The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-01-14 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, January 14. 1777.
[ No. 34 ]
A LIST OF THE PRESENT Hon'ble HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES of the State of New-Hampshire.
H ON. JOHN LANGDON, Esq; Speaker, George Gains, Esq; and Capt. Thomas Martin, for the Town of Portsmouth. Samuel Gilman, junr. Esq; and Mr. Thomas Odiorne, for Exeter. Mr. Joshua Hains, for Greenland. Thomas Bell, and Moses Barnet, Esqrs; for Londonderry. John Webster, and Robert Wilson, Esqrs; for Chester. Mr. Stephen Bartlett for South Hampton and Newtown. Richard Downing, Esq; for Newington. Mr. Nathan Goss, for Rye. Josiah Moulton, Esq; & Dr. Levi Dearborn, for Hampton and North-Hampton. Mr. Ebenezer Potter, for Kensington. Capt. Henry Robie for Hampton Falls and Seabrook. Benjamin Barker, Esq; for Stratham. Capt. Samuel Gilman, for Newmarket. Samuel Dudley, Esq; for Brintwood. John Dudley, Esq; for Poplin and Raymond. Mr. Josiah Norris, for Epping. Thomas Bartlett, Esq; for Nottingham. Jer. Eastman, Esq; for Deerfield & Northwood. Rev. Jacob Emery, for Pembrook. Mr. Tho. Clough, for Canterbury & Loudon. Mr. James Gibson, for Pelham. James Betton, Esq; for Windham. Mr. Jonathan Wheeler, for Salem. Nath'l. Peabody, Esq; for Plaistow & Atkinson. Samuel Philbrick, Esq; for Kingston and East Kingston. Jethro Sanborn, Esq; for Sandown & Hawke. Samuel Moore, Esq; for Candia. Samuel Little, Esq; for Hampstead. John Bryant, Esq; for Bow and Dunbarton. Col. Stephen Evens, and John Wentworth, junr. Esqrs; for Dover. John Smith, Esq; for Durham. Mr. P. Wentworth, for Somersworth. James Knowles, Esq; for Rochester. Capt. Joshua Foss, for Barrington. John Demerritt, Esq; for Madbury. Joseph Sias, Esq; for Lee. Col. Joseph Badger, for Gilmantown and Barnstead. Col. Ebenezer Smith, for Sanburntown and Merideth. Mr. Simeon Dearborn, for Wakefield and Middleton. Moses Nichols, Esq; and Peter Woodberry, for Amherst. Jonathan Lovewell Esq; for Dunstable. Mr. Stephen Eames, for Hollis. Capt. Mat. Pettingale, for Boscawen and Salisbury. Mr. Francis Eppes, for Wilson, Lyndsb- orough, Mil ft ip, Dunbury & Scho'lf Farm. Mr. Amos Dakin, for Mason and Raby. Capt. Francis Blood, for Temple and Pe- terborough. Capt. Jos. Simonds, for Hillsborough, Hen- iker, Dearing and Society Land. Asa Davis, Esq; for Litchfield and Notting- ham-West.
John Goffee, Esq; for Deeryfield & Goffes- town. Capt. Francis Davis, for New Breton, War- ner, Perrystown, and Fisherfield. Mr. Jos. Greenwood, for Dublin and Mon- nadnock No. 5. Mr. Jos. Rouncival, for Packersfield, Stod- dard, Camden and Gilson. Timothy Ellis, Esq; for Keene. Mr. Oliver Capron, for Richmond. Capt. Michael Cressy, for Henndale & Ches- terfield. Mr. Obad. Wilcox, for Marlow, Surry and Alstead. Capt. Christo. Webber, for Walpole. Mr. Reu. Alexander, for Winchester. Mr. Elibu. Stevens, for Claremont. Benjamin Giles, Esq; for Unity, Acworth, Limester, Saville, Croyden and Newport. Dan. Brainard, Esq; for Romney, Holder- ness, Campton and Thornton. Mr. Joseph Whipple, for Apshopp, North- umberland, Lancaster, Strafford, Carway, Cockburn, Colbrooke, Shelburn, and the Towns above. N. B. Fifty Towns are not Represented this Year.
NOAH EMERY, Esq; Clerk.
To the PRINTER.
As Admiral Gayton has taken upon him pub- licly to declare in Opposition to the Author of Common Sense, and from his own Knowledge [See Essex Journal of Dec. 26.] that when he was here forty Years since, "there never had been a Man of War of any kind built in New England" It is but just that the Public should be informed, that in the Year 1690 a Fourth Rate Ship of War was launched at New Castle in Piscataqua Ri- ver: And in the Year 1696, another, whose Force is not remembered. The former was the Falk- land, and the latter the Bedford Galley.
It is not probable that Admiral Gayton had any Knowledge of these Ships having been built here, so that he cannot be charged with Falshood, but it is hoped if he should publish any Thing fur- ther relating to this Country, he will express himself not quite so positively, especially if he un- dertakes to prove a Negative.
The Evidence of the above Facts depends on an original Manuscript Letter from Mr. Emerson, formerly Minister of New Castle, to the late Mr. Prince, and is to be found among the Collection of Manuscripts relating to the History of New England, made by 50 Years Industry of that worthy Gentleman, unless it has been pilfered or destroyed by the Saracen-like Barbarity of the late Occupiers of the Old South Meeting House in Boston, in an Apartment of which those valuable Manuscripts were deposited.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, ss.
A LL persons indebted to the estate of Shadrach Hodgdon, jr. late of Dover, in the county of Strafford, Mariner, deceas'd, intestate, are requested to make immediate payment to Anna Hodgdon & Aaron Win- gate, the administrators of said estate, as they are determined to make a speedy settlement thereof. Dover, Dec. 30. 1776. 4-6
T HE creditors to the estate of Samuel Hancock, late of Wells, deceased, in- testate, represented insolvent, are hereby no- tified, that the commissioners appointed to receive, examine, and allow their respective claims, will attend that business at the dwel- ling house of John Cole, innholder in Wells, on the first Friday of February next, and on the first Friday of the three next succeeding months, from five to seven o'clock in the evening. David Sewall, } com- Jan. 11, 1777. Nathaniel Wells } miss.
A LL persons who have any demands on the estate of Daniel Ham, late of Bar- rington, deceas'd, are desir'd to bring in their accounts; and all who are indebted to said estate, are also desir'd to make payment to Elizabeth Ham, executrix to said estate. Barrington, Jan. 4, 1777. 4-6
A LL persons indebted to William Rogers of the town of Berwick, in the county of York, within the state of the Massachu- setts Bay, either by Note or Book Debt, are requested immediately to call on him & settle the same, otherwise he will be under the dis- agreeable necessity of commencing suits a- gainst them.— Constant attendance will be given at his dwelling house for that purpose. Berwick, Dec. 29. 1776. 4-6
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
B ROKE out of the Goal in Exeter, in the night after the first inst. James Ryan, an irishman, about 25 years of age, 5 feet six inches high, pock broken, and wears his own hair; had on a blue coat lapell'd with red, red jacket, buff breeches, and grey surtout. Whoever will apprehend said Ryan, & con- vey him to either of the Goals in this county, shall have Five Dollars paid him by JOHN PARKER, Sheriff.
Portsmouth, Jan. 6, 1777. 4-6
TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
B ROKE out of the Goal in Portsmouth, Daniel M'Guin an irishman, about five feet ten inches high, wears his own hair:— had on a light colour'd surtuit, a white hat, and a pair of boots. Also, Israel Tuttle an American, about five feet eight inches high, a fair complexion, and wears his own hair.— Had on a grey surtuit, and old shoes. Who- ever will apprehend said prisoners, & convey them to said Goal, or secure them in any other Goal in this state, shall have the above Reward, or Five Dollars for either of them. JOHN PARKER, Sheriff.
Portsmouth, Dec. 24. 1777. 4-6
For an Account of the grand Victory over the Hessians, see the last Page.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, ROCKINGHAM, ff.
PORTSMOUTH, DECEMBER 18, 1776.
At a Public Town Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of said Portsmouth, per Adjournment, the following INSTRUCTIONS were given to the GENTLEMEN , elected by them to serve in GENERAL ASSEMBLY , viz.
The Hon. JOHN LANGDON , Esq; GEORGE GAINS , Esq; and Capt. THOMAS MARTIN .
GENTLEMEN,
T HE free Suffrages of your Fellow Citizens have elected you to the Betrustment of their dearest Rights and Priviledges; they have chosen you to represent them at the General Assembly of this State, from a Consciousness of your Abilities, Integrity and Attachment to the public Weal:—And although they can safely depend upon your Firmness, yet they presume it must be more agreeable to you, to know their Sentiments on some public Matters, which they cannot but think to be very interesting to the Community:—We therefore take Leave to give you the following INSTRUCTIONS. —
1. We desire you would use your utmost Influence to procure an Act of Assembly, That no Person should hold more than one Place of Profit civil or military, under this Government at the same Time; and that no Member of the Assembly should hold any Place of Profit, while he claims his Seat in the House, as it is of the greatest Importance to the public Interest, that no Placemen or Pensioners, should hold a Seat in the House:—We have seen a too self interesting Principle prevail in former Assemblies, and the Observation has been general:—We think the public Favours ought not to be confined to a few, but extended to many, by which our Union will be more strongly cemented:—Merit ought to be more considered; and when Gentlemen of Abilities are chosen into the public Service, they ought to be provided for agreeable to the Importance of their Offices.
2. We desire you would take the greatest Care, that our Soldier are not neglected, as they have been, by suffering the Sutlers shamefully to enrich themselves by their Extortion, with the Spoils of those worthy Men who have jeoparded their Lives in the Defence of their Country and its sacred Rights:—Every Encouragement should be given to quiet their Fears and Apprehensions of the like base Treatment in future.
3. We are concerned to see Monopolies, Extortion and Oppression so predominant in Town and Country, by which the Poor, the Widow, the Orphan, the Fatherless, and many other Classes of People are suffering under every Discouragement; and is more Instrumental of proselyting many to the Side of our Enemies, than even the most open Bribery and Corruption; for while we are complaining of Oppression from the British Government, and flying from the Effects of such Oppression, we are made doubly miserable under the Disguise of Friendship. The Honorable Continental CONGRESS , have recommended the Consideration of these apparent Evils to all the States, and we earnestly solicit you to prevent this dreadful Calamity which threatens Disunion, Discord, and perhaps more dangerous Consequences than the Arms of our Enemies.
4. We desire your Attention to the State of the public Funds, and that you do not consent to the making of more Money by this State, but that you would consult with other States upon an effectual Method to sink the Monies already issued, whereby the Currency may be preserv'd from depreciating, and the public Faith more secured. There are not wanting many within ourselves, who would wish to see the Depreciation increased, as they well know this Circumstance alone, would have a Tendency to weaken our Opposition more than any other.
5. We desire you would pay a great Attention to any Causes of Complaint subsisting in many Towns on the western Part of this State, & to quiet any Uneasiness which they feel, from real or supposed Injuries by partial Representation: These Complaints, if they are not seasonably redress'd, may ripen into an open Disaffection to our Cause, as the Right of Taxation wholly depends upon that of Representation , & is the Basis of our present Controversy with Britain; and if we withhold this Right from our own Brethren by an unequal Classical Representation, we shall split upon the very Rocks we are striving to avoid—We pray you would preserve this Inherent Right to the People Inviolable and sacred, as it is their dearest Priviledge—The better to make Representation equal and general (as the Congress recommended) Let it be determined what number of Voters shall be intitled to a Representative, not exceeding Fifty, & that every Town should have as many Members as that Number will admit of, and send as many (if they think proper) provided every Town pays its own Members, for we do not think it equitable, that the whole Representation should be paid out of the public Treasury, for perhaps many Towns may not incline to send any Members; and it would be unreasonable that they should be Tax'd for one, when they don't send him.
6. We enjoin it on you that all Persons, who have had the Public Monies should account for the same, that the general Accounts may be forwarded to the Continental Congress , & especially that
all such Monies as now are or which hereafter may be lodg'd in the Maritime Court, may be accounted for Quarterly by the Judge of said Court, and paid into the public Treasury, and to be borrowed by the Assembly until the Proprietors shall claim the same, or be otherwise dispos'd of by the Assembly for the public Good.
7. We desire you would procure a Support for the Poor of the Isle of Shoals, out of the Public Treasury, to ease the Burthens of this Town, which has been at great Expence on their Account, &c at a Time when we are unable to maintain our own.
8. We would advise you to procure a Tax to sink the Money already emitted, and that Money be hired for the Contingencies of Government, rather than consent to another Emission.
9. We desire you would encourage any Persons who would undertake the Manufactories of Salt, Hemp, Malt and Bloomeries, for the Casting of Cannon and Pot-Iron of every kind, also to the raising of Wheat, Flax and any other Beneficial Commodity of domestic Consumption.
10. We would wish to see some Laws made for preserving the Morals of the People, and for every purpose for the Safety, Honour and Welfare of the Community.
THE ENTIRE PROSPERITY OF EVERY STATE DEPENDS UPON THE DISCIPLINE OF ITS ARMIES. The KING of PRUSSIA.
The REPRESENTATIVES of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA in CONGRESS assembled.
To the PEOPLE in general, and particularly to the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania, and the adjacent STATES.
FRIENDS and BRETHREN,
W E think it our Duty to address a few Words of Exhortation to you in this important Crisis. You are not unacquainted with the History of the Rise and Progress of this War. A Plan was carried on by the British Ministry for several Years in a systematic Manner to enslave you to that Kingdom. After various Attempts in an artful and insidious Manner to bring into Practice the laying you under Tribute, they at last openly and decisively asserted their Right of making Laws to bind you in all Cases whatsoever.
Opposition was made to these Encroachments by earnest and humble Petitions from every Legislature on the Continent, and more than once by the Congress, representing the whole. These were treated with the utmost Contempt. Acts of the most unjust and oppressive Nature were passed & carried into Execution; such as exempting the Soldiers charged with Murder in America from a legal Trial, and ordering them to be carried to Britain for certain Absolution, as also directing Prisoners taken at Sea, to be entered on board their Ships, and obliged either to kill their own Friends or fall themselves by their Hands. We only mention these from among the many oppressive Acts of Parliament, as Proofs to what horrid Injustice the Love of Dominion will sometimes carry Societies as well as Men. At the same Time to shew how insensible they will be to the Sufferings of others, you may see by the Preambles to the Acts and Addresses to the King, that they constantly extol their own Lenity in those very Proceedings which filled this whole Continent with Resentment and Horror.
To crown the whole, they have waged War with us in the most cruel and unrelenting Manner, employing not only the Force of the British Nation, but hiring foreign Mercenaries, who, without Feeling, indulge themselves in Rapine and Bloodshed. The Spirit indeed of the Army in general is but too well determined, by their inhuman Treatment of those who have unhappily fallen into their Hands.
It is well known to you, that at the universal Desire of the People, and with the hearty Approbation of every Province, the Congress declared the United States free and independent; a Measure not only just, but which had become absolutely necessary. It would have been impossible to have resisted the formidable Force destined against us last Spring, while we confessed ourselves the Subjects of that State against which we had taken Arms. Besides, after repeated Trials, no Terms could be obtained but Pardon, upon absolute Submission, which every public Body in America had rejected with disdain.
Resistance has now been made with a Spirit and Resolution, becoming a free People, and with a Degree of Success hitherto which could scarce have been expected. The Enemy have been expelled from the northern Provinces where they at first had Possession, and have been repulsed in their Attempt, upon the southern by the undaunted Valour of the Inhabitants. Our Success at Sea, in the Capture of the Enemies Ships, has been astonishing. They have been compelled to retreat before the northern Army. Notwithstanding the Difficulty and Uncertainty at first of our being supplied with Ammunition & military Stores, those we have now in Abundance, and by some late Arrivals & Captures there is an immediate Prospect of sufficient Clothing for the Army.
What we have particularly in View, in this Address, is not only to promote Unanimity and Vigour through the whole States, but to excite the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, & the adjacent States to an immediate and spirited Exertion in Opposition to the Army that now threatens to take Possession of this City. You know that during the whole Campaign they have been checked in their Progress, & have not till within these two Weeks, ventured above ten Miles from their

Shipping. Their present Advices are owing not to any capital Defeat, or a Want of Valour in the Army that opposed them, but to a sudden Diminuation of its Numbers from the Expiration of those short Enlistments which, to ease the People, were at first adopted. Many have already joined the Army to supply the Deficiency, and we call in the most earnest Manner on all the Friends of LIBERTY to exert themselves without delay in this pressing Emergency. In every other Part your Arms have been successful, and in other Respects our sacred Cause is in the most promising Situation. We think it proper to inform and assure you that essential Services have been already rendered us by foreign States, and we have received the most positive Assurances of further Aid. Let us not then be wanting to ourselves. Even a short Resistance will probably be effectual, as General LEE is advancing with a strong Reinforcement, and his Troops in high Spirits.
What Pity is it then that the rich and Populous City of Philadelphia should fall into the Enemy's Hands, or that we should not lay hold of the Opportunity of destroying their Principal Army now removed from the Ships of War, in which their greatest Strength lies.
It is certainly needless to multiply Arguments in such a Situation. All that is valuable to us as Men and Freemen is at Stake. It does not admit of a Question, what would be the Effect of our finally falling. Even the boasted Commissioners for giving Peace to America have not offered, and do not now offer any Terms but Pardon on absolute Submission. And though (blessed be God) even the Loss of Philadelphia would not be the Loss of the Cause—Yet while it can be saved, let us not, in the Close of the Campaign, afford them such Ground of Triumph; but give a Check to their Progress, & convince our Friends, in the distant Parts, that ONE SPIRIT ANIMATES THE WHOLE.
Confiding in your Fidelity and Zeal in a Contest the most illustrious and important, and firmly trusting in the good Providence of God, we wish you Happiness and Success.
Given at Philadelphia, December 10, 1776.
By order of Congress
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
LONDON, Sept. 6.
Orders are delivered out at the office for some more recruiting parties to be sent into the different parts of the country, in order to raise 2000 men to fill up the vacancy in the regiments under the command of General Howe; and a another draft is also to be made out of the three regiments of foot guards.
The King asked Lord Weymouth, when he read general Carleton's letter, containing an account of the rebels precipitate retreat from Montreal, whether any thing more was to be apprehended in Canada? Certainly not Sir, replied Lord Weymouth, if they could make no better push to preserve a footing in that province than this shews them to have done, it is plain they have no force to spare. Upon which his Majesty observed, Sandwich is right; they will not stand.
We hear that a lately erected City Officer's affairs have turned out so agreeably to his creditors, that they have agreed to allow him 600 l. per annum, to enable him to gather in his debts, and make a final settlement of his affairs. Seventy thousand pounds are said to be due to the house from New York.
All public affairs are now so little attended to, notwithstanding what the world may think, or their anxiety may lead them to believe, that the King is perfectly at ease in Windsor castle. The real Minister, Mr. Jenkinson, is playing the jolly garçon with his two Ministers, Mr. Stanley and Mr. Wedderburne, at Spa in Germany. The ostensible Minister, Lord North, is gone a frolicking into the West for a month. The first Lord of the Admiralty is fishing for barble, at Skipperon. The Secretaries of State are gone a partridge shooting, to take the first of the season. There is nobody left but Mr. Jenkinson's brother in law, Mr. Cornwall, to look after the clerks.
No convoy is appointed for the outward bound ships to the West Indies, all of them having taken on board an additional number of hands and guns, in order to defend themselves should they meet with any of the provincial privateers.
Some advices are just come from the English minister at Lisbon, which cast a damp on his Majesty's countenance, observable through all his smiles.
Dublin, Sept. 10. On Saturday it was finally settled for Lord Rochford to go to Ireland, and it is said he will set out some time in this month. Lord R— is to keep his pension, and also to visit England once during his 3 years station; such are the terms agreed on.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
THE COMMITTEE ON CLAIMS, give public notice, that they will attend that business at the house of Mr. Joseph Gilman in Exeter, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, during the sitting of the General Assembly and the sitting of the Committee of Safety.
N. B. No accounts will be receiv'd that are not well vouched. Exeter, Jan. 1. 1777.
In the House of Representatives, December 24, 1776.
Voted, THAT all Persons who have received the public Monies out of the Treasury of this State, be called upon to lay their Accounts and Expenditures of the same before the Committee, on Claims, at Exeter, as soon as may be, and the Secretary cause this Vote to be advertized in the several public News Papers in this State as soon as may be, that all such Persons may be without Excuse.
Sent up for Concurrence,
JOHN LANGDON, Speaker.
In Council, Eodem Die, read & concurred,
E. THOMPSON, Secretary.
A Copy examin'd by E. Thompson, Sect.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
WHEREAS THE COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY have, in their present Session, passed an ACT, enabling the Receiver General to borrow a Sum, not exceeding Twenty Thousand Pounds, on Loan, for the term of one year, at six per cent, for the use and service of said state,—Notice is hereby given, that I shall issue Notes to all such persons as are disposed to render service to this state, by lending money to supply the present exigency of its affairs, payable in one year, at six per cent per annum, but not for any sum less than Fifteen Pounds.
NICHOLAS GILMAN, Receiver General.
Exeter, Jan. 3. 1777. 3—5
State of New Hampshire, Rockingham, ss.
THIS public notice is given, agreeable to the laws of this state, that a maritime court will be held at the court house in Portsmouth on Wednesday the 29th day of this month, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, to try the justice of the capture of the arm'd Schooner named the George, of about sixty tons burthen, her cargo, guns and appurtenances, lately commanded by Richard Willis—Also, the justice of the capture of the brigantine called the Favourite, her cargo and appurtenances, lately commanded by Christopher Yeoman,—which vessels are said to be the property of some subject or subjects of the King of Great Britain, and taken and brought into this state; that all persons concerned, may then appear and shew cause, (if any they have) why the said vessels, with their cargoes and appurtenances, should not be condemned, according to the request of the libels exhibited, and filed before me,
JOSHUA BRACKETT, Judge of said Court.
Portsmouth, Jan. 3. 1777. 3—5
ANY persons having demands on the armed Schooner McClary, or any of her prizes, or on the prize ship Susanah,—are requested to lodge their accounts with the Agents for payment—Those who neglect it, must not suppose themselves ill treated if excluded. Portsmouth, Dec. 29, 1776.
NOTICE is hereby given to the legal Representatives of sundry soldiers belonging to the late company of the subscriber, in the continental service, viz—Soldiers dead—in captivity—on board the fleet—and some on furlough; by applying to me, at the house of Mr. Stephen Wentworth, innholder in Rochester, on the first Tuesday in the three following months, from twelve to three o'clock, may receive said soldiers wages. DAVID PLACE, Capt. Rochester Dec. 24, 1776.
WE the subscribers, being appointed Commissioners by the Honorable Ichabod Rollins, Esq; Judge of the probate of wills, &c. to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Ebenezer Hobbs, late of Somersworth, mariner, deceas'd, represented insolvent; hereby give notice, that we will attend upon that business at the house of the widow Elizabeth Hobbs, at Somersworth, on the second Monday in Jan. 1777, and the second Monday of the five following months from two o'clock 'till eight in the afternoon of said day. John Rollins, Ebenezer Ricker, Somersworth, Dec. 28. 1776.
ALL persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Gregory Purcell Esq; late of Portsmouth, deceas'd, are desired to bring in their accounts to Sarah Purcell, sole executrix to said estate, in order for a speedy settlement. 3—5
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Captain Samuel Hayes, late of Barrington, in the county of Strafford, deceas'd, are hereby desired to bring in their accounts to Sarah Hayes of Barrington aforesaid, administratrix to said estate, in order for settlement. Barrington, December 24, 1776.
POWDER TO BE SOLD
By SAMUEL HILL at the North End, Portsmouth, Also, West India GOODS, And many other Articles.
STOLE, the 24th DECEMBER inst. out of the House of the Subscriber a Copper Tea KITTLE, an Iron SPIDER, and Dutch OVEN,—Whoever will discover the THIEF, so that he may be brought to JUSTICE, shall have TWO DOLLARS Reward by me, GEORGE DOIG.
Portsmouth, Dec. 30, 1776. 2—4
Genteel Lodgings,
In a commodious part of the town, for Ladies or Gentlemen, who chuse to board in a private family—Enquire of the printer.

The several Accounts of the remarkable Defeat of the Hessian Army, by General Washington.
BOSTON, January 4. 1776.
At half past one o'Clock this Day arrived an Express from Gov. TRUMBULL, of Connecticut, to the Council of this State, with the following most agreeable and important Intelligence, viz.
Head-Quarters, Peek's Kill, December 30, 1776.
B Y Colonel CHESTER, this Moment arrived from his Excellency General WASHINGTON, who was at Newtown, I have the Pleasure to acquaint you, that early in the Morning of Thursday last his Excellency in Person, at the Head of about three thousand of our brave Troops crossed the Delaware, attacked the Enemy at Trenton, consisting of about 1600 Men,—and after a brisk Action of thirty five Minutes, entirely routed them, taking one Colonel, two Lieutenant Colonels, three Majors, four Captains, eight Lieutenants, twelve Ensigns, one judge Advocate, two Surgeon's Mates, ninety two Serjeants, twenty Drummers, nine Musicians, twenty five Officers Servants, seven hundred and forty Rank and File, Total nine hundred and nineteen. Exclusive of killed and wounded. Together with six Brass Pieces, two of which were Twelve Pounders, twelve hundred Small Arms, four Standards, twelve Drums (Brass Barrels) a number of Trumpets, Clarionets, &c. six Waggons with Swords, Caps, &c. A number of Horses (say thirty or forty.)—A quantity of Rum (all stoved.)—Our Loss only four killed, and eight wounded.—All the Prisoners, except one, were Hessians. Our Troops behaved with the greatest Bravery. This signal Victory, at this Time will be productive of the best Consequence. Ardour glows in every Face : and I hope we shall soon retrieve all our Losses.
H A R T F O R D, January 6.
Extract of a letter from an officer in the American Army, dated, Newtown, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1776.
“By Col. —, I have the pleasure of giving you an account of the advantageous victory obtained over the Hessians yesterday.—To give you a just idea of the affair, it will be necessary to give you some intelligence of the original plan of the attack. Something was necessary to check the progress of the enemy : it was therefore resolved by his Excellency, to attack the Hessian army at Trenton ; for which purpose every thing was in readiness, and on Christmas night we marched down to the river with upwards of 2000 men and twelve pieces of artillery, at Mr. Conkey's ferry, Delaware river, and at half after 2 o'clock, began our march to Trenton. A colder or severer season I never felt. Rain and hail, with high winds—but no difficulties were too much for our worthy commander to surmount at this important crisis. At 8 o'clock we began the attack in several divisions ; his Excellency commanded in person, and in about three quarters of an hour they surrendered. The killed on our part was four, and eight wounded. We intended the attack should have been before daylight, but the fatigues of marching and trouble of crossing the Delaware, detained us, which perhaps was fortunate, for we were told the enemy had been out a reveille beating, their waggons loaded, and ready for a retreat ; but the extremity of the weather made them conclude we were not coming (as they had information) so all turned in, and thought themselves quite secure.—We began the attack with artillery and musketry, and too much praise cannot be given to our brave troops ; his Excellency was pleased at their undaunted courage ; not a soul was found cowardly skulking, but was fierce for the battle. Col. — was to have crossed opposite Bristol, and formed in junction with us ; had this been the case, we should have made prisoners of about 2000.
The following account of the defeat of a large detachment of the ministerial army, at Trenton, by the brave General Washington, is taken from a hand bill, printed by Mr. Loudon at Fish-Kill, New York Government, viz.
Extract of a letter to the President of the Convention of the state of New-York, dated Peek's Kill, Dec. 30, 1776.
“We have the happiness to congratulate you and the convention, on the success of the American arms, in an attack which General Washington made on the enemy at Trenton, on Thursday morning. The troops signalized themselves remarkably on the occasion.—The General after a tedious march in the storm, made the attack at 8 o'clock, in a most vigorous manner, which lasted about 35 minutes ; when the enemy were totally routed : About 50 were left dead in the street, 919 taken prisoners, with trophies ; an account of which is enclosed.
N. B. The above Accounts in general agree, except in one mention is made of 40 Hessians being killed and 80 wounded, and two Kettle-Drums, Hautboys, &c. &c. and we stoved 40 Hogsheads of Rum we could not carry off.
It is said that General Washington, had but 2000 men in the late action with the ministerialists at Trenton, who were most of them taken Prisoners, as mentioned above : That General Gates, commanded the left wing, General Green the right, and General Washington the centre.
It is also said, That the Continental Congress have order'd 12 Battalions more to be raised in the United States, to complete the number of 92 Battalions, together with a Regiment of Light Horse :—And that his Excellency General Washington is appointed Dictator,
or sole Director of all the military operations in America, for a limited time.
We learn, that no less than 15 British Ships of War, were lately cruising along the Coast of America, who have taken several of our Merchantmen.
We are sorry to inform our Readers, that by the latest Accounts from the City of New-York, we learn, that great Numbers of our unhappy Countrymen, that were taken Prisoners by General Howe's Army, at Long Island, Fort Washington, &c. have died there merely for want of the common Support of Life, and that several brave Americans, only to save themselves from perishing, have insisted into the Ministerial Army.
Last Monday Noon, upwards of 100 Sailors, which had been taken on board a Number of Vessels, bound to the Ministerial Army, and brought into this State, were sent from hence to Providence, by Land, under a proper Guard. They are to be sent to Newport, to be exchanged for the same Number of our Countrymen, who have unhappily fallen into their Hands.
Extract of a Letter from Col. Francis Shaw, to John Avery, jun. Esq; Deputy Secretary of this State.
Peeks-Kill, December 30, 1776.
Dear Sir,
“When I left Boston you made me promise to write you. I have never had an opportunity before this.
“I have now the pleasure of informing you of a grand Victory gained by Gen. WASHINGTON at Trenton, on the 26th Instant. His Excellency with about 3000 Men, crossed the Delaware on Christmas Evening, and through a very heavy Storm of Rain, Snow and Hail, marched and began his Attack about 8 o'clock in the Morning of the 26th, and after a Battle of 35 Minutes, routed the whole, & took 919 Prisoners, exclusive of killed & wounded. I was at Head-Quarters, saw the Prisoners, and have the Account directly from the General. If you have not this Account before you receive this, I must beg you will draw it off in a proper Manner, as I am but this Instant arrived, and the Express just setting off.”
Extract of a Letter from Verplank's-Point, dated December 21.
“General Lee was taken at a Town called Baskingridge, in New-Jersey, on the 13th Inst. about Half after 10 o'Clock in the Morning. The Centry placed at the Door, saw the Light-Horse coming on the run ; he at first supposed them to be ours, but soon perceived his Mistake by their Swords, which are more crooked than ours. His Piece not being loaded, he charged ; they rode up to him and said, don't shoot ; if you fire, we will blow your Brains out. Gen. Lee cries out, for God's Sake, what shall I do. The Lady of the House took him up Stairs, in Order to hide him between the Chimney & the Breast-Work, over the Fire Place, but could not, the Place being so small. The Enemy at this Time firing in at the Windows ; the Captain gave Orders to set Fire to the House. The General seeing no way for escaping, sent down he would resign himself. They fired three Times at the Messenger, but missed him. The General came down without his Hat or out-side Coat, and said, I hope you will use me like a Gentleman ; let me get my Hat & Coat. The Capt. said, General Lee I know you well, I know you are a Gentleman, you shall be used as such ; I know you too well to suffer you to go for your Hat and Coat, and ordered him to mount : Upon which they went off, carrying with them the General and a Frenchman ; left the Baggage, wounded one of the Aid de Camps, and one or two of the Guard : There were but 13 Men with the General. He was about four Miles from his Division, and a Mile out of the Road.”
Mr. PRINTER, Please to insert the following Piece in your useful Paper, and you will oblige a good Customer, and a sincere Friend to his Country.
TO THE PUBLIC.
IS it not amazing, astonishing to every thinking mind at this Period, when nothing but Rapine and Murder can Satiate the Lust of those Internal Devils sent among us by the Infamous Tyrant of Britain ; that there can still be found a single Person who yet retains that odious name of a TORY , when they see (notwithstanding their much boasted LOYALTY ) their Wives & Daughters are not Exempt from the Ravaging Cruelties of those Wretches, any more than those of the REBELS (so called;) by which Treatment alone, (though void of all Principle) one might reasonably expect it would Exasperate and Excite them to such a degree of Resentment and Revenge, that all their pretended LOYALTY would instantly vanish, and with Heart and Hand join their much Injured Countrymen in sheathing their Swords in the Breasts of such Brutal Animals ; which would afford much more Consolation to a noble Mind, than to sit down tamely submitting to the Murderous Decrees issued by a vile Despotic Tyrant to be executed by the very dregs of H-LL . Oh ! it makes my very Blood boil with Indignation at the thoughts of such horrid Deeds, and much more when I reflect that there are many such shameful Wretches among us at this late Hour, that would Sell their God, their Country, their Wives, their Children, and all that is near and dear to them.—Pray what is the Reward due to such Monsters ? Do they deserve the Lenity shewn them by their Townsmen ? Don't they rather deserve the Halter ? Nay—is not even that too good for them ? Can any Infliction of Punishment (though ever so severe) be called too Cruel ? Upon the whole, what ought to be done in order to Rid us of such Vermine ? Suppose I should suggest a Mode, and that is to provide some kind of a Bark, and after putting on board some Provisions—Set them a Drift, & make it Death for any of them ever to land on any Part of the American Shore that is Inhabited by FREE MEN , which in my opinion would be the best and most effectual Method—and much milder than such Slaves could reasonably expect.
An Enemy to TORIES .