrived at Annapolis, for the purpose of transporting the troops which left this place on Sunday last, with their baggage, &c. for Virginia. The embarkation will commence this day. It is said they are to disembark at Burwell's-ferry, in James's-river, 4 miles from Williamsburg.
The allied army, which will, in a few days commence very serious operations in Virginia, under the command of his Excellency General Washington, will consist of between 15 and 20 000 effective men.
PHILADELPHIA, September 26.
Extract of a letter from Camden, in South-Carolina, dated August 29, 1781.
"Every officer in the line of the southern army, that was present, has addressed General Greene, on the late execution of Col. Hayne, praying that Lex Talionis should follow. In consequence of which, the General has issued his proclamation to that purpose, and by a flag sent to the commandant of Charlestown, has forwarded him copies of the address and proclamation, which sets forth, "That retaliation shall immediately take place, not on the tory militia officers, but it shall fall on the heads of regular British officers." This will open a new scene of bloodshed, &c. which in the end the British will have reason sorely to repent. We have three British officers with us, prisoners, who are
quaking for fear, on the result of this proclamation; but they are not of sufficient rank to become objects; they tell us that Col. Balfour was very averse to the measures taken against Col. Hayne, and throws all the blame on Lord Rawdon and Col. Gould: However, this gains little credit here, as the commandant, for his cruelty, persecution, hypocrisy, &c. is so well established, that we are certain that he would not have foregone the great pleasure of giving his fiat to the execution of an American, for the universe; as this cruel piece of baseness will the more endear him to his sovereign.
"General Greene with the army, left this place two days ago, on his march towards the enemy, at Congaree, and we imagine he crossed at Friday's-ferry yesterday. A report has just reached us, that the enemy, the night before last, on receiving intelligence of Gen. Greene's movements, precipitately left their encampment, and marched off, first setting their huts and some houses on fire."
Extract of a letter from Annapolis, Sept. 16.
"Permit me to congratulate you on the return of the French fleet. It appears there has been a running engagement between them and the enemy, though nothing decisive. The Count de Barras, lying within the Capes, hoisted the enemy's flag; this two of the British frigates observing, determined to force their way through the formidable fleet of Count de Grasse, of course you must suppose they fell an easy conquest.
We are informed, that not less than three thousand effective militia, including the regiment of artillery, appeared last Monday compleatly armed and equiped, upon their respective parades, all belonging to this city and districts, determined to charge Sir Harry for his temerity, should he attempt an excursion into this State. And we rejoice to hear, that the spirit of the year 1776 prevails in every part of the Continent. The whigs of all ranks seem to vie with each other in exerting themselves, at one capital blow to put a glorious period to this cruel, savage and depredatory war.
That enemy to the human species, Cornwallis, is now in the toils, and must inevitably in a short time, undergo the fate of Burgoyne. Thank God, the state of our finances are now in a situation to give energy to our exertions.
TRENTON, Sept. 19.
A body of continental troops have moved to the banks of the Delaware. Two Pennsylvania militia camps are formed at the same place. The militia of New Jersey are also ordered to be in constant readiness. It is said these measures are taken in consequence of some projected impressions on the enemy, as the troops under Gen. Heath are also moving down towards New York.
By intelligence from New York we learn that of 18 sail of the line that went to the southward, only 13 are returned to the Hook, 5 of which are mere wrecks, and cannot be repaired, but with the greatest difficulty, without going into dock.
A negotiation is on foot it is said for exchanging of Mr. Lawrens, now in the Tower of London, for Gen. Burgoyne.
HARTFORD, October 9.
Admiral Digby arrived at New York the 25th ult. with three ships of the line, one frigate, and no more. His Royal Highness Prince William Henry, third son of his Britannic Majesty, came passenger in the fleet.
The British naval force now at New York, fit for service, is 20 sail of the line. Count de Grasse has 37 sail of the line; — a great superiority, notwithstanding the arrival of Admiral Digby, on which the enemy built their principal hope.
The enemy's principal force is now on Staten Island — they have been impressing waggons, horses, &c. and, it is conjectured, are planning some expedition.
BOSTON, October 11.
By a vessel arrived at Newbury-Port, from Bilboa, we learn, that there has been a severe naval engagement between the combined fleet and the British in the channel, in which the latter lost 7 ships of the line.
Extract from General Orders issued at New-York, Sept. 17, 1781, taken from Robertson's New-York paper of Sept. 20.
"Brigadier-General Arnold having reported to Commander in Chief the success of the expedition under his direction against New-London, on the 6th inst. Excellency has the pleasure of signifying to the high sense he entertains of the very distinguished corps employed upon that service: But, draws the greatest satisfaction from the ardour, which enabled them to carry by assault such strength as Fort-Griswold is represented to be, cannot but lament, with the deepest concern, the loss of officers and men sustained by the 40th and 55th regiments, who had the honor of that attack."

M ss . Printers,—Please to insert the following. To Col. T R I M.
SIR, I AM surprised, that you should spend so much time in endeavouring to develop the meaning of a late advertisement, which appeared in the New Hampshire Gazette; and to ascertain what characters were aimed at, in that performance; when a very little reflection, must have convinced you, that every arrow, sent by that ungenerous, and calumniating writer, was aimed at yourself.—In order to reduce this conjecture to a certainty, we must in the first place suppose, that the O, and B, are the initials of those names, which distinguish you, from your neighbours; & that all the other names, & titles, are derived, from so many striking parts in your character. It was not uncommon, even among the antients, for men of genius, to acquire additional names, as well as titles: Scipio by the Conquest of Africa, acquired that of Africanus, and had he discovered, and conquered America, he would in all probability, have received that of Americanus; and you Sir, though not a conqueror, have proved yourself a manœuvrer equal to Scipio himself; and by giving such striking proofs of your talents have furnished this ungenerous writer, with sufficient foundation, for bestowing on you, the several names, and titles, which he has done in that malicious performance. Thus, your violent opposition to the present revolution at its commencement, your rigid attachment to the old government, 'till it became too weak to admit of support, and the facility with which you leapt, from the ruins of that, to an active stage in the present, furnish you with ample pretensions to the name, & title of Col. Trim.
Your talent at approving acts, which you before violently opposed, and condemned, only upon an unexpected change of affairs, entitles you to that of the new Vicker of Bray.
As you must remember, your having acted as muster-master, and the mode of retaliation, adopted by you, for the assembly's having curtailed your accounts: I need say nothing more on that head. And I persuade myself, that without further explanation, the least reflection will convince you, that the other names, and titles Judas Iscariot of Jack on both sides, Canting Justice, and reduced Col. &c. were all maliciously intended, to darken some of the brightest spots, in your political Character.—Which if examined with candor, will only serve to render you, still more illustrious.—Will any reasonable man condemn you, for holding with the British government, till you found yourself on the weakest side? and then, did not prudence dictate, your joining the strongest? Some men indeed, may be foolish enough to be led away by principle; but are they ever as safe as those, whose principles keep pace with the times?
What crime was it to retaliate upon a body of men, who had dared to curtail your demands, when acting as their muster master? and even, if the mode of retaliation, which you adopted was not the best, yet the acknowledgement which you afterward made, respecting your ungovernable temper, proves your readiness to repent, when you fail of success; and demonstrates your uncommon qualifications for public business.
How ungenerous, is the hint of this malicious writer, respecting your endeavouring to betray the leaders, of the party which dismantled, his Britannic Majesty's fort: Was not the British government then strongest, and was it not wisdom in you to keep in favour with it, at any rate? In truth my good friend, either the author of that performance, wants candor, or he must be destitute of a proper knowledge of mankind.—Judas Iscariot, Jack on both sides, a two sided politician, Canting Justice, and reduced Col. are severe appellations; and betray a great want of candor in the writer; as no man will dispute your right, to refuse acting, as a Col. or in any office under a government, which you did not approve, and which you was not then sure would prevail; this prudent conduct alone, it was, which occasioned him to give you the name of Jack on both sides, a two sided politician, and a Canting Justice.
The last part of this performance contains an ungenerous charge; for every man of spirit will agree, that resentment may be justified, and if this be the case, why may not a man do it with his tongue, when he has courage enough to do it in any other way? Even animals, attack their enemies in different ways; yet the Skunk, is no more able for his mode of combat, than the Boar, though it must be allowed, that he adopts a more dirty method of annoyance.
Portsmouth Oct. 6. EXPOSITOR.
NEW-LONDON, October 6.
Friday evening last a flag returned here from New York, but brought no prisoners.—There is an embargo upon all shipping here, and a hot press, since the return of Admiral Hood's squadron.
Our accounts of Admiral Hood's loss, in the action of the 5th ult. with Count de Grasse, are very indeterminate, but there is good reason to believe he has lost 4 or 5 ships.
Tuesday arrived Capt. Lyon, in a sloop belonging to New Haven, in 17 days from St. Croix: He informs that there are 60 Dutch privateers out of Curraçoa, cruising against the British shipping.
BOSTON, October 11. The following was last evening received from General Heath's Head Quarters: Head Quarters, Continental Village, October 5, 1781.
THE General congratulates the army on the success of the American arms, in the reduction of Fort Stongs on Long Island, on the morning of the 3d instant. This enterprise was planned by Major Talmage, and executed by Major Prescott, with an address and gallantry which does them great honor. The General presents his thanks to Major Talmage, Major Prescott, and the other brave officers and men, both soldiers and boat-men, who signalized themselves on this occasion. It adds much to the pleasure of this success, that it was obtained without the loss of a man killed, and but one wounded—of the enemy, two Captains, one Lieutenant, and eighteen rank and file were made prisoners, besides several killed and wounded—two double-fortified 4 Pounders were destroyed. The colour of the fort, one brass 3 pounder, a number of small arms, ammunition, &c. are trophies of victory. Extract from general orders.
H. SEWALL, A. D. C. Congress, it is said, has wrote to Count de Grasse, requesting that Lord Rawdon, (their prisoner) may be delivered up to them, that he may answer to the cruel death of the brave and virtuous Col. Hayne, who by his particular order was executed at Charleston. A mortal sickness rages among the enemy and inhabitants of New-York; 5 or 6, it is said have died from a family. We hear by the Hartford post, that General Washington, with his army, arrived at Williamsburg the 25th ult. Yesterday two prizes arrived at Salem, one belonging to the Pilgrim, and the other to the brigantine Fox; privateers from that port.
To be sold at public Vendue, The 25th Instant, next Door to the Printing Office, at 12 o'Clock before noon; ABOUT Nine hundred and sixty Acres of Land in the Town of Wolfeborough, lying on the South Side of the Town, joining the main Road. Also, sundry other Tracts of Land in different Towns.
TO BE LETT, A large convenient STORE, with a Compting Room; and the Chambers over the same, well situated for Trade, in Portsmouth. Inquire of the Printers.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss. By Order of the Hon. Phillips White, Esq. Judge of Probate of Wills for the county of Rockingham. The subscribers give notice, that they are appointed to receive and examine the claims of the creditors to the estate of Samuel Lamson, jun. late of Exeter, joiner, deceased, represented insolvent; and that they will attend said business at the house of Benjamin Lamson, innholder in Exeter, on the first Monday of the six following months, from three to six o'clock in the afternoon of said days; at which time and place all whom it concerns are requested to attend, with their accounts properly vouched.
Eliphalet Hale, James McClure, William Parker, jun. } Commissioners. Exeter, October 13, 1781.
TO BE SOLD, A certain piece of MARSH, in Exeter, by Benjamin Lamson, administrator to the estate of Samuel Lamson, jun. deceased, at public vendue, at his house, on the second Monday of November next at three o'clock in the afternoon.
ALL PERSONS indebted to the estate of Nathaniel Niles, late of Coventry, deceased, and those to whom said estate is indebted are hereby directed to bring in their accounts to Barnabas Niles, of said Coventry; immediately, in order for settlement. Coventry, Sept. 4. 1781.
State of New Hampshire Strafford, ss. NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in Middleton, in said State and County, that an assessment is made on the land of said proprietors, in said town, agreeable to a vote of said proprietors, to make up the Rev. Mr. Ordway's salary and settlement in said town to the 10th day of June 1781, which is one hundred and thirty six pounds, 18 shillings and six pence, which tax the said proprietors or owners of the land, are hereby notified and required to pay the same to the said Rev. Mr. Ordway, or his order, within eight weeks after the date hereof. John Buzell, Collector.

What I have to offer you. I promise you titles, orders, ribbands and a nobility. I will establish among you electorates, dukedoms, baronies, and lordships. I will be your emperor, your king, your stadholder; in one word, whatever shall please you. I will give you feasts, balls, and diversions. I will call the arts and sciences to your country. I will have superb equipages, excellent music, comedians, mistresses, bruisers and prize fighters, chamberlains, masters of the horse, and cupbearers. Gold and Diamonds shall flow among you. I will establish ecclesiastical authority, which you greatly want in its full force; and for the good of the State, shall be very intolllant. I will have numerous and brilliant armies, crowds of Generals and officers—You shall be spared the trouble of a militia. I will have farmers of revenue, collectors, writers, publicans, commissaries, placemen, ministers, guards, and great officers of the crown: In one word, every thing that has been offered to you separately, I promise to unite in myself alone.
The United States.
Gentlemen,
We are much obliged to you for your offers; but you have made them too late, and we have settled our affairs in such a manner as to have no occasion for a MASTER. We have, however, room enough for new settlers; and if you will absolutely renounce old decayed Europe, and purchase good farms among us, you may, like others, become Freeholders , after a prescribed residence. You may then, if you are men of abilities, and behave well, be elected members of our assemblies, presidents, governors, officers civil or military, members of our philosophic societies, or even members of Congress.
As to you, William Henry, little Prince of the House of Brunswick, we cannot receive you among us, upon account of the ill example, and the bad education your father, the King of Britain, has given you. When peace is settled you may come, like others, to our republic, upon this express condition, that you pass some years at one of our universities, where you may be taught very useful things; and among others to be just, to consider all men as equal, and having the same right to happiness; to respect your own solemn engagements; to detect crafty knaves and perjured villains; incendiaries, and assassins: In a word to become quite another man than your FATHER.
Some Pipes of excellent Brandy,
And a
Quantity of Foreign Salt,
May be had at the Store of
Spence and Sherburne.
Where
LADIES may be furnished with a few Elegant Italian Flowers .
BOARDING for two or three Gentlemen, may be had, by inquiring of the Printers.
To be sold at Public Vendue, On Thursday the 25th Instant October, at 10 o'Clock A. M. on the premises,
A Dwelling House and Lott of Land, in Deer-Street, measuring in front 35 and half feet, and carrying that extent back 80 feet; belonging to the estate of Capt. Joseph Wille, deceased.
Portsmouth, October 6, 1781.
NOTICE is hereby given to the Non-Resident owners of Land in Candia, (State of New Hampshire) that so much of their Lands as will pay the taxes annexed to their names, will be sold by public auction on Thursday the 1st. Nov. next at the house of Lieut. Benjamin Bean, innholder in said town, at ten o'clock forenoon, as will pay said taxes with accruing charges, unless prevented by previous payment. Their names follow.
   No. l. s. d.     Lott not known, 71 6 15 8   Samuel Ingalls, 74   Joshua Wingate, 9   Michael Whidden, per   Not known   Jonathan  
Candia, Sept. 2
STATE OF VERMONT.
Part of an Act passed by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont, at their Session at Windsor, April A. D. 1781. intitled an Act for the purpose of emitting a Sum of Money & directing the Redemption of the same.
AND whereas the land is the great object of the present war, and receives the most solid protection of any estate, a very large part of which has hitherto paid no part of the great cost arisen in defending it, whilst the blood and treasure of the inhabitants of the State has been spent to protect it, who many of them owned but a very small part thereof:
Wherefore, for the redemption of the remaining part of said bills, and lodging a sum of money in the treasury,
Be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That there be, and there is hereby granted and laid, a tax of ten shillings on each hundred acres of land within this State, which will now add to of settlement on account of the war, except public rights, and the college lands; which tax shall be paid into the treasury of this State in silver, at the rate of 6 shillings per Spanish milled dollar, or Gold equivalent, or in said bills.
And the publication of this part of this Act, in the Vermont Gazette, the New-Hampshire Gazette, one of the Boston newspapers, the Connecticut Courant and the Massachusetts Spy, three weeks successively, as soon as may be, and the Treasurer calling on the Land holders to pay their tax, agreeable to this act, in the said news papers, once in the month of November next, and once in the month of December next, shall be sufficient notifications to all Persons concerned.
And whereas difficulties might arise in collecting said tax in any one mode: Which to prevent,
It is enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the following be the mode for collecting the said tax, for the towns of Pownal, Bennington, Straitsbury, Arlington, Manchester, Dorset, Rupert, Danby, Tinmouth, Clarendon, Pollet, Wells, Poultney, Rutland, Grafton, Halifax, Brattleborough, Marlborough, Townsend, Dummerston, Newfane, Putney, Westminster, Rockingham, Windsor, Herford, Woodstock, Hartford, Pomfret, Thetford, Strafford, Newbury, Rygate, Alsted, Acworth, Charleston, Cornish, Claremont, Chesterfield, Croydon, Gilson, New Grantham, Keen, Dresden, Lemster, Marlow, Newport, Plainfield, Richmond, Swansey, Surry, Unity, Walpole, Westminster, Winchester, Canaan, Grafton, Haverhill, Hanover, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lyme, Oxford, Piermont, Enfield, Ramsey, and any other towns that are organized and choose it, that the first Constable chosen for the year 1781, in each respective town, shall be, and they are hereby impowered (on receiving a Warrant therefor from the Treasurer) to collect the said tax in the respective towns, of the several land-owners; and they are hereby impowered to levy on the goods and chattels of the said land-owners for the payment of the same, agreeable to the law directing the levying and serving executions; except, that when the Constable shall have occasion to sell lands, for payment of said tax, such land shall be sold at vendue; and the time of payment of such tax to the Constable, shall be on or before the first day of January next; and the time for his settling with the Treasurer, shall be on or before the first day of April following.
And a copy of the Constable's warrant, with the doings thereon, in respect to the particular land sold for the payment of said tax, agreeable to this act, attested by the Constable, and recorded in the Town Clerk's Office shall be a good title, to the exclusion of all other claims to the purchaser of said land.
Provided always, Where any lands lie in common or undivided, and a part of the proprietors or owners of such common or undivided land, and if the Constable shall have occasion to sell land for raising the remaining part of the tax of such common or undivided lands, he shall cause to be recorded in the Town-Clerk's Office the names and proportions of the persons who have paid their tax, who shall not be curtailed, but be as fairly entitled to the proportion they pay for, as they were before; and the Constable shall be allowed one pound out of each hundred pounds he collects and pays into the Treasury, and shall be entitled to the same fees from the person whose taxes he receives after the first of January next, as he is in case of levying and serving executions.---And lest any doubt may arise on that head, it is hereby declared, That in case of the State Tax, the towns are to be responsible for the ability and faithfulness of their Constables.
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the mode for collecting said tax for the other towns, as also for any of the aforesaid towns which may neglect paying in their tax by the first day of April, 1782, shall be as follows, viz. It shall be lawful for the proprietors or owners of the land of any town, to meet where it shall be most convenient for them in one or more meetings (any law, or usage or custom to the contrary notwithstanding) and choose collectors to collect such tax of the proprietors, or land-owners of the respective towns which they are chosen for.--- Provided always, That the said Collectors be not impowered to sell land.---And the land-owner who does by himself, or such collector, pay his proportion of said tax to the Treasurer of this State, by the first day of April next, shall be discharged therefrom.
And in case any part of the tax shall remain unpaid at that time, it shall be the duty of the Treasurer to issue his warrant to the Sheriff of the county, or his deputy, commanding him to sell at vendue unimproved land in such town to the amount thereof, and a sufficiency to pay all attending charges, belonging to any such persons, who have not paid their tax.
Provided, That when undivided land is sold, which must always be the Case (if there be any such that is valuable) that the persons paying their proportion of said tax to the Treasurer (before the warrant be issued) shall not be curtailed, but be as fairly entitled to the proportion they pay for as they were before; And a copy of the Sheriff's warrant, with his doings thereon, in respect to the particular land sold for the payment of said tax, agreeable to this act, attested by such Sheriff, recorded in the County Clerk's Office, shall be a good title (to the exclusion of all other claims) to the purchaser.
Provided always, That it shall be the duty of the Sheriff or Constable to advertise the sale of any lands to be sold for the payment of such tax, three weeks successively, in the Vermont Gazette, at least five days before such sale, and post an advertisement thereof in the town where such land lies, if inhabited---if not inhabited, in the next inhabited town, at least twenty days before such sale.
And lest injustice be done to any person, by having more of his land sold than enough to amount to his rate or proportion of the tax:
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if any person shall have more of his land sold than his proportion, he shall have a right of action and recover against the person or persons who are delinquents with him, either in whole or in part, for their proportion, according to their interest, of the value of the land so sold, according to the appraisal of indifferent men, at the time of such recovery.
Provided, That such action be brought within the term of one year from the sale of such land, and not after.
Provided always, That in case any person pays a land tax of land, supposing it to be his own, and it afterwards appears on trial to belong to another person, he shall have a right of action and recovery against the proper owner of such land, for such sum as he shall pay for such land tax.
Provided also, That whenever the Sheriff or Constable shall sell more land than a sufficiency to pay the tax ordered to be collected, if by a Sheriff, the overplus shall be lodged in the County Treasury; if by a Constable, the overplus shall be lodged in the Town-Treasury, for the owner.
Be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That whoever shall be guilty of altering or counterfeiting any of said bills or shall be any ways concerned therein, by making or contriving for that purpose, or be any ways aiding or assisting therein, and be thereof convicted, shall suffer death, by law, unless the contrary notwithstanding.
A true Copy of Record.
Examined by
JOSEPH
Sec'y

PROCEEDINGS
Of Grand Committee of the Legislature of the State of VERMONT, at Charlestown, from the 16th to the 19th of October 1781.
(Transcribed and attested.)
STATE OF VERMONT.
Charlestown, October 16, 1781.
THE Governor and Council having joined the General Assembly in a Committee of the whole, to take into Consideration the Report of the Hon'ble Jonas Fay, Ira Allen, and Bezaleel Woodward , Esquires, who were appointed by the Legislature of this State in the Month of June last, to repair to the American Congress, with Powers to propose to, and receive from them, Terms for an Union of this, with the United States, &c.
His Excellency THOMAS CHITTENDEN , Esq; in the Chair.
The said Agents laid before the Committee the following Papers, which were read by the Secretary in their order, viz.
1st and 2d: A Copy of their Letter to the President of Congress, of the 14th of August last, inclosing a Duplicate of their Commission.
3d. The Resolutions of Congress, of the 7th and 8th of August last.
4th. Brigadier-General Bellows and Associates Petition to New-Hampshire, 25th May 1781.
5th. Petition of the Selectmen of Swanzey to New-Hampshire, June 9th, 1781.
6th. Honorable MESHECH WEARE , Esq r s Letter, to be laid before Congress, dated 20th June 1781.
7th. Messrs Duane and Ezra L. Hommedieu's Memorial and Prayer to Congress, of the 3d Day of August 1781; together with Ira Allen , and Stephen R. Bradley's Esq r s Remonstrance to Congress, dated Sept. 22, 1780.
8th. Resolve of Congress, dated 17th August 1781.
9th. Written Proposals to Committee of Congress, dated August 18th, 1781.
10th. Questions proposed to the Agents of Vermont, by the Committee of Congress, August 18th, 1781.
11th. The foregoing Questions, with the Answers annexed.
12th. Resolutions of Congress, of the 20th August 1781.
The further Consideration of the Report being referred, adjourned 'till To morrow Morning nine o'Clock.
October 17th, Met according to Adjournment.
The Committee proceeded to the Consideration of the Resolutions of Congress, of the 20th Day of August aforesaid, and other Papers mentioned in the Report of said Agents, and after some Time spent thereon,
Resolved, That in the Opinion of this Committee, the Legislature cannot comply with the Resolutions last referred to, without destroying the Foundation of the present universal Harmony and Agreement that subsists in this State, and a Violation of solemn Compact, entered into by Articles of Union and Confederation.
The further Consideration of the Report being postponed, adjourned to nine o'Clock To morrow Morning.
October 18th.
The Committee having resumed the further Consideration of the said Report :
Resolved, That inasmuch as the Resolutions of Congress of the 7th and 20th of August last, did by no Means comport with, but entirely preclude, any Propositions made by our Agents ; it is therefore the Opinion of this Committee, that the Propositions made by our Agents to the Committee of Congress, on the 18th of August last, ought not in future to be considered as binding on the Part of Vermont.
Resolved, That it be, and is hereby recommended to the Legislature of this State, that their Thanks be returned to their Honorable Agents, for their good Services in Behalf of this State, on the Business of their late Mission to the Congress of the United States of America.
And this Committee recommend to the Legislature of this State, to remain firm in the Principles on which the State of Vermont first assumed Government ; and to hold the Articles of Union, which connect each Part of the State with the other, inviolate.
And for the further Information and Satisfaction of the Honorable the Congress, and the World, do recommend to the Legislature, to publish the following Articles, which respect the Admission of Vermont into the federal Union, viz.
Article 1st. "That the Independence of the State of Vermont be held sacred, and that no Member of the Legislature shall give his Vote, or otherwise use his Endeavours to obtain any Act or Resolution of Assembly that shall endanger the Existence, Independence, and well-being of said State, by referring its Independence to the Arbitrement of any Power."
Article 2d. "That whenever this State becomes united with the American States, and there shall then be any Disputes between this, and any of the United States, respecting Boundary Lines, the Legislature of the State of Vermont will then (as they have ever proposed) submit to Congress, or such other Tribunal as may be mutually agreed on, for the Settlement of any such Disputes."
And that the impartial World may be fully convinced of the good and laudable Disposition of Vermont, and of her Readiness to comply with any reasonable Proposal for the Adjustment of the Disputes respecting Boundary Lines between this and the neighbouring States of New-Hampshire and New-York ; this Committee further recommend to the Legislature, to make the following Proposals to the said States of New-Hampshire and New-York respectively :
That whereas Disputes have arisen between the States of New-Hampshire and Vermont, relative to Jurisdictional Boundary Lines, &c. the Legislature of Vermont, being willing and desirous, as much as in them lies, to promote Unity and good Accord between the two States, —Do propose to the State of New-Hampshire, that all Matters relating to the aforesaid Dispute, shall be submitted to five or more judicious, unprejudiced Persons, who shall be mutually agreed on, elected and chosen by a Committee of Legislature, on the Part of each State respectively. —And that the States of New-Hampshire and Vermont, do pledge their Faith, each to the other, that the Decision had by the Persons so elected, being made up in writing, signed by the President of such Commissioners, and delivered to the Secretary of each State respectively, shall be held sacredly binding on each of the said States of New-Hampshire and Vermont. And that Proposals of the same Tenor be also made to the Legislature of New-York.
And this Committee do further recommend, that nine Persons elected Commissioners by the Legislature on the Part of Vermont, to treat with Commissioners to be elected on the Part of New-Hampshire and New-York respectively, for the adjusting the aforesaid jurisdictional Boundary Lines ; and that they be commissioned by His Excellency the Governor, and the Faith of this State be by him pledged, in behalf of the State, that the Decision thus had, shall in future be held as sacredly binding on the Part of Vermont.
And this Committee do further recommend to the Legislature, that the Proceedings of this Committee be officially transmitted to the Congress of the United States, and that they be inclosed in a Letter, under the Signature of His Excellency the Governor, and directed to the President of Congress.
And this Committee do further advise the Legislature, to recommend to the Authority in every Part of the State, to remain firm in the Support of Government, and the punctual Execution of the Laws ; notwithstanding the various Measures taken to create Divisions and Discord.
The Commissioners chosen for the above purpose ; The Honorable Elisha Payne , Jonas Fay , Ira Allen , & Peter Olcott Esqrs ; Daniel Jones Esq ; Col. Gideon Warren , Phineas White Esq ; Col. Joseph Caldwell & Ezra Styles Esq ;

Resolved , That it be an Instruction to the said Commissioners, that they prepare and make the necessary Defence in the Premises; and that they introduce the said Matters to New-Hampshire and New-York, in such way as to them shall appear best.
October 19, 1781.
Voted , That this Committee be dissolved. (Signed) Beza. Woodward , Clerk of Committee.
STATE OF VERMONT.
In General Assembly, Charlestown, October 19th, 1781.
The aforesaid Report being read, and the Question being put, it was unanimously approved and accepted. (Sign'd) Roswell Hopkins , Clerk.
In Council, 19th October 1781.
Read and concurred. (Sign'd) Joseph Fay , Sec'ry.
October 30th, 1781.
The preceeding is a true Copy of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Vermont, lodged in the Secretary's Office of the said State.
(Sign'd) Micah Townsend , Sec'ry.
November 14th, 1781.
The foregoing, transcribed, and carefully examined, by the Command of his Excellency the Governor.
Thomas Tolman , P. Sec'ry.
STATE OF VERMONT.
To Brigadier General Roger Enos , and William Page , Esq;
GENTLEMEN,
BY Advice of sundry Members of the Council of this State, you are hereby appointed and empowered, to repair forthwith to the Assembly of New-Hampshire, and in Conjunction with Col. Ira Allen (already there by appointment of the Governor) use your Endeavours that said Assembly consider and concur in the Proposals made to them for Settlement of the Dispute between the two States, relative to Jurisdiction, and agree on Measures to prevent Hostilities till an equitable and impartial Determination of the said Disputes can be obtained.
ELISHA PAYNE . Lieut. Governor. Charlestown, December 21, 1781.
Exeter, December 21, 1781.
SIR, YOU will herewith receive a Duplicate of our Commission to attend the General Court of New-Hampshire, and have to add, that notwithstanding one of our Colleagues William Page , Esq; being confined in Goal, contrary (as we conceive) to the Laws of States or Nations, We are so desirous of an Accommodation, that we are ready to enter on the Business of our Mission.
We are, with Sentiments of Esteem, Your humble Servants, ROGER ENOS. IRA ALLEN.
The Honorable JOSIAH BARTLETT , Esq; President.
To the Honorable COMMITTEE of CONGRESS.
WHEREAS the State of Vermont hath formed Jurisdictional Union with the People inhabiting a District of Land known by the Name of the New-Hampshire Grants east of Connecticut River, on Apprehension that the said District does not of Right belong to New-Hampshire, also with a District twenty Miles in Breadth lying west of New-Hampshire Grants, on Apprehension that it does not of Right belong to the State of New-York, by Means of which Union it is impracticable for the People on the New-Hampshire Grants west of Connecticut River only, to perform any public Act as a State, exclusive of the Districts above-mentioned, and that the Claims of the People on the said Districts to Independence from the said States of New-Hampshire and New-York respectively, may have a full and fair Hearing, and that a final Decision may be had thereon as soon as may be; therefore the Subscribers, Delegates from, and in Behalf of the State of Vermont, beg Leave to propose the following as Terms, which appear to them necessary in order to a federal Union between that and the United States :
1st. That Vermont be recognized as an Independent State, under the following Descriptions, i. e. Vermont in its old Boundaries west of Connecticut River.
2d. That Delegates to represent the State of Vermont in Congress, be elected by the Representatives of the Freemen of said State as it is now extended, until the several Claims of New-Hampshire and New-York to the said Districts be heard and determined.
3d. That the several Claims of New-Hampshire and New-York be determined as soon as may be, and agreeable to the Mode prescribed by the Articles of Confederation for Decisions of Disputes between two or more States concerning Boundary Jurisdiction, &c.
4th. That Vermont have the same Right as any other State, on Application to Congress, to have an Hearing on the said Disputes, and be admitted in like Manner by their Agents, (to be appointed for that Purpose) as a Party in support of the Claim of the People within the said Districts to Independence from the said States of New-Hampshire and New-York respectively, and in Case that on Trial the Districts aforesaid, shall be found not to belong of Right to the States of New-Hampshire and New-York respectively, they shall be thenceforth considered as belonging to the Jurisdiction of the State of Vermont.
JONAS FAY. IRA ALLEN. BEZA. WOODWARD.
Philadelphia, August 18, 1781.

Charlestown, December 21, 1781.
SIR,
I Herewith transmit to your Honor a Copy of Orders received from the Commander in chief of the State of Vermont issued in consequence of coercive Measures pursuing by New-Hampshire, from which you will learn my situation. Inclination and Duty conspire to induce my compliance with any Measures which Reason and Justice may point out, to avert threatening Hostilities, pregnant, not only with the horrors of civil War, but also the greatest Injury to the United States, whose Interest it is our Desire, as well as yours to support; have therefore by Advice of sundry Members of the Council of this State, and other Gentlemen of Influence and Consideration now present, appointed Brigadier General Enos , and William Page , Esq; in Conjunction with Col. Ira Allen , (already appointed by the Governor to wait on your Assembly) to state before the said Assembly the reasonableness of the late Proposals of the Legislature of Vermont, transmitted to your Honor by a Committee appointed by said Legislature for that purpose, for a Settlement of the Disputes between New-Hampshire and Vermont.
You must be sensible it has ever been our Idea to have Justice and Equity take Place in the Decision, and therefore by the Advice aforesaid, renew Proposals that the Controversy in Respect to the Territory, the Jurisdiction of which is in Dispute between the said States, be decided by an impartial Tribunal on Principles of Right and Equity, in the Mode Congress have pointed out by Articles of Confederation of the United States in Cases where Disputes arise between two or more States in respect to boundary Jurisdiction &c. Vermont being allowed equal Privileges as the other Party in support of their Claim. And that Hostilities between the said States, be suspended till such Trial can be had.
We doubt not a Compliance on the Part of Vermont with the foregoing Proposals, which appear to us equitable and just, and are persuaded that New Hampshire are so possessed with Principles of Justice and Equity as shall induce a Compliance on their Part, and hope for their favorable Answer to lay before the Assembly of Vermont, for their Concurrence at their Meeting on the last Thursday in January next.
In Case New-Hampshire refuse Compliance with equitable Terms, (as we view the foregoing) and are determined on Hostilities previous to Attempts for an amicable Settlement, shall find myself under the disagreeable necessity to execute the Orders I have received, in raising the Force of Vermont to repel Encroachments on its Jurisdiction, exercised by Consent of the People, and which I
doubt not their most spirited Exertions to support till the Dispute is decided, confident that New-Hampshire, in Case they commence Hostilities, must be accountable for the Consequences.
I have the honor to be, with Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your Honor's most obedient and most humble Servant,
ELISHA PAYNE, Lieut. Governor.
His Honor MESHECH WEALE, Esq; President of the Council of New-Hampshire.
To the PUBLIC.
THAT the impartial World may be acquainted with the Proceedings of the State of Vermont, and judge of the Propriety of their Conduct, I thought it my Duty to publish the foregoing, and have to observe if any unprejudiced Mind will be at the Trouble of examining into the Rights of the People on the New-Hampshire Grants to a separate Jurisdiction, will find it indisputable; the People aforesaid considering themselves under no previous Obligations to any State of a permanent Nature whereby the aforesaid Right was made void, and that there was no material Difference between the said Grants on the East and West Side of Connecticut River to the Right aforesaid, therefore the Grants East of said River confederated in Government with those on the West Side, and all became equally bound to support and defend said Confederation, and cannot dissolve their Connection without violating their Faith; the two Articles of Union quoted in the Proceedings of the Committee of the Legislature of said State, are the Principles on which the Union stands; the Meaning of said Articles are apparently this, That the People on the Grants East, was not to submit the Independence of those West of the River aforesaid, to any Power, but when the Independence of the Latter was recognized, the settling of the Line between the two States determined the Jurisdiction of the former, which was to be submitted to Congress, or any disinterested Tribunal, and that such a Determination might be obtained, the Legislature aforesaid appointed Delegates to solicit Congress for a final Decision on the Premises, which appears by their Proposals to the Committee of Congress of the 18th of August last. Had not New-Hampshire and New-York by their Agents resisted the aforesaid Proposals, the Dispute between said States would doubtless have been settled, or might yet be accommodated. Perhaps it will be said Congress are determined not to recognize the Independence of Vermont, if this be true, let a Line be settled between New-Hampshire & New-York, and all Disputes are at an end.---Will nothing satisfy the Ambition of New-Hampshire but

driving an innocent People under sacred Obligation to one Jurisdiction, to violate their Faith by submitting to a Power, many of whom have ever been endeavoring (as they conceive) to divide the Grants aforesaid, against their true Interest and Disposition. But it is said that the People on the East of Connecticut River are under previous Obligations to New-Hampshire, (which they conceive not to be the Case) and that Congress have made a final Decision on the Subject, and gauranteed all the Lands East of the River aforesaid, to New-Hampshire.--- See the Resolution of Congress,--- “ In case Congress shall recognize the Independence of the People of Vermont, they will consider all the Lands belonging to New-Hampshire and New-York without the Limits of Vermont aforesaid. ” Until the former is done, is the latter of any Force ? Surely no. But there is a Resolution of the 20th of August last confirming the aforesaid Resolution, and requesting the People of Vermont West of said River, to relinquish all Claims and Demands of Lands East of the West Banks of Connecticut River, and West of a certain Line, or they should not be admitted into the fœderal Union of the United States. To what does this amount ? Nothing but a Demand of what was not in their Power to comply with, without violating their most solemn Compact, as Congress had just been informed by our said Delegates.
Had the foregoing Resolutions been explicit and final, the Engagements of the People east of the River aforesaid, would have been void, agreeable to the Articles of Union mutually entered into. But had New-Hampshire rather be at the Expence of sending a Force to attempt to subject the People aforesaid, than to wait a final Decision of Congress on the
Matter, which would settle all Disputes, and make Laws to bring Offenders against their supposed Jurisdiction, out of the Counties of Grafton and Cheshire, to any Part of the State for Trial, contrary to all Principles of Liberty, and refused to listen to any Proposals from the State of Vermont for a just and amicable Settlement between the two States, and confined one of their Agents (the Subscriber) appointed by the Authority of said State to wait on the Assembly of New-Hampshire with Propositions of Peace. If Matters are pursued in this Way, will it not drive the People in the Country aforesaid, to Despair, and be productive of Bloodshed, Devastation, and Division, that can never be settled.
Being fully persuaded, that the People of New-Hampshire were not acquainted with the Proceedings of Vermont, and the Pains they had taken for a Settlement of all Disputes, induced me to publish the foregoing, with these Observations, and have to add, that what is contained in this Publication, is the Sentiments of the People of Vermont, tho’ perhaps not of all their Leaders.
I am the Public’s most faithful Servant.
WILLIAM PAGE.
Exeter Goal, Jan. 12th, 1782.
N. B. It has been reported that Vermont wish to put off any Determination until the Spring, at which Time they expect Assistance from Canada ; I have the Faith & Confidence to say, that would New-Hampshire join with Vermont in the Settlement of a Line on Principles of Justice, Vermont wou’d be admitted into Union with the United States, and firmly attached to their Interest in less than two Months.
Printed at E X E T E R, 1782.