The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1838-06-20
MEMOIR OF RHODE-ISLAND.
1776.

NICHOLAS COOKE, Gov.
WILLIAM BRADFORD, Dep. Gov.
Assistants.
John Collins, James Arnold,
Simeon Potter, Jonathan Randall,
Ambrose Page, Peter Phillips,
John Sayles William Potter,
John Jepson, William Church.
Henry Ward, Secretary.
Henry M0rehant, Attorney,
Joseph Clarke, Treasurer.
The Deputies from Newport were-John
G. Wanton, Samuel Fowler, George Sears,
Gideon Wanton, Thomas Freebody and
Joseph Belcher.
William Ellery was chosen by the As
sembly, Delegate to attend the Continen-
tai Congress, in the place of the Hon. Sam
uel Ward, deceased.
A Beacon was erected on Wonimetono-
my Hill, in the North part of the township
Of Newport, to give the country al alarm in
case Of invasion or other necessary Cause.
The Declaration of American Indepen-
dence was celebrated at Newport on the
Goth day of July, l776, before great con-
course Of people assembled 10 and about
the State-Iiouse. 1t was read by Major
John Handy, from the Balcony in front of
the Loby. The came man, Hojor Handy,
read the same Declaration Of independence
from the Court House steps, under the said
Balcony. on the fiftieth Anniversary, in the
year 1926.
The Declaration of Independence was
read, and celebrated, at Providence on the
23d of July, l776.
In September the American army under
General Washington evacuated, and the
British under Lord Howe, took possession
of the City of New York-soon after which
fire took place, either from accident or
design, which reduced one third Of that city
TO ashes.
During the summer and fall of 1916, the
Town of Newport still remained in dis
tressed aud dangerous situation without
commerce, without defence, Except few
guns mounted on Brenton's Point,) with q
diminished population, and almost total
prostratlon of business of every kind. Tha,
the Town and Island would soon be taken
into possession bv the enemy, there was lit
tie or no doubt. A few small Privateers
were fitted out who had some success, bu,
before any new pursuit could spring up to
give employment TO the citizens, the Brit
ish fleet and army arrived, and took posses
sion of the Town and Island, which they
held for the next ceeding three years.
On the lst of December, about 20 sail of
Men-of- War and Transports were discov-
cred coming down Sound, from N. York,
supposed TO be destined for Newport, which
information was speedily transmitted here,
in advance Of the armament. This feet
was commanded by Sir Peter Parker
it arrived by the way Of the West passage
on the 9TH Of December, came round the
North end of Conanicut and anchored off
Sioddard's shore in the Town Of Middle
town.
As soon as it was ascertnined that the
fleet was destined for Newport, the Ameri-
can Militia stationed on the Island, com
menced driving the live stock off to the main
land, by way of IIowland's Ferry, to liver
ton-except that part which was on the
farms in the Neck, South Of the Town.
For want Of sufficient time, they did not at
temp, to collect, and carry of, the stock
from the neck, for fear of being cut of in
their retreat.
All the stock from Newport norihward,
that could be found, were driven into the
roads aud so on for Howlsnd's Ferry
which, together with the flying inhabitants,
with their effects, in Wagons, carts, and
other carriages, literally filled the Road the
whole way.
The farmers tried every means in iheir
power to conceal as much Of their stock a,
Poss'o'e' and by that means a small portion
only was srvrd from the pursui, of the sol
diers.
A singular instance of female f,r;i,ud