The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1774-12-23 00:00:00

THE New-Hampshire AND HISTORICAL CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES
Vol. XIX. GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
FRIDAY December 23, 1774.
No. 948 } Weeks since this Paper was first Publish'd.
From the PUBLIC LEDGER.
London, October 7. 1774.
To LORD NORTH.
MY LORD,
To compleat the Designs of Tyranny, when they are levelled against the Rights of a BRAVE & FREE People, requires a stretch of Wisdom far beyond the Compass of your Lordship's Abilities; much, very much, have you yet to learn in the School of Machiavel, before you can be equal to such an Attempt.
I doubt not but you'll be convinced of this Truth, long before the Heats you have WANTONLY raised in America are allayed. The Facility with which you have so DARINGLY VIOLATED the Constitutional Rights of this Country has caused you to over-rate your political Capacity: elated with the Vanity of your own Importance, you have proudly supposed your Measures to have been framed with such high strained Policy and Wisdom, that they could not fail of their desired Success. -- On THIS Presumption you have audaciously ventured to attack the LIBERTIES of AMERICA; but the Ruin you are drawing upon yourself in this Attempt must inevitably crush you. You have FALSELY estimated the public Virtue of that Country according to your Knowledge of the Corruption of this; here, my Lord, every Opposition against you has been formed and conducted on such narrow & SELFISH Principles, that it has tended more to assist than to prevent the Execution of your Designs. Our Leaders of Party are so prone to Corruption, that they have not the Resolution to refuse the ensnaring Baits which are offered them; all they contend for is, who shall first seize on the Spoils of their devoted Country: the Men who are loudly professing the Virtues of Patriotism, have hearts incapable of FEELING the generous Sentiments it inspires; well may your Lordship triumph over SUCH Opponents; Men who are ever jarring amongst themselves, and whose Actions are governed by Views of INTEREST ALONE, can never be FORMIDABLE to a Minister, who has the TREASURY of Great-Britain to support him. Adversaries far different from such as these, my Lord, you will now find you have to contend with in America; the Unanimity and GLORIOUS SPIRIT of the Inhabitants of that Part of the British Empire threaten an Opposition much more dangerous than any you have yet encountered; the same NOBLE ARDOR in the Cause of LIBERTY, which Englishmen formerly possessed, the Americans now feel; they, my Lord, will not be deluded by your PLAUSIBILITY, they know their own Consequence, and are determined to assert and maintain their Independency; they are aware of the insatiable Lust of Power which now rages in this Kingdom, and know, that should they in a single Instance submit to any Infringement of their Liberties, PRETENCES would never be wanting to ROB them of their RIGHTS, till, by Degrees, they were deprived of all the solid Advantages they have hitherto, as Freemen, enjoyed.
The contemptible Situation to which we have suffered Ourselves to be reduced, has warned them to be vigilant in the Preservation of their Liberties. From their intimate Knowledge how inseparably the Interests of the two Countries are UNITED, they have wisely chosen a Mode of Opposition which has completely disconcerted all your villainous Schemes of TYRANNY and BLOODSHED: Your Lordship's Hopes, of FORCING their Submission with the Point of the Bayonet, thank Heaven! are blasted. Should you be SUFFERED to proceed, the ship
Powers of this Country, without any open Act of Resistance on the Part of America, will be so weakened in the Contest as never to be restored. Such, my Lord, is the evil Tendency of your Measures, that, without any one Advantage attending their Execution, every MISCHIEF that can be dreaded this Country must suffer, should you OBSTINATELY and WICKEDLY continue your Attempt to enforce Slavery on the Americans.
I would, my Lord, I could rouse my Countrymen from the State of Inactivity and Corruption in which they are enthralled; could they be prevailed on to join VIGOROUSLY in Opposition with their Brethren in America, they would soon overthrow their Oppressors, send you to a SCAFFOLD, and restore the almost forgotten Liberties of their Country. But THIS is not alas, to be expected: Englishmen seem to have lost all Sense of PUBLIC VIRTUE; the AMERICANS are now the only Subjects of Great-Britain, who DESERVE to enjoy the Rights of Freemen; their spirited Resolutions prove them not degenerated in Principle from their Fathers; it is on their Virtue we must rely for Redress; their noble Behaviour, in so firmly opposing your Lordship's TYRANNY, may be the Means of restoring our lost Privileges, & our Descendants shall gratefully acknowledge that the LIBERTIES of ENGLAND were preserved in AMERICA. Gracchus.
PORTSMOUTH.
Mr. PRINTER,
As the Affairs of Removing the POWDER and some GUNS from the FORT, has been Matter of some Speculation, I was determined to enquire and judge for myself; and find upon critical Examination, that the People of the Province of New-Hampshire are well known to have supported the Character of loyal Subjects of his MAJESTY, and have been distinguished for their Obedience to all Subordinate Officers, without carefully attending to the present Popular Patriotism of this Country. So far from pushing themselves into the Front in the present unhappy Disputes, they have been blamed for falling too far in the Rear. But what will not the great Law of Nature, that Law of self preservation, the Love of Life, and its dear Consequences, at Length effect? Alarmed with the Tendency of the Quebec Act, with Accounts that the Canadians and Indians (confirmed by some late Depredations committed by the latter upon the Frontiers of a neighbouring Government) were to be call'd forth to enforce the late Acts of Parliament, so disagreeable to all the Colonies, long inuted to defend themselves in the wide extended Frontiers of this Province, by their Valour, against the restless and cruel Savages of the Wilderness, without any other Aid, and while destitute of Arms necessary for such Defence, finding that his MAJESTY IN COUNCIL, not knowing their peculiar defenceless State, had been pleased to prohibit the Exportation of Powder, Arms and other warlike Stores to the Colonies without special Licence. Some of the good People of this Province, in the wonted honesty and Simplicity of their Hearts, imagined that nobody would have just Reason to complain of their too great Forwardness, if they seasonably removed some of the warlike Stores from the Fort nearer to their Frontiers, where the Fears of the Inhabitants were most excited, and where they had too great Reason to think such Stores would be soon wanted. Which they accordingly effected, without any great Tumult or Opposition; as it was not suspected that they had any disloyal or bad intentions. I give this simple Narrative of this Transaction, to prevent any Colourings or Exaggerations thereof that may be made by the Foes of America.
A LOVER OF ORDER.
Mr. Printer,
As it has been insinuated in your Paper, that a Magistrate in this County took for a certain Offence too great a Fine, which Insinuation tends directly to make an ill Impression upon the Minds of the Public, the Public may be assured, that the Fine so taken, was exactly agreeable to the Province Law.
CUSTOM-HOUSE, Piscataqua, Dec. 22.
   Inward Entries FROM.     Brig Merriam, William Friend, Guadaloup.   Brig Unity, Joshua Hills, St. Kitts.   Brig Elizabeth, James Tracy, Hispaniola.   Schooner Speedwell, Thomas Jones, St. Lucia.   Schooner Molly, William Trefethen, Philadelphia.   Sloop Ceres, Paul Randell, New London.   Brig Charlotte, Jacob Mills, Ditto.   Sloop Unity, Samuel Bragdon, St. Thomas's.   Clear'd Outwards FOR.   Schooner Speedwell, Thomas Jones, West-Indies.   Schooner Polly, William Wyer, Ditto.   Sloop Mary, Benjamin Rogers, Ditto.   Schooner Industry, Mendum Janvrin, Ditto.   Brig John, Isaac Row, Ditto.   Sloop Beneater, William Preston, Ditto.   Ship Exeter Gally, Patrick Byrne, Ditto.   Elizabeth, Thomas Palmer, Ditto.  
BOSTON December 19.
We are told, that the military and naval Expenditures at the Town of Boston, since the blocking up the Harbour, amounts to fifty Thousand Pounds Sterling every three Months.
On the late Thanksgiving Day two or three weak and imbeciled Persons, of the most insignificant and contemptible of all Sects, (who make Pretensions to Christianity) opened their Shops; five or six Soldiers passing one of them, made a full Stop, and asked the deluded Owner whether he was not ashamed to so insult his Countrymen, and advised him to shut up his Shop and hide his Head, adding that he was an Enemy to his Country. As this was said by a Soldier they may perhaps spare the Cry of Persecution on the Occasion.
A Letter from Quebec, dated November 26, 1774, says, "That the Interpreter who has been sent to the six Nations, to know if they will give their Assistance to the King's Troops against the Colonies (should there be Occasion for them) have given for Answer, That it is a Family Quarrel, and that they will by no Means interfere between the Parents and Children. The Letter further adds, that they will also be very hard put to it to muster any Canadians for that Purpose. May GOD preserve & defend you all."
By a Person lately arrived from Quebec we learn further, that Application had been made to the French Inhabitants of Canada to arm themselves against the Colonies; that they rejected the Proposal with Indignation, and declared that if any one Canadian should be deluded so far as to go against their Sister Colonies, they would send ten to their Relief.
[What an Idea are we led to form of a British Administration by an Order of the Privy Council we are prohibited from procuring the Means of Defence, and at the same Time the whole Influence of Government is exerted to stir up the Canadians and Savages to cut our Throats. A Conduct not more base and inhumane than it is weak and impolitic.]
The Hon. Stephen Hopkins, Esq; and the Hon. Samuel Ward, Esq; are unanimously chosen Delegates to represent the Colony of Rhode Island, in the Continental Congress to be held at Philadelphia in May next.
The General Assembly of the Colony of Rhode Island have ordered 40,000 Flints, 300 Barrels of Powder, 3 Tons of Lead, and 4 Brass Field-Pieces, to be procured for the Use of the Colony.
We learn from Rhode Island that the People there view the political Manoeuvres of the British Ministry as foreboding the most vigorous Exertions of martial Force; and from this Apprehension the most effectual Methods have been and are adopting by their Legislative to defend themselves against any hostile Invasions of the Enemies to America.
Thursday last was observed, agreeable to the Recommendation of the Provincial Congress, as a Day of Public Thanksgiving throughout this Province.
We hear from Halifax, Nova-Scotia, that the General Assembly of that Province have laid an additional Duty of 3 Pence per Gallon upon all Rum and other spirituous Liquors (except the Produce or Manufacture of Great-Britain) that shall be imported into that Province, after the first Day of January, 1775. Also a Duty of 5 Shillings upon every 112 lb of Brown Sugar; and Five Pence upon every Gallon of Molasses that shall be imported into that Province, after the said first Day of January, 1775.
The Glasgow Man of War, from Halifax, which was ashore on Cohasset Rocks last Week, with much difficulty got off, with the Loss of three of her Hands, and great Part of her Rigging, and on Thursday last came up into this Harbour.
Saturday last the Boyne Man of War of 64 Guns, and Asia of 60, lately mentioned to have arrived from England, came up into this Harbour, & are at Anchor within Musket-Shot of the Town.
Last Monday sailed for Halifax, his Majesty's Ship Tartar, Capt. Meadows.
Friday Evening sailed for Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, his Majesty's Ship Canceaux, Lieut. Mowatt, Commander.
And on Saturday Evening sailed for the same Place his Majesty's Ship Scarborough, Capt. Barclay.
Last Friday sailed for London, the Charming Nancy Transport, Capt. Deveron.
Yesterday arrived here his Majesty's Ship Somerset, of 64 Guns, Captain La Crafs Commander from England.
Donations received since our last.
Massachusetts Bay. From the Union Fire Club at Salem, Cash £. 40. From Medfield, 22 Loads of Wood, 51 Cheeses, and half a Barrel of Pork. New-Jersey. From Joseph Ellis, Esq; Treasurer of the Committee of Correspondence of Gloucester County, in West-Jersey, by the Hands of the Honorable Thomas Cushing, Esq; 534 Dollars. Virginia. From Alexandria, 157 Barrels of Flour. Six Dollars from a Person unknown.
Last Wednesday Afternoon, a Person in Roxbury sent to Town upwards of four Hundred Cabbages, to be distributed by a Person whom he desired to attend that Service; and they were accordingly all dealt out in about two Hours after they had been received.
A Letter from London says there are more than 100 new Members in the present Parliament.
Extract of a LETTER from PORTSMOUTH, New-Hampshire, dated December 16.
WE have been in Confusion here for a Days, on Account of an Express from Boston, informing that 2 Regiments were coming to take Possession of our Fort; By Beat of Drum 200 Men immediately assembled and went to the Castle in 2 Gundslovs, who on their Way were joined by 150 more, and demanded the Surrender of the Fort, which Captain Cochran refused; and fired 3 Guns, but no Lives were lost; upon which they immediately scaled the Walls, disarmed the Captain and his Men, took Possession of 97 Barrels of Powder, put it on board the Gundslovs, bro't it up to Town, and went off with it to some Distance in the Country. Yesterday the Town was full of Men, from the Country, who marched in, in Form; chose a Committee to wait on the Governor, who assured them he knew of no such Design as sending Troops, Ships, &c. This Morning I hear there is a 1000 or 1500 on their March to Town, The Governor and Council sat Yesterday on the Affair, and are now meeting again. The Men who came down, are those of the best Property and Note in the Province."

Continental Congress continu'd
For Maryland.
A T a meeting of the committees appointed by the several counties of the province of Maryland, at the city of Annapolis, the 22d of June 1774, and continued by adjournment from day to day till the 25th of the same month,
Mathew Tilghman, Esq; in the chair, John Ducket, clerk.
Resolved, that Mathew Tilghman, Thomas Johnson, jr. Robert Goldsborough, William Paca, & Samuel Chase, Esq'rs; or any two or more of them be deputies for this province, to attend a general congress of deputies from the colonies at such time and place as may be agreed on, to effect one general plan of conduct operating on the commercial connection of the colonies with the mother-country, for the relief of Boston and persevation of American Liberty.
For Virginia.
Monday the 1st of August, in the year of our LORD, 1774.
A T a general meeting of delegates from the different counties in this colony, convened at the city of Williamsburgh, to take under their consideration the present critical and alarming situation of the continent of N. America.
The hon. Peyton Randolph Esq; in the chair.
It was unanimously resolved, That it is the opinion of this meeting, that it will be highly conducive to the security and happiness of the British empire, that a general congress of deputies from all the colonies assemble as soon as the nature of their situations will admit, to consider of the most proper and effectual manner of so operating on the commercial connection of the colonies with the mother country, as to procure redress for the much injured province of Massachusetts-Bay, to secure British America from the ravage and ruin of arbitrary taxes, and speedily as possible to procure the return of that harmony and union so beneficial to the whole empire, and so ardently desired by all British America.
Friday, August 5th, 1774.
THE meeting proceeded to the choice of delegates to represent this colony in general congress, when the hon. Peyton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Patrick Henry, Richard Bland, Benjamin Harrison, & Edmund Pendleton, Esq'rs; were nominated for that purpose.
For South-Carolina.
In the commons house of assembly, Tuesday the 2d day of August, 1774. COL. POWELL acquainted the house, that during the recess of this house, viz. on the 6th 7th & 8th days of July last at a general meeting of the inhabitants of this colony, they having under consideration the acts of parliament lately passed with regard to the port of Boston, and colony of Massachusetts-Bay, as well as other American grievances, had nominated & appointed the hon. Henry Middleton, John Rutledge, Thomas
Lynch, Christopher Gadsden, and Edward Rutledge, Esq'rs; Deputies on the part & in behalf of this colony, to meet the deputies of the colonies of North-America in general congress the first monday in Sept. next at Philadelphia, or at any other time and place that may be generally agreed on there; to consider the acts lately passed and bills depending in parliament with regard to the port of Boston and colony of Massachusetts Bay, which acts and bills in the precedent and consequences affect the whole continent of North America. Also the grievances under which America labours by reason of the several acts of parliament, that impose taxes & duties for raising a revenue and lay unnecessary restraints and burthens on trade, and of the statutes, parliamentary acts & royal instructions which make an inviduous distinction between his Majesty's subjects in Great-Britain and America, with full power and authority to concert, agree to, and effectually prosecute such legal measures as in the opinion of the said deputies, and of the deputies to be assembled, shall be most likely to obtain a repeal of the said acts and a redress of those grievances. And thereupon moved, that this house do resolve to recognize, ratify, and confirm the said appointment of the deputies for the purposes aforesaid.
Resolved, N.C.D. That this house do recognize, ratify and confirm the appointment of the said deputies for the purposes mentioned in the said motion.
Attested, Thomas Farr, jr. Clerk. [To be continu'd.]
MR. PRINTER, Y OU are requested to return thro' your useful Paper, the Thanks of the Town, to Capt. Thomas Thompson, for his Kindness, in informing all who may resort to this Place, that there are excellent Laws, and worthy Magistrates in Portsmouth, that make a Stand against prophane Cursing and Swearing, and bending Sails upon the Sabbath. Mr. Thompson informs us that he is an entire Stranger to many Laws of this Country; and since he has been set right at a little Expence, we thank him very heartily for acquainting others, that there are Laws in this Land that rather discountenance Cursing and Swearing, and bending Sails upon the Sabbath. We know not what Part of the World he is best acquainted with, but it seems likely by his Confession, that it is where Cursing and Swearing, and bending Sails upon the Sabbath are tolerated. We are sorry that his Lot has been cast in such heathenish Places; and we doubt not the Captain will not repent learning the Customs of a civilized Place, though it should be somewhat chargeable. If the Captain will look into a Book which in this County is call'd the BIBLE, he will find that the divine Law is not so rigorous as to require him to curse and swear, and bend Sails upon the Sabbath, but rather indulges him to rest from those Labours on that Day. Mr. Thompson thinks he is overcharged for cursing and swearing, as he did it all in one Breath. But to a great Mind, what signifies a few Shillings? Is not the Satisfaction that arises from abusing a worthy Man by cursing him very heartily, when he ought to have thank'd him, and of trampling on the Laws of GOD and the KING, worth all the Cost? Surely he cannot think to drive such a bold Stroke without some Expence.
Portsmouth December 20, 1774.
CHOICE MOLASSES for Retailers, by the Hogshead, Barrell, or less Quantity, TO BE SOLD,
By Samuel Gardner,
At his Store on Spring-Hill. Also, An Assortment of IRON HOLLOW WARE , Among which are, Coolers, Dish-Kettles, Cart Boxes, large and small Tea-Kettles, two Quart, one Quart, and Pint Skellets; large and small Hand Pots, Hand Kettles; large and small Spiders; large and small Stew-Pans with and without Covers, &c. Said Gardner would engage to supply Shop-Keepers, Traders and others, with IRON WARE , in large or small Quantities, on the most advantageous Terms. He has also to sell, a Parcel of LEATHER BREECHES . The aforesaid Articles may be bought very cheap for ready Money.
Richard Champney,
I NFORMS his good Customers and others, that in Addition to his former Assortment he has opened for Sale a great Variety of FALL GOODS , which were imported before the 1st day of Dec. which he will sell at his Shop in Queen-Street, as low as can be purchased in any Shop in Town.
BAIZES of all Widths and Colours, scarlet & other colour'd Broad-Cloths, Ratteens, Yorkshire Planes, Duffil Blanketts, Kilmarnock Caps, striped Swan-skin, Sarges, Shalloons and Trimmings of all colours, Lambkins for Surtout Coats, Ravens Duck, Flannels, strip'd and plain Camblets, Cambletenes, fine Tabarets, Miffinets, Brilliants, Denmark Lustres, Poplins, Irish Linnens of all Widths, fine and coarse Checks, Dutch Laces, Tassies and Tassity-Persians, Yard wide Allamodes, Snail-Trimmings, Variety of Ribbands, Sarsenets, Pins, Needles, worsted Caps, green mock-velvet ditto, 20d. 10d. 6d. and 2d. Nails, Powder, Shot, Lead, Gun-Flints, Indigo, all kinds Spices, Snuff by the Bottle or Doz. long and short Whalebone, Florence and Cask Oil, Raisins by the Cask, Sieves by the Doz, Coffee, Chocolate, Loaf and Brown Sugar, Cotton-Wool, Barcelony and Spittlefields black Handkerchiefs, West-India and N.-England Rum, by the Hogshead or Barrel, Molasses by the Hogshead, a few C. Ship Bread, choice clear Pork, warranted of best Quality, Cod & Scale Fish by the Quantity or Retail; Tin Ware made and sold by Wholesale or Retail at the cheapest Rate; fresh Lisbon Lemmons, by the Hundred or Doz. Scotch Pig-tale Tobacco.
TO BE SOLD,
By John Moore,
At the SHOP or STORE where JACOB SHEAFF formerly kept, near the Long Wharfe, Portsmouth,
A Large Assortment of Paper Hangings, Whips, Mens Hatts, Stockings, Carpeting, Holland Tyles for Chimnies, Pails, Wood Boxes, Corn-Measures, JACOB'S LAW DICTIONARY. Onions, &c. Good Allowance made to those that purchase to sell again.
Also, Wants Employment a middle aged Man to be as a Clerk, who writes well, understands Accompts and Book-keeping, &c. Would be willing to go abroad as Supercargo to the West-Indies, Old-England, or to any other Parts, as wanted, and agreed on. Apply at said Shop.
West-India and English Goods.
SALT, INDIGO, SUGAR, PEPPER, ALL SPICE, KNIVES, SCISSARS, LINNEN, CAMBRIC, WORSTED HOSE, SHALLOONS, Bearskin, (Homespun,) Check Stuff, Lynn Shoes, Buttons, Twist, brown & white Thread, Worsted Caps, Quality, Long Lawn, small Looking-Glasses, Skillets, Hammers, Taylors Thimbles, Handkerchiefs, Ribbons, black Tammy, narrow and wide red Baife, &c. &c. at the lowest Rate, Sold by
Henry Sherburne,
Likewise the following BOOKS . A very elegant Edition of SWIFT'S WORKS , PARKHURST'S Greek and English LEXICON, BASKERVILLE'S Vocabulary , — THE WHIGGS PETITION , Vision of HELL — HUDIBRAS with Cutts , — GIL BLAS , — FIELDING'S WORKS 12 Vol. — SANDEMAN'S LETTERS , POOL'S ANNOTATIONS , second Hand, — ARABIAN NIGHTS — THE CLERK'S GUIDE , second hand, — LETTERS from a Peruvian PRINCESS 3 f. — LADIES TRAVELS thro' SPAIN , 2 Vol. 6/6. — GUARDIAN 3 Vol. 11s. — The Palladium of Conscience . — WATTS'S PSALMS and HYMNS . — COWLEY'S Works , 2 Vol. 12 s. — HARRIS'S Life of CHARLES 2d, 2 Vol. Octavo, 16 s. — Humphry Clinker , 3 Vol. — Ramsey's Songs . — Grotius , 3 s. — English Dictionary , 10s. 6d. — Youth's Faithful Monitor , or Young Man's Best Companion . — Letter Writer's Compleat Instructor , 3s. — Spelling Books . — PAPER , — INK POWDER , — WAFERS .

L O N D O N October 22.
It was yesterday currently reported, that the Town of Boston was destroyed by the Military, who had been provoked to lay the Capital of Massachusetts Bay in Ashes.
It is well known in the City of London, by Merchants who have received Letters from America by the last New York Mail, that General Gage had drawn down the Army upon the Town of Boston; and it is generally believed, that a horrid Butchery had been committed on the poor Inhabitants.
A Letter from Portsmouth, dated October 14, says "America is the general Topic of Conversation in this Town, and has been for some Weeks past, but never with any Degree of Apprehension and Concern, till the Beginning of this Week, when it was currently reported that certain Advice had been received from Boston that the People there by their daring and outrageous Behaviour had reduced General Gage to the disagreeable Necessity of exerting his Authority & Power in his own Defence, and in that of the Rights and Dignity of his Master. Many were killed, and near 400 taken Prisoners; who it is said were immediately put on board a Man of War in order to be sent to England for Trial. We are in the utmost anxiety to hear the Confirmation of this Account; for if it is true, either a general Famine will prevail in America, or Tranquility and Submission immediately be established. The latter it is imagined will be the Case, which, is the Wish not only of me, but of every Person here."
It is now determined to send a very considerable Force, as well of Ships as Men to Boston; and it is settled that General Gage is to force the Americans to Obedience.
Octo. 20. The Affairs of North America will be the first Matters agitated in the new Parliament.
The Intention of the new Parliament is to call in the same Members, that the American Acts should not be repealed.
Eleven Sail are getting ready to proceed immediately to America; it is expected to offer New York the new Regulation Bill.
Governor Tryon is to go out Governor again to New York, as his Behaviour at that Place was highly approved by the Inhabitants.
Extract of Letter from Corke, Octo 4.
"Capt. Morrissey, of the Catharine, of Waterford, arrived here Yesterday from Baltimore in Maryland, says, that being at Anchor at Point Comfort, a Virginia Sloop had put in there, the Master of which informed him, that he read in the Virginia Papers an Account of an Action at Boston, between the Army and the People of the Town, wherein 500 of the Town's People were killed. What serves to corroborate this Intelligence is, that last Sunday off the Irish Coast, Capt. Morrissey spoke to some of the Pilots to the Westward, who informed him that one Day last Week they spoke to a Sloop from Rhode Island for Bristol, who told them of the above Action."
Yesterday Morning early, 4 Waggons loaded with Military Stores set out from the Tower to Portsmouth destined against the unhappy People of Boston.
N E W Y O R K , December 8.
Letters by the last Packet bring Information, that his Majesty has been graciously pleased to found a Professorship of Divinity in the College of this City, with a Salary from Home; and to appoint the Rev. John Vardill, A.M. at this Time in England, to be his first Royal Professor: the prime Influence, we apprehend, of the like Nature, in America.
Letters received last Week from Jamaica, acquaint us that a powerful Fleet of the Royal Navy of Spain, with a well appointed Army of Land Forces, are assembled at the Havanna, which occasions very serious Apprehensions to the Inhabitants of that Island.
On Tuesday last his Majesty's Ship Swan, commanded by Capt. James Ayscough, weighed Anchor for Boston, by Way of the Sound.
On Monday Evening at a full Meeting of the Committee of Inspection, we hear they entered into some Rules and Measures for the effectual Discharge of the important Duties of the Appointment, in order to a strict Compliance with the Resolutions and Recommendations of the General Congress.
We hear that at a Meeting of the General Committee of this City and County, two Sub Committees were appointed to superintend the Sales of 2 Cargoes of Goods arrived here since the 1st Day of Dec. And that it was the Opinion of the Committee, that all Goods, Wares and Merchandize, enumerated in the first Article of the Association of the Continental Congress (except dutied Tea) should be subject to the Regulations contained in the tenth Article.
P R O V I D E N C E , Dec. 3.
Capt. Holliman Warner, from St. Croix, informs, that the Inhabitants of that Island were about to send One Hundred Hogsheads of Sugar as a Present to the Town of Boston. One Gentleman had offered to give Ten Hogsheads, and to send a Vessel with the whole Donation, free of Charge.
A greater Quantity of Flour has been brought from the Country to this Town, for Sale, within a few Months past, than was ever brought before in the Course of one Year; and will perhaps in Time become a very considerable Article for Exportation.
A Military Company is formed in the Towns of Scituate and Coventry, by the Name of the United Company of Volunteers.
N E W L O N D O N , Dec. 9.
A Letter from Fisher's Island, Novem. 30, says, "At half after 8 o'Clock in the Evening, Captain Benjamin Meags was drowned out of the Sleep Fancy, laying at Fisher's Island Harbour: Whoever shall find him and bury him decently may be satisfied, by applying to Falmouth in the County of Barnstable, in New-England. The Men's Names that were with him, are John Swift and Joseph Rowley belonging to said Sleep; Benjamin Warsh, Latham Macey, belonging to Nantucket, were Passengers."
The Account which the People belonging to said Vessel, give is, that the above Capt. Meags jumped over the Side of the Vessel, and was drowned: But it is tho' by some that their Account of the Matter ought not to be relied on.
We don't learn where the Vessel was from, or where bound. It is said the Captain was a Person of considerable Property.
§ Fitz-William. §
WHEREAS the Proprietors of the Town of FITZ WILLIAM, in the County of Cheshire, and Province of New Hampshire, at a special Meeting of said Proprietors held on the thirteenth Day of April 1774, at Fitz-William, voted Four shillings to be raised on each Lot liable to pay Proprietors Taxes in said Town; and I have received a Warrant under the Hand and Seal of the Proprietors Assessors to collect the same, with an additional TAX formerly voted by said Proprietors, to pay the Minister's yearly Salary of five Shillings and three Pence one Farthing; I do hereby notify the Proprietors of Fitz-William to pay the above said Taxes it being nine Shillings and three Pence one Farthing in the whole, to me the Subscriber on or before the first Tuesday in January next at my House in Fitz-William, or their Lands will be advertised for Sale at the Law dire cti . Dated at Fitz-William the 5th Day of December 1774. Caleb Winch Collector.
§ Leavitts-Town. §
NOTICE is hereby given to the Proprietors of Leavitts Town, that their Rights or Shares of Land are assessed to the Amount of Five Dollars on a Right, and that unless they pay the same to me the Subscriber by the First of January next, at my Dwelling House in North Hampton, their Rights of Land will be advertised for Sale at public Vendue in the New Hampshire Gazette, as the Law dire cti . JOHN DEARBORN, Collector. North Hampton, December 7th, 1774.
[— RUNAWAY BOY —]
RUNAWAY from his Master Mr. Jonathan Collings of Scarborough, an Apprentice named James Coelbroth, a thick will set Fellow about 18 Years of Age, short light Hair. Had on light colour'd Clothes. Whoever shall apprehend said Runaway, and convey him to his Master at Scarborough, shall have three Dollars Reward and no Charges paid by Jonathan Collings. Scarborough Nov. 19, 1774.
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC VENDUE, On the First Monday in January next, at the Dwelling House of the late Mr. Samuel Clarke, deceas'd, in Lee, in the County of Strafford.
All the Household Furniture, and other Moveables belonging to the Estate of the said deceas'd.—They will be sold by PAUL GILES, Administrator to said Estate; the Sale to begin at ten o'Clock before Noon. Conditions of Sale to be known at Time and Place of Sale. PAUL GILES, Administrator. Lee, December 12, 1774.
FALMOUTH Nov. 29, 1774.
STOLEN last Night, from the Subscriber's Store in said Falmouth, sundry Goods, among which are several Pair Womens fatten Shoes—a few reading or burning Glasses—some Perknives, Locks, Chizzels, and coloured Thread.—If any Person will discover or apprehend the Thief, so that he may be brought to Conviction, he shall have a Reward of TWENTY DOLLARS paid him by SAMUEL FREEMAN. It is hoped that Pedlars will (at all Times) be taken due Care of.
Stolen in Wells the 29th of Nov.
Last, a dark brown, almost black MARE, about seven Years old, trots and paces well; had on a new set of Shoes, a Felm on one Eye, has been galled on one Shoulder and Thigh, where the Marks may be seen; the Property of Paul Dudley Woodbridge of York—Whoever will apprehend the THIEF, and secure him so as he may receive his Deserts, and the MARE returned, shall have Ten Dollars Reward, or the Mare without interest, shall have two Dollars Reward, and all necessary Charges paid by Paul Dudley Woodbridge.
Warrantes and Quitclaim Deeds, Justices Writs, Shipping Papers, Bail Bonds, &c. Sold at the Printing Office.
THE ROAST BEEF of OLD-ENGLAND.
WHEN mighty Roast Beef was the Englishman's Food, It enobled our Veins, and enliven'd our Blood, Our Soldiers were brave, and our Courtiers were good.
When good Queen Elizabeth sat on the Throne, Ere Coffee and Tea, and such Slip-Slops were known, The World was in Terror if ere she did frown.
Our Lawyers were virtuous, ne'er sought for Applause, By confounding with Purport and Tenour the Laws, Nor framing of Bills against Liberty's Cause.
Our Bishops were zealous, Religion their Care; And honestly spoke when in Senate they were, That no Traitor dar'd offer a Popish Bill there.
They boldly asserted, the Prince on the Throne, If he broke through the Oath that he took with the Crown, 'Twas no Act of Justice, but one of his own.
Our Nobles had Honour in Records of Fame; Their Sons are but Shadows and know but the Name, Their Fathers eat Beef, their Sons whore and game.
With Beef and their Charters, how happy and free, Their Sons, if they've Charters, must live upon TEA, And cringe to a venal Majority.
The BRITONS, that once were inbred to Fight, Now tamely sit down their Petitions to write; Which serve for a Laugh, and the Boys for a Kite.
The Return of the Seasons are settled by Fate, The Tories may Tremble, though now so elate, And FREEDOM revive with the new Eighty-Eight.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of John Walton, late of Newington, deceas'd, are desired to bring in their Accounts to George Walton of Portsmouth, and Scharick Walton, of Barnstead, in order for Settlement.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or who have Demands on the Estate of John Lam'on, late of Exeter, in the County of Rockingham, Surgeon, deceas'd, are desired to settle the same with Elizabeth Lam'on, Relict of said deceas'd, and sole Administratrix of said Estate. Exeter, Dec. 15, 1774.
N. B. The LIBRARY of said deceas'd is to be sold at private Sale at his late Dwelling House.
Stolen or Strayed,
From Mr. CALEB BREWSTER's Pasture, a large dark HORSE, with a white Main, sixteen Hands and an half high,—Whoever will bring him to the Printer shall be handsomely Rewarded—Likewise taken from the Corner of a House in Deer Street, a good half Barrel Bra's KETTLE with a large Iron Bail, a Piece broke out the Rim about 5 or 6 Inches. Whoever will bring it to the Printer, shall be handsomely Rewarded. Portsmouth, December 14, 1774.
Just Publish'd, (Price nine pence L. M.)
THE WONDER OF WONDERS!
Or, the Wonderful Appearance of an
Angel, Devil and Ghost,
To a GENTLEMAN in the TOWN of BOSTON, in the Nights of the 14th, 15th, and 16th of October last: Sold by WILLIAM APPLETON in Portsmouth
A valuable Mare to be shot for, On Monday the 26th of this Instant, at two o'Clock in the Afternoon, at the House of Mr. Thomas Seavy's in Long Lane in Portsmouth. Tickets at 3s. to be had at Mr. Garland's at Rye, and at Mr. Ebenezer Dearing's at Portsmouth.
Relban Meeting stands adjourn'd to the third Monday in January next, at the House of Capt. Zechariah Fols in Portsmouth, 3 o'clock Afternoon.
Ten Dollars Reward
Is offered to any Person who will apprehend and secure either James Danerley, Thomas Clarke, Jonathan Fish, or Mary Fisher, who broke out of His Majesty's Goal in Amherst, in the County of Hillsborough, in the Province of New Hampshire, on the Night of the 15th of last Month, provided they are reconveyed to His Majesty's Goal in said Amherst; the said Persons have been particularly already described in an Advertisement in this Paper. BENJAMIN WHITING, Sheriff of said County, will pay the above Reward.
TO BE LET A very convenient
Dwelling House,
Fronting on Kingstreet, commodious for a large Family especially if in Trade, with a good Stable, &c. For further Particulars, enquire of GEORGE GAINS
GEORGE GAINS
HAS for Sale a HOUSE 2 Stories high, with a Gambrel Roof, with a small Garden fronting on a good Street, not far from his Estate. Also COFFIN FURNITURE of all Sorts, to be sold by him as usual.