The New-Hampshire gazette and historical chronicle (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1775-08-15 00:00:00

THE New-Hampshire AND HISTORICAL CONTAINING the Freshest ADVICES TUESDAY August 15, 1775.
Vol. XIX. GAZETTE, CHRONICLE, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. No. 982 { Weeks since this Paper was first publish'd }
PHILADELPHIA, In CONGRESS, July 18. 1775.
RESOLVED, THAT it be recommended to the Inhabitants of all the United English Colonies in North America, that all able bodied effective Men, between sixteen and fifty Years of Age in each Colony, immediately form themselves into regular Companies of Militia, to consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants, one Ensign, four Serjeants, four Corporals, one Clerk, one Drummer, one Fifer, and about sixty-Eight Privates.
That the Officers of each Company be chosen by the respective Companies.
That each Soldier be furnished with a good Musket, that will carry an ounce Ball, with a Bayonet, Steel Ramrod, Worm, Priming Wire and brush fitted thereto, a cutting Sword or Tomhawk, a Cartridge-Box, that will contain twenty-three Rounds of Cartridges, twelve Flints and a Knapsack.
That the Companies be formed into Regiments or Battalions officered with a Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, an Adjutant or Quarter-Master.
That all Officers above the Rank of a Captain be appointed by their respective provincial Assemblies or Conventions, or in their recess by the Committees of Safety appointed by said Assemblies or Conventions.
That all Officers be commissioned by the provincial Assemblies or Conventions, or in their recess by the Committees of Safety appointed by said Assemblies or Conventions.
That all the Militia take proper Care to acquire military Skill, and be well prepared for Defence by being each Man provided with one Pound of good Gunpowder and four Pounds of Ball fitted to his Gun.
That one fourth Part of the Militia in every Colony be selected for Minute Men, of such Persons as are willing to enter into this necessary Service, formed into Companies and Battalions and their Officers chosen and commissioned as aforesaid, to be ready on the shortest Notice to march to any Place where their Assistance may be required for the defence of their own or a neighbouring Colony; and as these minute men may eventually be called to Action before the whole Body of the Militia are sufficiently trained, it is recommended that a more particular and diligent Attention be paid to their Instruction and Military Discipline.
That such of the Minute Men as desire it, be relieved by new Draughts as aforesaid from the whole Body of the Militia once in four Months.
As there are some People, who from religious Principles cannot bear Arms in any Case, this Congress intend no Violence to their Consciences, but earnestly recommend it to them to contribute liberally in this Time of universal Calamity to the Relief of their distressed Brethren in the several Colonies, and to do all other Services to their oppressed Country, which they can consistently with their religious Principles.
That it be recommended to the Assemblies or Conventions in the respective Colonies to provide, as soon as possible sufficient Stores of Ammunition for their Colonies; also that they devise proper Means for furnishing with Arms such effective Men as are poor and unable to furnish themselves.
That it be recommended to each Colony to appoint a Committee of Safety to superintend and direct all Matters necessary for the Security and Defence of their respective Colonies, in the recess of their Assemblies and Conventions.
That each Colony at their own Expence make such Provision by armed Vessels or otherwise, as their respective Assemblies, Conventions, or Committees of Safety shall judge expedient and suitable to their Circumstances and Situations for the Protection of their Harbours and Navigation on their Sea Coasts, against all unlawful Invasions, Attacks, and Depredations, from Cutters and Ships of War.
That it be recommended to the Makers of Arms for the Use of the Militia, that they make good substantial Muskets, with Barrels three Feet and a Half in Length, that will carry an ounce Ball, and fitted with a good Bayonet and Reel Ramrod, and that the making such Arms be encouraged in these united Colonies.
Where in any Colony, a Militia is already formed under Regulations approved of by the Convention of such Colony, or by such Assemblies as are annually elective, we refer to the discretion of such Convention or Assembly, either to adopt the foregoing Regulations in the Whole or in Part, or to continue their former, as they, on Consideration of all Circumstances, shall think best.
A true Copy from the Minutes. CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary.
CAMBRIDGE, August 10.
We are informed that the Inhabitants of Boston (before the last Permission granted them for coming out, about three Weeks since) were numbered, and amounted to 6573; and the Troops, with their Women and Children, amounted to the Number of 23600.
It is said the Enemy triumph very much at the Death of General WARREN, saying, it is better to them than 500 Men.
Last Saturday a Flag was sent out to the Lines at Roxbury by General Gage, for the important Service of bearing the following significant Letter, which, as it contains News of great Consequence, is thought expedient to give it to the Publick; and as many at this Day are apt to dispute the Authenticity of any material Intelligence, as a full Conviction to all such Unbelievers, the Author's Name is affixed.
"Saturday, 5th August, 1775."
"Dear Child, I hoped to have heard from you by the Gentlemen from Nantucket, Mr. Boylston's Captains. I have been very ill for three Weeks, Fever and Flux; am growing better. My Regards to the good Family wherein you dwell, the Grape Vines bear in Abundance, ditto Peaches and Pear Trees, that by Doctor Cane's that never bore before, had three on it, which I do every Thing I can to preserve in order to know what Pare it is, Apsects the finest I ever saw, wish I could send Mrs. Fitch a full Third of each, Mr. Fitch and you another Third, and the Rest for myself and Friends; but Wishes are all vain. I hear the Port of Boston is quite open, and the Custom House to be kept here as usual; a Ship brought in Yesterday 2200 Barrels of Flour, Mr. Cotton and eldest Son are dead of the Flux, Parson Wiswall's Wife and Daughter dead with the same Distemper. A. Vincent's Wife was buried last Night; that a great Favour, because the bath been dead on one Side and Bedrid for 12 Months last past, your Sister and Children my kind Regards to, the good Family pass, you are so happy to be in, the two Mr. Coffins, tell them I want you to see them at Boston, the two Colmans. Obed Hussey, Capt. Folger's Father, my Nantucket Friends. W. BRATTLE."
P. S. Had fine Rabbits all killed and eat by the Rat, a heavy Loss and Disappointment."
Last Sabbath the Enemy set Fire to the House at Penny Ferry, Malden Side, which was consumed. This Building was commanded by their Cannon on Bunker-Hill.
Since Monday Morning last eight Companies of Rifle Men, consisting of about 100 Men each, from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, have arrived here. Four more are daily expected. They are an excellent Body of Troops, and appear to a Man, heartily disposed to prosecute, with the utmost Resolution and Vigour, the noble Cause in which they are engaged.
Col. Thomson, of the Pennsylvania Regiment of Rifle Men, and a Number of young Gentlemen Volunteers are also arrived at Head-Quarters from Philadelphia.
The Rifle Company commanded by Capt. Daniel Morgan, of Frederick County in Virginia, which is about 600 Miles from this Place, arrived here in 3 Weeks.
Our People have taken two or three of the Enemy's Vessels at Machias, at the Eastward, with a Number of Prisoners, among whom is Ichabod Jones, a well known Man, who was brought to Town Yesterday, and put into Custody of the Main Guard. The other Prisoners, we are informed, are on the Road, and may be hourly expected.
We hear from Cape-Ann, that a vessel bound in there from the West Indies, being discovered off that Harbour last Tuesday, several of the Inhabitants went off in a Boat to assist in bringing her in. Soon after, about 30 armed Men, from the Man of War commanded by Capt. Lindsce, boarded and took Possession of the Vessel; but the running aground on the Cape, was vigorously attacked by a Number of Men from the Town of Gloucester, who soon obliged the Enemy to give up the Vessel to the proper Owners, and to surrender themselves Prisoners. The whole Number was immediately sent to Ipswich Goal, in which 24 of them were confined. The Rest (4 or 5 in Number) were discharged, it appearing that they had been cruelly forced into the Enemy's Service. Lindsce was so enraged that he fired several Cannon Shot into the Town of Gloucester, but did little Damage.
The Information given us (and inserted in our last) respecting the Expedition to the Light House, we have been since told, was rather imperfect. Major Tupper commanded the Troops, consisting of 250. They found on the Island 53 Persons 33 of them Marines, of whom a Lieutenant and two Privates, with 3 Tories were killed on the Spot. Five of the Marines, and several of the Tories, were wounded, among whom was the notorious Captain White of Marshfield. The whole Number, besides the killed, were made Prisoners, one of whom was the Master Carpenter from New-York.
The Army continues in high Spirits, ardently wishing for Action; and as the Needful is said to be not wanting, we hope they will soon be gratified, and tread under their Feet every Son of Tyranny on this Side the Atlantic.
To the Hon. JOHN SULLIVAN, Esq; Brigadier General of the Continental Army.
SIR, The Committee of Safety for the County of Hillsborough, in the Colony of New-Hampshire, having, in Contemplation the great Services you lately rendered the County in your civil Capacity, and the great Abilities you then exerted at the Bar, in their Defence, at a Time when the People were most cruelly oppressed by the Tools of Government, pray leave to address and congratulate you, on your Appointment to the Rank of Brigadier General. An Appointment, which as it distinguishes your Merit, so at the same Time it reflects Honor upon, and shews the penetrating Discernment of those truly eminent Patriots, from whom you received it, and of whom are composed the Continental Congress. Nor are we less sanguine in our Expectations, of the high Advantages, which must result (under God) to the Public, by your military Skill and Courage---As you have been indefatigable in attaining the first, and have given a recent Instance of the latter, to your great Honour and Reputation, in depriving our Enemies of the Means of annoying us at Castle William and Mary, and at the same Time furnishing us with Materials to defend our invaluable Rights and Privileges.
This, Sir, must be ever had in Remembrance, and (amongst the Actions of others our Heroes of 1775) handed down to the latest Posterity.---That the Almighty may direct your Councils,---be with you in the Day of Battle,---and that you may be preserved as a Patron to this People, for many Years to come, is our fervent Prayer.
By Order, MATTHEW PATTIN, Chairman. July 19, 1775.
From the Connecticut Courant. MENTION has been made in the New-London Papers of the gallant and intrepid Behaviour of Capt. Knowlton, Capt. Coit, and Lieutenants Dana and Hide, in the late Engagement at Bunker's Hill. I think it highly reasonable that the Names of all those Officers who, by real and solid Merit distinguished themselves in that Action, should be recorded with Honour, and had in everlasting Remembrance by their Countrymen; this is a Tribute which a proper Regard to Merit, the Dictates of Justice and Self-Preservation seem to require. I shall therefore proceed to mention a few Persons (whose Names I have obtained) that signalized themselves on this Occasion, and whose Conduct in the Battle aforesaid, has not been publicly noticed, hoping some Friend to his Country will do Justice to all as soon as they are known. In this List of Heroes it is needless to expatiate on the Character and Bravery of Major-General Putnam, whose Capacity to form and execute Great Designs is known through Europe, and whose undaunted Courage, and martial Abilities strike Terror through all the Hosts of Midianites, and have raised him to an incredible Heighth in the Esteem of his American Brethren; it is sufficient to say, that he seems to be inspired by God Almighty with a Military Genius, and formed to work wonders in the Sight of those uncircumcised Philistines at Boston & Bunker's Hill, who attempt to ravage this Country, and defy the Armies of the living God.---Major John Chesster of Weathersfield, now Captain of a Company in General Spencer's Regiment, and Lieut. Samuel Webb, who marched up to the Lines with their Men, & reinforced the Troops, by their undaunted Behaviour, timely and vigorous Assistance, it is universally agreed, are justly entitled to the grateful acknowledgements of their Country.---Capt. John Keys of Ashford, who was first Lieutenant in Captain Knowlton's Company, and was on the left Wing with him during the Action, fought with Spirit and invincible Resolution, for the Truth of this Fact I appeal to Capt. Knowlton himself who was on the same Wing, and an Eye Witness to his marshall Spirit, animating and heroic Behaviour.---Lieut. Thomas Groves of Pomfret, also merits a Tribute of Thanks for his valiant Conduct in charging the Enemy closely, and maintaining his Ground like a Hero, till disabled for Action and forced to retire, by reason of a Wound received in one of his Hands.---Nor can I without manifest Injustice, pass over in Silence the spirited and heroic Actions of Lieut. Bingham of Norwich, and Ensign Bill of Lebanon, who gave full Proof of their Courage and martial Fire, on that important Day. These, with many other Officers perhaps, whose Names are not yet publicly known, together with the Soldiers under their Command, beyond all Question, acquitted themselves with Honour, and fought manfully for their Country and the Cities of God.
A FRIEND to TRUTH.
From the BOSTON GAZETTE, printed by Edes at Watertown, AUGUST 7, 1775.
Mr. Printer, Please to insert the following in your useful Paper, and it will oblige, A TRAVELLER.
SINCE I came out of Boston, where I left all my Effects to the Mercy of a lawless Banditti, to amuse myself, have made several Excursions into different Parts of the Country, and with Pleasure have observed the firm, steady and resolute Spirit which animates every Individual.---My last Tour was to Portsmouth, where, to my Astonishment, and I dare say to the Astonishment of all America, I was informed that the Committee for that Town had voted to supply the Scarborough Man of War lying in their River, with from four to 600 Weight of fresh Beef weekly. This Account, I must confess, appear'd to be scarce credible; but on making further Enquiry, found it too true, and the Reason assigned for this Conduct was owing to the Threats of a party Sloop of War to deprive the Inhabitants of fresh Fish, unless they afforded them such a Quantity of Beef. Too great a Soul I hop'd animated the Breast of every American to submit to so insolent a Demand; and instead of treating it with the Contempt such insolence deserv'd, to the Surprise of many of the worthy Inhabitants, the Committee pass'd a Vote to supply with Provisions those Butchers of our Countrymen, who are daily pilfering and destroying our Property, and exercising every Act of Cruelty to distress and destroy us, by this unexampled Instance, submitting to their imperious Demands, and like Suppliants, entreating their Favour. Such Conduct at so important a Crisis, cannot but bring Tears from every Well-Wisher to America. This Fact is of so important a Nature, that it ought in Justice to be made public; and I hope it will so affect the Minds of the worthy Inhabitants of that Town, as to exclude from all further Service the timid Members of a Committee who act in direct Opposition to both Continental and Provincial Congresses.
Read on. COMMITTEE-HALL, Portsmouth, August 14th, 1775.
IT is no uncommon Thing for a TRAVELLER to be out of his Way. This happens to be the Case with him who has undertaken to censure this Committee, in Edes & Gills Paper of the 7th inst. for supplying the Ship Scarborough with Provisions; in doing which he discovers both a Want of Candour and a Knowledge of Facts; and least his Publication may have created a Prejudice in some Minds, we have thought proper to undeceive the Public, & to assure them, that from the 19th of April to the 27th of May last, that Ship had from this Town only a scanty Allowance of any Provision for the Poor Men on Board, many of whom were impressed into the Service; and that from the said 27th of May to this Day, she has had from this Town, no Provision, save 462lb. Beef; and that all Supplies and Communication with her are now at an End.
We hold ourselves not obliged at this Time to make known our Motives for this Supply; it may suffice to say, that it was not countenanced until a full and deliberate Discussion of the Necessity for it; and when this Committee is called upon by an Authority to which they hold themselves accountable, they are satisfied they can fully justify the Measure.
By Order of the Committee, H. WENTWORTH, Chairman. PORTSMOUTH, August 15.
Last Saturday Capt. JOHN LANGDON one of the Delegates of this Province returned from the Continental Congress, who was met at Hampton-Falls, by a Number of respectable Inhabitants of this Town, where an elegant Entertainment was provided; after Dinner he was escorted from thence to this Town; at his Entrance the Bells began and continued ringing while he was conducted in Grand Procession through the principal Streets to his Brother's Seat, amidst a vast Crowd of Spectators, emulating each in their Zeal to show him every Mark of Respect.
COMMITTEE-HALL, Portsmouth August 13, 1775. THE Committee of Safety finding it is inconsistent with the Peace and good Order of this Town, that any further Communication should be kept up between the Ship Scarborough and the Town,
Therefore Voted, That henceforward no Boats pass or repass from the said Ship at the Town of New-Castle without a Permit from this Committee, or the Select-Men or Committee of New-Castle.
By Order of the Committee, H. WENTWORTH, Chairman.
We are credibly inform'd, that in Consequence of the above Vote, Capt. Barclay of the Scarborough, has stopped all our Shipping, out ward and inward bound.
NEW-YORK, August 3.
The Account from St. Eustatia (inserted in our last) of a great Disturbance in England, of Lord North's having fled to France, the Parliament House pulled down, and of the Lord Mayor, Mr. Burke and Governor Johnston's heading the Populace, &c. is confirmed by Capt. Lowndes from Dominica, and Capt. Hodge from St. Kitts, with this Addition,---That a Ship had arrived at St. Eustatia, from Amsterdam, with the same News; that the French at Martinico were so apprehensive of a Rupture with Great Britain, that they were purchasing all the small Vessels they could get, in Order to fit them out as Privateers; that the Inhabitants of Barbados, &c. had refused selling any Provisions to the French, neither would they purchase any more new Negroes, lest they should not be able to find them Provisions, those they had already being in Danger of starving.
From good Authority we learn, that the French in the West-India Islands intend to fit out several Fishing Vessels for the Banks of Newfoundland, which in all Probability may cut out Work for some of our English Men of War.
General Schuyler has appointed John Macpherson, Esq; his Aid de Camp.
Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, dated 29th July, 1775.
I have a Letter from London, dated May 31, (by the Rebecca, Capt. Hazelwood, who failed the 1st of June) it says,---"You will find by the Papers, that we have received an Account from Salem, of the Defeat of Col. Smith, and the precipitate Retreat of Lord Percy.---This Intelligence, so contrary to the Expectation of Government, who had daily announced the Americans cowards, has panic struck Administration, and their Tory Dependents, and has established the Spirits of the SONS OF AMERICA, in this Metropolis, and the Friends to Freedom, in the most exalted Manner. It is impossible to describe the Shame and Vexation which are visible in the Countenances of North and his tyrannical Abettors; they are constrained to acknowledge the Regulars were the Aggressors, and equally forced to admit the Integrity of the Americans: But what alarms them most, they expect every Hour to hear General Gage's Army is cut off, or"

meanly sheltering themselves in the Castle, or on board the Men of War. In the mean Time Stocks here have a Shock, and the People denounce Vengeance against Bute, Mansfield, North, Sandwich, and their ignominious Adherents; I impatiently wait the next Intelligence."
Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, August 1.
Last Night a Vessel arrived in 14 Days from Barbados, brings Papers to the 7th of June:—All in Confusion—Mobs in every Street—the Parliament was called together—Lord North gone to France; and it is thought the Troops will be recalled from Boston—Stocks fallen 10 per Cent.—The Dutch growling to have their Money out of the Funds—Government bo't 500,000. Stocks.—All won't do, AMERICA MUST BE FREE."
St. GEORGE'S, (Grenada) July 1, 1775.
On Monday the 26th ult. his Honor, the Commander in Chief, sent the following message to the Honorable House of Assembly:
"Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly,
"I think it my duty to require that the address and minutes of your House, in favour of the rebellious Subjects in America, be rescinded.—This I hope will be done before any other business is entered upon by your House.
I have the honour to be, with esteem,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient,
St. George's,
June 26.
And most humble servant,
WILLIAM YOUNG.
The House of Assembly, immediately on receiving the above message, resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House to take the same into consideration; and, after some time spent therein, the Speaker resumed his chair, and Mr. Johnson, Chairman of the Committee, reported to the House, that it was the opinion of the Committee that the following message be sent to his Honour the Commander in Chief:
"The Gentlemen of the Assembly to his Honor the Commander in Chief.
"This House informs your Honor, that an address to his Majesty had passed this House, in consequence of an unanimous resolution for that purpose; that such address was ordered to be engrossed and delivered to the late Speaker for the purpose of presenting the same to the throne, & is no longer considered to be in power of this House. That such address contained a renewal of the sentiments of this House of their attachment to his Majesty's royal person, family and government, and of their confidence, under such auspices, in the conduct of the mother country, towards this colony; that the address also deplored the mischiefs, already consequent on the unhappy contest subsisting between Great Britain and its provinces on the continent of America, and pointed out some of the many evils of which the continuation of such disputes were likely to be productive to these islands; and imploring his Majesty, the father of all his people, to exert that influence which he possessed from the attachment of his servants, & the affection of his subjects, towards healing differences between their countrymen and friends; but contained no principles or expressions tending to encourage or approve rebellion or a rebellious disposition in any part of his Majesty's extensive dominions; and therefore hopes that your Honor will not consider such an address as any deviation from that loyalty which they feel, and are ready to manifest on all occasions to his Majesty; and that your Honor will please to allow the continuance of the public business of this colony, which requires the immediate attention of the legislature.
The above message was accordingly sent to his Honor; after which the following resolutions were proposed, and passed the House unanimously.
"THAT this house are no less astonished than alarmed to find that the exercise of one of the most acknowledged and indisputable rights of the subject, that of petitioning the Sovereign for the redress of evils, which they either feel or may foresee to be unavoidable, should have drawn upon them the displeasure of the Commander in Chief."
"That they are at a loss to comprehend upon what principles an address to the King, couched (as they conceive) in the most respectable terms, and breathing nothing but those real sentiments of loyalty with which this House is impressed, should be construed as encouraging a spirit of dissatisfaction or rebellion, in any part of his Majesty's dominions."
"That the peremptory requisition to rescind the minutes and a very loyal and dutiful address to their Sovereign, before the House proceeded on any other business, is a very extraordinary and unheard-of exertion of power, destructive of the right of making the most decent representations of the state of the colony to the Sovereign, and of every idea of freedom of conduct & debate, which are not only the incontrovertible right of the House of Representatives, but essential to the welfare and good government of the colony."
"That this house cannot but, in a particular manner, lament that there should be any interruption to their proceedings at a time, when, with the greatest appearance of harmony among themselves, & a hearty concurrence on the part of the other branches of the legislature, they were actually preparing so many useful laws and regulations, which were become materially requisite for the preservation of the colony from the numerous calamities with which it has been long afflicted, and which, without an immediate remedy, must speedily tend to its total ruin: But this House can never resolve to attain even these desirable ends (were the means of doing so still in their power) by the sacrifice of so essential an inherent right, as that of petitioning their Sovereign for the redress of grievances, or prevention of evils, either felt or foreseen."
The same day his Honor the Governor was pleased to dissolve the Assembly by proclamation.
WILLIAMSBURG in Virginia, July 14.
We have not been able to learn where Lord Dunmore intends fixing his residence; some say at Portsmouth, but we only mention it as a report.
All his Lordship's domesticks have now left the palace, and are gone, bag and baggage, to his farm at Porto Bello, about six miles from town.
Capt. Charles Scott, of Cumberland, is chosen commander of the troops now in this city. He served last war in the Virginia regiment with great reputation, and is an excellent woodman.
Arrived in town, since our last, the Goochland, Louisa, Spotsylvania, Albemarle, King George, and Stafford volunteers; all hearty, clever fellows, and ready to take a crack with any ministerial troops that may be sent to molest us.
Extract of a letter from General Washington, dated the 20th of June, at Philadelphia, to the Independent Companies of Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, and Richmond.
"GENTLEMEN,
"I am now about to bid adieu to the companies under your respective commands, at least for a while. I have launched into a wide and extensive field, too boundless for my abilities, and far, very far, beyond my experience. I am called, by the unanimous voice of the colonies, to the command of the continental army; an honour I did not aspire to, an honour I was solicitous to avoid, upon a full conviction of my inadequacy to the importance of the service. The partiality of the Congress, however, assisted by a political motive, rendered my reasons unavailing; and I shall, to-morrow, set out for the camp near Boston. I have only to beg of you, therefore, before I go (especially as you did me the honour to put your companies under my direction, and know not how soon you may be called upon in Virginia for any exertion of your military skill) by no means to relax in the discipline of your respective companies.
L O N D O N,
May 3. The late Duke of Newcastle scrupled not, to acknowledge Colonel Washington and Major Rogers "two of the bravest and most experienced Officers in the King's Service." The Colonel is now in his own Service; and if he could fight so courageously for his King, there is no Doubt of his displaying a redoubled valour for himself.
May 23. The Port of New-York exported last Year 19,500 Hogsheads of Flaxseed, and Philadelphia and Baltimore 24,000.
W O R C E S T E R, August 8.
The hon. the Continental Congress have established a continental Post Office, and appointed Dr. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN to be the Post-Master General, with a salary of one thousand dollars a year.
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in Cambridge, dated August 8th, "I have seen Mr. P——, who left Boston last Friday evening, who informs me it is very sickly both among the inhabitants and soldiery; that the enemy have provisions for three months only; that many of the inhabitants die broken-hearted; that the enemy have entirely dismantled Castle-William, undermined the walls and intend blowing them up; that several officers are embarked and sailed for England, as he supposes, to give a true state of facts; that fuel is so much wanted, the enemy have broke open several cellars and took washing tubs, empty casks, and all the wood they could find to make fire to cook with, and tore all the rope-walks down for the same purpose: and that strict orders are given, that no mechanic of any kind whatever should leave the town."
An account, which may be depended on, was received on Saturday at the Head-Quarters in Cambridge from Philadelphia, of the arrival of 67,000 lb. of gun-powder at that city.
We are informed that twelve transports and three men of war, supposed to be from Boston, with 1000 ministerial troops on board, are now at Fisher's-Island, near New-London, plundering it of cattle and all the live stock, &c. they can find; and that in consequence thereof, the militia in New-London, and places adjacent was raising in order to go and drive them off.
We are informed, that the Hon. the Continental Congress, after resolving to meet again at Philadelphia, have adjourned to the 5th of September; during their recess it is said, that a committee, chosen from the Delegates, will sit during the summer, and that their residence will be to the eastward of this city.
L O N D O N, May 31.
THE Provincials, who attacked General Gage's convoy of provisions, were headed and commanded by a dissenting clergyman. A man who has hitherto been extremely moderate; but those who were formerly moderate are now as much exasperated as the most violent and inveterate.
June 1. Four regiments of foot and two of Highlanders are ordered for America.
To men of thought there is nothing surprizing in the late American massacre. It was long since foretold by the Lords Chatham and Camden. It was very lately intimated by Lord Effingham, who resigned his commission, because he fore saw that American blood would be unjustly shed. The Commons also, by the mouth of their Speaker, testified their expectation, that the sword would be drawn, and they promised, most cheerfully, to lend every assistance in their power to give it an edge.
There is a report industriously propagated by the creatures of administration that the people here who have assisted and cherished the rebels in America, are speedily to be called to an account for their treason, as their money has been applied in purchasing ammunition for the American traitors; and executions and forfeitures are the common topics of the Scottish and the English Tories; but there is no terror in their threats! Impeachments, axes, blocks and halters, are justly retorted upon these rascally minions of power, by every honest whig and indignant Englishman.
After the late defeat of the King's troops, Gen. Ward sent a messenger to Gen. Gage, informing him, "That the wounded prisoners were taken every possible care of; that they were attended by the most skillful surgeons, and that if Gen. Gage, chose to have any surgeons of his own appointment to attend them, he was at liberty to nominate them, and they should be permitted to give their attendance." This proves that humanity is ever the inseparable attendant on true bravery.
The ministerial tools are regretting, that 20,000 Swifts were not sent over to cut the throat of our fellow subjects in America, in conjunction with the Negroes who were to be emancipated to slaughter their masters. This scheme is imputed to Sir William Draper. That gallant officer ought to disclaim an imputation, which would only become a butcher, not an English soldier.
The friends of freedom in this country, of whom the writer is one, calls on administration to exert their boasted spirit, and declare what punishment they would propose for the men who have the virtue to support their suffering brethren over the Atlantic, & they shall be answered at all hazards by the avowed declarations and open subscriptions of men who will not shrink from danger, and Dare them to the trial.
Lord Effingham was a Volunteer against the Turks, and has been a constant Protector against the tyrannical Measures now carrying on by Bute and his infernal Adherents; therefore there can be no Doubt but his Lordship's declining so infamous a Business proceeds from such Motives as do Honour to a Soldier & a Patriot.
***** WHEREAS the Delegates for the County of Hillsborough in the Province of New-Hampshire, in Congress, appointed a Committee from several Towns to hear, examine and try John Quigly, Esq; a Person lately confined in the Goal at Amherst, on Suspicion of being an Enemy to the Liberties of America, and lately liberated from said Goal, but still behaves as an open and an avowed Enemy to the Liberties of America. Said Quigly being notified of Time and Place of Trial did not appear: -----Ordered, That his Contempt be recorded. And upon a full and fair Examination of sundry Evidences, we find him guilty of the several Crimes laid to his Charge, and we look upon him as a dangerous Person to be suffered to go at large: And we do hereby caution all Persons from all Connections with him.
DAVID BADGER, per Order of Amherst, July 13, 1775. (Committee.
PORTSMOUTH.
PUBLIC FAITH is very hard and difficult to procure, especially in giving Credit to any Species of Money, for which we are not only ready to part with our Estates, but even to hazard our Lives in the Field, when the PUBLIC CAUSE calls us forth to Action in its Defence: We must therefore esteem it a very remarkable Circumstance attending our public Affairs, that by the Emission of a Paper Currency throughout these Colonies, we are enabled to support an Army for our Defence, contrary to the Expectation of our Enemies, who vainly presumed such a Fund could never be established: The Unanimity of the Colonies has ever been dreaded by Administration, as knowing that such a Union must defeat their Plans; therefore every Measure has been used to divide and perplex them; but the Auspices of Heaven, was never more conspicuous, than in the consolidating all the Colonies into one great & compleat Body, so that they now act as by the Inspiration of ONE SOUL: They have emitted Monies for their immediate Use, redeemable by a continental Currency, under the Sanction of the Grand Congress; whose Decrees (in Respect to the Redemption of such Money) as they may so emit will be most solemnly obeyed; and may therefore be received with the greatest Safety; it is the Duty of every one to suggest such Thoughts as may yet more help the Individuals of the respective Communities of which they are Members, I will therefore take the Liberty to observe, that altho' there is seemingly sufficient Monies made for the public Use, yet the LANDED INTEREST does not receive so immediate a Benefit therefrom as it might otherwise do: The present Currency is emitted for a particular appropriated Use, for maintaining, supporting & paying the Army; and applied accordingly, and has thereby given an evident Spring to all Kinds of Trades and manufacts, and en-
ploy many Thousands that would otherwise be in Want, and every Day will yet more prove the Advantages resulting from it, and although the Landed Estates will be in some Measure benefited thereby, yet it is necessary they should be made to be as serviceable as possible, for on them we are chiefly to depend in future, if we struggle through the present Controversy. Nothing will better answer this Purpose than to enable the Farmer to increase his Stock, and clear his new Lands, I would therefore recommend that £50,000 L. M. be emitted, (under the Sanction of the Provincial Congress) upon Loan, and the real Estates of the Borrowers mortgaged for Security at one Third of the appraised Value, paying an annual Interest of 6 per Cent, under particular Regulations: The Interest arising from this Loan to be applied to the Discharge of the Sinking Fund, (if any should be formed) or to the Payment of Minute-Men while in Service, or any other Exigencies of the Public; the Objection hitherto made to a Loan Money new coins; we were fearful to introduce a Paper Currency, on Account of its Depreciation, but as it is now emitted upon public Faith, how much better will it be thought a Money which has not only public Credit, but private Security for its Standard? It was observed, that the former Loan Money, made in this Province did not depreciate, and but one or two Estates were forfeited by a Neglect of Redemption, and those particularly circumstanced: There are many Persons who have depended upon Foreign Trade, that will now suffer by the general Stagnation and Prohibitions on Trade; many of these Persons are possessed of good real Estates, and upon the Credit thereof would furnish themselves with a Stock for some other Branch of Business, and thereby be enabled to support their Families and pay towards the publick Debt; without which their Estates must be sold at a great depreciated Value. The Farmer, with this Money, will improve and increase his Stock, and make his Estate yield fourfold to the Interest he pays—I cannot conceive of any Objection that can possibly be made to such a LOAN. The Province receives an Interest only for giving it Credit, besides having the most undoubted Security; they cannot suffer in any conceivable Way; and if they get £3000 L. M. which is the Interest of £50,000, it is a Benefit worthy of Notice at this Time. There is nothing more to be done than erecting and opening a Loan Office, which almost every Colony has done under the Direction of a Committee of the Congress; and such particular Regulations as are practised in the other Colonies, and may be adopted by us: At this distressed Time, it is necessary to relieve the whole Community, and enable them to live through the Trial, & even benefit themselves; and I know of nothing that will promote it more than making their Real Estates help them, rather than be obliged to sell such Estates for half their Worth—The other Colonies receive great Benefit from such Offices, and the Interest of the Money has always paid their public Charges, without any other Taxes on the Subject; and I am assured they owe their Riches more to these Offices than any other public Plans whatever. A FRIEND.
Strayed or Stolen from Gerrish's
Island last Week, a black Horse, about 14 Hands high, with a small Spot of white in his Face, a large Belly and long Tail, a Scar on one of his Thighs, paces and trots, chiefly the latter; supposed to be 8 or 10 Years old. Whoever shall take up said Horse and convey him to the Rev. BENJAMIN STEVENS of Kittery, shall be well rewarded for their Trouble.
WHEREAS James Butler of Barrington, the Husband of me the Subscriber, has shamefully abused me, without any just Cause, and charged me with eloping from his Business, & posted me in the public Prints, forbidding any Person crediting me;—This is to give Notice, that I never run him in Debt one Farthing; but he has turned me out of his House, with a Child three Years old, to shift for myself and Child; & keeps all the Household Furniture, and my Cloaths, which I carried to him; and though I could expose him in many Instances, I forbear, in hopes he will be sorry for what he has done, and restore my Character, (which he has unjustly injured) in as public a Manner as he has endeavoured to take it away.
PRISCILLA BUTLER.
Barrington Aug. 10, 1775.
STRAYED or STOLEN on Tuesday the first of this Month from Samuel Ayers of Greenland, a light grey Mare, six Years old; trots and paces, 14 Hands and a Half high, white hind Feet, wall right Eye; the right Side of her Face white, the other dark grey, a slim gaunt Creature, handsomely form'd—Whoever will return the Mare to said Ayers, shall have Five Dollars Reward, and necessary Charges paid.—But if the Thief is detected and brought to Justice, (as 'tis supposed she is stole) the Person shall receive ten Dollars Reward.
STRAY'D or Stolen from Sherburne's Pasture in this Town, a large dark Horse, Trots well and is used to a Carriage, having several white Spots on his Back, occasioned by the Saddle. Whoever takes up said Horse and bring him to the Printing Office shall receive two Dollars Reward and necessary Charges.
Portsmouth, August 7.
STOLEN out of the Stable of Jacob Tilton on Monday Night, the thirty first of July, a new English Saddle, Hoggs Skin Seat, one Seam of white Leather in the Middle and on each Side of the Seat, with a green Saddle Cloth, lined with white Linen, & round the Saddle Cloth, a list of Buff twice round, new Stirrup Irons, no Swivels. Whoever finds the said Saddle, and conveys it to the Subscriber, shall be well rewarded for their Trouble, by
JACOB TILTON.
Portsmouth Aug. 4th 1775.