New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1779-11-30 00:00:00

PHILADELPHIA, November 13. Charlestown October 22, 1779.
SIR,
IN my last, of the 5th ultimo, I had the honor of informing Congress that Count d'Estaing was arriv'd off Savannah.
Orders were immediately given for assembling the troops—they reached Zubly's ferry, and its vicinity, on the 11th, & some were thrown over—the 12th and 13th were spent in crossing the troops and baggage, which was effected, though not without great fatigue, from the want of boats, and badness of the roads, through a deep swamp of near three miles, in which are many large creeks—the bridges over them the enemy had broken down. We encamped on the heights of Ebenezer, 23 miles from Savannah, and were there joined by the troops from Augusta, under General McIntosh. The 14th not being able to ascertain whether the Count had yet landed his troops, though several expresses had been sent for that purpose; we remained encamped. On the 15th, being advised that the Count had disembarked part of his troops, and that he would that night take post nine miles from Savannah, we moved and encamped at Cherokee hill, nine miles from the town. The 16th we formed a junction before Savannah. After reconnoitering the enemy's works, finding the town well covered, and knowing their determination to defend it, it was deemed necessary to make some approaches, and try the effects of artillery. From the 18th to the 23d we were employed in landing & getting up the heavy ordnance and stores; a work of difficulty, from the want of proper wheels to transport them, the cannon being on ship carriages. On the evening of the 23d ground was broke, and on the 5th instant, the batteries of 33 cannon, and nine mortars, were opened on the enemy, and continued, with intervals, until the 8th, without the wished effect. The period having long since elapsed, which the Count had assigned for this expedition; and the engineers informing him that much more time must be spent, if he expected to reduce the garrison by regular approaches; and his long stay being impossible—matters were reduced to the alternative of raising the siege immediately, and giving up all thoughts of conquest, or attempting the garrison by assault, the latter was agreed on; and in the morning of the 9th the attack was made—it proved unsuccessful; we were repulsed with some loss.
When the Count first arrived he informed us that he could remain on shore 8 days only; he had spent four times that number, his departure therefore became indispensable, and to re-embark his ordnance and stores claimed his next attention; this was completed on the 8th.
The same evening having previously sent off our sick, wounded, and heavy baggage, the American troops left the ground, reached Zubly's ferry the next morning, recrossed and encamped that night in Carolina. The French troops encamped on the night of the 18th about two miles from Savannah; they
were after 24 hours to re-embark at Kincaid's landing.
Our disappointment is great, & what adds much to our sense of it, is the loss of a number of brave officers and men; among them the late intrepid Count Pulaski.
Count d'Estaing has undoubtedly the interest of America much at heart. This he has evidenced by coming to our assistance, by his constant attention during the siege, his undertaking to reduce the enemy by assault, when he despaired of effecting it otherwise; and by bravely putting himself at the head of his troops, and leading them to the attack; in our service he has freely bled; I feel much for him, for while he is suffering distresses of painful wounds, he has to combat chagrin. I hope he will be consoled by an assurance that, although he has not succeeded according to his wishes, and those of America, we regard with high approbation his intention to serve us, and that his want of success will not lessen our idea of his merit.
I should have enclosed a list of the killed and wounded, in the last action; but the Adjutant General, in whose hands they are, though on his way, is not arrived in town. But so far as I can remember, the whole amount is 170.
Major Clarkson will have the honor of delivering this; from his attention and assiduity in service he has had an opportunity of remarking each particular; this his merit has improved; and enables him to give Congress every satisfactory information. To him I beg leave to refer them for a minute detail.
I have the honour to be, with the highest regard and esteem, Your Excellency's most obedient servant, B. LINCOLN.
His Excellency Samuel Huntington, Esq; President in Congress.
Published by order of Congress. CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
PHILADELPHIA, November 13.
Thursday came on the election of President and Vice-President of the Supreme Executive Council of this Commonwealth. The Hon. the Speaker of the House and the Members of the General Assembly attended in the Council Chamber, and were received by his Excellency the President & Council. They immediately proceeded to the election, & his Excellency Joseph Reed, Esq; was unanimously chosen President, and the Honorable William Moore, Esq; was unanimously chosen Vice-President—Whereupon a declaration of the election being read, was signed by his Excellency the President and Council, & by the Hon. the Speaker of the House & Members of the General Assembly. His Excellency then addressed the Council & General Assembly in the following terms:
Gentlemen,
I FEEL the most grateful sensibility for the honor you have now done me, which is greatly enhanced by the unanimity with which it is accompanied. The kind support which I have upon all occasions receiv'd from the representatives of the people, both in Council & Assembly, under unexpected difficulties, will ever demand my warmest acknowledgments, and claims my best services
in return. I shall endeavour to preserve in that line of conduct which you have now honored with your approbation. And, while the happiness of the people is the object, and the laws & constitution of the state the rule of my administration; I cannot doubt the continuance of your favor & kind support."
The Hon. William Moore, Esq; "thanked the Council and General Assembly for the honor they had done him by electing him Vice-President, & assured them of his utmost endeavors faithfully to discharge the important trust which they had thought proper to commit to him."
The procession to the Court House set out from the Council Chamber a little before 12 o'clock.
On their arrival at the head of the Court-House silence was commanded. His Excellency the President, the Hon. the Vice President, and the Hon. the Speaker of the House came forward, and the Secretary of the Council read the declaration of the election, and proclaimed the President "Captain General and Commander in Chief in & over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." Immediately after the proclamation was made, thirteen cannon were fired, and the bells began to ring. The procession changing its order, and the President and Council taking the lead, moved forward to the city tavern, where a cold collation was provided, consistent with that frugality and economy which the situation of our public affairs not only renders necessary but honorable. The usual compliments of congratulation being paid, the following toasts were drank, viz.
Prosperity to the State of Pennsylvania. The King and Royal Family of France. The Friendly Powers of Europe. His Excellency General Washington and the Army, &c.
His Excellency retired, and the company broke up. The whole was conducted with the greatest decorum, amidst every appearance of universal satisfaction and joy.
The Vice-President & Council dined with his Excellency the President, and were honored with the company of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Majesty; Monsieur Marbois, Mr. Myer, Secretary to the embassy; Mr. Holker, Consul of France, and other foreign gentlemen of distinction; the Chief Justices, and other principal officers of State.
BOSTON, November 25.
Last Week arrived at Bedford in Dartmouth a Prize Brig, taken by the Missin, about 3 Months ago, bound to New York, laden with Port Wine. She had been beating the Sea ever since she was first taken, and had but six pounds of Bread on board when she arriv'd.
A Brig from St. Kitts for New-York, with 120 Hogheads of Rum, is sent into Egg-Harbour, by Capt. Gardner, in a Privateer belonging to Philadelphia.
The Halifax Packet, Captain Boulderson, with the West-India Mail has been taken near the English Coast, by an American Privateer, and carried into France.
It is said that the British General officer, which was taken on board the experiment man of war, is the same General Grah, who has so remarkably distinguished himself on the late expedition into Connecticut by humanly burning the defenceless towns of Fairfield and Norwalk in that State: And that the sum of money found on board the same ship, to pay the British troops in Georgia amounts to 80,000 guineas.
We learn from Newport that all the public stores are removing from that place to the main.

PORTSMOUTH November 29. 1779.
ON the 14th Instant departed this Life, in the 58th Year of his Age, greatly lamented, Captain SAMUEL LANGDON, of this Town; a Gentleman, who by the many Testimonies of his Virtue and Generosity, had justly acquired the Esteem of his Neighbours and Acquaintance. His public Profession of the Christian Religion, his constant Attendance on public Worship, and the evident Proofs he gave of his Honesty and Sincerity, gained him the reputable Esteem of a worthy Christian in Life, which was happily manifested by the calm, resigned Manner, with which he met Death. It may be truly said, In him the Public has lost a very useful Member. He has left a Widow and six Children to mourn the Loss of a kind, tender and careful Husband and Father.
ON Wednesday last departed this Life, and on Friday was decently interred, Mr. JOSEPH SIMES of this Town, in the 47th Year of his Age. His amiable Disposition through Life, endeared him to all, and it is hard to say, whether in the Character of the Husband, the Father, or Friend, he most excelled. His Honesty, Punctuality, and Sobriety, gained him the Respect and Confidence of his Fellow-Citizens, who entrusted him with their most important Affairs, which he executed with the utmost Fidelity. From his Youth upwards, he was afflicted with a hereditary Gout, that made his Life a Series of the severest Pain and Misery, which he endured with a Patience and Fortitude peculiar to the CHRISTIAN, in which Character he shone forth with distinguished Lustre.
"A Wit's a Feather, and a Chief's a Rod, An honest Man's the noblest Work of GOD." Pope.
BOSTON, Nov. 25.
By late a late New York paper, we are informed of the capture of the Ardent man of war, of 64 guns, off Portsmouth, by the French and Spanish fleet.
Extract of a letter from Peek's Kill, October 30:
"The enemy a few days ago landed between 5 and 6,000 men in the Jerseys, from which they detached a party of 100 horse under the command of a Lieutenant Colonel, who proceeded as far as Freehold, burnt a court house and meeting house, in their excursion; on their return they fell in with a party of 13 militia concealed behind the walls, who by a well directed fire killed a number and took the commanding officer and three dragoons prisoners—Thus ended their expedition. We hear since the whole party have returned to New York."
"Last Wednesday a fleet of 75 sail of vessels passed by Stamford, down the Sound towards New York, supposed to be the fleet which failed sometime since; our party did not discover whether they had prisoners on board or not."
Extract of a letter from Amsterdam, to a Gentleman in Boston, dated Aug. 19.
"We are informed that the combined fleets were riding in the English Channel, off Portsmouth—That Sir Charles Hardy's fleet kept in port, and dare not come out: but that a 64 gun English ship had been met with and taken.—There is a report also here, that the troops had landed near Portsmouth, but this wants confirmation—We expect soon to hear of an engagement, which all Europe seems attentive to."
The latest accounts from Georgia, mention, that on the 13th ult. Count d'Estaing with his troops embarked on board the shipping and stood for sea, their destination a secret.
PROVIDENCE, November 20.
A New York Paper, of the 25th ult. mention that
by letters from Falmouth, as late as the 8th of Sept. the British fleet then lay at St. Helena, and consisted of 48 sail of the line.
NEW YORK, October 30.
Some further accounts received by the last packet. Portsmouth, Sept. 3. By some neutral vessels just arrived, we learn, that Admiral Hardy, with the English fleet, was last Saturday, off Scilly; and the combined fleets of France and Spain was seen near by, to the windward; but it was supposed that the Admiral had received orders not to engage each other until they received further orders; — as the Courts of Russia and Prussia had sent their ambassadors to the Court of Versailles, in order to negotiate a peace between the contending parties.
TRENTON, November 10.
We are informed that the enemy, to the number of about 1500 or 2000, are upon Staten Island, and have collected a considerable number of flat bottomed boats at Billops Point, in order, it is said, to make a descent into this State; but, from the disposition of the several detachments of the Continental Army, as well as our militia, we flatter ourselves they will be frustrated in their predatory design.
FISH KILL, November 13
Count d'Estaing having signified to General Lincoln, about the beginning of October last, that his time was limited, and that he was under an obligation to return shortly to the West Indies—Upon this information, a council of war was held, and it was agreed upon to storm the town of Savannah. When Count D'Estaing summoned General Prevost to surrender Savannah; he asked for 24 hours to see what he could do.—which was granted; —during that time he was reinforced by Col. Maitland, with 600 men, which added more to his strength. Accordingly, on the 9th instant, Count d'Estaing and General Lincoln, advanced in two columns, but were repulsed by General Prevost, and sustained great loss.—Gen. Count Pulaski was mortally wounded endeavouring to force his way into the citadel at the head of his cavalry; he survived two days. Count D'Estaing was slightly wounded in the arm and leg, he kept the field four days after the attack and afterwards embarked his troops.
An Evening School.
IT is proposed to open an EVENING SCHOOL, if proper Encouragement is given, for the Instruction of Lads, in Writing and Arithmetic, by Alford Butler , at his School Room in King Street.
Of said Butler may be had, Bickerstaff's, Law's, and George's ALMANACKS for 1780.—Shopkeepers, Country Traders, &c. may be supplied by the Gross or Dozen, as cheap as they can be procured of the Printers in Boston.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, and the General Sessions of the peace for the County of Rockingham, stands adjourned to the first Tuesday in December next, when all parties concerned may attend; Especially Jurymen are desired to be very punctual in their attendance at the State House in Portsmouth.
Lottery Office.
THE Office for the Sale and Renewal of Tickets for the 3d Class of the Lottery of the United States, is now opened in Portsmouth.—
The Managers inform the Public, they are preparing every necessary to begin the Drawing as soon as Returns can be made from the different States; having no doubt of a ready and quick Sale, as this and the last Class are so evidently in favour of the Adventurers. The high Prizes in the third Class amounting to 850,000 Dollars, and those in the last Class exceeding the first cost of the Tickets, one million of Dollars:
Wanted Immediately for the Continental Army,
A Quantity of Stout Leather Shoes, Yarn Stockings, (or Socks,) Felt Hats, Shirt- ing Linnen, Blankets, &c. for which a Generous Price will be given by
William Gardner, Agent Clothier.
Portsmouth, November 1, 1779.
To be given away a Negro Woman with a Sum of Money, Enquire of the Printer.
To be sold, a Likely Negroe
Women about 28 years Old born in America, will suit Town or Country Service, Enquire of the Printer.
The Sale of Lands in Barnstead
stands adjourned to the last Wednesday in January, at Ten o'Clock before Noon, then to meet at Samuel Pickering's, Innholder in Greenland.
WHEREAS the proprietors of Wakefield, in the county of Strafford, and State of New Hampshire, having been legally notified to pay sundry taxes to the subscriber; and several of them yet being delinquent, this is therefore to notify such persons, that so much of each delinquent proprietors land will be exposed to sale at public Vendue at my house in Rochester on Tuesday the 21st of December next at 10 of the clock in the forenoon to pay said taxes with incidental charges, the delinquent proprietors names are as follows, with the sums due.
   Names 1st div. s. d. Names 1st div. s. d.     Joha Downs 6 6 0 Joha Marden 6 15 4   Joha Hartford 0 6 0 Robert Hanson 0 3 4   Hezekiah Cook 20 20 0 Ebene. Wentworth 10 9 0   James Canney 4 0 0 Moses Gage 31 6 3   Samuel Ally 0 15 0 Joha James 6 0 6   Neal Emmery 0 6 0 Joseph Hix 21 0 0   Samuel Walten 8 0 0 Samuel Heard 0 93 0   Will. Twombly 6 6 0 Benjamin Ham 48 48 0   Benja. Ault 6 6 0 Tim Hanson 0 17 0   Job Clements 6 6 0 Joha Ham 10 0 0   William Gage 45 0 0 Wentworth Ely 0 6 0   Benja. Roberts 0 6 0  
Rochester, Nov. 9, 1779 Barnabas Palmer Collector.
State of New Hampshire:
THE Non resident proprietors and owners of Lands in each and every of the following Towns, in the State aforesaid, viz — Barrington, New Hampton, Rochester, Middleton, Rindge, Candia, Sanbornton, Packerfield, Warren, New Boston, Weare, New London, New Durham, Hollis, second tax, Sandwich dit. Francistown dit. Loudon, dit. Epsom dit. Wolfborough dit. (and Seville for the year 1778) are hereby Notified that their Lands in said Towns are taxed for the year 1779, that the taxes which remain unpaid (with charges) must be paid to the subscriber or to the several Collectors for said Towns, within eight weeks from the first publication of this Advertisement, or so much of their Lands will be notified for sale as will pay and discharge the same.—The collectors are desired immediately to send in Copies of their Lists attested by the selectmen or officers, as the Law directs, Exeter, Nov. Thomas Odiorne, receiver of 15th, 1779. Non Residents Taxes.
ALL Persons having any Demands on the Estate of Mr. Thomas Clark, late of Portsmouth, Weaver, deceased, are hereby desired to bring in their Accounts: And those Indebted to said Estate, to make immediate Payment to JOHN REED, Administrator
NOTICE is hereby given to the delinquent owners of land in the town of Winchester that unless they pay their Taxes for the Year 1778, that so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue at the house of Ezra Parker, or will pay the Taxes with incidental charges, on the 28th day of January next, the vendue to begin at one o'clock P. M.
   l. s. d. q l. s. d. q     Mikah Martin 0 18 9 1 2 10 3 3   Benjamin Bird 0 13 3 0 1 15 7 0   Jeriah W. Gibbs 0 13 3 0 1 15 7 0  
JOHN BUTLER, Jr. Constable.
Winchester, November 2, 1779.
LOST last Saturday Night, between the Goal House in Exeter, and Mr. Jeremiah Leavitt's A large plain Silver Shoe Buckle. Whoever will return it to the Goal Keeper, or leave it at the Printing-Office, shall have five dollars for their Trouble. Exeter, Nov. 16, 1779.
FOUND on the 10th instant, between Portsmouth and the Plains, a Silver Watch. The Owner proving his Property & paying Charges, may have it again by applying to Alexander Lucy of Nottingham.
TO be sold at public Vendue at the house of Mr. Francis, Innholder in Washington on the 2d Tuesday in December next, at one o'clock P. M. the following lots of land lying in said Town for the Taxes assessed on the same for the year 1778, for to pay the State and Town Tax, viz. Lots No 2 in 1st Range, and No. 4 in the 3d division, 31 8s 1d.
EPHRAIM SEVERANCE, Constable. Washington, October 20, 1779.
The extraordinary dry Fall we have had, has prevented the Paper Mills from going for sometime past. that Paper could not be procured, though we shall endeavour to give the Public all the material News in a smaller Compass than usual, till we can have a Supply.
LOST a Silver SHOE BUCKLE about three Weeks ago between the Plains, and the Pound, coming into Town; whoever has found it, and brings it to the Printer, shall be rewarded therefor.