New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1780-05-20 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette. OR STATE JOURNAL, and GENERAL ADVERTISER.
[ Vol. XXIV ]
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 1780.
[ No. 1235 ]
Narrative of Col. ETHAN ALLEN's Captivity, &c. &c. continued from our last.
WE arrived at Halifax not far from the middle of June, where the ship's crew which was infested with the scurvy, were taken on shore, & shallow trenches dug, into which they were put, and partly covered with earth. Indeed every proper measure was taken for their relief: The prisoners were not permitted any sort of medicine, but were put on board a sloop which lay in the harbour, near the town of Halifax, surrounded with several men of war and their tenders, and a guard constantly set over them, night and day. The sloop we had wholly to ourselves, except the guard who occupied the forecastle; here we were cruelly pinched with hunger; it seemed to me that we had not more than one third of a common allowance: We were all seized with violent hunger and faintness; we divided our scanty allowance as exact as possible. I shared the same fate with the rest and though they offered me more than an even share, I refused to accept it, as it was a time of substantial distress, which in my opinion I ought to partake equally with the rest, and set an example of virtue and fortitude to our little common wealth.
I sent letter after letter to Capt. Montague (who still had the care of us) and also to his Lieutenant, whose name I cannot call to mind; but could obtain no answer, much less a redress of grievances; and to add to the calamity, near a dozen of the prisoners were dangerously ill of the scurvy. I wrote private letters to the doctors, to procure, if possible, some remedy for the sick, but in vain. The chief physician came by in a boat so close that the oars touched the sloop we were in, and I uttered my complaint in the gentlest manner to him but he never so much as turned his head, or made me any answer, though I continued speaking 'till he got out of hearing. Our cause then became very deplorable. Still I kept writing to the Captain, 'till he ordered the guards, as they told me, not to bring any more letters from me to him. In the mean time an event happened worth relating: One of the men almost dead of the scurvy, lay by the side of the sloop, and a canoe of Indians coming by, he purchased two quarts of strawberries, and eat them at once, and it almost cured him. The money he gave for them, was all the money he had in the world. After that we tried every way to procure more of that fruit, reasoning from analogy that they might have the same effect on others infested with the same disease, but could obtain none.
Mean while the Doctor's mate of the Mercury came privately on board the prison sloop and presented me with a large vial of smart drops, which proved to be good for the scurvy, tho' vegetables and some other ingredients were requisite for cure; but the drops gave at least a check to the disease: This was a well timed exertion of humanity, (but the Doctor's name has slipped my mind) and in my opinion was the means of saving the lives of several men.
The guard which was set over us, was by this time touched with the feelings of compassion; and I finally trusted one of them with a letter of complaint to Governor Arbuthnot of Halifax, which he found means to communicate, and which had the desired effect; for the Governor sent an officer and surgeon on board the prison-sloop, to know the truth of the complaint. The officer's name was Russel, who held the rank of Lieut and treated me in a friendly and polite man-
ner, and was really angry at the cruel and unhumanly usage the prisoners met with; and with the surgeon made a true report of matters to Gov. Arbuthnot, who either by his order or influence took us next day from the prison sloop to a new goal, where I first became acquainted with the now Hon. James Lovel, Esq; one of the members of Congress for the State of Massachusetts Bay. The sick were taken to the hospital, and the Canadians who were effective, were employed in the King's works; and when their countrymen were recovered from the scurvy and joined them, they all deserted the King's employ, and were not heard of at Halifax, as long as the remainder of the prisoners continued there, which was till near the middle of October. We were on board the prison sloop about six weeks, and were landed in Halifax near the middle of August.—Several of our English American prisoners, who were cured of the scurvy at the hospital, made their escape from thence, and after a long time reached their old habitations.
I had now but 13 with me of those that were taken in Canada, and remained in goal (with me) in Halifax, who in addition to those that were imprisoned before, made our number about 34, who were all locked up in one common large room, without regard to rank, education, or any other accomplishment, where we continued from the setting to the rising sun; and as sundry of them were infested with the goal and other distempers, the furniture of this spacious room consisted most principally of excrement tubs. We petitioned for a removal of the sick into the hospital, but were denied.
We remonstrated against the ungenerous usage of being confined with the privates, as being contrary to the laws and customs of nations, and particularly ungrateful in them, in consequence of the gentlemen like usage which the British imprisoned officers met with in America; and thus we wearied ourselves, petitioning and remonstrating, but to no purpose at all; for Gen. Massey who commanded at Halifax, was inflexible as the Devil himself, (a fine preparative this for Mr. Lovel, member of the Continental Congress.) Lieut. Russel (whom I have mentioned before) came to visit me in prison, & assured me that he had done his utmost to procure my parole for enlargement; at which a British Captain, who was then the Town-major, expressed compassion for the gentlemen confined in the filthy place, and assured me that he had used his influence to procure their enlargement; his name was near like Ramsey.—Among the prisoners there were 5 in number, who had a legal claim to a parole, viz. James Lovel, Esquire Captain Francis Proctor, a Mr. Howland, master of a Continental armed vessel, a Mr. Taylor, his mate, and myself. As to the article of provision, we were well served, much better than in any part of my captivity; and since it was Mr. Lovel's misfortune and mine to be prisoners, and in so wretched circumstances, I was happy that we were together, as a mutual support to each other, and to the unfortunate prisoners with us. Our first attention was the preservation of ourselves and injured little republic; the rest of our time we devoted interchangeably to politics and philosophy, as patience was a needful exercise in so evil a situation, but contentment mean and impracticable.
I had not been in this goal many days, before a worthy and charitable woman, Mrs. Bladen by name, supplied me with a good
dinner of fresh meats every day, with garden fruit, and sometimes with a bottle of wine; notwithstanding which I had not been more than three weeks in this place, before I lost all appetite to the most delicious food by the goal distemper, as I may call the prisoners, particularly a sergeant Moore, a man of courage and fidelity: I have several times seen him hold the boatswain of the Solway frigate, when he attempted to strike him, and laughed him out of conceit of using him as a slave.
A doctor visited the sick, and did the best (as I suppose) he could for them, to no apparent purpose. I grew weaker and weaker, as did the rest. Several of them could not help themselves. At last I reasoned in my own mind, that raw onion would be good: I made use of it, and found immediate relief by it, as did the sick in general, particularly sergeant Moore, who is recovered almost from the shades; tho' I had met with a little revival, till I found the malignant hand of Britain had greatly reduced my constitution with stroke upon stroke.
Esquire Lovel and myself, used every argument and entreaty that could be well conceived of, in order to obtain gentlemen like usage, to no purpose. I then wrote Gen. Massey a severe letter as I possibly could, with my friend Lovel's assistance: The contents of it was to give the British, as a nation and him as an individual, their true character. This roused the rascal, for he could not bear to see his and the nation's deformity in that transparent letter, which I sent him; he therefore put himself in a great rage about it, and shewed the letter to a number of British officers, particularly to Capt. Smith of the Lark frigate, who instead of joining with him in disapprobation, commended the spirit of it; upon which Gen. Massey said to him do you take the part of a rebel against me? Capt. Smith answered, that he rather spoke his sentiments, and there was a dissention in an opinion between them.
Some officers took the part of the General, and others of the Captain: This I was informed of by a gentleman who had it from Capt. Smith.
In a few days after this the prisoners were ordered to go on board of a man of war, which was bound for New-York; but two of them were not able to go on board, and were left at Halifax; one died, and the other recovered. This was about the 12th of October, and soon after had got on board, the Captain sent for me in particular to come on the quarter deck: I went, not knowing that it was Capt. Smith, or his ship at that time, and expected to meet the same rigorous usage I had commonly met with, and prepared my mind accordingly; but when I came on deck, the Captain met me with his hand, welcomed me to his ship, invited me to dine with him that day, and assured me that I should be treated as a gentleman, and that he had given orders, that I should be treated with respect by the ship's crew. This was so unexpected and sudden a transition, that it drew tears from my eyes, (which all the ill usage I had before met with, was not able to produce) nor could I at first hardly speak, but soon recovered myself, and expressed my gratitude for so unexpected a favour; and let him know, that I felt anxiety of mind in reflecting that his situation and mine was such, that it was not probable that it would ever be in my power to return the favour. Capt. Smith replied, that he had no reward in view; but only treated me as a gentleman

ought to be treated; he said this is a mutable world, and one gentleman never knows but that it may be in his power to help another. Soon after I found this to be the same Capt. Smith who took my part against Gen. Massie; but he never mentioned any thing of it to me, & I tho' it impolite in me to interrogate him, as to any disputes which might have arisen between him and the General on my account, as I was a prisoner; and that it was at his option to make free with me on that subject, if he pleased; and if he did not, I might take it for granted that it would be unpleasing for me to query about it, though I had a strong propensity to converse with him on that subject.
I dined with the Captain agreeable to his invitation, and oftentimes with the Lieuts. in the gun-room, but in general eat and drank with my friend Lovel, and the other gentlemen, who were prisoners with me where I also slept.
We had a little birth enclosed with canvass, between decks, where we enjoyed ourselves very well, in hopes of an exchange; besides our friends at Halifax had a little notice of our departure, and supplied us with spirituous liquor, and many articles of provision for the coast. Capt. Burk having been taken prisoner was added to our company (he had commanded an American armed vessel) and was generously treated by the Captain and all the officers of the ship, as well as myself. We had now in all near 30 prisoners on board, and as we were sailing along the coast, (if I recollect right) off Rhode Island, Capt. Burk with an under officer of the ship (whose name I do not recollect) came to our little birth, proposed to kill Captain Smith and the principal officers of the frigate, and take it; adding that there was 35000. sterling in the same. Capt. Burk likewise averred that a strong party out of the ship's crew, was in the conspiracy, and urged me and the gentleman that was with me to use our influence with the private prisoners, to execute the design, and take the ship with the cash into one of our own ports.
Upon which I replied, that we had been too well used on board to murder the officers; that I could by no means reconcile it to my conscience, and that in fact it should not be done; and while I was yet speaking my friend Lovel confirmed what I had said, and further pointed out the ungratefulness of such an act; that it did not fall short of murder, and in fine all the gentlemen in the birth, opposed Capt. Burk and his colleague: But they strenuously urged that the conspiracy would be found out, and that it would cost them their lives, provided they did not execute their design. I then interposed spiritedly and put an end to further arguments on the subject, & told them that they might depend upon it, upon my honor, that I would faithfully guard Capt. Smith's life: If they should attempt the assault, I would assist him, (for they desired me to remain neuter) and that the same honor that guarded Captain Smith's life, would also guard theirs; and it was agreed by those present not to reveal the conspiracy, to the intent that no man should be put to death, in consequence of what had been projected; and Capt. Burk and his colleague went to stifle the matter among their associates. I could not help calling to mind what Capt. Smith said to me when I first came on board: "This is a mutable world, and one gentleman never knows but that it may be in his power to help another." Captain Smith and his officers still behaved with their usual courtesy, and I never heard any more of the conspiracy. [To be continu'd.]
PHILADELPHIA, May 2.
By a gentleman who arrived here yesterday from Charlestown, which place he left the 10th ult. we have the following intelligence:
On Friday the 7th ult. about three o'clock in the afternoon, Gen. Woodford and his brigade arrived in town, after a most rapid march of 500 miles, in thirty days, in perfect health and high spirits.
On Saturday the 8th, between 3 and 5 o'clock, the enemy's fleet passed Fort Moul-
trie, in a heavy gale, and anchored between Fort Johnson and the town, just out of the reach of our guns, from the town, where they continued when he set off. They were so covered with the thunder storm as to be invisible near half the time of their passing. One of their frigates had a fore-top mast shot away by the fort, and a floe ship was so injured in her rudder, as to be incapable of working, and the gale being fresh, she went on shore, under the guns of our half moon battery, on the point of the island, which obliged them to burn her, to prevent her falling into our hands; after burning a while she blew up. We had not a man hurt in the fort, tho' they kept up a brisk fire as they passed.
Our garrison is in good health and high spirits, the town well fortified and defended by a numerous artillery. Sir Henry approaching very slowly, and our men longing for the hour in which he may afford them the opportunity of teaching the temerity of his present expedition. It reports that we shall soon have a respectable force in his rear.
Sometime before the enemy crossed Ashley River, Col. Washington with a party of horse reconnoitring, came up with a light party of the enemy, on which an engagement ensued, when our people took a Col. Hamilton of the North Carolina Refugees, a Doctor Smith, and seven privates, and it is said they had seven killed. On our side we had only one man badly wounded. This action happened within one hundred yards of their flying army, consisting of their light infantry and grenadiers, whose marching across the the field to get in the rear, obliged Col. Washington to order a retreat, otherwise their whole party would have been cut to pieces.
The day that the enemy approached the lines on Charlestown neck, Col. Laurens with a small party had a brush with the advance body of the enemy, in which Capt. Boman of the North Carolina forces fell much lamented, Major Harne, and two privates were wounded; the enemy's loss was reported to be from 12 to 16 killed; a French gentleman who was a volunteer in the action, says he counted 8, and a Highland deserter said a Col. St. Clair was mortally wounded.
Saturday last arrived from Martinico, the Continental frigate Confederacy, Capt. Harding; with whom came passenger William Bingham, Esq; Same day arrived a French brig from Martinico, loaded with salt brandy, dry goods, &c.
POUGHKEEPSIE, May 8.
No Philadelphia papers came by the last post to the hands of the printer. He is told they contain an account of a large armament of land and sea forces having sailed from the Havanna for the relief of Charlestown, and being hourly expected when the last accounts came from that place.
MORRISTOWN, HeadQuarters, April 23.
On the 19th of this month the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister of his Most Christian Majesty, M. de Marbois, and M. de Mirales a Spanish gentlemen of distinguished character, arrived at head-quarters in company with Gen. Washington, and were received under the discharge of Cannon. The next morning, and some following days they took a near view of the posts of the enemy, and examined particularly their position at Staten-Island. They were entertained by the Commander in Chief, and the other Generals of the army, and visited the different quarters. On the 24th a considerable division of the army exhibited a number of military manœuvre, and various evolutions: the dispositions for which were made by the Baron de Stubens, under the direction of the Commander in Chief: The Minister of France could not forbear to express his admiration at the precision of their movements, and the exactness of their fires, which were performed before a large concourse of people of all orders. The Governor of the Jerseys and all the Generals were present upon the occasion, with a number of other persons of the first consideration. Every body remarked the good disposition of the army, the spirit that pervaded it, & the alacrity with which the military of every
rank appeared to offer themselves for the defence of the honourable and glorious cause they had espoused. The Minister of France visited Head-quarters the 25th, and in company with General Washington, visited the different quarters where the troops were barracks; they found them in the best order as well as the corps of Artillery, which were exercised in their presence.
The general satisfaction that reigned upon this occasion, was unhappily interrupted by the loss of M. de Mirales who died in the General's house on the 28th, after a short illness: He is universally regretted, and was interred with the honours due to his character.
NORWICH, May 4.
We have several accounts from the Southward, the latest to about the 20th ult. then affairs were in a promising situation. Gen. Lincoln was fifteen or twenty thousand strong all in high spirits, and under no apprehension as to the issue.
It is an opinion held by the political connoisseurs, that should the enemy gain possession of Charlestown, it will be the means of protracting the war; if not, it will come to a speedy close.
From the most authentic accounts that we can procure, a fleet has been, during the winter past, collecting in the West Indies from France and Spain, for the purpose of scouring the coast of British pirates from Georgia to Nova-Scotia. (Very probable they have arrived at Georgia before now.)
BOSTON, May 18.
The Public have seen the polite letter of Admiral Parker to the French Admiral, de la Motte Piquet, but no particular account has been published of the action in Fort-Royal Bay, between these Admirals to which that letter refers, in which the British Commander so generously pays an eulogium to his adversary. The following is taken from the Gazette of France, of the 11th of February.
The Sieur de Flotte, commander of the King's frigate the Aurora, who left Martinico the 28th of December, arrived at Cadiz the 22d of Jan. last, and immediately sent his dispatches to our court.
The Aurora sailed from Marseilles in the month of October, having under her convoy 26 sail of merchant ships, destined for the windward Islands. As the Sieur de Flotte approached Martinico on the 18th of Dec. about nine o'clock in the morning, he discovered the British fleet and counted 14 sail of the line: They were however so far distant that he hoped his convoy might have entered the port of Fort-Royal before the enemy could have come up to interrupt them.
Unluckily the wind died away by degrees, while his enemy had a brisk breeze. The Elizabeth of 74 guns, and an English frigate came up near the Aurora, which fired her stern guns, to protect the convoy, principally from the frigate which endeavoured to pass the Aurora. Some balls from the Elizabeth wounded her sails and rigging, but the Sieur de Flotte continued his course, though the wind was unfavourable for gaining Fort Royal.
About nine o'clock in the morning signals were made along the coast of Martinico, that a convoy of 26 sail was near & that this convoy was pursued by 14 ships of the line, and a frigate of the enemy. The Marquis de Bouille, Governor General of the Colony, immediately gave the necessary orders that the batteries on the coast should make ready for their reception. At two o'clock part of the convoy, with the Aurora, appeared in full view before Fort-Royal, while the batteries on the coast kept up a fire on the van of the British squadron, with as much effect as the distance would allow. Immediately the Sieur de la Motte Piquet, commander in chief of the King's naval forces at Martinico, made sail with the Annabal, of 74 guns, and was soon after followed by the Vouger, of 64, commanded by the Chevalier de Retz, and the Reflechi, by the Sieur Cillart de Saville, the only ships that were at that time ready to come to sail and engage. The Sieur
To be sold at Public Vendue. On Thursday the 25th Instant, on Captain Mott's Wharf, at 10 o'clock A. M. the following Articles, being the Effects of Thomas Murphy, deceas'd, viz. 7 Hogsheads of Jamaica RUM. 9 Casks of Taffia or French Rum. 15 Barrels of Sugar, And one Trunk of Wearing Apparrell, &c. J. WALMSLEY, Administrator. Portsmouth, May 10.

de la Motte Piquet made directly for the convoy, in hopes of saving a part of it. With his single ship he fought three of the enemy's ships of the line that had cut off the convoy: He disengaged the frigate Aurora, and with her 8 merchant ships, which must infallibly have been taken but for this manœuvre, as bold as it was well executed. The two other French ships of the line were not backward in coming to the assistance of the Annibal: They maintained a severe fight against seven of the enemy's line of battle ships, in the great Road of Fort-Royal, between the batteries, which kept up a constant fire, at a great distance, the English being afraid to venture too far into the Road, or to approach too near the batteries, Night coming on, the Sieur de la Motte Piquet, finding there was no possibility of saving the rest of the convoy, the enemy having already boarded them, and that the vessels he had disengaged were safe in the harbour, he returned to Fort-Royal with his three ships, and the English put out to sea.
Eight ships of this convoy were drove ashore on the coast; four of these were defended by the batteries against the fire of the English ships, one of which was dismasted; the other four that took refuge in small Creeks were burnt by the enemy, but their cargoes were saved. The English having landed part of their force to take these cargoes, were repulsed with loss, several times, by the troops of the King and the militia. — It is computed the enemy lost about 60 killed in their boats in these attempts. Of 26 vessels which made the convoy, 12 were saved, four others were burnt after their cargoes had been taken out, ten fell into the hands of the enemy. The Sieur de Sartine, Minister and Secretary of State in the marine department, having giving his Majesty an account of these fresh proofs of the bravery and abilities of de la Motte Piquet, his Majesty was pleased to name him, A COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF ST. LOUIS; and as he cannot be formally invested by his Majesty with this dignity till his return, he is in the mean time permitted to wear the decorations proper to it.
The British ministry, by the latest accounts, are much distressed by the petitions from the county meetings, as well as by their apprehensions of what may be the effects of the Committee of Correspondence established by the opposition in England. The petition from York was presented by Sir George Saville, and was signed by 9000 members of that county.
It appears by the London papers, that Lord Hillsborough is lately appointed Secretary of State for one of the European departments.
Accounts from the West-Indies positively declare that 2000 of the troops which embarked at New York with Gen. Clinton, had been blown off these seas and were arrived at St. Lucia.
Sunday arrived a letter of marque brig, called the Phenix, Capt. Hallet, from Grenada, in 18 days, and brought with him a prize ship of six carriage guns, from Port au Port, bound to New-York, laden with 200 pipes of the best red and white wines, and 300 boxes of lemons, taken a few days ago. — Capt. Hallet informs, that the two grand Fleets in the West-Indies consist of 21 sail of the Line each, and that just before he sailed, an action took place, in which the English had near 150 killed and wounded; but can give no further particulars.
Last Saturday was sent into New-London, by the privateers Little Cromwell, Salley, & Hawk, a letter of marque ship from Liverpool, mounting 12 carriage guns, laden with dry goods, Duck, Cordage, and Sea-Coal. She was taken so near New-York, that the report of the guns were heard in the city: in consequence of which a copper bottom'd frigate was dispatched in order to re-take her, but getting ashore at Hell-Gate, was obliged to return without success.
We learn from Providence, that a ship from Jamaica, with 300 hogsheads of Rum, taken by the ship Mifflin, Capt. Babcock, is arrived at Newport.
The Southern post who arrived last evening, informs, that a report prevailed at Hartford, when he came away, that a Fleet of French or Spanish ships were seen off Charlestown, about the 12th ult.
We are authorized to assure the public, that Capt. la Touche, commander of his most Christian Majesty's frigate the Hermoine, soon after his arrival, sent a Letter to the Council of this State, of which the following is a translation.
I R,
IT being the intention of His Majesty the King of France, that his ships of war and frigates should upon all occasions promote the service of the United-States, I am sure that I act in conformity to his pleasure, in making to you, Sir, the offer of going into the Bay with the frigate I command, in order to keep off, engage or take, any English privateer or frigate that may come to interrupt the trade of this State. I shall accordingly have the honor to find, every morning, an officer from on board my ship to the General Assembly, who shall have it in charge from me to receive your orders. I have thought there might be occasions in which my services might be useful to this State, while I am waiting for the instructions of his Excellency the Minister Plenipotentiary of France. I cannot sufficiently express, Sir, how great my satisfaction will be in embracing such occasions, and in giving every proof of my attachment and entire devotion to the cause of America. I have the honor to be, &c.
The Hon. Jeremiah Powell, Esq; President of the Council of the State of Massachusetts.
To this letter the Council sent an answer in writing, expressing in the strongest terms the sense they had of this obliging offer of Capt. la Touche, and of the important services already rendered to the United States by the navy of our illustrious Ally, His Most Christian Majesty; and at the same time, the satisfaction they derived from seeing the true spirit of the Alliance cultivated by such repeated instances of friendship and aid.
A person who arrived in town yesterday, five days from New York, informs, that in consequence of the frequent draughts from the forces of that garrison, for the Southern expedition, the commander in chief had been obliged to call a great part of the militia from Long Island to his support.
Extract of a letter from Ireland, dated Feb: 7, 1780. "The English ministry seem determined to conquer North America, if they beggar the nation. They talk of sending out 10,000 fresh troops in the spring, but they chiefly depend on divisions to happen among the Americans. Many ministerial pamphlets are publishing to shew the immense value, and importance of North America to Britain, and how absolutely necessary the reduction thereof is to her very existence. This present year will cost 32 million, and increase the national debt to 200 millions."
E X E T E R, May 20.
Last Thursday Evening were married by the Reverend Mr. MANSFIELD, Mr. SAMUEL PAGE, of Salem, Merchant, to Mrs. ELIZABETH LANGDON, of Portsmouth.
State of New-Hampshire.
Rebecca Davis of Madbury, in this State, having petitioned the General Assembly, setting forth, That in the Month of October A. D. 1763, she was married to one Eleazer Davis with whom she lived until the Month of April A. D. 1770 when he left her, and hath since cohabited with several other Women, by whom he hath had Children: And in addition to his Guilt towards her, hath voluntarily joined the Enemies of America, and been in Arms against his Country. Wherefore she prayed Liberty to bring in a Bill to vacate the Marriage Contract between her and the said Eleazer Davis.
On which Petition the General Assembly voted, that they would hear the same on the second Thursday of their next Session, at which time any Person might appear and shew cause why the Prayer thereof might not be granted. Attest, E. THOMPSON, Sec'y.
Exeter, April 25, 1780.
State of New-Hampshire, March 17, 1780.
Notice is hereby given, that a Petition hath been preferred to the General Court, setting forth, That there is a piece of Salt-Marsh and Meadow, lying and being in Northampton and Hampton in said State, which was made Salt Marsh, by a River running through the Sea-Wall Beach, so called, which River has been stopped with Gravel and Stones. Wherefore the Petitioners pray, that an Act may be made to empower the said Petitioners, or such a Committee as may be chosen, to keep the said River open, by obliging the Owners or Proprietors of said Marsh, to do their equal part, either in Labour or by Tax.
On which Petition, the General Court ordered, that the said Petitioners might be heard before them, on the second Friday of their next Session, at which time, any Persons may appear and shew Cause (if any they have) why the Prayer thereof should not be granted. Attest, J. PEARSON, D. Sec'y.
Whereas Elizabeth, my Wife, has during my Absence in the Continental Service,
misbehaved herself greatly to my Injury. This is to forbid all Persons trusting her on my Account, for I will not pay any Debt of her contracting hereafter.
Epping, May 8, 1780. Benjamin Dockum.
State of New Hampshire.
Whereas sundry Inhabitants of Gilmanton, Conway, Wolfborough, Meredith, Sandwich, and other Towns, have preferred a Petition to the General Assembly, setting forth, That since their first Settlement in that quarter of the State, they have not only been at the cost and expence of making roads through the Towns they respectively belong to; but in carrying on their business to the Metropolis of this State, have been exposed to the hardships & fatigue of travelling through woods and unsettled lands belonging to the Proprietors claiming under John Tufton Mason, Esq; without any roads properly laid out or in any wise made sufficient for Transportation or travelling, and even most of the cost which has been laid out, has been done by many of the Petitioners as their circumstances were most pressing to use it, and what greatly adds to the difficulty of not having good roads, is the pressing necessity of transporting Provisions from this to other parts of the State — The Proprietors of said Land are many of them residing without the United-States, and those resident therein refuse and neglect to make good & sufficient roads through their aforesaid Land. Wherefore they humbly pray that a Committee may be appointed to lay out a Waggon Road from New-Durham to Winnepesaukee Pond at Merry Meeting, where Lieut. Charles Rogers now lives, thence from said Rogers's to Wolfborough.
And also another Road from said Rogers's to Gilmanton, and that the Honorable Court would order that the said Roads be laid out, bridged and made sufficient for Transportation with waggons at the cost of the owners of the Land through which said roads be laid, in manner and form as the Court shall see fit.
On which Petition the General Court ordered, that the Petitioners should be heard before them on the second Friday of their next Session, at which time any Person or Persons may appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof may not be granted. Attest, J. PEARSON, D. Sec'y.
May 11, 1780
State of New-Hampshire, March 2, 1780
Notice is hereby given that Abraham Libbey, of Rye, in said State, hath petitioned the General Court, setting forth, that in the year 1774 he owed Samuel Hale, then an Attorney in Portsmouth, the sum of twenty seven pounds, ten shillings, for Fees, &c. for which he gave his Note of Hand, and also a Deed of his Farm in Rye aforesaid, by way of security for said Debt; said Hale having given a Memorandum in writing, by which he promised as soon as the said Debt was paid, to re-convey said Farm; since which the said Hale had left the State, and gone to the Enemies thereof, and carried with him said Note and Deed: wherefore he prayed that he might be allowed to pay the full value of said Debt into the Treasury of this State, and have leave to bring in a Bill to confirm the property of said Land in himself, his Heirs and Assigns. On which Petition the General Court ordered, that the said Petitioner should be heard before them on the second Wednesday of their next Session, at which time any Person might appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof should not be granted. Attest, E. THOMPSON, Sec'y.
Said Libbey also notifies any Persons that have any demands on the Estate of Joseph Libbey, late of Rye deceased, that they would meet me the Subscriber at Exeter, on the above said Day, being Administrator to said Estate. Abraham Libbey.
All Persons indebted to Capt. George Janvrin of Portsmouth, are desired to come and settle with him as soon as possible, it being the second time he has called upon them for that purpose. And all that has any demands on said Janvrin, are desired to bring in their accounts for settlement.
William Bell of Greenland, Has removed from his house, to the Tavern house, where Mr. Clark used to keep — Said Bell now provides good Entertainment for Gentlemen Travellers and others, and for horses; and still continues to sell West India Goods, as usual.
Samuel Pickering of Greenland, proposes to keep good Entertainment for Men and horses at the FARE to be held there the 23d instant and to continue three days successively.
Persons are caution'd against taking the Wall down, in travelling from Mr. Samuel Langdon's, across the pasture leading to the main Road, which if they persist in at this time, they will be prosecuted.

Notice is hereby given that the following lots of Land in the Parish of Candia in the State of New-Hampshire, belonging to Nonresidents were taxed the following Sums for the year 1779, & were advertised as the Law directs; and whereas the Taxes has not been paid. This is therefore to notify the owners of said Lands and others, that so much of the said Lots will be sold at public vendue as will pay the said Taxes with incidental charges, at the house of John Karr's innholder in said Candia, on Tuesday the 6th day of June next, at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Third division No. 3 Jeremiah Sanborn 21 8s 9d 2q 54 Col. Mark Honking 41 1s 6d 76 Col. Peter Weare 31 11s 5d 2q 93 Samuel Penhallow, Esq; 91 1s 8d 105 Edward Sanborn 11 15s 2d 7q 109 John Calse 11 17s 2d 121 James Prescott 11 17s 2d 122 and 123 not drawn 11 13s 3d each.
Second part of the 2d Division. No. 33 Ebenezer Eastman 21 6s 11d 122 Samuel Penhallow, Esq; 151 1s 11d 2q 27 Stephen Webster 31 7s 6d Candia, May 2, 1780. THOS PATTEN, Const.
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss. A Petition having been preferred to the General Court of said State by a number of Negroes setting forth the hardship of Slavery, and inconsistency with the rights of human nature; and praying to be set at liberty; and said Court having appointed them a day of hearing, viz the first Friday of their next Session.—This is to notify all who may be concerned in said Petition to appear at that time and show cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof should not be granted. Portsmouth, May 2, 1780.
State of New-Hampshire. Whereas a Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the north part of Canterbury, hath been preferred to the General Court, setting forth, that they living at a great distance from the Center of the Town, and consequently at a very great disadvantage in joining with them in all public Town affairs, pray that they together with all who live in the upper part of said Town may be erected and incorporated into a Body Politic and Corporate, to have continuance, by the name of NORTHFIELD, with all such Powers and Authorities, Priviledges, Immunities and Franchises, which other Parishes or Towns in this State, in general hold and enjoy: On which Petition the General Court ordered, that the Petitioners be heard before them on the first Tuesday of their next Session, at which time any person or persons may appear and show cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof may not be granted. Attest J. PEARSON, D. Sec'y Exeter, April 28, 1780.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss. Whereas Henry Hart of New- ington, in said County, Gentleman, did on the 15th day of October 1779 petition the Judge of Probate, &c, for said County, setting forth.—That he, together with Edward Hart, Baker, and Nathaniel Hart, Blacksmith, both of Portsmouth, in said County, and the Heirs of John Hart, late of said Newington, Esq; deceased, intestate, were Tenants in common of a certain tract of Land situate at a place called Illington in Portsmouth aforesaid, containing five Acres, more or less, bounding northerly upon the highway leading to Newington aforesaid, westerly upon Land of Benjamin Akerman, & William Earl Treadwell, southerly upon George King, Esq; and easterly upon the aforesaid Benjamin Akerman;—that to the petitioner belonged one sixth part of said tract; to the said Edward one sixth, to the said Nathaniel two sixths, and to the said Heirs two sixths; that some of the said Heirs were minors, and therefore under a disability to make partition thereof by Deeds. Wherefore, the said Henry prayed that proper persons might be appointed to divide said tract of Land, to each his particular share, according to their interest therein, as the Law of this State in such case provided, directs. Whereupon the said Judge ordered that the petitioner advertise the same in the New Hampshire Gazette according to Law Pursuant to which, all concerned are hereby notified, that they may be present and attend the making such partition, or appear at the Probate Office, in Exeter the last Wednesday in May next, and show cause, if any they have, why the same ought not to be made or allowed. WILLIAM PARKER, Register. Exeter, April 26, 1780.
Warrantee and Quit Claim Deeds to be Sold at the Printing Office.
WHEREAS by an ACT of the GENERAL COURT of the State of New-Hampshire, "for Repairing and making passable the ROAD through and from Wolfborough to Conway, and thro' Conway to Northumberland," a Committee was appointed to see the same effectually done; and the said Committee having employ'd Labourers to perform said service, Accounts whereof they have exhibited to the Owners of the several Tracts of land thro' which the Road passes, or publish'd the same in the New Hampshire Gazette, agreeable to the said Act. And Whereas the Owners of several tracts of said lands situate between said Conway and Northumberland, are still delinquent in making payment for the labour performed on the Road through their respective lands The original Grants whereof with the labour performed are as follow, viz. Benjamin Sawyer's & Nash's Grant for 104 Days & half labour, Thomas Chadbourne's ditto for 50 days labour, James Gray, or otherwise called Major Gray's ditto for 54 days labour, William Salk's ditto for 50 & half days labour, & Phillip Bailey's ditto for 64 & half days labour. — This is therefore to notify the said delinquents, the present owners of the said lands, the original Grantees concerned therein—That so much of the said lands as will be sufficient to discharge the said labour with Incidental charges, will be sold at Publick Vendue on Wednesday the 31st day of May next at 10 o'Clock in the forenoon, at the House of Andrew M c Mullin in Conway, in the County of Strafford, unless prevented by payment to the said Committee, or any one of them before the said day of Sale
ANDREW M c MILLEN. THOMAS MERRILL. EDWARD BUCKNAM. Of the Committee. February 16, 1780.
Notice is hereby given to the delinquent Proprietors and Owners of Lands in Barrington, that unless they pay their Taxes, with incidental charges for the year 1779, that so much of their lands will be sold at public Vendue on the last Wednesday in May next at the house of Capt Joshua Poir, innholder in said Town, at one o'clock P. M. as will pay said Taxes with incidental charges, unless paid before that time
   No. Names Acres l. s. d.    10 Rev. Mr. Rogers 42 2 8 0  15 John Shackford 11 0 17 0  25 Thomas Westbrook 300 23 5 9  39 Thomas Cotton 18 1 3 0  41 John Kennard 20 1 4 0  51 Widow Walker 48 2 11 0  52 William Brown 21 1 9 0  61 James Spinney 51 2 3 0  77 Nathaniel Tuckerman 77 4 0 0  79 Jonathan Stanley 120 6 19 0  87 Thomas Greeley 12 0 14 8  98 George Walker 72 4 18 6  101 Richard Waldron 112 7 3 0  105 William Cross 72 5 2 1  107 Thomas Becke jr. 50 3 15 6  120 Thomas Moor 72 4 0 0  121 William Foss 72 4 0 0  128 John Cotton 73 3 17 0  135 Roger Swain 15 1 14 0  138 Tobias Langdon 240 17 8 0  140 Henry Rickford 28 4 3 0  The forty Acres Lots so called 300 13 3 0  146 John Jones 4 3 5 0  148 Nathaniel Pevery 32 2 0 0  173 William Peavey 83 6 14 0  18 Captain George Walker 79 4 15 0  183 George Townson 108 7 13 4  189 Benjamin Cross 120 6 18 9  220 Thomas Pearce 162 9 16 0  224 Henry Sherburne 72 4 7 0  226 Anthony Row 47 2 16 6  227 Captain Tobias Langdon 251 14 10 0  249 Nathaniel Robertson 60 4 19 0  252 Samuel Patridge 72 4 19 0  254 Edward Wells 120 8 14 0  277 Jeremiah Calf 32 2 0 0  257 William Bennet 40 2 0 0  256 Stephen Noble 20 1 3 0  112 William Cotton 100 5 2 0  28 Samuel White 52 3 0 0  33 John Jones 6 0 10 0  
Common Rights. No. 7 Nathaniel Mendum 10s 6d 9 Joseph Brewster 10s 6d 10 Samuel Banfield 10s 6d 15 Joshua Furber 10s 6d 17 Joshua Pearce 10s 6d 19 Stephen Greenleaf 10s 6d 21 Peter Mow 10s 6d 22 Joshua Pearce 10s 24 Richard Parshely 10s 25 Daniel Jackson 10s 34 Mather Nelson 10s 37 Joshua Pearce 10s 39 George Walker 10s 41 James Gray 10s Joshua Foss, Wm. Hayes, Collectors. N. B. The foregoing Sums is the whole of the Continental, State, and Town Tax. Barrington, April 21, 1780.
State of New-Hampshire. The Proprietors of Canterbury are hereby notified that a Petition hath been presented to the Subscribers requesting a Meeting of said Proprietors, by the Owners of more than sixteen shares in said Township, for the following Purposes, 1st, To chuse a Moderator for said Meeting, 2d, To see what they will do with respect to dividing the undivided Lands in said Township, 3d, To see if they will in any Method raise a further Sum of Money towards defraying the charge of the Case depending in Law between George Kezer and Richard Meloney, and appoint any Person to assist in carrying on the said Case, and endeavour to recover the two Lots (of which the said Kezer hath been dispossessed) back to his possession. 4th To receive the report of a Committee chosen to settle with a Committee appointed to carry on the Law-suit between Canterbury and Chichester, and take such further measures respecting said affair as may be thought proper. 5th, To chuse a Committee to examine what sums of Money may be due to the said Proprietors, and to recover the same. 6th, To take such Methods as may be thought proper for discharging the said Proprietors debts.
These are therefore to notify and warn the Proprietors to meet at the Meeting House in said Canterbury on Thursday the 25th day of May next ensuing, for the purposes herein mentioned.
Given under our hands and seal this 12th day of April A. D. 1780.
Asa Forster, } Committee David Forster, } for calling Archelaus Moore. } Proprietors Meeting.
The Widow Servise, Who lately kept the Coffee-House in Portsmouth, is removed to the House, lately improved, and belonging to Mr. John Gardner, in Queen-street, where she entertains Gentlemen Boarders, and others of her Customers, as usual, except stabling for Horses. Those Gentlemen who generally used her House, and favored her with their Custom, she will take it as a further Favour to continue the same.
Notice is hereby given to the delinquent Proprietors and Owners of Land in Goffstown, that unless they pay their taxes with incidental charges, that so much of their Lands will be sold at public vendue on Tuesday the 6th day of June next, at the house of Andrew Kimball in said town, at one o'clock P. M. as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, unless paid to us the subscribers before that time. The tax is for the year 1779.
   In David Hale's List. l. s. d.   No. Range    5 8 Thomas Farmer 9 13 2  6 8 Mason for Soley & March 11 4 0  6 9 James Walker 11 8 7  4 10 Jotham Blanchard 13 7 8  5 10 James Kennard 10 10 8  6 10 John Combs 8 18 4  3 12 Nathaniel Meserve 10 9 6  4 12 Bagley and Austin 7 9 2  7 12 William Reed 9 13 0  53 12 Nathan Austin's heirs 11 4 0  48 12 Joshua Folsom 13 6 6  2 13 David Wilson 3 14 1  5 13 Mason for Soley & March 11 17 8  6 2 Original Proprietor unknown 10 0 0   In Robert Kennedy's List.  1 3 Thomas Farmer 13 6 3  
A Grant of Land known by the name of the Medford Farm, Timothy Fer in the supposed owner. David Hale, Robert Kennedy, Constables Goffstown May 5, 1780.
Whereas sometime in the Month of August, A. D. 1779. The Subscriber carried to Daniel Fowle, of Portsmouth, Printer, to print a piece I had wrote, in which were five Letters placed together, which said Fowle did not print as they were in the piece I gave him, but otherwise, and only three of the Letters, viz. S W M, which now appears by his print, and I further say that these Letters were never designed, intended or meant for Capt. Stephen Meed, or any other honest Officer on board the Ship Hampden. Portsmouth, May 3, 1780. John Pickering: Rockingham, ss. Portsmouth, May the 3d, 1780: Then the above named Capt. John Pickering personally appearing, made solemn Oath to the Truth of the above. Before me, Samuel Penhallow, Just. Peace.
To be sold for Continental Bills (if applied for soon,) A valuable Tract of LAND in Washington, containing upwards of a thousand Acres, Enquire at the Printing-Office in Portsmouth.