The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1774-01-14 00:00:00

NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND HISTORICAL
CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES
Friday Jan. 14, 1774.
THE
Vol. XVIII.
GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
No. 899 { Weeks since this Paper was first Publish'd. }
The following Piece is inserted by particular Desire.
From the PUBLIC LEDGER of Aug. last.
SIR,
ON a subject where the lives of so many thousands of our fellow creatures depend, as the cruel custom of an endless imprisonment for debt , too much cannot be said or written, I have already so far succeeded as to have it acknowledged by the highest authority, that of an honest Judge from the Bench, that such a rigorous punishment was unknown to the common law of England. There is no statute that expressly authorizes it; and all the world agrees that bad customs , of however so long standing, should be abolished. I have also given the great & unquestionable authority of the Mirror of Justice , condemning the imprisonment of the body for debt, as being contrary to the great charter and those divine institutes which neither Kings nor Parliaments can neither alter or supersede, the Law of Nature.
I will now consider how far this abominable practice of starving men to death in a prison for a civil offence, is contrary to the elements of the civil law. "The master of law (says it) should be possible, reasonable, and useful ." "The first of these recommends itself so strongly, that it would be ridiculous to urge it; for who fees not "at first sight the extreme barbarity of exacting from another, what he is not able to render." See Taylor's Elements of Civil Law, p. 158, 159. I need not make any comment on this passage. Insolvent Debtors are under this direct description; they are destroyed for not being able to perform impossibilities, which the Civil Law justly calls extreme barbarity . It is impossible for them to pay their debts without money, and I believe that there is not one in a hundred who go to goal, who are able to discharge their obligations. The maxim has been held, that it is better that ninety-nine bad men should escape punishment, than that one innocent person should suffer.—But in this case the maxim is reversed, for ninety-nine honest men are made to suffer, that the hundreth bad man should not escape; yet there is no need to allow any debtor to waste away the substance of his injured creditor, in idleness, sloth, and corruption. If the Laws now in being are not sufficient to compel fraudulent insolvents to give up their effects to their creditors; some new law should be made for that purpose, which would save the lives of so many thousand people, who are annually destroyed for not performing of impossibilities. The same learned author says, "That a law should not only be possible and reasonable , but last of all, directed to the utility and emolument of those who are directed by it." See page 161. Now it is neither reasonable nor useful that so many thousands should be lost to the community at the instance of private revengeful individuals . It is neither reasonable nor useful that his Majesty should be deprived of their services, their families of their support, or the husbandmen of those who should assist them in the cultivation of the earth. It is not reasonable nor useful to allow one rigid creditor to send a man to prison (which is often the case) when all the rest of the creditors are willing to divide amongst them the unfor-
tunate debtor's remaining effects, and to discharge his person. It is not reasonable nor useful that the fraudulent, the profligate, the spendthrift, the gamester, and the truly honest, though unfortunate debtor, should all share the same fate. Nor is it reasonable or useful to compel a Bankrupt, under pain of death, to surrender up his whole estate, and to suffer an individual to shut him afterwards in prison & leave him there to starve.
It is not reasonable nor useful, that the different parishes should be burthened with the keeping of the wives & children of debtors, who are rendered incapable of maintaining their families to gratify private resentments; nor is it reasonable nor useful, to put such an extraordinary power over the bodies of men, into the hands of some usurious tradesman, who, for the sake of exorbitant Profits, give a too easy credit to unthinking and unwary men. Neither is it reasonable or useful to suffer creditors to follow their resentment, or revenge so far as to render their debtors for ever unable to pay, by shutting them up in nauseous Goals. Consequently it is also against the Civil Law, as well as it is to the Common and Statute Law of England, to confine Insolvent Debtors, as it is not possible for them to pay; nor is it reasonable or useful ; nor does it tend "to the emolument of those who are directed by it."
Some men will probably say, that though the confining of debtors bodies may neither be useful nor reasonable, yet it may tend to deter others from becoming Insolvents, and such must treat the matter on the footing of criminality.
To them I answer, that in the language of Lawyers, Debtors are not punished at all by imprisonment; they are only held by way of satisfaction. These fine-drawn distinctions I own I cannot comprehend. It may be clear to those of a superior understanding, that Imprisonment in some cases may be for punishment, and in others for satisfaction only. I have had some experience in the matter, but I am too dull to conceive that there can be any satisfaction in starving or being starved, between the four bare walls of a prison; yet into this and many other absurdities, are the defenders of this slavish doctrine driven. If Debtors are not criminals, they only lie in prison for their own or Creditor's satisfaction, for the law deprives none of liberty in matters of civil contract; and if they are considered as criminals, they ought to be tried as such, and punished in a summary way, so as the Goals should be delivered twice in every year at least, at the General Assizes. But to give every advantage to my opponents, I will for argument sake, consider Debtors as criminals, and let us see what the Civil Law saith with respect to them. The punishment is for a threefold purpose: first, "to correct the offender, and bring him to a better mind."—Now the correction of a Prisoner for Debt can never bring about such a salubrious effect: for he is not committed for any certain time; his doom is for life; and if an Insolvent Act should, after a few years confinement, relieve him (in general) his morals are so far corrupted, that he becomes a very unfit Member for Society ever afterwards. The second "great end of punishment is to make some amends to the injured Party."—The common proverb,
which is a just one, that "a Prison pays no Debts," sufficiently proves, that confining of the body can make no amends to the injured Party, unless it could be urged that the punishment of the Debtor is an amends to the Creditor: should that argument be allowed, the English Creditor has very ample satisfaction indeed. The revenge which Hamlet meditated against the murderer of his father doth not surpass theirs. Hamlet had an opportunity of killing his uncle, but because he found him on his knees in prayer, he would not kill the body for fear that the soul might go to Heaven: so the English Creditor will not be so charitable as to kill his Debtor at once; he sends him to a place of corruption, that his mind may be first contaminated, and his morals corrupted; that his heels may kick at Heaven, and so destroy the soul as well as the body. What had the uncle of Hamlet done to provoke such dire and abominable resentment? He had committed adultery with his mother; he had poisoned his father; had incestuously married his own sister-in-law, & had usurped his Throne. What hath the English Debtor done to draw down a similar revenge? Perhaps he hath had losses in trade, by fire, by shipwreck, or by the failure of those whom he had entrusted with his property, so that he is rendered unable to pay his own debts. Should such different provocations have the same degree of punishment! yet it is really the case. The murderer in England is indulged with a speedy death, which puts an end to his misery at once; but the Debtor is condemned to destruction by a tedious, loathsome, infectious imprisonment. The third purpose of punishment, is to display "an example for the better conduct of others." See Taylor, p. 84, which when applied to the present argument, would be to say an example to deter men from being unfortunate, for that is generally the cause of imprisonment for debt; or to deter men from entering into any sort of traffick or trade whatever. For the very nature of business implies frequent misfortunes to individuals, and such calamities generally befall the honest, the enterprising, and most useful sort of traders. The public reap the advantage of their bold speculations, whilst they themselves are rewarded with a dungeon ; besides too—let experience be our guide to shew us whether this imprisonment is a detering punishment . Are there fewer debtors than formerly? The Fleet prison has been rebuilt, and enlarged—yet it is full of prisoners. The New Jail has been enlarged—and it is full.—There was an Insolvent act last year, and also an act for the discharge of Bankrupts. In the last year, five thousand men, women, and children, have been released by the Society at the Thatched House Tavern ; yet we find, notwithstanding all these, the Marshal of the King's Bench petitioning parliament to enlarge his prison, because he has not room enough to hold the number of such miserable objects as have the superlative misfortune to fall into his rapacious clutches—and his prison is now actually enlarging—and Newgate is also rebuilding. Where or when will this slavish phrenzy end?—We find, as I said before, that five thousand have been relieved by the society in a year. It is well known, that they have not been able to discharge a twentieth part of the

prisoners, even those that are in London, and this proves the quantity to be upwards of a hundred thousand now starving and destroying in England.
Therefore, since this baneful custom is contrary to the common law of the land—as it is a manifest breach of the Great Charter, and not warranted by any express statute, seeing it is against the immutable law of nature, and being, as I have now proved, against the elements of the civil law—I hope some truly great man, who may have power to redeem a hundred thousand yearly from destruction, of his fellow-creatures, who may really be a Patriot, may rise up, and in spite of the opposition of interested men, root up this evil custom, which pollutes the land with the blood of honest unfortunate insolvents.
I am, your humble Servant, JAMES STEPHEN.
DOVER RESOLVES.
AT a legal Meeting of the qualified Voters of the Town of DOVER, this tenth Day of January, A. D. 1774, convened at the Friends Meeting-House in said Town, on purpose to consider of the Innovations attempted to be made on AMERICAN PRIVILEGES,—
Colonel OTIS BAKER, Esq; was chosen Moderator.
ALTHOUGH we deprecate every Thing which in its instant Motions tends to alienate the Affections which ought to subsist among the Subjects of the same KING; yet, we cannot longer behold the Acts used to curtail the PRIVILEGES purchased with the Blood and Treasure of British America, and of NEW-ENGLAND in particular, for their Posterity, without bearing our Testimony against them.
As these Colonies have ever recognized the Protestant KINGS of Great-Britain as their lawful SOVEREIGNS, and we in this Province the MAN, whom the KING has pleased to send us, as his REPRESENTATIVE,—We acknowledge, this Representative from our first Formation into a Government, has had a negative Voice on all Bills proposed for LAWS, in the Manner his MAJESTY has at Home.
And as it doth not appear that any Parliaments have been Parties to any Contracts made with the European Settlers in this once howling Wilderness, now become a pleasant Field, we look on our RIGHTS too dearly bought to admit them now, as Tax-Masters, since (by Laws as firm as the Honor of crowned Heads can make them, and which we have no Apprehension, so good and gracious a KING as we obey, will suffer to be abridged) we have Parliaments of our own— who always with the greatest Cheerfulness furnished his Majesty such Aids as he has been pleased to require from Time to Time, according to the Abilities of the People, and even beyond them—of which, none but themselves could be adequate Judges.
Why the KING's Subjects in Great-Britain should frame Laws for his Subjects in America, rather than the reverse, we cannot well conceive; as we do not admit it to be drawn from any PACT made by our Ancestors, or from the Nature of the British Constitution, which makes Representation essential to Taxation. And this supposed Power of Parliament for taxing America, is quite novel, some few Instances for the better Regulation of Trade excepted, which no more prove their supposed Right, than the tortious Entry of a Neighbour into the Infant's Field, does that, of the Intruder. But if superior Strength be the best Plea, how would they relish the Alternative? which, if political Arithmetic deceives not, advances with hasty Strides, tho' nothing but downright Oppression will ever effect it:
THEREFORE Resolved 1. That any Attempt to take the Property of any of the KING's Subjects for any Purpose whatever, where they are not represented, is an Infringement of the English Constitution, and manifestly tends as well to destroy it, as the Subjects private Property, of which, recent Proofs are plenty.
Resolved 2. That we, and our American Brethren, are the Liege People of King GEORGE the Third; and therefore have, as full and ample a Claim to all the Privileges and Immunities of Englishmen, as any of his Subjects three thousand Miles distant,—the Truth of which, our Demeanour clearly evinces.
Resolved 3. That the Parliament in Britain, by suffering the East-India Company to send us their TEAS, subject to a Duty on landing, have, in a Measure, testified a Disregard to the Interests of AMERICANS, whose liberal Services ill deserve such ungenerous Treatment.
Resolved 4. That we are of Opinion, that any seeming Supineness of this Province in these very—very interesting Matters, hath proceeded from a Consideration of their Smallness among their Brethren, rather than from any Insensibility of impending Evils.
Resolved 5. That this Town approves the general Exertions, and noble Struggles, made by the opulent COLONIES through the Continent, for preventing so fatal a Catastrophe as is implied in Taxation without Representation, viz. SLAVERY—than which, to a generous Mind, DEATH is more eligible.
Resolved 6. That we are, and always will be ready in every Constitutional Way, to give all the Weight in our Power, to avert so dire a Calamity.
Resolved 7. That a Dread of being enslaved ourselves, and of transmitting the CHAINS to our Posterity (by which, we should justly merit their Curses) is the principal Inducement to these Measures.
And whereas our House of Commons have a Committee for corresponding with those of the several Colonies on these Matters, and Committees of the several Towns in this Government, to correspond with each other at the necessary Times, may be subservient to the common Cause,—
Therefore Resolved, That a COMMITTEE, to consist of Five Persons, be chosen for that Purpose.
Voted, That Colonel OTIS BAKER, Esq; Capt. CALEB HODGDON, Capt. STEPHEN EVANS, Capt. JOSHUA WINGATE, and Mr. JOHN WENTWORTH, junr. or either three of them, be the Committee of Correspondence for this Town.
Voted, That the Proceedings of this Meeting be entered in the Records of this Town, and that an attested Copy thereof
be sent to the Committee of Correspondence at Portsmouth, to assure them and all concerned, that our Hearts are knit with those who with the WEAL (as it is constitutionally fixed) of our most gracious SOVEREIGN, and all his numerous SUBJECTS.
These Votes and Resolves, after being maturely considered, were unanimously passed by the Voters present at said Meeting. After which followed the Dissolution.
OTIS BAKER, Moderator.
A true Copy Attest JOHN WENTWORTH, junr. Clerk pro tem.
By Desire is here inserted, the good and bad
Effects of RUM.
AMONG all the good Things with which this World abounds, there is none can vie with RUM, either from the Multiplicity of its Virtues, or the powerfullness of their Effects. So extensive is the Use of this Article, that it is applied in Diseases diametrically opposite. Other Kinds of Liquor may be useful, and do not pass entirely unnoticed; but Rum seems to be a standard, and answers, not only in the Place of others, but in many Cases where others fail. Philosophers cannot scrutinize into the Nature of its Contrast of Excellencies, nor Physicians by all their Skill and Industry, find it's Rival.—Innumerable are the Occasions, on which, this is esteemed of admirable Use.—When cold, persons drink of it, not more to gratify a longing Appetite, than to raise animal Spirits, & drive off their uneasy Feelings. In direct Opposition to this, when warm, they have Recourse to the same Remedy: In winter, RUM is of a warming Nature, but in the spring, it changes its Virtues, and is applied as an excellent Antidote against the Heat. In short, Proteus-like, it conforms itself to all Kinds of Weather, Companies, Seasons and Occasions. It is like Time;—there is a time for every Thing, and there is Rum for every thing: It is at one and the same Time used by different Persons, for different Ends, and by the same Persons at different Times, for different Ends.—At Play it is good, at Work it is good; it is good alone, or is good in Company. I have know a Man to ramble about, all Day, with no other Companion, than a Pint Bottle of Rum, and with no other Business than to Drink it. I suppose he was more contented, than he would have been, about any other Employment; and better pleased with his Bottle, than with the most familiar Friend.
The greater Part of Mankind, have so strong an Attachment, to this, that it becomes the principal Ingredient of their Happiness. It is very droll to observe the Thousand Excuses, they will make, in order to get a taste at it. Sometimes they will have the Belly-Ache, sometimes they are Faint, sometimes they have a Bad-Cold, sometimes a poor Appetite, sometimes one Thing ails & sometimes another, but let what will be the Distemper RUM alone is the remedy. When Sober, it is used to give Animation, when Jolly, to express liveliness. But above all, it is wonderfully useful on Sundays. It is so noted for being good to keep Sundays with, that on Saturday Afternoon we may find as many Bottles to be filled at the Retailers Store, as we might Men at some uncommon Treat. On Fast-Days it is applied to revive drooping Spirits and to prevent the Appetite from suffering through the Time of Abstinence. On Festivals, it appears with contrary Virtues, & instead of lessening the Appetite, is used to raise it. Other Peculiarities may be found to celebrate this unparallelled article; but in general Terms, it is good for almost every Thing, and it is good for almost Nothing; every Body seems to want it, yet No-Body wants it. We can live with it, or we can live without it. Its Uses are many, and its Uses are few.
When our Forefathers, first came into this uncultivated World, strong Drink was scarcely known to them, yet they were for the most Part, healthy, vigorous and long-lived:—At this Day, the extravagant use of Liquor often renders Constitutions feeble, & sometimes ruins them. So that, the only Difference between living with and without Rum, is, that where there is little or none, the People are more hearty and fitter for Business, than where they have a Plenty.—However, moderately used, it may often serve a good Purpose.
Not to confine myself, altogether, to its happy Effects of the human Body, I will consider how it respects the Interests & common Concerns of Life. Here, I find its Virtues no less extensive. Some Men make, others lose Estates by it; indeed, at any Time, if a Man be burdened with too much Interest, he may get rid of it, by using this freely. How often, do we see Buildings erected, or taken down, High-Ways mended, sick People relieved, and many other Kindnesses of this Nature, all brought about, only for a Drink of Rum? Many pretend they help, at such Times, from Generosity and Benevolence; and I doubt not, but many do. But the most ready Hands, in these Matters, generally enquire, not only whether there be Rum there, but where it came from, what is its Quality, and what its Quantity?
It happens bad for Physicians, that Rum is used for every kind of Medicine; and it happens well for them, that so many are hurt by it: tho' the Balance rather turns against them; for strong Drink does not immediately sit a Man for the Physician, but destroys his Constitution gradually.
I might subjoin many more Remarks, but as it is a matter rather of Curiosity than Profit, brevity will be the more excusable.
BOSTON, January 6, 1774.
The Trustees of the Dudley Lecture have chosen the Rev. Mr. Samuel Webber, of Salisbury, to preach the next Lecture on The Validity of Presbyterian Ordination.
The Brig Harmony, and Ship Dartmouth, failed for London. Two Vessels arrived here since our last from Cape-Cod with the Cargo of Captain Loring's Brig lately stranded there, among which are the L A M P S for the use of the Town. Another Vessel with the Tea on board arrived at the Castle on Monday.
Captain James Rogers in a Brig from New-London, bound to New-York in Belfast, was drove ashore at Sachem's Head, on Saturday Night the 25th ult. Vessel lost, People saved.
The Newport Paper mentions, that Three Hundred Families in that Town have lately abandoned the use of that noxious WEED called TEA.
MONDAY, January 10, 1774.
YESTERDAY arrived in this Town from Philadelphia, Mr. William Palfrey, by whom we have the following important Intelligence:—That late in the Night of Saturday the 25th of December last the Committee there was informed that the Tea Ship was at Anchor about 15 Miles from the City:—That the next Morning the Committee appointed three of their Number to proceed to Chester (where the Ship was) to prevail on the Captain to leave his Ship, come up to the Town himself and settle the Matter with the Inhabitants, who would meet at 10 o'Clock on Monday:—That the Gentlemen had but just left the Town, when Advice was received that the Ship had left Chester & was on her Way to the City:—That a very considerable Body immediately set off to prevent her coming up; and meeting with her about four Miles from the Town, brought her to Anchor and conducted the Captain to the Coffee-House, where the Committee, who were then sitting, obtained from him a solemn Promise not to enter his Ship until the Sentiments of the People could be known respecting her. That on Monday there was a Meeting of the Town, which consisted of at least Five Thousand, who collected in one Hour after Notice given, at this Meeting the following Resolves were passed.
RESOLVED, 1. That the Tea on board Capt. Ayres shall not be landed. 2. That Capt. Ayres shall neither enter nor report his Vessel at the Custom-House. 3. That Capt. Ayres shall carry back the Tea immediately. 4. That he shall immediately send a Pilot on board his Vessel with Orders to take Charge of her & proceed with her to Reedy Island next high Water. 5. That he shall be allowed to stay in Town till To-morrow to provide Necessaries for his Voyage. 6. That he shall be obliged to leave the Town and proceed to his Vessel, & make the best of his Way out of the River & Bay. 7. That Captain Heysham, Capt. R. Whyte, Mr. Benjamin Loxy, Mr. Arthur Donaldson, be a Committee to see these Resolutions put in Execution.
The Captain was then asked if he would conform himself to these Resolutions? He answer'd that he would.
The Assembly were then informed of the Spirit and Resolution of the People of New-York, & the Conduct of the People of Boston; whereupon it was unanimously Resolved,
8. That this Assembly highly approve the Conduct & Spirit of the People of New-York & Boston; and return their hearty Thanks to the People of Boston for their Resolutions in destroying the Tea, rather than suffer it to be landed.
One of the Consignees who came from London, in the Ship, reigned without hesitation; the others who were resident there had resigned before:—We do not hear that the New-York TEA SHIP had arrived; but we have the best Assurance that Gov. Tryon will not obstruct the Resolution of the People there, that she shall be returned with the TEA to London:—The united Spirit of the People of South-Carolina, Philadelphia, New-York, this Province, &c. in opposing this subtle Design of the British Administration, to make the East-India Company the Instruments in Establishing the Revenue, and thus enslaving the Continent, forbodes a happy Union of Councils among the several Colonies by Means of their Committees of Correspondence:—The Tea Consignees in all the above Places, excepting this, cheerfully resigned their Appointments, rather than hold them to the Ruin of the common Liberty; by this their prudent Conduct, much of the East-India Company's Property is saved from Destruction. OUR Gentry, by their own Obstinacy, supported by the Governor of the Province, the Commissioners of the Customs & others, reduced the People to the disagreeable Alternative, either of destroying a great Part of the Property, or, of suffering it to be the sure Means of destroying the Security of theirs.
Last Week a Barrel of Bohea Tea, which was attempted to be smuggled into some of the country Towns, was detected & stop'd at Charlestown, soon after it cross'd the Ferry, and the whole Contents emptied into the River.

NEW-YORK, December 27. Friday last arrived here the Harriet Packet , Captain Lee , in six Weeks from Falmouth, by whom we have the following Ad- vices, viz.
LONDON, November 9.
W E are informed, that the schemes proposed by administration for raising the sum of 300,000. in the kingdom of Ireland, is, by granting annuities of 6 per Cent. per annum, increasing to the survivors, after the manner of the Tontines in France.
Extract of a letter from Warsaw.
"His Prussian Majesty has made a demand on the Bishopric of Wormia of seven millions of florins. This province, tho' now added to the Prussian dominions, has for time immemorial belonged to the kingdom of Poland."
Extract of a letter from the Hague, Nov. 2.
"The last letters from Paris, which are dated the 29th of October, advise that an account arrived there the day before, that the Russians having passed the Danube in order to attack the Turks, found the avenues which led to them so well guarded and defended by a numerous train of artillery, that they were obliged to retire and repass that river in great disorder, and with much loss; that the Turks pursued them over the river and had an engagement with the Russians, in which the latter suffered extremely, and were entirely defeated."
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, Nov. 3.
"This morning arrived at Spithead, the Arethusa frigate of war, from Boston."
"The Empress of Russia, wearied out with her present bloody contest with the Porte, has, it is said, signified her intentions through the medium of the British Court, of receding from some of her demands relative to the Crimea and the navigation of the Black Sea."
This being Lord Mayor's Day, Frederick Bull, Esq; Lord Mayor Elect, accompanied by the late Lord Mayor, Aldermen, Recorder, and the Sheriffs, went by water, attended by the several Companies in their barges, to Westminster-Hall; and after having walked round the hall, and saluted all the Courts, the Lord Mayor went to the Exchequer bar, & there took the oaths &c. after which they returned by water in the usual manner, & proceeded to Guild-hall, where a magnificent entertainment was provided.
Previous to the above procession a Court of Aldermen met this morning at nine o'clock at Guildhall, & swore in Robert Peckham, Esq; the new Alderman for Coleman-street.-----Stephen Sayre, Esq; declined the Poll.
On Friday last arrived in the river from Quebec, the Active , Frampton with a cargo of wheat, being the first vessel that ever came from that port with grain.
Great quantities of gold coin are now sending to the American colonies, on which account an additional furnace has been erected in the Mint-Office at the Tower, where three furnaces are now at work, in each of which 800 ounces of gold are melted every day.
We are informed, that a very eminent wholesale dealer in the city of London, of the same name and family of the late Duke of Kingston, claims, as being next in succession, the title, honours, &c. of that noble family, though the estate, so necessary to support the splendor of Nobility, goes to the sister of the deceased Duke and her heirs.
Extract of a letter from Worcester.
"On Tuesday last the following gentlemen were nominated at the Town-Hall, to succeed the late Mr. Crabb Boulton in Parliament, viz. Mr. Kelly, Mr. Withers, & Mr. Rous. The numbers were almost twenty to one in favour of Mr. Kelly; the other candidates being very much hissed, while he was carried in triumph through the city, by the freemen, who filled the air with Liberty, Trade, and Kelly for ever."
[In November last the Effigy of Kelly upon a Gallows, &c. was carried about the City of New York and burnt.]
Nov. 4. Yesterday at the Public-Office in Bow-street, Wm. Kidwell, coach-carver, charged a woman, who calls herself the Honourable Elizabeth Harriot Grieve, of Cooper's-Row, Tower Hill, with defrauding him of 30l. on pretence of procuring him the place of Clerk of the Dry Stores in the Victualling-Office. William Kent, of Stratley in Berks, charged the same Woman with defrauding him of 30l. in cash, and a conditional bond for 230l. more, for procuring him the office of a coast waiter; and in consequence of a letter from the prisoner, Mr. Kent quitted his business in the country, and brought his wife and three children to London. Elizabeth Cooper charged this offender with defrauding her husband of 62l. on a similar pretence; in consequence of which he died of a broken heart.-----Mrs. Grieve was to have procured the place of a settled Tide-man for Mr. John Smith, who paid his money to the deceased Mr. Cooper, for the prisoners use; and Smith owes his ruin to this transaction. Mr. James Tiley, who had retired from business, advertised for a place, the employment of which might fill up his leisure hours; Mrs. Grieve answered his letter, and he was likewise to be provided for; but it ended only in his losing 10l. Francis Cook, who acted as an agent for the prisoner, at a time when he did not know she was an impostor, deposed that he had agreed for the sale of many places with people whom he took to his mistress, who received & kept the advance-money. Some of the above-named parties would probably not have fallen a sacrifice to her artifices, but that the sight of gilt chariots almost perpetually at her door seemed to confirm her account of her great interest and connections. She was first cousin to Lord North, second cousin to the Duke of Grafton, nearly related to Lady Fitzroy, and the intimate acquaintance of Lord Guildford and the Honourable Charles James Fox; yet have all these noble alliances in blood and friendship vanished in a moment; and it appears that Mrs. Grieve was tried for a felony about two years ago, and sentenced to be transported.
Dublin, Nov. 2. The Shepherds , Wright, from Baltimore in Maryland, with tobacco, flax-seed, rice, and lumber, for this port, was over-set in a gale of wind off Ushant, on the French coast, and totally lost the 9th instant. The Captain and crew were taken up by a West Indian from Martinico, and carried next day into Mantz.
Nov. 5. Upon a moderate computation, 60,000 men are slaughtered every campaign while the war continues between the Turks and Russians. It is no great proof of the humanity of the Christian powers, not to exert themselves to prevent any farther bloodshed.
Nov. 8. There is much private talk of the Prussian Minister's being speedily recalled, on account of some matters, now in agitation between Great-Britain and Berlin, not being likely at present to be settled to the mutual satisfaction of both Courts.
S A L E M, January 4, 1774.
At his Majesty's Court of General Sessions of the Peace, held here last Week, one John Johnson Grant was convicted of stealing Goods from Mr. Robert Rogers, &c. and sentenced to be whipped 20 Stripes, and to pay said Rogers £ 218 17s. od. being treble the Value of the Goods stolen; and if unable to pay said Sum, to be sold for the Term of 20 Years.
At the same Court, Thomas Cook was convicted of stealing, sundry Hats from Mr. Enoch Collins, deceased, and ordered to be whipped 15 Stripes, and to pay 24/ 9s. od. or be sold for
the Term of 6 Years. Both the above Thieves received their respective Number of Stripes last Week.
S A L E M, January 11.
Capt. William Andrews arrived at Marblehead last Tuesday from the West-Indies, who took up from a Wreck, on his Passage home, the 17th ult. in Lat. 37. 42. Long. 67. 9. Captain John Laughinghouse. Asa Parker, and Christopher Merchant, late belonging to the Sloop Industry , bound from Baltimore to North Carolina. Capt. Andrews spoke with Capt. Zebulon Storking, from New-London, bound to the Mole, out 6 Days, all well.
The second Class of Patients, which entered Salem Hospital, and were inoculated last Friday, consists of 137 Persons, all Inhabitants of this Town.
We are informed that one John Cook, of this Town, Skipper of a Schooner belonging to Mr. George Bickford, accepted of the infamous Employment of transporting from Cape-Cod to Castle-William the East-India Company's detestable TEA, saved out of the Wreck of Capt. Loring's Brig.
Mr. Bickford is now a Patient at the Hospital; and we are assured that a Company of Natives, dressed in the Indian Manner, armed with Hatchets, Axes, &c. have already paid him a Visit; but he being under Inoculation, they deferred proceeding to Extremities.
What Punishment is to be inflicted on the Skipper is yet uncertain: But, if we may judge by the Expressions of Indignation at his Conduct, he will not escape with Impunity.
It is reported that the Tea Consignees had better have had a Mill Stone tied round their Necks, then suffer'd the Tea saved out of the Wreck of Capt. Loring, to be landed at the Castle.
N E W - Y O R K, December 30.
Last Night a little before 11 o'Clock, a terrible Fire was discovered bursting out of the Governor's House in Fort George. Before the Town, or even the Family were alarmed, the Flames had risen to so great a Height, that it was impossible to save the House; and with Difficulty the Lives of the distressed Inhabitants were preserved. They were all in Bed, and the Governor himself, with his Lady & Daughter, had Time to put on a very few of their Clothes, before they were obliged to quit the House; so that it is not probable that the Papers, Books, Plate, Furniture, or any of the valuable Goods, &c. it contain'd, were saved: But providentially no Lives were lost. The Flames spread with such Rapidity, that very soon after they were discovered, they universally filled the House in every Part, but appeared to rage most furiously on the side next the Town, on which they were directly driven by a fresh Northwest Wind, which, together with the Ramparts, which kept the Engines at too great a Distance, preventing the Water from reaching the House on that Side; therefore all that could be done, was, to preserve the adjacent and other Houses in the City, on which a fiery Shower of Flakes from the burning Shingles, &c. incessantly fell; but the Houses being covered with Snow was a great Means of their Preservation; and on Col. Morris's House, which was most exposed, & where the Heat melted the Snow, several Engines were kept playing, which extinguished the Fire that fell on the House before it had Time to kindle, and thereby happily prevented a general Conflagration, of which there was the most immediate Danger. The Confusion occasioned by this melancholly Event and the shortness of the Time since, hinders us from the Knowledge of the Cause of it, and many of the Circumstances that attended it. Every Countenance strongly expressed the deepest Concern for the Distress of the Persons principally affected by the Accident.
Fort George lies in the Northern Part of the Ground allotted for Fortifications in the City, and is a regular Quadrangle environed on the East, South and West, by a Battery commanding both Rivers, as the Port does the Broadway (the principal Street there) an Equestrian Statue of his present Majesty is before it, in an area, railed with Iron, called the Bowling-Green; the Governor's House was the first Building on the East, within the Ramparts, and a heavy Brick Edifice, the Centinel at the Gate, the Height of the Ramparts, and several similar Peculiarities, denote it to be a real Accident.
We have only Time to assure our Customers, that by Express just arrived from Philadelphia, we have authentic Intelligence, that the Tea Ship expected there, arrived on Saturday last, and on Sunday was sent back, with all the other Goods on Board for London. The Committee went to see her down to Reedy-Island.
Capt. Breen who arrived on Tuesday, in 7 Weeks from the Downs, on the 26th of November, spoke the Sloop Endeavour , James Harvey, Master, from Casco-Bay, for the West Indies, thirty Days out, in Lat. 27: 20 N. Long. 55: 13 W. also on the 27th, in Lat. 27: 50 N. Long. 57: 12 W. spoke the Brig Success , Capt. Butler, from Piscataqua for Demerara.
About one o'clock last Tuesday Morning, the House of Hon. George D. Ludlow, Esq; third Judge of the Supreme Court, of this Province, at Hempstead Plains, took fire and was burnt to the Ground, with almost every Thing therein contained, but providentially no Lives were lost. The Loss Mr. Ludlow sustains by this Accident, cannot be less than 3000l. for besides the Loss of his Furniture, Plate, &c. a Library worth 1200l. is entirely consumed.
About three Years ago, Mr. Joseph Tomkins of Newark Mountains, in foddering his Cattle, lost a Knife he had in his Hand among the Hay, which he searched for, but in vain, and this Fall having Occasion to kill one of his Cows, found the same Knife in her Body: It had got through her Paunch, and stuck fast in her Brisket, and the Flesh had grown over Part of it. However strange this Account may appear to the Publick, the Authenticity of it need not be the least doubted.
Arrived from Boston. The Hancock , Roach , at Bristol; Hercules , Kent, at Newcastle; & the Neptune , Lewis at Lisbon.
PORTSMOUTH, January 14, 1774.
Yesterday came to Town in the Stage-Coach from Boston, the LADY , who is said to be the Duchess or Princess of Cronenburgh — in some of the Southern Papers, she has gone by the above and different Names and Titles, as may be seen by our late Papers. A Correspondent says, it is a pity this Lady came from New-York to Rhode-Island in a Packet, for had she come through the Colony of Connecticut, we should certainly have known who and what she was, as it is generally the Custom at all the Public Houses there, to ask a Stranger, what is his Name, & his Business, where he came from, where he is going, &c. &c. before they'll even give your Horse Oats.
DIED at Falmouth, the 25th ult. in Hopes of a better Life, through the Merits of the REDEEMER, Dr. JOHN SMITH- youngest Son of the Reverend Mr. THOMAS SMITH, of that Place.---A Gentleman possessed of many amiable and excellent Qualities; a learned, skilful and faithful Physician; a dutiful Son; a Man of great Ingenuity and Industry. His early Departure, in the midst of his Usefulness, is universally lamented.
By the November Packet, we have a Confirmation, that Peter Levis's Complaint against His Excellency the GOVERNOR of this Province, was dismissed by His MAJESTY in Council the 8th of October last; and that there was no Foundation for any Censure on the GOVERNOR, whose Conduct had greatly promoted the Peace and Prosperity of this Province.
We hear from Charlestown, No. Four, that the new Goal, is burnt down there, said to be set on Fire by a Prisoner.
We hear a House is also burnt at Dover, belonging to one Mr. Ham, but can learn no other Particulars.
A few Persons in this Town, who have been in a very high Fever for some Months past, we learn are likely to recover, notwithstanding the late News from London turns out directly contrary to their most sanguine Expectations; they are still in a breathing Sweat, but by the Advice of an able Physician, they are to plunge into a cold Bath, at this Season, as necessary to carry off the Dregs of their Disorder, though it is expected that it will take a considerable Time before they arrive to their usual State of Health, as they are somewhat emaciated, as will appear by their Countenances.
CUSTOM HOUSE, PISCATAQUA, January 13.     Inward-Entries  FROM.      Ship Sally , Jonathan Cary,  Grenada.    Brig Merrifield , Jonathan Parsons,  St. Nicholas.    Clear'd Outwards  FOR.    Sloop Juno , Joseph Harris,  West-Indies.    Schooner George , William Vennard,  Ditto.    Schooner Greyhound , Abraham Trefethen,  Virginia.    Schooner Richmond Packet , Epes Greenough,  Ditto.   
[Dorchester.]
WHEREAS the Proprietors of the Township of Dorchester, in the Province of New Hampshire, have been notified in this Paper, by an Advertisement dated July 5th, 1773, to pay an Assessment of one Penny per Acre, on each original Proprietor's Right or Lots of Land in said Township to Barnabas Hussey, yet several of them remain delinquent; and whereas the Subscriber am now appointed to collect what still remains due of the same, instead of said Hussey. This is therefore to notify such delinquent Proprietors that so much of their Rights or Lots of Land will be exposed to Sale pursuant to a Law of this province, at public Vendue, at the House of Mr. Aaron Starr, Innholder in Hanover, in said Province, on Wednesday the Second Day of March next, at 12 o'clock on said Day, as will pay said Taxes with incidental Charges, unless paid to me at my House in said Hanover by said Day with the Charge of advertising.
N. B. The First Column denotes the Name of the original Proprietor of the Lot; the 2d. the Sum due on the 1st Hundred Acre Lot. the 3d what is due on the 2d. Hundred Acres, and the 4th what is due on the undivided Lands.
   s. d. s. d. s. d.     John Weight, 8 4 8 4 8 4   Samuel Wing 8 4   Thomas Bingham 8 4 8 4 8 4   Otis Little 8 4 8 4   Gideon Rudd 8 4 8 4 8 4   Jonathan Freeman 8 4   Timothy Buss 8 4 8 4 8 4   Benning Wentworth 8 4 8 4 8 4   John Smith, 8 4 8 4 8 4   Abijah Smith 8 4 8 4   Dr. Hall Jackson 8 4 8 4 8 4   Isaac Williams 8 4 8 4   James Melcher 8 4 8 4 8 4   Theodore Atkinson, Esq; 8 4 8 4 8 4   Mark H. Wentworth, Esq; 8 4 8 4 8 4   Daniel Pierce, Esq; 8 4 8 4   John Parker, Esq; 8 4 8 4   John Sullivan, Esq; 8 4 8 4   John Hurd, Esq; 8 4 8 4 8 4   William Simpson, Esq; 8 4 8 4   John Wendell, Esq; 8 4 8 4 8 4   Isaac Rindge, Esq; 8 4 8 4 8 4   Samuel Parker 8 4 8 4   Richard Cutts Shannan 8 4 8 4 8 4   Joseph Pattinson 8 4 8 4 8 4   John Nelson, Esq; 8 4 8 4   John Pingry Williams 8 4 8 4 8 4   William Gardiner 8 4 8 4 8 4   Thomas Macdonaugh, Esq; 8 4 8 4 8 4   Nath. R. Thomas, Esq; 8 4 8 4 8 4   Wyman Clogget, Esq; 8 4 8 4   Woodbury Langdon 8 4 8 4 8 4   John Marshall 8 4 8 4   Ephraim Ham 8 4 8 4   George Marshall jun. 8 4 8 4   Stephen March 8 4 8 4 8 4  
ASA PARKER, Collector.
Hanover, Jan. 1st 1774.
A QUANTITY of
Good new FEATHERS,
To be sold by JOSEPH BASS, at the Shop next Door to the Printing Office. CASH given at the above Place for BEES WAX.
ALL PERSONS Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of James Shelds, late of Chester, in the County of Rockingham, Pedlar, deceas'd, are desired to bring in their Accounts to TIMOTHY WALKER, of Concord, Administrator on said Estate, in order for an immediate settlement.

THE HONORABLE JOHN FENTON, ESQ. JUDGE of Probate for the County of Grafton. NOTICE is HEREBY GIVEN, That a COURT OF WILLS and PROBATE will be held at Plymouth, on the 24th Instant, at 11 o'Clock, A. M. at the House of Mr. Samuel Emerson ;—
ALSO, at the House of Mr. Andrew S. Crocker, at Haverhill, in said County, on the 25th Day of April next, at 11 o'Clock A.M. By Order of the JUDGE, JONATHAN MITCHEL SEWALL, Reg. January 6, 1774.
THOMAS THOMPSON, Of the SHIP MARIA,
I ntends sailing from LONDON early in July next for this PORT, and proposes using the TRADE constantly every Year, if he meets with suitable Encouragement—He hopes every Gentleman that has Freight will order it on Board his Ship in Preference to going by Way of Boston, which is attended with great Inconveniency and Expences to them—He likewise asks the same Favour of the Merchants of Newbury-Port — The Ship is undeniable as to Quality— He likewise proposes supplying any Traders with Hemp, Casks of Loaf-Sugar, EarthenWare, or any Bulkey Articles at six per cent, from the Sterling Cost, they paying Freight and Charges in England ; Cash on Delivery—Any Persons this may suit, please to direct to Capt. THOMAS THOMPSON, at EDWARD HUNT's junr. Merchant, No. 26, Lime Street LONDON. Portsmouth, 4th of Jan. 1774.
TO BE SOLD, By WILLIAM PEARNE, At his Store in Portsmouth, Excellent Madeira WINES in Pipes and Quarter Cask, cheap for Cash.—Also very good Newcastle COALS , at ten Dollars per Chaldron. Also English Goods of divers sorts ; which he will sell for white Pine Boards or Staves, to be delivered next May. Portsmouth, Dec. 27, 1773.
ALL Persons that have any Demands against the Estate of JAMES CLARKSON, Esq; late of Portsmouth, deceased, are desired to exhibit them to his Son JAMES CLARKSON, of said Portsmouth, Executor of his Father's last Will : And all indebted to the said Estate are requested to make speedy Payment. Portsmouth January 3d, 1774.
ALL Persons Indebted to the Estate of SAMUEL GRIFFITH, Esq; late of Portsmouth deceased, Intestate, are desired to make immediate payment to JOHN GRIFFITH, and ABIGAIL GRIFFITH, both of Portsmouth, Administrators of the said Estate. Portsmouth, January 4th. 1774.
ALL PERSONS who have Demands against the Estate of INCREASE WILSON, late of Exeter, Yeoman, deceas'd, are desired to settle the same with Susannah Wilson, Relict of said deceas'd, and Administratrix of his Estate. And all Indebted to said Estate are desired to make speedy Payment to said Administratrix. Exeter, Dec. 20, 1773.
|| Haverhill. ||
NOTICE is hereby given, that the VENDUE or LANDS in HAVERHILL, stands adjourned to Tuesday the eleventh Day of January next, then the Sale will begin at the Dwelling House of Lieutenant Ezekiel Ladd, Innholder in said Haverhill, at ten of the Clock before Noon. Haverhill, Dec. 20, 1773. JOSHUA HAYWARD, Collector.
THREE MONTHS longer, from the Fourth Day of October current, being allowed the Creditors to the Estate of CHARLES LIBBY, late of Berwick, in the County of York, deceas'd, to bring in their Claims, and prove their Debts. Notice is hereby given, that the Commissioners will attend that Service at the Dwelling-House of Mr. NAHUM MARSHALL, Innholder in Berwick, on the first Mondays of the six following Months, from three to six o'Clock Afternoons. Berwick, October 4, 1773.
§ Wilton. §
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, WHEREAS the Grantees or Proprietors of the Township of No. 2, formerly so called, now WILTON , in the County of Hillborough, in said Province, at their Meetings legally called for that purpose, on the 26th of August 1761, and the 25th of November 1761, did vote to raise Eleven shillings and two pence sterling Money on each original Right, to hire preaching ; and whereas the Taxes on a considerable Number of the Lots remain unpaid ; these are therefore to notify the delinquent Owners of said Lots or Rights, that so much of their Lands as will pay their proportionable Part of said Taxes, together with incidental Charges, will be exposed to Sale on Wednesday the second Day of February next, at 10 o'clock in the Forenoon, at the House of Mr. Richard Taylor, Innholder in said Wilton, unless prevented by the Payment of the same to me the Subscriber, at said Wilton, on or before said Day.
The Number of the delinquent Lots are as follows.     No. Range. No. Range. No. Range. No. Range.     11 in 4 10 in 6 11 in 5 6 in 6   1 1 13 1 14 1 8 6   16 10 14 4 10 2 8 2   9 2 5 6 13 3 13 2   12 10 13 6 10 10 11 10   12 6 7 1 10 7 18 7   17 7 14 2 15 2 2 8   3 8 13 8 14 8 20 6   13 9 3 1 19 9 7 3   16 7 13 5 5 9 6 8   14 5 11 6 20 10 10 5   7 9 20 9 11 7 11 9   4 1 16 2 15 5 17 4   15 4 16 6 14 6 15 6   13 5 JOHN CRAM, Collector.    Wilton Dec. 21. 1773.
PROVINCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE CHESHIRE, ff.
† Alstead. †
WHEREAS the Proprietors of the Township of ALSTEAD , in said Province and County at several Proprietors Meetings, legally warned and held in said Alstead, voted to raise several Taxes, viz on May 23d, 1768. Sixteen Dollars on each Right, or Share of Land ;— and April the 6th, 1772, voted to raise 20 Shillings on all the Rights in said Township, excepting 20, which were settled ; these are to warn the said Proprietors to pay the same to me the Subscriber, on or before the 15th Day of January next, at my Dwelling House, in said Alstead, or their Rights will be advertised for Sale to pay the same, as the Law directs, with incidental Charges.
ABSALOM KINGSBERY, Col. Alstead, Nov. 22, 1773,
Province of New Hampshire, Grafton ff.
§ Canaan. §
NOTICE is hereby given to all the Proprietors of the Township of CANAAN , that are delinquent in paying their Taxes due on my Bill, dated May 19th, 1772, that the Vendue Meeting for the Sale of such delinquent Proprietor's Lands, stands adjourned to the First Tuesday in February, at one o'Clock P. M. to be holden at the Dwelling House of Bela Turner in Lebanon, Innholder in said Province.
JEDIDIAH HEBBARD, Collector.
TO BE SOLD
A Quantity of Winter and Spring Merchantable Cod and Jamaica Fish, Pollock, HAKE and HADDOCK ; SALT by the Hoghead ; a small Quantity of JUNK , and Second Hand CORDAGE , cheap for Cash, enquire of DAVID GRIFFITH.
ALL PERSONS Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of SAMUEL NORTON, Yeoman, late of Kittery, in the County of York, deceas'd, are hereby desired to bring in their Claims properly attested to JOSEPH GUNNISON, of Kittery, in said County, Administrator to said Estate, in order for a speedy Settlement. Kittery, Dec. 22, 1773.
Strayed away from Portsmouth the 24th Instant, a black and white COW , with small Horns and Bob Tail, about six Years old. Whoever will give Information where she is, or will bring her to me, shall be rewarded. WILLIAM STANWOOD.
ALL PERSONS Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of JOHN WEARE, late of Kensington, in the County of Rockingham, Yeoman, deceas'd, are hereby required to settle speedily with NATHANIEL WEARE, Yeoman, Executor, & LUCY WEARE, Executrix, in Kensington, of the Testament of the said deceas'd. Kensington, Dec. 30, 1773.
At a Meeting of a large Number of the principal Dealers in Teas in Boston, the 20th and continued by Adjournment to the 23d of December, 1773.
HAVING maturely considered the many Evils that would inevitably flow, from the Execution of a late Ministerial Movement in Favor of the East-India Company, and that this flagrant Attempt against our Liberties, has justly alarmed America, and excited a laudable Spirit of Emulation in her Sons, to distinguish themselves in opposing a Measure which if permitted to operate, would have drained the Colonies of the greater Part of their Specie, would have been construed an Acquiescence in the Right assumed by the British Parliament to tax them, and might have ended in a total Privation of our just Rights.
Impressed with an ardent Solicitude for our Country, ourselves, and Posterity, whose future Welfare greatly depend on a Repeal of the Duty long complained of, and which hath been a principal Cause for several Years together, of an unhappy Interruption of that reciprocal Affection that was wont to subsist between the Parent State and the Colonies ; the Restoration of which is essential to the Prosperity of both. Apprehending it may be in some Degree in our Power to facilitate this wished for State, by our late Connections, as Sellers of the Article thus burthened and the consequent Influence we must have in suppressing its Use : This Consideration hath begot an Expectation in many of our Fellow Citizens and Countrymen, that we do unite our Endeavours with theirs in exterminating this detestable Herb from the Province.
It must be evident to our Friends & Countrymen, in the Seaports and other Towns that a Congruity of Action at this important Crisis, is as necessary as a Unanimity of Sentiment ; and that this Instance of Disinterestedness we are about to exhibit, by voluntary Surrender of an advantageous Article of Commerce, when opposed to the public Good, will stimulate them to adopt similar Measures to ours : In this Confidence supported by a Recollection of their inflexible Virtue, frequently and recently manifested, we cheerfully enter into the following RESOLVES :
 1. That from and after the 20th of Jan 1774, we will totally suspend the Sale of a Teas, until the Sense and Determination of the Inhabitants of the Seaports and other Towns can be known with respect to its total Expulsion, or until a repeal of the Revenue Act may take place.  2. That we will not in the mean Time, purchase on our own Account, or receive on Commission, or otherwise, any Tea whatever.  3. That the Tea we have by us unfold, which cost us Five Shillings, shall be sold, for no more than four pence Advance, until the Time limited for suspending the Sale.  4. That a Committee be appointed to apply to all the Dealers in Tea, in this Town, to obtain their compliance to these Resolves, and make Report of the same, with the Names of those who decline ( if any there be) at our next Meeting.  5. That if from the Change of Circumstances, or the Intervention of other Causes, any Ten of our Number shall judge it necessary to call a Meeting, to make any Alteration, or to adopt other Measures to effect the aforesaid Purposes, they have our Consent to do it. 
N. B. It is desired that all Persons concerned would consider the Importance of a just Determination, and be prepared to give Answer to the Committee, who will apply to them in a few Days.
All Persons having Claims upon the Estate of DANIEL PIERCE, Esquire, late of Portsmouth, deceased, Intestate, are desired to bring them in, to the Subscribers, that they may be discharged ; at the same Time it is expected that all Persons Indebted to said Intestate will immediately pay and discharge their several Debts:
JOHN PEIRCE, } Administrators, JOSEPH PEIRCE }