New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1781-08-13 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette State Journal, and General Advertiser.
[ Vol. XXV. ]
MONDAY, August 13, 1781.
[ No. 1293. ]
PHILADELPHIA, July 23.
Head Quarters, July 8th, 1781.
SIR,
HAVE the honour to inclose to your Excellency, a copy of my letter to Maj. Gen. Greene, containing the proceedings of the two armies since my last. With the greatest respect, I have the honour to be, your Excellency's most obedient humble servant.
LA FAYETTE.
His Excellency the President of Congress. Ambler's Plantation, opposite James river, July 8, 1781.
SIR.
ON the 4th instant the enemy evacuated Williamsburg, where some stores fell into our hands, and retired to this place, under the cannon of their shipping. The next morning we advanced to Bird's tavern, and part of the army took post at Norrell's mill, about nine miles from the British camp.
The 6th I detached an advanced corps under Gen. Wayne, with a view of reconnoitering the enemy's situation. The light parties being drawn in, the piquets which lay close to their encampment, were gallantly attacked by some riflemen whose skill were employed to great effect.
Having ascertained that Lord Cornwallis had sent off his heavy baggage under a proper escort, and posted his army in the open field, fortified by the shipping I returned to the detachment, which I found more generally engaged. A piece of cannon having been attempted by the van guard under Major Galvin, whose conduct deserves high applause. Upon this the whole British army came out and advanced to the thin wood occupied by Gen. Wayne; His corps, chiefly composed of Pennsylvanians & some light infantry, did not exceed eight hundred men, with three field pieces, but notwithstanding their numbers, at sight of the British army, the troops ran to the rencounter; a short skirmish ensued, with a close, warm and well directed fire; but as the enemy's right and left of course greatly outflanked ours, I sent Gen. Wayne orders to retire half a mile, to where Col. Vose & Col. Barber's light Infantry had arrived by a most rapid move, & where I directed them to form. In this position they remained till some hours in the night. The militia under Gen. Lawson had been advanced, and the continentals were at Norrell's mill, when the enemy retreated during the night to James island, which they also evacuated, crossing over to the South side of the river. Their ground at this place and the Island, was successively occupied by Gen. Mullenberg. A number of valuable horses were left on their retreat.
From every account the enemy's loss has been very great, & much pains taken to conceal it. Their light infantry, the brigade of guards, and two British regiments formed the first line; the remainder of their army the second: The cavalry were drawn up, but did not charge.
By the inclosed return, you will see what part of General Wayne's detachment suffered most. The services rendered by the officers, make me happy to think, that although many were wounded, we lost none. Most of the field officers had their horses killed, the same accident to every horse of two field pieces, made it impossible to move them unless men had been sacrificed. But it is enough for the glory of Gen. Wayne and the officers & men he commanded, with a reconnoitering party only, to have attacked the whole British army, close to their encampment, and by this severe skirmish hastened their retreat over the river.
Col. Boyer, of the riflemen, is a prisoner. I have the honor to be, &c. &c.
Major Gen. Greene, LA FAYETTE.
Return (total) of the killed, wounded and missing of the detachment commanded by Gen. Wayne, in a skirmish with the British army near Green Springs, in Virginia, July 6th, 1781.
5 Captains, 1 Capt. Lieut. 4 Lieutenants, 7 serjeants, and 82 rank and file wounded: 4 serjeants 24 rank and file killed; 12 rank and file missing.
Published by order of Congress.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'yry.
PROVIDENCE, August, 4.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Lanesborough, (Massachusetts Bay) to his Friend in this town, dated July 27, 1781.
"We have just received advice from the Mohawk River, that a party of Indians and Tories, of about 200, came down a few days since, to Conjahara, 60 miles below Albany; they were discovered by part of a regiment of Albany militia of 70 men; who by craft led them on to where most of the troops lay in ambush, in three divisions, the front fired upon them as they advanced, when the enemy not knowing their numbers, turned to the right, when they again were fired upon; they then attempted to file off to the left, where they were again repulsed; when they turned to the right about, and ran off in the greatest confusion, leaving behind them their killed and wounded, and 150 packs. Our people being so much inferior in numbers, did not think it prudent to follow them. The number of slain and taken is variously reported. There has been lately a small scouting party of our militia, about half a dozen, killed and taken near Chimney Point, opposite to Crown Point."
FISH KILL, August 2.
Extract of a letter from the army, Dobb's-Ferry, July 30, 1781.
"A deserter came in from New York, to Head Quarters, says, that Col. Tarleton's legion, and two British regiments of infantry are arrived from the southward."
It is certain that a fleet sailed from Sandy Hook last week with design to escort Cornwallis's army to South Carolina, or, which is most probable, back to New York.
We have just heard that the enemy have evacuated Ninety-Six: That Cornwallis has divided his troops, part to be returned to New York, and part to reinforce their debilitated troops in South Carolina.
BOSTON, August 9.
Since our last a vessel from Pool, in England to Newfoundland, captured by a Salem privateer, arrived in port; she sailed from thence some time in June, and by a gentleman who was a passenger when captured, we learn, That the Ambassadors from the several belligerent powers, & of the armed neutrality, had met at Vienna in May, but that the Ambassador from the British Court, on their first meeting, declared that he had no authority from his Court to accede to an Ambassador from the United States in North America having a seat among them, in consequence of which they immediately broke up: That on the desolution of the Congress, the Russian fleet immediately put to sea, and were to proceed to the Texel, with the most positive orders from the Empress of Russia to protect the Dutch commerce at all events: That the several powers which compose the neutrality had insisted that the Court of Portugal should accede to the confederation, or take a decisive part, and as they had 15 sail of line of battle ships ready for the sea, 'twas said they would immediately comply with the former requisitions: That the French
King had made a demand on the British of all the property taken at Statia, and it was not complied with, that he should immediately confiscate as much property in the islands of Dominico & Granada, as would compensate for the loss at that island: That the whole Statia fleet bound to Europe, captured by the French, had safe arrived, except two ships, and that the English merchants had determined to enter a regular prosecution against Admiral Rodney, for the unjustifiable seizure of their property at that place. In consequence of the above important occurrences taking place, 'twas generally thought in England a peace must unavoidably take place.
We learn that the squadron under the command of Admiral la Motte Picquet, has taken a fleet of 18 British ships from Lisbon bound to Newfoundland, their convoy only escaped.
By accounts from South Carolina we learn that Lord Lincoln, with a large force, marched from Charlestown to the relief of the garrison of Ninety-Six, then invested by Gen. Greene, who on receiving this intelligence, immediately determined to storm the garrison sword in hand, which was accordingly done with great spirit and bravery by the troops under his command; but after a severe conflict of three quarters of an hour, was obliged to give over the attempt, with the loss of 57 killed, 70 wounded, and 20 missing. This account was published at Philadelphia the 21st of July, by order of Congress: But in a Philadelphia paper of the 24th is the following paragraph—
The last accounts from South Carolina inform us, that after Lord Rawdon had returned to Ninety-Six, he reinforced that garrison with one hundred men, and then retired towards Charlestown, at which place he was arrived at the date of our accounts; and his troops were at Orageburg, about 80 miles from Charlestown, on their route to join his Lordship, who, it seems, had destroyed many of his men by marching them into the country so soon after their arrival; and had only reaped the small benefit of relieving, for a time, the post of Ninety-Six; as it appears that the brave, persevering and gallant officer, Major General Greene, had again appeared before the place, and completely invested it.
We are informed, that some time since a party of our troops being on a scout near the borders of Lake Champlain, imprudently built fires in sight of the enemy's shipping on the lake, which discovering them to the enemy, they were fired upon, and five of the party (consisting of six) killed.
By a person from New York we learn, that about 12 or 14 days ago, a fleet of transports sailed from thence for Virginia, besides transports, in order to bring Cornwallis and the remains of his army to New York, they being very apprehensive of a speedy attack from the Rebels.
A vessel arrived at Marblehead from Cadiz, which sailed in company with a fleet of 15 sail of the line, besides transports, with 5000 troops on board, bound for the West Indies; so that it is probable we shall soon have some news from that quarter.
Friday last arrived in the port of Salem, 7 prizes, one privateer and a merchantman.
Friday last arrived the privateer ship Thorn, and on Saturday arrived a privateer ship, formerly called the Saucy Jack, of Salem, prizes to the French frigates Hermaine and l'Astrea. The Thorn lately sailed from this port, commanded by Capt. Tucker, and had been captured by the British frigate Hinde, five days previous to her falling in with the above frigates. The Saucy Jack was captured by the British about twelve months since, and was cruising in consort with the Charlestown (formerly

the Boston) who at the same time surrendered; but taking an advantage of a thick fog, got off.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia to a gentleman in this town, July 23, 1781.
"We have no news to inform you of but the arrival of five ships of the line at New-York, under the command of Admiral Digby: Prince William Henry, third son of George the third, is in the fleet.
HARTFORD, August 7.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Philadelphia, July 17.
"Our Agent at Brussels writes, that the King of Prussia is certainly our friend, & has much influence in the present politics of France.
"We are just advised of a further pecuniary aid obtained for us in France, to a considerable amount."
SALEM, August 7.
Sunday arrived here the brig Speedwell, Capt. Palfry, from Dominico, in 18 days.
Same day the brig Dolphin, Capt. Fairfield, arrived from the above place, by whom we learn, that a town in Dominico has lately been set on fire, by which means upwards of 100 houses has been entirely consumed; but by what means the town was set on fire, we do not learn.
Captain Fairfield mentions, that ten days before he came away, a French fleet sailed from Martinico, bound to St. Domingo, which fleet consisted of about 25 sail of the line, and a number of frigates, and that a British fleet consisting of 21 sail of the line had sailed from St. Lucia, in order to watch their motions.
LONDON, March 20.
The Courts of France and Spain have refused, as they are bound in natural honor, to send Ambassadors to Peterburgh, unless Ambassadors from America are admitted into the general conference. If this concession is not made to the Americans, it will be impossible for a treaty to proceed on the principles of a general pacification; and if Ambassadors are admitted from America, it can only be the acknowledged character of plenipotentiaries from an independent state.
MAY 1.
All ideas of peace are blown over, and it is not now even so much as hinted, that Sir Joseph Yorke is in any forwardness to set out on any negotiation. Our enemies seem to be playing a deeper game than Administration is aware of, viz. that of fighting us with our own exorbitant expences.
NEW-LONDON, Aug. 3.
Tuesday the Young Cromwell privateer, Capt. Reed, carrying ten three pounders and 38 men, returned from a short cruise, and brought in a privateer of eight 4 pounders and one 12 pounder in the bow, and had 45 men. She was only two days out from Sandy Hook, called the Surprize.
Tuesday Evening the brig Minerva, Captain Dudley Saltonstall, returned into port, and bro't in the letter of marque ship Hannah, Capt. Watson, of sixteen 6 pounders, nine weeks from London, bound to New-York, which he captured on Sunday last, after an engagement of two glasses. This prize is said to be the most valuable of any taken on this coast the present war, her cargo being estimated at upwards of 80,000 l. Sterling.
By the above prize we learn that the squadron under the command of Admiral la Motte Piqueet has taken a fleet of 18 British ships from Lisbon, bound to Newfoundland, their convoy only escaped. And that the same squadron had also taken almost the whole of the shipping with Rodney's plunder from St. Eustatia.
PHILADELPHIA, July 25.
We are assured, that Lord Cornwallis has detached the whole of his cavalry and part of his infantry, under Col. Tarleton, for South Carolina. It is supposed Cornwallis intends to embark with the remainder of his army, for New York.
Last Friday another Flag arrived here from Charles Town, in which came passengers Brigadier General Moultrie, and many others of the virtuous, but unfortunate citizens of South Carolina.
PORTSMOUTH, August 13.
Thursday last arrived the Venus, Capt. Moore, after a short cruise having captured a valuable prize, but is not yet arriv'd.
Since our last arrived two prizes, from the Alexander, laden with fish, salt &c.
Died the 1st. Inst. at North Hampton, Col. ABRAHAM DRAKE, in the 66th year of his Age, An Honest Man.
The Memory of the Just is Blessed.
THE Subscriber being appointed Agent at this Place, (by GEORGE CLY-
MER and JOHN NIXON, Esqrs, the present Directors of the National BANK, at Philadelphia, for receiving Subscriptions of those who incline to become Stock-holders,
NOTICE is hereby given, that he is ready to receive Subscriptions, and give the proper Receipts to any Gentlemen who see fit to become Proprietors of this BANK.—
In a Letter which I received from the Hon. ROBERT MORRIS, Esq; who is the Superintendent of the Finances of America, is the following Paragraph, — "Every Subscriber will find his own Interest benefitted in Proportion to the Capital he deposits, and I dare say, few will find the other Parts of their Fortunes, to yield them to certain an Income, as the Stock they have in the BANK, and at the same Time they will have the Satisfaction to be considered forever, as the Promoters of an Institution that has been found beneficial in other Countries, and inevitably must be so in the highest Degree to this; an Institution that most probably will continue as long as the United States; and that will probably become as useful to Commerce and Agriculture in the Days of Peace, as it must to Government during the War." — It is very easy to see the Benefits that will accrue to the Publick by the Credit of this BANK: It is also as clear, that the Proprietors will be particularly benefitted; and when public Good and private Interest go Hand in Hand, surely no Arguments are necessary to induce those Gentlemen to become Stock-holders, who wish to hand their Names down to Posterity as some of the first Promoters of this most beneficial Establishment.
JOHN LANGDON.
Portsmouth, July 19, 1781.
TO BE SOLD, By Thomas Sheafe, Bohea Tea,
By the Hundred, Dozen, or single Pound.
ALL Persons Indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of Daniel Meserve, late of Madbury, deceas'd, are desir'd to bring in thier Claims to Joseph Meserve, Administrator, in order for a speedy settlement.
James Hasset,
INFORMS the Public in general, and his Customers in particular, that he will sell Leather and Leather Breeches, made in the best Manner, for Silver Money, as cheap as he formerly sold them before the present War; and would be obliged for their Favour, and do his utmost Endeavours to serve them with Faithfulness & Punctuality.
Portsmouth, July 12. 1781.
CORN in great Plenty, to be SOLD, at the Parish House in Barrington, seven Miles from Dover Landing Place, for Hard Money Cheap.
PORTSMOUTH, June 23, 1781.
THE Proprietors of the Township of BARRINGTON-WOODS having been legally Notified to pay the Taxes due on their respective Rights, & several being yet delinquent, they are hereby Notified, that unless their said Taxes be paid to me at my House in Portsmouth on or before the 15th Day of October next, with incidental Charges, so much of their Lands will be sold at the House of Mrs. Tilton, Innholder in Portsmouth, on the said 15th Day of October, at 4 o'Clock in the Afternoon, as shall pay the same, with incidental Charges. The Delinquents Rights in the Name of the original Proprietors, with the Taxes due, in Species, are as follows.
   Original Proprietors Names. £. s. d. John Rand £. s. d.     S. Hall of Medford 2 16 1 Edward Rand 1 18 7   James Grouard 2 16 1 Nathaniel Austin 1 18 7   Joseph Moulton Jr. 1 1 1 Mark Langdon 1 18 7   Richard Tennant 2 16 1 Mark Nelson 1 18 7   Nicholas Pickering 2 16 1 Mark Rogers 6 3 0   Francis French 1 1 1 Thomas McDougal 6 3 0   Isaac Rand 1 18 7 John Sprague 18   Isaac Rand, jun. 1 18 7 Sam. Bowles, Col.   Isaac Rand 3d 1 3 7  
To be sold by Public Vendue, On Thursday the 16th Inst. at a Warehouse on Sherburne & Langdon's Wharfe, 10 o'Clock A.M. Damaged Knives & Forks, Jack-knives, Cuttoes, Razors, Scizzars, Ink-Pots — A few Pieces of Russia Duck, and sundry other Articles. — Portsmouth, Aug. 11. 1782
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, ROCKINGHAM, ss. To all whom it may concern.
NOTICE is hereby given, that LIPELS are filed before me, in behalf of Thomas Simpson, Esq; commander of the private armed ship Alexander, and all concerned therein, against the brigantine Ca-he-ias, of 70 tons burthen, her cargo, &c. Francesco Trotter late master; — And against the brigantine Selley of 80 tons burthen, her cargo, &c. Nicholas Baker late master — Which vessels are said to have been taken, and brought into the port of Piscataqua, in the State aforesaid; and for the trial of the justice of said captures, the Maritime Court will be held at Portsmouth, on Monday the 3d day of September 1781, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, when and where the owners of said captures, or any persons concerned therein, may appear, and show cause (if any they have) why the same should not be condemned.
J. BRACKETT, Judge of said Court. Portsmouth, August 10. 1781.
The Members of the Convention For forming a PLAN of GOVERNMENT, are hereby Notified, that their Meeting stands adjourned to the second Tuesday of September next. They are earnestly desired to be punctual in their Attendance then at Concord. GEORGE ATKINSON, Portsmouth, Aug. 11. 1781. (President.)
TO BE SOLD, By William Knight, The following Articles viz. Blue, Scarlet, and Cloth Colour'd Broad Cloaths, Linnen Handkerchiefs, Buff plush, Thicksets, Buttons, Womens & Mens white Lamb Gloves, Womens and Mens Shammy ditto, Corks, Sickles of different sizes, various sorts of Files, 4d. rod. 2od. & Scupper Nails, Nail rods, small Bar-Iron, very neat Shoe & Knee-Buckles, Ballast Shovels, Garden Spades, hull'd Barley pr. Cag, Loaf-Sugar, Carrot-Tobacco, Snuff pr. doz. Beef in Tierce or Barrel, Pork pr. Barrel, Tongues in half Barrels, Butter in Finkin, Soap & Candles pr. Box, Port Wine pr. Cask, (or dozen) containing 7 dozen bottles each, French Wine pr. Tierce, Green-Tea by the Cannister, with sundry other small articles. Also West-India Rum by the Hhd. or Barrel, Muscovada- Sugar pr. Hundred, Molasses, Cotton, Lisbon Salt, &c. &c.
Many of said Articles may be had at Retail.
[ Middleton, ]
State of New Hampshire, Strafford, ss. NOTICE is hereby given, to the proprietors of Middleton, in said State and county, that a proprietors meeting of said proprietors is to be held in said Middleton, on Tuesday the 21st day of August next, at the house of Mr. Francis Mathes, at two of the clock in the afternoon of said day, then and there to act on the following articles, viz. — 1. To chuse a moderator to regulate said meeting. — 2 To see if the proprietors will chuse a suitable person for a proprietors collector in the room of the last collector who refuses to collect the proprietors taxes they have voted to be raised; and to act any thing relating to the above, as the then convened proprietors shall think proper. All concerned, are desired to attend at time and place aforesaid, by order of the assessors. Dover, July 28, 1781. JOHN GAGE, Pro. Clk.
Cash given by John Gooch, FOR old Pewter, Brass or Copper. One Pound of new Pewter for two Pound of old. Also, New Pewter made and sold by him in Portsmouth.
WANTED IMMEDIATELY, Two or Three Tons of good English-Hay, Enquire of the Printer.