The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-12-17 00:00:00

Greenleaf's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, December 17. 1776.
[ No. 30. ]
IN CONGRESS, November 15. 1776.  RESOLVED , That a Bounty of Twenty Dollars be paid to the Commander, Officers and Men of such Continental Ships or Vessels of War as shall make Prize of any British Ships or Vessels of War, for every Cannon mounted on Board each Prize at the Time of such Capture, and Eight Dollars per Head for every Man then on Board, and belonging to such Prize.
THAT the Rank of the Naval Officers be to the Rank of Officers in the Land Service as follows.
  Admiral as a General   Vice Admiral - - - Lieutenant General.   Rear Admiral - - - Major General.   Commodore - - - Brigadier General.   Captain of a Ship of 40 } Colonel.   Guns and upwards   Captain of 20 to 40 Guns } Lieutenant Colonel.   Captain of 10 to 20 Guns   Lieutenant in the Navy Captain. 
THAT the Pay of all Officers and Men in the American Navy from the Date of the new Commissions under the Free and Independent States of America, be as follows,
   Ships of 20 Guns and upwards. Ships of 10 to 20 Guns.     Captain 60 Dollars by Calender Month 48 Dollars.   Lieutenant 30 ditto. 24 ditto.   Master 30 ditto. 24 ditto.   Master's Mate 15 ditto. 15 ditto.   Boatswain 15 ditto. 13 ditto.   Boatswain's Mate 9 One half ditto. 9 ditto.   Gunner 15 ditto. 13 ditto.   Gunner's Mate 9 One half ditto. 9 ditto.   Surgeon 25 ditto. 21 two 3ds dit.   Surgeon's Mate 15 ditto. 13 one 3d dit.   Carpenter 15 ditto. 13 ditto.   Carpenter's Mate 9 one half ditto. 9 ditto.   Cooper 9 ditto. 9 ditto.   Midshipman 12 ditto. 12 ditto.   Armourer 9 ditto. 9 ditto.   Sail-Maker 10 ditto. 10 ditto.   Sailmaker's Mate 8 One 3d ditto. 8 one 3d dit.   Yeoman 8 One half ditto. 8 one half dit.   Quarter Master 9 ditto. 8 one half dit.   Cook 9 ditto. 8 one half dit.   Coxswain 9 ditto. 9 ditto.   Captain's Clerk 15 ditto. 12 ditto.   Steward 10 ditto. 10 ditto.   Chaplain 20 ditto.   Yeoman of the Powder Room 9 One half ditto 9 ditto.   Master at Arms 10 ditto. 9 ditto.   Seamen 8 ditto. 8 ditto.  
Vessels under 10 GUNS to be commanded by Lieutenants.    Lieutenant commanding 30 Dollars.   Mates 15 ditto.   Boatswain 12 ditto.   Gunner 12 ditto.   Carpenter 12 ditto. 
The other Officers and Men the same as in Vessels from 10 to 20 Guns.
MARINE OFFICERS.    Captain 30 Dollars per Calender Month.   Lieutenant 20 ditto.   Sergeant 8 ditto.   Corporal, Drum and Fife each 7 One third ditto.   Privates 6 Two thirds ditto.   B, Order of Congress.  JOHN HANCOCK, PRESIDENT.
WILLIAMSBURGH, (Virginia) Nov. 1.
By letters just come to town from the army on the Indian expedition, dated the 14th and 15th ult, we have intelligence, that our troops commanded by Col. Christian, were met on the 12th on this side the Broad river, by a flag from the Chiefs, with proposals for peace, which was rejected, in consequence of having refused to deliver up their white leaders. Col. Christian at the same time was informed that a large body of the enemy lay opposite a fording place, on the other side the river, waiting to obstruct his passage, at which place the Col. arrived the same day, and encamped. The 13th, in the night, a body of about 1200 of our army made a secret march, and crossed the river at an unfrequented ford 3 miles below the enemy, from whence they marched towards their encampment the next morning but they abandoned the place. The remainder of the army then crossed the river, having sustained no loss since they left Fort Patrick Henry. The 14th another flag was bro't by Capt. Nathaniel Gift, who said he had left the Indians, with intent to join our party. He gave information that the Indians had moved their families about 40 miles distant from their towns, to a place called Highwa fees, & that they intended to fight our army some where in the neighbourhood of their towns. Colonel Christian was not then more than 40 miles from them, and was to set out with his army from Broad River, the 15th. Since our last another Salt vessel is arrived with 2000 bushels of that useful article.
BALTIMORE, (in Maryland, Nov. 6.
Last Monday arrived here from Martinico, Capt. John Martin, in the Brig Friendship, mounting Ten Carriage Guns, and 40 Men, belonging to this State, with a very valuable Cargo, consisting of 3200 wt. of Gun-Powder, two Tierces of Gun Flints, 410 Bushels of Salt, a large Quantity of Salt-Petre, Brimstone, Sailor's Jackets, &c. Likewise Drugs and Medicines.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 24.
IN CONGRESS, Nov. 5. 1776.  Resolved , That all Ferry keepers be enjoined, as much as they are Able, to expedite the Passage of Post Riders, and other Persons charged with Letters, Dispatches or Messages from and to Congress; and that it be recommended to the several Legislatures of the United States, to enforce the Observance of this Resolution. That Expresses and special Messengers employed in the Public Service, taking and carrying Private Letters or Packets, ought not to receive the Wages they would otherwise be Entitled to. November 15
HARTFORD. Dec. 2.
Last Week the Hon. General Gates, with about 3000 Men from the Northern Army, joined the Continental Army near New-York. We hear Generals Washington, Putnam & Sterling, are at Elizabeth-Town, in New-Jersey, with about 6000 of the Continental
Troops, and that they have lately been reinforced with 12 or 14000 Men from Pennsylvania and New-Jersey, and more were continually coming into their Assistance.
HARTFORD, December 9.
In consequence of the large fleet which appeared off New-London last week, & came to anchor near Black-Point, his Honor the Gov. with the advice of the Council of war, gave orders for the whole of the east of Connecticut River, with three regiments from the west side, immediately to march to that place, but the fleet having since disappear'd, the orders are countermanded for the present.—It is most likely the above fleet have proceeded farther to the eastward.
We are told about 34 sail of the ministerial fleet are now at anchor in the sound between Fairfield and Norwalk.
NEW-LONDON, Nov. 20.
Tuesday Night last, one John Goggins, late Boatswain of the Bomb-Brig, (who with Three other Prisoners lately broke out of Windham Goal) was found on board a Brig in this Harbour: He gives the following Account of said Prisoners, viz. That the Night after breaking out of Goal, they with the Help of one Lewis, who was taken in a Prize Vessel, stole a Canoe near Norwich Landing, with which they attempted to cross the Sound to Long-Island, but at the Entrance of the Race, near Gull-Islands, the Canoe overset, when all of them except Goggins, were Drowned. Their Names are Edward Snay'd, (late Commander of the Bomb Brig) William Cook, John Russel, and—Lewis.
Last Friday about noon, a small Schooner, formerly a Virginia pilot boat, with Lieut. Barker, of the British navy on board, arrived here from New-York, & came to anchor just without fort Trumbull, being a flag of truce from Lord Howe, to settle a cartel for the exchange of prisoners (seamen only) in this State and in the State of Rhode-Island; and has brought Capt. William Howland, of Dartmouth who was taken in a brig the first Inst. on his passage from Dartmouth to Surinam, three days after he left port, by the Perseus frigate, Capt. Elphinstone, who three days after took Capt. Job Prince, in a ship from Boston to Cape Francois, and carried both vessels into New-York.—Capt. Howland being anxious for his own discharge as well as that of numbers of his countrymen, from a miserable confinement on board transports & store-ships, suffering for the common necessaries of life, solicited for a flag to be sent for the exchange of seamen; and is ashore on his parole, in order to facilitate that business. Dispatches were the same evening sent off to Governor Trumbull at Hartford, & to Governor Cook at Providence: Mean time the above flag was ordered to lay at the mouth of the harbour, where she still continues. We hear there is a prospect of an exchange taking place.
Dec. 6. Tuesday last this town was alarmed by the appearance of eleven ships from the Eastward, coming into the sound, most of which appeared to be men of war, who by

their course for some time, it was apprehended, might be bound into this place; but they went further up the sound, and towards evening anchored under Long-Island shore, where they lay till yesterday morning, when being joined by other men of war and transports from New-York, to the number of near 100, they came to sail and anchored near black point, about eight miles west of this harbour, where they remain at this publication. The appearance of such a formidable fleet within one hour's sail of the town, has thrown the inhabitants into great consternation.
PROVIDENCE, December 7.
The following has been published in a hand-bill at Philadelphia, and was received here yesterday:
In council of safety, Nov. 27, 1776.
To the FREEMEN of the city and liberties of PHILADELPHIA.
Fellow-Citizens,
"It is our duty to inform you, that our enemies are advancing upon us, and that the most vigorous measures alone can save this city from falling into their hands: Consider your situation, and determine what part you will take—There is no time for delay; and by your conduct, the country will be influenced. We therefore entreat you, by the most sacred of all bonds, the love of liberty, and of your country, to forget every distinction, and unite as one man, in this time of extreme danger: Let us defend our selves like men determined to be FREE.
"And we do most earnestly request, that you will meet your fellow citizens at the State House to-morrow morning, at 10 o'clock, there publicly to determine what measures we shall pursue. The bells will be ordered to ring, and the most public notice possible will be given of this meeting.
By Order of Council,
DAVID RITTENHOUSE, Vice-President.
BOSTON, December 13.
We heartily congratulate our readers, on the following important & interesting piece of intelligence, bro't by a gentleman from the camp to Narragansett, in Rhode-Island Government, and from thence bro't by express hither, last Saturday evening, viz. That the army under General Howe, consisting of 6000 men, on crossing a bridge beyond Hackinsack in the Jerseys, were attack'd by Gen. Putnam, and entirely defeated, great numbers being killed, & many made prisoners." The loss of the Americans we have not yet heard of, tho' 'tis said it's inconsiderable with that of the enemy.
The above Express brings an Account, That a Fleet of about 130 Sail of Vessels, with Troops on board, Bombarded New-London, on Friday last, & on Saturday were seen off Rhode-Island, so that it is imagined by this Time, that Place is demolished. The Stock & Artillery were taken off the Island, and the Inhabitants we hear evacuated the same on Friday last.
Yesterday morning arrived an EXPRESS, with the following hand bill.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Gentlemen,
THE enemy's fleet, consisting of upwards of 100 sail of men of war and transports, have arrived in the mouth of the Bay, and are now steering towards this town, both upon the east & west side of Conanicut, who may be here before morning; I therefore earnestly beseech the assistance and aid of our sister States, and that every person capable of bearing arms will forthwith appear, to stop the progress of the enemy: If they get a lodgment in this town, they will soon penetrate the country. You will all come properly armed, with the necessary accoutrements, and with blankets, knapsacks, and such provisions as you can bring with you. I am, Gentlemen, in haste, your humble servant, NICHOLAS COOKE, Governor.
Providence, Dec. 7. 1776, 4 o'Clock, P.M. To all the BRAVE Inhabitants of New England.
In consequence of the above, Capt. Thomas Melvill, of this town, with his company of artillery, turn'd out volunteers, and set out for Providence yesterday afternoon.
Thursday last the Militia of Salem were ordered to muster, in order to draught every 4th man to reinforce the army at the southward, where eighty-seven turn'd out volunteers, among whom were gentlemen of the first character in the place.
By two gentlemen from Martha's vineyard we are informed, that two of the enemy's ships have for some days been cruizing at the mouth of the sound, between Gayhead & the Elizabeth Islands, and at night have run in and come to anchor. It is supposed they are stationed there in order to stop the communication. It is hoped that those who have any shipping to pass that way, will keep a good look-out.
State of Massachusetts-Bay.
In the House of Representatives, December 7.
RESOLVED , That a general Embargo immediately take Place, and continue till the further Order of this Court, on all Vessels of every Denomination, excepting such as may be fitted out by Order of the United States, or any of them, or by the Board of War, in Behalf of this State, or such as may go Coastwise from one Harbour of this State to another, or such as may be permitted by the General Assembly, or in the Recefs thereof, by the Council.
Monday last the privateer WARREN , Capt. Colfen, sent into a safe port, a prize Schooner bound from Dominico to Halifax, commanded by one John Gill.
By a gentleman from Philadelphia in 11 days, we learn, That there has been no action in the Jerseys, as has been propagated; that Gen. Washington with his army were at Princetown; that Gen. How's army were at Brunswick, and that the Generals Lee and Gates had cross'd over North River and were in the Rear, so that we may expect hourly a general Action.
We have it from undoubted authority, that the Great and General Court of this State, in the course of this week, took into consideration some measures to prevent engrossing, monopolies and oppression, by excessive and unreasonable prices for many of the necessaries and conveniences of life; and that before the adjournment thereof, a respectable committee, from both town and country, was appointed to sit in the recefs of the court to prepare a bill for that purpose, and that the third day of the next sitting of the court is assigned for proceeding in the matter.
We have a Report that the enemy have made a Lodgment at Rhode-Island.
NEWBURY-PORT, Dec. 5.
The friends of Capt. Henry Johnston, late commander of the Yankee, Privateer, are hereby inform'd from good authority, that he has escaped from London to France.
PORTSMOUTH.
The following Method of keeping Meat thro' the Winter has been practised by several Persons for some Years, and it not only requires less Salt (a Matter of Consequence in the present Scarcity), but is much more palatable than in the common Way of Salting.
A Receipt for pickling BEEF and PORK.
TAKE four Gallons of Water, one Pound and half of brown Sugar, two Ounces of Salt Petre, and six Pounds of common Salt, put the whole into a clean Pot, and let it boil, keep it scum'd 'till all is clear, then let it stand 'till it is cold; then put your Meat into the Tub and pour the Pickle over the Meat until it is covered.
An Experiment on freezing SALT-WATER.
A Pailful of Water, taken out of the River, was put into a common Washing-Tub, and left out one Night to freeze, the next Day, what remain'd unfrozen was poured into another Vessel, and left out the next Night, on the Morning, what remained unfrozen was become a Brine strong enough to bear an Egg well, and of the Strength of Sea-Water when boiled three or four Gallons into
one; so that two thirds, or three quarters of the boiling may be saved, by freezing the Water, and perhaps more, if left out longer to freeze.
Why may not Gondolas placed upon level Ground by Salt-Water, or if tight even on the Water, be used to put the Salt-Water in, to freeze?
The General Assembly of the State of Connecticut have passed an Act, "that if any Person or Persons, belonging or residing within that State, and under Protection of its Laws, shall levy War against the State or Government thereof, or knowingly and willingly shall aid or assist any Enemies at open War against this State, or the United States of America, by joining their Armies, or by inlisting or procuring or persuading others to inlist for that Purpose, or by furnishing such Enemies with Arms, or Ammunition, Provision, or any other Articles for their Aid or Comfort, or by carrying on a traitorous Correspondence with them, or shall form or be any way concerned in forming any Combination, Plot, or Conspiracy for betraying this State, or the United States into the Hands or Power of any Foreign Enemy, or shall give or send Intelligence to the Enemies of this State for that Purpose; every Person so offending, and being thereof convicted, shall suffer Death."
DIED suddenly the 15th instant, JOHN GRIFFITH , Esq; of this Town, aged 74.—Through Life he supported a virtuous, religious Character—For many Years served the Town and Public in several important Offices with Honcr to himself and Fidelity to the Community.
State of New-Hamshire.
A LIBEL being filed before me, against the Schooner called the Hope , her cargo and appurtenances; of the burthen of about fifty tons, lately commanded by Robert Caldwell; which Schooner, cargo and appurtenances, are alledged, to belong to some inhabitant or inhabitants of Great-Britain, or some subject or subjects thereof, other than the inhabitants of the Bermudas and Bahama Islands, and taken and brought into the county of Rockingham.
Notice is hereby given, agreeable to the law of said State, that the maritime court, erected to try and condemn all vessels found infesting the sea coast of America, &c. taken and brought into any port or place within this State, will be held at the Court-house in Portsmouth, on Thursday the 9th day of January next, at ten o'clock forenoon, to try the justice of said capture, that all persons concerned, may appear and shew cause, if any they have, why said vessel, her cargo and appurtenances should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT , Judge of said court. Portsmouth 15th December, 1776: 0—2
A LL Persons indebted to or that have any demands on the estate of John Wingate, late of Madbury deceased, are desire'd to bring in their accounts to John Wingate jun. of Madbury aforesaid, executor to said estate, in order for a settlement. 0—2
TO BE SOLD,
THE Whole or one half of the Brigantine PRUDENCE now laying at the N. end of the town of Portsmouth; Together with her cargo of Lumber now on board, suitable for the West-India market. For particulars enquire of Robert Robertson and Mrs Martha Leigh at Portsmouth.
N. B. She has gone through a thorough repair this summer, and can be sent to sea with small expence and in a few days. 8—1
Two DOLLARS Reward.
ON Monday the 18th inst. deserted from my company, a soldier named George Trefethern , about 5 feet 9 inches high, thick set, dark complexion, and black hair; was born at New-Castle, in this State. Whoever apprehends said deserter and returns him to the said company at Piscataqua, or confines him in any of the gaols on the continent, shall have the above reward paid by
EBENEZER DEARING , Captain. Portsmouth 26th Nov. 1776. 7—0
Low's ALMANACK , for the year 1777, sold at the Printing-Office.