The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1782-01-05 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER.
[Vol. XXVI.]
SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 1782.
[No. 1314.]
From the St. James's Chronicle , of September 4, 1781. ON THE PRESENT POSTURE OF AFFAIRS.
WHOEVER will take a cool review of the affairs of this kingdom, will not have any reason to pride himself upon having been born an Englishman!
The conduct of government, in respect to America, has brought us into a situation, out of which, it will require greater abilities to extricate us, than are possessed by the members of the present cabinet.
There was one of these two things to be done in relation to America, either to send such a force at the breaking out of the troubles, as should overbear all idea of opposition; or, when the contrary experiment was made and failed, to withdraw in time with a good grace, and declare them INDEPENDENT. Government did neither; and now it has the power of doing nothing.
The best attempt it could make at present would be to publish a declaration of independence, and make PEACE with them; but the time even for that may be past.
What are Lord Cornwallis's victories come to! The proof that the only hope we have is, that of entire defeat. We have heard of five victories, and Lord Rawdon dares not show his nose beyond the cannon of his maritime fortresses. Three regiments gave him one vigorous march; that reinforcement will be as paltry as the rest before the month is expired.
Barbadoes, ere this, perhaps, is taken; and Gibraltar lost by storm; and we have the additional pleasure to see our affairs, in every other quarter of the globe wear the same appearance. But we have no more prospect of peace than we had the day the quarrel began. What then is to save the nation!
Four and Twenty MILLIONS raised last year; and an estimate of Six and Twenty to be raised for the ensuing year! And yet we have a moral certainty that even that sum will bring us no nearer to a peace than the present. Does Lord North imagine, that because the riots damped the associating spirits, the whole kingdom, therefore, is, for years to come, to sit quietly and see themselves pillaged to the last shilling? If these are his sentiments there is no friend to his country that must not wish he may be awakened from the reverie!
LEGION.
YORK ( England ) July 31. A few days ago, at Kirtonle Moor, in Cumberland, a man, his wife, and 30 of their children, walked to church to the christening of the 31st child. The youngest of the 30, was two years and five months old.
L O N D O N.
Sept. 11. A secret and important expedition was proposed at the Board of Admiralty on Friday last, and which has since met with the concurrence of his Majesty and the Cabinet Council. The land forces will consist of near 20,000 men, who are to be marched down to Portsmouth, where a powerful squadron is ordered to be got in immediate readiness to cover the transports, on board of which they are to embark. A train of 100 pieces of cannon, with all other necessary implements, is to be shipped on board the men of war, for the above expedition, which it is expected will be complete, and ready to put to sea within a fortnight. It has not yet transpired who is to direct the operation of the land service, but it may be strongly conjectured, that the brave and enterprising Parker will have the command of the fleet, from his so recently declining to accept of any command in the grand fleet under Admiral Darby.
It is reported that Lord Cornwallis has positively refused to accept the chief command in America, unless he has granted him, in addition to his present force, four regiments of light dragoons, and two of heavy horse, a sufficient train, and 10,000 infantry; with which number he has pledged himself to subjugate the hostile provinces. How far these terms will be complied with, is not yet known; but thus much we can inform the public, that the letters of recall have not yet been sent to Sir Henry Clinton.
P O R T S M O U T H.
The following Gentlemen are returned as Members of the General Court, for the State of New Hampshire, the current Year, viz.
C O U N S E L L O R S.
Honorable
MESCH WEARE, Esq; President.
  Josiah Bartlett, Esq;  } County of Rockingham.    Nicholas Gilman, Esq;    John McClary, Esq;  } County of Strafford.    Woodbury Langdon, Esq;    George Frost, Esq;  } County of Hillsborough.    John Wentworth, Esq;    * Timothy Farrar, Esq;  } County of Cheshire.    * Jacob Abbott, Esq;    Benjamin Bellows, Esq;  } County of Grafton.    * Thomas Sparhawk, Esq;    * Francis Wooster, Esq;   
Members of the House of Representatives.
For the County of Rockingham.
  Hon. John Langdon, Esq; Speaker,  } Portsmouth.    B. G. William Whipple, Esq;  
  George Gains, Esq;  } Plymouth.    Mr. Ephraim Robinson and Mr. John Taylor Gilman, Exeter.  
  Col. Daniel Runnels, and † Mr. Archibald McMurphy, Londonderry.  } Brintwood.    Robert Willson, Esq; and † Capt. John Underhill, Chester.  
  Enoch Coffin, Esq; Epping.  } Epping.    † Mr. John Fogg, Hampton.    † Phillips White, Esq; South Hampton.  } South Hampton.    Capt. John Eastman, Kingston, &c.    William Weeks, Esq; Greenland.  } Greenland.    Thomas Bartlett, Esq; Nottingham.    Capt. Ephraim Pickering, Newington.  } Newington.    † Samuel Jennels, Esq; Rye.    † Nath'l Peabody, Esq; Atkinson & Plaistow.  } Atkinson & Plaistow.    John Caste, Esq; Hampstead.    John Dudley, Esq; Raymond & Poplin.  } Raymond & Poplin.    † Jeremiah Eastman, Deerfield & Northwood.  
  † Capt. Caleb Dustin, Salem.  } Salem.    † Capt. John Sargent, Candia.    † James Gibson, Esq; Pelham.  } Pelham.    James Betton, Esq; Windham.    † Samuel McConnell, Esq; Pembroke.  } Pembroke.    † Timothy Walker, Esq; Concord.    Abiel Foster, Esq; Canterbury & Lowdon.  } Canterbury & Lowdon.    † John Bryant, Esq; Bow & Dunbarton.  
For the County of Strafford.
  John Smith, Esq; Durham.  } Durham.    Col. Hercules Mooney, Lee.  
† Major Caleb Hodgdon, and † Col. John Waldron, Dover.
  Jabez Dame, Rochester.  } Rochester.    Somerworth.    † Deacon John Garland, Barrington.  } Barrington.    † Capt. David Copps, Wakefield.    † B. G. Joseph Badger, Gilmantown.  } Gilmantown.    Col. Ebenezer Smith, Meredith, &c.  
Wolfeborough. Sandwich.
David Page, Esq; Conway, &c.
For the County of Hillsborough.
  Goffstown.  } Goffstown.    Merrimac.    Mr. William Burns, Nottingham-West.  } Nottingham-West.    † Mr. Benjamin French, Dunstable.    † Mr. Daniel Emerson, Hollis.  } Hollis.    † B. G. Moses Nichols, Amherst.    † Mr. Stephen Harriman, Hopkinton.  } Hopkinton.    Salisbury & Boscawen.  
  † Mr. Samuel Caldwell, Weare.  } Weare.    Mr. William Abbot, jun. Wilton, &c.  
  New-Boston.  } New-Boston.    † Mr. Nathaniel Bean, Andover & Warner.    † Capt. Benjamin Mann, Mason & Eaby.  } Mason & Eaby.    Deacon Ephraim Adams, New-Ipswich.    Francis Blood, Esq; Temple & Peterboro'.  } Temple & Peterboro'.    Dublin & Marlborough.  
  Capt. Levi Spaulding, Lyndsborough.  } Lyndsborough.    Capt. Joseph Symonds, Hillsborough.  
Litchfield.
For the County of Cheshire.
  † Mr. William Smiley, Rindge & Jaffrey.  } Rindge & Jaffrey.    † Mr. Daniel Kingsbury, Keen.    † Abner Stone, Swanzey & Fitz-William.  } Swanzey & Fitz-William.    † Mr. Jonas Butterfield, Westmoreland.    † Capt. Josiah Goldsmith, Walpole.  } Walpole.    Capt. Nehemiah Houghton, Winchester.    Packerfield, Hindidale, &c. Richmond, Surrey, Alstead, Newport, &c. Unity, Ackworth, &c. Charlestown, Claremont, Cornish, Plainfield, &c.   
County of Grafton.
  † Col. Joseph Senter, Plymouth.  } Plymouth.    † Capt. Edw. Everett, New-Holderness, &c.    Jeremiah Eames, Esq; Lancaster, &c.  } Lancaster, &c.    Haverhill, &c.  
† Those Gentlemen with these [*] Marks, were not in the Council nor House the Year past.
  Hon. Nicholas Gilman, Esq; Treasurer.  } Treasurer.    Ebenezer Thompson, Esq; Secretary.    Joseph Pearson, Esq; Deputy-Secretary.  } Deputy-Secretary.    John Smith, Esq; Clerk of the Hon. House.    John Cales, Esq; Assistant-Clerk.   

I hate when craft can bolt its arguments, And VIRTUE has not tongue to check its pride.
MILTON.
Mess. PRINTERS,
THOUGH rude in politics, possessed of a feeble, artless pen, and depending on TRUTH alone for my support, I shall attempt to answer and rebuke the madness of the Querist, Dogmatist, Prophet, or (as he styles himself) MONITOR. In doing which, I shall consider what he is pleased to point out as defects in the Constitution; and then the proposed amendments.
This able statesman and patriot, faults the 17th article in the Bill of Rights, because it confines the trial of offences to the county wherein they may be committed. To demonstrate the force of this objection, and shew the necessity of an alteration in this article, the present state of the counties of Grafton and Cheshire is adduced. But what does this prove? Why that an exception ought to be subjoined to the 17th article in the Bill of Rights, in the following words, viz. "Except in cases where it shall appear that an impartial trial cannot be had in such county, and the Legislature shall, by act or resolve, direct the trial in some adjacent county." Does not the law consider offences as local? Is the writer sure an impartial trial can always be had in some adjacent county? May not such a county be strongly prejudiced against the prisoner? Or, does he mean that the only possible way of obtaining an impartial trial is, to order it where the prepossession is strongest against the prisoner, and where the consequence will probably be condemnation? Is not such a power subversive of all personal and political liberty and security, and capable of being turned into a successful engine of the most cruel oppression and tyranny? The Legislature, according to this amendment, are to determine when an impartial trial in a county cannot be had. This is excellent indeed! Their determination, will, impliedly at least, criminate the whole county, and half convict the prisoner; and prejudice will do the rest. One would be almost induced to believe the writer had turned advocate for the ministerial act of parliament ordering Americans to be transported to Britain for trial, because the parliament were pleased to say that an impartial trial could not be had in the then present revolted state of the colonies. The cases are alike in principle. Shall a subject, upon bare suspicion of his having excited a revolt in any county, be torn from his family and friends, perhaps moneyless, dragged from one county to another, there imprisoned and detained for trial at the will of an incensed Legislature, and to complete the horrid tragedy, finally brought to trial without friends, witnesses, or any knowledge of the characters of his triers, or they of his? Freeborn, brave sons of New Hampshire, reprobate, may execrate the thought! Heaven preserve you from such shackles!
Shall I be permitted to quere, in turn, What would become of the exception, if three or four counties in the State should revolt? Must the revolters be seized, imprisoned, tried, condemned and hanged by the other county? This is a case without a remedy, and what no constitution on earth can provide for.
The writer candidly queries "whether the 23d article in the Bill of Rights is not evidently calculated to prevent the General Assembly from confiscating estates of absentees now with the enemy, &c." And then proposes that this article be expunged, and the following substituted, viz. "Retrospective laws are in most cases oppressive and unjust, and ought not to be made for the decision of civil causes, or the punishment of offences, unless in cases of persons absconding and going over to the enemy, at the time of, or since the revolution where the existence of a law prior to the offence was impracticable." Surely the writer must be a proficient indeed both in law and divinity, to be able to prove that there can be a transgression where there is
no law! But I imagine he did not mean to prove such absentees were innocent, tho' it is a natural consequence from his premises. But perhaps the difficulty arises only from a misconception of the meaning of retrospective laws; which I conceive to be such laws as create the offence and punishment at the same time when they respect criminal matters—and when civil, such as make a lawful acquisition of property, unlawful. If my definition be just, certainly the writer will never contend that such laws are not unjust, oppressive and inconsistent with the fundamental principles of a free government. Or would he Sampson-like pull down the pillars of the political building and perish in the ruins for the sake of being revenged of the Philistines!
Can the writer's insinuation, or rather assertion, be just, that this article was evidently calculated to prevent the Legislature from confiscating the estates of absentees, when many, if not most, of the United States, have similar articles in their Bills of Rights? Surely the knowledge of this fact should have inspired him with more candor, and less zeal for his alteration, which should it obtain, might in its consequences prove destructive of all security of life, liberty and property. But barring consequences, such a partial alteration would assimilate the Constitution to the IMAGE made part of IRON & part of CLAY! The article concerning retrospective laws, like the golden rule, admits of no exception.
The objection to the dissolution of the General Court, seven days before the meeting of the new one, must appear trivial, when we consider that such a space of time will be barely sufficient for the members to return home, especially such as may be re-elected and take a view of their private concerns; or for the Governor more immediately to attend his executive department, and leave the affairs of government properly arranged. What mischief can this Interregnum (as he calls it) be productive of? Or what good end would their sitting six days longer answer? 'Tis said the necessity of it would appear should a second Burgoyne advance from Canada. Pray has not the Governor the command of the militia? Cannot he march them for the defence of the State, even without the bounds thereof, with their consent, in the recess or dissolution of the General Court, or must they march with him? Suppose such an event should take place in the recess of the Court, could they be convened in less time than seven days? Or is it intended they should sit continually? If this is the case, they may find more time for making the taxes, than the people money to pay them.
The next Quere is, Whether if two thirds of the Senate and House are required to make a quorum for doing business, the Assembly will not sit a great part of their time without transacting any business? To prevent which, a marvellous succedaneum is proposed—"that each branch at their first meeting, determine what number shall be a quorum for doing business." This refinement in politics far exceeds the sagacity of Machiavel! This certainly would remove the difficulty by annihilating at once the Legislature, and the people's right of representation, and would put it into the power of the members who might first meet to make three of the Senate, and six of the House, such a quorum; and then a law of course might be passed by four members of the House, and two of the Senate. Such an alteration would, perhaps, expedite the business of the Legislature; but might it not be attended with this difficulty, that the next 9 members who met might think they had an equal right to form another quorum & do business by themselves? Or, if they should be taught better by the first, would they not be tempted when they had got a larger number, to go to work, and undo what the first had done? Should this unfortunately be the case, the time of both, thus mutually counteracting each other, would be spent to the most insignificant and ridiculous purpose.
The objection to the Governor's power to erect and demolish fortifications has been already sufficiently answered, and must be only repeated to keep up the ball. But the opponent has taken a wrong scent. The Governor has no such power only in times of emergency. A man must be a novice in the art military to doubt the necessity of such a power. May not the occasion for exercising it happen in the recess of the General Court? and were they present would they be better judges than a man upon the spot, and whose office it is to be conversant with such matters? Finally, if this power should be vested in the Legislature, the people might too late repent their error, when they saw their fortifications wantonly demolished by a power not qualified to judge of the propriety or expediency of the measure—who could not be impeached—and who by sharing the sin equally among them, would reduce it almost as low as some have that peculiar sin called original.
The next is the old objection to the rotation. This having also been already answered, and many weighty reasons assigned in favour of such rotation, I need only add, that sad experience in all ages and governments evinces the wisdom of it. Had the Dutch taken a similar precaution in the formation of their government, is it probable it would have undergone such a mutation?—Would some of their officers (who were at first, according to their constitution, not only elected annually, but unanimously) have acquired a power of appointing themselves for life? 'Tis more than probable that the officers in all governments were at first elective, and that the supreme magistrates in republican governments, by undue popularity, and by long continuance in office by successive annual elections, changed their forms into monarchical, aristocratical and despotic governments.
The writer takes it for granted there can be no danger of marring a good constitution by alterations, therefore with more zeal than modesty, recommends to such towns as have been hurried into an approbation of the proposed plan without discovering the defects which he has so sagely pointed out immediately to call other meetings and consider whether his proposed alterations and amendments are not essentially necessary. I would ask who informed him that any towns have been hurried into an approbation of it. Perhaps he will answer, he infers it from their not discovering those capital defects, or differing with him about their being such. This, I suppose, is with him evidence of their being hurried indeed, as thereby they arraign his infallibility. I appeal to the public whether there is not more danger of cajoling the people out of their natural and civil rights by such specious (tho' trifling) publications; than of their being hurried into an approbation of a Constitution, which any petty scribler can more readily fault than mend.
W A T C H M A N.
For the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Messrs Printers,
Be pleased to give the following a place in your Paper.
To the immortal memory
of
ALEXANDER SCAMMELL, Esq. Colonel of the first Regiment of New-Hampshire Formerly Adjutant General of the American Arm. Who commanded a Regiment of Light Infantry at the
Siege of York.
Where in performing his Duty gallantly, He was unfortunately captured,
And
Afterwards mortally wounded.
He expired October 6th, 1781—Anno Etatis 35. What tho' no friend could ward thine early fall, Nor guardian Angel turn the treach'rous ball, Blest shade be sooth'd, thy virtues all are known, Thy fame shall last beyond this mould'ring stone, Which conqu'ring armies from their toils return'd Reard to thy glory, while thy fate they mourn'd.
W A N T E D immediately,
400 Quintals of good Jamaica FISH—Inquire of SAMUEL STORER, of Portsmouth.

ST. JAMES'S, October 15, 1781. Capt. Home, late of his Majesty's ship Romney, despatched from Commodore Johnstone in the Lark sloop, arrived at the Earl of Shelburne's office yesterday morning with dispatches from the Commodore, dated the 21st of August, of which the following is an extract.
On the 12th of June we were in the latitude of 26, 9, S. and longitude 20, 24, W. and here I despatched the Jason, Active, Rattlesnake and Lark, to precede the fleet, in order to gain intelligence.
On the 9th of July in the evening, being in the rendezvous given to the above armed ships, they rejoined us, together with the prize Holdwoltemade, a Dutch East-India ship, lately commanded by Capt. Violyk, bound to Ceylon, loaded with stores and provisions, and about 40,000l. in bullion.
This prize Holdwoltemade, had come last from Saldanha Bay; she sailed the 28th of June, she struck to the Active on the first of July.
From Capt. Piget I received a body of intelligence, digested by Lieut. d'Anvagos, a very promising young officer; it contained, as your Lordship will observe, a certain account that Mons. Suffrain had arrived at Palle-Bay, on the 21st of June, with his five ships of the line, and the greater part of his transports; and that there were five Dutch East India ships at anchor in the bay of Saldanha; I therefore resolved to enter that bay; I steered to the north of the harbour, towards St. Martins Point, otherwise called the bay of St. Helens. I took the charge of pilotage on myself, and ran in shore under cover of the night, judging my distance by the lead, the weather was very foggy, and continued so till the morning of the 21st of July, the wind was as north-east. At eight o'clock in the morning we had a clear sight of the land, distance about four miles, and bore up for the Saldanha Bay. We were forced to turn by traverses into the bay, nevertheless our arrival was so unexpected, and our movements so rapid, by carrying every sail we could bear, that the Dutch had just time to cut their cables, to loose their fore-topsails which were kept bent for this purpose, and to run their ships on shore, and to set them on fire as the Romney dropped anchor; but our boats boarded them so quickly, and people behaved so gallantly, that the flames were soon extinguished, except in the Middleburgh; she burnt with incredible fury, and becoming light as she got afloat, when her masts tumbled, and had nearly drifted on board two of the other prizes; however, by an exertion of the boats of the squadron, she was towed off stern foremost, in which the General in the Romney was assisted. The boats had not left the Middleburgh ten minutes, when she blew up close by the South-Point of Morrie's bay.
At this time also a boat was seen rowing to our ship, filled with people, in the eastern garb, making signs of submission; they proved to be the Kings of Tarnate and Tidore, with the Princess of their respective amities, whom the Dutch East India company had confined on Isle Robie, with different malefactors, but had lately removed them from that island to Saldanha.
Before midnight we had got all the prizes afloat, and next day we got rigged and ready for sea, having brought the principal sails from the Hooker, which lay concealed under Schaphian island, where the sails had been lodged, in hopes we never should have discovered them.
This Hooker had been seized by the Rattlesnake by surprise, according to my order in the disposition of attack. The names of the prizes are,
The Bankbaarbey, Capt. Steetel, from Bengal, 24 guns, 1000 tons.---The Paarl, Capt. Plocker, from China, 20 guns, 1100 tons.---The Honcoop, Capt. Laud, from ditto, 20 guns, 1100 tons.---The Hogcarfel, Capt. Hartmeyer, from ditto, 20 guns, 1000 tons.---The Middleburgh, Capt. Van Gennip, which was burnt, came also from China, 24 guns, 1100 tons.
There were also two large Hookers, which I could not conveniently bring away, and to avoid leaving any marks of barbarity towards a settlement where our wants had been so often relieved, I would not permit them to be burnt or destroyed.
F I S H - K I L L, December 27.
Extract from GENERAL ORDERS.
Head Quarters, Highland, Dec. 25.
The General has the pleasure of acquainting be a my that Capt. Williams, of the New-York legions, doing duty on the lines, on the night of the 23d instant, made an excursion to Morrisania, with 25 volunteer horse; and brought off one Captain, one Lieutenant, and seven private prisoners, without any loss on our side. Capt. Prichard, with a detachment of infantry, moved down to cover the retreat in case it should have been necessary; but the enemy dared not pursue the horse.
The General presents his thanks to Capt. Williams, and the volunteers who were with him, for the spirit and address exhibited by them on this enterprise.
PHILADELPHIA, December 10.
Extract of a letter from South-Carolina, Nov. 20.
A letter is just now received from Gen. Marion, informing that on the 15th inst. he detached Col. Mahan with 180 cavalry, and Col. Shelly, with 200 riflemen, to endeavour to intercept some of the enemy's plundering parties. Col. Mahan went down below Monk's Corner and took at Fair Lawn, one subaltern, two sergeants and eighty cavaleers; the officers he paroled, and brought off the men. He found so large a quantity of arms and stores in the house, which he could not bring off, that he thought proper to burn the house and its contents.
Extract of a letter from New-Jersey, Dec. 17.
The fleet for B-itain sailed the 14th inst. cannot learn with certainty what officers went. Prince William Henry, Lord Cornwallis, and Arnold, are gone in one ship.---A pretty medley, a Prince, a General, and a Traitor.
Extract of a letter from New-Prudence, October 27.
This moment Capt. Hilton, in a flag from Bermuda to the Havannah, called here, in his way back, with a few prisoners, and some ransom money, by him we learn, that 15 ships and pelacres were getting ready to get in troops, with 7 or 8 frigates, and 6 heavy galleys, who would sail in about 3 or 4 weeks under convoy of six ships of the line, and that their destination, as given out in the Havannah, was for this place, but as 9000 troops were said to be the compliment that was ordered to hold themselves in readiness to embark, we are inclined to think they must be for Augustine, as half that force would be more than sufficient for this place.
By a vessel arrived here in a few days from Georgia, we learn, that six ships of the line and four galleys were seen on the coast of East Florida, standing northwardly, not known. One of the last Jamaica fleet put in here (Amelia, Captain Duncan) who informs us he whole of the fleet but suffered prostration by bad weather and short provisions.
A Spanish Schooner, loaded with dry goods, which cost above 25 000 dollars, has been sent in here.
HARTFORD, December 23.
The King of Prussia has acceded to the system of the armed neutrality, and the northern seas are in consequence full of vessels under Prussian colours. This is an excellent cover for the Dutch and they are profiting by it to some purpose. The English fleet and chases, but they dare not meddle. Frederick the third, has long had an inclination to round his dominions by annexing Hanover to them, and an insult to his flag would be an injury and grievance of sufficient magnitude on which to declare war. A good stroke of policy; and which has spread his colours all over the adjoining seas, and made him a maritime power in a day.
S A L E M, January 3.
The Governor of South Carolina has issued a proclamation for calling an Assembly, who are to meet at Camden the 8th instant. No person who has been arms with the enemy, or taken protection with them, unless they have returned and complied with his proclamation of amnesty, will be allowed to elect or be elected.
Since our last, a cartel arrived at Cape Ann from Halifax. By her we have intelligence, that the ship Jason, lately captured by the Thorn of Newbury-Port, together with two brigs, were lately taken by the Bellearius, and carried to Halifax. The privateer ship Harlequin was also taken by the same ship; but, by the ignorance of the prize-master, was afterwards cast away, and entirely lost.
The New Auction Room, lately open'd by Seward and Gooch,
As advertised a few weeks since, to sell on Thursday evenings, is alter'd to Wednesday evenings, as they think it will better accommodate the publick.---Where all kinds of goods, household furniture &c. will be receiv'd in and sold out, at the usual commissions.---Also all persons having goods &c. to sell at private sale may hear of a purchaser at said auction-room, & those wanting to purchase goods &c may be inform'd where the same may be had.
Portsmouth, December 29th, 1781.
Taken up a drift, the 15th instant,
A C A N O E, about 18 feet
long, the owner may have it by applying to Aaron Witham, at the Rising-Castle Island, proving his property and paying charges.
Portsmouth, Dec. 17, 1781.
WHEREAS Samuel Pickering, about nine years ago, gave to and deposited in the hands of David Wiggins of Greenland, and Nathan Green of Hampton, two NOTES, one in each, upon certain conditions; which have never been performed on their parts.---This is to caution all persons against purchasing said NOTES, as the same were not given for actual value received, and as nothing is due thereon.
Greenland, January 2d, 1782.
L O N D O N, July 17.
It is no small addition to the other agreeable accounts from New-York, by the last packet to find that the Marquis de la Fayette, with 2000 men under his command, is so hemmed in and blocked up on all sides that he has no other alternative but either to fight or surrender. Should he chuse the former, the consequence, against such a superiority of force, is evident, and must be the ruin of the cause in which he has strewed himself so long such a violent partisan. To the active and inveterate zeal of that turbulent Frenchman may be attributed, in a great measure, the obstinacy of the colonists; and therefore the loss that seems now to await him, cannot be viewed, by any friend to this country, without the most heart felt satisfaction; as his death or captivity, some one of which appears to be unavoidable, must deprive rebellion of one of its most furious and successful abettors. [It seems that of the two alternatives he chose fighting but the consequence has proved those gentlemen to be wretched legislators.]
B O S T O N, January 3.
A gentleman who came to town last Monday evening from Providence, informs us, that a vessel had arrived there in 50 hours from the Chesapeake, the master of which assured him, that certain accounts had been received there that the Count de Grasse had re-taken the islands of St. Eustatia and St. Martins, and generously restored them to the Dutch.---This account was confirmed by a cartel from Bermuda, which arrived also at Providence.
Last Saturday, 29th ult. a cartel arrived at Pautucket from New-York, with about 60 men, some of which arrived in this town on Sunday: They inform that the Hessian troops were all embarking, 'tis conjectured for South-Carolina; and that the inhabitants were packing up their goods, and preparing to leave the city.
Mr. Rivington has published a very pompous account (exceedingly in their favor, as is always the case when they get a good drubbing) respecting the battle between Gen. Greene and the enemy near Charlestown; in which he has the modesty to assert, that Gen. Greene was killed, and the rebel army cut to pieces. The truth of which cannot be doubted, when it is known to come from a man of such undoubted veracity as Jemmy Rivington.
State of New-Hampshire.
THE non-resident Owners of Land in the following Towns, viz. Washington, Gilmantown, Rochester, Peterborough Slip, Temple, Northumberland, Wolfborough, Haverhill, New London, Wakefield, Effingham, New Chester, Jaffrey, Raby, Cockermouth, the Gore, Fitzwilliam, Marlborough, Acworth, Plymouth, Mason, Northwood, Sanbornton, 2d Tax, Sandwich ditto, Lyndeborough ditto, Packerfield ditto, Society Land ditto, Canterbury ditto, Warren ditto, Deerfield ditto, are hereby notified that their Lands in said Towns are taxed for the year 1781, and if the Taxes are not paid within eight Weeks from the first Publication of this Advertisement to the Collectors or Subscriber, they will be notified for sale. Also the Town of Alexander. THOMAS ODIORNE, Receiver of non residents Taxes.
ALL PERSONS indebted to, or that have demands on the estate of James Steedley, Esq; deceased, are desired to settle the same with William Steedley, one of the Administrators of said estate, or with Nathaniel Folsom, Attorney to the Administratrix.
WE the subscribers being appointed commissioners by the Hon. Phillips White, Esq; Judge of the Probate for the county of Rockingham, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the Estate of Ezekiel Smith, late of Raymond, in said county, yeoman, deceased, represented insolvent, hereby give notice to all concerned, that we shall attend for that purpose at the house of Lieut. Benjamin Bean, inn-holder in Raymond, in said county, the last Thursday in this and the five following months, from two o'clock in the afternoon to six on said day.
Raymond, Dec. 19, 1781. Jonathan Swain, Ichiel Gordon, Francis Hodgkins } Commsrs
To be Sold Cheap a good second hand Chaise; one half to be paid in Cash, the other in West-India or Country Produce.
Enquire of WILLIAM MARSHAL, Portsmouth, December 21st, 1781.

L O N D O N.
Sept. 13. The capture of Pensacola, while it is of no very great political consequence to the Spaniards, will be the means of furnishing near 1000 additional men to our army in America, as the capitulation only stipulates that they shall not serve against the Spaniards or their allies; and as yet Spain has not formed an alliance with the Congress.
The new levies for the service of the year 1782, are to consist of eight regiments of foot, four of which are to be raised in Ireland, three in Scotland, and only one in England and Wales.
By a correspondent from Scotland we learn, that government will find it very difficult now to raise troops in the Highlands as few males are to be seen there at present between the ages of sixteen and sixty: The only chance at present of being supplied with men, is from the manufacturing towns in the Lowlands:
M A R T I N I C O, August 23.  Extract of a letter dated at Maracaybo, in the Province of Venezuela, the 26th June.
"They write from Carthagena, that a part of Vera Cruz had revolted the 27th of last month. The Intendant was under the necessity of flying to avoid the fury of the rebels. This banditti were bold enough to attack a detachment sent against them by the Governor; they surrounded a body of 600 men, and obliged them to lay down their arms, plundering as well soldiers as officers, and making themselves masters of ten thousand piasters in specie, which were intended for the payment of the troops. The spirit of rebellion has likewise broke out upon the frontiers of our province; the insurgents have broke open the custom houses, burnt the papers, and sold the different goods found in the stores: They have appointed among themselves Chiefs, Captains General, and other officers. The last letters from Lima inform us, that an Indian named Tupa Amaro, had put himself at the head of the rebels, calling himself a descendant of the Caciques. He has made himself master of a small town, where he found upwards of 600,000 piasters: Woe be to those who fall into his hands! He spares no one: We hope that our government, convinced by fatal experience, will do every thing to restore peace and prosperity to this continent, &c."
P H I L A D E L P H I A.
In CONGRESS, November 7, 1781.
RESOLVED , That the Secretary of Foreign Affairs be directed to prepare a sketch of emblems of the alliance between his Most Christian Majesty and the United States, proper to be inscribed on the marble columns, to be erected in the town of York, under the resolution of the 29th day of October last.
Resolved, That an elegant sword be presented, in the name of the United States in Congress assembled, to Col. Humphry, aid de camp of General Washington, to whose care the standards taken under the capitulation of York, were consigned; as a testimony of their opinion of his fidelity and ability, and that the board of war take order therein.
By order of Congress,  CHARLES THOMSON, Sec'y.
To be Sold Cheap for Cash or country produce, a genteel fall-back second hand Chaise with harness compleat. Enquire of Portsmouth Dec. 21 st , 1781. GEO. DOIG.
A fresh Assortment of  G O O D S, Just opened, and TO BE SOLD, at the STORE of  J. & N. Sparhawk, Very cheap for C A S H only, —Among which are—  SUPERFINE and middling BROAD CLOTHS, viz. Scarlet, crimson, green, blue, white, fashionable, mix'd and cloth colours.—Ratteens, Coatings, Shalloons, Tammies, Hairbines, Colchester and drapery Baize; an assortment of Blankets, mill'd and worsted Caps, Irish and French Linnens, Cambricks, plain and figur'd Gauze, Ladies elegant Italian Handkerchiefs; white, red and black Mode; black Drawboy, green, olive, and dark ground, fine Chintz; a variety of cheap Calicoes, by the piece or single gown; Men's and Women's wash leather Gloves, Women's black ruffel Shoes, silk and linnen Handkerchiefs, Men's and Boy's English Hatts, &c. &c. Also, Tea, Chocolate, and Loaf Sugar, by the hundred or smaller quantity; fresh LEMMONS, by the box or hundred; new jar Oyl, Raisins, Currans, Spices, Pepper, Coffee, sterling Madeira Wine, Brandy, Rum, Molasses, Sugar, Indigo, many many other Articles. Portsmouth, Dec. 28, 1781.
To be sold, and entered upon In the Month of March next,  A good F A R M, Lying in the Town of Greenland, Containing one hundred and ten or fifteen Acres of choice Land, with a good House and a large new Barn, now occupied by the Rev. Mr. McClintock. For Particulars, apply to Mr. John Sparhawk of Portsmouth. Salem, Dec. 22. John Appleton.
SAMUEL BOWLES, Informs the Public, that he has for sale, at his shop in Portsmouth, a little below the State House, a Variety of English and West India Goods, viz. Scarlet and other colour'd Broad Cloths; Sarge; Fustion; Drawboy; Durants; Russells; Shalloons; Tammies; striped Camblet; Linnens; Chinces; Lutestring; Persian; Alemode; Sarsnet; Gauzes; Cloak Trimings; Worsted and Yarn Hose; Pepper and Spices; Dye Wood; Copperas; Alum and Indigo; Rum, Sugar, Molasses, Coffee, Chocolate, & Cotton; Bohea Tea; Men's and Women's Shoes; Raisins and Currants; Powder, Shot and Flints. And a Variety of other Articles, all which he will sell cheap for Cash.
State of New-Hampshire, December 27, 1781.  THE GENERAL COURT for said State, have lengthened the Time for receiving Rum from the several Towns delinquent, to the last Day of January next; at which Period, Warrants are ordered to issue against those Towns which may then be delinquent; which Order will be strictly attended to.  JOSHUA WENTWORTH.
PICTURE OF LIFE.  W HAT is this life that mortals idly crave! The nois'y passport of the silent grave. Each moment sinks the value of the prize, And death is daily present to our eyes. Drunk with the joys of life, we heed him not, Till sickness warns us of the common lot; That lot which waits alike the mean and brave, And gives an easy conquest to the grave. Then what's this life?—A temporary stage, Where divers men in divers parts engage: The fleeting forms in quick succession glide, As one moves off, his absence is supply'd; And should some favorite actor quit the scene, Into his place another steps serene— Serene and full of self, he tries to soar, And reach a height that ne'er was reach'd before.
ALL Persons who have Accounts open with the Subscriber are requested to settle the same immediately—Those who stand indebted to him by Note or Bond, and cannot conveniently discharge them, are desired to renew their obligations without further notice.  JOHN SULLIVAN. Durham, Dec. 22, 1781.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors or owners of land in Middleton, in the County of Strafford, and State of New-Hampshire, that so much of their Lands as will pay the taxes annexed to their names, will be sold at public Auction, the first Monday in February next, at the house of Capt. Francis Mathes, in said town, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, as will pay said tax, with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment. Their names follow.
   1st division. 2d division.   1. 2. No.    John Cook jun. 0 0 53  Noah Emery, 0 0 6  Samuel Varney, 4 9 49  Benjamin Evans, 6 0 78  Andrew Marshall, 19 3 39  Peter Cook, 4 9 91  Thomas Bickford, 19 3 73  Joshua Staggpole, 9 7 60  Joseph Conner, 4 11 63  George Hanson, 19 3 76  Thomas Wallingford, 54  Andrew Horn, 19 7 64  John Roberts, 4 9 67  Timothy Hanson, 19 3 65  Joseph Varney, 19 7 8  Benjamin Wentworth, 19 3 99  John Gage, Esq: 0 10 26  Samuel Clements, 80  Joseph Wentworth, 85  William Horn, 24  Isaac Watson, 19 3 93  Noah Cross, 95  Ephraim Wentworth, 18  Benjamin Roberts, 38  Bedfield Plumer, 19 3 75  Richard Gooding, 19 3 83  Benjamin Mason, 6 0 94  William Wentworth, 66  Timothy Roberts, 35  James Guppy, 12  Jonathan Gage, 19 0 37  Daniel Hanson, 50  Samuel Herd, 9 7 30  Love Roberts, 9 7 62  John Ham, jun. 97  Edward Ellis, 19 3 88  Benjamin Herd, 3  John Kelley, 19 3 20  Nathaniel Austin, 36 10  John Falker, 59  Richard Philpot, 14  Isaac Hanson, jun. 9 7 44  Ebenezer Varney, 9 7 100  Benjamin Stanton, 41  James Philpot, 6 1 42  Job Clements, jun. 82  
Middleton, Dec 28, 1781. Elijah Buzell, Collector. State of New-Hampshire. Cheshire, ff.  NOTICE is hereby given, that there is a Tax of 6s. 9d. on each Lot of Land in the Town of Fitz William, liable to pay proprietors taxes the present year, therefore all persons owners of such Land in said Town, are required to make speedy payment of the same to the subscriber, Samuel Osborn, Fitz-William, Nov. 27, 1781. (Collector.)  PRINTED AT PORTSMOUTH.