The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1783-02-22 00:00:00

T H E NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, A N D GENERAL ADVERTISER.
Vol. XXVII.]
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1783.
[No. 1373.]
For the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE.
THE EXAMINER, No. III.
H AVING in my second considered the nature of the several species of government, examined their defects and hinted at those in the British constitution; I shall now proceed to consider what form of government will be most likely to avoid those evils, and render the subjects of it secure and happy. As all the powers of government are derived from the people, and as government is itself instituted for their benefit, every person to whom the power is delegated should feel himself dependent on the people, and be accountable to them for his political conduct. No peculiar prerogatives should be allowed to one branch, or particular rights to another, lest as in Britain, the seeds of a political warfare should be sowed in the constitution, which after frequently breaking out in civil contests, might eventually bring on the dissolution of the system; but though every person holding any part of the powers of government should be dependent on the people; yet it by no means follows that all the authority may be lodged with any particular set of men, more than in the hands of an individual. If to promote the happiness of individuals, is the end and design of government, the powers must be so divided and guarded as to prevent those given to one from being engrossed by the other; and if properly separated, the persons who officiate in the several departments become centinels in behalf of the people to guard against every possible usurpation—they feel their own honor so intimately connected with the rights of the people, that it is impossible for human wisdom to contrive a more effectual security. If the legislative, executive and judicial powers are separated by the constitution, and rendered independent of each other, and the persons exercising them answerable to the people for their conduct; every encroachment of the one upon the other, while it is deemed an usurpation of powers not delegated, is felt by the members of the other department, as an incroachment upon the authority delegated to them. It has by some been made a question "whether the members who compose the legislature, should be formed into one or into more branches; and whether, if two branches agree in forming an act, the supreme executive magistrate should have a negative upon it? To determine the first point, we must have recourse to experience, which will at once demonstrate that any one body of men are subject to the same passions, whims, and caprice, as an individual; a particular circumstance may wound the feelings, alarm the jealousy, or rouse the pride of all; or a few popular and designing speakers may work up the passions, and
lead the members of one branch into measures which, upon reflection, they would wish to disown: but if the act is to be canvassed by another branch, where those causes do not exist, and where those artful speakers can have no access, attempts to bring one branch into inconsiderate measures, will be less frequent, and if attempted, will be almost certain to fail of success. The dividing a legislative body into two branches, must therefore be a wise measure, and should never be departed from while human nature remains as at present.
With respect to the second point, viz. whether when two branches unite in passing an act, the supreme executive magistrate should have a negative upon it? I think this ought scarcely to be made a serious question.—If the wisdom of two branches concur in passing a law for which they are accountable to the people, and by which they are themselves bound, I think the supreme executive magistrate should prove himself something more than human, before an absolute negative should be given him. Whether the power of suspension granted him by the proposed form of government will answer any good purpose, shall be considered in examining the plan proposed for this State.
State of New Hampshire.
An ACT in addition to an Act entitled "An Act for granting an Excise on "several sorts of Liquors for the use of "this State."
W HEREAS the said Act is found to be, in many respects, insufficient for the purpose for which it was framed:
BE it therefore enacted by the Council and House of Representatives for said State, in General Assembly convened, and by the authority of the same, That from and after the first day of March next, all Taverners, Innholders, and Retailers within this State, for all such Wine, Rum, Brandy, or other Distilled Spirits, as they shall sell by retail, shall pay the following Excise, viz. Every Tavern Keeper, or Innholder, instead of three pence per gallon, as mentioned in said act, shall pay six pence per gallon for all such wine, rum, brandy, or other distilled spirits.
And every retailer, instead of two pence per gallon, as mentioned in said act, shall pay four pence per gallon on all such liquors by him so sold or retailed, to be accounted for, and paid in the same manner as mentioned in the act aforesaid.
And be it further enacted, That the said Excise shall be annually, to wit, on or before the first day of February, sold at public vendue to the highest bidder; the Excise for each county, to be sold separately, and the said sale to be notified in the public prints, three weeks successively previous thereto.
And be it further enacted, That there be a committee in each county within this State, for the purpose of notifying and selling as aforesaid, the Excise for the current year; said committees to be as follows, viz. Gen. Nathaniel Folsom, Mr. Ephraim Robinson, and Mr. Noah Emery, jun. for the county of Rockingham. The Hon. John Wentworth, Esq; Col. John McDuffee, and John Plummer, Esq; for the county of Strafford. Gen. Moses Nichols, Francis Blood, Esq; and Richard Cutts Shannon, Esq; for the county of Hillsborough. Col. Samuel Hunt, Mr. Daniel Kingsbury, and Capt. Josiah Richardson, for the county of Cheshire. And Col. Charles Johnson, Moses Dow, Esq; and James Woodward, Esq; for the county of Grafton. The said committees respectively to take bonds with good securities from the several purchasers, for the sums for which they are respectively indebted to the Treasurer of said State, for the time being, in his said capacity, and immediately to return them into the said Treasurer's office.
Provided always nevertheless, That nothing in this act shall be construed to repeal any part or clause in the act herein referred to; such parts only excepted, as are repugnant hereto, or expressly repealed hereby.
From the Continental Journal.
Mr. GILL,
B Y publishing the following resolves of Congress you will inform the holders of Loan-Office Certificates what provision Congress have made for the payment of their interest; by this resolve it appears that each State is called upon to pay their proportion of the interest due on the public domestic debt, and as each State is at liberty to raise the monies in its own way, it is presumed there will be no objection to so reasonable a recommendation, especially when it is considered that the subjects of this Commonwealth only are to be affected by the determinations of our General Court, if the recommendation of Congress is complied with, the holders of Loan-Office Certificates will be on a footing with their brethren who hold State Notes, and that they ought in justice to be placed on the same footing, will appear evident when it is considered, that each State's proportion of the Continental debt, is as absolutely the debt of the State as that which was contracted at the Treasurer's Office; the largeness of a debt ought never to be an objection to paying the interest, until a community are reduced to the last extremity of poverty, for surely the people at large can bare a tax to raise six per cent. easier than individuals can bare a tax of the principal, which is in fact the case if they receive no income or produce therefrom; as brethren of one community

we ought to consider and bare one another's burthens, and do to others as we would they should do to us:
By the UNITED STATES in Congress assembled, September 4, 1782.
On a report of a grand Committee consisting of a Member from each State,
Resolved, That one million two hundred thousand Dollars be quotaed on the States as absolutely and immediately necessary for payment of interest of the public debt, and that it be recommended to the Legislatures of the respective States, to lay such taxes as shall appear to them most effectual for immediately raising their quotas of the above sum.
Resolved, That the money so raised in each State, shall be applied towards paying the interest due on Certificates issued from the Loan Office of such State, and other liquidated debts of the United States contracted therein, before any part thereof shall be paid into the public treasury:
Ordered, That the foregoing resolution be referred to the grand Committee to assess and report the quota of each State.
CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'y.
By the United States in Congress assembled, September 10, 1782.
Resolved, That the 1,200,000 Dollars to be raised for the payment of the interest of the domestic debt of the United States, be apportioned according to the following quotas, viz.
New Hampshire, 48,000 Massachusetts, 192,000 Rhode-Island, 28,800 Connecticut, 133,200 New York, 54,000 New Jersey, 66,000 Pennsylvania, 180,000 Delaware, 16,800 Maryland, 132,000 Virginia, 174,000 North Carolina, 88,800 South Carolina, 72,000 Georgia, 14,400
Dollars 1,200,000
PORTSMOUTH, February 22.
Thursday last arrived here the ship Hero, Capt. William Trefethen, in 16 days from Grenada, and only 11 days from Portorico, who has favored us with some West India papers, from which the following is selected.
HIS MAJESTY'S Most Gracious SPEECH to both Houses of Parliament, on Thursday, December 5, 1782.
My Lords and Gentlemen,
SINCE the close of the last sessions, I have employed my whole time in the care and attention which the important and critical conjuncture of public affairs required of me.
I lost no time in giving the necessary orders to prohibit the further prosecution of offensive war upon the continent of North-America. Adopting, as my inclination will always lead me to do, with decision and effect, whatever I collect to be the sense of my parliament and people; I have pointed all my views and measures, as well in Europe as in North America, to an entire and cordial reconciliation with those colonies.
Finding it indispensable to the attainment of this object, I did not hesitate to go the full length of the powers vested in me, and offered to declare them Free and Independent States, by an article to be inserted in the Treaty of Peace. Provisional articles are agreed upon, to take effect whenever terms of peace shall be finally settled with the Court of France.
In thus setting their separation from the Crown: these kingdoms, I have sacrificed every consideration of my own, to the wishes and opinion of my people. I make it my humble and earnest prayer to Almighty God, that Great Britain may not feel the evils which might result from so great a dismemberment of the empire; and, that America may be free from those calamities, which have formerly proved in the Mother country how essential Monarchy is to the enjoyment of constitutional liberty.—Religion, language, interest, affections may, and I hope will, yet prove a bond of permanent union between the two countries: To this end, neither attention nor disposition shall be wanting on my part.
While I have carefully abstained from all offensive operations against America, I have directed my whole force by land and sea against the other powers at war, with as much rigour as the situation of that force, at the commencement of the campaign, would permit. I trust that you feel the advantages resulting from the safety of the great branches of our trade. You must have seen with pride and satisfaction the gallant defence of the Governor and garrison of Gibraltar, and my fleet, after having effected the object of their destination, offering battle to the combined force of France and Spain on their own coasts; those of my kingdoms have remained at the same time perfectly secure, and your domestic tranquility uninterrupted. This respectable state, under the blessing of God, I attribute to the entire confidence which subsists between me & my people, and to the readiness which has been shewn by my subjects in my city of London, and in other parts of my kingdoms, to stand forth in the general defence. Some proofs have lately been given of public spirit in private men which would do honor to any age, and any country.
Having manifested to the whole world, by the most lasting examples, the signal bravery and spirit of my people, I conceived it a moment not unbecoming my dignity, and thought it a regard due to the lives and fortunes of such brave and gallant subjects, to shew myself ready on my part, to embrace fair and honorable terms of accommodation, with all the powers at war.
I have the satisfaction to acquaint you, that negotiations to this effect are considerably advanced, the result of which, as soon as they are brought to a conclusion, shall be immediately communicated to you.
I have every reason to hope and believe, that I shall have it in my power, in a short time, to acquaint you, that they ended in terms of pacification, which, I trust you will see just cause to approve. I rely, however, with perfect confidence on the wisdom of my parliament, and the spirit of my people, that if any unforeseen change in the disposition of the belligerent powers should frustrate my confident expectations, they will approve of the preparations I have thought it advisable to make, and be ready to second the most vigorous efforts in the further prosecution of the war.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
I HAVE endeavoured by every measure in my power, to diminish the burthens of my people—I lost no time in taking the most decided measures for introducing a better economy into the expenditure of the army.
I have carried into strict execution the several reductions in my civil list expences directed by an act of the late sessions. I have introduced a further reform into other departments, and suppressed several sinecure places in them. I have by this means so regulated my establishments, that my expence shall not in future exceed my income.
I have ordered the estimate of the civil list debt, laid before you last sessions, to be completed. The debt proving somewhat greater than could then be correctly stated, and the proposed reduction not immediately taking place, I trust you will provide for the deficiency, securing, as before, the repayment out of my annual income.
I have ordered enquiry to be made into the application of the sum voted in support of the American sufferers; and I trust you will agree with me, that a due and generous attention ought to be shewn to those who have relinquished their properties or possessions from motives of loyalty to me, or attention to the Mother Country.
As it may be necessary to give stability to some regulations by act of Parliament, I have ordered accounts of the several establishments, incidental expences, fees and other emoluments of office, to be laid before you. Regulations have already taken place in some, which it is my intention to extend to all, and which, besides expediting all public business, must produce a very considerable saving, without taking from that ample encouragement, which ought to be held forth to talents, diligence, and integrity, wherever they are to be found.
I have directed an enquiry to be made into whatever regards the landed revenue of my crown, as well as the management of my woods and forests, that both may be made as beneficial as possible, and that the latter may furnish a certain recourse for supplying the navy, our great national bulwark, with its first material.
I have directed an investigation into the department of the mint, that the purity of the coin, of so much importance to commerce, may be always adhered to; that by rendering the difficulty of counterfeiting the greater, the lives of numbers may be saved, and every needless expence in it saved.
I must recommend to you an immediate attention to the great objects of the public receipts and expenditure; and above all to the state of the public debt. Notwithstanding the great increase of it during the war, it is to be hoped that such regulations may still be established—such savings made—and future loans so conducted, as to promote the means of its gradual redemption by a fixed course of payment. I must with particular earnestness, distinguish for your serious consideration, that part of the debt which consists of navy, ordnance, and victualling bills; the enormous discount upon some of these bills shews this mode of payment to be a most ruinous expedient.
I have ordered the several estimates, made up as correctly as the present practice admits, to be laid before you, I hope that such further corrections as may be necessary, will be made before the next year. It is my desire, that you should be apprized of every expence before it is incurred, as far as the nature of each service can possibly admit. Matters of account can never be made too public.
My Lords and Gentlemen,
THE scarcity and consequent high price of corn, requires your instant interposition.
The great excess which the crimes of theft and robbery, in many instances accompanied with personal violence, particularly in the neighbourhood of this metropolis, has called of late for a strict and severe execution of the laws. It were much to be wished that these crimes could be prevented in their infancy, by correcting the vices become prevalent in a most alarming degree.
The liberal principles adopted by you concerning the rights and commerce of Ireland, have done you the highest honor, and will, I trust, ensure that harmony, which ought always to subsist between the two kingdoms. I am persuaded that a general increase of commerce throughout the empire, will prove the wisdom of your measures to that object. I would recommend to you a revision of our whole trading system, upon the same comprehensive principles, with a view to its utmost possible extension.
The regulation of a vast territory in Asia, opens a large field for your wisdom, prudence, and foresight: I trust that you will be able to frame some fundamental laws which may make their connection with Great-Britain a blessing to India; and that you will take therein proper measures to give all foreign nations, in matters of foreign commerce, an

entire and perfect confidence in the probity, punctuality, and good order of our government. You may be assured that whatever depends upon me, shall be executed with a readiness which can alone preserve that part of my dominions, or the commerce which arises from it.
It is the fixed object of my heart to make the general good, and the spirit of the constitution, the invariable rule of my conduct, and on all occasions to advance and reward merit in every profession.
To ensure the full advantage of a government conducted on such principles, depends on your temper, your wisdom, your disinterestedness, collectively and individually.
My people expect these qualifications of you: and I call for them.
To the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor of London. Whitehall, December 5, 1782.
MY LORD, SINCE I had the honor to address your Lordship on the 23d ultimo, I have received the further commands of his Majesty's Minister, to acquaint your Lordship, that an express has arrived this day from France, with a certain account that the Treaty betwixt Great-Britain and the States of America, were signed at Paris, on the 30th of November. I have the honor to be, &c. T. TOWNSEND.
PARIS, November 3.
Mr. Adams, Minister Plenipotentiary from the Congress to the Republic of Holland, arrived here 4 days ago. He resides with Dr. Franklin. It is reported that the object of his journey is equally important and mysterious.
The Marquis de la Fayette is preparing for his departure, which will be very soon. He is going to America with six regiments, which will replace Comte Rochambeau's army.
BOSTON, February 20.
Our latest and most authentic advices from New-York, say, that the general talk there is of an approaching peace: That great quantities of merchandise and household furniture were selling off by auction: That the refugees were purchasing small temporary houses erected by the British officers, in order to transport them to their new settlements in Nova-Scotia. The Sybil, a French frigate lately captured by the British, arrived there the day before our last advices from thence. The commander of this frigate is said to be the Count Cargarieu, brother to the Marquis of that name, who sometime ago was in this harbour. 7 regiments were embarking at New York, and their baggage on board, their destination not known, but conjectured to be for the West-Indies: An Aid de Camp of General Washington, it is said, had been in the city, at the desire of General Carleton, to facilitate arrangements. It was supposed, respecting the inhabitants of New York, in case of a general peace. We every moment expect advices from Europe, that will lead us to a clearer decision upon this important subject, than we are able at present to form.
SALÉM, February 20.
A letter from Philadelphia, dated the 29th ult. mentions, that the expectation of peace has had a great effect in stagnating the trade of that city; and that one account after another keeps confirming the prospect. There are, however, a variety of opinions on that score; but the writer confesses his to be, "plump for peace."
PORTSMOUTH, January 22.
Captain Trefethen, who arrived here from Grenada on Thursday last, as mentioned in the preceding page, informs of the arrival of the Alliance, Capt. Barry, at Martinico, in 30 days from France; of Capt. Briard, at Grenada; and Captains Roach and Peirce, at St. Vincents, from this port. Capt. Trefethen, on his passage home, spoke with the brig Nancy, Capt. Skimmer, from St. Martins, lat. 22, long. 68: also spoke with the sloop Providence, in lat. 22, bound to Providence; and in lat. 31, long. 67, parted company with the schooner Don Quixote, Capt. John Burrows, from Grenada bound to Philadelphia. Capt. Rust, in a sloop bound to Salem; Capt. Manchester, in a schooner bound to Providence; and Capt. Prince in a schooner bound to New London, failed from Grenada, on the 3d of this instant.
All persons that have any demands on the estate of JOHN ODLIN, late of Exeter, Esq; deceased; and all that are indebted to said estate, are desired to settle the same with the subscriber. None need present their accounts unless they are well vouched. SAMUEL ODLIN, Exeter, Feb, 20, 1783. (Administrator.)
From the MARTINCO GAZETTE.
ST. PIERRES January 15, 1782.
The Brest Squadron sailed the 4th of December, it consisted of 10 ships of the line, and a considerable number of merchant and transport vessels, having on board 7000 regular troops; it was supposed they would reach Cadiz about the 11th or 12th of December, the combined fleet would then consist of about 50 sail of the line, under the command of the Vice Admiral Comte d'Estaing, the Comte de Barras, and the Comte de Suffren.
It was the general opinion that this fleet would be ready to leave Cadiz by the 20th of December, having on board nigh 30,000 regular troops; and that they would nevertheless put to sea without regarding the negotiations for peace; for which they assigned this reason, that the expenses of fitting out this expedition being already incurred, it was a matter of indifference whether the provisions should be made use of at anchor or at sea; and that this fleet becoming more formidable the instant they put to sea, would contribute to render the terms of peace more advantageous to us, and would also accelerate the same.
A few Pieces of cheap and fashionable LUTES TRINGS, and a variety of other SILKS, may be had at the Store of SPENCE and SHERBURNE.
SETH WALKER, INFORMS the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring towns, that he has a new bolting cloth at the north-mill, suitable for wheat or rye; and that he will do his utmost endeavors both in grinding and bolting, to meet the approbation of those that shall please to favor him with their custom. Portsmouth, Feb. 20, 1783.
ADMINISTRATION cum Testamento Annexa; agreeable to a late act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is granted unto WILLIAM WHITE, late of said Boston, deceased—This is to give notice, and require all persons indebted to said estate, on bond, book, or otherwise; or are in possession of any part thereof, either real or personal, which said deceased died seized of; to apply to said administrator immediately, in order for settlement. Boston, Feb. 19 1783.
LOST, or Stolen from me the Subscriber, out of my Saddle-Bags, in the house of Benjamin Lamson, innholder in Exeter, a Leather Pocket-Book containing Sunday notes of hand; signed to Henry Coffin, to Eleanor Coffin, and some to me the Subscriber: Whoever will be so kind as to return the Book and all the Papers therein, to Mr. Benjamin Lamson, or to the Printer in Exeter, shall receive ten Dollars reward, by me John Coffin. Exeter, February 14th, 1783.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss. WE the subscribers being appointed by the Hon. Joseph Gilman, Esq; Judge of Probate for said County, Commissioners to receive and examine the Claims of the several creditors to the Estate of the Hon. Brigadier ENOCH POOR, late of Exeter, in said County, Esq; deceased, represented insolvent; Hereby give notice, that we shall attend the said business at the house of Capt. Eliphalet Giddings, Innholder in Exeter, aforesaid, the second Monday in March next, and on the second Mondays of the four following Months, from two to six o'clock afternoon.
THOMAS ODIORNE, ELIPHALET LADD, } Commissioners. JEDEDIAH JEWITT, Exeter, February 15th. 1783
WE the subscribers being appointed Commissioners by the Hon. Matthew Patten, Esq; Judge Probate, to receive and examine the Claims of the several creditors to the Estate of John Harvey, late of Goffstown, in the County of Hillsborough and State of New-Hampshire, yeoman, deceased, intestate, represented insolvent, and six Months being allowed for that purpose, we give notice that we will attend that service, at the house of Robert McGregore, Esq; on the last Wednesday of February and the last Wednesday of each of the five following Months.
And all Persons indebted to said Estate, are desired to make immediate payment.
Alexander Todd, Robert McGregore, } Commissioners. Thomas Cochran, Goffstown, February 10th, 1783.
Hillsborough, December 31, 1782. THESE are to notify the non-resident proprietors owning land in the Township of Hillsborough, in the County Hillsborough, and State of New-Hampshire, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1781, that unless they appear and pay the sums affix to their names, on or before the last Thursday in March next, at one o'clock in the afternoon, as much of their land will be sold at public vendue, as will pay their taxes and all incidental charges, at the house of George Bishop, in said town.
John Hill 2d division, No. 14, 6, 32,—in 3d division, No. 3, 23, 8, 40—244 acre farm, Silver tak 5l. 16s 3d New-Emission tax 21 10s 6d.
William Hill 1st division No. 25, 50, 2d division No. 16, 13, 48, 3d division, No. 12, 6, 25, 50—Silver 1. 5 18 5 New Emission 1. 2 10 3
Widow More 140 acre farm, Silver 1. 0 4 6 New Emission 1. 0 5 4.
Robert Means 2d division, No. 11, Silver 1. 0 8 3 New-Emission, 1. 0 19 3.
Widow Lewis 1st division, 50 acres Silver 1. 0 4 3 New Emission 1. 0 9 6.
Stephen Rolf 1st division, 50 acres Silver 1. 0 4 3 New-Emission 1. 0 9 6
TIMOTHY BRADFORD, Const. Hillsborough, February 1, 1783.
NOTICE is hereby given that the following lots of land lying in Jaffrey, are taxed for the year 1782, to the state as follows, viz.
   No. R. Q. l. s. d.     John Conant 20 7 100 1 5 10   Samuel Davis 22 9 33 7 9   Robert Morrow 16 1 100 1 5 10   Robert Harkness 14 5 100 1 5 10  
Unless the aforesaid taxes are paid, notice is hereby given, that so much of the above-said land will be sold at public vendue on Thursday the 13th day of March next, at the house of Samuel Adams, innholder in said Jaffrey, as will pay and satisfy the above-said taxes and all necessary and intervening charges. The sale to begin at one o'clock P. M. and be continued by adjournment, if necessary, till sufficient is sold to discharge said taxes and all necessary charges.
Roger Gilmore, Const. for the year 1782. Jaffrey, February 4th. 1783.
THIS is to give notice to the non-resident proprietors, owning land in Antrim, who have not paid their Taxes for the Year 1782, that so much of their land will be sold on the 12th. day of March next ensuing, at public sale, at eleven o'clock A.M. at the house of Lieut. Daniel Miltimore, in said Antrim, as will pay said taxes and the incidental charges, except said taxes with charges should be paid before said day.
   State & County. War Tax:   l. s. d. l. s. d.     Major Bealy 0 19 0 1 12 0   David Smith 9 6 16   William Ramsey 1 8 6 2 8   John Pallon 15 7 1 5 6   David Clark 12 2 19 9   Abel Morrill 4 9 7 10   William Peabody 8 8 11 6  
James Nesmith Collector.
Antrim, February 10th, 1783.
Continuation of the sale of part of the Estate of the late Honorable Daniel Warner, Esq; deceased; stands adjourn'd to Thursday the 27th Instant, 10 o'clock, at the house which Mr. James Whitaker now lives in; The sale at PUBLIC VENDUE: Jonathan Warner. Administrator.
Wanted, several young MEN, on hire, to work at farming business, to whom good encouragement will be given, either in money, produce, or in a good lot of land; to go into employ the first of March, and continue till November next. Enquire of the Printers. Portsmouth. February 4, 1783.
Advertisements, &c. omitted for want of room will be in our next.

[Published by Order of the Convention.]
TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. Friends and Countrymen,
IT is with the deepest regret that we find ourselves under a necessity of again addressing you on a subject which, tho' of the utmost importance to yourselves and posterity, is in general treated as a matter not deserving the slightest consideration.
'Tis now almost two years since the Convention for framing a Constitution of Government for the people of this State, was called; and we are pained to say, we see less prospect of succeeding, than when we first made the attempt.
Six times we have met and adjourned, and twice have been at the pains of printing such a form as we thought would be best for, and most acceptable to the people—all at an amazing expence to the State, and yet not half its inhabitants have thought proper to give themselves the least concern about it.
At our first meeting we agreed upon the essentials of the plan, and appointed a Committee to prepare the draught. At our second, we received it, and voted to print and send out to the people 700 copies thereof, informing them that not less than two thirds of the voters in favor of the plan should be sufficient to establish it.
Our next meeting, to receive the votes, was so thin, and so few returns were made, that we adjourned to a better season of the year, in hopes that both would be more ample at the next meeting; and in the mean time recommended to the several towns to send more members, and be more explicit, as well as numerous in their returns.
We met the fourth time; we received and considered the votes, and appointed a committee to make the necessary alterations. At our next meeting we voted to receive the plan thus altered, and to print & send out to the people 800 copies thereof. It was so done. After a long recess we again met to receive the votes, but to our great grief and surprize, not half the towns within the State made any returns, and of those that did, not a fifth part of their inhabitants voted.
One reason of this we find by many of the returns, was that the people conceived they were obliged to take a certain oath of allegiance, in order to qualify them to vote respecting the constitution—which they for some reasons declined:—We therefore take this opportunity to assure them that it is the full sentiment of the Convention, that they are under no necessity of taking it, the act imposing the oath, not reaching to matters of this kind; and provided the votes are given in public town meeting, that the Convention will as readily receive them without the voter's taking the oath as with it.
We find great defects in the returns last made. In many, the number of voters is not mentioned. Some of the towns that voted in favor of a chief magistrate, but against his title of Governor, have not been explicit as to his powers. Many towns that have voted against the mode of representation and a variety of other matters, have omitted pointing out the amendments. Some have condescended to criticize single words;—others have confined many of their observations merely to the address, tho' that is no part of the Constitution.
From these and many other considerations the Convention have thought it best to adjourn once more before they make any further alterations in the frame, to give the people the fullest opportunity to consider and give their sentiments thereon, as well as to rectify any mistakes and supply all defects, that the Convention may have a tolerable assurance that the plan, after all, will be received. In order to which all the towns that have acted, are at full liberty to make any alterations, or if they chuse, to proceed as if they had never acted at all: and they have adjourned to the first Tuesday of June next, then to meet at Concord.
The Convention therefore most earnestly beseech the good people of the State, that they would universally attend to the present object. That they would consider the necessity & importance of having a good Constitution. The expence that a delay thereof necessarily occasions. The impracticability of framing one that will be approved by all; and therefore the absolute necessity of mutual condescensions in matters that are not essential. That they would consider the light in which we now appear to our sister States—to foreigners—to our enemies! That we are the only State in the union without a permanent form of Government, with the example and experience, not of this continent alone, but of the world before us.
And finally permit us to add, that should so desirable an event as peace take place before our Constitution is adopted, we shall be even without the shadow of one, the present being expressly taken up, only during the contest with Great-Britain.
In the name, and pursuant to a resolution of said Convention, GEORGE ATKINSON, President. JONATHAN M. SEWALL, Sec'y.
Mess. JOGUES & St. OMER, MERCHANTS, now in this town, INFORM the PUBLIC, That they will draw Bills of Exchange, at sight, upon Mr. Liberal, their Partner, at Boston, for Cash, paid down here; that way will be equally convenient to them, and to those who want to send Money to Boston; to call at their Store, lately occupied by Capt. Thompson.—They have for Sale— West-India Goods, Beef & Pork, &c. by Wholesale only.
THE Vendue for Sale of delinquent Proprietors Lands in PIERMONT, for payment of Taxes, is adjourned to the 10th of March next, then to meet at Capt. Weeks's tavern in Greenland. Feb. 10. 1783.
State of New Hampshire. PUBLIC notice is hereby given, that a petition hath been preferred to the General Court by Ward Eddy, and Rebecca his wife, setting forth that Daniel Greenwood, of Dublin, in the county of Cheshire and State aforesaid, went away from his family and left his estate, consisting chiefly of a lot of land containing one hundred acres, mostly wild, there being but small improvements, with a log house, and a saw mill partly finished on said lot, in March 1774, somewhat involved.
That the creditors in September following, attached said estate with two writs, but a suspension of law taking place, prevented the prosecution; yet the impatience of the creditors obliged the aforesaid Rebecca, then wife to the said Daniel Greenwood, to attempt the settlement of said estate, without the assistance of law, which she has done by selling said lot of land and mill, and paying the debts. Wherefore they pray that the general court would take into their serious consideration the peculiar difficulties, which attended the time when said settlement was made, and authenticate the sale and settlement of said estate.
Upon which petition, the general court ordered that the petitioners may be heard on the second Wednesday of their next session, and that in the mean time they cause the substance of the petition and order of court to be published in the New-Hampshire Gazette three weeks successively, that any person or persons may then appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof may not be granted.
Attest JOSEPH PEARSON, D.S. Exeter, December 30, 1782.
State of New-Hampshire
THE non resident owners of land in the following towns, are hereby notified, that their lands in said towns are taxed, viz.—Stoddard, for 1777; Rumney, for 1779; Swansey, for 1780; Hollis, for 1780 and 1781; Peterborough, for 1781; Croydon, for 1781; Gilson, for 1781, and 1782; Northfield, 1781, and 1782; Dublin, 1781, and 1782; Barrington, 1781, & 1782; Effingham, Meredith, Gilmanstown, Candia, Pembroke, Middleton, Alstead, Warner, Barnstead, Wakefield, Francestown, Loudon, Moultonborough and New-Hampton, for 1782; and if the taxes are not paid within eight weeks from the first publication of this advertisement, either to the collectors, or subscriber, they will be advertised for sale.
THOMAS ODIORNE, (Receiver of non resident taxes.)
Exeter, Jan. 24, 1783.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of Richard Truiddell, late of Portsmouth, deceased, are desired to make payment to Daniel Peirce, attorney to the administratrix. Portsmouth. February 7, 1782.
State of New Hampshire.
TO be sold by public-vendue, at the house of Joseph Philbrick, in Andover, on Thursday the 6th day of March next, at ten o'clock forenoon, so much of the following lots of land in said town, as will pay the state and war taxes for the year 1782, with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   No. R. Qty. state tax. war tax.   s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.    Robert Miller 25 1 80 4 7 1 8  ditto 25 1 50 2 9 1 0  Israel Blake 4 2 50 2 9 1 0  Ebenezer Loveren 7 1 80 7 4 2 8  Archalus Lakeman 12 2 50 3 9 1 4  Joseph Yow 15 1 100 4 7 1 8  Benjamin French 26 4 60 4 7 1 8  Benjamin Sweat 28 4 50 4 2 1 6  Amos Dunnill 31 4 30 1 10 0 8  David Horton 32 4 50 3 0 1 1  Jonathan Leavitt 34 4 100 7 2 2 8  Samuel Blake, jr. 35 1 80 4 7 1 8  Simon Marston 38 2 40 3 8 1 4  William B. Clough 41 3 40 2 9 1 0  Benjamin Shaw 44 4 80 11 0 4 0  Joshua Pierce 48 4 40 4 1 1 6  Samuel Barthick 51 3 100 12 10 4 8  ditto 51 3 80 5 6 2 0  John Marston 61 3 50 3 5 1 3  ditto 61 3 80 5 6 2 0  Jesse Prescott 65 1 100 13 9 5 0  ditto 65 3 180 11 1 4 0  ditto 65 3 80 16 6 6 0  Tho. Wallingford 67 1 100 5 6 2 0  ditto 67 3 80 5 6 2 0  ditto 67 4 60 8 3 3 0  ditto 67 3 100 5 6 2 0  Anthony Emery 69 1 100 5 6 2 0  ditto 69 4 40 4 1 1 6  ditto 69 1 50 2 9 1 0  John Brown 71 3 100 5 6 2 0  N. Longfellow 73 3 80 5 6 2 0  Tobias Lakeman 75 3 100 5 6 2 0  Walter Williams 8 2 40 5 6 2 0  Joseph Rollins 33 1 80 5 6 2 0  
Joseph Philbrick, Collector.
Andover, Jan. 25, 1782.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners of land in Offipe-Gore, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1780, and 1781, that so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue, at the house of Capt. Jacob Brown innholder in said town, on Tuesday the 25th day of February next, at two o'clock in the afternoon, as will pay said taxes and charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
N.Em. N.Em. Specie.
1780. 1781. 1782.
   No. Q'ty. £. s. d. £. s. d. £. s. d.    T. Wallingford, 1-2 12 250 0 10 0 0 19 4 7 3  Ditto, 36 500 1 0 0 1 18 7 14 5  Meserve and Co. } 1-8th of 3 lots, } 162 6 10 13 2 4 9  Obediah Deodey, 100 4 0  
Richard Beacham, Collector.
Offipe-Gore, Jan. 29 1783.
PRINTED AT PORTSMOUTH. New-Hampshire.