Price Three Coppers. Published every Day, Sunday excepted.
Containing the Freshest Accounts, however long upon the Road.
London, May 22
The Debate in the House of Commons, on General Conway's Motion, continued from this paper of Friday last.
LORD JOHN CAVENDISH seconded the motion. He said the nation had been led into a war with America imperceptibly, and, from a question of right, they had artfully worked it up into a trial of power; but as the nation had been wrought upon by the arts of delusion and misrepresentation, he trusted the people would at length be restored to their senses, and bring the authors to condign punishment. He reminded the House of the part he took immediately before the Christmass recess, 1774, when he informed Administration, that if America was to be coerced, it would never be by a peace military establishment, and a reduced peace naval establishment, from twenty to sixteen thousand men; and when the petty augmentations took place, early in the ensuing spring, he again told them, that the force they were sending out would answer no other end but to disgrace the British arms. The event shewed that his predictions were true; and at the commencement of the present session he was once more under the necessity of telling them of their blunders, and incapacity in conducting the affairs of a great nation either in war or peace; yet, even at this last period, he perceived that Administration were not to be taught by experience. They regimented an army on paper; twenty-five thousand men were to conquer America; three months were elapsed, half the number were not to be procured, though Great Britain and Ireland were ransacked and left defenceless; at length foreigners were applied to; foreigners were procured; more than one half of them still remained in their country, the other half were now tossing about in the Bay of Biscay, and America was lost.
LORD NORTH said he was against the motion, but not for the reason the Hon. Gentleman, who moved it, seemed about to apologize. It was, to be sure, partly late in the season, but if the nation could derive the least benefit from it, he had not the least objection to sit weeks or months; but to call for instructions given to Commissioners was a matter totally new to him, either as an official man or a member of that House. His Lordship observed, that in matters of negociation it was usual to give instructions, to let the treaty go on, to wait for the issue of it, and then form a judgment. If the treaty should miscarry, if no fruits should be produced from it, then it would be time enough to enquire into the tenor of the instructions, to see whether they were such as ought to have been given, and such as from their professed objects were likely to succeed. He said, in some situations, the business of a General was as much to negotiate as fight. The knowledge of his own strength, as well as that of the enemy, led him into many important secrets, which frequently served as a basis of future accommodation. As to the original cause of the present disputes, he was not in office when they arose. He had his own opinion, and it was always the same, that you must couple the claim of this country with a tax framed in some shape or other; but nothing was farther from his thoughts than to press his opinion on any man. Some were for taxation, others were for adhering to the supremacy of this country; some again thought that the American charters ought to be inviolably preserved, while others imputed all the present evils to that source; in all events, among such a variety of discordant opinions, he should always abide by the sense of that House; and finally, that the real intention of the commission now sent out, was not so much to agree upon any specific terms, as to sound the real disposition of America, in order to learn what the people of that country were ultimately desirous to obtain.
Mr. BURKE was very severe on Administration. He contended that the House had a right to know what powers were delegated to the Commissioners, for as it was a parliamentary affair, Parliament ought to be made acquainted with every material step taken. He said he wished to know in what manner the Commissioners were instructed to treat with the two persons (Hancock and Adams) excepted out of Gen. Gage's famous proclamation, offering a pardon and indemnity to all America, or with Gen. Lee; whether unconditional submission, in the language of a Noble Lord (Lord George Germaine) over the way, was intended to be the ultimatum. He said that the Noble Lord, who spoke last, talked much of the necessity of supporting government and Administration, as if they were synonimous terms. For his part, he looked upon them to be extremely different, and a stronger proof need not be given than that though Administration were swept away, government would nevertheless remain the same. If the Noble Lord had not asserted it himself, he could hardly have imagined a commission was granted, and instructions given, without any specific directions whatever, farther than to sound the disposition of America, or, in other words, to feel its pulse.
LORD NORTH said a few words by way of explanation. He observed, that if we were in doubt whether we should be able to maintain our right, it was at least our duty to try, and exert every means in our power. The stake we played for was a great and important one, and we should exert every nerve to obtain it. It was the wish of Administration to avoid the effusion of blood as much as possible; but nothing specific could be done till the claims of America were known; then it would be time enough to acquaint Parliament, who would be enabled to judge whether they were such as would accord with the dignity and interests of this country.
To be continued.
Annapolis, October 16
Francis Sanderson, whose appearance before the Committee at Baltimore was given in this paper, was this afternoon called before the Convention of this State, on reading a letter from Samuel Purviance, Jun., Chairman of the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County, respecting his conduct; and several witnesses being examined, and he heard in his defence, the question was put, on motion of Mr. Paca, "That the said Francis Sanderson is guilty of delivering sentiments tending to discourage the American opposition to the hostile attempts of Great Britain: That therefore he be reprimanded at the bar of this House by the President; that he give bond in the penalty of one thousand pounds, with good security, to be approved of by the Committee of Baltimore County, to the President, conditioned that he will not hereafter speak or do any matter or thing in prejudice or discouragement of the present opposition; that he pay all the expenses incurred on account of his being apprehended, guarded, and brought to this Convention, and that thereupon he be discharged? Resolved in the affirmative." "Francis Sanderson was then called to the bar of the House, and reprimanded accordingly."
In the morning the Convention directed the Commissioners of the Loan Office to put no bonds in suit before the first day of January next for non-payment of interest, and to advertise in the Maryland Gazette, and in Goddard's and Dunlap's papers printed in Baltimore Town, "that no further indulgence will be given."
The Convention also empowered the Council of Safety to draw for a sum not exceeding 15,000l. out of the Bills of Credit now remaining in the hands of the Treasurers. Those Bills had been set apart for calling in and exchanging the Bills issued by the Convention in July, 1775; the Council may now apply them to the use of the publick as occasion may require.
On the 15th, and again this morning, the Convention sat in a Committee of the Whole on the Declaration of Rights and form of Government for this State, and each day had leave to sit again.
Fish-Kill, October 15
Further proceedings of the days given in this paper on Saturday. In the Convention of this State this afternoon, "Major Schenck, Mr. Newkirk, Mr. Adgate, Mr. Dunscombe, Mr. Webster, Mr. Contine, General Bailey, Mr. William Smith, Colonel Allison, and Mr. Mills, was appointed a Committee of Safety for this State until the meeting of Convention. That five Members with the President be a quorum. That all Members who attend have voices. That the Committee of Safety having twenty Members present, may do every act which the Convention may do, except forming a Government."
In the same sitting it was also "Resolved, That the words 'State of New-York,' which was ordered by the resolutions of this Convention of the 13th day of August last to be altered on the plates for the emission of Bills of Credit of this Convention, be printed on the said bills with types only."
In the morning it was "Resolved, That 8s. 6d. per pound be given by this Convention to every person for Saltpetre, made between this day and the first of January, seventeen hundred and seventy-eight, of materials collected within this State; the maker to swear to this before the Chairman of the County or the Inspector of Saltpetre. Also a bounty of one shilling per pound for all Powder made of Saltpetre brought into this State from the neighbouring States, or from abroad, within the time above-mentioned."
Fish-Kill, October 16
In the Committee of Safety this day,
"Resolved, That two Companies of those Troops now coming be subject to the direction of the Committee for detecting Conspiracies, &c., till further orders.
"Resolved, That the said Committee be authorized at their discretion to call out such part of the Militia of this State for fatigue men as they may think necessary."
In the afternoon, on the complaint the Rev. Mr. Graham made this morning, given in this paper on Saturday, the "Report of the Committee sent to consult with the Rev. Mr. Graham relative to the Academy ordered for the use of the Troops and to view the said building, was read, and postponed till to-morrow morning."
Philadelphia, October 19
"Captain William Gamble requested leave to resign his commission as commander of the fire sloop Etna; which was accepted, and he is discharged from the service of this State," and the Council of Safety "Resolved, That John Brice be appointed Captain of the fire sloop Etna, in the room of Captain William Gamble, resigned."
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay John Pringle 468l. for three hundred and sixty gun-locks, and Alexander Rutherford 76l. 5s. for cartouch-boxes, bayonet-belts, &c.; and to pay Sacheveral Wood for provisions for the Convention and Council of Safety, when visiting Billingsport and Fort-Island at several different times. An order was drawn in favour of John Williams for 60l. towards the armed boat Delaware, building by him.
A letter was received from a Third Lieutenant in the Second Battalion of Riflemen belonging to this State, resigning his commission; which resignation was accepted, and he is discharged accordingly.
Ticonderoga, October 10
A further Extract of the General Orders, Head-Quarters, October 10, of which another part was given in this paper on Saturday.
The following promotions are to take place in Colonel Wayne's Battalion, viz:
Lieut. Potts, Captain, vice Captain Frazier, promoted.
Second Lieutenant Alexander McClintucke, First Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant Potts, advanced.
Ensign John Barclay, Second Lieutenant, vice Lieutenant McClintuck, advanced.
Mr. John Harper, Ensign, vice John Barclay, advanced.
Mr. North, Ensign, vice Ensign Wallace, resigned.
Mr. James Forbes, Ensign, vice Ensign Litz, resigned.
Watertown, October 15
On the 14th the General Court of this State, on the petition of the inhabitants of the first Parish in Falmouth, in the County of Cumberland, "setting forth, that by means of the late cruel destruction of great part of said Parish many of the inhabitants thereof are removed to and do reside in neighbouring Towns and Parishes, where they will (unless this Court shall otherwise order) be liable to all Parish taxes, while the remaining inhabitants of said first Parish in Falmouth (where they frequently attend the publick worship of God) will, without their assistance, be unable to support their Ministers," resolved, that "every person lately belonging to the first Parish in Falmouth, in the County of Cumberland, who, by means of the destruction lately suffered by a great part of said Parish, is removed to and reside in some neighbouring Town or Parish, shall, till the further order of the General Court of this State to the contrary, be assessed for their polls and personal estates, and faculties, towards the support of the Gospel Ministry in said first Parish in Falmouth, and not elsewhere"; provided they signify their desire in writing to the Assessors of that Parish on or before the last day of November next, and the first day of September yearly after; the Collector there to have the same power to collect their rates "as if they dwelt within the bounds of said Parish."
This day it was "Resolved, That the Honourable Richard Derby, Esq., be and he is hereby directed to discharge the Sloop Machias Liberty from the service of this State, and to take into his possession all the Cannon and other Stores which are on board said Sloop, and are the property of this State. And the said Richard Derby, Esq., is hereby further directed to discharge Captain Jeremiah Obrian, and the officers and men under his command, from the service of this State."
New-London, October 11
The following is from the Connecticut Gazette, printed there this day:
"The ship Hope, mentioned in this Paper, (No. 670.) to be taken by the schooner Spy, Capt. Niles, we hear was afterwards retaken by the Enemy and carried into New-York."
Philadelphia, October 9
The following was printed in the Pennsylvania Gazette of this city of the 9th instant.
Messieurs HALL and SELLERS:
In the speech of his Excellency Governor Livingston, there is a passage which ought to be printed in letters of gold, that it might engage the attention of the most heedless American: The passage I mean is as follows—The most scrupulous conscience could, on the maturest reflection, find itself justified before God and man, in renouncing those tyrants, who, after having ravaged a great part of Asia, and dissipated in venality and riot the treasures extorted from its innocent inhabitants by the hand of rapine and blood, finally meant to prolong their luxury and corruption, by appropriating to themselves the hard-earned competence of the American world: This observation is true as the voice of truth itself; it is highly important. May it make a lasting impression on the mind of every one who wishes well to mankind.
R.
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.
No new notice is come to hand this day.
Just published, and now selling by ROBERT BELL, in Third-Street, (Price One Dollar and a Half, in neat Binding)
THE ART OF WAR.
CONTAINING,
I. The Duties of all Military Officers in actual Service; including necessary Instructions in many capital Matters, by the Knowledge of which, a Man may soon become an Ornament to the Profession of Arms. By Monsieur De Lamont, Town-Major of Toulon.
II. The Duties of Soldiers in general; including necessary Instructions in many capital Matters, by remaining ignorant of which a Man, who pretends to be a Soldier, will be every Day in Danger of bringing Disgrace upon himself, and material Injury to the Cause of his Country.
III. The Rules and Practice of the greatest Generals, in the Manoeuvres of encamping, marching, Order of Battle, fighting, attacking, and defending strong Places, with the Manner of surprising Towns, Quarters, and Armies; exhibiting what is most requisite to be known by all who enter into the Military Service. By the CHEVALIER DE LA VALIERE.
MEMORANDUM.
The Duties of Military Officers was written by Monsieur De Lamont, Town-Major of Toulon, a Post of great Trust, and which requires much Experience to recommend a Man to it. This Experience he gained by serving in the Army for 23 warm Campaigns, and during that Time was personally engaged in many of the most considerable Sieges and Battles. Thus did he rise to that Degree of Knowledge in Military Affairs, which is sufficiently testified by this small but valuable Work. All his Instructions are so regular, and so just, that they in a Manner make a Soldier of the Man that never saw a Camp, and leads him that desires to follow that Course of Life so fully into the Art of War, that a young Officer has nothing to do when he comes into the Field, but only to put in Practice that Theory which he has already conceived, concerning all the Operations, belonging to the several Posts, in an active and courageous Army.
The second and third Parts of this Work were composed by General La Valiere and another French Officer of great Valour and Experience in the Art of War.
N. B. A considerable Variety of Latin Classics: Also Greek Classics: Likewise English Spelling Books, with Grammars in all Languages, may be had at Robert Bell's, next Door to St. Paul's Chuch, in Third-street, Philadelphia.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in St. George's Hundred, a Negroe Man named CUFF, about 22 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, had on and took with him two tow shirts, 1 fine linen ditto, 2 pair of trowsers, 1 tow, the other striped linen much worn, a light blue coat mixt with red, a snuff coloured coat, velvet jacket, with clear buttons, a pair of light coloured knit pattern breeches; he is remarkably full eyed, and long hair. Whoever secures said Negroe, so that his master may get him again, shall have Eight Dollars reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
September 1. WILLIAM READ.
Kent County, on Delaware, July 12, 1776.
THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN AWAY from the subscriber, on the 5th instant, a Negroe man, who calls himself Moses Graves, 30 years of age, about 6 feet 1 inch high, slender made, thin visage, smooth face; had on, and took with him, a pale blue coat, only faced, a red coating vest, lined with flannel, it is too large for him, two shirts, and two pair of trowsers, almost new flax and tow, one white shirt and stock, new shoes, and cotton stockings. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
HENRY STEVENS.
August 14, 1776.
TWENTY SHILLINGS REWARD.
RUN away, this morning, from the subscriber, living in Lower-Merion township, Philadelphia county, an indented Irish servant boy, named Michael Cavenagh, 16 or 17 years old, of a dark complexion, down look, dark brown hair, large eyebrows, walks stooping, and is a little knock kneed; had on, when he went away, an orange coloured home made cloth jacket, old white ticken trowsers, old felt hat, with small round holes in the crown, and good shoes, with brass buckles. He has a scar of an axe on the inside of his right ankle. Whoever apprehends said servant, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN RIGHTER.
West-Pennsborough township, August 5, 1776.
RUN away from the subscriber, 7 miles above Carlisle, an Irish servant Girl, named Catharine Lindon, much pock-marked, a thick chunky girl, with her hair tied, and it is almost black; she is supposed to be with child; had on, and took with her, one petticoat, with red, black and white stripes, one fine shift, one bed sheet, one white linen bed gown, one striped ditto, shalf-worn shoes, and perhaps other clothes that are not yet missed. Whoever secures said girl, so as the owner may get her again, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
ROBERT DARLINTON.
New-London Township, Chester County, July 1, 1776.
WHEREAS my wife SARAH, at the instigation of her children (as I suppose) has refused to cohabit or live with me as a wife ought to do with her husband, and threatens to run me in debt; it puts me under the disagreeable necessity of thus publicly advertising all persons not to trust her on my account, as I will pay no debt of her contracting after this date.
JAMES PURTLE.
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.
This day's places, on the map →
All dates of The New America Times →