New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1778-08-11 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette. OR, State JOURNAL and General ADVERTISER.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 1778
From the London GENERAL ADVERTISER, of April 2, A. D. 1778. To Lord NORTH.
My Lord, AFTER having compleatly broken the neck of this country, it may be not unnecessary to speculate upon the fate of your own. A nation grown indolent, and indifferent, and kept under a continual deception, has suffered you to ruin her interests, exhaust her resources, and debase her honor. There is a period of disgrace and misery, at which human nature is roused to look around her, and at which, if recovery is practicable, she becomes formidable in her operations, from a sense of shame, and honest indignation. The immediate instruments of her wretchedness, fall the first victims to her revenge, and the dreadful spectacle of necessary justice, exhibits the sufferers hurried off, without regret or consolation. It is now a matter of total indifference to this country who may be her rulers—It is not that we have lost a confidence in ministers, but that we have lost confidence in ourselves; for the value of public credit, which in its support, is not only reduced, but almost gone. The whole nation, from its collective character, down to the lowest description of an individual has some charge or other to enter up against you. As a kingdom, it may ask you for its darling son, now torn from its affection, and alienated from its interest.—It may ask you why you have obliged it to undergo the stamp of tyrant, and incur the imputation of an ideot? Under the various relations which exist in its separate capacity, you will find, my Lord, the father who has lost perhaps his only hope, claiming some right to know if his child could have been spared; the family deprived of its support, crying out for vengeance on the author of its ruin, the poor man sinking under the inbancement of the necessaries of life, the stock-holder exclaiming against you for the diminution of his property; in short, all unanimous in their resentment; thus then you stand at the end of your career, with the curses of thousands on your head; with a firm belief in the mind of every body, that your political samplar has been an alphabet of lies from top to bottom; that you have been false without scruple, bullied without courage, lamented without sincerity, asserted without grounds, and ruined without remorse. There is a country in the world, whose history may perhaps be thus concluded: In those three or four last years, which shut up the glory of perhaps the finest kingdom upon earth, it may be permitted to compare the people to a combination of the brute creation, without a trespass on the chastity of faithful record: For as their views seem to have been serocious in their tendency, so does their conduct seem to have been unadapted to its end: To annalyze the allegory, would be to hold up a painful picture to mankind, yet as the province of history is to improve by furnishing example, it behoves us in some degree to study the good of those who may succeed, even at the expence of those who have gone before. In relating then the catastrophe experienced in the last scene of this unhappy people, who, bereft of reasoning and grown blind, we shall not for the honor of human nature now call men, every thing promised ruin and disgrace; the common and subordinate herds of this ancient and once venerable wood, were sunk into a state of insensibility and indifference. They are indeed a——, a burlesque upon the name, and a pollution of the office; a species of animal between the ass and mule possessed of the bad qualities of both, without the good
qualities of either; for he had the stubbornness of the one without the strength, and the folly of the other without its patience, he was pious without humanity, a hypocrite without deceiving, fine without taste, merry without wit, curious without skill, prying without prudence, and exalted without being esteemed, "a clan of snaggy forrellers, whose poverty had taught them cunning, and who had lately insinuated themselves into a settlement, got around this——, and made as great a—— of him as his nature would admit of; and although perhaps they were unable to lead him to that degree of perfection they could have wished her, they however succeeded in the completion of their design, which was to aggrandize themselves on the ruin of their benefactors. Thus was this nation lost to this world, which was once its greatest ornament; and as in other examples, so may we trace in this the frailty of human nature, and its inability to stand, when strung beyond a certain pitch of perfection, for the superior power and pre-eminence which had been here acquired, soon created arrogance and oppression, under whose baneful influence the fabric fell to pieces."
SIDNEY.
LONDON, April 29.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, April 29. "WE have here, one of the most glorious fleets ever beheld, well manned, and in every respect fit to encounter the navy of the whole world. The Wasp is lost off the Scilly islands, and all on board perished."
Kircudbright, April 23.
"This morning an American Privateer appeared in this bay, and has plundered the house of the Earl of Selkirk, within a mile of Kircudbright, of the silver plate, &c. Expresses have been sent with the above intelligence to Glasgow, London, Whitehaven, & Liverpool."
Extract of a letter from Dublin, April 21. "As soon as the new raised regiments are arrived here from Scotland, &c. the proposed camp near Athlone will be formed, to consist of 10 regiments of foot and 2 of horse, together with a suitable train of field pieces, and 3 companies of artillery. This body of troops which will amount to about 6000, is to remain there till October, as an army of observation."
Whitehaven, April 23. Late last night about 30 men from the Ranger, an American privateer commanded by John Paul Jones, landed privately at this place and proceeded to Nich. Adison's, a public house on the old quay; they made very free with the liquors, and would not allow any of the family to stir out; after which a party went on board the the Thompson, a coal laden vessel, took the boys out of bed, and set her on fire. Immediately after alarm was given, the fire engines were brought to the quay, and by the vigor of the people of all ranks, the fire was extinguished without damaging any other vessel. Lighted matches had been thrown on board several other vessels, but had gone out without having the intended effect.
The privateer's people were armed with pistols and cutlasses, and retired to their boats about 4 o'clock (taking with them two boys, one from the Thompson, and the other from the Salbam) They had on their first landing spiked up several of the cannon, in order to secure the retreat. A number of people flocked to the forts, some shot were fired at the boats, but without doing any execution. After the boats reached the privateer, she stood over to the Scotch side, and as large columns
of men have been seen on the Scotch shore this afternoon, it is feared she has done some mischief there.
Austria, April 9. War is not yet declared between the courts of Vienna and Berlin, but every thing is prepared for such an event.—We are assured that his Imperial Majesty will not order his army to encamp, while those of the King of Prussia remain in their cantonments.
From the Lower Rhine, April 28. Neither of the Ambassadors, being recalled from Vienna or Berlin, gives some reason to hope the powers will agree to settle matters. But the Emperor's demands are so great, there is but little probability that matters will be easily settled.
Paris, April 30. The Toulon squadron is victualled for six months. It is reckoned there are 1300 men on board the Languedoc, the Count D'Estaing's ship. All the discourse is respecting the destination of this fleet, but the general opinion is that it is intended for Boston.
When the Marquis de Noailles was introduced to the King, in consequence of the treaty between the French and the Americans, his Majesty said, "Quand le Roi votre maître a signé ce traite, il a surement du s'attendre aux suites:" i. e. "When the King your master signed that treaty, he certainly knew that he must abide the consequences."--To this the Marquis replied, "Hlay a long temps qu'il est prepare.—He has been prepared a long while." His Majesty turned round and went to his closet, and the Ambassador retired.
May 1. Gen. Haldiman sailed last Monday from Portsmouth for Quebec.
May 4. A vessel from the Isle of Man arrived yesterday, brings an account of the Drake having two companies of soldiers on board; that she was taken by a Privateer, supposed to be the Ranger. She made a stout resistance, and in the engagement lost her bowsprit and fore top mast.
FISH KILL, July 23.
The French fleet off Sandy Hook have taken 8 of the Cork provision ships, and sent them to Philadelphia.
A large drove of cattle are sent to Shrewsbury, in order to supply the French fleet at Sandy Hook.
We also learn by a deserter, that the Sound is blocked up---an English frigate having been out from New-York four days, was obliged to return back.
TRENTON, July 15.
The French fleet on their passage took a ship of 18 guns, from Providence, and retaking a French snow, off Chingoteague, they fell in with the Lydia, of New York, when, it being calm, they towed a 34 gun frigate up to her, when an engagement ensued, in which the Lydia received so much damage, that they had hardly time to get off the people before she sunk.
Those Persons who send Advertisements for the Portsmouth, or Exeter Papers, or both, are desired to send them by Friday Noon, before the Post arrives from Boston; or, it is probable they cannot be inserted the Tuesday following, but must be omitted to the Tuesday after.
WANTED A BOY,
About twelve Years of Age, to serve in a Family. Enquire of Isaac Williams. Exeter, August 9th, 1778.

LONDON, May 8. HOUSE OF COMMONS.
IN a committee of the whole house, Mr. Gascogne in the chair. The order of the day being read for a vote of credit to his Majesty, of 1 000 000. Mr. T. Townsend rose to oppose, and drew a picture of our national defence, having, as he said, a militia without arms, who were gone to be encamped without tent equipage; & a navy, either not manned or not victualled, but lying embayed at Spithead for the mere parade of naval review, while the Toulon fleet had sailed on its expedition, which might prove fatal to the distant settlements of the British empire. As to Great Britain, its situation must be deplorable, when our coasts and towns were daily stripped, and the people thrown into consternation by the enemy's privateers. Mr. Penton, a Lord of Admiralty, replied to that part which respected the navy; assured the house, that the fleet was both manned and victualled for any expedition. With regard to the depredations of the American privateer, Thurot in the very height of our glory last war, annoyed our coasts in a similar manner; but he believed the American privateer was by this time taken, four frigates having been dispatched for that purpose.
Sir George Young called upon the last speaker for information, whether any orders had been given for the sailing of any part of the fleet.
Mr. Penton excused himself answering an individual, but said if the house imposed it upon him, he should think himself bound to answer,
Mr. Fox, censured the conduct of ministry for their supineness in letting Monsr. D'Estaing's fleet sail without instantly following them; said authentic information had been received in town a fortnight ago of the motion of that fleet; that was notorious to all London; yet on his arrival at Portsmouth on Friday last, it had but just got there; That Ministry received official intelligence of it on Monday, yet never held a council upon it till the Wednesday; that in consequence thereof, they had lost the favourable wind which then would have carried them out of the channel, and that now it could not get out be the consequence never so fatal. He concluded, by calling upon Ministry to give the House some account of the destination of the Toulon fleet, and the consequent steps that had been taken by them.
Lord George Germaine acknowledged that appearances were not in favour of government in this particular; that news did arrive on Monday evening, & that it was Wednesday, about one o'clock, before a cabinet council could be called to decide upon it.—He was sorry for this loss of time, but a want of vigilance could not be imputed to him, for he went instantly to the Levee, and that no time might be lost, he drew the heads of the instructions in the antichamber, sent them to his office, had them drawn out time enough for the king to sign them, and that they had gone through all the official forms, and were dispatched to Portsmouth before 9 o'clock that evening; therefore he wished, that no general imputation might be thrown on the Ministry, but that a proper enquiry might take place, and that the blame, if any there was, might fall only where it was found due. As to the sailing of any part of the fleet, it was judged improper to detach any squadron of it, till the internal safety of Great Britain could admit of it.
Mr. Fox confessed the candor of the noble Lord, but argued that the language of despondence now came from Administration, and not from opposition; reprobated the narrow policy that kept that vast fleet for the internal defence of this island, which, he said had force and magnanimity enough still to repel any force France could land in it.—said he should rather hear of a body of French troops having invaded it, than that the distant territories of the empire should be thus timorously sacrificed to her inglorious safety.
Lord George Germaine got up to explain;
said he had spoken fairly and openly, nor did he mean to hold a language of despondency; to far from it, that should Monsr. D'Estaing have failed to America, he trusted in God our fleet would arrive in time to punish him for any attempt to oppose the British arms.
Mr. Burke spoke next, for near two hours; represented the Premier as the man who had trifled away the favourable winds of fortune; the nodding Palinurus, who had lashed the rudder fast, and left the state vessel in the midst of the storm; said Sir William Howe with 36,000 men, the flower of the British army, was likely to be in a similar predicament with that of Mr. Burgoyne, for as they received their daily bread from the sea, who was their present mother and guardain, as soon as the French Admiral domineered it over the American seas, which must soon be the case, as Lord Howe had no force to look him in the face, they must that moment surrender at discretion. He concluded, by lamenting, that we had nothing but prayers left for it, and that the only consolation we could find was, that the noble Lord was about to turn priest, when he found himself incapable of being any longer a Minister.
Sir Edward Astley said, he should not give his assent to the vote of credit; that he had opposed the measures of government since the bringing in of the Boston Port Bill.—He asked whether government were sure of the allegiance of Canada? and whether they had not received accounts that they were preparing to revolt, had desired to be admitted into the league with the Thirteen United Colonies, and had solicited the Marquis de la Fayette, to assist them in their requisition.
Governor Pownall, regardless of the subject in debate, entered into the instructions given to the Commissioners gone over to America; said the Americans could never admit of the controul of parliament; that their assent thereto would only be an act of political delusion; and therefore, if it was not too late, he recommended that the Commissioners might be instructed to acknowledge their independence; and restore peace,—the only desirable object with Great Britain, to enter into treaties with them, commercial, offensive and defensive.
Mr. C. Turner observed, that the honourable gentlemen who spoke last, had not said one word to the question; he should content himself with three, and those should be immediately to the point; he would not vote a shilling of his constituents money, in support of the measures at present adopted.—The question being now called for, and put, it passed in the affirmative, without a division.
BALTIMORE, July 7.
They write from London that that Court had ordered her fleets and armies to be withdrawn from Philadelphia and New York—that various are the conjectures with regard to their destination—that some think they are to visit NEW ENGLAND, or the West Indies—while others conjecture the coast of France, or that of Great Britain.
TRENTON, July 15.
It is reported that beside the naval force already arrived from France, six men of war convoying a large fleet of merchantmen, are on their passage to this Continent; so that in a little time we may expect to be supplied with European goods at moderate prices.
Within a few days past about 650 prisoners chiefly Hessians, from the Westward, passed through this place, on their way to Elizabethtown, to be exchanged.
Since our last twelve British prisoners, lately taken near Sandy Hook, were brought to this town, and confined in goal.
TRENTON, July 22.
Extract of a letter from Elizabeth Town, July 14.—"Lord Howe has stripped the British transports, &c. at New-York of their Seamen and took on board 2 or 3000 soldiers to complete their marines, & fell down to the Hook with the whole of his ships of force.—Gen: Maxwell's brigade is stationed here."
PHILADELPHIA, July 16. Extract of a Message from Monsr. GERARD to Congress.
HIS Excellency the Count D'Estaing, Vice Admiral of France, commanding the King's Squadron, is desirous of enabling all the armaments, either public or private, in the United States of North America, to derive any possible advantage from the operation of this Squadron, in order to make prizes of the common enemy. The under writer has the honour to inform Congress, that all such armaments shall enjoy the most extensive protections from his Most Christian Majesty's Squadron;—and that the prizes they may take shall belong to them only, without a division. The masters of American vessels who apply to his Excellency the Vice Admiral, will receive the necessary signals.
(Signed) GERARD. Published by order of Congress, CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
July 18. Last Thursday was brought into this port, the prize Schooner Lord Drummond from Antigua, laden with rum, sugar, and limes. She was bound to this port on supposition of the British forces being in full possession of it; she imports a number of wooden and some iron guns, and was taken near the Capes of Delaware, by Capt. Rice, in an armed vessel belonging to this port.
The arrival of the above cargo has considerably lowered the price of West India produce. From the destruction that has lately been made of some of the British cruizers on our coast, and from the late generous offers made by our magnanimous Ally the King of France, through his Ambassador to Congress, to American vessels of war, there is good reason to believe that European and West India goods of all kinds will soon be reduced to the old price.
July 23. A letter from Charlestown, S. Carolina, mentions, that Spain had acceded to the acknowledgement of the Independence of America. This account was received by a vessel arrived at Charlestown from the Havannah. This letter adds, that War was declared against England at Cape-Francois.—The Spanish frigate Dorothea carried this news to the Havannah.
By a gentleman lately from Georgia, we learn that the inhabitants entertain the most flattering hopes from the expedition against St. Augustine.
POUGHKEEPEE, July 27.
We every moment expect important intelligence from our armies and ships below, from which we have many reports, but not any of importance, that can be depended upon, except that Gen. Washington, with the army under his command were ready for a march, and expected to proceed down from the White-Plains last Friday morning; and it was reported would attempt the lines at New-York, on Saturday. It is said that our lines extend from the north to the East River, that our army have taken off all the Cattle, stock and provision, that were without the enemy's lines.
NEW-HAVEN, July 29.
Last Wednesday upwards of 20 Sail of Vessels went up Sound from the Eastward;—they are supposed to be light Transports from Newport.
Last Sunday a Body of Troops pass'd thro' this Place, on their Way to the Eastward, under the Command of the Marquis de la Fayette.
WORCESTER, July 30.
By a gentleman of character, who hath passed through this town from the Southward since the publication of our last, we are informed, that we need fear nothing from the British fleet at Spithead, for that France hath a much superior one at Brest, ready to sail at moment's warning to attack the English, should they dare to put to sea; that Vice-Admiral Count D'Estaing is determined to strike a vigorous blow immediately: that the

enemy in New York have not more than 3 weeks provisions; that our army is in fine spirits, high health, eager to attack the enemy, & drive them from the borders of America. It is expected that in five weeks we shall have possession of New York.
Our latest Accounts from Head-Quarters are to Monday Noon, when all was quiet; the Army being then encamped at and near White Plains.
PROVIDENCE, August 1.
Wednesday last, to the great joy of every good subject, the Fleet of his Most Christian Majesty, the great and wise Ally of these States, commanded by Admiral Count D'Estaing, arrived off Point Judith, when a number of pilots, belonging to this town, went immediately on board, and brought them safe to anchor off the harbour of Newport, whereby our savage enemies are in their turn compleatly blockaded. On Thursday two French ships of the line came up to the west side of Conanicut, and took their stations above the north end of that island; several shot were fired at them as they passed, and a few returned; the enemy's ships which lay there got under sail, on the near approach of our friends, and entered Newport harbour by the east side of Conanicut. Their troops soon after evacuated Conanicut, and fled to Rhode Island, having previously blown up the magazine, spiked their cannon, destroyed the works, and set fire to the barracks. The King Fisher, of 16 guns, with two gallies, were blown up by the enemy in Second River, on the approach of two other French ships. The Britons, with their friends the Tories, are in great consternation; & a few days will probably produce events of the utmost importance.
The fleet have brought in 15 sail of prizes, one of them a ship bound to New York, laden with warlike stores, among which are six large mortars, and a quantity of shells.
The Hon. Major General Sullivan, with his suite, went on board the French Admiral's ship on Thursday last, and yesterday returned to town.
The navigation to this port is now open by way of Second, and the West Passage.
Since our last several deserters have arrived here from Rhode Island, who inform, that the enemy's troops consist of between 5 & 6000, more than one half of them Hessians: The latter were greatly dissatisfied on hearing of a French fleet being on the coast; the Britons endeavoured to pacify them, by suggesting that the French Admiral intended nothing more than to trade with the rebels. The harbour being now blocked up, the Hessians will have an opportunity of judging what trade is proposed, and were they on the main, would doubtless desert in great numbers.
BOSTON, August 5, 1778.
Head Quarters, Providence, July 29, 1778.
SIR,
"I have the pleasure to inform the Council that the French fleet came to Anchor off Point Judith to Day at twelve o'clock, and the Pilots have all gone on board. I wish the Troops to be forwarded with all possible Dispatch, as a Delay may prove Fatal to the Expedition."
I have the honour to be, Sir, your very humble Servant, JOHN SULLIVAN.
Jeremiah Powell, Esq;
A LIST of the Line of Battle Ships &c. under the Command of Lord Howe, at Sandy Hook, 21st July, 1778.
   Ships. Guns. Pounders,     Leviathan 70 24   Somerset 64 32   Ardent 64 24   Trident 64 24   Nonsuch 64 24   Eagle 64 24   St. Albane 64 24   Isis 50 18   Experiment 50 12   Richbuck 44 18   Phoenix 44 18   Venus, Frigate, 36 18  
The Advertisement signed JOHN MOULTON Proprietors Clerk, in the last Page, should have the word ORFORD on the Top.
Besides several 32 Gun Frigates, 20 Gun Ships, 1 Sloop of 16 Guns, 2 Bombs, and 1 Fireship.
By a person we learn That the enemy have burnt the King Fisher of 16 Guns, two Row Gallies, — and also blew up the fort on Conanicut Island and evacuated the same.
A Gentleman from on board the French Fleet, lying off Point Judith, informs us, that on Monday last they took a Prize, loaded with Pines, Lemmons &c. She belonged to one Sherman, a noted Tory, of Rhode-Island.
Last Sunday returned into port, the armed Ship Defence, Capt. Samuel Smedley. She sailed from Charlestown, South Carolina, on the 19th of July, in Company with the sloop Volant, Capt. Oliver Daniel, & before night took two privateer sloops fitted out from St. Augustine, viz. the Governor Tonyn's Revenge, of 12 carriage guns and 72 men, commanded by Capt. Peter Bachop; and the Ranger of 8 guns and 35 men, Captain Osborn commander; who were both carried into port the next day. The Active privateer of Liverpool, of 12 guns and 57 men would have been likewise taken, but took advantage of the near approach of night and thick weather, and made off, while the prisoners on board Bachop were securing, and Osborn was coming up.
To-morrow Gen. Hancock's independent company, headed by the General in Person, sets off for Providence: also the Boston Independent company of artillery, & the light infantry.
Monday came to Town 108 Volunteers from Salem, to go to Providence.
Extract of a letter from an American naval officer, dated Philadelphia, July 12, 1778.
"I come over in the French fleet, and send you an account of the same which you show our friends."
The ships under command of Vice Admiral Count D'Estaing, are
   guns. guns. Frigates.     Languedoc 90 Protecteur 74   Terrible 80 Guerrier 74 Chimere 30   Cesar 54 Jantique 64 L'Engante 36   Zele 74 Provence 64 L'Alemenc 26   Nestor 74 Valliant 64 L'Arinable 26.   Marselliers 74 Sagitaire 50  
Within a few Days past 6 or 7 Prizes, taken by the French Fleet, have arrived at Providence; one of them a Ship with upwards of 200 Hogheads of Rum.
One of the Cork Fleet is captured and carried into the Port of Salem. She has on board 4 or 500 Barrels of Pork and Beef, &c. &c.
We learn that Count d'Estaing, having ordered a 64 Gun Ship to Beaver-Tail, where the enemy had thrown up Works, and made an Appearance of stout Defence, a few Guns were fired from the Ship, which soon obliged them to destroy, abandon and leave it in the possession of Americans.
August 6. The Marquis da la Fayette is gone to Rhode Island to take the Command of 5000 French Troops.
THE subscribers being appointed by the Hon. Phillips White, Esq; Judge of the Probate of Wills, &c. for the county of Rockingham, commissioners to receive the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Thomas Manning, late of Portsmouth, merchant, deceased, represented insolvent, six months being allowed for that purpose, the commissioners give notice, that they will attend the business on the last Thursday of this and the five succeeding months, at 4 o'clock P. M. at the house of Mrs. Tilton's.
Portsmouth, Thomas Martin, } Commissioners Aug. 3, 1778. Jacob Treadwell }
THE Estate of Jehu Ayres, senr. late of Portsmouth, Gentleman, deceased, being represented insolvent, and six months allowed the creditors to bring in their claims, the subscribers, appointed commissioners for that purpose, will be ready to receive said claims, on the last Wednesday of this and the five following months, at Mrs. Tilton's, from six to eight o'clock P. M. William Whipple. Portsmouth, Aug 5. 1778. Jehu Parker.
FOUND last Week on the Road between Newbury Port and Boston, a blue Great Coat, which the owner may have by applying at the Printshop Office in Portsmouth, and paying charges.
E X T E R, August 11th, 1778.
By the Rhode Island Post we are informed, That last Wednesday three British Frigates, with several other Vessels stood up towards the North End of Rhode Island, but being observed by two French Ships when the wind bearing near south, the French Ships stood towards the Town of Newport, which prevented the Enemy's Ships returning, & they were run on shore and burnt.
Several Companies from different Towns in this State, has marched for Providence.
APPLICATION having been made to the subscriber, by more than one fifth part of the proprietors of the Township of RELHAN, in the State of New Hampshire, to call a meeting of said proprietors at the house of Mr. Tilton in Portsmouth, on Wednesday the 19th Day of August next, then and there to act upon the following matters and things.
 1. To chuse a moderator.  2. To chuse a collector to collect the collection of the last tax of seven dollars, or any so far delinquent taxes, in the room of R.L. Jewie, an Absentee.  3. To chuse a committee to examine the state of the treasurer and collectors accounts, and the state of the town, and make reports thereon.  4. To give instructions to the committee chosen to procure any trespasses committed in said town, and to warn off any intruders.  5. To see if the proprietors will give as an encouragement to such settlers as may apply for that purpose in six months from this date, the liberty of settling in either quarter of the town where it is not allotted out, and what quantity of land to each settler.  6. To make choice of some suitable person or persons as agents to procure settlers to go on immediately, to direct where they may pitch, and see that the said settlers are properly accommodated, and to vote what allowance shall be made to said agents.  7. To see if the proprietors will give leave to any future settlers (within 6 months) to make their pitches on any of the located lots which are drawn to said proprietors, provided said proprietors shall have the same quantity given to said settlers, made up to them out of the twelve settling lots laid out for that purpose, which are not actually settled, or suit of allocated lands.  8. To chuse a committee to apply to the General Court for an Incorporation of the town, which it appears necessary should be immediately effected for the better regulation of the town affairs.  9. To chuse another proprietors clerk in the room of the present, who desires to resign.  10. To consider and determine how to defray the expence of said Incorporation.  11. To consider and determine of any other matters necessary to forward the settlement of the township.  This is therefore to notify said proprietors to meet at the said time and place for the purposes aforesaid.
JOHN WENDELL, Portsmouth, July 27, 1778 | Proprietors Clerk,
THE Proprietors of NORTHUMBERLAND, are desired to meet at the house of Captain Eliphale Giddings, innholder in Exeter, on Tuesday the first day of September next, at ten o'clock, A. M. for the following purposes, v. z. —
 To chuse a moderator and other officers for said meeting.  To receive the report of a committee concerning the survey of Stonington, and vote what they shall think reasonable.  To chuse persons to keep the roads open in said town.  To appoint a committee for running the lines between the 75 acre lots, and to rectify any mistakes made heretofore.  To know if they will hire preaching and schooling.  To determine whether they will pursue the proper methods, for the fulfilment of Mr. Durfey's contract, or agree to the removal of the mills, and contribute something, that they may answer the designed purpose.  To chuse a committee to settle all accounts.  To consult on some method for the more convenient crossing Ammonoosuck.  To appoint some person or persons for the purpose of assessing, collecting and paying the tax that shall be thought reasonable by the State, for said township to pay, — Also any monies that may then be voted; and to act on any matters that may be thought for the interest of the proprietors and settlers.  By order of the assessors. Portsmouth, 31, 1778. AMMI R. CUTTER. Proprietors Clerk.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham, ss.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Proprietors of Chichester, at their annual Meeting in the Year 1778 did vote to raise the sum of thirty billings on each Right in said Town: — The Owners of the above said Lands, are desired to make speedy Payment to me the subscriber. And as there is a number of Owners of the Lots in the aforesaid Town, that have not paid their Taxes for some Years past, these are to give Notice, that except they pay their Taxes immediately, their Lands will be exposed to sale.
Samuel Jennels, Collector for Chichester. Rye, July 10. 1778.

TO THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA.
As the country appears greatly amused with expectations of the enemy quitting Philadelphia, and lest that amusement should lull us into some unlooked for misfortune, I take the liberty, thro' the channels of the several news papers, to point out grounds upon which the politics of the enemy may, I think, be understood, or at least ought to be considered.
Whether they will quit Philadelphia or not is a question, which neither we, nor the General who commands there, can determine. He acts by orders from England, and we can judge only by appearances. He may expect to receive such, and may, nevertheless, receive orders to the contrary.
The state of European affairs, after the treaty with France was signed, rendered a war between France and England probable; and under that expectation, the Commander of the British troops would consequently pack up, and hold himself in readiness to obey any orders he might receive, upon a supposition that such orders would be sudden and peremptory. He must know that Philadelphia is no station for him, in case of an European war. He cannot help seeing that he is subject to an attack from France and America unitedly, and that the army he commands will be wanted elsewhere. Should such an event take place, he will move instantly, and therefore will, in the interim, always hold himself in readiness to move. And this, I presume, accounts for his preparations, which rather indicate his apprehensions than his intentions.
As I would not be misunderstood by using an undefined nicety of expression, I choose therefore to say, that we have a set of as vile and treacherous characters to deal with, as were ever permitted to work out their own destruction, or suffered to live as a scourge to mankind. I mean the present King of England and his Ministers. As there is no act of baseness they would not commit, so there is no meanness they will not submit to. They would, I believe, suffer themselves to be kicked by every power in Europe, if by the submission they could go on unmolested with their schemes against America. Here they have fixed their object, and their eyes and ears are shut against every other.
There is one and only one way, by which they may creditably avoid a rupture with France, and likewise put themselves in a condition of making peace with America; &c which if they omit doing, we may be sure there is mischief lurking behind, viz. To acknowledge, on their part, the Independence of America: Because such an acknowledgement admits France to the undisturbed enjoyment of her treaty with us as a matter of right, and consequently no quarrel can take place on the part of Britain. In this case, the capture of French vessels will be confined to those laden with military stores and cloathing made up, which likewise, according to the custom of nations, is not a legal cause for a declaration of war on the part of France.
Should this be their conduct, they will keep clear of a war with France, and consequently their apprehensions of immediate danger from their situation in Philadelphia, will subside; after which, they will think themselves at liberty to hold or evacuate it as future occasions may arise. They know that their strongest fortification is their being mixed among the inhabitants, who must be exposed to the same mischief with themselves by an attack.
But if they do not accede to the Independence of America, and yet avoid a rupture with France, we may justly attribute such conduct to a mixture of secret villainy and public meanness, and may likewise be sure they have no intentions of quitting Philadelphia, and will have none, unless forced to it; and every expectation of their voluntarily doing it, tends only to lull us into a state of drowsiness and danger. I have here stated three cases, which are all that can happen.
First. A war with France.
Secondly. An acknowledgement of our independence, on the part of Britain, by which such a war may be creditably avoided. And
Thirdly. Her submission to every indignity which France has or may show, by which submission a war may be meanly avoided.
The first leads to an immediate evacuation of Philadelphia, and perhaps New York. The second and third do not. And tho' I may possibly be wrong in my conjecture, yet I think it more than probable that the last of the three will be the Ministry's line of conduct. The character of the men favours this supposition.
But taking either of the two last to happen, we shall be exposed to consequences that we ought immediately to prepare against. The apparent probability of a war with France, has given the British King and Ministry new and popular pretensions for raising more troops, which they may yet employ against us, if they can any ways avoid employing them against France; while we amused with delusive appearances, may be most unwarily taken in.
This is not a time to trifle, neither are these trifling matters. I do not undertake to say what will happen, I only state what may happen; and as one of these three must happen, it is our part to be guarded against all. Not a man now ought to be absent from his proper post; and I submit it to the judgment of every State, whether the present time is not as politically critical, and may, by remissness, be as distressing as any which has yet happened. A reinforcement of eight hundred men has very lately arrived at New-York, which does not look much like an evacuation. They are yet tampering with the Indians. The burning Col. Kirkbride's and Mr. Borden's houses is but a recent affair, since which they have burnt a considerable number of houses in the state of Rhode-Island, and all these at the time they are pretending to negotiate. If any thing can determine what confirmed villainy is, it must be conduct like this.
On our part we cannot be wrong, but by mistake or delusion. A fairer prospect we need not wish for, if we do but improve it. We have at present steered with safety thro' a rough sea, and are bringing the ship into port, let us take care she is not ship wreck'd in the harbour.
The danger arising to Britain by the mean policy which I suppose she will adopt is, that by sending her forces to America, and failing at the same time in making fair weather with France, she will expose herself to be conquered at home, while she aims at conquest abroad. But as there is no act of absurdity she is not capable of committing, we should, therefore, not depend on the wise things she ought to do, but prepare against the mad things she will most probably do.
York Town.
COMMON SENSE.
June 10, 1778.
State of New-Hampshire Strafford ss.
NOTICE is hereby given that to much of the following Lots of Land in Sanborntown, as will pay the tax for the year 1777, and charges will be Sold on Thursday the 13th Day of August next at 10 o'clock forenoon, at the Dwelling House of Daniel Sanborn, Esq; in said Sanborntown, unless paid before that time.
Original Proprietors names are as follows, First Division Second Division.
   No. s. d. No. s. d.     William Chase 0 0 0 7 6 2   Josiah Smith 0 0 0 3 16   Jonathan Sanborn 0 0 0 13 10 9   Thomas Blake 0 0 0 35 7 5   Simeon Drake 0 0 0 39 14 2   Law lot No. 1 11 7 8 51 10 0   David Stevens 0 0 0 47 10 6   John Rawlins 0 0 0 44 11 3   Jonathan Calley 0 0 0 43 12 6   Joseph Smith junr. 71 6 1 60 10 0   Jonathan Odiorne 64 6 6 58 6 7   Law lot No. 2 53 7 6 18 6 0   Solley & March 55 7 6 76 6 0   John Murfet 56 8 0 78 11 10   Thomas Packer 59 9 1 0 0 0   John Thomblson 79 9 0 22 10 11   John Thomblson 69 7 11 61 17 0  
William Thompson Constable. Sanborntown June 29th 1778. 23 25
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
APPLICATION being made to me the subscriber by proprietors and owners of more than a tenth part of said township to notify and warn a meeting of the proprietors to meet at the house of Lt. Jonathan Leavitt, innholder at Hampson, on Tuesday the first day of September next, at three of the clock in the afternoon, to act on the following particulars, viz.
 1. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting, and any other officers they may judge necessary.  2. To choose a committee to examine and settle the collector and treasurer's accounts.  3. To see if the proprietors will be at the expence of parambulating the boundary lines of the township, agreeable to the charter.  4. To see if the proprietors will be at the expence of cutting and clearing a road (at the upper end of their town, on the most suitable ground) by Indian Pond, down to Baker's Pond. Also, of making a good cart road from Col. Morey's to Baker's Pond and Wentworth line.  5. To see if the proprietors will pay any more of the expence that has been done on the road by the inhabitants, more than they have already voted.  6. To see what assistance the proprietors will give to the inhabitants of Orford towards settling another minister, and the supporting of the Gospel there, and for any other purpose they may see fit.  7. To see if the proprietors will choose a committee to confer with a committee that may be chosen by the inhabitants, on matters that may be laid before the meeting.  8. To see what measures the proprietors will take to deal with certain persons, for their ill conduct and mischievous attempts to injure the propriety, and pass such votes thereupon as they may find necessary.  9. To see if the proprietors will be at the expence of having a copy of the records of the town of Orford taken, to be lodged with the proprietors clerk. 
In pursuance of which application, I hereby notify said proprietors to meet at said time and place for the aforesaid purposes. Hampson, July 2, 1778.
JOHN MOULTON, Proprietors Clerk.
ALL Persons that have any Accounts open with JOHN LANGDON, are requested to call and settle them—those especially who have any Accounts against him for public Business, are called upon to adjust the same immediately, as all such must be soon closed. Portsmouth, July 30, 1778.
ALL Persons having any Accounts open with Captain Joseph Chandler, late of Epping deceased, are desired to see the same immediately settled with the Widow Lydia Chandler, Administratrix to said Estate, as they would avoid the same being settled by law.
TO be sold a Right of Land in Buck's-Town, laying within about six Miles of Old Seaco. Likewise two Lots in Gilman-ton. For further Particulars enquire at the Print Office, Exeter.
LOST about a Month ago, between Mr. Jonathan Norris's and Josiah Barker's on the main Country Road, a pair of Saddle Bags, with a Gallon Rundlet in them. Whoever takes up said Bags, and leave them at Jonathan Norris's shall be handsomely rewarded, by Josiah Barker. Exeter, July 26, 1778. 23 24
Portsmouth: Printed by D. Fowle.