New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1780-05-06 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette.
OR STATE JOURNAL, and GENERAL ADVERTISER.
[ Vol. XXIV. ]
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1780.
[ No. 2228 ]
From the Pennsylvania Packet.
REMARKS on the CURRENCY, with a PLAN for putting the REVENUE on a lasting Foundation.
BRITAIN, foiled in her attempts to conquer America by force, is now carrying on a war of finance. The field of Battle is changed for the field of the budget; and the longest purse aided by the best schemes for raising or creating a revenue, will in a great measure determine the point. By force she cannot conquer. Her arts to cajole has been tried in vain.— The last resource then is finance.
Scheme after scheme has been proposed in the news-papers, yet all of them have passed away without leaving so much as an impression upon the mind. For my own part, I have not yet proposed any, and that which I have now to propose, is different from every other which has gone before it. We appear to be in just the same situation with regard to finance, as we were in regard to independence, on the 1st day of January 1776, and the plan that must put us right, must be as foreign to every temporizing expedient, as independence was foreign to submission.
Strange as it may appear to some, yet I cannot but lay it down as a truth, not to be controverted, that the abilities of the United States to support a war of finance, are at this very time, far superior to any and every ability which Britain can exert. So far from our being conquered, we cannot even be hurt by a war of this sort, if we will but adopt and pursue right plans; and the present condition we are in, naturally affords this opening.
While there remained forty millions of dollars in the Continental Treasury, it was consistent with national policy to limit the depreciation by bringing the prices of commodities to some standard, because the increased value would have rose as well on the money in the Treasury as on that which was out. But as the Treasury is now empty the case is widely different; and were it practicable it would now be the most iniquitous scheme imaginable to lay a tax on the public to make them pay for what they never received. A merchant asks 30 or 40 pounds for a gallon of rum, and a miller 90 or 100 pounds for hundred weight of flour; the real value of the first is not above five or six shillings Sterling, and of the other not above twenty or twenty-five; and the price they get will more than purchase that quantity of Sterling money; consequently they have all that is due to them and the public owes them nothing. Neither have they any right to expect the money should be made better, and as it cannot be made better but by a tax on somebody else, therefore a tax for this purpose would be to rob many to enrich a few, which I am persuaded no honest man desires. There is a faith which Government is bound under to the public, not to see them injured, and there is likewise a justice due to the individual, that he has his right, and this makes up the line which Government has now to steer.
The value then of the present debts of America which is contained in the currency, is just as much property as it will purchase, and it is no more. The whole two hundred millions of dollars will not now purchase above three millions and an half of hard dollars.— This sum then and no more is the value of the sum we owe and all
that we have now to pay. How we come to be so nearly out of debt I shall now proceed to show.
The depreciation, in whatever other light it may be viewed, has operated, not as an artificial, but an actual discharge of one hundred and ninety six millions and an half, out of two hundred millions; and surely we should not only be exceedingly unwise, but cruelly unjust to ourselves, to pay a debt twice over. It is enough to pay once, and he who does that does honestly. That some will get rich, & others poor, is the natural revolution of things, as well in peace as war, and is not to be placed to the depreciation. I believe there are many who have been in public stations that have robbed the country, and such wretches there will always be, but perhaps they would have robbed it a great deal more, had it not been for the depreciation, which hourly dissolved away their ill gotten wealth. But individual cases is not the question; for if we take people generally, let their rank, their employments or their principles be what they may, and examine what their profits have been for five years past, we shall find they have made no advance in property, compared with what was usually made in the same number of years at any other time, or with what will be their profits the first five years after the war. For my own part, I have lived, and so have others, but I have not gained a farthing, which I am sure I should have done, had it not been for the depreciation. The depreciation then became my tax, and this has been the case more or less with every man in America. A while ago I received two thousand three hundred dollars, and by the time I had kept it a few days, the three hundred in point of value were melted away. Where, I ask, is it gone to? No body had robbed me, I had the same number as before. The answer I think is very easy. It is gone towards getting the United States out of debt, and thank God she is so near deliverance.
Having stated what the remaining part of the debt is, I shall now compare it generally with the property which the United States have to balance against it. For this three million & half of dollars, which grows less even while I am writing it, she has all the Continental frigates, vessels of war, or others, all the cannon, artillery, arms, ammunition, and what is more, all the army and sailors in the navy that are now enlisted. This being truly the case, I ask, whether at the beginning of the war we could have raised such an army, built and manned the same number of vessels, and procured all the naval and military property we now possess, for four times the sum we now owe; and whether we should not have thought ourselves the most fortunate people upon earth could the same things have come ready prepared to our hands for four times the price of our present debt. Why then do we stand folding our arms as if something was the matter? Are we sorry because we are so nearly out of debt, and the world fresh and fair before us. I feel a heart as chearful as the morning at the prospect of these things.— For what was dreaded as an evil is become our deliverance. We are this day more able than we ever were. Out of debt, all but the last chalk; and thank God, out of danger.
I have often thought it would have been good policy to have emitted the money on
a depreciating scale at first, so that just as much should have gone out of use one year as would make room for a new emission sufficient for the use of the next year, and so on. For instance, suppose the legal value of a dollar the first year had been 7/6, the next year 7/, the next 6/6. In this case, when the whole sum sufficient for the calls of the country had been emitted, a large part would have disappeared every year, which future emissions would have supplied, and all taxation would have been needless. Nobody would have hoarded the money, but kept it moving as fast as possible. But the depreciation, unintended, have done the business much more effectually, for we have by an unanimous concurrence, struck off very nearly eighteenpence each year for five years running, from every dollar in circulation.— It seemed to be the ambition of the country who should pay most and fastest. The monopolizers paid away as if the Devil was in them, and as it was a pity to disturb them, I have never mentioned a word about the currency for above these seven months past. I saw it would land us on a fortunate coast, and was perfectly easy about the matter, for when an evil produces an advantage it redresses itself.
It is now the interest of the States, to take the currency up just at the point it stands, and give to every man a security on the funds of the State he lives in, for the real value of the sum he holds. The exact point of depreciation is the last point. For if you redeem it at 50, when it is really 60, or 70, or so on, you materially injure those who have debts to pay; and if you make it higher than it is, you, on the other hand, injure those who have debts to receive.
Before I proceed to the plan, I shall remark: That the present currency has no funds to support it. It rests on nothing substantial, and the only way to give permanent value to what appears now to be its worth, is for each State to ingraft its quota on its own funds. The security of each State to its own inhabitants is far beyond any other security that can be given, but as each State can likewise provide funds to sink or redeem it when and how they please, each inhabitant feels himself at home in his own State, and knows who to look to. I would therefore prefer one dollar funded at the real value of 7/6 in the State I live in, to 60 of the present dollars, worth only one penny each, and which are hourly diminishing because there are yet no funds provided. And when all the currency throughout the several States shall become thus funded, there will be an end of the jargon of 50 60, 70 & 80 for one, and for many prices for this and many prices for that, and sterling value will become the rule of trade.
PLAN for putting the REVENUE of the several States and of the United States on a lasting foundation. I make the calculation for this State, as it will more clearly shew the matter.
Suppose the quantity of dollars in this State be thirty millions, which at sixty for one, gives five hundred thousand dollars, of the real value of 7/6 each.
Strike in State bills, five hundred thousand dollars, and provided a fund for exchanging them for gold and silver; take all the present bills up at sixty for one, deducting therefrom as much as each man's taxes shall amount to at the time of such exchange—

Let every thing be bought and sold at sterling prices, and have totally done with the Continental currency thro' all the States.
But this five hundred thousand dollars, thus emitted, will not be a sufficient quantity as a medium for commerce. Pennsylvania requires in its present state at least a currency equal to one million and an half of sterling dollars; and in time of full trade she would require two millions and an half; because 30s. sterling per head is but a very moderate quantity as a medium.
From this it appears, that over and above the quantity of money to be issued for the redemption of the Continental Currency, there will be a vacancy of 1 million dollars. Now it fortunately happens that this vacancy is the very opening we ought to lay hold of. The daily pressing demand for money which every man in trade experiences, points out the necessity of a new supply. There is not money enough by two thirds to circulate trade by, and, until something be done, matters must stand still.
But as it is good policy to keep the quantity below the mark, I would propose to issue only six hundred thousand dollars this year: And as this emission cannot get out into trade, but by being instantly laid out, I would immediately apply it towards purchasing the supplies: and this I presume, with some small addition from the taxes, will be sufficient for the purpose of this year.
There will then be four hundred thousand dollars to strike, to compleat the sum of one million and an half, which may be struck next year, or part next year and part the year after, which with the taxes that will be collected in each year, will render the expences of the war easily gone through for three years, should Britain be so mad to continue it so long:
I have now gone through so much of the system as provides for the States severally, to enable them to furnish their quota of the supplies in kind to the United States. But as Congress will require a medium that will circulate with equal convenience in all the States, I further propose that a part of the taxes in each state be collected in gold and silver. It is frivolous to say this cannot be done, because the great number of hard money, bargains daily made, shows that it can be done. And as the collecting it in taxes does not carry it out of the country, nor yet lessen the quantity, but only awakens the hidden hoards, and bring them into general circulation, the tax will become a public benefit as well as a support to government. It is only in drops that we want to pick it up, and therefore I propose,
That every person deeming himself a merchant, and trading to foreign parts, shall pay 20 or 25 per cent. of the taxes to be levied on him, in gold or silver, and the remainder in Bills of this Commonwealth. And that one shilling sterl. for the term of seven years be levied on every hundred acres of land possessed by freeholders of this Commonwealth, and eighteen pence sterling on every hundred acres possessed by persons who have not taken the oath of allegiance.
I now come to the last point, namely, that of redeeming the Bills of Credit to be emitted by this State, in gold and silver, at the rate of one for one.
At the expiration of the war the necessity of remitting hard money to Congress, will cease and a diminution of expences will ensue. The hard money tax may then be applied towards taking up these Bills, and if any thing further is wanted, a sale of land for hard money may be made.
The system here proposed, is truly on a national scale, yet it will meet with opposition from several sorts of people. The monopolizer of whatever article he deals in, who has a vast quantity of this money by him, and finds himself able to trump his neighbours out, and has a distant prospect of having a large sum left at last, in his hands, of considerable value, when the pockets of every body else is drained, will be inclined to object against it. But such men ought to see, that the distant hope they trust to, will really let them done to nothing, unless each State
take the matter up, and make it of some value, and likewise, that to make the money of more value to them, than the goods which the public, or any individual procured for it, would be one of the highest acts of injustice.
It will be opposed by British emissaries, if any such we have, for if Britain can persuade us under a false colouring, that it is our duty to pay our debts twice over, while she has not honesty enough to pay them once, she will gain a great advantage over us in point of finance.
It will likewise be opposed by people who may not fully understand it, and have not given their attention to matters of finance, but these, if they will only for what is best, will not give their opinion too soon. I have not time now to make remarks on Loan-Office Certificates, but shall defer that subject to another opportunity.
A FRIEND IN TIME OF NEED.
HARTFORD, April 25.
Extract of a letter from an Hon. Member of Congress, dated April 14, 1780.
"A Resolution has just passed making up depreciation to the army. A committee are also appointed to go to Camp, and see what further can be done for the Army, and to endeavour to introduce some economical arrangements in the staff department. Oeconomy, justice and taxation are of high importance to be attended to at this time. I believe there has been no period, in which so much good, or so much evil might be done in a short time, as at present."
The noble Marquis of Rockingham, in a debate in the British House of Peers, having thrown out some reflections against that famous proclamation, with which the Commissioners took leave of the Americans, Lord Carlisle, in answer, endeavoured to prove, that the war had been conducted, on the part of the English, with a moderation, a clemency, a generosity, the more to be praised, as the Americans, on their part, had done all in their power to provoke the spirit of indignation and revenge. As long, continued he, as the Americans were viewed in the light of an unhappy people, led away by their chiefs, they were treated with all possible humanity; but when they appeared in arms as allies of France, leagued with the natural enemy of Great-Britain, to effect its destruction and ruin, they could not expect a continuance of such treatment: I am ignorant in what light this confederation is held by some Lords; as for myself, I make no difficulty to declare, if the Tobacco, which is the produce of America, is to be the price of the assistance she gets from France, I wish it may never come to maturity: If the Wheat, which is sown in its plains, is destined to make bread for the French fleets, I would see it destroyed with pleasure: If their towns are to receive French garrisons, I shall feel great satisfaction in hearing that they are all dismantled, &c.
Lord Coventry, in the above mentioned debate, desired the house to remember, that he had foretold all that had happened, and exhorted the ministry to put an end to the American war, a war impracticable, and the continuation of which would, in a little time, accomplish the destruction of the kingdom.
Mr. Thomas Townsend, in a late debate in the British House of Commons, congratulated that assembly on the news which had then just arrived, of taking a fort from the Spaniards in the Bay of Honduras, the first sign of an attack, he observed, which the war had produced.
PROVIDENCE, April 29.
A letter from a gentleman in public character at Philadelphia informs, that authentic intelligence is received there, that the Empress of Russia has absolutely refused to become Mediatix between France and Spain, and Great-Britain, unless the latter Power shall previously acknowledge the independence of these United States, and cede the important Fortress of Gibraltar to Spain.
We learn that Capt. Thomas Munro, in the sloop Humbird, of this place, is arrived at a
neighbouring port, after a passage of 23 days from Martinico, and brings advice, that before he sailed 17 French ships of the line, with a number of frigates and transports, arrived there from Old France, having on board 6000 troops: That immediately on their arrival they took on board 6000 more troops, and proceeded on an expedition against St. Lucia, but on their arrival there they found the British had received intelligence of their coming, and had hauled their ships into the Carenage, and secured them in such a manner as rendered it impracticable to attack them: — That they then returned to Martinico, re-landed 2000 of their troops, and with the remainder proceeded on an expedition against St. Kitts, which it was conjectured must fall an easy sacrifice.
BOSTON, May 4.
Last Friday arrived here, His Most Christian Majesty's frigate the HERMOINE, of 36 guns, commanded by the Chevalier la Touch, in 36 days from Rochfort, with dispatches for Congress.
In this frigate came the Right Hon. the Marquis De La FAYETTE, who has so generously interested himself in the cause of these States, and who has served it with distinguished capacity and intrepidity. — He was saluted by the castle, and from the fortress on fort-hill. — Soon after the ship came to an anchor, the Marquis with his suit were landed at Gen. Hancock's wharf, where he was received with compliments and congratulations from the principal gentlemen of the town, and escorted by a number of the military, as well as other orders, with martial music, to State-Street: the bells ringing, and the populace testifying, in the most lively manner, their joy on this occasion.
A committee of both Houses was appointed to wait on the Marquis, and conduct him to lodgings prepared for him by order of the General Assembly. In the afternoon the same committee attended the Marquis to the State-House, where he had a conference with both Houses, and all respects, that time and circumstances would allow, were paid to this distinguished Nobleman of France, who has bled in the cause of our country, and whose return to his important command in the army of the United States, is regarded by every American with particular satisfaction.
The Marquis left this place on Tuesday last, honourably accompanied out of town, and with renewed marks of respect paid to him. He intends, it is said to tarry a day or two at Head Quarters with General Washington, from whence he will proceed to Congress.
Tuesday morning the following letter from the Marquis was communicated to both Houses of Assembly, viz.
SIR,
ON the point of leaving this place, may I be permitted once more to present to the Hon. Council and House of Representatives, my respectful thanks for the new obligations I am laid under to them, and to this capital at large, by the flattering reception I have been honoured with at my arrival. Nothing but those particular marks of their favour, and the grateful feelings they have excited, could increase the happiness I enjoyed in finding myself on the American shore, and the warm desire I feel of being again with my American fellow soldiers, in the defence of our noble cause.
With the highest regard, I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your Honour's most obedient Humble servant.
La FAYETTE.
His Honor, the President of the honorable Council.
By some gentleman who came in the French frigate, lately arrived here, we are informed, that the Marquis de la FAYETTE, when he took leave at the French Court, was dressed in his American uniform.
The particular attachment of the Marquis to America, led him to the choice of his dress on the occasion; and the King made a delicate compliment to his new Allies in this indulgence; it being a new thing for a French Nobleman to appear at Court in a foreign uniform.
We are well informed, that the King of France did the Marquis de la Fayette the honour to assign the frigate in which he arrived, for the express purpose

of conveying him to America: She is copper-bottomed, and esteemed one of the finest frigates in the whole navy of France. The Marchioness de la Fayette, a lady of the most distinguished accomplishments, has born the Marquis a son, since he left America, to which from the warm esteem he has for General Washington, he gave the name of GEORGE.
By letters and accounts received by the French frigate, we have good information, that the American States have a clearer and more decided interest in the Court of France than ever; that all the powers of Europe with to see our Independence established; that Russia, so far from espousing the cause of England, has given the most satisfactory assurances of her friendship for France, and that she will take no part against her in the present contest; that the opposition against the ministry in England increases daily; that Ireland is taking fast steps towards Independence; that our Allies are making great preparations for the ensuing campaign; and that these States, from all appearances, have the strongest encouragement to make this year the most vigorous exertions.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Paris to another in this town, dated February 27, 1780.
"Since my arrival here I have had the pleasure of seeing several of the English news papers, and of examining in some degree the state of English politics. I find by their papers, that a considerable number of the counties have petitioned parliament to institute an enquiry into the expenditure of the public monies, and to correct the scandalous abuses prevailing therein, to abolish sinecures, unmerited pensions, and exorbitant emoluments, and finally to introduce economy and frugality into their system of finances. The first Lords and Gentlemen of those counties have advocated, in the warmest manner, those petitions. Many more counties, it is expected, will adopt the same measure. To proceed in this business systematically, they have established Committees of Correspondence in those counties, for their mutual communications and regular correspondence."
"You may remember, Sir, that we have, in the course of this contest, repeatedly heard of parties, insurrections, oppositions, &c. against and to administration;—but in no stage of it, have we ever found them directed into so good and so regular a channel as at this juncture. A communication between the different Committees is calculated to produce great and good effects; it not only collects the sense and wisdom of the counties, but familiarizes and accustoms them to certain modes of thinking and acting, which at first appear dangerous. It gives them spirit, vigour and resolution—a combination of which, properly directed and governed, may carry terror to tyrants: This correspondence too may produce unanimity—it did in America—it has in Ireland. Whether the present efforts of the counties will procure for them any relief, is matter of doubt.—Most certainly administration have not as yet found an opposition so serious, so formidable, and at the same time so systematical, as the present one, which is conducted by the Committees of Correspondence. This institution of Committees is a favourable symptom, and gives the best prospects of any thing yet attempted, of their exertions being crowned with success, if they are properly managed. There are "One hundred and fifty reasons" against them—that is a corruptly decided majority in parliament of that number."
"This opposition ought to be patronized, and headed indeed, by men of abilities, integrity, and determined resolution, if they intend to work out their political salvation. They do not as yet seem to have proper heads for their guidance. What the event will be time will discover."
"We have a report here to day that the Irish Parliament have repealed Poyning's law, declared their legislature independent of that of England, and prohibited appeals from their House of Lords to the House of Lords in England. This, Sir, is report; I do not give it to you as fact to be depended upon. If this is true, it is a finishing stroke indeed. Ireland is in earnest—they have arms in their hands—these are reasons which make tyrants and oppressors tremble—these are reasons which sometimes reduce them to their senses & reason, if they are blessed with either of these properties—for few of them have one or the other. This kind of reasoning and petitioning must save England—for they have an administration that will stick at nothing to carry their points—they are for whirling every body of consequence into their vortex of corruption and blackening the character of every one who has too much virtue and integrity to be as infamous and profligate as themselves. But I am running too far with my opinions and observations. Excuse what was well meant, and spare me the sarcasm of too great confidence in my own opinion and judgment."
E X E T E R, May 6.
On Saturday last the General Assembly of this State adjourned to the first Wednesday in June next.
To be Sold by Eliphalet Ladd of Exeter, LINSEED OIL by the Barrel or smaller quantity. Flaxseed wanted at the Oil-Mill.
State of New-Hampshire.
A Proclamation.
WHEREAS many Persons insisted to serve as Soldiers in defence of the United-States of America, during the present WAR with Great-Britain, and others for a shorter Period, have lately deserted the Service without continuing therein the Time for which they severally engaged, and are now within this State:
THEREFORE (by Order of the COUNCIL and ASSEMBLY) I do hereby call on the good People of this State, and in a particular Manner on all Officers Civil and Military, to exert themselves in apprehending and delivering to some Continental Officer, or securing in any Goal in this State, all such Deserters, whether they enlisted in some one of the New-Hampshire Battalions, or in any Corps raised by any one of the United-States, or Whetcomb's Rangers. For which an adequate Reward will be paid by the Board of War of this State on Accounts being exhibited to them.
M. WEARE, President.
State of New-Hampshire.
AN ACT to prevent the Transportation of live Cattle, Beef, Rum, and Molasses, out of this State.
WHEREAS the General Assembly of this State have been required by CONGRESS to furnish large quantities of Beef and Rum, for the use of the Army of the United States in the ensuing Campaign; and the same cannot be supplied, if suffered to be bought up, and transported into any other State:
BE it therefore Enacted by the COUNCIL and House of Representatives for the said State, in General-Court assembled, That from and after the second day of May in the year of our LORD 1780, no Person or Persons within this State, being the Owner or Owners of any neat Cattle, Beef, Rum or Molasses within the same State, shall sell, or in any manner dispose of any such Cattle, Beef, Rum or Molasses, to any Person or Persons, not inhabiting the same State, nor shall suffer such Cattle, Beef, Rum or Molasses, to be transported into any neighbouring State: And every Person who shall offend against this Act, shall forfeit and pay the full value of such Cattle, Beef, Rum and Molasses so sold and disposed of, or to transported as aforesaid, for each Offence one Half to the Person or Persons who shall prosecute for the same, and the other Half for the use of this State, to be recovered by special Action upon the case, in any Court proper to try the same.
And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any Person or Persons not belonging to, or not being Inhabitants within this State, shall come to, or be within the same, and shall after the said second Day of May Anno Dom. 1780, purchase therein, or drive, or convey out of the same State, any such Cattle, Beef, Rum or Molasses as aforesaid, each and every of such Purchasers, Drivers, or Conveyors, shall be subject and liable to pay the same Fine and Forfeiture as the Seller aforesaid, to be prosecuted for and recovered in the same Manner, and to the same Uses, as aforesaid.
And any Person driving Cattle within this State, suspected to be driving them to another State, may be stopped and examined by any Justice of the Peace, or the Selectmen of any Town in this State, and his Cattle also stopped until he give Satisfaction to such Justices or Selectmen, that he hath, or had no intention to drive such Cattle out of the State. And in case such Satisfaction shall not be given, the Cattle shall be by such Justice or Selectmen immediately driven and delivered to the Committee of Safety for the use of the same State, unless the Committee of Safety, shall upon further Examination, and all Costs being paid, see cause to deliver them up. And the Committee of Safety shall immediately pay such Justice or Selectmen (by Draught on the Treasury) for their Cost and Trouble in stopping and driving such Cattle.
Provided that this Act shall not extend to hinder any Person from driving Teams of
working Oxen out of this State, if the same Cattle are brought back, and not sold, nor to hinder the carrying out of this State, any of the Articles aforesaid, purchased by Authority of this State for the use of the Continent.
This ACT to continue and be in force, until the first Day of May, which will be in the year of our LORD 1781, and no longer.
The above A C T passed April 20th, 1780.
Notice is hereby given that the following lots of Land in the Parish of Canaan in the State of New-Hampshire, belonging to Persons who were taxed the following Sums for the year 1779, &c were advertised as the Law directs; and whereas the Taxes has not been paid. This is therefore to notify the owners of said Lands and others, that so much of the said Lots will be sold at public vendue as will pay the said Taxes with incidental charges, at the house of John Karr's innholder, in said Canaan, on Tuesday the 4th day of June next, at two o'clock in the afternoon.
Third division No. 3 Jeremiah Sanborn 21 8s 9d q 53 Col. Mark Hinkins 41 8s 6d 76 Col. Peter Weare 51 11s 5d 2q 93 Samuel Peabody, Esq; 91 7s 8d 105 Edward Sanborn 11 15s 2d 2q 109 John Calf 11 17s 2d 121 James Prescott 11 17s 2d 122 and 123 not drawn 11 13s 3d each.
Second part of the 2d Division. No. 37 Ebenezer Eastman 21 6s 1d 122 Samuel Peabody, Esq; 11 1s 1d q 27 Stephen Webster 11 7s 6d Candia, May 2, 1780. THO'S PATTON, Const.
State of New Hampshire Rockingham ss.
A Petition having been preferred to the General Court of said State by a number of Negroes setting forth the hardship of Slavery, and inconsistency with the rights of human nature; and praying to be set at liberty: and said Court having appointed them a day of hearing, viz the first Friday of their next Session.—This is to notify all who may be concerned in said Petition to appear at that time, and shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof should not be granted. Portsmouth. May 2 1780.
State of New-Hampshire
Whereas a Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the north part of Canterbury, hath been preferred to the General Court, setting forth, that they living at a great distance from the Centre of the Town, and consequently at a very great disadvantage in joining with them in all public Town affairs, pray that they together with all who live in the upper part of said Town may be erected and incorporated into a Body Politic and Corporate, to have continuance, by the name of NORTHFIELD, with all such Powers and Authorities, Privileges, Immunities and Franchises, which other Parishes or Towns in this State, in general hold and enjoy:
On which Petition the General Court ordered, that the Petitioners be heard before them on the first Tuesday of their next Session, at which time any person or persons may appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof may not be granted. Attest J. PEARSON, D. Secy. Exeter, April 28 1780.
State of New Hampshire, Rockingham ss.
Whereas Henry Hart of Newington, in said County, Gentleman, did on the 14th day of October 1779 petition the Judge of Probate, &c for said County, setting forth, that he together with Edward Hart, Baker, and Nathaniel Hart, Blacksmith, both of Portsmouth, in said County, and the Heirs of John Hart late of said Newington, Esq; deceased, intestate, were Tenants in common of a certain tract of Land situate at a place called Mington in Portsmouth aforesaid, containing five Acres, more or less, bounding northerly upon the highway leading to Newington aforesaid westerly upon Land of Benjamin Akerman, & William Earl Treadwell, southerly upon George K. Esq; and easterly upon the aforesaid Benjamin Akerman;—that to the petitioner belonged one sixth part of said tract, to the said Edward one sixth, to the said Nathaniel two sixths, and to the said Heirs two sixths; that some of the said Heirs were minors, and therefore under a disability to make partition thereof by Deeds. Wherefore the said Henry prayed that proper persons might be appointed to divide said tract of Land, to each his particular share, according to their interest therein, as the Law of this State in such case provided, directs. Whereupon the said Judge ordered that the petitioner advertise the same in the New Hampshire Gazette according to Law. Pursuant to which all concerned are hereby notified, that they may be present and attend the making such partition or appear at the Probate Office, in Exeter the last Wednesday in May next, and shew cause, if any they have, why the same ought not to be made or allowed.
WILLIAM PARKER, Register.
Exeter, April 26, 1780.

WHEREAS by an ACT of the GENERAL COURT of the State of New-Hampshire, "for Repairing and making passable the ROAD through and from Wolfeborough to Conway, and thro' Conway to Northumberland," a Committee was appointed to see the same effectually done; and the said Committee having employ'd Labourers to perform said service, Accounts whereof they have exhibited to the Owners of the several Tracts of land thro' which the Road passes, or publish'd the same in the New-Hampshire Gazette, agreeable to the said Act. And Whereas the owners of several tracts of said lands situate between said Conway and Northumberland, are still delinquent in making payment for the labour performed on the Road through their respective lands. The original Grants whereof with the labour performed are as follows, viz. Benjamin Sawyer's & Nath's Grant for 104 Days & half labour, Thomas Chadburn's ditto for 50 days labour, James Gray, or otherwise called Major Gray's ditto for 54 days labour, William Stark's ditto for 50 & half days labour, & Phillip Bailey's ditto for 64 & half days labour. — This is therefore to notify the said delinquents, the present owners of the said lands, the original Grantees concerned therein. That so much of the said lands as will be sufficient to discharge the said labour with Incidental charges, will be sold at Publick Vendue on Wednesday the 31st day of May next at 10 o'Clock in the forenoon, at the House of Andrew M c Mullin in Conway, in the County of Strafford, unless prevented by payment to the said Committee, or any one of them before the said day of Sale.
ANDREW M c MILLEN. THOMAS MERRILL. EDWARD BUCKNAM. Of the Committee.
February 16, 1780.
State of New-Hampshire. NOTICE is hereby given to the delinquent Proprietors or Owners of Land in New Boston, that unless they pay their Taxes with Incidental Charges to me the Subscriber, that so much of their Lands will be sold at public vendue at the House of John McLaughlin, innholder in said Town on Tuesday the fourth day of July next, at one o'clock P. M. as will pay said Taxes with incidental Charges, unless paid before that time. The delinquents names are as follows.
   No. Acres l. s. d. q.     Henry Howeld 22 100 10 15 0 0   Robert Hopkins Heirs 112 150 21 9 7 0   Joseph Wright 13 & 40 240 34 7 2 0   Robert Boyles Heirs 46 150 21 9 7 0   Wentworth & Odiorne 78 & 83 225 32 4 3 3   John McElvay 5 50 7 3 2 3   John Stuart 50 7 3 2 3   Dr. Eager 50 7 3 2 3   Samuel Tylor 113 150 21 9 7 0  
JOHN McMILLEN, Constable. New-Boston, April 18, 1780.
Notice is hereby given to the delinquent Proprietors and Owners of Land in Packerfield, that unless they pay their Taxes with Incidental Charges to me the Subscriber, that so much of their Lands as will pay said Taxes with incidental Charges will be sold at public vendue at the dwelling house of Dr. Nathaniel Breed in said Town, on Thursday the 25th day of May next, at two o'clock P. M. unless prevented by payment of the same before that time. The delinquents are as follows, viz.
   Joseph Symond two Lots 61 15s 9d William Batcheldors Heirs 11 3s 6d John Tolfords Right 131 17s 7d James Parsons Right 131 17s 7d   Msferve and Blanchard No. 2 in the 4th Range and No. 2 in the 5th Range 61 17s 6d North east Quarter No. one in the 6th Range   Joseph Danforths Right 81 12s 10d John Rendals half Right 91 14s 3d   N. B. The above is the Continental, State, and Town Taxes for the year 1779.  
NATHANIEL BREED, Jr. Constable. Packerfield, April 20, 1780.
To be sold at the Printing Office in Portsmouth, a variety of valuable BOOKS, Pamphlets &c for Continental Money, Provisions, or West India Goods, if applied for soon.
To be sold by James Diman, At his House in Stratham, on the Road between Portsmouth and Exeter, and about a Mile and a half to the Eastward of the Meeting House, the following Articles, viz
Rum, Sugar Molasses; Serges of different kinds, Shalloons, Beaver Coating, white Buckram, sewing Silk, Mohair, Everlasting, milled Caps, Pins, Needles, Capers, Powder Flasks, Shot, Flints, Allspice, Logwood, German Steel, Door Locks, small Looking Glasses, Rasps, &c.
To be sold at Public Vendue, on Wednesday the 14th Day of June next, on the Premises at Wolfeborough, in the State of New-Hampshire, — The
Valuable and commodious FARM, lately belonging to the late Governor John Wentworth, an Absentee, containing 671 Acres, mostly under good Improvement; with the following convenient buildings thereon, mostly completed and elegantly finished, viz. — The Mansion House, one hundred and one Feet long, 40 feet wide, 25 feet post, a Stable, 60 by 36 feet, 18 feet post: a Barn, 106 by 34 feet, 14 feet post; another Barn, 60 by 32 feet, 18 feet post; a Dairy House, 24 by 20 feet, with many other Accommodations and Conveniences: — Said FARM is pleasantly situated, and usually produces plenty of Food and Pasturage for one hundred Head of Cattle. — Also,
All the rich and elegant Furniture, in said Mansion-House, and a very valuable young English MARE.
Also, nine Lots of LAND, mostly unimproved, all adjoining to said Farm, containing about 5000 Acres, being the Lots numbered 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 18, 20, and 21, in said Town; together with an Island in Smith's Pond, in open view of said Mansion-House, containing about one hundred Acres, mostly cleared:
And another Island in Winepeokee Pond, called Governor's Island, containing about 300 Acres. The improved Part of said Premises to be entered upon the first day of April 1781. Likewise, Seven 100 Acre Lots of LAND, in Middletown, adjoining said Wolfeborough, being the Lots No. 20, 39, and 99, in the first Division, — and No. 20, 39, 91, and 99 in the second Division.
The said Premises being the Estate of the said late Governor, are sold by Virtue of a Licence from the Honorable Phillips White, Esq; Judge of Probate for the County of Rockingham, pursuant to a Law of said State. — Conditions of Sale, and Inventory of Furniture, may be seen at Time and Place of Sale, or by enquiring of the Subscriber at Newmarket, who will attend at said Farm the two Days next preceding said Sale, to shew the Premises.
SAMUEL GILMAN; Trustee to said Absentee's Estate. Newmarket, March 29, 1780.
State of New-Hampshire. WHEREAS the Owners of more than one 16th part of the Township of Barnstead, have requested me to warn a Meeting of the Proprietors thereof, to be holden at the house of Joel Leighton, innholder in Newington in said State, — on the last Tuesday of May next, at three o'clock P. M. to act on the following Things, viz. To raise money to pay the charge of an Action of Ejectment commenced and prosecuted by the Proprietors of Chichester against Dodavah Bunker, a Settler under Barnstead—and for other Purposes—and to determine what shall be done respecting said Action; what the Proprietors will do to quiet or compensate those holding Lands under the Proprietors of said Barnstead reputed to be within the Bounds thereof, but claimed by other Towns or Persons—or what the Proprietors will do about the dispute of Lands in said Barnstead. What method shall be taken with any who have entered upon any Lands sold and warranted by the Proprietors of Barnstead as within the Bounds thereof—likewise to do any other Matter which may be thought expedient.
Pursuant to the above Request, the Proprietors of said Barnstead are hereby notified to meet at time & place aforesaid, for the purposes aforementioned.
RICHARD DOWNING, Justice Peace. Newington, April 25, 1780.
Notice is hereby given to the delinquent Proprietors and Owners of Land in the Town of Warren, that unless they pay their Taxes with incidental Charges to me the Subscriber, that so much of their Lands will be sold at public Vendue on Thursday the 25th day of May next, at the house of Obediah Clement in said Town, at ten o'clock in the forenoon as will pay the same, being for 1779.
First Rate. John Batcheldor 61 15s 11d, James Nevins 61 15s 11d. Francis Batcheldor 61 15s 11d. Ebenezer Morrill 21 5s 3d 2q.
Second Rate. John Batcheldor 61 15s 11d, James Nevins 61 15s 11d. Francis Batcheldor elder 61 15s 11d. Ebenezer Morrill 21 5s 3d 2q. SIMEON SMITH, Constable.
April 14, 1780. State of New-Hampshire.
The Proprietors of Canterbury are hereby notified, that a Petition hath been presented to the Subscribers requesting a Meeting of said Proprietors, by the Owners of more than sixteen shares in said Township, for the following Pur-
poses, 1st, To chuse a Moderator for said Meeting. 2d, To see what they will do with respect to dividing the undivided Lands in said Township. 3d, To see if they will in any Method raise a further sum of Money towards defraying the charge of the Cause depending in Law between George Kezer and Richard Meloney, and appoint any Person to assist in carrying on the said Cause, and endeavour to recover the two Lots (of which the said Kezer hath been dispossessed) back to his possession. 4th, To receive the report of a Committee chosen to settle with a Committee appointed to carry on the Law-suit between Canterbury and Chichester, and take such further measures respecting said affair as may be thought proper. 5th, To chuse a Committee to examine what sums of Money may be due to the said Proprietors, and to recover the same. 6th, To take such Methods as may be thought proper for discharging the said Proprietors debts.
These are therefore to notify and warn the Proprietors to meet at the Meeting House in said Canterbury on Thursday the 25th day of May next ensuing, for the purposes herein mentioned.
Given under our hands and seal this 12th day of April A. D. 1780.
Afa Forster, David Forster, Archelaus Moore. } Committee for calling Proprietor's Meeting.
Lost, a Silver Watch on Sunday the 22d Instant, between Benjamin Chandler's of Portsmouth, and Newington ferry. Whoever takes up said Watch, and brings it to the Printer, shall have forty dollars reward. Portsmouth, April 27.
Notice is hereby given to the delinquent Proprietors and Owners of Lands in Barrington, that unless they pay their Taxes, with incidental charges for the year 1779, that so much of their lands will be sold at public Vendue on the last Wednesday in May next at the house of Capt. Joshua Fols, innholder in said Town, at one o'clock P. M. as will pay said Taxes with incidental charges, unless paid before that time.
   No. Names Acres l. s. d.    10 Rev. Mr. Rogers 42 2 3 0  15 John Shackford 11 0 17 0  25 Thomas Westbrook 300 23 5 9  39 Thomas Cotton 13 1 3 0  41 John Kennard 20 1 4 0  51 Widow Walker 48 2 11 0  52 William Broton 21 1 9 0  61 James Spinney 51 2 3 0  77 Nathaniel Tuckerman 77 4 0 0  79 Jonathan Studley 120 6 19 0  87 Thomas Greely 12 0 14 8  98 George Walker 72 4 18 6  101 Richard Waldron 112 7 3 0  105 William Crofs 72 5 2 1  167 Thomas Beck, Jr. 50 3 15 6  120 Thomas Moor 72 4 0 0  121 William Fols 72 4 0 0  128 John Cotton 73 3 17 0  135 Roger Swain 15 1 14 0  138 Tobias Langdon 240 17 8 0  140 Henry Bickford 28 4 3 0  The forty Acre Lots so called 300 13 3 0  146 John Jones 4 3 5 0  148 Nathaniel Peverly 32 2 0 0  173 William Peavey 83 6 14 0  18 Captain George Walker 79 4 15 0  183 George Townson 108 7 13 4  189 Benjamin Crofs 120 6 18 9  220 Thomas Pearce 162 9 16 0  224 Henry Sherburne 72 4 7 0  226 Anthony Row 47 2 16 6  227 Captain Tobias Langdon 251 14 10 0  249 Nathaniel Robertson 60 4 19 0  252 Samuel Patridge 72 4 19 0  254 Edward Wells 120 8 14 0  277 Jeremiah Calf 32 2 0 0  257 William Bennett 40 2 0 0  256 Stephen Noble 20 1 3 0  112 William Cotton 100 5 2 0  28 Samuel White 52 3 0 0  33 John Jones 6 0 10 0    Common Rights. No. 7 Nathaniel Mendum 10s 6d 9 Joseph Brewster 10s 6d 10 Samuel Banfield 10s 6d 15 Jehro Furber 10s 6d 17 Joshua Pearce 10s 6d 19 Stephen Greenleaf 10s 6d 21 Peter Mow 10s 6d 22 Joshua Pearce 10s 6d 24 Richard Parshely 10s 25 Daniel Jackson 10s 34 Mather Nelson 10s 37 Joshua Pearce 10s 39 George Walker 10s 41 James Gray 10s
Joshua Fols, Wm. Hayes, Collectors. N. B. The foregoing Sums are the whole of the Continental, State, and Town Tax. Barrington, April 21, 1780.
Hats, West India Articles, or Cash To be given for all sorts of FURS, by Nathaniel Lord of Newmarket.