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London, May 22
The Debate in the House of Commons, on General Conway's Motion, continued from our last.
After the motion, as near as we can recollect, he spoke for above an hour and an half. He said he would have made it sooner, but did not think when he determined to make his motion, that any specific time was fixed for the rising of the Parliament. That he waited impatiently to see if the Gazette would not give some information to the people at least, since Parliament were to be led blindfolded, or kept in the dark. He lamented, in the most pathetic terms, the manner Parliament had been misled, and worked up by the arts of designing interested men, to set their faces against all concessions from America, however reasonable and sincere, unless the people of that country consented to lay down their arms like cowards, slaves, and paltroons. He contended, in a strain that would have done honour to the most steady patriots of Greece and Rome, that the honour of the British nation was betrayed, the dignity of Parliament sacrificed, and its dearest interests given up, to keep a sett of men in power, the most unpopular, and the most unfit to direct the affairs of this country of any that the annals of Britain had known since the Revolution. How is it possible (says he) you can treat with this people, unless you know their terms? How is it possible, though you did know their terms, that you can have any expectation of peace, unless you know, at the same time, the conditions which Administration mean to hold out? What can America think of the British Parliament, or the British councils? This day no revenue, no tax is expected; to-morrow both are insisted on in the most peremptory terms. This day treaty, the next war, the third a strange heterogeneous mixture of war and concession; and at length all ends in darkness and confusion. Your words and actions; your statutes and resolutions, are eternally at variance; you differ from your own resolutions before you leave the House, and from each other before you meet again; so that the nation, and every individual in it, is kept in a state of suspence and uncertainty. He next alluded to the letters said by Whitlocke to have been written by Charles First, and the closeting some of the Commissioners sent to him by Parliament; and feared that in the farther prosecution of this business, Parliament was meant to be employed as a mere engine of government; in which, let the matter end as it might, either in war or conciliation, it was previously determined that Parliament should be disgraced. He could not help remarking, with some degree of indignation, on the language of Ministers; REBELS! and REBELLION. The affair of 1715 was REBELLION; that in 1745 was a REBELLION of the foulest and rankest kind; perhaps, if some men's minds were searched, it would be found that neither of those flagitious attacks on the constitution and liberties of this country were deemed so. Whether or not, he was fully convinced that the present resistance of America was NOT REBELLION. The former endeavoured to bring in a Pretender, known at once to be inimical to the civil and religious liberties of this country, the latter were only fighting like freemen for their lawful liberty and property, and every thing they held dear and sacred as men, citizens, or Englishmen.
He then proceeded to arraign the conduct of Administration in the most pointed and severe terms, relative to the prosecution of the war. He said, all Canada had been lost by their neglect, Quebec excepted, and that too probably would fall before any succours could arrive; that Boston was a post injudiciously taken, or shamefully abandoned; that the foolish schemes and wild expeditions to the southward succeeded no better; that if Boston was worth keeping, Administration were to the last degree censurable to let it be lost in the shameful manner it was, when it was in their power so easy to have relieved it; and that, in short, Providence had counteracted every scheme devised for the destruction of America, and the annihilation of British liberty. But though, says he, you have hitherto miscarried, I fear one part of your plan will prove successful; the follies and corruptions of the people have rendered them fit for any thing you may think proper to inflict on them. I trust, however, the day is not far off, when the names of the prime actors and promoters of this infamous business will be wiped away from the recollection of every honest man, but for the mere purpose of holding them in the utmost execration and contempt. But if you have no traces of justice left in your minds, if you feel not for your own honour, for God's sake pay some little attention to your own individual interests, and the safety of the nation. Do you think, however credulous you may be, that France and Spain will lie by silent and inactive, with their hands across? Is it French policy to do so? Or will the vindictive spirit of the Spaniard permit him to sleep, when so favourable an opportunity presents itself of avenging his real or ideal wrongs? I have good reason to be persuaded of the contrary. Spain is daily arming. France has a new Minister, who is fond of war, who is a man of enterprise and ability, and is well known not to be well disposed towards this country; and if any reliance ought at any time to be had on assurances given by Ministers, it must now vanish, as it is known to be a settled maxim in French politics, that promises given by a Minister are no longer looked upon to be binding, either on his master or the nation, than he continues in office. When the Minister is changed, almost uniformly the system is changed; for it is always a change of measures, not of men, which brings about such arrangements in the French court.
To be continued.
Newport, October 11
Last Tuesday two of the enemy's ships took 4 vessels off Montague Point; 3 of which were prizes to Capt. Munro, and some other privateers; the other a merchantman belonging to Connecticut. All the people belonging to these vessels, we hear, took to their boats, and got safe ashore near Stonington.
Last Monday the Continental sloop Providence, Capt. Jones, arrived at a safe port, having, in a cruise of 6 weeks, captured 16 sail of vessels, 6 of which he burnt; among the others is one ship, with 3000 quintals of codfish, some smaller fishermen, and two West-Indiamen.
New-London, October 11
Last Tuesday two prize Snows were retaken by two British Men of War in sight of Stonington Harbour.—One of them was a Prize which had been taken by a Providence Privateer, commanded by James Munro; the other had been taken by a Privateer belonging to the State of Rhode-Island. We learn that the People got on shore in their Boats.
Wednesday a Brig bound into this Port, from the West-Indies was taken by a Man of War near Montauk Point; but the People got on shore in their Boat.
Yesterday the Prize ship (a Guinea-man) mentioned in our last to be taken by Capt. Harding, in the Brig Defence, belonging to this State, arrived safe in this Harbour.
Philadelphia, October 17
The committee to whom was re-committed the report on the state of the prisoners in the gaol of Philadelphia brought in a farther report this day, which was taken into consideration; whereupon Congress "Resolved, That the prisoners from North Carolina be permitted to return to their families, if the convention of that state shall be of opinion they may so do, without danger to that or any other of the United States; and, in the mean time, that bedding, blankets, and other necessaries, be furnished the gaoler, by Mr. Mease, for the use of such prisoners as are unprovided with them: That Captain M'Kenzie be permitted to apply to the state of North Carolina for liberty to return there; and, in the mean time, that he be allowed ten dollars to bear his expences to Lancaster county: That Lieutenant M'Clean, an half pay officer, taken in Canada, be permitted to reside at Reading on giving his parole."
Congress also "Resolved, That a Committee of Intelligence be appointed to select and report such authentic accounts, as are, from time to time, received by Congress, of the state of the armies and navy of the United States, as they shall judge proper to be published by authority of Congress." The members chosen were Mr. Rush, Mr. R. H. Lee, and Mr. Hopkinson.
A petition from Henry Keppele was read, setting forth that he hath entered an appeal against the sentence passed on the ship Charming Peggy, and praying that a convenient day may be assigned for hearing the said appeal; whereupon a committee of five, Mr. Huntington, Mr. Paine, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Wilson, was appointed, "with full power to hear and determine upon the said appeal."
Ephraim Blaine, Esq. was elected commissary to supply the battalion commanded by Colonel Mackay with provisions. A petition from Carpenter Wharton was read, and referred to the council of safety of Pennsylvania; and Mr. Francis Lewis, jun. was permitted to go to the state of New York with Mr. Foxcroft. A committee of four, Mr. Wythe, Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Paine, and Mr. Huntington, was appointed to review such of the resolutions of Congress as relate to the capture and condemnation of prizes, and report what alterations or additions should be made; and a committee of three, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Hopkinson, to bring in a plan for the better regulating the treasury board.
Among the accounts reported by the Committee of Treasury, and ordered to be paid, is one exhibited by Lieutenant Archibald Steel, of Captain Smith's company, for the pay of 34 officers and privates, and of Adjutant Christian Febiger, taken prisoners at Quebec; exclusive of the pay "of one Serjeant, one corporal and 12 privates, who inlisted in the service of the king of Great Britain," amounting to 178l. 15s., which is retained. A balance of 472l. 17s. 6d. is found due to the said Steel.
Philadelphia, October 17
The Council of Safety of this State this day "Resolved, That no persons be permitted to view the Fortifications, or go on shore at Fort-Island unless they are employed in our service, or have permission from the Committee for Fort-Island, or this Board." The minute adds, "A Letter was wrote to Commodore Seymour, directing him not to suffer any persons but such as are employed in the service of this State, to sound the channel through the chevaux-de-frise, or take any measures to gain information of our works of defence; and if any such should be discovered, to apprehend them, and inform this Board thereof."
The Council in the afternoon "Resolved, That five hundred bushels of Salt be sent to the Committee of Trenton, to be sold out in small quantities to the inhabitants of the State of New-Jersey, at the rate of 15s. per bushel; with such other cost of freight, &c., as the said Committee may assess; and that Captain William Richards be directed to take up the Salt in his shallop, and receive of the said Committee at the rate of 15s. per bushel for the same; for which he is to be accountable to this State."
In the morning it was also "Resolved, That Captain Blewer be appointed to employ proper persons to build ten flat-bottom Boats, for transporting Troops"; and in the afternoon, "That Jonathan Coupland be appointed Captain of a Guard Boat, in the service of this State."
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Colonel James Kirkbride 46l. 8s. 10d., "for Arms and Accoutrements taken from Non-Associators; to be charged to the Colonel"; Major Thomas Proctor 48l. 14s. 5d., "for boarding sick Soldiers belonging to the Artillery Companies commanded by him"; and Captain David Burch 362l. 12s. for five hundred and eighteen bushels of salt.
Entered in. No entries are come from the office this day.
Cleared out. None entered this day.
No notice is come from the office this day.
No price current is come to hand.
Philadelphia, October 1, 1776.
ALL that have any demands against the estate of JAMES WOOD, late of this city, Boat-builder, deceased, are requested to bring in their accounts, that they may be adjusted and paid; and those that are indebted to the said estate, by bond, note, or book-account, are desired to pay the same to
NATHANIEL BROWN.
THIS DAY IS PUBLISHED,
Price Nine-pence (with Allowance to those who take Quantities)
FOUR LETTERS ON INTERESTING SUBJECTS,
CONTAINING (among other Things) Remarks on the CHARTER of Charles the Second to William Penn,--On William Penn's WILL,---On Forms of Government, Constitutions, &c. Printed and sold by STYNER and CIST, in Second-street, a few Doors above Arch-street, nearly opposite to Michael Hillegas, Esquire's.
Philadelphia, August 5, 1776.
RUN away from the subscriber, living near the lower Second-street bridge, near the dock, on the 31st of July last, an English servant man, named Aaron Gover, a baker by trade, but formerly worked at the weaving business, about 20 years of age, slim built, pock-marked, talks very much on the West country dialect, rocks in his walk, and is somewhat knock-kneed; his clothes uncertain, as he has taken several sorts with him. Whoever secures the said servant in any goal, or brings him home to his master, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and all reasonable charges.
THOMAS MIDDLETON.
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away on the first of September instant, from the subscriber, living in Cæcil county, Maryland, near Colonel Johnson's Ferry, an indented servant man, named John M'Cay, born in Scotland, and has been in London, about 25 years of age, a small slender fellow, about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a fair or rather sandy complexion, fair coloured hair, tied behind, which he sometimes buckles at his ears and frizes up before, he has a halt in his walk with the left foot; had on, and took with him, a half-worn beaver hat, a new lightish coloured home-made coating coat, lined with striped blue and white lincey, with large metal buttons, half-worn whitish jacket with black spots, apple-tree buttons, buckskin breeches, a pair of white woollen stockings, one pair black ditto, half-worn shoes, copper buckles, plated with silver, a half-worn 800 shirt, old tow trowsers, and supposed to have a 16 dollar bill with him, of the first struck Convention money of Maryland, which he stole from his master, and is thought he will endeavour to get on board some vessel, as he is not fit for the land service. Whoever takes up said servant and secures him in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall have, if 20 miles from home, 20 shillings, if 40 miles, 40 shillings, and if 60 miles, the above reward, and all reasonable charges, if brought home, paid by
ROBERT PORTER.
All masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their peril, as it is thought he is gone towards Philadelphia.
RUN away, the 19th day of the First-Month last, from Josiah Hibberd, of East-Whiteland township, in Chester county, an indented servant girl, named Barbara Abercrombie, a Scotch woman, she is bulky and well set, of a fair complexion, dark brown hair, about 27 years of age, speaks in the Scotch dialect; had on, and took with her, a short jacket and petticoat, of brown flannel, one petticoat of blue Bristol stuff, a red and white striped lincey ditto, a check apron, two handkerchiefs, one blue and white, the other red and white, a pair of leather heeled shoes, with sundry other things not remembered; she commonly wears a red and white ribbon on a laced cap, is supposed to be in or near Philadelphia, and was advertised some time since in the Evening Post. As I the subscriber have purchased her time of the above named Josiah Hibberd, do therefore offer a reward of Three Pounds to any person that will secure her in any goal on the continent, and inform me thereof; or Four Pounds, if brought home to my house in Wilmington, in the county of New-Castle, on Delaware, with reasonable expences, paid by
CALEB SHEWARD.
N. B. Wanted, a LAD of about 14 years of age, as an apprentice to the malting, brewing and distilling business.
CURE for the most fatal WOUNDS.
A MORE true and certain Remedy than the following was never discovered. It consists only of a particular Sort of Wool from the Willow Tree, boiled in a Pint and a Half of Water for one Quarter of an Hour; therewith cleanse and wash the Wound three times a Day, laying the boiled Wool warm on the Wound, with a Linen Bandage over it.---It takes away the Swelling and Inflamation instantly, and cures the Wound in a short time, without any Pain, to the Admiration of every one. It is to be sold, in small Packets, at One Dollar, at the Sign of the Golden Swan, in Third-street, Philadelphia, by
MR. BRITON, J. L. V.
Mount-Holly, September 23, 1776.
JOHN SHIELDS
HAS opened a new STORE at the upper end of Mount-Holly (in the House where the late Mr. John Woolman lived) where he proposes to keep a neat Assortment of Dry and Wet Goods, suitable to that Part of the Country, whose Custom he hopes to obtain by the Moderation of his Prices.
FOUR POUNDS REWARD.
STRAYED or STOLEN, out of the pasture of Finley M'Grew, in East-Nottingham township, Chester county, on the 22d day of September, a strawberry roan MARE, about 14 hands high, 10 years old, both paces and trots, neither brand nor ear-mark, shod all round, and has a sore back; she has also a small lump on her belly, close by her bag; she had a bell on, when taken away. Whoever secures said mare and thief, so as the thief may be brought to justice, shall receive the above reward, and for the mare Twenty Shillings, and reasonable charges, if brought to Finley M'Grew's, paid by GAVEN MORRISON, junior.
SIXTEEN DOLLARS Reward.
DESERTED from Captain SAMUEL CULBERTSON's company, of Colonel MONTGOMERY's battalion, of the flying camp, two soldiers, viz. Thomas Davis, about 5 feet 6 inches, a Welshman, a stout clumsy fellow; lived near Warwick Furnace when he inlisted. John Kingsinger, alias Groomer, of Dutch descent, speaks good English, about 5 feet 7 inches high, sore eyes, and has two fingers of his left hand almost cut off; an arrant villain, and has stole and taken with him a white broadcloth coat. Whoever secures said deserters (as they are great rogues) in any goal, shall receive the above reward, or Eight Dollars for either, and reasonable charges, paid by
SAMUEL CULBERTSON, Captain.
PHILADELPHIA: Printed by Davidson Signal, near the Sign of the Wolf and Bear, at the head of the Valley road.
Written by AI, to rules its publisher set. The events are real and drawn from whatever source records them — not only from what a printer happened to set in type.
† marks an advertisement composed for this paper — the advertiser, the goods and the terms are ours. Everything else in the advertising columns is reproduced word for word. Nothing concerning an enslaved person or a bound servant is ever composed.
Davidson Signal is a pen name.
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