New-Hampshire gazette, or, State journal and general advertiser (Portsmouth, N.H.), 1780-06-10 00:00:00

New Hampshire Gazette ;  OR,  STATE JOURNAL, and GENERAL ADVERTISER.
[ Vol. XXIV. ]
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 1780.
[ No. 1233. ]
NARRATIVE of the LIFE and CONFESSION of BARNETT DAVENPORT, who was executed at Litchfield, on the 28th of May instant, for a series of the most horrid murders, ever perpetrated in this country, or perhaps any other, on the evening following the 3d of February, 1780.
As they tell me, I was born in New-Milford, the 25th of October, 1760, and lived with my parents until I was about 9 years of age. By this time I was become quite expert in using bad languages, having been accustomed to profaneness, from the time I was capable of forming articulate sounds. How early was the internal dialect become habitual! I was then sent to live with Mr. Nathap Hawley, where I abode about two years and an half. Here I had but little opportunity of going to school, and that which I had, was not most carefully improved; but very little proficiency was made in learning to read. When about 11 years old, as near as I can recollect, I ran away from Mr. Hawley, under presence of having been abused; But there I began to pilfer, by stealing green corn, which was, (if I rightly remember) the beginning of that infamous practice which led me on to the most horrid crimes ever committed. I then went to my father's house, and lived there about one year. Then I was sent to live with one Mr. Ebenezer Basswick, where I continued part of one summer; but being uneasy, would live there no longer, and returned to my father, with whom I lived 'till the following spring, when I returned to Mr. Basswick's. Presently I grew uneasy, imagining myself treated with too much severity. Here, my temper, naturally passionate, frequently vented itself in perverse language, or was manifested by a sullen dumbness. Inasmuch, that when a plough boy, I would frequently not speak at all or use such language as is not fit to be repeated. Being now about 12 years of age, I could not read; had scarce ever been in a place of public worship; nor always, where family worship was attended. That parents counsels, warning, and solemn admonitions, may come with weight on children's minds, family prayer and public worship are of great importance.
Here I was guilty of pillaging a neighbour's garden, stole some water-melons, &c. However small these crimes may appear to some, yet, when viewed in the light of eternity, and as leading to the most dreadful enormities they must appear awfully fearful.
During this year, my time was spent in going to one place to live, and then to another, disquieted, like the troubled sea, which cannot rest.
When I was about 13 years old, I was sent to live at another place, and not long after, was let out to Mr. Daniel Tyrell; from whose son I pretty soon stole some money. I was detected, reproved, admonished, and warned of my danger, by some who reminded me of the notorious Frazier, and his fearful end, similar to which they feared mine would be. I was corrected as well as warned, and my father informed, and I was sent to him. With him I continued 'till the spring following when I went to live with Mr. Aaron Hitchcock, where I learned to read, though but poorly. Contrary to orders, I rode away his horse, which being discovered, he threatened to punish me. Upon this, I stole a small matter of money, and a silk handkerchief,
and run away. Finding that I was pursued, I concealed myself by the way side, and thought within myself, when the two men in pursuit of me rode by, "I loved to see the devils ide. They are not tooled once." I had once before run away from the same man, with whom it had been well for me, if I had lived. I was carried back the next day and corrected. There I was to have lived 'till I was 16; but being discontented, I went again to my father's being now about fourteen.
The next winter my father bound me to Mr. John Stillwell, to live with him 'till I was of age. With him I lived more than a year. While I lived here, I once laid a plan to murder Mr. Stillwell, and how to conceal it, in the following manner: When we were in the field drawing logs, and Mr. Stillwell was stooping down to put the chain round the log, I took up the ax to knock him on the head, and then designed to draw the log over him, tear him to pieces, and so conceal the murdering of him. But my heart then failed me, not being yet so hardened in sin as to carry into execution my horrid plan, and perpetrate the shocking crime. It is a maxim as old as ancient Rome, That no man becomes a devil in a minute. Things of trifling value I stole here, such as eggs, hens, potatoes, &c. and sold them to persons near where I then lived, which was at Pitt's Town. The summer following I stole Mr. Stillwell's horse, and ran away. Before I got to Stockbridge, I turned off the horse; and about a month after went home to my father, continuing the wretched practice of pilfering green corn, water-melons, and the like, leading a most careless, stupid life, neither reading, praying, or attending any publick worship. Indeed, I had now almost forgot that which I once learnt, as to reading.
The winter following I enlisted for three years, in Col. Brewer's regiment, belonging to the State of Massachusetts; went to Ticonderoga, March 1777, tarried there 'till the fort was evacuated by our troops; retreated with our forces; was at the battle of Hubbardston; then retreated to Stillwater. Here being one day enraged at a soldier, in my passion I threw a club at him, which missing him, wounded an officer, and I was punished. When our army, after General Burgoyne's surrender, came down to Albany, I was there visited with sore sickness; then went home upon a furlough for 12 days, and by imprudence got a severe relapse.
Early the next spring I went to Danbury, where I kept guard two months; during which I stole hens, geese, Continental rum and wine. From thence I went to Valley-Forge and joined the army; but on the road stole some sugar; was at the battle of Monmouth; remained with the army 'till Gen. Patterson's brigade, to which I belonged, came to Woodbury the October following. There I got a pass for one day to go see my brother, and was then to rejoin the army. But never joined that brigade again. I went to my brother's, and then to my father's, and on the road stole a pair of stockings. Then went and lived at four different places in Cornwall and Canaan, in less than four months, discontented at each, for some reason or other. I was then hired by a man in Nobletown, to go into the service for nine months, and went to Albany and joined Capt. Bovit's company.
* These are his very words, which, he says, express his mind and which he then concurred.
As the man that hired me refused to pay part of what he promised, I attempted to return to my father, but was pursued, overtook, carried back, and joined the regiment, (Col. Rauselzers.) From Albany went with a party to the German Flats, and remained there till about October 1779. During this campaign I stole a pair of shoe-buckles from a soldier; a piece of linen cloth from one of the inhabitants; a powder-horn, powder, bullet-pouch, and bullets, from a soldier. Being one day sent out upon a scout with some others, we plundered the house, by leave of the officer; and I privately without leave set it on fire.
Having obtained a furlough for twelve days to go home, on the road stole a pair of silver shoe-buckles; between Sheffield and Canaan stole a horse, and rode it almost home. On the way I stole two shirts, one frock, and a piece of linen cloth, at different places. In the beginning of November went to live in New-York State, stole one continental dollar. Returned, and about the end of that Month, went to live at Mr. Caleb Mallery's.
He took me in out of pity and compassion, and engaged to let me have some cloathing, of which I stood in special need, and for which I made the most vile, ungrateful and detestable returns, as the sequel of this tragical story will tell.
Just at the close of the month of January 1780, about five or six days before my perpetrating the blackest crimes that ever mortals committed. I determined upon the murder of Mr. Mallery and his family, the first opportunity; and this, merely, for the sake of plundering his house; without the least provocation, or prejudice against any of them. The family in which I now lived consisted of Mr. Mallery, Mrs. Mallery, a daughter in law, a daughter and three grand children.
I was hated and possessed with the thoughts of murder, from the time of my first entertaining them, both day and night. Nor could I get rid of them, even when I attempted to do it.—Mr. Mallery's own daughter being a tailoress, went out to work; her sister in law spoke of going to pay a visit, and tarrying all night; which was the time I fixed upon to execute my bloody, land-defiling, soul-ruining, and Heaven-daring plan. With great impatience I waited for, and endeavoured to hasten the daughter in law to pay her visit, while the other daughter was absent. On the third of February, she went away accordingly, and tarried that night.—A night big with uncommon horror. My heart trembles and is moved out of its place, at the relation of this most tremendous, cruel, bloody and amazing scene. Mr. Mallery and his wife, with one of the children, went to bed in the same room—he lying in one bed, and the other two in the other. Upon this I took a piece of cloth and made me a knapsack; and then went to plundering the daughter in law's room, searching for some hard money, which I understood she had, but could not find it. After putting some things in my knapsack, with the candle in one hand and the twingle in the other, I went into the room where Mr. Mallery, his wife and one grand child lay asleep. First I smote him with my might once or twice on his head; upon this Mrs. Mallery awakeing attempted to rise up; I turned and struck her one or two blows. Mr. Mallery then sprung up; I struck immediately at him; but he partly warded off the blow with his arm, and then struck the candle out

of my hand; I then pushed him back, and down upon the bed, belabouring him with the club.—He asked me who I was? what I meant? and said, tell me what you do it for? Then called to his wife to come and help him repeatedly. Who can abstain from tears while relating these things! Mrs. Mallery made no answer, only shrieks, cries and doleful lamentations! Having for some time smote Mr. Mallery and pounded him, the swingle split. Upon this I caught a gun which stood behind the door and with this instrument of death, proceeded still to smite him: I then turned again, and did the same to Mrs. Mallery, and continued striking till she lay still as well as he.
The child, in bed with its grand-mother, was 7 years and 8 months old. These cruel blows and piercing cries awoke the tender babe, in shocking surprise, even while I was killing her grand-father; and starting up, she asks her dear but wounded grand-mother, what was the matter? She cried out bitterly; she called out for me or to me, by the name the pleasant child used to call me, saying Mr. Nicholas . § But I continued paying on; feeling no remorse at killing my aged patron and benefactor. For the child, I seemed to feel some small relentings without remitting in the least, my execrable exertions. This anger was cursed, for it was most barbarous and cruel. Probably this child was at this time mortally wounded; for she gave a few terrible shrieks, which (one would think) were enough to pierce the hardest heart, and reach the center of the most obdurate soul: And then she lay still, sighing and groaning in the most affecting manner.
The room being now bitmeated with the blood, and filled with horrendous groans; I went into the other room, lighted the candle, and presently returned to this room in which expiring groan answered to groan. Nor was Pharoah's heart harder then mine. For amidst these dying groans and streaming blood, I looked for the key to open the chest where the money lay; but could not find it. Then I went, got a pestle and broke open the chest. By this time both Mr. Mallery and his wife began to struggle—I mashed his head all to pieces with this instrument: And she rising partly up in bed, I smote her also with the pestle on her head, several times, and she tumbled behind the bed. Before this I saw her face swollen to twice its common bigness, disfigured with wounds, and covered with gore and streaming blood.
To an heart not past all feelings what could have been more shocking! But how unmoved was I who now set myself to searching for the money of the dead. Having found a considerable sum of paper currency and some solid coin, and searched among the papers for more, scattering them about, I put on some of the dying man's cloaths:—plundering the room in which those still groaning persons, in the anguish of death, then were lying. Then I went into the room where the other two grand children lay. These were waked up by the preceding blows or cries, and asked for their cloaths to get up. I told them to lay down, and go to sleep, for it was not morning. They cried, and asked what was the matter with their grand mother? I answered she was sick. They asked again, What made her make such a noise? And then lay down sobbing. † I then pondered the house of sundry articles. After this, I set a fire in the milk room, another in the outward room, and another up chamber in the flax and tow. Seeing the house well on fire, and the outward room all filled with blaze, I set off for Blue-Swamp, about eight miles from thence. But for want of a track in the snow, was obliged to go about twelve miles to get there. From thence I proposed for Ball-Town. Arrived at Blue-Swamp, about nine o'clock, A. M. But no sooner had I finished the dreadful scene of murder, than fear attacked me—Fleeing from the burning house, and crossing a bridge near by, I was afraid it would break under
me. After I got to Blue-Swamp (strange to relate) I tarried there from Friday morning till the next Wednesday afternoon: Sometimes I felt alarmed and determined immediately to flee with all possible speed: And in a few moments would sink into a state of the utmost carelessness and remissness. Notwithstanding repeated resolutions, one thing and another would intervene, and I could not go. The next day after I got to Blue-Swamp we heard of the conflagration. I concluded, they would think that I was burnt up, and was lost to that stupidity, great part of the time, as not to imagine they would hear of me. Sometimes, I apprehended, I should be immediately taken, then sunk into the greatest security. On Wednesday afternoon I set off and went to Cornwall, where I put up that night; when I was pursued and taken in bed. Upon this I confessed the murder; though I falsified the truth as to my having an accomplice. For I solemnly declare, that no person living knew any thing about my murderous design, or had the least hand in it, either mediately or immediately, but myself.—I undertook and perpetrated it alone, amazing and unheard of as it is.
After being sent to goal, and even before I was committed, I confessed the falsehood, respecting my saying, that I had an accomplice. On the 25th of April I was arraigned before the honorable superior court of this State, and plead guilty to the indictment, laid in against me.
On the 27th sentence of death was publicly pronounced; and, upon the 8th of May next, I am to be executed. O that others may take warning by my dreadful example and fearful end! and avoid those sins which I have committed, and which by a series of wickedness have led me on to the most awful crimes that ever were perpetrated in this land, or perhaps any other; and for which I must (most justly) suffer a most violent death, and I greatly fear, everlasting burning, horror and despair.
BARNETT DAVENPORT.
Litchfield Goal, this 29th of April, A.D. 1780.
N. B. A number of thessis, which he mentioned, after the minutes of the above were taken, are not inserted; and probably many, which he either forgot or neglected to tell. He is young in years but old in crimes, having performed that exploit of wickedness, which none other in this land, or perhaps any other, especially in so early life, ever attempted. May the sordid life, the unheard of crimes, and fearful end, of this poor wretched malefactor, be a warning to parents and children. That parents may be more careful to instruct and teach their children; pray with and for them; so that they abstain from profaneness, and other works of darkness, attend public worship, being taught by precept and example. And that children would early call on God, avoid sin and all temptations, as knowing that sins which to them may perhaps appear small, yet being indulged, open the floodgates to all manner of impiety, and lead down to the chambers of everlasting death.
As he is also to be considered in the character of a deserter from the army, having been repeatedly guilty of that dreadful sin, may others take warning, and not dare to do so wickedly, least they incur the vengeance of Heaven, and of their injured country.
PHILADELPHIA, May 9.
In CONGRESS, May 5, 1780.
RESOLVED , That the present rates of postage be doubled:
That all Masters of Packets and other vessels in Continental service, be, and they are hereby required to lodge whatever letter they bring from abroad, in the Post-office nearest to the post where they shall arrive, and immediately after their arrival. Extract from the Minutes.
CHARLES THOMPSON, Sec'y.
General Post Office, May 8, 1780.
Half a dollar will be paid for each letter delivered at the Post Office from on board any merchant vessel.
[The Printers in the different States are requested to publish the above in their respective papers.]
TREASURY OFFICE, May 3, 1780.
ORDERED , That the several persons who are accountable to the United States for the expenditure of monies or supplies, and who fail to render their respective accounts at the times required by the resolutions of Congress, or at such times as shall be required by the Board of Treasury, be prosecuted as delinquents, and advertised as public defaulters.
Extract from the Minutes,
CHARLES LEE, Secretary.
[The Printers in the United States are requested to publish the above order in their several papers till the first day of June next.]
May 4.
Extracts of sundry letters, dated Charlestown, April 28.
The enemy have received a reinforcement from New York, and have been able in consequence of it to break up our posts on the north side of Cooper's river, so that the town is now cut off from any communication whatsoever with the country. The militia are collecting fast. 4000 have been ordered and daily expected from North Carolina. The enemy's third parallel is but a few steps from our advanced wet ditch, and scarce 70 yards from our lines. Col. Henderson sallied out the other day, at the head of 250 men, drove them out of it, killed 22, and brought in 32 prisoners; the loss on our side was one or two privates killed and wounded, and Capt. Moultrie (the General's brother) killed. On the evening of the same day the enemy made a sally upon our left, but soon retreated with great precipitation.
The cannonade has been incessant, and the bombardment no less so, nineteen shells are sometimes counted in the air at a time, and it is calculated, that no less a number than 1000 have been thrown into the town, notwithstanding which, our loss does not amount to more than 15 men, of the number is Mr. Neyle, aid de camp to Gen. Moultrie. Gen. de Portail got in town on the night of the 27th.—The garrison are in very good spirits; they have not yet felt the least want of provisions, and the officers have pledged themselves that the soldiers will cheerfully, as soon as the General shall think proper, receive half rations.—There is plenty of rice, rum, sugar and coffee, a portion of these articles are regularly served out to the men, which diminishes the consumption of meat very much.
There has been frequent councils of war, but the result of the last, which comprehended officers of almost every rank, and the council of the state, was to defend the town to the last extremity; the gentlemen of the country, and the inhabitants of the town are of the same mind, so that we may safely say, that the generous resolution is either to perish or repulse the enemy.
Hugh Jones who guided the enemy when they attacked Gen. Huger, has been since taken, and was instantly hanged.
PHILADELPHIA, May 23.
We have the pleasure to inform the public, that circular letters are sent from Congress to the several States, informing them that our noble Ally has ordered a large naval and land force to America, to act on occasion may require, in concert with the fleets and forces of the United States.
BALTIMORE, May 16.
A gentleman just arrived in town from Virginia, hath favoured us with the following summons of General Clinton and Admiral Arbuthnot, with the laconic and spirited answer of General Lincoln, who was maintaining his ground, in Charlestown, with great serenity on the 21st ult.
SIR Henry Clinton, K. B. commander in chief of his Majesty's forces in the Colonies lying on the Atlantic, from Nova-Scotia, &c. &c. and Vice Admiral Arbuthnot, commander in chief of his Majesty's Ships in North-America, regretting the effusion of blood, and the distress which must now commence, deem it consistent with humanity, to warn the Town and Garrison of Charlestown, of the havock and devastation with which they are threatened, from the formidable force surrounding them by land and sea. An alternative is offered at this hour to the inhabitants, of saving their lives and properties, contained in the town, or abiding by the fatal consequence of a storm or cannonade. Should the place, in a fallacious security or its commanders in a wanton indifference to the fate of the inhabitants, delay a surrender; or should the public stores or shipping be destroyed, the resentment of an exasperated soldiery may intervene; but the same mild and compassionate offer can never be renewed. The respective commanders who hereby summon the town, do not apprehend, so rash a step as a further resistance will be taken; but rather that the gates will be opened and themselves received, with a confidence which will forebode further reconciliation.
H. CLINTON.
M. ARBUTHNOT.
Camp, before Charlestown.
April 10, 1780.
To the officers commanding Charlestown:
Head Quarters Lines of Charlestown,
Gentlemen, (April 10, 1780)
HAVE received your summons of the date—Sixty days have past since it has been known that your intentions against this town were hostile, in which time has been afforded to abandon it—but duty and inclination point the propriety of supporting it to the last extremity.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant,
B. LINCOLN.
General Clinton.
Admiral Arbuthnot.
§ Nicholas was the name by which he was called in that family; and Mr. Nicholas by the child.
† These two children were, one about six, the other about four years old.

DUBLIN, March 4. Last Thursday night there was a general illumination in this city, on account of the Royal assent being given to the bill for granting to this Kingdom a free trade to the American Colonies, the West-Indies, and the coast of Africa: the guns of the salute battery in the park were fired, and answered by a feu de joie from the garrison, and artillery was discharged from several ships in the river; the Castle, the Royal Exchange, the Barracks, the new Post Office, and all other public Edifices, shown forth a blaze of illumination, and several of them, as well as private houses, were ornamented with coloured lights, and the most elegant transparent paintings, emblematical of the present joyful occasion. The elements even contributed to the brilliancy of the illumination; in the western hemisphere a most resplendent star appeared, and the whole horizon was enlightened by a shining Aurora Borealis. Bonfires were dispersed up and down the different streets, and every testimony was given that could mark this period the most glorious for the prosperity of this nation.
BASSETTERRE, May 1. Extract of a letter from on board the Sandwich, dated April 10.
On Friday the 14th, the French fleet got out, consisting of 25 Ships of the line, one 50 gun Ship, four frigates, and six Sloops and luggers. On Saturday the 15th, pursued them, and got sight of some of them in the evening—Sunday the 26th, at noon, we got sight of the whole, and pursued them all that afternoon—The 17th was spent till one o'clock P.M. in manoeuvring, the engagement then began, & was continued by the Sandwich till four o'clock.
She drove two Ships out of the line, and unsupported, compelled the French Admiral and his two seconds to leave her an immovable wreck—Mostly behaved well—Parker fought bravely in the Princess Royal, and spoke handsomely of the Terrible's behaviour—Some others excelled themselves—But in others there was a languor, a want of discipline and exertion that disgraces the service. B——n, is under arrest—Pity it is that so noble an opportunity of determining the fate of the war should be so missed.
This minute (sunset) a signal was made for a sail, which we hope is part of the French fleet. We are now, from being a mere wreck, by a wonderful exertion fit for a second action, and fondly hope we shall find them out to-morrow. We believe the enemy incapable of going on any service for some time, and that several of them must have bore up to Cape François. The Le Piqueur of 50 guns and the Bourdeaux of 74 guns sailed with the convoy thither, about April the 11th. Capt. Ferguson was so much fretted at the event of the 17th, that he is determined not to sail in a frigate again to be only a spectator. You may depend on an active Admiral and General; General Vaughan is on board with us. I have great expectations from his conduct. I have literally escaped from Shot, Fire and Water, for our Ship was on fire, & for 24 hours we could with difficulty keep her free of water. Notwithstanding this undecisive action, I hope for every thing.
P.S. We certainly have the French fleet in sight, prepare yet for great news.
PHILADELPHIA, May 23. Extract of a Letter from Edenton, (North Carolina), dated May 15, 1780.
A Gentleman from North Carolina, who says he was sent out of Charlestown with a verbal Message from General Lincoln to the Governor of North Carolina, reports, that he left Charlestown on the 25th of April, that Col. Parker was killed that morning by a cannon ball, that there were men enough to defend the town, and provisions plenty, and that the garrison were remarkably healthy, and in high spirits.
CHARLESTOWN, May 24. Congress are told, have obtained a loan of three millions of pounds from France.
A gentleman from Middle Town Point informs us that there certainly is a fleet of our allies on the coast and that several of the officers had been ashore. 'Tis said they consist of 100 sail.
BOSTON, June 8. The following intelligence is taken from James Rivington's Gazette, of May 31, 1780: Printed in New York yesterday week.
NEW-YORK, May 31. Particulars relating to the Conquest of Charlestown, (the capital of South Carolina) received from his Majesty's Ship Iris, Capt. Hawker.
The garrison of Charlestown surrendered prisoners of war on the 12th of May: The private property was allowed to be secure, except the Shipping. The Militia, who had taken the oaths of allegiance to the King, 'tis said, went with Lord Cornwallis for Camden. The garrison of Sullivan's island being summoned by Capt. Charles Hudson, commander of his Majesty's Ship Richmond, with a body of seamen and marines, on the 8th of May) to surrender Fort Moultrie: The commandant answered, it should be defended to the last extremity; but the officer carrying the refusal had proceeded a little way on his return, was called back and told, that the storm which was threatened by Captain Hudson, must prove a very serious affair, and therefore the garrison had consent-
ed to submission; and we are informed a great quantity of silver plate was found in the fort on taking possession of it. The inhabitants of Carolina in general used their plate in Charlestown, thinking it a safer depositum, than risking it under ground on their plantations, where from the curious and nefarious disposition of their negroes, resident on the spot, it should be discovered and stolen; and by preferring this method of concealment, they have all secured their effects under the generous & merciful permission of Sir HENRY CLINTON, their CONQUEROR. When the Iris left Charlestown, his Excellency the General, had committed his dispatches for government to the care of Major Crosby, and Admiral Arbuthnot, those respecting the Royal Navy Department, to Sir Andrew Saepe Hammond, who were embarked in his Majesty's ship Perseus for London.
His Excellency Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, detached the main body of the Royal Army on the 17th instant, under the command of Lieut. General Earl Cornwallis, to Camden a principal town in Wateree, a branch of Santee River, about 100 miles distant from Charlestown, on the way to Hillsborough county in North Carolina.
The following particulars of the operation of the Royal Army before Charlestown, South Carolina, are extracted from a letter received by his Majesty's Ship the Iris, from an officer of rank, dated May 14, which was two days after the garrison surrendered to General Sir Henry Clinton:
The Roebuck, commanded by Sir Andrew Hammond, with Admiral Arbuthnot's flag flying, led and of course received the chief part of the raging fire in passing Sullivan's island. The ships got so near before the rebels perceived the Admiral's intentions, that it was astonishing with what little injury they passed. Twenty seven killed and wounded was the whole loss of the squadron.
The army carried on their approaches into the canal, first abatis, and even to the foot of the left work; when every thing in preparation for a storm and the ships almost in motion, the enemy availed the intended blow by a letter from General Lincoln, acquainting Sir Henry Clinton, that he would accept the terms he had two days before rejected.
The Continental troops are prisoners, and the militia and inhabitants prisoners on parole, and to return to their own homes. The property of the inhabitants in town secured to them, but all the vessels at the wharfs are forfeited. The Providence, Boston, and Ranger, three Continental frigates are of the number, a French frigate called the Adventure, and a number of other vessels, such as brigs, galleys, &c. have fallen with the town.
Previous to the taking the town, information was received that so many drafts had been made from Sullivan's island, that the garrison was reduced to 200 men. The fort is so perfectly impregnable to Ships that the Admiral determined to attack it by storm with the seamen and marines. Two hundred men were landed in the night on the east end of the island, who took possession of an old redoubt, the same number were to be conveyed in boats from M c Intosh's plantation under cover of the fire of the Ships, when the whole being ready, and the Ships in motion, the fort surrendered, the garrison become prisoners of war, this service hastened and brought on the surrender of the town four days after.
Lord Cornwallis with the army, will march to-morrow for Camden, and so on to the Northward, and from what we learn of the disposition of the inhabitants, if the war is prosecuted with vigor in these southern colonies, rebellion will suffer a severe shock in the course of this summer.
BOSTON, June 8. Extract of a Letter from Edenton, (N. Carolina) dated May 10, 1780.
"I have it this Day, from very good Authority, that the enemy on the 25th made an attack by Land and Water on Charlestown, and were repulsed with the loss of 300 killed and 250 taken Prisoners. This News is so good I can't help sending it on to Boston."
The post that arrived last evening, informs, that two gentlemen from Long Island, brought positive accounts that all was well at Charlestown on the 18th of May.
Friday last a prisoner arrived here in six days from New York, who informs that 'twas reported on board the guard ship in which he was, that there had been an Assault made on Charlestown, South Carolina, when the enemy were repulsed with considerable loss; that Gen. Clinton was wounded; he also reports that the enemy at New York had near an hundred transports laden with ballast ready to sail on the approach of a French fleet, which they hourly looked for there.
Letters from several officers of rank, at and near Head Quarters, and among others, one from Gen. Green positively asserts that undoubted accounts had been received that our affairs at Charlestown went well, on the 10th of May; and that at that time there was no prospect of a surrender of the town to the British army.
A Letter from Camp at Morristown, dated the 25th ult. says, "We have certain advice that his Excellency Gen. Washington is appointed Lieutenant General of his Most Christian Majesty's Troops in America, and Vice Admiral of the White Flag as an honor rarely conferred on a Foreigner."
Monday last arrived at Dartmouth, a brig bound from Cork to New York, taken by his Most Christian Majesty's frigate La Herminette, commanded by the Chevalier de la Touche; her cargo consists of 760 fskins of butter, 150 boxes of candles, and 150 boxes of soap; the prize is now commanded by Monsieur Louis Daniel Charier, volunteer of the frigate.
We learn that since our last, two valuable prizes have been sent into New-London, one a brig laden with rum, taken by two letters of marque, the other a ship with upwards 300 pipes of Madeira, taken by the Hancock.
Thursday last arrived here a prize Brig, laden with about 150 Hogsheads of Tobacco, and sundry other Articles, taken by the Letter of Marque Brig Fame, of this Port, Cpt. —— about ten Days after she sailed from hence. She was bound from Bermuda for Great Britain.
Thursday last arrived here a Cartel Ship from New-York, with about 165 Prisoners; among whom were a Number with the small Pox, thrown promiscuously on board, six of which died on the Passage; amongst the whole were about 30 well.
In order still further to harrafs the poor Prisoners, those who are so unhappy as to fall in their hands, belonging to the Southward, are sent as far to the Eastward as flags generally come, and those belonging to the Eastward are sent south.
Frequent Applications from the Country having in Time past, been made to the Overseers of the Poor of this Town for Children — Said Overseers now give Notice, that they have a number of both sexes to bind out to People of good Characters, and who will take Care of their Education. The Overseers being invested with Power to take Care of and provide for such People as are like to become burthensome to the Town, earn a request of the Inhabitants that they would as much as in their Power, discountenance the present Practice of begging, by taking down the Name, Age and Sex of those who apply for Charity, and give them in to the Overseers, that thereby they may be enabled to discriminate in the Execution of the Trust reposed in them for the Ease of the Community, and Relief of the Indigent. Portsmouth June 5, 1780.
To be sold at public Vendue, on Wednesday the 14th Day of June current, at three o'clock Afternoon at the Dwelling House on the late Governor JOHN WENTWORTH's farm in Wolfborough, all the neat Cattle, Sheep and Swine belonging to said Farm, and a Quantity of Corn, Grain, and other Provisions. SAMUEL GILMAN, Trustee for the Estate of said Wentworth. June 9, 1780.
Strayed or Stolen from the Subscriber at Portsmouth, a dark Mouse coloured MARE with a Star in her Forehead, six years old, thirteen Hands high, trots and paces, one white hind Foot. Whoever takes up said Mare, shall receive one hundred Dollars Reward, by Samuel Cate. N.B. Saddle and Bridle taken with her.
LOST, between Portsmouth and Exeter, a Silver SHOE BUCKLE — The Person who has found the same, and will leave it at the Printing Office in Exeter, shall be handsomely rewarded.
CASH, West-India or English Goods, GIVEN FOR Old broken CAST-IRON, By SAMUEL HILL, at his Shop on Spring-Hill Portsmouth.
West-India RUM, COTTON WOOL, COFFEE and SUGAR, TO SELL FOR PAPER MONEY, by Wholesale or small Quantity. Inquire for Mrs. TOLFEY in Portsmouth.
The Widow Servile, Who lately kept the Coffee-House in Portsmouth, is removed to the House, lately improved, and belonging to Mr. John Gardner in Queen street, where she entertains Gentlemen Boarders, and others of her Customers, as usual, except stabling for Horses. Those Gentlemen who generally used her House and favored her with their Custom, she will take it as a further Favour to continue the same.
William Bell of Greenland, Has removed from his house, to the Tavern house where Mr. Clark used to keep — Said Bell now provides good Entertainment for Gentlemen Travellers and others, and for horses; and still continues to sell West India Goods, as usual.
Warrantee and Quit Claim Deeds to be Sold at the Printing Office.

State of New-Hampshire, Strafford, ss.
To DANIEL BEEDE, Esq; Justice of Peace for said County of Strafford.
WE the subscribers, proprietors and owners of more than one sixteenth part of the Township of Eaton, in said State, hereby desire and request of you to notify and warn a meeting of the proprietors of said Eaton, to be held on Tuesday the 20th day of June next, at the house of Enock Sanderson, innholder in Tamworth, at one of the clock P. M. on said day, to act on the following particular, viz.
 1. To chuse a moderator to regulate the meeting.  2. To chuse a proprietors clerk, treasurer, collector, and all other necessary officers.  3. To chuse a committee to examine and settle the former treasurer's and collector's accounts, and all other accounts against the proprietors.  4. To see what encouragement the proprietors will give to any certain number of Families that will settle in said town, and chuse a committee to procure the same, and also to impower said committee to execute deeds to those settlers already removed there for the proprietors.  5. To see what encouragement the proprietors will give to have a saw mill and grist mill erected to accommodate the settlers in said town, and to chuse a committee to direct the building the same.  6. To chuse and impower a committee to ascertain the bounds of said town, especially the dividing line between Tamworth and said Eaton, which line has not yet been established on account of a dispute upon the line dividing said Tamworth & Sandwich & to impower & instruct said committee sufficiently to pursue any lawful measures for the full establishment of said line.  7. To agree on proper measures to have good roads made and bridged to and through said Town as may accommodate the settlement thereof; and also to agree on proper measures to have said Town laid out into lots.  8. To see what sums of money the proprietors will vote to raise by tax to carry on the settlement of the town.  9. To chuse an agent to have the charter of said town recorded, agreeable to a late law of this State.  10. To agree and act on any other measures the proprietors when met, may judge expedient to promote the settlement of said town. 
State of New Hampshire, Strafford, ss.
Agreeable to the above request, I do hereby notify and warn the proprietors of the above said Township of Eaton, to meet at time and place as above.
DANIEL BEEDE, Justice Peace.
To HUNKING WENTWORTH, Esq;
WE the proprietors of more than one sixteenth part of a certain Tract of Land within the Township of Success, containing eight thousand Acres, voted and granted by the proprietors of said township, to us the subscribers and others, upon certain conditions mentioned in a vote of the proprietors at their meeting August 3d 1773, request that a meeting of said proprietors of said tract of eight thousand acres may be called on Monday the 26th day of June next, at six o'clock P. M. at the house of Mrs. Mary Tilton, innholder in Portsmouth, to chuse a moderator, clerk, and other officers: Likewise to raise money to defray all necessary expenses for performing the conditions of said vote; also to agree upon some method for calling proprietors meetings in future; and to transact any other business that may be necessary.
Portsmouth, May 30, 1780 Supply Clap, John Noble, George Libbey, Samuel Hall.
State of New Hampshire } Rockingham, ss. } Pursuant to the above request, I do hereby notify and warn the proprietors of the above said tract of eight thousand acres, to meet at the time and place, and for the purpose aforesaid. HUNKING WENTWORTH, Just Peace. Portsmouth, May 30, 1780.
LANDS to be sold cheap.
TO BE SOLD
A Lott of LAND, at or near Offie Pond, between Leavitt's Town and Wolfborough, in Mason's Patent; the said Lott being No 21 and one of the four Lotts laid out to the Proprietors. Inquire at the Printing-Office in Portsmouth.
A generous Price is given for raw MOOSE-HIDES, DEER or SHEEP-SKINS, by DANIEL GILMAN, at his Shop in Exeter.
To be let, a genteel House, four Rooms on a Floor, well finished, with a Barn, Garden, Well, &c. commodiously situated near Sherburne's wharf, lately improved as a Coffee-House. Inquire of JONATHAN WARNER, Esq; of Portsmouth.
State of New-Hampshire. Rockingham, ss. AT the Superior Court of Judicature, held at Portsmouth, in and for said county, on the third Tuesday of May, A. D. 1780, by adjournment from the first Tuesday of March last past:—
WHEREAS by an Act of the General Assembly of the State of New-Hampshire, THOMAS PACKER, of Greenland, in the county of Rockingham, and State aforesaid, Gentleman, is empowered to appeal to this Court, from a decree of the Judge of Probate, &c. in favor of the last Will and Testament of his late father THOMAS PACKER, Esq; deceased; which appeal has been here entered, but no notice given to such persons as may be affected by the reversal of said decree: Therefore,
ORDERED, by the Court, That all persons concerned, or any way interested in support of said Will, be notified, by publishing this order three times successively in the New Hampshire Gazette, to appear at the said Superior Court of Judicature, to be holden at Exeter, on the first Tuesday of September next, to show cause, if any they have, why the said decree should not be reversed.
By order of Court, True copy, Attest. SAMUEL SHERBURNE, Clerk:
State of New Hampshire.
Whereas application hath been made to me the subscriber, Clerk to the Proprietors of Breton-Woods, in the county of Grafton and State aforesaid, by the owners of more than one sixteenth part of said township, desiring me to notify a meeting of said proprietors to be held at the house of Mrs. Tilton innholder in Portsmouth, on Monday the 12th of June next, at six o'clock, P. M. for the following purposes, viz.—First, To chuse a Moderator to govern said meeting—Second, To determine whether they will pursue the method formerly agreed upon for lotting out the town, or adopt any other.—Third, To determine what further encouragement they will give the first settlers.—Fourth, To ascertain the amount of the claims on the propriety, and determine what shall be now paid to make up the depreciation of money to those who have demands, or choose a committee to treat with the creditors and agree with them on this matter.—Fifth, To raise such sums as shall be found necessary to discharge said demands.—Sixth, To choose assessors to assess the the same; also, Collector and Treasurer.—Seventh, To determine on any other matter that shall be thought beneficial to the propriety.
In pursuance of which I do hereby notify and warn the proprietors of said township of Breton-Woods, to attend a meeting of said proprietors at time and place, and for the purposes aforesaid. J. WHIPPLE.
Portsmouth, March 13, 1780.
Notice is hereby given to the delinquent proprietors and owners of land in the town of Barnstead, that unless they pay the taxes assessed on the same, with accruing charges, to me the subscriber, on or before Thursday the 15th day of June next so much of their lands as will defray said taxes and charges will be sold at public vendue, on said day, at ten o'clock, at the house of Capt. John Drew's, innholder in Barnstead.—I axes for the year 1779, viz.
   No. 60 acre lots. 100 acre lots. No. 60 acre lots. 100 acre lots.     106 Col Mark Hunken, 1 7 7 119 Thomas Westbrook, 1 12 6   John Shackford, 1 12 6 David Wentworth, 84 2 7 0   John Sandborn, 29 2 3 4 Nathaniel Shores, 98 1 9 0   Jethro Bickford, 1 12 6 100 Jethro Bickford, 1 12 6   Thomas Ayres, 1 8 0 86 Thomas Ayres, 1 8 0   J. H. Brock, 1 12 6 112 J. H. Brock, 1 12 6   John Downing, 1 12 6 55 John Downing, 1 12 6   Richard Waldron, 1 12 6 20 Richard Waldron, 1 12 6   Ebenezer Weare, 1 12 6 180 Ebenezer Weare, 1 12 6   Robert A. Moody, 1 9 3 102 Robert A. Moody, 1 9 3   Capt John Downing, 1 12 6 151 Capt John Downing, 1 12 6   Paul Gerrish, 1 7 7 77 Paul Gerrish, 1 7 7   Ebenezer Stevens, 1 12 6 57 Ebenezer Stevens, 1 12 6   John Walker, 1 12 6 74 John Walker, 1 12 6   John Nutter, 1 12 6 103 John Nutter, 1 12 6   George Walton, 1 5 0 41 George Walton, 1 5 0   Joseph Faybans, 1 12 6 108 Joseph Faybans, 1 12 6   Benjamin Downing, 1 9 8 96 Benjamin Downing, 1 9 8   Samuel Thompson, 1 9 3 73 Samuel Thompson, 1 9 3   Harrison Downing, 1 12 6 106 Harrison Downing, 1 12 6   John Wallingford, 1 12 6 20 John Wallingford, 1 12 6   Seth Ring, 1 12 6 106 Seth Ring, 1 12 6   Jeremiah Miller, 1 12 6 36 Jeremiah Miller, 1 12 6   John Dime, 1 12 6 56 John Dime, 1 12 6  
BENJAMIN EDGERLY, Constable. Barnstead, May 17, 1780.
Wanted at an Apprentice, a healthy, strong L A D, who inclines to learn the Trade of Chair and Chaise Making, in all its Branches—Inquire of William Marshall, at Portsmouth.
State of New Hampshire. Grafton ss.
Notice is hereby given, to the non-resident proprietors, and others owning Lands in the township of Cockermouth, that has not paid their taxes for the year 1779, that unless they pay them to me the subscriber, at or before Monday the third day of July next, at ten of the clock forenoon, so much of their land will be sold at public vendue as will pay said taxes and incidental charges, at the house of Capt. Elias Meloon in said Cockermouth. Said vendue to begin at ten of the clock forenoon. Their names are as followeth:
   N. R. l. s. d. l. s. d.     John Hale, Esq; 5 8 1 18 0 0 19 2   (4 9 1 14 6 1 13 7   John Thomson, 5 6 1 0 3 1 2 6   Samuel Hobart, 7 6 2 0 6 2 5 0   Stephen Powers, 4 8 2 0 6 2 5 0   Noah Thomson, 14 13 2 0 6 2 5 0   Thomas Pevery, 7 12 2 0 6 2 5 0   (7 11 2 0 6 2 5 0   Matthew Thomson, 1 4 1 0 3 1 2 6   (4 1 2 0 6 2 5 0   Phinehas Lovejoy, 4 1 1 0 3 1 2 6   (3 4 2 0 6 2 5 0   (6 5 2 0 6 2 5 0   George Fernald, 7 6 1 0 3 1 2 6   Jonathan Eastman, 3 2 0 15 3 0 17 6   (3 5 1 0 3 1 2 6   James Taylor, 1 5 0 7 6 0 10 2   (14 14 2 0 6 2 5 0   Daniel Lovejoy, 3 2 2 0 6 2 5 0   (7 3 2 0 6 2 5 0   Amos Phillips, 17 2 1 0 3 1 2 6   (3 7 1 3 4 1 18 4   Thomas Pratt, 18 1 1 0 3 1 2 6   Amos Fisk, 8 1 1 0 3 1 2 6   James Hott, 2 4 2 0 6 2 5 1   (2 7 2 0 6 2 5 0  
STEPHEN AMES, Constable. Cockermouth, May 30, 1780.
State of New Hampshire, Hillsborough ss.
To be sold by us the Subscribers at public Vendue, at the house of Ephraim Hildreth, innholder in Amherst, on Monday the 25th day of June current, at one o'clock in the Afternoon:—
Two Colts, three Beds, and several Articles, being the remainder of Zacharias Cutler's personal estate, an Absentee. MOSES NICHOLS, Committee for JAMES UNDERWOOD, said County. Exeter, June 3, 1780.
To be sold at Public Vendue,
at the house of John Millin, Esq; innholder in Fitzwilliam, on the 6th day of July 1780, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, so much of the lots of Land of the following numbers, being an assessment for the minister's rates for said Town, unless paid before that time to the subscriber, with incidental charges.—The tax on each Lot is 91 is 6d, and is for the year 1779.
   No. Range No. Range No. Range     2 in 12 8 in 12 9 in 9   12 3 10 10 10 10   13 11 15 10 17 11   4 4 1 10 2 12   3 10 2 10 5 10   22 12 22 11 5 2   19 9 10 4 1 8   12 4 9 8 10 3   6 7 20 7 14 3   1 6 13 4 2 6   12 3 19 6 11 3   1 5 3 3 4 5   7 5 8 5 18 4   1 4 8 4 2 4   5 4 23 4 11 4   1 3 2 3 4 3   5 3 6 3 7 3   16 2 16 3 2 2   14 7 17 2 12 3   15 7 12 2  
Half Lots No. 1 in the 12th Range, 17 in 4, 5 in 12, 10 in 12, 13 in 7, 20 in 10, 13 in 7, 20 in 10, 13 in 5, 8 in 6, 1 in 9, 17 in 9, 9 in 4, 5 in 7, 18 in 7, 2 in 5, 21 in 5, 17 in 1, 23 in the 8th range
THEOPHILUS HARDY, Collector. Fitz-William, June 3, 1780.