The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-10-29 00:00:00

Freeman's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, October 29, 1776.
[ No. 23 ]
SPEECH of his Excellency WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, Esq; Governor, Captain General, and Commander in Chief, in and over the State of New-Jersey, and Territories thereunto belonging, Chancellor and Ordinary of the same.
To the COUNCIL and ASSEMBLY of the said State, at a Session of the General Assembly at Princeton.
Gentlemen of the Council and General Assembly
CONSIDERING how long the hand of oppression has been stretched out against us; while the most assiduous application for redress were either totally disregarded or treated with insult:—How long the system of despotism concerted for our ruin had been insidiously pursued, and was at length attempted to be enforced by the violence of war; reason and conscience must have approved the measures, had we sooner abjured that allegiance, from which, not only by the denial of protection, but the hostile assaults on our persons and properties, we were clearly absolved. It may however afford some consolation to every man duly regardful of the convictions of his own mind, and the honor and reputation of his country; that America deserved this important step, 'till the decisive alternative of absolute submission or utter destruction, announced by a numerous fleet and army, had extinguished all hope of obtaining justice; and the whole continent, save a few self interested individuals, were unanimous in the separation. In a word, 'till the most scrupulous conscience could, on the maturest reflection, find itself justified before God and man, in renouncing those tyrants, who, after having ravaged a great part of Asia, and dissipated in venality and riot, the treasures exhausted from its innocent inhabitants by the hand of rapine and blood; finally, meant to prolong their luxury and corruption by appropriating to themselves the hard earned competence of the American world.
Thus constrained to assert our own Independence, and dissolve all political connexion with a nation insatiate with plunder, & deaf to the voice of reason, of justice & humanity; the late "Representatives of the colony of New Jersey in Congress assembled, did, pursuant to the advice of the Honorable the Continental Congress, the supreme Council of the American Colonies, agree upon the Form of a Constitution;" which by tacit acquiescence and open approbation, hath since received the assent & concurrence of the good people of this State, to whose consideration it was for that purpose submitted. Agreeable to this Constitution, you gentlemen, have been chosen the Legislative
Council and Assembly of the State; and being jointly met, have in farther pursuance of it, proceeded to the choice of a Governor.
Having conferred that honor upon one who feels himself very unequal to the task; but at the same time upon one, who, having during the whole contest, taken an active part in opposing the meditated bondage, now disdains, in its most perilous period to shrink from a station which must render him peculiarly obnoxious to the common enemy; he can with great sincerity assure you, that it shall be his constant endeavor faithfully to discharge the trust reposed in him.
He is moreover confident, that how greatly soever you may find yourselves deceived in the favorable opinion you may have been pleased to entertain of his abilities, he will never give you any reason to call in question the rectitude of his intentions.
Gentlemen,
In the present situation of affairs, it is absolutely necessary to turn our first attention to the operation of war.
The pay of our Militia lately called out for the defence of New York (which has acquired signal renown by the spirit and alacrity with which it engaged in the common cause) admits of no delay.
That of half our Militia now on duty, will be due in a few days.
Some farther regulations respecting the better ordering the Militia, merit your speedy attention.
A Law for regulating the impressing of such articles as the exigencies of the service may require, is of great importance.
No allowance having been made for the provender of the Light Horse when in actual service, and it being impossible, from their perpetual station, and being frequently employed as expresses, for the Commissaries to provide them, it is reasonable the men should be allowed an equivalent for keeping their horses themselves.
The fixing the seat of government in some convenient and plentiful part of the state, calls for your seasonable deliberation.
Such other matters as may occur to me during the Session, and appear more particularly conducive to give vigor to the executive branch of the Constitution, I shall take the liberty to lay before you.
To enable me, Gentlemen, the more successfully to execute the arduous office wherewith your unsought and unexpected predilection hath invested me, it affects me with singular pleasure, to find both Houses composed of the most respectable characters. This affords a happy presage of your zeal and unanimity, in promoting the true emo-
lument of that state of which the incorrupted voice of a free people, has made you the guardians and protectors. As it is our indispensable duty, may it be our invariable aim, to exhibit to our constituents, the brightest examples of a disinterested love for the common weal; and be inflexible in our resolution to know neither friend nor favorite, whenever his solicitations appear incompatible with the general good.
In our public capacities we ought to rise superior to all private attachment or resentment, and make the intrinsic merit of every candidate for an office our sole rule for his promotion. Let us, Gentlemen, both by precept and practice, encourage a spirit of oeconomy, industry and patriotism; & that public integrity and righteousness, which cannot fail to enals a nation ; setting our faces at the same time like a flint against that dissoluteness of manners and political corruption which will ever be the reproach of any people . May the foundation of our infant state be laid in virtue and the fear of God; and the superstructure will rise glorious, and endure for ages. Then may we humbly expect the blessing of * the Most High, who DIVIDES to the Nations their inheritance, and SEPARATES the sons of ADAM . In fine, Gentlemen, while we are applauded by the whole impartial world, for demolishing the old fabric, rotten and ruinous as it was; let us unitedly strive to approve ourselves master builders, by giving beauty, strength and stability to the new.
Princeton, | WIL. LIVINGSTON. Sept. 11. 1776. | * Deut. 32. 8.
LONDON, July 15.
The reason that the Glasgow man of war was sent from North-America, was owing to her being so much damaged by Admiral Hopkins's armed vessels in the late engagement. She is ordered to be docked, and got ready to sail again with all expedition.
Extract of a letter from Plymouth, June 7.
"Arrived the Wolf sloop of war from Ireland, and his Majesty's ship Glasgow from Halifax, which place she left the 12th of May. In the above ship came passengers Sir James Wright, Governor of Georgia. The Cerberus man of war, with two regiments, is sailed from Halifax for Quebec.
We are assured that the first toast a great personage gave, after his return to Kew from the Review on Monday last, was "Gen. Carlton, and his brave forces at Quebec.
And several ships, that have arrived here from Jamaica are gone into dock, and are fitting out with the greatest expedition, to return with provisions.

From the St. James's Chronicle. To the Printer of the St. James's Chronicle. S I R,  E CHO, though called by the poets a babbler, is never said to have told lies. I was at a Friend's Seat in Hertfordshire last week, remarkable for the particular residence of that Nymph: walking out one morning, I put a few questions to her; some of which (such as I can remember) I have sent you for insertion, if they meet with your approbation, and also her answers.
  Questions.  Answers.    What is the sinking Fund?  A sinking Fund.    Where is all the trade gone, that used to be to America from England?  From England.    Will it never return?  Never return.    When will our disputes with America be at the end.  At the end.    When will that be, do you know?  Do you know.    Who can tell us?  Tell us.    Who should be the favourite to the King of England?  The King of England.    What is the first Lord of the Treasury?  Lord of the Treasury.    What are most Ladies of the Town?  Ladies of the town.    In what do most of our Nobility place their paradise?  A pair of Dice.    What now is Matrimony?  Master of Money.    What would become the Bishops better than attending Levees? — Tell me I pray.  Pray.    What is the Board of Trade?  A Trade.    What are the London Liverymen?  Liverymen.    What is the character of Charles Fox?  A Fox.    What is it for Littleton?  Little dent.    What does a Man of the town make the principal study of his Life?  Life.    What does that tend to, Wisdom or Folly.  Folly.    A servant calling me to breakfast put an end to my enquiries; another time I may perhaps send you some more interesting conversation between Echo and your constant reader.
OLIVER OLD FASHION.
A list of the French and Spanish fleets, which, it is now given out are to act on some interesting expedition in conjunction. The French Fleet under the command of the Duke de Chartres, consists of the following ships:
  Guns   Guns    La Province (the Duke's ship)  77  Le Ferme  50    La Solitaire,  64  Le Protée  64    Le Bourdelois,  50  L'Artesien,  64      L'Hazard,  64    One bomb, four frigates, and several transports.
The Spanish fleet is composed of the following ships:
  Guns   Guns    La Europa (flag-ship)  60  El Monarchio,  68    El Dichofo  68  El Aquillon,  68    El Relampago fire-ship.   Ferdinando,  60      El Brillante,  68      El Piermonte bomb,  16    Three frigates, and a number of transports.
The gentleman who sent us the above intelligence, says his correspondent at Cadiz informs him, two reports are current there, one, that the above fleets are to act in the Mediterranean; and the other is, that they are to meet off the Western islands and proceed to the West-Indies.
PHILADELPHIA, October 8.
By a letter from Newark, in New Jersey, we learn, that besides the damage done by the fire in New York, mentioned in our last, Pearl street was all destroyed; and several persons were in Jail on that account. The letter adds, that a number of transports with troops, among which were Burgoyne's light horse, had arrived at New York.
NEW-HAVEN, October 16.
[The following articles were taken from the New-York Mercury, printed in N.-York, at the office lately kept by Mr. Gaine, which we received via Long-Island.]
So vast a fleet was never seen together in this port, or perhaps in all America before. The ships are stationed up the East river or sound, as far as Turtle Bay, and near the town. The multitude of masts carries the appearance of a wood. Some are moored up the North river; others in the bay between Red and Yellow Hook, others again off Staten Island; and several off Powles-
Hook, and towards the Kills. The men of War are moored chiefly up New-York sound, and make with the other ships, a very magnificent and formidable appearance. Five Men of war have been detached from the Squadron into the North river, above Greenwich, probably to assist the operations of the army against the rebels, who still remain on the northern extremity of this Island, and on the heights above Kingsbridge.
It is said the Flora frigate of thirty two guns, commanded by Capt. Brisbane, is preparing to sail with several transports under convoy.
The savage burning of this city by the New-England incendiaries, will be a lasting monument of inveterate malice against the trade and prosperity of this colony, as well as rooted disaffection to British law and government. They had long threatened the performance of this villainous deed; and this is the best return that the people of property in this city, who have espoused their cause, are to expect for their heedless credulity.
On Thursday last arrived here from England, a number of transports under convoy, having on board the 17th regiment of light horse, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Harcourt.
HARTFORD, October 21.
Saturday morning se'nnight, about 6000 of the enemy (under cover of several men of war) landed at Frog's point, about eighteen miles southeast of Kingsbridge, and marched with great expedition towards the bridge leading from said point to the main, but a regiment of rifle-men being stationed near the spot, took up the bridge, which prevented their design of taking possession of a hill near it. Since which time they have been reinforced by large numbers from their main body, so that it is supposed near two thirds of the enemy are now on the point, where they remain under cover of their ships.
Several skirmishes have happened between our party and the enemy since they landed at Frog's point, which have terminated in favour of the Americans.
Last Week the hon. Gen. LEE arrived at Head-Quarters at Harlem, and has taken the command at East & West Chester, where the two armies are fortifying and entrenching within less than a mile of each other.
The enemy have entirely evacuated Staten island, and a large body of our men have taken possession of it from New-Jersey.
Last Friday morning a heavy canonade was heard from New-York, supposed to be occasioned by more of the enemies shipping passing up the North River by our forts.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Albany, dated October 17, 1776.
"You doubtless have heard of the engagement between our fleet on the lake, and the enemy, on the 11th inst. Our Advice left them the 12th, our fleet then at anchor near Schuyler's Island, in a shattered and leaky condition; the enemy just appearing in sight, beating up with a light southerly breeze.—Events since have been very unfavourable; our fleet made but little tarry at anchor, only to stop their leaks, &c. and proceeded with all the dispatch their condition would admit of, towards Crown-Point. A favourable northerly gale assisted the enemy to run up with the fleet, when a second engagement commenced, which lasted five glasses, most of the time within musket shot, very warm & sharp, in which our men conducted with inimitable spirit and bravery, but were obliged to submit to superior strength. In this affair our fleet is almost totally ruined; only one galley escaped, with sloop enterprize, and two small schooners, and one gundalo. The rest are all taken, burnt and destroyed. General Arnold fought as long as possible in the Galley Congress, when he was obliged to run her ashore, burn her, and escape by land to Ticonderoga, having lost 20 of his men, General Waterbury, in the Washington galley, fought till he was so shattered that the galley was sinking under him, and was obliged to strike; this is the only vessel that the enemy possessed themselves of. Col. Wiggleworth in the Trumbull galley is arrived at Ticonderoga. In both engagements we have lost a large schooner—three galleys burnt and taken, 8 gundalo's burnt also;—have remaining 1 sloop 2 guns, 6 schooners 3 guns each,
2 galleys, 1 gundalo. The enemy's fleet is amazing; one ship 18 twelve pounders, 1 schooner 14 6 pounders, 1 ditto, 12 ditto, 2 large reddaux 6 twenty four pounders—12 twelve pounders—4 eight inch howitzers, all brads; 28 gundalo's, 1 gun each, twelve 18 and 24 pounders, 1 eight inch howitzer; our people are all retired to Ticonderoga, where they may very soon expect an attack."
PROVIDENCE, October 19.
Extract of a letter from Dominica, Sept. 19.
"There was a gale of wind here the 6th instant: At Guadalupe near 80 sail of vessels are drove ashore and much damaged! The houses and buildings in Montserrat, Antigua and St. Kitts, escaped the gale; but the town of Basseterre, in St. Kitts, was unhappily burnt down the 5th instant; the damage done by the fire is said to amount to 150,000 l. sterling."
The Montgomery and Eagle privateers have taken and sent into a port at the West-ward, a schooner from Cape Nichola Mole, bound to Halifax, having on board 9000 gallons of molasses, and 6000 weight of sugar. The privateers had been out but 24 hours when they took this vessel.
Capt. Coffin, in the privateer Favourite, has taken and sent into port, a schooner from Dominica, bound to Newfoundland.
NEWPORT, October 14.
The ship loaded with 3000 quintals of fish, taken by Capt. Jones in the Continental sloop Providence, is safe arrived.
Two of the enemy's ships appear off toward Black Island almost every day.
Capt. Jauncy in a privateer brig of Connecticut, sent a prize schooner into port the 18th day after he failed; she was loaded with molasses, bound to Halifax.
BOSTON, October 24.
(The following is an Explanation of Lord and General Howe's Declaration, inserted in our last)
By RICHARD Viscount HOWE, of the Kingdom of Ireland, and WILLIAM HOWE, Esq; General of his Majesty's Forces in America, the King's Commissioners for deluding the good People of America by insidious Offers of Peace, or shedding their Blood without Mercy.
DECLARATION.
ALTHOUGH the Congress, whom the much injured Americans suffer to direct their opposition to the establishment of tyranny, and an unconstitutional government over these provinces, have disavowed every purpose of reconciliation, not consonant with that liberty to which they have the most clear and undeniable right; the King's commissioners aforesaid think fit to declare, that they are equally desirous to confer with his majesty's subjects (if any so weak and abandoned are to be found) upon the means of establishing a permanent tyranny over every colony, and fix them the everlasting slaves of the British Empire.
The King being most graciously pleased to direct a revision of such of his royal instructions as may seem not to lay a sufficient restraint upon the freedom of legislation in any of the colonies, and to concur in the revision of all acts by which his subjects there may think themselves aggrieved, for the better strengthening and confirming the same, it is recommended to the inhabitants at large, to reflect seriously upon their present condition and expectations, and to judge for themselves, whether it be more consistent with their honor & happiness to risk their lives in defence of a glorious Independency, or return to the galling yoke of tyrannic usurpation, and be deprived of every security in the enjoyment of their liberty & properties, upon the true principles of a wicked and destructive policy.
HOWE.
W. HOWE.

By a gentleman who was lately taken in one of the prizes, we learn that the Empress of Russia had offered his Britannic Majesty from 20 to 100,000 men for the service of America: But that the people of England seemed rather averse to hiring any more troops, being already burdened with taxes.
Thursday last, Capt. Wingate Newman of Newbury Port, sent a prize brig safe into that place, bound to Whitehaven in England, laden with Mohogany.
Yesterday Capt. Daniel Harthorne arriv'd at Salem from a cruise. On his passage he met with an armed packet, which he attacked. In the engagement (which lasted two hours) he lost three men killed, and nine or ten wounded, himself slightly. Since which, he has taken and sent into Cape Ann, a prize snow with Oats.
The privateer commanded by Captain Carlton, which sailed from Salem, on a cruise, about four weeks since, was taken near Canceau, by the brig Hope, Capt. Dawson, a few days after leaving port, and carried into Halifax. Capt. Carleton, with some of the crew, made their escape by swimming ashore.
Last Thursday was brought into this harbour by Captain Silas Atkins, a brig from Newfoundland, with 1500 quintals of green Cod Fish.
Last Thursday was sent into Heyhanness, by Captain Silas Atkins, the ship Heafeld, from Ireland, bound for New York, having on board 70 puncheons of spirits, 70 dit. of porter, 350 tierces bread, 50 dit. oatmeal, 61 dit. pease, 60 dit. pork, 70 dit. of beef, 100 casks of butter, some sweet oil, raisins, candles, flour, & a number of other articles.
Yesterday arrived in this port a prize ship from Antigua for London, with about 200 hogheads of sugar.—She was taken by the PUTNAM.
Last Tuesday, the wife and daughter of one John Hill, mentioned in our last to have been apprehended at New London, for attempting to convey intelligence to the enemy at New York, were brought to this town, and committed to safe custody.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Harlem, New York, to his friend here, Oct. 8.
We have taken two of the enemy lately, one has deserted, but we got no intelligence from them that can be depended upon.
Yesterday Lord Sterling arrived among us.—Gov. Brown, of Providence, was given in exchange for him. Major Skeene was sent to the enemy too; they are to send us Master Lovell for him as soon as he arrives.
The Hessians plunder all indiscriminately, Tories as well as Whigs; if they see any thing they want, they seize it, & say, "Rebel good for Hesse man." A Tory complained to Gen. Howe, that he was plundered by the Hessians. The General said he could not help it, it was their way of making war. So the friends of Government are protected! This great encouragement for the Tories. Lord Dunmore told Lord Stirling he was sorry he kept such company—his Lordship replied, my Lord, I have kept whiter company than your Lordship has of late. The last embarkation of foreign troops is expected soon; if your privateers keep a good lookout, perhaps they may catch some. The Light Horse are a valuable acquisition."
The following Copy of a Letter from Gen. Schuyler, to the Committee of the County of Berkshire, was, last Evening, received by Express. Saratoga, Oct. 16. 1776.
"Our fleet, which suffered severely in an engagement on the 12th instant with the enemy, has been still more severely handled in a subsequent, in so much that the enemy are left masters of the lake, and are now coming on to attack our army at Ticonderoga;
in this situation of our affairs it is of the utmost importance that the militia of your State, should immediately march to sustain the army, such as can march expeditionarily, come by the way of Albany, should do so, & the others take the rout to Skeensborough, each man should come provided with as much provision and ammunition as possible. The commanding officer must send me information of his number, and the progress in his march, from time to time; I shall be either at Fort George or Skeensborough, but as I cannot determine which, it will be proper to send express to both places, to forward copies of this to Governor Trumbull, and to every committee in your State in a situation of affording assistance, as also to the neighbouring counties in the State of Connecticut; I must repeat, gentlemen, that it is of great importance that I should be duly furnished with an account of the movements and number of the militia.
From gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant, Phil. Schuyler, To the committee of the county of Berkshire
NEWBURY PORT, Oct. 15 Yesterday arrived here the ship Nancy, John Cowan Master, burthen about 200 ton bound from Cork to Quebec, taken by Capt. John Lee of this place. Her Cargo consists of the following articles viz.
80 Barrels of Beef, 320 ditto of Pork, 200 Firkins of Butter, 100 Barrels of Oatmeal, 374 ditto of Flour, 1200 Bushels of pease, 68000 lb. of Bread, 207 Casks of Nails, 22 Barrels and 2 half ditto Gun Powder, 1 Arm chest with Balls &c.
16 Carriage Guns & 10 Swivels mounted. We learn that a Salem privateer has taken in the chops of the channel of England, two ships, one from Jamaica inward bound, and the other outward bound.
PORTSMOUTH.
Arrived here last Sunday a prize ship called the success, Eleazer Ball late master, taken by the Retaliation privateer from Salem, in lat. 42. long. 47. she sailed from Jamaica the 9th of August, was taken the 6th of October. Her cargo consists of 244 hogheads & 12 tierces of sugar, 156 puncheons of rum, 4 bags of cotton, mahogany, juscic, &c. The said privateer had also taken a brig and ship, and saw her engage another ship.
State of New-Hampshire, Oct. 22, 1776. WANTED for the use of the troops in the Continental Army from this State, sundry articles of cloathing, viz. Cloths for waistcoats, shirts and breeches; also shoes, hats and stockings; whoever can furnish any of said articles in a short time upon reasonable terms, are desired to apply to the committee of safety, or either of them, who will agree and pay for the same, said Articles being immediately wanted for the soldiers now engaged in the defence of our lives and properties; it is hoped that every friend to the cause will exert himself in order to procure as many of them as they can. 3—5
THE Creditors to the estate of John Royal Bolton, late of Wells, Mariner, deceased, represented insolvent, are hereby notified that the subscribers appointed by the Hon. John Bradbury, Esq; judge of the probate of wills, &c. for the county of York, to receive & examine their claims, (six months being allowed for that purpose) will attend that business at the dwelling-house of John Cole, Innholder in Wells, on the second Monday in November next, and the first Monday in the four next following months, from 3 to six o'clock in the afternoon.
Wells Oct. 5, 1776. Nathaniel Wells, Joshua Clark. 3 5
THE Creditors to the Estate of Samuel Bourn late of Wells, Shipwright, deceased, represented insolvent, are hereby notified that the subscribers appointed by the honorable John Bradbury, Esq; Judge of the probate of wills, &c. for the county of York, to receive and examine their claims, (six months being allowed for that purpose) will attend that business at the dwelling-house of John Cole, Innholder in Wells, on the second Monday in November next, and the first Monday in the four next following months, from three to six o'clock in the afternoon.
Nathaniel Wells, Wells Oct. 5, 1776. Joshua Clark. 3 5
A black stray Cow
IS in the possession of the subscriber; she has a white spot in her forehead, the top of each ear cut off, and one slit in one, and two in the other. The owner may have her again by applying, and paying charges to Joseph Tucker of Portsmouth. Oct. 28. 3-5
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss. A LIBEL being filed before me, against the schooner named the Glasgow, burthen about 35 tons, her cargo and appurtenances, commanded by John Cabot:—Also against the schooner named the Neptune, of about 50 tons burthen, her cargo and appurtenances, commanded by Thomas Fuller, which vessels are said to have been the property of some inhabitant or inhabitants, subject or subjects of Great-Britain, and taken and brought into the county of Rockingham: This notice is given, agreeable to the laws of said state, that the maritime court erected to try and condemn all vessels found infesting the seacoasts of America, and brought into the county of Rockingham, will be held at the court house in Portsmouth, the 29th day of October instant, at 10 o'clock before noon, to try the justice of said captures, that all persons concerned, may appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the said vessels, their cargoes and appurtenances should not be condemned. J. BRACKETT, Judge of said Court. Portsmouth, October 9th 1776. 1—3
PUBLIC AUCTION.
ON Tuesday the 12th day of November next, at ten o'clock, A. M. will be sold at public vendue, at Capt. Moffatts Wharfe, the Prize-Ship Royal Exchange, with her cargo consisting of 284 Hogheads choice Grenada clay'd and Muscovada Sugars. 55 Hogheads Rum. 1 Pipe and 1 Hoghead Madeira Wine. JOHN LANGDON, Agent for the United States. Portsmouth, Oct. 19, 1776. 2—4
STRAYED or drove away , From Deerfield, some time last summer, a dark red HEIFER, two years old last spring, bug horned, branded C. M. on the left horn, marked with a fis in the left ear, and half a crop on the right. Whoever takes up said Heifer, and gives information to Clement March at Greenland, or Joseph March at Deerfield, shall be well rewarded for their trouble. October 5. 1776. 0—3
A Second-Hand CHAISE, To be sold cheap. Enquire of WILLIAM MARSHALL.
Cash for RAGS, At the following Rates, viz. Two Pence L. M. pr pound, for white Cotton, Linnen, or Cotton & Linnen One Penny, for white Canvas, —and— One Copper for mix'd colours,—will be given by the Publisher of this Paper. P. S. It is requested of those who take any Satisfaction in exhibiting Saving Examples, encouraging Manufactories, serving the Interest of their Country, or being served themselves with the News-Paper, that they would comply with the trifling, tho' necessary article of saving their R A G S.
To be sold at the Printing-office, and at the shop opposite Mr. William Appleton's Book-Store,— An easy plan of Discipline for a Militia, By TIMOTHY PICKERING junr.

Going out, and coming in.  BE with me Lord, where'er I go; Learn me what thou wouldst have me do. Suggest what e'er I think or say, And O! direct my narrow way. Prevent me least I harbour pride. Lest I in mine own strength confide; Shew me my weakness, let me see I have my power, my All from thee. O! may I ne'er my silence break, Unless inspir'd by thee to speak. Then let such power attend my word, That all who hear may seek the Lord. Enrich me always with thy love, My kind protection ever prove; Thy signet put upon my breast, And let thy spirit on me rest. Assist and teach me how to pray, Incline my nature to obey. What thou Abhor'st, that let me flee, And only love what pleases thee. O! may I never do my will, But thine and only thine fulfil. Let all my time, and all my ways, Be spent and ended to thy praise.
In a London paper is the following account of the evacuation of Boston, being the contents of a letter from an officer of distinction in the British army to a person in London, dated March 3, 1776.
"For these last six weeks, or near two months we have been better amused than could possibly be expected in our situation. We had a theatre, we had balls, and there is actually a subscription on foot for a masquerade. England seems to have forgot us, and we endeavoured to forget ourselves. But we were roused to a sense of our situation last night, in a manner unpleasant enough. The rebels have been for some time past erecting a bomb battery, and last night began to play upon us. Two shells fell not far from me. One fell upon Col. Monckton's house, broke all the windows, but luckily did not burst till it had crossed the street. Many houses were damaged, but no lives lost. We expect some carcasses to night, if the fear of destroying their own property does not prevent it. What makes this matter more provoking is that their barracks are so scattered, and at such a distance, that we cannot disturb them, altho' from a battery near the water side they can reach us easily.
"4th March. Bad news from New-York this morning. A man who calls himself Lord Sterling (I believe one of his family has a right to the title, but passed eldest, & this gentleman plays alone) he put himself at the head of 3000 men, in conjunction with that arch rebel (Lee) and has driven all the well affected people from the town of New-York. If something is not speedily done, his Britannic Majesty's American dominions will probably be confined within a very narrow compass. The rebel army is not brave, I believe, but it is agreed on all hands, that their artillery officers are at least equal to our own. In the number of shells that they flung last night not above three failed. This morning we flung four, & three of them burst in the air.
"5th March. This is, I believe, likely to prove as important a day to the British empire, as any in our annals. We underwent last night, a very severe cannonade, which damaged a number of houses and killed some men. This morning at day-break we discovered two redoubts on the hills on Dorchester point, and two smaller works on their flanks. They were all raised during the night, with an expedition e-
qual to that of the Genii belonging to Aladdin's wonderful lamp. From these hills they command the whole town, so that we must drive them from their post, or desert the place. The former is determined upon, & five regiments are already embarked. A body of light infantry, under the command of major Musgrave, an excellent officer, and a body of grenadiers, are to embark to night at seven. I think it is likely to be so far a general affair, that we shall take our share in it. Adieu balls, masquerades, &c. for this may be looked upon as the opening of the campaign.
It is worth while to remark with what judgment the leaders of the rebels take advantage of the prejudices, and work upon the passions of the mob. The 5th of March is the anniversary of what they call the bloody massacre, when in, I think, 1769, the King's troops fired on the people in the streets of Boston. If ever they dare stand us it will be to day, but I hope tomorrow to be able to give you account of their defeat.
"6th March. A wind more violent than any thing I ever heard, prevented our last night's purposed expedition, and so saved the lives of thousands. To day they have made themselves too strong to make a dislodgement possible. We are under their fire whenever they choose to begin, so that we are now evacuating the town with the utmost expedition, and leaving behind us half our worldly goods. Adieu! I hope to embark in a few hours.
"7th March. When the transports came to be examined, they were void of both provisions and forage. If any are got on board to day, it will be as much as can be done. Never were troops in so disgraceful a situation, and that not in the least our own fault, or owing to any want of skill or discretion in our commanders, but entirely owing to Great-Britain being fast asleep.—I pity General Howe from my soul.
"Transport, 9th March, I have slept one night on board; the troops are embarking as fast as possible. I mistook when I imagined the works already made could destroy the town; but the rebels possess a hill so situated that if they pleased to erect a battery, it would entirely consume us. They as yet, have not proceeded to make a work, nor do they attempt to molest us in our embarkation. It appears as if there was at least a tacit agreement between Washington and Gen. Howe.
"10th March. To day the horse transports are ordered to sail down to Castle William, a fort about three miles from the town in our possession; it commands the harbour, and the troops now there will embark the last. The retreat from the town of Boston is to be covered by a large body of grenadiers and light infantry, and the 5th and 10th regiments. The Fowey, a man of war of 28 guns, commanded by Capt. George Montagu, covers the retreat by water. A packet is to sail, I hear, as soon as the army is clear of the town, so probably I shall not have it in my power to inform you whether we are attacked in our retreat or not; if I have, I will.
"Nantasket road, March 17. According to my promise I proceed to give a brief account of our retreat, which was made this morning between the hours of two & eight. Our troops did not receive the smallest molestation, though the rebels were all night at work on the near hill, which I mentioned to you in my last letter; and we kept a constant fire upon them from a battery of
four 24 pounders. They did not return a single shot. It was lucky for the inhabitants now left in Boston they did not. For I am informed every thing was prepared to set the town on a blaze had they fired one cannon. The dragoons are under orders to sail tomorrow for Halifax, a cursed, cold, wintry place, even yet. Nothing to eat, and less to drink. Bad times, my dear friend. The displeasure I feel from the very small share I have in our present insignificancy, is so great, that I do not know the thing so desperate I would not undertake, in order to change our situation."
To the Independent Sons of America.
"Till fir up all that is Roman in them."
THE important day is come, big with the fate of millions, and America now beckens to her Sons to kindle all their native fire, push into action every power and press to the seas or fields where fame and glory call.—The united wisdom of America in Congress, has determined that it is necessary to the salvation of those States, that an army be raised to serve during this war. The wisdom of this measure must appear to all, therefore let us all promote it with our utmost power. He that inlists into this army of freemen in defence of every thing good and great, enrols his name in fame's brightest temple, where it will shine (if not blotted by after misconduct) with growing lustre down applauding ages, while posterity rise through successive æras to taste the bliss of freedom, handed down by us their forefathers, & every infant tongue and hoary head will bless our memory with rapture hail the day when we drew the sharpened steel against the tyrant George, and with transports all their own, pass down the stream of time 'till time shall be no more!—How angelic the design, to communicate felicity to all those millions who may rise after us and inhabit those United States! "The blessings of future ages, which the conscious imagination anticipates," crown together in the patriot's breast, & are the solid pleasures which delight his mind!
The history of mankind bleeds with the destruction which tyranny has made in all countries and nations; and while we weep over the "tragic pages stained with the blood of patriot citizens," they speak like a voice of thunder in the ears of Americans to guard against the execrable monster!—Despotic kings, from the days of Nimrod to this hour, have deluged the world in blood, and have been the curses of mankind,—but in the whole catalogue of royal villains, has there been one of a more infernal character than George the third?—Do not our heroic ancestors, who fled from the tyranny of Britons, and subdued American wilderness in spite of savage barbarity, speak to us from their celestial abodes, to defend the dear inheritance of liberty which they left us, while posterity mingle their cries, reason and religion unite their voice in the pressing call! Imploving the assistance of HIM who gave us the rights of humanity, let us with a sacred ardour and unalterable firmness watch over and defend the rights of America, "nor pause to waste a coward thought on life."
Every good mind must feel a glow of gratitude to Heaven for the animating prospect of seeing America the Asylum of liberty, the land of virtuous freedom, the seat of learning, of industry, manufactures, commerce and husbandry, the nurse of heroes, the parent of science, the bosom of virtue, and the guardian of mankind. The whole series of Divine dispensations from the infant days of our fathers in America, are big with importance in her favour, and point to something great and good. If we look round the world and view the nations with their various connections, interests and dependencies, we shall see innumerable causes at work in favour of this growing country; Nature and art seem to labour, and as it were, travail in birth, to bring forth some glorious events that will astonish mankind, and form a bright æra in the annals of time. A SOLDIER.