The Freeman's journal, or, New-Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1777-05-24 00:00:00

Greenwich Journal
OR New-Hampshire Gazette.
[ Vol. I. ]
SATURDAY, May 24. 1777.
[ ]
THOSE Persons who incline to engage for this Paper six Months from the first Saturday in June, are desir'd to enter their Names by that Time, and send one Dollar each, exclusive of Postage.
PHILADELPHIA, May 3.
By advices this day from East Jersey, we learn that the enemy are abandoning Brunswick, having sent some of their cannon and stores to Staten island; & that Cortland Skinner had sent all his furniture from Amboy to New-York, Sickness amongst the Hessian Soldiers and the excisive fatigue of the British, is said to be the occasion of this manoeuver; however that may be, we have another instance of Howe's declining a general engagement with Washington.
The Perseus, an English man of war, has taken a French vessel, mounting 20 guns, and carried her into Dominica.
Extract of a letter from Morristown, April 28.
"On Tuesday the 22d inst. at night, a party of our men, under the command of Capt. Combs, went within the enemy's lines & took two centinels, from whom he extorted the counter-sign. He then went to attack the picket guard, but one of his men deserting, the enemy were informed of his intention, and, having prepared themselves, gave our people a very warm reception. But Combs, who is not to be surprised by trifles, advanced upon them with such spirit, that he drove them into the guard-house, from whence they fired thro' the door & windows. However, Combs order'd his men before the door, which they instantly obeyed, and rushed upon the enemy with charged bayonets, who received us in the same manner, but were soon obliged to call for quarter, upon which they were all taken prisoners. The picket guard consisted of two subalterns and thirty men; both the officers and 14 men were killed, and sixteen were brought in prisoners. In the attack Combs was wounded in the foot, & both his subalterns in the body, but are like to do well. It is very remarkable he had not a man in the whole action killed, & only three wounded, none of them mortal."
Extract of a letter from Gen. WASHINGTON, to Congress, dated May 5, 1777.
"By Major Troop, one of General Gates's Aids de Camp, & who left Albany on Tuesday last, I am informed, the accounts of Gen. Carleton's approach towards Ticonderoga were premature. He says, Gen. Gates received a letter, before he came away, from Brigadier Gen. Wayne, of the 24th ult. in which he mentioned nothing of it. That three thousand troops had arrived there all in high spirits and health, except nine; and that, that post could never be carried without the loss of much blood."
The Honorable the Congress have promoted Brigadier General ARNOLD to the rank of Major General.
Extract of a letter from Matouchin, April 22, 1777.
"The night before last a party of six men of Col. Cooke's regiment, under the command of Lieut. McCabe, attacked a picket guard at Bonum town, drove it in, killed one man and wounded two, who were left on the field; the enemy were soon reinforced, but our party kept up their fire, and maintained their ground until day break, and then made a regular retreat. Last night another party, under the command of Lieut. Dodge, attacked the same picket (their sentries being doubled) and were soon reinforced by a party under Lieut. McCabe; and we drove them in a second time, it is thought with some loss on their side: Our party sustained no damage, we kept the whole force in Bonum-town under arms all night with thirty two men."
A letter from a gentleman in Berks county, dated the 26th of April, say, "Our militia will be very early in camp. They are determined that the enemy shall not divide among them the
lands of the inhabitants of Berks county, as 'tis said they intend." By a vessel arrived in a safe port from Martinico we learn, that fourteen prizes have lately been carried into that island, taken by the Oliver Cromwell and Rattle-snake privateers, of this port, and one or two others.
FISHKILL, May 15.
By a gentleman from Albany, we are informed, that a gang of Tories (six in number) way-laid Major Andrew Brown of Cambridge, in Massachusetts-Bay, as he was on his journey from Albany to Great Barrington. He was first directed out of his road by a single person, in or near the town of Kinderhook, and soon after surrounded by six fellows, with cudgels, who ordered him to stop immediately, and swear to be true to King George. He spurd his horse, at the same time, drew his sword, by which, and the force of the horse, two of them fell; but a third coming up hit the horse such a blow, as brought him to the ground; upon which the Major disengaged himself from his horse, and attacked the four villains at once, who, after a very short engagement, (one of them having received a smart wound in his arm, and a gentleman coming to Major Brown's assistance) they all submitted and begged their lives. But before they could be properly secured, two of them made their escape; the other four were taken proper care of by a strong guard.
It is hoped the officers of the army will keep a vigilant eye over those internal tools; and wherever meet them, may they be chastised in like manner.
PROVIDENCE, May 10.
By a Gentleman who arrived last week in a Flag of Truce from Newport we learn, that the Enemy's Force at Rhode Island, was then as follows, viz. about 4000 British and Hessian Troops, under the Generals Percy, Prescott, Smith, & Rollo; 2 Ships of 50 Guns, 4 Frigates, 1 Sloop of 18 guns, 1 large Galley, and two small ones, the former mounting 14 guns, 18 Poundsers in her Bow. He further informs, that a large Fleet was to sail from Portsmouth for America the 12th of March last, with 2 Regiments of Hanau, 2 of Hessians, 1 of Brunswick Welfen-battle, 1 of Light Horse, and British Recruits sufficient to make in the Whole 9000 Men; that they are chiefly new undisciplined Troops, and that it was said Clinton was to Command them.
On Monday last General Percy, the Hero of Lexington (scarcely of the American War, though covered with Laurels), sailed from Newport for England in a Ship mounting fourteen Guns only. The Command has devolved on General Prescott.
On Tuesday Night three Persons escaped from Rhode Island to the Main, and are since arrived here. They inform, that the Enemy are wooding and watering their Vessels; that fresh Provisions is very scarce, and that a considerable Number of Houses have been pulled down, to supply the Want of Fuel.
We learn that two Sloops were taken a few days since in the Eastern Sound, and carried into a safe harbour in Connecticut; they were bound from New-York to Newport, laden with Flour, dry goods, &c. A certain John Freebody, of the respectable order of New-port Tories, was taken in one of the above Sloops; also (which will be judged more valuable) a large sum of money said to be about 20,000 dollars.
BOSTON, May 15.
Last week arrived at a safe port, a prize ship, taken by a privateer commanded by Capt. Wigglesworth. She was bound from London for the West Indies, has a cargo of Dry goods, &c. to a very large amount, one invoice amounts to 4600l. sterling.
Saturday last Capt. Skimmer sent into Port a Prize Sloop, bound from London to Newfoundland, for Fish. She had been 53 Days out, but brings no Papers nor News that we can hear of.
Monday last one Silas Hoar, of Littleton, was committed to Goal in this Town, charged with passing a Number of Thirty Dollar Bills, knowing them to be counterfeit.
A gentleman arrived in town yesterday from Albany, informs, that Gen. Gates's army at Ticonderoga consists of between 5 & 6000 troops, who are all in health and high spirits; that the Canadians were dissatisfied with the British troops, and had burnt most or all their stores at St. John's.
From Martinico we learn, that Capt. Weeks in the Continental ship Reprisal has taken a Lisbon packet, bound from London, mounting 16 guns, with three vessels under her convoy, after an obstinate engagement of five glades.
We hear that the enemy in their late flight from Danbury in Connecticut, had between four and five hundred men killed and wounded.
By a gentleman from Morris-Town, which place he left this day week, we have an account of an action at Portsmouth, near Brunswick, on Saturday se'nnight, in which we lost 6 killed 2 wounded and 22 taken prisoners; and the enemy's loss was upwards of 200 killed and 7 prisoners.
BOSTON (MAY 22. 1777.
By a gentleman, who arrived in Town last evening from Morristown; which he left last Thursday, we learn, That the Saturday before, a Body of the Enemy attacked a Party of our Troops near Morristown; when our Men obliged them to retreat several Miles
but being joined by a large Number, our forces thought proper to retreat, in their Turn; we lost 4 killed, 6 or 7 wounded, and about 22 taken Prisoners. the enemy lost 80 killed, and some wounded.
We have the Pleasure to inform our Readers, that the Honourable Major-General GATES sent a small Party of his Troops to surprise a large Body of those troublesome Vermins, called Tories, who had collected themselves in an advantageous Part of the Country, in Albany County, in order, as is imagined, to oppose a few of the free Sons of Columbia, who, as they foolishly thought, were obliged to pass that Way, to a certain Quarter, when a Skirmish ensued, in which the abject Wretches (the Tories) had 6 killed, many wounded and upwards of 50 taken prisoners; several of whose Necks very soon after made Buttons for a Halter; and it is expected, and most earnestly hoped, many more will share the same Fate, speedily, to prevent further Mischief.
By a gentleman who left Morristown last Sunday se'nnight, & arrived here on Monday last, we are informed, that when he left Camp, General Washington's Army consisted of 12,000 Men, enlisted for three Years and during the War, exclusive of a great Number of Militia; that Numbers were daily arriving, & that were in general very healthy and in high Spirits.
CHARLESTOWN, (S. C.) April 28.
We have just now learnt, that the Fleet to sail from Jamaica, on or about the first of May, will consist of about 176 Sail, very richly laden, having on board, besides their usual Cargoes of Sugar, Rum, Cotton, Coffee, &c. a large Quantity of Carolina Indigo, purchased in the French Islands: That they were to be convoyed, as far as Bermuda, by the Maidstone and Winchelsea Frigates of 26 Guns each, the Badger & Porcupine Sloops, of 16 & 14 Guns, and the Racehorse armed vessel of 10 Three Poundsers; and from Bermuda home by the Maidstone. — This Information was obtained by the Master of a vessel, who on the 13th Instant, met, and, under English Colours, sailed several Days in Company with a Sloop from Kingston in Jamaica, Isaac Cobb, Master, steered for Halifax, and furnished with America as well as Jamaica Papers: There were at the same Time in Sight, off the Havana, coming through the Gulph, a Ship of 12 6 Poundsers, with 40 Men, one Foster Master, from Kingston, bound for London; having a good deal of Specie and Indigo on board, said to be worth 100,000l. Sterling; and a brig of 8 Guns, full of Ball Goods, one Freebody Master, cleared for Gaspée, also furnished with British and American Papers, but belonging to said Freebody, and a Mr. Dolbeir of Jamaica, which vessels it is supposed have not yet passed this Coast.

The Hind frigate, with eleven sail of Transports from Ireland passed in Sight of St. Eustatius, on Sunday 30th of last Month, bound for New-York.
The Pearl Frigate, a few Days before, on her Way to New-York, took a single decked Brig, said to be from this State, just going into St. Eustatius, the Mate of which was killed during the Chase.
A great Number of the American Vessels have lately been taken by the Man of War on the Antigua Station; and by piratical Vessels cruising without Commission, from Antigua, Anguilla, Tortola, and Dominica. By the latter, no less than 29 Sail had been sent into Tortola alone.
From St. Eustatius we are advised, that a privateer belonging to Philadelphia, has lately taken 7 Sail out of a Cork Fleet, and carried them all safe into Martinique.
On Thursday last very favourable Accounts were received from the Creek Nation of Indians—a Nation that has been long and sedulously tampered with, and stirred up, by British Agents, to commit those Barbarities upon us which the English Nation formerly could not even bear to hear of without being struck with Horror.
The following Paragraphs are extracted from the New York Gazette, and false Intelligence, of April 24.
WARSAW, February 8.
LETTERS from Riga advise, that the troops under the command of Prince Proso roushe in the Crimera, already amount to 50,000 men & that such arrangements were making in different governments of Russia, that if the Porte did not soon conform to the articles of the treaty of peace, she might expect that next spring, there would be a numerous army on the frontiers of Turkey to compel her thereto.
COLOGN, Feb. 21. They write from Franconia, that the margrave of Brandenburg Anspach, and Bareith, has agreed to furnish Great Britain with 4000 men to serve in America. Authentic letters from Suabia announce, that the Duke of Wertenberg does not refuse to grant also a body of 4000 men, but the treaty to be concluded for that purpose, is yet at a distance; for it is pretended, that the states of the dutchy of Wertenburg oppose the raising of recruits in that country, where there are actually only 2000 men on foot.
LEYPEN, Feb. 24 We have just received advice from Constantinople, of the Persian army being defeated, and the blockade of Bagdat being raised.
LONDON, January 30.
Yesterday another draught was made from the spot guards, in order to form a troop of light infantry to go to America.
Feb. 6. It is expected that a motion will soon be made in parliament, for an act of attainder to pass, founded on the principles of the proclamation issued by Lord and Gen. Howe, by which every man's estate will be forfeited in a given time, who has not surrendered agreeable to that proclamation.
Four large vessels are taken up in the river for the sole purpose of carrying over live bullocks, hogs and sheep to New York, for the use of his Majesty's troops there.
Feb. 8. An additional company of every regiment in Canada, is ordered to be ready for embarkation.
Twenty officers of the guards of different ranks are ordered to be ready to embark to relieve the like number in America.
Yesterday the lower assembly received a copy of a convention concluded between his majesty, and the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel; relative to taking more foreign troops into our service, dated on the 12th of December last, which was ordered to lie on the table, to be perused.
A further number of troops, it is said, will be asked from Ireland, and their places be supplied by new levies.
The additional troops for which the treaty was signed last December with the Prince of Hesse, consists entirely of foot and no general Officer.
Friday last orders was given for shipping 2000 barrels of porter, in order to be sent
as soon as possible to Rhode Island, for our troops.
Feb. 17. Every preparation is making on the side of government, to render the ensuing campaign in America decisive; as the land forces are to be considerably augmented, and double the number of cruizers will be employed, the more effectually to block up the ports of the colonies, and prevent their carrying on any trade at all.
Feb. 20. Two regiments or battalions of foot are to go from England this spring, and the like number from Ireland.
The above troops, with the additional German auxiliaries, will make a reinforcement of 20,000 men to the army in America.
It is asserted, that a messenger set out yesterday for Petersburg with instructions for the British minister at that court to be forwarded with all possible expedition, the completion of the treaty, by which the Empress engages to furnish Great Britain with a body of 20,000 men.
Feb. 17. All the troops intended for America, will be embarked before the 20th of March, in order to be early in the field.
The draughts from the artillery are ordered to be at Portsmouth before the 28th instant.
It appears to be the firm resolution of government to prosecute the ensuing campaign in America, with the greatest vigour, for which purpose the reinforcements will not be less than twenty thousand men.
ALL PERSONS indebted to, or that have any Demands on the Estate of Jacob Elwell, late of Meduacook, in the County of Lincoln, in the State of the Massachusetts Bay, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts to James Morton of Meduacook, in said County, Administrator to said Estate, in order for a speedy Settlement.
THIS is to acquaint the Public, that it is proposed to open a private School for the Instruction of BOYS in reading English, Writing and Arithmetic. The School will be opened the ensuing Week, if a sufficient Number presents, at the House opposite George King, Esq; where all due Attention will be paid to the Children's Education, to the best Capacity of the Public's humble Servant,
ALFORD BUTLER.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
One Hundred Dollars Reward.
In Committee of Safety, Exeter, May 3, 1777. L AST Evening escaped from the Goal in this Town, Colonel STEPHEN HOLLAND , of Londonderry, who was confined on Suspicion of counterfeiting the Bills of Credit of this State. It is supposed he will still endeavour to get to the British Army. He was born in Ireland, is of a middle Stature, rather fleshy, of a ruddy comely Countenance, and about forty-five Years of Age.
Whoever will apprehend and secure said HOLLAND , in any of the Goals of the United States shall receive ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD , from this State.
By Order of the Committee, E. THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN.
TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC VENDUE a DWELLING HOUSE and LOT of LAND, in Portsmouth, lying upon the Street leading from Canoe Bridge to the South Meeting House, and adjoining the late Deacon Mark Langdon's, the 22d Instant, at Mrs. Tilton's, at 11 o'Clock, A. M. Portsmouth, May 9. 1777.
ALL the enlisted Soldiers in the continental Army, under Capt. James Carr in Col. Hale's Battalion, are hereby ordered immediately to repair to Exeter, in order to march to join their corps, otherwise they will be returned Deserters ; particularly, Nathaniel Chaney, below Casco Bay, of a dark complexion, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, not muster'd; David Morgan, of Brintwood, Robert Marshall, a stout Person 5 feet 8 Inches high, pock mark'd in the nose, light Complexion, light Hair & Eyes; as my Orders is to march immediately.
GEORGE PEPPERREL FROST, Ensign.
To all whom it may concern.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE ROCKINGHAM.
NOTICE is hereby given, That a Maritime Court for this State will be held at the Court-House in Portsmouth, on Tuesday the 10th Day of June 1777, at 10 o'Clock, in the Forenoon, for the Trial of the Justice of the Capture of the Ship called the Chalkley about 300 Tons burthen, James Furge, late Master:— Which Ship, together with the Appurtenances and Cargo, was at the Time of the Capture, said to be the Property of, and belonging to some of the Subjects of the King of Great Britain, being Enemies to the United States of America, and taken and brought into the Port of Piscataqua, by John Fisk, Commander of the armed Brigantine, named the Massachusetts , and Jonathan Harraden Commander of the armed Brigantine, called the Tyrannicide , owned by the State of Massachusetts-Bay, against which a Libel is filed before me, in Behalf of the Owners and Captures.— Any Persons concern'd, may then appear and shew Cause (if any they have) why the said Ship and Cargo should not be condemned.
JOSHUA BRACKETT, Judge of Portsmouth, May 15, 1777. (said Court.)
State of New Hampshire, Grafton, ss.
Conway, April 25, 1777.
TO THOMAS MERRILL, Esq; Clerk for the Proprietors of Conway: We the Subscribers, Proprietors and Owners of more than one sixteenth Part of said Township, desire you to notify and warn the Proprietors of said Township, to meet at the Dwelling-House of Capt. Joshua Heath, Inn-holder in said Conway, on the first Tuesday in June next, at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, then & there, when met, to act on the following Articles. 1. To chuse a Moderator. 2. To see if the Proprietors will vote to have the Meeting-House raised on, or near the Place where the Timber is provided for that Use, and lays, or whether they will vote to have the Timber moved, and the Meeting-House erected in some other Place in said Town. 3. To see if the Proprietors will vote to sell or exchange the Lott or Lots laid out for the Minister's Right, and purchase one (or more) that may be more convenient to the Meeting-House, on the same Side of the River the Meeting-House shall stand. 4. To chuse a Committee to settle with the Collector, to know whether he has collected what Money has been formerly voted for all public Uses, or for the Use of the Propriety; and if not collected, to give him further Orders to collect the same. Also, to chuse a Committee, & give them Power to inspect into & prosecute all Trespasses on the common or undivided Land in said Town. 5. To see how much Money the Proprietors will raise to clear & Bridge the Roads through said Town, which is lately ordered to be done by the GENERAL COURT of said State, and other Roads that is wanting in said Town. 6. To chuse Assessors, and a Collector to collect the same. 7. To chuse a Committee to clear and bridge said Roads, &c.
Thomas Merrill junr. Enoch Merrill. Joshua Heath, Sub Sping. Thomas Russell, John Osgood, Abiezer Eastman, Benjamin Osgood, David Page, Richard Eastman.
GRAFTON, II.
Agreeable to the aforesaid Application, I do hereby Notify said Proprietors of Conway, to meet at the aforesaid Time and Place for the Purposes in the aforesaid Application, &c.
Given under my Hand at Conway this twenty-ninth Day of April, 1777.  THOMAS MERRILL, Proprietors Clerk.
TOBACCO.
CHOICE sweet scented Virginia leaf TOBACCO, Providence, and Connecticut ditto. excellent fine pigtail cutt, & all other sorts of Tobacco,—SOLD by Neal McIntyre on spring hill, Portsmouth.
Wanted, 4 or 6 Hhhs of good CYDER, for which a good Price will be given, if offered within ten Days. Enquire at the Printing Office.
Wanted immediately,
A trusty Person, who understands perfectly well the Business of a DAIRY and SPINNING.—None need apply but those well recommended.—Enquire at the Printing Office.
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have Demands on the Estate of Mr. Joshua Crummett, late of Durham, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to Thomas Crummett, sole Executor to the Estate of said deceased, in order for a speedy settlement.