The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1781-12-08 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER.
[Vol. XXVI.]
SATURDAY, December 8, 1781.
[No. 1310.]
For the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE.
Messieurs PRINTERS,
AM pleased to find that a writer in your last, has undertaken to make strictures on the new Frame of Government lately presented to the public. An impartial disquisition on a subject so interesting to every member of the community, cannot but be attended with the highest advantage in assisting them to form a rational judgment on a point ultimately referred to their decision. The candor and moderation with which the subject is introduced and handled do honor to the author; and not only forbid every application to his disadvantage, but ensure him the utmost attention and respect.
I cannot, however, think his reasonings conclusive, or his objections unanswerable.
The first he mentions, is to one of the qualifications of Senators and County-Delegates (which afterwards is extended to all others ) to wit, that, by the constitution, each is to be seized of a certain estate clear of debt ; instead of which, he would have it—so much visible estate . His reasons are, that “no mode is pointed out, and, perhaps, no possible way can be contrived to ascertain whether the estate of the candidate is clear of debt without an examination into all his debts and credits previous to his election.” There are surely other ways of ascertaining this fact. As, first, if the candidate had just before taken the benefit of the act for insolvent debtors—or had mortgaged his whole estate, real and personal, and the conveyance appeared on record—or it may appear by the inventory, every rateable person is obliged annually to exhibit to the selectmen, upon oath, if required, of the money by him, and at interest more than he pays interest for, stock in trade, &c.—or by the valuation to be taken once every five years, and as much oftener as the General Court shall order, agreeably to the Constitution. In these, and many other ways that might be mentioned, the fact, whether the candidate is really worth so much, may be investigated with tolerable certainty. Common reputation (which in these matters is more accurate than at first view may be imagined) will answer in most cases, and the doubtful ones must be determined in the mode pointed out, or some other equally eligible; add to this, that the Senate and County Conventions are to be the final judges of the qualifications of their respective members. This, I humbly apprehend, is an answer to the only reason adduced in support of this objection. But I would just make a few observations on the proposed amendment.
By visible estate , the writer must mean such estate as the candidate seems to have. Now a man may seem to have a very large estate, when in fact he is worth no estate at all. In spite of appearances, it may be all under mortgage, attachment, or execution. Again, a man may seem to be worth a large estate, which at the time of his election is under neither of those incumbrances, but yet ready to be swallowed up by debts and executions of thrice its value. Can such a man be said to be really worth the estate he thus seems to have? (and the Convention surely meant that a Governor, Senator, &c. should be worth something) No—his circumstances are
far more deplorable than those of the poorest labourer, or most unaspining beggar. The point then seems to be reduced to this—Is it necessary in the government of this State, that its first magistrate, or the members of the legislature, should in reality be worth any property at all? None in the least acquainted with the subject, will hesitate to answer in the affirmative. This is surely no novelty in politics. And it is as wise as it is ancient, not only to place those in power as far out of the reach of temptation as possible, but to attach them to the spot where their interest lies; and that in all their conduct especially touching property, they should have a fellow-feeling for others—knowing themselves at least equally interested.
The second objection is “to the mode of representation.” The novelty of an institution can never, of itself, be any argument against its utility; but “it will destroy local attachments.” Would to God this might be the consequence. For so far from producing the evils mentioned by this writer, it would have, in my opinion, a direct contrary tendency. Instead of that narrow contracted circle to which such attachments confine even good men, they would learn to measure on a larger scale, and to move in a nobler sphere: But alas! this will never produce so happy an effect! When the representatives are chosen and returned, will not each represent a small district in the same manner they now represent a town? and will not the local attachment be at least as strong to this district as it now is to the town? What should then give the member a predilection to other districts in his county, above those in other counties, more than to the towns in his own county now? For my life I cannot see. It is true, there will be in the General Court the representatives of five counties. Must they necessarily “form parties?” Do they now? Yet every county is represented, & the members of each are distinctly known. Do we now see “the interest of one county opposed to that of another?” But “it deprives us of the privilege of instructing our representatives.” A weighty objection indeed, if it be fact. But how does it deprive us of this privilege? Cannot the districts meet and do this? No—the “travel and expence” will be too great. What becomes then of the proposed amendment? The classing the towns together produces the same difficulty. But “there is no law to authorize such meetings.” I answer, the Constitution expressly allows them. Perhaps, however, it might be best for each town to give separate instructions. If they appeared contradictory, the member might at least have the advantage of seeing what might be said on both sides of the question. An advantage he would be deprived of where the instructions were unitedly given. If they agreed, they would have more influence on his mind, as affording, thus separate, a stronger evidence of unanimity. As to the resentment he would incur from the towns whose instructions were not followed, if he acted uprightly, he could justly incur none. And it is probable when he came to offer his reasons for obeying other instructions, and rejecting theirs; or, perhaps, rejecting them all, and following the dictates of his own conscience and judgment, assisted by the arguments and debates which they could not
hear—they would not only acquit him of blame, but acknowledge that they themselves should have acted the same part.
The third objection is “to the power vested in the Governor of erecting and demolishing fortifications.” The only reason offered in support of this objection is, “That a Governor not possessed of any military knowledge, or great natural abilities, may lavish away our money in the pursuit of whimsical objects.” Granting for a moment, (tho’ the supposition does no great honor to the people’s understanding) that a Governor should be elected as whimsical as Don Quixote himself. Does the constitution provide no check for such a one? Would he run no risque of impeachments? Admitting he did not, could he pursue his wild projects, erecting castles in the air, and blowing them down again like the bateless fabric of a vision, without implements? Where would he find the money? Where do all these grants originate? Who holds the purse-strings? This single prerogative in the Commons of Britain, (till they grew wholly corrupt) and formerly in ours, formed an impenetrable barrier against far greater power. Why this writer should object to this power, and yet acquiesce in one of far greater consequence, that of assembling and marching the whole militia of the State against an enemy, is beyond my capacity to conceive—he could not suppose our persons less sacred than our property !
These powers seem both incident to his office of Captain General, &c. whose duty it is, at all times to defend the State: And if at the time of actual invasion, he should be obliged to consult the legislature, or council, who might not be sitting, or distant, and who might be divided in opinion about every fortification he wished to erect or demolish—the consequences are too glaring to need pointing out. From all which, it appears, that this power ought and lately may be trusted with the supreme executive.
The last objection is “to the rotation in the choice of the chief magistrate.” This it is said evidently destroys the essence of freedom by preventing our acting according to the dictates of our reason and judgment, and compelling us to act in direct opposition thereto.”
I answer, that particular inconveniences ought never to be an argument against a general rule. A candidate might offer whom the people might universally approve, who had not arrived at the age of thirty years. Another might offer who had often served before acceptably, but had become a bankrupt. A hundred other cases may be put where a general rule might operate unfavorably. Does it therefore follow that it would destroy the essence of freedom? I think not.
The reasons assigned by the Convention for the rotation are said to be founded in mistake—They are “to prevent the chief magistrate from acquiring undue influence,” and “to stimulate others to qualify themselves for serving the public in the most important offices.” To shew that these are insufficient, he tells us that the mode of acquiring popularity was in Greece and Rome different from what it is here. This by no means proves it is not attended still with danger. Mankind are the same in every age. “The people there were judges in the last resort.” Thank God they are so in every

resort. The instance of Arnold , is rather unfortunate for the writer's argument. Was he not popular long after he deviated from the path of virtue? Lee , I hope, never did. 'Tis said, if a man renders himself popular by his virtues, no danger can arise to the State while he continues virtuous—as soon as he deviates, he ceases to be popular. This I can by no means agree to. If the people could always see the deviation, perhaps the remark might be just: But their generous unsuspecting minds will be so blinded by the high opinion they once justly entertained, that they will not discern it.
Another argument used by the writer, against the rotation, is, "If frequent changes of the first magistrate is rendered certain by the constitution, persons of moderate acquirements may rationally flatter themselves with the prospect of advancement." I cannot, I confess, see this consequence. Does the writer suppose there are not as many as three persons in this State of "superior abilities?" If there are, there is no necessity of introducing to the chair persons of only moderate abilities or acquirements. "But the idea of rewards for eminent services will, it is said, be totally lost." This observation is surprising! Are the first offices in government to be bartered away in discharge of debts? Or are the people singly to consider who is best qualified to govern? A man may have rendered "eminent services" to the State in a variety of ways—he may have lent it, nay given it, vast sums of money—he may have bled in its defence, and yet be a very improper person to govern it, especially in exclusion of all others. But are such services to go unrewarded? I answer, no—they cannot—if they proceeded from virtuous motives, they carry their reward along with them—if that is not sufficient, pay them—amply assails a general tax for them—do every thing but expose the state vessel to the perils of an unskilful steerage. Besides, whoever fills that department, and faithfully discharges all the important and weighty duties of it, will not thereby lessen, but greatly augment the debt, and confer an obligation on (rather than receive) a reward from the people. Notwithstanding which, it may be added, that it is good for men in power sometimes to descend from their high stations and mix with the mass of the people—it reminds them (which they are apt to forget) that they are but men—and prevents the people from entertaining too exalted ideas of their rulers; which ends in a servility of mind totally inconsistent with liberty and virtue. Some other observations, such as "that persons may be continued the three years in office who are unfit, out of tenderness, if the rotation takes place, who would not be without it; and would also be tempted "to grow neglectful of public affairs, knowing his term was expiring," seems too far fetched to have any great weight. Both arguments have some operation against annual elections; and I can by no means conceive that where elections are annual, the people would be so weak as repeatedly, for three years successively, to choose a person whom they had found to be wholly inadequate, the first. The case of the commander in chief of the American army, who is appointed and removeable at pleasure, and considers himself as held only during the war, does not apply to our case; that of the members of Congress, where the rotation is established, applies, in my opinion, much better.
Thus I have thrown together a few scattered thoughts on the objections and proposed amendments, made by the ingenious and candid author who signs himself "A TRUE REPUBLICAN."—If there is weight in any of them, they will be attended to; if there is none, I do not wish it—unless he, or some other person, should condescend to point out and convince me of my mistakes. To the public I refer the cause, and shall rest satisfied with their determination.
A CITIZEN OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
A few Copies of the Form of Government, may be had at the Printing-Office.
Late London advices taken from English prints, found on board a prize brought into Salem.
CONSTANTINOPLE, Aug. 11.
We have accounts that the plague has this year destroyed upwards of 40,000 persons in Salonica, the capital of Macedonia, near half the inhabitants of Grand Cairo, and at least one third of those of Alexandria.
DUBLIN, August 21.
It is computed that not four out of ten ships bound here escape being captured either by French or American privateers.
LONDON, August 7.
Another of our first houses have failed for 300,000l. sterl. our late losses in India, it is said, has been the cause of the failure: And on Wednesday last two houses of equal importance stop payment. It was said yesterday that St. Helena was taken by the French.
Saturday last advice was received, that the Mercury, Dillon, a packet bound from Lisbon to Falmouth, was taken the 23d of June, by the Cicero, an American privateer, commanded by Capt. Heil, mounting 20 guns, and carried into Vigo, with her passengers, this vessel had on board 7000 moidores, equal to 42,000 dollars, on account of the merchants of London; her dispatches and mail were thrown over board.
Admiral Arbuthnot arrived the day before yesterday at Spithead, from North-America, on board the Roebuck: he presented himself yesterday evening to the Admiralty, with dispatches from Sir Henry Clinton, leaving the great affair of the reduction of America to Lord Cornwallis.
Extract of a letter from Rye.
"Our coasts swarm with French privateers, our vessels dare not leave the road: their crews pillaged many farmers, and carried away their cattle, poultry, &c. They took this morning a vessel from the Isle of Wight bound here, and have taken many coasters, within these eight days that they have been off."
Sept. 20. By the latest accounts of the combined fleets, we learn, that they separated in four divisions, one of which bore away for the west of Ireland to cruise some leagues off the mouth of the Shannon, and the other three to cruise in the tracts of our homeward bound fleets.
A letter from Plymouth, of the 16th, says, "This evening the fleet was out of sight from the Tower, and if the wind continues brisk, will be out of the channel tomorrow; it consists of 27 sail of the line, 10 frigates, and 3 fire ships."
PHILADELPHIA, November 13.
Last Tuesday arrived in this city, great part of the brass ordnance taken at York and Gloucester, in Virginia.
November 21.
Extract of a letter from Amsterdam, Aug. 21.
"On the 6th inst. their High Mightinesses passed a resolution, allowing the Captain of an American privateer to leave behind him, in full security, six British prisoners belonging to him: Their noble Mightinesses, the College of Admiralty of Amsterdam, were authorized to secure and take charge of the said prisoners, who are to be exchanged when an opportunity offers, against American prisoners in England."
Extract of a letter received this morning from Gen. Greene's head quarters, at the high hills of Santee, October 18.
"The enemy a few days ago retreated towards Monk's Corner, and have already
got as far as Fairlawn. During this movement, Col. Mayhem took an officer and 12 dragoons of the enemy, who were reconnoitering."
"Oct. 25. Reports say, the enemy have left Wilmington and gone to Brunswick, about 30 miles below; and other reports mention, that small transports are preparing at Charlestown that can keep close in shore, to take off the garrison."
Oct. 26. A party of Gen. Marion's went down to the Quarter-House, within five miles of Charlestown, a few days ago, where they killed some of the British, took a Captain and 23 others prisoners (among whom were a number of the staff) and stoved 40 hogheads of rum. Each man brought off an horse loaded with as many stores as he could carry. Not a single man was lost on our side."
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. In the House of Representatives, Nov. 23, 1781.
RESOLVED, That the Treasurer of this State be, and hereby is directed to issue his extents against the several Collectors, or (in cases where the Collectors names, with the Sums they are to collect &c. are not returned agreeably to orders of the General Court) against the Selectmen of the several Towns and Places in this State on or before the first Day of January next, for all Taxes which were due prior to the first day of January last past, which may be then unpaid: That said Taxes be liquidated agreeably to the Scale of Depreciation, and Extents issue accordingly for Specie: That the same be paid in Specie, or Bills of the new Emission at the rate of Three Pounds in said Bills for One Pound in Specie; and that the several Towns and Places be requested to settle all Accounts for Bounties Travel Money, &c. which may particularly respect the aforesaid Taxes previous to the said first Day of January 1782.
Sent up for Concurrence,
WM. WHIPPLE Speaker. P. T.
In Council, November 28th, 1781. Read and Concurred.
E. THOMPSON Sec'y.
Copy examined by JOSEPH PEARSON. D. Sec'y.
State of New Hampshire.
THE Subscriber being appointed Collector of Taxes for the Propriety of the Township of Wentworth, in the County of Grafton, in said State, doth hereby give Notice, that the Assessors of said Propriety have committed to him a List and Warrant to collect a Tax of Five Silver Dollars on each original Right in said Township; and that unless said Tax is paid to me at my House in South Hampton, in the County of Rockingham, in said State, by the sixteenth Day of February next, so much of the undivided Land of each Delinquent's Share, as also so much of the five hundred Acres reserved (or granted) to his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq; called two Shares, will be advertised for sale to pay said Taxes and Charges, as the Law directs.
PHILLIPS WHIT
South-Hampton, Dec. 3. 1781.
State of New Hampshire.
THE Subscriber being appointed Collector of Taxes for the Propriety of the Township of Warren, in the County of Grafton, in said State, doth hereby give Notice, that the Assessors of said Propriety have committed to him a List and Warrant to collect a Tax of Four Silver Dollars on each original Right in said Township, and that unless said Tax is paid to me at my House in South-Hampton, in the County of Rockingham, in said State, by the sixteenth Day of February next, so much of the undivided Land of each Delinquent's Share, as also so much of the five hundred Acres reserved (or granted) to his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq; called two Shares, will be advertised for Sale to pay said Tax & Charges, as the Law directs.
PHILLIPS WHITE.
South-Hampton Dec. 3. 1781.
ALL Persons indebted to, or having claims on the estate of Richard Jones, late of Madbury, yeoman, deceased, are desired to settle the same with the subscriber, administrator on said estate.
Lee, Nov. 23.
Hercules Mooney.

DUBLIN, (Ireland) September 1.
Thursday arrived here the Amsterdam Gazettes, from the 3d to the 17th instant, inclusive. In the Paris article of the 3d of August, there is an account of 8000 land forces being on the point of embarkation at Brest to reinforce M. de Rochambeau's army in North America; also the sailing of a fleet for the East-Indies, &c. from Bourdeaux the 21st J y , under convoy of two ships of the line, four frigates and three cutters.
The Gazette of the 14th of August, contains an advertisement giving notice, that his Excellency John Adams will pay, at the compting house of Mesheurs John Neuville and son, at Amsterdam, the first half year's interest due on the loan of one million of florins, on account of the United States of America. Attendance to be given on every Wednesday and Saturday during the course of the month of September next.
F I S H K I L L, November 22.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman near the lines.
"I have the pleasure to forward the account of an instance of partisan bravery on the coast, which, though it may have its equal, is seldom exceeded.
"On the morning of the 13th inst. a party consisting of about twenty Continental troops, under the command of Lieut. De Forest, of the Connecticut line, and fifteen volunteers under Capt. Lockwood, late of the Continental army, with Lieut's Hull and Mead, went on board a small unarmed vessel which lay in Eastchester Bay, and made chase after a fleet which appeared off, between them and Long Island. They came up with a privateer well equipped, mounting ten carriage guns, secured by a strong netting, twelve feet in height above her gunwale, with twenty five regular troops on board, of the regiment of Anspach, armed with spears for their defence. On seeing her strength and equipment, they found there was no other way to reduce her but by closest action; they accordingly threw their little vessel along side of her, and commenced the attack, and with that determined bravery which knows no repulse, in the space of a few minutes, with their knives and bayonets, made themselves a passage through her netting, and properly vindicated their superiority. Unfortunately Lieut. Mead, (who like the true soldier, was amongst the foremost on board) received a wound, which it is feared is mortal; several others of the party, the Captain of the privateer and four of the crew, were also wounded.
"In the time of the attack, some brats, who were also of the party, under Capt. Jones and Mr. Masbie, took six of the convoy, two of which were ransomed; the rest, with the privateer, are arrived in Stamford harbour.
"Though this is an instance of the petite guerre, yet the difficulty of the object, compared with the situation of the assailants, does no less honour to the individuals in point of reputation as soldiers; and shews that they share the same spirit of military ardor & enterprize, which has crowned us with the successes and expectations of the present day."
November 29. A large fleet of merchantmen, &c. are preparing at New York for sea, and will sail in few days for Europe; they are to be convoyed out by three ships of the line. The timid friends of government may avail themselves of the favourable opportunity to take a safer position on the other side of the water.
By reports from New York, we learn, that Sir Henry Clinton is generally condemned for the loss of Cornwallis. That the Tories finding those who joined Cornwallis, abandoned to the mercy of the civil magistrates are clamorous; they say they have not the protection they were promised, and they had rather throw
themselves on the mercy of their country, than to trust to a capitulation of British officers, in which their interests are not considered—That some of the merchants had turned wigs because General Washington did not suffer the property of the merchants at York and Gloucester to be plundered.
BOSTON, December 6.
On Tuesday last arrived here from the southward, upon public business, the Count de Noailles, an officer of high estimation in the army of our allies, and who was appointed on their part to settle the terms of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his forces. America may be proud of a cause in which foreigners of such birth and character have generously renounced their ease and exposed their blood.
Last Monday Capt. Adams arrived here from Cadez, which place he left the 20th of October, and informs, That the combined fleets had returned into port, from their late cruise in the channel of England—the French into Brest, and the Spanish, consisting of upwards of 30 sail of the line, into Cadez: That the siege of Gibraltar was vigorously continued; That a large reinforcement had arrived at Minorca from Toulon, to assist the Spaniards in the reduction of that place, which it was thought would be accomplished in a few days after this arrival.
Two large Spanish frigates arrived at Cadez before Capt. Adams sailed from the Havannah, with a vast quantity of money on account of the King and the merchants.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Philadelphia, dated Nov. 10, 1781.
"The following fact will convince you, my Friends, that whatever means of corruption the Britons employ in order to establish their affairs in this country, their intrigues serve only to render themselves more base and contemptible, and to establish the cause of Independence.
"Some weeks past Arnold met by accident in the streets of New-York, a man who had formerly been a writer in the office of Mr. Thomson, Secretary of Congress; and who was afterwards captured at Sea by the English, and carried to New-York. The immaculate BENEDICT, supposing he should find in all his countrymen the same virtue he possessed himself in so eminent a degree engaged him by the promise of a very great reward, to return to Philadelphia, and steal the secret Journals of Congress. This man upon his arrival here, had nothing more at heart than to lay open the plot to public justice. Two British soldiers disguised, who were to have aided him in committing the theft were last night arrested. They readily made an honest confession, and have discovered upon examination more than an hundred accomplices and ill-affected persons, inhabitants of the Jerseys, whose houses have served for a resort to a band of villains and assassins, who under the name of tories or of English, frequently come from New York to spread devastation and carnage in the neighbouring States. The two culprits were brought before a Council of War, in which the Marquis de la Fayette, who has been here some days, presided; and were declared spies, and subject to the punishment annexed by justice to such a crime.
"This account and an hundred others of the same kind, afford a demonstration of the weakness and debasement into which Britain has fallen; seeing her forces vanquished on all sides by the defenders of our honorable cause, she has nothing left but to employ those disgraceful means, at which any nation would blush that had not enrolled an Arnold among its Generals."
To be sold at public Vendue,
To begin at two o'clock at Col. Samuel Folsom's in Exeter, on Tuesday the eighteenth Day of December Instant, a convenient Dwelling-HOUSE and Garden Spot, in said Exeter, if not sold before at private sale: said premises are now in the Occupancy of Benjamin Thurston. The Conditions of sale will be known at the above said time and place. Exeter, Dec. 4. 1781.
Advertisements, &c. omitted, will be in our next.
PORTSMOUTH December 8.
We hear from Charlestown, in the County of Cheshire, in this State, on the East side of Connecticut River, that Col. Enoch Hale of Rindge, the High Sheriff of said County, having received Orders to proceed to that Town, and there to liberate two Prisoners who were confined in the County Goal by the usurped Authority of Vermont, having demanded the Keys, and being denied, he attempted to break open the Prison Doors, but was knock'd down by two Men, and much wounded: And Application being made to one Giles, a new made Justice in Vermont, (who has been in Commission under New-Hampshire all the War 'till lately) very readily made out a Warrant, and committed the High Sheriff close prisoner, where he remained at the last Account.
The Day is at length arrived; big with the Fate of Vermont or New-Hampshire;—now we feel the Want of a well established Government; to put in Force its Laws, and which we hope soon to see—If the High Sheriff can be imprisoned within his own County Goal, of which he was appointed the Keeper, by the Laws of this State, and in the Execution of his Office, and that too by the Authority of a Man acting under the pretended State of Vermont, without a spirited Resentment to the Audacity of the Attempt, adieu to all Government; the Way is now clear, and the Remedy is at Hand: This Attack upon the person of one of the Executive Officers of this State will convince the Honorable Congress of the Necessity of quelling these Insurgents—for by indulging them with only a Hearing on the Subject of a Union, they have taken it for granted, they are really recognized as a State; but if any Thing might once be said in their Favour before, this presumptuous Conduct will obliterate every favourable Impression; and if the United States can be trampled upon, and their Resolves disregarded, the Confederation is set at Nought, therefore Nothing less than a solemn Resolve to annihilate this usurped State, can be the Consequence of an Application from this State.
The Eastern Post informs, that on Sunday last arrived at a safe port, a vessel in 16 days from the West-Indies, with a valuable cargo of Rum, &c. The Captain of which informs, that 10 days before his arrival, he spoke with the French fleet from Chesapeake, bound to the West-Indies.
TO BE SOLD at PUBLIC VENDUE, on Wednesday the 26th Instant, at the House of Noah Emery, junr. Esq; in Exeter, a Number of valuable WAGON HORSES, belonging to this State—Payment to be made immediately on Sale in New Emission, or other public Securities of the State. New-Hampshire, Dec. 4. 1781.
Samuel Bowles
Informs the Public, that he has for sale, at his Shop in Portsmouth, a little below the State House, A Variety of English and West-India GOODS. The particulars will be in our next.
An entire new Work.
THE PUBLIC are informed, that they may be supplied with the first and second Numbers of the Impartial History of the War between Great-Britain and the United States of America, which begins with the first discovery of the Continent by Columbus, in the year 1492, and will be carried forward to the end of the war—by applying immediately at the Printing-Office, or to Mr. Daniel Pierce, merchant, Portsmouth; or to Mr. Mycall, printer, Newbury-Port.
The rest of the Numbers will be sent regularly every month to the Subscribers, 'till the whole is completed, which it is expected will not exceed fourteen.
The first Number is embellished with a beautiful engraving of his Excellency Governor Hancock; the second, is adorned with an elegant likeness of that illustrious Patriot and Hero, his Excellency General Washington; and every number will be embellished with excellent engravings.
N. B. The Publishers have met with extraordinary encouragement for this history, and make no doubt but the Gentlemen of this town will exhibit the same spirit, by giving in their names immediately to the Publishers, that they may be able to ascertain the copies necessary to be struck off, in order to make complete sets of the work.
STRAY'D or stolen from me the Subscriber on the Night of the 28th instant, from the House of Mr. James Thurston, Innholder in Exeter, a chesnut colour'd MARE, about 13 or 14 Hands high, Trotts all, a short switch Tail, and about nine Years old.—Any Person who will bring the Mare to me, or give Information where I may find her, or detect the Thief or Thieves, so as him or them may be brought to Justice, shall be handsomely rewarded, and all necessary Charges paid by me. J. Boynton, Lieut.
N. B. A Saddle with a Bearskin Housing, and a Bridle was taken with the Mare.

GENERAL ORDERS
Issued by his Excellency the illustrious Commander of the allied Army of France and America, after the Capture of the British Army in Virginia.
HEAD-QUARTERS, before York, October 20, 1781.
THE General congratulates the Army upon the glorious event of yesterday. The generous proofs which his Most Christian Majesty has given of his attachment to the cause of America, must force conviction in the minds of the most deceived amongst the enemy, relatively to the decisive good consequences of the alliance, & inspire every citizen of these States with sentiments of the most unalterable gratitude.—His fleet, the most powerful and numerous that ever appeared in these seas, commanded by an Admiral whose fortune and talents insure great events;—an army of the most admirable composition both in officers and men, are the pledges of his friendship to the United States, and their co operation has secured the present signal success.
The General upon this occasion entreats his Excellency Count de Rochambeau to accept his most grateful acknowledgements for his counsels & assistance at all times:—he presents his warmest thanks to the Generals Baron de Viominil, Chevalier Chastelleux, Marquis de Simon, and Count de Viominil, and to Brigadier General de Choisey, who had a separate command, for the illustrious manner in which they have advanced the interest of the common cause.
He requests that Count de Rochambeau will be pleased to communicate to the army under his immediate command, the high sense he entertains of the distinguished merits of the officers and soldiers of every corps, and that he will present, in his name, to the regiments of Argenois and Deuxponts, the two pieces of brass ordnance captur'd by them, as a testimony of their gallantry in storming the enemy's redoubt on the night of the 14th inst. when officers and men so universally vied with each other in the exercise of every soldier-like virtue.
The General's thanks to each individual of merit, would comprehend the whole army; but he thinks himself bound, however, by affection, duty, and gratitude, to express his obligations to Major Generals Lincoln, De la Fayette, and Stuber, for their dispositions in the trenches; to General Du Portail & Col. Carney, for the vigour and knowledge which were conspicuous in their conduct of the attacks; and to General Knox and Col. De Aberville, for their great care, attention and fatigue, in bringing forward the artillery and stores, and for their judicious and spirited management of them in the parallels.
He requests the gentlemen before-mentioned to communicate his thanks to the officers and soldiers of their respective commands.
Ingratitude, which the General hopes never to be guilty of, would be conspicuous in him, was he to omit thanking, in the warmest terms, his Excellency Governor Nelson, for the aid he has derived from him and from the militia under his command, to whose activity, emulation, and courage, much applause is due. The greatness of the acquisition will be an ample compensation for the hardships and hazards which they encountered with so much patriotism & firmness.
In order to diffuse the general joy through every breast, the General orders that those men belonging to the army who may now be in confinement, shall be pardoned, released, and join their respective corps.
Divine service is to be performed to-morrow in the several brigades or divisions. The Commander in Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty, should universally attend with that seriousness of deportment, and gratitude of heart which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence, demand of us.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident owners of Land in Bedford, in the State of New Hampshire that so much of their Lands as will pay the Taxes annexed to their Names, will be sold at public Vendue on Tuesday the 25th day of December next, at the House of Zechariah Chandler, innholder in Bedford, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, unless prevented by previous payment. The Names are as follows:
   No. Range. 1 s. d.     Henry Timberlake, ten Acres 7 7 15 6   Samuel Surd, ten Acres 25 4 8 13   Richard Abbot, 15 Acres 16 4 14 15   Jacob Gregs 17 4 49 5   Edward Dorr 10 3 49 5   Job Holbrook 10 2 47 5   Lot unknown 5 2 39 4   John Tuckerman 3 11 49 5   Benjamin Langdon 82 3d div. 100 10   Samuel Heery 27 4 22 0  
Joseph Houston, Constable for 1780.
Bedford, November 21, 1781.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
In the House of Representatives,
November 15, 1781.
RESOLVED, That a further time be allowed the several towns within this State, for paying the Rum assessed by an Act of this State, passed the 31st of August last, to the 15th of December next, provided that the delinquent towns pay expences which have already arisen in consequence of the delay: And that the receiver of said rum be directed to cause this resolve to be published in the New-Hampshire Gazette, as soon as may be.
Sent up for concurrence.
JOHN LANGDON, Speaker.
In COUNCIL, November 16, 1781:
Read and concurred.
E. THOMPSON, Sec'ry.
Copy examined by
J. Pearson, D. Sec'ry.
THE Delinquent Towns are hereby notified, that Rum will be received at the Places before advertised.
JOSHUA WENTWORTH.
State of New Hampshire. Exeter, Nov. 22, 1781.
Pursuant to an Order of the General Court, will be farmed at Public Vendue, by the Committee of Safety for said State, at the House of Col. Samuel Folsom, innholder in Exeter on Tuesday the eighteenth Day of December next, at two o'clock in the Afternoon; the Excise on Spirituous Liquors for one Year from the first Day of October last, agreeably to an Act passed the first Day of September 1781. The Excise in each of the several Counties will be sold separately. Articles of Sale will be seen at the Time and Place above-mentioned.
By order of the Committee,
JOSIAH BARTLETT, Chairman.
TO BE LETT, and entered upon immediately, on good terms.
A FARM, lying in New Castle, about 130 acres, all under improvement, well stocked, with a good Dwelling House and two Barns, and every Utenstil necessary for such a Farm, completely fenced, and well situated for water-carriage, only one mile from town. For particulars inquire of the Printers.
TO BE SOLD.
SEVERAL commodious HOUSES, and a number of good House Lots, in the town of Portsmouth, being part of the estate of the late Hon. Daniel Warner, Esq; deceased.—Also, several good and convenient Houses to be let, for one year or longer.
WANTED.
One or more good FARMERS, that understand the farming business, and such as can be well recommended, to take on share good farms, well stocked.—Likewise, four good men that will settle on some out land near Conway; for which 75 acres of good land will be given to each man, and their living in two good log houses for one year, in which time they may have good houses built on their own lots.
JONATHAN WARNER.
Portsmouth, Nov. 21, 1781.
STRAYED or STOLEN from the farm of Jonathan Warner, Esq; near boiling-rock, a pale red STEER, 3 years old last spring, with a white face, the top of the right ear cut off, and the left has a slit in it. Whoever will return the Steer to the farm, or give information where he may be come at, shall have a handsome reward.
WHEREAS the owners of the following Lots of Land in Stoddard, in the State of New Hampshire, have not paid their Beef and County Tax for the year 1780, this is therefore to notify said owners that unless they pay said Taxes with incidental Charges to me the subscriber by the 25th day of December next, that so much of said Land will be sold at my dwelling house in Stoddard at ten o'clock in the forenoon, on said day, as will pay the Tax with Charges.
Rated to Col. Stoddard's Heirs.
No. 12 in the 16th Range, 4 in 15th, 8 in 15th, 12 in 15th, 10 in 9th, 12 in 5th, 15 in 5th, 16 in 5th, 17 in 5th, 3 in 4th, 4 in 4th, 6 in 3d, ten pounds sixteen shillings and seven pence each, new emission.
Moses Kenney, Constable.
Stoddard, November 28, 1781.
FOR Sale, opposite the North Door of the State House in Portsmouth, St. Martin's and Lisbon Salt....Old West India Spirit....Brandy....Cordage.. Scale Fish.... One pair Four Pound Cannon, and a Swivel.... And a healthy young NEGRO MAN almost 20 Years old.
State of New Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given, to the non resident owners of Lands in the town of Barrington in the county of Strafford and State of New Hampshire, that so much of their Lands as will pay the taxes annexed to their names with incidental charges will be sold by Public Auction, on Wednesday the 19th of December next, at the House of Capt. Joshua Folsom in said Town, at 10 of the clock before noon, unless paid before laid time.
   Names. No. Acres. £. s. d. s. d.   State & Beef Tax. Silver Tax.     Joshua Pierce 156 700 4 18 0 3 1   John Hucker 157 96 0 9 8 0 4   John Harderson 166 108 0 12 8 0 5   Samuel Penballow 167 235 1 10 0 1 0   Richard Foss 168 30 0 6 4 0 3   Ephraim Jackson 170 100 1 0 0 0 7   Widow Maston 172 120 0 14 4 0 5  
5th Range.
   Capt. G. Walker 181 115 1 4 0 0 9   John Sparks 186 36 0 3 8 0 2   Benjamin Cross 189 120 0 12 0 0 6   James Pitman 203 60 0 7 8 0 4   William Brown 213 54 0 6 4 0 5   Richard Swain 214 72 0 9 0 0 4   John Gorwel 215 84 0 9 2 0 5   William Ross 216 72 0 7 4 0 3   James Sherborn 217 50 0 5 0 0 3   John Sherborn 218 120 0 12 0 0 6   John Melcher 219 72 0 7 4 0 3   Thomas Perce 220 210 1 8 7 0 8   Henry Sherburn 224 182 1 2 0 0 8   Antony Row 226 47 0 4 8 0 3   James Stoodley 229 60 0 7 4 0 4   Joseph Berry 232 60 0 7 4 0 3   Jacob Tabb 234 90 0 9 4 0 4  
6th Range.
   William Fellows 238 240 1 8 8 0 10   Samuel Brown 239 7 0 8 8 0 1   Edward Ayrs 246 120 1 9 8 0 10   John Sherborn 253 24 0 2 6 0 1   George Ayrs 262 96 0 15 4 0 6   Harculous Hunkin 263 22 0 3 4 0 2   Joseph Mead 271 108 0 10 8 0 5   Lazrus Noble 274 60 0 6 0 0 2   Lazrus Holmes 275 42 8 4 4 0 2   Abraham Senter 276 96 0 0 8 0 4   Jeremiab Calf 277 72 0 7 4 0 3  
The hundred Acre Lots.
   Ephraim Jackson 6 105 0 12 4 0 5   Benning Wentworth 8 84 0 9 6 0 3   Joseph Brewster 9 105 0 12 4 0 5   Jerbro Furbur 15 105 0 12 4 0 5   Samuel Foss 16 105 0 12 4 0 5   Stephen Greenleaf 19 105 0 12 4 0 5   James Libby 20 105 0 12 4 0 5   John Jones 29 105 0 16 8 0 6   Timothy Waterhouse 30 50 0 8 0 0 3   Joshua Pierce 37 105 0 12 4 0 5   Nathaniel Peverly 40 105 0 12 4 0 5  
Two mile so called.
David Jeffrey, Esq; 0 216 3 4 8 2 0 N.B. said tax is for the Year 1781.
Daniel Rowel, Collector.
Barrington, Nov. 24, 1781.
ALL PERSONS indebted to, or that have any demands on the estate of Capt. Tobias Lear, late of Portsmouth, mariner, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to Mary Lear, administratrix to said estate, in order for an immediate settlement.
PRINTED AT PORTSMOUTH.