The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1776-11-19 00:00:00

Freeman's Journal
OR
New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
TUESDAY, November 19, 1776.
[ No. 26 ]
For the Freeman's Journal.
IF a door is opened for putting the administration of government upon a proper footing, it is time for us to turn our attention to what the scriptures shew us has been done in this respect; with God's blessing and countenance, on a good government, in proportion to the strictness of it; as to acts of justice and mercy, in delivering the oppressed and preventing acts of violence.
To govern in this manner, all those devices are to be counteracted by which men impose, not only upon the public but upon particular persons; that, by the public, and also, by the ignorance of private persons, the ambitious, the covetous, and the men of pleasure, may serve their own vicious ends. Such are the men who bring destruction upon their country, as well as upon individuals. How many even amongst ourselves, owe their ruin to the arts of knaves and extortioners! Beware my countrymen, lest such men have it once more in their power to practice upon you. Beware I say, you know the men; mark them out, distinguish them, eminently distinguish them, as the pests of society; the plagues of mankind; the authors of every public and every private calamity; and as such they will one day appear in the most dreadful point of view.
Henceforth then, let the end of government, (and I will venture to add, of religious institutions) be, not only to prevent anarchy, but to promote the true interests of humanity and real piety; to create a power of doing universal good; and rendering every individual happy; so your children, and your children's children, shall rise up and call you blessed. Let men of fortune and abilities exert themselves for this generous purpose; and then God will rejoice in them, and they shall become the glory of his people.
It was asserted by a Nobleman some years ago, that it would be a very fruitless attempt, considering the depravity of human nature, to effect an universal reformation of men and manners. But the truth is, such an attempt was never honestly made, by any men in power perhaps; because those sort of men were utterly incapable of forming one generous idea. This kind of insipid argument against such a divine attempt; proceeding from the same cause, may be, and is used now; and that, not by a few among ourselves.
But, it is to be hoped, my countrymen, that we are not so infamously debauched in our principles, that we are not far enough enervated by luxurious indulgence, nor so lost to all sense of virtue and religion, as to
suffer any fallacies to be imposed upon us, though dressed up with all the shining prospects of wealth and ambition.—No, the cause in which we are engaged at the risk of our lives, forbids it. You have hazarded your lives in the cause of liberty and religion; and are not to be imposed upon, by the flattering allurements held forth by men of the most wicked and debauched principles; men who had rather see an whole nation sunk at once, into the most irreparable ruin, than part with one favourite lust. Such are the men we have now to oppose; and let us unitedly oppose them with unremitted vigor, nor desist till we have banished them forever from all places of trust. Let us be earnestly engaged, throughout this vast continent, where liberty hath erected her standard, and arm ourselves with every virtuous principle to stem the torrent of wickedness, that is flowing in upon us. Divine Providence hath already done wonders in our behalf, and there is no reason for a doubt but that He will at length accomplish all his benevolent design, and chastise the tyrants and disturbers of mankind.
The following are the letters mentioned in our last taken by Capt. Williams. To the Rev. Mr. Badger, at Halifax, Nova Scotia.
S I R,
WHERE you and family are, whether in Halifax or Heaven, is uncertain to me—I have wrote often before you left Boston, receiving no answer—I imagine you was gone to a better world, as I heard of your bad state of health, at which I could not wonder; sympathy begets sympathy.—Your sorrows add to mine, tho' mine were great enough for one to undergo. Our deliverance being nigh and even at the door raises my drooping spirits, and am sure it will have like effect on you and yours.—Our case is not much unlike that of the Israelites who hung their harps upon the willows and wept whenever they thought on Jerusalem—they were tantalized by their captors with, "come sing us one of the songs of Zion" they were in a low condition for many years and could not sing—but at last the Lord delivered them out of all their distresses. We have greater reason to hope that, tho' he carries long, yet he will come and gloriously avenge our wrongs—Faith in the noble prospect gives vision to my weeping eyes, and comfort to my aching heart. I view the happy time to meet my friends once more in my native land, where peace and virtue shall ornament the name. My generous friend, be of good cheer, because tribulation is a refining fire to purge
away alloy and leave the gold behind. We have been among false brethren, are wandering about being destitute, having not where to lay our weary heads, and how can we sing the Lord's song in a strange land.—I see the curtains drawing up and opening to our view, conquest, plenty and protection, the adequate reward of fidelity. Hope then with me in the confused noise, in the rattle of the men of war, but most of all in garments rolled in blood. Hope is the foot of perseverance, and perseverance is the hand to seize the crown of virtue. Your flight was in the winter, and it seems the wo to such as give suck in those days attended on the dear partner of all your fortunes; if it had been possible you would have lost your perseverance, but you have overcome, and have you made shipwreck of your faith; your reward shall not be forgot in a better world than this. You will give me much happiness in writing me, the less frequent the better. It is only in my power to wish you more comfort at present, and an increase thereof until every vessel is full. I have wrote to Dr. B. and T. B. but no news can I give. We expect news from the howling wilderness, where distress has taken up her residence to reward the hymn singing saints, for all their cromwellian virtues and human bloodshed, from their first emigration until now. May distress put on her all majesty and power, and wait on every psalm canting rebel, in that fanatic, ungrateful world; and may peace and every beatitude attend the virtuous, loyal part, is the constant prayer of your friend, and a friend to justice, mercy and peace, but
An Enemy to Dr. Foster.
Cold Bath square, No. 7, July 9, 1776.
To Mr. Thomas Brown, Halifax Nova Scotia. Dear Sir,
I Again venture to write you a few lines, tho' I am not satisfied with your not writing me; but I consider your disagreeable situation as well as my own, and being not unmindful of Mrs. Brown and children, and of your former favours, (that is) such as happened near two years ago. I will try this once to renew a correspondence: You can always send to me, but I cannot often send to you; and was I certain of this going to your hands, I would open my heart touching your New England saints, on whom I wish may fall seven fold more curses than are threatened for murder, sacrilege, fanaticism, rebellion, treason, cruelty and sin. Your cat in pan gentlemen, who are here blowing their impious hands with thrice double calvinistical, hypocritical, puritanical breath, are properly noticed until a more

proper time. I daily see your neighbours, as they call themselves, who speak highly of you; but I know their deceit, their evil intentions, and hide myself in such matters as I used not to do. My daughter is well, and begs her respects to you and family—Dr. C—r is well, as is Mr. T—b—k. Your deliverance is not so far off as when I first landed here, is one comfort. The matter is at last got to a head, and it is now who can. If your saints praying and fasting has not prejudiced Heaven in their favor (as the minority here imagine) they will see an end of sublunary massacre, and soon enter upon their infernal reward, for their d— noble deeds. Hell can no longer support their impious and unprovoked rebellion, against God and their compassionate and virtuous king; who, like the divine being, has waited long to be gracious to them, and the consequence is, they revolt more and more against the laws of nature, benevolence and mercy. If the present force settles not their bloody appetites, 30,000 Russians may do it, with 30,000 more foreign troops, all which the saints may expect, if this island stands above high water mark 12 months. Let not your noble courage fail, but be of good cheer, since Hell and all her legions will not prevail against the promise of our God and Saviour.
I have been sick, (rather not well) ever since I left that devoted villainous country. Capt. Jacobson I have seen in this town very well and married again, and has one child. We hear the king's chapel is converted into a scism shop, and a pumguntum is holding forth to the rebel General in that sacred place. I could have borne it if the saints had made use of it as a stable for horses.—Their sacrilege is not to be paralleled by Oliver nor all his subterraneous brethren.
The dissenters here are at present all that support the rebel Americans. Dr. Price asserts their cause to be "the cause of religion and liberty." So says Wilkes, who has been again defeated in his expectation of being elected chamberlain of London. Mr. Hopkins has got it by 1196 majority. This city has altered her opinion of Wilkes's liberty and American rebellion, the dissenters excepted, who will have their pay, if God blesses this nation with the most valuable life, the life of George the third. 'Tis this day reported the king of France has offered our king the Irish brigades, which are about 5000 men, to help subdue the rebels.
Government know not half so much about who are loyal and who are not, as you and I do; for which reason all are neglected as yet; but I believe will not always be forgot: The things Capt. Brown delivered you for me and T—, we hope have not fallen into the hands of the Yankees. The cheese you have eat I hope, and you are welcome; but if you did not bring away nor destroy the other things, you cannot meet with absolution from us nor any other good man. Sir, your friend forever, GRATITUDE.
July 7th, 1776.
(The above two letters are supposed to be wrote by that ranting, high flying Church clergymen, Peters, formerly of Hebron, in Connecticut.)
HARTFORD, Nov. 11.
By letters from Mount Independence of a late date, we are inform'd, that on the 28th of October a large body of the enemy appeared in boats coming down the lake who soon after landed to the number of about 4 thousand, on Three mile point, in full view of Mount Independence. Soon after which 2 or 3 boats came down from the main body, to reconnoitre and view the boom which our people have fixed across the Lake from the old French lines to the eastern shore, to prevent their shipping from approaching our for-
tifications: one of which boats came so near as to be within reach of our cannon, when she was so warmly fired upon from one of our redoubts, that she was obliged to quit her station, with the loss of one man killed and several wounded. In the evening after they landed they retired out of our sight, and by a gentleman from Albany, who came to town on Saturday last, we are told, that the whole army under Gen. Burgoyne have left the above place, as well as Crown-Point, but what rout they have taken is not known.
NEW-LONDON November 8.
Yesterday arrived in town, via Long-Island, Mr. Elias Thomas, who was taken by the Galicea of 20 guns, Capt. Gordon, about the first of September, in the Britannia Whaleman, belonging to Nantucket, and carried to New York, where he was put on board the Chatham: He made his escape from the enemy last wednesday sen'night, and says it was currently reported on board the fleet that the ministerial army lost 3000 men in the different actions of sunday and monday sen'night, chiefly Hessians, that 78 wounded officers were brought into New York. That in the attack upon Fort Washington, the Phoenix was torn almost to pieces, and two frigates greatly damaged, that Gen. Clinton, who commanded the ministerial troops at South Carolina, lately died in New-York of the wounds he received in the attack on the fort at Sullivan's Island. That 100 sail of transports were shortly to sail for England, under convoy of the Bristol, Rose, and Swan, that the noted Capt. Wallace is promoted to the command of the Experiment, of 50 guns.
Four of the enemy's ships are now cruising near Block Island, viz. Lark, 32 guns, Smith; Cerberus 28, Simmonds; Merlin 18, and another ship of 28 guns.—Last tuesday the above ships laid in East Bay at Block Island.
Lately died at his house on Long Island, aged about 90 years, CADWALLADER COLDEN, Esq; for many years Lieut. Governor of the province of New-York.
A few nights since, between 3 and 400 troops from the state of Rhode Island, crossed the sound, and landed on Long Island, near Setalker, where they engaged a party of troops newly enlisted in General Howe's army, commanded by one Smith; five or six of his men were killed in the action, and himself and 23 of his company made prisoners, who were brought off, with 75 excellent musquets. The prisoners are a motly herd, about one half of them being Negroes and Indians. Of the Rhode Island troops, one was killed, and one wounded.
NEWPORT, November 4.
LAST Monday Capt. Shearman Clarke arrived at an eastern port, in 15 days from the West-Indies, & informs that he saw a letter from France a day or two before he sailed, advising that it might be depended on that France would declare War against Great Britain very soon; that the Pomona and two other ships of war were supposed to have been lost in the late hurricane in West Indies; they not having been heard of since.
General Lee arrived here last Monday and set off for camp last Wednesday. He bro't the good news that the Carolinians had utterly defeated the Cherokee Indians, had burnt their towns, killed 250 of their warriors, got 75 scalps, and drove the remainder to the Mississippi. The Creaks are friendly.—The time will come (I have looked into the rolls of destiny) when the sons of Tories & Mangles shall blush that their fathers were the foes of their country. Those hardened fathers will never repent of their obstinacy. They may hereafter, for the sake of interest or ambition, assume a face; but they will never cease to be traitors in their hearts."
A few days past arrived safe at an eastern port, a Continental ship from France, having on board 3000 stands of arms, 300 barrels of powder, 100 chests of tin, dry goods, &c.
The Captain of which says there were great preparations in France for war, and a declaration may be expected very soon; she had 7 weeks passage.—Some very agreeable intelligence by this vessel it is thought not advisable to make public at present.
Last Thursday arrived, in east passage, a large Jamaica ship, loaded with about 600 hogsheads of sugar, 90 puncheons of rum, some cotton, &c. taken by the Continental brig Cabor, Capt. Hinman. She mounts 16 guns, but we don't learn that she made any resistance.—About the same time, Capt. Job Pearce, in a private sloop of war went up the west passage, with a fine large brig, loaded with fish, &c. being his third prize lately arrived.
BOSTON, Nov. 14.
Extract of a letter from Phillip's Manor, Nov. 5.
"Yesterday deserted to our camp two of major Rogers's rangers; several Grenadiers were taken the same evening; have had one Hessian deserter. It is reported his excellency has just received particulars of the White Plain battle; in which it seems, the enemy had 480 killed, including 2 colonels, three Captains and several Subalterns; while our missing are only eighty."
Extract of a letter dated near Head-Quarters, North-Castle, Nov. 5. 1776.
"The Continental Army are fronted to the west, extending their line from North to south, near Connecticut bounds, about the extent of four miles. Lord Sterling's division on the right, and General Heath's on the left. The whole encamped on a ridge of hills, some of them almost inaccessible in front, all finely covered with woods. Officers and soldiers in high spirits, loth to give an inch to their enemies. Not more sick than may be expected in so numerous an army. The British forces are extended in like manner on another range of hills near two miles distant in open view. The apparent reason of our retreat so far and so often, is this, the enemy are labouring to out-flank us, and pass into the country, if by any means they might cut off our supplies. The General divinely inspired has been apprized of their design, & to avoid a general action at this critical state of our army, has been playing back to give himself more room between the sound & the north river. Small skirmishes happen, in which we have the better, and kill three to one."
Nov 6. "This morning we are informed, That the British troops had hastily quitted their Post, and marched from the White Plains towards New York."
Extract of a letter from Ticonderoga, dated October 27, 1776.
"Last Monday a party of the Indians came across two soldiers bringing in a hammock a wounded soldier who received his wound in the engagement of our fleet; the Indians surprized them within 3 miles of our camp, and took the two able men prisoners to-mahawked the wounded man, and left the tomakawk in his hand; since which the two prisoners have been sent back by governor Carlton, who examined them concerning our army; but as the men were very ignorant, I believe got but little satisfaction on that head; he swore them not to take up arms against his Majesty again, and supplied them 4 days provisions, and sent them back, informing them at the same time that should soon drive the rebels from their lines, and should have done it before, but was waiting, with an expectation that we should be wise enough to lay down our arms and deliver ourselves to the mercy of his majesty;—simple man, to think that such gasconade would have any effect to intimidate the minds of the brave Americans."
Extract of a Letter from Ticonderoga, Nov. 4. 1776.
"Last monday we were alarm'd early in the morning by the appearance of a few of the

enemy's boats crowded with soldiers; every man kept his alarm post almost through the day, expecting action every moment; in the course of the day a number of boats landed troops at three mile point, half an hour's march from our alarm post—at the same time some of their boats came up the lake so near our batteries, that one boat received half a dozen shot from one of them—We since hear they lost one man by the shot—the next day there were some small manœuvres of the same sort—after a few hours they re-embarked for Putnam's Creek and Crown Point, but from intelligence, we have expected them ever since: the troops here have been constantly supplied with three or four days provision which they kept cook'd; and the night before last and yesterday about 1800 men with cook'd provision march'd on a secret expedition—it appears since to attack the enemy's advanced post at Putnam's point—however, when they came there they found the place clear, all their tents struck, and no one to oppose them; they march'd on to Crown Point found that likewise abandoned, one vessel only laying in sight, with live stock on board; whether they have hid themselves a little farther down the lake and intend to come unexpected, whether this is their policy or not, time will determine. I rather think as they had last week a fair view of our camp and strength, they wisely conclude, the season too far advanced to do any great things."
Thursday afternoon last came to town, and the same evening was committed to jail, John Dean Whitworth, eldest son of Dr. Miles Whitworth, now of Waltham. He with a number of others, taken, under the command of the well known Major Rogers, were taken prisoners in the late skirmish at White Plains.
Saturday last arrived here, a prize brig, laden with fish, taken by the Captains Skimmer and Tucker.—
Friday last arrived at Marblehead, a large prize ship, having on board 48000 quintals of fish. She was sent in by Capt. Hathorne.
On Sunday arrived a prize, taken by Capt. Daniel Waters, laden with Slaves, bound from Nova Scotia to the West Indies.
We hear that Capt. John Lee of Salem, has taken another ship from London, a very valuable prize, and sent her into a neighbouring State.
Yesterday the Captains Skimmer and Tucker return'd here from a Cruise, and brought in a brigantine from Erse in Scotland, bound to New York, laden with a valuable cargo of woolens, shoes, &c. &c. &c. said to be worth 15,000 l. sterling.
Saturday last the General Assembly of this State adjourn'd from Watertown, and met at the State House in this Town on Tuesday Morning.
Friday last a prize brig, laden with lumber was sent into Salem.
A Letter, of a late date, from EastChester, says, "We learn by a deserter, that Major General Lisle (a Colonel while at Boston) was addressed in the following manner by General Howe, when he met him on his retreat from the heights, in the late skirmish— "Your servant, Mr. Lisle, methinks you have behaved valiantly; I vastly applaud your conduct; but you have thrown away more lives than I intended to have lost this campaign—please to throw down your sword and fall in the rear." It is said, he is since gone to England. — Our soldiers were never in better spirits than they now are."
We learn from Newport, that "a fine brig, of 260 tons, taken by the sloop Diamond, Capt. Stacey, a few days ago run ashore at the Eastward, but has since been got off, and all her cargo saved, consisting of 260 hogheads of sugar, 140 puncheons of rum, &c. Captain Mursey, late master of the privateer, having carried part of the cargo up the river last week, in a sloop, and since came to town, in-
forms, that on board the ship from Quebec, taken by Capt. Stacey, they found about 170 letters, giving the people of this country, the most infamous characters; some of which we may publish shortly. Those letters were from the British Army, Scotch Pedlars, Quacks, &c. not the Native Canadians."
Extract of a letter from Camp, White Plains, dated October 29.
"This being a very mountainous country, and more extensive than the number of proprietors, it was yesterday determined in council, to dispose of part of it at the dearest rate; accordingly the auction room was opened at 9 o'clock A. M. and a certain eminence near to, and North-West of the White Plains, to us of inconsiderable worth, was set up, and immediately loud and I believe generous offers were made, which much increased till 3 o'clock P. M. when a part of our right wing struck it on to the whole force of the enemy's left. This, Sir, I think, being myself a near spectator, was sold at a Bunker-hill price. Our wounded were about 35 or 40, some killed, uncertain the number. The Attack was expected at our centre and left wing, where the ground was not broke. Colonel Brook's Regiment of Militia, which assisted in disputing the price, behaved with courage. We took one light horse with his mounting, doubt not he will be of service to his Excellency, who is ever upon the ride, and must be greatly fatigued. Last Sunday several ships of war drew up and cast anchor before fort Washington, at the same time Lord Piercy attacked our outward lines. General Green, who commanded at New-Jersey, perceiving the enemy's motion, slipped over to our assistance, and repulsed them three times repeatedly. His Lordship was finally with great loss obliged to retreat; they have since buried many of their dead, and large numbers remain yet above ground. Their ships were roughly handled, one of them hulled 48 times in 60 shots."
Extract of a letter from White Plains Nov. 1.
"On the 31st ult. it was observed that the enemy had near finished 4 or 5 batteries which they had erected against us, and as our ground near the centre of the town at White Plains was not good, being overlooked by neighbouring hills, the Generals, last night, drew off most of the troops from the lines there, and this morning the guards and centries burned the town and forage all around it, and came off about 9 o'clock. We had carried off all our stores, and planted our artillery on the hills about a mile and a half off the centre of the town. The enemy advanced in the forenoon on to the ground we left, and as soon as they came over the hill, we saluted them with our cannon and field-pieces, and they advanced no further. Our sick and wounded are sent out 8 or 10 miles. Our men are in good spirits, and with much patience endure great hardships and fatigue. I believe the main body of the enemy lie off against us, and that they have formed no lines across the country as yet, below us. Their light horse may possibly scour across, as far as the river, but how that is I cannot determine. All things seem to be quiet at Fort Washington."
Friday & Saturday Se'nnight arrived at Marblehead from Halifax, two flags of Truce, the pacific Cartel bringing 96 and the Hostage Schooner 78 Prisoners, to be exchanged for an equal Number of like Rank. — Among the Prisoners were Capt. James Tracy and the other Officers of the Yankee Hero Privateer; also Capt. Stone and the Officers of a Privateer belonging to Casco-Bay.
PORTSMOUTH, Nov. 19, 1776. THIS day's Paper (No. 26) completes six months the public have been serv'd with the Freeman's Journal; in which time a Half sheet has not made its appearance, nor a customer been wilfully neglected; although the whole profits arising from the publication of it, (exclusive of the necessary expences) have not been sufficient barely to cloath and board the hands necessarily employed about it—Hence the reason of the publisher's taking a resolution to discontinue it, as mention'd in No. 24; but by particular persuasion, he is induced to enter on another six months, and continue his exertions to
make the paper worthy the perusal and encouragement of the public—not in expectation of reaping any real advantage from it, but rather to serve those Gentlemen who have kindly lent him their assistance, and encouragement, for which he returns his hearty thanks. Under these considerations, it is presumed no person can take offence at having his paper stop'd at the expiration of the time paid for, which will be the case, unless renewed to No. 52.
Those names who subscribe in the run of the ensuing six months, will be cater'd to No. 52, not for half the year, as usual.
Since the late regulation of the Post-Offices, the Southern Papers have arriv'd very irregular, which was the occasion of altering the day of publication from Saturday to Tuesday, which will be the stated day, till those papers have a more regular conveyance.
Wednesday last the Rev. David MacCulloch was installed to the pastoral care of the church and congregation in North-Hampton, in this State. The Rev. Mr. Dana of Ipswich began with prayer. Rev. Mr. Stearns of Epping delivered a well adapted discourse from 2. Tim. ii. 2. Rev. Dr. Haven of Portsmouth prayed previous to the charge. Rev. Mr. Parsons of Rye, gave the charge—Rev. Mr. Thayer of Hampton, the right hand of fellowship, and the Rev. Mr. Thacher of Malden concluded with prayer. The profound silence, remarkable decency, and good order, which appeared in the numerous assembly, did much honor to themselves, at the same time that it was highly becoming the solemn occasion.
Sunday Se'nnight arriv'd at Falmouth, (C. Bay) a large prize Schooner, laden with slaves and heading; taken by the privateer sloop Putnam, from Falmouth, Joseph Bayley commander. A few days before, arrived at the same place, a Schooner laden with Fruit, taken by the above privateer.
Extract of a letter from an officer of distinction, dat. Camp, Mount-Independence. Nov. 9, 1776.
"We have given over all hopes of the enemy's coming; we expected and anxiously wished for them, but they were afraid to come against our lines; had they, depend on it, they would have got a faithful drubbing, there will be nothing further done here this season, more than to garrison the place."
Cold performs the effect of Fire. SALT is said to be made in some cold countries in the following manner.
Place a number of vats, suppose six or 8, so that the bottom of the first may be upon a level with the top of the second, and so on to the last—fill the first vat with salt water, let it stand until the top is well froze, then draw off what is not froze by a cock at the bottom, into the second vat, let it stand there to freeze, then draw off as before into the third, so on to the last vat; the liquor being thus freed from a great part of the fresh water, is put into pans, to be boiled into salt.
If the above scheme should be thought too expensive for a trial, set a tub filled with salt water, in a cold place under a shed, to keep off the rain; take off the ice every morning when it shall be froze; and if the liquor which shall be left, be found to be more impregnated with salt, it will prove the usefulness of the above method.
N. B. Sea-water, by boiling three pails full into one, will be a brine strong enough to keep meat through the winter.
Sales by Auction.
To be SOLD at PUBLIC AUCTION, On Tuesday the 26th Instant, at the Store of JOSHUA WENTWORTH, by Order of the JUDGE for the Court Maritime, for the State of New Hampshire,
Sundry Kinds of Merchandise and Household Furniture, being Part of the Brigantine Elizabeth's Cargo, not claim'd, consisting of Peices and Remnants of English Goods, Bags of Cotton, Barrels of Flour, Looking Glasses, Feather Beds, Desks, &c. G.F.O. WENTWORTH, Auctioneer. Portsmouth, Nov. 18. 1776.

POET'S CORNER.
The Horse and the Olive, or War and Peace.
WHEN moral tale let ancient wisdom move, Which thus I sing to make the moderns wise; Strong Neptune once with sage Minerva strove, And rising Athens was the victor's prize. By Neptune, Plutus (guardian power of gain) By great Minerva bright Apollo stood: But Jove superior had the side obtain, Which best contriv'd to do the nation good. Then Neptune striking from the parted ground The warlike horse came pawing on the plain, And as it toss'd it's mane, and pranc'd around, By this he cries, I'll make the people reign, The goddess, smiling, gently bow'd the spear, And rather thus they shall be bless'd, she said: Then upwards shooting in the vernal air, With loaded boughs the fruitful olive spread. Jove saw what gift the rival powers design'd, And took th' impartial scales, resolv'd to show If greater bliss in warlike pomp we find, Or in the calm which peaceful times bestow. On Neptune's part he plac'd victorious days, Gay trophies won, and fame extending wide; But plenty, safety, science, arts and ease, With greater weight Minerva's scale supply'd. Fierce war devours whom gentle peace would save; Sweet peace restores what angry war destroys, War made for peace, with that rewards the brave, While peace it's pleasures from itself enjoys. Hence vanquish'd Neptune to the sea withdrew, Hence wise Minerva rul'd Athenian lands; Her Athens hence in arts and honours grew, And still her olives deck pacific hands.
Extract of a letter from Commodore Batten dated London, July 10, 1776.
"I expect this letter will find you safe landed at New-York, and secured your self a safe place for the next winter; for if you are not able to do that, I expect to see you in London by Christmas: every body is obliged to be very careful what they say here, for you cannot tell what side the person is of that you are talking to; I think every body in London is a whig, and most of the people in the country where I have been, seems to favour the country side much, and I have been obliged to mix with a great many people in the country, where I should have expected to have found some people of government side, but I think they would all be glad to assist the Americans if they dare do it, but enough; government has not done any thing for the Council as yet, but we are in daily expectation of something being done, and they tell us it will be settled next week. I intend to ask for a ship in the spring, and to come out to America, for I cannot subsist here, without government does something for us; I think you are quite right in staying with the army, for if you don't get any thing, you are out of the way of spending what little you have got."
Extract of a Letter from Dr. Caune, to Earl Piercy dated July 10, 1776.
"As to my own particular Affairs, excepting a Share of the Collection for the suffering Clergy, I have neither met with any Provision, nor even the Prospect of any; so that after losing all I had in America: for my Attachment to Government, I see not but that I may perish here."
London, July 10, 1776.
DEAR NED, I Received your very obliging letter of the 23d of May, by Mr. Simpson, with a number other letters returned, which went out from England, directed to me at Halifax or Boston; and I am much obliged not only for your kind attention to my concerns, but for your early correspondence, containing a fund of intelligence and entertainment.
"I wish it were in my power to make you a suitable return, by giving you such information as would be new and entertaining; but long, I hope, before this reaches your hands, you will have known the great preparations, which are already made for prosecuting with vigour the American war. We hope that these appearances of determination may have great effect upon the Sou-
thern governments, in bringing them to a proper temper of mind for a speedy reconciliation, but have not the least expectation of the New-England people giving up without real correction.
"At this season of the year, London is more barren of interesting events, or any great movements, than Nova-Scotia.
"I am glad you did not come over, as I am confident you would have been disappointed. Entre nous. The application from the sufferers in America are like to be so very numerous, that I apprehend, it will prevent the gratification of any. There is, scarcely a province in America which does not afford shoals of petitioners banging about the treasury; and administration however well inclined, are unable to answer all the demands, therefore my friend, I advise you to trust your fortune in the channel you are in. If times alter in America, it may alter appearances here. I am still in the neighbourhood of London, but mean to get in some cheaper part of the country. Col V. and family are well; they will continue in London. I am not able to form any conjecture, whether I shall succeed in my West-India plan, for reasons before mentioned. I remain,
Your affectionate friend, T. OLIVER." Edward Winslow, Esq; Halifax.
NEWBURY PORT, Nov. 8. A Gentleman from Halifax, has favoured us with a Halifax paper of the 24th of September, in which we find the following account of the loss the British army sustained at the late engagement on Long-Island.
Return of the loss of the King's troops, the 27th instant. One lieut. colonel, 3 captains killed, one lieutenant, 12 officers wounded, 330 killed and wounded, 53 of which, rank and file killed.
Extract of a letter from Bergen, Oct. 11.
"Tomorrow we evacuate Bergen—a measure which will at first be condemned, and afterwards approved of. For my own part, I am sorry that the enemy should possess another inch of American ground, but prudence requires a further sacrifice. The reasons for leaving this place, I take to be these, Bergen is a narrow neck of land, accessible on three sides by water, and exposed to a variety of attacks in different places at one and the same time. A large body of the enemy might infallibly take possession of the place whenever they pleased, unless we kept a stronger force than our numbers will allow. The spot itself is an object of their arms, if they attacked, it would be to cut off those who defended it and secure the grain and military stores. These have been removed, and when we are gone, a naked spot is all they will find—no other damage will follow, except a depression of some people's spirits who unacquainted with places, circumstances, and the secret reasons of such relinquishments, are apt to despond, as every thing was lost. We go to fort Constitution as soon as we have seen the troops marched off. We shall leave a guard of observation behind us, this may prevent the enemy's discovering our removal, for a day or two."
SNUFF
Manufactured and sold by the Barrel or smaller Quantity, by Thomas Thompson, at his Shop in King-Street, near the lower Long Wharfe, Newbury Port. 25—27
THIS is to desire all Persons, having Accounts with the Estate of Lieutenant Ebenezer Demeritt, deceased, to bring them to Mrs. Hannah Demeritt, in order for Settlement. Madbury Nov. 8. 5—7
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss.
LIBEL being filed before me against the ship named the Hero, about one hundred and eighty tons burthen, her cargo and appurtenances commanded by Charles Harford. Also against the ship named the Live Oak, about one hundred tons burthen, her cargo & appurtenances lately commanded by Mompesson Duncan, but when taken by — Leslie. Also against the Brigantine named the Three Friends, about seventy tons burthen, her cargo and appurtenances lately commanded by Thomas Russell. All which vessels are said to have been the property of some inhabitant or inhabitants, subject or subjects of Great-Britain and Ireland, (other than the inhabitants of the Bermuda and Bahama islands) and taken, and brought into the county of Rockingham in the State of New-Hampshire; This notice is given agreeable to the laws of said state, that the maritime court erected to try and condemn all vessels found infesting the sea-coasts of America, and brought into the said state, will be held at Portsmouth, the 27th day of November inst. at 10 o'clock before noon, to try the justice of said captures, that all persons concerned, may appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the said vessels, their cargoes and appurtenances should not be condemned. J. BRACKETT, Judge of said court. 4—6
ALL persons having demands on the estate of John Hayes late of Barrington, deceased, are desired to exhibit their claims, and those who are indebted to said estate are desired to make speedy payment to the subscribers executors. Paul Hayes, Barrington Sept. 14. 6—8 James Hayes.
TO BE SOLD, THE FARM that lately belonged to Mr. John Hayes, deceased, in Somersworth; containing about 70 acres of good mowing, planting, pasturing and wood-land, situate on the road that leads to Salmon-Falls, betwixt two and three miles from Cochecho landing-place, and about three miles from Quamphagen; and about a mile from Somersworth meeting-house; with a house and barn, and good orchard; it is well watered and a very extraordinary growth of white oak wood. Conditions of sale may be known by applying to James Hayes of Barrington. Nov. 15, 1776. 6—8
THE Creditors to the Estate of Thomas Buswell late of Sandford, Yeoman, deceased, represented insolvent, are hereby notified that the subscribers appointed by the honourable John Bradbury, Esq, Judge of the probate of Sandford &c. and for the county of York, to receive & examine their claims, (six months being allowed for that purpose) will attend that business at the dwelling-house of Nathaniel Cunnicutt of Sandford, on the last tuesday in this instant, November, and the last tuesday in the four next following months, from one to six o'clock in the afternoon. Daniel Coffin, 5-7 Benj. Barrons, Sandford, Nov. 8. 1776. Isaac Coffin.
RUN away from York a Negro Man named Cæsar, about five feet six inches high. Had on when he went away a yellowish humespun Coat, blue plush Breeches, a light bound Hat, about forty years of age, speaks very good English—Whoever will take up said Negro and convey him to his Master or secure him and give him Information thereof shall have eight Dollars reward and all necessary Charges paid by York Nov. 9th, 1776. Richard Talpey. N. B. All masters of vessels are caution'd carrying off said Negro as they would avoid the penalty of the Law.
LOST from the South-End of this Town a Black CANOE, about 18 Feet long, and about three and half Feet wide, with a square Stern and Stem, with a Chain to it. Whoever takes up said Canoe, and returns her to Peter Shores of Portsmouth, shall receive THREE DOLLARS Reward. 5-7