The New America Times

From the Eastward

Newport, October 7

Last Thursday a prize brig, loaded with rum and sugar, went up the East Passage; she was bound from Antigua for the British fleet and army at New-York, and taken by the privateer Industry, Capt. Thomas Child, who had taken another large brig from Jamaica, loaded with sugar, mahogany and logwood, which, we hear, is safe arrived at the eastward.

The Lady Washington privateer, Capt. James Godfrey, has sent a fine ship into a port in the Massachusetts State, loaded with 425 hogsheads of sugar, some rum, cotton, &c.

A ship loaded with dry goods, bound to Quebec, and taken by Capt. Crawford, went into a safe port yesterday; about the same time another ship from Jamaica, with sugar, rum, &c. taken by Capt. Coffin, went into a secure harbour.

We hear that last Wednesday, as Capt. Harding, in a Connecticut brig of war, was going up the Sound from a cruize, he was attacked by the Merlin ship of war, when a very warm engagement ensued, but another ship, supposed to be the Cerberus, coming up, and endeavouring to cut Capt. Harding off from the land, he made from them, and got safe into Stonington. We don't learn what damage was sustained on either side. At the same time a third ship was seen near Block-Island.

Boston, October 10

Last Tuesday arrived here from a Cruize, the armed Schooner Lynch, Capt. John Ayers, who on Friday, Sept. 27, in Lat. 39, 45 and Long. 49, 00. saw a Fleet of 49 Sail, among which were 5 Frigates, and two 3 Deckers. One of the Frigates gave him Chase, which continued from Noon, till half past 11 at Night; and was at one Time within 2 Miles of him, and finding he overhauled him so fast, was obliged to through over-board his Guns, stave his Water, &c.—and by it's growing dark, was the Means of his escaping being taken.

The Continental Journal of the same day has the following:

Same day Capt Forrest return'd to Salem from a cruize, in which he has taken 5 prizes, one of which is of considerable value, as the bills of laden of her cargo that is come to hand amounts to £36,000 sterl. Capt. Forrest put his prisoners ashore at Cape Finister, where he was inform'd that the Spaniards had made a public Declaration of War against Portugal, and were ravaging the frontiers of that kingdom.

Committee of Safety of New-York

Fish-Kill, October 14

In the Committee of Safety of that State this morning, Mr. Moore reported that he had been at the Landing, and viewed the arms in Mr. Sacket's care; "That out of sixty-three Arms and two Barrels, thirteen appear to be fit for immediate use, with a little cleaning and repair; the rest are in very bad order." The thirteen were ordered to be repaired immediately, and the rest sent to Mr. John Schenck at Poughkeepsie, to be repaired and sent down without delay.

The minute sets forth that a body of troops is to be assembled without delay at or near Fish-Kill, where the Committee sits; that the house built near it by the donations of divers well-disposed persons, for an academy, "hath not for a long time past been applied to that use, but is now only occupied as a dwelling-house by the Rev. Mr. Chauncey Graham, who formerly presided over the said academy"; and that, the want of it being made known to him, "he declines relinquishing the possession thereof." It was therefore "Ordered, That the said Rev. Mr. Chauncey Graham do, within one week from this day, remove from the said Academy"; and 40l. was voted him for the trouble and expense of it, and 100l. for fitting the house for the reception of troops.

Colonel Luddington having "twenty or more Arms, taken from disaffected persons, now in his possession," he was ordered to send them all to the Committee without delay.

On motion of Mr. Duane, General James Clinton, commanding the fortresses in the Highlands, was requested to give directions that all boats passing up and down the river be diligently searched, and the passengers carefully examined, and such as shall be suspected secured; that a barge be manned and kept in motion in the river opposite to each fort every night; and that all the row-boats, barges and small craft between the forts in the Highlands and the army be taken up and secured, "to prevent those falling into the enemy's hands, and their gaining intelligence."

In Council of Safety

Philadelphia, October 16

The Council of Safety of this State, sitting this afternoon, "Resolved, That the following representation be made to the honourable Board of War:"

The Council of Safety for the State of Pennsylvania propose to the honourable the Board of War that the following force be continued in the State, or at Trenton or Billingsport, in New-Jersey, as a necessary defence for this city, not only against the British Troops, but the growing party of disaffected persons which unhappily exists at this time; also for the protection of the vast quantity of stores belonging to Congress that are now in the publick Magazine, and at the same time to carry on such works of defence as have been or may be thought necessary, viz: The two Virginia Battalions, the German Battalion, and four Companies of Marines.

And it is proposed to raise four Battalions of Militia, to be taken into pay for the immediate defence of this State, to be furnished by the following Counties, viz: One from York County, of five hundred men; one from Cumberland County, of five hundred men; one from Lancaster County, of five hundred men; one from Berks County, of five hundred men.

It is apprehended that the above force, with the assistance of our Militia, might obstruct the progress of any body of troops that General Howe might detach from his army, until reinforcements could arrive from the Flying-Camp, or General Washington's Army; and it is presumed that a less force than the above-mentioned will by no means be adequate to the support of the present Government in this State against the opposite party, should General Washington's Army be defeated; and they would beg leave earnestly to urge the necessity of retaining for that purpose the Continental Troops now in this State.

As there are no persons of military experience amongst us, it is proposed that General Stephens be appointed to the command of this force.

In the morning Major Proctor was desired to hold in readiness the detachment intended to be sent to Fort Montgomery, to march at a moment's warning.

Mr. Isaac Cox informing the Council that his private business will not admit his continuing Paymaster to the Pennsylvania troops any longer, and begging leave to resign his commission, the same was accepted; and John Redman, jun., was appointed Paymaster to the troops belonging to this State, late commanded by Colonels Miles and Atlee, with the rank of Captain.

An order was drawn on Mr. Nesbitt in favour of Captain James Copperthwaite for 1,000l., for carrying on the Continental Powder Mill; and another on Mr. Towers, to deliver to Robert Thompson half a ton of saltpetre.

In the afternoon Mr. William Lyon, member of the Council for Cumberland, appeared, and took and subscribed the qualification directed by Convention.

From the Jersey Shore

Elizabeth-town, October 14

The following are from head-quarters here, of this day.

Head-Quarters, Elizabethtown, October 14, 1776.

Colonel Slough will be so good as to return my thanks to the officers and soldiers of the battalion under his command, for their decent and orderly behaviour since their occupying the post at the Point House. As his battalion is now discharged from further duty at this post, I take this opportunity to wish them safe home to their respective families and friends.

MATTHIAS WILLIAMSON, Brig. Gen.

Head-Quarters, Elizabeth town, October 14, 1776.

Sir, I request the favour of you to return my sincere thanks to the officers and soldiers of Colonel Slough's battalion that turned out volunteers with you yesterday, and joined us in our excursion to Staten-Island, for their orderly and soldier-like behaviour while on that service; and they may depend I shall always mention them with that regard and honour which their spirited conduct, on that occasion, entitles them to receive.

I am, with the greatest esteem, your most obedient servant,

M. WILLIAMSON, Brig. Gen.

To Major Philip Brussell, of Colonel Slough's Battalion, Lancaster.

What the excursion to Staten-Island was, or what came of it, the orders do not say.

In Congress

Philadelphia, October 16

Congress this day "Resolved, That General Washington be empowered to appoint a commissary of cloathing for the army under his immediate command, and that he be empowered to appoint a deputy muster master general for the flying camp."

Congress proceeded to the election of a commissary of cloathing for the northern army, when, the ballots being taken, George Measam was elected, and allowed the pay and rations of a major in the continental service. The commander in chief in that department is to appoint suitable persons to appraise, on oath, all articles of cloathing there belonging to the United States, and deliver them to the commissary, who is to employ suitable persons to make the cloathing, add the charges of making to the appraised value, and deliver the same to the regimental pay masters.

Congress took into consideration the report of the committee on the state of the prisoners; whereupon, "Resolved, That William Livingston, Esq. governor of New Jersey, be informed, that Congress have considered his letter relative to certain prisoners confined in Somerset gaol, and being unacquainted either with their characters, or the causes of their being apprehended, request him to enquire into the same, and report to Congress their names and characters: That soldiers and sailors, confined in gaol, be hereafter allowed 1 1/3 dollar per week; the allowance of one dollar being found not to be sufficient to support them comfortably." The remainder of the report was recommitted.

Letters were read from E. Pendleton, Esq., speaker of the assembly of Virginia, from Thomas Jefferson, and from Jos. Trumbull.

From the Southward

Baltimore, October 12

Information being given to the Committee of this town on oath, by Mr. David Evans, that Francis Sanderson had, in a conversation with him, spoken words "tending to disunite the good people of this State in the present opposition to Great-Britain," the Committee, at a special meeting this day, required Sanderson to attend them immediately, Captain Cox being directed to bring him by force in case he did not. "The said Francis Sanderson appeared in consequence of the warrant, and having nothing to offer in vindication of the charge, he was committed to the custody of the guard for this night, in order to be sent to the Council of Safety, agreeable to the resolves of Convention in July, 1775."

Extract of a letter from Baltimore, October 12.

"We have nothing new here, save the arrival of a Spanish brig in our Bay from the Havanna; the Captain confirms their having declared war against the Portuguese; that a number of Spanish men of war and troops had already arrived at the Havanna, on some secret expedition; he has brought 10,000 Spanish milled dollars to procure provision for them, and says we may expect a number of their vessels to the continent in the course of the winter."

Annapolis, October 12

In the Convention of Maryland this day, on reading a letter from the Reverend John Scott to the President, it was resolved that, on his giving bond, with two or more good and sufficient securities, in the penalty of 1,000l. sterling, payable to the President of the Council of Safety, "conditioned that he will not go on the Eastern-Shore in Maryland or Virginia, and that he will not correspond upon publick matters with any person whatsoever," he "be permitted to reside in any part of the Western-Shore of Virginia, or in Frederick County in this State"; that, the bond being approved, his bond of the 29th of August last be void as to anything thereafter done; and that he be permitted to come to Annapolis to give it.

The order of the day for taking into consideration the Declaration of Rights and form of Government for that State being read, the Convention resolved that it "will on Monday next resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider of the same."

Foreign Intelligence

London, May 22

An authentic account of the Debate in the House of Commons, on General Conway's Motion, the 22d of May. [From the St. James's Chronicle.]

General Conway first shortly explained the leading objects of his intended motion. He observed that administration had, to the scandal of all good government, suppressed every thing relative to the true state of affairs in America. That the complaints of our colonies were interrupted in their passage to the throne and Parliament; as long as the King's Ministers found their account in so doing. When a war was determined on, the conduct of administration changed with their views; they first provoked the people to resist government; and only produced to parliament such part of the state of affairs in that country as promised to inflame and irritate Great Britain. That as soon as Great Britain had determined to assert her rights, administration again resumed their wonted taciturnity, and from the very instant that America was declared in a state of rebellion, the present Parliament had been kept in the most profound ignorance of every thing passing on the other side of the Atlantic. He then moved, "That an humble address be presented to his Majesty, praying that his Majesty would be graciously pleased to communicate to this House so much of the instructions given to Lord Viscount Howe and General Howe, his Majesty's Commissioners, as relates to the conditions or terms proposed for making peace with, or receiving the submissions of, his Majesty's American subjects, now in America."

To be continued.

Advertisements

SIX DOLLARS Reward.

RUN away from the subscriber, in Springfield township, Chester county, on the 8th of September inst. an English servant lad, named Philip Brooks, 17 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches high, chunky built, black curly hair, and a little hobble in his walk; had on, when he went away, new striped tow trowsers, homespun shirt, half-worn homespun cloth jacket, new felt hat. black silk handkerchief, half-worn shoes, with old odd buckles. Whoever takes up and secures said servant, so as his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by

JOHN OGDEN.

Philadelphia, Tenth-Month 4, 1776.

EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.

RUN away from the subscriber, on the 29th of last month, a Mulattoe servant man, named CHARLES CASE, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, and about 25 or 26 years of age, well made, when in haste to speak stammers; had on a felt hat, old homespun shirt, patched, a striped jacket, without sleeves, new homespun trowsers, one leg of which has been pieced near the bottom, a pair of blue and white cotton stockings; he stole 45 shillings, and has bought a new check shirt and a new pair of shoes, and will perhaps lay out the rest for small trifles. Whoever secures the said servant, so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by JOSEPH PEMBERTON, Grazier.

N. B. It is likely that he will get a pass forged, as he has done time past. The reason of his being a servant is his repeated thefts, though he declared to me that it was sickness

To be SOLD by the subscriber, living in Bensalem township, Bucks county, about 3 miles from Neshaminy ferry,

A LIKELY, strong, healthy NEGROE MAN, about 21 years of age, this country born, has had the small-pox and measles, has been bred to farming, which he understands well, but rather inclines to take care of horses, and wait on a gentleman, or to drive a team.

JOHN SWIFT.

MARK FREEMAN

HAS removed his STORE from Market-street to Front-street, the 5th door from the corner of Chestnut-street; he requests those that have any demands against him to bring in their accompts, to be adjusted and paid; and all those that are indebted to him, he requests to make immediate payment, at said store, or at his lodgings, at Mrs. Yard's, in Second-street, near Walnut-street; he particularly informs those whose accompts have been long standing (and have neglected to settle them by bond) if they do not, in one month from this date, either come and pay them off, or settle them by bond, they will be sued, without any further notice.

October 16, 1776.

CAME to Greenwich-Point Ferry, opposite Gloucester, about ten days ago, a trespassing small dark-brown MARE, branded on the near buttock S. S. a small star in her forehead, and an iron collar about her neck. The owner is desired to come, prove property, pay charges, and take her away.

October 14, 1776. RICHARD RENSHAW.

Tenth-Month 10, 1776.

FORTY SHILLINGS REWARD.

STRAYED or STOLEN, last night, out of the subscriber's pasture, living in Cheltenham township, Philadelphia county, two BAY HORSES, one about 15 years old, has a star in his forehead, black mane and tail, paces swift, and trots well, near 15 hands high, neither brand nor ear-mark.---- The other about 8 years old, branded on each quarter with the figure 3, has a black mane and tail, paces and trots, about 15 hands high. Whoever secures said horses, so that the owner may have them again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by

ISAAC CLEAVER.

STRAYED or STOLEN, on the 9th of October inst. out of the pasture of John Crosen, in Warminster township, Bucks county, a redish roan STALLION, with a bald face, mixed with red spots in the face, about six years old, and about 15½ hands high, a natural trotter, and canters well. Whoever delivers the thief and horse to the owner, shall have FIVE POUNDS reward, or for the horse only THREE POUNDS, and reasonable charges, paid by

JOHN CROSEN.

FIFTEEN DOLLARS Reward.

RUN away from the subscriber, on the 30th day of September last, a certain John Davis, by trade a weaver, born in Ireland, about 5 feet 8 inches high; had on, when he went away, a good blue broadcloth coat, jacket, and breeches, a new beaver hat, and took with him a short coat, light coloured nap, and one under jacket of red coloured nap; also took with him a black Mare, 4 years old, with a star in her forehead, and a rat tail, about 13 hands 3 inches, hollow backed, trots fast; he had a large old fashioned silver watch, marked on the outside case Ed. Seales, and on the inside case E. D. maker's name Dunlop, London. Whoever takes up the said runaway and mare, and secures them, so that the subscriber gets them again, shall have the above reward, or Seven Dollars and a Half for either, paid by THOMAS CLAYTON, near Nathaniel Newlin's tavern, in Goncord township, Chester county.

To be SOLD by public VENDUE, on the Eighth Day of November next,

A VALUABLE plantation in the township of Goshen and county of Chester, containing 140 acres of excellent good LAND, both for grain and pasture, with about 70 acres thereof cleared, the remainder exceedingly well timbered, with 10 acres of good meadow, part thereof watered, and the rest may be watered, and a good thriving orchard, with a good log dwelling-house and barn, and other out-houses; also a stream of water passing through the same, with a sufficient fall for some advantageous mill works. The whole in good repair, and the title indisputable. Any person, who has a mind to purchase, may view the premises, by applying to the subscribers, on the spot,

JOHN JOHNSON, and JOSEPH JOHNSON.