New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1779-06-08 00:00:00

Richmond Levy
New-Hampshire Gazette.
Third Year of American Independence.
OR, State JOURNAL, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. II.
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1779.
[ No. 68.
We have not any Directions, from Captain Thompson to publish the following, which is taken from the Boston Papers, — but we conceive that Gentleman to have been much injured by some late Publications; and therefore present the following Piece to our Readers, for the Perusal, and candid Judgment of those who have not read the Boston Papers.
To the PUBLIC.
I have, although very reluctantly, trouble the candid public, to enquire into the nature of the dispute between myself and Capt. Whipple, and to determine which of the two is the aggressor in illiberal language and abuse. I published the judgment of the court, and subjoined Capt. Johnson's dissent, which they had omitted. I said it ought to have been before published, and added, in the opinion of many as well as myself, nothing could show the partiality of the Court so well as the pointed manner in which the judgment was penned. Surely this could not be called abuse: In answer to this, Capt. Whipple (which required no answer) published a long address in White and Adams's paper, the 20th of March, couched in the most reproachful and abusive terms, offering personal abuse to palliate his public conduct, in full confidence, I suppose that the public had the most exalted opinion of his abilities, and were obliged to believe whatever he said, that they considered him as a man of truth and judgment, the all-accomplished officer, the anointing Commodore, the true son of the American Coffee House, and the grand champion of the bunch of grapes, &c. &c. At these last places I am told, he flourished about his address the evening before its publication, in token of approaching vengeance; declaring he had been four hours in writing it; however, those who know him, strongly suspect it is not his writing: Be that as it may, I thought myself obliged to return an answer, more especially as he pointed out the irregularity of the proceedings, if I knew of any. I did so. I have pointed out what I thought was partial and unjust, and shall leave it for others to say whether I am right or wrong. In return for Captain Whipple's abuse, I made use of some harsh expressions, which has highly exasperated him; thinking he alone had an exclusive right to abuse, he has therefore published his second address. This address is replete with unmanly insolence, illiberal reflection and abuse, not only upon me, but upon every officer that was in the Raleigh, setting their judgment at nought, which was the case during the whole trial. In justice to those officers, I would inform the public, that none of them were any ways inferior to Capt. Whipple, in point of judgment or any other useful qualification, each of them have commanded more ships than perhaps he ever sailed in for ten or twelve years past. The three Lieuts. Mather, and Capt. of Marines, have commanded ships, and ought to be judges of bearings and distances, as well as many commissioned officers, now in the American navy, who until this war, never had their foot in a ship, and indeed some scarcely upon the salt water; yet such are appointed judges of a commander's conduct; a wretched system of discipline! Where a man's reputation is to be hack'd to pieces by those who are ignorant of their own duty. I shall go on to observe that Capt. Whipple has not contradicted any of the facts I charged him with, he has only shifted some and acknowledged the rest; he has towered away in abuse, but has not laid any thing to the matter in dispute. Did Capt. Whipple possess the least sensibility of soul, or the least spark of honor, as an officer in the service of his country, he would remember, that if I have offended against the rules of the service, I have answered by a public trial. 'Tis base, 'tis scandalous, and unmanly insolence to upbraid a man in an oblique manner, when he has answered to the law of the service for his conduct. After Capt. Whipple has run on with his abuse, he announces his readiness for sea. I hope he will return safe, that we may come to a nearer explanation, 'tis not commendable to be dealing in abuse in news papers, besides I am sure never to exceed him in ill language, therefore the contest is unequal. I must say I have the most contemptible opinion of Captain Whipple's proceedings through the whole affair; as to what relates to his character otherwise, I have nothing to do with. That part of the community which I am personally known to, will not neglect me on his account; and those who know me not, will form what opinion they please, between Capt. Whipple's representation,
and those gentlemen who were appointed to enquire into my conduct. Their sentiments are contained in the following letter, which I should not have published, but on this particular occasion.
THOMAS THOMPSON.
Portsmouth, May 20, 1779. To JAMES WARREN, JOHN DESHON, and WILLIAM VERNON, Esquires, Members of the Navy Board, Eastern Department of the United States.
Gentlemen, WE, the Members of the Court-Martial on the trial of Capt. T. Thompson, late commander of the Raleigh frigate, think we are bound in Justice to Capt. Thompson, to represent to your Board, that notwithstanding the sentence of dismission passed by the Court upon this gentleman, the Court by no means consider him as thereby disqualified from again having command in the Service of America, because we are fully of opinion that his misconduct was owing to error of judgment, and not to defect of heart, and that in similar circumstances, we have no doubt the conduct of this gentleman would be different, and that his experience (now daily acquired) would direct and enable him to act a part honorable to himself and serviceable to our country; and we now recommend him to your Board, as an experienced seaman, and as a man who may be advantageously employed in the service of America; and beg that this representation, may be transmitted to Congress by the Board, that Congress may not be misled by the sentence referred to; and we will hope that this representation, which arises only from those disinterested motives which justice, conscience, and honor inspire, will have a proper weight in behalf of a Man, who we consider as a good officer.
We are, Gentlemen, your most obedient humble servants, (Signed.)
DUDLEY SALTONSTALL, SETH CLARK, SAMUEL NICHOLSON, SAM'L PRICHARD, JOHN GREEN, JABEZ SMITH, JOHN ELLIOTT.
Boston, 10th July, 1778.
A true copy of the original delivered to the Navy Board.
Copy. Attest. WM. STORY, N. B. E. D.
To the candid and impartial PUBLICK.
MR. PERLEY having lately addressed you, thro' the medium of two names, called a church committee, it cannot be doubted (especially from the indecency of the performance) but that you will so far do justice to the injured characters, he has illiberally abused, as to suspend your judgments, 'till their distance from the press will admit their furnishing an answer and establish the truth. — Was it not for his extreme false, and absurd representation of facts; and the danger of its making an unjust impression on the minds of those who are not acquainted with him, nor the true circumstances of his pretended settlement at Moultonborough, his conduct has rendered him too truly contemptible to merit such notice.
The impartial reader can form a pretty adequate judgment for the present, if he will compare those publications in November last, which he terms libels, with his; & by taking notice of the following vote, which passed at a full Town Meeting, held at Moultonborough in February last, when it was fully voted "That the Town highly approve of the two pieces published in the New Hampshire Gazettees of the 10th and 24th of November last, setting forth facts respecting said Perley's pretended settlement in their true light, and at the same time the Town return their hearty thanks to the author of the same," which deserve the greatest degree of credibility; those who are acquainted with Mr. Perley, and his seven
pitiful adherents, on the one side, and all principal persons of character and interest in the place, on the other, will not long hesitate to determine; those who are not, will doubtless be furnished with such authentick evidence, as to cause them to view him and them, in their true characters, and to pronounce the address to be a shameful and ridiculous imposition on the Publick.
A Lover of Truth, but an Enemy to Hypocrites.
May 25th 1779.
NEW LONDON, May 27.
Monday evening returned into port, the ship Oliver Cromwell, Capt. Parker; during his short cruise he took four prizes, one of which was mentioned in our last, two others arrived with the ship, viz. the privateer Schooner St. George, of 10 guns, Capt. Carew, from New York, and a retaken Schooner, laded with Mahogany; the fourth is an armed sloop tender to the Renown, which arrived on Tuesday evening.
BOSTON, June 3, 1779.
By a vessel in 17 days from Martinico, arrived at New London last Friday, we have advice, That Count D'Estaing has lately been reinforced with 20 sail of French and Spanish ships of the line, which took about 30 sail of the Cork fleet bound to New-York, on their passage, and carried them into Martinico: That since their arrival Admiral Byron has been block'd up; and that Count d'Estaing may very soon be look'd for in these Seas.
Extract of a Letter from Launch McLean, to Daniel McLean, jr. of New York, dated Glasgow, February 10, 1779.
"I am glad to inform you that the Emigrants are established — From any Preparations, that I hear are making, the ensuing Campaign will be as disgraceful as the former ones; — and if they should send over a good many men, it will be as late as usual before they arrive there — As for Russians, you need not look for any.
The Ministry still continues immersed in the same Ocean of Errors in which they set out, and I am afraid nothing worthy of British Councils, or British Valor, will any more appear amongst us."
PORTSMOUTH, June 8.
On Sunday last departed this Life, James Stoodly, Esq; of this Town, very suddenly.
TREASURY OFFICE, Philadelphia, April 3, 1779.
Ordered, That all persons who have been enrolled with public money before the 25th day of March last and who are not (accountable to the auditors of the army, or the commissioners of accounts at Albany) immediately to transmit their accounts to the auditor general for settlement, on failure whereof they will be prosecuted without further notice.
By order of the Board of Treasury. JOHN NICHOLSON, Clerk.
The several Prizes throughout the United States are requested to insert this notice, and continue it in their papers six weeks.
Sale of Lands in Barnstead, which was to have been the 20th of May, at Samuel Pickering's in Greenland, is postponed to Wednesday the 20th of September.
Barnstead Meeting Hands.
Adjourned to June the 20th. Then the Proprietors are desired to attend punctually at the Meeting House in Newington.

WILLIAMSBURGH, April 30
By an express, which arrived here a few days ago from the frontiers, we are informed of the following barbarities having lately been committed by the savages in those parts viz. That on Friday the 13th ult. Thomas Cambell and his two children, of Yohogania county, John Vanatree's family, on the Ohio, and a family or two on the frontiers of Pennsylvania, were killed and scalped by the Indians; and on the 27th following, Samuel Glass's wife and child, a negro wench, and three children, were likewise killed and scalped by the Indians.
PHILADELPHIA, May 12.
Last night the brig convention, Capt. Allen, arrived here in three weeks from Martinico, by whom we learn, that the French and English fleets were still in harbour, watching each others motions; that a cartel is settled with Admiral Byron for the exchange of American prisoners, five of whom came passengers with him; that great sickness prevails on board the English fleet at St. Lucia; and that the day before he sailed a 50 gun ship and twelve sail of transports arrived at Martinico from Old France, being part of a fleet of 50 sail of transports, under convoy of 5 men of war, which they parted with at sea, bound to that place.
FISH KILL, May 23.
Extract of a letter from Fort Schuyler, dated April 30.
"In pursuance of Col. Van Schaicks order, I left this place accompanied with a Lieut. Serjeant, and Corporal, of the 1st New York regiment, and thirty Indians, on an expedition against Swagotha; on my arrival there, the 25th inst. I sent three Indians to reconnoiter the garrison: In the mean time I discovered an Indian canoe coming up Black River with two Indians in it; I despatched a party after them, who took them prisoners, and examined them. The Indians I sent to reconnoiter, returned with three British prisoners, who told nearly the same as the Indians.—Our van took another prisoner, who agreed with the former. I then moved nearer the garrison, and found it was impossible to surprise it; but concluded by some means to draw them out, which I happily effected, by making the Indians shew themselves in the skirts of the woods: Part of the garrison sallied out; I endeavoured to draw them as far in the woods as possible, but the Indians were so warm, that they scarcely had entered the skirts of the woods before they began their fire. The enemy retreated immediately, leaving two dead behind. We pursued them within forty yards of the garrison, when we received a heavy fire of artillery and musketry, which obliged us to take the woods. We then returned to this garrison.
The following information was received from the above prisoners, That the garrison was commanded by Capt. Davis, of the 31st regiment, with a subaltern and forty men, and four pieces of cannon: That they had received a letter from the Commander in Chief at Quebec, informing them, that he could not support them this year, and they must act on the defensive, but that next year he would send a large army: That the enemy were fortifying the garrison of Buck Island, and that it consisted of two hundred men, who had a disorder among them, of which they died very fast: That Gen. Haldiman's aid de camp passed Swagotha yesterday, with orders to the commanders of the back settlements."
FISH KILL, May 27.
Last week about 1500 of the enemy made an excursion to Serallenberg, a small village in the neighbourhood of Hackinack, where they burnt some houses, abused the inhabitants, and plundered their effects; but by the timely exertions of the army, who collected speedily, they were obliged to embark with precipitation carrying but few cattle, and little of their plunder with them. We learn, that this party consisted chiefly of the associated rogues, as they term themselves; but more properly, associated thieves and murderers. They stabbed an old gentleman, of about 90 years of age, named Talman, in order to oblige him to confess where his mo-
ney was: He died shortly after of the wounds he received from their inhuman hands. They also killed Mr. Zabritkie, by frequently stabbing him with their bayonets, and a negro girl, as she was driving off some cattle; likewise perpetrated other barbarous actions.
We hear that last week three vessels belonging to the enemy, were captured off the Jersey coast, and ordered for ports.
By a person from Peck's Kill, we learn that five of the enemy's light horsemen had just come in there, and brought off their horses and accoutrements.
It is asserted, that the enemy at New York are in motion and have determined to attack some of our posts on this river.
NORWICH, May 25.
By a gentleman from the Westward we learn, that one day last week, about 2000 of the British plunderers, made an expedition up North River, and landed at a place near by Paramous. By the last accounts they were proceeding into the Jerseys. The Continental troops and militia in the vicinity, were assembling fast after them, and it was tho't would kill, take, or drive them from whence they came.
BOSTON June 3.
By a vessel arrived at an Eastern port, in a short passage from Carolina, we learn, that the British army under Gen. Provost, had for some time severely felt the influence of the Southern climate; many were sick, and many had died: that by advantage into the country, and by various movements they had made, they seemed for a while to threaten Charlestown with a closer approach, but had never been nearer to it than about 40 or 50 miles: that they had taken up all the bridges near their rout, and their several stations they had occupied with a view to prevent the junction of Gen. Moultrie, who was in their front, with Gen. Lincoln, who hung upon their rear: that such dispositions had been made, by the two Generals to counteract the designs of the enemy, and to effect a junction when it would be thought proper, that the British army appeared rather disconcerted, had changed in its rout, and retired to Beaufort, near to which place Gen. Prevost had his head quarters when the last advices came away. The British army was computed at 3000; and the forces under Gen. Lincoln are said to be much superior in number.
It is said, that sixteen thousand of the enemy's troops have been detached from New-York, since October last.
A gentleman from New York, gives it as his opinion, that there are seven thousand regular troops at New York, Staten and Long Island.
Several late letters from the Southward, confirms the accounts that Congress have nearly accomplished the important measure for establishing the credit of our currency.
The General Rumam privateer, belonging to New London, was spoke with by Capt. Nathaniel West, in the ship Black Prince, in lat. 46, 15. N. long. 45, 20 W.—had taken two prizes, one a sloop with beef and pork, and the other a privateer, of eight guns, and 20 men, out of New York.
The Bayonets to the British Light Infantry Pieces, taken at Beaufort on the 4th of February last, are of the moderate Length of Eighteen Inches!
Ravington's New York royal gazette extraordinary, of May 22, contains a copy of a letter from Hector Munro, commander of the East India troops, to Lord Viscount Weymouth, on his taking of Pondicherry on the 17th October last, after a siege of two months and ten days from the first investing the place. The letter is dated at Pondicherry the 27th October, and was received at St. James's the 19th of March. By the articles of capitulation, the garrison of Pondicherry, after piling their arms, were permitted to march out with the honors of war, and to proceed to Madras, where, or its neighbourhood, they were to be properly accommodated, till ships could be provided to carry them to France.
The following is a return of Guns, Mortars, Shot, Arms and Powder, taken at Pondicherry, 1778.
BRASS GUNS.
Serviceable. 6 twelve pounders, 5 ditto, 18
six ditto, 18 four ditto, 4 three ditto, 2 two ditto, 18 one ditto.
Unserviceable. 3 one pounders.
Total serviceable, 55
—unserviceable, 9
Howitzers. 6 three inch and half.
BRASS MORTARS.
Serviceable. 7 twelve inch, 1 eight ditto.
Total 3
IRON MORTARS.
Serviceable. 2 twelve inch, 1 eight ditto.
Total 3
SMALL ARMS.
  French musquets and bayonets, 3934   Ditto without bayonets, 248   Rifle barrel pieces, 108   Wall pieces, 60   Carbines, 45   Pistols, 550   Swords, 930   Gunpowder, 80 barrels, 100lb. each.   Shot of different sizes, 21,708. 
T. MANNOUM, Commissary of Stores. Return of the killed and wounded of the companies of troops, at the siege of Pondicherry, 1778.
  European officers, 8 killed, 27 wounded.   Ditto cavalry, 2 wounded.   Ditto artillery, 17 killed, 61 wounded.   Ditto infantry, 48 killed, 114 wounded.   Seapoys, 148 killed, 482 wounded.   His highness the Nabob's troops, 3 killed, and 7 wounded. 
Total 224 killed, 603 wounded. (Signed) H. A. M. COSBY, Adj. Gen.
The company's troops consisted of 10,500, of which 1500 were Europeans.
Return of the killed and wounded in the garrison of Pondicherry, 1778. (nearly)
  European officers, 7 killed, 19 wounded.   Regt. of Pondicherry, 45 killed, 143 wounded.   European artillery, 29 killed, 69 wounded.   Seapoys, 52 killed, 94 wounded.   Black lequeurs, 64 killed, 148 wounded. 
Total 200 killed, 379 wounded. The garrison of Pondicherry, consisted nearly of 3000 men, of which 1500 were Europeans.
Sir Henry Clinton, says a correspondent, wants to distinguish himself above all his predecessors in the command of the British forces in America; and wishes, no doubt, to continue the war, and keep up the spirit of the British nation, by lesser enterprizes that may be well dressed up in a letter, and make a fine figure on paper: Hitherto, he has discovered no abilities superior to those he has superseded. His expedition to Georgia may cost his nation more blood and treasure than all the success of it can compensate. His success there seems to have come to its ne-plus. His expedition to Virginia, may do some comparatively small mischiefs to that State, but can answer no important purpose to Britain. In short, Sir Harry, after all the nauseous adulation of his hired panegyrists, seems only capable of making a little figure, in what the French call a little war.
It is reported that preparations are making in New-York for some further enterprize. It is the policy of our enemies, after they made detachments to boast, and endeavour to make appearance of a greater force than they had before the detachment was made. What mighty force can be left in New-York, after so many troops have been sent from thence to the West-Indies, to Georgia, and Virginia?
We have it from good authority that there is now no naval forces at Rhode-Island, except two Gallies.
Neither General Clinton, nor Admiral Gambier, were in the last embarkation from New-York, as has been reported. Sir George Collier commanded the fleet, and General Mathews the land forces.
Three of the enemy's privateers of 10 guns, have lately been captured by some cruizers from Connecticut, and carried into a safe port.
We hear that several French vessels are arrived at Hampton in Virginia, which bring advice of the troops of that nation taking Madras, an English fortress in the East Indies. This is the capital of all the settlements the English East-India company have

on the coast of Coromandel. The garrison generally consists of 3 or 400 men, besides some natives of that country.
A correspondent at the northward informs, that on the 26th ult. upwards of 20 of the Indians, taken by the gallant Col. Van Schaick, at the Onondago Castle, arrived at Albany, among whom were two or three Sachems.
Extract of a letter from Major General Gates to the Hon. President of the Council of this State, dated Providence, May 30, 1779.
"I send you an extract of a letter from Mr. Mason of the 17th, respecting a descent of the enemy at Portsmouth in Virginia. I had some accounts of it before, which added they were marching to Suffolk."
Extract of a letter from Mr. Thompson Mason, dated Leesburg, May 17, 1779.
"I am sorry to inform, that my son who is immediately from Hampton, brings intelligence that forty sail of the enemy appeared in Hampton road on Sunday the 9th instant. — On Monday they attacked the fort of Portsmouth, but were repulsed by Major Mathews, who commanded there with 150 men; On Tuesday morning they renewed attack, but the fort was gallantly defended till 4 in the afternoon, when perceiving the enemy had landed a great number of men, and were marching to attack it on the land side, Major Mathews spiked up the cannon, destroyed his stores, burnt three fine ships of war we had upon the stocks there, & marched off his men. — A party of 30 of the enemy who had marched to the Great Bridge were intercepted by the militia, 14 killed and 16 taken prisoners. — I have the pleasure to inform you, that the militia are turning out with great alacrity."
FISH-KILL, May 12.
It is asserted, that the enemy in New-York are in motion, and have determined to attack some of our posts on this river. This intelligence is corroborated, by some of their vessels coming up the river a few days since, in order, as is supposed, to reconnoitre our present situation in this quarter.
NEW-HAVEN, May 25.
We have news from Long-Island, that the enemy have lately taken from the inhabitants, 6 or 700 heads, and sent them to New-York.
We are informed from good authority, that General Clinton commands in person at King's Bridge, where he has been about 10 Days.
NEW-YORK, May 22.
We are happy to be able to inform our readers his Majesty's forces on the expedition, under the command of Major General Mathews, and Sir George Collier, entered the Capes of Virginia on the 8th inst. after a passage of 4 days, but the troops were prevented by contrary winds from landing, till 10th, at three o'clock in the afternoon, at Glebe, on the West shore of Elizabeth river, just out of cannon shot of the fort, which the enemy evacuated, (tho' fear of having their retreat cut off) before the British troops could reach the South Branch of Elizabeth river.
On the 12th the guards were detached in the night to Suffolk, where they arrived at day break, and finding the town deserted, they destroyed several vessels, a large magazine of provisions, a quantity of naval stores, and two pieces of cannon. Only two persons were wounded on our side on the occasion.
The volunteers of Ireland had some slight skirmishing, in which they have suffered little, the enemy have lost in killed, wounded and prisoners, 24, — besides 1 Captain, 3 Lt. 1 Ensign, 1 Surgeon, and 17 Sailors belonging to a French ship that was burnt, who fell into our hands, together with 2 Captains, 2 Lt. and 8 privates of the Virginia militia.
The damage done to the enemy by the destruction of the frigates and other vessels they were building at Portsmouth, and the loss they sustain in cannon, ammunition, provisions, tobacco, and other valuable commodities which fell into our hands, have been very considerable.
PROVIDENCE, May 29.
A gentleman who came to town on Monday from the Eastward, where he arrived last week in a vessel from Cadiz, informs, that
the greatest warlike preparations were still making throughout Spain, and an attack on Gibraltar was publickly talked of, and withheld for: That upwards of thirty Spanish ships of the line, with a number of frigates, were ready for sea at Cadiz, the 9th of April, when he sailed: That 70,000 troops were at Cadiz, Port St. Mary, and St. Lucar: That the American privateers have been very successful in the European seas, and were allowed to sell their prizes in Spain, and resist, with the same freedom as in our own ports: That the French cruisers had taken a great number of prizes, particularly two ships from the Straights, with very rich cargoes, which were captured by two frigates, and sent into Malaga; and that, a few days after he sailed, he fell in with a large fleet of British transports, under convoy of several men of war.
The Gentleman further advises, that the Spanish General O'Reilly having, in March last, finished a grand bridge at Port St. Mary, across the river Guadalete, near the bay of Cadiz, a great concourse of people had assembled on the bridge to celebrate its completion, when some of the arches giving way, 1500 people fell into the river, and were drowned.
Monday last three deserters, viz. two Hessian Doctors and a Serjeant, arrived here from Rhode-Island.
Wednesday evening last three men deserted from a piratical Brig at Newport, commanded by Stanton Hazard, and brought off her boat. One of them was afterwards washed over, and drowned; the other two arrived here yesterday.
From Rivington's New-York Royal Gazette, May 1. On Thursday arrived the Grantham Packet , Capt. Bull, who left Falmouth on the 6th March, by whom we have the following particulars.
LONDON.
Feb. 3. Ten ships of the line and four frigates, are ordered to be completed with six months stores and provisions, at full allowance, to be ready to sail from Portsmouth on the shortest notice, after the first day of March.
A letter from Toulon by the last mail confirms the account of the sailing of three men of war and three frigates, with a body of land forces on board for the East-Indies.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, January 24. "Arrived and came into harbour, the Experiment man of war, from America, commanded by Sir James Wallace."
Feb. 6. They write from Amsterdam, that the Admiralty of that place has given orders for equipping 12 men of war and frigates to protect their trade.
On Thursday an express arrived at the Admiralty from Sheerness, informing Lord Sandwich, that a French fire-ship had privately stole in there the preceding evening, and attempted to set fire to the Dock-yard; and that a train of combustible matter had been found, and other inflammatory things nailed up in several parts, which were set fire to, but happily failed in communicating, and that a frigate had been dispatched in pursuit of the fire ship, which had stole out again the same night.
Feb. 9. Government are in daily expectation of hearing that Sir Hector Munro has taken Pondicherry.
A Dutch man of war, of 30 guns, from St. Eustatius, is lost off Cape Finisterre, and the crew perished.
The military charge of Ireland, for the year 1779, will amount to upwards of a million sterling.
Prince William is going out with the fleet and troops for the West-Indies, to be entered a Midshipman under Admiral Barrington.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, Feb. 5. "Sir Edward Hughes made a signal this morning for the East-India fleet to drop down to St. Helen's."
The American prisoners at Porton had once more nearly effected their escape, but were prevented by the vigilance of the guards.
The Liverpool Blues are now here, and in a few days will embark on board the transports for America."
The East-India fleet only wait a fair wind to put to sea; and Sir Edward Hughes's squadron, with those already in India, will be more than a match for the French force sent thither.
A Swedish ship laden with masts, yards &c. bound to Brest, is taken by the Alarm cutter, and carried into Penzance, in Cornwall.
Feb. 16. Lord Howe, it is said, is to command the grand fleet, prepared for the defence of this country the ensuing summer.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, Feb. 24. "On Saturday Admiral Keppel prepared an elegant entertainment for the court martial, the Admirals and Captains of the navy, and the noblemen and gentlemen in town, when he expressed the very grat-
ful sense he entertained of their disinterested, friendly, and independent conduct. He again received their congratulations on his honorable acquittal, and the day concluded, as the former ones had done, in general rejoicing."
Extract of a letter from Hastings, Feb. 10.
"This morning the Amazonian Crew, a privateer belonging to a society of ladies at Battle, near this place, appeared in our Roads, with a prize (a large Dutchman) saluted us with 13 guns, and made sail to the Westward. She is a fine snaw, and mounts 12 four-pounders."
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, February 14.
"This day Admiral Keppel's flag was again hoisted on board the Victory , amidst the repeated huzzas of all the crews of the ships at this port, as well merchant men as men of war. The Admiral will set out for London to-morrow morning. It is said his first visit is intended for his noble friend and colleague Lord Hawke."
The following are said to be the terms of a new loan; five per cent, for 20 years, or redeemable on the part of government; an annuity of one per cent, for two lives, and seven Lottery tickets for every 1000l., subscribed at 10l. each; the number of tickets in the ensuing lottery to be 56,000.
March 3. There are now at Portsmouth 20 sail of the line fit for sea, and 7 more in the harbour cleaning. At Plymouth there are 11 sail in the sound, and four ready to join at Hammoaze, all full manned. — These are to form the grand fleet.
Sir Thomas Rich, Bart. commander of the Enterprise frigate, on the Gibraltar station, has already, made since the proclamation of reprisals from France upwards of 10,000l.
Last Friday evening an express arrived at Lord Suffolk's from Sir R. M. Keith, his Majesty's Ambassador at the Court of Vienna, with dispatches, dated Feb. 15, and containing the important news, that the differences between Austria and Prussia, were at last happily settled and concluded, according to the proposal of his Prussian Majesty, and that the treaty of peace would be formally signed in a few days.
The particulars of this happy event are thus shortly stated: "That in consequence of the mediation undertaken by the courts of Petersburg and Versailles, his Majesty the King of Prussia had declared his ultimate and invariable resolution, not to listen to any proposals of peace until the Court of Vienna shall consent to restore the Electorate of Bavaria to its legitimate heir and proprietor, the Elector Palatine; that the Court of Vienna, finding it difficult to authenticate its claims and titles to the said Electorate, and being urged therefor by the mediating powers, had acceded, on the 10th ult. to his Prussian Majesty's propositions, excepting only a small district of Bavaria, for which a renunciation of some feudal rights, &c. were offered as equivalent; that this last proposition had in return been accepted by the King of Prussia, on the 13th following, and that thus the public tranquility had been restored to the German empire, its laws and constitutional rights preserved inviolate, & the possession of its respective princes secured, by the generous and disinterested ease and interference of his Majesty the King of Prussia."
The trial of Vice-Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser, is ordered to be brought on the 18th of March.
NEW YORK, May 22.
Captain White, of the privateer brig Spitfire , arrived here from Georgia, informs us that just before he sailed an officer arrived on board the Vigilant with the following account: That on the 27th ult. Lieut. Col. Maitland, with the 71st regiment, and the light infantry, passed the Savannah, and attacked the rebel army, consisting of about 2000, at Purysburg, killed about one hundred and twenty, and took about three hundred prisoners, with all their cannon, provision, ammunition and stores; the coup de main was effected in the night, and 'tis said without firing a shot.
N E W L O N D O N, May 27.
Last Sunday evening, Capt. Bunnel in a Schooner belonging to New Haven, arrived here in ten days from St. Thomas's, with a cargo of rum and sugar. — He informs that the day before he sailed, an account was received at St. Thomas's, from St. Eustatius that ten sail of line of battle ships and eight frigates had just arrived at Martinico, from France, as a reinforcement to Count D'Estaing; and it was reported that they took on their passage, and brought in with them about 40 sail of a Cork fleet.

State of New Hampshire, Hillsborough ss.  NOTICE is hereby given, that to much of the following lots of Land in the town of Henniker, and State aforesaid, as will pay the Continental tax for the year 1778, with incidental charges, will be sold at Publick Vendue on Thursday the fifteenth day of July next at one of the clock in the afternoon, at the House of Ephraim Morrill, innholder in said town, unless paid before that time.
Delinquents are as follows viz:     Range No. a. d.    Drawn to John Duncan 1 11 5 8  Drawn to Robert Leveque 6 1 6 10  Drawn to Capt. Andrew Todd 4 7 6 10  Drawn to James Willson in the South 6 19 5 8  Drawn to David Archbald half a lot 3 15 3 6  Drawn to John Barr 5 9 5 8  ditto 2 17 5 8  Drawn to John Seaby 4 18 6 10  Drawn to John Ridside 12 5 6 10  Drawn to Daniel Lasley 1 1 4 6  Drawn to James Smith 8 1 5 8  Drawn to John McColom 12 19 6 10  Drawn to James Willson junr 5 8 6 10  Drawn to Mathew Pinkerton 7 2 6 9  Drawn to John Logan 2 6 6 10  
James Josslyn, Constable. Henniker, May 24th, 1779.
A LL persons having any Demands on the Estate of Thomas Simpson, Esq; late of Haverhill, are desired to send in their Claims. And all those indebted to said Estate, are desired to make payment to William Simpson and Thomas Simpson, Executors to said deceased. Orford, May 31, 1779.
State of New Hampshire.
Whereas the Non-resident Owners of Lands in the Town of Nottingham, have been legally called to pay their Taxes for the Year 1778, and several of them being yet delinquent: This is to notify the delinquent Owners that unless they pay said Taxes with incidental Charges to me at my House in Nottingham, on, or before the 12th day of July next, so much of their Lands as will pay said Tax with incidental Charges, will be sold at Publick Vendue at the House of Benjamin Butler, Esq; innholder in said Nottingham at ten o'clock in the forenoon, on said 12th day of July.
The following are Persons whose Names are known.     Name l. s. d. q.    Ensign Jonathan Colcord 0 10 4 2  Benjamin Norris 0 7 9 0  Captain William Pettel 0 19 2 2  Charles Treadwell 0 18 4 0  Matthew and Thomas Bell 0 5 9 2  Burleigh and Smart 0 4 5 0  Colonel Stephen Evans 1 13 7 2  Richard Jencks, Esq; 0 3 3 0  Major Joseph Prescott 0 10 4 0  
The following is taxed by the Names of the Original Proprietors, and the Numbers.     Winter Street. l. s. d.    No 29 Joseph Malum 0 4 8  35 John Calf 0 5 10  46 James Walker 0 12 11  Summer Street  Half of No. 34 Pierce and Rogers 4 6  Cross Street, Upper Range 0 4  No. 3 Robert Adams 0 4  Original Proprietors Names, 1st range, hundred Acre Lots.  No. 3 Pierce and Rogers, half the Lot 3 6 2  No 9 Cutt and Moulton 7 0 2  Second Range  No. 28. Moses Stickney 4 6 2  Woodbridge's Gore.  No 3. B Woodbridge 9 8    JOHN M c RELLIS, Constable for Nottingham for the Year 1778. Nottingham, June 3, 1779 68 - 70
A LL Persons indebted to, or that have Demands on the Estate of Captain Thomas Pickering, late of Portsmouth, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to Dorothy Pickering, Executrix to said Estate, in order for a speedy settlement.
To be sold at Publick Vendue, On Wednesday the 23d Instant, at 3 o'Clock Afternoon, TWO Thirds of a new Dwelling-House, partly finished, situated within a few Rods of Pickering's Mills, in Portsmouth, late the Estate of Daniel Pickering deceased: The House is 36 Feet by 28, two Story high, with a small Garden, and Privilege of the Water Landing; - pleasantly situated. Conditions of Sale to be known at time and place. The Sale to be at said House.
All Persons having Interest in Prize Brig captured by the Ship Humber, are desired to call on Samuel Drowne, and receive their respective shares. Portsmouth, June 7, 1779.
State of New Hampshire.  M ARK HUNKING WENTWORTH, Esq; of Portsmouth, in the County of Rockingham, and State aforesaid, having petitioned the Council and Assembly of said State, in behalf of JOHN FISHER, late of said Portsmouth, Esq; setting forth, That the said FISHER having important, urgent Business to transact in Great-Britain, went from hence for that Purpose in Expectation of returning here again, as soon as his Business there was accomplished, but by Reason of Sickness, and the ill State of Health of his only Brother in England, he had been detained: Wherefore he prayed that said FISHER may have Leave to return, and live in this State.
On which Petition the Council and Assembly, voted, That said Petitioner be heard thereon, before them; on the first Tuesday of their next Session, when any Person may have opportunity to appear, & shew cause why the Prayer of the Pet. may not be granted. Attest, E. THOMPSON, Sec'y.
Relhan Proprietors Meeting Stands adjourned to Thursday the 25th of this Inst. June, at the House of Noah Emery, junr. in Exeter.
Directions for the Walking NIGHT WATCHES.
Y OU are hereby required punctually to attend or provide a suitable person in Union Street well armed, at 10 o'Clock in the Evening on which your Turn come, by rotation, at some convenient place in each Ward, and then to patrol the several Streets from the Ferry to the Mill Dam, and keep a good look out, that no Damage be done to any of the inhabitants or their Estate; you are carefully to examine all persons you find out at unseasonable hours, and confine such as are disorderly, until the morning following, and then make report unto some magistrate of the person and offence that they have committed, in order that they may be dealt with according to their deserts.
And all persons (especially Seamen, and Foreigners who belong to any vessels in this harbour) are desired to keep on board their respective vessels after nine o'Clock every night which will tend much to the peace of the town.
Published by order of the Selectmen. Portsmouth, May 28, 1778.
T HE proprietors of Northumberland are hereby notified, that the meeting that was to have been held at Mrs. Tilton's, in Portsmouth, the first Wednesday in July, is further adjourned to the second Tuesday in August next, to meet at Mrs. Tilton's Tavern, in Portsmouth, 3 o'Clock afternoon. By order of the Selectmen, A. R. CUTTER, P. Clerk. PERCY. The proprietors of Percy are hereby notified, that their meeting stands adjourned to 10 o'Clock of said day and at the same place, J. TREADWELL Proprietors Clerk. Portsmouth, May 26 1779.
George Skinner Homans, Hereby Notifies his Customers and others, That he has removed to the House opposite Dr. Brackett's, in Broad-Street, where he carries on his Taylor's Business, and shall be ready to serve any Persons in his Way, on reasonable Terms. May 25. 1779.
A few Pipes of excellent Teneriff Wine, To be Sold for Cash. Inquire of the Printer. Twenty Dollars Reward.
S Trayed or stolen about the middle of last Month, a Bay MARE, having on a Saddle & curb Bridle. About two Days after the Mare returned without the Saddle or Bridle. Said Saddle had a green and white Cloth, and Stirringle. Whoever has them in Possession is desired to leave them at the Printing Office in Exeter, where they will receive Twenty Dollars for their Trouble. Exeter, May 28, 1779.
TO BE SOLD AT Publick Vendue, By Virtue of a Licence from the Judge of the Probate of Wills, &c. for the County of Rockingham, at the Dwelling-House of Lieut. Benjamin Bean, in Raymond, on the third Wednesday of June next, at four o'Clock P. M.
About eighteen Acres of Land, belonging to the Estate of John Sweet, late of said Raymond, deceased, by Lydia Sweet, Administratrix. Exeter, May 26, 1779.
Printing-Office, Exeter, June 8, 1778. All Persons indebted for News-Papers, and Advertisements, are earnestly desired to make immediate Payment.
State of New Hampshire. In the House of Representatives, March 19, 1779.  UPON reading and considering the petition of SUPPLY CLAP, Esq; on behalf of GEORGE BOYD, Esq; VOTED, That the petitioner be heard thereon before the General Assembly on the first Tuesday of the next Session, and that in the mean time, to cause the substance of the petition and order thereon to be published three weeks successively in one of the New Hampshire news papers, and in one of the Boston news papers, that any person may then appear and shew cause why the prayer thereof may not be granted; and that all process against said Boyd and his estate, be suspended in the mean time.
Sent up for concurrence, JOHN DUDLEY speaker P. T. In Council, the same day read and concurred. E. THOMPSON, Sec'y. Copy examined by E. THOMPSON Sec'y.
A PETITION having lately been preferred to the General Assembly for said State, by Supply Clap, in behalf of George Boyd, Esq; late of Portsmouth, in said State, setting forth that said Boyd in the month of April 1774, sailed from Portsmouth for England, to dispose of a number of vessels, settle some correspondences and transact other business there; that finding on his arrival he could obtain a better price for his shipping by bartering them with the manufacturers, he disposed of them principally in that way, vesting them in goods to the amount of 7000l. sterling; but that before he could ship them for America, news of the non importation resolve arrived; whereupon he stored them and came to America. That being appointed by mandamus a Counsellor for the State of New Hampshire, before his leaving England, and previous to the news of Lexington battle, he took the oath of office on his arrival here, least (as it was tendered to him) if he refused, it would be the means of all his interest in England being seized and confiscated. Said petitioner further sets forth that after his arrival in America, in September, 1775, a valuable vessel and cargo of his was seized by Thomas Bishop, Esq; and carried into Boston harbour, and after trying in vain to get her released, and thinking of the precarious situation of his interest in England, he again set sail for that place, to secure his interest, and if possible to obtain a restoration of his property so unjustly taken from him; that on his arrival there (the second time) he found the mother had taken his goods, and meeting with a favourable opportunity to sell them on two years credit, he was glad to do it and wait for the money; that by a letter of his dated April 1778, he writes that he had not then received his money, nor the least compensation for the loss of the said cargo, tho' as to the latter he was sold by council he had a good action at law for the recovery thereof, which he seemed to think he should be under the necessity of prosecuting; but expresses in that, as in divers other letters written before, the greatest aversion to tarrying there, and an impatience to return home to his family, friends & country, for which latter he expressed the warmest affection. The said petitioner also further sets forth, that during his absence, his wife has duly paid his taxes in said State, has assisted in raising men for the public service, and done many other acts of patriotism and liberality. Said petitioner closes with a prayer that the said George Boyd, may be permitted (notwithstanding the act of proscription passed in said State) to appear, and make his defence before the General Assembly, or persons delegated by them, without incurring the penalties mentioned in said act.
This is to give notice to all persons concerned therein, that the first Tuesday of the next Session of the General Assembly, will be on the 22d of June next, and that they may then appear and shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer thereof should not be granted. Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 3, 1779.
TO BE SOLD by LEVI HARVEY in Deerfield: A small F A R M containing seventy-five Acres of Land with something of Building, and a Saw-Mill lying better than a mile from the Farm. The above mentioned Articles are to be sold on reasonable Terms. Deerfield, May 28, 1779.
All Persons who are indebted to, or have Demands against the Estate of SAMUEL AKERS, late of Exeter, are hereby desired speedily to settle the same with SAMUEL FOLSOM, Esq; Administrator of said Estate. Exeter, May 29, 1779.
A fresh Assortment of Medicines Just opened, and to be sold by Ammi R. Cutter; where may be had Raisins, Currants, - White Lead, - Whiteing, Spanish Brown, - Spruce Yellow, - Verdigris, - Lamp Black, &c.