The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1774-12-02 00:00:00

THE New-Hampshire AND HISTORICAL CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES
Vol. XIX. GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
FRIDAY December 2, 1774.
No. 945 { Weeks since this Paper was first Publish'd. }
P O R T S M O U T H, W HEREAS the AMERICAN CONTINENTAL CONGRESS have entered into, and recommended to their Constituents, in the respective Colonies, a Non-Importation, Non-Exportation, and Non-Consumption Agreement; the punctual Performance of which, is very important and necessary, under the distressing and alarming Situation of these Colonies. It is therefore earnestly recommended to the respective Towns in this Government, immediately to appoint Committees to see that the same Agreement be strictly adhered to, and faithfully executed.
By Order of the Provincial Committee.
J. WENTWORTH, Chairman. Portsmouth, Nov. 30th, 1774.
Extract of a LETTER from a Gentleman in LONDON, to his Friend in this Town, dated October 6, 1774. THE Scarborough Man of War is arrived here from Boston, after a Passage of 24 Days; and on her Arrival the Parliament was immediately Dissolved, and a Proclamation issued out for a new one to meet on the 29th of November: The Express by the Scarborough is kept very secret; though it is in general thought by most People here, that all the Acts will be Repealed by their Dissolving the Parliament immediately on the Scarborough's Arrival. Bets are laid here twenty to two that General GAGE is killed. Seven Eighths of the People here join with North America."
On Tuesday the 22nd of last Month about 9 o'Clock in the Morning a Sloop of 92 Tons, bound from Boston to Sheepscot, was cast away on Rye Beach, on Board of which was 4 Men and a Boy who were fortunately saved, notwithstanding there was a violent Storm. It is thought the Vessel will be got off again without much Damage. She had deliver'd her Loading of Wood in Boston.
A Town-Meeting held at Durham on Monday the 28th Instant---The Inhabitants, after unanimously approving of the Proceedings of the CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, appointed a COMMITTEE of Twenty of the most respectable Inhabitants to see the Affections entered into, and recommended by the Congress, faithfully executed. They then chose a Committee of five Persons, viz. the Rev. John Adams, Messrs. Moses Emerson, and John Smith the 3d. Ebenezer Thompson, and John Sullivan, Esq's to correspond with the Committee of the several Towns in this and the neighbouring Governments; after which the several Inhabitants present, unanimously entered into and signed an Association, that they would do all in their Power to discourage and discountenance every Species of Gaming; that they would neither practice any kind of Gaming themselves, nor suffer any under them to use or practice the same, or allow or suffer the same in their Houses. That in case any Taverner, Innholder or Retailer should suffer any kind of Gaming within their Houses, they would ever after retain using said Houses for Refreshment or Entertainment, and that if any Inhabitants should presume to use or practice any Sort of Gaming, that they would break off all Connection, Commerce and Dealing with such Person. The Meeting then recommended to the Select-Men, immediately to increase the Town Stock, Two hundred Weight of POWDER, Four Hundred Weight of BALLS, and five Hundred FLINTS.
CUSTOM HOUSE, Piscataqua, Dec. 1.
   Inward-Entries FROM.     Sloop Clarissa, Noah Miller, New-London.   Brig Effex, Michael Hodge, Guadaloupe.   Brig Widows Son, Kinsman Peverly, Grenada.   Brig Polly, Daniel Jackson, St. Kitts.   Clear'd Outwards FOR.   Schooner Two Brothers, Joseph Green, Virginia.   Schooner Success, William Marchant, Ditto.   Schooner Britania, Joseph Stanwood, Ditto.   Schooner Jolly Robin, Joseph Gerrish, West Indies   Schooner Defiance, Roderick Morrison, Ditto.   Schooner Betsey, Robert Alcock, Ditto.   Schooner Lydia, Theodore Sayward, Ditto.   Brig Sally, Offin Boardman, Ditto.   Brig Nathaniel, John Mors, Ditto.   Brig Two Brothers, W. P. Johnson, Ditto.   Brig Dove, Jonathan Jewett, Ditto.   Brig Land Packet, Joshua Moore, Ditto.   Ship America, Benjamin Brown, Ditto.   Ship Hiram, Magnus Henderson, Ditto.   Ship Generous Planters, Thomas Hart, Ditto.   Ship Hero, Henry Nutter, Ditto.   Ship Britania, John Flagg, Ditto.  
N E W H A V E N, Nov. 11.
The General Assembly, of this Colony, have appointed the Hon. Eliphalet Dyer, Hon. Roger Sherman, Silas Dean, Titus Hosmer, and Jonathan Sturgis, Esq's, Members of the General Congress to be held at Philadelphia, on the 10th of May next, (unless our Grievances should be redressed before that Time) agreeable to the Recommendation of the late Congress, any 3 of whom to attend.
B O S T O N, Nov. 14.
W HEREAS a Copy of a Letter said to be received by a noble Lord, in very high Office, from a General Officer sometime since sent to America, in a very important and critical Situation, was printed in Messrs. Fletts, Mills and Hicks, Edes and Gill's News-Papers on Monday the 21st Instant, and this Paper last Week: We are authorized from undoubted Authority to declare, that no such Letter was ever wrote by the Person to whom it is ascribed, to any noble Lord, or any other Person--- that the whole of it is a FORGERY, and to be Ranked with other Falsehoods, circulated through the Country.
S A L E M, November 29. The Captains Shayler & Bruce arrived Yesterday from London: By the former we have received Papers to the 6th of October, and by the later as late as the 10th. They are chiefly filled with Accounts of Preparations for Elections, which seemed to engage the whole Attention of the Kingdom.
L O N D O N, October 3. A Gentleman just arrived from BOSTON reports, that a great Man, not much admired by the People in that Part of the World, having ordered his Men to fire, which they would not do, was shot by the opposite Party.
The Scarborough Man of War, Capt. Chad, from Boston, is arrived at Portsmouth.
A Correspondent says, Accounts received from Boston, by the Scarborough Man of War intimate, that General GAGE, who was sent upon the Duty of his present disagreeable Command, contrary to his own Inclinations, has desired to be recalled; which brings to Mind the following Passage by the Baron de Montesque.
Charles the Ninth having given Orders to the Governors of the several Provinces for the Hugonots to be slaughtered, V scount Dorte, who commanded at Bayonne, wrote thus to the KING:
'S I R E, 'Among your Majesty's Troops I could not find so much as one Executioner; they are brave Soldiers; we jointly therefore intreat your Majesty to command our Arms & Lives in Things that are practicable.'
Many of the Descendants of those very Hugonots, continues this Correspondent, are now among the first Ranks of King George the Third's best Subjects on the Continent of America, driving earnestly to retain that Liberty which their virtuous Ancestors so dearly purchased. If the Hand of Power should again so far prevail as to drive them from that Shelter to which they were invited, one Step more will put them out of the Reach of Tyrants. General Gage's Behaviour on this Occasion will tend to open the Eyes of Ad-----n more effectually than all the Petitions and Remonstrances from an American Congress, against which Prejudice and Obstinacy have shut the Door; the General's Fortune will not be impaired, his Glory by such noble Behaviour will be enhanced and transmitted with that of the Viscount Dorte's to latest Posterity.
If the General should retire, his Successor will be a Hutchinson: This Lieutenant may be depended upon, like his Father ready to execute any Orders.
A private Letter from Boston, says, General GAGE pays his Tradesmen in ready Money, and that he is in daily Expectation of being recalled, he having sent Home to England for that Purpose.
A Correspondent says, that the Premier has declared within these few Days to an intimate Friend, that if he continues to have the Sanction of a great Personage, he will go through Stitch with Affairs, and bring them right at last, or lose his Head.
A Correspondent applauds Lord North upon dissolving the Parliament at this Juncture; the Affairs of America are brought to a Crisis; England must command, or strike to her Colonies, and that soon; the present Resolution is to command, which will furnish numberless Pretences to the popular Party, and at the Eve of a general Election might ruin the Minister before his Plan is completed; but when the new Parliament is met, he will dispise all popular Cries, and laugh at the feeble Rage of the Storm, when seven Years give him Plenty of Sea Room.
The Town was all Joy on Friday Night last at the Dissolution of Parliament, the People thinking themselves rid of a Senate which has never before had its Equal for Venality and Corruption.
October 7. Yesterday Afternoon, at 3 o'Clock, the Poll for Lord MAYOR finally ended at Guildhall, when the Numbers were,
   For Mr. Wilkes 1957   The Lord Mayor 1923   Sir James Eldaile 1474   Mr. Alderman Kennet 1410  
Wednesday came on the Election for Members of Parliament for Guilford in Surrey, when Sir Fletcher Norton, and George Onslow, Esq; where chosen without Opposition.
By Advices from different Cities and Boroughs, very pleasant Accounts are received of the Industry used on both Sides, to prevent Bribery and Corruption; Bread, Meat, Wine & Beer, are watched on both Sides as if contraband Goods; the Agents employed by each Candidate are as keen as Custom House Officers, and every Man that Eats or Drinks seems to sculk like a Smuggler.
L O N D O N, October 10.
On Saturday there was a large and respectable Appearance of the Livery of London in Common Hall assembled, agreeable to public Notices, for the Purpose of receiving the Return of the Court of Aldermen for Lord-Mayor of this City for the Year ensuing.
A little after 12 the Sheriffs came on the Hustings, & after the common Crier had opened the Hall, the Common Serjeant declared the State of the Poll, and reported, that the Sheriffs were of Opinion, that the Election had fallen on John Wilkes, Esq; and the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor.
The Sheriffs then returned to the Court of Aldermen, and about 1 o'Clock they returned, when the Recorder declared the Election of the Court of Aldermen to have fallen on John Wilkes, Esq; which Declaration was returned with repeated Shouts of Applause.
Mr. Wilkes then came forward, and was invested with the usual Insignia of Office; after which he addressed the Common Hall as follows:
The SPEECH of the LORD MAYOR ELECT, JOHN WILKES, Esq; to the COMMON HALL, October 8, 1774.
"GENTLEMEN, "PERMIT me to return you my most hearty Thanks for the greatest Honour a Subject can receive, the being called by the Voice of free Citizens to the Chief Magistracy of the Metropolis of the British Empire. The first Idea which must arise in a liberal Mind, is, that the important and extensive Powers and Authority with which I am entrusted by you, are delegated to me only for your Good, and the general Benefit. You have
enlarged my Powers of being useful to you, and constituted me the first Guardian of our common Rights and Franchises. Give me Leave to assure you that so far from harbouring the impious Thought of invading your Liberties myself, I shall think it my Duty always, firmly and boldly to stand forth against the Enemies of public & legal Freedom. In this noble Cause I will most readily join you, and in all salutary Measures for the Preservation, or Improvement, of the Constitution of our Country, and for the Welfare of the Capital. I shall therefore most certainly call Common Halls and Common Councils on all important Occasions at your Requisition.
"Gentlemen of the Livery, "As Chief Magistrate of the first City in the World, I promise you an upright and regular Administration of the public Justice, and I rely with Confidence on your favourable Acceptance of my sincere and zealous Endeavours in your Service."
On Saturday Night a Messenger was sent away from the Admiralty with Dispatches for General Gage at Boston, to be forwarded by the Scarborough Man of War, lately arrived from that Province.
S A L E M, Nov. 29.
We hear that the Scarborough Man of War arrived in England, from Boston, about the 2d or 3d of October, and was dispatched back for the same Place in four Days afterward. The important Transactions at Cambridge, &c. which took Place just before she sailed from Boston, were kept, by the Ministry, a profound Secret, not a Man being suffered to go ashore that might spread the Intelligence.
In Capt. Shayler came Passenger Mr. Edmund Roberts of Portsmouth, In Capt. Bruce, Mr. James Moffatt, Merchant and Capt. Richard Salter.
In the Storm on Monday Night, last Week, considerable Damage was done to the Shipping in this Harbour. A large Schooner laying at one of the Wharves was bilged, a Ship and a Number of other Vessels at Anchor were drove ashore, but got off again without being very materially damaged.
Capt. Charles Ackworth of Boston in a Brig from Newfoundland was cast away, near Cape Ann, in the above Storm, when himself and two of his Men perished, and the Vessel and Cargo entirely lost.
P H I L A D E L P H I A, Nov. 15.
We are informed, that a few Days ago Jesse Hand Esq; of Cape May, came to this City with a genteel Sum of Money, generously subscribed by the People of that Place, to be laid out for the Use of the Poor of Boston.
On the 10th of October there was an Engagement between the Virginians and Indians, at the great Kanawha. Colonel Andrew Lewis, had the Command of 1400 Virginians, was attacked by about 900 Indians, on his Way to the Shawanese Town. The Engagement began an Hour after Sunrise, and lasted till late in the Afternoon; when the Indians fled, the Virginians found & scalped 20 Indians, and they suppose many more were Killed.
L I S T of Killed and Wounded VIRGINIANS.
   Killed. Wounded.     Colonel Charles Lewis, Captains W. Fleming, (since dead.)   Major John Field, J. Dickenson,   Captain John Murray, Thomas Blueford,   Robert M'Clenachan, John Stidman,   Samuel Wilson, Lieuts. ----- Goodman,   James Ward, ----- Robeson,   Lieut. Hugh Allen, ----- Lard,   Ensigns ----- Candiff, ----- Vannes,   ----- Bakely, 79 Privates.   44 Privates.  
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Alexandria, Virginia, to his Friend in this City, dated November 7.
I have no News excepting that the Virginians and the Indians have had a Battle on the 10th of last Month, on the Great Kanawha, in which the Virginians had 150 Killed and Wounded. There were found on the Field only 19 Indians, among which were 5 different Nations. This News came to town the Night before last.
Immediately after the Action an Express was sent to Lord Dunmore, who we are informed, with 1000 Men is gone to attack the principal Shawanese Town.
N E W L O N D O N, Nov. 18.
Last Wednesday se'nnight, a small Sloop failed from Pechaug in Say Brook, loaded with Flax-Seed and Wood, for New-York, and the next Night she overset in a Squall of Wind, about the Middle of the sound. There were three People on board, one of whom, named ----- Kelsey, was drowned on Thursday Afternoon; the other 2 kept to the Vessel till about Sunset of the same Day, when they drifted on Long-Island, where with great Difficulty they got on Shore.
Last Monday Morning Miss Elizabeth Rogers of this Town, went from her House (supposed not to have the free Exercise of her Reason) and was found in the Afternoon drowned in the River. A Jury of Inquest was summoned, who returned, that the accidentally fell into the River, which was the Occasion of her Death.
B O S T O N November 28.
We have it from undoubted Authority that the Members of both Houses of Parliament who are Friends to America, have frequently Communications, for the Purpose of Dropping their private Misunderstandings, and uniting in the Public Cause, which at present needs their joint Assistance, since a Breach with America, hazarded by the late harsh Measures, may be ruinous to the general Welfare of the British Empire, and notwithstanding it has been industriously represented that Lord Chatham had deserted our Cause, it may be certainly depended upon by the Public, that the contrary is the Truth, & that his Sentiments are such as Americans wish.
Wednesday last the Provincial Congress met at Cambridge, and opened their second Session according to Adjournment. Nothing has as yet transpired.
This suffering Town is almost daily receiving generous Donations from their sympathizing Brethren in the several Colonies on this Continent.

CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
To the PEOPLE of GREAT-BRITAIN, begun in our last.
WHEN the Design of raising a revenue from the Duties imposed on the importation of tea into America had in great measure been rendered abortive by our ceasing to import that commodity, a scheme was concerted by the Ministry, with the East India Company, and an act passed enabling and encouraging them to transport and vend it in the colonies. Aware of the danger of giving success to this insidious manœuvre, and of permitting a precedent of taxation thus to be established among us, various methods were adopted to elude the stroke. The people of Boston, then ruled by a Governor, whom, as well as his predecessor, Sir Francis Bernard, all America considers as her enemy, were exceedingly embarrassed. The ships which had arrived with the tea were by his management prevented from returning. The duties would have been paid; the cargoes landed and exposed to sale; a Governor's influence would have procured and protected many purchasers. While the town was suspended by deliberations on this important subject, the tea was destroyed. Even supposing a trespass was thereby committed, and the proprietors of the tea entitled to damages. The Courts of law were open, and Judges appointed by the Crown presided in them. The East India Company however did not think proper to commence any suits, nor did they even demand satisfaction either from individuals or from the community in general. The Ministry, it seems, officiously made the case their own, and the great Council of the nation descended to intermeddle with a dispute about private property. Divers papers, letters, and other unauthenticated ex parte evidence were laid before them; neither the persons who destroyed the tea, or the people of Boston, were called upon to answer the complaint. The Ministry, incensed by being disappointed in a favourite scheme, were determined to recur from the little arts of finesse, to open force & unmanly violence. The port of Boston was blocked up by a fleet, and an army placed in the town. Their trade was to be suspended, and thousands reduced to the necessity of gaining subsistence from charity, 'till they should submit to pass under the yoke, and consent to become slaves, by confessing the omnipotence of parliament, and acquiescing in whatever disposition they might think proper to make of their lives and property.
Let justice and humanity cease to be the boast of your nation! Consult your history, examine your records of former transactions, nay turn to the annals of the many arbitrary states and kingdoms that surround you, and shew us a single instance of men being condemned to suffer for imputed crimes, unheard, unquestioned, and without even the specious formality of a trial; and that too by laws made expressly for the purpose, and which had no existence at the time of the fact committed. If it be difficult to reconcile these proceedings to the genius and temper of your laws and constitution, the task will become more arduous when we call upon our ministerial enemies to justify, not only condemning men untried and by hearsay, but involving the innocent in one common punishment with the guilty, and for the act of 30 or 40, to bring poverty, distress and calamity on 30,000 souls, and those not your enemies, but your friends, brethren, & fellow subjects.
It would be some consolation to us, if the
catalogue of American oppressions ended here. It gives us pain to be reduced to the necessity of reminding you, that under the confidence reposed in the faith of government, pledged in a royal charter from a British Sovereign, the forefathers of the present inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay left their former habitations, and established that great, flourishing, and loyal colony. Without incurring or being charged with a forfeiture of their rights, without being heard, without being tried, without law, and without justice, by an act of Parliament, their charter is destroyed, their liberties violated, their constitution and form of government changed: And all this upon no better pretence, than because in one of their towns a trespass was committed on some merchandise, said to belong to one of the Companies, and because the Ministry were of opinion, that such high political regulations were necessary to compel due subordination and obedience to their mandates.
Nor are these the only capital grievances under which we labour. We might tell of dissolute, weak & wicked Governors having been set over us; of legislatures being suspended for asserting the rights of British subjects; of needy and ignorant dependants on great men, advanced to the seats of justice, and to other places of trust and importance; of hard restrictions on commerce, & a great variety of lesser evils, the recollection of which is almost lost under the weight and pressure of greater and more poignant calamities.
Now mark the progression of the ministerial plan for enslaving us.
Well aware that such hardy attempts to take our property from us; to deprive us of that valuable right of trial by jury; to seize our persons, and carry us for trial to Great-Britain; to blockade our ports; to destroy our charters, and change our forms of government, would occasion, and had already occasioned, great discontent in all the colonies, which might produce opposition to these measures: An act was passed to protect, indemnify, and screen from punishment such as might be guilty even of murder, in endeavouring to carry their oppressive edicts into execution; and by another act the dominion of Canada is to be so extended, modelled, and governed, as that by being disunited from us, detached from our interests, by civil as well as religious prejudices, that by their numbers daily swelling with Catholic emigrants from Europe, and by their devotion to administration, so friendly to their religion, they might become formidable to us, and on occasion, be fit instruments in the hands of power, to reduce the ancient, free protestant Colonies to the same state of slavery with themselves.
This was evidently the object of the act: And in this view, being extremely dangerous to our liberty and quiet, we cannot forbear complaining of it, as hostile to British America.—Superadded to these considerations, we cannot help deploring the unhappy condition to which it has reduced the many English settlers, who, encouraged by the royal proclamation, promising the enjoyment of all their rights, have purchased estates in that country. They are now the subjects of an arbitrary government, deprived of trial by jury, and when imprisoned cannot claim the benefit of the habeas corpus act, that great bulwark and paladium of English liberty: Nor can we suppress our astonishment, that a British Parliament should ever consent to establish in that country a religion that has deluged your island in blood, and dispersed impiety, bigotry, persecution, murder and re-
bellion through every part of the world.
This being a true state of facts, let us beseech you to consider to what end they lead.
Admit that the Ministry, by the powers of Britain, and the aid of our Roman Catholic neighbours, should be able to carry the point of taxation, and reduce us to a state of perfect humiliation and slavery. Such an enterprise would doubtless make some addition to your national debt, which already presses down your liberties, and fills you with pensioners and placemen.—We presume, also, that your commerce will somewhat be diminished. However, suppose you should prove victorious—in what condition will you then be? What advantages or what laurels will you reap from such a conquest?
May not a Ministry with the same armies enslave you? It may be said, you will cease to pay them—but remember the taxes from America, the wealth, and we may add, the men, and particularly the Roman Catholics of this vast continent will then be in the power of your enemies—nor will you have any reason to expect, that after making slaves of us, many among us should refuse to assist in reducing you to the same abject state.
Do not treat this as chimerical—Know that in less than half a century, the quit rents reserved to the Crown, from the numberless grants of this vast continent, will pour large streams of wealth into the royal coffers, and if to this be added the power of taxing America at pleasure, the Crown will be rendered independent on you for supplies, and will possess more treasure than may be necessary to purchase the remains of Liberty in your Island. In a word, take care that you do not fall into the pit that is preparing for us.
We believe there is yet much virtue, much justice, and much public spirit in the English nation.—To that justice we now appeal. You have been told that we are seditious, impatient of government, and desirous of independency. Be assured that these are not Facts, but calumnies.—Permit us to be as free as yourselves, and we shall ever esteem a union with you to be our greatest glory and our greatest happiness, we shall ever be ready to contribute all in our power to the welfare of the empire—we shall consider your enemies as our enemies, and your interest as our own.
But if you are determined that your Ministers shall wantonly sport with the rights of mankind—If neither the voice of justice, the dictates of the law, the principles of the constitution, or the suggestions of humanity can restrain your hands from shedding human blood, in such an impious cause, we must then tell you, that we never will submit to be hewers of wood, or drawers of water for any ministry or nation in the world.
Place us in the same situation that we were at the close of the last war, and our former harmony will be restored.
But lest the same supineness and the same inattention to our common interest, which you have for several years shewn, should continue, we think it prudent to anticipate the consequences.
By the destruction of the trade of Boston, the Ministry have endeavoured to induce submission to their measures.—The like fate may befall us all, we will endeavour therefore to live without trade, and recur for subsistence to the fertility and bounty of our native soil, which will afford us all the necessaries and some of the conveniences of life.—We have suspended our importation from Great-Britain and Ireland; and in less than a year's time, unless our grievances should be redressed, shall discontinue our exports to those kingdoms and the West-Indies.

It is with the utmost regret however, that we find ourselves compelled by the overruling principles of self-preservation, to adopt measures detrimental in their consequences to numbers of our fellow subjects in Great Britain and Ireland. But we hope, that the magnanimity & justice of the British Nation will furnish a Parliament of such wisdom, independence and public spirit, as may save the violated rights of the whole empire from the devices of wicked Ministers and evil Councillors, whether in or out of Office, and thereby restore that harmony, friendship and fraternal affection between all the inhabitants of his Majesty's kingdoms and territories, so ardently wished for by every true and honest American.
[Continental Congress Affairs to be continued.]
From the PUBLIC LEDGER.
By one of the last Vessels from LONDON.
ENGLISHMEN should never despair of preserving their Rights and Liberties; for let their Condition be rendered ever so helpless and desperate by Corruption and arbitrary Power that no human Means appear of saving them from Slavery, yet Providence may interfere in their Favour, and wipe away at once all the Traces of Tyranny. Such Interposition of Providence have been frequent in this Nation; for if we peruse the Annals of England we shall find that the People have often had Kings of despotic Dispositions, who wanted to be, and endeavour to make themselves absolute; and have also had Parliaments corrupt, and very ready to cooperate with them in such iniquitous Designs; and yet, by some Interference or other of Providence, all such wicked Intentions were frustrated. Sometimes Death hath appeared in Defence of the People's Freedom, and taken away the Tyrants; at other times another Prince taking the Advantage of the Misconduct of the reigning King, hath laid his Claim to the Crown, and by the Resentment and Assistance of an injured and oppressed People, hath obtained it; and who, in order to establish himself on the Throne, found it necessary to restore, and promise to maintain, the Rights and Liberties of the Nation. And sometimes the People, wearied out by the long misrule and oppressive Measures of their Prince, have called in another, and given him the Crown, and thereby restored their shattered Constitution to some Degree of Soundness. Indeed, the Interposition of Providence hath been so frequent on these Occasions in this Nation, that we can hardly find a single Instance in the History of it, where the Crown though Hereditary, hath descended in a regular Manner for more than three Successions. Why, or for what Reasons, the regular Succession to the Crown hath been so constantly, and, as it were, periodically interrupted, we shall not presume to say; but, as it affords Matter of much Speculation, we may take the Liberty of guessing at it. Power, long entrusted, either to single Persons, or to Bodies of Men, generally increases itself so greatly as to become subversive of the Intentions, and dangerous to the Rights of those who delegated it. Kings are but Men, are subject to all the Passions and Frailties of human Nature, and consequently are too prompt to grasp at arbitrary Power, & to will to make all Things bend and submit to their Will and Pleasure; and as entrusted Power constantly augments itself in Proportion to the Length of Time it hath been possessed, so we may suppose that the Princes who possessed the Crown of this Kingdom in a regular Descent for three Successions, had generally increased their Power to such a Degree as to be obnoxious to the People, and dangerous to their Constitution, Rights, and Liberties: and such apparent Danger may have occasioned such necessary Interruptions in the hereditary Descent of the Crown.
The Death of the French King will probably preserve, for some Time longer, the Freedom of our American Colonies; for great as the Power of the Crown now is, it will not be able to support a War with the House of Bourbon, and to send a Force sufficient to en-
slave the Colonies, at the same time. It may therefore be laid, according to Lord Chatham's rhetorical Expression, that the Freedom of America was defended in France. Those who have been used to reflect on the Occurrences of human Affairs, must have observed, that it sometimes happens, when arbitrary Power hath taken Resolutions of suppressing the Rights and Liberties of a free People, Providence hath interposed, and freed them from the tyrannical Intention.
L O N D O N, Sept. 1.
Wednesday Night the following Accident happened at Oxbridge. A young Man went to see his Sweetheart, that lived with Mr. Darby, after the Family was gone to Bed, who in a short Time were alarmed by the Barking of a Dog, on which the Gardener got up; on seeing the young Man he shot him Dead on the Spot, which had such an Effect on the young Woman that she was found banging in her Bed Room.
Such was the Harmony between King Edward IV. and his Citizens of London, that, when they had no more Favours to ask, his Majesty devised a hunting Match for their Entertainment in Waltham Forrest: The Mayor, &c. joined in the Royal Hunt; many Deer were killed in the Chase, and they were feasted by the King under a beautiful and stately Arbour. Besides, his Majesty in August, when Venison is in its Prime, presented the Lady Mayorefs with two Harts, six Bucks, and a Tun of Wine, with which her Ladyship entertained the principal Citizens, & the Wives of the Aldermen, at Draper's Hall. Happy if such Harmony subsisted now.
Wednesday Mr. Cheydon, of Haydown, in Oxfordshire, and his Wife were found, the former in a Chair, with his Brains beat out, and the Latter, speechless on the Ground, mangled and cut in such a Manner, that she expired soon after. The Villains who committed the Murder, stripped the House of near two Hundred Pounds in Cash, but took away no Furniture, nor any Thing else of Value.
BROKE OUT OF HIS MAJESTY'S GOAL in Amherst, in the County of Hillsborough, and Province of New-Hampshire, on the Night of the 15th instant, the following Persons, viz. James Danerly, a Prisoner for committing an Assault and Battery; Thomas Clarke, for aiding and assisting one Joseph Kelly to make his Escape from prison; Jonathan Fisk and Mary Foster, both convicted of the Crime of Adultery—Said Danerly is a tall, well set fellow, near six Feet high, dark short Hair, had on a blue short Jacket, light colour'd Waistcoat, and c'rest coloured Breeches. Clark is about five Feet ten Inches high, thin favour'd, dark Hair tied behind, had on a cloth coloured Coat and Breeches—Fisk is about five Feet nine Inches high, well set, had on a light cloth coloured Serge Coat, Red Waistcoat, and new leather Breeches—And the said Mary Foster is about five Feet four Inches high, black Hair and black Eyes; wore a red Calamanco Gown, and a red quilted Petticoat. Whoever will apprehend and secure the above mentioned Persons, or either of them, so that they are reconveyed to his Majesty's Goal in said Amherst, shall be entitled to a Reward for each of them; Also, Whoever will give Information of any Person or Persons that aided or assisted the above mentioned Prisoners in making their Escape as aforesaid, so that he or they are legally convicted thereof, and brought to condign Punishment, shall receive TWENTY DOLLARS Reward. And all Masters of Vessels, and others are cautioned against concealing, harbouring, entertaining, or carrying away any, or either of said Prisoners, as they will thereby be liable to the Penalty of the Law.
BENJAMIN WHITING Sheriff of said County. Amherst Nov 16th 1774.
WE the Subscribers being appointed by the Hon. JOHN SHERBURNE, Esq; Judge of the Probate of Wills, &c. for the County of Rockingham, Commissioners to receive and examine the Claims of the Creditors to the Estate of Sarah Wood, late of Poplin, in said County, Widow, deceased, Represented Insolvent, and six Months from the 20th instant being allowed for that Service, this is to give Notice, that we will attend that Business at the House of Lieut. Benjamin Bean, Innholder in Raymond, on the last Tuesday of November next, and the four next following Months from two to five o'clock. P. M.
Raymond, Octob. 31, 1774. } John Dudley, } Commissioners. } Samuel Fellows }
THESE are to give Notice to all Persons who have Demands against the Estate of ENOCH CLARKE, late of Greenland, Innholder, deceased, Intestate, to bring in their Demands to MARY CLARKE, who is Administratrix of his Estate.—And all Persons Indebted to said Estate, are required to settle and make Payment to said Administratrix, as she is determined to settle the Estate as soon as possible. Greenland, Nov. 15, 1774.
MARY CLARKE, Administratrix of said Estate
SIX Months longer being allowed to all the Subscribers appointed by the Hon. Judge of Probate of Wills, &c. for the County of Grafton, to receive and examine the Claims of the several Creditors to the Estate of Alexander Phelps, Esq; late of Lime, in said County, deceased, Represented Insolvent, Notice is hereby given, that we will attend said Business at the House of Capt. Aaron Storrs, Innholder in Hanover, in said County, on the last Monday of Feb. and the second Monday of the five following Months, from one to four o'clock Afternoon of said Days. Bona Woodward, Hanover, Nov. 14, 1774. Asahel Stearns.
Wanted,
A careful PERSON that will undertake to attend the LIGHT HOUSE at FORT WILLIAM and MARY.—Any Person that has a Mind to undertake the same, may know the Terms by applying at the Secretary's Office.
Whereas Ruth, the Wife of me the Subscriber has for a long time behaved in such a Manner, that I am under a Necessity of forbidding any Person trusting or giving her any Credit on my Account; as I am determined not to pay any Debts of her contracting. Joseph Bickford.
Newington, November 23d, 1774.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of WILLIAM WHITE, Esq; late of Boston, deceased, are desired to pay the same to PHILIPS WHITE of South Hampton, in the Province of New-Hampshire, Executor of the last Will and Testament of the said WILLIAM WHITE; and those to whom said Estate is indebted are desired to send in their Demands to said Executor.
For the Convenience of many concerned, he proposes to be at Boston from the 6th Day of Dec. next, 10 Days; from the 1st Day of Feb—6 Days; and from the 20th Day of March 6 Days.
Enquire for the said WHITE, at the Shop of Mrs. Margaret Phillips, in Cornhill.
T O B E S O L D. Part of the Estate of the above said WILLIAM WHITE; at Publick Vendue, to the highest Bidder, on Thursday the 8th Day of Decem. next, viz. The House where the said Deceased lately dwelt, pleasantly situated at the North End of Boston, with a Brick Store, Stable, Wood House, &c. Three beautiful Gardens adjoining, &c. & a small Piece of Land near Charles-town Ferry,—Also a small Dwelling House in Hull Street; and a large Store in Queen Street.—The Vendue to be at the last mentioned Store, at 10 o'Clock in the Forenoon of said Day.—The Conditions of Sale to be seen at the Time and Place of Sale. N. B. The Premises may be viewed on Tuesday and Wednesday preceding the Day of Sale.
§ Conway. §
Province of New Hampshire, Grafton, ss. NOTICE is hereby given, to the following delinquent Original Proprietors in CONWAY, that unless they pay the TAX now due, which has already been advertised in the New Hampshire Gazette, according to Law to such of each delinquent's Right or Share of Land will be sold at public Vendue at my Dwelling House in Conway, on Tuesday the sixth Day of December next as will pay the TAX with incidental Charges. The Delinquents are, viz. Peter Parker, John Marston, junr. Richard Ayers, Joseph Eastman, junr. Joseph Eastman, William Ingalls, David Hicks, Ebenezer Burbank, Obadiah Eastman. DAVID PAGE, Collector. Conway, November 14. 1774.
--Ten DOLLARS Reward.--
Stolen off a Cart in Salem, in Massachusetts, a BOX of LAWNs, the Box being found, but the Lawns withheld; there was two yards and eight yards in a Piece; the Box contain'd twenty five Pieces of each, mark'd with Letters PACELEY or GLASGOW; the Lawns it is expected were taken by a Pedlar, as they have been heard of. Whoever takes up the THIEF, so that he be brought to Justice, and the Goods recovered, shall have ten Dollars Reward, or eight Dollars for THIEF or Goods, paid by DAVID BLACK of Boston. November 17, 1774.
ALL Persons who have Demands against the Estate of Joseph Melson, late of Greenland, Yeoman, deceased, Intestate, are hereby Notified, to bring in the same to William Weeks and Nathan Johnson, Administrators of said Estate—And all Persons who are Indebted to said Estate, are hereby called upon to settle and pay the same as soon as may be, that the Estate may be settled as soon as possible. Greenland, Nov. 9, 1774.
Warrantes and Quitclaim Deeds, Justice Writs, Ship-ping Papers, Bail Bonds, &c. Sold at the Printing Office.

B O S T O N, Nov. 28.
Last Week several Children, who had broke out with the Small Pox, were removed from one of the Barracks of the Soldiers, to the Hospital at the West Part of the Town, and the greatest Care will be taken to prevent that infectious Distemper from spreading in this Town; tho' it is feared a Disease of a homogeneous Nature, cannot be prevented from becoming, in some Measure, epidemic among us.
A guard of 500 Men are every Day on Duty.
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Anne-Arundel County, and the City of Annapolis, last Wednesday, a Committee of 44 Persons was chosen for that County and City, to carry into Execution the Association agreed on by the American Congress.
The Inhabitants of the City of Philadelphia, agreeable to the Resolves of the General Congress, have appointed a Committee of 61 Gentlemen, to co-operate with the other Committees that are or may be chosen on this Continent.
The Committees of Correspondence in the Seaport Towns in Connecticut, are very active in preventing the Exportation of Sheep, agreeable to the 7th Article of the Association of the Congress.
By the late Accounts from England, we learn,---That Associations were forming in more than twenty Counties there, to chuse such Persons only for Members of Parliament as will support the American Cause:---That the sudden Dissolution of Parliament occasioned a great Shock to all Ranks of People in England; and it was generally thought the new Parliament will be for redressing the American Grievances.---
N E W - Y O R K November 21.
Extract of a Letter dated at Quebec October 30.
"A Committee is arrived here from the English Inhabitants in Montreal, who have met a Committee of the Inhabitants of this Place, and are drawing up a Petition to his Majesty, against the Act of Parliament for regulating the Government of this Province, and hope they will meet with Success."
A Letter from Philadelphia of Nov. 17, 1774, says, Yesterday came to Town a Man from Pittsburgh, and says Lord Dunmore has had a Meeting with the Indians, and made Peace, demanding nothing more than the restoring of any white Persons they have among them, and such Horses as they stole from the Frontiers.
Capt. Huat, from Charlestown in South Carolina, informs us, That the Ship Britannia, Captain Ball, arrived there from London a few Days before he sailed, and that a Passenger who came in the Vessel had in a clandestine Manner got on board 8 Casks of Tea, which the Captain on his Arrival made known to the Committee, who soon caused the Gentleman to order his India Commodity to be thrown into the Sea; that Capt Moore arrived there from Philadelphia the 4th of Nov. with the Delegates from the Congress, who were received by their fellow Citizens with ringing of Bells, &c. and that on the 5th of Nov. the Inhabitants of Charlestown gave up most of the Tea they had in their Houses to be burnt in one general Bonfire.
S A L E M, November 29.
Messrs. HALLS, In Answer to General Gage's Proclamation published in your Paper of the 13th instant, pray insert the following Queries, from
An AMERICAN.
1st. Is it probable that the Province of Massachusetts-Bay will choose to grant Subsidies for supporting the General's Army? And if not that it will suffer the Province Money to be in future paid to Mr. Gray, who is deemed a Rebel against the State.
2dly. Is it probable that the General's Exhortation to the Inhabitants of the Province will prevent a single Person from being well equipped and disciplined; while he with all Expedition is preparing inhumanly to butcher them, unless in Compliance with the Requisitions of an arbitrary Parliament, they will consent to give up their Estates whenever it shall demand them?
3dly. Is it possible at a Time when "a Government legally and constitutionally established (as the General strangely supposes) within the Province" is using all Means in its Power to enslave the Inhabitants, that they will conduct themselves according to the "Exhortations" and "Prohibitions" of this Government; and "discountenance" the "Requisitions, Recommendations, Directions and Resolves" of either the Grand American or Provincial Congresses, constituted by the People, and equally concerned with them in the Event of the Contest?
4thly. Is there not Reason to be fully assured that Americans will endeavour to redeem themselves from Slavery by resolutely executing the Plans of such Congresses, and by "discountenancing" and "expelling from amongst them" all who shall dare to oppose these Plans, particularly every audacious Printer, who like-----n of New-York, shall favour the ministerial System of Tyranny, and that effectual Care will be taken to discriminate those Persons who shall consent to be bribed with Money sent by Administration to the Colonies for this wicked Purpose?
M A R B L E H E A D.
It appears, by Computation of the Grand Congress, that the UNITED COLONIES OF AMERICA contain THREE MILLIONS and some odd Thousands of Inhabitants; and of Consequence, according to the common Proportion, six HUNDRED THOUSAND Men. If we suppose but FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND fit for the Field, and these to be well disciplined, it is not difficult to conceive that Americans will be able to defend themselves against the inhuman and unnatural Invaders of their Rights. But our Enemies promise themselves Success upon two presumptions; One, "that we shall never have Troops equally disciplined with their own;" and the other, "that the Colonies will not long continue united."
With Respect to the first, it is well known, that a sufficient Time can easily, and undoubtedly will, be appropriated for disciplining the Militia throughout America. Should the whole Continent lay by private Concerns, and closely attend but two Months to the Art Military, Americans would be ready to drive from amongst them inimical Troops, whenever landed: And it is not to be supposed that this continent will be given up, or that the Inhabitants will suffer themselves to be massacred, from Want of such a Sep as this.---The obtaining future Supplies for an Army, and supporting it during a War, are suggested as Difficulties; but the Colonies well know they are by no Means insurmountable.
As to the Disunion hoped for, our Enemies may be assured of Disappointment, since each Colony knows the Importance of the Dispute, and that it can no longer hold either Liberty or Property than united with others. Indeed there can be no Doubt that the Plans of the Grand Congress, and in concert therewith of each Colony, will at the Risk of Life and property be punctually executed, and every Obstacle be balanced by considering the Necessity of the Case. So long as this shall happen, a Disunion cannot be expected, and the Defection of a Province would but occasion its falling a Sacrifice to the Rest.
Should Hostilities commence in America, the Destruction of Seaports may be aimed at; and how far it's future Alliance with foreign Powers may prevent this, is not at present to be determined.
But if the War be general, the Balances owed by the Colonies to Great-Britain in Justice ought to, and undoubtedly will be conveyed to pay it in Part. However waving this Consideration, the Buildings on the Sea-Coast will bear but a small Proportion to the remaining Property and Liberties of the Country.
The Quebec Bill is held up to awe the Colonies, but it is not reasonable to think that the Canadians will be so blind to their own Interest, as to miss this Opportunity of uniting with the Colonies and establishing their Liberties. We already know that many are strongly for the Union, but should a Majority be against it they must expect to be visited, when Hostilities commence, with a continental Army, which America will be able to spare, and at the same Time to defend itself against any Invasions.
Upon the whole, Lord North's iniquitous Project has not at present the Appearance of Success, and we have reason to hope that omnipotent Justice will defend it. The Defects of this vile Minister exceed the utmost Severity of the penal Laws of England, since by his Means Papacy is established within the British Dominions, and like a Cardinal to the Pope, he is urging the Roman Catholic Subjects (according to the sanguinary Dictates of their Religion) to eradicate the Heretics of the Colonies; and unless some Degree of Justice shall be soon administered by the Advancement of this Traitor to a Scaffold, the Nation must expect to be betrayed to the Sovereign Authority of a Pretender.
"Agreeable to the Advice of the respectable Provincial Congress, the Training-Band Company in Lynn, North parish, being a part of the first Regiment in the County of Essex, formerly commanded by William Browne, Esq; politically deceased of a pestilent and mortal Disorder, and now buried in the ignominious Ruins at Boston; met on Monday the 15th instant, and after choosing Deacon Nathaniel Bancroft for their Chairman, elected Mr. Joseph Gowen Captain; Mr. Nathaniel Shearman, 1st Lieut. and Mr John Perkins Ensign."
We are informed, that among other capital Grievances sent from the Continental Congress to be laid before the Throne, the Appointment of the Commander in chief of his Majesty's Forces, in North-America, to the Government of a Colony, is mentioned (and very justly) as one.
***** Imported in the last SHIPS from LONDON,
And TO BE SOLD By John M c Master, On SPRING-HILL, PORTSMOUTH,
A Large Assortment of English and Scotch Goods, suitable for all Seasons, which will be sold by Wholesale and Retail, on such Terms as must appear reasonable to every Judge of the different Articles.---A large Assortment of new-fashioned SILKS, plain, flowered and brocaded.---Irish LINNENS of all Wedths.---Broad CLOTHS, from 5s, to 28s Lawful Money per Yard.---Guns; Felt and Castor HATS of most Sorts---and a large Assortment of Silver WATCHES,---with many other Articles too tedious to mention.
N. B. To be sold at the above STORE, a large Assortment of RIBBONS, at the Sterling Cost, with Charges.
CASH given for FLAXSEED, at the above SHOP.
§ Chichester. §
Rocking. THE Proprietors of CHICHESTER, are hereby Notified, to meet at the House of Lieutenant Jonathan Leavitt, Innholder in Hampton, on Tuesday the 20th Day of December next, at One o'Clock Afternoon.---1. To chuse a Moderator.---2. To see if said Proprietors will commence an Action of Ejusdem or other real Action against the Proprietors of Barnstead or any claiming under them for entering upon any Lands within the Bounds of Chichester, in order to ascertain and settle the Lines between Chichester and Barnstead; and whether they will raise Money for such Purpose.---3. To see if the Proprietors will vote and empower one or more Agents for settling the Bounds between Chichester and Barnstead by Action or otherwise, as they may judge proper---and to vote or act any other Matters or Things they may then think necessary. Nov. 29, 1774.
By Order of the said Men, JOHN MOULTON, Proprietors Clerk.
WARRANTED
Choice French Indigo, Lambs and Sheeps Wool,
By the Dozen, or smaller Quantity To be Sold By JOSEPH BASS in Portsmouth.
THE Subscriber do hereby forewarn any Person or Persons to trust Priscilla Bickford my Wife, to the Value of one shilling old tenor on my Account, solemnly protesting that I will not pay any Debt whatsoever that shall be contracted by her.
Moses Bickford of Recheffer.
ALL PERSONS that have any DEMANDS against the Estate of SATCHEL CLARKE, late of Stratham, deceas'd intestate, are once more desired to bring in their Demands against said Estate, on or before the last Wednesday of December next, in order that the same may be speedily paid.
JOHN CLARKE, Administrator.
Portsmouth Dec. 1, 1774.
LOST the beginning of November last, a white Leather PURSE, in Portsmouth, with some Dollars and small Pieces of Silver in it, and a Pair of Temple Spectacles. Whoever finds them, and will bring them to the Printer, shall have two Dollars Reward.
THE SALE OF LANDS IN PIERMONT for the Payment of TAXES, is adjourned to the second Tuesday in January next at the House of Capt. Zechariah Fols, Innholder in Portsmouth at three o'Clock Afternoon.
Strafford, N. Rochester, 30th November 1774.
§ Rochester. §
WHEREAS many of the Proprietors and Owners of Lands in Rochester, are delinquent in part or the whole of the Tax on said Lands for the Years 1772, 1773, 1774, laid by an Act of Court, therefore unless the Tax is paid by or in Behalf of the Owners of said Lands to me 20th Day of December next (which is One half Penny per Acre per Annum) the said Lands will be immediately advertised for Sale, as the Law directs,
By JONATHAN DAME.
AT THE
Hatt and Beaver in Queen-street PORTSMOUTH,
ALL sorts of Beaver, Beaveret, Castor and Felt HATS are made and sold by JOHN BECK, who has to sell at the lowest Rates, a General Assortment of ENGLISH HATS, from 28 s. down to 2s. 6d. Among which are, Black Ruff Hatts for Children.---White Riding ditto for Women---Also, A good Assortment of Hatters Trimmings, such as black Linnen, Linings of all Kinds.---Yellow Holland and brown glaz'd ditto---Large Gimp Loops and Buttons.---Coarse ditto of all Kinds used here.---Chaping and Looping of all Kinds.---HATTERS and others who want any of the above Articles, may be supplied on the most reasonable Terms; and those who send shall be as well used as if present to choose for themselves.
Strayed or stolen from the Pasture of the Subscriber in Portsmouth, on Monday Night last, a FAT OX of a Brindled Colour, Four Years old last Spring, the Back spotted white Spots, and White under the Belly, carries his Head low, and has short white clear Horns, which bang forward. If any Person has found said OX, and will return him to the Subscriber, he shall receive a Reward of ONE DOLLAR, and all necessary Charges. In case the said OX was stolen, and any Person will give Information thereof to the Subscriber, so that the THIEF or Thieves may be convicted thereof and brought to Justice, he shall receive a Reward of Twelve DOLLARS from
SAMUEL LANGDON.
Portsmouth, Nov. 16, 1774.
Strayed away about the 20th of September last from the Subscriber seventeen SHEEP, old and young, two of them black, the rest white; they were all marked with a square Notch cut out of the upper Side of the left Ear.---Whoever will inform me where they are, shall be handsomely Rewarded for their Trouble by me.
JOSIAH BARTLETT.
Kingstown, November 15, 1774.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the time for examining the Claims of the several Creditors to the Estate of Capt. Ebenezer Hale, late of Hampstead, deceased, is lengthened out to the last Wednesday of this and the three following Months, at which times the Commissioners will attend at the House of the Widow Hale in said Hampstead.
Jesse Johnson, } Commissioners
Hampstead, Nov. 9, 1774.
John Caffe, } misers
Whereas Capt. John Judkins of Kingston, late Collector for the Owners of the Township of UNITY, in the County of Cheshire, and Province of New Hampshire, has lately advertised in this Paper the Lands of a Number of delinquent Owners or Proprietors (so called by him) to be sold at public Vendue at the Dwelling House of Captain John Huatson, Innholder in Kingston, notwithstanding which, divers of them or all, have paid the same, and their Rates crossed, this is therefore to caution any Person against purchasing said Lands, as said Judkins has no Lawful Right to sell it in Manner mentioned in his Advertisement.
Kingston, Nov. 2, 1774.
Frances Chase } Assessors for John Caffe } said Town,
All Persons Indebted to the Estate of John Thirston, late of Stratham, deceas'd, are desired to make speedy Settlement with Stephen Piper, Executor, &c. for they may not expect any further Notice.