The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1770-08-24 00:00:00

From the POLITICAL REGISTER.
To a JURYMAN.
SIR,
Nolumus Leges Angliæ mutari.
IT is an Englishman's peculiar happiness, that as he is born to inherit his lands, so he is to inherit the laws, which are his birth-right; and if he would keep the one, he must be careful to preserve the other. The laws are the palladium of property; they are the surest safeguard of our lives, and the strongest fence to our lands. All law is, or ought to be right reason, but there ever was, and always will be, a struggle between mens reason and their passions, between law & arbitrary power. The law of this nation, as by a compact with the crown, in the Magna Charta of this kingdom, appears, do indeed defend and secure the lives, and liberties and properties of the subject, as far as humane prudence could devise. But the grand or principal law of this land, on which the justice of all the rest depend, is that for trying all disputes and differences between subject and subject, and all crimes against the crown, PER PARES, or by a jury of twelve honest men, of the same rank and degree with the persons disputing or accused; who are to be elected without prejudice of party, and are bound by oath to try such dispute, difference, or crime according to the best of their understandings, and to bring in, according to their consciences, an impartial verdict.
Our ancestors were indeed so justly jealous of their liberties, and so careful to arm against any unjust prosecution of the crown, that they fixed grand juries as an advanced guard, who were, before any prosecution could be carried on, to find it, BILLA VERA , that there was just cause or reason for it. But this grand barrier of British liberty has been often born down by arbitrary power and prosecutions carried on against the subject by star-chamber information. But though prosecutions by information are now become common, yet they are nevertheless a national grievance, and a very great encroachment upon our laws and liberties, and should therefore teach us to be more vigilant and careful in keeping those rights which yet remain. Though trials PER PARES, or by a jury of twelve honest men, of equal rank with the person tried, is yet left us, and is indeed the great law on which all our lives, liberties and properties depend, yet there has been lately a doctrine inculcated that tends to destroy the very use and essence of them: That which arbitrary power cannot batter down, it may undermine.
The form of juries, as of Parliaments, have by long usage been rendered too sacred to be attacked; but what does the form of any thing avail without the use? As hypocrisy in religion is a great affront and mockery of GOD, so good forms, kept up in any state, are, when turned to bad uses, a gross affront and mockery of the people.
It has lately been by some confidently asserted, that juries are not judges of law, but of fact only: What can be more false? What more injurious to the subject? Or what can tend more to overturn all our laws and liberties? For if this pernicious doctrine should be allowed, juries would be so far from being a security to the subject, that they would be then a snare; and that which our ancestors intended as a bulwark, to defend our lives and properties, would become a strong engine, to batter them down; because any person might then be prosecuted for the most innocent action; nay, indeed, for acting according to any law of the land, which arbitrary power did not like, and found guilty; and punished at the pleasure of the court; for they need only to charge such action in the information to be seditious, traitorous, &c. and then to prove the fact, and the
juries must of course bring him in guilty, if they are not judges of law, but of fact only. But this wicked doctrine, that tends to subvert all our laws and liberties, is not more contrary to reason than practice; For do not juries, upon all indictments for murder, take upon themselves to judge whether the prisoner be guilty of murder or manslaughter; and find accordingly? When any person is prosecuted upon any statute, is not such statute usually read to the jurors? For what reason? But because they should judge whether the matter the person is accused of be within such statute or not. Are they not then judges of law as well as fact? Is not the juror's oath, THAT HE WILL WELL AND TRULY TRY, AND TRUE DELIVERANCE MAKE, that is, that they will fully, truly and impartially try the prisoner, whether he be guilty of the crime laid to his charge or not, and according to their consciences either acquit or condemn him? In their oath there is nothing of this new, unjust and dangerous distinction between matter of law and matter of fact, but they are sworn to try the prisoner impartially, and, according to the best of their understandings, to bring him in guilty or not guilty. The first part of a jury's consideration is, indeed, whether the matter laid to the charge of the prisoner be a crime or not; the second whether or no he committed it. If the matter laid to the charge of the prisoner be not itself a crime, how can any jury, without breaking their oaths, bring him in guilty of the fact? Is it not the greatest absurdity to say, that a man is guilty of an innocent action? Can innocence be guilt? Whenever a jury bring in the prisoner guilty of the fact, yet not being convinced in their consciences of the crime of it, leave that to the court, it is commonly called a special verdict; but the proper appellation is indeed special perjury, because they do not, according to their oaths, WELL AND TRULY TRY, AND TRUE DELIVERANCE MAKE: For when a jury are not convinced in their consciences, that both the matter laid against the prisoner be such a crime as is mentioned in the indictment and that he also committed it, they are bound by their oaths to bring him in NOT GUILTY.
Juries should indeed always consider by what method the prisoner before them stands accused: If he does not stand there according to the common, legal manner by a presentment of a grand jury, but by information, they may then very reasonably suspect that the prisoner's crime is not such as it is called; because prosecutions by information are seldom brought, but when no grand jury will find the bill, and therefore they should in such cases always supply the place of a grand jury, by taking upon themselves to determine the nature of the crime, and not by an iniquitous special verdict cast the prisoner, as it were, into the power of his prosecutor. Juries are bound to see with their own eyes, and not through the optics of the bench; nor are their consciences to be controlled by the court.
There are cases indeed relating to property, that often happen between subject and subject, which are more intricate, and require nice distinctions; here the judges must help the jury to distinguish: but in all criminal cases, between the crown and subject, the crime of the fact, as well as the fact itself, should always be fully and clearly proved to the satisfaction of the consciences of the jury, or otherwise they cannot without perjury but bring in the prisoner not guilty.
Lawyers often puzzle themselves, and perplex others, with nice and subtle distinctions about the true meaning of words; and I think they have differed in opinion in no one more, than in the word LIBEL. Some lawyers will
say, that a libel may be true or false; & that its truth makes it rather more a libel, than if it was false: But who was ever yet prosecuted for writing or publishing a libel that was true? I believe no person was even yet prosecuted for a libel, where the word false was not expressly mentioned in the indictment; therefore it appears plain to me, that falsehood must be joined to defamatio, to make a libel.
That great lawyer, my lord chief justice Holt, says, That whoever asserts things in writing, must also, at his peril, prove them to be true.
If what a man has wrote, or publish'd be truth, with what conscience can a jury bring him in guilty of writing or publishing a false libel? It is surely contrary to right reason, and therefore should be so to law too, to charge a person with publishing a libel that is false, and yet refuse him the liberty of proving it to be true; such refusal cannot but be, to every honest man's conscience, the strongest evidence of its truth. Can right reason call truth a crime? If not, I hope the laws of England never will. Miserable indeed must be the state of that people, where writing truth against a man is accounted a crime; but writing falsehood against God, none. Yet I own I discommend, nay, highly blame, the writing of even truth, if defamatory, when it concerns only private persons; but if the rights or liberties of the public are any ways interested, truth, and all the truth, HOWEVER DEFAMATORY ought always to be told; for otherwise, how could the public ever oppose any oppression at all? As, suppose a man was by arbitrary power illegally imprisoned, and denied the common relief of the law, in such cases, would not the public be highly concerned therein? For, might not the same hard treatment be every man's case? Should not therefore such a man publicly complain thereof, and make his true case known to others, that they might take proper measures to prevent its being their own?
To make a libel of any writing, the words of it should not have a forced meaning by innuendoes, drawn from an orator's fertile brains, put upon them; but the sense of them should be plain, clear and obvious to every one; for otherwise so great is the lawyer's art, that he would wiredraw treason from the most sacred truth, and make a libel of the Lord's prayer: As, for instance, in these words, 'For thine is the Kingdom.' Oh, says Mr. Attorney, that is a treasonable expression; for, by innuendo, it is saying the King hath no right to the crown! There are, indeed, no words which lawyer's cannot, by force constructions, torture into treason; jurymen may therefore well smile, when they see those learned and eloquent gentlemen take such pains to persuade them, that such words carry a very different sense from what their own reason plainly tells them.
Public grievances can never be redressed but by public complaints; and they cannot well be made without the press: Now if public oppressions cannot be removed without public complaining; and if such complaints, though ever so just and true, should be deem'd libels against those who cause them; would not the rights and liberties of the public be in a fine situation! Our laws would be then delusions, our rights but shadows, and our liberties a dream. To secure the lives, liberties and properties of the subject from all such oppressions, is the sole end or intension of juries; and while they act according to their oaths, they will be a sufficient guard against them.
There is a noble instance of the firmness and integrity of a JURY, lately published in the case of JOHN PETER ZENGER, Printer, at New-York; who was prosecuted by information, for publishing a false libel against the GOVERNOR: Mr. Hamilton, the prisoner's counsel,

justly and bravely owned his client's publishing it, but insisted it was not false , and would have produced witnesses to have proved its truth , but was denied by the court. In this cause every artifice of arbitrary power was used; and the judges plainly shewed, that they sat there only during the Governor's pleasure: yet notwithstanding all the partial influence of power, and bale direction of the bench, the jury, to their immortal honor , acquitted the prisoner, by bringing in their verdict , NOT GUILTY .
Since which we have had at home, the trial of Mr. Owen, for publishing the case of Mr. Murray, a more glorious instance of the wisdom and conscientious firmness of a jury; for though the prosecution was carried on against him at the desire of the honourable house of commons, yet such was the invincible integrity of those brave gentlemen on the jury, that, to the inexpressible satisfaction of all honest men, and true lovers of their country, and to their own eternal honor, they acquitted him, by bringing in their verdict , NOT GUILTY .
When juries thus act according to their consciences, and bravely resist the illegal attempts of arbitrary power, they not only secure the lives and properties of their fellow subjects, but transmit their names and virtues to posterity, in the shining records of eternal fame! The conscience of a jury is the supreme law, the law of right reason; over which no rhetorick from the bar, no direction from the bench, should ever have the least sway or influence. THE HEADS OF HONEST MEN are the TEMPLES OF TRUTH which no interest can corrupt, no power or persuasion change; They will stand, like a rock, firm and immovable, AGAINST ALL THE WAVES OF CORRUPTION, OR WINDS OF ARBITRARY POWER. I am, Sir
your humble Servant, BRITANNICUS. * * As the above ought to be made as universally known as possible, the Printers in all parts of the British Empire, are requested to reprint it; and thereby assist in handing it, with those extraordinary popular cases, down to posterity.—Zenger's Trial, &c. is now Reprinting in New-York.
Last Saturday 8 o'clock arrived at New-York, the Lord Hyde Packet, Captain Bowden, in 7 Weeks and 5 Days from Falmouth, by whom we have the following Advices, viz.
CONSTANTINOPLE , April 3. SINCE the inroads the Russians have made into the Morea, &c. our army has been reinforced from Asia, and now consists of 150,000 men.
Naples, April 4. The Greeks have made a horrible massacre of the Turks in the Morea, sparing neither age nor sex in revenge for the behaviour of the Turks when they seized on that country.
Trieste, May 12. It is now no longer a doubt that the Russians have taken Modon and Coron in the Morea.
Venice, May 19. The face of affairs is entirely changed in the Morea. Coron is again in the hands of the Turks, who are recovered from the consternation into which they were thrown on the first descent of the Russians.
Otranto, May 11. The advices from the Morea continue still unfavourable to the Muscovites. The Turks are yet masters of the Citadels of Coron and Modon, and the conduct of the Greeks instead of favouring the operation of the Russians, throws difficulties in the way.
From the Weisse, May 13. The grand Russian army will entirely have passed the Niester about the middle of this month, and will now hasten their operations against the Turks on every side, viz. The Generals Romanzo on the Danube, Panin against Bender, Berg against Crimea, Tottleben against Natolia, whom the fleet at Alopoh will aid, and afterwards in the Morea, and the head squadron of the Russian fleet in the Archipelago and against Constantinople itself.
General Stoffeln has totally routed a Corps of 20,000 Turks who had ventured to cross the Danube, killed 3000 on the spot, took many prisoners, and all their baggage and artillery.
L O N D O N , May 29. An Address and Petition from the Parliament of Ireland, is preparing to be brought over to be presented to his Majesty.
The Russians by their successes the last campaign are masters of Choczim, and so have a passage open on that side to enter the Turkish dominions when the season will permit; they are also masters of Walachia and Moldavia; they are in possession of every inch of ground on this side the Niester and the Danube, and have now opened a passage on the other side the Mediterranean by the conquest of the greatest part of the Morea.
May 31. The national debt on the 5th of January last was 128,990,036 l. sterl. the annual interest of which amounts to 5,959,940 l.
June 2. It is an actual Truth that some Gentlemen of Fortune in the County of Middlesex are now determined to contest the Payment of the Land Tax, but their intended Mode of Refusal is wholly new of that time since related in the Papers. Their Plan is this; on the Collector's Application for the Tax, they are determined to refuse Payment. He, of Course, will make a Distress, agreeable to Law; and this they propose quietly to submit to. They then intend to bring an action of Damages against the Collector, the Constables, &c. which must then be tried by a Jury, and as it will be by a special Jury of Middlesex Freeholders it will rest with them to judge whether the County is properly represented or not; and of course, whether the Inhabitants of the County are liable to the King's Tax or not; and according to that Judgment, to determine the Merits of this important Contest.
Died, at Drumshugh, near Edinburgh, the Right Hon. Alexander Lord Colville, of Culross, Rear Admiral of the White.
The insults which the citizens of London receiv'd at the west end of the town, were as severe as the answer was afflicting, Lady B--- L---, to her disgrace even as a gentlewoman, held her nose, and affectedly exclaimed, how these fellows stink!
A certain Minister is highly pleased with the discreet, moderate & decent behaviour of a populace Gentleman since his enlargement; and he declared at a certain table at the west end of the town, that a great personage had taken particular notice of it.
When the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, &c. waited on the King with their congratulatory address on Wednesday last, on the birth of a Princess, his Majesty concluded his answer with saying, "That
whilst the Citizens of London addressed him with such professions of loyalty, they should be sure of his protection." June 5. Yesterday some important dispatches arrived in town from Governor Colden of New-York.
It is said that last week some merchants of this city shipped English manufactures for America, to the value of between 20 and 30,000 l.
It is reported that the Marquis of Granby was offered all his late offices under the government, but that he declined accepting them.
A Nobleman of distinguished abilities, it is said, will speedily set off (at the instance of a great Personage) for Boston, in order to enquire into the real cause of the late unhappy disorders of that place.
This afternoon Lord Holland arrived at his house at Kensington, from his travels abroad.
June 7. The leaders of the opposition have had several conferences within these few days, on the subject of a new mode of application for redress of grievances.
Last Friday the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the two Sheriffs, Mr. Beardmore, Mr. Bellas, and several others of the Common Council, had a long Consultation in one of the apartments at the Old Bailey, when Officers were placed at each door to keep off every one that should attempt to listen to their conversation.
It has since been reported, that the above consultation was relative to a proposed plan for a Petition to be presented by 25 Barons, agreeable, it is said, to Magna Charta.
June 8. Lockhart Gordon, Esq; is appointed Governor of Massachusetts-Bay, and not William Ducane, Esq; as was reported.
It is now said to be agreed on by all parties, that Lord Sandwich will have the government of Ireland; and it is said his Lordship will set out for Dublin before the end of this Month; advice having been sent to Lord Townshend.
William Ducane, Esq; of the Inner Temple, brother to Peter Ducane, Esq; one of the directors of the Bank of England, is appointed Chief Justice at Boston, in New-England.
Saturday Mr. Alderman Trecothick was married to Miss Nancy Meredith, of Chester.
Some considerable orders are now executing for the Exportation of goods to Georgia and South-Carolina; but there is almost an entire stop put to the trade to the most northerly Colonies.
June 9. We are authorized to assure the public, that Sir Francis Bernard is not superceded in the Government of Massachusetts-Bay, and that Thomas Hutchinson, Esq; continues Lieut. Governor & Chief Justice of that province, notwithstanding repeated reports to the contrary.
Mr. Alderman Wilkes told some of the Common Council on Friday "that he should not go up with the Address on Wednesday, for the only Courts he desired ever to go to, were the Courts of Common Council and Aldermen, that the air of most other Courts was corrupt and contagious, and that of St. James's particularly did not agree with him."
The name of the young Princess will be Caroline.
Yesterday morning, about half past six o'clock, her Royal Highness the Princess Dowager of Wales set out with a grand retinue, from Carlton House, Pall Mall, for Dover, in order to embark for France. She was accompanied by the Duke of Gloucester, and attended by Lord Boston, Chamberlain of the household, Lady Howe, one of the Ladies of her Bed-chamber, Miss Reynolds, and Miss Heineken, dressing-woman to her Royal Highness. It was thirty four years the latter end of April last, since her Royal Highness first landed in England, in 1736.
According to letters from Gallipoli, fifteen sail of Turkish men of war had just arrived in the road of that Port, on the way to the Morea, with 4000 land forces on board.
June 10. It is said that two experienced naval-officers, who signalized themselves last war, have been applied to refill their former posts.
June 11. A certain great man in the ministry, was heard to say the other day, that in his opinion, the most effectual method to prevent the remonstrating contagion from spreading, was, to send the next persons, however respectable, that presented a Remonstrance, to the TOWER.
The Earl of Bute is expected in Town in a few days.
June 12. Lord Holland continues ill, but is not so bad as was supposed.
It is reported, that the Emperor of Germany proposes visiting England some time the latter end of August or beginning of September next.
The Fireworks which were lately exhibited at Paris, on account of the Dauphin's marriage, ended in a dismal catastrophe, by the crowd all pressing to get away at one and the same time. Several persons of the first condition who were endeavouring to get to their carriages, were bruised and trodden under foot; and so great was the confusion, that coaches were overturned, and horses smothered; 137 dead bodies were exposed next day, to be owned. And such are the accounts of the bruised, who died after they were carried home, that upon a moderate computation, at least 300 persons lost their lives on this occasion.
A letter from Boston, dated March 28, mentions the transactions of the 5th of that month, & adds, that every friend of government is now left to the mercy of a mob, headed by a people without property or principle, and who will stick at no villainy to gain their ends; which appear to be nothing less than to shake off entirely the British government. The news-mongers in Boston dare publish nothing relative to the late proceedings, by which means the people are kept entirely in the dark; and as most letters are opened which come from Boston, by these sons of liberty, few people dare to write their sentiments, or even give a true account of the late operations, for fear of being maltreated by the mob.
By Letters from Constantinople, we learn, that the Russians, who made a descent on the Morea, having been joined by a great number of Greeks, on their advancing into the country, were attacked by a body of Ottoman troops, which defeated and cut many of them in pieces; 10,000 Greeks were left on the field of battle. They add, that there also has been a sea fight in the Archipelago, between the Turks and Russians, in which four ships belonging to the latter had been sunk, and another taken by the Ottoman Squadron.
The trial of the original Printer of Junius's letter of Dec. 19, will, we hear, come on To-Morrow.
Its expected the Tweed Frigate will sail this week with the Governor of New-York on board.
June 12. Yesterday the Duke of Grafton was at court, & afterwards had the honour of a conference with his Majesty.
On Friday evening after his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland had set out for Windsor Lodge, an express was sent to inform him, that his Majesty desired his attendance at the Queen's Palace, whither he came, & had a long conference with his Majesty.
It is said that preparations are making at Lutton Loo, for the reception of the Earl of Bute.
The Remonstrance from the county of Surrey, will certainly be presented to his Majesty at St. James's on Wednesday next.
A letter from Calais mentions, that her Royal Highness the Princess Dowager of Wales embarked at Dover on Saturday morning at eleven o'clock, and arrived at Calais at four o'clock in the afternoon of the same day in perfect health. At seven o'clock that evening her Royal Highness set out from thence for Brussels.
The Duke d'Aiguillon will most likely save his life, by being master of the secret relative to the late peace: To save a French Peer by English interest is unusual and strange, and therefore (as Hamlet says) "as a stranger give it welcome."
It is said that the solicitor to the Committee of the Supporters of the Bill of Rights, has compromised almost the whole of what remained due of a certain popular Gentleman's debts, at the last meeting of the Society.
Yesterday died at his house in Piccadilly the Right Hon. George Cholmondeley, Earl of Cholmondeley, &c.
According to private letters from Madrid, divers councils have been lately held at the Escurial, and couriers continually passing between that city and Paris.
Letters from Toulon and Marseilles mention, that the greatest diligence is using at both those ports in augmenting the fortification.
Miss Nancy P---s arrived, with the Duke of D---t, at Naples on the 10th of last Month, where they propose staying some Time. This Lady to shew her Resentment at the Duke of G---n's quitting her, has thrown up 3000. A Year this Nobleman had settled upon her.
Earl Marischal has sold his Family Estate in Scotland, and converted it into ready Money, which he has placed in the King of Prussia's Commercial Fund at Berlin; that Nobleman, out of Gratitude to that Prince for his Protection, being determined to end his Days at Berlin; and by his Will has also appointed his Prussian Majesty sole Heir and Executor of all his Estates, real and personal.
We hear from Cornwall, that some Time ago a poor Man, as he was working in a Mine there, found above 100 Pieces of Silver Coin, bearing the Roman Denarius; the newest of which must be above 1600 Years old: The Busts of the five first Emperors of Rome appear exceeding full and clear upon several of them, and the Inscription very legible; there was the Remains of a Pot in which they were hid, but very much decayed.
Some Letters from Venice mention Advice having been received there of a Naval Victory obtained by the Russians over Part of the Turkish Fleet, near the Streight of the Dardanelles, in which the latter met with very great Loss.
N E W - Y O R K , August 13. On the 15th ult. Sir William Johnson, Baronet attended by several Gentlemen, set out for the Upper Settlements beyond the German Flats, to meet the Six Nations Confederacy, and those of Canada, with some Deputies from the Cherokees, on many important Affairs, particularly concerning a War proposed by some of the Southern Indians to the Northern Nations. It is said that a considerable number of Indians are already assembled on that occasion.
By Letters of the 14th ult. from Detroit, we are informed, that a French Trader having been stabb'd by some Indians on an Island within 6 Miles of Michilimackinac, 30 of the principal Traders at that Post, both English and French went in Canoes, landed on the Island, surrounded the Huts, fired upon the Indians, shot one of them in several Parts of his Body, and then tomhawked him till dead. This Affair, it is expected, will occasion great Disturbances in those Parts.
Last Week two New-York Importers, in crossing a Brook in New-Jersey, in their Way to Philadelphia, the Bridge sunk under them, and they were both handsomely ducked. How enormous must be the Guilt of those who would betray the Liberties of the Public, to advance their private Fortunes, when even a public Bridge is not able to support the Weight of their Iniquities? May this be the Fate of every Wretch who would sell his Country for a Mese of Pottage.
We hear from Connecticut, that the Tavern-keepers throughout that Colony, justly increased at the perfidious Conduct of the New-York Importers, have fixed up a List of their Names in all their public Houses, and have unanimously determined not to entertain or afford them the least Succour, Aid or assistance, in passing through that Government. A Conduct this worthy of Imitation in all the other Colonies, as it will drive these selfish Wretches to the Necessity of either changing their Names, or wearing Knapsacks.
WILLIAMSBURG , July 26. At a court of Vice Admiralty held this week at the Capitol, the Schooner Last Shift , seized by the Magdalen cutter, Captain Collins, bound from James river to Newbern in North-Carolina, was condemned, for want of a register, and it also appearing that she was a French bottom, and for a considerable time past, had never made entry at any custom-house.
B O S T O N , August 16. 1770. Capt. White has brought from Hull, Three Hundred SPINNING WHEELS, which are said to be preferable to those made in New-England.
We hear that John Wadsworth, A. M. is appointed a Tutor at Harvard College in the Room of Mr. Stephen Scales.
"On Thursday last died at Newton, in the 67th Year of his Age, Dr. Samuel Wheat, a Physician of considerable Note, beloved and esteemed by all who knew him. As he lived piously, he died peaceably: and, as it was his principal Wish, his Patience under a tedious Sickness shone bright to the last."
We hear from Scituate, that on Monday Morning last a promising Youth, about 14 Years of Age, Son to Nathaniel Clap, Esq; of that Town, driving a Cart down a steep Hill, one of the Wheels taking the rising Ground overset the Cart, and killed the Lad instantly on the Spot.
Boston, August 13th. 1770. TUESDAY 31st of July last past P. M. the Trade and Inhabitants of the Town of Boston met according to Adjournment at Faneuil-Hall and in consequence of some very positive Assertions that Salem, Marblehead & Newbury had departed from the Non-Importation Agreement Messrs William Molinetux, William Phillips, Esq; William Cooper, Ebenezer Storer & William Greenleaf were voted a Committee to repair forthwith to the Towns abovefaid and Haver-hill, to enquire into the Foundation of said Accusation & make report. After which, John Hancock & William Phillips, Esqrs; Messrs. Samuel Adams, William Molineux and William Greenleaf, Doctors Warren & Young, John Adams, Josiah Quincy & Richard Dana, Esqrs; Mr. Henderson Inches, Thomas Cushing, Esq; & Mr. Jonathan Mason, were voted a Committee to consider what may be proper to be done toward strengthening the Union of the Colonies and effecting the salutary Design, this Body had in view.

In coming into the Agreement for a Non-Importation, and the Meeting was Adjourned to Tuesday the 7th current 10 o'Clock A. M.—At which Time the Committee sent to Salem, Marblehead, &c. reported that the Conduct of our Brethren in said Towns was honorable & sincere; whereupon it was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY, That it is with the utmost Satisfaction we have reason to be assured that the Trade and Inhabitants of the several Towns above-mentioned have religiously & steadfastly adhered to their Agreement, and have conducted themselves with the Firmness and Integrity which justly renders them an Example worthy of Imitation; and that the Committee of Merchants in this Place, in Testimony of the sincere Respect which we owe to the Inhabitants of the said Town not only for their past Efforts, but for the Resolution they still maintain to continue their utmost Exertions in the common Cause of American Liberty, do transmit them respectively a Copy of this Vote.
In the Afternoon it was VOTED UNANIMOUSLY, That the Names of all such as refuse reshipping their Goods be advertised in the Monday's Papers except Persons who are at such distance as they cannot be apprized of this Resolution, & that Notice hereof be given in the Thursday Papers. Also, Voted unan- imously, That the Thanks of the Body be given to the several Committees, for the diligent and faithful discharge of their Duty—& that this Body do strictly adhere to their former RESOLUTIONS relative to the support of the said Committees and that we now engage to stand by, and defend them in the Execution of their Trusts and every Endeavor to answer the Intention of their Appointments.
Then Messrs. William Molineux, William Cooper, Thomas Boylston, William Whitwell & Jonathan Mason were voted a Committee to repair to Providence & New Port in Rhode Island to confer with our Brethren in that Colony on the Necessity of maintaining the Agreement inviolate.
After this the Meeting was dissolved. At the opening of this Meeting several Letters from our worthy Brethren of Connecticut were read and noticed with the Regard, which good Sense & public Spirit invariably inspire.
B O S T O N, August 16. THE Committee appointed by the Trade at their Meeting at Faneuil-Hall last Tuesday Evening, to proceed to, and treat with the Committees of Providence & Newport, on the Subject of their Non-Importation Agreements, returned to Town last Monday Evening; and we hear had an agreeable Reception,—that the subject Matter was to be laid before a Meeting of both Towns, and that it is tho' the Result will be to our mutual Satisfaction, which is much to be wished, and that Harmony & Union may prevail in every Town and Colony.
It is said that by the Custom-House Entries at Quebec and Montreal, the New-York, Merchants had imported there to the Value of £40,000 1. Sterling: This was before they came into a Resolution to import.
What with Articles allowed of to be imported in different Places, and the numberless Avenue of Trade little known to us as Philo Veritas mentions in the first Page of this Paper, that Distress among the Manufacturers in England, which was intended by the Non-Importation Agreement, has been prevented.
Not a Place in this whole Continent that has shewn their Dislike to that baneful Herb Bohea Tea, as the Town of Boston: Instead of agreeing not to purchase or drink any, the chief Attention in the Southern Colonies is to prevent Sellers from raising the Price of that Article: At Annapolis in Maryland, they have published Williams & Co. Merchants , for raising the Advance above what was customary three Years ago; and therefore agree not to deal with Men so infamously inclined.
Williams & Co. have replied to the Charge, and say in Vindication, that some of their flaming Patriots in Maryland had raised their Goods 20 or 25 per Cent. higher than he had sold for, on Account of the Scarcity. Monday arrived here Capt. Benjamin White from Hull, which he left the 30th of May. Capt. White put into St. Helen's, and left that Place the 30th of June, but could get no News Papers, nor did he hear of any Petitioning and Remonstrancing till he arrived.
Since our last arrived here his Majesty's Ship Rose , from Halifax.
This Morning failed the Hussar Man of War for New-York, and the Beaver for Piscataqua.
MONDAY, Aug. 20.
Extract of a Letter from N. York, Aug. 19. "There are two or three Persons lately arrived here from Boston, who charge you not only with an inclination, but a determination of breaking the non-importation agreement, and a deal of such like stuff, all of which I believe to be absolutely false.—If the other Colonies do but stand firm (as I ardently hope they may) and do not purchase English Goods of our Importers, we shall be obliged to own our fault and return to our duty. And if the Provinces of New-Jersey & Connecticut would withhold only their Hay and Wood for five weeks, we should be obliged to submit to any terms they might offer.
"I greatly admire your General Assembly's address to Governor Hutchinson, I really revere that patriotic, that venerable Assembly; tho' there is part of one paragraph in the said Address in my opinion greatly exceptionable, where they say, "We do not pretend that our opinion is to prevail against his Majesty's opinion; we never shall attempt to adjourn, or dissolve the General Court." If the House are determined to abide by the above declaration, the Ministry may make fine work in your Province."
Last Tuesday a Whale about 40 Feet in length, was discovered by a small Fishing Schooner off Marshfield, which was then attacked by three large Sharks, one of whom the Fishermen killed; it measured 16 Feet long, and upon opening it they took out of its Paunch as many Pieces of the Whale as would make a barrel of Oil, and it was thought the Liver of the Shark would make 2 or 3 Barrels more.—The Whale was so wounded and worried by the Sharks, that it became an easy Prize to the Fishermen, who carried it into Marshfield.
Tuesday last being the Anniversary of the ever-memorable Fourteenth of August 1765, when a successful Opposition to Tyranny and Oppression first began here, and a cordial Union which makes a free People invincible was form'd, the same was celebrated at the Seat of the late Hon. James Allen, Esq. in Dorchester—An elegant Entertainment was provided, and the Company dined with the Regularity, Decency and good Humour, which has always distinguish'd the Sons of Liberty, at this annual Festival. After Dinner, among other loyal & patriotic Toasts, the following were drank:—The King; the Queen and the Blood Royal—Storms and Shipwrecks to all Merchandize destructive of Liberty and Morals—May the shameful Defection of the Merchants of New-York be ever remember'd with Abhorrence—A speedy Period to all State Loo-cuffs, Catterpillars and Canker-Worms—Resurrection to the Militia & the martial Genius of America—May the Spirit of the Fourteenth of August 1765, increase in Vigour, while there remains an unconstitutional Office or Officer in America.
His Honour the Lieut. Governor has further prorogued the Great and General Court to the 25th of September next, then to meet at Harvard College in Cambridge.
CUSTOM-HOUSE, Piscataqua, Aug. 23     Inward Entries, FROM.     Brig Dreadnaught , Samuel Batchelder, Guadaloup.   Brig Friendship , Nathaniel Nowell, Dominica.   Brig Abigail , Joseph Jones, Granada.   Schooner Britannia , Edward Smith, St. Vincents.   Schooner Defiance , Michael Hodge, Guad. dup.   Schooner Saunders , Jonathan Jewett, St. Kitts.   Sloop Sally , John Harmon, Ditto.   Schooner Sea Flower , Timothy Mountford, New-Foundland.   Schooner Rye , David Mitchell, Rhode-Island.   Outward Bound, NONE   Cleared for Departure, FOR   Brig American Soldier , James Holland, West-Indies.   Sloop Neptune , John Ross, Rhode-Island.   Sloop Almsbury , William Wyer, Philadelphia.   Brig Pitt , Wingate Newman, Newfoundland.   Brig Star Crofs , John Stockell, Exeter.  
Cash given for P O T-A S H, BY JAMES MC MASTERS, At his Store on Spring-Hill, on Colonel WALLINGFORD's Wharfe: At which Place is sold various Sorts of ENGLISH GOODS at so low a Rate as may induce Shopkeepers and Country Traders to purchase. N B The highest Price given for good FLAX SEED at the above Store.
R E L H A N.
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. WHEREAS the Proprietors of RELHAN, have been duly notified according to Law, that a TAX of Eighteen Shillings Law Money, was voted to be raised and paid on each Right or Share of Land, in said Town, at a legal Meeting held in Portsmouth, the 27th of April last, and the Subscriber chosen Collector of the same, as also of all former Taxes, not paid to the old Collectors—And the Reasons for assessing the last Tax in a former Advertisement fully given, and the necessity of a speedy payment of the same urged: Notwithstanding which most of the Proprietors have neglected paying the Same, which puts the Collector to the disagreeable Trouble of Noting. That on MONDAY the first Day of OCTOBER next, will be sold at PUBLIC VENDUE, at 11 o'Clock, A. M. at the House of Capt. Jacob Tilton, Innholder near the State House in Portsmouth, so much of each delinquent Proprietors Right as shall be sufficient to pay said Tax, with all Charges, unless prevented by a very speedy payment. All those delinquent of a former TAX of Thirty Shillings Law Money, are desired to pay the same before said Time—Those who neglect and cannot produce the former Collector's Receipt must expect their Rights, or at least a part Sold for discharging the same. The following is a List of the delinquent Proprietors, and as the Sums are equal, it would have been needless to carry the same off to each Name.
Capt. Simon Stevens, Willard Stevens, Levi Willard, William Barron, John Chandler, junr. Joshua Willard, Abel Willard, Jonathan Willard, David Stone, John Armes, Abijah Willard, Abel Stevens, Joseph Stevens, Camden Windflow, Nathaniel Balwen, Paul Morres, Ephraim Doolittle, Edmund Munrow, James Funnem, Esq. Ephraim Wilder, Jr. Edward Selate, Samuel Hall, Joseph Jenners, Jonathan Jenners, Isaac Jenners, Levi Jenners, Simeon Jenners, Thomas Brocke, Nathaniel Francis, Mark Seavy, Colonel Edward Godfons, Lutwyche, Esq.; William Appleton, Simon Stevens 2d, Simeon Alvard, John Wells, Stephen Alvard, David Newhall, Simeon Powers, Nathaniel Francis junr. James Wyman, Thomas Dean, John Symmes, Samuel Jenks, Samuel Mansfield, Jacob Parker, Hugh Floyd, Nathan Sargeant, Ezra Jenkins, Ezra Wait, John Newhall, Enos Stevens, Solomon Stevens, Jacob Tilton, Seth Walker, Obadiah Wells, Job Stevens, John Briard, John Nelson, William Welch, Joseph Welch, Thomas Wait.
ROBERT L. FOWLE, Collector. Portsmouth, August 21st, 1770.
ALL PERSONS Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of Nathaniel Sherburne, late of Portsmouth, Mariner, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to Elizabeth Sherburne, Administratrix to said Estate, in order for a speedy Settlement.
WHEREAS at sundry legal Meetings of the Proprietors of New Britain, so called, Taxes have been laid on the Rights in said Town. This is to give Notice unto all the delinquent Proprietors, that have not paid their Tax, that unless they pay it to me, Collector for said Township, at Capt. Caleb Sanborn's Innholder in Hampton Falls, at or before the seventeenth Day of September next, so much of their Rights will be advertised as will pay the same, with incidental Charges. Samuel Prescott, Collector. Hampton Falls, Aug. 20, 1770.
TO BE SOLD, At Public VENDUE, On Friday the 7th of Septm next, at 4 o'Clock, P.M. at the Dwelling House of James Stoodly, Esq; A single deck Brigantine, called the Portsmouth, Burthen one hundred and thirty Tons, with all her Materials, as she now lies, an Inventory of which may be seen at the Printing Office, or at the Time and Place of Sale. Aug. 22
A Canoe was taken up without the Fort last Monday. The Owner may have it again by enquiring of Jeffery Wells of Portsmouth, paying Charges. Aug. 24.
THE CREDITORS to the Estate of Stephen Parsons, late of Portsmouth, Mariner, deceased, are ONCE MORE desired to bring in their Claims to the Commissioners, without any further Delay. Joshua Brackett, Portsmouth Aug. 2. 1770. Peter Pearse.
THIS may Certify all whom it may concern, that as Mr. Timothy Wilcot was taken up upon Suspicion of breaking open the Store of me the Subscriber, and has been duly examined and found innocent by me, and has convinced me he is not the Person that did the Fact, and have acquitted him upon the same. Witness my Hand at Portsmouth, 26th July 1770. GEORGE BOYD. Attest, D. Peirce, D. Peirce, junr.
ALL PERSONS Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of Samuel Smith, late of Durham, deceased, are desired to bring in their Claims to John Smith, of Durham aforesaid, Administrator on said Estate, in order for a speedy Settlement. Aug. 9.

R P O V I D E N C E , August 4. Saturday last Mr. Ephraim Wheaton, in bathing himself at Palmer's river, was unhappily drowned.
By the H A R T F O R D , Post. AT a Meeting of the Merchants and Landholders at Hartford in the Colony of Connecticut, on the 9th August, it was agreed that a Meeting be called of the mercantile & landed Interest of the several Towns in that Colony, to be convened at New-Haven on the Day after the Commencement, to consider & Resolve on Measures proper to be taken to support the Agreement of Non-Importation; & also, to take into Consideration, the alarming Conduct of New-York, in violating the same. Among the Resolves came into at Woodbridge, New-Jersey is the following
4. RESOLVED , That we will treat every Importer, who shall in Case pass through our Town, with the utmost Contempt and Disdain, & stigmatize him in whatever Company he may happen among us, with the opprobrious Name of the Enemy and Betrayer of his Country.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T. WE hear from ours and the Country's Friends in Woodbridge, that they keep in Readiness in some convenient Place near the Centre of the Town (to-wit, near Execution Dock, and not far from Liberty Oak,) a sufficient Quantity of Tar and Feathers, in order to ply those atrocious V——s, those vile Miscreants, who have violated their so often plighted Faith; and thro' the avaricious Humour of raising a private Fortune on the Ruins of the Public, have perfidiously broke through the general and salutary Non-Importation Agreement,—It is said ducking in Execution Dock will be added, as Occasion may require.
N E W - Y O R K , August 9. Last Week Mr. Applegate and Mr. Abrahams, of this City, went to the City of Brunswick, in New-Jersey, having with them for Sale a Quantity of Pine Apples, Limes, &c. The People of Brunswick finding them to be Subscribers for Impotation, treated them so roughly, that they judged it not Safe to appear publicly & being unable to sell their Fruit, a great Part of it spoil'd upon their Hands; they were glad to get off privately to avoid the Effects of the People's Resentment,—which Mr. Abrahams was not so lucky to escape at Woodbridge, on his Return, where he was much insulted, and duck'd in a Creek, & was likely to have been worse used if not made his Escape. We hear that two City Merchants, Subscribers for Importation, who a few Days ago set out on a Journey to Philadelphia, at Woodbridge were both heartily duck'd,—but the Particulars we have not heard.
By a Gentleman that arrived here from Montreal Yesterday, we learn, that on the 15th ult. a Fire broke out in that Place, which consumed 15 Houses before it could be extinguished.
KINGSTON , ('in Jamaica) June 9. Last Sunday Evening between the Hours of Seven & Eight o'clock, an Earthquake was felt in this Town, and in the Country adjacent; it was not preceded as customary with a rumbling subterraneous Noise; its Motion was from North to South, & resembled the Waves of the Sea; it continued at least, a Minute causing to many People a swimming in the Head, and sickness at the Stomach; no damage is done that we hear of.
IT being Fourteen Years, next Month, since this Paper was first publish'd, a Settlement with the Customers is become necessary, as soon as possible.— Those who do not comply with so reasonable a Request, and pay off, their Papers will be stoped, and their Accounts put in suit. It is an easy Matter for every one, who intends to pay, either in Town or Country, to call or send, to the Printing-Office, in the space of two or three Weeks, and advance at least half a Year. — Likewise, Those who are Indebted for Advertisements, are desired to pay immediately; and for the future it is expected that those who send Advertisements for this Paper, will be kind enough to let the pay accompany them at the same Time, otherwise they will not be inserted.
TICKETS in Newmarket & Stratham Lottery selling off at the Printing Office.
EXCISE.
PROVINCE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
THE Excise-Master desires all licenced Persons or others, that have sold Liquors throughout this Province, to make up their Accompts in Writing, of all Sorts of Spirituous LIQUORS they had by them the first Tuesday in September 1769— Also the Quantity of each Sort they have purchased and sold since that Day, up to the first Tuesday in September 1770,—taking Account at this Date of what they have of each Sort in Hand; this will compleat one Year's Sale of said Spirituous Liquors— And that in said Accompt they give in the Names of those they purchased of, as well as the Names of those to whom they have sold so large a Quantity as twenty-five Gallons or more (which is exempted by Law from Excise)— The Excise-Master will attend them to receive the Excise and their Accompts upon Oath at the House of Stephen Holland, Esq; in Londonderry, on the 4th Day of September by Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon— At John Webster's, Esq; in Chester the Fifth Day by Nine o'Clock, A. M.—At Capt. Jonathan Gilman's in Exeter the 6th Day by Ten o'Clock, A.M. And at Mr. James Dwyer's, Innholder in Portsmouth, from the 7th Day in the Morning to the 14th Day at Noon; constant Attendance will be given from Eight o'Clock, A. M. to One o'Clock; and from Two o'Clock, P. M. to Four o'Clock in each Day, Sunday excepted. Those in the Western Parts of this Province, may have an Opportunity to settle their Excise at Capt. Carr's, Innholder in Goffs-Town, from the 17th Day of September to the End of the Month.— If those Persons who have lent or otherwise disposed of Liquors without Licence, are inclined to save themselves Trouble, they are advised to settle within the Time limited, at the respective Places above-mentioned, considering they are liable to a Prosecution, not only by the Excise-Master and other Officers, but also to any private Informer— But if after this fair Notice, any should refuse complying, let them take the Consequence, and remember, that tho' their Distance be at the extreme Parts of the Province, it will be no Security against Discovery— they may be assured that no Pains or Care will be wanting on the Part of the ExciseMaster to detect those who shall attempt to wrong the Government in this Regard— A large List of unexpected Names being already in the Excise-Master's Hands.
For further Information, and to correct a common mistaken Notion respecting the lending or exchanging Liquors, as if no Breach of the Law, and being unwilling to prosecute any Man, the following Clause of the temporary Act is here inserted, viz.— "Be it enacted , That all giving, lending, commuting of any Kind of said Liquors, either as a Reward, or for Labour, or Encouragement for Labour, that may diminish the Hire or Wages, or to charge upon any Commodity or Thing whatsoever, whereby the Person so giving or lending or commuting directly or indirectly, be remunerated, or reimbursed therefor, shall be esteemed, construed, and adjudged to be a Sale, and shall be subjected to the Regulations and Penalties aforesaid, &c."
By inspecting the above Clause, I flatter myself that many will be convinced of the Necessity of settling their Excise Accompts, which will doubtless prevent Prosecutions.
SAMUEL BLODGET , Excise-Master, Goffs-Town, July 26. 1770.
RUN AWAY from me the Subscriber, last Tuesday se'night, an Apprentices Boy named Thomas Meseve, 16 Years of Age, thick set, 5 feet high, something Cat ham'd—had on a blue Kersey Jacket, Scar'et Plush Breeches, black cut Wig, &c.—He carried off with him a Sum of Money stolen from his Master.— He Runaway from Cape Ann, & is supposed to be now concealed in some bad House in Portsmouth.— Whoever takes up said Runaway and Thief, and conveys him to me at Cape Ann, or Mr. Thomas Chadburne in Portsmouth, shall have two Dollars Reward and necessary Charges paid.
Aug. 9. Moses Woodward. All Masters of Vessels and others, are forbid harbouring, concealing or carrying off said Boy.
THIS is to inform the Public, more particularly the Inhabitants of Amherst, Walton, Temple, Peterborough, New Dublin, Marlborough, Keene, Walpole, Charlestown, Chesterfield, Westmoreland, Hinsdale, Winchester, Swansey, &c. &c. &c. in the Province of New Hampshire, That
James Templeton, Who has been applied to by many People in the aforesaid Towns, to Ride as Carrier or Post, through the same, in order to carry News Papers &c. to the more extreme Parts of the Province,— NOW INFORMS THEM, That he will undertake that Business, in case suitable Encouragement is given, and supply all Persons who incline and are willing to lend a helping Hand in promoting and forwarding so necessary a Matter, with the New Hampshire Gazette, as cheap as possible at that great Distance; and for this Purpose he will meet the Rider at Amherst, on Mondays, that comes from Portsmouth, and who will bring the Papers so far, being 60 Miles, from whom I shall take the Bundles and proceed forward with Dispatch to the aforesaid Towns, and promise to be punctual and faithful in this and all other Business I am intrusted with, in case properly paid
WE the Subscribers being appointed by the Hon. John Wentworth, Esq; Judge of the Probate of Wills, &c. for the Province of New-Hampshire, to receive and examine the Claims of the Creditors to the Estate of Melas Davis, late of Lee, deceased, represented Insolvent, and Six Months being allowed by the Judge from the 31st of July last, for the Creditors to bring in their Claims — We hereby give Notice, that we propose to attend that Business at the House of Elizabeth Davis, Widow of the Deceased, in Lee, on the last Thursday in the five following Months from one to seven o'Clock in the Evening of said Days. John Demerit, June. } Commis- Lee, Aug. 1770. Ebenezer Jones. } sioners.
§ UNITY. §
WHEREAS at sundry Legal
Meetings of the Proprietors or Owners of the Township of UNITY, in the Province of New Hampshire, several Taxes have been voted to be raised on each original Right or Share of Land in said Town, to pay for running the Lines round the Town, and laying out the Lots, and building a Saw Mill, and clearing a Road, ordered by the General Court, and other necessary Roads in the Town, which has been advertized in the New Hampshire Gazette, according to the Law of said Province, yet notwithstanding sundry Persons neglect to pay the same to the Collector of said Township; This is therefore to Notify those who are thus delinquent, that unless they pay the following Sums in Lawful Money annexed to each Owner's Name, by the twenty seventh Day of August Instant, so much of each original Right or Share will be Sold at Public Vendue at the Dwelling House of Esquire John Henson, Innholder in Kingston, on the twenty seventh Day of August Instant, at Three of the Clock in the Afternoon of said Day, as will discharge the said Sum of each Sum of each Owner with incidental Charges, unless prevented by the Payment thereof at my House in Kingston by the aforesaid Time. The delinquent Owners are,
   £. s. d. £. s. d.     Hon. Benning Wentworth, Esq 10 10 0 Jacob Gailand 2 2 0   Simon French 2 2 0 Nathaniel Sanbornez 2 0 0   Ebenezer Stevens 4 4 0 Nathan Taylor 2 2 0   Cornelius Clough 4 16 0 Philip Huntoon 7 10 0   William Long 3 15 0 John Mason 2 2 0   Samuel Winslow 7 1 0 Edward Field 7 1 0   Nathaniel French 5 11 0 James Beane 7 1 0   John Sherburne 8 8 0 Samuel Dearborn 2 2 0   Samuel Judkins 4 16 0 Thomas Clough 5 0 0   John Sweat 6 9 0 John Webster 4 4 0   Thomas Scrivner 7 19 0 William Bufwell 1 4 0   Moses Sleeper 7 14 6 Nathaniel Huntoon 1 4 0   William Sanborne 6 12 0 T. Atkinson Esq; 1 16 0   Daniel Moulton 6 6 0 Nathaniel Barrill 4 4 0   Benjamin Sanborne 4 16 0 T. Atkinson junr. 4 4 0   Isaac Godfree 6 6 0 John Moulton 6 6 0   Henry Wadleigh 1 13 0 William Godfree 3 12 0   Samuel Corder 2 8 0   John Webster Esq; 1 4 0 JOHN JUDKINS, Collector.   Jeremiah Albrick 4 4 0 Kingston, August 15th 1770.  
TO BE SOLD,
At PUBLICK VENDUE, the 30th of this Month, TENEMENT situated in the Street leading from the Ferry Place up the new Country Road over the Bridge, passing by the Mills, containing three lower Rooms and two Chambers, with a good Cellar and Well. Also an ORGIN, that contains 146 Pipes.
Vendue to begin at three o'Clock Afternoon. N. B. Any Person inclin'd to purchase either, may see and examine them, by applying to Isaac Tucker, living in said House.