New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-05-07 00:00:00

THE New Hampshire Gazette OR, State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, May 7, 1781.
[ No. 1279 ]
PHILADELPHIA, April 18. Extract of a letter from Gen. Green's Head Quarters, Col. Ramsey's, Deep River, March 30.
I wrote you on the 23d instant from Buffalo Creek, since which we have been in pursuit of the enemy, with a determination to bring them to action again. — On the 27th we arrived at Rigidon's Ford, 12 miles above this, & found the enemy then lay at Ramsay's Mill, from which it was imagined they meant to wait an attack, our baggage was accordingly left under proper guard in our rear, and the army put in motion without loss of time; but we found the enemy had crossed some hours before our arrival, and with such precipitation, that they left their dead unburied on the ground. Our men had suffered for want of provisions in this exhausted part of the country, that many of them fainted on their march, and the difficulty of procuring any immediate supply, prevented our further pursuit. The enemy are on the route to Cross Creek and Wilmington.
"From undoubted information we learn, the enemy's loss, in the battle at Guilford, amounted to 633, exclusive of officers, and most of their principal officers were killed or wounded.
"Nothing but blood & slaughter has prevailed among the whigs and tories, and their inveteracy against each other must, if it continues, depopulate this part of the country.
"Since we recrossed the Dan river, we have taken at different times upwards of 120 British prisoners, and several officers.
The enemy left 70 of our wounded who had fallen into their hands in the action of the 15th, behind them; except these, they have taken but few prisoners; not so many as we took of theirs, notwithstanding they kept the ground."
"Lord Cornwallis issued the following proclamation, soon after the battle of Guilford, and in two days after retreated towards Cross-Creek, leaving the deluded people, who had submitted after that action, to the vengeance of their injured country, from whom they may perhaps experience better treatment than their unhappy neighbours, in S-Carolina, met with from his Lordship, who, trusting to a former proclamation of this sort had no sooner delivered up the arms, and given their parole, than they were called upon to bear arms against their fellow citizens, and revolting at the idea, immediately left their habitations, which have since been entirely destroyed, & such of them that afterwards fell into their hands, have been hanged without even form of trial."
By CHARLES EARL CORNWALLIS, Lieut. Gen. of his Majesty's Forces, &c.
PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS, by the blessing of Almighty God, his Majesty's arms have been crowned with signal success, by the complete victory obtained over the Rebel forces on the 15th instant, I have thought proper to issue this proclamation, to call upon all the loyal subjects to stand forth and take an active part in restoring good order and government. And whereas it hath been represented to me that many persons in the province, who have taken a share in this unnatural rebellion, but having experienced the oppression and injustice of the rebel government, & having seen the errors into which they have been deluded by falsehoods and misrepresen-
tations, are sincerely desirous of returning to their duty and allegiance.
I do hereby notify and promise to all such persons (murderers excepted) that if they will surrender themselves, with their arms and ammunition, at Head quarters, or to the officer commanding in the district contiguous to their respective places of residence, on or before the 20th day of April next, they will be permitted to return to their homes upon giving a military parole, and shall be protected in their persons & properties from all sorts of violence by the British troops, and will be restored as soon as possible, to all the privileges of legal and constitutional government. Given under my hand at Head Quarters, this 18th day of March, 1781, and in the 21st year of his Majesty's reign.
CORNWALLIS.
By his Lordship's command, HENRY BRODERICK, A. D. C.
April 21. Accounts were yesterday received from Martinico that 14 sail of French and Spanish ships of the line fell in with a fleet from Cork, consisting of about 130 sail; and that the greatest part of them were taken. A cutter which left the Cork fleet, and arrived at St. Lucia about the 12th of February, brought this news.
S A L E M, May 1.
Since our last arrived here the brig Commerce, Capt. Grafton, in 15 days from the Havannah, by whom we have the following intelligence: That a Spanish fleet, consisting of 17 sail of the line and 4000 troops sailed from the Havannah two days before he left that place, in pursuit of a large fleet of merchantmen from Jamaica.
BOSTON, May 4.
The following tragical affair happened last week at Preston (State of Connecticut) the particulars of which are nearly as follows:
Mr. Elisha Witter, son of William Witter, Esq., of that place had been for some days discovered not to be so regular as usual; but it was judged to proceed from the natural distres of mind occasioned by sudden illness and death of his brother, till on Tuesday night, getting from his bed, he went into the room where one Mr. Spalding, his brother in-law, lay, and was desirous of seeing him (he previously having notice of his brother's intentions, had gone to procure assistance to secure him;) Witter finding he was not there, killed Spalding's wife (his own sister) and her child; he then returned to the room where his wife and child slept, killed the child and attempted to do likewise to his wife, and would not have left her without effecting it did he not suppose he had; — by this time a brother of his, who lodged in the house, hearing the noise, had got up, on which the murderer, not having glutted his malice, attempted to put an end to his life also; but he being too strong for him, got him down; — soon after which Spalding came in and they had him secured. For some hours after he was bound, his actions demonstrated the greatest possible anger — it seems that, had he had his liberty he would have exterminated all the human race; by morning he got much more regular, and is now in the greatest distress of mind conceivable, — killed his sister — her child — his own child — wounded the partner of his joys in such a manner as leaves her life despaired of — and attempted the death of a dear brother !! — Human nature calls for sympathy from all to be administered to the afflicted parents, who in
the space of thirty six hours suffered a change under the load of which frail nature is forced to give way.
Admiral Arbuthnot has arrived at Sandy Hook, from Chesapeake; and, it is said, has since sailed, supposed to return to his station at Gardner's Bay.
Yesterday the prize ship Polly, of twenty 9 pounders bound from South Carolina to Jamaica, laden with rice, flour &c. taken by the Protector and Dean, vessels of force from this port, arrived and was safe moor'd in this harbour.
Extract of a letter, dated West Point, April 16, 1781.
"I must likewise inform you, That by an officer from Albany, we have news, that Sir John Johnson was taken up in Schenectady as a spy, & is safely confined in Albany goal. By express last from below, the British Admiral from Chesapeake has safely anchored with all his ships at New York harbour, — Whether he has brought Benedict and his party under his command, is not as yet ascertained."
A letter from the Southward cautions us to beware of a set of money changers, who are on their way from the South with large quantities of the old emission of Continental currency in bulk, in order to exchange it for hard money. It is to be hoped that every friend to the welfare of the United States will be upon their guard, and that those pests to the general cause with the contempt they justly merit.
A letter from France mentions, "that the very capital print of Dr. FRANKLIN, which was painted by order of his most Christian Majesty, is now placed in the picture gallery at Fountainbleau; and that at the bottom is the following short, but expressive inscription: HOMO."
The particulars of a successful expedition of a body of Virginia and North Carolina militia under the command of Col. Arthur Campbell against the Cherokees, in December and January last, have been lately published by order of Congress, from which it appears, that 11 principal towns, some small ones, and several scattering settlements containing upwards of 1000 houses, 50,000 bushels of corn, and large quantities of other provisions, &c. were destroyed.
KINGSTON, (Jamaica) March 3.
It is said that Sir George Bridges Rodney has received dispatches from Ministry of the 8th of January last, with the declaration against Portugal, as well as Holland, and that the Empress of Russia had sent a strong fleet, conjunctively with a British squadron, to the relief of Gibraltar, closely blocked up by their enemies. A strong squadron with a number of troops, & two months provisions and stores, is said to have sailed from Spithead, on a secret expedition.
BALTIMORE, April 10.
A few days ago 47 sail of transports arrived at Hampton Road from New York having on board a body of British troops under the command of Major General Phillips, destined it is said to reinforce Earl Cornwallis, who by the latest accounts was making forced marches towards Wilmington, on Cape Fear river, and had racked the disaffected settlements on Cross Creek, on that route. We have various accounts of the number of troops with General Phillips; some say they amount to 3500, while others assert they consist of but 1500.
To be sold at Public Vendue on Thursday next 10 o'Clock, A. M. at Sherburne's Wharfe, The SLOOP TRUSH, burthen about 40 Tons, with her Appurtenances, and her Cargo, consisting of Sugar, Molasses, Cotton, Cocoa, Coffee, and two large Anchors. May 7. 1781.

BASSATERRE, February 15. Extract of a letter from St. Eustatius, dated February 14.
The strictest discipline and decorum is kept up by the militia here; a bomb battery and several new fortifications are constructing. Tumble Dick Point, and the hill that commands both the town and the harbour, is to be strongly fortified; it is imagined that Statia will be made a second Gibraltar. The money, goods, shipping, &c. taken here is astonishing; 2,100,000 Pieces of Eight, 76,000 of which was in the Poor Chest, the remainder belonging to the Company, has been taken; six hundred and thirty thousand pounds were found on board the Dutch Admiral's ship, and four days ago a ship arrived from Amsterdam, with thirty two thousand light Joes on board, besides a very valuable cargo of silks, sattins, velvets, &c. Vessels are daily dropping in from different ports of France, Holland and America; the number of shipping in the harbour, at the time of the capture, is nearly doubled since that period. Vast quantities of Sugar, Tobacco, Cotton, &c. are now shipping off on board the empty vessels, in order to proceed with 25 sail of Dutch ships taken by the Monarch for Europe, which are to be convoyed by the Dutch Admiral's ship, which is now repairing for that purpose. They talk of a general confiscation of property, but I hope there will be distinction drawn between the friends and the disaffected.
From the New York Gazette and the Weekly Mercury Extraordinary.
NEW-YORK, April 10.
This morning arrived here the Brig Active, Capt. Crawford, in 33 days from St. Kitts, by whom we have the following advices, extracted from the St. Christopher Gazette.
BASSETTERRE, Feb. 5.
Intelligence Extraordinary.
Saturday morning appeared off this island 12 sail of the line, two of them 3 deckers, several Frigates and cutters; they shewed no colours, and manœuvred in such a manner, as made it believ'd they were the enemy's ships. The 28th regiment, then on duty here, were immediately marched for Brimstone-hill, and the militia took charge of the prisoners, amounting to 600: about 10 o'clock the fleet bore away for St. Eustatius. Yesterday morning Mr. Cathcart, pilot of the Sandwich, arrived here from St. Eustatius; he informs, that Admiral Rodney anchored in the road of St. Eustatius, with 12 sail of the line at 12 o'clock on Saturday, that he & Gen. Vaughan sent to inform the Governor, that war was declared against the Dutch, and desire him to surrender the Island under his command to his Britannick Majesty's forces under their command, and granted him four hours to consider of it; at 4 o'clock P.M. the Dutch colours were hauled down, and the British colours displayed on all the Fortifications in that island; 2000 men were landed, and immediately took possession of it.
The greatest order & regularity were observed on this occasion. One hundred and thirty eight French, Spanish, American and Dutch vessels were captured, many of them richly laden. A Dutch Frigate at anchor got her tomkins out and prepared to salute the Admiral; she did salute and hauled down her colours; she was commanded by Capt. Byland, son of Admiral Byland. One pilot boat escaped. Admiral Rodney received dispatches from government, dated the 8th of January, acquainting him of a Dutch and Portugal war, and that the Empress of Russia had joined Great Britain, and sent her fleet to the relief of Gibraltar. The Danes and Swedes are as yet neutral, but it is imagined they will not long remain so; the former it is said will join Great Britain. A fleet of men of war have been sent to the East Indies to seize the Dutch spice islands.
His Majesty's ship the Terrible, James Ferguson, Esq; commander, with four Dutch ships, prizes, richly laden, passed by this road, on their way for St. Eustatius.
Extract of a Letter from Head Quarters, West Point, dated April 23, 1781.
"By a Letter from Gen. Greene, dated the
31st ult. it seems he was in full Cry after Mr. Cornwallis, who was retrogading with great rapidity, pointing towards Cape Fear, North Carolina.—Gen. Greene came up so close to him at a fording place, the name of which I forget, that he left all his dead unburied, which died of the wounds received at Guilford, and in the pursuit took 120 prisoners, besides officers. Gen. Greene observes, that by the most authentic accounts receiv'd from the inhabitants & deserters, the enemy's loss at Guilford was 633 killed & wounded; and that a number of their officers and men had died of their wounds since the action."
PORTSMOUTH, May 4.
LAST Sunday Evening died the Hon. WILLIAM PARKER, Esq; — who, for a long Time, made a distinguish'd Figure at the Bar and on the Superior Bench—His Disposition was peculiarly sweet, placid and attractive—His Deportment grave, though courtly—His Conversation, though often enlivened with Wit and Humour, always savory and instructive—His Sensibility was exquisite, exceeded by Nothing, but by his Benevolence and Charity—His literary Talents and Acquirements, though inferior to none, were not more conspicuous, than his inflexible Rectitude and undissembled Piety.—This great Luminary in the learned and moral World, (if we may judge from it's benign Influences below) is now removed to some superior Sphere, there to shine with improved Lustre and full orb'd Glory, amidst other Constellations, more congenial to its sublime Original.—
To be lett, the half of a commodious Dwelling House, with a good Garden and many other privileges, if applied for soon, at the North End of the Town.
Enquire of the Widow Rowel, who lives on the Premises.
TO BE SOLD, By James Sheafe, Raisins by the Cask
Wanted immediately, For the Use of the TROOPS raised by this STATE,
A QUANTITY of Yarn Stockings;—and Cotton or Cotton and Linnen for Shirting.—Also, Mens Neats Leather Shoes, made agreeable to an Act of the State.—Any Person inclining to contract for a Number of Pair, may know the Terms by applying at the War-Offices in this Town and Exeter, where Cash is paid for Shirting and Stockings. Portsmouth, April 21, 1781.
Stop Runaway Negro.
RAN away from the Subscriber in Portsmouth, on Saturday Evening the 28th Instant, a NEGRO MAN named CESAR, about 32 Years old, about five Feet high, and of a tawny Colour; a thick set Fellow, speaks good English. Had on when he went away, a grey homespun Coat, striped Wollen Shirt, old grey Breeches, and grey Stockings. Whoever will apprehend said Negro, and convey him to the subscriber, or commit him to any Goal, and give Information thereof to him, shall receive two hundred Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by me. SAMUEL LANGDON.
N. B. All Masters of Vessels and others are forbid entertaining or carrying off said Negro, as they would avoid the Penalty of the Law.
Portsmouth, April 30, 1781.
SEVERAL LOTS of LAND to be sold in Wolfeborough. Enquire of the Printer
Taken up between Newbury and Portsmouth, a Leather Pocket-Book, with a Sum of MONEY in it, and a Number of valuable Papers—The Owner proving his Property, and paying Charges, may have it again, by applying to
Moses Safford of Old York.
THOSE Persons who Retail Spirituous Liquors, whose Licence is out, may have an Opportunity of Renewing them to-morrow, being Tuesday the 8th of May, when the General Sessions of the Peace, for the County of Rockingham, are to meet here.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or that have Demands on the Estate of Ensign Samuel Jones, late of Madbury, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to Elisabeth Jones, Widow of the deceased, Administratrix on said Estate, in order for a speedy settlement.
Madbury, May 4, 1781.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or have any Demands on the Estate of Alice Hight, Widow, late of Portsmouth, deceased, are hereby desired immediately to settle the same with Nathaniel Shannon, Administrator on said Estate. Portsmouth, May 4, 1781.
TO BE LETT, a convenient Dwelling House, situated at the North End of this Town: Enquire of Mary Shotridge on Spring Hill.
TO BE SOLD, a Right of LAND throughout the Township of SANEL, upon reasonable Terms. Enquire of the Printer at Portsmouth.
LIME, on the New-Hampshire Grants, East-side of Connecticut River.
Whereas a Tax is assessed on the following Rights of land in the Township of Lime, pursuant to one vote passed at their meeting held in Lime, April 6, 1780, to raise seven shillings on each original Right, with other incidental charges, in the propriety of Lime aforesaid, to pay the committee for laying out one hundred acres lot to each Right in each propriety, in the fourth division; said money to be paid in Wheat at five shillings per bushel. The proprietors Names are as follows, viz.
John Nelson, Merchant. John Tomas, Seth Shaw, Barnard McNitt, Thomas Mc Clenithen, Stephen Hatch, Thomas Westbrook Waldron, James Brown, Robert Hunter, Timothy Mackelwain, Stores Pain, William Lamont, Noah Tomson, William McNitt, Thomas Johnson, William Spear, M. H. Wentworth, John Nelson, John Clark, Thomas Wentworth, John Ley, Benning Wentworth, Thomas Warren, Nathaniel Dows, John Bertholomew, Robert Breton, Frances Lament, John Hurd, Esq; Robert Brown, Benjamin Tomson, James McNitt, David Shaw, jr. Thomas Johnson, junr. James Lament, John Allen Mackelwain, John Catts, George Fernald, John Lebbey, John Wentworth, John Langdon, Thomas Pevery, Captain Thomas Martin, Edward Eyres, John Green, William Shaw, William McClenithan.
This is therefore to Notify said proprietors, that unless they pay said Taxes to me the subscriber, at my Dwelling House in Lime, by the first day of July next, their lands will be advertised for sale, to pay said taxes, with incidental charges. John Tomson, Collector.
Said Tax is seven Pound eight pence on each Right: Lime, March 23, 1781.
LIME, on the New-Hampshire Grants, East-side of Connecticut River.
Whereas a Tax is assessed on the following Rights of land in the Township of Lime aforesaid, pursuant to one vote passed at their meeting held in Lime the 26th of October 1779, to raise Four hundred and fifty pounds in Continental money, to defray the charges of clearing and making Roads in the Town of Lime; the said money to be paid as good as it was when the vote was passed. The proprietors Names are as follows, viz.
John Nelson, merchant. John Tomas, Seth Shaw, Barnard McNitt, Thomas Mc Clenithen, Stephen Hatch, Thomas Westbrook Waldron, James Brown, Robert Hunter, Timothy Mackelwain, Store Pain, William Lamont, Noah Tomson, William McNitt, Thomas Johnson, William Spear, Mark Hunking Wentworth, John Nelson, John Clark, Thomas Wentworth, John Ley, Benning Wentworth, Thomas Warren, Nathaniel Dows, John Bertholomew, Robert Breton, Frances Lament, John Hurd, Esq; Robert Brown, Benjamin Tomson, James McNitt, David Shaw, jr. Thomas Johnson, junr. James Lament, John Allen Mackelwain, John Catts, George Fernald, John Lebbey, John Wentworth, John Langdon, Thomas Pevery, Captain Thomas Martin, Edward Eyres, John Green, William Shaw, William McClenithan.
This is therefore to Notify said proprietors, that unless they pay said Taxes to me the subscriber, at my Dwelling House in Lime, by the first day of July next, their lands will be advertised for sale, to pay said taxes, with incidental charges. John Tomson, Collector.
Lime, March 23, 1780.