AN HISTORICAL DIGEST OF THE
PROVINCIAL PRESS
MASSACHUSETTS SERIES
VOLUME ONE
1704-1707
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An Historical Digest
of the Provincial Tress
Being a Collation of All Items of Personal and Historic
Reference Relating to American Affairs Printed in the
Newspapers of the Provincial Period Beginning with the
Appearance of The Present State of the New-English
Affairs, 1689, Publick Occurrences, 1690, and the
First Issue of The Boston News-Letter, 1704, and
Ending with the Close of the Revolution, 1783 .:. .:.
Illustrated
MASSACHUSETTS
Volume One
SERIES
COMPILED AND EDITED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
LYMAN HORACE WEEKS
Author of Prominent Families of New York, Book of Bruce, Etc.
EDWIN M. BACON
Author of Historic Pilgrimages in New England, The Connecticut
River and the Valley of the Connecticut, Etc.
BOSTON
THE SOCIETY FOR AMERICANA, INC
MDCCCCXI
III
COPYRIGHT,
THE SOCIETY FOR AMERICANA,; INC.
BOSTON . : :
PRESS OP
THE CURTISS-WAY COMPANY
NEW YORK AND MERIDEN
IV
Preface
THE scheme of this work involves the exact reproduction of the
text of the American newspapers, other than their reprints of
foreign intelligence in the English journals, from the first attempted
American newspaper in the year 1690, of which only a single number
was issued, down through the Provincial Period closing with the year
1783. The first series, of which this is volume one, is to cover the
Massachusetts press, for in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay
American journalism had its beginning, and here alone was continued
with a single newspaper through a decade and a half, or till 1719.
Except in the provinces of Pennsylvania and New York, and there only
in the cities of Philadelphia and New York, journalism was not
planted elsewhere till after the first quarter of a century had passed.
The news of the Massachusetts press, however, was by no means con
fined to that province. The field of the Massachusetts periodicals
was all the English colonies in America, and in their columns was
reported not only the news of the other colonies but that of the West
Indies, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland, so far as news gathering
facilities were effective in those primitive days.
Beginning with the eighteenth century the early newspapers
contained much Americana not elsewhere to be found in reports of
local happenings, in official documents and other papers, and in
personal items relating to the daily lives of the people and to the ac
tivities of the communities then developing. Because of the incom
pleteness or entire absence of other records, the material in these
periodicals, scant as it is, is of inestimable value to the historian, the
genealogist, the student, the lawyer, the judge, the conveyancer,
serving as it does to illuminate much that otherwise would remain
obscure, and furnishing vital data concerning both public and private
affairs of this formative period of American history.
It is a cause for profound but unavailing regret that old town
and church records have to a considerable extent disappeared, and
that so many documents and papers of historical value were destroyed
or carried away during and at the close of the Revolution. Much,
too, of the material of this nature that has been preserved is frag
mentary. Where town records minutes of town meetings, of select
men, of churches, and of other community proceedings were kept
they are often now far from complete. The same is true of the
V
S&54&70
records of probate courts, of the registers of deeds, of vital statistics.
The valuable publications of the town records and other contempo
rary documents by the city registrar of Boston, and the volumes of
Massachusetts Vital Records by the New England Historic Genealogical
Society, provided for by its Robert Henry Eddy Fund and annual
appropriations by the Commonwealth for the purchase of a stated
number of copies, particularly disclose this condition in Massachusetts;
and it is the condition to an even greater extent in the other colonies.
Many of these omissions the early provincial newspapers supply, and
they will be found in this compilation. In fact, the material in the
newspapers here reproduced constitutes to a very considerable extent
our only contemporaneous record of American happenings, especially
in the earlier years of the Provincial Period, save what is derived from
public documents and private papers. The desire to rescue this
material from the obscurity into which it has fallen and to render it
accessible has been the guiding motive of this Digest.
While all that is comprised in this volume and those that will
follow notably supplements other records and meets deficiencies in
them it also includes much matter of a distinctive character and not
heretofore collected, bearing upon a variety of subjects: as port
statistics, public proceedings; importations; postal service; events,
local and colonial; residence, business pursuits, and ventures of the
people; passenger arrivals and departures; real estate transactions;
property holdings; wills; court and administrative affairs; legisla
tive acts. In the special field of literature much is discoverable in
these columcs that will engage the attention of the investigator into
literary usages, the origin of words, terms, and phrases which have
worked their way into the common language. To what extent all
this will add to the sum of our information regarding the period sur
veyed the pages that follow must speak for themselves.
The imperative need and the usefulness of such a compilation as is
furnished in this Digest will be recognized when it is understood that
the issues of such early periodicals as have been preserved are scattered
in many libraries in different parts of the country. No single library
has a complete set of any of them. He who would examine every
existing number would be compelled to resort to institutions in widely
separated cities, as Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Hartford, New
York, Philadelphia, Washington, Madison, Wisconsin. In some
instances the only known copies are in private or proprietory libraries
not freely open to the public. Thus they are always difficult of con
sultation, and not infrequently are practically inaccessible save to
privileged investigators. Moreover, many are in a frail and perish
able condition, and their custodians are already seriously considering
the wisdom of withdrawing them entirely from general use. The
danger of loss by fire is also ever present.
VI
In its entirety AN HISTORICAL DIGEST OF THE PROVINCIAL PRESS
will be a complete compilation of or an index to all the provincial
newspapers included in this review. It is intended that the work
shall largely obviate the necessity of consulting the originals save,
perhaps, in exceptional instances by scholars, and place this material
once for all in compact form, wholly available for the widest private
and public use.
It is believed that the methods adopted in this reprinting will
commend themselves by reason of their simplicity, directness, and
completeness. As will be seen, the items reproduced have been
arranged in chronological order under the names of the newspapers
from which they have been taken, with dates of issue and reference to
the libraries in which copies of those particular issues are now pre
served. All the personal items, reports of events and historical docu
ments that have never been reprinted, and that constitute the bulk
of the data, are given entire. In the work as a whole documents and
historical papers that have been already reprinted in accessible col
lections of historical and antiquarian societies or in standard works
of history will not always be reproduced in full, but will be briefly
abstracted and reference made to those publications wherein they
can be consulted. In the present volume, however, few such instances
occur. While the foreign news reprinted or summarized from the
English newspapers has been excluded as outside the scope of this
work devoted exclusively to Americana, its character has been indi
cated in the editorial head-notes to the transcripts of successive issues
of the newspapers and in occasional brief references in the text. What
ever in this mass of foreign intelligence relates in any way to American
affairs has, however, been scrupulously transcribed.
To reproduce the originals with absolute textual fidelity has been
the constant aim of the editors. Working on these predetermined
lines all the vagaries of spelling, capitalization, italicization, punctua
tion, abbreviations, and so on, have been carefully preserved. So
undeviating has been the adherence to this rule that even obvious
typographical errors of the colonial printers have been transferred to
these pages. At the outset the extent to which editorial revision or
correction of the original text might be carried came up for long and
serious consideration. One conclusion only could be arrived at and
that was that the ultimate historical worth of a work of this character
must rest primarily and firmly upon an exact adherence to the text.
This course has been pursued with less reluctance in view of the fact
that there has been found little confusion or incorrectness in the text
that will not be readily comprehensible to the competent reader. Here
and there suggestive readings have been added in brackets and further
explanations and corrections have been made in foot-notes.
That despite the utmost care and watchfulness errors may exist
in the completed work may be frankly admitted. Such seems to be
VII
the fate of all printed books, and it may well be true of a work involv
ing such and so many typographical and other perplexities as this.
It is however the earnest hope of the editors that if errors are found
they will be few and unimportant. A careful final reading of the
printed pages in connection with the arduous task of making the
elaborate personal and analytical Index has happily revealed little
of consequence that had previously escaped observation.
Several special features of historical and bibliographical character
precede the transcript of the newspapers on the opening pages of
this volume. These come naturally in place as introductory to and
explanatory of the text which follows. Their presence does not call
for particular comment. The list of periodicals of the Provincial
Period, the list of authorities on the subject, and the list of libraries
will, it is safe to say, be found useful guides. An acquaintance with
the broadside of 1689, the first attempted newspaper, and the Camp
bell manuscript news letters, seems to be essential to an adequate
understanding of the conditions precedent to the founding of the
first established newspaper and the influence which affected that
beginning and marked its early career.
The editors are indebted to a number of valued friends who may
be properly termed historical experts for practical suggestions and
valuable aids in the prosecution of their work; and their thanks are
especially due to the librarians of the Massachusetts Historical Society,
the New York Historical Society, the Boston Athenaeum, the Ameri
can Antiquarian Society, the libraries of Harvard and Yale Colleges,
the Library of Congress, and other institutions, for courtesies received.
VIII
Contents
PAGE
Precursors of the Newspaper 1
Massachusetts Periodicals, 1689-1783 4
List of Authorities 11
List of Libraries 20
The Present State of the New-English Affairs 21
Publick Occurrences 24
The Campbell News Letters 34
The Boston News-Letter 53
The Boston News-Letter, 1704 61
The Boston News-Letter, 1705 157
The Boston News-Letter, 1706 281
The Boston News- Letter, 1707 432
Index.. . 489
IX
Illustrations
PAGE
Fac-simile of a Boston News-Letter Memorandum Frontispiece
Fac-simile of The Present State of the New-English Affairs 1
Fac-simile of Public Occurrences, First Page 33
Fac-simile of The Boston News-Letter, First Page 57
Fac-simile of The Boston News-Letter, Second Page 97
Autograph Letter of Duncan Campbell 145
Fac-simile of Public Occurrences, Second Page 177
Fac-simile of Public Occurrences, Third Page 209
Fac-simile of the Order Suppressing Public Occurrences 241
The North Battery, Boston 273
Chief Justice Samuel Sewall 313
Reverend Increase Mather 353
Governor Joseph Dudley 417
Autograph Letter of John Campbell 449
The South Battery, Boston 465
XI
ERRATUM
Page 78. The date of The Boston News-Letter No. 6 should be May
29, 1704 instead of 1709 as printed.
Pp. 79, 80. The dates in the page head lines should be May 29,
1704 instead of 1709 as printed.
ADDENDUM
Page 59. The annotation in the manuscript "Memorandums" bound
in the volume of The Boston News-Letter in the library of the
New York Historical Society, under date October 15, 1705 [the
second of this date]: Madame Hebb, as pointed out by Mr.
Frederick L. Gay, signifies Madam Hobbie; the initial N, in the
next line, Negro. Then the annotation would read: "Madame
Hobbfie s] Nfegro] one [or once] of the Jamaica fleet died this
morning of a Fever, at the house of y e sd H[obbie]." See Sewall s
Diary, v. 2, p. 121, Jan. 1, 1704/5.
XIII
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Precursors of the Newspaper
IT has been estimated that from the setting up of the first print
ing press in the English-speaking colonies of America, by Stephen
Daye in Cambridge, Massachusetts-Bay, in 1639, until the close of
the Colonial Period, half a century thereafter, more than three hun
dred books and pamphlets by native writers were produced by the
printers of Cambridge and Boston. This was a remarkable output
for a pioneer people and some of the Boston imprints became famous
even in the old world.
This early-planted and rapidly-developed literary and typographic
activity gradually led to the printing of news-sheets, although fifty
years were allowed to elapse before the home press gave the colonists
anything to read except books and pamphlets, mainly religious
almanacs, and the acts and resolves of the General Court. Foreign
news came in the few and infrequent London newspapers, while the
scant domestic happenings were reported by word of mouth or by
personal letters passing between relatives or friends in different
communities. When, occasionally, some specially important matter
developed broadsides were printed and sold, but only at the instance,
or with the permission of the government, for the press was not yet
free and nothing could be put forth except as "published by author
ity." Such, for example, was the broadside of 1689, entitled: The
Present State of the New-English Affairs. So far as has been dis
covered this was the first publication in the colonies of a purely
domestic news character and as such it is reprinted in this Digest,
although it was in no sense a newspaper.
Other sheets of like character were put forth about this time.
Evidence of this and of the fact that such publications were not
regarded with favor by the colonial authorities is seen in the follow
ing official document :
"Whereas many papers haue beene lately printed & dispersed
tending to the disturbance of the peace & subuersion of the gouermt
of this theire Maiesties Collonie King William & Queene Mary It
is therfor ordered that if any person or persons within this Collony
be found guilty of any such like Misdemeanour of printing publish
ing or concealing any such like papers or discourses or not timely
discouer such things to Authority or doe any act or thing that tends
to the disturbance of the peace or the subuersion of this governmt
They shall be accounted enemies to theire Maiesties present Gouernmt
& be proceeded ag* as such with uttermost severity
"Nov: br 8 th : 1689, Past in the affirmative
"by the Representatives
"EBENEZER PROUT Clerk" 1
1 Massachusetts Archives, Vol. XXXV, p. 78.
1
OF THE NEWSPAPER
Another publication of the period, similar to the preceding, was:
| Admiral Russet s | L E T T E R | TO THE | Earl of Nottingham,
Containing an Exact and Particular Relation of | the Late Happy | Victory
and Success | Against | The French Fleet. | This letter which was
"published by authority," gives an account of the naval engagement
between the English and Dutch fleets on the one side, and the French
fleet on the other, off capes La Hogue and Barfleur in May 1692.
The letter of the admiral, dated Portsmouth, June 2, 1692, describes
circumstantially the movements of the allied naval forces, day by
day, from Wednesday, May 18, to Wednesday, May 25, and tells
how the French fleet was defeated and completely destroyed.
Following this letter is a copy of a private letter from Portsmouth,
dated May 29, 1692. In the latter is another brief account of the
same battle. Under date of "Monday 23d of May 1 is a brief report
of the burning of the French ships in the harbor of La Hogue. Finally
under date of "Tuesday, June 7th. 1692." is more about the campaign,
with the statement that the combined English and Dutch fleets
were; "Ninety Nine Ships, Forty Thousand five hundred seventy
five Seamen, six Thousand nine Hundred ninety four Cannons,
eighty seven Fireships and Frigats." The letter ends:
"This very day brings News, That the Town of Marmur, but not
the Castle have Surrendred to the French sooner than it needed to
have done, but at so dear a rate, as tis hoped will cost the French King
his Kingdom."
Then is appended this note of the reception of the news in Boston :
">"T^He Happy News of this Success and Victory, obtained by Their
JL Majesties Royal Navy, over the French Fleet was Received by
Their Majesties Loyal Subjects of their Province of the Massachu
setts-Bay in New- England, with all Hearty Expressions and Demon
strations of Joy; His Excellency the Governour, being absent upon an
Expedition against the Common Enemy. The Lieutenant Governour,
accompanied with the Gentlemen of the Council; Principal Gentle
men, Military Officers and Merchants of the Town of Boston, Re
pairing unto the Fort, the great Ordnance at the Fort, and other Forti
fications in and about the said Town, and at Their Majesties Castle,
were discharged, and Loud Acclamations of God Save King William
and Queen Mary, and grant them a Long and Prosperous Reign,
made by the whole Concourse of People there Assembled."
This broadside consists of four pages, two columns to a page, the
paper page being 7^ by 11% inches and the type page 5J^ by 10j^
inches. The heading and Admiral Russell s letter fill nearly six
columns. The sheet has the imprint: "Boston Printed, and Sold
by Benjamin Harris, at the London-Coffee -House. 1692." A unique
specimen is in the library of Harvard College and a fac-simile repro
duction was published in Samuel Abbott Green s Fac-Simile Repro
ductions Relating to Various Subjects, Boston, 1903.
PRECURSORS OF THE NEWSPAPER
In New York, in 1696, Governor Benjamin Fletcher recognized
the growing desire in that community, to know the news, by having
reprinted a copy of the London Gazette which had come into his hands
and contained an account of an engagement with the French previous
to the peace of Ryswick. He had already called William Bradford
from Philadelphia to set up a printing shop in New York and to him
he gave the order for this work. It was reported by the governor,
in a letter to the lords of trade, in London, May 30, 1696:
"ship belonging to this place from Madera happily mett at sea
that vessell which had Your Lord p s packet for Virginia and brought
me a Gazett which gave me an account of that horrid conspiracy
against His Majesty s sacred person. I caused it to be reprinted
here and proclamation was issued by advice of the Council for a day
of thanksgiving throghout this province before the duplicate from
Your Lord? came to hand." 2
A similar reprint was brought out in Boston in 1697 bearing this
imprint: "London, Printed by /. Dawks, Re-printed at Boston, in
N. E. by B. Green, and J. Allen, 1697." The heading is as follows:
"London Septemb. 27. | Yesterday Morning arrived Three Hol
land Mails, | which bring the following Advices. | Vienna, September
18." | An original is in the Boston Public Library and it was repro
duced in fac-simile in the Boston Public Library Bulletin, October,
1893, vol. XII, page 215.
Earlier than the date of the publications last mentioned a definite
attempt was made to establish a real newspaper in the Massachusetts-
Bay Colony, the first attempt of the kind in America. This was the
single number of Publick Occurrences Septemper 25, 1690. The
prompt action of the governor in suppressing this sheet not only
put an end to its existence but also acted as an effectual deterrent
to any other printer ambitious in the same direction. For more
than thirteen years thereafter the journalistic field was barren.
Meantime however, the familiar methods of spreading news by
written letters continued, and presently, in 1703, John Campbell,
who was then postmaster of Boston, undertook to write letters which
were broader and fuller in news than private communications were
likely to be, and which, even if not altogether public in character, were
in a sense semi-official. Campbell sent his letters quite regularly
to the governors of the several New England colonies, and his brother
Duncan Campbell seems to have assisted him in this service. A
full account and a transcript of such of the Campbell letters as have
been preserved are given in this volume.
These broadsides and manuscript news letters were the immediate
precursors of the real newspaper, that is a publication of news, having
periodicity and continuity as its essential elements. They were
followed by The Boston News-Letter of John Campbell, in April,
1704; and there was the real beginning of American journalism.
2 Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York,
Vol. IV, p. 150.
3
Massachusetts Periodicals
1689-1783
FOLLOWING is a list, chronologically arranged, of newspapers
and other periodicals published in Massachusetts, during the
Provincial Period, beginning with the single sheet of extracts from
letters of the Reverend Increase Mather in 1689, and ending with
the close of the Revolution in 1783. The list is based upon a similar
list in volume 9 of the Publications of The Colonial Society of Massa
chusetts which has been used herewith by the kind permission
of Albert Matthews of Boston. l Considerable dependence has also
been placed upon the work of William Nelson of Paterson, New Jersey. 2
Original investigation of first sources by the editors of this Digest
has added to this knowledge.
During their existence several of these newspapers were published
under different names. These names have been entered separately,
and, where necessary for identification, the parent title is given in
connection therewith in brackets. In this list two titles, the Camp
bell manuscript letters, are not of periodicals nor even of publica
tions. Nevertheless it has been considered quite in keeping with
the character and purpose of this Digest to include them inasmuch
as they were essentially of news character, and were the first expres
sions of that public desire for news which ultimately led to the es
tablishment of The Boston News-Letter.
The Present State of the New-English Affairs; Boston, 1689
Publick Occurrences both Forreign and Domestick; Boston, Sep
tember 25, 1690
Letters Written by John Campbell, Postmaster of Boston, and sent
to the Governors of New England; April October, 1703
Letters Written by Duncan Campbell of Boston and sent to Governor
Winthrop of Connecticut; May, 1700
The Boston News-Letter; April 24, 1704 December 29, 1726
The Boston Gazette; December 21, 1719 October 12, 1741
The New-England Courant; Boston, August 7, 1721 June 4, 1726
The Weekly News-Letter; Boston, January 5, 1727 October 29,
1730
The New-England Weekly Journal; Boston, March 20, 1727 October
13, 1741
The Boston Weekly News-Letter; November 5, 1730 August 25,
1757
1 Check List of Boston Newspapers, 1704-1780, by Mary Farwell Ayer,
with Bibliographical Notes by Albert Matthews.
2 Archives of the State of New Jersey, First Series, Vol. XII.
MASSACHUSETTS PERIODICALS
The Weekly Rehearsal; Boston, September 27, 1731 August 11,
1735
The Boston Weekly Post-Boy; October, 1734 [?] June 4, 1750
The Boston Evening-Post; August 18, 1735 April 24, 1775
The Boston Gazette, or, New England Weekly Journal; October
20, 1741
The Boston Gazette, or, Weekly Journal; October 27, 1741 Decem
ber 26, 1752
The Boston Weekly Magazine; March 2 March 16, 1743
The Christian History; Boston, March 5, 1743 February 23, 1745
The American Magazine and Historical Chronicle; Boston, Septem
ber, 1743 December, 1746
The Independent Advertiser; Boston, January 4, 1748 December
5, 1749
The Boston Post-Boy; June 11, 1750 December 23, 1754
The Boston Gazette, or, Weekly Advertiser; January 3, 1753 April
1, 1755
The Boston Gazette, or, Country Journal; April 7, 1755 April
5, 1756
The Boston Gazette, and Country Journal; April 12, 1756 April
5, 1779 3
The Boston Weekly Advertiser [Boston Post-Boy]; August 22, 1757
December 25, 1758
The Boston News- Letter; September 1, 1757 March 18, 1762
The New England Magazine; Boston, August, 17581759 [?] 4
Green & Russell s Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser; January 1, 1759
May 23, 1763
The Boston News-Letter. And New-England Chronicle; March
25 December 30, 1762
The Boston News-Letter, and the New-England Chronicle; January
6 March 31, 1763
The Massachusetts Gazette. And Boston News-Letter; April 7,
1763 October 31, 1765
The Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser; May 30, 1763 September 25,
1769
The Massachusetts Gazette, [Boston News-Letter]; November 7,
1765 May 15, 1766
The Massachusetts Gazette. And Boston News-Letter; May 22,
1766 May 19, 1768
3 Published in Watertown, June 5, 1775 November, 1776.
4 Three numbers of this magazine are known to be in existence. The title
of the first number reads The New England Magazine for August 1758, and
that of the second and third numbers The New England Magazine Of Knowl
edge and Pleasure.
MASSACHUSETTS PERIODICALS
The Boston Chronicle; December 21, 1767 June 25, 1770
The Massachusetts Gazette; Boston, May 23, 1768 September 25,
1769
The Boston Weekly News-Letter; May 26, 1768 September 21, 1769
The Essex Gazette; Salem, August 2, 1768 May 2, 1775 "
The Massachusetts Gazette: and the Boston Weekly News-Letter;
September 28, 1769 February 22, 1776
The Massachusetts Gazette, and the Boston Post-Boy and Advertiser;
October 2, 1769 April 17, 1775
The Massachusetts Spy; Boston, July 17, 1770 October 1, 1772
The Censor; Boston, November 23, 1771 May 2, 1772
The Massachusetts Spy Or, Thomas s Boston Journal; October 8,
1772 April 6, 1775
The Essex Journal and Merimack Packet: Or, the Massachusetts
and New-Hampshire General Advertiser; Newburyport, Decem
ber^ 1773 June 23, 1775
The Royal American Magazine, or Universal Repository of Instruc
tion and Amusement, Boston, January, 1774 March, 1775
The Salem Gazette and Newbury and Marblehead Advertiser; Salem,
July 1, 1774 December 23, 1774
The Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty; Worcester,
May 3, 1775 December 31, 1783 5
The New-England Chronicle: or, The Essex Gazette, [The Essex
Gazette]; Cambridge, May 12, 1775 6 April 4, 1776
The Essex Journal Or, The Massachusetts and New-Hampshire
General Advertiser, [The Essex Journal and Merimack Packet];
Newburyport, June 30 July 28, 1775
The Essex Journal Or, New-Hampshire Packet, [The Essex Journal
and Merimack Packet]; Newburyport, August 4 November
3, 1775
The Essex Journal, and New Hampshire Packet, [The Essex Journal
and Merimack Packet]; Newburyport, November 10, 1775
October 5, 1776
The New-England Chronicle; Boston, April 25 September 12, 1776
The Continental Journal, and Weekly Advertiser; Boston, May 30,
1776 December 18, 1783
5 After the Massachusetts Spy was moved from Boston to Worcester in
May, 1775 and became The Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Lib
erty, no less than fourteen changes were made in the title before May, 1782.
Most of these changes were of slight typographical character, but all the
materially different forms of title under which this newspaper was published
from its beginning in 1770 to the end of 1783 are recorded on another page
herewith under the heading The Massachusetts Spy.
6 The date line is "from Tuesday, May 2 to Friday, May 12, 1775."
6
MASSACHUSETTS PERIODICALS
The American Gazette: or, the Constitutional Journal; Salem, June
19 July 30, 1776
The Independent Chronicle, [New England Chronicle]; Boston,
September 19 October 31, 1776
The Essex Journal: Or The New-Hampshire Packet And The Weekly
Advertiser, [The Essex Journal and Merimack Packet]; New-
buryport, November 1, 1776 December 5, 1776
The Independent Chronicle. And the Universal Advertiser, [New
England Chronicle]; Boston, November 7, 1776 December 25,
1783
The Essex Journal, [The Essex Journal and Merimack Packet]; New-
buryport, December 11, 1776 February 13, 1777
The Independent Ledger, and American Advertiser; Boston, June
15 July 13, 1778
The Independent Ledger and the American Advertiser; Boston,
July 20, 1778 December 29, 1783
The Evening Post; and the General Advertiser; Boston, October 17,
1778 February 26, 1780
The Boston Gazette, and the Country Journal, April 12, 1779
December 29, 1783
The Morning Chronicle; and the General Advertiser, [Evening Post];
Boston, March 9 May 11, 1780
The Salem Gazette and General Advertiser; January 2 September
4, 1781
The Salem Gazette; October 18, 1781 December 25, 1783
The Boston Evening Post: and the General Advertiser; October 20,
1781 December 27, 1783
The Massachusetts Gazette, Or The Springfield and Northampton
Weekly Advertiser; Springfield, May 14 August [?] , 1782
The Massachusetts Gazette Or, The General Advertiser, [The Massa
chusetts Gazette, or- The Springfield and Northampton Weekly
Advertiser]; Springfield, September [3?], 1782 December 23,
1783
The Massachusetts Herald : or Worcester Journal ; September 6, 15, 20,
and 27, 1783
The Boston Magazine, October, and December, 1783
Following is a list of the several newspapers which during the Pro
vincial Period were published under different titles. Appended
thereto are the names under which those newspapers were successively
published.
Boston News-Letter; 17041776
The Boston News-Letter; April 24, 1704 December 29, 1726
The Weekly News-Letter; January 5, 1727 October 29, 1730
7
MASSACHUSETTS PERIODICALS
The Boston Weekly News-Letter; November 5, 1730 August
25, 1757
The Boston News-Letter; September 1, 1757 March 18, 1762
The Boston News-Letter. And New-England Chronicle; March
25 December 30, 1762
The Boston News-Letter, and the New-England Chronicle;
January 6 March 31, 1763
The Massachusetts Gazette. And Boston News- Letter; April
7, 1763 October 31, 1765
The Massachusetts Gazette; November 7, 1765 May 15, 1766
The Massachusetts Gazette. And Boston News-Letter; May
22, 1766 May 19, 1768
The Boston Weekly News-Letter; May 26, 1768 September 21,
1769
The Massachusetts Gazette: and the Boston Weekly News-
Letter; September 28, 1769 February 22, 1776
Boston Gazette; 17191783
The Boston Gazette; December 21, 1719 October 12, 1741
The Boston Gazette, or, New England Weekly Journal; October
20, 1741
The Boston Gazette, or, Weekly Journal; October 27, 1741
December 26, 1752
The Boston Gazette, or, Weekly Advertiser; January 3, 1753
April 1, 1755
The Boston Gazette, or Country Journal; April 7, 1755 April
5, 1756
The Boston Gazette, and Country Journal; April 12, 1756
April 5, 1779
The Boston Gazette, and the Country Journal; April 12, 1779
December 29, 1783
Boston Post-Boy; 17341775
The Boston Weekly Post-Boy; October, 1734 [?] June 4, 1750
The Boston Post-Boy; June 11, 1750 December 23, 1754
The Boston Weekly Advertiser; August 22, 1757 December 25,
1758
Green & Russell s Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser; January 1,
1759 May 23, 1763
The Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser; May 30, 1763 September
25, 1769
The Massachusetts Gazette, and the Boston Post-Boy and Ad
vertiser; October 2, 1769 April 17, 1775
8
MASSACHUSETTS PERIODICALS
Essex Gazette ; 17681776 7
The Essex Gazette; August 2, 1768 May 2, 1775
The New-England Chronicle: or, The Essex Gazette; May 12,
1775 April 4, 1776
Massachusetts Spy; 17701783
The Massachusetts Spy; July 17, 1770 October 1, 1772
The Massachusetts Spy Or, Thomas s Boston Journal; October
8, 1772 April 6, 1775
The Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty;
May 3, 1775 August 9, 1775
Thomas s Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty;
August 16, 1775 May 31, 1776
The Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty;
June 21, 1776 [?] August [?], 1777
Haswell s Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty;
August 14, 1777 December 4, 1777
The Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty;
December 11, 1777 March 19, 1778
Haswell s Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty;
March 26, 1778 June 18, 1778
Thomas s Massachusetts Spy Or, American Oracle of Liberty;
June 25, 1778 May 17, 1781
Thomas s Massachusetts Spy Or, The Worcester Gazette;
May 24, 1781 April 4, 1782
Thomas s The Massachusetts Spy: Or, Worcester Gazette;
April 11, 1782 December 31, 1783
Essex Journal ; 17731777
The Essex Journal, and Merimack Packet: Or, the Massachu
setts and New-Hampshire General Advertiser; December 4,
1773 June 23, 1775
The Essex Journal Or, The Massachusetts and New-Hampshire
General Advertiser June 30 July 28, 1775
The Essex Journal Or, New-Hampshire Packet; August 4
November 3, 1775
The Essex Journal, and New-Hampshire Packet; November
10, 1775 October 5, 1776
7 See New England Chronicle. The Essex Gazette, started in Salem in
1768, was the parent of the several newspapers known in later years by the
name Chronicle. When the publishers removed to Cambridge in 1775 they
prefixed the Chronicle name to their publication. When the newspaper was
removed from Cambridge to Boston the Essex Gazette part of the title was
discarded and as the Chronicle it was longest and best known. For that
reason its later titles have been here placed under the heading New-England
Chronicle.
MASSACHUSETTS PERIODICALS
The Essex Journal: Or The New-Hampshire Packet And The
Weekly Advertiser; November 1, 1776 December 5, 1776
The Essex Journal; December 11, 1776 February 13, 1777
New-England Chronicle ; 17751783
The New-England Chronicle: or The Essex Gazette; May 12,
1775 April 4, 1776
The New-England Chronicle; April 25 September 12, 1776
The Independent Chronicle; September 19 October 31, 1776
The Independent Chronicle. And the Universal Advertiser;
November 7, 1776 December 25, 1783
Independent Ledger; 17781783
The Independent Ledger, and American Advertiser; June 15
July 13, 1778
The Independent Ledger, and the American Advertiser; July 20,
1778 December 29, 1783
Evening Post; 17781780
The Evening Post; and the General Advertiser; October 17,
1778 February 26, 1780
The Morning Chronicle; and the General Advertiser; March 9
May 11, 1780
Massachusetts Gazette; 17821783
The Massachusetts Gazette, Or The Springfield and Northamp
ton Weekly Advertiser; May 14 August [?], 1782
The Massachusetts Gazette, Or the General Advertiser; Septem
ber^?], 1782 December 23, 1783
List of Authorities
QEVERAL accounts of the newspapers and their printers in the Mas-
Osachusetts-Bay Province have been written, and many incidental
references throwing light upon them are found in various historical
and other publications. The subjoined list of authorities makes no
pretence to minute completeness, but it embraces the titles of those
works upon which the investigator must principally depend. In
fact the editors are confident that nothing of substantial importance
has been omitted from it.
A Narrative of the Newspapers printed in New-England In a
letter to the President of the Historical Society, from one of the
members. In the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society
for the year 1798. Boston, 1798. Vol. V, pp. 208216.
This paper appears to have been the first printed account of the
earliest American newspapers. It is signed A. Z. and the author was
the Reverend John Eliot, D.D., pastor of the New North Church,
Boston, and one of the founders and the first librarian of the Massa
chusetts Historical Society. The sketch is brief and, naturally,
inadequate, and it contains numerous errors. It presents some
interesting facts but on the whole is not of much value.
Continuation of the Narrative of Newspapers published in New-
England, from the year 1704 to the Revolution; in a letter from one
of the members to the president of the society. In the Collections of
the Massachusetts Historical Society for the year 1800. Boston,
1800. Vol. VI, pp. 6467.
This paper was also from the pen of the Reverend John Eliot and
is open to the same criticism as its predecessor. In it is included a
brief two-page sketch of the newspapers of Connecticut from 1755
to 1800, written by the great lexicographer, Noah Webster, and
enumerating seventeen publications.
The History of Printing in America. With a Biography of
Printers, and an Account of Newspapers. To which is prefixed a
concise view of the Discovery and Progress of the Art in Other Parts
of the World. In two volumes. By Isaiah Thomas, Printer, Wor
cester, Massachusetts. Worcester: From the press of Isaiah Thomas
jun. Isaac Sturtevant, Printer. 1810.
This two-volume work has always been and undoubtedly al
ways will be the fundamental source of information for the period
which it covers. Thomas was a successful printer and publisher,
an editor of wide experience, a shrewd observer, and an indefatigable
collector of literature bearing upon the printing of books and news
papers. Beginning printing in 1755 he was, for half a century, one
of the most active and most able newspaper men of Massachusetts.
He had an extensive acquaintance with his contemporaries and his
youthful years overlapped the closing years of those who had been
11
LIST OF AUTHORITIES
the founders of Massachusetts journalism. His work partakes
more of the character of the hasty newsgatherer and gossipy recorder
than of the painstaking historian. Much is absent from it that we
should be glad to know today and its pages have many inaccuracies.
Nevertheless, despite its deficiences, it is invaluable. The History
was first published in Worcester in 1810. It was republished in
1874 by Joel Munsell, Albany, N. Y., for the American Antiquarian
Society of Worcester, Mass, being volumes V and VI in the Trans
actions and Collections of that Society. This edition has a memoir
of the author by his grandson Benjamin Franklin Thomas; volum
inous and valuable explanatory and critical notes by John R. Bart-
lett, Samuel F. Haven, Joel Munsell and H. G. Jones; and, as an
appendix, a "catalogue of publications in what is now the United
States, prior to the revolution of 1775 6," compiled by Dr. Samuel
F. Haven.
The Life and Errors of John Dunton, Citizen of London; With the
lives and characters of more than a thousand Contemporary Divines,
and other persons of literary eminence. To which are added, Dun-
ton s Conversation in Ireland; Selections from his other genuine
Works: and a faithful portrait of the author. Two vols., London
1818.
Letters Written from New England, A. D. 1686, by John Dunton.
In which are described his voyages by sea, his travels on land and
the characters of his friends and acquaintances. Now first published
from the original manuscript, in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.
With notes and an appendix, by W. H. Whitmore. Boston: Pub
lished for the Prince Society, 1867.
John Dunton, the eccentric printer and bookseller, visited Boston
with an invoice of books to sell, in 1685, and remained in Massachu
setts more than a year. He wrote much and spiritedly concerning
the people of his time and his pen pictures of those whom he met in
Massachusetts add to our knowledge of men and manners of that
period. The first edition of his Life and Errors was published in
1705. His Letters Written from New England, edited by W. H.
Whitmore, is more full in its descriptions of the Boston printers
and booksellers than the London book. Students of early New Eng
land life cannot afford to overlook it.
A History of Harvard University from its Foundation in the
year 1636, to the period of the American Revolution. By Benjamin
Pierce. Cambridge, 1833.
The American Historical Magazine and Literary Record. New
Haven, 1836.
Specimens of Newspaper Literature: with Personal Memoirs,
Anecdotes, and Reminiscences. By Joseph T. Buckingham. Bos
ton, 1850.
This work is also known as Buckingham s Reminiscences, which
title appears on the backbone of the cover. It is in two volumes
12
LIST OF AUTHORITIES
and treats of the newspapers of all New England. In the first volume
are included the newspapers from 1704 to the close of the Revolution;
in the second volume are those subsequent to that time and into the
following century. Buckingham was a famous newspaper and
magazine editor, from 1799 to 1861, and this work of his, while
primarily based on that of Thomas, is enriched with much valuable
information derived from examination of original files and from
personal knowledge. It amplifies and extends the Thomas History
in botfr biography and bibliography, and corrects some of the errors
of its predecessor.
Personal Memoirs and Recollections of Editorial Life. By Joseph
T. Buckingham. Two vols., Boston 1852.
Records of the Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England. Printed by Order of the Legislature. (Edited by
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, M. D., Member of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,
and Member of the American Antiquarian Society. Five vols., Bos
ton, 18531854.
Account of the Newspapers and other Periodicals, published in
Salem, from 1768 to 1856. By Gilbert L. Streeter. In the Proceed
ings of the Essex Institute. Salem, Mass., 1856. Vol. I. 1848 to
1856.
This short sketch contains some small particulars which do not
appear in the works of Thomas or Buckingham.
Historical Magazine (The), and Notes and Queries concerning the
Antiquities, History, and Biography of America. Boston, 1857 1875.
History of New England. By John Gorham Palfrey. Five vols.,
Boston, 18581890.
A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England.
By James Savage. Four vols., Boston, 18601862.
Biographical Sketches of Loyalists of the American Revolution,
with an Historical Essay. By Lorenzo Sabine. Two vols., Boston,
1864.
Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. By James Parton. Two
vols., New York, 1864.
The Life of Benjamin Franklin, written by. himself. Now first
edited from original manuscripts and from his printed correspondence
and other writings. By John Bigelow. Philadelphia, 1874.
The Andros Tracts: being a Collection of Pamphlets and Official
Papers issued during the period between the Overthrow of the Andros
Government and the Establishment of the Second Charter of Mas
sachusetts. With notes and a Memoir of Sir Edmund Andros. Edited
13
LIST OF AUTHORITIES
by W. H. Whitmore. Three vols. Publications of the Prince
Society. Boston, 18681874.
Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Harvard University, in
Cambridge, Massachusetts. By John Langdon Sibley, M. A., Libra
rian of Harvard University, and Member of the Massachusetts and
other Historical Societies. Three vols.. Cambridge, 1873.
Journalism in the United States, from 1690 to 1872. By Frederic
Hudson. New York, 1873.
Mr. Hudson began his account of journalism in the United States
with ancient Rome, Greece and China, and devoted most of his
book to the newspaper history of his own time. Consequently he
had scant space 98 pages for the American newspapers of the
eighteenth century, and in that part of his work he gives practically
very little except what he derived from the pages of Thomas History
and Buckingham s Specimens. He reprinted the Publick Occurrences
(not accurately), part of one of John Campbell s manuscript news
letters, the domestic items of the first number of The Boston News-
Letter, extracts from The Boston Gazette, The New England Courant,
and The New York Gazette of William Bradford; gave an account
of the libel suit against Peter Zenger in 1734; and treated briefly
of the editors, publishers, writers, news and advertisements of the
press of the Revolutionary period.
History of Cambridge, Mass. 1630 1877. By Lucius Robinson
Paige. Boston, 1877.
Diary of Samuel Sewall. In the Collections of the Massachusetts
Historical Society. Fifth Series, Vols. V, VI and VII. Boston,
1878, 1879, 1882.
Curiosities of History. By William W. Wheildon. Boston, 1880.
The Memorial History of Boston, Including Suffolk County,
Massachusetts. 16301880. Edited by Justin Winsor, Librarian
of Harvard University. In Four Volumes. Boston, 1881.
In this work five chapters treat, directly or indirectly, of this sub
ject. These are The Literature of the Colonial Period, by Justin
Winsor, vol. I, pp. 453464; The Indian Tongue and Its Literature,
by J. Hammond Trumbull, vol. I, pp. 465480; The Press and Litera
ture of the Provincial Period, by Delano A. Goddard [then editor
of the Boston Daily Advertiser], vol. II, pp. 387 436; The Pulpit,
Press, and Literature of the Revolution, by Delano A. Goddard,
vol. Ill, pp. 119 148; and The Press and Literature of the Last Hun
dred Years, by Charles A. Cummings, vol. Ill, pp. 617 682.
History and Present Condition of the Newspaper and Periodical
Press of the United States, with a Catalogue of the Publications of
the Census Year. By S. N. D. North, Special Agent. Washington,
Government Printing Office. 1884. [Part of Vol. VIII of the Tenth
Census 1880 of the United States.]
14
LIST OF AUTHORITIES
Although this is an exhaustive treatment of its subject as a whole,
the part relating to the newspapers of the pre-revolutionary period
is inadequate and abundant in error. Mr. North did little more than
transcribe from Thomas History and Buckingham s Reminiscenses,
and faithfully perpetuated the errors of those writers with the ad
dition of others of his own. His chronological history is of some
value, though not as relating to the provincial period. He reprints
the catalogue of the newspaper files in the library of the American
Antiquarian Society.
Narrative and Critical History of America. Edited by Justin
Winsor. Eight vols., Boston, 18861889.
Letter-Book of Samuel Sewall. In the Collections of the Massachu
setts Historical Society. Sixth Series, Vols. I and II. Boston, 1886
and 1888.
The Cambridge Press. By Andrew McFarland Davis. In the Pro
ceedings of the American Antiquarian Society. April 25, 1888.
Worcester, 1888.
Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New
Jersey. Edited by William Nelson. Vol. XII. Paterson, N. J., 1895.
This volume carries on its cover the title, New Jersey Archives
First Series, and thus the work to which it belongs is commonly
known. A bastard title page gives another variant as follows:
Archives of the State of New Jersey. A sub-title on the full title
page is: Some Account of American Newspapers, particularly of the
Eighteenth Century, and Libraries in which they may be found.
Part II. Massachusetts. The volume is mainly a reprinting of the
news relating to New Jersey, taken from these early newspapers.
The "account" of the newspapers is an introduction of 132 pages,
historical, biographical and bibliographical, chronologically arranged.
Reviewing as it does the newspapers of all the American colonies
for the entire eighteenth century, Mr. Nelson s work is the most
complete compilation of its kind that has been made. It gives a
great amount of information lacking in other authorities, and has
reprints of the headings of the newspapers, many in fac-simile; its
list of files and libraries, albeit far from complete, and not conven
iently arranged, is very valuable.
The Literary History of the American Revolution, 17631783.
By Moses Coit Tyler. Two vols., New York, 1897.
A List of early American Broadsides, 1680 1800, belonging to
the library of the American Antiquarian Society. With an Intro
duction and Notes by Nathaniel Paine. In the Proceedings of the
American Antiquarian Society. Worcester, Mass., April, 1897.
Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to Old Boston and Neigh
borhood. By Samuel Abbott Green. Boston, Massachusetts, 1901.
This contains an historical account of the publication, Publick
Occurrences, September 25, 1690, a fac-simile reproduction of its
15
LIST OF AUTHORITIES
three pages and a reprint of the order of suppression by the governor
and council.
Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to New England. By
Samuel Abbott Green, Boston, Massachusetts, 1902.
This contains an exhaustive and scholarly account of Stephen
Daye, of Cambridge, the first American printer, and his work, with
reproductions.
Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to Various Subjects.
By Samuel Abbott Green. Boston, 1903.
This is the third and concluding volume of the series published
under similar title. It contains fac-simile reprints of the title-
page of a unique copy of Bunyan s Pilgrims Progress, printed in
Boston in 1681; of the broadsides, The Present State of the New-
English Affairs, Boston 1689, and Admiral Russel s Letter to the
Earl of Nottingham, Boston, 1692; the two pages of both the first
and the second edition of the first issue of The Boston News- Letter,
April 24, 1704; the two pages of the issue of The New England Courant,
for February 11, 1723; and the two pages of the issue of The New
England Weekly Journal for April 8, 1728. These reproductions
are accompanied with descriptive and critical text by Dr. Green.
American Bibliography, By Charles Evans. A Chronological
Dictionary of all Books, Pamphlets and Periodical Publications
printed in the United States of America from the Genesis of Printing
in 1639 down to and including the year 1820. With Bibliographical
and Biographical Notes. Vol. I, 16391729; Vol. II, 17301750.
Chicago, 19031904.
The Development of Freedom of the Press in Massachusetts.
By Clyde Augustus Duniway, associate professor of history in
Leland Stanford Junior University. Vol. XII of Harvard Historical
Studies. New York, 1906.
This work treats of the control of the press in England and in
Massachusetts from 1638 onward. The assumption of govern
mental authority over the newspapers of the period, particularly the
Publick Occurrences, Campbell s Boston News-Letter, The Boston
Gazette, Franklin s New-England Courant, and Fleet s Boston Even
ing-Post, is well considered. A complete list of sources and titles
of secondary authorities adds much to the value of the work.
The Cambridge Press 16381692. A History of the First Printing
Press Established in English America, Together with a Bibliographi
cal List of the Issues of the Press. By Robert F. Roden. New York,
1905.
Check List of Boston Newspapers, 1704 1780. By Mary Farwell
Ayer. With Bibliographical Notes by Albert Matthews. Publica
tions of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. Vol. IX, 1907.
16
LIST OF AUTHORITIES
As its name indicates, this is a check list, showing in what principal
libraries of the United States the issues of the provincial newspapers,
so far as they are known to be in existence, are preserved. It is a
work of incalculable value and indispensable to every student of the
eighteenth century journalism of Massachusetts. The Bibliograph
ical Notes by Mr. Matthews constitute by far the most interesting,
most valuable and most scholarly historical review of the news
papers included in the period covered that has yet been printed.
This, combined with the biographical and historical accounts of the
printers, publishers and editors, and their work, has left little to be
done by any future historian or compiler, except the actual reprinting
of the contents of these papers.
The Essex Institute Historical Society. Collections. Forty vols.
Salem, Mass., 18591907.
Massachusetts Archives. (MSS.) In the Office of the Secretary
of the Commonwealth. Boston. Vols. 241 + 3 + 82. 16221788.
Massachusetts Council Records. (MSS.) Executive Proceedings
of the Governor s Council. In the Office of the Secretary of the
Commonwealth, 16501908. Boston.
Massachusetts Historical Society. Proceedings, Boston, 1879 1909.
Massachusetts Historical Society. Collections. [Boston, 1792 1909.
New-England Historical and Genealogical Register, (The). Sixty-
three vols. The New-England Historic Genealogical Society. Boston,
18471909.
Transcripts (MSS.) of Harvard College Records. By Andrew
McFarland Davis. In Harvard College Library.
JOURNAL OF THE Votes and Proceedings OF THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY Of the COLONY of NEW YORK. Began the 9th Day
of April, 1691; AND Ended the 27th of September, 1743. Two vol
umes. Published by Order of the General Assembly. NEW YORK.
Printed by Hugh Gaine, at his Book-Store and Printing-Office at the
Bible & Crown, in Hanover Square. M,DCC,LXIV.
This work is interesting in that it has the exact text of the addresses
of the colonial governors, and the legislative enactments, many of
which are printed in full or in part sometimes incorrectly or
are briefly referred to in communications from New York to the
News- Letter.
The Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of the
Mafsachusetts Bay : to which are prefixed the Charters of the Province,
with Historical and Explanatory Notes and Appendix. Published
under Chapter 87 of the Resolves of the General Court of the Common
wealth for the year 1867. Boston [printed for the State]: 1869 .
17
LIST OF AUTHORITIES
Fifteen volumes published (Vol. XV bearing date 1908) covering
the Province laws from 169 J to 1756. Other volumes in preparation.
The part in which material bearing on the provincial press is to be
found is Vol. VIII, being Vol. Ill of the Appendix, containing
Resolves etc. 1703-1707, and is embraced in the Notes to the Resolves,
pp. 263-801, prepared by Abner Cheney Goodell, the scholarly first
editor of the work. The editor succeeding Mr. Goodell, who declined
reappointment in 1900, is Melville Madison Bigelow.
18
1689-1707
THE^PRESENT STATE OF THE
NEW-ENGLISH AFFAIRS
PUBLICK OCCURRENCES
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
19
The following abbreviations as they are appended beneath the
titles of the newspapers included in this Digest indicate libraries in
which original copies of the respective issues have been preserved..
In each instance the library that contains the copy which has been
transcribed for the Digest is specially indicated by initials in black
face. The letter m in brackets following initials indicates that the
copy preserved in that library is mutilated.
A S = American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts
B A = Boston Athenaeum, Boston
B P = Boston Public Library, Boston
B S=Bostonian Society, Boston
C H = Connecticut Historical Society
D C = Dartmouth College Library, Hanover, New Hampshire
E I = Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts
G S = New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston
HU= Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Massachusetts
L C = Library of Congress, Washington
L P = Library Company of Philadelphia
M H = Massachusetts Historical Society, Boston
M S = Massachusetts State Library, Boston
N H = New Jersey Historical Society
N J = New Jersey State Library
N P = New York Public Library, New York
N S = New York State Library
N Y = New York Historical Society, New York
P H = Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
WH = State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
Y U = Yale University
20
The Present State of the
New-English Affairs
A BROADSIDE, brought out in 1689, this publication bears the
L -^imprint "Boston, Printed and Sold by Samuel Green." It is a
single sheet printed on one side; the paper page is 8 by 14 J^ inches,
while the type page, in two columns, is 6% by 12 inches. The first
column is filled by the extract from the letter of the Reverend In
crease Mather to Governor Simon Bradstreet, dated: "Sept. 3, 1689
from Deal in Kent." In the second column appear "A Passage
extracted from the publick News- Letter, [of London] Dated July 6,
1689"; the extract from Mr. Mather s letter to his son the Reverend
Cotton Mather, and the paragraph regarding the overthrow of Andros.
A solitary specimen of this publication has been preserved, and is
in the Massachusetts Archives, volume XXXV, page 83, in the State
House, Boston. The sheet has been reprinted in the Massachusetts
Magazine, Boston, October, 1789, volume I, page 642; in the Col
lections of the New Hampshire Historical Society, in 1824 and 1866,
volume I, pages 252-255 and volume VIII, pages 258-260; and in
The Andros Tracts, volume II, pages 15-18. It has also been twice
reproduced in fac-simile: first in 1902, by William Green Shillaber of
the Club of Odd Volumes, and again in 1903 by Dr. Samuel Abbott
Green in his Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to Various
Subjects.
With his reproduction Mr. Shillaber refers to the sheet as, "the
first attempt at newspaper publication on this side of the Atlantic
ocean." Whether or not it is entitled to be regarded as a news
paper, and, therefore, the first in the English colonies of America
has ever been a subject of controversy among students. When first
reprinted in 1789 it was called "a Handbill or Newspaper Extraor
dinary." Joel Munsell in 1874, Charles Evans in 1903, and George
II . Sargent in 1905 have suggested or contended that it was a news
paper, and argument has been made in support thereof. William
H. Whitmore in 1869, Delano A. Gocldard in 1881, William Nelson
in 1895, Samuel Abbott Green in 1901, Professor Clyde A. Duniway
in 1906, and Albert Matthews in 1906 have agreed in characterizing
the sheet as a broadside.
The concensus of opinion is that the print was not a newspaper.
Strictly speaking it was not even an attempt at a newspaper, an
essential distinction of which is successive and regular publication.
Still in it was a germ of the coming newspaper. For an extended
consideration of this publication and the arguments concerning it,
see a paper by Albert Matthews in the Publications of the Colonial
Society of Massachusetts, volume X, pages 310-320.
21
The Prefent State of the
New-EnglifTi Affairs
to present f alfe
An Extract of a Letter from Mr. Mather, To the Govenour, Dated
Sept. 3, 1689 from Deal in Kent.
THe House of Commons Ordered a Bill to be drawn up for
the Restoration of Charters to all Corporations. Some Enemies
of New-England did bestir themselves on that Occasion. But
it has pleased God to succeed Endeavours and Sollicitations here so
far, so that N. E. is particularly mentioned in the Bill.
It has been read twice, and after that referred unto a Committee
for Emendations. What concerns N. England passed without any
great opposition. The Bill has been in part read the third Time, and
the Charters of N.-Eng. then also passed without Objection. Only
some Additional Clauses respecting Corporations here, caused Debates ;
so that the Bill is not yet Enacted.
In the latter end of June, a Vessel from Mount Hope arrived here,
which brought your Declaration of April 18. with an account of
the Revolution in New- England. The week after I went to Hamp
ton Court, and had the favour to wait on His Majesty, who told me,
That He did accept of, and was well pleased with what was done in
New-England , and that he would order the Secretary of State to signifie
so much, and that His Subjects there should have their Ancient Rights
and Privikdges restored to them.
The King has sent a Gracious Letter (which was delivered to me,
and if I return not my self, I shall take care that it be sent to you)
bearing Date August 12. Wherein He signifies His Royal Appro
bation of what has been done at Boston, and assures you that the
Government there shall be settled, so as shall be for the Security
and Satisfaction of His Subjects in that Colony, and in the mean
time bids you go on to Administer the Laws, and manage the Govern
ment, according as in your Address you have Petitioned.
My Lord Mordent (now Earl of Monmouth) bade me assure you
that He would be your Friend, and he bade me tell you from him,
That your Charters should be restored to you by Act of Parliament.
I have been with most of the Kings most Honourable Privy Coun
cil, who have promised to befriend New England as there shall be
occasion for it. The like I may say, of all the Leading men in the
Parliament.
22
NEW-ENGLiSH<[AFFAiRS
I have been in the Downs a fortnight, and Aboard Mr. Clark,
several Nights, but the Wind has been against us. And we now hear
that the New-found- Land Convoyes (on whose Assistance we had a
Dependance) are gone.
Superscribed To the Honourable
Simon Bradstreet, Esq;
Governour of the Massachusets Colony in N- England.
A Passage extracted from the publick News-Letter, Dated
July 6. 1689.
^ I A HE people of New England having made a thorow Revolution,
-*- and secured the publick Criminals. On Thursday last, the Rev
erend and Learned Mr. Mather, President of the Colledge, and Min
ister of Boston, waited on the King; and in a most Excellent Speech
laid before His Majesty, the State of that People; saying, That they
were sober, and Industrious, and fit for Martial Service; and all with
their Lives and Interests were at His Majesties Command, to tender
the same unto His Majesty: That they desired nothing but His Majes
ties Acceptance of what they had done, and His Protection; and that if
His Majesty pleased to encourage and Commission them, He might
easily be Emperour of America. His Majesty assured him, that He
was pleased with w T hat was done for Him, and for themselves in the
Revolution, and that their Priviledges and Religion should be secured
unto them.
Extracted from a Letter of Mr. Mather, to his Son, Dated
Sept. 2. 1689.
On July 4. The King said unto me, That He did kindly Accept
of what was done in Boston. And that His Subjects in New-England
should have their Ancient Rights and Priviledges Restored and Con
firmed unto them. Yea, He told me, That if it were in his power to
cause it to be done it should be done, and bade me rest assured of it.
The Charter- Bill is not finished, because some Additional Clauses
respecting Corporations here in England caused a Debate; and the
Parliament is for some weeks Adjourned.
Besides the Letter from the Kings Majesty, whereof we have notice
as above; there is now arrived, an Order from His Majesty to the
Government, bearing Date, July 30. 1689.
Requiring, That Sir Edmund Andross, Edward Randolph, and
others, that have been Seized by the people of Boston, and shall be at
the Receipt of these Commands, Detained there, under Confinement,
be sent on Board the first Ship, bound to England, to answer what
may be objected against iliem.
23
Public Occurrences
UNTIL the single known copy of The Present State of the New-
English Affairs came to light in 1789 1 this print of Publick
Occurrences was regarded as the first news publication of the English
colonies in the Western Hemisphere. Even now the distinction of
being the first attempt to start a newspaper in the colonies must be
accorded it for, undoubtedly, the publishers intended to continue
it regularly had it not fallen under the ban of the government. It
is a small quarto printed on three sides of a folded sheet, two columns
to the page, the paper page being 7J^ by llj/^ inches and the type
pages, the first, 5J by lOf, the second, 5| by lOf , and the third, 5 J
by lOf inches. It has for a colophon, "Printed by Richard Pierce
for Benjamin Harris."
The only known contemporaneous reference to the publication,
except the Governor s order of suppression, was by Chief Justice
Samuel Sewall, who wrote in 1G90: 2
"Sept. 25. A printed sheet entituled publick Occurences conies
out, which gives much distaste because not Licensed; and because
of the passage referring to the French King and the Maquas [Mohawks].
"Oct. 1. Print of the Governour and Council comes out shewing
their disallowance of the Public Occurrences.
"Oct. 2. Mr. [Cotton] Mather writes a very sharp Letter about it."
Elsewhere, under the same date, Judge Sewall again refers to "the
first sheet of Occurrences, which came out this day." 3
But the publishers were ahead of the time. Those in authority
were not yet tolerant of a free press. Immediately on its appearance
the continuance of the print was promptly interdicted. Following
is the order for its suppression, a copy of which is preserved in the
library of the Massachusetts Historical Society:
BY THE
GOVERNOUR & COUNCIL
TyA T HERE AS some have lately presumed to Print and Disperse a
y y Pamphlet, Entituled, Publick Occurrences, both Forreign and
Domestick: Boston, Thursday, Septemb. 25th 1690. With
out the least Privity or Countenance of Authority.
The Governour and Council having had the perusal of the said
Pamphlet, and finding that therein is contained Reflections of a very
high nature: As also sundry doubtful and uncertain Reports, do
hereby manifest and declare their high Resentment and Disallowance
of said Pamphlet, and Order that the same be Suppressed and called
in; strickly forbidding any person or persons for the future to Set forth
1 Reprinted in the Massachusetts Magazine (Boston), for October, 1789.
2 Diary of Samuel Sewall. Vol. I, pp. 332-333.
3 Letter-Book of Samuel Sewall. Vol. I, p. 112.
24
PUBLIC OCCURRENCES
any thing in Print without License first obtained from those that are
or shall be appointed by the Government to grant the same.
By order of the Governour & Council.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
Boston, September 29/fe 1690.
So far as is known only one copy of this publication is now in ex
istence and that is preserved in the Public Office in London. There
it rested in musty archives for more than a century until, in 1845 or
1846, it was discovered by the Reverend Joseph Barlow Felt, librarian
of the Massachusetts Historical Society (then in England as an
agent of the state of Massachusetts to secure duplicates of various
documents whose originals had been lost) , and briefly described
by him. 4 It was examined and copied in London in 1856 by Dr.
Samuel Abbott Green of the Massachusetts Historical Society (later
librarian), and reprinted by him the following year in a Boston
magazine. 5 The same year (1857) an expurgated copy from this
magazine was reprinted by the National Intelligencer of Washington .
Sixteen years later a similar reprint was made in Frederic Hudson s
History of Journalism. Mr. Hudson s reprint may fairly be regarded
as one of the curiosities of historical literature for, following the
example of the National Intelligencer, he was superserviceably scrupu
lous in expurgating certain matter which he seemed to fear might
be deemed objectionable to some, even though he thereby sacrificed
historical accuracy. Another expurgated copy was printed in a
Boston newspaper in 1897. 6 It was reproduced in fac-simile for the
first time by Dr. Green in 1901. 7
Benjamin Harris for whom the Publick Occurrences was printed
was a bookseller of note in London before he came to Boston. At
one period of his life he was a close friend and a business associate of
the eccentric John Dunton, who wrote concerning him: 8
"He has been a brisk asserter of English Liberties, and once printed
a Book with that very Title. He sold A Protestant Petition in
King Charles s Reign, for which they fined him five pounds, and set
him once in the Pillory: but his Wife, (like a kind Rib) stood by him,
to defend her Husband against the mob. After this (having a deal
of mercury in his natural temper) he travelled to New-England,
where he followed Bookselling, and then Coffeeselling, and then
Printing, but continued Ben Harris still; and is now both Bookseller
4 Annals of Salem, by Joseph B. Felt. Second Edition. Salem, 1849
Vol. II, p. 14.
5 The Historical Magazine. Boston, August, 1857. Vol. I, pp. 228-231.
6 The National Intelligencer, Washington, D. C., September 3, 1857;
Journalism in the United States From 1690 to 1872, by Frederic Hudson,
1873, pp. 44-48; The Boston Globe, March 4, 1897.
7 Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to Old Boston and Neighborhood.
Boston, 1901.
8 Life and Errors of John Dunton. London, 1818, Vol. I, p. 216.
25
PUBLIC OCCURRENCES
and Printer in Gracechurch-street, as we find by his London Post ; so
that his conversation is general (but never impertinent), and his
wit pliable to all inventions. But yet his vanity, (if he has any) gives
no alloy to his wit, and is no more than might justly spring from
conscious virtue; and I do him but justice in this part of his character,
for, in once travelling with him from Bury fair, I found him to be
the most ingenious and innocent companion that I had ever met
with."
Again, Dunton, when in Boston, hearing of Harris intention of
"coming over hither" wrote: 9
"To speak the Truth, Mr. Benj. Harris has had many good Thoughts ,
tho he has wanted the Art of improving em; and could he fix his
Mercury a little, and not be so volatile, he wou d do well enough."
In Boston, in 1690, Harris was established "at the London Coffee
House, near the Town House," where he sold Cotton Mather s Wonder
ful Works of God Commemorated. His connection with the Publick
Occurrences did not permanently place him under official disapproval
for two years later he had the following commission :
"By his excellency I order Benjamin Harris to print the Acts
and Laws made by the Great and General Court, or Assembly of
their Majesties Province of Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, that
we the People may be informed thereof.
"Boston, December 16, 1692. WILLIAM PHIPPS."
In 1694 he was at "The Sign of the Bible Over-against the Blew-
Anchor" tavern. Soon after he returned to London and resumed
business there. As publisher of the London Post he incurred the
disfavor of many, including his former friend Dunton, who now
wrote of him ; l
"I should have been much concerned if Ben Harris had given me
a good word, for his commendation is the greatest reproach that an
honest man can meet with. He is so far from having any dealings
with Truth and Honesty, that his solemn word, which he calls as
good as his bond, is a studied falsehood, and he scandalizes Truth and
Honesty in pretending to write for it. His London Post, or weigh
ing of Truth and Honesty, resembles the Bird of Athens ; for it seems to
be made up of face and feathers; for setting aside his Billingsgate
language and hunting up and down the world for any occasion of
venting his fulsome slander, there is very little of wit or honesty in
him, but what he hath stolen from The Wandering Spy, or his own
hypocritical heart And had he called me honest
man, I should have thought it a great slander; but, seeing he has the
boldness to acknowledge he called me Knave, were I to assign his
punishment, that Harris might see how much I forgave him, he should
only be lashed every Monday and Friday, the two days he published
the London Post at his own door, by the common hangman; and
every Monday and Thursday own himself a knave and coward, &c.
9 Letters From New England, p. 144.
10 Life and Errors of John Dunton. Vol. II, pp. 465-466.
26
PUBLIC OCCURRENCES
in the London Gazette, till such time he had asked pardon of Dr.
Partridge, John Dunton and the other persons he wronged in the
London Post. Or should he escape doing penance in the printed
sheets, yet we shall find him a second time in the pillory, with his
Wife, like a kind rib, standing by, to defend him against the mob."
Richard Pierce who printed the Publick Occurrences was, accord
ing to Thomas, the fifth printer in Boston. * * Little is known of
him, except that he was probably a printer of London and came to
New England after 1679. As late as 1695 he was in business in Bos
ton. He married, August 27, 1680, Sarah Cotton, daughter of the
Reverend Seaborn Cotton. 1 2
11 History of Printing. Vol. I, p. 89.
12 New England Historical and Genealogical Register. April, 1876. Vol.
XXX, p. 239; Letters from New England, p. 76.
27
Numb. 1 .
PUBLICK
OCCURRENCES
Both FORREIGN and DOMESTIC K.
Boston, Thursday, Sept. 2o t!l - 1690.
IT is designed, that the Counlrcy shall be furnished once a moneth
(or if any Glut of Occurrences happen, oftener,) ivith an Account
of such considerable things as have arrived unto our Notice.
In order hereunto, the Publisher will take what pains he can to ob
tain a Faithful Relation of all such things; and will particularly make
himself beholden to such Persons in Boston whom he knows to have
been for their own use the diligent Observers of such matters.
That which is herein proposed, is, First, That Memorable Occur -
rents of Divine Providence may not be neglected or forgotten, as they
too often are. Secondly, That people every where may better under
stand the Circumstances of Publique Affairs, both abroad and at home;
which may not only direct their Thoughts at all times, but at some
times also to assist their Businesses and Negotiations.
Thirdly, That something may be done towards the Curing, or at
least the Charming of that Spirit of Lying, which prevails amongst us,
wherefore nothing shall be entered, but what ivc have reason to believe
is true, repairing to tlie best fountains for our Information. And when
there appears any material mistake in any thing that is collected, it
shall be corrected in the next.
Moreover, the Publisher of these Occurrences is -willing to eugage ,
that whereas, there are many False Reports, maliciously made, and
spread among us, if any well-minded person will be at the pains to
trace any such false Report, so far as to find out and Convict the First
Raiser of it, he will in this Paper (unless just Advice be given to to the
contrary} expose the Name of such person, as A malicious Raiser of a
false Report. // is supposed that none will dislike this Proposal, but
such as intend to be guilty of so villanous a Crime.
The Christianized Indians in some parts of Pli;njulh, have newly
appointed a day of Thanksgiving to God for his Mercy in supply
ing their extream and pinching Necessities under their late want
of Corn, & for His giving them nov, r a prospect of a very Comfortable
Harvest. Their Example may be worth Mentioning.
Tis observed by the Husbandmen, that altho the With-draw of so
great a strength from them, as what is in the Forces lately gone for
Canada, made them think it almost impossible for them to get well
through the Affairs of their Husbandry at this time of the year, yet
the Season has been so unusually favourable that they scarce find any
28
PUBLICK OCCURRENCES
want of the many hundreds of hands, that are gone from them; which
is looked upon as a Merciful Providence.
While the barbarous Indians were lurking about Chelmsford, there
were missing about the beginning of this month a couple of Children
belonging to a man of that Town, one of them aged about eleven, the
other aged about nine years, both of them supposed to be fallen into
the hands of the Indians.
A very Tragical Accident happened at Water-Town, the beginning
of this Month, an Old man, that was of somewhat a Silent and Mo
rose Temper, but one that had long Enjoyed the reputation of a
Sober and a Pious Man, having newly buried his Wife, The Devil
took advantage of the Melancholy which he thereupon fell into, his
Wives discretion and industry had long been the support of his Family,
and he seemed hurried with an impertinent fear that he should now
come to want before he dyed, though he had very careful friends to
look after him who kept a strict eye upon him, least he should do
himself any harm. But one evening escaping from them into the
Cowhouse, they there quickly followed him found him hanging by a
Rope, which they had used to tye their Calves withal, he was dead
with his feet near touching the Ground.
Epidemical Fevers and Agues grow very common, in some parts of
the Country, whereof, tho many dye not, yet they are sorely unfitted
for their imployments ; but in some parts a more malignant Fever
seems to prevail in such sort that it usually goes thro a Family where
it comes, and proves Mortal unto many.
The Small-pox which has been raging in Boston, after a manner
very Extraordinary, is now very much abated. It is thought that
far more have been sick of it then were visited with it, when it raged
so much twelve years ago, nevertheless it has not been so Mortal,
The number of them that have dyed in Boston by this last Visitation
is about three hundred and twenty, which is not perhaps half so many as
fell by the former. The Time of its being most General, was in the
Months June, July, and August, then twas that sometimes in some
one Congregation on a Lords-day there would be Bills desiring prayers
for above an hundred Sick. It seized upon all sorts of people that
came in the way of it, it infected even Children in the bellies of Mothers
that had themselves undergone the Disease many years ago; for some
such were now born full of the Distemper. Tis not easy to relate
the Trouble and Sorrow that poor Boston has felt by this Epidemical
Contagion. But we hope it will be pretty nigh Extinguished, by
that time twelve month when it first began to Spread. It now un
happily spreads in several other places, among which our Garrisons
in the East are to be reckoned some of the greatest Sufferers.
29
PUBLICK OCCURRENCES
Altho Boston did a few weeks ago, meet with a Disaster by Fire,
which consumed about twenty Houses near the Mill-Creek, yet about
midnight, between the sixteenth and seventeenth of this Instant, an
other Fire broke forth near the South-Meeting- House, which con
sumed about five or six houses, and had almost carried the Meeting
house it self, one of the fairest Edifices in the Country, if God had
not remarkably assisted the Endeavours of the People to put out the
Fire. There were two more considerable Circumstances in the
Calamities of this Fire, one was that a young man belonging to the
House where the Fire began, unhappily perished in the Flames; it
seems that tho he might sooner awake than some others who did
escape, yet he some way lost those Wits that should have taught him
to help himself. Another was that the best furnished PRINTING-
PRESS, of those few that we know of in America, was lost; a loss
not presently to be repaired.
There lately arrived at Piscataqua, one Papoon from Penobscot, in
a small Shallop, wherein he had used to attend upon the pleasure of
Casteen, but took his oportunity to run away, and reports: That a
Vessel of small Bulk bound from Bristol to Virginia, having been so
long at Sea, till they were prest with want, put in at Penobscot instead
of Piscataqua, where the Indians and French seized her, and Butch
ered the Master, and several of the men: but that himself who be
longed unto the Ships Crew, being a Jersey-man, was more favour
ably used, & found at length an advantage to make his Escape.
The chief discourse of this month has been about the affairs of the
Western Expedition against Canada. The Albanians, New- Yorkers
and the five Nations of Indians, in the West, had long been pressing
of the Massachusets to make an Expedition by Sea, into Canada, and
still made us believe, that they stayed for us, and that while we
assaulted Quebeck, they would pass the Lake, and by Land make a
Descent upon Mount Real. Accordingly this Colony with some
assistance from our kind Neighbours of Plimouth; fitted an Army of
near five and twenty hundred men, and a Navy of two and thirty Sail ;
which went from hence the beginning of the last August, under the
Command of the Honourable Sir William Phips.
In the mean time the English Colonies & Provinces in the West
raised Forces, the Numbers whereof have been reported five or six
hundred. The Honourable General Winthrop was in the Head of
these, and advanced within a few miles of the Lake; He there had
some good number of Maqua s to joyn his Forces, but contrary to his
Expectation, it was found that the Canoo s to have been ready for the
Transportation of the Army over the Lake, were not prepared, and the
other Nations of Indians, that should have come to this Campaign,
sent their Excuses, pretending that the Small-pox was among them,
30
PUBLICK OCCURRENCES
and some other Trifles. The General Meeting with such vexing dis
appointments, called a Councel of War, wherein twas agreed, That it
was impossible for them to Prosecute their Intended Expedition. How
ever he dispatched away the Maqua s to the French Territories, who
returned with some Success, having slain several of the French, and
brought home several Prisoners, whom they used in a manner too
barbarous for any English to approve. The General coming back to
Albany, there happened a misunderstanding, between him and the
Lieutenant Governour of New-york which occasioned much discourse,
but produced not those effects which were feared of it. Where lay
the bottom of these miscarriages is variously conjectured, if any people
further West than Albany, have been Tampering with the Indians,
to desert the business of Canada, we hope time will discover it. And
if Almighty God will have Canada to be subdu d without the assist
ance of those miserable Salvages, in whom we have too much confided,
we shall be glad, that there will be no Sacrifice offered up to the
Devil, upon this occasion; God alone will have all the Glory.
Tis possible, we have not so exactly related the Circumstances of
this business, but this Account, is as near exactness, as any that could
be had, in the midst of many various reports about it.
Another late matter of discourse, has been an unaccountable de
struction befalling a body of Indians, that were our Enemies. This
body of French Indians had a Fort somewhere far up the River, and
a party of Maqua s returning from the East Country, where they
have at a great rate pursued and terrified those Indians which have
been invading of our North- East Plantations, and Killed their General
Hope Hood among the rest ; resolved to visit this Fort ; but they found
the Fort ruined, the Canoo s cut to pieces, and the people all either
Butchered or Captived. This gave them no little surprise, and they
gave the English this account of it. That a body of Maquas lately
returning from the Spoil of Canada brought several French Prisoners
with them; That calling at this Fort in their way, the Indians there
seeing themselves unable to resist them did pass divers Complements
with them and partake of their Booties, That a French Captive after
this, escaping from the Maqua s informed the French that these In
dians had revolted unto the Maqua s, and hereupon the French or
their Indians made a sudden Sally forth upon them, and utterly de
stroyed them, tho they were in reality of their own party still.
Two English Captives escaped from the hands of Indians and
French at Pascadamoquady, came into Portsmouth on the sixteenth
Instant & say, That when Capt. Mason was at Fort Real, he cut the
faces, and ript the bellies of two Indians, and threw a third Over
board in the sight of the French, who informing the other Indians of
31
PUBLICK OCCURRENCES
it, they have in revenge barbarously Butcher d forty Captives of our
that were in their hands.
These two Captives escaped in a Shallop, which our Enemies in
tended to have set out with all the Circumstances of a Fishing Shallop
but to have indeed fill d it with Indians that should have ClapM on
board any English Vessel that came in their way ; They say that about
three or four weeks ago, some Indians were coming this way to War,
but crossing a path which they supposed to be of the M aquas, they
followed it until they discovered a place where some Canoo s were
making, whereupon twenty Kennebeck Indian-Warriors went to look
further after the business, who never yet returned. Which gives hope
that they may come short home, but upon this the Squaws are sent
to Penobscot, and the men stand on their Defence.
Portsmouth Sept. 20th. Two days since arrived here a small Ves
sel from Barbaboes, in which is a Letter to Captain H. K. of 19//z
August that speaks thus,
Christophers is wholly taken from the French as also a small Island
called Stacia; w r e are very strong in Shipping, and our Ships of War
are now gone for Tobago, a very good place to shelter from any
Storms, after the suspicious months are over, they will Attack the rest
of the French places. We have News here that K. William is safe
arrived in Ireland, and is marched with one hundred and forty thousand
Foot and Horse. Himself leads the Body, Duke Scomburgh the right
Wing, and the Earl of Oxford the left Wing, Duke Hamilton of Scot-
land leads the forlorn Hope with ten thousand men under him. Great
victory they dayly have, and much people dayly come in to him,
with submission: He has 200 Shipping with him of one sort or other,
above one hundred Sail dayly run between Ireland and England,
with meat for Man and Beast; His Majesty being unwilling to trust
false Ireland for it. France is in much trouble (and fear) not only
with us but also with his Son, who has revolted against him lately,
and has great reason if reports be true, that the Father used to lie
with the Sons Wife. He has got all the Hugonots, and all the dissatis
fied Papists, with the great force of the D. of Lorraign, and are now
against him, resolving to to depose him of his life and Kingdom.
It s Reported the City of Cork in Ireland, has proclaimed K.
William, and turned their French Landlords out of Doors; of this
there wants further confirmation.
From Plimouth Sept. 22. We have an Account that on Friday the
12//z Instant, in the night, our Forces Landing privately, forthwith
surrounded Pegypscot Fort; but finding no Indians there, they
March d to Amonoscoggin. There on the Lords-day, they kill d and
took 15 or 16 of the Enemy, and recovered five English Captives,
32
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PUBLICK OCCURRENCES
mostly belonging to Oyster- River; who advised, that the men had been
gone about ten days down to a River, to meet with the French, and
the French Indians; where they expected to make up a Body of 300
men, and design first against Wells or Piscataqua.
On Tuesday, the Army came to our Vessels at Macquoit, but one
of the Vessels touching a Ground stopt a Tide; by which means, young
Bracket, who was a considerable distance up the River, above Amonos-
coggin Fort, being advised by an Indian that ran away from Amonos-
coggin, that an English Army was there attempted his Escape, and
came down to the Sloop, just as they came on their Sail.
On Thursday, they landed at Saco; a Scout of 60 men of ours
discover a party of the Enemy, and had the Advantage of killing three
of them, and of taking nine Canoos, and an English captive named,
Thomas Baker, who informed, that the Enemy had left a considerable
Plunder at Pegypscut-Plams, which he supposed the Enemy was gone
to secure. Whereupon the Army immediately embark d, and arriving
there that night, the next morning found the Bever-Plunder accord
ingly.
While our Vessels where at Anchor in Cascoe-Bay, our Auxiliary
Indians lodging on shore, and being too careless in their Watch, the
Enemy made an Attaque upon them. The English forth with repair d
to their Relief; but were sorely galled, by an Embuscado of Indians,
The Enemy soon quitted the Field, escaping with their Canoo s,
whereof ours took several. In the Surprise, we lost 9 men, and had
about 20 wounded; the blow chiefly fell on our dear Friends, the
Plimouth Forces, 15 being kill d and wounded of Captain South-
worth s Company.
33
The Campbell News Letters
DURING the year of 1703 John Campbell, who was then
postmaster of Boston and subsequently established The
Boston News-Letter, sent to the governors of the several New Eng
land colonies manuscript letters in which he gave the latest news
received by him from abroad, local items of Boston, and reports
received from other American colonies. Twelve of these letters are
now preserved in the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
Nine were printed in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, in March 1867, volume 9, pages 485-501. Nine other manu
script news-letters of this period, and of earlier dates, were printed
in the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society for Feb
ruary 1873, volume 12, pages 419-427. The earliest of these is "An
Extract of a Letter: from Cambridge, Dat: Ap 1 . 1 4 th 66." And to
this is added, "An other Extract of a Letter Apl 1 11 th 66 from Boston."
Others bear dates as follows: Philadelphia, June 5, 1699; Boston
June 19, 1699; New York, April 29, 1700; Boston, May 6, 1700; Bos
ton, May 28, 1700; Boston, June 14, 1703, and Boston, October 4,
1703. Most of these are addressed to Governor John Winthrop of
Connecticut. That dated Boston, May 28, 1700 is signed by Duncan
Campbell, and that of October 4, 1703 is endorsed as "Mr. John
Campbells Newes." The writers of others of these letters are not
now known.
John Campbell was of Scotch ancestry. He was in Boston in
1695 and died March 4, 1728. He was president of the Scots Chari
table Society, 1727-28. In The Boston News-Letter of March 7,
1728, was this paragraph: "On Monday evening last, the 4th Cur
rant, about 8 a Clock died here John Campbell, Esq., Aged 75 years,
formerly Post Master in this Place, Publisher of the Boston News-
Letters for many years, and One of his Majesties Justices of the Peace
for the Country of Suffolk."
Duncan Campbell was John Campbell s brother, and a bookseller.
Of him John Dunton writes:
"I rambled to the Scotch Bookseller, one Campbel: He is a brisk
young Fellow, that dresses All-a-mode, and sets himself off to the
best Advantage; and yet thrives apace. I am told (and for his
sake I wish it may be true) that a Young Lady of Great Fortune
has married him. He s an Industrious Man and saw me often." l
He married Susanna Porter, daughter of William and Grace (Pitts)
Porter. In his later years he gave up bookselling and became a
merchant. When he died in 1703 he left an estate of about 900. He
was one of the earliest postmasters of Boston and seems to have
1 Letters from New England. By John Dunton; p. 80.
34
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
held that office in 1693, for in that year he petitioned the General
Court for a salary. His brother, John Campbell, succeeded him. In
teresting reference to him is in Goodell s Notes to the Acts and
Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, volume 7,
pages 429, 434 and 500.
Our reprint of these letters is of the American items, or those
bearing upon American, or Colonial affairs.
Philadelphia, June y e 5 th 1699
About y e Middle of Last Week a Sloop belonging to this place arrived
from Carrolina brought in w\ h y? two Priveteers that Came Last from
Madagascar, One of wS* 1 went out Cap*: Kidds Doctor from New york,
but Left Kidds Vessell many months since at Madagascar, They
were both Taken and sent to prison y e Same night they Came vp and
their mony Secur d two more were Taken at New Castle who had
Taken passage on board Cap t : Codman for New England and their
mony Seized The Sloop that brought y m : is also Seiz d
They w th : a great many more Came passengers from Madagascar
w th : one Cap*: Shelly belonging to N: york Severall of y 1 ? are des-
perss d about our Bay, especially about Cape May, Govern r : Bass, &
Cap 1 : Smead who is Deputy Judge of y e Court of Admiralty are gone
Down in a Sloop w th : Expectation of taking them the Privateers
have made great shares of mony Cap*: Shelly plys of and on expecting
Vessells from New york, A Messeng r : sent from Cape May for N:
york w th : Lett rs : to Shellys owners (as is said) vpon advice was per-
sued & Taken and his Lett rs : Taken and open d and he Secured
at Burlington, the Lett rs : forwarded by an Express to Govf Bass.
Tis said M r : Graverodd has Severall on board his Sloop for Verginia.
Last night we have Advice of a Pink Arrived at New Castle from
Barbad 8 : 4 weeks passage I have not the Letters from her yett I
send for y m : to day Shee is to Tarry some days at New Castle
As they Came w th : in our Capes a Sloop Came.vp w*^ y 1 ? Sayld
Round yP ask yf 1 Some Questions y n went off and Came to Anchor
at the Horchills they had about 50 Men on board, They are some
have made a Voyage and wants to Come in, there Cap*: name is
Davis Some one Board the Pink kneu him
[Written on the margin of this letter:]
tis Governour Bass Jntercepted the letter to Shelleys Owner & broke
itt Open as itt is said in New Yorke.
[On the back:] Boston June y? 19. 1699
Last thursday Cap* Kid came in to Road Island harber ye Gover
nour sent y 6 Collector in a boat w* h about 30. men well armed in
order to goe on board but Kid shot 2 great Guns w ch caused y e Col-
35
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
lector to retreat. Kids Sloope has 10. Gun s 8. Patteraroes
I shall be able to give a further acco 1 by y e next.
New Yorke April 29 th 1700
I am thankfull for yours of the 22 d Instant, and what News
is here, is Contained in the following acc ott
From Philadelf. we have advice, that 2 Ships From London and one
From Bristoll, are arrived there but bring no News.
on Sattarday Last the Newport from Sandyhooke A crusing & Cap 1
Simmons for London; Cap 1 Gill will saill for London tomorrow or
next day & Cap 1 Bond in 10 or 12 Days Cap 1 Keeler has Bills for
London
on Satterday arived Phillidelphia Post w 1 whom Came Coll Quarry
& The Deputy SherefTe who brought w 1 him one Brown Co 11 Markham
Son-in-Law, he was one of Emrys men as itt was Said and goes home
w 1 y e Rest
Yesterday Arrived A Barguentine from y e Bay of Compechy John
Trimingham master 30 Days passage he informs y 1 Bermudos.
Sloops were taken by A pyrate Comming out of y e Bay in Sight of
him, y 1 Last week about thirty Leagus off y e Capes of Virginia he
saw a Ship att Sea Desabled and Comming up w 1 her found She
was A Ship of about 150 tuns bound from Leverpoole to Virginia
who had been taken by A Pyrate on Sunday y e 20 th Instant, y e
master of y e Ship Informed Trimingham y 1 y e pyrate is A Ship of
24 Gunns & 150 men y 1 3 days befor he was taken A pinke bound
from london to Virginia which pinke they maned w 1 fifty men
and take this Leverpool Ship and after they had plundered of what
they Pleased they Cutt down all his masts & bolt Split and So Left
him when Trimingham mett him they had made mastes of ther
yards and top masts & now standing in for Virginia y e Pyrate
Carryd away y e Carpenter and one man more but who Commands
this pyrat they Cannot Lern, ye Saim pyrat has likwise taken A
New England Sloop of six Guns.
Boston may y e 6 1700
The Above is A Coppy of A News Letter I had by y e Last post
No News offers hear, Cap 1 Rugells from Meves arived hear yesterday
Boston May y e 28. 1700
ST
The Last Thursday Cap 1 Green arrived here 8. weeks passage
from London & 6 weeks from Cows. Y? same day arrived a Ship
5 weeks passage from Plimoth Cap 1 [blank] Commander, brings
news y 1 y? advice man of war was arrived in 3 weeks at Bristol
w th Cap 1 Kidd & all y? Prisoners y 1 went home w lh Cap 1 Wine it
36
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
is reported y 1 y? Parliament has petissioned y? King to putt of
Cap 1 Kids Triall till y! next Sessions of Parliam 1
[Foreign news items follow.]
Last Saturday arrived here Cap 1 Morris in y? Unquort w" lh
y! Prisnors from New- York.
Admirall Benbo intends to Saile for London this week.
There is Severall vessels arrived from Madera ffiall & y? west
Indies. Cap 1 Robison Came out of London w th Cap 1 Green
& is dayly expected here Cap 1 Jeflery was bound for New York
about y e Same time
Advice from New- York y e Last post of y e misfortune at Callidonia
Viz. Cap 1 Campbel one of y e Councel who, arived Last thursday,
Saith y 1 he arived 8 dayes before y? Spanish blocked up y e port at
Callidonia. 3 days after his arival he Comanded a partie of 170. w 1 * 1
some few gentlemen voluntiers (who were all y e men in y 6 Collony y 1
were fitt for service) to march to Arctaba where they und r stood 900.
Spanyards South Sea men were come to fall upon them by Land,
after 2 daies march he came up w th with them who Lay in a palisad
fortification, whom he atac kd kild about a 100 of them took their
Camp & gave them a total rout The Governour of S* Maries an
old Spanish Soldier Lay in great fear Leaving only eight men w lh
him, y? gentlemen Voluntiers pursued y e Spanyards till night gave no
quarter. 9 of y e Scots wF kild most of them gentlemen y e Sanyards
had laid at their Approach two Ambuscadoes who took all their
bagg & baggage y e Governo 1 ? plate & six pound of Gold dust At theire
return back to y? fortification they found 3000. Spanish Souldiers
Landed w^ 15 Saile of Ships of war who lay two moneths of y? harbers
mouth to prevent provitions Coming to their relief. There people
being most of them Sick & their want of provisions fourced them
to Surrender on Articles Viz: That they Should depart w 1 ! 1 all they
had & if any of their Ships Should corn w lh in 6 moneth they Should
have wood & water & depart in peace.
One Cap 1 Tho. Droumand one of y? former Councel in a Small
Ship of 6 guns & 13 men met w lh a Spanish man of war of 20. guns
ingaiged for four howers & fought his way thro y? fleet & got in
to Callidonia being Laden w 1 ! 1 provissions but y? fourt was Surrendred
before he Came This is y e Substance of w 1 offers from
Your honours
After p r usual I beg most humble
Yof honf s favour to Send Servant
it to y? postmaster m r Chandler Duncan Campbell
[Superscribed] To The Honourable Coll. Winthrop
free Governour of Connetticut at New- London
37
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Boston, Aprill 12 th 1703
Last Week arrived A Vessell from ffyall and tells that about nine
Week s from this time Two Vessells arrived from Scotland and one
from Corke in Ireland, that gave an Acco 1 - that the union between
England and Scotland was concluded upon and said master from
ffyall sayes he see it in publick prints
Cap 1 - Smith In the Gospert ffrigett from Jamacia Arrived here also
Last Week, and by him are Informed of the union being Concluded
upon, he came from Jamaica about midle or tenth of March
Wee do apprehend that the union is only agreed upon by the Com
missioners which if true will be a great Step, Towards both parliam ts
Concluding it, being the Commissioners are Some of the greatest men
of both nations.
They Talk from Jamaica, of the Spainards Sueing for a peace, That
about 20 Grandees were come to Portugale, to get the King of Portu-
gale to Interceed with her Maj e - of England to appoint Plenipoten
tiary to mediat. Cap 1 Lawrence is arrived at Rhoad Island & a Ber-
mudus Sloop, both Privateers, who In Comp? with Cap 1 Blue an
other privateer took a Spanish Ship of 8 guns, Loaden with Canary
and Brandy, and other goods, bound for the Havanna, who had on
board 12 families consisting of above 130 Soules, The Prisoners they
put on Shoare in N. Spain, all to about 7. The Three Consorts put
17 men an a Quarter master on board, Cap 1 Blue Attended her with
his Sloop or vessell, The Prize is not yet arrived The Prize Said to
Come from Spain, and touched at the Canary s.
Cap 1 - Southack with our Westarn fleet, arrived Yesterday.
Cap 1 Delbridge will Sayle for London In 20 days Ten guns; &
Cap! Dows lyke guns In a moneth.
[Written on the third page of this letter sheet.]
Hono ble Sir
Boston, April 12 th 1703
I m favoured with yo r ho rs of the 9 Instant. Came in too day about
ii aclocke & do dispatch him again at ffive because should have no
excuise to hinder his Coming In on Satturday so have no tyme,
either for selfe or man to go to Mad m Richards but the Letter I sent
thaire Two days after its receipt.
on other Syde is what occurred, with the Inclosed print, and with
humble service am
S r Yo r ho rs humble Serv 1
Jn Campbell.
Go r Winthrop [New London, Connecticut] 2
2 Indorsed by Governor Winthrop: "Publick occurrences & the adres to
her Maj. April 12 t h 1703."
38
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Boston Aprill 27 th 1703.
On the 20 th Instant Arrived a sloop from Antegua in 25 Dayes
one Loyd MT brings an acco* that Coll? Coddington with 3000 Is
landers and about 2000 English souldiers Landed in Guardelupia
had Taken the Island all but the fort having Lost about 200 men by
an Ambusscado of Negros when this Sloop came away the Bloody
flagg was hung up, and our men had gott 5 p? of Ordinance playing
upon it and Every shott did Execution and they were a going to have
15 p? more to bear upon it, and the fourt could bear but 5 upon us,
and was thought wee should Carry it in aday or Two at farthest
The Earle of Peterborough was daylie Exspected with a Squadron of
men of warr and Land forces in order to joyne the Island 1 "? to attaque
Martinico.
ffrom King Saile Janry 22 d a Passenger went hence in the Orsell
frigett a merch* man one Cap* Thomas Command r writts that on the
18 th Instant 10 Leagues from Silley after a Whole Dayes Chase the
Count Tholons of S* Maloes 36 guns 300 men came up w th us to whom
wee were forced to Strike having one man kill d and an other wounded,
and the Ship much Damaged. Her Majes Ship the Dover and
Munck hearing the Guns and Seeing the Smoak made After it and
about 11 at Night recovered the Orsell frigett, and Next morning
the Monk got up w th the Privateer and gave him Two broad Sydes
but Loosing his main top Gallant mast and fore top mast it caused
Monsr to Sing Te Deum or the Song of Victory, but the successful
Dover manadged her self better, and about Two a Clocke in the
After noon getts up with the Privateer and After 3 hours Obstinate
fighting and the Death of 40 men and 30 odd wounded (most of which
ar since Dead) took her in whom wee were Prisoners. The Privateer
was Brought in here this Night though never a mast standing and
20 of the best of her guns being thrown over board by Badd Weather
the very night she was Taken The Dover Lost not one Drop of blood
by him Except one man that accidently fell over board, she came out
of S 1 Maloes but 6 Dayes before she took us, her burthen is between
400 & 500 Tuns & Reckoned the best man d Privateer In France.
She came out in Comp a w th an other of 40 guns, to whom god send
the same success too. The Dover had but 183 men, hardly so bigg
as y e Mons r , only had 50 guns though could use but 25 of y 1 ? y e
wind blowing fresh. Ther was found on board The Privateer the
journall of T S. of Boston with severell Letters for M r Lillie from the
Bay.
The Packett boat from Lisbone Came in here brings news that a
Dutch man of warr hath Taken a french man of warr of 50 guns.
39
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
The Lark Guiney man from Bbados In her Passage home meett
3 french Barkies, the Biggest about 3 or 400 Tun A New Hagg boat
with 16 french on board The Lark had but 16 guns and 17 men
and with the help of y e french men brought her saif to Galloway.
ffryday the 23 d Instant, being tthe Queen s Coronation Day, His
Excy Coll - Dudley being attended by the Troop of Gaurds, came
from Roxbury between 12 & one a Clocke, when all y e guns were
Discharged from the Castle Battery s the man of warr, Gaily, and
ship in the Road, and After having Dined with the honoble Coll?
Povey our Liv* Governour with Severall Gentlemen came to the
Town house and Drunck her Maje s healths, & c .
On Satturday the 24^ Arrived one Kimball ffrom ffyall tells us
still of y e union being Concluded between England and Scotland
and that the Portuguese have declaired warr against france and
Spain.
The Prize at Rhoad Island is Said to have on board 100 Pipes of
Canary, 50 Pipes of Malmsy 30 Caske of Brandy, Some Almonds
and Razons, what money Plate or Silks they had was shared before
any Condemnation.
Philadelphia Aprill 13 fc . h they writt that on Satturday Last Ar
rived a Gentleman from Maryland brings the following news, That
40 Sayle of West Countrey men were arrived in Maryland and Vir
ginia about 7 Weeks Passage two men of warr Conveyed them from
Corke in Ireland [Foreign news items follow.]
That the London fleett for Virginia is not to Sail till Latter end
of June under Convey of 4 men of warr, and a fire Ship
The Galloon proved not so Rich in plate as was Exspected, but
very Rich in other valuable goods as cocheneal &c. one was not
brock up Supposed to be very rich.
N yorke 19 l . h Instant Arrived a Sloop in 12 Dayes from Burmudus,
that GoT writts My Lord Cornbury, that the Earle of Petterborough
was Arrived at Antegua.
Cap* Simmons will Sail in 10 or 12 Dayes for London that they
have news of y e union between the Two Kingdomes from Philadelphia,
by vessells to Maryland.
Boston Cap* Delbrige will Sail within 3 weeks for London Cap*
Dowse in about a month Cap ts Gillam, Coram & Robertson about
2 months.
Boston May the 3 d 1703
By a Vessell from ffyall An Edinburgh Gazet of Decem r 7: acquaints
us, [details of the negotiations for the union between the two king
doms].
40
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Cap* Alden from Lisbone in 33 dayes Arrived the 28. brings the
following news in Gazet s votes of Parliam* the Postman and News
Letters viz* [A considerable batch of foreign items follows of dates,
Octo r 10 Novem r 23. Under the last date is this item of domestic
import: Letters from S* Haloes Rochell and other places concerned
in y e West Indies and Newfoundland ffishery say that the Cheif
traders are Intirely ruined and forced to Abscond by reason their
ships so Taken hardly one of 30 Escap d.]
LOND? NovT 26: Letters from Holland Say that 3 Regiments were
ready to Embarke for the West Jndies on board 12 men of warr
[Additional foreign news is given under this, and later dates
between Dec^ 3 d and Jan r y 12.]
LOND? Jan r y 14 The E of Peterborough will sail for Jamaica
In a few Dayes
[Another considerable batch of foreign matter follows under dates
Jan r yl6 Feb r y 11.]
Lond? Feb r y 16. Admir 11 Graydon is Appointed to Succeid
Admir 11 Benbow for the West Jndies with all Speed
ST Stafford fairborne is for ever made incapable of any Sea Com
mand for Declining to goe to the West Jndies [Other foreign items.]
Lond? Feb r y 18: The Brazill fleett to Portugale is Said to be
Worth 2 Millions
Dampier w th 2 Ships of 26 guns is Sailed for the South Seas w th
the Queen s Commission [Other foreign items.]
Boston Cap* Delbridge Will Sail for Lond? within a fourthnight
and Cap* Dowse with in a Month, Cap ts Gillam, Coram and Robertson
Jn 2 months.
Cap* Jn Bennett in a Ship 100 Tuns 4 guns men Answerable Sails
for Barbados in 6 Weeks.
The Prize Ship of 150 Tuns w th her Loading at Rhoad Jsland will
be Exposed to Sail on Thursday the ii Jnstant
[Addressed]
To The Hon ble
John Winthrop Esq r
Governour of Conecticut
N London
ffrank
[Indorsed]
Publick Occurrences
May 3^ 1703
41
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Boston, May 17 th 1703.
Last week arrived here a sloop from Jamaica whereby are In
formed, Admirall Whetston with his Squadron are bound hither, ffor
some action again our Adversarys, to the Northward of us.
Last week also arrived Capt Ransfoord from Barbados, and by
Letters of the 13 th April Said, Wee have taken Guardelup all but a
fort, w ch wee Intend to Scale in a few days, Wee have Lost by re
port above 500 men already : others Letters Say They daylie expect
a Squadron of men of warr with 8000 men to Assist Generall Cod-
dingtoun
Last week also arrived here Capt Jarvies flrom Nevis, about 20
days passage, Says wee have Lost at Guardelup neir 700 men Wee
have taken all both fort and Castle, excepting one ffort In the Top of
a mountain, that there is no passage to it but over a bridge, and that
there is no way to conquer the enemy, but by Starving them Jt s
said the Generall has gone to Bbados for more men, and Jf do not
send m will Dissert the place, others Say he is resolved to conquer them,
err Leaue it. No Quarter is given on either Syde, The ffrench first
begun it, ffor one of our men was found mangl d with this Jnscription
upon his breast, No Quarter for a Criolian Some say our men of
warr, were of kin to Admirall Benbow s Cap ts - were afraid, Jf they
shot at the fforts, the fforts would Shoott at them again & Spoyle their
masts, and saying one of their masts was worth the whole Island,
and Said seuerall recruits, were brought the Adversary, from Martinico,
by the negligence of the Commador.
They say That Generall Coddingtoun is to be Generallisimo of all
her Majes fforces in the West Indies.
ffrom Philadel : by a Letter from Antegua of April. 9 th They writ
Generall Coddingtoun with about 3500 men Landed on Guardilup
about a month past & fforced the ffrench out of their Trenches, s d to
be much stronger than any In fBanders, batter d their fforts & castle
down, upon w ch they sprung mines, thinking our army would storme
(and so blew them up) but was prevented by a disserter
They have had latlie a supply of 600 men from Martinico, 500 of
w ch were planters fforcd off, who decline fighting for that reason.
The fforces so long expected under the Command of the E of
Peterborough w ch consists of 7000 men, were left to the Eastwards
of Madera s are to be commanded by our Generall, who is Capt
Grail of all her majes fforces In America.
Nyorke, may 10 th on the 5 th arrived here Capt Blackston ffrom
Plimouth the 12 march, in Comp a with the west India ffleett, con
sisting of about 30 Sayle, under convoy of the Blackwall and Monta-
42
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
gue commanded by Vice Admirall Gray don, in Comp a - whereof
S r Beuill Greenvil, Go T . of Barbados, and 3000 Land fforces, under
Command of Brigadeer.
Generall Coddingtoun made G? of Jamaica, Colo W m Seymour
Go r of Marryland.
Capt Blackston pairted with them 1 st - April by whom wee have
advice of an Embargo Jn Engld, And great preparations were
making for a vigorous prosecution of the warr by sea and land.
[Other foreign items.]
The proceedings of The L d Cornburry here, are well approved by
her Maje & Council & the L ds of Trade and all Acts of Assembly
made here Dureing the Last administration annull d and declaired
void.
My L d Cornburry Expects a man of warr daylie with his Commis
sions.
The Council of Nova Cesarea or New Jearsy are
Edward Himlock Samuell Leonard George Deacon
Lewis Morris Andrew Bowne Sam 11 Walker
Sam 11 Jennings Tho s Reuell Dan Leeds
Francis Davenport W m - Pinhorne W m - Sandford
Robert Quarry.
Capt Carter In a brig a & Capt Leventhorp In a ship both went
hence Last flail for London cast away neir Lands end, the men Saved,
most of the goods Lost.
The Virg a ffleett was to Sayle in April
[Foreign items follow.]
The E. of Peterborough goes not for the West Indies.
A sloop from Antegua arrived here the 7 th Instant brings the same
Acco 1 as is from Phila d
Cap 1 Delbridge sails for London this Week & Cap* Travise in the
Ship Lyon that Cap 1 Dowse was to Goe in Sails in a fourtnight at
farthest.
Cap 1 Robertson and Coram about 6 Weeks and Cap 1 Everton in
about 2 month s. The french and some Indies took 2 men of ours
Prisoners, In Sacho River and Kill d one man, were Affraid it may
occasion a Ruptur, between us and the Indians.
Boston June 1 st 1703
On the 25 th - of Last month Dyed MT Sam 1 . 1 Shrimpton and was
Burried the 28
The 26t h was our annuall Election Day of her Majes Council for
this Colony, whereon sever! 1 members of Council in coaches and
43
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
sever 11 Gentlemen on horse Back, w 1 . 11 the Troop of Gaurds went,
about Eight a Clocke in the morning to Roxbury to attend his Ex-
cell y to towne who had a splendid Entertainment for them Rox
bury Troop before his Excell y , the members of Council and other
Gentlemen and the Troop of Guards following and in the Towne
as is usuall, Two foott Comp e . s Guarded them to the town house
about Eleven a Clocke, where they staid a short space and were Con
ducted to the Meetting house and heard a Sermon preached by the
Rev? Mr Solomon Stoddard, on these Words Honour thy father
and mother &c. After Sermon his Excell y & Council, Magistrates
& Mini 1 ? and field Officers had a splendid Dinner and about four a
Clocke went to the Town house, in ordf to Choose the Ensuing years
Council, who are
Coll Elisha Hutchinson .................... 90
Cap Sam 11 Sewall ......................... 89
Coll Jn Phillips ......................... 87
Cap* Jon? Corwin .......................... 87
Coll Jn Foster ........................... 87
Majf Generall Winthrope ................... 85 p rs
Coll Pen Townsend ....................... 85
Cap* Andrew Belcher ....................... 85
James Russell ............................. 84
Coll Jn Higginson ........................ 83
Isaac Addington Seer : ...................... 82
Maj r W 1 ? Browne .......................... 82
Joseph Hammond .......................... 72
Maj r John Wally .......................... 69
Coll Jn Thatcher ........................ 64
Joseph Lynde ............................. 64
Sam 11 Partridge ............................ 57
Eliakim Hutchinson ....................... 57
Coll Jn Hathorne ........................ 49
Coll Daniel Pearce ........................ 49 I
Benj a Browne ............................. 41
Sam 11 Hayman ............................ 37
Edward Bromfield ......................... 34
Cap* Sam 11 Legg ............................. J
Samuell Appleton ............................ \
Nath 11 Paine ................................ /
Josiah Winslow ....... . ...................... \ rs
Hunt ................................. /
] r . Converse is Chosen Speaker of the house of Representatives.
44
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Our Eastern Indians came into our Garrisons and acquitted them
selves from killing the English man wrote you of before, & Sayes it
was done by Some french and ffrench Indians that Came from Can
ada and Wishes they had mett them would have Seized them.
Wee ar Informed Severall wayes of a Descent the french and Can
ada Indians Intends to make upon some of ours or the Neighbouring
Colony frontiers upon w ch orders are taken to Watch our ffrontier
Townes again any Assault.
Boston June 7 th 1703
On the 2 d Instant arrived here Cap 1 Breed from Antegua about
four Weeks passage & acquaints us that Gener 11 Coddington had
Left Guardeloop and gone to Nevis by reason of a Disstemper that
had Seized upon him which had almost made him blind, He left the
Commd of the Army w 1 ? 1 Coll Hamilton, Several Negro Disserters
come over to us daylie, who say the french are in great want of pro
visions.
They Daiely Exspected the Landing of Succours from England.
They Conferme the french s having 600 men from Martinico thro*
the Invigilancy or neglect of our ffrigetts.
On the 3 d Instant Arrived here Cap* Welsh from Antegua came out
3 dayes before the other and also acquaints us of Cap* Coffin and one
Carry s being Taken into Martinico whom wee fear d was lost.
Cap 1 Southack came in yesterday from the Eastward from Treating
w th the Indians and Restoring them what was taken from them by
Cap 1 Chadwell & his men.
On the 4 1 ? 1 Instant His Excell y the Hono ble Council and Represen
tatives went to the Castle to View the Same, and the ^fortifications
in order to fforward what is wanting.
On y e 5 1 ? 1 from Piscataqua acquainted of a Ketches arrivall thair
from Barbados brings no news only that Gov r not yet arrived &
no Privateers heard of, of a long time, and y 1 ther was no truth in a
privateers being on our coast, w ch report was occasioned by a sloop
from Virginia Sabboth Last Arrived here who was willing to speake
to three of our sloops bound hence for Boston, who the master sayes
were Affraid of and run ashoar about Capepann, seeing him stand
towards them.
From Rhoad Island ther was a small Vessell came in Last Week
between point Judeth and Block Island, Next Day they heard some
say 20, some a 27 guns, as if it were at Block Island, It s feared the
Brig? is a french Privateer and that the ship was one of Lawrences
prizes bought by M r Mallinson bound for Barbados.
45
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Boston ffor London, The Ship Amitie 150 Tuns 14 guns men answer
able, Thorn? Steele Comfnd.
The Ship Eliz? 100 Tuns David Robertson Commandf
The Agustus Gaily 140 Tuns 12 guns Cap* W Everton Command r
The Ship Resignation 240 Tuns 20 guns Thorn? Coram Command r
will all Sail in about 2 months.
Cap* Travise will Sail next Week for London
ffor Oporto the Ketch Exchange 40 Tuns James Cally Command r
ffor Barbados, The Ship Hannah 100 Tuns 4 guns John Bennett,
Command^
His Excell y goes for his Go verm* of New hampshire on Wednesday
next and from Thence to Cascobay in ord r to treat w*. h the Indians,
Two Thirds whereof are for peace and one Third for warr.
[On the next page of the letter-sheet.]
Boston June 7 th 1703
Hon ble Sir
I m favour d with yo rs of 3 d Curr* Congratulat your hon r
Saife arrival home and on other syde is what occurrs and an and
ansT to your demands from
S r
Yo r Ho rs most Humble
Serv*
Jn: Campbell
[Addressed to Governor Winthrop of Connecticut.]
[Superscribed]
To The Hon b ! e
John Winthrop Esq r
Go r of Connecticut
N London
ffranke
Boston June 14 th 1703
On the 8 th Instant the Assembly was adjourned unto the Last
Wednesday of this month.
On the 9*. h His Excell. being Accompany ed with Severall Gentle
men, went to his Goverm* of New hampshire.
On the 10^ a Sloop from the Bay of Campeachy brings no News.
On the 11 EsqT Bromfield mett w*. h a Sore Mischance, coming out
of his Warehouse door a Sloop Lying before his Warehouse door the
mT of the Sloop hoising up his boom, the Sail being Loose to Dry it,
gave Such a Swing that it struct him upon his Shouldier, Brock
46
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
his Collar bone, put his Shouldier out of joynt, was for sometime
speechless with the Stroak but its hoped He l Recover and do well
On the 12 th Arrived a Sloop from the Bay of Vandovas, one Lam-
son mr, who sayes that Cap* Wheeler that went hence for Jamaica
is Dead his men all prest on board men of warr and his Ship Hal d up.
Cap* Blew from R? Island is arrived here this Day.
The Gosport and Gaily is this Day sailed for Piscataqua.
Philad. May 28: Arrived a Sloop in 22 Dayes from Antegua in
whom Came Cap* Roach an Inhabitant of that Island w l . h his family
to Setle here, brings the bad news of our forces Leaving Guardilup
untaken w 1 ? 1 the Loss of about 1000 by Enemy and Sickness. The
Day [ ? he] Sailed the Gener! 1 Arrived who has lost his Eye Sight w^
Some Disstemper, the rest of the fleett and forces were Exspected
from Guardiloop, the Gene! 1 Layes the Miscarridge so to heart that
it s thought he l hardly Recover upon it.
It s said that the men of warr that were at Guardiloop were all
ordered home, and were to Sail the 29^ may.
Some prisoners that made their Escape from Martinico to Antegua
Says that the french were fitting out abundance of privateers from
that place many of them Stout Vessels.
It s reported in the West Indies that monsf Ponti was daylie
Exspected there w th a Squadron of men of warr of 22 Sail besydes
other Vessells.
The 31 Arrived here a Sloop from Jamaica 28 Dayes passage,
Admir! 1 Whetstone w th his Squadron was at Jamaica, he s done
nothing only burnt a Ship the french took from us and two privateer
Sloops at Pettiquavis.
A fleett of merchantmen between 40 & 50 Sail und? Convoy a 2 or 3
men of warr was to sail in May from Jamaica to England.
N Yorke June 7: Last Week Arrived here a Sloop from Coraso,
21 Dayes passage sayes the Dutch have an open Trade w th New Spain
and that the Governour of Coraso has stopt Cap* Wrightington & his
Comp^ who Sailed from R Island on what pretence knows not.
Cap Bond & Cap Sinclair Sails in a fourth Night or 3 Week s
for London.
Boston Cap* Travise sails to Day or Too morrow for London
[Superscribed]
To The Hon b ! e
John Winthrop Esqr
Gov T . of Connecticut <
ffranke N London
47
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Boston Jully 12*. h 1703
ffrom N Yorke Jully 5: On the 29^ June Last Arrived here Cap*
Bassett from England they sailed from Plimoth the 2 d May Last in a
fleett of about 170 Sayle und r Convey of 7 men of warr, one part
of w c . h fleett were for the Streights, w l . h 3 men of warr another fleett
for the West Indies w 1 ? 1 2 men of warr and the rest being about 70
Sail for Virginia undf Convey of the Guensey and Oxford frigets
in the 1 s . 1 of w c . h comes Cap 1 Mathews M T . Byerly Receiver Gener!
of this province and Mr Clarke our Secretary who brings w 1 ! 1 them my
L d Cornbury s Commissions for New Jearsy &c.
Wee hear one Mr Griffith is Attorney- Generall of New Jersy and is
in the Oxford some Letters say M r Bass is Secretary of that Province
others the Contrary some Affirme he is in the fleett coming over w c . h
is Contradicted by others.
Wee hear a Gent 1 of very great Learning and Knowledge in the
Law is judge of the Admiralty of Pensilvania and other places, but
wee know not yet his name
Our Grand fleett were at Spitthead ready to putt to Sea, consisting
of about 130 Sail
Thirty great Ships most 3 d Rates were at Plimoth commanded
by ST Clously Shovell outward bound but where was not publick.
Each Ship had on board 2 Comp a . s of marines and Sundry Stores
of warr and their Quarters hung w 1 ? 1 Wheels & Carriages it was
Generally beleived they were bound for the Streights. [Foreign
news items follow.]
ffive Ships for Boston Sailed in Compf w 1 . 11 this fleett who I sup
pose are Arived by whom you will have a better Information
Last Week Arrived Cap* Coward from Coraso brings no news.
On the 2 d Instant Arrived a Sloop from Antegua in 17 Dayes and
advises that Admir! 1 Gray don w^ the forces touched at Guardeloop
and finding our men were retired he stood on his Course just Called
at Antegua and is gone for Jamaica.
That Gener 1 ! Coddington is Still very ill at Antegua.
That a man of warr from Antegua on her cruise mett 2 french
privateers a Barque and a Sloop, The Barque she Took w 1 ? 1 60 men
and the Sloop she Chaced upon a Reefe and Battered her all to peices
not having Left above 10 men alive. The Sloop was the [blank]
w c . h formerly belonged to Philadelphia the Cap 1 still in the West
Indies as is said.
The Pensilvania post is come in and brings no news yet of the
Arrivall of the Virginia fleett.
48
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Boston Jully 12 1 ? 1 Last Week Arrived here Cap 1 Charnock from
Antegua Porter from Mounseratt & Cap 1 Nath 1 . Green from Bbados
brings nothing new.
Cap 1 Steel Everton and Rob[er]tson will sail for London in about
20 Dayes.
Two Indians and an interpreter are co[me] hither from the East
ward of Casco bay acquaints of a french man of warr at Mont Desart
neir to Nova Scotia who fires a gun Evening and Morning.
The Governm 1 has sent out a man of warr to Spy what this french
man is.
Wee have Severall Rumers of guns heard fireing off of Cape Ann
on ffryday and Satturday Last as yet hear nothing what it is.
Last Week a woman kill d at Piscataqua w th the Thunder.
[Superscribed]
For the Honob 1 ?
John Winthrope Esq r
Governour of Connettc 1
Colony
New London
ffranke
Boston Sept r 20 th 1703
To N London
On thursday Last returned our flag of truce from Port Royall
who informed us that there is arrived thair from f ranee a man of warr
of 46 guns; had some red & blue Coats on board, and also two march*
men or mast men of Considerable force was out from france about
six weeks.
the Gov r of Port Royall told our men that he had 500 souldiers
come which we do Judge to be a Comp a of 50 or 60 men.
they also told our men that our mast fleet was taken and 17 of
our men of warr, and that their King had Cutt of 500 Hugonits that
had rose up in rebellion: all which we give no Creditt to; but the
Contrary that wee have taken so many of their men of warr and
that the Hugonits are strong to the number of 50 thousand.
On fryday arrived here Cap 1 Johnson In a brigantin from antegua
about a mounth Passage brings no news.
ffrom R d Island The 17. acquainted That that morning arrived
thaire a privateer sloop from Providence belonging to Curraso, who
had but 18 men, And brought In with him, a Spanish Ship of 7 guns
56. men which he Tooke off of Campechia Bay, loaden with Cocco,
has on board 5 thousand peices of eight, about 130 Tuns fought him
3 glasses and never a man killed.
49
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
He also brings the Tydings of Providence being taken on the 20 th
July by ffrench & Spainairds, A barque Alongo, A Brig a , & a sloop,
the people were surprised in the night, there being but 3 men in the
ffort, he hes brought with him hither a great many of the Inhabitants
about 40 or 50, of whom Cap fc Jn Edwards is one who lost his sloop.
The ffrench and Spainairds carryed away 9 Vessells that Lay in
the harbour, and the Govf.
Cap t Wods worth from Whitehaven and Ireland is just arrived
about [blank] weeks passage say [Foreign news items follow.]
[On third page of the letter-sheet. ]
Honb 1 ? Sir Boston Sept r 20 th 1703
On other Syde is what occurs as I send your hoF weekly:
And Im Informed your generall Court is to sit at Newhaven next
month, and I must represent to your ho r & Assembly The state of
the post office as I have done to this Gov rt and Newhampshire In
order to have some encouragment for the support of it, as they have
done: else of necessity it must drop, I doubt not in the Least
of your ho rs Concurrence therein, and w r ith humble service am
S r
Your ho rs most Humble
Jn? Campbell
To N London
Boston Octof 4 th 1703
ffrom Piscataqua the l s . fc Jnstant acquainted that a party of our
forces under the Command of Liv* Coll March and Majf Cutler about
365 marched on Sabbath Last to Pigwakett and are in hopes to hear
of them in Two or Three Dayes.
That m r Henry Newman in a Sloop took up 3 french men in a
burch Cannoo at Caskobay who are brought hither, upon Examina
tion they Say that on the S 1 ! 1 May Last they came from Quebeck,
where they were Souldiers and run away from thence because of bad
usage, and Jntended to Boston for Protection, they Say that they
Sold their Armes at Port Royall, However it s judged they had no
good Design and are now in prison.
They Say that the Govr of Canada is Dead and that ther is 28
Comp a . s at Quebeck consisting of 30 men Each.
fTrom Hartford acquainted that a post came Latly from Albany,
who acquainted] 3 that a Mohawk was come in from [the] 4 Lake and
Saves that the Gov? of Canada w^ 700 men was on this Side of the
?, Sheet torn.
4
50
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
Lake Designing to march and make a Descent on the Frontiers of
N England but that an Express came to him as was going to| march
acquainting him of a fleett of Ships seen w c ^ they Knew not whether
friends or foes, upon w c . h he and his Army posted back again.
And from Springfield it s Said the reason of their going back was
the mischief w c . h our Indians had Done at the Eastward had awakened
our people to Secure our frontiers.
Boston, No Ships Arrived this Week & wee are in great fears of
our mast fleett, the only hopes is that they came not out w th the
Grand fleett, as it s said they did.
Wee had an Eminent Delivery on Satturday night about 12 a
Clocke at Night a fire had Like to have brock out in a house neir
toCapt Williams.
[Superscribed]
To the Hon ble
John Winthrop Esqf
Gof of Connecticut at
N London
ffranke.
To Gof Winthrop. Boston Octor 1703.
On the 13 Last Arrived Cap 1 ffoster and Roisse from London
being other Two of the Ships came from Corke in Ireland last.
On the 14 th Arrived Cap t Holberton from Lond? an other of the
ships came last from Corke in Jreland w 1 ! 1 our mast fleett and Cap 1
Pitts from Jamaica.
There arrived Cap 1 Parsons said Day at Marblehead from Absome.
And Cap 1 Blankett in five Weeks from Engh 1 who mett 3 Privateers
100 Leagues to the Westward of Lands End, one of them gave him
<chase and he bore up to him wherupon he withdrew: The other
Two bore down upon him, and upon that he showed them a pair of
heells, She is a Ship of 30 guns.
They acquaint us Expecially the last of London being bound
hither was taken off of the bancks of Newfoundland, and Carryed into
S 1 Malloes who was sold thair for Twenty Hundred pounds who was
Esteemed to be worth fourteen or fifteen Thousand pounds.
They acquaint us of severall ships Taken Especially Travise
that sailed hence after Cap 1 Delbridge.
A Lond? Gazet of July 26 says [Foreign news item follows.]
A Gazet of July 29 Say [Foreign news item follows.]
On the 15 fc . h Arrived Cap 1 Lewis from Sirranam and Cap 1 Vantman
and Holland from Jamaica.
51
THE CAMPBELL NEWS LETTERS
By a print of July 31 from Edinburgh acquainted [item of parlia
mentary news].
Cap 1 Plankett Says that Portugale had Declared warr ag 1 f ranee
and Spain.
Cap 1 John Grasilier sails for Lond next Week.
ffrom Nyorke the 12 th Curr 1 acquainted that the Indians proposed
to his Excell y the L d Cornbury to make peace with y e french of Can
ada which his Lo p would not admitt of & its beleived they are [on] 5
both sydes & receive presents from both neither French nor their
Indians have been in them Quarters since the warr nor any acts of
hostility Committed be neither and no truth said to be in the report
from Harford.
Some people in Connecticut seized two or three of albany river
Indians and ill treated them and had likelie have brought all the
Six nations upon them selves had not my L d Cornbury s seasonable
arrivall at albany prevented it.
They writt of the violent Storme wee had on fryday was seventh
carryed out of the Road 22 vessells and Wood boates 14 of them
trading Vessells beyond Sea, some Drove one way and some another,
and great Damage Done in Divers Sellars, the Loss will be some
thousands of pounds.
The Assembly Sitt s at NYorke:
[Superscribed]
To the Hon b >
John Winthrop Esq?
Go? of Connecticut to
be forwarded by the post
If gone from N London
5 Sheet torn.
52
The Boston News-Letter
1704-1707
IN less than a year after Postmaster John Campbell had begun
sending his manuscript news letters to the colonial governors
he concluded that this news could be brought out regularly in printed
form to the advantage of the public and profitably to himself. Ac
cordingly he began the publication of The Boston News-Letter,
the first issue of which was for the week ending April 24, 1704. This
was the first newspaper in the English-speaking American colonies
destined to be successful in maintaining a lasting existence. Tech
nically the News-Letter was the second American newspaper, for
undoubtedly the ill-fated Publick Occurrences was intended by
Benjamin Harris to be regular and permanent and would have been
so continued had it not been suppressed. But Campbell holding
government position and, therefore, having the countenance of those
in authority, was more fortunate than his predecessor, and his publica
tion, by virtue of its continuity, holds place historically at the head
of the long line of American periodicals.
The initial number of the News-Letter was not a promising per
formance. Its two small pages, half-sheet folio, were nearly filled
with foreign news, the domestic items being almost a negligible
quantity. As respects this disproportion, an example was set which
was followed for many years. In succeeding numbers the foreign
news generally consisted of excerpts from London newspapers and
was always several months after date sometimes nearly a year,
being brought by vessels which as often came round about by the
way of Bermuda, Virginia or New York, as direct to the port of Bos
ton. Aside from this lack of freshness, the collation of foreign news
was as fairly complete and accurate a presentation of w r hat was happen
ing in Europe as could be reasonably expected, although of course,
conforming to the spirit of the age, attention was mainly given to the
publication of royal proclamations and addresses, and other state
papers, of parliamentary proceedings, governmental affairs and
military movements. Particularly, at the outset, the events of the
war for the Spanish succession, 1703-1713, were recorded regularly
and in detail to the extent of timely minuteness and often inaccuracy.
It was not unusual for the domestic news to be limited to two
or three short items, and only on rare occasions did it fill more than
a column or a column and a half of the four, eight, or now and
then twelve, columns of an issue. For the most part during the
period covered by the first volume of this Digest it consisted of ship
news, the governor s proclamations, reports of the elections of rep
resentatives to the General Court, accounts of engagements with
the Indians or with the French privateers, news from the West
53
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
Indies, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, and New York, and occasionally from far-away
Philadelphia, or farther away South Carolina. Sometimes remarkable
incident sin neighboring towns were noted, generally with an editorial
apology for their printing. Skippers sailing between Boston and the
West Indies or ports of the other colonies now and then brought back
marvellous stories of adventure which were published without apology.
Some affairs, which even in perspective loom large and important
were reported in a manner that makes them valuable historical
documents. Such, for example, were the reduction of St. Augustine
in 1705; the French capture of the West Indies in 1706; the at
tack upon Charleston by the French squadron in 1706; the capture
of Port Royal and Acadia in 1710; the unsuccessful expedition
against Quebec in 1711 and other events in and about the colonies
incidental to the war of the Spanish succession.
Campbell s venture was not a financial success; throughout all
its early years it led a precarious existence. Subscribers were few,
and advertisers the main stay of the modern newspaper were
conspicuously absent. Notwithstanding the pre-supposed popular
desire for the news of the day the publisher seems to have been, to
a very considerable extent, compelled to create his reading public.
Interest in English and European affairs, except as pertaining to the
colonies, was surely waning, there were few stirring home events
to excite curiosity, and what little domestic news there might be was
the hear-say of the community long before it could appear in print.
Almost immediately after beginning publication the necessity
for more generous support was forced upon the publisher, and his
appeals for subscribers, as set forth in the columns of his paper, were
frequent and urgent. In November, 1705, he presented a petition
to the General Court then in session asking an allowance "for the
year past, in the discharge of both Posts, the Postoffice, and Letter
of Intelligence, * * and for the future." That part of the petition
referring to the News-Letter was:
"your Petitioner also having Last year sett on foott a weekly
Letter of Intelligence for both foreign and Domestick occurrences,
expecting that the Incomes thereby being sett at a Moderate Rate,
would be sufficient to defray the Necessary Charge thereof; The which
it did not do, And this year several Gentlemen, Merchants and others
being willing it should not drop, but be continued, have Agreed to
contribute towards It s support for another year: yet Notwith
standing there are not a Competent number that offers to carry it on,
And It being found beneficial & of Publick use and service to the
Countrey to prevent a great many false Reports." 1
1 The Acts and Resolves of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, Vol.
VIII, pp. 158 and 562-563; Massachusetts Archives, Vol. 88, pp. 344-345.
54
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
To print the News-Letter Campbell engaged Bartholomew Green,
then the foremost printer in the country. 2 Isaiah Thomas wrote
of him and the News-Letter;
"Bartholomew Green began the printing of The Boston News-
Letter, in Newbury street, in a small wooden building, to which an
other room was annexed some years after, for the accomodation of
his son. This building was burnt down in 1734; it was previously
occupied as a printing house both by young Green and John Draper,
who did business independently of each other. Another house of
like dimensions was built on the same spot by John Draper, the suc
cessor of the elder B. Green. This building was occupied as a printing
house, until the British troops evacuated Boston, in 1776. At that
place began and ended the printing of The Boston News-Letter." 3
Concerning the location of Bartholomew Green s printing office
Samuel Abbott Green has written :
"It was printed by Bartholomew Green, and Sold by Nicholas
Boone, at his Shop near the Old Meeting-House which structure
then stood on the lot now bounded on three sides by Cornhill Court
and Court Avenue, and fronting on Washington Street. At the
present time the Rogers Building occupies the whole of this square,
perhaps 70 feet by 80 in dimensions. The site of Boone s shop was on
the second lot south of Court Avenue, the corner lot between it and
the meeting-house being occupied by Major Davis, apothecary; and
next to Boone s shop on the south was John Campbell, where without
doubt he kept the post-office." 4
Green printed the News-Letter for three and a half years. Then
he was succeeded by John Allen whose name first appears on the
issue for November 10, 1707. 5 Green s name reappeared on the
issue of October 8, 1711, one w r eek after the burning of Allen s office.
He continued to print for Campbell until December 31, 1722, when
he became publisher as well as printer.
2 Bartholomew Green was born in Cambridge, October 12, 1666. He was
the son of Samuel Green, for more than forty years the celebrated head of the
Cambridge Press, succeeding Stephen Daye, the pioneer printer in the colonies;
who came to New England in 1630, and died January 1, 1702. The son learned
his trade in the office of his father and after the death of the latter he succeeded
to the position of printer to the college. For thirty years he was printer to
the governor and council and his imprint is on many of the best American books
of his time. He died December 28, 1732, and a notice of his death was printed
in the News-Letter of January 4, 1773.
3 History of Printing, Vol. I, p. 90.
4 Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to Various Subjects, p. 15.
5 John Allen was an English printer who came to Boston in 1685, on the
same vessel with John Dunton, who in his Letters Written from New-England,
thus refers to him; "Mr Allen, the Printer was going to his Uncle, who had
invited him over and from whom he expected Preferment." Again, after arriv
ing in Boston, Dunton wrote of his companion on the voyage; "I Rambled with
John Allen to Dine with his Reverend Unckle of that name." The uncle was
the Reverend James Allen, pastor of the First Church of Boston, 1668-1710.
John Allen was associated with Bartholomew Green and also with Benjamin
Harris and when he undertook the printing of The Boston News- Letter in 1707,
he had an office in Pudding Lane, the modern Devonshire Street. His shop
there was burned in the great fire of October 2, 1711.
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
Starting with a single half-sheet folio, printed on both sides, two
columns to the page, the News- Letter continued without material
change in form during the greater part of its career. Almost from
the outset, however, there were occasional expansions to two, four,
six, eight or even ten pages ; a supplement was sometimes added but
generally the single sheet of two pages prevailed. The size of the
paper page was about 8 by 12^ inches. Different copies now pre
served show slight variances from those measurements, some of them
running as low as 7^ by 12 J- inches; probably these differences are
due to the trimming or wearing away of the edges of the sheets, or
they may have resulted from a shrinkage of the paper. The paper
page of the first six numbers (in the file in the library of the New York
Historical Society) is 7 by 11^2 inches. The page of the seventh
number is 7|- by H^ 2> and after that the page sizes are as has been
noted. It would appear that the first six numbers were printed on a
sheet smaller than that subsequently and permanently adopted.
The type pages (in the same file) also show slight variations in the early
issues, ranging from 6J by 10J^ inches or 6| by 10 J inches to 6f by ll^
inches or 6f by 11 J inches. Column widths varied from 3 to 3} inches.
The imprint was changed several times before its fixed form was
finally determined. In the first and second editions of the first
number there were different forms, and that in the second edition
was retained in the second, third and fourth numbers, except that
the word Boston, in old English, was followed by a colon instead of a
comma. With the fifth number this imprint was adopted: "JBOStOrtt
Printed by B. Green. Sold at the Post-Office. 1704;" and that
form was retained until John Allen succeeded Bartholomew Green
as printer, November 10, 1707. Allen varied the typography of the
imprint several times, and when Green again became the printer,
October 8, 1711, there was another change.
For the title, a roman face letter old style Caslon type was used. 6
In the early years the initials "N. E." in old English type were placed
above the title, but later on this was sometimes expanded to "New-
England" and printed now in roman and again in italic. For the
word "Number," old English type was first used and afterward
roman or italic. There were also changes in the type faces used in
the date line. The line "Published by Authority" was printed in
old English in the early issues but subsequently it was put in roman
or italic. The use of rules above and below this line was varied from
time to time, especially in the period of John Allen s printing. The
"Published by Authority" constituted part of the heading from
6 Buckingham, in his Specimens of Newspaper Literature, says that the
heading was set in French Canon type. Canon was the old name for the type
size that in present day nomenclature is known as 42 point.
56
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u
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
the issue of April 24, 1704 to that of September 2, 1725, excepting
July 18, 1720 December 31, 1722. Double dating of the years
for the months of January, February and March was used though
not always in strict conformity to the system until the issue of
January 7, 1717 when the new style was adopted. In this compila
tion new style dating has been followed but in transcribing the news
paper headings and text, actual date lines have been copied as they
stand originally printed.
Typographically, the News-Letter was, for the most part, an ad
mirable production. The paper was of good quality and after two
hundred years shows few signs of disintegration, save as it has been
torn or otherwise damaged. Type with a sharply-cut and well de
fined face was used and the press work was altogether creditable,
the impressions being clean and strong. Even the ink has stood the
test of two centuries. This recognition of the excellence of the
printer s work refers particularly to the News-Letter as it was pro
duced by Bartholomew Green. During the time that it was printed
by John Allen there was a marked deterioration in its typographic
appearance. Most of the Allen issues were inferior specimens indeed,
especially in comparison with those of Green. It is evident that
Green had a better equipped office, and certainly he was the better
printer.
Editorially, during its first period, the News-Letter was a poor
performance. It was crudely, indeed often ignorantly, written, with
a frank disregard of grammar, and clearness of expression, and a
Timothy Dexter scorn of right punctuation. The spelling was
mostly correct, but whether that was a virtue of the editor or the
proof reader may not now be known. In punctuation, in capitaliza
tion, in italicization, and so on, there was no uniformity of usage,
and for these faults the responsibility may perhaps be divided be
tween the editor and the printer.
On the following pages of this volume these editorial and typo
graphic peculiarities have been carefully preserved. The editors
of this Digest have aimed to reproduce the contents of these old
newspapers with textual fidelity to the originals, even in the most
obvious errors of the printer, such for example as the ending of a
sentence without a period, the beginning of a sentence with a lower
case letter instead of a capital, the appearance of an italic capital
to a word in roman type, and others of like character. As any
one can see at a glance such faults as these are absurd blunders,
an oversight in the proof reading or a mixing of the types. Nothing
necessary to a clear understanding of the text could be gained by
their correction while by their retention at least the spirit and color
of the originals are fully preserved. Here and there, in marked
57
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
instances only, suggestive readings or corrections have been inter
polated in brackets. Otherwise the text has been left without
change or comment except in foot notes exactly as it appeared
to its first readers two hundred years ago.
In the library of the New York Historical Society is a volume
of the News-Letter which contains copies of issues for 1705,
1706, 1707 and 1708 that are not known to be elsewhere pre
served. Originally the volume was bound in calf which has become
dark brown with age; the back and the corners were later rebound
in calf of a lighter color. On the backbone is the title BOSTON
NEWS-LETTER and the dates, 1704-1708. On a front blank
page is this inscription: "To the New York Historical Society from
George Bruce. Printer New York. 1805" and on the inside front.
cover there is this note in lead pencil, "This volume contains No. 1
April 17 1704 to No 209 April 19 1708 Nos wanting 27, 13.8, 139,
140, 141 W. K." 7 Family tradition says that a sea captain sailing
between Boston and New York, either gave or sold this book to Mr
Bruce, but no certain evidence of that has been produced. The
volume has been briefly described in a paper read by Dr. Samuel
Abbott Green before the Massachusetts Historical Society, November
13, 1890, and reprinted in a pamphlet. 8
A special interest attaches to this volume. There seems to be
no doubt that it was the property of our New England Pepys, Chief
Justice Samuel Sewall. In the front are bound four pages of a manu
script entitled "Memorandums" and this, it is generally believed by
those who have examined it, is in the handwriting of Mr Sewall.
The memorandum is merely an index to some of the articles in the.
various issues of the file and further on upon the margins of those
issues, the same articles are often annotated in the same handwriting
with .the letters "N." or "M. E." added. Throughout the volume
are scattered other marginal notes also in the same handwriting.
These are mostly signed S.S. and some of them refer to matters
mentioned in Judge Sewall s Diary. On several of the numbers
notably September 29, October 6, October 20, November 24, Decem
ber 15, and December 22, 1707, and January 12, January 19, March l r
March 8, and March 15, 1707-8 the autograph J^rji^ij^ appears
on the bottom margin of the first page.
The Sewall annotations in this file are as follows:
June 19, 1704, top of second column, first page; "Major Sewall."
January 8, 1705, added to entry of death of Madame Sarah
Leverett; "Interd Jan r 8."
7 William Kelby was librarian of the New York Historical Society, 1895-
1898.
8 Remarks on An Early File of the Boston News- Letter.
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
January 8, 1705, bottom of second page; "Mrs. Johana Mason
wife of Arthur Mason a very pious vertuous woman" [remainder
torn off.]
May 7, 1705, foot of second page; "Mr. Campbell s Negro gave
me this, May, 24. 1705."
May 14, 1705, foot of second page; "May, 10. The Rev d Mr.
Thomas Bridge was ordained Pastor of the [First Church] Boston"
July 9, 1705, foot of first column, second page, under the Marble-
"Tippet
head it em; Nicholas Mary"
September 10, 1705, margin of second column, first page, against
the foreign news; "Sep r ! 10? mane: Oceani fluctus ANNA moderante
superbos" 9 Originally there was another line in this note but in
trimming the pages, perhaps for binding, this was cut off, leaving
visible only the tops of the letters.
October 15, 1705, margin of first column, second page; "Boston
8 th 13. 1705 Roma simul caelebys, [?] fuerant in tempore Petru:
Aeternum exorsum, nil nisi novum habeat. S.S." 10
October 15, 1705, foot of page; "OctobV 15. Madame Hebb[?]
N [?] one of the Jamaica fleet died this morning of a Fever, at the
house of y e sdH [?]"
October 22, 1705, margin of first column, second page; "Doctor
Wheeler, Son-in-Law to the truly pious Mr Wigglesworth, is dead,
and has left a young [sorrowful ?] [cut off] ; "He died on Thanksgiving
day at night: was a sober good conditioned man, well beloved. It s
the Ninth | "Doctor that hath died here in a few years. j*A-J**
January 7, 1706, margin of second column, first page, against
account of a shipwreck; "Luke, 13. 1-5."
June 10, 1706, margin of first column, third page; "Artillery
sermon. Preach d by Mr Rowland Cotton."
July 22, 1706, second column, first page, added to the Ipswich
item concerning the death of two women; "Wife & only daughter
of Thomas Day."
September 23, 1706, top of first column, third page; "Mr Simeon
Stoddard murthered in England son S. Stoddard Esq: r " n
November 25, 1706, foot of second column, third page, against
the item concerning the return of Captain Samuel Appleton from
Canada; "N. Mr. Appleton Sailed Augt 30. 1706 from Nantasket."
At the top of the same column: "Samuel Appleton Esqr with Mr.
Williams from Canada."
9 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 137.
10 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 140.
11 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 169, note.
59
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER
September 9, 1706, bottom of first page; "Sent me to Bristol
[by?] Mr. Secretary."
August 4, 1707, top of second column, second page; "Mr Benjamin
Ruggles wife Dead. 34 years & 9 months"
March 1, 1708, foot of second page ; "N. The Justices were apointed
the 19^ or 20^ of Febr."
In the file of the New York Historical Society are bound several
broadsides. Between the issues of July 10 and July 17, 1704, is
the two page sheet: An Account of the Behaviour and last Dying |
Speeches | Of the Six Pirates, that were Executed on Charles River,
Boston side, on Fryday June 30th. 1704. Viz. \ Capt John Quelch,
John Lambert, Christopher Scudamore, | John Miller, Erasmus Peter
son and Peter Roach. | This broadside was printed and sold for
Nicholas Boone. Another copy of it is bound in the News-Letter
file of the Massachusetts Historical Society between the issues of
June 26 and July 3, 1704. Following the issue of August 12, 1706, is
the two page sheet: A Copy of the Last Will and Testament of
Richard Bellingham Esqr. Late Governour of the Colony of the
Massachusetts-Bay in New-England. This broadside is endorsed in
Judge Se wall s handwriting "Given me by Mr. S. Stoddard, Augt.
6, 1706."
Immediately after the issue of August 11, 1707 is the broadside: |
To my Worthy Friend, | Mr James Bayley, | Living (if Living) in
Roxbury. A Poem, | by the Reverend Nicholas Noyes of Salem. A
note on the margin, by Judge Sewall, says "Printed, July 30, 1707."
With this Bayley poem is the two page broadside: | Informations |
and | Directions | For the making of Tar, and Choice of Trees |
for the same, as in Finland. | This broadside was printed by Bartholo
mew Green in July, 1707. Following the issue of September 15, 1707 is
John Danforth s: | A Pindarick ELEGY Upon the Renowned, | Mr
Samuel Willard, | Late Reverend Teacher of the South Church in
Boston, and | Vice President of. Harvard College in Cambridge; | Who
Deceased September the 12 th - 1707. Aetatis Anno 68. | Following the
issue of December 1, 1707, and attached to the first page of the next
issue by sealing wax, is Judge Sewall s famous pronunciamento,
dated Tuesday, November 25, 1707 : The Reasons of my withdrawing
my Vote from what was Pass d in Council, upon Satitrday, Novem
ber the First, relating to an Address offered to Her Majesty, Sign d
Nath Higginson, &c.
60
1704
JR. jg Humb. i.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /!Donfca April 17. to /IDOH&ap April 24. 1704.
M H AS HU (m) NY
r^T^HE first number of the first continuously published newspaper
X of the English colonies in America covered the week from Mon-
* day, April 17, to Monday, April 24, 1704. It was printed on both
sides of a half sheet folio, the paper page being 7 by 11^ inches and
the type page 6% by 10% inches. It contains an extract from the
London Flying Post respecting the pretender, who called him
self King James VIII of Scotland, sending Popish missioners from
France to Scotland; the queen s speech to parliament; a few items
of domestic news and the advertisement of the publisher, John Camp
bell.
Two editions of this issue were printed, as is clearly proven by
typographical differences in the three complete copies that have been
preserved, or are know~n to be extant. A mutilated copy, about one-
third of the whole sheet, is in the Harvard College library. Two of
the three complete copies, in the libraries of the American Antiquarian
Society and the New York Historical Society, are identical, both
being of the first edition. The other copy, in the library of the
Massachusetts Historical Society, is of the second edition.
Some of the differences in these editions have been referred to by
Samuel Abbott Green, 1 and others, for the first time, are noted here.
Punctuation varies frequently in the two editions. In the second
paragraph of the second column of the first page the word Eamily
of the first edition is corrected to Family in the second; the word
and is substituted for the character &; in the fifth paragraph of the
first column of the first page the letter-spacing in the second edition
is closer so that the lines break differently; in the fifth paragraph of
the second column of the second page Curraso is substituted in the
second edition for Currasoa and Currasoe in the first ; and in the first
paragraph of the same column Rhode Island of the first edition be
comes Rhod Island in the second ; in the ninth paragraph of the same
column Maryland of the first edition becomes Marryland in the
second. Copies of the publisher s advertisement as it was printed
in each edition, showing particularly a change in the advertising
agency of the paper, are printed herewith. The first edition had this
imprint: "Boston, Printed by B. Green. Sold by Nicholas Boone,
at his Shop near the Old Meeting House," while the imprint of the
second edition was: " JSOBtOU: Printed by B. Green. ^ Sold by
Nicholas Boone, at his Shop near the Old Meeting House."
Undoubtedly the appearance of this sheet excited something
more than ordinary interest in the community. Concerning it
Judge Samuel Sewall wrote :
1 Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to Various Subjects.
61
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 24, 1704
"April 24, 1704. I went to Cambridge to see some Books on the
Revelation, and there met with Mr. Pignet: went into Hall and heard
Mr. Willard expound Rom. 49 10 11 and pray. I gave Mr. Willard
the first News- Letter that ever was carried over the River. He
shew d it the Fellows. I came home in company with Mr. Adams." 2
The first number of the News-Letter has been several times re
printed from type. In some instances these reprints have been
on paper stained with coffee liquor to give it the brown appearance
of age, and many such have passed into the possession of persons
w r ho have been led to believe them genuine originals. So far as is
known at this writing (1910) only three complete copies and one frag
ment of this issue are in existence. The number has also been re
produced in fac-simile by photograph, first by Samuel Abbott Green
in 1903. 3 ]
Boston, April, 18 Arrived Capt. Sill from Jamacia about 4 Weeks
Passage, says they continue there very Sickly. Mr. Nathaniel Oliver
a principal Merchant of this place died April 15 & was decently
inter d April, 18. JEtaiis 53.
The Honourable Col. Nathanael Byfield Esq. is Commissioned
Judge of the Admiralty for the Provinces of Massachusetts-Bay,
New-Hampshire and Rhod-Island. And Thomas Newton Esq.
Judge-Deputy for the Colony of Massachusetts- Bay.
The 20. the Rd. Mr. Pemberton Preach d an Excellent Sermon
on 1 Thes 4. 11. And do your own business: Exhorting all Ranks &
Degrees of Persons to do their own work, in order to a REFORMA
TION : which His Excellency has ordered to be Printed. *
The 21. His Excellency Dissolved the Gen. Assembly.
Rhode-Island 22. The Rd. Mr. Lockyer dyed on Thurs. last
Capt. Toungrello has taken Five Prizes off of Curraso, one of which
is come in to Rhode-Island mostly Loaden with Cocco, Tobacco,
Liquors &c. She is a Curraso Trader, as all the rest were. One of
the Five was one Larew a French-man, a Sloop of 8 Guns & 8 Patteraro s
76 Men, Fought him Board and Board three Glasses; Captain Larew
was kill d, and 20 of his Men kill d & wounded: Capt. Toungrello
wounded thro the Body; and five of his men, but none kill d, he had
but 40 Fighting Men, when he took Larew.
The 18 Currant, came in a Sloop to this Port from Virginia, the
Master informed Governour Cranston Esq. he was Chased by a Top-
.sail Shallop off of Block-Island, which he judged to be a French
2 Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. I, p. 100.
3 Ten Fac-Simile Reproductions Relating to Various Subjects, by Samuel
Abbott Green ; Curiosities of History, by William W. Wheildon.
4 This sermon was preached at a lecture in the South Meetinghouse, April
20, 1704. See Notes in The Acts and Resolves, ... of the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 104.
62
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 24, 1704
Privateer, and that there was two other Vessels in her Company,
which he judged to be her Prizes. Whereupon his Honour being
Concerning for the Publick Weal and Safety of Her Majesties good
Subjects, immediately caused the Drum to beat for Voluntiers, under
the Command of Capt. Wanton, and in 3 or four hours time, Fitted
and Man d a Brigantine, with 70 brisk young men well Arm d, who
Sail d the following Night, returned last Evening, and gave his
Honour an Account, that they found the aforesaid Shallop, with one
other, and a Ketch at Tarpolian Cove, who were all Fishing Vessels
belonging to Marblehead or Salem, who were Fishing off of Block-
Island, one of them was a French built Shallop with a Topsail, which
gave the great suspician that they were Enemies.
New-York, April, 17. By a Barque from Jamacia, (last from
Barmuda, 7 Weeks Passage,) says, there was an Imbargo in that
Island several Months, occasioned by News they had of a design the
French & Spaniards had, to make a descent upon them: She came
out with the Homeward bound London Fleet, who are gone home
without Convoy.
Capt. Davison in the Eagle Gaily, Sailes for London, in a Month,
if the Virginia Fleet stays so long; he intends to keep them Company
Home, if not, to run for it, being Built for that Service.
Philadelphia, April, 14. An Account that the Dreadnaught
Man of War was Arrived in Marryland.
N. London, April, 20. The Adventure, A Vessel 60 Tuns, will
Sail from thence to London, in three Weeks or a Months time.
Bfroertiaement
I A His News-Letter is to be continued Weekly; and all Persons who
-* have any Houses, Lands, Tenements, Farms, Ships, Vessels,
Goods. Wares or Merchandizes, &c. to be Sold, or Let; or Servants
Runaway, or Goods Stole or Lost; may have the same inserted at a
Reasonable Rate, from Twelve Pence to Five Shillings, and not to
exceed: Who may agree with John Campbel Post-master of Boston.
All Persons in Town and Country, may have said News-Letter
every Week, Yearly, upon reasonable terms, agreeing with John
Campbel, Post-master for the same.
[Below is the text of this advertisement as it appeared in the first
edition of this issue.]
THis News-Letter is to be continued Weekly; and all Persons
who have any Houses, Lands, Tenements, Farmes, Ships, Vessels,
Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, &c. to be Sold, or Lett; or Servants
Runaway; or Goods Stoll or Lost, may have the same Inserted at a
Reasonable Rate; from Twelve Pence to Five Shillings, and not to
63
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 1, 1704
exceed: Who may agree with Nicholas Boone for the same at his Shop,
next door to Major Davis s, Apothecary in Boston, near the Old
Meeting-House.
All Persons in Town and Country may have said News- Letter
Weekly upon reasonable terms, agreeing with John Campbell Post-
Master for the same.
H. IE. Humb* 2.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaS April 24. to /IDon&a May 1. 1704.
M H - AS NY
f^ I A HIS issue is a full sheet folio, the last page, however, blank.
I A The foreign matter comprises extracts from the London Fly
ing Post, December 23-25, covering European war news in advices
from Warsaw, Zurich, and Vienna, and reports from Frankfort
as to the design of France and Spain to divide Switzerland betwixt
them".] _
South-Carolina Via New-York.
AN Account of what the Army from thence had done, under the
Command of Colonel Moore in his Expedition last Winter against
the Spaniards and Spanish Indians. In a Letter from him to the
Governour of Carolina. May it please Your Honour to accept of
this short Narrative of what I with the Army under my Command
have been doing since my Departure from the Ockomulgg on the 19 th -
December. On the 14* h - January we came to a Town, and strong
and almost regular Fort about Sun Rising, call d Ayavalle, at our
first approach the Indians in it fired and shot Arrows at us briskly;
from which we shelter d our selves under the side of a great Mud-
w T all d House, till we could take a view of the Fort, and consider of
the best way of assaulting it : which we concluded to be by breaking
the Church door, which made a part of the Fort, with Axes. I no
sooner proposed this, but my men readily undertook it; ran up to it
briskly, (the Enemy at the same time shooting at them) were beaten
oft" without effecting it, and fourteen white men wounded, two hours
after that we thought fit to attempt the burning the Church, which
we did, three or four Indians assisting us: The Indians in it ob
stinately defending themselves, and kill d us two white men, viz.
Frances Plowden, and Thomas Dale; after we were within their
64
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 1, 1704
Fort, a Fryar the only white in it came forth and begged mercy:
In this we took about 26 men alive, and 58 Women and Children; .
The Indians took about as many more of each sort, the Fryar told us,
we kill d in the two Storms Twenty five men. The next morning
the Captain of St. Lewis Fort with 23 white men and 400 Indians
came to Fight us, which we did, beat him, took him, and Eight of his
men Prisoners: And as the Indians which say they did it, told us kill d
five or six Whites : We have a particular Account from our Indians of
168 Indian men kill d and taken in the Fight and Flight, but the
Appalatchia Indians say, they Lost 200, which we have reason to
believe to be the least. Captain John Berringer Fighting bravely
in the Head of our men was kill d at my foot: Captain Fox dyed
of a Wound given him at the first Storming of the Fort. Two days
after I sent to the Cassik of Ibitachuka, who with 130 men was in his
strong and well made Fort, to come and make his peace with me, the
which he did, and compounded for it, with his Churches Plate, and
ten Horses laden with Provisions: After this I marched thro five
Towns which had all strong Forts and Defences against small Arms ;
they all submitted and surrendered their Forts to me without condi
tion. I have now in my Company all the whole People of three Towns,
and the greatest part of four more : we have totally destroyed all the
people of two Towns: So that we have left in Appalatchia but that
one Town which compounded with one part of St. Lewis, and the
people of one Town which run away all together ; their Town, Church
and Fort we have burnt. The People of St Lewis come to me every
night. I expect and have advice that the Town which compounded
with me, are coming after me: The waiting for these People make
my Marches slow, for I m willing to bring away with me free, as
many of the Indians as I can: This being the Address of the
Commons to Your Honour to Order it so, this will make my
mens part of Plunder (which otherwise might have been 100/.
a man ) but small : but I hope with Your Honours assistance
to find away to gratifie them for their bold and stout action,
and their great loss of blood: I never see or hear of a stouter
or braver thing done, than the Storming the Fort: It hath regained
the reputation we seem d to have lost under the Conduct of Robert
Macken, the Indians having now a mighty value for the Whites:
Appalatchia is now reduced to the feeble and low condition, that
it can neither support St Augustin with Provision, or disturb, endam-
age or frighten us; our Indians living between us and Appalatchia
and the French: In short we have made Carolina as safe as the con
quest of Appalatchia can make it. If I had not so many men wounded
in our first Attempt, I had assaulted St Lewis Fort, in which is about
28 or 30 men, and 20 of these came thither from Panseccoola to buy
65
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 1, 1704
Provision the first night after I took the first Fort. On Sabbath the
23 d - Instant I came out of Appalatchla settle[ment], and am now about
Thirty miles on my way home, but do not expect to reach it before
the middle of March, notwithstanding my Horses will not be able
to carry me to the Chereques Mountains. I have had a dirty, tedious
and uneasie Journey, and though I have no reason to fear any harm
from the Enemy, through the difference between the Whites and
Indians, and between Indians and Indians, bad way and fales Alarms,
do still labour under hourly uneasiness. The number of free Appalat-
chia Indians which are now under my protection, and bound with me
to Carolina are 1300. And 100 for Slaves. The Indians under my
Command kill d and took Prisoners in the Plantation, whilst we
Stormed the Fort, as many Indians as we and they took and kill d
in the Fort. Dated in the Woods 50 Miles N. and E. of Appalatchia. 5
Piscataqua, April 22d. Last night arrived one Parker in a Sloop
from Antigua 3 Weeks passage, Says, that the New General is daily
expected with 14. or 16. Sail of men of War. That the French have
22. Sail of Privateers out.
Newbury, April 22. The Honourable Col. Daniel Pierce Esq.
one of Her Majesties Council for this Province Dyed this Day.
Boston, April 24. By a Sloop arrived here from Jamacia, Judak
Thacher Master, about 5 Weeks passage from thence; acquainted,
That the man who gave information of a descent intended by the
French and Spaniards to be made on that Island, being found false
was put in Prison. That there was an Indian come from the Main
land of New-Spain, complaining to the Governour of Jamacia, of
bad usage they had met from the Spaniards, and if His Excellency
would send Forces, that the Indians would joyn them, and destroy
the Spaniards, what they could: The Indian was a brisk little Fellow,
whom his Excellency was pleas d to Cloath well: but whither he would
send Forces or not the Master could not tell. There was one Capt.
Christian a French Privateer, in a small Snow about 6 Guns, Sailed
from the Havana, with two more Privateer Sloops in Company,
having on Board about 150 men, designed to Land on the North
side of the Island of Jamacia, and plunder the People. But Capt.
Gelding in a private man of War Sloop, 4 Guns, about 60 men, be
longing to Jamacia, came up with said Christian, and his two Sloops;
the which two Sloops he took, and gave Christian a broad side, and
Chased him; but Christian out-sailing Gelding, made his escape, and
5 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Carroll s Historical Collections of
South Carolina, Vol. II, 1836. Bancroft, in his History of the United States.
Vol. II, p. 194, errs in referring to this invasion as having occurred in the last
weeks of 1705.
66
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 1, 1704
got clear; which if Capt. Gelding had not met with, might have
proved very detrimental to that Island.
Boston, April 28. An Express came to His Excellency from
New- Hampshire, acquainting him, That there was a man found
Dead and Scalpt near Dover, but whither kill d by English or In
dians, not yet known.
Sail d from Boston this Week, Capt. William Blaire, in the Ship
Providence for Barbados. Zachariah Cauley, in the Ship John for
Lisbon. Stephen Pain, in the Sloop Mary for Modern. John Moor
in the Ketch New-Berry for Newfoundland. Richard Smith, Briga-
teen Dragon, for Antigua. Nehemiah Heath in a Brigateen En
deavour, for Ruanoke.
And out- ward bound, James Bridgham for Barbados, in the Sloop
Unity. John Richards, in the Brigateen Sarah, for Jamacia: And
Nathanael Vial in a Sloop Lark, for said Port. Joseph Brown, in
the Ketch Freke, for Madera. And Capt. Giles Fy field in the Ship
Mary, for Antigua, Sails within Ten days, from Rhode-Island. Capt.
Samuel Pain in the Ship Grayhound, is bound for Nevis, will Sail
in about a Fornight. Judah Thacher in a Sloop bound for Jamacia,
will Sail about 20 days hence.
Piscataqua, April 28. By Letters thence, acquainted, That on
the 18th. Marched Forty one English and Indians from Salmon-
Falls unto Winnopiscag Ponds, and at the same time from thence
(being the Seat of War) about 90 more Eastward, under the Con
duct of Capt. Brown, having 8 dayes Provision, who Travelled thro
Well s round Mowsum River, and 20 Miles up Saco, being the most
reputed Places for Fishing ; they returned last Wednesday, but could
not discover any Foot-steps of the Enemy, excepting one Canoo.
On Tuesday the 25 Nathanael Meader of Dover in Oyster River, being
at work in his Field, and burning Brush, was waylaid by a Company
of Indians, as he returned home about Sunset, who shot him through
the thigh & leggs, then took, Scalpt, kttTd, and stript him Naked.
On Wednesday Morning a small Scout made a descent on Lam
prey, Eel River, who destroyed Edward Taylor, at the Saw-mill,
and took his Wife and Son Captive, as they went from the Garri
son unto their dwelling-house, about a Mile and a half distant in
the Woods. Major Hilton instantly raised about 20 men, who in
a little time discovered the Enemies track, but the Night approach
ing, prevented any further discovery.
Rhode- Island, April 27. The Honourable Col. Nathanael By-
field Esq. his Commission for Judge of the Admiralty, was pub
lished and admitted of here, on the 25. Currant.
67
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 8, 1704
The prize that Capt. Toungerlo sent in, could not be condemned,
in regard there was not Evidences sent in her; but those to whom
she was conugned, proffer d sufficient Bond and Security to respond
said Goods, upon having liberty to take them on Shoar till could
be condemned, which suppos d would be granted.
New-York April 24. The Dreadnought with Colonel Seymour,
Governour of Maryland Arrived the 10th. Instant. The Virginia
Fleet will Sail the latter end of May for London. Captain Davison
from hence designs to keep them Company, if they Sail at that time.
On the 18th. Arrived a Sloop here from Curaso: the 23. a Sloop Ar
rived from Madera, 7 Weeks Passage, Joseph Wright Master. Capt.
Surges and Capt. Davies lie ready to Sail forVirginia, for Convoy home.
*~Lost on the 10. of April last off Mr. Shippen s Wharff in Boston,
Two Iron Anvils, weighing between 120 and 140 pound each: Whoever
has taken them up, and will bring or give true Intelligence of them
to John Campbel Post-master, shall have a sufficient reward.
Hfcverttsement.
IS News- Letter is to be continued Weekly; and all Persons
who have any Houses, Lands, Tenements, Farms, Ships, Vessels,
Goods, Wares, or Merchandizes, &c. to be Sold, or Let; or Servants
Run-away, or Goods Stole or Lost; may have the same inserted at a
Reasonable Rate, from Twelve Pence to Five Shillings, and not to
exceed: Who may agree with John Campbel Post-master of Boston,
for the same: And if in the Country, with the Post-master of the
respective Towns, to be transmitted to the Post-master of Boston:
and all such Advertisements are to be brought in Writing to said
Post-master.
All persons in Town and Country, may have said News-Letter
every Week, Yearly, upon reasonable terms, agreeing with John
Campbel, Post master for the same.
ffL fi, mumb. 3.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From fl&0nfca May 1. to flQonfca May 8. 1704.
MH AS NY
TTN this issue return was made to the half sheet folio of the first
!_-- number, printed on both sides. The first page is largely taken
up by extracts from the London Gazette, Novemb. 8 to 11, 1703,
giving a report of the opening of Parliament and the queen s speech.
The domestic news is more varied than that of the previous issues.]
68
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 8, 1704
By his Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY Esq. Captain General
and Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province of
the Massachusetts- Bay in New England.
A PROCLAMATION 6 for a General FAST
UP on Consideration of the troublesome State of Europe, by reason
of the Calamitous Wars wherein those Nations are Engaged amongst
themselves, and of Her Majesties Great & Just Interest therein: As
also the present Circumstances of these Her Majesties Territories and
Plantations, And the Influences which the Wars of Europe may have
upon our selves; Together with the Hostilitie acted against us by the
treacherous Murderous Salvages within our Limits.
I have thought fit, by and with the Advice of Her Majesties Coun
cil, and at the desire of the Representatives, to Appoint Thursday, the
1 8th of May next, A Day of Publick Fasting with Prayer, to be
Observed throughout this Province, Humbly to Implore the Divine Mercy,
for the Preservation of Her Majesties Sacred Person, That Her just
Armes with those of her Allies may be prosperous in the Actions of
this present Year; That the Forces in this Province Imployed in Her
Majesties Service, may by the good Conduct of Heaven, be Succeeded in
their just Enter prizes, and our Enemies Defeated; That the Defence
of Divine Protection may be over our Sea Coast and Inland Frontiers ;
That our Seed-time and Harvest, may be under benign Influences of
Heaven; That there may be a plentiful Effusion of the Holy Spirit of
GOD, for a thorough Reformation of all those Evils which are amongst
us, That so GOD may turn away His Anger, and Restore unto us a
prosperous State: And that the Protestant Interest may every where
prevail throughout the World. Exhorting both Ministers and People
in their respective Assemblies Religiously to perform the Duties required
on such a Day, with a becoming Devotion; And all Servile Labour is
forbiden thereupon.
Given at Boston the 2jik. Day of April 1704. In the Third Year
of Her Majesties Reign.
By Order of His Ex-
celkncy and Council, J. D UDLE Y.
USSaC B&fcfn0tcm Seer.
GOD Save the Queen.
Piscataqua, April 29. By 7 Letters thence, acquainted, That
on Fry day the 28th. four Indians Seized a Servant Maid of Richard
6 Reprinted from the News- Letter in The Acts and Resolves ... of
the Province of the Massachusetts Bay .... Vol. VIII, p. 347.
7 Written on the margin of the copy in the file of the Massachusetts His
torical Society: "This was a story invented by the Girl to conceal her staying
too long at the Spring with a young man."
69
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 8, 1704
Waldron s Esq. at Cocheco, who went about 150 yards from the
Garrison to a Spring, for a Jugg of Water, about half an hour after
Sun down: Supposed to be the same Indians that did the Mischief
mentioned in my last, upon Nathanael Header, and Edward Taylor:
They askt her many Questions ; Viz. Whither there was not a French
Shallop put on Shoar in New-England in a Storm? And what was
become of the Frenchmen? Whither or not we had any Forces
going out against the French ? What number of Souldiers was in the
Garrison? What Mr. Waldron had been doing in his Field all day?
What he designed to do with that new Timber hal d to the side of
his House? They told her that they had lyen near his House all
that day, and a Week before to wait to Catch him, whom they saw
to pass over his Boom towards Capt. Geerishes two Hours, by Sun-set;
and that they might take him on his return, they had crept down to
the foot of the Boom, as near as possible : at which time the Maid came
along, and were forced to take her, otherwise they must have been
discovered : They told her also that they had been so near him in the
Field, that one of them had Cock d his Gun at him, and going to
discharge, another perswaded him to forbear, he would presently
have a better Shot at him: They likewise told her twas never the
near for him to build his New Fortifications round his House, for
they would certainly take him, and that twere in Vain for him to
Plant his New Orchard in his Field, for he should neither eat the
Apples, nor drink the Cyder, for that they would have him by & by,
and roast him, and she should see it. In the Interim Mr Waldron
coming over the Boom; the Watchman on the Top of his House, not
knowing who it was, call d out, Stand; which the Indians hearing,
being frightened, ran all away, one stept back and with the head of
his Hatchet, knock t the Girl down, and left her for Dead, who lay
in the Spot two Hours, till being found wanting, was enquir d after and
search d for at the Spring, where She was found, a little come to her
self; hope She may do well, for her Skull is not broke. Thus Mr.
Waldron narrowly escap d.
Jamacia, by Letters Via New-York of March last, acquainted, that
the Sea-horse Man of War, took 3 French Prizes, one belonging to
Peteguaves; one of them got so near the Shore, and the man of War
in pursuit of her is run on Shore upon the back side of Jamacia, and is
lost.
Boston, Arrived this Week from Barbados, about a Months pas
sage, Capt. Alden, Green, Bennet, Foster, Barns, and Hobbs, but
bring no News, & Everton came out in Company, not yet Arrived, as
also Gurley for Marblehead, and Perkins for Cape Ann. Arrived
also Mr. Montveil in a Sloop from N. York, & Capt. Shute at Ply-
70
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 8, 1704
mouth, from Saltitudos, having lost his Mast in a Storm & necessi
tated to thro overboard part of his Loading.
Outward Bound, Judah Thacher for Jamacia, and Carteret Gillam
for Rhode-Island.
New-York, May 1. Yesterday Arrived a Sloop in 7 days from
Virginia, by whom advised, that the Fleet will not Sail till the last
Instant, or first of June; and that 2 Men of War are daily expected
there from Lisbon to Strengthen the Convoy. Capt. Davison in the
Eagle Gaily hopes to Sail with them, he purposes from hence about
25 of this Month. Capt. Burges and Davis Sail d last Week for
Virginia, to joyn the Convoy home, and Capt. Potter designs also
next Week. A Ship of 350 or 400 Tuns, Capt. Harrison Commander,
was lately burnt in Virginia having on board 460 Hogsheads, tis
said the Gunner went Drunk to Bed, and left a Candle burning in his
Cabin, by which the Ship was fired & he and 2 or 3 were burnt in her.
Bfcvertisements.
STollen the 4 instant in the Morning out of the house of James
Cooper, near Charlestown Ferry in Boston, several sorts of mens
Apparel, both Woollen & Linnen, by an Irish man, speaks bad English ;
he is a young man about 22 years of Age, low Stature, dark coloured
hair, round visage, fresh coloured: he ript a small stript Ticking-
bolster, and put some of the Goods in that he carryed away. Who
ever discovers said Person, or Goods Stollen, so as both be secured ,.
shall have sufficient reward at the place aforesaid.
AT Oysterbay on Long-Island in the Province of N. York, There
is a very good Fulling-Mill, to be Let or Sold, as also a Planta
tion, having on it a large new Brick house, and another good house by
it for a Kitchin, & work house, with a Barn, Stable, &c. a young
Orchard and 20 Acres clear Land. The Mill is to be Let with or
without the Plantation: Enquire of Mr. William Bradford Printer
in N. York, and know further.
THis News-Letter is to be continued W eekly; & all Persons who
have any Houses, Lands, Tenements, Farms, Ships, Vessels,
Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, &c. to be Sold or Let; or Servants,
Run-away, or Goods Stole or Lost; may have the same inserted at
Reasonable Rate, from Twelve-pence to Five Shillings & not to ex
ceed : Who may agree with John Campbel Post-master of Boston
for the same: And if in the Country, with the Post master of the
respective Towns, to be transmitted to the Post master of Boston:
& all such Advertisements are to be brought in Writing to said Post-
Masters.
All Persons in Town & Country may have said News-Letter every
71
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 15, 1704
Week by the Year, upon reasonable terms, agreeing with John Camp-
bel, Post-master for the same
[Reprinted: Lost, Two Iron Anvils, &c. as in May 1.]
fl. . um6. 4.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDOnOag May 8. to /ftOltimg May 15. 1704.
M H AS NY
I" A HALF sheet folio. The first page and part of the second, as that
I 2\of May 8, occupied by foreign news. Under date of Westminster,
* November 11, 1703, are given the addressof the Houseof Commons
to the queen, and her majesty s answer; the queen s congratulatory
letter to the king of Spain, and his answer; advices from Rome and
Italy regarding the Pope s "partiality to the Spanish successor,"
and other matters. Then follow the domestic news paragraphs.]
Piscataqua May 6. Letters thence say no certain Intelligence of
any Indians seen at Mr. Waldroris since last Week, only some were
trackt about three miles above, Nitchewanock, in a Swamp where
were Cranberries, and tis believ d they saw our Scouts, and narrowly
escap d them; the tracks seeming very new. They are making what
preparations they can to fortifie the place, in case of any Attack by the
French and Indians.
Mr. Shortridge in a Ketch bound for Tersera touches at Fyall;
several others for Barbadoes and the Leward Islands.
By His Excy. JOSEPH DUDLEY Esq. Capt. General and Gov. in
Chief of the Province of Mass. Bay.
A PROCLAMATION
ALL Mariners, Seamen & others, That shall voluntarily enter
themselves on board Her Majesties Ship Jersey, Capt. George
Rogers Commander, on Her Majesties Service in the present Expe
dition, against Her Majesties Enemies, shall be kindly received & well
treated during their being aboard, & be paid for their Service on
Land: And within the space of Six Weeks or less, be returned again
to Boston, Set on Shoar and be dismiss d the Service. And the like
Encouragement is hereby offered for any to enter on board Her
Majesties Ship Gosport, Capt. Thomas Smith Commander. Given
under my hand at Boston the 12. day of May, In the Third year of Her
Majestees Reign, Anno. Dom. 1704. J. DUDLEY.
Boston, Arrived this Week, Joseph Everton & Isaac Perkins from
72
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 15, 1704
Barbados; Ventiman from Jamacia; and our private Man of War-
Sloop came over Nantucket Sholes with about 16. Sail of Coasters, of
which Lathrop from Gilford, Lor ing from Saybrook, Mansfield from
New- Haven, Harris from New- London, Curtise from Hartford, with
several others. Kingsbury and Seargent from New-Castle. Out
ward bound Judah Thacher and Joseph Vial for Jamacia, John Scot,
William Rouse, Samuel Winkle and Samuel Sherburn for Barbados.
Tobias Green for Newfoundland. Timothy Purbank for Virginia,
Ben]. Thaxter for the West-Indies, Richard Smith for Antigua. John
Monveil for N. York, David Mason and John Vincent for London:
And cleared out this Week, Mountford for North Carolina, Gary, for
Mounseratt, Price for Newfoundland: Coasters, Prince for Fair field,
Grover for Rhode-Island.
We have hitherto had a very unseasonable backward Spring, this
fort-night past great Rains, and Cold Easterly winds, which looks
upon us with a black aspect.
On the 15. instant, His Excellency intends to take Journey for his
Government of New-Hampshire.
Albany, By a Letter to His Excellency Governour DUDLE Y the
12. Currant, acquainted, That the Enemy French & Indians, who did
the mischief last Winter upon Dear field, were got safe home to Can
ada with their Prisoners; And that notwithstanding the negligence
of our People, they do acknowledge to have lost Two of their princi
pal French Officers, and 50 French & Indians in the action. 8
New-London, May 11. Edward Patty in the Adventure is begin
ning to load for London, and will Sail in about three weeks.
Rhode-Island, May 12. Arrived here a Brigantine on the 10 be
longing to Salem from Barbadoes. Captain Whiteborn for London
waits for men, intends to Sail in ten days. Gross and Bernon ready
to Sail, one for Barbadoes, the other for Curraso.
New-York, May 8. On the 3d. Arrived here a Sloop from St.
Thomas, in whom Mr. John Vryling, who Sail d the 23 d - Decemb.
last from Boston, in the Ship St Jacob and Philip, of whom was
Owner and Merchant, Charles Farnam Master bound for Barbadoes,
6 on the Sabbath following, lost her Mane and Misin Mast in a Storm,
taken in sight of Barbadoes, and carried into Martinico, and says that
7 Weeks ago was a Prisoner at Martinico, that the Governour per
mitted him to go in a French Sloop bound for St. Thomas, That the
French have taken 130 odd Vessels this War into Martinico, and
when he left it there was 17 Privateers out. The Ships lately taken
8 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes in The Acts and Resolves . .
of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 351.
73
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 22, 1704
and carried thither are, the Venetian Merchant, Captains, Alexander,
the Ship Virgin, John Sherwood, Brintania William Bartrum, Dar-
var of Bidiford, Richard Barton of Liverpool, Henry Punsunby of
Dublin, John Reading of Barbadoes, belonging to Boston, Twisden
a Brigantine, Chadwel another, Farnam a Ship, Andrews, Porter a
Sloop. Nicholas Bradock, and Crute of Philadelphia, Peylton of
Bermuda, Johnson of Maryland, a Sloop Penley Master, Stephens a
Ship of Boston taken into Guardiloop, after Mr. Vryling had been 14
days at St Thomas, had advice from Martinico, 5 Brigantines carried
in thither, on Board of one of which was Major Wheeler of Barba
does & several other Passengers, but what Ports bound to, or to whom
the Brigantines belong d heard not. The Ship Princess Anne bound
from Barbadoes to London, being Leaky put into St Thomas, there
condemn d as insufficient to go to Sea; Yesterday from Albany by
information from our Indians acquainted, that the French of Canada
are sending out 300 men to attack some parts of N. England. We
have very rainy, dirty, & cold Weather for the Season, and so con
tinues. We hear the Virginia Fleet Sails the last of this Month:
Captain Davison hopes to Sail this Month: The Wind & Weather
hinders our Pensilvania Post coming in.
afcv>ertisements.
THis News-Letter to be continued Weekly, all persons who have any
Advertisements to insert, agreeing with Mr. John Campbel Post
master, may have it done for twelve-pence to five shillings, not to
exceed.
All Persons in Town & Country [&c. as in May 8].
[Reprinted : at Oyster Bay, fulling mill to be let, as in May 8.]
11. E* fllumb, 5.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDOnDaE May 15. to /IDOUfcaE May 22. 1704.
MH AS NY
T A HALF sheet folio. On the first page, foreign intelligence, com-
I ./jLprising, under date of Westminster, Novemb. 12, 1703, the ad-
* dress of the lords to the queen, and the queen s answer; and ad
vices dated Lisbon, March 27, respecting the reception by the king of
Portugal of the fleet from England with the king of Spain on board.
Domestic news also occupies a considerable part of this page and
fills the entile second page. The imprint of this number is that
which was on the issue May 1: "3B06tOtt: Printed by B. Green.
Sold at the Post-Office, 1704."]
74
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 22, 1704
Piscataqua, May, 13. Letters thence acquaint us of some more
damage, done by the Sculking Adversary, on the 11. instant Nicholas
Cole of Wells, with Nicholas Hogden, Thomas Dane and Benjamin
Gough, Souldiers, went about a Mile from Capt. Wheelwright s Gar
rison to Look after his Cattle, and on their return were Attack t by
12. Indians, who kill d said Cole and Hogden, took Dane Captive,
Gough escaping, advised Capt. Hales of it, who immediately called
his Souldiers together; but the Enemy were fled.
Her Majesties Council by His Excy. direction hath appointed
Thursday the 18. instant a day of Publick Fasting with Prayer, being
the same day appointed by His Excy. & Council in the Province of
Mass. Bay and for said ends contained in said Proclamation.
Arrived here John Holicom from Antigua. Richard Shortridge for
Fyall wind-bound. Outward-bound, Capt. Alcock for Barbadoes
ready to Sail, John Frost for said Port in Ten days, and Robert Emery in
about 3 weeks, and Richard Waterhouse for St. Christophers in a Week.
Northampton, May 13. A Company of Indians and French, be
tween day break and Sun-rising, about 60 Set upon a Garrison-house
of Ben}. Jones s, about two Miles from the body of the Town, and
set fire to it ere they were aware of it; Kill d and carryed Captive
about 30. Persons. The Town being Alarmed, pursued them, the
Enemy finding it, scattered themselves into parties; and so did the
English into Ten in a Company, pursuing them; Capt. Taylor was
kill d in the pursuit. 9
Boston, May, 15. This day an Embargo was laid on all outward
Bound Ships. The 16. dyed the Rd. Mr. William Corbin. On the
11. Currant Arrived Mr. Jacob Fowle of Marblehead, at Stoningtown,
in a small Sloop, about 22. days from Curaso: he was lately an Ap
prentice to Mr. Bulfinch Sail-maker of Boston; went out some 12
Months ago, in one Reddinton from Rhode-Island for Curaso, in order
to go a Privateering, when they came there; the Governour broke
their measures, the men Shipt themselves some one way and some
another, his Lot was to go on board a Dutch man, bound for to trade
with the Spaniards, in a Ketch of 10. Guns, A Spaniard met them,
kill d the Dutch Lieutenant. The Master, Merchant and others
upon it jumpt into the hole, before the Spaniard so much as boarded
them; and if they had fought needed not have been taken. When
they were carryed into New-Spain, where he was about 9 Months,
all the men were sent to the Mines, he being Sick was spared: and
when somewhat recovered, the Governour of the place, wanting a
9 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII,
p. 489. See News-Letter No. 8.
75
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 22, 1704
Sute of Sails to be made for a Sloop, hearing he was a Sail-maker,
put him to make them; for which [he] had a very small reward, a
bit of Meat the breadth of a mans Finger, and a little Cassadar bread,
his chief Diet while in N. Spain was Oysters. A Trader being bound
along the Coast wanted a hand, came to the Governour to desire
the English man, and promised to return him again, when he came
back; twas granted: So Mr. Fowle went along with him, and coming
into a certain Port where a French man of War lay; he went on board,
& met another English man, to whom, he said, that if he would go
along with him, he would come for him in the Night, & would carry
him off, twas agreed, the other should be in the Lyon in the head,
& he should come with his Canoo, and take him in; and they two
should knock the Spaniards of the Barque alongo in the head, and
come away with her, and accordingly he took the Canoo in the night,
when the Spaniard was asleep, and put in her two Guns, two Cutlaces
and 2 Pistols, took the Ancient for a Sayl and Sails to the Man of
War; The Watch on Board was too quick sighted for him, espied em,
and was forced to paddle back again with all his might, put the An
cient in his place: The Spaniards still asleep knew nothing of it. In
some short time afterwards, the Spaniards going all ashore leaving
him & a Spanish Indian on board, he stept & unloos d the Sails
of the Barque-alongo, told the Indian if he would go along with him
might go & should fare well, he said still no, no, & went to take up a
Handspoke to knock out Mr. Fowls s brains, in the interim Mr. Fowle
tript up his heels, & threw him Over-board, and put to Sea; the
Spaniards on Shoar Man d their Canoo to overtake him, came up
with him: The Boatswain first put his hand upon the Barque alongo,
& Mr. Fowle stab d him and he fell backwards, the Captain seeing that,
said, put off; The Fort Fired several shot at him, some whereof came
thro his Sayls; They also Man d a Parriagar after him, & pursued
him about 8 hours till midnight; but having a fair wind, in about two
dayes got safe in to Curraso about 70 Leagues distant from the Port
in New-Spain he came from, having on Board about 19000 of Cocoa:
The Lieut. Gov. of Curraso forgave him the Custom of it, saying he
well deserved it. He Sold his Vessel & Cargo there: And bought the
Sloop in which he came home in; he met with a violent Storm the 4
instant. He says that of late the Spaniards kill all the English they
take, but saves the Dutch alive. Zachariah Hill of Boston in a Sloop
of Mr. Lillys being bound to Jamaica, fell in with 7 French Men of
War, and was taken. Mr. Fowle spoke with his Mate at Curaso.
Entered Inwards Th. Higbe, John Finch, Wil. Tiller and Dirick
Adolph from N. York, Plumbe from N. London, Lewis from Say-
brook, Bracket and Gardiner from Piscataqua, Cap. Shute from Salti-
tudoes, Pickmanand Elsonirom Lisborn.
76
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 22, 1704
Outward-bound, Ezekiel Cravat, and John Ventiman for Jamaica,
Smith for Montserat, John Foster for Barbados. Cleared Outwards,
Coasters, Kingsbury and Flood for Piscataqua. Arrived at Marble-
head, Capt. Quelch in the Brigantine that Capt. Plowman went out
in, are said to come from New-Spain & have made a good Voyage. *
Rhode-Island May IS. Yesterday Arrived a Sloop from Suranam,
5 Weeks Passage, Robert Stanton Master, in whom came a Passenger,
who says, That just ere they came out, a Vessel Arrived directly from
Holland, who gave the Account of 54 Privateers fitted out of Middle-
borough and Flusing, of 30 Guns the least, and 200 Men each. They
are not only to Cruise in the Channel, but to distribute themselves
all over the West-Indies; there had like to have been in Zealand a
Civil War about their going out, but at last it was agreed to, and the
Commissions granted in one day. No more Trade said to be al-
low d from those Ports, and what are liable to be Seized.
Arrived here this Day the Sloop Mary, Hugh Coward Master, from
New-York, Burthen d about 40 Tuns, designs if possible to Load
hence for London: Capt. Fy field will be ready to Sail for Antigua the
latter end of this Week, Capt. Whitehorn by the latter end of next
for London, Via Virginia with the Convoy.
New-London, May 18. The Adventure Brigantine for London,
Sayles the latter end of next week, the Master Patty being dead the
Owners designs Samuel Chester Master, and to go with the Virginia
Fleet. Mr. Shaply is preparing to go to Barbadoes.
New- York, May 15. Capt. Davison designs to Sail for London
the latter end of this Month, Via Virginia, if the Fleet be not gone,
the last Storm put our Pensilvania Post a week behind, and is not
yet com d in.
Philadelphia, May 4. On the second Arrived Stephen Codman
from Boston, Gravenrad from New-York, Almary a Sloop from
Rhode-Island: and yesterday Sailed Hicks in a Sloop for Rhode-
Island, a Brigantine is Loading for England, to sail with the Vir
ginia Convoy.
B&vertisements.
CAptain Peter Lawrence is going a Privateering from Rhode-
Island, in a good Sloop, about 60 Tuns, six Guns, and 90 Men
for Canada, and any Gentlemen or Sailors that are disposed to go
shall be kindly entertained.
10 Captain John Quelch, "the Pirate." See News-Letter Nos. 6, 7, 9, 10,
11, 14 (1704), 63, 66 (1705) post. See foot-note 48, News-Letter No. 14 post,
pointing to a detailed account of the "Quelch affair" based on the News-Letter
reports.
77
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 29, 1704
THis News- Letter is to be continued Weekly; and all Persons
who have any Houses, Lands, Tenements, Farms, Ships, Vessels,
Goods, Wares or Merchandizes, &c. to be Sold or Let; or Servants
Run-away, or Goods Stole or Lost; may have the same inserted at a
Reasonable Rate, from Twelve Pence to Five Shillings, and not to
exceed: Who may agree with John Campbel Post-master of Boston.
All Persons in Town and Country, may have said News-Letter
every Week, Yearly, upon reasonable terms, agreeing with John
Campbel, Post-master for the same.
TO. E5. fllumb. 6.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDonDag May 22. to /IDOttftag May 29. 1709.
-AS HU(m) NY
J"T7OREIGN matter fills the large part of the first page: comprising,
1 -T under date London, November 26, 1703, "Advice from Turin,"
and an account of "the most violent Storm of Wind, being W. S.W.
that ever was known in England . . . blowing down a multitude
of Chimnies, Houses and tops of Houses, whereby a great many People
were kill d in their beds, and several wounded." The domestic news
includes a proclamation by the lieutenant-governor for the apprehension
of the pirate John Quelch and his band, and reports concerning their
movements.]
By the Honourable ZTbOtttaS ipOPCE Esq. Lieut. Governour and
Commander in Chief, for the time being, of Her Majesties Province
of the Massachusetts- Bay in New-England.
A PROCLAMATION 11
WHereas *John Quelch, late Commander of the Briganteen Charles
and Company to her belonging, Viz. *John Lambert, *John
Miller, *John Clifford, *John Dorothy, * James Parrot, Charles James,
William Whiting, John Pitman, John Templeton, Benjamin Perkins,
*William Wiles, Richard Lawrence, Erasmus Peterson, John King,
Charles King, Isaac Johnson, Nicholas Law son, Daniel Chevalle,
John Way, Thomas Farrington, Matthew Primer, Anthony Holding,
William Rayner, John Quittance, John Harwood, William Jones,
Denis Carter, Nicholas Richardson, James Austin, James Pattison,
11 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p.
388. See News- Letter Nos. 5 ante, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14 (1704), 63, 66 post.
See foot-note News-Letter No. 14 post.
78
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 29, 1709
Joseph Hutnot, George Peirse, George Norton, Gabriel Davis, John
Breck, John Carter, Paul Giddens, Nicholas Dunbar, Richard Thur-
bar, Daniel Chuley and others; Have lately Imported a considerable
Quantity of Gold dust, and some Bar and Coin d Gold, which they
are Violently Suspected to have gotten & obtained by Felony and
Piracy, from some of Her Majesties Friends and Allies, and have
Imported and Shared the same among themselves, without any
Adjudication or Condemnation thereof, to be lawful Prize. The
said Commander and some others being apprehended and in Custody,
the rest are absconded and fled from Justice.
I have therefore thought fit, by and with the Advice of Her Majes
ties Council, strictly to Command and Require all Officers Civil and
Military, and other Her Majesties Loving Subjects, to Apprehend and
Seize the said Persons, or any of them, whom they may know or find,
and them secure and their Treasure, and bring them before one of the
Council, or next Justice of the Peace, in order to their being safely
Conveyed to Boston, to be Examined and brought to Answer what
shall be Objected against them, on Her Majesties behalf.
And all Her Majesties Subjects, and others, are hereby strictly
forbiden to entertain, harbour or conceal any of the said Persons,
or their Treasure ; Or to convey away, or in any manner further the
Escape of any of them, on pain of being proceeded against with utmost
Severity of Law, as accessaries and partakers with them in their
Crime.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the 24th. Day of May:
In the Third Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady ANNE,
by the Grace of GOD of England, Scotland, France & Ireland,
QUEEN, Defender of the Faith, &c. Annoque Domi. 1704.
By Order of the Lieut. T. POVE Y.
Governour & Council,
Isaac afcMnaton, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
St. Christophers, May 2d. Arrived a small Boat with 4 English
men that made their escape from Martinico, who related that the
French there were very scarce of Provisions; whereupon the Gover
nour had released all the Prisoners, and had ordered two Vessels to
carry them off: but in the interim Two French Privateers met with
two Bristol men loaden with Provisions from Ireland, one of which
being of some Force sunk one of the Privateers; the other having
taken tother Bristol man, and seeing his confederate sunk, took up
most of his men, and also took the Second and carryed both in to
Martinico; upon which the Governour clapt up all the Prisoners
79
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 29, 1709
again. They also said the French had taken one Pease of Rhode-
Island, who stoutly resisted the Privateer, kill d one of them, and
wounded several; however being too strong for him, they boarded
him, & he cry d quarter, yet notwithstanding because of his Noble
courage they barbarously kill d him. They also report one Shute
to be taken. There was 12 Merchant men Arrived at St. Christophers,
and 3 men of War from England bound for Jamiaca. A French
Privateer came under the Fort at St. Christophers and took a Sloop
call d the N. London, and the Sheerness Gaily immediately went out
after him and retook the Sloop, and took the Privateer.
From St. Thomas, acquainted that a Dutch Merchant-man of about
22 Guns, loaden with 500 Pipes of Modem, bound to Curaso, put in to
Tobago, a French Privateer of about equal Guns, 200 men met him,
made a stout resistance, kill d the Privateer 40 men besides those
wounded; at last the French man overcame, and sent him in to
Martinico, he himself being so disabled, was forced to put in to St.
Thomas s to Carreen.
Piscataqua, May 26. His Excellency hath Prorogued the Assembly
until July: He sets out this morning towards Boston.
New York, May 22. Capt. Davison, Sails next Monday for
Virginia, and if the Fleet be gone he designs to follow them.
Boston, May 27. Our last gave an Account of Capt. Quelch s
being said to Arrive from N. Spain, having made a good Voyage,
but by the foregoing Proclamation tis uncertain whence they came,
and too palpably evident they have committed Piracies, either upon
her Majesties Subjects or Allies. The Names of so many of the Pirates
as are in Prison & Irons in Boston, have a * just before their Names:
William Whiting lyes Sick like to dy not yet examin d. There are
two more of them Sick at Marblehead, and another in Salem Goal:
and James Austin Imprisoned at Piscataqua. 12 Arrived here yester
day two Sloops, Waters from Madera s 7 weeks Passage, and Fortune
Reddock from St. Christophers in 22 days. His Excellency came
Home this day from his Government of New- Hampshire.
Annapolis, May 8. Via Philadelphia May 16. By Capt. Evans,
in a Ship from Bristol lately arrived in Virginia, acquainted, that
the Fleet for England was to stay till the last of this Month. [A number
of items of foreign news brought by this ship follow.]
Rhode-Island May 26. Five of Quelch s Men bought a small
deck d Boat, and on Thursday morning last they Sail d, and tis
said, they designed to go for Long-Island; The Express from Boston
12 See News- Letter Nos. 5 ante, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, (1704), 63, 66 post.
See foot-note, News- Letter No. 14 post.
80
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 5, 1704
to secure them coming in that night. His Honour Gov. Cransten
Esq. Issued forth Warrants to seize and search for them, where
upon one of said Crew was Apprehended, and sent from Constable
to Constable, in order to be sent to Boston. 13
Jamaica, Feb. 1 . Via Philadelphia, Piemento, Gov. of Carthageen
hath not embraced Philip the 5th, & would not suffer either French
Officers, Souldiers, or Merchant Traders, into the City since the War,
but rejected those sent from St Domingo: He was last War a
Brigadier in Flanders, esteemed to be a great Souldier: Both Gov.
Selvin, and our present Gov. spoke very honourably of him rendred
himself a person having a great honour for our Nation, lodg d his
Cash with our Merchants here to remit to England, where he has a
bank, as also in Holland.
Hfcverttsements.
[Reprinted: the News- Letter advertisement, as in May 22.]
1R. J. fllumb. 7
The Bolt on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaE May 29. to /IDonfcaS June 5. 1704.
M H AS HU (m) NY
first page in part occupied, under date London November
30, 1703, by "A List of Her Majesties Ships cast away in the
Late Storm, with an Account of the Number of Men Lost;" and re
port of the action of the house of commons thereon. The remainder of
the space in this number is given wholly to domestic news, which
includes a proclamation by the governor relative to Quelch and com
pany; the list of members of the council and of the house of repre
sentatives chosen for the ensuing year; and the speech of Governor
Dudley at the opening of the General Court.]
By His Excellency, Joseph Dudley Esq. Captain General and Gov-
ernour in Chief, in & over Her Majesties Provinces of the Massachusetts-
Bay & New-Hampshire in New-England in America.
A PROCLAMATION. 14
WHereas during my late absence from the Province of the Massa
chusetts-Bay, for Her Majesties Service in the other part of my
Government, viz. the said Province of New-Hampshire; The Honorable
13 See News- Letter Nos. 5, 6 ante, 9, 10, 11, 14, (1704), 63, 66 post.
See foot-note, News- Letter No. 14 post.
14 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 389.
See News-Letter Nos. 5, 6 ante, 9, 10, 11, 14 (1704), 63, 66 post. See foot
note, News-Letter No. 14 post.
81
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 5, 1704
Thomas Povey Esq. Lieutenant Governour, with the Advice of Her
Majesties Council, Emitted a Proclamation for the Seizing & Securing
of John Quelch, late Commander of the Briganteen Charles, & Company,
Viz. John Lambert, John Miller, John Clifford, John Dorothy, James
Parrot, Charles James, William Whiting, John Pitman, John Temple-
ton, Benjamin Perkins, William Wilde, Richard Lawrance, Erasmus
Peterson, John King, Charles King, Isaac Johnson, Nicholas Law son,
Daniel Chevalle, John Way, Thomas Farrington, Matthew Pimer,
Anthony Holding, William Rayner, John Quittance, John Harwood,
William Jones, Denis Carter, Nicholas Richardson, James Austin,
James Patterson, Joseph Hutnot, George Peirse, George Norton,
Gabriel Davis, John Breck, John Carter, Paul Giddins, Nicholas
Dunbar, Richard Thurbar, Daniel Chuley, Christopher Scudamore,
and others, them violently Suspected of Felony and Piracy, committed
upon some of Her Majesties Friends and Allies.
And it being now made Evident by the Confession of some of the
said Persons apprehended and Examined, That the Gold & Treasure
by them Imported, was rob d and taken from the Subjects of the
Crown of Portugal, on whom they have also acted divers Villanous
Murders.
I Have thought fit, by & with the Advice of Her Majesties Council,
to issue forth this further Proclamation, hereby strictly Command
ing & Requiring all Officers Civil & Military, & other Her Majesties
Loving Subjects, to Apprehend & Seize the said Pirates, or any of
them: (The Commander Quelch, Lambert, Wilde, Dorothy, Clifford,
Parrot, Miller, Whiting, Richardson, & Austin, being already in
Custody) whom they may know or find, with their Treasure, and to
secure the same, and bring them before one of the Council, or next
Justice of the Peace, in order to their being safely Conveyed to
Boston, to be Examined & brought to Answer what shall be Ob
jected against them, on Her Majesties behalf. And whosoever
shall discover & Seize any of the said Pirates or Treasure concealed,
and deliver them to Justice, shall be well Rewarded for their pains.
And all Her Majesties Subjects & others are hereby strictly for-
biden to entertain, harbour or conceal any of the said Pirates or their
Treasure; Or to convey away, or in any manner to further the
Escape of any of them; On pain of being Proceeded against with
utmost Severity of Law, as Accessaries & partakers with them in
their Crimes: And any who conceal or have in their custody any of
the said Treasure, & shall not disclose & make known the same
unto some one or more of the Council, with an Accompt of the Quan
tity & Species, & render the same unto the Commissioners appointed
for that purpose, within the space of Twenty Days next after the
82
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 5, 1704
Publication hereof at Boston, shall be alike proceeded against.
And the Sheriffs are required immediately to Publish this Proclama
tion in the most principal Towns in their County, and Post up the
same, and cause it to be Posted up in all other Towns.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the Twenty-ninth Day of
May, 1704. In the Third Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady
ANNE by the Grace of GOD, of England, Scotland, France and
Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c. /. D UDLE Y
By Order of the Governour and Council,
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
Besides these mentioned in Custody already, there is also Christo
pher Scudamore, Rich. Lawrance, & Matt. Pinter.
Boston, May 31, 1704. The Members of Her Majesties Council
for the Ensuing Year, Viz. * 5
Wait Winthrop Esq. James Russel Esq. John Hathorne Esq. Elisha
Hutchinson Esq. Samuel Sewall Esq. Isaac Addington Esq. William
Brown Esq. John Phillips Esq. Jonathan Corwin Esq. John Foster
Esq. Penn Townsend Esq. John Higginson Esq. Samuel Pattridge
Esq. Andrew Belcher Esq. Samuel Legg Esq. Edward Bromfield Esq.
Ephraim Hunt Esq. Samuel Apple ton Esq. John W alley Esq. John
Thacher Esq. Isaac Winslow Esq. Nathanael Payne Esq. Eliakam
Hutchinson Esq. Joseph Hammond Esq. Benjamin Brown Esq.
Joseph Lynde Esq.
The Members of the House of Representatives for the several Towns,
are as follows. And those that have this Mark f are new ones. 1 5
15 Printed, revised, in The Acts and Resolves . . . of the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay: .... Vol. VIII, pp. 61-63. In the list of mem
bers of the council are these changes in the Province Laws print: Russell for
Russel; Browne for Brown in both cases; Nathaniel Paine for Nathanael
Payne; and Eliakim for Eliakam Hutchinson. In the list of representatives,
the following: Dorchester, Hopestill for Hopestil Clap; Braintree, Lieut. Bax
ter instead of Mr.; Salem, Major Browne instead of Browne Esq., Wolcott for
Wolcot; Ipswich, Jewett for Jewet; Newbury, Deacon Noyes instead of Mr.;
Lynn, Burrill for Burril; Marblehead, Brattle for Bratle; Beverly, Woodbery
for Woodberry; Wenham, Deacon Fiske, for Mr.; Topsfield, blank filled: Ser
geant John Hovey, Sergeant Daniel Redington; Gloucester, Ensign Coit in
stead of Mr.; Boxford, Symonds for Simons; Amesbury, Foott for Foot; Cam
bridge, Mr. Oliver instead of Capt. ; Watertown, John for Jos. Sherman;
Sudbury, Balcom for Balcam; Marlborough, Capt. Howe instead of Mr. How;
Concord, Wheller for Wheeler; Bilerica, Richeson for Richardson; Wo burn,
Major Converse instead of Converse Esq. ; Reading, Sweyne for Swain; Maiden,
Willson for Wilson; Dracut, Varnam for Varnum; Plymouth, Capt. Warren
instead of Warren Esq.; Bridgewater, David for Daniel Perkins; Duxbury,
Josiah for Joshua Holmes; Yarmouth, Capt. Samuel Howes for Mr. Sam Hows;
Springfield, blank filled: Deacon John Hitchcock; Bristol, Simeon for Simon
Davis; Rehoboth, blank filled: Mr. Enoch Hunt, Mr. Benjamin Allen; Swanzey,
Perce for Pierce; Dartmouth, Samson for Sampson; Kittery, Ensign Leighton
for Mr. Layton.
83
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 5, 1704
Boston, Mr. Tho. Oakes, Capt. Sam. Checkley, Capt. Eph. Savage,
Mr. Elizr. Holyoke. Roxbury, Mr. Wil. Denison. Dorchester, Mr.
Hopestil Clap. Milton, Capt. Tho. Vose. Braintrey, Mr. John Bax
ter. Weymouth, Capt. Steph. French. Dedham, Capt. Dan. Fisher.
Medfield, tMr. John Metcalfe, Hingham, Mr. Theoph. Gushing.
Woodstock, tMr. Philip Eastman. Salem, fSam. Brown, Esq. tjosiah
Wolcot, Esq. Ipswich, Mr. Nehem. Jewet, |Capt. Wil. Goodhue.
Newbury, tMr. Cutting Noyes. Lynn, tjohn Burril, Esq. Marble-
head, fCapt. Edw. Bratle. Beaverky, Mr. Isaac Woodberry. Wen-
ham, fMr. William Fiske. Topsfield, [blank]. Glocester, f Mr -
Nath. Coit. Boxford, tMr. Sam. Simons. Rowley, tMr. John Dresser.
Salisbury, tMr. Rich. Hubbard. Amsbury, tMr. John Foot. An-
dover, tMr. John Chandler. Haverhill, fMr. Sam. Watts. Charles-
town, Cap. Sam. Phipps. Cambridge, Capt. Tho. Oliver. Newton,
fMr. John Spring. Watertown, Mr. Jos. Sherman. Sudbury, Mr.
John Balcam. Marlborough, tMr. Tho. How. Concord, Mr. John
Wheeler. Chelmsford, Capt. Jer. Bowers. Billerica, Mr. Tho.
Richardson. Wobourn, Jam. Converse, Esq. Speaker. Reading,
tMajor Jer. Swain. Maiden, Capt. Jos. Wilson. Sherbourn, tMr.
Wil. Rider. Dracut, tMr. Jos. Varnum. Plimouth tja. Warren,
Esqr. Scituate, Mr. Sam. Clap. Marshfield, Mr. Sam. Sprague.
Bridge-water, tMr. Daniel Perkins Duxbury, tMr. Joshua Holmes.
Barnstable, tMr. Samuel Hinckley. Sandwich, tMr. Sam. Prince.
Yarmouth, tMr. Sam. Hows. Eastham, Mr. Sam. Knowles. Spring
field, [blank]. Northampton, tCaptain Preserved Clap. Hadley,
tMr. Dan. Marsh. Bristol, tCaptain Simon Davis. Rehoboth, [blank].
Swansey, Mr. Ephraim Pierce. Taunton, tCapt. Hen. Hodges. Dart
mouth, Mr. Ja. Sampson. Littk-compton, tjos. Church, Esq. York,
tCap. Lewis Bane. Kittery, tMr. John Layton. Nantuckett, tja.
Coffin Esq.
His Excellency, Joseph Dudley Esqr. Captain General and Gov-
ernour in Chief in and over Her Majesties Province of the Massachusetts-
Bay in New-England, &c. His Speech to the Honourable the Council
and Representatives in General Court Assembled at Boston, June 1,
1704.
Gentlemen,
I Had the Advice of the last Assembly for an Expedition to the
Eastward, to consist of Six hundred men, who accordingly
Sailed from Piscataqua, about ten days since well Equipt, assisted
with two of Her Majesties Ships, the Jersey, and the Gosport, & the
Province- Gaily. I have directed the Commander in Chief, to give
me a Weekly Intelligence from the Forces by a Scout Shallop, which
I shall always acquaint you with.
84
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 5, 1704
The Frontiers of the Province are reduced to strict Garrisons,
and covered with 300 & fifty men, who meet every day in small
parties from the two extreams, Woodstock & Wells. And if it were
possible for me by any means to bring the Queens good Subjects
in the several parts, to do their duty in Watching & Scouting, I have
no doubt we might be in a great measure safe from the incursions
of the barbarous Rebels.
The Advice from the Enemy on the Western Parts of the Province,
give notice of their approach & settlement upon Connecticut River,
who must if possible be dislodged, & I believe the Government of
Connecticut will joyn a profper] force with some of ours for that end.
I am very sensible, the Charge of the Province is very great to
support these Services, but the Assembly at all times (I thank them)
have agreed the necessity, & have chearfully granted the necessary
Charge.
I hope we shall never fall below the courage & resolution of English-
men, to support Her Majesties Honour, our own just right to this
Province, with all humble submission, and trust in the favour of
Almighty God to defend and maintain us.
The Last Week has discovered a very notorious Piracy, com
mitted upon Her Majesties Allies the Portugal, on the Coast of Brazil,
by Quelch and Company, in the Charles Gaily; for the discovery of
which, all possible methods, have been used, and the severest Process
against those vile men shall be speedily taken. That the Province
be not thereby disparaged, as they have been heretofore; and I hope
every good man will do his Duty according to the several Proclama
tions, to discover the Pirates & their Treasure, agreeable to the Acts
of Parliament in that case made and provided.
Gentlemen,
It is your Anniversary Meeting, and I shall willingly attend the
dispatch of the necessary Affairs of the Province, and I hope you will
proceed with all Unanimity and Chearfulness in what is necessary
for the support of the Government, and the Forces abroad: And
your Advice in every thing shall be acceptable to me.
The Anniversary Election Sermon was Preached by the Rd. Mr.
Jon. Russel upon Neh. 9. 33. And is order d to be Printed
Boston June 3. Entered inwards this week, Hill & Cook, from St.
Christophers; Robinson from Hundoras, permitted to clear outwards :
Green for Newfoundland, Thaxter for Barbadoes. Coasters inwards,
Jackson, Sear gent, Webber, Kingsbury, Flood & Gardner from Piscata-
qua. Hall, Horton & Smith from Connecticut: Parker from N- York:
Coasters outward, Lathrop for Martha s-Vinyard, Higby, Smith &
Adolph for N- York; Plumb, Curtice, Loring, Lewis, Starkey &
85
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 5, 1704
Harris for Connecticut. Outward bound, Reddock for St. Christo
phers. Captain Ebenezer Coffin in the Sloop Anne, a Private Man of
War, came in on Thursday the 1st currant, as Convoy to the above
Coasters
Nantucket May 30. There was an Indian Woman found dead and
supposed to be kill d by her own Husband, who fled & swam over
to another small Island call d Tuckanuck, and was apprehended, & is
now in Irons at Nantucket.
Beaverly May 27. Jonathan Wheeler in a Ketch is Arrived in
5 Weeks from Antigua, was chased by a Sloop in sight of the Island, &
next morning chased by a Ship of 22 Guns, & in the chase spied the
Sheerness Gaily, & made to her & left the Ketch, & the Privateer to
shun her, run ashore upon Grandterre, the Man of War not being
acquainted, and shole water, would not venture, but went to An
tigua, to fetch a Sloop to get her off, & ere he returned, they were
gone. On the 23 of April a Ship fought a Privateer off of Antigua
two hours, but being too strong for her, took and carried her away.
Piscataqua June 1. On Sabbath last, some of the sculking Enemy
lay in Ambush for people at Cochecho, going to Publick Worship, &
narrowly escap t being on Horseback, ran safely by them, scouts went
out immediately after them, & found some dryed Beef, & pewter bul
lets in the Thicket where they lay.
There waits for a fair Wind, Cap. Frost & Hull for Barbadoes,
Aimer y for Antigua, Parker for Madera.
Rhod-Island June 2. Cap. Whitehorn sails in 10 days for Virginia
6 London.
New- London June 1. Capt. Chester sails in 10 days for Virginia &
London.
New-York May 29. Cap. Davison sails in 10 days for London,
fears will be too late for the Virginia Convoy who are said to sail
the 1st of June.
Hfcvertisements
TWo Negro men, and one Negro woman & Child: to be Sold by
Mr. John Colman, Merchant; to be seen at Col. Charles Hobbey,
Esq. his House in Boston.
RAn-away from his Master Seth Sweetzer of Charlstown, in N.-
Engl. August 15. 1703. A Young man, named John Logen,
about 19 Years of Age, of a middle Stature, black Hair, by occupation
a Taylor, he s said to be gone to Long-Island, thence to Pensilvania:
Whose ver shall take him up & convey him safe to his Master shall
have 4 pounds reward.
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 12, 1704
THis News Letter is to be continued Weekly, and all who have
Advertisements to insert, may have em at a reasonable rate,
from I2d. to 55. not to exceed : And all persons in Town & Country
may have said News- Letter every week by the Year: Agreeing with
John Campbell Post Master for the same.
ft. J. Humb. 8.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flUonfcaE June 5. to tHonftaS June 12. 1704.
NY AS HU (m)
f"rN the first column on the first page is London news of date
I 1 "from Nov. 30 to Decemb. 11. 1703. Plymouth Nov. 28." and
* also news from various European capitals referring particularly
to the heavy autumn storms on the continent. At the head of the
second column on the first page is part of a letter of Jeremiah Collier
headed "Mr Jeremiah Collier, Writing a Letter to a Person of Quality
upon occasion of the late Tempest" and signed " Your most Humble
Servant, J. C. December 10. 1703" The domestic news is of unusual
variety, interest and importance.]
St. Christophers May 13. Col. William Matthews daily expected
General, with 17 Sail of Men of War, and Col. Gibson s Regiment and
this Regiment to go in the said Fleet, their design not yet publick.
Boston June 10. This morning arrived an Express to His Excel
lency from Piscataqua, with Letters from Col. Church, Chief Com
mander of the Forces lately gone into the Bay of Fundey, Dated at
Mont Desart the 4 June Currant, acquainting His Excellency of their
having insulted & laid waste several French Settlements along the
Coast, taken some considerable booty of Furrs, Peltry, &c. from the
Enemy, kill d some Indians, and taken several French Prisoners,
and rescued (one Michael Webber a Captive, carried from Papadock)
out of the Enemies hand. That our Souldiers and Mariners on board
the several Vessels were in good health: That Her Majesties two
Ships the Gosport & Jersey had newly joyned them, and that they
were designed further up the Bay, on the French side.
The Prisoners say, That Provisions are very dear and scarce at
Portroyal: That there is but 10 or 12 Houses on the Plot of the Fort,
and 200 Souldiers in the Fort, and about 300 Inhabitants upon the
River on both sides about 5 leagues up. That the number of Indians
there, are about 40 Families, and about a like number at Passamis-
quady Fort and parts adjacent. That the Indians were to have a
87
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 12, 1704
general Rendezvouz about the middle of June, at or near to the House
of Monsieur Tho. Lefebure.
His Excellency intends to bring forward the Tryal of Quelch and
Company now in Custody for Piracy within a few days. 18
Warrants are issued forth to seize and apprehend Capt. Lari-
more, in the Larimore Galley, who is said to have Sailed from Cape
Anne with 9 or 11 Pirates of Capt. Quelch s Company. l8
There is two more of the Pirates seized this week and in Custody,
viz. Benjamin Perkins, and John Templeton. l7
In our News-Letter Numb. 5. W r e gave an Account of 30 Kill d
and Captivated by the Enemy at Northampton, of which number
there are since come & brought in alive Eleven Persons. 18
Entred inwards this week, John Moor from Nevis, Stephen Cod-
man junior from Fyal, and William Henderson from Lisbon, and
Coasters, Jonathan Sayer from N- York, Eleazar Darby from Pensil-
vania, Corney and Br acker from Piscataqua, Blin and Webb from
Connecticut. Outward bound, Tho. Sill, Zachery Aldin and John
Harris for Leward Islands, Philip Lewis for Suranam, Daniel Mar
shal for Virginia, Joshua Pickman for Portugal: Cleared outwards
Coasters, Snell and Kingsbury f or Piscataqua. Tiller, for New-York,
Mansfield, and Parker for Connecticut.
The Annual Artillery Election Sermon at Boston, upon Monday
the 5th Instant, was Preached by the Reverend Mr. Henry Gibbs,
on this Text, Psal. 44. 6. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall
my Sword save me.
And Mr. Thomas Hutchinson was Chosen Captain, and Capt. Adam
Winthrop Lieutenant of the Artillery.
Piscataqua, June 9. On Fry day last about 7 Indians made a
descent on Oyster-River, kill d one man and sundry Cattle: A
Scout of our Indians went out from Salmon Falls, came up with about
7 Indians, supposed to be those did the mischief, but a River or Pond
between them could not engage.
Milford May 30. Sabbath day last, about Noon, after Forenoons
Exercise, Mrs Jane Treat, Grand Daughter to Deputy Governour
Treat of Connecticut, Sitting in her Chair in the Corner or near the
Corner, with the Bible in her hand, as she was Reading, which was
her delight, was struck Dead by a terrible flash of Lightning, pre-
16 See foot-note, News-Letter, No. 14 post.
17 See News-Letter Nos. 5, 6, 7 ante, 9, 10, 11, 14 (1704), 63, 66 post.
See foot-note, News- Letter No. 14 post.
18 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 482.
See News-Letter No. 5 ante.
88
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 12, 1704
ceeding a Great Clap of Thunder, it kill d her in a Moment, without
knowing anything of the Pangs of Death ; her Body was much wound
ed, not torn but burnt, and spotted one side of her from the Crown
to the Sole of her foot. She was a Person of real Piety, and a pattern
of Patience, Modesty and Sobriety. This so awful a stroke on so
righteous a Person and Family, is a most amazing and mysterious
Providence, deeply afflictive to her Grandfather, Relations and
others.
Rhode-Island June 9. The Honourable Samuel Cranston Esq.
Governour of Her Majesties Colony of Rhode-Island &c. (Having
received a Proclamation Emitted by His Excellency Joseph Dudley
Esq. Capt. General & Gov. in Chief in an over Her Majesties Province
of the Mass. Bay Sec. for Seizing & Apprehending the late Company
of Pirates belonging to the Briganteen Charles, of whom John Quelch
was Commander) By and with the advice of the Deputy Governour
and Council present, issued forth his further Proclamation to Seize
and Apprehend said Pirates, or any of their Treasure, and to bring
them before one of the Council or next Justice of the Peace, in order
to be conveyed to the town of New-port, to be examined and pro
ceeded with according to Law. Commanding the Sheriff to Publish
this and His Excellencies Proclamation in the Town of New- Port,
and in other Towns of the Colony. Strictly forbiding all Her Majes
ties Subjects and others to conceal any of them or their Treasure, or
convey and further their escape, on pain of being proceeded against
with utmost severity of Law. 19
The Prize Sloop that Cap. Tonguerlow sent in, is unloaded, and had
on board about 10 Tons of Coccoa, 5 or 6000 weight of right good
Verino Tobacco, 8 Tearses of dry Goods, & 30 Cases of Liquors;
but when twill be Condemned, knows not.
Philadelphia May 26. This day Arrived Capt. Vaughan in a Sloop
from Exuma, on board of which is one Mr. Houlden, who is a part
Owner and Commander of the Ship, Portsmouth Gaily of London,
18 Guns, about 60 men, and small Arms for 120 men, sailed from
Boston in December last, where they took in about 10 Indian Divers,
being designed in search for a Plate Wreck about the Bohemia Is
lands, which not finding, put into the aforesaid Port to load Salt for
Boston, where on the 29th of April last (their Deck being pester d
with Lumber, &c. in order to clear their hole to take in Salt) a French
small Privateer Sloop full of men clapt her on board at Anchor, &
after a short dispute took her. The Master Capt. Ricey fought very
stoutly till he lost his life, but his men did not stand by him, other-
19 See News-Letter Nos. 5, 6, 1 ante, 9, 10, 11, 14 (1704), 63, 66 post.
See foot-note, News-Letter No. 14 post.
89
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 19, 1704
wise might have saved the Ship, he encouraged them when received
several wounds, but to little purpose; the Indians fought bravely
as two of them tell us both very much wounded, who jumpt over
board & swam ashore as soon as they see Cap. Ricey killed ; many were
killed on both sides, they carried also off 2 Sloops, one of 4 Guns &
8 men, a tender to sad Ship. Cap. Vaughan rode by said Ship, but
cut & run, next day put in & took in the above Indians, & took up his
Anchor; Cap. Houlden being on shore, when the Privateer took the Ship.
New-York, June 5. His Excellency designs for Albany this week
or the next.
H&\>erttsement5.
ON Fryday the 16th currant, at 11 a Clock in the forenoon, will
be exposed to Sale by Inch of Candle, w the Sloop Tryal, burthen
about 30 Tons, at Mr. Henry Franklings the Swan Tavern at the
North-End of the Town, the Sloop lyes at Mr. Thomas Clark s
Wharf near said Tavern, an Inventory of her Stores may be seen
at the Coffee-house, & at the Tavern aforesaid.
[Reprinted: the News-Letter advertisement, as in June 5; negroes
to be sold, as in June 5.]
H. fi. umb. 9.
The Bofton News-Letter.
[F
From flDOItfcaE June 12. to /IDon&a June 19. 1704.
M H-AS-NY
OREIGN matter occupies nearly all of the first page, the chief
item being a proclamation (December 12, 1703) by Queen Anne
for a general fast in view of the "late most Terrible and Dreadful
20 Selling by "light of candle" was a practice common throughout Europe.
At the beginning of the sale a candle was lighted, and while the candle was
burning the bidding went on. When the candle had burned out, the person
who had at that moment offered the highest price was declared the purchaser.
This method of selling was introduced into the American colonies and was
common during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In New Amsterdam it
was the regular legal usage of the Dutch in selling the property of debtors
levied upon by the sheriff. "Inch of candle. In some parts of the country
land is still disposed of at auction by inch of candle. This was the ancient
form of auctioneering. Candles of inch length were provided, and when the
candle went out the bidding was closed." Phrases and Names, Their Origins
and Meanings. By French H. Johnson.
"Down were tumbled miracle and martyr
Put up in lots and sold by inch of candle."
[Peter Pindar: Lyric Odes, xiii.
90
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 19, 1704
Storms of Wind, with which it Pleased Almighty God to Afflict the
greatest Part of this our Kingdom on Friday and Saturday the
Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh days of November last." The
domestic news relates largely to the seizure of Quelch s band of
pirates. There are also reports of hostile movements of the French
and Indians.]
Marblehead, June 9. The Honourable Samuel Sewall, Nathanael
By field, and Paul Dudley Esqrs. came to this place yesterday, in
obedience to His Excellency the Governour, his^Order for the more
effectual discovering and Seizing the Pirates lately belonging to the
Briganteen Charles, John Quelch Commander, with their Treasure.
They made Salem in their way, where Samuel Wake field the Water
Baily informed them of a Rumor that two of Quelches s Company
were lurking at Cape Anne, waiting for a Passage off the Coast:
The Commissioners made out a Warrant to Wake field to Search for
them, and dispatched him away on Wednesday night. And having
gain d intelligence this Morning that a certain number of them well
Armed, were at Cape Anne designing to go off in the Larrimore
Galley, then at Anchor in that Harbour. They immediately sent
Men from the several adjacent Towns by Land & Water to prevent
their escape, and went thither themselves, to give necessary orders
upon the place. 21
Glocester, upon Cape Anne, June 9. The Commissioners for
Seizing the Pirates and their Treasure, arrived here this day, were
advised that the Larrimore Galley Sail d in the Morning Eastward:
and that a Boat was seen to go off from the head of the Cape, near
Snake Island, full of men, supposed to be the Pirates. The Com
missioners seeing the Government mock d by Capt. Larrimore and
his Officers, resolved to send after them. Major Stephen Sewall
who attended with a Fishing Shallop, and the Fort Pinnace, offered
to go in pursuit of them, and Capt. John Turner, Mr. Robert Brisco,
Capt. Knight, and several other good men Voluntarily accom
panied him, to the Number of 42 men, who Rowed out of the Har
bour after Sun-sett, being little Wind. 22
Salem, June 11. This Afternoon, Major Sewall brought in to this
Port, the Larrimore Galley, and Seven Pirates, viz. Erasmus Peterson,
Charles James, John Carter, John Pitman, Francis King, Charles
King, John King, whom he with his Company Surprized and Seized
at the Isles of Sholes the 10th. Instant, viz. four of them on Board
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Reprinted, in part, from the News- Letter in Notes, in
The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay :
. . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 390-391. See New- Letter, Nos. 5, 6, -7,8 ante, 10, 11.
14 (1704), 63, 66 post. See foot-note, News-Letter No. 14 post.
91
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 19, 1704
the Larrimore Galley, and three on Shoar on Starr Island, being
assisted by John Hinckes and Thomas Phipps Esqrs. Two of Her
Majesties Justices of New-Hampshire, who were happily there,
together with the Justices, and the Captain of the place. He also
Seized 45 Ounces and Seven Penny weight of Gold of the said Pirates.
Capt. Thomas Larrimore, Joseph Wells Lieutenant, and Daniel
Wormall Master, and the said Pirates are Secured in our Goal. 2:i
Glocester, June 12. Yesterday Major Sewall passed by this place
with the Larrimore Galley, and Shallop Trial, standing for Salem,
and having little wind, set our men ashore on the Eastern Point,
giving of them notice that William Jones, and Peter Roach, two of
the Pirates had mistook their way, and were still left upon the Cape,
with strict charge to search for them, which our Towns People per
formed very industriously. Being strangers and destitute of all
Succours they surrendered themselves this Afternoon, and were
sent to Salem Prison. 24
Boston, June 17. On the 13 Instant, Major Sewall attended with
a strong guard brought to Town the above mentioned Pirates, and
Gold he had Seized, and gave His Excellency a full Account of his
Procedure in Seizing them. The Prisoners were committed to Goal
in order to a Tryal, and the Gold delivered to the Treasurer and
Committee appointed to receive the same. The Service of Major
Sewall and Company was very well Accepted and Rewarded by the
Governour. * 5
His Excellency was pleased on the 13 Currant to open the High
Court of Admiralty for Trying Capt. John Quelch late Commander
of the Briganteen Charles and Company for Piracy, who were brought
to the Barr, and the Articles exhibited against them read, They all
pleaded Not Guilty, excepting three Viz. Matthew Primer, John
Clifford and James Parrot, who were reserved for Evidences, and
are in Her Majesties Mercy. The Prisoners moved for Council, and
His Excellency assigned them Mr. James Meinzes. The Court was
adjourned to the Wth. When met again Capt. Quelch preferr d
a Petition to His Excellency and Honourable Court, craving longer
Time, which was granted till Monday Morning at Nine of the Clock,
when said Court is to Sit again in order to their Tryal. 2 8
On the 14. The Assembly Elected two of Her Majesties Council for
this Province, to make up the Number of 28. Samuel Hayman,
and Simeon Stoddard Esqrs. His Excellency approv d of the choice.
Capt. Thomas Hutchinson, Capt. Adam Winthrop Lieu, and Mr
John Noyes Ensign, Officers of the Honourable Artillery Company,
have caused the Printing of the Election Sermon, which is now in
the Press.
92
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 19, 1704
Entered outward bound John Stevens for Antigua, Thomas Lasenbe
for Barbados, and Peter Coffin for Madera. Coasters cleared Richard
Hall, and Jonathan Sayer, for Connecticut, Anthony Bracket for
Piscataqua. Permitted to clear Henry Sherburn, William Goddard,
Ephraim Breed, Andrew Wilson, and Thomas Barnes for Barbadoes,
Samuel Pay en for Antigua, Daniel Marshal for Virginia. Coasters
Inward Samuel Sand and William Newenhuysen, from New-York.
Capt. Ebenezer Coffin, in our Convoy Sloop of War, is arrived here
this day.
Rhode-Island, June 16. On Wednesday arrived John Brown in
a Sloop from Barbadoes, 19 days Passage, came out in Company
with 33 Sail, whereof Capt. Gillam was Convoy, bound for England.
There was one Briganteen bound for Boston, and one Sloop more
belonging here. On Tuesday last arrived here from Exuma a Bar-
mudian loaden with Salt, confirms the Death and taking of Capt.
Ricy. One Wilson in a Ketch entered for Boston, Whiteborn for
Virginia and London, Roach & Breed for Antigua, Collins & Moore
for Barbadoes, are all near ready to Sail.
New- London June 15. Arrived here on Thursday last William
Rollson in the Sloop TV London, 19. days Passage from St. Christo
phers, and on Monday Sailed Capt. Chester for London, and Browne
of New-Haven for Madera s. On Tuesday Marched Capt. Samuel
Eells of Millford with 100. men to Reinforce, Major Whiting at N.
Hampton. This is the 21st day of the Enemies French and Indians
March from Canada, as we are informed. 27
New-York June 12. Last W T eek arrived Capt. Feaver and Moyon
from Hundoras in 2 Sloops. We hear 500 French and Indians are
Marched from Canada, to attaque some parts of New- England. 27
The Philadelphia Post not come in.
Hfcvertteements
RAn-away from Capt. John Aldin of Boston, on Monday the 12th
Currant, a tall lusty Indian Man call d Harry, about 19 Years
of Age, with a black Hat, brown Ozenbridge Breeches and Jacket:
Whoever will take up said Indian, and bring or convey him safe either
to John Campbell Post master of Boston, or to Mr. Nathaniel Niles
of Kingstown in Naraganset, Master to said Indian, shall have a
sufficient Reward.
A Negro Woman about 16 Years Old, to be Sold by John Camp
bell Post-master, to be seen at his House next door to the Anchor
Tavern.
27 These items bearing on the French and Indian hostilities reprinted
from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves ... of the
Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 420.
93
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 26, 1704
[Reprinted: the News-Letter advertisement, as in May 22; negroes
to be sold, as in June 5.]
1ft. fi* IRumb. 10.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfcag June 19. to /!Donfca June 26. 1704.
M H AS NY
TTT^OREIGN matter occupies a part of the first page: comprising
I J? general European advices of dates between October 30 (Con-
* stantinople) and December 25, 1703 (Warsaw, Paris, Hague, Lon
don, Copenhagen) ; the London item reporting the action of the queen
and privy council in the case of the widows and orphans of the
officers and seamen who perished in the storm of November, 1703
in her majesty s service at sea. The domestic news includes report
of the trial of Quelch and company. Also, accounts of Indian oper
ations in the Connecticut Valley, and "to the Eastward," the
latter in letters from Col. Church commanding the colonial forces.]
Boston, June 24. On Monday last, The 19. Currant, The High
Court of Admiralty Sat again, when the Tryal of John Quelch
late Commander of the Briganteen Charles, and Company for Piracy
and Murder, Committed by them upon Her Majesties Allies the Sub
jects of the King of Portugal, was brought forward, and the said
Quelch was brought to the Bar, being charged with Nine several
Articles of Piracy and Murder whereupon he had been Arraigned
and Pleaded, Not Guilty: The Queen s Attorney opened the case,
and the Court proceeded to the Examination of the Evidences for
Her Majesty. And the Council for the Prisoner, and the Prisoner
himself being fairly heard, The Court was cleared, and after
Advisement, the Prisoner was again brought to the Bar; & the
the Judgment of the Court declared, That he was guilty of the
Felony, Piracy and Murder, laid in the said Articles: Accordingly
Sentence of Death was pronounced against him.
The next day being Tuesday, John Lambert, Charles James, John
Miller and Christopher Scudamore, were brought to the Bar, who
pleaded Not Guilty: And was severally tryed as Quelch was, and found
guilty and Sentenced to Dy in like manner.
Then was brought to the Bar, William Whiting and John Temple-
ton being Arraigned, They pleaded Not Guilty, and the Witnesses
proving no matter of Fact upon them, said Whiting being Sick all
the Voyage, & not active, and Tempkton a Servant about 14 years
of Age, and not charged with any action, were acquitted by the
94
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 26, 1704
Court, paying Prison Fees. Next 15. more being brought to the
Bar and Arraign d Viz. Will. Wilde, Benj. Perkins, James Austin,
Nick. Richardson, Rich. Lawrance, John Pitman, Will. Jones,
Erasmus Peterson, John King, Francis King, Charles King, Peter
Roach, John Dorothy, Denis Carter and John Carter, who severally
pleaded Guilty, and threw themselves on the Queen s Mercy. And
Sentence of Death was past upon them, in like manner as those
abovenamed. Tis said some of them will be Executed the
next Fryday, and the whole proceeding be put out in Print. 2 8
On Wednesday 21. Came an Express to His Excellency from
Hatfield with the Intelligence, That one Englishman and four In
dians, being sent out upon discovery of the Enemy, Travelled 7
days up the River of Connecticut, and discovered some Indians a
Fishing, so lay still till Night, and watched where they went to their
Wigwam, and Surprized them in the Wigwam kill d five of the said
Indians being men, took a Squaw alive, who informed them, that
the Indians were building a Fort at a place about 50 Miles further up,
and after further Examination of the said Squaw they kill d her also,
and brought the Six Scalp s with them to Northampton: There were
two Indians more of the said Company, but they made their escape.
Our People on the Frontiers are in a very good posture to receive
the Enemy, if they should come. 2 9
On Wednesday the 21. Arrived Mr. Hart in a Sloop from our
Forces to the Eastward, with Letters from Col. Church, Chief Com
mander of the same, Dated at Passamisquady, the 13. Currant,
acquainting His Excellency of their having laid wast & burnt all
the French Settlements in those parts, Kill d and Captivated of
French and Indians, to the number of Thirty-five Persons, since our
last account. While our People were Tearing up the Indian Corn,
they fired on them from the other side of the River, and a fight at a
distance continued about 3 hours, wherein we had one man Wounded,
but a great noise was heard among the Indians, and tis supposed
several of them were kill d and wounded; the number of Indians are
said to be between 30 & 40. Our Boats brought from the several
Houses and Settlements a considerable parcel of Plunder of Furrs,
Houshold Stuff, &c. The best we have got yet : We have also taken
Monsieur Chartier s Shallop, formerly Mr. Trevis s of Marblehead, and
several fine Cannoo s. Our Souldiers and Mariners on board Her
Majesties Ships the Gosport and Jearsy, the Province Galley, and other
28 See News-Letter Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 ante, 11, 14 (1704), 63, 66 post. See
foot-note, News-Letter No. 14 post.
29 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: .... Vol. VIII, p. 402-403.
95
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 26, 1704
several Vessels, were all in Health. The Prisoners are brought to
Boston. 3
Cap. Ellery from England had about Eight Weeks passage, Says,
as he came away, that there was a strong Embargoe laid on, and a
Squadron of about 50. men of War a fitting out. Capt. Stone, that
Sail d hence with the Fleet was Arrived, and Capt. Wadsworth and
Morton that Sail d a little before them.
Capt. Parker is Arrived from Barbadoes.
Boston, Permitted to clear Outwards, Ezekiel Cravate, John Foster,
John Phillips, John Scot, and Isaac Perkins for Barbadoes. Thomas
Sill, Zachariah Alden, Joseph Vial, and Joshua Pikman for Antigua:
Stephen Water for Madera: Fortune Reddock for St. Christophers:
Philip Lewis for Surranam; Richard Smith and William Cooke for
Montserrat: Edward Holloway for Jamaica, and James Robe for
Virginia. Entered Inwards, John Ellery from London; Samuel
Clark and Wilson from Connecticut: Kinghsbury from Piscataqua.
Coasters cleared Outwards, Blin, Henderson and Vail for Connecticut.
Outward Bound, Newcomb Blague, for Madera s, Isaac Robinson,
for Jamaica, and Newenhusen for New-York.
Rhode-Island, June 23. On the 19. Instant arrived Moses Butter-
worth in a Sloop from Barbadoes, 22. days passage, came out in Com
pany with the Blackwall man of War, going in pursuit of the Country
Briganteen, sent out from Barbadoes, some time before on a Cruise,
having 50. of the man of War s men on board her, who instead of
Returning, turn d Pirate, and took an English Ship bound from
London to Antigua, robb d her and let her go : The news being brought
from Antigua to Barbadoes, they immediately sent the Blackwall
after her.
When Mr. Butterworth was in the Lat. of 36. & 40. They saw a
Fleet consisting of about 150. Sail & took them to be Spaniards,
but on the relating of it here, we suppose them to be the Homeward
bound Virginia Fleet for England.
New-York June 19. On the 16 Arrived Daniel Dunskum in a
Sloop from Barbadoes 22 days Passage, came out in Company with
35 Sail, some for Boston, Rhode-Island and Philadelphia. On the
12th Currant he met with the Homeward bound Virginia Fleet
consisting of 143 Sail about 30 leagues to the Eastward of Sandy-
hook: They Sail d from Virginia the seventh Instant, and nine
leagues without the Cape they met with the two men of War, viz.
The Faulkland and the Oxford who were expected as an additional
30 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 361.
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.THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 3, 1704
Convoy. The Commadore (Cap. Evans] ordered them to return
with the Fleet without proceeding any further which they did:
The Merchant men promising to supply them with Water, &c. On
Board the Faulklcmd was one Mr. Vrqhuart, a Minister Bound for
this place, who had the good Fortune to get a Passage hither in Mr.
Dunskun, but sundry other Passengers on board those two Men
of War for Virginia, Maryland and Pensilvania are all carried back
for England: They left Portsmouth the beginning of April last,
and in their passage the Faulkland took two French Ships, one of
24 Guns, and 65 men, the other of Twelve Guns and Twenty-five
men, both Bound for Martinico, to St. Malo loaden with Sugar,
Cocoa, Indico, &c. The Oxford gave Chase to a Third in Company
with these two, but could not come up with her.
Mr. Vrqhuart is appointed Minister of Jamaica, one Mr. Crawford
a Minister for Pensilvania, was on board the Oxford but carried home
again.
Philadelphia, June 17. On the 12. dyed the Honourable Colonel
William Markham. On the 13. a Sloop arrived from Virginia,
left Point Comfort the 9 Instant, Says, That the Virginia Fleet
consisting of about 140 Sail under Convoy, (only) of the Dreadnought
and Foy, Sailed from Linhavenbay on the 8th. Instant for England.
Hfcvertisements
T} An-away from Capt. Nathanael Gary, of Charlstown, on Saturday
-"-the 17th Currant, a well set middle sized Maddagascar Negro
Woman, called Penelope, about 35 years of Age: With several sorts
of Apparel; one whereof is a flowered damask Gown: She speaks
English well. Whosoever shall take up said Negro Servant, and her
Convey to her above-said Master, shall have sufficient Reward.
[Reprinted: the News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 5.]
1ft 4 J6. 1Rumb, 11.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDonfca$ June 26. to /IBcmfcaE July 3. 1704.
M H AS NY
["Tj^OREIGN matter, chiefly, under date 20th December 1703, an
j^-T address of the English commons to the queen, occupies most of
the first page. A "Coppy of a Letter from a Gentleman in Cannada
to a Gentleman in Port-royal," dated "Quebeck," follows. The domes
tic news includes the "bill of mortality" for Boston for three years;
a paragraph account of the execution of Quelch and five of his com-
97
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 3, 1704
panions; and the announcement of the receipt by the governor of a
packet from the queen "to permit a trade with New Spain" (Mexico).]
The Coppy of a Letter from a Gentleman in Cannada, to a Gentle
man in Port-royal: Quebeck, April, 28. 1704.
SIR I believe you have heard of several parties of French and
Indians, gone out since the last fall against the English, Mr.
Gordeau the bearer hereof is a living witness, who will inform you of
the whole, If the affairs of this Countrey do not change in a little
time, others will go away. Canada w r as never in the Like misery,
we must absolutely abandon it before two Years, or God must work
Miracles, to preserve it, since Peace is made with the Maqua s in the
Pardon which the King has a second time given the Hunters. He
permits them to go to the new Colony of Messasipy, or to return to
their own Countrey absolutely pardoning all their disobedience. I
believe the liberty given them of choice, will not only hinder them
from returning to their ow r n Country, but will make those that are
there resolved to go away, thinking they can t be taken else-where.
Wine is so rare here, that we are obliged to drink nothing but water,
and other Goods proportionably ; we impatiently expect News from
France, to advise us who must be our Governour.
Boston, July 3. On Tuesday morning Dyed Madam Anne Rich
ards: 31 was Buryed on Thursday last. On Fryday died Madam Anne
Paige: 32 was Buried Yesterday.
Boston. Because it may carry some useful Information in it,
we have thought it not amiss, to give the Publick, the JStll Of
for the Three Years last past.
The Number of Persons, besides Negro s and Indians, which
were buryed in the Town of Boston.
Anno.
1701.
1702.
1703.
March
11
9
21
April
G
13
14
May
11
8
16
June
13
07
12
July
15
20
10
August
15
32
13
September
17
47
19
October
12
55
15
November
15
74
8
31 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 107, under date June 27 [1704]!
also, p. 108, under date June 29, and note on same page.
32 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 109, under date Junij. 30, 1704,
and note on same page; also, p. Ill, under date July 2.
98
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 3, 1704
Anno. 1701. 1702. 1703.
December 7 87 18
January 17 69 6
February 7 20 7
146 441 159
Note, 1. In that Mortal year, 1702. the Number of Negroes and
Indians, which had a Singular Share in the Mortality, made the
Number of the Buried, arise to about, 500.
Note, 2. Many Inhabitants of Boston, have their Employments at
Sea; and many of these Dying abroad (in proportion, much more
than at home) they are not reckoned in our Catalogue.
Note, 3. It has been observed by some, that in Times of Health f
(such as we now Enjoy,) Mortality ordinarily carries off, somewhat
about a Fiftieth Part of the People Every year. Quare, How far
will that Observation hold for this Town?
Note, 4. It might be of use, if some other of the principal Towns
in the Country, would preserve their 35111 Of flT10ltalitP t an d Com
municate it.
On Fryday was carried to the Place of Execution seven Pirates to
be Executed, viz. Capt. John Quelch, John Lambert, Christopher
Scudamore, John Miller, Erasmus Peterson, Peter Roach & Francis
King; all of which were Executed, excepting the last named, who had
a Reprieve from His Excellency, And notwithstanding all the great
labour and pains taken by the Reverend Ministers of the Town of
Boston, ever since they were first Seized and brought to Town, both
before and since their Tryal and Condemnation, to instruct, ad
monish, preach and pray for them ; yet as they led a wicked and vitious
life, so to appearance they dyed very obdurately and impenitently,
hardened in their Sin. 33
His Excellency intends to send an Express to England with an
Account of the whole matter to Her Majesty. 34
33 See New- Letter Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ante, 14 (1704), 63, 66 post. See
foot-note, News- Letter No. 14 post.
A broadside entitled
An Account of the Behaviour and last Dying
Speeches
Of the Six Pirates, that were Executed on Charles River, Boston side,
On Fryday June 30th. 1704. Viz.
Capt. John Quelch, John Lambert, Christopher Scudamore,
John Miller, Erasmus Petersen and Peter Roach,
with the imprint "Printed for and Sold by Nicholas Boone, at his Shop near
the Old Meeting-House in Boston, 1704," is bound in the file of the Massachu
setts Historical Society immediately before this issue; also in the file of the
New York Historical Society immediately after the issue of July 10.
The scene of this execution is depicted by Sewall in his Diary, Vol. II, p. 109.
34 See foot-note, News-Letter No. 14 post.
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 3, 1704
On Fryday His Excellency Prorogu d the General Assembly to
the 16th. day of August.
On Saturday His Excellency received a Packet from England
by way of N. York, with directions from Her Majesty to permit a
Trade with New-Spain, (stores of War, and goods prohibited by act
of Parliament only excepted,) and this Morning His Excellency in
Council has ordered a Proclamation to be published signifying Her
Majesties pleasure therein. 35
Entred Outward bound William Everton, for Newfoundland;
James Gibsen for Leward Islands, Nicholas Parker and Walter Ogles-
by for Barbadoes. Coasters Inwards, Holt, Baker and Tapper from
Connecticut. Forreign Vessels Inward, Charles Bridgar from Cam-
peche: Permitted to Clear outwards Benjamin Pereman for Barba
does. Coasters Outwards, Kingsbury, and Parker for Piscataqua,
Eliot & Smith for Connecticut.
Madera, May 8. By Letters from Lisbons of the 20. last Via
Salem, acquainted [various items of European war news].
Two men of War and several Merchant Ships from England f
touched here, bound to the West-Indies.
Piscataqua June 29. On Monday Arriv d Joseph Esman from
Topsam, about 8 weeks passage, he intends for Boston.
Rhode-Island June 30. There s Arriv d here another Prize sent
in by Cap. Tongrelow a Brigantine of about 90 Tons, belonging to
Curaso, Taken a Trading with the Spaniards, her loading consists of
about 30 or 40 boxes of Steel, 102 double bars of Iron, a quantity of
Dutch Knives, 72 Barrels of Flower, 32 Beaves Hides, some Turto-
shell. On Tuesday Arriv d the Sloop Charles from the Bay of Com-
peche belonging to Boston, brings News, that Cap. Stevens, who
was Captain of that Sloop that Tongrelow has now, who went on shore
with about 100 & odd men at the River of Chechopege, & was suppos d
they were all cut off, are all alive and well at Laverdecrouse ; They
took the Town they went to take, but staid too long in it, and so the
Country rose & took them all Prisoners, the Masters name I know
not, but the Sloop is gone for Boston. Here is one Pitts from South
Carolina, but brings no news.
New-York, Jiine 26. Last Week arriv d one Watkins, about 6
Weeks passage from the Bay of Hundoras, not any Boston Vessels
in the Bay when he came away.
Philadelphia, June 22. On the 18. arrived Capt. Harriot from
Barbadoes, who spoke with 6 Ships that came out of the Capes of
35 See News-Letter No. 12 post.
100
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 10, 1704
Virginia, 4 days after the Fleet Sail d thence, on board of which was
Mr. Paxton, whom they spoke with.
Here is a Passenger come to Town, came from Bristol the latter
end of March to Virginia, gives an Account of 36 Bristol Ships,
all 3 7 outward bound to the West Indies &c. were all taken coming
out of the Chanel (without Convoy) by 6 Privateers, who set on Shore
most of the Prisoners in England.
H&v>ertisements
AT Col. Francis Foxcroft, Merchant, his Ware-house upon the
Dock in Boston, there s a parcel of Spanish and Swedes Iron
to be Sold.
RAn-away from his Master, Seth Sweetzer of Charlstown, in New-
England, Ait gust 15. 1703. A Young man, named John Logen,
about 19 years of Age, of a middle stature, black hair, by occupation
a Taylor: He s said to be gone to Long-Island, thence to Pensil-
vania: Whoever shall take him up, and convey him safe to his
above-said Master, shall have Four Pounds reward.
THere is now in the Press, and will speedily be Published: The
Arraignment: Tryal and Condemnation of Capt. John Quelch,
and others of his Company &c. For sundry Piracies, Robberies
and Murder, committed upon the Subjects of the King of Portugal,
Her Majesties Allie, on the Coast of Brazil, &c. Who upon full Evi
dence were found Guilty, at the Court-House in Boston, on the 13th.
of June 1704. With the Arguments of the Queen s Council, and
Council for the Prisoners, upon the Act for the more effectual Sup
pression of Piracy. With an account of the Ages of the several
Prisoners, and the Places where they were Born. Sold by Nick.
Boone, near the Old-Church.
[Reprinted: the News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 5.]
1R. j. IKumb. 12.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOUfcaE July 3. to /IDott&ag July 10. 1704.
NY AS
NCIDENTS of the visit of the Duke Charles of Austria, aspirant
to the throne of Spain, to Holland and England in December,
36 Figures blotted out with a pen in the copy in the file of the Massachu
setts Historical Society.
37 This word, all, also blotted out.
101
[i
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 10, 1704
1703 and January, 1703-1704, are fully recorded in the two columns of
the first page of this issue under date of Hague, January 4, 1704
and London, December 30, 1703. From Milan, Vienna and other
places on the continent is December news of the war in Poland
and the recognition of the Duke Charles for king of Spain. Gover
nor Dudley s proclamation for permitting a trade to the Spanish
West-Indies, is given with the domestic news.]
Piscataqua, July, 6. On Tuesday last eight Indians were seen
at York, who had almost Surpriz d one Shaw, that was at some
distance from the Garrison: The Indians were within Pistol Shot,
and might have kill d him, but striving still to surround & take him
alive, (as supposed for Intelligence) he by that means, being a nimble
active man, made his escape. Capt. Heath & Lieutenant March
immediately went in pursuit of them 6. or 7 Mils, but no discovery.
By His EXCELLENCY, Joseph Dudley Esq. Captain General and
GOVERNOUR in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Provinces of
the Massachusetts- Bay and New- Hampshire in New- England,
and Vice-Admiral of the same. A PROCLAMATION, For Per-
miting a Trade to the Spanish West-Indies.
TTAving Received Her Majesties Commands of the Twenty third
"- of February past, by the Right Honourable, the Earl of Notting
ham Principal Secretary of State, To permit and Suffer Her Majesties
Subjects freely and openly to carry to any Place or Territory, under
the Dominion of Spain in America, all such Merchandizes and
Commodities, as might have been carryed thither before the War;
Provided there be not among them any Stores or Ammunition of
War: And likewise to Permit Her Majesties Subjects to bring from
the Spanish Dominions in America, any Merchandizes or Goods of
those Parts.
T Do hereby Publish and make known the same; To the intent*
-"-That any of Her Majesties good Subjects desirous to use the said
Trade, Upon Application to Me made, may receive the necessary
Certificates and Instructions for their better safety and regulation
therein, Conform to Her Majesties said Commands.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston the third Day of July,
1704. In the Third Year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady
ANNE, by the Grace of GOD, of England, Scotland, France
and Ireland QUEEN, .Defender of the Faith, &c.
J. D UDLE Y.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
On Wednesday, Samuel Walker, a Souldier belonging to the
102
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 10, 1704
Castle, being at Cambridge, and the day being very hot, went to Swim
in the River, was drowned.
Entered Outward Bound, John Alden in Friendship for New
foundland. Nathaniel Eliot in the Mary Ketch for Curaso. Entered
Inwards, Joseph Esman from Topsham, Pitts from Carolina, Wheeler
from Coratuck. Permitted to Clear Outwards, Love and Stevens
for Barbadoes, Coffin, Newcomb[,] Blague for Madera. Coasters
Inwards, Adolph, Schellinx and Nichols from New-York, Parker
from Piscataqua, Smallage from Rhode-Island Outward, Sands,
Walker for Rhode-Island, and Gardiner for Nantucket.
Philadelphia, June 29. Capt. Hamerton Arrived here in 17 days
from Barbadoes, says, That the men that Ran away with the Island
Briganteen, put the Capt. and some of the men that would not Joyn
with them, on board a Sloop they met at Sea, which was after taken
by the French and carried in to Martinico. Its supposed they are
gone with the Briganteen for the Red-Sea.
New-York July 3. We have Advice from Madera, (by Cap.
Penniston) That two French Men of War Landed at Porte Sancto
near that Island, & committed some spoil, but in a short time were
repelled with considerable loss.
That a Swedes Ship, Commanded by Pickering, an Irishman, who
was bound to Cadiz, was forced into Faro in Portugal, where lay a
Small English Frigot, whom Pickering resisted, until he had lost 60
men out of 80, which was his complement, & then was taken by the
Frigot, & sent to Engl. a Prisoner, Pickering pretended he was bound
to Genoa.
They write from Madera that the difference between the Em
peror & the Hungarians are accomodated.
On 29 June last arrived here one Collier from Fyall in 8 weeks,
Letters by him from London of 29 February say, our Ships bound
hither would Sail with the Barbados Convoy, but the time of Sailing
not assign d.
Our Assembly is Adjourn d to the 2 day of October next.
Hfc\>erttsements
A Farm to be Sold containing 430 Acres lying between Woodcocks
& Seaconk alias Rehoboth, butting upon the Road by the 7 mile
River, well wooded & watered with fresh Meadow suitable to said
Farm being about 5 miles from Mr. J inks s Iron Works of Providence.
If any person has a mind to purchase said Farm, they may discourse
Mr. Gedion Crawfurd of Providence concerning it, who has power to
dispose of the same upon reasonable terms.
103
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 24, 1704
to the 4th of September next. Dr. John Bridges our Chief Justice
dy d on Thursday last.
advertisement
1 Here is a Negro man taken up supposed to be Run-away from
his Master; he said he was a free Negro, and lived at Bristol,
but upon being sent to Prison, he owned he was a Servant and made
his escape from his Master Matthew Howard at Seaconet, about 5
Weeks ago: he is a Lusty Fellow, says his name is George; upon paying
the Post-master for this Advertisement the owner may be informed
where he is, and also upon paying the charge and reward for taking
him up, may have said Negro again.
1R. 16, Burnt*. 14.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDon&aS J ul Y 17 - to /l&OUfcaS July 24. 1704.
M H-AS-NY
r^TpHIS issue is a full sheet folio. The first two pages and more
X than half of the third page are taken up, under date West
minister, January 17, 1703/4, by the "Humble Representation"
of the English peers presented to the queen upon occasion of an
Address to her majesty by the commons, Dec. 23, "by which the House
of Lords is charged with the Violation of Your Royal Prerogative,
and of the known Laws of the Land; with wresting persons sus
pected of Treasonable Practices, and taken into Custody by Messen
gers out of Your Majesties Hands, without Your leave or knowledge,
and in a most extraordinary manner taking the examination of them
solely to themselves, whereby a due enquiry into the evil practices
and designs against Your Majesties Person and Government might
in great measure be obstructed." Other foreign items are mixed
with the domestic news occupying the remainder of the space. The
domestic news, of larger importance than usual, includes a vivid tale
of the sea; the arrival of an express briganteen sent by Col. Church,
commander of the colonial forces, from Port Royal with letters to the
governor; and the sailing of an express sloop for England with an
account of the Quelch affair for the queen, and two prisoners
charged with being accessories.]
Boston, On the first of March last, Sailed from hence, John Jarvies
in the Sloop Henrietta, bound for Barbadoes, and in the Latitude of
30. about 180 leagues to the Eastward of Cape Cod, he met with three
French Ships, Letter of Mart men from Martinico, bound for Bilboa
for Convoy: The Commadore had 20 Guns, one 16, the other 12.
Guns: It being Calm, they took the Sloop with two of their Boats,
106
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 24, 1704
the Master and two men they carried with them Prisoners; and put
five French men on board the Sloop, leaving only Noah Champney
the Mate, and the Boy on Board, and ordered them to make the
best of their way to Vego; and meeting with contrary Winds, in the
Latitude of 38, about 190 Leagues to the Eastward of Traseras, they
thought fit to alter their Course, and go for Cadiz. The French men
all along used the Mate and Boy very hardly and barbarously, making
each of them steer 4 hours at a time by turns, scarcely suffering
them to sleep, beating them with Ropes ends, almost starv d with
cold for want of Cloaths, having taken all their Cloaths from them,
and allowing them no Beds to lie upon: which severe hard usage
made their life burthensome, and put Mr. Champney on thinking how
to redress themselves, and discoursing the Boy, they agreed to watch
an opportunity to knock the French men on the Head, and relieve
themselves out of their misery. Therefore on or about the 22d.
of April last, about three of the Clock in the Afternoon, 4 of the French
men being in the Cabbin, and the 5th upon Deck: The Boy at the
Helm a Steering, it being Mr. Champney s turn to sleep, he lay in the
warm Sun upon Deck, but could not sleep: The Frenchman upon
Deck going to draw a Bucket of Water, Champney started up, and
took an Ax and knock d him in the head, and threw him Overboard,
the French man rose again and cry d Mondieu, at the noise of which,
the Captain came out of the Cabbin and one more, storm d and
stampt, whereupon Mr. Champney at the Captain with his Ax gave
him a blow and fel d him ; then ran to the other and gave him a blow
also, and fel d him. The other two French men were about to come
out of the Cabbin, & Mr. Champney charged them not to come up,
else he d knock em on the head also, upn which they cryed out for
Quarter, and so he ordered them to abide in the Cabbin & ordered
the Boy to go and spike up the door, and the Boy returning from the
Cabbin, one of the French men before knock d down was getting up
again, Champney ordered the Boy to give him a blow with the Ax,
and then they threw both of them Overboard, and shap d their
Course for New-England: They kept the two French men in the
Cabbin till night, and then let them out: they being illiterate fellows
and no Artists, made Champney secure of fearing any hurt from them,
knowing they kill d him, themselves must perish. On the 26th of
June he met a Briganteen from London, bound for Philadelphia,
Nathaniel Pugle Master, in the Latitude of 40, and exchanged a
French man for an English-man. And on Monday last, off of the
Isles of Sholes he was Chased by Captain Gallop (in a Briganteen
from Port-Royal with Advice from our Forces) whom he took to be
a French-man, which put him in a great consternation what to do;
he threw Overboard all the French-mens Cloaths, Papers, and what
107
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 24, 1704
else belonged to them, for his own self defence, fearing he should
be taken and discovered; whilst Mr. Champney went to the Cabbin,
to throw over the Cloaths, &c. The Boy knockt the surviving French-
man on the head and threw him Overboard. And on Wednesday
last they Arrived at Boston.
On Wednesday last arrived here Captain Gallop, in a Briganteen
sent Express by Colonel Church, Commander in Chief of our Forces
from Port-Royal, with Letters to His Excellency of the 7th Currant,
acquainting him of their having laid waste and destroyed about 60
Houses in Menis; about 6 Mills, a great many fine Barns, kill d a great
number of Cattle, done some damage to their Damms that kept the
Sea from overflowing their Corn, rooted up their Corn, kill d some
French and Indians, with the loss of two of our men, viz. Lieutenant
Joshua Barker, of the Colonels Company, and Sergeant Briggs of
Capt Haradines Company. We have also taken a Sloop who had on
Board 6 of our Captives, who hired her to come to Boston, &c. Captain
Gallop brought 45 French Prisoners in the said Briganteen.
Captain Gary Sailed on Saturday last, in the Express Sloop for
England, with an Account of Capt. Quelch and Company s Tryal, &c.
who carries with him Capt. Thomas Larimore and Joseph Wells
Lieutenant (mentioned in our Numb. 9 Print, as Accessaries in en
deavouring to cary off the 7 Pirates then taken) as Prisoners to the
Queen: He carries also with him three Evidences of their Crime
committed. 38
Mr. Thomas Weld, a pious Youth, Son to the Reverend Mr. Thomas
Weld, Minister of Dunstable, who took his Second Degree at Gam-
bridge on the 5th Instant, Sickened on the Fryday following, Dyed
the 2lst Currant at Brantrey, and Buried at Roxbury the 22d.
Entered Outward Bound, Thomas Meirs for Suranam, and Nehe-
miah Partridge for Barbadoes. Coasters inwards, Joseph Breed
from Piscataqua, and Joseph Lewis from Saybrook. Outward,
Samuel Prince for Fair field, William Rhodes for New Haven, and
Benjamin Flood for Piscataqua. Forreign Inwards, Stephen Payne
from Madera, and Captain James Pitts, in the David and Joseph
from Falmouth. Permitted to clear Outwards, John Welsh, in Sea
flower Sloop for England.
38 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 394.
For detailed account of the Quelch affair, including parts of the News- Letter
paragraphs relating to it in Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 ante, 63, 66 post, see Notes,
Province Laws, Vol. VIII, pp. 386-397. Also see paper by Abner C. Goodell,
(then editor of the Province Lav/s and maker of the Notes in Vol. VIII).
"Captain Quelch, the Pirate," comprising extracts from his Province Laws
Notes, in Publications of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts. Vol. Ill, pp.
71-77.
108
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 31, 1704
Philadelphia, July 13. Last night Arriv d Isaac Waterman from
Maryland, came a Passenger in the Sloop Amity of this place Alexan
der Alpin Master from Barbadoes, but Arriv d in Maryland, who about
5 Weeks ago in Lat. 32. 20. was taken by the Duke of Orleance,
Delavil Hitchet Commander, a French Privateer of 36. Guns, 170
men, belongs to St. Malaos, came in her Ballast from the Havana;
They told the People of the Sloop, That they designed to Cruse for
about Six Weeks between Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod. And also
said, That another Ship of 40 odd Guns, was to Sail in a few days
after them and do the same. Capt. Alpin ransomed the Sloop for
800 /. Sterling: His Mate Philip Morys left on board in Hostage
till said Money is paid ; many of the Privateers men spoke very good
English, and suppose them to be Irish.
New-York July 17th. On the 11. instant Moor Darril Master,
in a Sloop from Curaso Arriv d here in about a Months passage, in
whom came Capt. Bay who last Spring Sail d from Piscataqua bound
to Barbadoes, and was taken on the 3d of March last in sight of
Barbadoes by young Laroux a French man, who carryed him in to
Martinico, and stole him thence to St. Thomas s, from whence he
got to Curaso, and so hither, and is now bound for Boston.
His Excellency has been pleased to appoint Roger Mompesson
Esq. Chief Justice of this Province to the general Satisfaction of it.
A Sloop Andrew Law Master is put up for London
Hfcvertisement.
[Reprinted: the New r s-Letter advertisement, as first in June 5.]
. 15.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /lDonfca July 24. to /IDonfca July 31. 1704.
M H AS NY
T~n ETURN to the half sheet folio is made with this issue. Foreign
I lA.matter occupies the first page and a quarter of the second ;
mainly, under date St. James February 21, composed of loyal
addresses to the queen from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Sterling. The
domestic news is again of unusual importance, embracing a pro
clamation of Governor Dudley with respect to the circulation of
counterfeit bills of credit on the Province ;" record of the arrest of a
band of counterfeiters and seizure of their plate and press; report
from Marshfield of the death of Peregrine White, "the first English
man born in New-England;" reports from New York of movements to
strengthen the frontiers; and story of an expedition from South
109
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 31, 1704
Carolina for Cuba and its defeat in a sea fight with a Spanish Ship.]
By His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq. Captain General and
Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New England.
A PROCLAMATION 39
T M THERE AS it s manifest, That some evil minded Persons, de-
ww signing to Cheat and Cousen Her Majesties good Subjects, have
attempted to Counterfeit the Twenty Shilling Bill of Credit on this
Province,
For the better Detecting of which wicked practice, and to prevent
Loss and Damage to Her Majesties good Subjects, by taking any of tlie
said false Bills,
I Have thought fit, by and with the Advice of Her Majesties
Council, to Notify all Her Majesties good Subjects, of the Deceit
and Cousenage afore mentioned, That they may not be Imposed
on thereby; And to Require all Persons, having any of the Twenty
Shilling Bills of Credit in their hands, to offer the same to the View and
Examination of the Commissioners that signed the Bills, or one of
them; who will be present and attend at the Council Chamber in
Boston, for that purpose, upon Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
weekly, until the last day of August next, Viz. on Tuesday s and
Saturday s from Eleven to One of the Clock, and on Thursday s from
three to five of the Clock afternoon; And will give them Assurance of
their Bills being either good or forged.
And forasmuch as there must necessarily be a Combination of
divers Persons in the said wicked Design of Forgery and Deceit;
whosoever therefor shall make discovery of them so as to convict the
Contrivers and Actors thereof, or any of them, the Person or Persons
making such discovery, although themselves have been concerned
therein, shall not only receive an Indemnity from any punishment,
but also a Reward of Fifty Pounds, to be ordered and paid them out
of the Publick Treasury.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston the 24th of July 1704. In
the Third Year of the Reign of Our Soveraign Lady ANNE, by the
Grace of GOD of England, Scotland, France and Ireland QUEEN,
Defender of the Faith, &c.
By Order of the Gover- /. D UDLE Y.
nour and Council.
Isaac Addington Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
39 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 431.
See News-Letter Nos. 17, 57, 59, 60, 61, 82 (1705) post.
110
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 31, 1704
Boston. Several Persons that were Actors and Contrivers in.
attempting to Counterfeit the 205. Bills of Credit on this Province,
Thereby to Cheat and Cousen Her Majesties good Subjects, are now
in Prison, viz. Peregrine White and Benoni White, Black-Smiths,
John Brewer Carpenter, and Daniel Amos Wine-cooper. By the
Examination taken, it do s not appear that there has been the value
of One hundred Pounds of the said Counterfeit Bills made or Issued.
And their Plate & Press is Seized, which it s hoped will put a full
stop to the further progress of that wicked practice.
Thomas Odell one of the principal Actors in that Villany & Cou-
senage, and also Infamous for his making & uttering of base Money,
absconds and is fled from Justice ; Whosoever shall discover and cause
him to be apprehended that he may be brought to answer for his
Crimes aforesaid, will be well rewarded for his pains. And tis said
the greatest loss in this matter will fall upon N Hampshire in case
the said Odell be not taken, he having carryed most of his Counter
feit Bills into that Province. 40
Entred Outward bound Capt. Jenkins for London, Smith for
Bristol. Coasters Inwards, Sanders, Starkie from N. Carolina,
Curtise, Lathrop, Connecticut, Gardiner, Nantucket, Degrose, N. York.
Outwards, Paynter, Ireland, Wilson, Clarke, Lewis, Hall and Loring
for Connecticut. Schellinx, Gravenraet, N-York. Forreign Inwards,
Wilkins from St. Christophers. Permitted to clear Outwards, Alden
& Ever ton, for N-Foundland, Sergeant, Barbadoes, Armitage, Antigua,
C alley and Chamberlin for Fyall.
Marshfield, July, 22. Capt. Peregrine White of this Town, Aged
Eighty three years, and Eight Months; died the 20th Instant. He
was vigorous and of a comly Aspct to the last; Was the Son of
Mr. William White and Susanna his Wife; born on board the May
flower, Capt. Jones Commander, in Cape Cod Harbour, November,
1620, was the First Englishman born in New- England. Altho
he was in the former part of his Life extravagant; yet was much
Reform d in his last years; and died hopefully.
New-York, July 24. On the 19th. His Excellency Sailed from
hence for Albany, and carried Forces with him to strengthen the
Frontiers, and more will follow in a few days. On the 22d. The
Rd. Mr. Mott, Chaplain to the Forces here died. On same day arrived
James Cebro in 21 days from Jamaica says 3 Men of War, & 13 Mer
chant men were arrived there from England, and that the homeward
bound Fleet for London would Sail the 6th. Instant under Convoy
40 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes , in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 431.
See News-Letter Nos. 17, 57, 59, 60, 61, 82 (1705) post.
Ill
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 7, 1704
of 3 men of War. On said Day arrived Cap. Aarian Claver, Com
mander of a Dutch Privateer of 18 Guns, 120 men, fitted here and
Sailed in the Spring, brought in two Spanish Prizes a Setty and a
Sloop, on board of which are 100 Pipes of Canary-Brandy, 30 Pipes
of Palm-Wine, 900 Jarrs of Oyl, 124 Bayls of dry Goods and Silks,
30 Slaves Negroes and Indians, &c. Which they took upon the
Coast of New-Spain.
Rhode-Island, July 28. Capt. Richard Simmes in the Briganteen
Katty, burthen 90 Tuns, Sails for London in about three weeks.
Philadelphia, July 20. Letters from S. Carolina acquaint us that
the Latter end of May, That Province fitted out a Sloop and a Gaily
with 70 stout men well arm d with Ammunition, and some Merchants
at Charlestown fitted out another small Sloop with 45 men, the two
Sloops Commanded by Capt. Cock, and Capt. Williams, designed
for the coast of Cuba. Capt. Williams first Sail d, and came up with
a Spanish Ship from old Spain of 20 Guns and 16 Patteraroes; after
some Debate boarded her, but found her very hot; They set her
quarter on fire, then put off fearing they should burn with her, but
the Spaniards put the fire out; after which they boarded her again,
Whereupon the Spaniards on the Fore-castle cry d quarter, but the
Spanish Captain seeing but few enter with Capt. Wi.liams, and seeing
many dead and wounded men on the Sloops Deck, took courage and
renewed the fight, and beat them off. Capt. Williams had 6 or 8
men killed and 12 wounded : They guess the Ship to be worth 50000/.
The other Sloop and Galley not returned.
[No advertisements in this number.]
HI, . TRumb. 16.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDonfca July 31. to /toOUfcaS August 7. 1704.
MH AS NY
OREIGN matter fills the first page and breaks into the second:
a London item covers the celebration of the queen s birthday
(in the preceding February) when "Her Majesty received the
usual Compliments from the Nobility, the Foreign Ministers, and other
Persons of Quality of both Sexes; and there was a very great and
splendid Appearance at Court." The domestic news is again im
portant. Its principal feature is the account which is given by
Colonel Church concerning the operations of the forces placed under
112
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 7, 1704
his command in the expedition eastward, conducted against the
French and Indians; and there is a repoit of an assault of the
enemy on Lancaster. Other paragraphs cover reports of sea con
flicts with privateers.]
Boston, By Letters to His Excellency of the 28. of July last,
from Col. Church Commander in Chief of our Forces then at Mount
Desert, acquainted, That on the 7 of July he with the Forces Landed
again at Minis, burnt the remainder of the standing Fence and
Houses, kiL d about 70 head of Cattel, besides Sheep and Hogs,
cut down all their Damns, and Corn, destroyed their Gardens. The
Col. and 300 men went to the upper River about 6 Leagues thence,
called Peiaygit, where he burnt about 40 Houses, besides Out-houses,
destroyed a great deal of Corn and Cattel ; had a small Skirmish with
the Enemy, wherein we had two Indians wounded. Our Prisoners
report that a Boston Privateer took the Canada Magazin, at (La
Bays Verte) to say the Green Bay, which is in Canada River, but
3 Leagues from Syconecto Church. The 17 th Our Forces return d
from Syconecto. The Inhabitants being fled, met only with empty
Houses to the number of 40, which we burnt, and kill d above 200
head of Cattel, a great many Sheep and Hogs; a small party of
the Enemy appeared behind a Fence, who fired briskly on our men,
but were soon repulsed and beat off with some loss. On the 24.
We came to Passamiquadi and met with Monsieur D. Amboise his
Wife and Children, who says, That Chartiers his Wife and Children
and two more that run from us here, and all the Indians fled to Canada
as soon as we were gone, only and [an] old Indian and a Boy. On
28. we Arrived at Mount Desert, met one of our Vessels, one Carr
Master, who acquaints, That wanting Firewood, near Machias,
sent his boat on shoar with 4 men well arm d, who contrary to their
orders, went to a wrong place, Guns were heard go off, on which
the Sloop hail d in to the Shoar, found the Boat sunk, and one Sargent
dead, whom they brought off, the other three not found, and whither
kill d or Captivated not known. There is brought to Boston about
24 Prisoners.
On Monday Morning past, The Enemy French and Indians, fell
in upon Lancester, about some four hundred of them, assaulted
Six Garrisons at once, where the People defended themselves very
well; until assistance came in from all parts by the Governour s
Order, so that in the Evening, there were three hundred men in the
Town, And the Enemy was beatten off with loss, but are yet hovering
on the head of those Towns, to make some further Impression, if not
prevented.
On Fryday the 4th. Currant, arrived here Thomas Jones, Master
113
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 7, 1704
of a Pink, burthen about 80 Tuns, being a French Prize taken by
Capt. Benjamin Gillam in his Voyage from Barbadoes to London,
in the Latitude of 48 about 350 Leagues to the Westward of Silly,
has on Board about 40 Tuns of Salt, was bound for New-found land.
Entered Outwards, Walker for Barbadoes, Carey for New-found
land, Blew for Montserrat, and Shute for St. Christophers. Coasters
Inwards, Amazone from Piscataqua, and Blin from Guilford. Coast
ers Outwards, Odiorne and Bracket for Piscataqua. Forreign In
wards, Collard from Antigua. Permitted to clear Outwards, Ernes
and Bennet for Barbadoes, Hill for Antigua, Sanders for Roanock,
Balch for New- found-land, Eliot for Curaso.
New- London, Aug. 3. Yesterday His Honour our Governour went
in his Pinnace to Hartford, we are much alarmed by reason of a
very great Ship and two Sloops said to be seen at Block- Island, and
supposed to be French.
Philadelphia, July 27. On the 22d arriv d Capt. Wanton in a
Briganteen about 22 days Passage from Antigua, came out in Com
pany with 6 Sail bound for Bristol, Collard for Boston, one Pasco
for N- York, on 23d. dyed Mr. John Bewlo our Collector, and is
succeeded by Mr. John Moor.
Amboy, June 29. On Wednesday last by an Express from Mon-
mouth sent to His Excellency my Lord Cornbury, we were informed
of a French Privateer that lay at Sandy-hook, who the night before
had landed 24 men at Never sinks, & plundered two Houses; upon
which news Cap. Hamilton ordered a strict Watch to be kept here,
to prevent a surprise ; & on Thursday night several Gentlemen came
here, viz. Messeurs Philip French, Glencross, Gordon, Richards, &
Cap. Perkins, who were Passengers on Board of Cap. Sinclare that
came from London, & were that morning about 4 a Clock standing
along the side of the Hook when they saw this Privateer whom they
took to be an Outward bound Vessel from New-York. The Privateer
fired two shots at them, having English Colours out; Cap. Sinclare
endeavour d to get from him and ran his Vessel on shore, but the
W T ind prevented, a man upon Shore pull d off his Shirt, & made
signs that the Privateer was a Rogue, upon which those Gentlemen
got in to the Boat and escap d and took in Cap. Sinclare who was
extream ill, & landed at the Highlands of Never sinks where was a
strong Guard; his Mate staid on board with some of the Seamen en
deavouring to get the Ship within the hook but could not, & so jumpt
into the water, he & Capt. Perkins s Son, and swam on Shore when
within Pistol Shot of the Privateer.
New York, July 31. On 20 Currant, Simon Pasco from Antigua
bound hither was taken by a French Privateer of 14 Guns, 120 men
114
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 7, 1704
off of the Capes of Delawar lat. 45. The Privateer belongs to Bour-
deaux, unloaded at Martinico, and there fitted out; Cap. Davy is
Commander, they took a Barrel of Sugar, and a Hogshead of Rum
out of the Sloop, her Guns and Arms, & then burnt her with all her
Loading ; notwithstanding Mr. Pasco offered 300 Pound for her Ran
som; afterward said Privateer Chas d Mr. Sandiford bound hither
from Carolina, who got into Sandy-hook before him.
On the 25. the Privateer came to an Anchor in Sandy-hook, and
there took Eleazar Darby in a Sloop from Boston bound to Philadel
phia, next day they took a Wood Boat & two Slaves, and that night
gave Mr. Pasco and his men their liberty, who about ten a Clock
got up to N. York.
On the 27. early in the Morning the Privateer took Capt. Sinclare,
so soon as Mr. Pasco came with the News, the Gentlemen of Her
Majesties Council met and sent for Capt. Claver Commander of the
Dutch Privateer, and proposed to him to go out and take said Priva
teer, at least to retake the Prize whom we judged to be Sinclare ;
who offered his Service, and in two hours Sail d with 150. men and
50 men on board his Sloop, and said day came up with the Privateer
and her Prize, but returned the 28th without effecting any thing.
And on the 29th. Capt. Claver man d off new again; Capt. Evertson
and Capt. Penniston in two good Sloops are gone well man d a
second time in pursuit of the Privateer,
On the 30th Instant the Jersey Man of War arrived at Sandy-hook,
and 5 days before spoke with Capt. Puckle from London to Philadel
phia; She also met a Sloop from Newfoundland bound hither, one
Martin Master, which they Seized, having prohibited Goods
on board. It s said the Jers[e]y will Sail to morrow, who lyes at
Sandy-hook to recruit with Water, &c.
Piscaiaqua, Aug. 4. Here is an Embargo laid on all Outward
bound Vessels. Mr. Shortridge is Arrived from Fyall.
advertisement
"PHere is to be Sold a Still-House (about .a Mile from New-York)
-*- 50 Foot long, and 22 Foot broad, with two good Copper Stills,
Head and Worms; one of said Stills containing about 140 Gallons,
the other about 100 Gallons. There is a very good Well, Pumps;
all the conveniences and Utensils necessary for said Still-House;
And a stout lusty Negro Man, who understands Stilling. If any
body have a mind to buy said Still-House, they may agree with Mr.
Augustus Lucas of said New-York upon reasonable Terms: they may
have an Inventory of all the things belonging to said Still- House,
115
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 14, 1704
and the buyer shall have all the Satisfaction he can desire about
the Stilling.
1R, J*
The Boft on Newsletter.
From /toOttfcaS August 7. to /IDcmfcag August 14. 1704.
NY AS
F A CONSIDERABLE part of this issue is taken up with reports
I jf\from Milan, Vienna, Portsmouth, Zurich and other points, con-
* cerning the war, and particularly in relation to carrying on
hostilities in Germany. The domestic news includes a procla
mation by the governor for the apprehending of Thomas Odell, "a
chief contriver and actor" in counterfeiting a certain bill of credit on
the Province.] _
Fyal, June Jo: The Deptford & Lowstoff Men of War bound home
from Guinea, put in here ten days ago for Water; in their outward
bound Voyage by contrary Winds fell in amongst the Canary Islands,
and passing the Road of Sancta Crux the 13th of November last,
espied several Vessels, went in under French Colours and brought
out 5 Sail viz. 2 Galleons which they burnt off the Road, one Ship
they sent home Loaden with Canaries & Logwood; The other two
small vessels they carried with them, the one whereof was a Dutch
built Dogger, burthen about 90 Tuns, on board whereof they put
much of their Plunder & the Lowstoff s Stores. Which Said Dogger
ran away from them in the night, the 30th of November last, near
Cape DeVerd, having 6 Guns & 4 Patteraro s mounted.
Capt. Becilly in the Deptford Sail d from this Road 6 days ago in
search of a French man who had lain 5 or 6 days off the Island,; and
the French man boarded him in the night, the Deptford pretending
to run from him, but finding his mistake got from him and run for it,
the Man of War being foul could not come up with him, but gaul d
him so that he has left the Island, and several of his men ashore on
the Island of St. Georges.
The two Men of War will sail from hence to morrow with 5 Sail of
Merchant men under their Convoy.
Boston, Capt. Charles Stuckley, Commander of Her Majesties Ship
the Lowstoff has given an Account to His Excellency our Governour
of the said Dogger being run away with sundry of Her Majesties
Stores on board of her, by some of the Company belonging to the
116
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 14, 1704
Lowstoffe; the names of whom are as follow, viz. John Clark, Master,
married at New-York, Zachariah Gamble, James Miller, and 7 others.
And has prayed His Excellency s Assistance to cause them to be
Apprehended, if they should happen to arrive within any part of his
Government: Whereof notice is by His Excellency s Order hereby
given to -all Her Majesties Loving Subjects; And to direct them to
seiz and secure the said Vessel and Company, or any of them, if so
be they may be found.
By His Excellency, Joseph Dudley Esq. Captain General and Gov-
ernour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province of the Massa-
chusets Bay, &c. in New -England.
A PROCLAMATION for the Apprehending
of Thomas Odell.* 1
WHEREAS Thomas Odell, a chief Contriver and Actor in the
Counterfeiting of the Twenty Shilling Bill of Credit on this Prov
ince, and in uttering of the same; As also violently Suspected of making
and uttering of base and counterfeit Money, or Coyn, is absconded and
concealed; notwithstanding Hue-en-cry s and Warrants have issued
to pursue after, and apprehend him, That he might be brought to
Answer for his said vile and wicked practices.
I Have therefore thought fit, with the Advice of Her Majesties Council,
to Issue this Proclamation hereby requiring all Officers, Civil and
Military, and all other Her Majesties Loving Subjects, to apprehend
and take into Custody the Body of the said Thomas Odell; withall
Declaring, That whosoever shall Seize the said Odell, and render him
to Justice, shall have the Sum of Thirty Pounds as a reward therefore,
to be Ordered and paid out of the Publick Treasury.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston the Eighth Day of August,
1704. In the Third Year of the Reign of Our Soveraign Lady A N NE,
by the Grace of GOD of England, Scotland, France and Ireland
QUEEN, Defender of the Faith, &c. By Order of the Governour
and Council.
Isaac Addington Seer. /. D UDLE Y.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
The above-nam d Odell is one of a middle Stature, slender &
streight Body, black hair, thin vissage, holding his head somewhat
on one side in his walk; who is known often to have changed his
name. 43
41 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 431-
432. See News-Letter No. 15 ante, Nos. 57, 59, 60, 61, 82 (1705) post.
42 This memorandum was attached to the foregoing proclamation.
117
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 14, 1704
By Letters from Col. Partridge acquainted, That Capt. Allin &
his Company, in passing from Northampton to Westfield, to reinforce
Major Whiting, The Enemy from an Ambuscado fired upon their
Scouts, kill d one man, & took two Prisoners, one whereof was
wounded: The Company hearing the Guns, immediately turned
out of the Road into the bushes, & had a small skirmish with the
Enemy, kill d 2 Indians, rescued one of our Prisoners, & took 5 or 6
Guns, & 9 or 10 blankets from the Enemy. 43
On Thursday last, Col. Church Commander in Chief of our Forces
at the Eastward, arrived here with part of the Forces; the other
part at Piscataqua.
His Excellency, our Governour receiving Intelligence on Saturday
night by the Post from A 7 - York of the French Privateer (who took
Capt. Sinclare mentioned in our last) his coming upon our Coast,
sent orders to Capt. Smith in the Gosport, and Capt. Southack in the
Province Gaily next morning to Sail in quest of said Privateer.
Entred Outwards, Mason for Curaso, Abbot for North-Carolina,
Blower for New found-land, Holland for Maryland, Bridger for
Antigua, & Evans for Madera. Coasters Inwards, Haughton from
Rhode-Island, Vaile from Pensilvania, Smith & Gilbert from Say-
brook. Coasters Outwards, De Grofe for New, York Codman &
Cornish for Pensilvania. Foreign Inwards, Webber from Antigua,
Price from Newfoundland & Buckley from Suranam. Permitted
to clear Outwards, Balston & Davis for Barbadoes, Cook for St
Christophers.
Philadelphia, August 3. Yesterday arrived here Capt. Puckle
from London about 14 weeks passage.
! N-York, Aug 7. Yesterday our 3 Privateers return d without
seeing or hearing of the French Privateer, at the same time came in a
Briganteen from Nevis, who on the last of July, 8 leagues off of
Sandyhook was taken by the French Privateer, & Ransomed for
400 1. St. Thomas Mony, & say that the Privateer is gone for Tarpolin
Cove, having sent Cap. Sinclare Ship with 15 of his men to Martinico
two days after they took her. The Jersey Man of War Sail d on
Thursday last, & returned last night with Cap. Jeffries from London,
& to morrow Sails again in pursuit of the French Privateer. Last
week arrived here two Sloops from St. Thomas s in one of which
came young Laroux, who is committed to Prison till His Excellency
returns from Albany, for acting in the French Service.
43 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 423.
118
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 21, 1704
New-London, Aug 9. On Thursday last marched from hence
Capt. John Livingston, with a brave Company of Volunteers English
& Indians, to reinforce the Frontiers. Mr. Jonas Clarke is arrived
from Boston.
Stonnington, Aug. 10. Here is a person apprehended & secured,
for putting several Cheats upon some persons, &nd supposed to be
Thomas Odell mentioned in the NewsPaper for Counterfeiting the
Massachusetts-Bays 20 5. bills of Credit. 44
Rhode-Island, Aug. 11. Mr. Simmes in the Brigantine Katty
Sails for London with the first fair Wind. Capt. Whitehorn bound
there also wants men.
advertisements.
* ttl T v HE Life of Justification Opened: Or, A Treatise grounded
*~ A upon Gal 2. 11. Wherein the Orthodox Doctrine of Justifica
tion by Faith, and Imputation of CHRIST S Righteousness, is
clearly Expounded, Solidly Confirmed, and Learnedly Vindicated
from the various Objections of its Adversaries. Whereunto are
subjoyned some Arguments against Universal Redemption. By
that Faithful and Learned Servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Broun,
sometimes Minister of the Gospel at Wamfrey in Scotland: and Re
commend by an Eminent Divine, Mr. Melchior Leydecker, Professor
of Divinity in the University of Utricht: As also well Appro v d of
by the Reverend Ministers of Boston in N-England. To be Sold
by Benjamin Eliot, at his Shop under the West End of the Town-
House in Boston: at a reasonable Price.
A Negro Man Slave to be Sold by Capt. Wentworth Paxton, and to
be seen at his House in Boston.
[Reprinted: still-house to be sold, as in August 7.]
1R, jg. mumb. is.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfca$ August 14. to /IDonfca$ August 21. 1704.
NY- AS
flpHREE columns of this issue are given to the address of the
I A English house of commons to the queen concerning recent
actions of the house of lords and differences between those
44 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 432.
See News-Letter No. 15 ante, Nos. 57, 59, 60, 61, 82 (1705) post.
119
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 21, 1704
two bodies. There is one column of domestic news, including the
Speech of Governor Dudley to the General Court, August 16.]
His Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY Esq. Capt. General and Govern-
our in Chief in and over Her Majesties Province of the Massachetts-
Bay in N. England, &c. His SPEEC H to the Honourable the Council
and Representatives in General Court Assembled at Boston August
IQth. 1704.
Gentlemen,
Since your last recess, the Forces Eastward under Col. Church,
with the Assistance of Her Majesties Ships, have past thro
all the Eastern parts of Uaccadie and Nova-Scotia, and have burnt
and destroyed all the French Settlements except the Town of Port-
Royal: And Kill d their Cattel,& broken their Dams; and have brought
home about 100 Prisoners, and a good Plunder: So that I am not
sensible there are five Houses left in any part of the French Settle
ment out of sight of the Fort, or any manner of support for the Inhab
itants; which was what we projected in the Spring. And the Forces
are returned and disbanded without the loss of any more than Six
men, for which we have all reason to render thanks to Almighty
GOD.
You are further sensible of the Inroad made upon us at Lancaster,
by about 300 French & Indians, w r here by the favour of GOD, we
were so ready for them that we have lost no Garison ; and our Forces
have press d upon them so early and so diligently, that they are
Marcht off after a two Months Expedition, without any further
Triumph, Than that of three or four Children. And the Forces
there of about 300 men under Major Tailor were also yesterday
disbanded, saving what are necessary upon the Frontiers of Middle
sex to Assist the Harvest.
I have also to Acquaint you, That we have lately discovered a
number of ill men, Coyners of Money, & Forgers of our Bills of Credit,
which are in Prison to answer; and tho the Common Law will be
sufficient to Impower the Judges for their punishment, yet I shall
desire your Advice and Assistance for the prevention of such Villanies,
tending so much to the ruine of Trade and the Publick Credit of the
Government.
The Treasurers Accompts will be before you, & what is necessary
thereupon, your last Order for the supply of the Treasury was mis
taken and ineffectual, which you will soon perceive and rectify,
That we may proceed in our payments.
I consider the season of the Year, & the necessity of my Putting
the Province of Main into a new posture upon the return of the
Forces from thence, & shall desire that three or four days may con
clude this Session, the ordinary time of your meeting being so near.
120
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 28, 1704
The House of Representatives have Voted Thanks to be given to
Col. Church, Commander in Chief of the Forces in the Expedition
to the Eastward for his good Service.
On Saturday his Excellency Prorogu d the General Assembly
to the 25th day of October next.
Outward bound, Lilly, Vibart & Wyar for Barbadoes, Price>
White & Hurst for N. foundland, Coasters Inwards, Parker, Patty
& Allin from Connecticut. Coasters outwards, Lathrop for Rhode -
Island, Abbot for N. Carolina, Church for Bristol. Foreign Inwards,
Rodes from Rhode-Island, Vial & Richards from Jamaica, Way
from Maryland. Forreign Outwards, Miris for Suranam & Gordin
for Fyall. Capt. Jacobs will Sail in eight days for Bristol.
N-York, Aug. 14. On the 12. His Excel, our Govr. arriv d here
from Albany, which place with the rest of the Frontiers, he found in
a very good posture of Defence, and our Indians well affected to the
Government.
Philadelphia, Aug. 11. On Saturday last, Eleazar Darby arrived
at Salem, about 4 days before, The French Privateer gave him his
Sloop, after they plundered her of a great part of her Loading.
Bfcvertteements.
AT Mr. John Mico Merchant, his Warehouse upon the Dock in
Boston, There is to be Sold good Cordage of all sizes, from a
Spurn- Yarn to Cables of 13 inches, by whole-sail or Retail.
A Lusty Negro Man-Slave to be Sold by Thomas Palmer Esq.
-^^and to be seen at his House in Boston.
AT Mr. Joseph Hitter s House near the Mill-bridge in Boston,
There s good Fyall Wine to be Sold by the Pipe, Quarter Cask,
or smaller quantities, as also right Passado s and right Canary by
the Quarter Cask or smaller quantities, at reasonable prices.
19.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaS August 21. to /IDoUfcas August 28. 1704.
NY AS
i"^]pHE two columns on the first page, and half of the first column on
JL "the second page are filled with foreign news. First, under
L date "St. James s February 7. 1703, 4," is an announcement of
grants to the poor clergy by the queen. Following this are news
paragraphs from Vienna, Hague and Frankfort chiefly relating to
military affairs in Italy and Holland. The declaration of the king
121
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 28, 1704
of Spain, Don Carlos III, against the duke of Anjou who was aspir
ing to the throne is given in full and occupies nearly two columns.]
Jamaica, July 2d. Our Coast is often infested with French and
Spanish Privateers, who steal away our Negro s: And when we
meet them they pay dear for their Insolence.
Eighty French and Spaniards some few Months ago Landed at
St. Maries, on the North side of the Island, where Capt. Nathaniel
Brown s Company quartered, and he chanceing to be there at that
time; upon notice thereof, Immediately rallied together what men
he could get, being but Sixteen of his own Company, and as many
more of the Country, Marched towards them, Six tedious Miles
thro the Woods, where our guides brought him within 50 yards of the
Enemy, before they discovered us: They had taken some Negro s
and were going off to their Gaily, when immediately Capt. Brown
gave them Battel, and kill d 35 of them on the Spot, and took 4
Prisoners. The Remainder made their escape in their Gaily; and
Capt. Brown had but one man shot in the breast in all the Incounter.
Since which time they have made no attempt on that part of the
Island; for which good Service he had the Governour and Councel s
thanks.
We dayly expect a Fleet of Men of War, and some Land Forces from
England.
Some says, That Monsieur Decast is ordered to Attack this Island,
but we don t fear him.
Boston. An Act passed by the Great and General Court or As
sembly, begun at Boston the 3lth of May, 1704. and continued by
Prorogation unto Wednesday, the 16. of August Currant, Against
Counterfeiting the Bills of Credit of this Province.
On Thursday the 24th. The Weekly Lecture being turned into a
Fast at the South-Meeting-house, at the close of the Forenoon s
Sermon, 45 broke out a Fire in the Anchor Tavern 46 (near the Old-
Meeting house) on the top of the Roof; occasioned by some unlucky
Boys, who carryed some Coals up to the Turret, to Fire off a Pistol ;
which was by GOD S good and signal Providence put out again,
otherwise had proved of fatal consequence.
The Gosport Man of War, and the Province Galley returned on the
26 Currant from their Cruise, could hear nothing of the French
Privateer.
Captain Smith in the Gosport Sails first fair Wind for Piscataqua.
45 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 115, under date August
46 The Blue Anchor tavern : on the present Washington Street, east side,
about where the building of the Globe newspaper stands.
122
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 4, 1704
Captain Jacobs for Bristol, will Sail in about a Fortnight.
Outward bound, Collar d for Antegua, Welsh and Hobbs for N.
foundland, Homes for Barbadoes, Richards and Vial for Jamaica,
Parker for Pensilvania, Gilbert for A/". For^. Coasters Inwards,
Flood, Garner, Kingburry and T upper from Piscataqua, Hilliard
N. Carolina, and Lothrop from Gillford. Outwards Rhodes for N.
Haven. Forreign Inwards, Tew from Nevis, Carket from Jamaica,
Thwing from Suranam. Forreign outwards, Payne, Price and
Hirst for N foundland, Blew for Monserrat, and Mortimore for
Philadelphia, August 18. On the 16. Arrived Two Sloops from
Antigua, Says a Fleet was some time before Arrived from England,
with whom came the New General Sir. William Mathews.
On the 21. /wwe last in Lat. 32.40. The Briganteen Society belonging
to Milford in Connecticut, Benjamin Andrews Master, bound for
Antigua, was taken by a French Privateer of 14. Guns and 100 &
odd men : The Master bought her for 500 pieces of Eight to be paid
at St. Thomas s, is gone himself hostage for the Money.
New-York, August 21. The Jersey man of War is returned from
his Cruise, She has been at Rhode-Island and Block-Island &c. but
could hear nothing of the French Privateer. His Excellency the
Lord Cornbury designs for his Government of New-Jearsey on Monday
next. Capt Law and Capt Jeffers are both bound for London.
B&verttsements.
[Reprinted: cordage for sale by John Mico, negro to be sold by
Thomas Palmer and wine for sale by Joseph Hiller, as in August 21;
Benjamin Eliot s announcement of sale of the Reverend John Brown s
work The Life of Justification Opened, as in August 14.]
1R. j. IRumb. 20.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /I&OUfca$ August 28. to flDonfcap September 4. 1704.
NY AS
FT T 71TH the exception of three short domestic news items and a
VV single advertisement the four columns of this issue are
filled with foreign news. First is the address from the clergy
of the convocation of York to the queen in February preceding, and
the queen s response. Then follows the address to the queen from
the archbishops, bishops and clergy of Ireland in national conven-
123
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 11, 1701
tion. As in preceding issues there are the customary reports of mili
tary movements in letters of February and March from Paris,
Hague, Vienna and elsewhere.]
Boston, His Excellency our Governour went on Tuesday the 22d
of August for his Goverment of New-Hampshire, and returned on
Fryday the 1st Currant.
Entered Outward, Codman for Fyall, and Norris for Montserat.
Coasters Inwards, Adolph from New-York, Bracket from Piscataqua,
Lor ing from Saybronk. Coasters Outwards, Snell for Piscataqua,
Smith for Connecticut, Parker for Pensilvania, Gilbert and Patty
for New-York. Forreign Inwards, Tiler from Montserat, and Gardner
from Fyall. Forreign Outwards, Welsh, White and Hobbs, for
New-foundland, Rayner for Modern, and Capt. E/tery for Barbadoes.
Marbkhead, Sept. 2. Arrived here on Thursday last the Arcana
Galley, [blank] Murffee Master, came from London about eight weeks
ago, but last from Plymouth about six weeks Passage.
A
HDvertisement
Negro Man Slave to be Sold by Capt. Wentworth Paxton, and to
be seen at his House in Boston.
m. C. ttumb. 21.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDon&aE September 4. to /IDonfcap September 11. 1704.
NY AS
I" T N this issue are three and a half columns of foreign news. Letters
I J[from Rome, Hague, Ratisbon and Hamburg treat of the war,
* and particularly of affairs in Poland. There is the address to
the queen, of the bishop, dean and chapter, and the clergy of the
diocese of Chester, thanking her majesty for the provision made for
the poor clergy ; and also the address of the house of lords to the queen
in relation to settling the succession of the crown of Scotland upon the
Princess Sophia and her heirs Protestant. Only half a column is
devoted to domestic news, most interesting of which is the account
of the capture of a French vessel by a Maryland captain.]
Boston, Capt. Smith in Her Majesties Ship the Gosport will Sail
124
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 11, 1704
for England again on the 1st of October, with what Ships are ready
under his Convoy.
Entered Outward bound, Bucklin for Sura nam, Peacock for Jamaica,
Pitts for Antigua, Mould and Perkins for Barbadoes. Coasters
Inwards, Walter & Tiller from New-York & Holt from Saybrook.
Coasters Outwards, Wyar & Jackson for Piscataqua, Snow and Allen
for Connecticut. Forreign Inwards, Tomlin from Compeche, Brown
from Madera, and Lanyon from North Carolina. Forreign Out
wards, Holland for Maryland, Jacobs for Bristol, Selley for North-
Carolina, Wyar Dutch, and Lasenby for Barbadoes.
Philadelphia, August 29. By some Gentlemen arrived here last
Week from Maryland, we have the following Account, That some
few days before they came away, one Richard Johnson arrived at
Anapolis, who last Spring in a Brigantine coming from Barbadoes
bound for Maryland (where he belong d to) was taken by a French
Privateer and carried to Martinico. After he had been there some
time, a Fleet sayling thence for France under a Convoy, They put said
Johnson, another Englishman and a Boy on Board of one of the
Merchant men in order to be carried to France; On board of said
Ship there was also 9 or 10 French men. On their Voyage, said
Ship was separated from the rest of the Fleet, which put the Prisoners
on Consultation how to procure their liberty; in order to which, ob
serving the Carpenters Chest stood upon the Deck, they took their
opportunity and went to it, Mr. Johnson took out of it an agur
Shank 4 foot long, the other Prisoner an Ax, and Mr. Johnson with
his Instrument Knockt the French Captain on the Head, and threw
him Overboard, after some small resistance made, the French men
ran all between Decks, and cryed for Quarter, which Mr. Johnson
gave them, none being killed but the Captain, the rest being 8 or 9
they brought with the Ship to Anapolis. The Prize is mostly loaden
with Sugar and Ginger.
His Excellency Col. Nicholson Governour of Virginia arrived here
this day. The Briganteen Robert and Benjamin John Guy Commander
is Loading for London, expects to Sail within a month.
.V. York, Sept. 4. On the 29. last His Excellency the Ld Cornbury
went for his Government of New-Jersey, and Arrived at Burlington
on the 31. where his Excellency Col. Nicholson Governour of Virginia
met him. On the 2d Instant was burryed the Reverend Mr Prevet,
Minister of the French Congregation in this City ; he was a Person of
Eminent Piety, Vertue and Learning, who s loss is much Lamented
125
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 18, 1704
by all good men that knew him.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1R. IE. 1Rumb. 22
The Bofton News-Letter.
From jflDOUfcai? September 11. to /IDOU&ap September 18. 1704.
NY AS
r^T^HIS issue begins with the address of the English house of
J[ lords to the queen, and her majesty s answer, under date St.
* James, March 31, 1704. From Edinburgh, April 1, is a report of
the proceedings of the general assembly of the church of Scotland.
From Hague, Turin and Vienna are reports of military movements.
Under the Boston heading reports of the treaty between England
and Algiers, the victory of the duke of Marlborough over the Bava
rian forces at Schellenberg, a victory of the Portuguese forces over
the duke of Anjou and the payment of ransom money by the
cities of Bruges and Ghent are given; and it is added, "And of
all abovesaid, We shall endeavor afterwards to give a more fuller
account."]
Boston, By a Letter to His Excellency our Governour of the 4 //z -
of March last, from His Royal Highness Prince George of Denmark,
Ld. High Admiral of England &c. Importing a Treaty lately con
cluded with Algiers by Rear Admiral Bings, One Article whereof is,
That Certificate be given by the Governour of Her Majesties Planta
tions in America, &c. to the Masters of Merchant Ships built in the
Plantations, and such Prizes as shall be taken. Which Letter His
Excellency Communicated in Council the 14 th - Instant, ordering the
same to be made Publick, That all Masters of Ships and Vessels
bound to any part of Europe, attend His Excellency for such Certifi
cate Accordingly.
Entered Outward, Adolph for N. York, Deverne and Vincent
for Virginia. Coasters, Inwards Phenix from N. York, Darby
from Pensilvania, Lewis from Saybrook, Hall from N. Haven.
Coasters Outward, Walters for N. York, and Vial for Pensilvania.
Forreign Inwards, Carter from Nevis, and Bevis from Exon. For-
reign Outwards, Andrews and Webber for Barbado s, Peacock and
Vial for Jamaica.
Philadelphia, Sept. 7. A Sloop from Barbadoes is arrived here,
she put out to Sea by bad Weather, and left the Island the 26 of
July: The Fleet for the Main were ready to Sail, and only waited
120
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 25, 1704
for the Man of Wars coming in for their Convoy, Codman and Cornish
are arrived here from Boston.
New-York, Sept. 11. Last week came in a Sloop from Sandyhook,
& by her not coming up we were jealous of her being a French Priva
teer, and by direction of the Council, Capt Rogers Commander of the
Jersey put 100 able men on board a Briganteen which was bound to
Suranam, with hay on her quarter for a decoy; but she coming near
the Sloop most of the men run ashore: The Sloop is a Prize of Capt.
Tongerlows, she has nothing on board but about 600 of Cocoa, 40
barrels of Flower, and a few Hides.
Ipswich, Sept. 16. On Thursday last, Dyed the Rd. Mr. William
Hubbard, Minister of the Gospel, Aged 83 Years. One of the first
that took his Degree at Cambr. in N. England. 47
Htwertisement
LOst on Tuesday last the 12 Instant at Boston, a small Guinea
Dear s foot Tipt with Gold; whosoever shall find the same and
bring it unto John Campbell Post-Master shall be sufficiently rewarded.
1R. IE. Numb. 23.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDonfcaE September 18. to /SXM&ag September 25. 1704.
NY-AS
FTTTTTH the exception of four short items of domestic news, the
VV two pages of this issue are filled with reports of foreign affairs,
for the most part relating to military movements on the con
tinent of Europe. From Rome for the month of May, 1704, are
reports of affairs at the Vatican.]
Boston, Entered Outward bound, Norris for Montserat, and Richards
for Jamaica. Coasters Inwards, Wells, from Guilford, Eliot, Plaine
and Plumbe from Milford, Smith, Harris and Curtis from Saybrook,
and Odiorne from Piscataqua. Outward, Gardner for Nantucket,
Loring for Martha s Vineyard and Connecticut, Adolph and Van
Newenhusenfor New- York.
Philadelphia, September 14. Four days ago arrived here Parker
47 Author of the Narrative of the Troubles with the Indians in New Eng
land from Its Planting of thereof in 1607, but chiefly of the late Troubles in
the Two Last Years, 1675 and 1676, to which is added a Discourse about the
War with the Pequots in 1637. Also of the History of New England to 1680.
See Diary of Samuel Sewall Vol. II, p. 116, under date Thorsday, 7r 14th [1704].
127
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 2, 1704
from Boston, Mr. Guy in the Briganteen for London is near Loaden.
Governour Nicholson sets out to morrow for Virginia.
New-York, Sept. IS. On the 16th: dyed Matthew Ling Esqr.
one of Her Majesties Council for this Province. The Jersey Man
of War Sails for England the 8th of October. Three Vessels from
hence takes the benefit of her Convoy", viz. Jeffers, Law and Coward
for London.
Rhode-Island, Sept. 22. This day arrived one Brown in a Sloop
from Fyall, seven weeks passage, in whom came a Passenger that
was at Lisbon: [Foreign news item follows.]
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1R. j. IRumb. 24.
The BoftonNewsletter.
From fll)onfca September 25. to flQonfca October 2. 1704.
NY-AS
S"TN three columns and a half of this issue are advices from Venice,
I JLTurin, Poland, Vienna and Portugal for the month of May,
1704, all relating to the war on the continent.. There, is -a half
column of domestic news.]
Boston, From Barbadoes we are acquainted, that Noyce, Andrews,
Bridgham, Barns were taken by the French, and tis feared that
Mr. Shearburn also is taken, Bears taken coming from Suranam,
Rows & Foster not Arrived, Cravat & Scot both arrived there. Several
Vessels came out from Barbadoes in Company with ours that are
arrived; Two of them for New-York, and several for Philadelphia.
Entered Outwards, Darby for Jersey, Hoddy for Jamaica, Leach
for Nevis, Sunderlaitd for Barbadoes, and Turell for London, Coasters
Inwards, Ware & Jackson from Piscataqua, & Newenhusen from
N- York. Coasters Outwards, Hall & Holt for Connecticut, Halsy
for N. York. Foreign Inwards, Cushing from Virginia, Pickman
from Fyall, Wilson and Charnock from Barbadoes.
Amboy, Sept. 23. On the 16th Instant dyed at Burlington, Capt.
Samuel Walker Esq. One of Her Majesties Council for this Province.
New-York, Sept. 25. On the 21, & the 22d. Arrived here 2
Sloops from Curacoa, Daniel Dunskum & Rich. Creago Masters,
about 5 weeks passage, Myn Heer Beck was arrived there Governour
from Holland, & in his passage took a French Privateer a French
128
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 9, 1704
Vessel bound from the Str eights to France, and brought them into
Curacoa.
Col. Townsend & John Leveret Esqrs. Arrived here last week from
Rhode-Island, & on Fryday last they sayled for Albany. 48
The Pensilvania Post is Arrived, his Excel, the Ld. Cornbury
has been at Salem & New-Castle; & was just arrived at Burlington
when the Post came away, there is no News that way.
Piscataqua Sep. 28. Yesterday arrived here Cap. Geerish from
Lisbon and Fyall, has on board about 80 pipes of Wine and 1000
Hogsheads of Salt.
Cape- Anne Sep. 29. This day arrived here Capt. Alcock from
Barbadoes. And Frost for Piscataqua came out in Company with
him.
Hfcverttsement
I A Here is a Negro man taken up supposed to be Runaway from
-*- his Master, he is small boned, middle stature, small beard, gray
Jacket, grey homespun kersey breeches, a Souldier s cap, no stockings,
an old pair of shoes, calls himself Sambo, for paying the Postmaster
for this Advertisement, the Owner may be informed where he is,
and also upon paying the charge and reward for taking him up,
may have said Negro again.
1R, fi. Numb. 25.
The Bolt on News-Letter.
From n&0nfca October 2. to flllonfca October 9. 1704.
NY-AS
F A COLUMN and a half on the first page of this issue is taken up
I ./\ \vrth "Advice from London concerning the Camisars in the
* Cevennes for the Month of May, 1704." Following are advices,
concerning the war, from Holland and the Netherlands, Venice and
Riga for the month of May preceding, from Amsterdam and
Turin for June, and from Lisbon under date of August 30. Near
ly all the second column on the second page is devoted to domestic
news.]
Boston, Entered Outward bound, Ruggles for Barbadoes, Coffin
48 Colonel Penn Townsend and John Leverett, Esq., commissioners from
Massachusetts to treat with the Five Nations. Reprinted from the News-Let
ter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massa
chusetts Bay : . . . , together with later items [see News-Letter Nos. 25, 26,
27, 29 post] bearing on this matter, Vol. VIII, p. 453.
129
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 9, 1704
for Antigua, and Thomas for Suranam. Coasters Outwards, Jackson
for Piscataqua, Newenhussen, Tiller and Phenix for New- York.
Forreign Inwards, Smith and Alcock from Barbadoes, Green from
Newfoundland, Colly from Fyall, and Moor from Lisbon. Out
wards Cleared, Bridgar for Antigua, Watson, Perkins and /yr for
Barbadoes, David Mason for London, and Be avis for Exon.
S. Johns New-foundland, Sept. 21. On the 18th of August last,
about 144 French and Canada Indians about 2 a Clock in the Morning
in 2 Sloops and Canoo s, came to Bonavist Harbour, about 30 Leagues
to the Northward of this Place, and surprised the Pembrook Galley
of London, 250 Tons, 44 men and 20 Guns, John Noll Commander,
Laden with dry Fish: And the Society of Pool, 140 Tons, 14 Guns
and 24 men, Capt. Auten Commander, and also the William, about
115 Tons, 10 men, no Guns, having 30 Tons of Lamp Oyl on Board;
They also attempted to surprize Captain Michael Gill of Charls-
town in New-England, of 14 Guns, and 24 men, who discovering
their Boat to be French, fired briskly upon them, kill d and wounded
some of them, so that they returned to the Prizes they had taken,
& brought the great Guns of both Ships to bear upon Capt. Gill,
and continued firing upon him with both great Shot and small Arms
for the space of 6 hours, till his Ship was much Shattered: he on the
other hand plying his great Guns and small Arms all the while upon
them; during the Action, he had Veered his Ship somewhat to the
Shoar, about 8 a Clock, when they found he would not be taken,
they set fire to the Society, & cut her loose in a flame to drive upon
him; but by the great diligence of Capt. Gill, he got clear of her, and
she burnt to the Keel: finding that would not do, they set fire to the
Ship William, and set her before the Wind, furiously burning to that
degree, that the Lamp-Oyl burning in a flame on the Water, was like
to have set him on fire, so that both he and his men laboured in the
fire, and turn d her clear of them.
And when the Inhabitants who had fled into the Woods and Rocks,
saw Capt. Gill s Courage, they came down and appeared in a Body
in Arms, which, when the the French saw, they immediately Weighed
and set Sail, and carried the Masters and and men with them. And
about 40 Leagues off, they gave the Masters and some of the men
a Boat, who soon after returned, to whom the Enemy declared that
had they taken Capt. Gill, they would not have left House, Stage,
nor Goods in the Harbour ; all which is owing under God to the Courage
and Conduct of Capt : Gill. He had but one man kill d and 3 wounded
but the Enemy lost several, and several wounded.
Piscataqua, Octob. 5. Mr. Pepper el in a Ketch from Newfound
land, 10 days Passage arrived last night, and are acquainted by
130
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 16, 1704
her, That our Fleet consisting of about 70 Sail, intends to set out
the 12th Currant, under Convoy of a 4th and two 5th Rates Men of
War, one of them goes directly for England, and the other two for
Lisbon.
New-York, Octob. 2. On Saturday last, Arrived here a Sloop
from Jamaica, one Dupue, Master, about 7 Weeks Passage, he says
a Sloop and small Ship belonging t o Boston were there. That several
Sloops were gone up on the Spanish Coast to Trade, but none returned.
We have not heard from Albany since Col. Townsend and Mr. Leveret
with the other Gentlemen of Boston went up. 4 9
H&vertisement
STray d on Monday last, a small red Cow, with a yellow and
black strip t List about her horns, a little Tet on one of her Tets.
Whoever shall find said Cow, & her bring to John Campbel Post
master of Boston, shall be well rewarded.
1FU j. Bumb, 26.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOU&ag October 9. to /JDoU&a October 16. 1704.
NY AS
|"TN the first column of the first page of this issue is a letter dated
I A Zurich, June 14, "from one of the chief Leaders of the Camisars,
to a Brother or intimate Friend of his at Genoa, by a trusty Messen
ger giving an account of the condition of affairs in Languedoc. Under
date Amsterdam, June 17, is a report of the movements of Jean
Cavalier and the Camisars; from Rome, May 13, news of the Vatican;
from Venice, June 7, and from the king of Poland s camp at Sendo-
mir, June 20, war news. From Cologne, June 20, is a long story of how
the "famous French Party-Man La Croix" planned to seize the duke
offSaxe Zeits, bishop of Raab, and how his designs were frustrated.]
Boston, Entered Outward bound, Henry Tew for Jamaica. Coast
ers, Jn wards, Jonas Green, Simon Grover, John Hedge, John Wilson,
Samuel Prince from Connecticut, John Keirsted from New-York,
James Robe from Virginia. Coasters, Outwards, John Lathrop for
Rhode-Jsland. Forreign, Inwards, John Robinson from Barbados,
Thomas N orris from Mounserrat. Forreign, Outwards, Noah
Champney for Maryland, John Jenkins for London.
The Gosport Man of War, Capt. Smith Commander with the Ships
under his Convoy Sails for England, in 2 or 3 days.
Philadelphia, Sept. 28. Capt. Guy for London is fallen down the
49 See News-Letter No. 24 ante, Nos. 26, 27, 29 post.
131
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 23, 1704
River, says will Sail directly on Saturday next. Codman, Cornish
and Parker also fallen down the River all bound for Boston.
New-York, Octob. 9. On the 4th Instant, His Excellency, the
Lord Cornbury arrived here from his Government of New-Jersey:
The Assembly there are Dissolved (not having past one Act) and
another Call d to Sit the 9th of November next. Our Assembly
here is Adjourned to Thursday next. Capt. Peniston in a Sloop with
70 men Sailed hence the 7th Currant on Privateering. The Jersey
Man of War for England with the Vessels under her Convoy proposes
to Sail this Week or the next. Yesterday Capt. Sleigh arrived from
Barbadoes, and Codman from Philadelphia. The Boston Gentlemen
are not yet arrived from Albany. 50
Several Vessels are bound from hence to Barbadoes.
Hfcvertisement.
A Convenient back-dwelling House with other Accomodations
in Pudding- Lane 51 in Boston near the Post-Office, to be Lett;
Inquire of John Campbel Post-master and know further.
1R t fi. mumb. 27.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flQonfcaE October 16. to flllonfca October 23. 1704.
AS
FT^OREIGN news paragraphs under dates Vienna, Venice, Dresden,
[JL London, Hamburgh and Hague, occupy the greater part of this
issue. The domestic news relates almost wholly to shipping
movements.]
Boston, Entered Outward Bound, Richard Smith, Briganteen
Happy Return for London, Obadiah Wakfield and John Pitts for
Virginia, Andrew Stevens for Antigua Foreign Inwards, Parker
from Pennsilvania, Goddart from Virginia, Pitman and Hunt from
Nevis, Frost from Barbadoes. Coasters Inwards, Gardner from
Saybrook, Dean from Salem. Outwards, Plumb, Curtice and Smith
for Connecticut, Harris for New London, Flood and Amazine for
Piscataqua.
Capt. Smith in the Gosport Man of War with the Vessels under
his Convoy, bound for England, lies in Nantasket Road, ready to
embrace the first fair wind.
Port-Royal, in Jamaica, August 24. This day week Capt. Liddel
50 See News-Letter Nos. 24, 25 ante, 27, 29 post.
51 Pudding Lane: that part of the present Devonshire Street which lies
between State and Water Streets.
132
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 30, 1704
arrived from Porto Bello, after about three Weeks absence upon a
Trading Voyage, he has made an extraordinary hitt, was received
with great Civility, and his Interpreter presented with a chain with
40 Pistoles, & when unloaden they desired him immediately to be
gone off the Coast, lest he should be surprised by a French Man of
War then daily expected, which he accordingly did; and in turning
up saw the French man a going down: Capt. Brer ton Sails within
4 days for Pensilvania, Capt. Venteman and Thacher in a Week for
Boston, and Hull this day for Carolina. Port-Royal notwithstanding
the discouragement it has met with is rebuilding apace, and may be
expected in less than two years, to be in as nourishing Condition as
before the Fire.
Philadelphia, Octob. 13. Jeremiah Beak is just now arrived
from Boston.
New-York, Octob. 16. On the 10th. Instant, Capt. Thaxter
arrived here in 6 weeks from Jamaica, by whom we have advice
that several Ships were Returned from the Coast of New-Spain with
Mony for their Provisions and had made good Voyages. On the 12th.
Roland arrived from St. Christophers, and on the 13th. and 14th.
Newenhussen and Daw son from Corncoa, but bring not any News,
also Capt. Stanton from Nevis.
A Sloop arrived here from Albany on Friday last, the Indians
were not come when they left it, and they say it would be a fortnight
before the Boston Gentlemen would come from thence.
The Jersey Man of War with the Vessels under her Convoy, tis
said will Sail on Thursday next.
Piscataqua, Octob. 19. Yesterday arrived here Almery from
Antigua 7 weeks Passage, and Parker from said Port in five weeks,
says, That the Fleet for England would Sail about the middle of
this month. Sundry Ships not like to be Loaden, no Privateers
lately seen about the Leward-Islands.
H&x>ertisement
[Reprinted: house in Pudding Lane to be let, as in October 16.]
1R. jg. mumb. 28.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfcas October 23. to flDOUfca October 30. 1704.
MH-AS NY
.^
HE first half of this issue is devoted to foreign matter, mostly
reports from the duke of Marlborough s camps of July dates :
133
[T
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 23, 1704
River, says will Sail directly on Saturday next. Codman, Cornish
and Parker also fallen down the River all bound for Boston.
New-York, Octob. 9. On the 4th Instant, His Excellency, the
Lord Cornbury arrived here from his Government of New-Jersey:
The Assembly there are Dissolved (not having past one Act) and
another Call d to Sit the 9th of November next. Our Assembly
here is Adjourned to Thursday next. Capt. Peniston in a Sloop with
70 men Sailed hence the 7th Currant on Privateering. The Jersey
Man of War for England with the Vessels under her Convoy proposes
to Sail this Week or the next. Yesterday Capt. Sleigh arrived from
Barbadoes, and Codman from Philadelphia. The Boston Gentlemen
are not yet arrived from Albany. 50
Several Vessels are bound from hence to Barbadoes.
afcvertisement.
A Convenient back-dwelling House with other Accomodations
in Pudding-Lane^ in Boston near the Post-Office, to be Lett;
Inquire of John Campbel Post-master and know further.
. 27.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flHon&aE October 16. to {HlOUfcaK? October 23. 1704.
AS
OREIGN news paragraphs under dates Vienna, Venice, Dresden,
London, Hamburgh and Hague, occupy the greater part of this
issue. The domestic news relates almost wholly to shipping
movements.]
Boston, Entered Outward Bound, Richard Smith, Briganteen
Happy Return for London, Obadiah Wak field and John Pitts for
Virginia, Andrew Stevens for Antigua Foreign Inwards, Parker
from Pennsilvania, Goddart from Virginia, Pitman and Hunt from
Nevis, Frost from Barbadoes. Coasters Inwards, Gardner from
Saybrook, Dean from Salem. Outwards, Plumb, Curtice and Smith
for Connecticut, Harris for New London, Flood and Amazine for
Piscataqua.
Capt. Smith in the Gosport Man of War with the Vessels under
his Convoy, bound for England, lies in Nantasket Road, ready to
embrace the first fair wind.
Port-Royal, in Jamaica, August 24. This day week Capt. Liddel
50 See News- Letter Nos. 24, 25 ante, 27, 29 post.
51 Pudding Lane: that part of the present Devonshire Street which lies
between State and Water Streets.
132
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 30, 1704
arrived from Porto Bella, after about three Weeks absence upon a
Trading Voyage, he has made an extraordinary hitt, was received
with great Civility, and his Interpreter presented with a chain with
40 Pistoles, & when unloaden they desired him immediately to be
gone off the Coast, lest he should be surprised by a French Man of
War then daily expected, which he accordingly did; and in turning
up saw the French man a going down: Capt. Brerton Sails within
4 days for Pensilvania, Capt. Venteman and Thacher in a Week for
Boston, and Hull this day for Carolina. Port-Royal notwithstanding
the discouragement it has met with is rebuilding apace, and may be
expected in less than two years, to be in as flourishing Condition as
before the Fire.
Philadelphia, Octob. 13. Jeremiah Beale is just now arrived
from Boston.
New-York, Octob. 16. On the 10th. Instant, Capt. Thaxter
arrived here in 6 weeks from Jamaica, by whom we have advice
that several Ships were Returned from the Coast of New-Spain with
Mony for their Provisions and had made good Voyages. On the 12th.
Roland arrived from St. Christophers, and on the 13th. and 14th.
Newenhussen and Daw son from Corucoa, but bring not any News,
also Capt. Stanton from Nevis.
A Sloop arrived here from Albany on Friday last, the Indians
were not come when they left it, and they say it would be a fortnight
before the Boston Gentlemen would come from thence.
The Jersey Man of War with the Vessels under her Convoy, tis
said will Sail on Thursday next.
Piscataqua, Octob. 19. Yesterday arrived here Almery from
Antigua 7 weeks Passage, and Parker from said Port in five weeks,
says, That the Fleet for England would Sail about the middle of
this month. Sundry Ships not like to be Loaden, no Privateers
lately seen about the Leward-Islands.
Htwertisement
[Reprinted: house in Pudding Lane to be let, as in October 16.]
1R. jg, IFtumb. 28.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaS October 23. to flDOUfcag October 30. 1704.
MH AS NY
HE first half of this issue is devoted to foreign matter, mostly
reports from the duke of Marlborough s camps of July dates :
133
[T
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 30, 1704
the second half comprising much domestic news of exceptional im
portance including the speech of Governor Dudley at the opening of
the General Court; reports of hostile Indians about the town of
Groton; and report of the killing of the minister of Lancaster by
the sentinel of the watch.]
His Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY Esq. Captain General and
Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province of the Massachu
setts-Bay in New-England, &c His SPEECH to the Honourable
the Council and Representatives in General Court Assembled at Boston,
October 25; 1704.
Gentlemen.
T Believe we are all sensible by this time of the benefit of the
-Expedition Eastward, in the Spring and Summer, the Effect
whereof has been the quiet we have had in the Province of Mayn,
and our other Northern Plantations; and the Care and Watchfulness
we have ^sed to the Westward; and the disappointment of the French
and Indians at Lancaster, has given us the same Ease on that side;
which yet we must not depend upon, but Expect a Winters March
of the Enemy from both sides, which the Eastern part especially
will be forced to for their own Subsistence, having neither Corn
nor Hunting for their supply.
To prevent which, I think it necessary to Support the present
numbers in the Province of Mayn, and the Frontiers of Essex, Middle
sex and Hampshire, and to have a much greater Force in a readiness
to receive any Impression of the Enemy in any of the Parts: And
particularly to have One hundred Men sent to West-Hampshire,
which joyned with the same number from Connecticut may be sufficient
there.
I shall give you the present State of the Forces in the several
Parts for this Winter Season, which I hope will be to your Satisfaction.
Mr. Treasurer will lay before you the State of your Affair s there :
And I can Assure you that all possible Care has been taken in the
Accompts and Musters, to Retrench the Charge, which I am sensible
is heavy upon the Province: And while we are all Satisfyed in the
necessity of the Service, and the just Expence of our Treasure, I
doubt not but every thing will proceed cheerfully to a necessary
supply, which this is the proper Season for.
I have to Recommend to you the Consideration of the Galley,
which is our onely Force at Sea, and is found so very unfit for the
Service, that every skilful Man of the Sea, and the good Commander
we have in her, thinks it of absolute necessity that She be disposed
of, and a better bought or built for that Service, especially at this
time, when the Gosport is Commanded Home, which is the onely
Ship of War, that has lately attended Her Majesties Service here.
134
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 30, 1704
And Gentlemen, I think it my Duty to offer it to you, That you will
shew your Respect to Captain Smith, Her Majesties Commander of
that Ship now going home, That he be in some manner presented
by the Assembly as an Acknowledgment of his very good Service
here done to Her Majesty and this Province, in a three years atten
dance; which will shew our just Respect to Her Majesties Officers,
coming for the Service and Security of Her good Subjects, and the
Trade of this Province.
Gentlemen,
I shall shew my Readiness in every thing in Her Majesties Service,
Importing the benefit of this Province, and desire you will proceed
in this Session with all freedom and unanimity; That We may
procure the blessing of Almighty GOD, and the favour of Her most
Sacred Majesty, upon whom We have our just Dependance.
Boston, On Wednesday last Arrived Capt. John Stevins, in about
three Weeks from Nevis; and five Weeks from Barbados: He came
out from Barbados the 18th of September, with the Fleet bound for
England, consisting of about a hundred Saile besides those for N.
England, N. York, and Pensilvania, which Fleet came out under
Convoy of three men of War, Viz. The Blackwall Commodore, the
Millford, and the Dolphin; who in and about Ten days time Arrived
at Nevis, and were there joyned by the Sheerness Galley and about
70 Saile more from the Leeward Islands, bound to England; the
others bound for N. England are Foster, Breed, Scot, Dearby, Parker,
(who is arrived at Tarpolin Cove) Carlile, Cravat, Sill, Love and
Jeffrey, which last arrived on Friday last; Pope for Chebacco,
Ransford for Rhode-Island, and several -for N. York & Pensilvania.
Benjamin Thaxter bound with the Fleet from Barbados to London,
was taken by a French man in coming down to the Leeward.
Lowder from hence to Antigua was taken near Antigua. The
Linn Man of War took a French man of 14. Guns, and about 100.
Men, whereof were about 40 Creols.
Several of our Vessels bound home to Barbadoes in the Latitude
near the Island took Capt. Row s Horses on board, and mann d him
double in order to defend them from any Privateer; And accord
ingly one came up with them near the Island, but seeing Capt. Rows
so well prepared for a Fight, and to defend the rest of his Neighbours,
the Privateer sheer d off, and they got safe in.
On Thursday last at noon Sailed from Nantasket Road for England,
The Gosport Man of War, Capt. Smith Commander with five Vessels
under his Convoy. That night about three a Clock in the morning
broke out a Fire in the House of Mr. Henchman Schoolmaster in the
135
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 30, 1704
Back-street 52 at the upper-end of Mr. Richards 1 Lane in the North-
End of Boston; which was happily put out and stopt from doing any
other damage only to that house and the next adjoyning, two or three
persons received some great hurt by the falling down of part of the
gable end of the House in which the Fire begun. On Fryday last
His Excellency issued forth a Proclamation Commanding all persons
who in the hurry of the Fire had carried away any Goods, either
from the house where the Fire broke out in, or the Neighbourhood;
to bring said Goods to the house of Mr. Justice Clark in Boston,
that the true Owners may have the same again ; on penalty of being
prosecuted as Thieves.
On Wednesday night an English man was kill d in the Woods
at Groton by the Indians which were afterwards descryed in the
night by the Light of their Fires, by a Person Travailing from Groton
to Lancaster, and judged they might be about Thirty in number;
pursuit was made after them, but none could be found.
On Thursday night the Reverend Mr. Gardner, Minister of Lancaster
was unfortunately Shot by the Sentinel on the Watch, supposing
him to be an Indian climbing over the Walls of the Fortification;
of .which Wound he dyed in an hours space or little more. 53
Entered Outward bound, Wing for Jamaica, Cusben for Maryland,
Bodwin for Curacoa, and Keir steed for N. York. Forreign Inwards,
Codman from Pensilvania, Reddock from St. Christophers, Marshal
from Maryland, Hart and Alden from Nevis, Skiner, Perkins, Stevins
and Jeffry from Barbadoes, English from Antigua, and Craige from
Coratuk. Forreign Outwards, Doverin for Virginia, Collar for
Antigua and Parker for Pensilvania. Coasters Inwards, Blin from
Gilford, Jackson from Piscataqua, and Sanders and Bedgood from
North Carolina.
Philadelphia, Octob. 20. A Sloop from St. Christophers about
5 weeks passage, one Matthew Gibson Master, arrived here 4 days
since, he was bound for Boston, but proving very Leaky put inhere.
And on the 18th a Sloop from Barbadoes about 29 days passage, one
Prat Master, came out with the Fleet bound for England.
New York, Octob. 23d. On the 19th. Arrived here one Bignal
of Philadelphia in 26 days from Jamaica, by whom we have advice,
that Capt. Manny belonging to this place, was cast away in his
coming out, upon Porto Morant Keys, the men all Saved. Capt.
Guy from Philadelphia arrived here the same day in order to join
the Convoy of the Jersey Man of War for England, who will Sail
> 52 Back Street: that part of the present Salem Street which lies between
Hanover and Prince Streets.
53 See News-Letter No. 31 post.
136
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 6, 1704
the latter end of this, or beginning of the next week. Our Assembly
has voted 1300/ for the Frontiers. Outward bound De Wandelaer
for Jamaica, Rowe for Nevis, Beard for Carolina.
Rhode-Island, Octob. 27. Moses Butterworth is arrived from
Barbadoes, came out with the Fleet for England, and one Hubbard
from Antigua, Capt. Lawrence is also arrived, and has took 2 Prizes
on the Banks of Newfoundland, Loaden with Corr Fish, the one a
Pink of 130 Tons, the other a square Starn 240 Tons, but neither yet
arrived. Outward bound William Wanton for Antigua, Joseph
Borden for Pensilvania, Capt. Cranston clears for Barbadoes
Salem, Octob. 28: Last night arrived Richard Darby from Barba
does, came out with the Fleet for England, Capt. Scot is also arrived
from thence at Marblehead.
[No advertisements in this number.]
1R. jg. mumb. 29.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcag October 30. to /IDOtt&a$ November 6. 1704.
M H AS NY
rT?OREIGN matters occupy only three-quarters of the first page.
J^-T These embrace, under dates Frankfort, July 6, London July 11,
accounts of the celebration of the "great victory lately obtained by
the Confederate Army commanded by the duke of Marlborough, over
the elector of Bavarias Forces at Schellenberg;" also addresses
presented to the queen from "the Bishop Dean and Chapter of the
Cathedral Church, and of the Archdeacons and Parochial Clergy of
the Diocese of Chichester" and of the "Bishop Dean and Chapter of
Hereford, and Clergy of the Diocese of Hereford." The domestic
news includes a proclamation by the lieutenant governor of Pennsyl
vania against "Immorality and Prophaneness." A Cambridge item
reports an exciting fire at Harvard College.]
By the Honourable Colonel John Evans, Lieutenant Governour of
the Province of Pensilvania, and Counties annexed. A PRO
CLAMATION, Against
IMMORALITY and PROPHANENESS.
WHereas it hath pleased Almighty God, from the Treasures of
his Infinite Goodness, to extend his favours in an eminent degree,
and pour down his peculiar Blessings upon this Colony, from the
first Erecting thereof ; as well by the bestowing a happy success on the
Endeavours of its Inhabitants, and crowning what so lately was a
Wilderness, with a large Affluence of the Necessaries and Comforts
137
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 6, 1704
of Life; as by supporting it, in an undisturbed Peace and Tranquility
during all the Commotions that have deeply afflicted other parts of the
Christian World, and continuing to us the Enjoyment of those
manifold Mercies, which rightly used, tend to make a People truly
happy. All which Divine Bounties, as they loudly call for the most
humble and hearty Acknowledgements ; so they ought more deeply to
impress a just sense of the great Obligations upon us, so to regulate
our Lives, with care and circumspection, in a true Obedience and
Conformity to God s holy Laws, that we may not instead of making
grateful Returns, by Impiety or Negligence, provoke the just Anger
of the Almighty, to withdraw his Divine Protection, and inflict on us
the severe Chastisements of his just Displeasure. Notwithstanding
all which, I cannot but be sensible, that too many, forgetting all those
Obligations, that as persons professing the Holy Christian Religion,
they indispensably lye under, have given themselves a Loose in their
Lives and Conversations, and manifestly trampled on their positive
known Duties, in many vicious Practices and Immoralities, to the
great Offence of Almighty God, in the breach of his Divine Laws,
as well as of our Civil Institutions, and to the scandal of sober Men,
& great Discredit of this Government: Which Practice, if not timely
prevented, may terminate in an utter Depravation of Manners,
through the Encouragement taken from those fatal and pernicious
Examples, by persons whose better Education and Inclinations
might otherwise have restrained them, within the Bounds of Sobriety
and Vertue; but from those many Instances set before their Eyes,
are in danger of being hurried on, not only to their own Ruine, but of
becoming Accessary to the incensing & drawing down upon us the
Vengeance of Heaven.
In a deep Consideration of which, and to the end that all possible
Discouragements may be given to the Growth of these Enormities;
I have through a sense of the Duty I owe to God, and the care of the
People committed to my Charge: By and with the Advice and
Consent of the Council of this Province, and Territories, thought
fit to Publish and Declare, That I will Discountenance and severely
Punish all manner of Vice, Immorality and Prophaneness, in all
persons whatsoever, within this Government, that shall be guilty
of the same. And I do hereby strictly forbid all manner of De
bauchery, Lewdness, Drunkenness, prophane Swearing, Cursing,
Rioting, breaking of the Sabbath, Night-walking at unseasonable
hours, without lawful Business, and all other Disorders whatsoever
that are contrary to the Duties of a Christian Life, & the Rules of
true Vertue. And I do strictly Command and Require all Magistrates,
Justices, Sheriffs, Constables and all Officers whosoever, and others
Her Majesties good Subjects, that they not only be regular and
138
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 6, 1704
circumspect in their own Lives, that by their good Examples, they
may incite those that behold them to the practice of Vertue, but also
that they be very diligent in the Discovery and effectual Prosecu
tion of all Offenders, and that they rigorously put in Execution all
the good and wholesome Laws and Ordinances provided .against
the aforesaid, and such other Immoralities, without favour, [partiality
or affection to any person whatsoever, as they will answer it to
Almighty God, and incur my utmost Displeasure.
And for the more effectual Publication hereof, I do Require and
Command the Justices of Quarter Sessions at their respective County
Courts in this Government, & the Mayor and Recorder of the City
Philadelphia, that they cause this my Proclamation to be publickly
read in open Court, immediately after their Charge is given to the
Grand-Jury.
Also that the Ministers of the Churches, and several Congregations
within this Province and Territories, cause the same to be Read in
the time of Divine Service, at their respective places of Worship,
at least six times in every Year. And that they be very diligent in
Discouraging all manner of Vice and Immoralities in their Auditors,
in Exhorting them to the Exercise of Piety and Virtue.
Given at Philadelphia the Ninth Day of October, in the third Year
of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady ANN, by the Grace of God,
of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the
Faith, &c. And the twenty fourth of the Proprietaries Government,
Annoque Domini, 1704.
John Evans
GOD Save the QUEEN.
Boston, Entered Outward Bound, Tobias Green in the Mayflower,
and Nicholas Parker in the Elizabeth for Jamaica. Forreign In
wards, Joshua Cornish in the Unity, from Pensilvania, Moses Sweet
in the Tryal, and Moses Abbot in the Tryal from Coratuck, Nicholas
Parker in the Elizabeth, and John Scot in the Unity from Barbadoes.
Forreign Outwards, Nicholas Thomas Jones s Sloop Speedwell for
Pensilvania, and Peter Leach in the Prudent Sarah for Nevis. Coast
ers Outwards Cleared, John Keir steed in the Mary and Sarah for New-
York, John Jackson in the Speedwell for Piscataqua, and Simon
Grover in the Primrose for Connecticut.
On Fryday night the 3d Currant returned from Albany, the Hon
ourable Colonel Penn Townsend, and John Leveret Esqrs. Com
missioners for a Treaty with the 5 Nations, with the other Gentlemen
that accompanied them, all in good health, who have renewed the
ancient Friendship with them. 5 *
54 See News-Letter Nos. 24, 25, 26, 27 ante.
139
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 6, 1704
On Saturday arrived Capt. John Foster, Breed & Carlile from
Barbadoes, and Gould from Newfoundland. Which last says, that
the Fleet from thence to England, consisting of about 60 iSail, under
Convoy of three Men of War, Sailed this day three weeks. This day
also arrived Capt. Ventiman from Jamaica in about 5 weeks Passage ,
says, That Judah Thacher Sailed from thence for this place about
nine weeks ago, who is not yet arrived.
Marlborough, Octob. 26. Yesterday the Reverend Mr. Robert
Breck was Ordained Pastor of the Church in this Place.
Cambridge, Octob. 29. About 11 of the Clock in the morning 55
there happened a Fire in Harvard Colledge occasioned by a foul
Chimney which took fire, and the soot being blown into the Pelfrey,
fired some old Boards, and melted the Lead (wherewith the Colledge
was covered) and then Fired the Planks ; but one of the Tutors having
the Key of the Scuttle which was lockt and barr d was absent, where
fore 2 of the Students putting their backs to the Scuttle, forced it
open, and threw water briskly, so that they quickly extinguisht the
Fire, which otherwise had been of very ill consequence.
Piscataqua, Novemb. 2. On Monday the 30th last about break of
day, the House of the Reverend Mr. Nathaniel Rogers, Minister of
Portsmouth, was burnt to the Ground in a few minutes, his youngest
Child, and a Negro Woman of Mrs. Elatsons, his Mother-in-law,
consumed in the Flames, nothing saved but himself, his Wife, Mother-
in-law, two Children, and the Servant-Maid, as they got out of Bed
without Cloaths; Mrs Elatson saved the eldest Child by throwing
him out of a Chamber Window into his Fathers Arms, and immediately
thereafter Mr. Rogers got a Ladder for his Mother-in-law, and so got
her out at the Window, who is much burned in her Legs & Arms,
but think not dangerous to life. None can tell how this Fire came,
most probably it began in their Kitchen; the Fire was so violent
by reason of the high Wind, that had there been never so many
People to quench it, and help to save the Goods, twere impossible
to save anything. ,
Philadelphia, Octob. 27. On the 22d arrived here a Sloop from
Carolina, Robert Wright Master, says, That a Flag of Truce was
returned from St. Augusteen, was bound in over the Bar as he came
out, but he could not speak with them, so knows not what News
they bring.
On the 24. Arrived Capt Terril in a Brigantine from Barbadoes,
carries 8 Guns, he came out in Company with the Fleet, with whom
55 The word "morning" crossed out in the copy in the file of the Massa
chusetts Historical Society and "night" written over it.
140
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 13, 1704
also came out 2 new Sloops belonging to this place, whereof Hamer-
ton and Wilson Masters; who when the Fleet came to Antigua in the
evening after they arrived, left them in order to make the best of their
way, but next morning was in sight of a Snow, Captain Lambard
Commander, being little Wind, with Rowing soon came up with
them and took them both, and carried them in to St. Bartholomews,
where was a Dutch Sloop with a Dane s Pass or Commission from St.
Thomas s, a Merchant on Board bought Wilson s Sloop for 3500
Pieces of Eight, to be paid at St. Thomas s, Hamerton s Sloop, Lam-
bard designs to go in himself; they were both excellent Sailors.
Several of the Passengers were put aboart Wilson s Sloop which
was sent from St. Bartholomews to Stacy, from whence they got a
Passage to St. Christophers, where they met with the Fleet again,
and got a Passage on Board the above Brigantine hither.
Capt. Henry Tregany Dyed the last night.
An Act is past in Maryland for prohibiting the Importation of
Bread, Beer, Flower, Malt, Wheat, or other English or Indian Grain
or Meal, Horses, Mares, Colts or Filleys, or Tobacco from Pensilvania,
and the Territories thereto belonging, under Forfeiture of the whole.
Rhode-Island, Nov. 3. There is one of Capt. Lawrenc s Prizes
arrived, and this day came in Capt. John Halsey from Boston.
New-York, Octob. 30. The Jersey Man of War, with the Vessels
under her Convoy for England will not Sail till the latter end of the
Week.
Hfc\>ertisement
A Negro Woman Slave about 22 years of Age, to be Sold by Mr.
Nicholas Boone Bookseller, and to be seen at the London Coffee-
House, next door to the Post-Office, in Boston.
1ft. j. mumb. 30.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IXmDag November 6. to dbOltbag November 13. 1704.
NY AS
FT ORD Cornbury s address to the General Assembly of the prov-
I I ^ince of New York begins the first column of the first page. Fol
lowing this is news from Lisbon concerning the armies of the allies
in Italy, Hungary, Flanders and elsewhere. Domestic news fills
nearly three columns. It includes, besides the address of Lord
Cornbury, a proclamation by Governor Dudley for a General Thanks
giving, and an interesting variety of marine news.]
141
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 13, 1704
His Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury, Captain General and
Governour in Chief in and over Her Majesties Colony of New-
York, and Territories depending thereon, &c His Speech to the
Honourable the Council and Representatives in General Assembly,
now Sitting in the City of New-York, upon Thursday the 12th
of October, 1704. 5 6
Gentlemen,
THE Assembly of New-Jersey having detained me some
days longer than at first I intended, & the season of the year
being so far advanced, are the Reasons which induce me to
recommend to your Considerations for this Session, as few
things as may be; and indeed the two chief things which I
most earnestly recommend to you to be provided for at this time,
are, The low Condition of the Revenue, and the Defence of the
Fronteers.
I did in June last, recommend to you, Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives, to lay an Additional Duty on certain Commodities,
which had been granted by a former Assembly of this Province, but
expired. When I recommended that to you, I did it as a thing which
in my Judgment would in some measure help the Revenue, without
being any burthen upon the People. Some Gentlemen were then
of Opinion, that such an Additional Duty would be a Clog upon the
Trade of this Place ; if they have taken the pains to inquire into that
matter, I don t question but they will be of another mind, for my
part, I did inquire of some of the most considerable Merchants of
this City, who told me that such a Duty would have been rather a
help, than a hindrance or clog to the Trade of this Place, being well
perswaded that those Gentlemen were right in their Opinions. I
once more recommend the consideration of such a Duty to you, or
else that you will consider of some other method to enable her most
Sacred Majesty the Queen, to support the necessary Charges of the
Government, which the present Revenue will not do. The next
thing is the Defence of the Fronteers of this Province, in order to
that I did in July last order a Detachment of an hundred men out of
the Militia for that Service, the greatest part of that number did go
up to Albany, and have been posted in the places most convenient
for the Defence of the Country, which has kept us quiet this Summer;
I think they ought to be kept there till the last day of March next,
at least, and that some Out-Scouts should be raised for this Winter;
I therefore recommend it to you, Gentlemen of the House of Representa
tives, to prepare such a Bill as may raise a Sum sufficient for the paying
56 In Journal of the Votes and Proceedings of the General Assembly of the
Colony of New York, Vol. I, p. 192.
142
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 13, 1704
the men that have been sent up, and for the Out-Scouts, with such
contingent Charges as may be necessary for their going to Albany,
and returning home again If there is any thing else that may be reason
able to be Enacted at this time, you shall find me ready to embrace all
occasions of doing such things as may be for the good of her Majesty s
Subjects in this Colony. I have nothing farther to recommend to
you at this time, but Unanimity in your Consultations, and dispatch
in the Matters before you.
Lisbon, August 30. . . . we hear the French have taken
the Coventry bound for Virginia and Newfoundland, and 4 or 5
Merchant Ships under her Convoy.
Madera, September 28. A Sloop from Philadelphia, William Wade
Master, arrived here about a Week ago, who the day before she
arrived, met with 2 Sally Men of War in sight of the Island, who
pretended a great deal of friendship for the English, and were so
kind as that they took only some odd things from them. They also
told Mr. Wade, That an English Man of War, of about 40 Guns they
met with in the Sir eights told them, That our Fleet had lately burnt
and destroyed ten, and taken five Capital French Men of War in the
Sir eights.
Barbadoes, September 14. His Excellency our Governour has issued
forth a Proclamation Commanding and Requiring all Masters of
Vessels during the War, that they should keep all their Letters
in a Bag with weights to them, that in case they should meet with, or
be Pursued by an Enemy, they might have them in a readiness to
sink them ; on forfeiture of a certain Sum in case they did not. Which
Proclamation was ordered to be Read in all the Parish Churches of
the Island.
By His Excellency, JOSEPH DUDLEY, Esq r Captain General
and GOVERNOUR in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province
of the Massachusetts- Bay, &c. in New-England.
A PROCLAMATION for a General THANKSGIVING. 5 7
WHereas it has pleased Almighty GOD to Prosper the Armes of
Her Sacred Majesty and Her Allies, withVictory over their Enemies
in the Summer past; And of His Infinite Goodness to extend His
Favours towards this Province in divers signal Instances thereof;
In def[e}ating and disappointing of the Combinations, and the Expedi
tions of the Enemy against us, And the good Success given us against
them, by delivering so many of them into our hands; In Granting us a
good Harvest, notwithstanding the Drought, which so much threatned
57 Reprinted from the News- Letter, in The Acts and Resolves ... of
the Province o the Massachusetts Bay: .... Vol. VIII, p. 419.
143
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 13, 1704
us; In continuing Health in the midst of us; And the Priviledges
and Advantages of Religion; Every of which undeserved Mercies
demand most Grateful Returns to Him who is our great Benefactor.
I do therefore, by and with the Advice of Her Majesties Council,
and at the desire of the Representatives, Order and Appoint Thursday
the Twenty-third of this present November, A Day of General THANKS
GIVING throughout this Province, Inhibiting all Servile Labour
thereupon ; And Exhorting both Ministers and People in their respec
tive Congregations and Assemblies, to Celebrate the Praises of GOD,
for all His Benefits and Blessings, And to devote themselves aThank-
Offering to Him in a right Ordered Conversation.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston the Eighth Day of November,
1704. In the Third Year of the Reign of Our Soveraign Lady
ANNE, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and
Ireland. Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c:
By Order of the Governour
and Council. ]. D UDLE Y,
Jsaac Addington Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
Boston, Entered Outward Bound, William Goddard in Sloop
Speedwell, and James Updick in Sloop Elizabeth, for Madera, Daniel
Marshal in Sloop Mary, & John Ventiman in Martha and Elizabeth
for Jamaica, Joseph Dean in Briganteen Dragon for Surranam,
Thomas Ball Sloop Elizabeth for Montserrat, John Foster, Ship Sarah,
Newcomb Blague, Ship Friendship, John Carlile, Brigantine Swan,
John Robinson, Brigantine Dragon, William Skinner, Sloop Dove,
and Thomas Barns in Sloop Endeavour for Barbadoes, Coasters In
wards, Carter et Gillam Sloop Tryal, and Richard Hall in Sloop Lyon
from Saybrook. Coasters Outwards, Samuel Prince Sloop Adven
ture for Milford, and Jacob Parker, Sloop Endeavour for Piscataqua.
Forreign Inwards, John Love, Sloop Dolphin, and Ezekiel Cravate,
Ketch Dolphin from Barbadoes, and Peter Coffin, Ship Pelican from
Madera. Forreign Cleared Outwards, John Hoddy for Jamaica,
John Tucker, Briganteen Sarah for Barbadoes, Jonathan Evans,
Providence Galley for Fyall, Thomas Ball Sloop Elizabeth, and Wil
liam Cook, Briganteen Defiance for Montserrat.
It s said, There are some Horses, Barrels and Lumber come on
Shoar at Nantucket from some Vessel lately Cast away.
Tisbury, on Martha s Vineyard, Nov. 6 1704. The Reverend M.
Josiah Torrey was Ordained Pastor of the Church in this Place, upon
Wednesday, the 18. of October last.
New-York, October 6th. 1704. On Saturday last arrived here a
Sloop from Curacoa, Andrew John Master, in a Month, and brings
144
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r;; i^^C^ ^r t^r"
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^?fa/*~.
/") s /,
\ \J *-^ *i AS *-* **
^
_^/ytv-^
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 13, 1704
News that 10 French Men of War, and two Bomb Vessels were ex
pected at Martinico, commanded by Monsieur De Caese [Du Casse],
and that two light Frigots of the ten were already Arrived there.
That the Governour of Curacoa has ordered all the Inhabitants of
that Island to be provided with Water for three Months.
Capt. Tongerlou is coming hither a Passenger in Captain Basset.
Capt. Stephens who was Commander and part Owner of his Privateer
Sloop is got to Curacoa, and has taken Possession of her.
The Jersey and the Vessels under her Convoy lye at Jacques Bay,
the Captain and Passengers are going on Board this day and will
Sail with the first fair Wind. Our Assembly is just now Dissolved.
His Excellency my Lord Cornbury designs for his Government
of New-Jersey to morrow morning.
Capt. Morrison came from St Thomas the first of October, Capt.
Eliot in a Ketch from Boston was arrived and was to Sail a few days
after him. Laroux was last week Tryed for Pyracy, and acquitted,
three Evidences viva voce proving him to be born in France.
Rhode-Island, November 10. There is arrived here one Harris
from Antigua, bound to Boston, as also Robert Smith in the Brigan-
tine Dragon six weeks passage.
Yesterday the Court of Admiralty was held here for the Condem
nation of Capt. Laurence s Prize, and she was Condemned; And on
Wednesday the 22d Currant will be exposed to Sale, together with
all her Guns, Rigging, Ammunition and furniture; As also her Loading
of Mud Fish and Salt: The Ship is about 120 Tons, 8 Guns; An
Inventory of which will be seen at Mr William Bright s house in
Newport.
Btwertisements*
ollen on Saturday the 4th Currant, from Mrs Susanna Camp-
W^idow 58 in Boston, a Silver Tankard, that holds about two
Wine quarts, has Sir Robert Robinson s Coat of Arms engraven on
the fore-part of it, wherein are three Ships, and the Motto in Latin.
Who[soe]ver can give any true Intelligence of the same, so as that
the Owner may have it again, shall be sufficiently rewarded.
RAN-away on Wednesday last, the Sth. Currant from his Master
in Boston, a Sirranam Indian Manslave, named Prince, aged
about fourteen years old, black short hair, markt upon his breast
with the Letters AP joyned at the foot : has on a black broad Cloath
Jacket, under that a frize Jacket and Breeches, a Crocus Apron,
gray yarn Stockings and Mittens, and a speckled Neckcloth: Speaks
58 Widow of Duncan Campbell.
145
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 20, 1704
little or no English. Whosoever shall take up and apprehend said
Indian Boy, and him Convey to John Campbell Post-master of Boston,
-or give any true Intelligence of said Boy, so as his Master may may
.have him again, shall have a sufficient reward.
A Negro Woman Slave about 22 years of Age, to be Sold by Mr.
^^-Nicholas Boone Bookseller, and to be seen at the London Coffee-
House, next door to the Post-Office, in Boston.
1FL J, IRumb. 31
The Bofton News-Letter
From /IDonfcap November 13. to /IDOltDa^ November 20. 1704.
M H AS NY
N. instalment of "The King of Portugals Declaration, with his
Reasons for entering into the Grand Alliance," fills the first
and breaks into the second page of this issue, with the editorial
note: "We must here break off till our next" The domestic news
includes the detailed account of the killing of the Reverend Mr.
Gardner at Lancaster.]
Boston, In our Numb. 28. As we then received it, we gave you the
Account of the Death of the Reverend Mr. Gardner, Minister of Lan
caster; and having since had a perfect and exact Account of the
same, from Eye and Ear Witnesses; we thought it expedient to insert
it here, to prevent various reports thereof: And is as follows
That a man being Killed the day before betwixt Groton and Lan
caster, and the Indians having been seen the night before nigh the
Town) Mr. Gardner (three of the men belonging to his Garrison
being gone out of Town, and two of the remaining three being tyred
with Watching and Travelling in the Woods after the Indians that
day) being a very careful as well as couragious man, concluded to Watch
that night himself; and accordingly went out into the little Watch-
house that was over one of the Flankers, and there stayed till late in
the night, whence and when he was coming down (as it was thought)
to warm him, the man that shot him, who was not long before sleeping
by the fire, came out, and whether between sleeping and waking,
or surprized with an excess of fear, fired upon him as he was coming
down out of the Watch-house through a little Trap door into the
Flanker, where no man having the exercise of his Reason could sus
pect the coming of an Enemy, or suspect him to be so, when in a
clear Moon light night he was so nigh him, Mr. Gardner (though his
Wound was in his breast being shot through the Vitals) came to the
door, bid them open it for he was wounded ; after he came in he fainted
146
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 20, 1704
away, but coming to himself again, asked who it was that Shot him,
and when they told him he prayed God to forgive him, and forgave
him himself, for he believed he did not do it on purpose; and with a
composed Christian frame of Spirit desired them that were bitterly
lamenting over him, not to weep but to pray for him, and comforted
his sorrowful Wife, telling her he was going to Glory, advising her to
follow him; and in about an hour Dyed, leaving his sorrowful Friends
to lament the loss of so worthy and desirable a Person. 5 9
Mr. Eliot is arrived at Marblehead this week from St. Thomas s,
says, That Capt. Ellery from Boston, Shapely and Hill from New-
London, was taken into Martineco. That a Dutch Privateer had
brought in to St. Thomas 4 or 5 French Prizes.
On Saturday our Assembly was Prorouged until the sixth of Decem
ber next.
Three French Men that came in Capt. Lawrence s Prize to Rhode-
Island, say, That in July they came from Rochel, under the Convoy
of a Flyboat of 700 Tons, between 50 and 60 Guns, and 2 Merchant
men of 14 Guns, about 120 Tons each. One of which with the Fly-
boat was Bound with Stores and Ammunition for Canada, which
Flyboat had on board a Bishop, 6 or 7 Priests and a great many
Passengers, and a great Sum of Mony to pay off the Souldiers. The
other Merchant Man with Stores was bound for Placentia, and
about 400 Leagues to the Westward of Rochel; they met in July last
with an English Fleet consisting of about 120 Sail, under Convoy
of 5 Men of War, the Ship in which these French men was, made her
escape, and also that for Placentia, whom they afterwards met upon
the Banks. But the great Flyboat they saw engaged between 2
English Men of War, and heard the Guns plying from 10 a Clock in
the Morning to 12 a Clock in the Night, and suppose she was either
taken or sunk.
On Saturday arrived one Johnson in a Briganteen from Plymouth
in England about 7 weeks Passage, came out under Convoy of the
Advice Man of War a 4th Rate of 50 Guns, Captain Morris Commander,
and the Strumbele a 5th Rate, Convoy of some Ships for Virginia.
There came out with them the two Mast Ships for Piscataqua, viz.
The New Hampshire, Capt. Easson Commander, and the other the
Thannet, with several other Vessels for this Place, viz. Capt. Went-
worth, Taylor, Balston, Pitts, and two other Vessels belonging to
England. There came also out with the above Convoy Capt. Deheart
and Bond for New-York, and Capt. Robertson for Pensilvania, and
several for Virginia.
59 Reprinted from the News-Letter, together with the item in No. 28 in
Notes, in The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachusetts
Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 506-507.
147
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 20, 1704
Several Men of War came out in Company for Lisbon, of whom
Admiral Whetston was Commodore, Admiral Whetston Retook a
Vessel from the French, that was taken bound home from Virginia.
The Advice Man of War took a French Banker on the Banks of
Newfoundland. The Briganteen in which Johnson came, was one of
the last Vessels that kept Company with the Advice, and parted with
him three w r eeks ago, who was then in Chase of a Vessel he saw.
And by Master and Passengers we are acquainted, . . . [items
of foreign news.]
The Virginia Fleet was save Arrived in England, excepting one
of the Men of War Convoys was taken in the Channel giving Chase
to some Ships she saw, that were French men of War.
That our Virginia home bound Fleet, took a great Flyboat bound
to Canada, with Stores of Ammunition, and a great deal of Money;
said to be a very Rich Prize; and was carryed in to the Downs.
That our Fleet in the Str eights had an engagement with the French,
and worst them.
Capt. Welch from hence was taken.
Entered outward bound, James Berry for Barbadoes, Jeffry Bed-
good for Curaso, John Pullen for Jamaica, John Webster for Coratuck,
and Zachariah Alden for Antigua. Coasters outwards, James Blin
for Rhode-Island, and Christopher Amazon for Piscataqua. Forreign
inwards, James C alley and William Goddard for Madera, John Mason
and Richard Thomas for Sirranam, and James Bodwin for Jamaica.
New-Castle in Piscataqua, Nov 16. 1704. The Reverend Mr.
John Emerson was Ordained Pastor of the Church in this Place,
upon Wednesday the 8th Instant.
Hfcvertisements.
THere is now in the Press, and will speedily be Published Mr.
doughs Almanack for the Year 1705. Diligently Calculated
according to the Doctrine of Scientia Stellarum, the latest Tables
now extant; to which is added an Appendix of the Effects of the
Eclipses and Conjunctions of the Superiour Planets, with a compleat
Chronology of very Remarkable Things from the beginning of the
World, to the year 1705. Also an account of the variation of the
Ebbing and Flowing of the Tides ; together with a new Account of the
Rhodes to Cape Harbour, with the East and West: With other
things useful and very necessary.
THere is lately Published, A Book Entituled, A Discourse on the
Holiness of the Sabbath Day. Being a Sermon Preached at
Boston, New-England, October 29th. 1704. By Jer. Dummer, A. L.
M & Philosop. Doct.
148
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 27, 1704
Both to be Sold by Benjamin Eliot at his Shop at the West-End
of the Town-House in Boston.
A I A He Eastern and Piscataqua Post sets out from Boston every
* Monday night at seven of the Clock, and all Persons are desired
to bring their Letters to the Post-Office before six a Clock.
The Western Post not yet come in.
m. j. IFtumb. 32.
The Bofton News-Letter
From /fcon&a November 20. to /IDcmfcaE November 27. 1704.
M H AS NY
FTj^OREIGN matter occupies all of this issue except a little more
j^-T than a quarter of a page. Another instalment of "The King
of Portugals Declaration" is given, and the other foreign advices
include reports from the duke of Marlborough s camp of July 6,
9 and 13 dates. In the domestic news is a report by an express
from Albany to New York, as brought by an Indian from Canada,
of preparations in Canada for a French and Indian winter attack
upon some point in the colonies not named.]
Boston, We are acquainted from London, that Sims or Flins
from Rhode- Island, and Chester from New-London, both bound to
London, were taken by the French; and that Capt. Davison from
New-York to London was arrived there.
Entered Outward Bound, Thomas Lauren for Carolina, John
Hobbs for Antigua, John Henderson for Saranam, Ezekiel Cravat
for Lisbon, and Nathaniel Green, David Craige, and Samuel Brice
for Barbadoes. Coasters Outwards, Peter Coffin, and Richard Hall
for New- Haven. Forreign Inwards, Capt. John Wentworth, Capt.
Christopher Taylor, and William Dean, from London, Nathaniel
Eliot from St. Thomas, Nicholas Laurence from Berwick, Richard
Shortridge from Fyall, and Thomas Sill from Antigua. Forreign
Outwards, John Webber for Coratuck, Jeremiah Cusking for Virginia,
John Wing, Daniel Marshal, Henry Tew and John Dimon, for Jamaica,
and Stephen Codman for Fyall.
Marble-head, Nov. 25. On Wednesday next Sails from hence to
Portugal, Capt. John Miles in the Swallow for Lisbon, Capt Richard
Murphey in the Arcana Galley for Leghorn.
New- York, Nov. 13. On the 7th Instant, His Excellency the Lord
Cornbury went hence to his Government of New-Jersey.
On the 8th Currant, The Jersey Man of War with the Vessels under
her Convoy Sailed from Sandy-hook for England.
149
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 4, 1704
The Pensilvania Post is not yet come in.
Last night came an Express from Albany, & brought an Account,
that an Onnendage Indian was arrived from Canada, & gives an
Account, that an Army was preparing with great vigour to make
an Attack this Winter over the Ice, but on what place was kept secret.
St. Johns Newfoundland, Octob. 24. Four days ago came here
7 French Souldiers, who 10 days before had deserted at Placentia,
& were kindly received by the Commadore, who carried them for
England, which Deserters say, that sundry others of the best of
that Garrison would quickly follow, because of hard usage, w r ant
of pay, & scarcity of Provisions. On the 22d Instant, our Governour
had certain advice, that 11 more of said Garrison was come to Car-
bonier, who had Surrendred themselves & their Arms, & were ordered
by the Governour to be brought hither, of whom there was 2 Seargents,
1 Gunner & 7 common Souldiers, and confirm what the others say
of a great Scarcity at Placentia.
Piscataqua, Nov. 23. This Week arrived here from England,
Capt. Morris Commander of Her Majesties Ship the Advice, with the
New- Hampshire, and Thanet, Mast-Ships under his Co[n]voy.
The Eastern Post sets out every Monday night.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
m. jg, mumb. 33.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDonDag November 27. to. flDOflfca^ December 4. 1704.
NY AS
I" T N the first column of the first page is more of the declaration of
I Athe king of Portugal, continued from the issues of November
20 and 27. From Hague, August 18, there is a report of the battle
of Hochstedt or Blenheim, and from Windsor, August 13, the letter
of the duke of Marlborough to the queen announcing that victory.
There is a little more than a column of domestic news. This in
cludes a proclamation by the governor regulating the transmission
of letters to Europe "during the continuance of this war."]
Boston, On Sabbath, the 26 of November, about 6 of the Clock at
night, Dyed Major Benjamin Davis aged 56 Years and 4 months,
and was decently Interr d on Thursday the last of November, being
attended with the Regiment in arms. 60
60 Major in the militia: captain of the Honorable Artillery Company
1686. See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 118, under dates Novr 26,
Novr 30.
150
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 4, 1704
On Wednesday the 28th of November, His Excellency our Gover
nour Issued forth a Proclamation, That whereas the Great and General
Court or Assembly of this Province was by Prorogation to Sit at
Boston upon Wednesday the 6th day of December, His Excellency
has been pleased further to Prorogue the said Assembly unto Wednes
day the 27th Day of December Instant, at ten a Clock in the Forenoon.
On Thursday the 30th November: In obedience to Her Majesties
Express Command, for the better preventing of the Enemy gaining
Intelligence of the State of the Plantations, by Letters from private
persons there to their Correspondents in England, taken on board
Ships coming from the Plantations & carried into France, which
prove of dangerous consequence,
His Excellency, our Governour, with Advice of Her Majesties
Council has issued forth a Proclamation, directing & ordering all
Masters of Ships & other Vessels Sailing from any part or place
either of this Government or New-Hampshire during the continuance
of this War, bound for Europe, or to any other of Her Majesties
Plantations abroad, to have a bag to receive all Letters that shall be
sent by them, with a sufficient weight therein to sink the same im
mediately in case of imminent danger from the Enemy, & that they
sink them accordingly; That they suffer no Letters to be carried in
their Ships or Vessels, but what are put in the common bag; That
all Merchants and other private persons be very cautious of giving
any Account by Letters of the Publick State & Condition of these
Plantations.
That none of the French Nation residing here, inhabitants or
others, do convey or put any Letter into the common bag, or on
board any Ship or other Vessel, without presenting them to the
Governour or Commander in Chief for the time being, for his perusal;
& that none such be received by any Ship-Master or others, before
they have been perused as aforesaid, & so notify ed. That none of
Her Majesties Subjects, Merchants or others, do put any Letters from
any French-man, under their cover to elude the intent of this
Proclamation.
Entered Outward Bound, Bucklin for Antigua, Robert Gould for
Coratuck, Nathaniel Eliot for Montserat, and James Bridgam for
Barbadoes. Co[a]stars Outward, Almy for Rhode- Jsland, and Brackett
Wells for Piscataqua; Forreign Inwards, Nathaniel B[al]ston from
London. Forreign Outwards, Joseph Arnold for Carolina.
Marshfield, Nov. 29. On Sabbath last was put on Shoar here,
Abraham Gordon from Fyall in the Easterly Storm of Snow, we hope
he ll save the Vessel and Cargo, except the loss of her Masts, and some
small damage.
151
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 11, 1704
Philadelphia, Nov. 15. About three weeks ago, The State-house
at Annapolis was burnt down, most of the Records of the Province was
burnt in it.
Last Week arrived Captain Rhodes in a Sloop from Rhode- Island.
New-York, Nov. 22. Captain Tongrelow was expected here in
Basset, (who arrived from Curacoa the 15th Instant, in 28 days)
but he would not come without his Goods, which Basset refused to
bring; we hear he designs for Rhode-Island.
Captain Clavar in a Barque, Cap[t]ain de Wint, and Captain Van-
laer in two Sloops all well mann d, design this or the next Week to
Sayl on Privateering.
Rhode-Island, Nov. 28. There is one Ransford in a Briganteen,
arrived here from Barbadoes. Yesterday arrived at the back-side
of our Island, a French Prize, taken by Her Majesties Ship the Ad
vice, Loaden with dry Fish and Oyl.
^ I A Hese are to Certifie all Persons, that there is lately set up at
- Charlstown Ferry in Boston, a Pottash-work, at the house of
John Russell Ferry-man, where all Persons that have any Ashes
to spare, may receive six pence per Bushell in Money, for any Quantity
they shall Deliver at the Water-side.
e Western Post for three Months to the 1st of March next goes out
and comes in once a Fortnight at Boston; he came in on Fryday
last, the first currant, & sets out on Tuesday morning, the 5th instant,
and so comes in every other Saturday at noon, and sets out the Tues
day morning following at ten of the Clock.
The Eastern Post comes in every Saturday, and sets out every
Monday night, at seven of the Clock.
ft. )* Iftumb. 34.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From ADondag December 4. to flDOU&ap December 11. 1704.
NY AS
J" TN the first column of the first page is a continuation of the declara-
I Ation of the king of Portugal and in the second column, from
Whitehall, August 14, is the report of Vice Admiral Sir George Rooke
concerning the taking of Gibraltar by the British forces July 24, and
accompanying this report are the articles of capitulation. Nearly the
152
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 11, 1704
entire second page is occupied with a proclamation of Queen Anne
"for Settling and Ascertaining the Current Rates of Foreign Coins
in Her Majesties Colonies and Plantations in America." 81 Ac
companying this is a table of computation of weights and values of
foreign coins in the plantations, made by Mr. Newton, master worker
of the mint. The domestic news of the issue is limited to five short
items.]
Chelmsford, Decemb. 7. This Day Dyed the Reverend Mr. Thomas
Clark, Pastor of the Church here. Aged 51 & 9 months.
Littk-Compton, Decemb. 7. 1704. The Reverend Mr. Richard
Billings was Ordained Pastor of the Church in this Place, on Thursday
the last day of November.
Marble-head, Dec. 7. This day arrived here Cap. Winter from
England, being the last Ship that came out with our Fleet.
Boston, Entered Outward bound, Pitman, and Gray for Nevis,
Perkins for Antigua, Ever ton, Love, Plaisted and Ernes for Barba-
does, Northy for Virginia, and Emons for Jamaica. Coasters Jn-
wards. Lathrop from Sandwich, and Smallage from Rhode-Island.
Coasters Outwards, Odiorne for Piscataqua. Foreign Inwards,
Gravenraedt from N. York, Harris from Antigua, Vail & Darby from
Pensilvania. Foreign Outwards, Jones & Hobbs for Antigua, Gold for
Carolina, Green tor Jamaica, Dean for Suranam, BurbankiorCuracoa,
& Moor for Barbadoes.
On Tueseday the 5th Currant arrived here Cap. Pii[t]s from London,
came out with the Ships for this place.
By the QUEEN,
A PROCLAMATION,
For Settling and Ascertaining the Current Rates of Foreign Coins
in Her Majesties Colonies & Plantations in America ANNE R.
WE having had under our Consideration the different Rates at
which the same Species of Foreign Coins do Pass in Our several
Colonies and Plantations in America, and the inconveniences thereof,
by the indirect Practice of Drawing the Money from one Plantation
to another, to the great Prejudice of the Trade of our Subjects; And
being Sensible, That the same cannot be otherwise Remedied, than
by Reducing of all Foreign Coins to the same Current Rate within
all Our Dominions in America; And the Principal Officers of Our
Mint having laid before Us a Table of the Value of the several Foreign
Coins which usually Pass in Payments in our said Plantations, ac
cording to their Weight, and the Assays made of them in Our Mint,
61 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: .... Vol. VIII, pp. 471-472.
153
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 11, 1704
thereby shewing the just Proportion which each Coin ought to have
to the other, which is as followeth, viz Sevill Pieces of Eight, Old
Plate, Seventeen Peny- weight Twelve Grains Four Shillings and
Six-pence; Sevill Pieces of Eight, New Plate, Fourteen Peny- weight,
Three Shillings Seven Pence One Farthing; Mexico Pieces of Eight,
Seventeen Peny-weight Twelve Grains, Four Shillings and Six Pence ;
Pillar Pieces of Eight, Seventeen Peny-weight Twelve Grains, Four
Shillings & Six-pence Three Farthings; Peru Pieces of Eight, Old
Plate, Seventeen Peny-weight Twelve Grains, Four Shillings & Five
Pence, or thereabouts; Cross Dollars, Eighteen Peny-weight, Four
Shillings and Four Pence Three Farthings; Ducatoons of Flanders >
Twenty Peny weight and Twenty One Grains, Five Shillings and Six
Pence; Ecu s of France, or Silver Lewis, Seventeen Peny-weight
Twelve Grains, Four Shillings and six pence; Crusadoes of Portugal,
Eleven Peny weight, Four Grains, Two Shillings and Ten Pence
One Farthing; Three Gilder Pieces of Holland, Twenty Peny weight
and Seven Grains, Five Shillings and Two Pence One Farthing;
Old Rix Dollars of the Empire, Eighteen Peny-weight and Ten
Grains, Four Shillings and six-pence; The Half, Quarters, and other
parts in proportion to their Denominations, and Light Pieces in
Proportion to their Weight: We have therefore thought fit for
Remedying the said Inconveniences, by the Advice of Our Council,
to Publish and Declare, That from and after the First Day of January
next ensuing the Date hereof; no Sevill, Pillar, or Mexico Pieces of
Eight, though of the full Weight of Seventeen Peny-weight and a
half, shall be Accounted, Received, Taken or Paid within any of Our
said Colonies or Plantations, as well those under Proprietors and
Charters, as under Our immediate Commission & Government, at
above the Rate of Six Shillings per piece Currant Money for the
Discharge of any Contracts or Bargains to be made after the said
First Day of January next, the Halfs, Quarters, and other lesser
Pieces of the same Coins to be Accounted, Received, Taken, or Paid
in the same proportion; And the Currency of all Pieces of Eight of
Peru, Dollars, and other Foreign Species of Silver Coins, whether of
the same or Baser Alloy, shall, after the said First Day of January
next, stand Regulated, according to their Weight and Fineness,,
according & in proportion to the Rate before limited and set for the
pieces of Eight of Sevill, Pillar, and Mexico; So that no Foreign
Silver Coin of any sort be permitted to exceed the same proportion
upon any Account whatsoever. And We do hereby Reqire & Com
mand all Our Governours, Lieutenant- Go vernours, Magistrates,
Officers, and all other Our good Subjects within Our said Colonies
and Plantations, to Observe and Obey Our Directions herein, as they
Tender Our Displeasure.
154
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 18, 1704
Given at Our Castle at Windsor, the Eighteenth Day of June,
1704 In the Third Year of Our Reign,
GOD Save the QUEEN.
A Computation made by Mr. Newton, Master-Worker of the Mint,
according to which all Foreign Coins may Pass in Her Majesties
Plantations, in Proportion to the Rate Limited in Her Majesties
Proclamation for Pieces of Eight of Sevill, Mexico and Pillar.
Weight and Intrinsick Value of the following
Species.
Rate of the said Pieces
in Pro portion to the Lim
itation made by the said
Proclamation .
Sevill Pieces of Eight, Old Plate
Sevill Pieces of Eight, New Plate
Mexico Pieces of Eight
Pillar Pieces of Eight
Peru Pieces of Eight
Cross Dollars
Ducatoons of Flanders
Ecu s of France or Silver Lewis
Crusados of Portugal
Three Guilder Pieces of Holland
Old Rix Dollars of the Empire
Weight
Peny
wt. Gr.
Value
Shil.
Pence
Shil.
Pence
17 12
4 6
6
14
3 7J
4 9J
17 12
4 6
6
17 12
4 6J-
6
17 12
4 5
5 1(H
18
4 4f
5 10}
20 21
17 12
5 6
4 6
7 4
6
11 4
2 10
3 9}
20 7
5 21
6 11
18 10
4 6
6
All Halves, Quarters and lesser Pieces are to Pass in Proportion to the above Rates.
[No advertisement in this issue.]
IRumb. 35.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfca, December 11. to
NY-AS
December 18. 1704.
rir^XCEPT for four short domestic items this issue is completely filled
I JO/with long reports of foreign affairs; and among others these
* include, under date of the preceding July, from the duke of
Marlbor ough scamp at Alcha, news from that commander concerning
the movements of his army ; in August reports from Whitehall and
Windsor more details of the capture of Gibraltar; a letter of Queen
Anne addressed to the Parliament of Scotland, dated Edinburgh,
July 11; and other news from Mentz, Hamburg and elsewhere upon
the continent.]
155
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 25, 1704
Boston, On Sabbath the 10th Instant, died at Milton, Mr. Richard
Wilkins, Bookseller of Boston: Aged Eighty-One years, And was
Interred at Boston, on Wednesday the 13th Currant.
On Thursday the 14th, Arrived here the French Prize, taken by
Her Majesty s Ship the Advice, mentioned in our Number 33.
Outward Bound, Jefferies for Coratuck, Welch for Bermuda, John
Corny, and John Charnock for London. Coasters Outwards, Allen
for Connecticut, Gillam for Rhode Island, and Newman for Piscataqua.
Forreign Outwards Cleared, Bucklin for Antigua, Lanyon for Carolina,
Jeffries for Coratuck, Card for Barbadoes, Hillard and Parker for
Jamaica, Carket for Surranam, and Milke for Montserat
New-York, Decemb. 2. Cap. Bond & Cap. De Hart are just now
arrived from England, and Cap. Wilde is daily expected, Cap Bill
is arrived from Curacoa in a month.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1R. fi. mumi). 36.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDcmfca^ December 18. to flDOn&ag December 25. 1704.
NY AS
FTN this issue preference is again given to foreign news, almost the
I JL whole space being occupied by such matter. An additional in
stalment of the declaration of the king of Portugal is printed,
and also the speeches to Parliament by the marquis of Tweedale,
high commissioner, and the earl of Seafield, lord high chancellor;
and there is miscellaneous news of May, June and July, from Con
stantinople, Nismes, Amsterdam and other capitals of the continent.
Two items only comprise the domestic news.]
Boston, Entered Outwards, John Estes, and John Thomas junior
for London. Coasters Inwards, John Wells from Piscataqua. Coast
ers Outwards, Thomas Groce for Piscataqua. Forreign Inwards,
John Pitts, and Thomas Winter from London. Forreign Outwards
Cleared, John Seley, and Jeffery Bedgood for Barbadoes, John Ruggks
for Nevis, William Dean for Lisbon, John Venteman for Jamaica,
and John Scot for Antigua.
Notice is hereby given to all Persons concerned, That whereas it is
likely the General Assembly of this Province, will be Sitting at the
time appointed by Law for the holding of the Inferiour Court of Common
Pleas within the County of Suffolk, on the First Tuesday of January
156
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 1, 1705
next; the Justices of the said Inferiour Court have therefore adjourned
the same unto the First Tuesday of February next ensuing.
[No advertisement in this issue.]
1705
m. l. Wumb. 37.
The Boft on Newsletter.
From /IDon&HE December 25. to /iDOUDap January 1. 1704, 5.
NY
five items of domestic news are printed in this issue. The
first page is filled with the speech of the earl of Cromarty, lord
secretary, in the Scottish parliament , favoring the union with Great
Britain. On the second page is a letter from London, of July 20,
1704, regarding the succession of the crown of Scotland. Continental
news is from Turin, Vienna and other cities.]
Boston, On Wednesday last, the General Court of this Province
according to Prorogation to said day, did meet and Sit again.
Entered Outward Bound, Hobbs for Antigua. Coasters Inwards,
Bracket from Piscataqua. Forreign Outwards, Sanders for Roanoke,
Pickman for Nevis, Clark for Virginia, Plaisteed and Barns for
Barbadoes, Perkins and Hobbs for Antigua, Welsh for Bermuda,
and Cravat for Lisbon.
Philadelphia, Dec. 6. Capt. David Robertson from London, is
just now arrived, came out with the Advice Man of War from England.
And we dayly expect a Briganteen that came out in Company with
them.
New York, December 15. We have Advice, That the Dove from
London, bound hither, is put in to New London.
His Excel, the Ld. Cornbury is expected here this day from his
Government of N-Jersey. The Assembly of that Province have
157
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 8 and 15, 1705
granted a Revenue to Her Majesty of 2000 1 Per Annum for two
years.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1fl. jg. 1Flumb.38.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From jflDOUfcaS January 1. to /IDOtlfcaS January 8. 1704, 05.
NY
TT7XCEPT for four domestic items and one advertisement all this
I JLLissue is of foreign affairs. Most space is given to reports from
Vienna of the peace negotiations between Austria and Hungary,
and the movements of Prince Ragatzi. The proceedings of parlia
ment sitting in Edinburgh are reported.]
Boston, On Tuesday the 2d Currant, Dyed the Pious and Vertuous
Madam Sarah Leverett, widow of the Honourable John Leverett Esq.
Sometime Governour of the Massachusetts- Bay in New- England,
Aged 74 years & 8 Month s, much Lamented by all Persons.
An Act Passed by the Great and General Court of this Province
this Sessions, Against Souldiers and Seamen in Her Majesty s Service,
being Arrested for Debt.
On Saturday the 6th Instant, His Excellency our Governour was
pleased to Prorogue the Assembly of this Province unto Wednesday
the 21st of February next, to ten of the Clock in the Forenoon.
Entered Outward Bound, Henry Lowder for Barbadoes. Forreign
Cleared Outwards, Andrew Gravenrat for New-York, and Jonathan
Gray for Antigua.
Hfcverttsement
A Negro Man Slave, about 35 years of Age, who speaks good English,
to be Sold & seen at Cap. Samuel White s house at the North-
end of Boston, where you may know further.
m. J. Iftumb. 39.
The Bofton News-Letter.
[A
From fJDOUfcap January 8. to fl&on&a$ January 15. 1704, 5.
NY
1H ALF column of domestic news and three and one half columns
of foreign news fill the two pages of this issue. The foreign news
158
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 15, 1705
from Warsaw, Dantzick, Turin, Hague and elsewhere is principally
concerning military movements and several small battles in which
the armies of the French and the Allies were engaged ; the discussion
of terms of peace between Sweden and Poland and the elaborate
preparations which had been made for the crowning of King Stan-
islau. The domestic news, although brief, contains several items
of more than ordinary importance including reports of privateers in
the West Indies.]
Boston, On Monday the 8th Currant was Interred Madam Sarah
Lever ett mentioned in our Last. 6 2
This week arrived John Moor from Nevis about nine weeks Passage ,
says, That there are a great many French Privateers out, and that
Philip Lewis from hence to Surranam, and from thence for Nevis
in a Briganteen was taken and carried in to Martinico.
On Sabbath the 14th Instant at Noon, begun a great Storm of
Snow, the Wind being at North-East, and continues still at the
Printing hereof on Monday Morning.
Entered Outward Bound, Fortune Redduck for St. Christophers.
Forreign Inwards, John Moor from Nevis. Forreign Outwards
Cleared, John Pullen for Jamaica.
Piscataqua, January 11. Capt. Salmon Morrice* 3 Commander
of Her Majesty s Ship the Advice (with the two Mast-Ships, who are
making all possible dispatch in Loading) will Sail hence for England
the 1st of March next, taking under his Convoy what other Vessels
are then ready.
New- Port Rhode-Island, January 11. On Fryday the 5th Currant
dyed here Mr Robert Carr, and was Interred on Monday the 8th
Instant, There is arrived here Gillam & Gravenrad from Boston,
and cleared from hence, Hubbert from Madera s, and Hayman for
St. Christophers.
New-York, Jan. 1. About 10 days ago, Cap. Clover, & Capt.
De Wint Sayled a Privateering. A Sloop arrived here from Suranam,
brings no news. The Post from Albany brings Advice, That the
French were fitting out a great Party of Indians, &c. to fall upon some
of the English Government. Several Vessels Outward bound for
Antigua, Jamaica, Curacoa and Carolina, Capt. Wilde from London
that came out with the Advice Man of War, &c. Lies at the two
62 See News-Letter, No. 38; see also Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol, II,
page 120, under date Janv 2, and page 121, under date Monday, January 8
[1704/5].
63 Captain Salmon Maurice. See Notes, in The Acts and Resolves . . .
of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, page
465, 466.
159
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 22 and 29, 1705
Brothers, 12 miles from hence.
Hfcvertisement
[Reprinted: sale of slave of Captain Samuel White, as in January 8.]
1R, J. Bumb. 40.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDonfca January 15. to /IDotU>a January 22. 1704, 5.
NY
LL the first page of this issue is filled with an account of the
battle of Blenheim. On the second page is news from Berlin,
Vienna, Hague, Hamburgh, Frankfort and elsewhere.]
[A
Boston, On the 15th Instant, James Jarvies, Blacksmith, (who
used to be taken with Fits of the Falling Sickness) being Shovelling
of Snow at his Well in the Yard, on a sudden his head foremost fell
into the Well, his own Journey-man Shovelling Snow in the same
Yard heard a sudden noise, & immediately cried out, & several
persons got to the Well where nothing was to be seen but his feet,
and got him out, who spoke but very few words afterwards, and dyed
within a few hours.
On Wedmsday morning the 17th Instant, dyed Elizabeth Whetlie,
Single Woman, for want of help, being big with Child, who would
not own that she was with Child, was afterwards opened, and found
to be so.
On Saturday Morning the 20th. dyed Mr. William Rowe, Goldsmith.
Entered Outward Bound, John Wensley for Barbadoes. Cleared,
Jotham Odiorn for Piscataqua.
Hfcverttsement
[Reprinted: sale of slave of Captain Samuel White, as in January 8
and January 15.]
1ft. J. Humb. 41.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfca January 22. to flDoitfca January 29, 1704. 05.
NY
HREE columns of this issue are filled with foreign news. More
details of the victory at Hochflet in August, 1704, are given
"From the Duke of Marlborough s camp at Steinheim, Aug. 17
160
[T
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 29, 1705
N. S." with the additional note, "we refer you to our Number 33 in
which is the Duke of Marlborough s Letter to the Secretary of State,
which gives an account of the Battle." Appended to this report
is "A List of the Chief Prisoners taken at the Battle at Bleineam."
More account of this battle is given in letters from Berlin, Frankfort,
and Hague. In a letter from Edinburgh, parliamentary proceedings
in relation to the succession to the throne are reported.]
Barbadoes, Decemb. 21. On the 20th of October arrived here Capt.
Thomas Lessenby in the Dudley Frigot, and Sargent in a Ketch from
Boston in N. England, & on the 22d. Capt. Partridge from said Port.
On the 2d of November the Warrick Man of War, (the Curtney Brigan-
teen being in Company) brought in a French Privateer Sloop with
40 hands. Capt. Graves in the Ship William from Virginia; On the
7th Capt. Porter from Guinea, & a Briganteen from Virginia: On
the 8th, Fox in a Ketch from Boston, & Tucker in a Sloop from
Rhode-Island both taken, the men put on Shoar; a Sloop from Pensil-
vania, & Capt. Jenkins in a Ship from Bristol arrived. On the 12th
two Sloops from Pensilvania, & one from Rhode-Island. On the 15th.
The Pacquet Boat from England. On the 16th. A Sloop from Rhode-
Island, and one from New-York. On the 17th. Capt. Moles from
Boston On the 19h. Captains, Everton and Garrat from New -found land.
On the 9th Decemb. Captain Gibbs from Carolina.
Several Vessels Sail d from hence this day. For Virginia, The
James Citty, Richard Brand, Master, & the Mercy, James Loring
Master: For Leward Islands, Robert Chappel, & Mr. Richardson;
for London, Capt. Thomas Holland, in the By-fronts Gaily, George
Pearson in the John & Ann, William Arkland in the Industry, George
Clay in the Richard. For Pensilvania, Florentius Burrows in the
Tygar, George Laycraft in the Adventure. For Bermuda, Nathaniel
Tatum, in the Lilly, Robert Inglish in the John & Jane, John Sallus-
tius in the Samuel, William Outerbrige in the Rose, Matthew Witter
in the William & Robert. For New- England Salem, John Sharpe
in the Endeavour. For Boston, Ckment Jackson in the Dover Gaily,
& John Bennet in the Hopewell. For Bristol, Robert Knowles in the
Increase. For Carolina, James Gibson in the Endeavour For Saltitu-
dos Wil Wyot in the Endeavour.
Yesterday came on Shore Capt. Dunkin and Company in his
Boat, gives an Account that he was bound Hither from Ireland,
Loaden with Provisions, but his Ship sprung a Leak ten Leagues off
and Foundered.
Provisions are both scarce & dear. Capt. Moles is put in Com
mander of the Curtney Briganteen, & our Government has fitted
out a Sloop, both of which are out, and hope will do us good Service
against the Privateers.
161
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 5, 1705
The Man of War has Retaken a Ship from Guinea, bound to Jamaica,
the Master whereof is carried in to Martinico. The Ship brought
in here & the Negroes Sold.
We are acquainted, That there is 2 or 3 French Privateers taken
by Her Majesties Man of War at the Leward-Islands.
Boston, On Tuesday the 23d Currant, arrived here Capt. John
Bennet in 33 days from Barbadoes, by whom we have the Confirma
tion of Capt. Ellery s (mentioned in our Number 31) being taken by
the French, who was Wounded in the stout resistance he made against
the Privateer. That Capt. Thomas Dudley in the Pacquet Boat from
England to the West-Indies, was taken and carried into St. Malo.
On Wednesday the 24th. Dyed Mr. Edward Gouge, Merchant.
By his Excellency s Direction, Capt. Tyng and Capt. Stephens
with 150 men with Snow Shoes march d from Dunstable eight days
ago into the Woods in search of the Enemy. 6 4
His Excellency intends to go for his Government of New-Hamp
shire, on Wednesday the 31st. Instant.
Entered Outward Bound, Capt. Mark Hunkin in the Johns Ad
venture, for Barbadoes. Forreign Inwards, John Bennet from Bar-
badoes. Cleared Outwards, Cap. Ephraim Breed in the Seaflower,
for Jamaica, and Joseph Thorne in a Sloop for Barbadoes.
There are two Mails due from the Eastern Post, and one from the
Western, by reason of the great Snows.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1FU l. Bumb. 42.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDonfca January 29. to /IDOUfcag February 5. 1704, 5.
MH NY
F T^HIS issue opens with a proclamation by Governor Dudley for a
I A general fast. Foreign matter follows, occupying the remainder
of the first page and three quarters of the second page : largely of
war news. The domestic news fills out the second page and tells
of heavy snow storms and high tides. A New York item reports the
publication there of the queen s proclamation for "Settling and
Ascertaining the Current Rates of Foreign Coins" in the colonies,
64 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: .... Vol. VIII, p. 447.
162
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 5, 1705
which was published in Massachusetts in the previous December, and
given in the News-Letter No. 34.]
By His Excellency, JOSEPH DUDLEY Esqr. Captain General
and Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Provinces of the
Massachusetts- Bay and New-Hampshire in New- England. A
PROCLAMATION for a General FAST 65
HAving had Consideration of the Great Troubles of Europe,
wherein Her Majesty and the Confederates are Engaged against
the Common Enemy of the Repose of the Christian Nations;
As well as our own Troubles with the French and Indians;
And the Just Reason we have therefore to Implore the Divine Favour,
for the Remission of our great and manifold Sins that have justly
displeased God.
I Have therefore thought fit, by and with the Advice of Her Majesties
Council, and at the Desire of the Representatives in their last
Session, to Appoint and Order, That Thursday the first of March next,
be Solemnized as a Day of Publick FASTING and PRAYER through
out these Provinces: Exhorting both Ministers and People in their
several Assemblies, Religiously to attend the Solemn Services of the said
Day; That by a sincere Repentance and steady Affiance in the Divine
Mercy in their most humble Addresses, They may obtain from GOD,
That Our Soveraign Lady the QUEEN with the Nations and Territories
under Her Happy Government may always be under the Protection of
HEAVEN; Her Majesties Life and Government long continued;
Her Counsels and just Arms Prospered; The Designs of the barbarous
Salvages against us defeated; Our exposed Plantations preserved.
And the poor Christian Captives in their hands, returned; That the
Government of these Provinces may have the Divine Direction in all
their Administrations; That Health may be continued, And the
ensuing Year crowned with the Fruits of Divine Bounty: That Deliver
ance may speedily arise to the Church of God oppressed with the Tyranny
of Antichrist. And all Servile Labour is Inhibited in that Day.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the Twenty-second Day
of January, 1704. In the Third Year of the Reign of Our Soveraign
Lady ANNE, by the Grace of GOD, of England, Scotland, France
& Ireland. QUEEN, Defender of the Faith, &c.
By Order of the Governour & Council /. Dudley.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
New- Port Rhode-Island, January 25. On Sabbath the 14*/t.
65 In The Acts and Resolves . . of the Province of the Massachusetts
Bay: .... Vol. VIII, p. 104.
163
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 5, 1705
Instant, began here a great Storm the Wind at S. E. and continued
till next day, which caused a Tyde to rise here two foot higher than
ever was known, which has done near 400/. damage to this place,
and drowned 17 Sheep of Connonicut s. Robert Smith for Surranam
will Sail in 15. days.
New-York, January 22. On the 15th Instant dyed here, Sampson
Shelton Broughton Esqr. Her Majesties Attorney General, Judge
Advocate, and of the Council of this Province, a Gentleman of great
Probity, Piety and Temper; whose loss is extreamly lamented by
all good men.
This Day Her Majesties Proclamation for Settling and Ascer
taining the Current Rates of Foreign Coins in Her Majesties Colonies
and Plantations in America was published here. Never more Snows
known here than now, which is excessive deep, 7 or 8 miles a day with
great difficulty is attained to be a days Journey. The Pensilvania
Post not yet come in.
Vessels Outward Bound are Capt. Bond for London, Roland for
Jamaica, Newerikuysen, Bill and Bonnin for Curacoa, Watkins for
Barbadoes, Debart for Madera, Roland for Fyal, and Egerbtson for
Suranam.
Boston, Entered Outward Bound, Thomas Norris in the Content, &
John Bonnes in the Hopewell for Barbadoes. Forreign Outwards
Cleared, John Ingoldsby for Jamaica, Nathaniel Elliot for Mont-
serat, William Thwing for Madera, Richard Mortimur, and James
Berry for Barbadoes.
William Wyer in the Endeavour arrived at Martha s Vineyard
the 9th of January in a months time from Saltitudo s, where was
neither Sale nor other Vessel to be seen.
The Eastern Post came in on Saturday and sets out on Monday
night, who says, There is no Travailing with Horses, especially beyond
Newbury, but with Snow Shoes, which our People do much use now,
that never did before. The Western Post came then also in, and
sets out on Tuesday Morning, wholikewise says/Tis very bad Travailing.
Hfcvertisement.
LAtely deserted Her Majesties Service at the Castle on Castle-
Island, Jonathan Milburn Souldier, a Middle siz d man, thin
Visage, dark brown short Hair; Aged about Thirty years: Who
soever shall apprehend and him Convey to the Honourable Thomas
Povey Esq. Lieutenant Governour of the Massachusetts- Bay, shall
have Forty Shillings Reward, besides his Charges. And if the
said Milburn will Voluntarily come in and Surrender himself to
164
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 12, 1705
the next Justice of the Peace, in order to return to his Obedience, he
shall be pardoned his Crime
1ft. fi, Numb. 43.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From jflDOUfcag February 5 to Aottimg February 12, 1704, 5
NY
FT^OREIGN news fills three and a half of the four columns. Under
I Jn the head line "From the Duke of Marlborough s Camp at Ep-
pingen September 3 N. S.", are two columns of news pertaining to
the campaign of the allied forces against the French and Bavarians
and a list of the English officers killed or fatally wounded in the
battle of Blenheim. Under a Vienna date of August 27, 1704, is a
report of the rejoicing in that capital, over the victory of Marlborough.
From Hague and Windsor is other war news.]
Salem, Jan. 20. The Weather has been so extream, there is no
Travelling. The great Tide on Monday 15th Instant was here at
least 14 inches higher than has been known in 20 years past ; & much
damage done in this Town, at Marblehead & Manchester. The
Chanel that was cut for the passage of Vessels out of the Harbour
of Glocester into Ipswich Bay, to save going about the Cape, is quite
filled up. 6 6 We have had no body from Boston since, that can give
an account of your Damage: but doubt it is considerable.
Charlstown, Feb. 9. The last week was held here the Superiour
Court for our County, where a Case was by the Court committed
to the Jury, & when they brought in their Verdict, the Court judging
it to be wrong, informed them better of the Case, & sent them out again
to consider better of it; a certain person in the Court after they had
received the Charge from the Court, spoke to them, & desired them
to stand by their first Verdict notwithstanding of what the Court said
to them; whereupon the Court sent for said person & severely checkt
him, & had like to have fined him in a considerable Sum, but in
regard of his very great submission and penitency for his Crime,
was fin d but in Five Pounds.
Boston, On Tuesday the 6th Currant, being Her Majesty s Birth-
Day; the Honourable the Lieutenant Governour, and the Gentle-
66 The "cut" across Cape Ann by way of Squam River. See Notes, in
The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . ,
in which this item is reprinted from the News-Letter, Vol. VIII, p. 478.
165
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 19, 1705
men of Her Majesties Council, with the Militia Officers, The Gentle
men and Merchants of this Place, Attended on His Excellency the
Governour to the Town House, where they Drank Her Majesties
Health, Her Royal Highness the Princess Sophia s, His Royal High
ness Prince George s; His Grace the Duke of Marlborough s; And
Prosperity to Her Majesties Forces by Sea and Land. The Town-
House, and several Gentlemens Houses at night being full of
Illuminations.
By Letters from Piscataqua we are acquainted, that John Sharp
(mentioned in our Number 41 to be bound for Salem from Barba-
does) was Cast away at Piscataqua on Fryday night the 2d Currant.
The men are saved, but little of the Cargo is like to be sav d.
Entered Outward Bound, William Wains for Newfoundland.
Coasters Outward, Jacob Parker for Piscataqua. Forreign Cleared
Outwards, Capts. John Sunderland, John Foster, William Skinner,
Thomas Beard, John Robinson, and Bartholemew Chever for Barbadoes;
and James Updike for Madera.
On Saturday Arrived at Nantucket, Capts. Alcock, Alden, and
Peppril from Piscataqua.
There is one Mail due from the Eastern Post; and the Western
Post comes not in till Saturday next.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1R, je* mumb. 44.
The Bolt on News-Letter.
From /IDonfca February 12. to /IDOttfca February 19. 1704, 5
NY
r*VT EARLY the entire issue is taken up with foreign news, only
I JJNI seven short items of domestic events being printed at the end
L of the fourth column. The foreign news mostly relates to the bat
tle of Blenheim or Bleinem or Hochflet,as it is here printed. The reports
are from Geneva, Hamburgh, Windsor and Paris. The Paris news
refers to letters received from Strasburg about the battle, and particu
lar emphasis is placed upon the unpreparedness of the French and
Bavarians for this defeat as shown in the fireworks and inscriptions
which, before the battle occurred, had been prepared to celebrate
the birthday of the duke of Brittany "wherein the Rivers Seine and
Tajo were represented as forcing the Po, Danube, Maeze and Thames
to pay them homage." Further reports from Windsor and London
tell of the congratulations which have been extended to the queen
upon this great victory.]
166
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 26, 1705
Boston, A Gentleman from Piscataqua acquaints us, That the great
Storm mentioned in our Number 39, the 14th of January last, caused
a very great Tide to rise at Piscataqua, which did very great damage
there to several Warehouses, some whereof were carried away with
it; as also at Kittery and the Isle of Shoals, where it carried away
several of their Houses, and all their Fishing Stages.
Captains, Akock & Alden mentioned in our Last to be arrived
at Nantasket was through misinformation; The Latter of which ar
rived there on Thursday last, who is bound for Barbadoes.
On Wednesday next Sits our General Assembly.
Entered Outward Bound, Capt. John Balston for London, William
Pepper il for Cowes, & Jonathan Chamberlain for Newfoundland.
Cleared Outwards John Bennet, David Craeg, and Thomas Landel
for Barbadoes.
Tlie Advice Man of War with the Ships under her Convoy, will be
ready to Sail from Piscataqua for England, against the middle of
March at farthest.
The Eastern Post came in on Tuesday last, and went out on Wednes
day night, to return on Fry day or Saturday next, & to keep his usual
times of going out and coming in.
The Western Post not yet come in.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1R* J6. Wumb. 45.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From jflbOUfcaS February 19 to flDon&ag February 26 I704, r 05.
NY
i"TN the first column of the first page under date, Windsor, Septem-
I Xber 14 1704, is a long account, sent by Admiral Sir George
L Rooke, of the naval battle with the French off Malaga, Spain, Au
gust 13. In the second column is a list of the English and Dutch officers
and men killed and wounded in that engagement, to the number of
2,758. The story of the battle is continued on the second page, and
there are also from Lisbon further details concerning the affair. The
domestic news is a minor quantity occupying only three quarters of
a column.]
Lisbon Decemb. 3d. ... Mr. Whitehorn from Rhode-Island
to London was taken by the French, himself is come in here in one of
those ships we took, but his Ship is not retaken.
167
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 26, 1705
Capt. Smith in the Gosport Man of War, is put in here, who Sailed
from Boston in N. England, on the 26 of October, and the 30 lost
Company of the Merchant Ships under his Convoy, bound for England:
The Gale held till the 7 of November, blowing a meer Storm; the Sea
so tempestuous that the Air seem d to be a Mist with ilie Scudd that
rose from the Water: he scudded under his bare Poles running nine
Knots; The Sea broke in his great Cabbin, stove bulk heads, and all
before it: all the Captains Furniture hove overboard, kilVd Arthur
Kind out right; broke the Carpenters, left Arm in two Places, and
two middle Fingers cut off short; Samuel Perkins fell out of the Mizon-
Top, and was drowned. Their Boats stove and hove overboard; Dr.
GrafTord bruised and Wounded in several places of his body; all ex
pecting every moment when the Ship would fill and go down: but the
Ship brought to and lay very well to their Comfort. About 7 a Clock
at Night on Monday the 6th. The Main Mast sprung between Decks,
which if had gone there, all must have perished, it would have ruined
the Pumps, and ript up the Deck, but (through Mercy] they had time
to Cut it away above Deck: The Ship proved so Leaky, that both Pumps
was kept going Night & Day. Tuesday the 7 the Wind abated, and
had fair Weather and moderate Winds, till they came near the English
Channel, where they met with N. E. Winds, that blew so hard they could
not hold it; The 19 November, They bore away for this place, and
Arrived here the 30 November, where they are all in good health. The
Milford from Barbado s met with the same Storm, who also lost her
Main Mast and Boats, is also Arrived here.
New-York, Febr. 12. The Strumulo Man of War, who came out
with the Mast-Ships was arrived at Virginia, Capt. Tongrelou is in
Virginia, his Sloop was Cast away about 10 Leagues to the South
ward of the Capes of Virginia; The Master & 2 or 3 more of her
men drowned. We hear he sav d the money, and about 6 or 700 /.
in Goods, and that he designs hither.
A Post came from Albany last week, brings no News, but that
all things were quiet and in good order.
Two Sloops are up for Barbadoes, one for Curacoa, one for Carolina,
and a Ship for Madera.
The Pacquet Boat that arrived at Barbadoes, the 20th of December
last, brought Advice that the Barbadoes Fleet were arrived in England.
Roger Mompesson Esqr. Chief Justice of this Province, Mr. John
Barberie, and Mr. Adolph Philips are Sworn of Her Majesty s Council.
Capt. John Tudor is appointed Recorder of the City of New York.
New-port Rhode Island, Feb. 15. Our Assembly is now Sitting,
in order to raise men according to Her Majesty s Letter. Capt.
168
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 5, 1705
Smith for Surranam, and Ransford for Barbadoes, will Sail in about
10 days.
Boston, On Wednesday the 14th Instant, Lieut. Col. Hilton & Maj.
Walton marched from Piscataqua with 300 men Voluntiers with Snow
Shoes for Narigwalk the Head Quarters of the Eastern Indians at
250 miles distance, with 20 days Subsistance in their Snap-sacks, who
we doubt not if the Weather allow will see that place in 10 days from
their setting out. And his Excellency the Governour has at the same
time a Cruiser on the Shore of L acadie to disrest the Enemy there.
The Discovery of their Head- Quarters will give measures for the Sum-
mers proceeding. We have had no mischief from the Enemy these
6 months past, notwithstanding all their Bravo s to visit us once in two
months. 6 7
Entered Outward Bound, Nathaniel Balston for Barbadoes, David
Cutler for Pensilvania, & Eleazor Moses for Newfoundland. Coasters
Inwards, Newman from Piscataqua. Outwards, Wells for Piscata
qua. Foreign Inwards, Bryan Smith from Lisbon, Wyar from Saltetu-
do s. Cleared Outwards, Holland for Fyall, Thomas, Vincent, and
Corney for London.
The Western Post came in on Tuesday, & went out on Thursday
last, in order to be in again on Saturday the 3d of March next. The
Eastern Post came also in on Saturday last & set out Monday night
at 7 aClock, so to keep his due course in going out & coming in.
H&x>ertisement.
A N able healthy Negro Woman about 23 years of Age, speaks
-L English intelligibly, & is well instructed in Household-business,
to be Sold. Enquire at the Post- Office in Boston, & know further.
1ft. j, flumb. 40.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /I0onfca February 26. to /!Donfca March 5. 1704, 5.
NY
TTN the first and second columns on the first page is "A Relation
I Lofthe Sea-Fight near Malaga, on the 24//* of August, 1704. N. S.
as it was writ from on Board the French Fleet" ; and this is accom
panied with a list of the French killed and wounded. There is
also war news from Turin and Geneva and nearly two columns of
67 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 446.
169
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 12, 1705
miscellaneous European news "by prints and letters from England
per Capt. Gill via Lisbon," and the editor adds "all which we shall
enlarge upon in our succeeding Prints"]
Boston, On February 25. Capt. Michael Gill of Charlestown arrived
at Marblehead from Lisbon, in about a months Passage, by whom we
have the following Advice, That Capts. Mason and Jenkins both of
this place were arrived in England, and either Jacob or Beavis that
Sail d hence with them. That Capts. Gilbert and Gwin were Taken.
That the Gosport Man of War was Sail d from Lisbon to England.
On Wednesday last Sailed from Nantasket Road for Barbadoes,
7 Merchant Ships, viz. Capts. Bowdage, Berry, Sunderland, Foster,
Bridgham Aldin & Elice, & 5 Briganteens. Craig, Everton, Harris,
Robinson and Carlile; 2 Ketches, and 3 Sloops, Skinner, Love and
Barns.
Entered Outward bound, Hart & Adams for Newfoundland,
Johnson & Wyar for Barbadoes, Waters for Virginia, Thaxter for
Jamaica, Pitts for Nevis. Coasters Outwards, Weir for Piscataqua.
Foreign Cleared Outwards, Ernes for Barbadoes, Groce for London, &
Prey for Cowes.
On Saturday His Excel. Dissolved the General Assembly.
Hfcv>ertisements*
A Good Sloop for Fishing, that will carry six Cord of Wood, with
out taking down her Rooms, well furnished with Rigging,
Anchors, Cables, Sails; a Canoo and other fitting Necessaries. To
be Sold by John Barrel at Boston, for Twenty-five Pounds; where
they may see an Inventory of the same.
[Reprinted: negro woman to be sold, as in February 26.]
TO, J. Bumb, 47.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcap March 5. to /IDOltfcaE March 12. 1704, 5.
NY
F A I A HE foreign news in this issue is all of preceding September
! JL dates from Hague, Paris, Vienna and Holland via Whitehall,
and treats of the military movements on the continent. Little
more than one page is devoted to domestic news. This includes
a proclamation by the governor regarding the rate of foreign coins.]
By His Excellency, J OSEPH DUDLEY Esqr. Captain General
and Governour in Chief in and over Her Majesties Province of the
Massachusetts- Bay in New- England.
170
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 12, 1705
A PROCLAMATION. 68
Her Majesty by Her Royal Proclamation for Settling
and Ascertaining the current Rates of Foreign Coines, in Her
Majesties Colonies and Plantations in America; Given at Her Majes
ties Castle at Windsor, the 18th day of June, in the Third Year of Her
Reign: Hath Published Her Royal Pleasure, That all Foreign
Coins be reduced to the same current Rates within all Her Dominions
in America, according to their Weight and Value, and just proportion
which each Coyn ought to have to the other, as in the said Proclamation
is particularly set forth and expressed.
But forasmuch, as by the corrupt wicked practices of some ill men,
the present running Coins within this Province are so debased & im
paired by Rounding and Clipping (notwithstanding the good & whole
some Laws made against the same} to the rendring of Her Majesties
Royal Intention impracticable: And will prove of pernicious and
fatal Consequence to Her Majesties good Subjects; unless it be speedily
prevented.
For Remedy whereof.
I Do, by and with the Advice and Consent of Her Majesties Council,
and of the Representatives in General Court Assembled, Declare &
Order, That from & after the Publication hereof, No Money shall
pass by Tale, but what is of due Weight, according to Her Majesties
Proclamation, & the Laws of this Province: That all other light
Money & Plate of Sterling Alloy, shall Pass and be good in Payments
by the Ounce Troy, pro rato ; until the End of the Session of this Court
in May next, when further Consideration shall be had thereof. And
the Sheriffs of the several Counties are hereby Commanded to Publish
this Proclamation within the same:
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the Third day of March,
1704. In the Third year of the Reign of Our Soveraign Lady A N NE,
by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France & Ireland Queen,
Defender of the Faith &c.
By Order of the Governour, Council,
and Assembly. J. DUDLEY.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
Port-Royal in Jamaica, Octob. 23. On the 16th Instant arrived
here Jonathan Peacock, and on the 17th, Nathaniel Vial from Boston,
Sompson Shore from Virginia; The same day Sailed about 10 Sail
68 The original draught of this proclamation is on file in^ the Massachu
setts Archives, and a copy therefrom is given in Mr. Goodell s Notes in the
Province Laws, Vol. VIII, p. 473. A broadside, printed in 1705 by Bartholo
mew Green, "Printer to His Excellency the GOVERNOUR and COUNCIL,"
is also preserved. See also News- Letter No. 34 ante.
171
THEBQSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 12, 1705
of Ships bound for London and Bristol under Convoy of the Guernsey,
Commadore Huntington, Commander, who has Orders to attend
them thro the Windward Passage, The Account we have received
from several of our Traders, gives us cause to believe that the Span
iards upon the Main are tired with the Tyranny of the French, who
very much insult them, according to their usual manner.
Virginia, Jan. 16. A Privateer Sloop call d the Sea-flower, Regnier
Tongrelou Commander; was Cast away, & broke to pieces the 25th
of Nov. last at night, about 20 miles to the Southward of Cape Henry
by a violent Easterlie Storm, being bound from Curacoa to Rhode-
Island, with divers Prize Goods, viz. a parcel of Flanders Lace of
divers sorts in 2 great seaChests, 2 other of divers sorts of Silk, plain
& flower d, &c. 20 odd bails of white Linnen, viz. Holland, Britanish,
Hatillis, and Roan and other sorts of Linnen, as Cambricks, &c.
about 20 Bails of divers sorts of woolen cloths, as Piecotoes, Perpet-
uanas, Scarlet, Camelian, Barracon and other woolens, as Stockings,
&c. about 6000 Pieces of Eight, about 1000 Pieces of Eight in Gold,
& 2 or 3 bars of Silver about half a foot long in bags in a Chest; all
which said Goods were taken by the said Commander from the
Spaniard and French, in the Spanish West-Indies, by virtue of a
Commission from Samuel Cranston Esq. Governour of Rhode-Island,
& under the Seal of that Colony; The Commander & 14 men were
sav d & 3 lost.
Upon Application made by the Commander to His Excellency
our Governour, that diligent search might be made after the Goods,
His Excellency granted a Warrant, & several of said Goods was found,
amounting to about 7 or 800 1. and a Court of Admiralty will be held
to Condemn them about the latter end of Feb. next.
New- York, Febr. 28. On the 17th dyed the Honourable Col.
William Smith Esq. (the first of Her Majesties Council of this Prov
ince) at his House at Brookhaven.
The Pensylvania Post came in the 18th instant: There has been
very deep Snows to the Westward, & no Travelling for some Weeks.
Gravenraedt arrived here last week from Boston.
The Ship Dove for London will Sail from hence this week for
Piscataqua to joyn the Convoy.
Outward Bound, Dunscum, Dehaert & Watkins for Barbadoes,
Bill, Bonnin and Newenhusen for Curacoa, Gravenraedt & Keirstead
for Boston, and Robert for Jamaica.
Yesterday arrived here James Cebra from Jamaica, came from
thence in October last, & after had been out 20 days, was obliged by
strong Northerly Winds to Return to Portmorant, from whence he
172
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 12, 1705
Sailed the 16th Decemb. he came last from the Isle of Thera, one of
the Bohemia Islands and says, that the people of Providence live
scatter d like the Indians in Hutts, have a house for the day, & another
in the Woods for the night, & that the Spaniards do often come among
the Islands. One Edwards of Boston and Crew are come Passengers;
the first lost his Sloop among the Islands some time last Fall.
Capt. Balling Commander of a Privateer Briganteen from Jamaica
of 12 Guns, & 110 men, being Cruising off St. La Vere De Cruce, the
Spaniards fitted out to take him; a Briganteen with 120 men, & a
Sloop of 70, as they approached, Balling made sail & run between
them, & fired a Broadside & a Volley of small Shot into the Sloop,
& immediately Tack d & laid the Spanish Briganteen aboard & took
her, & afterwards Chased the Sloop & took her also; the Briganteen
being old he burnt, but the Sloop he brought up to Jamaica.
There are 4 men of War at Jamaica, one of them call d the Mare-
maid in Decemb. last took a French Ship of greater force than her
self, loaderi with Wines and Brandy, &c. which is said to be a rich
Prize & brought her to Port-Royal.
Several Sloops that have been out with design to Trade with the
Spaniards were returned without effecting it, and brought back their
Flower, &c.
New-port Rhode- Island, March 1. John Richards arrived here in
6 Weeks from the Bay of Hundoras, who says that the Bay of Cam-
peachy was cut off in October last. Cleared Outward bound, Smith
for Suranam, & Ransford for Barbadoes. Entered Outward Bound,
Jacob Legay for Barbadoes.
Boston, On Tuesday arrived here Thomas Ball from Montserat
25 days Passage, by whom we have the following Advice, That
Capt. Monies Commander of a Briganteen Private Man of War from
Barbadoes, has had several Rencounters with the French Privateers
near that Island, in one of which he had kill d Lambert one of their
Captains, and several of his men; the next day he shot off both the
Legs of another Privateer Captain. The Cartell 69 is settled between
Martinico and the Leward Islands man for man, but the Governour
of Barbadoes would not settle it till he had Orders from England,
Capt. Turell & Perkins both of this place are carried into Martinico.
There is a Bark and Briganteen seized at Suranam belonging to this
place on suspicion of. some of our Vessels bringing off a person con
trary to their Law, A Pacquet Boat from England was arrived at
Monserat just as he came away. Capt. Ellery & several other Masters
are gone for France. A Carolina Privateer took a French Privateer
69 See News-Letter No. 52 post, under Advertisements.
173
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 12, 1705
off of St. Thomas about the last of January, who had on board 11000
Pieces of Eight, and loaden with Cocoa: They shared at St. Thomas s
150 /. a man; he had been but 5 weeks out. A New-York Privateer
off of Guardilup, was laid on Board by a French Privateer of 70 men,
who supposed the York man to be a Merchant man, but to his cost
found him a Tartar; The New -York man took her & mann d her,
and he is gone with her, and his own Vessel in Company of the Caro
lina Privateer, and Capt. Halscy, four in Consort for the Coast of
Crocus. Three days before Ball came away, there was a Flag of
Truce 7 sent to Martinico with 100 French men to be exchanged.
On Friday the 9th Currant, His Excellency went for His Govern
ment of New -Hampshire.
On Wednesday the 28th of February, Jonathan Squire, Baker,
was struck Overboard by the Boom of a Sloop in the Harbour,
and drowned.
Entered Outward Bound, Thomas Ball for Plimouth, Devereux
for Newfoundland, Noyse for Madera, & Darby for Pensilvania.
Coasters, Bracket and Webber for Piscataqua. Foreign Inwards,
Capt. Michael Gill from Lisbon. Cleared Outwards, Estes for Lon
don, and Hart for Newfoundland.
Piscataqua, March 8th. Our Forces under the Command of
Lieut. Col. Hilton, & Major Walton returned last night from Narig-
walk the Head Quarters of the Eastern Indians, who advise of a
large Fort, Meeting-house & School-house that were there erected,
the Fort encompassed 3 quarters of an acre of ground built with
Pallisado s, wherein were 12 Wigwams but no Enemy; neither the
discovery of any Tracks seen, but of 3 or 4 supposed to be there
about 3 weeks since, no plunder excepting a few Household Utensils
of little value: The Meeting-house was Built of Timber 60 Foot
long, 25 Foot wide, & 18 Foot studd ceiled with Clapboards, in it
were only a few old Popish Relicks; the School-house lay at one end
distinct, all which they burnt, near to it was a Field of Cornungathered,
which may be imputed to the Enemy s desertion by the consterna
tion that seized them at the Ransacking of the Eastern French &
Indian Settlements the last Summer, our men hail and lusty and if
need were, fit for a new Enterprize. 71
Capt. Morice 12 in Her Majesties Ship the Advice designs to Sail
70 See News-Letter Nos. 49, paragraph, "Boston, in our Number 47" etc.;
and 52 post, under Advertisements: also foot-note to the latter.
71 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 447, in
account of operations to the Eastward.
72 Maurice. See foot-note 63 ante.
174
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 19, 1705
for England with the Mast-Ships and Merchant men under his Convoy,
on Fryday the 16th Instant.
[No advertisements in this number.]
1FU jg. IRumb. 48.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /I&0n>a March 12. to flDOU&ap March 19. 1704, 5.
NY
the first page of this issue are the speech of the queen opening
I V-/ parliament, and a proclamation of Governor Dudley for a general
Thanksgiving for the victory at Blenheim. On the second page is
foreign news from London, Hague and elsewhere, and two thirds of
a column of domestic news.]
By His EXCELLENCY JOSEPH DUDLEY Esqr. Captain
General and Go vernour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Prov
inces of the Massachusetts-Bay and New- Hampshire in New-
England.
A PROCLAMATION for a General Thanksgiving. 73
TT having pleased Almighty GOD of His Great Goodness and Mercy,
*-to Afford His Protection and Assistance to Her Sacred Majesty
in the Just War. In which, for the common Safety of Her Majesties
Realms, and for disappointing the boundless Ambition of France,
Her Majesty is now Engaged; And hath given to Her Majesties Armes,
in conjunction with Her Allies, under the Command of His Grace
the Duke of Marlborough, Captain General of Her Majesties Land
Forces, a Signal and Glorious Victory, over the French and Bavarian
Forces at Blenheim near Hockstet in Germany.
And such Great and Publick Blessings calling for Publick and
Solemn Acknowledgements.
I do, by Her Majesties Especial Command, Order and Appoint,
That a General THANKSGIVING to Almighty GOD, for these His
Mercies, be Religiously Observed throughout these Provinces, upon
Thursday the Twelfth of April next; Exhorting both Ministers and
People in their Publick Assemblies on the said Day, most Devoutly
to Celebrate the Praises of Almighty GOD, for His so Great Favours
and Blessings bestowed.
73 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 466-
467.
175
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 19, 1705
Given at Boston the Eighth Day of March, 1704. In the Fourth
Year of Her Majesties Reign.
By His Excellency s
Command, J. D UDLE Y.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
AS also His Excellency our Governour on said Day in Obedience to
Her Majesties Especial Command, Issued forth another Proclama
tion referring to Navigation. That whereas by the Laws in Force
for Navigating Ships and Vessels, tis required that the Master and
three fourth parts of the Mariners at least be English; yet by a
clause of an Act of Parliament, passed in the Third Year of Her
Majesties Reign, Entituled, An Act for Recruits, &c. Tis Enacted
therein: That during this present War and no longer, the Limita
tion to the Master and three fourths of the Mariners to be English,
shall be enlarged to the Master, and one Moiety of the Mariners
at least to be English. His Excellency Charges and Requires all
Officers of the Customs, Naval Officers, & others Imployed or Con
cerned in and about Trade and Navigation within these Provinces,
to take notice of the said Act and to the Observance thereof during
this present War, and to conform themselves accordingly.
Piscataqua, March 16. The Briganteen in which our Governour
was on Board, being on Saturday last at noon within two miles of
our Harbour, and a most violent Storm coming up, we thought it
impossible the Briganteen could be saved, which put us all here into
a very great Consternation, but last night by an Express from his
Excellency at Cape Anne, we had the glad ty dings of his safe arrival
there, w r hich caused an universal rejoycing here. 7 4
The bad weather which w r e lately had has retarded the Mast Ships
being ready so soon as was Expected, and Capt. Morrice 75 in Her
Majesties Ship the Advice designs to Sail for England on Thursday
the 22d. Currant with the Mast-Ships, and others under his Convoy.
Capt Bullard arrived last Night at the Isle of Shoals from Barba-
does to Saltitudoes, and from thence hither in Five Weeks, loaden
with Salt.
Boston, Monday the 12th Instant, being the Annual Election-day
of Town Officers. There was Chosen to Serve as Select or Towns
men Mesieurs Timothy Clark, John Marrion, John Barnet, Daniel
Oliver, *Elias Heath, Thomas Fitch, Thomas Jackson, * Daniel Pound-
74 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , relating the circum
stances of the governor s journey, Vol. VIII, p. 466.
75 Maurice. See foot-note 63 ante.
176
,-<
i So " ? r * ^
^ -w i. i<^
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 26, 1705
ing, and Joseph Prout, who is also Town Clerk and Town Treasurer.
And the Overseers of the Poor are, Simeon Stoddard, Thomas Brattle,
Thomas Palmer, Samuel Lynd, Esquires. Captains, Ephraim Savage,
William Clark, Mesieurs Elizur Holyoke, John Borland, Benjamin
Walker, Henry Deering, Stephen Minot and Will. Wellsteed. There
was also Chosen Eight Constables, 4 whereof have Fined, so must
adjourn their Names till they are compleated at a new Election.
There was also Chosen 16 Thy thing-men, 4 Surveyors of High- ways,
3 Sealers of Leather, 6 Scavingers, 4 Hog-Reeves, and 4 Fence viewers.
Those that have this Mark * before their Names are new Officers. 7 6
On Thursday last, We had the good News of the Governour s
being safe Arrived in Cape Anne Harbour, having been forced to
Cutt away all the Masts of the Briganteen upon which he was Im-
barqued, and Ride under Cape Anne four days in an extraordinary
Storm of Wind; but the Briganteen being New and her ground
Tackle Good, she was Saved from falling upon the Rocks of that
Cape to the Leward all that time; And is now returned to this place
to the great Rejoycing of all Her Majesties good Subjects of both
the Provinces. 7 7
Entered Outward Bound, Hathorn for Newfoundland, Cornish
for Pensilvania. Coasters Inwards, Hedge from Cape-Cod, Lewis
from Barnstable, Hedge from Yarmouth, & Coffin from Nantucket.
Coasters Outwards, Lathrop and Lor ing for Conecticut. Foreign
Inwards, Goddard from Fyall. Cleared Outwards, Waters for New-
foundland, and Cutler for Pensilvania.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1R. jg. 1Rumb. 49.
The Bolt on News-Letter
From /IDonfca March 19. to /IDOtlfca March 26. 1705.
NY
FT^OREIGN news fills three columns of this issue and domestic
^l/ news one column, the former being of preceding September and
October dates, from London, Hague, Turin, Vienna, Geneza, Basle,
Dantzick and other capitals.]
76 According to the Boston town records, in the list of selectmen, Barnet
should be Barnerd, and Pounding, Powning; in the list of overseers of the
poor, Lynd should be Lynde, Deering should be Bering, and Wellsteed should
be Welsteed ; and William Clark is to be classed with the Messieurs instead of
with the Captains : see A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of
Boston, containing the Boston Records from 1700 to 1728, p. 32.
77 See foot-note 74 ante. See Sewall s record in his Diary, under dates
March 15-17, 1704-5, respecting the governor s "providential deliverance."
177
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 26, 1705
New-Port Rhode Island, March 19. Monday the 12th Instant,
being a very Stormy day of Thunder, Lightning, Wind & Rain;
The last flash of Lightning and clap of Thunder that fell about 12
a Clock at noon, broke on or near the House of Mr. Tho. Brooks
near the Northermost end of this Town, it almost broke down the
South-end of his House, tearing the Clapboards off in several places,
broke several Windows to pieces, and the Glass broke the plank
clear through in several places of the Sides, and tore the Clapboards
off the sides three or four foot wide, broke down most of the Tonnel
of his Chimney, shiver d several of the main Rafters all in pieces,
it left an impression of the colour as though it had been rubb d with
Powder, and caus d a smell of Sulphur all over the House; and though
the man of the House was lying on a Bed just by a Window that was
shivered all to pieces, and his Wife looking out at the door, yet they
received no damage in their persons, it started the shelter over the
Cellar door three inches out of his place, kill d some Fowls in the
Henrost, broke the Eggs under them, drove one Fowl up in the
Air, which fell down dead. It broke a Bolt of Iron almost an inch
thick, besides several other observations.
On the 15th, Veal and W T aters entered from Boston, Moses Butter-
worth from Barbadoes, last from Boncyr with Salt, says, That Capt.
Halsy was at Coracoa in Consort with Capt. Claver and Peniston,
bound for the Coast of Caracos; Capt. Halsy had taken a Barque-
a-longo, and some Canoo s Loaden with Cocoa. 78 Entered from
New-York, Emey and Cartell in Sloops, and Allen from Connecticut.
Marshfield, March 19. On Fryday last the 16th Currant, Dyed
the Reverend Mr. Edward Thompson, Pastor of this place, and was
buryed this day.
Province of the Massachusetts- Bay
By the GOVERNOUR and COUNCIL 79
WHereas by Her Majesties Especial Command to His Excellency,
which He received while He was absent on his Voyage East ward 4
There was a Proclamation Issued for a General THANKSGIVING
upon Thursday the Twelfth of April next, for the Causes therein
mentioned.
78 Captain John Halsey of the briganteen "Charles," the "private war
vessel " which the pirate Quelch and his company seized (see foot-note 38,
News-Letter No. 14, 1704 ante), now refitted and again as a privateer. Re
printed, together with later items from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts
and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol.
VIII, pp. 526, 529. See News-Letter Nos. 53, 59, 60, 63 post.
79 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 467.
See foot-notes 74 and 77 ante.
178
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 26, 1705
Since which, the Forces that were sent to Noridewock, being well
returned, and found the Enemy fled, and their Fort deserted: And
His Excellency being very wonderfully Preserved from Shipwreck,
by the good Providence of Almighty GOD.
It s Ordered
That the above-said Day be duly Observed for Publick THANKS
GIVING; And these Causes are Recommended for Solemn Acknowledge
ments on the same.
Council-Chamber in Boston,
March 19th, 1704. Isaac Addington, Seer.
Boston, In our Number 47. We gave you an account of a Flag of
Truce sent from the Leward Islands to Martinico with 100 French
Prisoners to be Exchanged: And by N orris and Cook this week
arrived from Montserat, we are acquainted, that there was an ex
change made; several of our Prisoners came home with them, & the
Flag of Truce was gone a second time to exchange all that belonged
to the Leward Islands, or that was taken bound thither. 80
In our Number 11. We gave you the Bill of Mortality for the
then three preceeding years, to which we refer you; and because it
may be of useful Information,, we give you here that of this last Year,
1704. of Persons which were Buried in the Town of Boston, besides
those who dyed abroad, many of the Inhabitants of Boston having
their Employments at Sea, are not reckoned in this Catalogue.
March 19 July 32 November 14 55
April 9 August 21 December 22 82
May 3 September 16 January 21 66
June 19 October 13 February 9
203
55 82 66 negros 17
total 220
Entered Outward Bound, Stevins for Nevis, Deane for Surranam,
Laurence & Wilson for Barbadoes, Sears for London, Smallage for
New-York, Goddard for Madera, and Sharp for Newfoundland.
Coasters Inwards, Gardner from Nantucket, Baker & Rogers from
Cape-Cod, Parker from Piscataqua. Outwards, Philbrick for Hamp
ton, and Gardner for Saybrook. Foreign Inwards, Deane from St.
Turtuda, Cook & N orris from Montserat, Richards from Hundoras,
Codman from Fyall, Parker from Pensilvania, and Gold from North-
Carolina. Cleared Outwards, Monsau for Barbadoes, Moses and
Cormer for London.
80 See News-Letter Nos. 47 and 49 ante and 52 post: and in the latter,
foot-note 86.
179
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 2, 1705
Piscataqua, March^o. The Fleet bound for England, under
Convoy of Her Majesties Ship the Advice, Capt. Morrice 81 Com
mander, will Sail|theVmiddle of next week.
A
Advertisement.
N able healthy* Negro Woman about 22 Years of Age to be Sold,
Enquire at the^Post Office in Boston, and know further.
IB. 16, Iftumb. 50.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaE March 26. to /H>0n&a$ April 2. 1705
NY
I" I A HE first page and part of the second are filled with important
[ A foreign news which is of preceding October dates from London,
Hague, Hamburgh, Vienna, Turin and elsewhere. Domestic
news items, several of which are of exceptional character, occupy
only one and a half columns.]
Port-Royal in Jamaica, Decemb. 27th. Five Vessels are arrived
here from Boston in N. England, viz. Bodwin on the 21st Currant,
Wing the 22d. Shoot the 24th, and Hoddy and Marshal the 25th.
Lumber is in great demand here, as Staves, Hoops, Boards, &c.
To morrow several Vessels design to Sail for England. The Dutch
our Rivals in Trade upon the Coast of New Spain, where they swarm,
have almost worm d us out of Trade; our Vessels that went a Trading
had all or most of them Commissions against the French and Spaniards,
and expressly forbid by our Governour, to molest the Spaniards
on Land at all, or on Sea while they were on a Trading Account;
which though they strictly observ d, yet our cunning Rivals improv d
it very much to our disadvantage, suggesting to the Spaniards that
twas absolutely unsafe for them to deal with those that had a Com
mission, to make them, and what was theirs a lawful Prize: And
thereby have so far gained their ends, that till some other measures
are taken, we are like to have little or no Trading with them. How
ever, tho Trade is dull, the Building of Port-Royal goes on briskly;
and many stately Houses daily setting up, our Church far better
than was before the Fire.
81 Maurice. See foot-note 63 ante.
180
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 2, 1705
Philadelphia, March 5. On Thursday last arrived here a Sloop
from Virginia, who saw on the Monday * before 6 or 7 Ships Enter
into the Capes of Virginia. And this day arrived another Sloop from
thence, who says, That about 16 Sail of Bristol and Leverpool Ships
were just arrived, & had about 5 weeks passage. And that Letters
from London did say, That the London Fleet from Virginia would
not Sail till August next. It s said there was the greatest pressing
of men in England that was ever known. A Sloop belonging to
New- York was forced on Shore at the Horekills, and Peter Vander-
scure the Pilot was froze to death. Last week two Sloops Sail d for
Virginia, one of them belong d to Rhode-Island, Peter Bourdin
Master.
Philadelphia, March 19. The 12th Currant 3 persons were drowned
by the oversetting of a Wherry coming from Burlington hither,
5 other persons in it were saved. On the 15th arrived Capt. Bunker
from Jamaica, but last from Exuma, with about 2000 bushels of Salt ;
he left Jamaica about the 1st of January last, and came out in Com
pany with about 15 Sail bound for England. On the 18. arrived
one Young from Fyall & St. Georges about 7 weeks passage, who
saw a Vessel (supposes a Sloop by her bigness) about 200 Leagues
at Sea, with her Keel uppermost, & thinks her not to be long overset,
6 met with several things floating on the Sea within 2 or 3 leagues
off her. One Stevins arrived in 5 weeks from the Maderas, who
says, that one Bignel for this place sailed 10 days before him, but
is not yet arrived, Stevins spoke with 2 Bristol Ships at Sea bound
for Virginia, who came out of Plimouth with the East-India Fleet,
with 16 Sail of Vessels bound for Virginia, & other parts of the Main,
among which was Capt. Bunman in a Briganteen from London bound
hither. One Stabbel arrived from Bermuda, by whom we are ac
quainted that one Harriot & another whom we expected from Barba-
does were both there; And that George Palmer in a Briganteen from
London (that came out with our last Ships from thence) bound
hither: And Capt. Brereton whom we expected last Fall from Ja
maica, both which we gave up for lost, are put in to Carolina.
New-York, March 12. The Dove, John Wilde Master, lies at the
watering place waiting for a fair Wind for Piscataqua, to joyn the
Convoy for England. Vessels outward bound are 2 Sloops for Cur-
acoa, a Ship & Briganteen for Barbadoes, 2 Sloops for Jamaica &
Carolina, Ker steed & Gravenrad for Boston.
New York, March 23.
On the 15th arrived here Capt. Joline in 20 days from Jamaica,
& says, one Bodwin of Boston came out with him, who is bound for
London, & Kept him Company till within these 8 days. That a
181
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 2, 1705
Privateer of Jamaica had brought in there 2 rich Prizes. That a
Pacquet Boat from England arrived there 5 days before he Sailed,
and Advises that 35 Sail of the Barbadoes homeward bound Fleet
was taken in Port Lewis & St. Malo s. That Capt. Penniston a
Privateer from hence was upon the Coast of Carocus, & had taken
several Prizes, viz: several Periagars loaden with Cocoa, a French
Ship of 150 Tons loaden with Sugar, Indigo, Cocoa, and Cassia Fistula
bound from Martinico to France, and had sent her to Bermudas;
That he had also taken a Privateer of 40 men & 8 Guns, & carried her
in to Nevis. On the 19th arrived here Peter Leach in a Briganteen
from Nevis in 23 days, confirms the taking of so many of our West-
India homeward bound Fleet; & that Capt. Penniston had sent in
there a French Snow, and that Penniston lost 3 men in the Engage
ment, and that he has fitted the Snow for a Privateer, who is new
and an incomparable Sailor, and calls her the Revenge Gaily. That
Brigadier Mathews, General of the Leward Islands is dead. That
Mr. Weaver, Agent for the Guinea Company at Gamboa was kill d,
and the Factory taken by one Henry Bolton.
Portsmouth New-Hampshire, March 30 Last Monday 3 Indians
were discovered at Cape Porpos by a Fishing Boat, and the day
after the same Tracks observed near Wells.
Capt. Morrice* 2 Commander of Her Majesties Ship the Advice with
the Mast-Ships, and other Vessels under his Convoy for England
imbraces the first fair Wind.
Boston, Our Governour has had Letters of the 8th of February,
via Albany from the Messengers sent by His Excellency to Quebeck,
in order to exchange Prisoners, who were then within a few days
of Montreal. 8 3
By Letters from Bodwin wrote at Sea that came per Joline via New-
York are acquainted, that Ventiman & Green both from Boston were
arrived at Jamaica in February last ere he came out.
On the 1st Currant came in here a French Sloop with French
Colours abroad, wherein were 9 French men, 6 whereof say, they were
Souldiers at Port-Royal, and deserted because of some hard usage,
and that they could get no Pay : The other three say, That they were
forced by the other six, who ran away from Minas with the Sloop
which was bound for Port-Royal, and has on board some 3 or 4 hundred
82 Maurice. See foot-note 63 ante.
83 Captain John Livingston of Connecticut and John Sheldon of Deerfield
the commissioners, and John Wells^of Deerfield, their attendant. Reprinted
from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves ... of the Prov
ince of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 500. Also see Sheldon s
History of Deerfield, Vol. I, pp. 325, 326. See News-Letter Nos. 56, 60, 61, 64
post.
182
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 9, 1705
bushels of Wheat and other Grain ; several Cask and other Things: The
French men and Sloop are secured by his Excellency the Governour.
Entered Outward Bound, Cook and N orris for Montserat, Tay
and Chamberlin for Newfoundland, Coffin for Madera, and Eagle stone
for Nevis. Coasters Inwards, Allen from Saybrook, and Hilliard
from Millford. Coasters Outwards, Hedge for Connecticut, Darby,
Holmes, Cornish and Starky for Pensilvania, & Parker for New-
York. Foreign Inwards, Thomas from St. Turtuda, and Pitts from
Virginia. Cleared Outwards, Adams, Worthikgg and Hathorne
for Newfoundland, and Pitts for Nevis.
Htwertisement,
[Reprinted: sale of a negro woman as in March 26.]
1R 4 J. mumb. 51.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDon&aE April 2. to /IDcmfcag April 9 1705.
NY
ISCELLANEOUS foreign news, from Turin, Hague, Lisbon,
Berlin, Vienna and elsewhere, fills the two columns on the first
page of this issue. On the second page there is given a tab
ulated list of the losses which the allied forces sustained in the battle
of Blenheim; and then there follows three quarters of a column of
domestic news."!
Port- Royal in Jamaica, Febr. 19. Capt. Venteman from Boston
arrived here the 7th Instant. Three days ago arrived Capt. Reed
in the Prudent Sarah from London: The same day Capt. Halsy
came here to get Intelligence and to procure some Necessaries, who
designs to Sail a Cruising in 2 or 3 days. This day arrived the Packet
Boat, who brings us certain Intelligence of our Confederate Forces
taking of Landau; As also of the raising of the Siege of Gibraltar
by Sir John Lake, who beat the French Fleet that besieged it by Sea,
& sinking several of the Enemy s Ships, upon which the Army that
lay before it by Land, drew off. On the 17th Instant, Tew, Hoddy
& Shute s Bark Sailed for the Bay of Hundoras in Company with
3 New-York Vessels bound for the same Port.
New-York, April 2 Yesterday arrived Capts. Basset & Depue
in a Briganteen and Sloop from Madera in 6 weeks who say, that
Sir Cloudsly Shovel is to Command the Fleet in the Streights this
183
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 9, 1705
Summer. That Capt. Thinhoven who Sailed from Bristol for this
Port in September last was taken and carried into France. Vessels
Outward Bound are, Teller for Pensilvania, Joline for Jamaica,
Creago & Newenhuysen for Curacoa, Perkins for Barbadoes, Leach
for Nevis, Cebra for Antigua, and Gravenraedt for Boston.
New- Port Rhode-Island, April 6. Yesterday arrived here Cap
William Wanton in 19 days from Antigua who say, The French
Privateers are very thick about Antigua, and take a great many
Vessels.
Portsmouth N Hampshire, April 6. This day Capt. Morrice**
Commander of Her Majesties Ship the Advice, Sayled from N. Castle,
bound for England, with the Vessels under his Convoy, viz. The two
Mast-Ships, Capts. Eason and Martin, 6 Merchant men, viz. Capts.
Balston, Corney, Charnock, Vincent, Thomas and Wilde (from N. York
that arrived here the 1st. Currant,) 2 Briganteens, Troy & Estes,
2 Ketches, Almery & Waterhous, 2 Sloops, Sears and Ball.
Boston, On Monday last was Launched here, the Province Galley 1
who will be ready to Sail a Cruising in 4 or 5 days. 8 5 The talk of
French Privateers being on our Coast this Week, was occasioned
by Capt. Wilde of New-York s desiring to speak with some Fishing
Shallops he met with to be informed by them if the Fleet for England
was gone, and to get a Pilot for Piscataqua, whom the Shallops took
to be a Privateer, and fled from him, and another Vessel that went
hence for Newfoundland. Wing from Jamaica is arrived at Martha s
Vineyard, and Moor from St. Turtuda, arrived here the 8th Currant.
Entered Outward Bound, Flint and Codman for Barbadoes, Carket
for Fyall,. Wright and Chamberlin for Newfoundland, Green for
Jamaica, and Adams for Antigua. Coasters Inwards, Bracket &
Wair from Piscataqua, Coffin from Nantucket, & Blin from Guilford.
Outwards, Flood for Piscataqua: Foreign Inwards, Green from
Jamaica, and Plasted from Nevis. Cleared Outwards, Cook for
Nevis and Chamberlin for Newfoundland.
Hfcvertisement*
THis Publick Printed News-Letter was undertaken to be Published
for a Publick Good, to give a true Account of all Foreign and
Domestick Occurrences, and to prevent a great many false reports
84 Maurice. See foot-note 63 ante.
85 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 504.
Therein are narrated the circumstances under which this new "galley" or
ship of war was built by the Province. The vessel was hurried for
launching by reports of two vessels sighted off the coast, believed to be
French privateers.
184
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 9, 1705
of the same, and was propounded to be Printed for one year for a
tryal viz. from the 14th of April last, to the 1st of May next, to see
if the Income by the Sale thereof at a moderate price would be suffi
cient encouragement to defray the necessary Charge expended in the
procuring and Printing of the same, which Charge is considerable
beyond what most people conceive it to be, besides the trouble and
fatigue attending it; all which would be too long here to enumerate,
yet for some satisfaction, we will venture to set down some of the
Charges and trouble that arises thereby, & leave other-some to
rational persons to conceive of.
1. The Undertaker has several setts of the several Prints from
England, & sent him in several Vessels, that being time of War
might have one sett if the rest should be taken, which are ordered
to come by all Vessels coming to our Continent where the Post is
settled almost 500 miles from E. to W. from N Hampshire to Pensil-
vania. 2. Correspondents settled in several other Ports & places
our Shipping goes to, for sending Intelligence. 3. Waiting on
Masters, Merchants and others when Ships & Vessels arrive to have
from them what Intelligence they can give. 4. Waiting on His
Excellency or Secretary for approbation of what is Collected. 5.
Paper & Printing, &c. And when so done as we said before, we set
the half Sheet at a more moderate price than it was set at in Exeter
in England, where they began to Print much about the same time
that we began here, here it was set at 2d. and there it was at 2d. and
that sterling money, & when sent out to any house in Town inclosed,
they were to have Twenty Shillings per Annum, and it was propounded
here to be sent out for Twelve Shillings per Annum, tho the paper
and labour, & other Charges here is 4 times at least dearer than it
is at Exeter. And tho it was proposed at such moderate Rates for
both Town & Country, having had 11 months experience of the
Income, & trouble & charge in procuring & Printing it; the Under
taker is money out of Pocket, & has not sufficient to defray the neces
sary Charge ; and unless some better encouragement be given for the
future, it must drop : & therefore several being desirous it should not
drop but be continued, we thought fit to insert this Advertisement,
That either the price for the half Sheet a week, and the Quarterly
and Yearly Customers must be augmented, or else there must be
more of them Sold, and more Quarterly & Yearly Customers than
was last year. And therefore all Persons in Town and Country, in
this & the Neighbouring Provinces who have not already paid according
to their agreement for this Currant Year for said News-Letter, are
now desired to do it: And those also who have a mind to encourage
the supporting & printing of the said publick News-Letter for another
Year, are hereby Advertised by word or writing to agree with John
185
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 16, 1705
Campbell Post-Master of Boston for the same: That before the Year
is elapsed it may be known if it can be undertaken for the next.
1fl. jg. Wumb. 52.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaS April 9. to /IDon&aS April 16. 1705.
NY
f* I A HE death of the duchess dowager of Holstein, sister to Prince
[ A George of Denmark, is reported from Hamburg, and there are
small items of news from London, Plymouth, Falmouth,
Vienna and elsewhere.]
Suranam, Jan. 27. Here is a Proclamation come over from
Holland emitted by the Directors of the Assembled Society of Sur-
anam, Dated at Amsterdam the 25th of April, 1704: Granting Liberty
to Foreign Vessels to Trade here, at the earnest request and Solicita
tions of the Governour, Council and Inhabitants of this place, under
such restrictions and limitations following, and the payment of such
Duties, viz. It is Statuted and Ordained, That from henceforth in the
Colony of Suranam, Foreign Vessels shall be suffered and admitted
with Horses from New-England, N. Netherland, viz. New-York
and the other Neighbouring Islands and Coasts or Tenitories, and
that the Masters of such Vessels for themselves and with their Ships
and Lading, have liberty to Trade with the Inhabitants as they
shall think meet, observing and regulating themselves according
to the Laws and Statutes of the Country, and usage of the place,
namely that the said Foreign Ships may not bring in or Import any
European Manufactories of Gold, Silver, Copper, Steel, Woolens,
Silk or Linens: Nor any Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, or Beef; nor
any East-India Wares or Spices, upon the forfeiture of such Wares or
Commodities; As also a Fine to the value of the Goods Imported.
It s also Statuted, That the said Foreign Ships shall not Import any
Slaves for Sale, or to present as a gift, under forfeiture of the same
to the West-India Company, and a fine of 50 pieces of Eight upon the
Governour for each Slave brought in and Sold here by his knowledge
or connivance, other than by the Companies, & the like fine of 50
pieces of Eight upon the Buyer of such Slave. And Lastly, That
the aforesaid Ships shall not Load-on Board for Transportation any
Sugar, which is only permitted to the Ships of the Netherlands, upon
forfeiture of the Sugars, to the use and benefit of the Society, and over
and above a fine of 300 Guilders for each Hogshead; the one half
186
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 16, 1705
to be paid by the Master, the other half by the Freighter. And the
foresaid Foreign Vessels may only take or carry from hence Molasses,
Suranam Brandy, saw d Wood, as Beams, Planks and Heading, &
all other Wares and Merchandize brought from the United Nether
lands to Suranam. And the Masters or Supercargo s that have the
management on Board each Ship, when they come with their Ships
from any part else, but from the Netherlands upon the Rivers of the
foresaid Colony before they break bulk or Unlade any Wares, shall
give a true List and Inventory of their Goods & Loading to the
Receiver of the Society here, signed by the Master, and Mate upon
Oath, upon forfeiture of the said Goods, and a fine of the fourth
part of the value of said Goods. As also the like Inventory Signed
and Sworn to of the Goods they intend to Transport, upon the like
forfeiture as above. And the Masters and Mates shall in their Certifi
cates as well of the Imported as Exported Goods insert the price
of the Laden Goods as they shall see cause to value them : And then
it shall be free for the Governour, Fiskal or Receiver to accept of the
said Goods at the price they set on them, yet so that in case the owners
do desire said Goods, upon augmenting of the 6th part of the price
they shall restore them to the Freighters, Factors, Masters or Owners
of said Goods. The Masters of the foresaid Foreign Ships shall
also pay to the Society or their Receivers here five per cent for the
true value of all Goods both Imported and Exported upon the like
forfeiture as abovesaid: Also that for each Horse, Cow or neat
Beast brought in here shall be paid 3 Guilders money; As also each
last or 2 Tons their Ships contain 3 Guilders coming in, and 3 Guilders
going out, and the Receiver may cause an Apprizal of the Goods
outward bound in said Ships if he pleases, and get the Ships remeasur d
And all this Liberty of Foreign Trade is by way of trial to prove the
Experiment.
Port-Royal in Jamaica, March 13. Capt. Pullen is arrived here
from Boston. And this day arrived Capt. Vial from Boston, but
last from Curacoa, who met with Judah Thacher and Company in
a Boat at Sea, (who last Fall was taken by the French in going from
Jamaica to Boston) they Ran-away from the Enemy, & were almost
starved ; the said Thacher is alive but cannot go alone he is so weak :
The rest of his Company are all dead, they lived in the Boat 11 days
without meat or drink. This day Sails for London, the Richard &
Sarah, and the Crocodile, Capt. Trahee Commander, and Capt.
Ventiman for Boston.
A 7 - York, April 9. Last Week arrived here Simon Pasco, and
Charles Sleigh in a Bark and a Sloop from Jamaica, and a Sloop from
Virginia, but bring no News. His Excellency the Ld. Cornbury
187
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 16, 1705
designs to visit the frontiers of Albany, and to set out on Thursday
next, It was a hard Frost last night, and it blows now very hard
and cold at N. West, which we fear will do great damage.
N. Port, Rhode-Island, April 13. Capt. Wrightington arrived here
from Providence, [West Indies] who says, That the Governour &
Collector has deserted it, and gone for Carolina, and also most of the
Inhabitants. That the prize mentioned in the News Letter No.
50. taken by Capt. Penistone is Cast away upon Abico, and beaten
all to pieces, so that they have saved nothing: The French Capt.
of said Prize, and one of the Privateers that took her is now come
here in Wrightington. Pinly is come from Boncyre with Salt. Hicks
is cleared for Philadelphia, Butterworth and Rosbothum for Barbadoes.
Boston, On Monday last, Two Young men, John Cunibal junior
a Joyner, & Robert Reinolds a Brasier, went from Boston in a small
Boat to the Islands a Gunning, the Boat overset with them, & they
were both drowned, Cunnibal was found in the Boat, but the other
is not yet found.
By Cap. Blew (that came Passenger in Capt. Wanton from Mont-
serat in 19 days to Rhode-Island mentioned in our last) we are ac
quainted that Capt. Beamsly Perkins that Sailed from Nantasket
the 1st of January in a Ship of 90 Tons, 8 Guns, with 8 men & a
Boy bound for Montserat, had a hot dispute the 12th of February
last, with a French Privateer of 6 great Guns, and 94 men. e re he
was taken: The Commanders name was Fransway; Capt. Perkins
had not a man kill d, only one dangerously wounded with a bullet
in his thigh, but the French man had 22 men kill d out-right, and
all the rest dangerously wounded, except 35; After Perkins and his
men cry d for quarter, the French Capt. presented a Pistol with a
brace of Bullets to his breast, but Perkins put it by with his hand,
which snap d but miss d firing, then he stabb d Perkins in several
places with his sword, and beat him black and blue in several places
of his Body: he also cut his Mates hand with a Cutlace, beat him all
black and blue as he did most of the men ; then turned them all
ashore at St. Thomas s in a most miserable condition almost naked
without Cloaths, or any thing left them to procure Doctors, being all
miserably wounded. Cap. Blew brought them all up to Monserat,
who are since recovered, except the one first mentioned to be danger
ously wounded, he being still alive at Capt. Blew s coming away.
Entered Outward Bound, Thorpe for Jersey, Thomas for Antigua,
Moor for Newfoundland, Smith for Christophers, Pitts for Virginia.
Coasters Outwards, Flood for Piscataqua, Carkett for Millford.
Foreign Inwards, Beans from Madera, Moor from St. Turtuda,
Ventiman from Jamaica. Foreign Cleared Outwards, Norris for
188
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 16, 1705
Montserat, Noyes and Goddard for Madera, and Richards for Jamaica.
On the 12th. Instant the Weather was extraordinary Cold for the
Season; the frozen Earth and Water, rather resembled February,
than April: and on the 6th & 10th of this month there were severe
Frosts. And on the 15th. a great Easterly Storm of Wind & Rain,
which continues on Monday Morning the IQth. Currant at the Printing
hereof.
2U>x>erttsements,
A Cartel has lately been Setled betwixt Her Majesties Govern
ment of the Leward Careeby Islands, and the French Govern
ment of Martinique, for the Restitution of Prisoners on both sides
depending on each Government.
The second and third Articles whereof are in haec verba, viz.
That all the English who are at present in Martinique & who shall
be hereafter taken from any Vessels, be they Privateers or Merchant
men, and brought into this Island, or other the French Windward Is
lands, whither they be departing from or coming into the Government
of Antigua and the rest of the Leward Islands, shall be directly sent to
the Island of Antigua, without being sent first to any other place, without
having regard to the Quantity or Quality; which shall be observed;
so there be 25 in number, without being detained more than 10 days,
and 20 days when a lesser number.
If in case some French Prisoners have been taken and sent by the
Government of Antigua to New-England, Colomi Byam gives his
Parol of Honour to enquire after them, To the end they may be sent
to Martinique.
And His Excellency our Governour does Direct and Require all
Commanders of Privateers or Merchant Vessels that Have or shall
Import and bring any French Prisoners taken in the West-Indies,
into the Provinces of the Massachusetts-Bay, and New-Hampshire
respectively under his Command, That they immediately render all
such Prisoners to His Excellency, that he may give the necessary Orders
concerning them accordingly. 8 6
Thursday last Dyed at Boston, James Gray, That used to go up
and down the Country Selling of Books, who left some considerable
Estate behind him; 87 and tis confidently affirmed that he made a Will,
which he left in some honest persons hand, with some other Papers,
which have not yet been found: And any person in Town or Country
86 Reprinted from the News-Letter together with the items marked by
foot-notes 66-77 (News- Letter Nos. 47, 49 ante) in Notes, in The Acts and
Resolves . . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII,
pp. 481-482.
87 At the foot of this column in the file of the New York Historical Soci
ety is this note by Judge Sewall: "Between 5 and 6 Hundred."
189
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 23, 1705
who have said Will or Papers, are desired to bring them unto the Office
of Probates in Boston.
1R. j. mumb. 53.
The Boft on News-Letter.
[U
From flDonfcag April 16. to flbondag April 23. 1705.
NY
NDER November and December dates of 1704, are news items
from Vienna, Hague, Treves, London and Ratisbonne. The
domestic news fills nearly one column.]
London, Decemb. 9. The Zealandia, a Flushing Privateer has
taken and brought into Plymouth a French Prize of 80 Tuns, with
Sugar, Cotton and Indigo from St. Domingo.
New-York, April 16. No Vessels are arrived here this Week.
The Pensilvania Post was stopt here by bad Weather till Wednesday
night, and cannot expect him till to morrow, or next day. Yesterday
and Saturday was a great Storm at East, it blow d very hard, and
much Rain fell. Outward Bound are Norton, James and Joseph
Petty for Boston, Wiggin for Rhode-Island, two Sloops for Antigua
and Jamaica; two Briganteens for Barbadoes and Nevis, His Ex
cellency the Lord Cornbury goes this week for Albany.
New port- Rhode-Island, April 20. Here is one Bell arrived from
Curacoa, bound for Conecticut, who says, that Capt. Halsy got 30
able Sailors such as he wanted at Jamaica. 8 8
Boston, On Wednesday the 18th. His Excellency went hence for
his Government of New-Hampshire.
On Thursday arrived John Welsh in a Sloop, in 10 days from
Bermuda, who in the Latitude 41 and an half upon St. Georges Bank,
(in the Storm mentioned in our Last) on Monday the 16th Currant,
saw the Wreck of a Vessel that was lost there, judged to be about
100 Tons in burthen, square Stern d, painted with yellow, seem d
to be a new Vessel, he saw several full bound Barrels, some of her
carved work and pieces of Boards floating about her, and some of
her Masts.
On Friday the 20th Currant, arrived here Capt. Jacob Fowle in a
88 Captain John Halsey of the briganteen "Charles," private- war- vessel.
See News-Letter Nos. 49 ante, 59, 60, 63 post.
190
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 23, 1705
Sloop of War sent out by his Excellency, who being at Anchor under
Tusket Islands about 7 leagues to the North-west of Cape Sables,
espied a Sloop coming into the said Harbour, upon which he got up
his Anchors, and put out French Colours, the other Sloop also put
out French Colours, & came so near as to Hail Fowles, but was shie
to come at him, and bore in as near the surff of the Shore as they
could, and dropt Anchor; there being 5 French-men on Board, who
got a Shoar in their Canoo; Fowles went to the Sloop: and the 5
French-men on Shore got behind some old Logs and Bushes and
fired briskly for the space of an hour upon him and his men, endeav
ouring to save their Sloop; at last Fowle put out his Whale Boat and
got a Shore after them, but they fled into the Woods; he found on
Shore one of their Arms, and supposes that he either kill d or wounded
the Owner: The Sloop came from Port-Royal, and had on Board
a Cow and a Bull, and some Sheep, and is now brought to Boston,
being the same Sloop that some French-men Ran-away with from
hence about 3 months ago. Cap. Fowle hath brought in also 8
French Prisoners which he since took, viz. 2 men, 1 woman & 2
Children from Port Rosua, where there was 3 Families and 7 Houses,
all which Houses he burnt but two; And from L have a man, his
wife and a Boy, and burnt the House, he got little or no plunder
from them, but a few feathers: The people are like to be starved
for want of Provisions. 8 9
Entered Outward Bound, John Ventiman and Cole for Jamaica,
Alden for Virginia. Coasters Inwards, Hilton from Piscataqua.
Outwards, Thorp for Amboy, & Smallage for Rhode-Island. Foreign
Inwards, John Welsh from Bermuda Outwards Cleared, Coffin for
Modem, Gale, Melvin and Lewis for Barbadoes.
The Weather this Week has been very cold, with raw Easterly
Winds, an on Fry day it blow d very hard, and at night there fell a
great deal of Rain; Saturday was a very moderate day, but at night
and on the Sabbath-day it blow d very hard, the Wind being Southerly.
Htwertisement
ON Tuesday the 15th of May next will be Exposed to Sale by
Publick Vendue, at the House of Mr. William Bright in Newport
on Rhode-Island, one quarter part of a Farm at the South-end of
Quananicut Island, on which liveth now Joseph Morey; the said
89 Captain Jacob Fowle; the sloop of war: the "Centurion," employed on
her majesty s service as a cruiser from the 23d of February to the 23d of April,
1705. She was sent as a scout to Acadia: see News-Letter No. 45 ante, in
paragraph, "Boston, On Wednesday the 14th Instant," etc. See Notes, in The
Acts and Resolves .... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay:
. . . , Vol. VIII, p. 458; also p. 446. Also see Penhallow s Indian Wars, p. 38.
Captain Fowle had another lively sea adventure in 1704. See News-Letter
No. 5 ante, page 75 of this volume of the DIGEST.
191
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 30, 1705
quarter part to be Sold to the highest Bidder, on the conditions
that shall be specified at the time of the Sale.
1R, J. 1Rumb. 54.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /Ifeonfcay April 23. to /l&OltfcaE April 30. 1705.
NY
""C^OREIGN matters occupy the first page, and a quarter of the
jT second. From Hague, December 19, 1704, is the news that
"the elector of Bavaria is very chagrin, upon account of the Treaty
concluded by the electoress with the emperor" [of Austria]. A
letter of December 12 preceding, "From the Camp before Traarbach,"
gives an account of the seige of that place. From Vienna, December
6, is a report of rejoicings there over the news of the reduction of the
fortress of Landau. The domestic news includes abstract of the
proclamation of the governor of New York relating to clipped money.]
Barbadoes, March 22. Two Vessels from New-England, viz.
Habbakkuk Gardner from Salem, in the Essex Galley, and John
Plasteed in a Briganteen from Boston, were both chased ashore on
our Island by some French Privateers : most part of both their Load
ing s lost ; and what was saved very much damnified. We are afflicted
I here with the Small-pox, which has swept away a great many people,
both Whites and Negro s, and makes our Country people afraid to
come to Town. On the loth Instant, arrived here William Card in
a Pink from Boston, as also arrived from said Port, Jeoffrey Bedgood,
and Capt. Alcock from Piscataqua; and just now a Vessel with Pro
visions is arrived from Bellfast, we do not yet know what News
she brings. No Packet has been here of a long time, but daily ex
pected. Seven or 8 Vessels Sails this day, Welsh for Boston, 1 for
Salem, 2 for Rhode-Island, 2 for New- York, and 2 for Pensilvania.
Blague, Thomas and Everton will be the next for Boston.
New-York, April 23: On the 17th Currant, was Emitted by His
Excellency the Lord Cornbury a Proclamation, Prohibiting the
Importation of any clipt Money of Bitts or double Bitts into this
Colony, from and after the space of 14 days from the date of the said
Proclamation, and that person or persons so Importing, owning or
claiming the same, shall be lookt upon the Clippers thereof, & be
proceeded against in such manner as the Law directs in such cases.
And that if any such bitts & double bitts shall be Imported within the
said 14 days abovesaid, the person or persons so Importing, Claiming
192
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 30, 1705
or Owning shall give sufficient security to carry out the same, before
the expiration of the 14 days first above-mentioned, and such as do re
fuse, shall be subject to the penalties and prosecutions afore-mentioned.
On the 18th arrived one Milburn in 23 days in a Sloop from Nevis,
in whom came Capt. Thinhoven, who left Milford the 14th of January,
and informs us that Capt. Potter from Holland, bound hither, lay
then in Dover waiting for a Convoy, he came out with the West-
Country Virginia Fleet, being about 80 Sail; who were conveyed out
of Soundings by the Rye & Anglesey Frigot. On the 19th. arrived
here one Freebody from Exuma, with whom came 4 men that be
longed to Peniston s Prize, 3 of whom are committed on suspicion of
Piracy, for running away with, and robbing of said Prize, &c. such
Information being given against them as we are informed. By a
Sloop from Virginia, we are told that 3 Sloops are ashore between
this and Barnigat, but who they are we know not. We had very
dirty blowing Weather all last week. Parker from Boston arrived
here last Saturday. Thomas Byerley Esqr. late Receiver General of
this Province is suspended, & Peter Fauconnier Esqr. Executes
that Office. His Excellency the Lord Cornbury went for Albany
on Thursday last. This week a Briganteen will Sail for Barbadoes,
a Sloop for Jamaica, also this or next week a Briganteen for Nevis,
and another for Antigua.
On Wednesday last in Jamaica on Long Island, at a Special Com
mission of Oyer and Terminer, and Goal-Delivery, before Roger
Mompesson Esqr. Chief lustice of this Province and New- Jersey,
&c. and others, one Samuel Wood, late of Connecticut Colony, was
Indicted for feloniously Stealing Money and other Goods of one
John Marsh; The Witnesses for the Prisoner as well as those against
him were Sworn, and upon full Evidence he was found Guilty, &
burnt in the left Cheek near the Nose with the letter T.
New-port Rhode-Island, April 27. This week arrived John Crans
ton from Barbadoes, and Gilbert and Burton from Bermuda, but
bring no News.
Portsmouth New-Hampshire, On Fryday the 20th Currant, came
here His Excellency our Governour.
Salem, April 28th. This week arrived here Capt. Maston from
Barbadoes.
Barnstaple, April 25. On Monday the i6th Currant, Dyed sud
denly here, Thomas Hinkley, Esqr. formerly Governour of Plimouth-
Colony: Aged about 86 Years.
Boston, Coasters Entered Inwards, Keirsteed and Horton from
N-York, Grover, Curtice, Harris, Prince, Smith, Prentice, Thomas
193
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 30, 1705
.& John Lathrop from Connecticut, and Lanyon from North-Carolina.
foreign Inwards, Nelmes and Gibbs from Bermuda, Wing and
Pullen from Jamaica, Pickman from Nevis, Mason from Suranam,
.and Welch from Barbadoes. Coasters Cleared Outwards, Blin,
Allyn and Coffin for Connecticut. Foreign Outwards, Captains
.Hunkin, Green, Codman, Armitage, Wensley, Balston and Holt
for Barbadoes, Wright for Newfoundland, Green for Antigua, &
Eagleston for Nevis. Entered Outward Bound, Cally for Leward-
Islands, Plasteed for Nevis, Keirsteed for New- York, W^elsh for
Antigua, and Gordin for Newfoundland.
EDvertisements.
~O An-away on Monday night last the 2jd Currant from his Master
"-Abraham Blish Hatter in Boston a young man named William
Rogers, about 18 years of Age, of a middle Stature, fair fac d, light
coloured curl d hair, he has a light coloured Coat trim d with Black,
and a sad coloured Coat trim d with the same colour, a saggathy coloured
Jacket like a Searge, and a strip 1 1 holland Jacket, with 2 pair of Breeches
of the same, and i pair of cloth, a black Hat. Whosoever shall take up
said Servant, and him safely convey to his above-said Master, or the
Post-Master of Boston, or give any true Intelligence of him, so as his
Master may have him again, shall have a sufficient Reward and Charges.
* I A HE Undertaker of this publick Print in Numb. 51. gave you an
-* Advertisement of his motive to Print, of the trouble and charge
attending it: and of his intentions to do it one year for tryal, which
according to his ability and information received, is now accomplished ;
wherein you have successively all the Foreign Occurrences of Europe,
from the 1st of November, 1703. to the middle of December, 1704.
And if any will consult the Publick Prints of England in that time,
considering that they Print 2 or 3 times in a week, & that we did
Print here but once in a week ; they will find no one piece of material
News that is in them, omitted in ours: As also in our Prints you have
the publick Occurrences from the West-Indies and other parts: and
likewise those from our Neighbouring-Provinces, besides those of
this and the Province of New-Hampshire. All which Intelligence,
tho some few Gentlemen and Merchants might have all or some
part thereof, yet for the most part the people in general, in this and
the Neighbouring Provinces.have it not, and what they have, variously,
and often falsely reported: and a great many Providences now
Recorded, that would otherwise be lost: And the Undertaker, tho
very sensible of his own inability for such a task, yet upon due en
couragement given, is willing to try it for another year, unless some
generous Soul (out of the many far better qualified, especially of
those that are so apt & ready to carp at his weakness) will please
194
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 7, 1705
to undertake it; and no one shall be found more ready to contribute
for his so doing, then the present Undertaker.
W* J. mumb. 55.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /toonfcaE April 30. to fl&OU&aS May 7. 1705.
NY
T/-TAWO and a half of the four columns of this issue are occupied
JL with foreign news from London, Hague, Frankfort, Paris and
* Dantzick. From London, December 16, 1704, is an account of the
return of the duke of Marlborough to the English capital, and his
reception there.]
Philadelphia, April 26. On the 15 Arrived here Carter et Gillam
from Rhode-Island, and on 21 Robert Hicks in a Sloop from the same
Port : There is a Briganteen and a Sloop loading for Fyal and London.
This Morning dyed the Wife of Mr. Edward Shippen Senior. Letters
from Plimouth, via Maryland of January 29. say, that the Jersey
Man of War met with bad Weather some few days after he parted
with the Land, and lost some of his Convoy.
New- York, April 30. Yesterday came hither the Masters of
the three Sloops which were Cast away near Barnigatt, by the late
Easterly Storms, viz. Archibald Morris who was bound from Pensil-
vania for New- York and Boston, one Jones, who was bound from the
Horekills to Boston, and one Saunders, bound from Roanoak to
Boston, Saunders had one man Drowned, and saved nothing at all,
& the others saved very little besides their lives.
Yesterday arrived here Capt. Jones in a Ship from Bermuda, and
Capt. Wessels in a Sloop from Antigua in three Weeks, one Pep per ill
of Boston bound for Piscataqua came out in Company with him,
he brings no News.
They write from Albany that his Excellency the Lord Cornbury
upon his arrival at the Fronteers found all things well and in good
order, we expect his return the latter end of this week.
Vessels Outward bound are Wessels for Newfoundland, Depue for
Jamaica, Sleigh for Suranam, Basset for Nevis, Parker for Pensil-
vania, Walker for Virginia, Stead for St. Thomas, Adolph for Boston,
and Pasco for Jamaica, and Milbourn for Nevis.
Boston, On Thursday last arrived here Capt. John Alden from
Lisbon by whom we have the following Advice from London, [Here
follows three quarters of a column of foreign news.]
195
THE BOSTONJNEWS-LETTER, MAY 14, 1705
Coasters, Entered Inwards, Jeffries from Carolina, Rhodes from
Amboy, Walters, Woodbury, Foster and Loring from Connecticut.
Foreign Inwards Chamberlin from Nevis, Tew from Honduras,
Gravenraedt from New-York, Carey from Antigua, Hunt from
Jamaica, and Waters from Lisbonne. Coasters, Outwards, Lyford,
Prentice, Codman, Curtice, Horton, and Smith for Connecticut, and
Keir steed for New-York. Foreign Outwards Moor for Newfoundland.
Outward bound, Wing for Jamaica, Gibbs, Welsh and Nelmes for
Bermuda.
H&vertisement.
"VTO Better qualified Undertaker appearing to Print the Publick
* ^ Occurences; and several Gentlemen, Merchants and others
being willing to Contribute to its support, have desired that it be
proceeded on where we left off, not doubting but several others will
follow their good Example, whereby the Undertaker may be enabled
effectually to carry it on, at least another year: And therefore all
Persons in Town and Country, who have a mind to lend their helping
hand to promote and encourage it, are desired to Agree with John
Campbell Post-master of Boston for the same.
fl. jg. Uumb. 56.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcag May 7. to /IDonfca May 14. 1705.
NY
|"~OEGINNING with a review of European affairs for the year 1704,
I JDthis issue is nearly all taken up with that review and an account
^ of the battle at St. Johns, Newfoundland. Among the domestic
items are reports upon French and Indian War matters brought from
Quebec.] ___ _
London, December 28. 1704.
THis year drawing near its conclusion, we shall take this
opportunity, according to our usual method, to present the
Reader with an Epitomie of the Transactions of the last
Campaign; and endeavour to draw them into such an order,
that all of them may appear in view. I am sensible that this is
very difficult, if not altogether impossible, because of the many
wonderful things that have been transacted this year; but as we do
only design to hint at things, and not to describe them, we hope
the Reader will kindly supply what shall be found wanting, especially
considering what we have said at large of those Transactions in the
times wherein they happen d. [Then follows the beginning of a
196
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 14, 1705
resume of the foreign news of the year, filling nearly two columns
of the first page.]
St. Johns, Newfoundland, April 21. At break of day on Sunday
Morning the 2\st of January last, our Harbour was beset with about
Six or Seven hundred men, viz. French Souldiers, Inhabitants and
Fishermen from Placentia Some Accadian* as Pessemequady and
Port Roy all, and Cannadians from Quebeck and places adjacent,
and 50 N-England Eastern Indians, with Easecombuit their Captain,
all under the Command of Monsieur Supercosse Governour of Pla
centia; who made the whole Harbour Prisoners of War in two hours
time excepting the Garrison which was the Fort & Castle. The
Enemy the night before, lay near the Harbour in the Snow that was
6 Foot deep on the ground, and durst not make any Fires for fear
of being discovered; Monsieur Supercosse being wet and cold gave
orders in the Morning at the first Attack to give no quarters, and
accordingly they kill d all at the first houses they came to: But
the Cannadians and Indians withstood Monsieur Supercosse, and
gave quarters for a Season. The Enemy sent the Women and Chil
dren about 142 into the Garrison: They laid Siege to it five Weeks
time, there was not a man that got into the* Fort but three, and about
17 that got from the Southside of the Harbour into the Castle: In
the Fort were only 40 men under the Command of brave Capt.
Moody, who behaved himself most valiantly, and in the Castle were
12 Souldiers and the 17 Inhabitants under the Command of Mr.
Latham. Monsieur Supercosse took a Child and barbarously cut its
throat, and sent it by a Souldier with a Message to the Garrison,
That if they did not Surrender to him, he would so serve all therein,
and the Prisoners that he had taken; upon which Capt. Moody
bid the Messenger be gone else he would shoot him, replying to
Monsieur Supercosse s Message, That both himself & the men of
the Fort & Castle were resolved to dye with their Sword in hand ere
they Surrendered; Capt. Moody plyed the Enemy so with great
Guns, Bombs and Morters, that there was killed of the Enemy with
their own Confession between 180 and 200 men; And on our side
there was but two men kill d in the Garrison, and one at the Castle,
but there was kill d about 30 and Captivated of our men about 130
at our Harbour and other places. The Indians Murthered 7 men at
Torbay, and the French barbarously Murthered 6 more because they
could not carry so great a burthen 6 Miles through the Woods as the
Enemy would have them. The Enemy finding that they could not
take the Fort and Castle, They burnt all the houses here but 5 and
the Church, and went back to the Southward burning and demolish
ing all where they came: They burnt all Ferryland and hove the
197
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 14, 1705
Salt out of Doors. Monsieur Supercosse gave orders to the Indians
and Cannadians to cross over the Land to Conception Bay, Trinity
and Bonavist, and there to burn and destroy all where they came.
But after the Frenches departure from St. John s Advice was sent
to Carboniere and other places and the Inhabitants of Carboniere got
upon the Island with most of their effects, and having 5 Guns they
were supplyed with Ammunition and Small Arms from the Garrison
of St. John s and defended themselves; but the Indians burnt all
their Stages and Boats: And we hope the other places did also
secure and defend themselves from the Enemy. Monsieur Super
cosse sent back several of the Prisoners but carryed with him the
most of the able Fishermen. Capt. Wane from Boston arrived at
St. John s the 9 fc of April, and Capt. Moody Commander in Chief
Imprest the Sloop to carry a Packet to England, to give an Account
of the whole affair: Capt. Pickman also arrived from Boston said
day, and the ]6//z. of April arrived Capt. Pickering at Ferry land
from Boston. There is no other Vessels arrived from Europe, or any
other place. We expect a Squadron of Men of War towards the Fall.
Portsmouth, N. Hampshire, May 11. Samuel Hill of Wells (who
was taken Captive by the Indians) came hither on Fryday night,
last from Quebeck with two French men sent by the Governour of
Canada, who brought Letters from him and Capt. Livingston to His
Excellency our Governour; Capt. Livingston arrived there the
26th. of February, and designs to be back the 2Qlh. of this Month,
with the Governour of Canada s proposals for Exchange of Prisoners :
There is 100 of our Captives in the hands of the French, and about
70 Children with the Indians. 90 A small party of French and Indians
went about the beginning of November last to Placentia, to joyn
the Forces there in order to make an Attack upon St. John s in New
foundland, among whom was Eascombuit. Several of our Eastern
Indians at Canada are not pleased with the French Treatment, the
Governour not being able to supply them according to promise, by
reason of the Miscariage of their Store-Ship. They have not had
the Small Pox as was reported but the Measels. Provisions are not
plenty among them. There was about 600 French, and Indians
of near equal number in the Expedition to Lancaster last year, many
of whom dyed in their return, and several since, they were almost
Starved, and constrained to eat the bark of Trees: Their chief
Commander continues yet ill. A few days after Capt. Livingston s
arrival at Quebeck the Governour ordered about 500 Indians to be
90 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . Vol VIII p
500. See News- Letter Nos. 50 ante, 60, 61, 64 post.
198
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 14, 1705
made ready for some Expedition, they give out that it is to be a
guard to that place, but tis to be feared that they have a design
upon New-England. When Mr. Hill and the two Frenchmen came
to Kinnebeck they met with a Track of about 30 Indians as they
judged, and about the same time they came here from Casko, a man
and two Children were kill d near Mr. Curtis s house at Spruse Creek,
3 Women and several Children taken away Captive: There was about
10 Indians discovered; His Excellency has ordered Major Walton
to detach a Company to Scout from Nitchewanock to Wells, and
Col. Hilton to detach another to Scout from Kingstoun near Exeter
to Nitchewanock.
On Saturday last, the 5th instant, dyed here the honourable Coll.
Samuell Allen, Esq. formerly Governour of this Provence, aged
about 70 years, and was interred on Wednesday the 9th currant.
Philadelphia, May Zd . Last night arrived here Parker from Boston,
and its said that Darby is arrived from the said Port at Salem in
New-Jersey.
New-York, May 7 th . On the 4th. Instant His Excellency the
Lord Cornbury returned hither from Albany, and to Morrow sets out
for His Government of New-Jersey. On the Gth. Instant arrived
here a Briganteen from England and Holland, John Potter Master,
who left Plymouth the llth. of March, under Convoy of Admiral
Whetstone, with 7 or 8 Men of War bound for Jamaica; several
Ships for the West India s, 6 or 7 for Virginia, and a Briganteen for
Philadelphia, (Burman Master) came out with that Convoy, by
whom we have advice, That two men of War, a fifth and a sixth
Rate are appointed for this place, and that Capt. Pain in the Grey
hound Gaily, Capt. Cumby and Capt. Jeffers who are bound hither
were preparing to come out with the first Convoy, they hope to come
with the Men of War bound hither. No certainty when the Virginia
Fleet will come out. Capt. Law and Leventhorp of this place, and
Guy of Philadelphia, who went from hence under Convoy of the
Jersey are taken. That Mr. Penn was about Surrendring his Govern
ment of Pensilvania. Capt. Gilbert, Hermitage, Guyn and Hill
of Boston, have been taken, and are come Passengers in this Brig
anteen. That there was a strict Embargo in England. Vessels
Entered out since last Post only Adolph for Boston.
Boston, On Fryday the llth. Instant, His Excellency our Gover
nour returned from His Government of New-Hampshire.
Coasters, Entered Inwards Sargeant, Flood, Giddis. Gidden,
Hilton and Webber from Piscataqua. Foreign Inwards, Jarvies
from Nevis, Diamond and Noddy from the Bay, Waters from New-
foundland, and Pepperil from Antigua. Coasters, Outwards Lathrop,
199
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 21, 1705
and Harris for Connecticut. Foreign cleared Outwards, Galley for
Leward-1 stands, Fisher and Alden for Virginia, and Welch for Antigua.
Outward Bound, Pullen for Jamaica, Chambers, Wilkins and Webber
for Barbadoes, and GVetfw for Antigua.
advertisement
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in May 7.]
1ft, jg. Bumb. 57
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDO^a May 14. to /!DOUt>a May 21. 1705.
NY
["TjEGINNING the first column of the first page of this issue is a
I X3 continuation of the review of the year 1704 and this fills three
* columns, ending with the editorial paragraph immediately
below.]
These are the chief Transactions in the year 1704 which has been
in particular so Glorious to the Arms of England and the States,
and which promises us so many advantages in the next, and gives
us hopes that GOD will at last hear the Cries of the Oppressed, and
deliver the Christian World from the miseries they groan under,
through the Ambition of a Prince, who since the begining of his
Reign, has made it wholly his business to disturb the Peace of Man
kind. While the rest of the World is expos d to the Calamities
inseparable from War, England alone enjoys the benefits of Peace,
under the Government of a QUEEN, who is the delight of her Sub
jects, as well as the Terror of her Enemies. We have felt little or
nothing of the effects of the War and the Promises in Psal. 144 to the
People who have the Lord for their God, have been litterally fulfilled
in our case. We have had plenty of everything, there has been
no leading into Captivity, no complaining in our Streets. Happy
England, if we do but know our own Happiness, and do not provoke
by our Divisions and Sins the Almighty to withdraw from us the
visible marks of his Favour and Protection.
London, March 2. Via New-York, per Capt. Potter we have the
following advice, That Capt. Rymes was loaden ready to Sail for
Boston, but was stopt by an Embargo. That Capt. Mason was still
at Millford. That there is an Act of Parliament past for Encouraging
the bringing of Naval Stores from the Plantations to England. By
the Packet yesterday we had the Account of Capt. Miles s arrival at
Lisbon from Boston. That there is a Ship of Mr. Ourfells from
200
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 28, 1705
Bristol bound for Boston. That Capt. Rowse from Boston and
Barbadoes is arrived at Plimouth. That the Gosport Man of War
from Lisbon and New-England was arrived at Falmouth the 23d.
December; [Here follows a quarter column of foreign news items.]
New-York, May the 14th. No Vessels arrived here since my last.
The Pensilvania Post not yet come in, and suppose the three days
of bad Rainy Weather last week has hindered him. W r e hear Capt.
Burman from London arrived their the 6th. Instant, who came out
with Capt. Potter that arrived here the same day. One Odell the
Forger 91 of your Paper Bills of Credit is here in Goal, and will be
sent to Boston. Vessels Outward bound are Stilwill and Phenix for
Virginia, Sherlock for Barbadoes, and De Groof and Sands for Boston.
Boston, On Wednesday the 16th. Currant arrived here Capt. William
Everton from Barbadoes in about a Months Passage, he came out in
Company with about Seventeen Sail for our Continent, and by Letters
thence are acquainted, That we have taken two of the chief French
Privateers: And that Capt. Bowdage and the several Vessels that
Sailed with him from Boston, were all safe arrived but three, Two of
which (we are informed by a Vessel that arrived at Salem, that came
out of Barbadoes in the night after Capt. Everton Sailed) are since
arrived, and that there is only Berry missing.
Coasters, Entered Inwards, Peter Coffin from Nantucket: Foreign
Inwards, Price from Montserrat, and Capt. Everton from Barbadoes.
Coasters Outward Grover, Loring and Prince for Connecticut, and
Parker for Piscataqua. Foreign Cleared outwards, Welch for Ber
muda, Ruck for Antigua, Wilkins for Ruanock, James for New
foundland, Wing and Coale for Jamaica. Outward bound, Capts.
Michael Gill for Newfoundland, Richard Fy field for Barbadoes, and
Nathaniel Jarvies for Jamaica.
BDvertisement.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in May 7.]
$\. !* IRumb. 58.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaS, May 21. to /lDottDa May 28. 1705.
NY
NDER date "London, March 2. via New York, per Capt.
Potter" are advices from all the European centers, filling
nearly three columns of this issue.]
91 See News-Letter Nos. 15, 17 (1704) ante, 59, 60, 61, 82 post.
201
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 28, 1705
St. John s Newfoundland, May 5. On the 2d. Currant arrived
here a ship from Lisbon in a Month s passage, who gives this Advice;
[here follows a brief account of the defeat of the French squadron
before Gibraltar.]
Philadelphia, May 11. Darby from Boston arrived here the Gth
Instant, and designs this day down the River for Salem to load for
Boston; & Burman in a Briganteen from London arrived on the 8th.
who came out with Capt. Potter that is arrived at New-York.
New-York May 21st. Last week arrived here three Sloops and
a Briganteen from Barbadoes, a Sloop from Carolina & a Sloop from
Nevis in 21 days, who advise of a Packet boat being taken in sight
of the Island about three weeks ere he sailed. Yesterday arrived a
Barque and a Sloop from Virginia bound to Boston, in the first came
Mr. Jeffery Gray who Sayes, the Strumbulo Man of War will Sail for
England the 15//J. June, but the Fleet will not Sail with her, expect
ing a better Convoy from Lisbon.
New-Port, Rhode-Island, May 25 This week arrived a Vessel
in 14 days from St. Christophers, by whom we are acquainted, That,
there was two French Privateers taken and brought in there, and
that Admiral Whetson with a Squadron of Men of War was arrived
at Nevis from England: and had brought in there another French
Privateer whom he took, and that there was two more taken and
carry ed in to Barbadoes.
Piscataqua May 25. On Monday last the Sculking Indian Enemy
kill d one man near Kittery in the Province of Main, and Wounded
another.
Boston, Coasters, Entered Inwards, James and Joseph Petty,
Vail, and Hedge from Connecticut, Starky from Carolina, Jackson,.
James, Hedge and Elwel from Piscataqua. Foreign Inwards, Capt.
Breed and Burbank from Jamaica, Webster and Northy from N.
Carolina, Fidling from South Carolina, Hart from N. foundland,
Bedgood and Thomas from Barbadoes. Coasters Outwards, Lyford
for Piscataqua, and Walter for N. Haven. Foreign, Cleared Out
wards, Gibbs and Nelms for Bermuda, Thomas Meers for Jamaica,
Joseph Dean for Suranam, Richard Fyfield for Barbadoes, and
Francis Plasted for Nevis. Outward bound, Jonathan Hart, and
William Chamberlin for Antigua, John Diman for Jamaica, William
Jeffries for Ruanock, Solomon Gardner for Nevis, and Andrew
Grauenraedt for New-York.
Letters from Antigua Via N. York, acquaint us, That Capt.
Thomas Dudley in the Packet boat bound from Barbadoes to Jamaica,
was taken and carryed into Martinico, and that he was come up to
202
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 4, 1705
Antigua in a Flag of Truce. That there was about 12 more Vessels
lately taken and carryed into Martinico, one whereof is said to be
Emms of Boston, and 7 Bristol men.
B&vertisement.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in May 7.]
TO, jg. IFlumb. 59.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /JDonfcap May 28. to /IDOII&ap June 4 1705.
NY
TTjESIDES December and January news from Paris, Vienna,
I JtS Venice, Hamburg, and Hague, there are items from "London,
* Mch. 2. Via New York, per Capt. Potter;" and from White
hall, January 3, an account of the ceremonies attendant upon the
reception of the standards and colors taken in the battle of Blenheim
and the conveying them "to Westminster-Hall, where the said
Standards & Colours were put up, to remain there as Trophies of
that signal Victory wherewith it pleased Almighty GOD to bless the
Arms of Her Majesty and Her Allies, under the conduct of his Grace
the Duke of Marlborough, against a superior Number of the Enemy;
and of the Honour which her Majesty s Subjects gained in that
memorable Day, not to be parallel d in the History of many ages."
The feature of the domestic news is the record of the "Anniversary
Election."]
New-York, May 28th. Last Week Cap Bill arrived here from
Curacoa, and 2 Bermudians with Salt: Cleared for Boston, Adolph,
de Groof, and Wiggins, Pasco and Depue for Jamaica, Bond for
London Via Virginia, and Stillwell for Maryland, Several Vessels
are loading for Barbadoes, Nevis and Curacoa.
Newport Rhode-Island, June 1. On 27th May arrived here Capt.
John Halsy from the West-Indies, and on the 30th of May came in
the Spanish Prize which he took being a Ship of about 130 Tons and
8 Guns, Loaden with Brandy, Canary, some Chests of Sugar, some
Bails of Paper, and some Snuff and Oyl. 92
On Thursday Night May 31. Thomas Odell the Forger of the Bills
of Credit of the Colony of the Massachusetts- Bay, being in Irons on
Board Derick Adolph in order to be carried to Boston, to be Tryed
for his Crime, made his escape. 93
92 Captain John Halsey. See News-Letter Nos. 49, 53 ante, 60, 63 post.
93 See News- Letter Nos. 15, 17 (1704) ante, 57, 60, 61, 82 post.
203
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 4, 1705
By a Sloop from St. Christophers we are acquainted, that 10000
Spaniards have revolted from the Duke of Anjou to King Charles III.
The Advice came by Admiral Whetstone who is gone for Jamaica
with 14 Sail of Merchant Men, whereof Capt. Bant is one.
Boston, Wednesday the 3oth of May, being the Anniversary
ELECTION: There was Chosen as Members of Her
Majesty s Council for this Province for the Ensuing
Year. Viz. 94
Wait Winthrop Esqr. James Russel Esqr. John Haihorne Esqr.
Elisha Hutchinson Esqr. Samuel Sew all Esqr. Isaac Addington Esqr.
William Brown Esqr. John Phillips Esqr. Jonathan Corwin Esq
John Foster Esq. Penn Townsend Esq John Higginson Esq Samuel
Partridge Esq. Andrew Belcher Esq. Samuel Legg Esq. Edward
Bromfield Esq Ephraim Hunt Esq Samuel Appleton Esq John W alley
Esq /0/w Thacher Esq Isaac Winslow Esq. Nathanael Payne Esq
Eliakim Hutchinson Esq Joseph Hammond Esq Benjamin Brown
Esq Joseph Lynde Esq. Samuel Hay man Esqr, and Simeon Stoddard
Esqr.
77z Members of the House of Representatives /or 2/^ several
Towns are as follows. And those that have this
Mark * are Neiv Ones.
Boston, Mr. Tho. Oakes, Speaker. Capt. Sam Checkley Capt. Eph.
Savage. Mr. Eliz. Holyoke Roxbury, Mr. Wil Denison. Dorchester,
Mr. Hopestil Clap. Milton, Capt. Tho. Vose. Braintrey, Mr. John
Baxter. Weymouth, Capt. Steph. French. Dedham, *Mr. John Fuller.
Medfield, Mr. John Metcalfe. Hingham, *Mr. Josiah Levit. Salem,
Samuel Brown Esq *Capt. Sam. Gardner. Ipswich, Mr. Nehem Jewet.
*Mr. Nath. Koolton Newbury, *Capt. Hen. Somersby. Lynn, *Mr.
Joseph Newhall. Marblehead, *Mr. Sam. Reed. Beverley, *Mr. Sam.
94 Printed, revised, in The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 113-115. In the list of mem
bers of the council are these changes in the Province Laws print : Russell for
Russel ; Browne for Brown in both cases ; Paine for Payne. In the list of rep
resentatives, the following : Dorchester, Hopestill for Hopstil Clap ; Braintree,
Lieut. Baxter instead of Mr. ; Hingham, Leavitt for Levit; Salem, Browne for
Brown; Ipswich, Jewett for Jewet, and Knoulton for Koolton; Newbury, Som-
erby for Somersby; Lynn, Ensign Newhall instead of Mr.; Wenham, Deacon
Fiske instead of Mr. Fisk; Gloucester, Mr. Allin instead of Capt. Allen; Rowley,
Capt. Dresser instead of Mr.; Salisbury, Morill for Morril; Amesbury, Fowller
for Fowler ; Sudbury, Browne for Brown ; also added to Sudbury Mr. John
Brigham; Maryborough, Brigham for Bridgham; Billerica, Lieut. Willson instead
Mr. Wilson; Woburn, Maj. Converse Esq. instead of Converse Esq.; Reading,
Sweyne for Swain; Sherburne, William Rider, senior instead of William Rider;
Medford, Lieut. Willis instead of Mr.; Barnstable, Hamlen for Hamlin; Spring
field, Deacon Hitchcock instead of Mr.; Hadley, Mountague for Montague;
Hatfield, Samuel Marsh, senior instead of Samuel Marsh; Rehoboth, Col.
Walker instead of Mr. ; Swanzey, Perce for Pierce ; Kittery, Leighton for Layton.
204
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 4, 1705
Balch. Wenham, Mr. ,Wil. Fisk. Topsfield, *Mr. Elisha Perkins.
Glocester, Capt. * Joseph Allen. Rawley, Mr. John Dresser. Salis
bury, *Mr. Isaac Morril. Amesbury, *Mr. Thomas Fowler. Andover*
*Capt. Christoph. Osgood. Haverhill, Mr. Sam. Watts. Charlestown,
Capt. Samuel Phipps. Cambridge, Cap. Tho. Oliver. Newton, *Capt.
Isaac Williams Watertown, *Mr. Nath. Bright. Sudbury, *Mr. Will
iam Brown. Wrentham, *Mr. Richard Puffer. Marlborough, *Mr.
Sam. Bridgham. Concord, *Mr. Simon Davis. Chelmsford, Cap. Jer.
Bowers. Billerica, *Mr. John Wilson. Wooburn, James Converse
Esq. Reading, Maj. Jer. Swain. Maiden, *Mr Phineas Upham. Sher-
bourn, Mr. Wil Rider. Dunstable, *Cap Wil. Tyng. Lancaster, Mr.
John Houghton Medford, Mr. Thomas Willis. Groton, Cap. Jonas
Prescott. Plymouth, [Captain John Bradford?] 95 Situate, Mr. Sam.
Clap Marshfield, *Mr. Eph. Little. Bridgwater, *Mr. David Perkins.
Duxbury, *Mr. David Alden. Barnstaple, *Mr. James Hamlin Far-
mouth, *Mr. Sam. Sturges. Eastham, Mr Samuel Knowles. Spring
field, Mr. John Hitchcock, Northampton, Cap. Preserved Clap, //ad-
%>, *Mr. Peter Montague. Hat field, *Mr. Sam. Marsh. Westfield,
*Mr. Nath. Bancroft. Bristol, *Mr. Nath Blagrove. Rehoboth, *Mr.
Samuel Walker. Swansey, Mr. Eph Pierce. Taunton, *Mr. Jos.
Tisdale. Dartmouth, *Mr. Jos. Tripp. Fc>r&, Captain Lewis Bane
Kittery; Mr. John Layton. We/k, *Capt. Jos. Hill. Nantucket*
*Capt. Rich. Gardner.
On Tuesday the 29th of Ma^ towards Evening, a Fishing Shallop,
one Gammon Master, was surpriz d and taken off Winter Harbour
where she was Fishing, by 5 or 6 Canoo s of Indians, that came out
from thence. His Excellency has ordered the Province -Gaily and
another Vessel to Range the Eastern Coast. And we hope the Enemy
shall be taken, and the Shallop recovered.
The Anniversary Election Sermon was Preached by the Reverend
Mr. Joseph Easterbrooks , Minister of Concord, upon these words,
Gen. 12. 2. And I will make of thee a great Nation, and I will bless
thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a Blessing.
Coasters Entered Inwards, John Hedge from Fair field, John Webb
from Milford, Elwell, Flood, Felt, Bracket and Parker from Piscata-
qua. Coasters Outward, Allen and Jackson for Piscataqua, Tho
Lanyon for North-Carolina, William Marsh and John Holt for Rhode-
Island. Foreign Inwards, Jeremiah Cushing from Virginia. For
eign Cleared Outwards, Richard Green and Joseph Flint for Antigua,
& Thomas Hudson for New-York Entered Outward Bound, Abel
Jones for Jamaica, John Hoddy, Philip Lewis, John Stevens and
John Bennet for Antigua.
95 This name rubbed and indistinct.
205
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 11, 1705
Darby is arrived from Pensilvania, and Hathorne from New
foundland.
HDverttsement.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in May 7.]
1FL E Bumb, 60.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfca^ June 4. to /3Donfca June 11. 1705.
NY
F TpHE principal foreign news, which largely occupies this issue,
I A is an account, from Lisbon, April 24, of the failure of the attack
upon Gibraltar by the combined French and Spanish forces
on land, supported by the French fleet, and the destruction of the
fleet by the English squadron under Vice Admiral Sir John Leake.
There is other news from Milan, Vienna and elsewhere.]
New- York, June 4. On Thursday last dyed Mr. Jer. Tothil, one
of our Aldermen; and yesterday Dyed Mr. Caleb Cooper Merchant.
Our Assembly met on the 1st Instant, but were Adjourned to Thurs
day next. His Excel, the Lord Cornbury sets out this day from
Burlington, and designs to be here on Wednesday next. Capt
Defrees Commander of a Privateer of 120 men fitted out here, waits
for a Wind to go to Sea, & so does Capt. Bond who is bound for
London Via Virginia with the Strombulo Man of War, who is said to
Sail from thence the 10th of July. Vessels Outward bound are
Dunskum & Launer for Barbadoes, Thinhoven for Jamaica, Coward
for England, via Virginia, Potter & Dawson for Nevis, Wessels for
Antigua, Dill for St. Christophers, Sandford for Carolina, Bill and
Jourdain for Curacoa, Hunt for St. Thomas, and Crooke for Madera.
Codman Sailed from hence last week for Pensilvania.
New-Port Rhode Island, June the 8th. On Wednesday the 6th.
Currant, Thomas Odell, (mentioned in our last,) who made his escape,
was found in a Barn two Miles out of Town, & is now in close Prison. 98
Capt. Halsy s Prize is not yet condemn d. 97
96 See News-Letter Nos. 15, 17 (1704), 57, 59 ante, 61, 82 post.
97 Captain John Halsey, commander of the briganteen Charles, private-
man-of-war. See Notes, in The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p 526. See News-Letter Nos. 49,
53 ante, 63 post.
206
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 11, 1705
Boston, On Monday the 4th, Currant, The Annual Artillery Election
Sermon was Preach d by the Reverend Mr. Thomas Bridge, one of
the Ministers of Boston, upon these words in, Dan. 11. 32. And
such as do wickedly against the Covenant, shall be corrupt by Flatteries:
but the People that do know their God, shall be strong, and do exploits.
Capt. Thomas Savage" was chosen Captain, Mr. Thomas Fitch
Lieutenant, and Mr. John Kilby Ensign of the Honorable Artillery
Company, and approv d of by His Excellency.
Capt. John Livingston with the other Messengers sent by His
Excellency our Governour, to the Governour of Cannada at Quebeck
to concert the Exchange of Prisoners, returned this day, with whom
there came Capt. Cortemange, from the Governour of Canada, in
order to settle the same. 10
On Wednesday night the 6th. Instant, Three Ships coming from
Lisbon, viz. Capts Myles, Miller, and Parsons, It being Foggy
Weather occasioned an Alarm in the Town of Boston; where was a
great Appearance of men in the Train bands.
Coasters, Entered Inwards, Job Almy from Rhode-Island, Eleazar
Darby from Pensihania, and Samuel Sand from Long-Island.
Coasters Outwards, Lathrop, Sturges, James & Joseph Petty, Horton
& Hedge for Connecticut, Job Almy for Rhode-Island Foreign Inwards,
Capts. John Myles, Thomas Miller & Benj. Parsons from Lisbon,
Obadiah Wakefield from Virginia, & Zach. Syms from Fyal. Foreign
Cleared Outwards, Jer. Tay for Virginia, Cap. Michael Gill 1 for
Newfoundland, John Stevins for Nevis, Rich. Thomas for Antigua,
Rob. Starky for N. Carolina, John Venteman & John Pullen for
Jamaica. Outward Bound, Sam. Winckle, John Alden, Nath.
Perkins & Alexander Bak-:r for Barbadoes.
B&pertisements.
A T the Warehouse of Messieurs Bromfield and Burroughs, at
* ^the Town Dock in Boston, There are to be Sold long Tobacco
Pipes by the Cask, to be taken by the Contents, whole and broken,
at Three Shillings and Six Pence per Groce, or Five Shillings by the
98 Minister of the First Church of Boston, 1705-1715. $jj
99 Son of Lieutenant-Colonel Habijah Savage, captain of a militia com
pany, and nephew of Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Savage, colonel of the Bos
ton Regiment. Born in Boston in 1664, died there in 1721.
100 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 500.
"Capt. Cortemange :" the printer s spelling of the name of Sieur de Courte-
manche. See News-Letter Nos. 50, 56 ante, 61, 64 post.
101 For an account of Captain Gill s sea fight with a company of French
and Indians in the harbor of St. John s, Newfoundland, in August, 1704, see
the News-Letter, No. 25, page 130 ante.
207
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 18, 1705
Single Groce for whole Pipes told out.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in May 7.]
1R. ]. IRumb. 61.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDon&as June 11. to /IDonfcaS June 18, 1705.
NY
["T7OREIGN news, comprising a large part of this issue, is mainly
I JF from Vienna, Paris, Venice, Ratisbon and Genoa. From "Smo-
lensko in Muscovy, December 25," 1704, there is an account
of the czar s treatment of his rebellious subjects: "some are hang d;
others Beheaded; others again Burned, and some even wasted.
The Czar, who has exiled the Princess Sophia, his Sister to Silk, has
also caused the Hands of his Brother-in-law to be saw d off with a
wooden Saw."]
Barbadoes May 24th. Some few days ago there arrived here a
Pacquet from England, by whom we have the following Advice,
That he left England the 10th. of April, and just before his Sayling
there was brought into Plymouth, Thirteen Sail of French Privateers,
from 20 to 36 & 40 Guns a piece. And that two English men of War
nigh the Channel of England met with a French Fleet from Martinico
bound for France, under convoy of a Man of War of 60 Guns, and
Sunk the French man of War and Took 6 of the Merchant men, whom
they brought in. And also confirms Sir John Leake s Action at
Gibraltar.
The Fleet bound hence for London consisting of about 40 Sail
under Convoy of Her Majesties Ship the Warrick of 50 Guns, will
Sail in 17 days, with whom will Sail the Vessels bound for New-
England. James Berry arrived here in 8 days after the arrival of
the Fleet from Boston. The Warrick Man of War has taken Two
Tramponsis, and three French Merchant men, which are brought in
here. There is a Flagg of Truce gone from hence to Martinico, in
order to Settle the Castel for the Exchange of Prisoners.
Tis also reported, That there was about 12 or 14 Sail of Ships
bound from France to Martinico loaden with Stores and Provisions
who were taken by a Squadron of our Men of War, near the Channel
of England.
Philadelphia, June 8th. On Sunday last arrived here Joshua
Cornish, and Clement Jackson Sailed the 4th. Currant for Piscataqua.
The Virginia Fleet from England is dayly expected at Virginia.
208
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THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 18, 1705
New- York. June llth. His Excellency the Lord Cornbury arrived
here 011 Saturday Morning from his Government of New-Jersey.
Our Assembly has been Adjourned to this day, not being a Quorum
on Saturday last to choose a Speaker. Entered Outwards, Kersteed
for Boston, Freebody for Bermuda, Basden for Antigua, and Cawley
for Curacoa.
New-Port, Rhode-Island, June the 15th. Yesterday arrived here
one Smith from Suranam five Weeks Passage: There is also come in
here William Mash in a Sloop from Boston, who brought in with him
a Parmaceti Whale, about 30 Foot long.
Maldon; June, 12th. The Reverend Mr. Michael Wiggle sworth,
Fellow of Harvard College, and Pastor of the Church in this Place,
Administred the Lord s Supper, May 27. Fell Sick of a Fever upon
the Friday following, of which he died the 10th. Instant, at Nine in
the Morning, Aetatis 74. and was interr d this day: Being much
Lamented as a Learned and Pious Divine, and Skilful Physician,
Vigorous & Useful to the last. He was Author of the Poem Entituled,
THE DAY OF DOOM. 102
Boston, Last Week 4 of our English Prisoners at Mont-Real, viz.
Joseph Pettis, John Nimes, Thomas Baker & Martin Kelluck all of
West-Hampshire, made their Escape from thence, and came in to
Northampton, being 26 days on their March, who were so put to it
for Provisions by the way, that they were forced to eat Rattle Snakes. 103
Thomas Odell mentioned in our Last, was brought to Boston in
a Sloop from Rhode-Island on Wednesday last, and is committed
to close Prison in order to be Tryed for his Counterfeiting of our
Province Bills of Credit, &c. 104
Coasters Entered Inwards, Wells and Lathrop from Connecticut,
Ware and Lyford from Piscataqua, D Groof, Adolph & Wiggins from
New-York, & Ireland from New-port Rhode-Island. Outwards,
John Lawrence for Connecticut. Foreign Inwards, John Holland
from Fyall, Nath. Clark from Virginia, Rich. Friend from New
foundland, Fortune Redduck from St. Christophers, & Sam Ward
from Barbadoes. Foreign Clear d Outwards, Solomon Gardner for
Nevis, John Dimon for Jamaica, William Jeffries for North-Carolina.
Outward Bound, John F idling for South Carolina, Jer. Cushing for
Maryland, Joshua Pickman for Virginia, Rphraim Breed for Jamaica,
102 Minister of Maiden from 1656. See Reverend Michael Wiggles worth,
His Memoir, Autobiography, Letters and Library, in New England Historical
and Genealogical Register, Vol. XVII, pp. 129-146.
103 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 500.
See News-Letter Nos. 50, 56, 60 ante, 64 post.
104 See News- Letter Nos. 15, 17 (1704), 57, 59, 60 ante, 82 post.
209
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 25, 1705
John Holland for Antigua, Rich. Friend for Newfoundland, & Tho.
.Hunt for North-Carolina.
BDverttsements.
i\ T the Desire of several Gentlemen, Merchants and others who
* *-are willing to Contribute towards supporting this Publick Print
of Intelligence, the Undertaker has begun where it was left off, in
hopes of others following their good Example, whereby it may be
carryed on at least another year: And therefore all Persons in Town
& Country, who have a mind to encourage the same, may have said
News-Letter every week by the year upon reasonable Terms agreeing
with John Campbell Postmaster of Boston for the same.
[Reprinted: tobacco pipes for sale by Bromneld and Burroughs,
as in June 11.]
1R, j. IRumb. 62.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDonfcag June 18. to /IDon&a June 25. 1705.
NY
one column of foreign news appears in this issue and that
is of the January preceding from Hamburg, Venice, Hague
and elsewhere. The principal features of the domestic news
are, the speech of Governor Cornbury to the General Assembly of
New York; reports of earthquake shocks in Boston and neighboring
towns and the account of a privateer in New York harbor.]
Philadelphia, June 14. A Briganteen from Hundoras, one Griffin
Master, is arrived at New-Castle, she carries 8 Guns and Patteraro s,
12 men, coming thro the Gulph off of Cuba, they were Chased by
a Ship, with whom they exchanged several great and small Shot,
taking each other for Enemies; The Ship prov d to be Capt. Pen-
niston, his Sloop was in Company, one of the Briganteen s men had
his Hand Shot off, who is put on Board Capt. Pennistone to be cured.
Three persons were drowned last week by the oversetting of a
Boat going down the River from Philadelphia, one of them a Negro
Boy.
New-York, June 18. On Thursday last a Ship arrived here from
Fyall, and a Sloop from North-Carolina, they were Chased in by a
French Privateer, as was Captain Coward, who was bound for England,
Via Virginia.
On the 16th. Capt. Outerbridge and some of his men came to Town
210
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 25, 1705
and relate, that on the 3d. Instant he Sailed out of Sandyhook, bound
for Jamaica loaded with Provisions, and was taken by a Privateer
from Martinico about 150 Leagues off, and that his Sloop (with
Mrs. Antill and her children who were Passengers on Board) is sent
to Martinico.
That on the 14th Instant the same Privateer came to Sandyhook,
and in the night sent up her Boat to the Narrows with design to take
Capt. Potter who was then Loaden at the Watering place bound
for Nevis, but the Boat could not find him; about 10 days before,
they took a small Sloop belonging to one Godfrey of this Town,
loaded with Pitch and Tarr which they burnt, one Reynolds was
Master of her, and tis said sides with the French, and is a Pilot
to them on this Coast, and has informed them of otir Vessels expected
and Outward bound. The Privateers perceiving they were discov
ered, Capt Oiiterbridge and his men and Godfrey perswaded them to
land them at Sandyhook, which they did, and afterwards stood along
shore to the Southward. Yesterday News was brought that they
had Landed in East- New- Jersey a little beyond Neversincks, and had
burnt 2 Country Houses. On Sunday the 10th Instant, the Cettey
Privateer, Capt. Bond for England, Via Virginia, and 2 Sloops
sailed out of Sandyhook, and happily mist this Privateer. A Ship,
a Briganteen and 2 Sloops are fitted out here, and will Sail this day
under the Command of Col. Peartree in pursuit of her. This Privateer
is a Ship of 10 Guns, 150 Tons or thereabouts, 120 men, one Clapo
Captain, who has a Brother lives at Boston or thereabouts, some say
that is a Nick-Name, some that he is a French-man, & others, an
7m/i-man. They tell us a new Briganteen from New-York was
carried in to Martinico a few days before this Privateer Sailed, which
we fear is Capt. Perkins in a fine Briganteen the l,st Voyage, & bound
for Barbadoes.
His Excellency has laid an Embargo in this Province. Here are
5 Sachems of the French Indians come to Town as I am told, to treat
with his Excellency our Governour, about liberty to Settle among
our Indians the 5 Nations, and that they will leave the French;
some of them were at Deer field when the mischief was done there.
Our Assembly have Voted the Raising 1607 /. for the Defence of the
Fronteers.
Our Assembly is now Sitting, and William Nicoll Esq. is chosen
Speaker, who was approved of by his Excellency.
His Excelency EDWARD Viscount Cornbury, Captain General and
GOVERNOUR in Chief in and over Her MAJESTY S Colony of
New-York, and Territories depending thereon, &c. His
211
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 25, 1705
Speech 105 to the Honourable the COUNCIL and Representatives
in General Assembly now Sitting in the City of New-York, upon
Thursday the 14th of June, 1705.
Gentlemen,
I Am sorry the QUEEN s service in the Neighbouring Province,
and the ill Weather we have lately had, have hindered me from meeting
this Assembly so soon as I at first intended; however, I hope you will
still have time enough to dispatch such things as may be necessary to
be provided for at this time. Those which I shall more particularly
Recommend to the care of you Gentlemen of the House of Representa
tives, are these,
First, That a Sum may be provided sufficient to pay One Hundred
Fuzileers, and Fifty Out-scouts, with their proper Officers, to be sent
to Albany and places adjacent, for the Defence of the Fronteers for one
year, and likewise that Provision may be made for their going up to
& returning from Albany, and likewise for Bedding for them while
they are there: This is of absolute Necessity at this time, because I have
received an account of a Design of the Waghana Indians, with several
other Nations in amity with the French, to Attack our Five Nations,
who if they see thai we are either not willing or not able to support and
defend them against their Enemies, will the more easily be perswaded
to go over to the French ; the ill Consequences whereof are so well known,
that I need not mention them to you, nor will I now trouble you with
any particulars of this News, because I had it from those Gentlemen
who are chosen to serve in this Assembly for the County of Albany, and
who are well able to inform you of the Truth of that matter.
The Next thing I recommend to your Care, is the providing such a
Sum as may be sufficient to pay and defray the Charges of the Detach
ment sent up to Albany for the Defence of the Fronteers last fall, an
Account whereof shall be laid before you.
I must take notice to you, That the Bill for settling the Militia, which
was passed in the year 1702. is expired by its own Limitation; I think
tis very necessary that Act should be Revived.
The Difficulties which some very worthy Ministers of the Church of
England have met with in the getting the Maintenance settled upon
them by an Act of the General Assembly of this Province, passed in
the Year 1693, moves me to propose to you the passing an Act explana
tory of the afore-mentioned Act, that those worthy good Men who have
105 In Journal of the Votes and Proceedings of the General Assembly of
the Colony of New York. The Gaine Edition, Vol. I, p. 196. The News-Let
ter print differs slightly with the. Journal. The speeches of Cornbury to the
New York Assembly, which are printed from time to time in the News- Letter,
clearly reflect the condition of public affairs in that Colony . The governor
constantly stirred the popular assemblies to acrimonious contention regarding
legislative rights and royal prerogratives.
212
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 25, 1705
ventured to come so far for the Service of GOD in his Church, and the
good and edification of the People, to the Salvation of their Souls, may
not for the future be vexed, as some of them have been, but may enjoy
in quiet that Maintenance which was by a Law provided for them. I
farther Recommend to you the passing an Act to provide for the Main
tenance of some Ministers in some of the Towns at the East end of Long-
Island, where I don t find any Provision has been yet made for propa
gating Religion.
The next thing which I think does very highly deserve your serious
Thoughts, is, the laying a Duty upon all European Goods imported
into this Colony from any of the Neighbouring Provinces, whereas now
those Goods pay no greater Duties than those which come directly from
England. / did recommend this matter to the last Assembly, and I am
afraid the not doing of it at that time has been a considerable Prejudice
to the Trade of this Province, and I am perswaded, that unless effectual
care be now taken in that matter, the Trade of this place will not only
become precarious, but our Navigation will be entirely ruined. I am
of Opinion it would be very proper to lay a Duty upon all Rum and
other Spirits imported from any place whatsoever, except England
and Her Majesties Islands in the West-Indies; / therefore earnestly
recommend to your care the preparing such a Bill as may effectually
answer the ends proposed.
I further recommend to your Considerations, whether the passing an
Act to discourage the Exportation of Corn, and to encourage the Expor
tation of Flower from this Province, would not be a good advantage
to Trade.
I observe, that during the late War, at a time when much greater Sums
were given for the Defence of the Fronteers, than have ever been demanded
since the beginning of this, the Assemblies in those times thought fit to
grant several Sums of Money towards the discharging the Debts of the
Province; whether it is not as reasonable to take the same Methods
now to discharge the Debts which were contracted before my coming to
this Government, I leave to your Considerations; only I think it a Duty
incumbent on me to put you in mind of it, that the People to whom those
Debts are due, may not think themselves neglected.
I am of Opinion it will be necessary to pass an Act to prevent the
Clipping and Defacing the Foreign Coyn which has currency in this
Province. And another for the more effectual suppressing of scandalous
Houses and Bawdy- Houses, & to prevent scandalous Women from
coming from the Neighbouring Provinces to live in this. And another
to punish Negro, Indian and Mallatto Slaves, and to prevent them from
running away from their Masters.
These, Gentlemen, are the things I thought fit to propose to your
Considerations at this time. I must now acquaint you, that Her most
213
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 25, 1705
Sacred Majesty, the Q UEEN, has been pleased to order, That for the
future no Governour, Lieut. Governour or Commander in Chief of this
Province shall receive any Gift or Present from the Country: which
Order you will find entered in your Journals. All the Returns the
Queen expects for easing you from the burthen of those Presents, is,
That you contribute more freely to the Defence of the Country.
I have nothing more to offer to you at this time, only Unanimity in
your Consultations, and Dispatch in the Matters before you.
If anything occurs to you, which you think may be for the Service of
the Q. UEEN, and the good of the Country, you shall always find me
ready not only to hear it, but to joyn heartily with you to promote any
thing that is Reasonable.
Lancaster, June 18th, On Thursday last, Mr. John Willard senior
being hooing in his Field of Corn about a mile from the Garison,
he espied an Indian between him and the Garison about 7 rod off
him, and not knowing but there might be more, he ran another way
to the Garison, and got safe into it and mist the Indian. Tis also
said there was some seen at Groton and Marlborough.
Boston, On Saturday the 16th Currant, about 10 a Clock in the
Forenoon, There was felt a small shake of an Earthquake in several
places of this Town : but being so late at night ere we had the report
of it, that we had not time to inquire into the certainty of it; made
us not Insert it in our Last. Twas also felt at Cambridge, Maldon,
Braintry, Weymouth, Milton, Dedham, Dorchester, Roxbury,
Charlstown and other Towns; People at first apprehended it to
be Thunder; but viewing the Air to be so clear, and no clouds to be
seen, concluded it to be an Earthquake: several Platters and Dishes
were tumbled off the Shelves by it, Pots arid Kettles made a ratling
noise with it, Stones were seen to move in the Walls, &c.
On Monday the 18th Instant, Dyed Mr. Thaddeus Maccarty of
this Town, Merchant, and was Interred on Thursday the 21st Currant.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Gillam and Parker from Pensilvania;
Curtice, Pope, Loring, Allen, Prentice, Smith, Blinn, Hilliard and
Dean from Connecticut; Bracket, Webber, Jackson and Flood from
Piscataqua. Outward, Jer. Voile for Connecticut Foreign Inwards,
Tho. Skuse from Nevis, Rich. Hall, Robert Hartly and William Twing
from Fyal; John Henderson from Montserat, and Nath. Eliot from
Bonire. Cleared Outwards, William Jeffries, Moses Abbot and
Tho. Runt for North-Carolina, John Fidling for South-Carolina;
Eleazar Darby for Jersey; Nich. Lawrence for Barbadoes, Nath.
Jarvies, & William Webber for Nevis, Joshua Pickman for Virginia,
& Fortune Redduck for St. Christophers. Outward Bound, Samuel
More for Antigua, William Beams for Fyal, Stephen Payne for
214
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 2, 1705
Madera, Jeoffery Bedgood for South-Carolina, & Wil. Everton for
Lisbon.
B&Y>ertisement5.
A LL Persons in Town and Country, in this and the Neighbouring
-^^-Provinces, when any remarkable Providences worthy the Record
ing do occurr, are hereby desired to send the same unto James Camp
bell Post-master of Boston, with the Circumstances thereof, whereby
it may be made more evident for publick Good: which shall be
Inserted accordingly in the Weekly Intelligence.
[Reprinted: tobacco pipes for sale by Messrs Bromfield and
Burroughs, as in June 11; News-Letter advertisement, as first in
June 18.]
H, j IRumb. 63.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcaE June 25. to jflDOUfcap July 2. 1705.
NY
I" A LITTLE less than half of the two pages which make this
1 jLYissue is filled with foreign news. This is mainly from Vienna,
Cologne and Berlin, concerning European war movements
and plans.]
Madera, May 8. Capt. Coffin arrived here 3 days ago from Boston
and he is bound hence for Nevis.
Philadelphia, June 22. By a Sloop from Virginia that arrived
on Sunday last, who came out of the Capes the Wednesday before,
we are informed they saw 4 or 5 large Ships standing in for Virginia,
2 of them seem d to be as large as third Rates; tis thought they
came from Lisbon.
Yesterday Capt. Taylor arrived in a Sloop in 22 day from Antigua,
who about 3 weeks since went a Flagg of Truce for Martinico, carried
with him 64 French Prisoners, and brought back 75 English, besides
some concealed which broke Goal; amongst those he carried was
Capt. Clapo, who was last year on the Coast of New-York; who in
some short time before was taken in a Privateer Sloop by an English
Man of War; As soon as Clapo, alias Crepo arrived at Martinico,
he was put on Board the Ship he now is in to Cruise on this Coast:
Capt. Taylor says, that a Briganteen and a Sloop was Sailed out of
Martinico some time before Crepo, that designed to Cruise on the
215
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 2, 1705
Coast of New-England; He says there are 17 Privateers out of
Martinico, besides several others fitting out.
On Sunday last dyed at New-Castle, Mr. William Clarke one of our
Council and Speaker of the Assembly for the Three Lower Counties.
Mr. Codman fell down the River this day in order to take in his
Loading of Wheat there for Boston.
New- York, June 25. On Thursday morning last Sailed out of Sandy-
hook, the Ship, Briganteen, & 2 Sloops which are in pursuit of the
French Privateer, they have 350 able men on board the 4 Vessels.
We have Advice that the Privateer stood off to Sea on Monday last,
since which time we have not heard of him. The Embargo I suppose
will be continued here till the return of our Vessels.
New-London, June 28. Last Fryday about Sun-set there was
felt in this Town a small shake of an Earthquake, which was also
felt at Saybrook, it was accompanied with a noise like Thunder, but
no Clouds in the Sky.
Newport Rhode, Island, June 29 On Wednesday last Capt. Hal-
sey f s Prize was Condemned here at the Court of Admiralty. 106 There
is a Vessel just arrived from Barbadoes, who came out in Company
with several for Boston.
Boston, On Tuesday the 26th Instant, William Wilde, one of the
Privateers of Quelch Crew who was condemn d to dye for Piracy,
and reprieved till Her Majesty s Pleasure concerning him and his
fellows was known, who made his escape out of Prison here the 7th
day of September last, was this morning apprehended and committed
to close Prison. 107
On Saturday the 30th of June, His Excellency Prorogu d the
General Assembly unto Wednesday the 5th of September next.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Harris from New-London, Newman
from Piscataqua, Coffin & Lathrop from Nantucket. Outwards,
Gillam, Hall, Smith & Allen for Connecticut Foreign Inwards,
John Wright from Newfoundland, Wil. Herbert from Madera, &
Noah Chamne from Virginia. Cleared Outwards, John Holland,
Jonathan Stevens, John Waters, Joseph Holton, Phillip Lewis, John
Hoddy & Samuel Moore for Antigua, Rich. Friend for Newfoundland,
Wil. Beams for Fyall, Stephen Payne for Madera, & Jer. Gushing for
Virginia. Outward bound, John Porter & Tho. Miller for Antigua*
John Chamberlin for Fyall, Dirick Adolph, and Adolph D Groof for
106 See News-Letter Nos. 49, 53, 59, 60 ante.
107 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 395.
See News-Letter Nos. 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14 (1704) ante, 66 post. See foot-note
News-Letter No. 14 ante.
216
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 9, 1705
New-York, and Nicholas Thomas Jones for North Carolina.
Bfcverttsements.
[Reprinted: advertisement of the Reverend John Brown s book,
"Life of Justification," as in August 14, 1704; News-Letter advertise
ment, as first in June 18.]
, 64.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfcap July 2. to fl&OUfcap July 9. 1705.
NY
r^nr^HE two folio pages of this issue are about equally divided
JL between reports of foreign and domestic affairs. From Brescia,
Dresden, Paris, Hague, Venice and Vienna, under January
dates, is a variety of war news. Among the domestic items is a list
of acts passed by the General Court of Massachusetts.]
Philadelphia, June 28. On the 25 arrived here a Sloop from
Barmudas, one Burrows Master, who came from Barmudas loaden
for this place last Fall: he Wintered at Barmudas, from whence he
set twice out this Spring in order to come hither, but both times he
met with violent Storms, in which he lost Masts, Sailes, and two men,
a white and a Negro over-board, and was forced to return again;
with the third time Setting out he got safe here.
New-York July 2d. On the 29 June arrived here a Sloop from
Jamaica, one Seward Master, who Sailed from Porto-Morant the 5th.
of said Month, by whom we have Advice, That Admiral Whetstone
was arrived there the 11 th of May with 6 Men of War, and 13 Mer
chant Ships bound thither, and that he was either gone or going with
10 Men of War upon the Coast of New-Spain, to recall all Privateers
from making War upon the Spaniards, and to Settle a Trade with
them: And tis believed he has orders Relating to the Spaniards
of great Importance, though not yet made Publick. The Island
of Jamaica has had of late a Considerable Trade with the Spaniards,
especially for Slaves and Dry Goods. They Write two Trading
Sloops were returned to *Port Royal from the Spanish Coast, The
one with 80 Thousand, and the other with 60 Thousand pieces of
Eight; And that 4 Men of War more were dayly expected there
from England.
The same day our Private Man of War came in to Sandyhook with
the 2 Sloops that went in pursuit of the French Privateer; they have
217
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 9, 1705
been along shore to the Capes of Delaware, but could not hear of
him; two of them (the Ship and a Sloop which Sail very well) I m
told are ordered to Cruise towards Block-Island.
There was no Boston Vessel at Jamaica that Seward knows of.
Keersteed and Teller bound for Boston as soon as the Embargo is
taken off, and Coward for England, via Virginia, & several vessels
for other parts.
Wells, July j. A Whale Boat from Sacho gives account that this
morning before Sun rise, they discovered several great Smoaks, a
small distance from the Fort, which is concluded to be a Body of
the Enemy.
Marblehead, July 8. Last night came in a Shallop of our Town,
who informs, that on the 3d Instant, they espied a Wreck on part
of Montenicus Rocks, they went on Board her, and judge her to be
about 200 Tons, a new Ship, white bottom, no Mast standing, part
of her Keel gone, her Rudder about 2 foot left, she had 8 Ports on a
side, a Lion quarter pieces, and all carved work yellow; they took
out of her a Cable about 12 Inches, Oyl, Turpentin, Whale-bone, and
several other things, they found on Board a flowered sattin pair of
T
Stays, a silver Porringer marked ]\T M; 108 when they left the Ship she
righted, and they believe then her bottom came out; they found no
person on board her.
Boston, Sundry Acts passed the 30th of June, by the Great and
General Court or Assembly of Her Majesty s Province of the Massa
chusetts Bay in New-England. Begun and Held at Boston, upon
Wednesday 30th of May 1705,
An Act for the ease of Prisoners for Debt.
An Act, for apportioning and assessing of two several Taxes on Polls
and Estate pursuant to the Grants made to Her Majesty by the General
Assembly, in the Year 1704. for 22422.}.
An Act for the further and longer continuing in force several Acts
therein mentioned that are near expiring.
On Monday July 2. Dyed here Lieut. Colonel Thomas Savage,
aged 65 years and 2 months, who was Interred on Thursday the 5th
Instant, being attended with the Regiment in Arms. 1W
On Tuesday the 3d. Arrived here Capt. Taylor from Bristol, who
was taken by the French, and re-taken by the Dutch, he came from
Rotterdam about the 10th of April last.
108 For Judge Sewall s note on this see the Historical Sketch of the News-
Letter, page 50 of this volume.
109 Lieutenant-colonel of the Boston Regiment from 1702 till his death. See-
Judge Sewall s Diary under date July 5 (1705).
218
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 9, 1705
On Th^trsday the 5th, Arrived Cap. William Alden from Barba-
does, who came out thence with the Fleet bound for London the 10th
of June last, with several other vessels bound hither, and 2 for New
York, D kart in a Ship, and another in a Briganteen. Capt. Alden
was Chased 2 or 3 days in the Latitude of Bermuda by a pritty big
Ship, but he out Sayl d her, and supposes her to be the same Privateer
that is upon the Coast of New-York.
Capt. Hunkings with the other Vessels that Sailed with him in
Company from Boston were safely arrived at Barbadoes.
On Fryday the 6th. Sailed Capt. Courtemanch, who came hither
to His Excellency from the Governour of Canada, in order to Concert
Measures for the Exchange of Prisoners, between whom there is a
good understanding. no
The Wreck mentioned in the Paragraph of Marblehead is supposed
to be the same that is mentioned in our Nitmb. 53. to be then seen by
Capt. Welsh on St-George s Bank the 16th of April last; and is con
cluded to be Capt. John Balston s Ship, one of the Fleet that Sailed
from Portsmouth New- Hampshire, Ap[r]il 6th, mentioned in our
Numb. 51.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Bracket, Flood, Allen and Wair from
Piscataqua. Outwards, Adolph and De Groof for New York, Hartly
and Blinn for Connecticut, Nicholas Thomas Jones for North-Carolina.
Foreign Inwards, Joseph Everton, and William Alden from Barba
does, Thomas Taylor from Bristol, and William Cook from Montserat.
Cleared Outwards, John Mason for Curacoa, John Porter for Antigua,
and William Thomas for Jamaica. Outward Bound, James Grant
for Whitehaven in England, Newcomb Blague for Fyall, Bartholomew
Green for Jamaica, Ebenezar Hathorne for Newfoundland, Samuel
Ward, Ebenezar Breed and Joseph Everton for Barbadoes.
B&vertisements,
/ T s Here is this day Printed and to be Sold at the Post-Office, half
-* a Sheet, containing several solid Arguments offered to the
Inhabitants of New-England, and the other Neighbouring Provinces,
in the Northern Parts of America, to Encourage the Sowing of Hemp ;
demonstrating the same to be of far greater advantage to the Hus
bandman, than the Sowing or Planting of any other Grain; with
Rules and Directions for sowing, watering and dressing it; several
Objections answered, with some proposals for others to promote the
same; especially, That all Persons every where, who have any
Hemp growing in this & the Neighbouring Provinces, would use
110 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII. p.
512. See News-Letter Nos. 50, 56, 60, 61 ante.
219
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 16, 1705
their particular and utmost care to save what Seed they can for the
publick benefit : let none imagine that by furnishing others with Seed,
it will lessen their own profit, for there cannot be too much Sown to-
glut the Market.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
m. j. Wumb. 65.
The Boft on News-Letter.
[N
From /IDotlba July 9. to /IDon&a July 16. 1705.
NY
EARLY three of the four columns of this issue are given to
foreign news from Hague, Vienna, Milan and elsewhere, and to
a report of the meeting of the Irish Parliament in Dublin.]
Belfast, Jan. 29. This day came in here a Ship belonging to the
Port, which was taken on the 26th of the last Month, by the Lorrine, a
French Privateer, The Enemy put on board her 6 French-men, a
Dane, and one John Bevin, who was Master of the Kent Pink of Bristol,
taken some time before, and carried into Martinico, leaving with them only
3 Men and a Boy belonging to the Ship. On the i$th instant, about 150
Leagues off of Cape Clear, the said John Bevin, by the help of these 3
Men and a Boy, and the Dane, rescued the Ship from the French, and
brought her safe in here.
Falmouth, Feb. 10. On the 6th Instant arrived here the Six
Islands Pacquet-Boat from Jamaica, Nathaniel Vring Commander,
which came from hence in 8 weeks. The Master gives an Account,
That Her Majesty s Ship the Mermaid had brought into Jamaica
a French Prize of about 30 Guns, bound to New-Spain, and valued
at between 30 and 40 Thousand Pounds Sterling.
Plimouth. Feb. n. The 8th Instant came in here the Robert
Privateer of Middlebourg, with a Prize called the Francis of Nantz,
from Martinico, laden with Sugar, Cocoa and Cotton.
St. Johns Newfoundland, June 8. Last week arrived 2 Ships
from England into Conception- Bay; They say, That 3 Men of War
from England with Recruits for the Garison were bound hither with
a Fleet of Merchant-men. That the Indians have accepted of Bills
for the Redemption of the People of Bonavist.
Philadelphia, July 5. This morning came here several persons
that were taken in 3 Briganteens off the Capes of Virginia by Capt.
Crapo; the first of which was Capt. Violet from Jamaica bound to
220
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 16, 1705
Virginia, whose Vessel they sunk, he was taken 21 June; next was
Capt. Pitts from England and the Madera s loaden with Wine, bound
for Maryland, whose Vessel with the Commander they sent to Mar
tinico, after which they took Robert Starky from Boston bound to
Virginia, whose Briganteen they gave the Prisoners on Monday
25th June, who parted with them between the Capes of Virginia and
our Capes, ordering them to come into this River, forbidding them
to go to Virginia, else if they did and met them, they should find no
Quarter. They say they wait for a Guinea Ship bound for Virginia
with Negro s, before they go off the coast. Starky s Briganteen is
under a seizure at New-Castle.
On the 3d Instant, one Carman in a small Sloop coming round the
Capes of Virginia, was taken by some of Crapo s men in a Perriagar
which Sloop and Pitts from Madera was taken in sight of the Strum-
bulo Man of War, who fired several Shot at the Privateer, but to no
purpose, they could not come up with him; The Sloop lost Company
of the Ship 4 or 5 days, and despaired of meeting them, but met the
Ship again ; The 26th of June they gave them their Sloop again.
Burlington, July 6. There are two Men of War come to Virginia,
to Convoy home the Fleet for England, and the Strumbulo Man of War
is ordered now to stay and go with them.
New- York, July 9th. On the 5th. Instant Capt. Dehart arrived
here from Barbadoes; and yesterday Capt. Basset from St. Thomas
in 16 days, who says, they heard there by a French Privateer that a
Briganteen from New York with Horses upon her Deck, was taken
and carryed into Martinico, which we suppose to be Capt. Leach,
who was bound for Nevis : (Perkins whom we feared was taken being
arrived in Barbadoes:) And also that two Privateers who designed
for this Coast (a Sloop and a Briganteen) were come out of Martinico
but they wanted men and were gone to Porto Rico to supply them
selves. We have heard nothing of Coll. Peartree since he went last
out in pursuit of the French Privateer: we suppose he is gone towards
Block-Island; he has 140 men on board the Ship, and 80 in the Sloop;
they both Sail well.
Rhode Island, July 13 Tho. Barnes is arrived here from Barbadoes.
Boston, On Monday the 9th Currant about Noon, there was a
smart Clap of Thunder and Lightning with Rain, which split the
Mast and Pump of a Sloop near Charlstown Ferry, belonging to one
John Turner.
On Wednesday arrived William Skinner in a Sloop from Barbadoes^
who on Monday last about noon met with a Thunder Clap & Light
ning at Sea that shivered his Mast, struck down the men on Board,
221
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 23, 1705
whom it stunn d for some small time, started the Hoops of the Casks
in the Hould.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Smith, Walter, Carter and Dutch from
Connecticut, and Schellinx from Long-Island. Outwards, Wair for
Piscataqua, and Harris for New-London. Foreign Inwards, John
Foster, Thomas Landel, and William Skinner from Barbadoes.
Cleared Outwards, Andrew Wilson, and Nathaniel Perkins for
Barbadoes, Ebenezar Hathorne for Newfoundland, and Thomas
Woodbridge for Madera. Outward Bound, Samuel Gary for Tercera,
Thomas Taylor, and Thomas Skuse for Nevis, John Butler for Lisbon,
Henry Tew, and William Skinner for Barbadoes, Thomas Pope for
Maryland, David L Breton for Fyal, Samuel Edwards for Ruanoke,
Samuel Clarke, and William Cooke for Montserat.
Hfcverttsements.
EDward Bromfield and Paul Dudley Esqrs. Administrators to the
Estate of James Gray late of Boston, Pedlar, Deceased: Do by
the direction of the Honourable Isaac Addington Esq. Judge of the
Probate of Wills, and Granting Letters of Administration &c. for
the County of Suffolk, give notice to all persons whomsoever, who
have any of the Estate or Writings of the said James Gray, That they
forthwith deliver the same to the said Judge or Administrators, or
in case of refusal, they will be prosecuted with the utmost Rigour of
the Law.
ere is now Published The Danger of Speedy Degeneracy.
Held forth in a Sermon Preached at Boston-Lecture the 5th
Instant. By the Reverend Mr. Solomon Stoddard of North Hamp
ton, from Judges 2. 11. Sold by Benjamin Eliot, at his Shop under
the West End of the Town House.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1FL J. Humb. 66.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From fiDonfcaS July 16. to /iDOK&aS July 23. 1705.
NY
r/npHE foreign news in this issue relates almost entirely to military
X movements on the continent of Europe, and is comprised in
letters from Vienna, Lisbon and elsewhere. Included in the
domestic news, under the regular Boston heading on the second page,
is a column of miscellaneous English news brought in by the man-of-
war Deptford and two merchant vessels. The proclamation of
Queen Anne assembling Parliament, April 23, is published. The
222
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 23, 1705
domestic news includes report of the proceedings in connection with
the pardon of the remaining members of the pirate Quelch s crew and
their release from jail.]
St. Johns Newfoundland, June 27 On the 2d. Instant, we were
alarmed here by some French Spies, 2 of them were seen within
Pistol Shot of the Castle, the Sentinels fired at them between 12 and
1 a Clock at night. On the 13th Instant, two men were carried away
from fresh Water about 15 Leagues from hence by 4 or 5 Indians.
Eleazar Moses in a Briganteen that was bound hither from Boston,
in whom was Masters, Arthur Jeffrey, and William Keen are taken,
and carried in to Placentia; whom we daily expect here; 2 of the
Briganteen s men run away, and are come hither, who inform us,
That the French at Placentia are very hard put to it, and cannot
fish for want of Salt and Provisions; And that there is about 300
French & Indians designing to come and make an attack upon St,
Johns. There is 2 Men of War and 7 Merchant-men arrived from
England, by whom we are acquainted, That most of the Outward
bound Ships from France to Canada and Placentia were taken near
the Channel of England by several of our Men of War that were
Convoys to our Outward bound Ships this Spring. A person that
came from Plimouth in one of these Men of War informs, that he
heard one of the Mast-Fleet from New-England was arrived at
Portsmouth, but knows not the Commanders name.
On the 18th arrived a Briganteen from Lisbon, in 33 days, one
Portlock Master.
Philadelphia, July 12. One Jones arrived here this day in 17 days
from Antigua, who in the Latitude of Bermuda saw a Ship lay by for
him, but made the best of his way, not caring to trust him: he says
no Privateers have been seen or heard of late at those Islands, and
concludes they are call d in upon some other design.
New York, July 16. Our Private Man of War is returned from
Block Island without seeing the Privateer.
Last night by a Sloop from Virginia in 6 days, we are acquainted,
That the Strumbulo Man of War had chased the Privateer on that
Coast; but could not come up with her, but 3 days afterwards he
came up with her again and fired a great many shot into her; upon
which Crapo the Privateer threw Overboard his Priaugar, several
Casks, & great Guns, and on a sudden it grew calm, which gave him
the opportunity of using his Oars, by means whereof he escaped.
The Strumbulo sent her Pinnace mann d, under the Quarter of
the Privateer, who fired not a Gun at them, but they durst not venture
to board her.
223
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 23, 1705
Capt. Coward from hence bound to England, was arrived in Vir
ginia. The Oxford and Hastings Frigots, with a Briganteen were
arrived there from Guinea. And they expect two more from England.
Ipswich, July 20 On Sabbath the 8th Currant, Lydia Potter, Wife
of Samuel Potter, was found dead, having cut her own throat; who
about a week before had done the like, but was found alive and
stitched up again ; she was a Woman who was several years Distracted.
Beverly, July 20. On the 17th arrived Jonathan Wheeler in 18
days in a Sloop from Antigua, who came out of Param the same
day that 8 Sail came from St Johns under Convoy of the Linn Man
of War, Capt. Martin Commander, whom he joined in the night and
spoke with Cap. Pitts who carried the light, who told him to fall
a Stern; The Man of War not knowing of his Sailing with the Fleet,
seeing him to the Leward, supposing him to be an Enemy, bore down
upon him, and fired a Gun at him; upon which Wheeler lowered his
Sails, The Man of War hailed him, and he said from Antigua, but he
understood him to be from Martinico, upon which he fired 10 Shot
more, one of which hull d him, split the Beam in the Cabbin, 4 Mus
kets, 2 Quadrons, and wounded a Woman in the Skull with some of
the Splinters.
Boston, On the 18th Currant arrived here the Deptford Man of War,
a 4th Rate of 50 Guns, Cap. Charles Stuckley Commander, who Sailed
from Plymouth the 19 day of May last, in Company with a Fleet of
about 120 Sail, under Convoy of 8 Men of War bound for Virginia,
the West-Indies, New-England, New-York, &c. with whom came
out for Boston Capt. Rymes in a Ship, and Capt. George Fane Com
mander of Her Majesty s Ship the Lowstoff, a 5th Rate for New-York,
with Capt- Payne in the Gray Hound; the Deptford and Lowstoff
Men of War were separated from the Fleet before they came the
length of Fyall, where they 2 put in & staid a few days, Rymes and
Payne kept on with the Virginia Fleet which the 2 Men of War
parted with about 6 Weeks ago; And the Lowstoff for New-York
parted with the Deptford about 14 days since. The Advice that we
have from England is as follows: . . . That Admiral Bing with
the Medway, and 3 other Men of War, has brought into Stilly after a
furious and obstinate Fight, one French Man of W T ar of 48 Guns, a
Privateer of 18 Guns, and 4 large West-India Ships. . . . That
2 of Her Majesty s Men of War bound for Newfoundland, met with
a French Store Ship of about 26 Guns, bound from France to Canada,
which they took. . . . That Capt. Rows from Barbadoes,
belonging to Boston, was accidentally burnt in the River of Thames,
who had on board about 100 Hogsheads of Sugar, & some baggs of
Cotton Wool. That Capt. Gillam is bound from London to Boston
224
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 23, 1705
in the same Ship that he went from hence, and another large Ship
besides is also bound here, who are supposed to Sail in about 6 weeks
after this Fleet that came out. There is also another Man of War
designed for this place, and another for New-York. There was
lately brought in to England with a Squadron of Cruisers under Sir
George Byng a French Man of War of 44 Guns, and 12 Privateers,
and 7 of the Enemy s Merchant Ships, most of the latter richly
loaden from the West-Indies.
On Thursday the 19th Instant, His Excellency our Governour Sat
in a Court of Admiralty for Tryal of Pirates, &c. and Published Her
Majesty s Commission for the said Court directed to himself, the
Lieutenant Governour, the Council and several other Gentlemen.
After which the 7 Pirates of Quelch s Crew remaining in Goal were
set to the Bar, viz. Charles James, William Wildes, John Dorrothy,
John Pittman, John Carter, Dennis Carter and Charles King: His
Excellency acquainted them, that whereas 13 months since they were
Arraigned and Condemned at that Bar for Piracy, and 6 of the chief
of them were Executed, he was now Advised by Her Majesty s Prin
cipal Secretary of State, That the Proceedings of the Commissioners
in that Matter were very well taken and approved of, by Her Sacred
Majesty, and that Her Majesty whose Prerogative alone it is to
pardon and shew mercy to such Condemned Criminals as they were,
had been graciously pleased upon the Application and Representa
tion of Her Governour to pardon them: And he expected as he had
kept his word and promise to them in applying for Her Majesty s
mercy to them, they would remember and keep theirs with him, in
being honest, sober and good men for the future; That as they had
now new Lives given them, they should be new men, and be very
faithful and diligent in the Service of Her Majesty; who might as
easily and justly have ordered their Execution this day as sent their
Pardon.
And then His Excellency Published part of a Letter from the
Right Honourable Sir Charles Hedges, Principal Secretary of State,
signifying Her Majesty s Pleasure upon the Governours Humble
Application to Her Majesty to Pardon the remaining Pirates (of
whom 6 were Executed last year) and the before-mentioned 7 were
accordingly Discharged, and will be disposed of in Her Majesty s
Service by the Governour. ni
The Act of Parliament in England for the Encouragement of
Transporting Naval Stores from the Plantations to England was
111 Reprinted from the News-Letter;in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves . . .
of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 394-395.
See News- Letter Nos. 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14 (1704), 63 ante. See foot-note
News-Letter No. 14 ante.
225
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 30, 1705
this day read in Council, and will be soon published, which contains
:great premiums to the Transporter, and is of very great advantage
to these Provinces.
Capt. Grant Bound for Whitehaven in England, will Sail in Four
teen Dayes at furthest.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Lothrop, Sturges, Cutler, Prince, Parker
and Foster from Connecticut; Cutler and Thorp from Jersey; Rhodes
& Cutler from Rhode-Island; Parker, Lyford, Sergant & Flood from
Piscataqua. Outward, Hedge for Connecticut, and Rhodes for Rhode-
Island. Foreign Inwards, Joseph Thorn from Nevis, Jonathan
Wheeler from Antigua, Abraham Gordin from Newfoundland, &
Robert Mitchel from Lisbon. Foreign Cleared Outwards, Ebenezar
Breed, Alex. Baker, John Carter, Joseph Everton, Will. Harbert,
Samuel Ward, Will. Russel, and John Blackleach for Barbadoes;
Bartholomew Green for Jamaica, Samuel Edwards for Roanoke, and
John Chamberlin for Fyall. Outward Bound, Zachariah Simms,
and Benjamin Pickman for Newfoundland.
BDvertisements.
THere is now Published, Some Observable Passages in the Life
and Death of Mr. Michael Wigglesworth : With a Funeral
Sermon Preached for him at Maldon, June 24th. 1705. An Epistle
Dedicated to the Church and Congregation at Maldon in New England :
To which is annexed his Farewell to the World in Metre, and other
Memorials of Piety left behind him among his written Experiences.
Sold by Nich. Buttolph, & Benj. Eliot.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18 and
also that, as first in June 25.]
1FU E, MumlK 67.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /JDOUDap July 23. to /IDonfcap July 30. 1705.
NY
EARLY three columns of this issue are filled with foreign
war news in letters of various February dates from Florence,
Dantzick, Cologne, Hamburg, Venice, Vienna, Berlin and other
European capitals.]
Port-Royal in Jamaica, June 19 Admiral Whetstone is Cruising
on the Spanish Coast, with 7 Sail of Men of War, and we daily expect
more Men of War with Fire-Ships and a Bomb Ketch to joyn them:
226
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 30, 1705
Our Fleet of Merchantmen will Sail for London in a Month. Our
Packet Sailed the 16th Instant.
New York, July 23. There is a great prodigious Tooth brought
here, supposed by the shape of it to be one of the far great Teeth of
a man; it weighs four pound & three quarters, the top of it is as
sound and white as a Tooth can be, but the Root is much decayed,
yet one of the Fangs of it holds half a pint of Liquor; It was lately
dug up, a great way under ground in the side of a Bank or Hill 30
or 40 Foot above it, at or near a place call d Clavarack, about 30
miles on this side of Albany, and is lookt upon here as a mighty
wonder, whither the Tooth be of Man or Beast: They also Dug up
several Bones, which as they came to the Air crumbled away: They
say one of them which is thought to be a Thigh-bone was 17 Foot long.
There is since another Tooth taken up in the same place, which is a
Fore-Tooth flat and broad, and is as broad as a mans Four Fingers,
which I have not yet seen ; but the other I did see, and was brought
here by a Gentleman of the Assembly: They dug up several Trees
in the same place of great bigness.
On the 19th Instant arrived at Sandyhook, Her Majesty s Ship the
Lowstoff, Capt. George Fane Commander, she left Plymouth the
19th May last, in Company with the Virginia and West-India Fleets,
and the Deptford Man of War for Boston, whom she parted with 16
days ago. Capt. Cumby for this place designed to sail with them,
but is not come out. Edward Nott Esqr. is gone Lieutenant Gover-
nour to Virginia, and is on Board the Fleet: And Col. Park General
for the Leward Islands. The Fleet for Lisbon and the Streights
were ready to Sail, consisting of about 70 Men of War. A Ship and
Briganteen came out with the Virginia Fleet for Philadelphia. The
Lowstoff will Cruise some time for our Ships from England.
Piscataqua, July 27. Last Week a small Ketch came in at our
little Harbour, but no Master, Men, Goods, Riggin or Owner. The
Collector hath taken her into Custody.
This day the Reverend Mr. John Clark, Minister of Exeter is to be
Interr d, who Dyed the 25 Instant, in the Flower of his Age, whose
Loss is universally lamented, being a person of indefatigable Industry,
and Exemplary Piety.
Boston, On Wednesday the 25th Currant about noon, we had a
smart clap of Thunder & Lightning with Rain, which shivered the
Mast of a Sloop near to the South Battery, whereof Abraham Gordin
is Master, has made the Mast useless, it stunned a Negro Boy in the
Hould, and a man near to the Sloop. The same day it shook the
Province-Galley and a Sloop, between Marblehead and Boston.
227
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 30, 1705
On Thursday the 26th Currant, was Published here several Acts of
Parliament, viz
An Act, To prevent all Traiterous Correspondence with Her Majesties
Enemies.
An Act, Prohibiting all Commerce and Trade with France.
An Act for Encouraging the Importation of Naval Stores from Her
Majesty s Plantations in America to England. Granting a Reward
or Premium to the im[p]orter, viz,
For good and Merchantable Tar per Ton containing 8 Barrels, each
Barrel to Gage 31 Gallons and an half, Four Pounds.
For good and Merchantable Pitch per Ton, each Ton containing 20
gross hundreds (net Pitch) to be brought in 8 Barrels, Four Pounds.
For good and Merchantable Rozin or Turpentine per Ton, each Ton
containing 20 Gross Hundreds (net Rozin or Turpentine) to be
brought in 8 Barrels, Three Pounds.
For Hemp Water, rotted, bright and clear, per Ton, containing 20
Gross Hundreds, Six Pounds.
For all Masts, Yards and Bowsprights, per Ton, allowing 40 Foot
to each Ton, Girt measure, according to the customary way of measur
ing Round Bodies, One Pound.
On the 29. Instant Arrived here Capt. Rymes from London who
left Plymouth the 19th May last, came out in Company with the
Virginia and West India Fleet, under Convoy of 8 men of War, he
parted with the Virginia Fleet about 7 Weeks ago, and with the
Gray hound for N. York, Capt. Payn Master about a fortnight since,
200 Leagues to the Eastward of Cape Codd: In his passage he met
with strong Westerly Winds.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Wair from Piscataqua, Hedge, Grover,
Vail, Lothrop and Gardner from Connecticut Outwards, Smith,
Sturges, Prince and Wells for Connecticut; Foreign Inwards, John
Richards from Jamaica, John Welch from Barmuda, Peter Leach
from Nevis, Francis Norris from Montserat, and John Hobbs from
Antigua. Cleared Outwards, Humphry Scammon for Barbadoes,
Thomas Pope for Maryland, John Webster for Corratuck, Newcomb
Blague for Fyall, Benjamin Pittman for Newfoundland, and Thomas
Miller for Nevis. Outward Bound, George Write for Newf-imdland.
S~His Excellency intends a Meeting of the General Assembly on
Wednesday the $th of September next, unto which day they stand
Prorogued; Having Matters of Importance to Communicate to them
by Her Majesties Especial Command.
Bfcv>ertisements.
THere is now Published, Abraham the Passenger, His Privilege
and Duty: Described in an Election Sermon at Boston N. E.
228
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 6, 1705
May 30 1705. By Joseph Easterbrooks, A. M. And Pastor of the
Church of Christ at Concord. Sold by Benj. Eliot at his Shop under
the West End of the Town House.
THere is Set up by the White Horse near to Capt. Turffey s in
the South End of the Town of Boston, one Jeremiah Jackson
lately come from London, a special good Workman for Weaving of
all manner of Stuff, Searges and Druggets, &c. who undertakes to
work on very Reasonable Terms.
TO be Sold at the Post-Office in Boston: The Monthly Mercury s,
London Gazetts, Flying Posts, Observators, Post Man and
Post Boys, either in Setts by the year or single; so that any person
in Town or Country, in this or the Neighbouring Provinces, may have
them on Reasonable Terms, agreeing with John Campbell Post
Master for the same.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1H. J. 1Rumb 68.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IfconfcaE July 30. to jf&on&aE August 6. 1705.
NY
N this issue, which is of two pages only, special prominence is
given in the first column of the first page, under date Dublin,
February 17, to the addresses made by both houses of the Irish
Parliament to the queen and the answer of the queen thereto. There
is also a letter from Edinburgh concerning the meeting of the gen
eral assembly of the Church, and a considerable variety of minor
war news from Hague, Vienna and Cologne. The last column on
the first page and a half column on the second page are filled with
domestic news.]
Philadelphia, July 27. The Ship Norwich designs for London
very shortly, and to touch at Lisbon for the benefit of Convoy from
thence. Our vessels from England not yet Arrived.
New- York July 30th. By a Sloop from Jamaica in 23 days, one
Jolin Master, who arrived the 25th. We are acquainted, That Admiral
Whetston has taken a French Ship of 44. Guns on the Coast of New-
Spain; she went from Guinea to New-Spain with Negro s, and there
disposed of them, and having the produce on Board was bound for
France; she is thought to be a very rich Prize. No News as yet of
the Arrival of the Virginia Fleet, nor when the Homeward bound
229
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 6, 1705
Fleet Sailes. Petty, Smallage and Lawrence Sailed last Week for
Boston. The Act of Parliament for the Encouraging the Importa
tion of Naval Stores to England, The Act prohibiting all Trade and
Commerce with France ; And an Act to prevent all Traiterous Corres
pondence with Her Majesties Enemies, were Published here.
Cambridge, July 31st. This Day was held here the Superiour
Court of Assize, and General Goal delivery, where a Souldier belong
ing to the Castle was Arraigned for deserting Her Majesties Service,
Who pleaded Guilty to the Indictment; and was ordered, to be set
upon the Gallows for the space of one whole Hour, with a Rope about
his Neck, and suffer 3 Months Imprisonment.
Boston, Per Captain Rimes from London, we have the following
Advice [Here follows a half column of foreign news items.]
By Letters Via Virginia & Philadelphia by a Ship met at Sea,
from on Board the Mast Fleet bound to England under Convoy of
Her Majesties Ship the Advice of the 30th of April last, in Lat. 44
and about 550 Leagues to the Eastward of Cape Cod, we have Advice,
that having Sailed from Piscataqua on the 6th. They had a very
great Storm of Snow upon the 8th, in which they lost Company
with the Expedition, John Balston Master, and the Ketch William
and John, Richard Waterhouse Master, and on said day one Morti-
more Mate to Mr. Corney was lost Overboard. The 9th in the morn
ing the Man of War saw Cap. Balston s Ship Foundered, being full
of water, and her Masts all by the Board, the water running out at
the Cabbin Windows. The same day Mr. Thomas Cooper, Merchant,
was taken ill, and on the 12th he was taken Speechless, & dyed the
18th. Mr. John Bonus was then living but very bad. The 12th
they lost Company with the Ketch Hope, Robert Almony Master, and
on the 13th they lost Company with the Dove, John Wilde Master.
Coasters, Entered Inwards, Loring, Billiard, Mitchel, Allen, and
Blin from Connecticut, Lawrence from A T . York. Outwards, Hedge,
Walter, Lotkrop Wells for Connecticut, Schellinx for N. York,
Wells & Breed for Piscataqua: Foreign Inwards, Thomas Bell, and
John Wilkins from North-Carolina, Samuel Rimes from London,
Ebenezar Coffin from Madera, Stephen Codman, Eleazar Darby &
Joshua Cornish from Pensilvania, Ezekiel Cravatt from Lisbone,
and William Goddard from Fyall. Cleared, Outwards, Thomas
Taylor for Nevis, and Ephraim Breed for Jamaica. Outward bound,
John Love for Antigua, John Horton for Newfoundland, Thomas
Windsor for St. Christophers, and Francis Norris for Montserrat.
Bftvertisements.
[Reprinted: The News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18,
230
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 13, 1705
also that first in June 25, and that announcing London news
papers on sale, as in July 30.]
1FU E, Bumb. 69.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From j(IDonfca August 6. to /IDonDap August 13. 1705.
NY
FT TNDER date London, March 3, 1704-5, is published the procla-
[ vJ mation of the queen for a general fast. Letters from Ham
burgh, Vienna and Lisbon, of February dates, and from Hague,
Berlin and Copenhagen in March transmit a variety of war news.
About a column and a half on the second page is filled with domestic
news.]
St. Johns Newfoundland, July 20. My Last advised of 300 French
and Indians intending to make a descent on our Parts ; some whereof,
if not all, are come to Trinity, Carboniere, and Consumption Bay;
they have taken several of the People, and sent them to Placentia,
others they used very barbarously, and some have made their escape
hither, and to Carboniere -Island, where they are forced to keep;
so that the Fishery will be all destroyed excepting here, & at Bona-
vist, where the People have given the French and Indians 450 /. not
to destroy the place, and yet they threaten them now again. One
of Her Majesties Men of War is going to Trinity-Bay.
New- York, August 6 On the first Instant Arrived here Capt.
Payne in the Gray-hound Galley from London, she came out with
Her Majesties Ship the Lowstoff, and the Fleet bound for Virginia,
and the West-Indies, &c. from Plimouth the 19th May last. On the
4th. Instant arrived here Capt. Cumby in the Genoua Galley; She
Sailed from Plimouth the last of May with the Grand Fleet bound
for Lisbone, whom three days after they came out, took two French
Ships outward bound, loaden with Wine & Brandy, by whom they
had Intelligence, that 16 or 18 great Men of War were in Brest, and
ready to Sail, but not known whither: Whereupon our Fleet stood
over to the Coast of France, and some of them lay 3 days in sight
of Brest, and others were sent into Camaret Bay, to make the French
Ships and found the Intelligence True; upon which the whole Fleet
made Sail and stood for Lisbone, and two days afterwards (after a
Council of War) Two Flaggs with 20 or 22 good Ships were ordered
to return, and to lye off Brest for the coming out of the French
Squadron: And the rest of the Fleet proceeded to Lisbone. Capt.
Cumby left Fyal about 6 Weeks agoe, and in Company with him a
231
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 13, 1705
Dogger for Boston, and a Briganteen for Philadelphia. A Sloop is
Arrived just now from Jamaica, and saves, That the Guinea Prize,
(mentioned in my last) to be taken by Admiral Whetstone, upon the
Coast of New-Spain, is worth Two hundred Thousand Pounds.
Vessels Outward bound, are Davis & Creago for St. Thomas, Beard
for Carolina, Newenhuysen for Curacoa, Joline for Jamaica, and
Gravenraedt for Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Post not yet come in.
Salisbury, August 10. On the 3d. Instant Susanna Griffin of this
Town, was found dead in a small Pond of Water about a Foot and an
half deep, into which tis Judged (through the Violence of Satans
Temptations) having first Twisted her Neckcloth very hard about
her Neck, she cast her self and was drown d or suffocated: She was
esteemed to be a Person of a Pious and Sober Conversation: And
we hope the Inserting of such an awful Providence here may not
be offensive, but rather a Warning to all others to watch against the
Wiles of our Grand Adversary.
Boston, On Monday the 6th Currant, Mr. Ebenezar Wentworth
coming here from the Eastward off Casko, he saw a Shallop, who
sent a Boat with 8 hands after him, but they seeing half a dozen
hands in his Boat at his Stern, they returned back again, he judged
them to be Enemies. On Thursday the 9th Currant, about 12 at
night, Mr. Bryan Smith in a Briganteen from New-Bristol, off Cape
Cod, fell in betwixt a Ship and a Sloop, the Sloop having on Board
about 25 French-men, who fired some hundred shot at him, but being
in his ballast & a good Sayler, he out Sailed them; the Sloop had
been taken that day by a French Privateer of 8 Guns, and about 130
men, with part of whom the Sloop was mann d. On Fry day the
10th Currant, Mr. Smith spoke with Capt. Southack in the Province
Galley, who was then in Chase of the said Privateer, Smith kept
Company with the Galley all that day; there being but little Wind,
and left her in the Evening within 4 miles of them, at which time
a Gale sprung up at South-East. On Saturday the llth Instant,
arrived here Thomas Barns from Rhode-Island, and Keersteed in a
Sloop from New York, who met a Ketch off Cape-Cod that was in
Company with him the day before, and by her working supposed
there was no body on Board, and sending his Boat on Board found
it so, and supposes that being Chased by a Privateer, the men run
on shoar in their Boat; the Ketch is Mr. Oburn from Virginia,
which Keersteed has brought in to Nantasket. Several persons
arrived here to day that belonged to a Bristol Ship, Thomas Taylor
Master, bound for Nevis, who was taken on Thursday last by the
French Privateer aforesaid: Others of them belonged to James
Blin in a Sloop bound for Connecticut taken also the same day; The
232
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 20, 1705
Privateer belongs to Martinico, came last from Port- Royal and had
about 30 men from thence, which they have sent back with Blin s
Sloop, and 2 Sloops that they took belonging to Cape-Anne, one of
which is sunk, and have sent Taylor and Blin with them : and seeing
our Galley in chase of them, they burnt Taylors Ship.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Hall, Webber, Parker, Smith, and
Gillam from Connecticut. Outwards, Blin, Mitchell, Grover, Lothrop,
Hall and Walker for Connecticut, Jackson and Mitchell for Piscataqua.
Foreign Inwards, John Walker from Virginia, William Brown from
Madera, & Ebenezar Chamberlin from Newfoundland. Cleared Out
wards, David Breton for Madera, Thomas Skuse for Nevis, Zachary
Symes, and George Wright for Newfoundland, William Cooke and
Samuel Clarke for Monserrat, and James Grant for Whitehaven.
Outward Bound, Peter Leach for Nevis, John Foster for Barbadoes t
John Wilkins, and Thomas Bell for North-Carolina.
[The announcement of the next meeting of the General Assembly
is reprinted, as in the issue of July 30.]
JtesF" Whereas the Holding the Great and General Court at Boston,
and the Superiour Court at Bristol, and the Inferiour Court at Cambridge,
at one and the same time, proves now very inconvenient, by reason of
the Attendance of several Persons necessarily Required at every of the
said Courts; The Justices have therefore Adjourned the Superior Court
of Judicature, Court of Assize and General Goal Delivery, which
should have been held at Bristol, on Tuesday, the Eleventh of September
next; unto Tuesday, the Five and Twentieth day of the said September.
BDvertisement*
[Reprinted: the News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1ft. jg. IRumb. 70.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDonfcap August 13. to flDOUDa^ August 20. 1705.
NY
FT TNDER date Westminster, March 14, 1704-5, is a letter giving
I \^J an account of the attendance of the queen upon Parliament,
L a list of several acts to which royal assent was given and the
speech of prorogation. From Dublin, March 4, is an address of the
Irish Parliament to the queen; from St. James, March 4, a report of
the address to the queen, of the archbishop, bishops and clergy of
Ireland, and from Berlin and Hague various war rumors. The
domestic news fills a little more than one column on the second page.]
233
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 20, 1705
New- York, Aug. 13 On the 10th. Instant Arrived here four
Privateers, viz. Captains Clavar, in a Ship, Gincks in a Briganteen,
Dewint and Willoughby in two Sloops, who brought in with them a
Spanish Prize, which they took in sight of the Havanna, bound in
thither; She is a Ship of near 300 Tons 20 Guns, had above 100 men
on board, all which were Passingers, but about 40 men who belonged
to the Ship; She was boarded and taken by Capt. Clavar, who Row d
up to her in a Calm before Capt. Gincks could come up to his assistance,
Capt. Clavar had 3 men kill d and 25 Wounded, and the Spani
ards 8 knTd: They loaded her at Cadiz, and is said to be a rich Prize;
They brought 20 of the Prisoners hither, two of which are Fryers, the.
rest they put a Shoar. The loading on board the Prize is said to
consist of 350 Pipes of Wine and Brandy, 4000 Jarrs of Oyl, 400
Baskets of Rezins, some Currants, Anchoves and Olives, and 12
Bayls of Dry Goods: These Privateers has near upon 400 men.
Piscataqua, Aug. 17. An Express coming from Sacho the 14th
Instant, advising of several great Guns, and Volleys of small Shot
that they heard, and supposed to be at Casco; Her Majesty s Council
of this Province forthwith ordered a Shallop with 13 men well armed,
under the Command of Lieutenant Cotton, to go and make Discovery
thereof, but are not yet returned.
Several Tracks of the Enemy were lately discovered to the East
ward, and about 6 or 8 Doggs seen, which puts our Frontiers into a
watchful posture.
Nathaniel Fryer Esqr formerly of the Council of this Province Dyed
on Tuesday the 14th Instant, in the 84th Year of his Age, and was
yesterday enterr d.
Ipswich, Aug. 18. One C lough is arrived here in a Shallop from
the Eastward, who the 16th Currant spoke with Capt. Harris in a
private Sloop of War, off Winter -Harbour, who told him he had re
taken Blin s Sloop (mentioned in our last) and that he was going to
Papudock to take in the French men who run a Shoar, and to bring
them to Boston; and tis supposed that was the Firing that was
heard at Sacho.
Boston, By an Express to His Excellency from Sacho-Yort of the
13th currant, we are acquainted that the same day and the day
before, there was several small and great Guns heard, and supposed
to be at Casco: His Excellency hereupon ordered a Reinforcement
to be sent to the said Fort, for fear of any Descent that should be
made by the Enemy. By Passengers in a Ketch arrived from Vir
ginia, we are informed, that the Virginia Fleet bound for England^
consisting of about 76 Sail, under Convoy of Her Majesty s Ships,
the Oxford, Litchfeld and Strumbulo Men of War, Sailed the 27th
234
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 27, 1705
July, several Merchant-men in Company, being of good Force.
Capt. Southack in the Province-Galley, on Saturday the llth Currant,
being in Chase of the French Privateer on our Coast, came within 2
miles of her, when spending his Top-Mast, he was necessitated to
put in to Cape-Cod Harbour to refit, and Sailed from thence again on
Tuesday the 14th Instant, the Lords-Day and Monday being very
Stormy Weather: And since his coming out of Cape-Cod, has been in
Chase of the said Privateer, and gaining upon him, obliged him to
quit a Priz[e] Fishing Ketch which he had in Towe, and to sink her.
Her Majesties Ship the Deptford is ordered out to Cruise, but has
been this Week kept in by contrary Winds. His Excellency Setts
out on Monday the 20th Instant for Stoningtoun in Connecticut-
Colony, with several Gentlemen to attend him, to hold a Court there,
by Virtue of Her Majesty s Commission under the Broad Seal of
England, for Inquiring, Hearing and Determining of the Case of
Owoneco Uncas, and the Mohegin Indians, laid before Her Majesty
in way of Complaint against the Government of that Colony, for
depriving them of their Lands.
On the 19th. Currant Arrived here a Briganteen from Nevis >
Francis Plaisteed Master, came from thence the 1st. Instant, by
whom we are advised, That the Packet from England about ten
days ere he Sayl d, brought word that his Grace the Duke of Marl-
borough had lately a Battle with the French in Flanders, wherein he
obtained a Signal Victory over the Enemy, who lost about 12000
men. Capt. Nathaniel Green from Boston to Barbadoes was taken
in sight of the Island.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Tiller and Keersteed from New-York,.
Barns from Rhode-Island, and Curtis from Connecticut Foreign
Inwards, John Pitts from Virginia, and Richard Daffin from Fyall.
Cleared Outwards, Thomas Windsor for St Christophers. Outward
Bound, Abraham Hill for Newfoundland, William Roulston, and
William Alden for Barbadoes.
B&vertisement
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
TFL E. Bumb. 71.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDcnfcag August 20. to flDOItftag August 27. 1705.
NY AS(m)
ROMINENCE is given in the foreign news in this issue, to a
proclamation of the queen granting freedom of trade to the
235
[P
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 27, 1705
merchant ships of Holland; and there is a variety of foreign war
news from Madrid, Geneva, Hague, Vienna, Warsaw, Lisbon and other
places on the continent of Europe. The domestic news is in one and
a half columns. It relates principally to the movements of French
privateers in the West Indies.]
Philadelphia, Aug. 10. Capt. Carter in the Briganteen from
London and Fyal, Arrived here on Saturday: She is Loaden with
Wine & some Brandy, & for bringing the Latter she is under Seizure.
The Ship New Norwich bound for London, burthen 150 Tons, 10
Guns all close, carries 18 men, Intends to take the benefit of the 2
Men of War, that is to arrive from England, if they are not to tarry for
the Fleet. As yet we have no Ad vice of the Fleets Arrival from England.
New- York, Aug. 20. A small Sloop Arrived here the 10th. Instant
from St. Thomas, brings advice, That they saw several of the Fleet
from England to Virginia Standing into the Capes. Her Majesties
Ship the Lowstoff is ordered out to Cruise.
Boston, Our Last gave Account of Blin s Sloop being Re-taken;
The French-men got on Shoar being 24, who Baracado d themselves,
and defended the Sloop so, that Capt. Harris could not take her,
but on condition that he should let them have a Whale-Boat, wherein
12 of them went to Port-Royal, & the other 12 surrendered themselves
Prisoners, who are brought hither in the said Sloop, wherein came
Capt Taylor and Mr. Blin, who were Prisoners with the French:
They told our Prisoners, that the Privateer who took them had also
in his Passage from the West-Indies to Port-Royal, taken a Brigan
teen, one Mason Master, belonging to Boston, on Board whereof was
Mr John Vryling, Merchant and part Owner, whom they left there. 112
On Saturday the 18th Currant, several of our Fishing-Vessels from
Cape Sables, being on their way homeward, about 30 Leagues East
from Cape-Ann, it being a very thick Fog in the morning, they first
heard the Ringing of a Ship Bell, then a sound of words, which they
apprehended to be Praying, and ended with a loud Acclamation
Vive Le Roy; after which the Fog thinning, they espied a Ship just
by them, which fired and brought them to, and then sent off her
Boat, took 3 of 5 that were near together, the other two escaping.
On Monday the 20th Instant, Sailed Her Majesty s Ship the Dept-
ford on her Cruise.
112 Probably the briganteen "Hope," owned by Mr. Vryling and Lieuten
ant-Colonel Benjamin Alford of Boston. See Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII,
p. 616. The "Hope" was subsequently (in August, 1706) hired by the
Province to bring back English prisoners from Canada, and Captain John
Bonner was employed as master on her voyage to Quebec. Samuel Apple-
ton was the commissioner to negotiate for the exchange. See News- Letter
Nos. 124 and 136 post.
236
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 27, 1705
On Thursday the 23d Currant, the Province-Galley returned from
her Cruise, who the Tuesday before spoke with Her Majesty s Ship
the Deptford, who was then going in pursuit of the French Privateer
on our Coast, whom they judged to be going to Port- Royal. The
Province-Galley goes out again on Monday the 27 with several
Vessels and Coasters under her Convoy. On Fry day the 24th arrived
here Mr. Peter Bodwin in a Sloop from New Castle had about 8
weeks passage, he came out thence with the Fleet for Russia, con
sisting of about 80 Sail, under Convoy of 8 Men of War, by whom
we are informed, That Her Majesty s Ship the Advice, and the Mast
Ships, and all the other Vessels that went under her Convoy from
New-England were safely arrived in England the latter end of June,
excepting Capt Balston that was lost. [Foreign News] That Cap.
Gillam bound for Boston, was in the Downs waiting for a Convoy
to Sail. On the said Day arrived from Jamaica Masters, Wing and
Hears about 5 weeks passage, who came out in Company with the
Fleet for England, consisting of about 52 Sail, under Convoy of 4
Men of War; and in the night having a flurry of Wind coming thro*
the Gulph of Florida, there was 2 or 3 Ships missing, and it s to be
feared, that a Man of War if not 2 and a Merchant man was lost upon
the Cape. Capt. Ventiman from Boston was arrived at Jamaica,
and Mr Noyes in the Hannover Briganteen of Boston from Madera.
The E[F]rench Privateers are thick upon the Coast of New-Spain;
and have taken several Vessels.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Ellwell and Hedge from Connecticut,
Adolph and DeGroof from New-York Outwards, Wilkins for
Carolina, Bell for Coratuck, Curtice, Loring, Allen and Gillam for
Connecticut, and Lawrence for New-York. Foreign Inwards, Francis
Plasteed from Nevis, Tho. Hears and John Wing from Jamaica.
Cleared Outwards, John Edwards for Jamaica, Abraham Hill for
Newfoundland, and Joseph Thome for Nevis. Outward Bound,
John Thomas for Fyall, John Ireland for Carolina, and Eleazar Darby
for Pennsylvania.
[The announcement of the next meeting of the General Assembly
is reprinted, as in the issue of July 30.]
BOverttsements.
RAn-away at Boston about 3 weeks ago from his Master Capt.
Samuel Rymes Commander of the Barbadoes Merchant, a Man
servant named Joseph Ingerson, aged about 22 years, a well-set young
man, dark complexion, pritty full fac d, short dark hair, if not now
a Wig. Whoever shall apprehend said Servant, and him safely
convey to his said Master, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and
237
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 3, 1705
reasonable Charges.
[Reprinted: the News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18,]
. 72.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDonfcap August 27. to /BOonftay September 3. 1705.
AS NY
f T N this number are four columns of foreign news including advices
J^Afrom Paris, Berlin, Vienna, Rome, Madrid, Warsaw, Geneva
and elsewhere, of March dates, and the address of the house of
peers of Ireland to the queen. An item under Madrid date, March
13, gives this West Indian news: "M du Casse is gone to Cadiz, in
order to take the Conduct of the Galleons that sail to the West-
Indies upon him, which increases the dissatisfaction of those Grandees
who remonstrated against it to the King; and told his Majesty, That
it was not fit to prefer a French man to a Spaniard in a thing of that
consequence." Under date of Madera, June 14, is information from
a London ship that a free trade existed with the Canaries.]
St. Johns Newfoundland, Aug. 7. Here are arrived 3 Galleys,
who acquaint us, That the Express sent from hence was arrived safe
in England ere they Sailed; and that 10 Men of War were ordered
hither, with 500 Land Forces whom we daily expect. The French
have taken a Vessel on our Coast, and the Man of War is gone in
pursuit of her.
Philadelphia, Aug 23. On the 14th. Capt. Smith arrived from
London Capt. Basset in the Norwich Sails tomorrow for Virginia,
to go under Convoy of the 2 Men of War that came with the Fleet
from England who are to Sail in 20 days after their arrival, which is
now 12 days since they arrived.
New York, Aug. 27. One Dill is Arrived from St. Christophers in
19 days. The Spanish Prize mentioned in my Last, brought in here,
is Condemned and now unloading, and was very full of Goods. Last
Week came in here a French Prize from Newfoundland, loaden with
Core Fish, She is about 100 Tons, and was taken by the Setty Priva
teer, Capt. Albert Defrees Commander, who was fitted out here.
Her Majesties Ship the Lowstoff Sailed on her Cruise the 25th. Currant.
Boston, On Tuesday the 28h of August, There Sailed from Nan-
tasket several Vessels and Coasters Outward Bound under Convoy
of the Province-Galley.
On Thursday Evening the 30h. of August, His Excellency our Gov-
238
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 3, 1705
<ernour returned from Stonington in Connecticut, where he Sat some
days in the Execution of Her Majesty s Commission, referring to
Omeneco the Sachem of the Mohegins; and we are told, that the
Commissioners present, being 10 in number, were very unanimous
in their determination in favour of Omeneco and their Tribe who have
been always faithful to the Crown of England.
On Saturday the 1st Currant, arrived here Her Majesties Ship the
Guernsey, Capt. Huntington Commander, who left Jamaica about 6
weeks ago, and was Commandore of the Homeward bound Fleet
from thence to England; and on the 18th. of August in the Latitude
of 38 met with a most violent storm, which foundered 2 or 3 of the
Fleet, and so shattered the rest, that it s feared few of them are
coming hither: There was 2 Merchant-men, the Unity and Marl-
borough Briganteen lost in a Storm coming thro the Gulph of Florida;
Two of those lost in the last Storm are the Lurton Galley, and the
Portugal Merchant.
The Province-Galley returned this day from her Cruise.
On Wednesday the 5th Currant, Our General Assembly is to meet
here, unto which day they stand Prorogu d.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Flood Hilton, and Allen from Piscata-
qua, Elwell, Gardner, Wair and Sturges from Connecticut, and Smallage
from New York. Outward, Elwell, Hilton and Jackson for Piscata-
qua, Webber for Connecticut, Vail for Jersey, and Darby for Pensil-
vania. Foreign Inwards, Joshua Pickman from Virginia, James
Bodwin from New Castle, and Ebenezar Hathorne from Newfound
land. Cleared Outwards, Francis Norris for Monserat, Samuel
Carey for Madera, and Joseph Pulsifer for Jamaica. Outward Bound,
Samuel Rymes, Robert Howard, Joseph Wadsworth and Thomas
Freeman for Barbadoes, Matthew Soley & John Wing for Jamaica,
and Abraham Gordin for Newfoundland.
These are to give Notice, That the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace for the County of Suffolk, Held at Boston the 13th. of August
last, in pusuance of an Act of the General Assembly, Entituled, An Act
to prevent Disorders in the Night: Have ordered, and do Require
the several Constables and Ty thing men within the Town of Boston,
frequently to walk the Streets of Said Town after 9 at Night, and more
especially in the Evenings of the Lords Day & Training-Days, to see
if after that time, any Indian, Negro or Mulatto Servant or Slave is
found abroad, unless upon some Errand of their Masters or Owners;
As also to search all Hoiises that are suspected to Entertain such Ser
vants or Slaves contrary to Law, and finding any such (if it be too late
in the night) to restrain them in the Common Prison, Watch House, or
Constables House till morning, to be carried before a Justice of Peace,
239
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 10, 1705
to receive the Discipline of the House of Correction, that all such Dis
orders may be prevented.
advertisement
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1R. jg. IRumb. 72
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /SDonfcap September 3. to <flDon&a September 10. 1705.
AS-NY
FT TNDER date St. James s March 30, 1705 is the announcement c
I ^J the election of the duke of Marlborough to be high stewar
of New-Woodstock, and under date Diiblin, March, 23 the addres
of the commons of Ireland to the duke of Ormand, lord lieutenan
general. There are also reports of European affairs from London
Vienna, Moscow, Hague and elsewhere of March dates. Domesti
news fills two columns.]
Philadelphia, Aug. 30. On the 23d arrived one Gardner in a Sloo;
from Fyall, she belongs to Boston. This day a Sloop arrived fror
Virginia, who say, that the 2 Men of War for England were to Sai
the 5th of next month.
Elizabeth Town in Jersey, Aug. 30. On Monday the 20 Curram
Dyed here in the Afternoon the Reverend Mr. John Harriman, Pasto
of the Church in this place, Aged about 60 Years: Who the sam
day at a Church Meeting told his people, that his time of departur
drew near and exhorted them to Peace and Unity one with anothei
and to stand fast in the Covenant that they had engaged themselves tc
New-York Sept. 3 On the 31 Last arrived here a small Sloo
Loaden with Cocoa, being a Prize lately taken by Capt. Peniston
upon the Coast of New-Spain; who has also taken 2 other Sloop
Loaden with Wine and Brandy, and was bound hither with them
she left them about a month ago on the other side of the Gulph of Florida
On the 1st Instant arrived at Sandyhook 3 of Her Majesties Ship;
viz. The Nonsuch, Capt Boyce, the Maremaid, Capt. Riddel, and th
Deal-Castle, Capt. Ogle, Commanders, and also 13 Merchant -mer
viz. The George, Osburn Master, the Mary & Martha, Madden Mastei
the Marlborough, Wilson Master, the Desire, Wake, Master, the Wi
Ham Galley, Parker Master, the Robert & Francis, Burroughs Mastei
the Tyger, Hort Master, the St. John Baptist, Brisselbolt Master, th
Don Carolus, Summers Master, the Dorothy, Jeffers Master, th
Betty, Owen Master, the Indices Merchant, Nulington Master, th
Jamaica Merchant, Smith Master, being part of the Homeward boun
240
B V THE
GQVERNOUR * COUNCIL
WHEREAS fime .Jjavr ively frcfuntct to Print- W D tfpcrfc
a Paxtfktcfj. f.mitul^ Publick Occurrences, belli For-
*eign<and Doudrick : BoflonjTlwtfday, Stptetttjt. 25^.
1690. \\ViibQnt.} l# leafk. Privity of CoMttHantE of Authority.
The Governors* and Council having had the pentfal of the faldPam*
phlet, and finding that thcf cin is contained Reflections cf a very hig i
nature :. A* alfo landry doubtfal and unoei tain Report*, do Iiercby ina-
nifeft and dedare their high fUfe aanerit and Difatiowance of fold
Pamphlet, and Order that the facie be Suppreffed and called in ; ftridt-
ly forbidding any pcrfoa or perfons for the future to Set forth any
thing in Print without Licence firft obtained from thofe that are of,
fcail beapjwintcd ^r the Govcrnmcat to grant the lame.
JEfy Order of tkt Govcrnoitr & Coutxil.
Jf*ae
< September
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 10, 1705
Fleet, who in the Lat. of 38 on the 18th. of August last met with a
most violent Storm, wherein several of the Fleet perished, and those
that escaped are most miserably shattered and damnified, and are
come in hither to refit, which will not be performed in less than 6
weeks time, most of them wanting Masts; They say, that it was as
great a Storm as that which was in England in November last was a year.
A Briganteen from Philadelphia bound to Barbadoes, one Norman
Master, met with the same Storm in Lat. 23 and an half, and is come
hither disabled.
Her Majesty s ship the Lowstoff returned from her Cruise on Fryday
last, and will go to Sea again to morrow or next day.
Rhode-Island, Sept. 7. On the 3d Arrived here the Sloop Phenix,
Joseph Rosebothem Master, who Sailed hence the 10th. of August,
bound for Barbadoes, Loaden with Lumber & Horses, and on the
18th. in the Lat. of 38 met with the same Storm mentioned in the
News-Letter, that the Jamaica Fleet for England met with, which
overset her, and continued so for one hour, then her Mast broke
with the next Sea, and she righted on her bottom but full of water, and
all on Deck clear carried away: There was 4 men drowned, Viz.
Henry Pike, Dr. Wheeler, Dr. Ross and James Blackwell, all of
Barbadoes; The rest of the men were washt over board several times,
but got in again. The Master Served to the Sea from his Youth, but
declares he never was in such a Storm before.
On the 5th. Currant came in here the Ship Laura of London Capt.
George Wake Master, one of the Fleet from Jamaica, who met with
the above Storm, which carryed away her Main Mast and Fore-Mast,
and was ver}^ near foundering; in the Night another Ship run on
board her, which the Master of this supposing to be in a better condi
tion than his own, Himself, the chief Mate, and 5 men more Jumpt
into the other Ship, and left this, so that one Joyce who is Second
Mate and 8 of the Sailers brought her in here where she is in a very
shatter d condition. They saw several of the Fleet a day or two
after the Storm, but most disabled.
Boston, Our Last gave Account of a most violent Storm that the
Jamaica Fleet bound for England met with the 18 of August in the
Latitude of 38 It began about 10 of the Clock at night, the Wind
shifted all the points of the Compass, & continued a meer fret of
Wind for about 18 hours time. The Portugal Merchant, Hog Master
that foundered about 11 a Clock on the 19th. had the French Captain
on Board her, that Admiral Whetstone took on the Spanish Coast
when the Ship foundered all the men were lost except two Seamen
that got on a Plank, who kept on it about an hour, but both were
wash d off again; one of them a Young man of low Stature, named
241
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 10, 1705
Joseph Williams swam to the Plank again, and got on it, & kept on
it for almost 3 days and 2 whole nights, holding fast only with his
.hands till Tuesday the 21st of August about Sun-set, when he was
taken on Board the London Bridge, Henry Feavert Commander.
.His Skin when taken up being soakt with salt water, was like the skin
of a drown d person which is gone and a new skin is come in the
room of it.
On Wednesday Sat the General Assembly, and said day arrived
here the London Bridge, one of the Jamaica Fleet.
On Thursday His Excellency Issued forth a Proclamation, prohibit
ing all persons to Entertain, Harbour or Credit any Mariner, Seaman,
or Marine belonging to any of Her Majesties Ships of War, on pain
of Losing their Debt, & the inflicting of such penalties on those that shall
entertain or harbour them as the Law provides, without special Licence
from their Commander in writing under his hand.
On said day arrived the Charles Galley, Cap. Bird Commander,
and the Margaret Galley, Capt. Emmons Commander, being 2 of the
Jamaica Fleet: Cap Emmons Saw 19 Sail of the Fleet when the
Storm was over, including those that are come hither. The Dorset,
Cap Haynes Commander arrived here the same day, who left Virginia
the 9 of August, and met with the same Storm in the Lat. of 40, who
Lost her Masts therein. On said day also arrived Capt. Azor Gale
from Barbadoes, had a months passage; there came out in company
with him for this place, Berry, Lowder, Johnson[,] Wier and Codman,
Perkins for New-York, and a Sloop for Pensilvania,
On Saturday came here one Allin a Flag of Truce who came from
Port-Royal the 20th of August with Letters from the Commander
there to His Excellency, with whom came Mr. Vryling 113 mentioned in
our Numb. 71. to be taken by Capt. Crapo the French Privateer, who
is now at Port-Royal fitting out again to come upon our Coast: He
carried in with him a Barque from Virginia bound for Bristol. There
is now at Port-Royal, 7 English Vessels, viz., the Barque from Vir
ginia, Mr. Vryling s 1 ** Briganteen, 2 Ketchers, 2 deck Sloops, and one
open Sloop, and about 30 men Prisoners. They are in great want
of Provisions at Port- Royal.
This day was Interr d Mrs. Mary Lake, Widow (of the Memorable
Capt. Thomas Lake,} who Dyed on Wednesday the 5th Instant:
Aged about 74 Years. 114
113 John Vryling, part owner of the briganteen "Hope." See foot-note
112, page 236 ante.
114 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 137, under date Seventh-day;
Septr 8. 1705. For "the memorable Captain Thomas Lake," see Drake s The
History and Antiquities of Boston, pp. 422, 423.
242
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 17, 1705
Her Majesties Ship the Deptford returned this day from her Cruise,
who came short of th$ Virginia Barque at Port-Royal about 3 hours,
he brought with him their out Sentinel. The Deptford and Province-
Galley are both ordered out again to Cruise.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Kilberne, Smith and Waters from
Connecticut. Outward, Keersteed for New York, Parker for Pensil-
vania, and Hedge for Rhode-Island. Foreign Inwards, Azor Gale
from Barbadoes. Cleared Outwards, Peter Leach for Nevis, John
Blew for Monserat, John Norton and William Rowlston for New
foundland. Outward bound, Joshua Pickman for Virginia, Janes
Barns for Barbadoes, Francis Plaisteed and William Goddard for
Madera, Benj. Stone for London, Thomas Gwin for Antigua, and
Rob. Gold for Newfoundland.
B&vertteements.
A Convenient Dwelling House and Shop with other Accommoda-
^^tions, the next Door to the Post Office in Boston to be Lett:
Enquire of John Campbell Post Master.
A Gentleman has an Hundred or a Hundred and Fifty Pounds
* *-to Lend out at Interest upon good Security: Enquire of John
Campbell, Post Master.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1R. J6. Numb. 74.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDOnfcaE September 10, to /H>0n&a$ September 17. 1705.
AS NY
1" A PROCLAMATION of the queen, March 29, 1705, for observance
I -ZlLof an act of Parliament to prevent traitorous correspondence
* fills one column. Under March and April dates there is general
war news from Paris, Antwerp, Venice, Rome, Hague, Warsaw and
Ratisbon. There is one column of domestic news.]
Barbadoes, Aug. 8. Mr. Samuel Frazon coming the 10 of June
last from on Board Capt. Trotter in the Pinnace of his own Ship, with
2 Seamen, one Abraham Parker of York near Piscataqua, the other
a Jersey man and his own Negro, the Boat and men were never seen
since, the Wind blowing fresh, tis fear d they are drown d.
A second Flag of Truce is returned from Martinico, but no likeli
hood of settling any Cartell, our Government thinking their demands
extravagant.
New York, Sept. 10 On the 5th Instant arrived here the Brigan-
243
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 17, 1705
teen Laurell, Henry Play Master, being one of the Jamaica Fleet
dissabled by the late Storm they met with in the Lat. 38 on the 18h
of August last, which occasioned the 3 Men of War and 13 Merchant
men mentioned in my Last to come in here and refit being part of
the same Fleet. The same day came in a Sloop, on[e] Creago Master,
who some time since Sailed hence for St. Thomas, but met with the
above Storm, which broke his Boom, wash d three men Overboard,
and other damage, which oblig d him to return.
Her Majesties Ship the Lowstoff designed yesterday to Sail on her
Cruise towards the Capes of Virginia, we have no certain Advice
when the Men of War will sail from thence to England.
Boston, His Excellency has been pleased to fill up the Vacancy in
the Militia Officers of our Regiment (occasioned by the Death of
Leut Col. Thomas Savage, & Major Benj. Davis) by Commission at ing
Capt. Samuel Checkly 115 to be Lieutenant Colonel, and Capt. Adam
Winthrop 1 Major, Captain Oliver Noyes, Captain John Ballantine^
Captain Thomas Fitch, and Captain Lieutenant Abijah Savage.
On Wednesday the 12th Currant, There was here a very great
appearance of Men in the Train Bands: occasioned by the Castle s
giving of the Alarm at the sight of 5 Vessels seen coming in, 2 whereof
was Her Majesty s Ship the Deptford Towing in, the Johnson Frigot,
Reach Master, being one of the Jamaica Fleet, who is much disabled ;.
The other 3 were Berry and Lowder from Barbadoes, and Green from
Nevis.
On Saturday the 15th Currant, His Excellency Prorogued the
General Assembly, unto Wednesday the 24th. of October next.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Hilton and Heath from Piscataqua,
Hedge and Lothrop from Connecticut. Outwards, Flood and Wier
for Piscataqua, Andrews for Connecticut, Alexander Duncan and
James Gold for Pensilvania. Foreign Inwards, Wier, James Berry,
and Henry Lowder from Barbadoes, and Tobias Green from Nevis.
Cleared Outwards, William Goddard for Madera, Robert Gold for
Pensilvania, Joshua Pickman for Virginia, and John Wing for
Jamaica. Outward Bound, Thomas Mires for Jamaica, Moses
IVadland for Madera, Richard Daffin for Virginia, Jonathan Lambere
for Antigua, and Ebenezar Hathorn for Newfoundland.
22U>x>erttsements
A Negro Woman about 24 Years Old to be Sold by Captain John
Love, and to be seen at his house in the North-End of Boston
115 Samuel Checkley, an influential member of the General Court.
116 Captain Adam Winthrop : grandson of Governor John Winthrop of
Massachusetts.
244
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 24, 1705
near to Mr. Jonas Clarke s.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1FL J6* 1Rumb. 75.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonDaS September 17 to /JDonDag September 24. 1705.
AS NY
FT? ROM Edinbtirgh, April 12, is an account of the hanging of the
.T pirates Green, Madder and Sympson, and there is war news of
March and April dates from Paris, Vienna, Hamburg, Turin,
Moscow, Hague, Warsaw and elsewhere. Domestic news occupies
a little more than one column.]
New- York, Sept. 17. On the 13th Instant, arrived here a Sloop
from Curacoa, Charles Sleigh Master, by whom we have advice, that
2 Spanish Privateers lay off Bonira, and upon notice thereof at
Curacoa they fitted out 3 Sloops and took them both.. & brought
them in thither without the loss of a man.
On the 14th Instant, arrived here Capt. Penniston s Privateer
Sloop, who parted with Penniston in his Ship 15 days before he
arrived off South Carolina, they were in the great Storm, & were
there separated from 2 Prize Sloops which they had taken, but
whether they are in being, or foundered they know not.
By a Sloop arrived yesterday at Amboy from Curacoa, we are
acquainted, that on Fryday last there was seen off Barnagatt one of
Capt. Penniston s Prize Sloops, and a Ship without Masts, plying
for this Port; we imagine the Ship to be one of the Jamaica Fleet.
We are assured, That the Prudent Sarah, Perkins Master, and the
Oxenden, Smyton Master, being 2 of the Jamaica Fleet were foundered
in the Storm ; we know not the certainty of any others besides those
mentioned in the Publick Print.
Last week arrived here Teller, Adolph, Degroff & Kersteel from
Boston. Vessels Outward Bound are 2 ships for Barbadoes, a Brigan-
teen for Surranam, a Sloop for Jamaica, 2 Ships for London, Clay for
Rhode Island, and Derrick Adolph for Boston.
Rhode-Island, Sept. 21 On the 16th Currant arrived here Capt.
Nathaniel Coffin, who Sailed from Boston on the 21st of July last, in
Company with 13 Sail bound for Barbadoes, who on the 21st of
August last, in the Lat. of 29 met with a most violent Storm, which
caused him to Cut his Main and Mazen Mast by the board, he lost
all his Horses therein; The Storm continued about 14 hours, and
245
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 24, 1705
the heighth thereof about 8 hours. Capt Coffin spoke with Mr.
Perkins in the Flying Horse after the Storm was over, being one of
the same Fleet, who told him, that he lost his Boat, his Horses, Fore-
Sail and Gibb, yet designed to proceed on his Voyage to Barbadoes t
though Coffin was necessitated to return.
Marblehead, Sept. 22. On Thursday the 20th Currant arrived here
John Holicom in a Sloop from Barbadoes bound for Piscataqua, who
left Barbadoes the 22d of August, and was taken the 8th Instant,
by a French Ship of 10 Guns, from Petiguavus bound to St. Male s,
and said to be the Packet-Boat that came from England to Boston,
about 3 years ago; Holicom bought his Vessel of the Captain for
400 1 Sterling to be paid in St Malo s, one Bates went Hostage till
the Money is paid ; Holicom sunk all his Letters ere he was taken.
Holicom says, That there was a Turnado in Barbadoes which begun
on the 18 of August, and continued 4 days, which caused a most
violent Storm, the Wind came up at S. and backed away to the
E. S. E. the heighth of the Storm lasted 18 hours, which has caused
a great deal of damage among the shipping in the Road 22 vessels
were put on Shoar, Holicom & Fy field being 2 of them were got off
again; & an Irish man was getting off as he came away; a Dutch
man from Suranam about 500 Tons loaded with Sugar was staved
all to pieces: The Countrys Sloop and Briganteen of War both
lost: Great damage sustained among those Vessels that rode out
the Storm, some whereof cannot be repaired, a great many men were
drowned, one of Her Majesties Men of War lost all her Anchors,
lash d her Guns, & got to Sail as the Wind vier d.
Cap Flint from Boston, and the Vessels in Company with him were
all safe arrived but Cap. Hunt, who seeing Cap Flint engaged with
2 French Privateers to the Windward of the Island, made the best
of his way, and was taken by a 3d between him and the Island, Cap
Flint with the other Ships got clear of the 2 Privateers, his Brother
lost one Arm in the Engagement: As Flint went from Boston, he
met with a Clap of Thunder & Lightning that shattered his Main Mast,
and kill d one of his men.
Boston, Her Majesties Ship the Deptford is returned from her
Cruise.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Harris and Petty from Connecticut^
Jackson and Parsons from Piscataqua. Outwards, Hilton and
Heath for Piscataqua, Lathrop and Diamond for Rhode-Island.
Foreign Inwards, Moses Abbot from North Carolina, Eleazar Johnson,
and Michael Wormstill from Barbadoes, James Updick from Antigua
and William Beans from Fyall. Cleared Outwards, John Butler for
Lisbon, and Ebenezar Hathorne for Newfoundland. Outward bound,
246
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 1, 1705
John Secum for Antigua, Azor Gale, James Berry, William Weir,
and Tobias Green for Barbadoes, Bryan Smith for Lisbon, Ebenezar
Chamberlin for Virginia, Benjamin Parsons and Henry Lowder for
London, Benjamin Parsons junior, for Topsham.
Bfcvertisements
A Debenture Bill being found, (granted by Capt. John Lane, and
Mr. Pelatiah Whitmore Commissary, to Daniel Gilbert for Nine
Pound due for Service, whereof 11. 13s. & 2d. is taken up in Stores,
and remaining due 71. 6s. lOd.) The Person that lost said Bill may
have it again, paying Salvage: Enquire at the Post-Office.
A Small Guinea Dear s Foot being found; The Person that Lost
it, giving the true marks, may have it again, paying Salvage:
Enquire at the Post-Office.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1R. J6. Bumb. 76.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From/lDonfcai2 September 24 to /BbOnfcaE October 1. 1705.
NY
LIGHTLY less than one half of this issue of two pages is devoted
foreign news, including accounts of the visit of the body of
Cambridge University to the queen, and affairs in Hungary and
Poland. The domestic news includes a proclamation by Governour
Dudley for a Public Thanksgiving.]
Port-Royal in Jamaica, Aug. 22. Capt. Ingles a Guinea Merchant
man of 14 Guns and 20 men arrived here about 20 days ago, who
met with a Privateer Sloop off of Port-Morant of 6 Guns, & full of
men, who boarded him 3 times, casting down Fire-works and Stink
Pots amongst the Negroes between Decks, burning and disordering
them much: The Captain and his men betaking themselves to close
Quarters, fired briskly and so successfully upon the Privateer, that
he left 9 of his men dead on the Deck, & concludes he kill d them 50
men by what he see them fling Overboard.
On the 18th Currant, There was a great Storm of Wind & Rain at
N. and rounded to S. S. E & blew very hard, striping the Houses, and
blowing the water over the Point, so that Boats might have floated:
It forced some Vessels Ashoar, whereof a Bark from New-York, one
Pasco Master is one forced to Unload. Many in Town removed
their Goods into Upper-Chambers. It damnified a great quantity of
Sugar.
247
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 1, 1705
New- York Sept. 24. On the 18th. Instant Arrived here a small
Prize Sloop taken by Capt. Penniston, loaden with Wine and Brandy;
She was taken upon the Coast of New-Spain.
On the 19th Instant, about 10 at night, some of the Privateers
begun a Riot before the Sheriffs House of this City, assaulted the
Sheriff at his door without any provocation, & beat and wounded
several persons that came to his assistance, & in a few minutes the
Privateers tumultuously met together in great numbers, upon which
Forces were sent out of the Fort to suppress them, and the Sheriff,
Officers and some men belonging to Her Majesties Ships made a
Body to do the same, but before these Forces could meet with them,
the Privateers unhappily met Li[e]ut. Wharton Feather stone -Hough,
and Ensign Alcock, (two Gentlemen of the Hon. Col. Livesay s Regi
ment that came in the Jamaica Fleet, who were peaceably going
home to their Lodgings) and barbarously murdered the first, and
grievously wounded the latter, in several places in the head, and
bruised his Body; & after they had knock d him down several times,
and got his Sword, some of them run Lieut. Feather stone -Hough
in at the left side thro his heart (as is supposed with Ensign Alcocks
Sword) of which wound he immediately dyed. Just as the Fact
was done, the Privateers were attacked by the Sheriff, Officers and
Seamen of Her Majesties Ships, and some of the Town, & in a short
time were obliged to fly; several of both sides were wounded, some
of the Privateers were then taken Prisoners, and several since, who
are committed, & do believe will suffer according to Law; the Soul-
diers killed one of the Privateers that was flying from them. One
Erasmus Wilkins was apprehended on Saturday last, & Committed,
and by the Evidence tis believed he is the man that murdered Li[e]ut.
Feather stone- Hough; it would be too tedious to relate the particu
lars, but their insolence is beyond expression; this Riot was chiefly
acted by the Privateers belonging to the Briganteen Dragon, Capt.
Gincks, Commander.
One the 21st. Arrived here Capt. Penniston in his Ship (which in our
last we supposed to be one of the Jamaica Fleet) he lost his Masts
in the Storm, and put into Carolina; his best Prize is yet missing,
which is a New Sloop well found, and has on board one hundred &
six quarter Casks of French Brandy, Linnens, and other Goods;
he hopes she l be here in a few days, he lost her in the Storm.
We hear this Morning that Capt. Penniston s Prize is Arrived at
New Castle disabled by the Storm, and is there fitting to proceed
hither.
Capt. Renter Tongrelou and others have bought the Cole and Been
Gaily, a Ship upwards of 200 Tons, and 18 Guns, and is now fitting of
248
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 1, 1705
her for a Privateer, and intends to carry 160 Men. Capt. Penniston
is also about to fit his Ship, and designs out with her in Consort,
they will Sail before Winter.
Boston, Letters from Barbadoes of the 8th of August, [foreign news.]
On Thursday the 27th. Currant arrived here Zachariah Alden in
a Sloop from Virginia, 14 days passage, by whom we are advised,
That just as they left Virginia, there was a Ship arrived from Lisbone
that had a quick passage,
By HIS EXCELLENCY JOSEPH DUDLEY Esqr. Captain
General and GOVERNOUR in Chief, in & over Her Majesties
Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England in America.
A PROCLAMATION for a Publick THANKSGIVING. 117
HEREAS it has pleased Almighty God in his Great Goodness
to preserve Her Majesties Sacred Person, and to prosper Her
Arms in the Just \Var, wherein Her Majesty and Her Allies are En
gaged for the preservation of the Liberties of Europe. Having also been
Graciously pleased, in the Summer past, to restrain the Insults and
Outrage of our barbarous Enemies, & to grant us great Quiet and Tran
quillity; To bless the Fruits of the Earth, and to give us the hopeful
prospect of a plentiful Harvest; To grant us general Health, and to
Smile upon us in other our Publick Interests and Enjoyments.
Wherefore humbly Adoring the Divine Goodness, and duely consider
ing that such great and publick Blessings do call for Publick and Solemn
A cknowledgements .
T Have thought fit, by the Advice of Her Majesties Council, & at the
* Desire of the Representatives in their late Session, hereby to Order
and Appoint, That a General THANKSGIVING to Almighty God, for
these His Mercies be Observed throughout this Province, within the
several Towns and Districts thereof, on Thursday the Eighteenth Day
of October next: And do strictly forbid all Servile Labour thereupon;
Exhorting both Ministers and People to Solemnize the said Day after
a Religious manner, and to offer up sincere and hearty Praises to GOD.
Given at the Council-Chamber in Boston the 20th Day of September,
1705. In the Fourth Year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady
ANNE, by the Grace of GOD of England, Scotland, France and
Ireland, QUEEN, Defender of the Faith, &c.
By Order of the Gover-
nour and Council, /. DUDLEY
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
117 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
, . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . , Vol. VIII, p. 520.
249
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 8, 1705
The Province Galley Capt. Southack Commander is returned from
her Cruise.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Loring, Lothrop, Webber, Hall and
Elwell from Connecticut, and Allen from Piscataqua. Outwards,
Smallage and Walter for Rhode-Island, and Jackson for Piscataqua.
Foreign Inwards, Daniel Noyes, John Ventiman, and John Pullen
from Jamaica, Zachariah Alden from Virginia, Nathaniel Gardner
from Jersey, William Carkett from St. George, John Alder from
Angvilla, and Thomas Lanyon from Coratuck. Cleared Outwards,
Moses Wadland for Madera. Outward bound, Tobias Green for
Barbadoes, and John Bennet for London.
advertisements.
A House and Land in the High Fore-Street at the Sign of the
Buck, in the South-End of Boston, now in the Occupation of
Mr. Jacob Melyen, to be Sold; Inquire of Capt. Nathanael Williams,
or Mr. James Mears, both of said Town, and know further.
A Negro woman to be sold by John Campbell Post-master, and to
be seen at his House next door to the Anchor Tavern in Boston.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1KU j. Humb. 77.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDOltOaE October 1. to fJDOUOa^ October 8. 1705.
NY
FTMPORTANT foreign news, including an account of the visit*"of
I A the queen to Cambridge and her entertainment there, particulars
L of the successes of the duke of Vendosme in Lombardy, and re
ports from Dresden, Liege and elsewhere, fill three of the four columns
of this issue.]
Plimouth, Septemb. 28. On the 19th Instant, the Quarter Sessions
of the Peace was held here, where Complaint was made of a certain
person belonging to Midlebury; who brought some Tarr to be Sold,
some whereof was mingl d with dirt; for which he was Sentenced to
be severely Whipt, which was accordingly executed; and is here
only Inserted to be a caveat to others, of doing the like, least a worse
thing befal them.
New-York, Octob. 1. On the 24th of the last Month arrived here
a Sloop from Jamaica, Joseph Smith Master, in five weeks, by whom
we are informed, that the Storm which the Jamaica Fleet met with,
250
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 8, 1705
has been very violent there, and that the Sea Overflowed part of
Port-Royal, & has done but little damage. A Bark belonging to this
Port, Simon Pasco Master, ready to Sail, was lost in the Storm, and
no other. Admiral Whetstone with 4 Men of War, went to Sea, and
a few days after, they had the Storm, wherein most of them lost
their Masts, one of them was not returned; the Storm there was on
the 20th of August. Two Briganteens and a small Ship Sailed for
Boston three dayes before this Sloop.
Vessels Outward Bound are, T upper for Barbadoes, Adolph for
Boston, Sleigh for Curacoa, Van-Bael for Suranam, Cebra for Jamaica^
and Saunders and Keersteed for London.
Rhode-Island, Octob 5. On Sunday last arrived here one Benja
min Church, who Sailed hence Master of a small Sloop bound for
Antigua, the 8th of August last, and on the 18th, in the Lat. of 34.
met with the same Storm that the Jamaica Fleet met with on said
day, which overset the Sloop, and the people kept on the Bowsprit
from Saturday till Monday when the Sloop righted, but lost her
Mast, and through their Industry they freed her, the W T ind hanging
Easterly, they drove ashore on Cape May, and so saved all their Lives.
Boston, Cap Southack in the Province-Galley is gone out again on
his Cruise.
Coasters Entered Outwards, Smith and Loring for Connecticut^
and Dutch for Piscataqua. Foreign Inwards, John Porter from
Angvilla. Cleared Outwards, Francis Plaisteed for Madera, and
Thomas Freeman for Barbadoes; Outward Bound, Thomas Thatcher,
Eleazar Johnson, and John Pitllen for Barbadoes, Charles Renouf for
Nevis, John Pitts for M.adera, and David Northy for Virginia.
Hfcvertfsements.
/ T A O be Sold by Mr. William Clarke, Merchant, at his Warehouse
* near the Swinging-Bridge upon the Dock in Boston, a parcel
of the best Jamaica Sole-Leather at a moderate Price, either by
Wholesale or Retale.
A Negro Man Slave to be Sold by Captain Gilbert Bant, and to
be seen at his House near the Mill-Bridge in Boston.
T Here is now Published an Almanack for 1706 by N. W. 118 with a
short answer to some Reflections cast on him last year by the
then Almanack-makers; With a table of the Weight of small Money,
very useful at this time. Sold by B. Green at the Printing-house at
the South-end of Boston, and R. Phillips Bookseller at Charlestown.
RAn away from his Master, Samuel Niles, of Kingston, in Narra-
ganset; an Indian Man Servant, aged about 26 Years, he is a
118 Nathaniel Whittemore.
251
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 15, 1705
short and indifferent thick fellow, with a broad flatt Nose, he has had
the Small Pox: He has on a grayish Coat, a Castor Hat, Russet
coloured Stockings, and old Shoes: Whosoever shall take up said
Indian, and bring or convey him safe to his said Master, or secure
him and send notice of him, shall be well Satisfied for his pains.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18; sale
of a negro woman slave, as in October 1.]
1R. jg. Bumb. 78.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonfcay October 8. to /IDOItDag October 15. 1705.
NY
["TN the first column of the first page of this issue is the address of
A Queen Anne "to the inferior clergy in the neighborhood of New
market" in the preceding April. There follow, from the Antwerp
Gazette of April 12 and the Paris Gazette of May 9, accounts of the
seige of Gibraltar by the land and naval forces of the allies. From
Turin, Vienna and other capitals are reports of military affairs.
The domestic news is slight in quantity and importance, being con
fined to half a column of space.]
Nevis, Aug. 26 My last of the 1st Currant, Advised of what the
last Packet brought from England; especially of the Signal Victory
obtained by his Grace the Duke of Marlborough over the French
near Saar; since which we have had no Packet; but is now dayly
expected.
Her Majesties Ship the Gray Hound, appointed the Guard of our
Island, has taken a Prize off of Guardiloop, value at least 5000 /.
Our Fleet for England will Sail in about 14 days.
Philadelphia, Octob. 4. Ebenezar Coffin arrived here on Saturday
last from New-England.
New-York, Octob. 8 On the 6th Instant arrived here a Sloop from
Carolina, one Sanford Master.
Her Majesties Ship the Lowstoffe is not yet returned from Virginia.
Her Majesties Ships of War the Nonsuch, the Maremaid, and
Deal-Castle with the Jamaica Fleet under their Convoy, designs to
Sail from hence for England the 10th of November next.
Boston, Capt. Huntington Commander of Her Majesties Ship the
Guernsey, and Commadore of the Jamaica Fleet (having received
Letters from New-York, that Her Majesties Ships of War, and the
other part of the Jamaica Fleet designs to Sail from New York to
252
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 22, 1705
England the 10th of November next:) Wind and Weather permitting
the said Commadore intends to Sail from hence with the other part
of said Fleet, and what other Ships will be ready to Sail under his
Convoy, the 5th or 6th of said Month, & to joyn those from New-
York in the Lat. of 40 or Fyall.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Allen, Mitchel and Curtice from Con
necticut, Dounten from Rhode-Island, Gidding and Allen from Pis-
cataqua. Outwards, Harris for New-London, and Parker for Pis-
cataqua. Foreign Inwards, Jeremiah Tay from Maryland, John
Welsh from Nevis, William Cleaves from Lisbon, and John Webster
from North Carolina. Cleared Outwards, John Thomas for FyalL
Outward Bound, Daniel Noyes for Madera, John Ventiman for
Jamaica, and William Burroughs for Virginia.
advertisements.
THere is now Published Mr. Clough s Almanack for 1706. 119 To
which is added the difference between Troy and Averdupoize
Weights, as also an Account of the Jewish Coins, Weights and Meas
ures mentioned in Scripture, and reduced to our English Standards,
which may be of great use for the better understanding many places
in the Bible. Sold by Benj. Eliot under the West end of the Town
House, and Nich. Boone near School house lane, Boston.
A Convenient Dwelling House and Shop with other Accomodations
next door to the Anchor Tavern in Boston, to be Lett, Enquire
of John Campbell
[Reprinted: a negro woman to be sold, as in October 8; News-
Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
m. jg. Wumb. 79.
The Bofton Newsletter.
From /IDOn&a October 15. to /|&OUfca October 22, 1705.
NY
Ratisbon, Stockholm, Geneva, Paris, Hamburgh, Hague
and elsewhere are items of foreign news filling the first page of
this issue. On the second page are two columns of domestic
news, including one advertisement. Under the Boston date the
announcement is made of the establishment, by her majesty the
queen, of mail packets between England and "Her Plantation-Islands
in America."]
110 Kalendarium No v-Anglicarmm, or an Almanack For , . . 1706, by
Samuel dough.
253
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 22, 1705
Jamaica on Long-Island, Octob. 11 On Fryday the 5th Currant
Dyed here the Reverend Mr. John Hubbard, Pastor of a Church
in this place. Aged 28 years 9 months wanting 4 days, Buried the 7th.
New- York, Octob. 15. Last week returned hither Her Majesties
Ship the Lowstoff , who Sailed out of the Capes of Virginia 2d Instant,
in Company with the Homeward bound Fleet for England, consisting
of 32 Merchant-men, under Convoy of Her Majesty s Ships the King
ston and Faulkland. There are also arrived Mr. Gravenraedt from
Philadelphia, and Capt. Penniston s Prize from New-Castle; her
Cargo is French Brandy, Paper and dry Goods.
On Saturday last our Assembly was Prorogu d to the first of May.
And the same day His Excellency went to His Government of New-
Jersey.
The Pensilvania Post not yet come in.
New-port Rhode Island, October 19. Last Fryday night a fire
broke out in a Smith s Shop, which burnt it down, and took hold of
another house adjoyning it, where one Borne a Hatter liv d and
burnt it also ; the Wind blew hard at N E. But by the great industry
of our people, the other Houses near to them were saved, otherways
had prov d fatal to the most part of our Town.
On Monday arrived here one Chamberlin from Antigua bound for
Boston, who says that by a Vessel from Barbadoes to Antigua they had
intelligence of 25 Sail of Ships lost in the Storm: besides the Coun-
trys Briganteen and Sloop and small craft, and 300 men drowned.
On Wednesday arrived one Godfrey in a Sloop from Surranam to
Rxuma and so here, who was in the Harbour of Providence those days
that the great Storm abovementioned was, but had none of it, the
weather being very serene and Calm. He says there is none but a
parcel of Women at Providence, that cannot get from thence.
Piscataqua, Octob. 19 On Saturday night last arrived Capt.
Tyng at Exeter with his Company, who Travelled a day beyond
Penacook, from thence to Winnepisscoag Ponds but no discovery of
the Enemy.
The same night Capt. Lane and his Company Returned from
Sabegoog Ponds, which lies about 50 miles W. N. W. from Casko,
but made no other discovery than a few deserted Wigwaams: This
Pond is 20 miles long, and about 7 miles wide, very remarkable for
Fishing, where our men were refreshed with variety of Fish, especially
Salmon Trouts, some whereof 2 foot long. In their Return they saw
2 Indians at Black- Point, but being at a distance and they near a
Swamp, made their escape; one thing remarkable is, That in their
march they did not discover any wild creature excepting a Squirrel
254
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 22, 1705
or the like, by which means the Enemy cannot get any manner of
Sustenance in the woods near to us, which we hope will starve them.
This week arrived Mr Pepperil from Madera, who had about five
weeks passage.
Boston, By His Excellency s Direction, Capt. Tyng with about 50
men marched from Dunstable, and Capt Lane with upwards of 60 men
from York, to Search the Woods if could discover any of the Enemy.
Capt. Southack in the Province- Galley is returned from his Cruise,
and gone out again.
On Wednesday next, being the 24th Currant, Sits the General
Assembly of this Province, unto which day they stand Prorogu d.
Last night arrived 2 or 3 Vessels from Barbadoes at Nantasket,
who had about a months passage, there came out in Company 16
Sail for this place ; no Letters are yet come up, so cannot tell what News.
Coasters Entered Outwards, John Lathrop for Connecticut, Richard
Hall for New York, Peter Coffin, and Nathaniel Gardner for Nan-
tucket. Foreign Inwards, Joseph Dean in the Dragon form Suranam.
Outward Bound,
James Bodwin in the Seaflour, for Antigua.
Thomas Hunt in the Panther, for Barbadoes.
John Welch in the Larke, Ditto.
John Price in the Austin s Galley, Ditto.
Thomas Gilbert in the Good will, for Fyall.
John Rayner in the Freek, for Madera.
Thomas Andrews in the Good-will, for Suranam.
Joseph Dean in the Dragon, for Suranam.
John Secum in the Adventure, for Curacoa.
$^ These are to give notice, That Her Majesty in regard to the great
Expence She is at in maintaining the Correspondence by Letters between
England and Her Plantation-Islands in America, and for the farther
improvement and benefit of Trade; Hath Settled Packet-Boats for the
West-Indies, who are to go from Plimouth at the beginning of every
Month throughout the Year, no accident preventing the same; who are
to touch and stay at each of the English Island- Plantations in the follow
ing manner: Viz.
Days &
arriv
ed at
f Barbadoes, to stay no longer than
} Antigua,
} Montserat,
( Nevis,
/ St. Christophers
\ Jamaica,
255
Nights.
3
10
hours
36
36
36
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 22, 1705
And thence to Return to England, and not to be stayed on any pretence
whatsoever.
And Her Majesty in pursuance to the Statute made in the Twelfth
Year of his late Majesty, King Charles II. for Establishing a Post-
Office, has Directed and Impowred Sir Robert Cotton Knight, and Sir
Thomas Franckland Baronet, Her Majesty s Post-Master General of
England and the Plantations, &c. to receive and take the Post of all
Letters & Packets that shall be conveyed by the Post lately Established
between the Post Office General in London, and the above-said Islands^
according to the Rates following.
s. d.
From England to the 1 1 And in proportion to
West-Indies each \ One Sheet 1 . 3 f the same Rates for
Letter not exceeding J Two Sheets. ... 2 . 6 j every Packet of Letters.
From the Islands to 1 1 And in like propor-
England, each Letter \ One Sheet 1 . 6 [ lion for every
not exceeding j Two Sheets. ... 3 . j Packet of Letters.
For every Packet of any
kind of greater Bulk Ounce 6 . \
for every j
This is likewise to give Notice, That the Deputy Post Masters are
appointed at each Island, to attend and regulate all matters concerning
Letters and Packets, and to Correspond with the General Post Office in
London about the same: And forasmuch as every Vessel hath performed
Her Voyage in the space of 750 days, 12 or thereabouts. All persons
Corresponding with New England, New- York, Jersey, Pensilvania,
Maryland, Virginia, Carolina, and Bermuda, may have their Letters
to the Respective Governments put up in Bags apart, in the method they
are now sent to each Island; And the Deputy Post-Master of each
Island hath Orders, where the next and most immediate conveyance is
to be had, to send them to the Main of America, as hath hitherto been the
practice for Conveying Letters from Barbadoes to Bermuda by Sloops,
and other Embarkations, daily Trading between the said Islands and
the Continent. By which means Returns may be as constantly made
from the Continent to the said Post-Masters, and by them transmitted to
England by the Packets in their Monthly Courses, whereunto their
Orders oblige them, without any further Charge there than what is to be
paid at the General Post- Office in London, (only the Inland Passage
on the Main excepted) according to the above Rates.
These are also to give Notice, That Letters will be taken in at the
120 In a subsequent Notice this is shown to be an error, and the time
changed to 100 days, "according to the first Proposition laid down by the
Honourable Edward Dummer, Esqr." See under Advertisements in^News-
Letter No. Ill (1706) post. For the "first Proposition," see Acts andiResolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, Sup
plement, p. 802.
256
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 29, 1705
General Post-Office in London, directed j or New-England, New- York,
New-Jersey, Pensilvania, Maryland, Virginia, Carolina, on ike Con-
tinent of America, and the Island of Bermuda, on the same Post nights
as those for the Plantation-Islands, with particular directions for those
for the Continent, to be forwarded by the first opportunity. 121
Bfcvertfsements
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
. so.
The Bofton Newsletter.
[O
From /IDonDaE October 22. to /IDonDay October 29, 1705.
NY
NLY one column of this issue is occupied with foreign news.
Domestic news including two advertisements fills three columns.]
Barbadoes, September. 16. A List of Vessels drove on Shore by a
Violent Storm, the 16th of August, viz.
{ Richard Metcalfe 1 1
\ Mackf arson /
All these [ Rabia | All great J
bound for f Ranking. . .Tryon [ Ships ]
London { Davis \ [
( Blythe j All these Vessels
For Holland. A great Dutch Flyboat. J stav d in pieces, and
Belonging ( Thrampton in Country s Brig. 1 are wholly Lost
to Barbad. \ Flowers in a Sloop /
Forrister in the Country s Sloop, uncertain if can be got off.
William Cox. } All Slo[o]ps,
All belonging
} Abraham Dill.
stav d in
to Barmuda
} Edward Hinson
pieces.
( William Joel.
Barbadoes
f Jacob Legay.
[ Brigantiens
New York
\ Mr. Harwood.
staved in pieces
London,
/ Mr.
Rankford }
1
Bristol,
\ Mr.
Opie } Ships
All these
Boston,
Mr.
Fy field Briganteen. J Vessels
Piscataqua
[Mr.
Holicomb. }
\ were got
Belonging
to Barbados
Mr.
Mr.
Thomas.
Graisberry. { Sloops.
/ off again.
[Mr.
Penley. }
121 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 564-565.
257
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 29, 1705
Barbadoes, Mr. Moses in a Sloop blown away 7 or 8 days but got in
again.
Besides Shallops and other Boats lost.
The Storm lasted about 16 Hours.
On the 28th of August, Her Majesty s Ship the Weymouth, Capt.
Mitchell Commander, brought in a French Merchant Ship of 20 Guns,
6 Patararo s, 70 men, Laden with a considerable quantity of fine
Goods, Claret and Brandy. She was met with in the Latitude 19
in Company with another Ship of 16 Guns, who left her to Engage
with the Weymouth; the Engagement lasted 3 hours, with the loss
of 14 of her men, and 4 of the Weymouth s. These French-men lost
their Convoy of 60 Guns, with 3 other Merchant-men but the night
before : This Prize is said to be worth 20 Thousand Pounds.
There is arrived here from Boston in New- England, Andrew Wilson,
who lost his Mast in the Storm, as also 3 or 4 more Vessels; and the
Enemy took Everton, Breed, Henderson, Shearburn and Moore, who
Sailed from Boston in Company with said Wilson, bound for this place.
Upon Capt. Everton s being taken, His Excellency ordered the
Advice Prize, a small Frigot, to go in pursuit of Everton s Vessel.
The Advice Prize conducted in Capt. Bullard from Madera, and
Leview from New-York was taken by a Sloop the 13th Currant,
Several Vessels from Boston, that came out with Wilson are yet missing.
We want two Packets from England, so that we have no News,
only a Report we hear of his Grace the Duke of Marlborough s second
Defeating the French, to the Enemy s loss of about 20000 men.
New-York, October 22d. On the IQth. Instant arrived here a
Sloop from Jamaica, Nathanael Vial Master, had 38 dayes passage;
he came out with several Ships bound for England, and says that
several Vessels were to sail for Boston about 14 days after him.
Erasmus Wilkins (formerly mentioned to be committed for being
in the Riot with the Privateers here) being Legally Tryed and Con
victed for Murdering of Lieutenant Wharton Feather stone -Hough
(A Gentleman of the Honourable Col. Livesay s Regiment, that came
in the Jamaica Fleet) is Sentenced to be Executed on Friday next
the 26. Currant: He has Confessed that he was one of the Privateers
where that Gentleman was kill d, and that he knock d down one
Gentleman and got his Sword, and with it run another into the side,
which must be the same Gentleman that was Murdered.
Vessels Outward bound are Cebra for Jamaica, Sleigh and Van-
bmgh for Curacoa, Perkins -for Barbadoes, Hicks for Rhode-Island.
Capt. Cumby and Pain Sailed this day for Barbadoes.
On Saturday last Alexander Duncan Arrived here from Pensil-
258
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 29, 1705
z;aw ainaSloop bound for Boston, and Sailes from hence on Wednesday.
Piscataqua, Octob. 26. On Saturday the 20th Currant, about 20
Jndians appeared at Cape Nidduck, and Carried away 4 Sons of
John Stover, who were at a little distance from the Garison, several
others that were out of the Garison, retired to it with all speed; on
which the Enemy fired about an hour, then drew up the Children in
sight of the Garison, and marched off. At York 4 or 5 Indians were
also discovered. Major Walton with a Company of men is gone in
pursuit of the Enemy.
Capt. Browne at Wells hearing of the Enemy s unhappy Enter-
prize in Carrying away the 4 children from 3 to 12 years of Age, went
with his Company in pursuit of the Enemy with utmost Expedition;
but there being 2 places over a little River lying near Sacho, about 2
miles distant which they usually pass, and not knowing which of
the two they would take, Capt. Browne very prudently divided his
Company into 2 parts, whereof one half went with Lieut. James
March, who happened to discover the Enemy (without the least
observation) as they were passing over a little Bridge, being within
15 rod of them; some few with the poor Captives were got over a
minute or 2 before ; and our men discovering several behind & on the
Bridge, fir d several Shot upon them, which being an unexpected
surprisal, caus d a most dismal Consternation among them, inso
much that some fell forwards, others backwards, and some into the
River which was 10 foot deep, some throwing away their Plunder,
others their Blankets & Snapsacks, till at last some few of the Enemy
on the other side of the River fired at our men, killed one & wounded
another: By this time Capt. Browne (hearing the Guns) came up
to the rest of his Company, who drove the Enemy off, and pursued
them; but they scattering among the Thickets, our men were made
uncapable of making any further discovery of what damage we did
them, but most probably several of them were slain and wounded.
On the 21st Arrived here the Rebecka Hagboat, John Ja[r?]unin
Master, from Lisbon, five weeks passage,
Henry Shearburn from Barbadoes, and John Kennard from Antigua
arrived the said Day.
Boston, On Tuesday the 23d Currant, Complaint being made to
Edward Bromfield Esqr. One of Her Majesty s Council, and Justice
of the Peace; of John Rogers & Son, of New- London in Connecticut-
Colony for Profanation of the Sabbath, in Driving of Cattle through
the Town of Dedham to Boston for a Market on the 21st Instant,
being the Lords-Day; And opprobtiously answering those who
disswaded him there-from; for which being brought before the said
259
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER. OCTOBER 29, 1705
Justice, and legally Convicted, he was Sentenced according to the
Direction of the Law in that case, to pay the Fine of Twenty Shillings:
He Appealed to the Quarter-Sessions of the Peace, but obstinately
refused to give Security to prosecute his Appeal, and therefore is
Committed to Prison.
It was thought meet at the Desire of several persons to Publish
this as a Caveat to others, to let People know, That Open Profanation
of the LORDS-DAY, will not pass Unpunished. As also, Because the
man thus Fined, pretends himself to be a Sufferer for his Conscience,
and has therefore even courted the Inconveniences that are come
upon him. And whereas the Q.uakers have a while since endeavoured
by their False Addresses at home in England, to misrepresent the
Government of this Province, for Making and Executing Several
severe Laws, against their Friends, only for their Conscientious Dissent
from the National Way, and not for any Evil Fact done by them: The
Publick may be informed what kind of Severe Laws those are, and
what kind of Profanity may pass for a Conscientious Dissent, among
those that Clamour against the country for Persecution, in Executing
the Laws of God and man, of our Nation of England and this Province. 122
There Arrived here on Saturday the 27th. Currant Nathanael
Balston and Harbert from Barbadoes, Richard Thomas from Antigua,
and Joseph Bailer from St. Christophers, and yesterday the 28th.
Anthony Hayward from Barbadoes. James Blin in a Sloop from
Connecticut, coming over Nantucket Shoals, is fear d to be lost on them.
Capt. Huntington Commander of Her Majesties Ship the Guernsey
and Commadore of the Jamaica Fleet, holds his resolution (Wind
and Weather permitting) to Sail from hence to England the $th. or
6th. of the next Month, with the Vessels under his Convoy.
Coasters Entered Inwards
From
Petty, Lathrop and Bull
Connecticut
Oerick Adolph, Two Brothers
New-York
Outwards.
For
Webber, Bracket and Ware
Piscataqua.
Foreign Inwards.
From
William Webber, Rose,
Briganteen
Barbadoes
Philip Lewis Hope
Briganteen
Ditto.
Samuel Ward Rose Anne,
Sloop
Ditto.
Nichol. Lawrence Endeavour,
Ship.
Ditto.
Rich. Fy field Elizabeth,
Briganteen
Ditto.
Thomas Bell Speedwell,
Sloop
North Carolina.
John Penson Wil. & Mary,
Ship
Virginia.
122 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , with further particulars
of this Quaker case.
260
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 5, 1705
Cleared Outwards.
John Secum
John Pitts
Rich. Dafforn,
Tho. Meirs
Outward Bound,
WH. Clark
Wil Holberton,
Joseph Small
Wil. Dounten
John Alder
Adventure Sloop
Exchange Ketch
Fisher Ketch
Blessing Ship
Endeavour Ship
Anne Ship
Seaflour Ketch
Elizabeth, Briganteen
Joseph and Betty
Diamond, Briganteen
For
Curacoa.
Madera.
Virginia.
Jamaica.
For
Corratuck.
Barbadoes.
Ditto.
Ditto.
St. Christophers.
Antigua.
2U>v>erttsement0.
[Reprinted: dwelling house for sale, as in October 15; News-
Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
Wumb. si
The BoftonNews-Letter.
From
October 29. to jflDOUDag November 5. 1705.
AS NY
|"~|\ /TORE than two columns of this issue are filled with domestic
J IVJLnews, including a proclamation by Governor Dudley for an em
bargo on vessels bound to Barbadoes and the Caribbean Islands.
The foreign matter is from Berlin, Vienna, Frankfort, Hague,
Lisbon and elsewhere, of May dates; and a letter from the Imper
ial Camp at Gavardo dated April 30.]
New-York, Octob. 29. On the 26th Instant, Erasmus Wilkins
the Privateer was Executed for the Murder of Lieut. Feather ston-
Hough of the Honourable Colonel Livesey s Regiment: He confess d
that he took a Sword from a Gentleman, and run it into another,
which he believed was the Gentleman that was kill d, and that he
afterwards broke the Sword: He dyed penitent and like a man, &
caution d his Comrades against Drunkenness, Swearing, Whoring,
and Sabbath-breaking, etc.
We are uncertain when the Jamaica Fleet here bound for England
will Sail.
By His Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY Esqr. Captain General and
GOVERNOUR in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province of the
Massachusetts Bay in New-England, and Vice-Admiral of the same.
A PROCLAMATION,
261
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 5, 1705
For an Embargo on Ships and Vessels bound to Barbadoes, and the
Careeby Leeward Islands.
Whereas Her Majesties Ship Deptford, Captain Charles Stucley
Commander, is fitting and making ready speedily to Sail to Barba
does, and from thence to proceed to Salt-Terrudos, to Guard the Ships
designed thither to lade Salt for carrying on the Fishery.
I have therefore thought fit by and with the Advice of Her Majesties
Council, to order an Embargo upon all Ships and Vessels Outward
Bound for Barbadoes, or any of the Careby Leeward Islands; And
that none be permitted to sail thither without my special Licence; until
Her Majesties said Ship Deptford be made ready, and then to attend
her and take the benefit of a good Convoy.
And all Officers of the Custom s, Naval and Import Officers, and
Commanders of Castles and Forts within this Province, are hereby
Commanded to take notice of this Proclamation, and Conform them
selves accordingly.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, upon Wednesday the
30th of October, 1705. In the Fourth Year of the Reign of our
Soveraign Lady ANNE, by the Grace of GOD, of England, Scotland
France and Ireland, QUEEN, Defender of the Faith, etc.
By Order of His Excellency
the Governour, with Advice J. Dudley
of the Council,
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN
Boston, On Monday the 22d. of October, early in the morning, Mr.
Honewell in the Sloop Olive- Branch from Augvilla about 6 weeks
passage, having little Wind at S. S. E. standing afore it for Brewsters,
being within three Leagues of it, on a sudden a flaw at N. N. W. came
down upon him, which tore his Main Sail all flitters, broke his Sternn
in 3 pieces, and having no Sail, they lay to the mercy of the Sea and
Winds, which drove them out of the Bay within 8 Leagues of Casko,
Where he & his men were taken on Board of Mr. John Sharpens Vessel
from Barbadoes, and now brought in here; Honewell, and especially
his men being overcome with Tugging so long at the Pump, were
almost past any hopes of escaping being lost, when Providence so
ordered it that Mr. Sharp came to their relief: The Sloop was seen
sinking in a little time after they were taken out.
Last week came here from New-York, one Mr. Henry Burch a
Quaker, Aged about 21 years, the only Son of Mr. John Burch of St.
Martins-Lane, London, formerly a Minister of the Church of England,
but now a Quaker & a Preacher; this Henry was bound an appren
tice about 9 years ago to one Mr. Henry Burch of London, his Uncle,
262
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 5, 1705
a Doctor of Physick; and going in a Ship, whereof Capt. Marcy was
Commander, from England to Barbadoes the last War with his said
Uncle, they were taken by a French Privateer near Barbadoes, and
one of the Privateers took a dagger and run thorow the young Lads
Cheek and Jawbone, and struck out two of his Teeth, cut his Left
hand thorow 3 fingers, the prints whereof are still to be seen, his
Uncle took no care to Cure him: but he being young soon learn d
the French Tongue, and they Cur d him; the Privateer carried them
first to Calice in France, his Uncle was sent to Amsterdam, and when
his Nephew was Cured, he was sent after him; where he met him;
and a Sweedish Ship coming in with French Prisoners to release the
Swedes, there not being French enough, took his Uncle & him and
carried them back to Calice, from whence they went to Sweedland;
& one Capt. Philips being bound from thence in a Ship for Virginia,
they imbarked on board him, and in the year 1700 they arrived,
and going up Myles s River in the County of Chester, his Uncle sold
him a Servant unto one Richard Skinner a Planter for 6 years, &
gives him a large Sum of Money to murder him when he was gone.
His Uncle took an Indenture, and put a clean Sheet of Paper over
it, and made his Nephew sign it at the bottom, not knowing there
was an Indenture beneath it.
And as soon as his cruel Uncle was gone, his Master Richard Skinner
sent him out to the Hooe, where he continued 3 years, along with
his Negro s and Indian Overseers, at length this Young man wrote
to Mr Samuel Carpenter, and other Quakers of Philadelphia, and
acquainted them of his Circumstances and the whole Tragedy, who
came forthwith to Virginia and bought his time & brought him to
Philadelphia last year, and wrote home to his Father in London the
whole matter of Fact, who sent over Money largely to recompence
and pay them for what they had done ;who ordered his Son to returnhome.
And the said Henry Burch Imbarking on board the Ship Batchellour
Endeavour in & of Philadelphia in June last, Cap. Dykes Commander,
bound for London, meeting with the Jamaica Fleet bound home for
England about the latter end of July, they joined said Fleet in order
to keep them Compan3? r ; but meeting with the great Storm on the
18th of August last, which foundered several of said Fleet: The
Ship wherein he was sunk under them, wherein were lost 35 persons,
but the Quarter Deck was broke from the Ship ere she sunk; upon
which this Henry Burch, 2 Seamen, Henry Taylor and Jacob Grack-
ston, & Hannah Hancock (and a Child in her arms which was drowned)
got upon and were taken up by the Ship Sweet William, one of the
Fleet, & carried into New-York, from whence the said Burch came
hither, who now intends by the way of Barbadoes to England, hoping
to meet his Father there.
263
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 5, 1705
This Henry Burch s Uncle when went to London, put himself into
Mourning for his Nephew, told his Parents that he dyed of the
Bloody Flux in Virginia. This young man had a Rich Grand-mother,
to whom he was to be Heir, & failing of him, his Uncle was to enjoy
the said Estate: And after the Uncle and Nephew left England,
the old Gentlewoman dyed, and by Will bequeathed 30001 to her
Grand son Henry Burch, and in case of his Death, to his Uncle Henry
Burch; for Lucre of which, his Uncle contrived his Nephew s ruin;
And hitherto Providence has disappointed him.
This whole information was taken from Mr. Henry Burch s own
mouth. 123
Capt. Southack 124 in the Province Galley is returned from his Cruise.
Captain Huntington Commander of Her Majesties Ship the Guern
sey, and Commadore of the Jamaica Fleet, receiving Letters from
New-York, that the other part of said Fleet there, not being ready
to Sail the 10th Currant as was intended, The said Commadore,
Wind and Weather permitting, designs to Sail from hence on the
15th Currant, with what Vessels will be ready under his Convoy.
Coasters Entered Outwards
Joseph, Allen and Thomas Curtice
Foreign Inwards
Solomon Gardner
William Herbert
Nathaniel Balston
John Sharp.
Anthony Haywood
Nathaniel Jarvies
Richard Thomas
John Waters
John Hoddy
Robert Starkey
Sloop Mary
Ketch Good Hope
Ship Elizabeth
Sloop Four Friends
Ship Eagle
John & Abiel
Porto Merchant
Ship Blessing
Briganteen Adventure
Briganteen Endeavour
Foreign Cleared Outwards
Matthew Armstrong Sloop Swallow
David Northy Speedwell Friend
Charles Renouse
Matthew Soley
John Hobbs
Benjamin Parsons
Benjamin Parsons jun. Brigant. Success
Benjamin Stone Ship Golden Fleece
Ketch Adventure
Sloop Rebeckah
Ketch Lamb
Ship Providence
For
Connecticut
From.
St. Christophers
Barbadoes
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Antigua
Ditto
Ditto
Corratuck
For
Virginia
Ditto
St. Christophers
Jamaica
New-York
London
Ditto
Ditto
123 See News- Letter Nos. 82, 83 and 84 post for sequel to this Munchausen
tale received from the hero s "own mouth."
124 Captain Cyprian Southack, late maker of charts, notably chart of The
Coast of New England from Staten Island to the Island of Breton.
264
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 12, 1705
Outward Bound For
I sac Harvey Ship Anne Virginia
William Cleves William & Mary Ditto
John Welsh Hannah & Elizabeth Barbadoes
John Aken Sloop Hawk St. Christophers
H&verttsement
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1ft, Jg. Bumb. 82.
The Boft on Newsletter.
From /IDon&aE November 5. to /l&0n&a November 12. 1705.
NY AS(m)
LITTLE more than a column on the first page of this issue is filled
th foreign news, principally an account of the death of the
Austrian emperor, and a list of members-elect of Parliament.
Features of the domestic news are: the story of the conviction of Thomas
Odell, the counterfeiter; a proclamation for the apprehension of desert
ers, and "further Continuation of a Remarkable Relation" begun in
the previous issue.]
New-York, NOVQ. It is said Her Majesties Ships of War with the Fleet
under their Convoy will Sail from hence for England the 15th Currant.
Vessels Outward Bound are Basset and Dehart for Madera, Perkins
for Barbados, Viall for Jamaica, and a Sloop for St. Thomas.
Boston, In our Numb. 17. You ll find a Proclamation of the 8th of
August, 1704 Emitted by His Excellency, for Apprehending of one
Thomas Odell a chief Contriver and Actor in Counterfeiting of the
Twenty Shilling Bill of Credit on this Province, and uttering of the same.
Which said Odell was apprehended in Pensilvania, and sent thence
to New-York, in order to be sent hither, as [in] Numb. 57. And in
Numb 59. You ll find him brought from New-York to Rhode-Island,
where he made his escape.
And in Numb. 60, 61 You l find him caught again at Rhode-Island,
and brought from thence hither, where he remained in Prison till now.
That on Tuesday the 6th Currant, there was held here the Superiour
Court of Assize, and General Goal Delivery; where the said Odell
was Arraigned for Uttering Counterfeit Bills of Credit on this Province,
and was ordered by said Court to pay a Fine of 300 1. a years Imprison
ment, to pay the Charge of Prosecution, and stand Committed till
the Sentence be performed. 125
125 Se News-Letter Nos. 15, 17 (1704), 57, 59, 00, 61 ante. Also Notes, in
The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay :
.... Vol. VIII, pp. 431-432, 708-710.
265
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 12, 1705
On Thursday the 8th Currant, Thomas Boylston a Child of 5 years-
old was Crushed to Death at Muddy River in a Cyder Mill between
the Sweep and a Post of the House, as the Horse went round.
By the Governour and Council.
WHereas the Souldiers Impressed and sent down to the Service of
this Province at Her Majesties Castle William, have several of
them lately deserted the Service there contrary to Law.
These are to Certify all Her Majesty s Good Subjects of this Prov
ince and New-Hampshire, that whosoever, Officer or other Inhabi
tant that shall apprehend and return such Deserters to Justice, shall
be at all times paid their just Charges therein out of the wages of such
Souldier so restored to the Service or Justice according to Law, to
be Assigned by the Governour, out of their next Muster-Roil, wherein
such Deserters names are, and payment accordingly.
Isaac Addington Seer.
A further Continuation of a Remarkable Relation, begun in the Last,
News Letter.
THE Reader knows, That in some of our News-Letters, for want
of Room, we have broke off in the middle of a Matter. In our
Last we gave you a very punctual Relation, of a matter that appear *d
very remarkable, concerning one Henry Burch, a Quaker; who was
well pleased to have his own Story Published. According to Good
Manners, we have let him tell his Story first. We will take leave
now to tell ours: For plainly, the most Remarkable part of it, is
yet behind.
It may be some will not count it remarkable, that there should be
Bad people among the Quakers, as well as among the People of other
Professions, who do not pretend unto their Spirit of discerning:
But / tell ye Friends nay pritty Remarkable, That a Blade should
be so desirous to have such a formal Story Printed about himself,,
and yet that in less than 2 days time, he should be detected for an
horrid CHEAT, and it be palpably found, that probably, There is
not one word of Truth in all the Story.
Did ye ever hear of such a piece of Impudence! The former part
of our Account came out on Monday, but before Tuesday-night he
was march d off, or in other terms Step d aside. Only the ungrate
ful Varlet, had first exercised a faculty of his (which ye shall presently
hear of) on the Money and other purloinables, of such Friends as
had civilly Entertained him. His very Shirt (being Stolen, you must
note) had the Courage to take a Thief by the Throat. It is well, that
the Charitable Gentlemen, who treat all Strangers with the Civilities
at their Houses, were no more spunged upon : But some of them, at
266
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 12, 1705
the first interview, found him in such inconsistancies, that they could
not tell, what in the world to make of him.
It now Remains, that we go on with our Story; And do our Spark,
the Honour of an Hue and Cry. He has, as we told ye a wound in
his Cheek (near his upper Lip) But certainly it was not a French
Privateer (as he said with a three squar d Dagger) that gave it him.
It was probably an Officer call d, Un Boureau, in plain English, An
Hangman. A Remarkable Person Truly! One marked with a Brand
in the Cheek.
He has, as we also told ye, three fingers cut a thwart his Left Hand,
ever since which, they have been so light, that they Steal all that
comes in their way. Wherefore, if ye happen to shake hands with
such a Fellow, pray hold him fast, and bring him before Authority.
Possibly, he has changed his Outward Name. But he is fled with
a New, (not True) Blue Cloak, lined with a Knave. His Under
Garments were of the well-known Quaker Cut.
He is a Fellow of Little Stature, tho of great Roguery, and of a
Young Aspect, But in a fair way never to be Old.
To oblige, the Undertaker of this Print, to Correct a certain gross
mistake about his Uncle in his Published Story; whereof he was.
presently convicted, he offered a Gold Ring which (it since appears)
he had Stolen from a Quaker Gold-Smith, with whom he Lodged.
// any man or person, in Town or Country, will take up this Imposter,
and bring him in, he shall be Rewarded, either with that Ring, if my
Goldsmith pleases, or with the value of it, and a better Reward besides.
And now, I hope, this is become such an useful Story, That the
Gentlemen, my Subscribers, will not complaint either of the Intro
duction to it in our former, or of the precedure of it, in our present,
News-Letter. Our News Letter also, will, I hope sufficiently preserve
its Reputation, if any Paragraph of it, not setting a thing in all its-
true light, shall in one weeks time supply all that is defective, and
perhaps there are few Readers, but what have themselves now &
then told a Story that needed a further Elucidation.
And whereas, our Will-with-a-Wisp (as I am told) should this week
have Held forth, among his abused Friends, I think, I must now so-
far do it for him, as to say:
Plainly Friends, our Harry Burch is a sad Fellow, and if he should
assay to lye hid among any of ye, I make no doubt, ye will bring
him out, that he may undergo the desperate thing which some call
Condign Punishment, tho others "call it Persecution:
Only, that he may have his Name a little stick to him (and because
he told us, you know, that he had been at Amsterdam!} we will Hum
bly move, that if the Authority see meet, it may be Laid on after the
Dutch -fashion; that is with good Burchen Rods, Tho such dealing
267
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 19, 1705
may be too easy for such a Skellum to meet withal.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Carteret Gillam from Connecticut and
John Jackson from Piscataqua. Outwards, Amazeen, Lyford &
Jackson for Piscataqua, and Lothrop for Nantucket. Foreign In
wards from Corratuck, Samuel Edwards in the Briganteen William
& Mary. St. Christophers, Fortune Redduck, St. Christophers Sloop.
Monserrat Francis N orris Seaflower Sloop. Pensilvania Alexander
Duncan Sloop Friendship. Virginia Thomas Pope Sloop Endeavour.
Cleared Outwards for Madera, John Rainer in Ketch Freek, Daniel
Noyes Briganteen Hannover, Surranam, Richard Hengeson sloop
Seaflower, Roanock, William Clark Sloop Endeavour, Virginia, Wil
liam Cleeves Ship William & Mary, and Isaac Harvey Ship Ann.
Outward bound for Barbadoes, John Ely Briganteen Dove, James
Bridgham Ship Hampton, John Raynsford Frigat Dwaal. Virginia,
Moses Abbot, John & Mary, Madera, Noah G[re1]ville Sloop Adventure.
Captains, Gillam and Mason are arrived from England at Cape
Anne, and said to have seven Weeks passage from Vlimouth.
aDvertisements.
A Gentleman wants to Borrow a Hundred Pounds upon Good
-^^Security, Or for Bills of Exchange in England: Whoever has
said Money to Lend, Inquire of John Campbell Post-Master and
know further.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1R. Jg. Bumb. 83.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDoitDaS November 12. to /IDonDag November 19. 1705.
AS NY
TAT the head of the first column of the first page is the line, "The
I JT\.Advice we have from England by Prints are;" then are nearly
two and a half columns of domestic news followed by this
editorial line; " All of which we shall enlarge upon in our succeeding
Prints." Domestic news fills one and a half columns.!
New- York, Nov. 12. On the 7th arrived here a Briganteen from
Bermuda, one Joyner, Master, says, that the last great Storm that
the Jamaica fleet met with, has done a great deal of damage on that
Island. Wessels from Antigua, & Benj. Hill from Curacoa, which last
brought us the bad news of Depue, Joline & Thinhoven being taken
by the French bound from hence to Jamaica; The French have made
Privateers of their Vessels, being 2 Sloops & a Briganteen. This
268
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 19, 1705
day arrived Daniel Robert from Jamaica, came from thence the 4th
of October, with 2 Briganteens for Boston & a Sloop for Philadelphia.
Her Majesty s Ships of War, the Nonsuch, Maremaid and Deal
Castle, with the Vessels under their Convoy Sails from hence for
England the latter end of this week, or the beginning of the next.
Marble-head, Nov 17 On the llth Currant arrived here Capt.
Bevis from England, who took up Mr. Blin (formerly mentioned No.
80 feared to be lost) in his Sloop 8 or 9 Leagues off Cape Anne, with
out Mast, Bolsprit, Rudder, Boat, Sail, Anchor or Cable, his side
broke down, 3 foot & an half water in his Hold, 3 men but no bread,
nor useful pump; and brought said Sloop and men in here.
Boston, On Tuesday the 13th Currant, arrived here Captains,
Benjamin Gilman, David Mason, John Corney and William Bevis
from England, who left Plimouth the 22d of September, in Company
of a Fleet of about 25 Sail, under Convoy of 4 Men of War, viz. The
Experiment Galley, Capt. Pudner Commander, and a Fireship bound
for Jamaica; with other Vessels whom they parted with about 10
days after they left Plimouth; The Tritton Prize, Capt. Myles Com
mander, bound for New York, who bore away with those for Jamaica;
The Litchfield Prize, Capt. Chandler Commander, and the Angelsey,
Capt [blank] Commander, with 2 Store Ships and 2 Merchant
men for Newfoundland, who has on board them Major Loyd the
Governour, with some Land Forces, whom they parted with 50
Leagues to the W T estward of Fyall, in the Lat. of 35. Capt. Gillam
sprung his Main Mast in the Voyage. Capt. John Wild for Boston,
and Capt. Jeffries for New-York were in the Downs when these left
England, waiting to come out with the Virginia Fleet and Convoy:
When these above left Plimouth, it was said, that part of the Home
ward bound Virginia Fleet were arrived in Kingsale in Ireland.
On Thursday the 15th Currant, John Price Mariner, belonging to
Benjamin Stone, bound for London, not being willing to proceed the
Voyage, went to the Carpenter s Block, and with his Ax cut off his
own Left hand, and is now under Cure.
Her Majesties Ship the Guernsey Capt. Huntington Commander,
and Commodore of the Jamaica Home-ward bound Fleet, with Vessels
under his Convoy, bound for England have been Wind-bound at
Nantasket three days, and Sailed from thence the 18th Currant, the
Wind at N. W.
Our Number 81. Gave you an Account of a formal Story given us
by one Henry Burch a Quaker: and our Number 82 gave you a
further Relation of said Burch, to which we shall still refer you, only
here add, That from N York we are well informed, That what we
told of his escaping drowning is a Fals-hood, for he was there ere the
269
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 26, 1705
Jamaica Fleet Arrived, and is a Runaway from his Master of Phila
delphia or Burlington, who was apprehended by his Master in order
to return home, and just as they were going away he pickt his Masters
Pocket of Forty Shillings, and made his escape, who never was heard
of till our Print discovered him; and therefore we hope that all
good People will endeavour (where he comes) to apprehend him,
in order to return him to his Master, after he has received a due
Compensation for his Gratuity to his Friends here.
Coasters Entered Outwards, Drick Adolph for New York, Foreign
Inwards, from London, Benjamin Gillman, Ship Reward, David
Mason, William & Hannah, John Carney Dorothy Briganteen, S,
Christophers, Thomas Porter, New-London, Sloop William Kelleyt
Hopewell. Sloop Ruanoke John Wilkins Seaflower Sloop Topsham
William Bevis Peace Ship Cleared Outwards for Surranam, Thomas
Andrews Jamaica, Thomas Pemberton John & Thomas, Portugal,
Bryan Smith, Moses Briganteen North Carolina John Forde, Speed
well Sloop, Outward bound, for Nevis, William Webber Rose Brigan
teen. Antigua, Beamsly Perkins, Eagle Galley, Nethaniel Perkins
Success Briganteen, Robert Carver, in the Plimouth. Barbadoes,
Thomas Barnes Swan Briganteen. William Skinner, Providence
Briganteen, Nicholas Lawrence, Endeavour, Philip Lewis Hope,
Virginia, Joseph Brown, John & Deborah.
Bfcx>ertisement
Otrayed from Mr. John Wilson of Brantree at Mr. Haven s in
^Kingston in Narraganset, about a fortnight ago, a sorrel Mare,
low Stature, four white feet, a white face, shod all round, her near
ear tore, has a long white tail and Main: Whoever can give any
true Intelligence of her to the above-said Mr. Haven, or Mr. Billings,
or the Post-Rider, so as the true Owner may have her again shall be
sufficiently Rewarded.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1FL J lR.uiul). 84-
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOn&ag November 19. to /toOnfca November 26. 1705.
AS NY
XCEPT one column filled with domestic news, the four pages
rfof this issue are given principally to news of the campaign on
the continent, in letters of May dates from Paris, Vienna, Hague,
Frankfort, Warsaw, Turin and elsewhere. From London is the
270
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 26, 1705
address of the presbyterian ministers of Ireland to the duke of Or-
mond.]
New-York, Nov. 19 Capts. Laurier & Dunscum arrived here about
3 weeks passage from Barbadoes.
Her Majesties Ships of War, and Vessels under their Convoy will
Sail for England next week.
Boston, On Wednesday the 21st Currant, Arrived at Cape- Anne
the Gentlemen that went from hence for Canada the 6th of July
last, along with Capt. Cortemanche the Governour of Canada s Com
missioner, who came hither the last Spring. They left Canada about
6 weeks ago, and with great difficulty, having spent their Mast, are
now arrived here, and brought with them Letters for His Excellency,
with the Governour of Cannada s Proposals for the Exchange of
Prisoners. They brought also with them 11 of our Captives.
Our Gentlemen were very civily Treated by the Governour of
Cannada, and say, That the Seminary at Quebeck was burnt a second
time, about a fortnight ere they came from thence, which was burnt
about 4 years before. 121 *
Her Majesties Ship the Deptford, Capt. Stuckey Commander, with
the Vessels under his Convoy, designs to Sail for Barbadoes and Salt
Terluda the 10th of December next.
By a Person that came lately from Antigua we are well assured,
that Mr. Samuel Frason, Merchant, whom we mentioned in our
Numb. 74. feared to be lost, was arrived safe at Antigua, from whence
he went to Barbadoes.
Mr. Samuel Carpenter of Philadelphia (whom Henry Burch the
Quaker in his forged Story in our Numb. 81, said, was one that
bought his time in Virginia] acquaints us from Philadelphia the 15
Currant that what said Burch related as to his going to Virginia and
buying his time is false, for he has not been at Virginia these 7 years.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Eleazar Darby and Jeremiah Vail from
New-Jersey, and William Walter from Connecticut. Outwards, Cor
nelius Bennington and Thomas Lanyon for Roanoke. Foreign Inwards,
Joseph Flint in the Prudent Hannah from Barbadoes. Cleared
Outwards, For Jamaica, Thomas Hunt Sloop Panther: For Sur-
ranam, Joseph Dean, Briganteen Dragon Jeremiah Gushing, Sloop
Industry: For Fyall, Thomas Gilbert, Briganteen Goodwill: For
Antigua, John Alder, Briganteen Diamond. Outward bound. For
Antigua, John Porter, Sloop Mary: For Monserrat, Francis Norris,
Sloop Seaflower; For Lisbon, Richard Thomas, Port-Merchant: For
126 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: .... Vol. VIII,
541. See News-Letter No. 84 ante.
271
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, NOVEMBER 26, 1705
Curacoa, Simon Ranie, Sloop Charles, and John Sharp, Sloop Four
Friends.
On Saturday arrived Capt. Legay from Barbadoes, in the Prize
Ship, mentioned in our Numb. 80, taken by Capt. Mitchel Commander
of Her Majesties Ship the Weymouth.
Last week we had a spell of very cold Weather; and on Saturday
it Snow d.
Bfcvertisements.
A Gentleman in Boston has 150 or 200 Pounds to Lend at Interest
-/JLupon Good Security: Inquire of John Campbell Post-Master in
Boston, and know further.
This is to give Notice, That whereas the Southern Post from
Boston to Rhode-Island, for the Three Winter Months of Decem
ber, January and February, went & came once a Fortnight, as the
Western Post to New- York still goes ; That for the better Advantage
of Commerce and Trade, The said Southern Post goes out and returns
in said Months once every Week, viz. He sets out from Boston every
Monday at Six a Clock in the afternoon, and returns every Saturday;
And every other Monday of the aforesaid Months, the Southern Post
carrys with him the Western Male for Connecticut and New- York.
And in regard the days are short and bad Travelling in said Months,
These are also to give Notice, That the Eastern Post from Boston
to Piscataqua, sets out every Monday s night at 7 a Clock and returns
every Saturday. And all Persons are to bring their Letters to the
Post-Office for the Southern and W T estern Post at Five a Clock in the
afternoon; and for the Eastern Post at Six a Clock, and not to
exceed.
be Sold at the Post-Office in Boston; The Monthly Mercury s
at 12 Pence a piece, London-Gazetts, Flying Posts, Post-man,
Post-Boy, and Observators, at Two pence a piece: So that any person
in Town or Country, in this and the Neighbouring Provinces, may
have the same agreeing with John Campbell Post-Master for all,
or any of the same.
Also to be Sold at the Post-Office in Boston the Gazateer, or News
man s Interpreter, being a Geographical Index of all the Considerable
Cities, Partriarchips, Bishopricks, Universities, Dukedoms, Earl
doms, and such like; Imperial and Hance-Towns, Ports, Forts,
Castles, etc. in EUROPE. Shewing in what Kingdoms, Provinces,
Countries, they are; to what Prince they are now Subject; upon, or
nigh what Rivers, Bays, Seas, Mountains, etc. they stand; their
distances (in English miles) from several other places of Note, with
their Longitude & Latitude, according to the best and approved
MAPS. Of special use for the true Understanding of all Modern
272
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 3, 1705
Histories of Europe, as well as the present Affairs; explaining by
Abbreviations and Figures, for Conveniency of Cheapness & Pocket
carriage; with the Addition of a Table of the Births, Marriages, etc.
of all the Kings, Princes, and Potentates, of EUROPE.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1FL )6. flumb. 85.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOUDay November 26. to /IDonDa# December 3. 1705.
AS-NY
I" A FFAIRS in Bavaria, Poland, Spain and elsewhere are reported
I jT\in letters of May date, and one of June 2 from Hague, Ham-
L burg, Lisbon, Ratisbon and other capitals and from the military
camps before Valentia and Albuquerque. All but three quarters of
a column of the two pages of the number are thus filled.]
Boston, On Tuesday the 27th Novemb. arrived here Robert Gold
in a Sloop from Newfoundland, who came from St. Johns the 1st said
Month, & says That Her Majesty s Ships, the Litchfield Prize, and
Angelsey, with the 2 Store Ships, having the Forces on Board, and
the Merchantman that came out of England in company with them
were arrived at Neivfoundland the 29th of October last: The Men of
War in their voyage took a French Prize, whom they released again,
upon condition of paying a considerable Sum of Money, for which
they took Hostages for this payment.
On Wednesday the 28th Novemb. Anthony Haleing Mariner dyed
suddenly; he was a person much addicted to Prophaness and In
temperance, he had newly undertaken a Voyage for Barbadoes, with
Capt. John Foster; and a little ere he dyed, he was helping to carry
some Sails to the Boat which lay at S earless Wharf, and having put
the Sails into the Boat, Capt. Foster s Mate desired him to go and
help to bring down the small Arms; to which he replyed that he
would dye ere he would be a Porter to any body, and while the other
was gone for the Arms, the said Haleing was suddenly taken with
an extreme pain athwart his Breast, the anguish whereof made him
wish that God would stop his breath, & so dyed suddenly; Tis said
that he used formerly to be taken with those pains.
On the Lords Day the 25th of November last Dyed the Pious and
Virtuous Mrs. Sarah Allen, Wife of the Reverend Mr. James Allen:
Aged 67. And was Interred on the Wednesday following.
273
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 10, 1705
By Capt. Gillam, The Governour received Her Majesty s Bounty
rto this Province, consisting o: Twenty Piece of Cannon, with all
.necessary Stores and Provision for their Mounting, (which was
Landed on Castle-Island the 30th Instant) as a particular mark of
her Majesties Favour for the Defence of this Province.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Smallage from Rhode Island. Out
wards, Kelly and Parker for Piscataqiia, and Graf ton for Salem,
Foreign Inwards Robert Gold Sloop Mary from Newfoundland.
Cleared Outwards, Joseph Wallis in John and Deborah, for Virginia,
Moses Abbot, in John and Mary for Maryland. Outward Bound,
For Coratuck John Webster, Briganteen Endeavour, Antigua, David
Bucklin, Briganteen Randol: Thomas Symkins, Ketch Marymack,
St. Christophers, Ebenezar Breed Ketch Good-hope; South Carolina,
John Elliot, Sloop Nonsuch; Barbadoes, John Corney, Briganteen
Dorothy; Virginia, Noah Chamne, in Endeavour; Jamaica, Nathan
iel Balston, in the Elizabeth and Mary.
HDverttsement
[Reprinted: the News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1ft, jg. Bumb,
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /lDon&a$ December 3. to /IDonDa^ December 10. 1705.
AS NY
r/T-AHERE are four pages to this number, all but one and a half
JL columns being filled with domestic news. Under May and
* June dates are numerous dispatches from London, Hague, Vienna,
Turin, Berlin, Frankfort, Milan, Naples and elsewhere, which for the
most part give particulars concerning the campaign in Spain. The Lon
don matter includes a proclamation by the queen, dated May 30, 1705.]
New-York, Nov. 27. Her Majesties Ships, the Nonsuch, Mare-
maid and Deal-Castle, with the Jamaica Fleet, and other vessels
under their Convoy bound for England, have lain Wind bound since
Fry day last at the watering place: The Wind is now at S. W. and if
it veres more Northerly, they ll put to Sea this day or tomorrow.
Several Vessels will Sail in 10 days for Barbadoes, Jamaica, Madera,
Curacoa, & other ports of the West Indies.
Piscataqua December 6th. Capt. Chamberlin in the Ship Rebecca of
300 Tuns, Designs to Sail tor Lisbon about a Month or Five Weeks hence.
274
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 10, 1705
Boston, Sundry Acts passed by the Great and General Court or
Assembly of Her Majesties Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, in
New-England: Begun and Held at Boston the Thirtieth of May
1705 and continued by several Prorogations unto Wednesday the
Twenty-fourth of October following, and then met, being their Third
Session. Published December the 6th. Viz.
An Act Directing the Method of Payment of Soldiers.
An Act for Regulating the Assize of Cask for Tar, Pitch, Turpen
tine, and Rozin, and for preventing Frauds and Deceit in said Com
modities.
An Act in Addition to the Act for due Regulation of Weights and
Measures
An Act in Addition to and Explanation of the Act relating to Sure
ties upon Mean Process in Civil Actions
An Act against burning of Houses.
An Act to prevent Fraud in Cord-Wood exposed to Sale
An Act for the better preventing of a Spurious & mixt Issue
A Private Act in a Case between Robert Bartlet and Erasmus
James.
On Wednesday the 5th. Currant His Excellency Prorogued the
General Assembly to the last Wednesday of February next.
On Fryday His Excellency went from Roxbury for His Govern
ment of New- Hampshire.
The Fleet for Barbadoes, and the Leward Islands under Convoy
of Her Majesties Ship the Deptford, Capt. Stoucley Commander,
Designs to Sail on Wednesday next ; j several of the Merchant-men are
Ships of good force.
On Wednesday dyed Mr. Henry Sargeant Merchant and was Interr d
on Fryday last.
Coasters Entered Outwards, Duncan and Wair for Piscataqua.
Jeremiah Vail for Roanock. Foreign Inwards from St. Thomas,
Andrew Wager in Ketch Mary, Jamaica, Bartholomew Green in
Briganteen Swan, Newfoundland, Richard Friend in Sloop Content.
Cleared Outwards for Barbadoes 11 Ships, viz. Captains Samuel
Rymes in the Barbadoes Merchant, John Foster in the Sarah, Richard
Fy field in the Swallow, John Alden in the Swallow, William Alden
in the Content, John] Henderson in the Swan, Azor Gale in the Friend
ship, Thomas Thacher in the Charles Galley, Thomas Savill in the
Two Brothers, James Bridgham in the Hampton, William Holberton
in the Ann, And 8 Briganteens, viz. Captains John Corney in the
Dorothy, John Welch in the Hannah, Joseph Everton in the Elizabeth,
John Pullen in the Dove, Joseph Newill in the Endeavour, John
Walker in the Hopewell, John Welch in the Larke, Tobias Green in
275
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 10, 1705
the May Flower: and 4 Sloops, viz. Abraham Cording m the Fortune,
James Barnes in the Swan, Stephen Cross in the Endeavour, and John
Porter in the Mary. For Jamaica, John Ventiman in the Ship Martha
& Elizabeth. For Curacoa, Simon Rame in the Sloop Charles. For
Lisbon, Richard Thomas in the Sloop Oporto Merchant. For Madera
Noah Gville in the Sloop Adventure. Outward bound for Jamaica ,
Jeffery Bedgood in the Sloop Two Brothers, Barbadoes, William Cham-
berlin in the Sloop Blessing, Robert Gold Sloop May, and Nathaniel
Harris in Briganteen Swallow, Fyall Jeremiah Tay in Briganteen
John & Ann, Antigua, John Tayler Sloop Katherine, Topsham, William
Bevis in Ship Peace.
B&vertisement
T) an-away from his Master William Pepperil Esqr. at Kittery in
-*^the Province of Maine, a Negro Man-Slave named Peter, aged
about 20, Speaks good English, of a pretty brown Complexion, middle
Stature, has on a mixt gray home-spun Coat, white home-spun Jacket
and Breeches, French fall Shoes, sad coloured Stockings, of a mixt
worsted pair, and a black Hat, Whosoever shall take up said Negro >
and bring or convey him safe to his said Master, or secure him and
send notice of him either to his Master, or to Andrew Belcher Esqr.
at Boston, shall be well rewarded for his pains, and all reasonable
charges paid besides.
T ately Deserted Her Majesties Service in the Province of Main,
an Indian Man (under the Command of Cap. Joseph Brown)
named Isaac Purnmatick, was seen at Newbury, in Company with the
above Runaway Negro; he is a short Fellow not very thick, speaks
very good English, he liv d formerly with Mr. Samuel Thackster of
Hingham; he has on English Cloaths, a sad coloured old coat, or
else a new light coulered drugget Coat with buttons, holes and lining
of black, black breeches, gray yarn Stockings, a black hat almost
new. Whosoever shall apprehend said Indian, him convey to his
said Captain, or to Andrew Belcher Esqr. at Boston, shall have a
sufficient reward besides his Charges.
T ately Deserted Her Majesties Service at Kittery Garison in the
- Province of Maine, David Thomas Souldier, a W T elsh-man, aged
about 30 years, pretty short and thick stature, dark brown coloured
hair; hath on a new white Cape cloth Watch Coat, under that an
old sad coloured strait bodied Coat and Jacket, gray yarn stockings,
and an old black Hat. Whosoever shall apprehend said Deserter,
and him safely convey to his said Post, or to Andrew Belcher Esqr.
at Boston, shall have satisfaction to Content, besides his charges.
TPo be Sold in Boston at the Ware-house of Mr. James Leblond on
* the Long Wharf near the Swing-Bridge, New Lisbon Salt at
276
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 17, 1705
28s. per Hogshead, & 4s. per Bushel; also Rum, Sugar, Mollasses,
Wine, Brandy, sweet Oyl, Indigo, Brasilet, Cocoa, Chocolat, with
all sorts of Spice, either by Wholesale or Retale, at reasonable Rates-
[Reprinted: News Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1FL JS. IRumb. 87.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /BSOUfca^, December 10. to jflDon&a December 17. 1705.
NY
ARLY all this issue is filled with foreign news, which consists
mostly of reports concerning the military movements in different
parts of the continent of Europe. The domestic news is incon
siderable, being limited to four items which, with four advertise
ments, occupy about three quarters of a column.]
Piscataqua, Decemb. 13. His Excellency arrived here on Tuesday
the llth Currant, and designs to return from hence on Wednesday
or Thursday next.
Boston, The Western Post not yet come in.
The Outward Bound Fleet for Barbadoes & the Leward Islands, lye
Wind bound at Nantasket.
Coasters Entered Outwards, William Rodes for Coratuck. Foreign
Inwards, Ebenezar Parker from Pensilvania. Cleared Outwards,
for Barbadoes, John Ela in Briganteen Dove, John Price Sloop Austin
Galley, Nicholas Laurence Ship Endeavour, William Chamberlin
Barque Blessing, Philip Lewis Briganteen Hope, Robert Gold Sloop
Mary, Anthony Haywood Ship Eagle, Joseph Small Ketch Seaflower:
For Antigua, Nathaniel Perkins Brig. Success. For St Christophers,
Will. Dounten Sloop Joseph and Betty: For Ciiracoa, John Sharp
Sloop Four Friends: For Coratuck, Robert Starke, Sloop Thomas.
Outward Bound, For Jamaica, John Buckley, Briganteen Abigail
and Sarah; For Barbadoes, Walter Oglesbie, Briganteen Martha,
Joseph Flint, in Ship Prudent Hannah: For Montserat, Samuel
Edwards, in Briganteen William and Mary.
B>\>erttsement0.
A Certain Person wants to Borrow Thirty Pound upon good
Security; Any Person that has said Sum, or any greater to Lend;
may repair to John Campbell Post-Master, and know further.
[Reprinted: runaway slave of William Pepperil, as in December 10;
277
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 24, 1705
deserter from the queen s service in Maine as in December 10; News-
Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1ft. j. mumb* 88.
The Boft on Newsletter.
From /IDonfca^ December 17. to /IDOttfcaE December 24. 1705.
AS-NY
[P
RINCIPALLY foreign war news fills three columns of this two
page number, from Milan, Hague, Ratisbon and other cities
and "from the Imperial Camp at Gavardo, June 5, 1705."]
New-York, Decemb. 11 On the 30th past arrived here Hicks from
Rhode-Island, and Courteen from Curacoa, who advises, that a Trad
ing Sloop from said Port of 60 Men, was attacked by a Spanish Priva
teer Briganteen of 80 Men, who boarded the Sloop; That those of
the Sloop killed 50 of the Privateers, wounded 15, and took her, and
Carried her into Curacoa; She is thought to be the Briganteen that
was in the Service of the Island of Barbadoes, which the Men ran
away with.
On the 1st Instant, Her Majesty s Ships of War the Nonsuch,
Maremaid and Deal-Castle, with the Jamaica Fleet and other Vessels
under their Convoy, Sailed from Sandyhook for England, the Wind at
North West.
On said day arrived Adolph from Boston, and Spencer from St.
Thomas
On the 5th Currant arrived here Her Majesty s Ship the Triton
Prize from England who came out from Plimoth with Captains Gil-
lam and Mason, that are arrived at Boston.
Outward bound are several Vessels for Curacoa, Jamaica, Barba
does, Antigua, Madera, Carolina & a Sloop for Rhode-Island.
Capts. Pennistone, Tongrelow, and Van-Tyle in 3 Ships, and also
2 Sloops Sails this week on Privateering.
Boston; The Seminary at Quebeck said to be burnt No 84. Was a
large, fair, and costly Building. The flaming Shingles of it, flew to
a distant Chappel, and set that on fire; By the near Neighbourhood
of this little Chappel, a high Cross charg d with a Crucifix, was Sur-
pris d: Upon the Burning and Fall whereof, take this short Elegy;
In Obitum Crucis
Gallica crux aequam flammam sentire coacta est:
Ista salus fallax, igne probata peril.
278
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 24, 1705
I do turn nihil est; restat de stipite Ion go
Nescio quid cineris, quern Papit urna brevis.
On Tuesday the 18th. Currant arrived here Thomas Ball in a Sloop
from Holland and England, who Sailed from Plimouth the 25th of
October, in Company with a Fleet of about 40 Sail, under Convoy
of 4 Men of War, two whereof was bound for Guinea, the other two,
viz. the Woolage and Advice with several Vessels for Virginia, with
whom came out Capt. Wilde for Boston, two Briganteens for New-
York, and other two for Philadelphia; with several Vessels for the
West-Indies, Jamaica and Carolina. Her Majesty s Men of War
for Virginia took a French Merchant-man of 300 Tons from Martinico,
loaden with Sugar, Indigo and Cocoa; and they designed to touch
at Madera. Mr. Ball says, That Catalenia had revolted to King Charles
the 3d. That Barcelona was besieged by the Confederate Forces,
and generally concluded to be now in King Charles s possession. That
the Grand Fleet is said to Winter in the Streights. That the Mast
Fleet bound hither designed to sail in March next. That Capts.
Ueasembly in the Dudley Frigot, and Carlile in the Swan Briganteen,
both belonging to Boston were Lost in a Storm coming from the
Isle of Wight to Plimouth. Mr. Ball parted with the Fleet 5 days
after they left the Lands-End of England, about 150 Leagues to the
Westward but Capt. Wilde & the Vessels for New-York and Phila
delphia kept still with the Fleet.
Last Three Weeks we had a Spell of very good Weather, till Fry-
day night about 7 a Clock it began to Snow, and continued all Satur
day till about 7 at night ; so that there fell a pritty big Snow.
The Fleet for Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands under Convoy of
Her Majesties Ship the Deptford, are still Wind-bound at Nantasket
ready to imbrace the first fair Wind.
Entered Foreign Inwards, From Jamaica, Joseph Pusifer, Sarah
Briganteen; from Plimouth, Thomas Ball Sloop Elizabeth Cleared
Outwards for Barbadoes, Jonathan Lambert, Ship Industry, Naianiel
Harris Briganteen Swallow, Thomas Symkins, Providence Briganteen;
for St Christophers Daniel Whyborne Sloop Hawck; for Antigua, Wil
Rowland, Sloop Seaflower; for Coratuck, Thomas Bell, Sloop Gray-
hound. Outward Bound for Carolina, Gill Belcher, Ship Tryal.
The Eastern Post not yet come in.
The Southern and Western Post Sets out on Monday the 24th.
at Six a Clock at night: The Southern Post goes out and comes
in every W r eek, and the Western once a Fortnight.
BCwertfsements
A Certain Person wants to Borrow Thirty Pound upon good
Security; Any Person that has said Sum, or any greater to Lend,
279
THE BOSTON 1 NEWS-LETTER, DECEMBER 31, 1705
may repair to John Campbell Post-Master, and know further.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18.]
1FL jg. mumb. 89.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDon&a\> December 24. to jflDOlUmp December 31. 1705.
AS-NY
f A GAIN a four page number, seven columns being filled with
I ./^foreign news and one with domestic. Under June dates from
^ Paris, Hague, Venice, Turin, Vienna, Rome, Hamburg, Madrid
and elsewhere are reports of the campaigns in Portugal, Italy, Hun
gary and other parts of Europe. The domestic news includes a
Thanksgiving proclamation of Governor Dudley.]
Boston, On Tuesday the 25th. Instant His Excellency arrived at
Roxbury from His Government of N. Hampshire.
On Wednesday Sailed from Nantasket the Outward bound Fleet
for Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands under Convoy of Her Majesties
Ship the Deptford.
By his Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY Esq.
Captain General and Governour in Chief in and over Her
Majesties Provinces of the Massachusetts- Bay and New-Hamp
shire in New- England.
A PROCLAMATION for a General Thanksgiving.
IT having pleased Almighty GOD of his Great Goodness & Mercy,
to Afford his Protection and Assistance to her Sacred Majesty in the
Just War, in which for the common Safety of Her Majesties Realms,
and for disappointing the boundless Ambition of France, Her Majesty
is now Engaged; And hath given to Her Majesties Arms, in con
junction with Her Allies, under the Command of his Grace the Duke
of Marlborough, Captain General of Her Majesties Land Forces,
after their having forced the French Lines in the Spanish Netherlands,
a Signal and Glorious Victory over the Forces of Her Majesties Enimies
within those Lines.
And such Great and Publick Blessings calling for Publick and
Solemn Acknowledgements.
I Do, by Her Majesties Especial Command, and with the Advice of
Her Majesties Council, Order, and Appoint, That a General THANKS
GIVING to A Imighty GOD, for these His Mercies, be Religiously Observed
throughout these Provinces, upon Thursday the 24th of January next:
Exhorting both Ministers & People in their Publick Assemblies in the
280
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 7, 1706
said Day, most devoutly to Celebrate the Praises of Almighty GOD, for
His So Great Favours and Blessings bestowed: And all Servile Labour
is hereby forbidden on the said Day.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the 27th Day of Decemb.
1705. In the Fourth Year of Her Majesties Reign.
By Order of His Excellency
the Governour & Council, /. DUDLEY,
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
No Vessels Entered either Out or In this Week.
Last Week the first five Days thereof, we had extream Cold Freez
ing Weather. Fryday was moderate, and Saturday a Northerly Storm
of Snow.
On the 30th arrived here Capt. Wilde from England mentioned in
our Last, who arrived below the Castle on Fryday the 28th, where
his Vessel still lyes, because of the Ice in the River: He parted with
the Fleet for Virginia, and the Vessels for New-York etc. (whereof
Capt. Jeffers was one) in Latitude of 32.
HDverttsements
[Repeated : advertisement of runaway slave, as first in December 10.]
1706
1R. je. Bumb. 90.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /iDOUfcap December 31. to /IDOUDa^ January 7. 1705. 6.
NY
fT?OREIGNnews fills nearly three of the four columns of this issue.
[^.F Included therein is the address of the lord lieutenant to the
English Parliament, at the close of the session in June, 1705, and
the address of the Irish Parliament to the queen in June, with the
answer of the queen. Under the Boston date on the second page
is more than a column of short foreign news items.]
Jamaica, Octob. 30. Mr. John Wing from Boston arrived here
last night. Capt. Allen commander of Her Majesties Ship the Mon
tague, lately brought in here a French Merchant man of 30 Guns,
bound to Carthagene, richly Loaden.
281
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 7, 1706
Philadelphia, Decemb. 17. Capt. Guy from London arrived here
the 9//z. Currant, He left Plimouth the 2oth. of October, under Convoy
of 2 Men of War for Virginia, the Woollage and Advice &c. by whom
we are advised [Here are several items of foreign news.] Capt. Kerney
in a Briganteen from Ireland arrived the loth, instant, who about a
Week ago spoke with a Briganteen about 60 Leagues off our Coast
which had been a Month out of Jamaica, bound for Boston, he for
got the Masters Name.
Mr. James Townsend of Boston dyed at Cohanzey.
New-York Decemb. 24. Rolland in a Sloop from Jamaica arrived
the 13th. in 6 Weeks time.
On the 19th. instant, The Private Ship of War call d the Castle
Del Key of 130 Tons, 18 Guns, Capt. Otto Van Tyle Commander,
Sailed from Jackques Bay (about 10 Miles from hence) and in going
down towards Sandyhook with an easy Gale of Wind, She struck
upon the East bank and stuck there; They sent some of their men
on Shoar in their Cannoo for boats to assist them, but that night a
hard Gale of Wind Sprung up between W. & N. W. and Froze very
hard, the Ship began to fill with Water: A Sloop and large Boat was
sent down, but it Friezing and blowing so hard, they would not ven
ture to relieve them, for fear of running the same fate of being a
ground, and so Froze or Drowned : The next Morning the Gale con
tinued hard all day, and the men were all alive upon the Deck and
in the Shrowds the Sea beating over them : And on Fryday Morning
the Wind abating, a Boat went on board and found but 4 of the
men alive; The Captain and all the rest being Froze and Drowned,
there was 145 men, on board when She Sailed, who all perished but
13, & 132 died in this deplorable manner. Here are Widows Lament
ing the loss of their Husbands, and Parents their Children : Tis said
about 80 or 90 of the men were English, Scotch and Irish, and the
rest of Dutch Parentage, most born in this Country.
Capts Tongrelow and Peniston Sailes this day on Privateering, and
Capt. Joyner for Jamaica; all our outward bound Vessels will Sail
in 2 or 3 days, the Winter being set in severely.
Boston, The Advice we have from England per Captain Wild by
Prints and Letters are [Here follows a column and a half of foreign news.]
Letters from Bristol to London, Octob. 3. Advise of one of the
Jamaica Fleet s being arrived there, who sustained a Leak in the
great Storm mentioned in our No. 72, and 73. that said Fleet met
with, whereby she lost 100 Hogsheads of Sugar; and stopping her
Leak, Sailed Onwards to England, and supposes that several of the
Fleet put in to Virginia and New-England to refit.
282
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 14. 1706
Of all which we shall Marge in our succeeding
Prints, as we usually do
Capt. William Bevis in Ship Peace for Topsham in England, intends
to Sail within a Fortnight, Wind and Weather permitting.
On Saturday arrived [blank] Pain from South -Carolina. Last Week
was moderate Weather for the season of the year, it Snow d a little
on Thursday morning, and it begun to Snow on Saturday about noon,
and there fell a pritty deal that night.
Entered Foreign Inwards, from London, John Wild Ship Dove.
Cleared Outwards for Madera, Walter Oglesbie, Briganteen Martha.
Outward bound for St. Christophers, Thomas Clark Sloop Endeavour,
Monserrat Thomas Ball Sloop Elizabeth.
JSS^All the Posts came in on Saturday, and sets out again on
Monday the 7th Currant, at 6 & 7 at night : The Eastern and Southern
to go and come once a week, and the Western Post once a fortnight.
Hfcx>erttsements.
I A O be Sold by Mr Peter Signiac Merchant in Boston, at a very
-*- reasonable Rate, Five Copper Stills, one whereof contains 180
Gallons, two other 100 Gallons each, a 4th. contains 60 Gallons, and
the 5th 30 Gallons, all weighing about 800 weight, with 5 worms
and Tubbs fit for the said Stills: As also Ten Cisterns, three whereof
Square, each containing about 1200 Gallons, one ditto round con
taining 1000 Gallons, six ditto containing about 300 Gallons each;
Two Pumps with Iron handles, 12 Pales, one Hogshead with a Copper
Cock, 5 Iron Doors, Two great Shovels, Two pair of Tongs, one Fork,
and five Iron Shutters ; with all their Appurtenances to be seen in the
back Street behind Capt. Anthony Checkly s house in Boston at the
Still-House which was formerly Mr. Peter Chardon s.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18, 1705.]
fU J. Bumb, 91.
The Bofton News-Letter
From /IDOItDaE January 7. to jflDOtlftag January 14, 1705. 6.
NY
|" / TpWO and a half columns of this issue are filled with foreign news
[ JL of the war on the continent, and of public affairs, under June,
1705, dates from Paris, Rome, Berlin, Vienna, London, Dresden
and elsewhere.]
South-Carolina, Nov. 11. We have had here for a considerable
283
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 14, 1706
time, a Feaver attended with an unusual Ague, that few or no Families
in Town or Country but what has been visited with it, while it was
warm weather twas not mortal, but since cold weather came in
many have died, and several persons of Note, and we hear that it
has been very mortal among the Indians. There is a Vessel lately
arrived here from England.
Piscataqua, January llth. On Fryday the 4th. Currant several
Gentlemen went from hence as far as Hampton to meet Mr. Jonathan
Belcher Merchant of Boston, where he was met being accompanyed
by several Gentlemen, and arrived here the said night in order to his
Marriage on Tuesday the 8th. Instant, being his Birthday, unto Mrs.
Mary Partridge Daughter to William Partridge Esq. late Lieutenant
Governour of this Province; But at the motion of the Gentlemen
that accompanyed him, they were Marry ed the same night as he
came off his Journey in his Boots: The Wedding was Celebrated on
the Tuesday following, where there was a Noble and Splendid Enter
tainment for the Guests, and honoured with a Discharge of the Great
Guns of the Fort, &c. 127
Twill be three Weeks ere Capt. Chamberlin for Lisbone will be
ready to Sail, being hindered by the severity of the Weather.
Marblehead, Jan 12: On Saturday the 5th Currant, arrived here
the Ship Sarah Galley of Boston of 12 Guns, 22 men, Capt. Andrew
Wilson Commander, from Bonira, about 7 weeks Passage, who left
Barbadoes the 23d of October last, bound for Saltertuda, and in his
Passage met with a French Privateer Sloop, about 80 men, and a
Loaden Ship with her, which they supposed to be her Prize: And
Capt. Wilson judging he could not run from the Privateer, stood
away for him, and soon came up with each other; whereupon Capt.
Wilson hailed up his Sails, he and his men retiring to their close
Quarters, prepared to Fight; The Privateer presently boarded him,
& clapt a considerable number of his men on board; Wilson and he
were Lashed board and board about an hour. The Privateers find
ing it to hot for them on his Deck, their Gratings being all secured
that they could not penetrate into his close Quarters, most of them
went on board their own Sloop again, and from thence ply d their
small Arms on Wilson, and Wilson on them, till at last the Privateer
was glad to cut his Lashings and get clear of him ; and left 3 Fuzees,
127 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 151, under date Jan^ 9, also
note; also pp. 152-153, under date Jan* 12 [1705/6]. Jonathan Belcher: later
Governor Belcher of Massachusetts (1730-1741); afterward Governor of New
Jersey (1745-1757) till his death. He was born in Cambridge, son of Andrew
Belcher, and his wife who was a daughter of Deputy Governor Danforth of
Massachusetts under the colonial charter; and grandson of Andrew Belcher, an
early inn-keeper of Cambridge.
284
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 14, 1706
3 Swords, and some Axes and Pistols behind them on Wilson s Deck
and one of their men dead in his Chains; and they judge that they
kill d many of the Privateer s men, because they saw several fall and
thrown down into their Hold, and the blood running very plentifully
out of their Scuppers; Capt. Wilson had no men kill d, only himself
and Son received several Wounds; at parting Capt. Wilson discharged
two Great Guns loaden with small Shot, which he supposes did great
execution among the Privateers men. 128
Boston, By a person come from Cape-Cod we are acquainted, That
a Ketch Outward Bound from Salem, William Brown Master, who
had besides himself, a Mate, 2 men and a Boy on board her, was
Cast away on Sandy Poynt the 22d of December last ; The Mate and
one of the men were drowned; the Master brought the Boy in his
Arms 2 or 3 miles, who then dyed; and the Master lies now danger
ously ill, & tis doubted if he will recover.
On Tuesday the 8th. Currant, being the day designed for the
Marriage of Mr. Jonathan Belcher of Piscataqua, There was several
great Guns discharged at his Father Capt. Andrew Belcher Esqr s.
Wharffe, and aboard of several Ships. 129
On the 13th Dyed here Mr. David Jess, Goldsmith.
Last Week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, were extream
Cold, the rest of the days was moderate Weather.
Foreign Entered Inwards, from South-Carolina, Stephen Paine in
Ketch Martha. Cleared Outwards for Monserrat Francis Norris
in Sloop Seaflower, Antigua, Robert Carver in Briganteen Plimouth,
Thomas Gwin Briganteen Elizabeth, Ephraim Breed Ketch Good-
hope, Beamsly Perkins Ship Eagle Galley. Nevis William Webber
in Rose Briganteen. Jamaica, John Bulkley in Briganteen Abigail
& Sarah, Jeffery Bedgood Sloop Two Brothers. Outward bound,
South-Carolina, Samuel Boyes in Briganteen Susanna; Barbadoes>
Jacob Legay, Mitchels Prize, Jamaica, Bartholomew Green in Swan
Briganteen.
Hfcvertisements.
ON Fry day next the 18th. Currant at three a Clock in the after
noon will be exposed to Sale at the House of Mr. William Hill
near the Dock in Boston, twenty nine half Barrels of Leaf, and 40
Rolls of Spun Tobacco. To be seen at Her Majesty s Custom-House
in Office hours.
128 Captain Andrew Willson : earlier captain of the ship Grey hound, em
ployed in 1703 on the queen s service in guarding the coast against^ French
privateers ; and in 1704 in Colonel Benjamin Church s expedition against the
French and Indians.
129 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 153, under date Janv 23
[1705/6]. Also, note 127, p. 284.
285
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 21, 1706
[Reprinted: advertisement of Peter Signiac, as in January 7;
News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 18, 1705.]
fl. . TRumb. 92.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOn&a January 14. to flDOnDa January 21. 1705, 6.
NY
FT3EGINNING the first column of the first page of this issue is a
|^-Ddispatch "From the Duke of Marlborough s Camp at Vlierbeck
July 20, N. S." giving the details of a battle near Hespen in the
Spanish Netherlands, July 17 and 18, and including a list of the French
and Bavarian officers and soldiers then captured, and the standards
and colours taken. There is also the proclamation of the queen for
a public thanksgiving. The domestic news is confined to less than
half a column.]
Philadelphia, Jan. 1st. Thursday the 10th. Currant is the day
appointed for Publick Thanksgiving, for the Signal Victory obtained
by His Grace the Duke Marlborough, &c.
New- York Jan. 7th. Capts. Tongrelow & Peniston with great
difficulty got to Sea the 26 th last. Christmas day being the Coldest
that was ever felt here: Hudsons River was froze over and continued
fast several days, the severe cold lasted three days.
On the 1st Instant arrived here the Ship N. York Merchant, Thomas
Jeffers Master, came out of Plimouth 25 of October with the Virginia
Fleet, under Convoy of 2 Men of War, and in Company with those for
Boston.
To Morrow is appointed a Publick day of Thanksgiving for the
Success of Her Majesties Arms, &c.
Outward bound, Wessels & Milburn for Antigua, Dunscum for
Barbadoes, Wells & Stillwell for St. Thomas, Pitman for Curacoa and
Rolland for Jamaica.
Boston, Last Week was very moderate Weather for the Season.
Cleared, Outwards for Virginia, Noah Chamne in Ship Endeavour,
Nevis, Richard Butler Sloop Adventure; Madera, Fortune Redduck
Sloop St. Christophers; Antigua, David Bucklin Brigt. Randol;
Monserrat, Thomas Ball Sloop Elizabeth, and Samuel Edwards
Briganteen William and Mary.
On the 20th Currant, Dyed here the Lady MARY PHIPPS, 130
130 Lady Mary Phips: widow of Sir William Phips. See Diary of Samuel
Sewall, Vol. II, p. 153, under date Lord s Day, Jany 20. Also, same page,
under date Jany 25th [1705/6].
286
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JANUARY 28, 1706
Wife of Peter Seargent Esqr. 131 And also Mrs. Jane Pembrook, 132
Wife of Mr. Elkanah Pembrook.
Hfcvertteement.
RAn-away from their Master Capt. Richard Petterson of South-
Carolina about the latter end of Septemb. last, Three Negro
Men Slaves, viz. Shippio, aged about 29 years, Jack about 17. and
Jacob about 13 years old, and judged to be come to some of the Prov
inces to the Southward of the Massachusetts-Bay: Whosoever
shall take up all or any of said Negro s, and him or them safely Con
vey or Transport to his or their said Master, or to Mr. Joseph Emmons
of Boston, or give any true Intelligence of them, so as their Master
may have them again, shall be sufficiently rewarded, and all reasonable
charges paid besides.
1FL J6* Bumb, 93.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOUDag January 21. to /IDOU&aE January 28 1705. 06
NY
f T^HIS issue begins with a letter from the Canary Islands, giving
I JL an account of the earthquakes on Teneriffe, December 24 -
February 23, 1705, introduced with the following editorial
paragraph :
"In our Last we promts d to return where we Left off, to carry on the
Foreign Occurrences: But a most Remarkable Providence occurring
to us, since we were on that of April last, we must yet beg leave of our
Undertakers to give them the Account thereof in the same words as
it is in the Mercury of said Month."
Other foreign news is from Hague, Vienna, Turin and Paris under
June and July, 1705, dates. The domestic news is limited to two
Boston items, and there are three advertisements.]
Boston, Capt. Brown from Wells, Capt. Tyng from Dunstable,
and Capt. Stevens from Haveril, are Marched into the Woods with
40 Men each, and 15 days Provision, to Scout from Connecticut River
to Sacho River, Forty Miles above the Heads of the Fronteers, to
discover any Stragling Indians in the Woods.
Entered Foreign Inwards, Andrew Wilson, in Sarah Gaily from
B[o]nite. Cleared Outwards, for South Carolina, Jonathan Hunlock,
in Stephen and Samuel. For Antigua, Nicholas Davison Brigt.
131 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 154, under date Jany 26 [1705/6].
Also, p. 174, note 2, to entry Dec r 18, 1706.
132 See Diary of Semuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 153, under date Tuesday
22 [1705/61.
287
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER.. FEBRUARY 4, 1706
Welcome, Zachary Alden Ketch Merrimack, John Taylor in Sloop
Kathrin & Ann. For Fyal, Jeremiah Tay in Brigt. John & Ann.
Outward bound for Barbadoes, Mathew Vibert Ship Friends- Ad ven
ture, John FisherJSloop Blackthorn. For Jamaica, Joseph Pulsifer
in Brigt. Sarah.
a&vertisements.
THese are to give Notice unto all Persons that are Indebted unto
John Childe of Boston Taylor, to repair unto his Shop at the
North End of said Town, near Scarlet s Wharff; where Messeurs
William Hobby and Francis Thresher Attorneys to the said Childe,
will Attend on Tuesday and Fryday in every Week, until the first
day of March next, to Adjust Accompts with the said Debtors: But
upon their Neglect to meet the said Attorneys on the days, and in the
time aforesaid, They must expect Lawfull Process to be made against
them.
ON Thursday the 31st. Currant, at 5 a Clock in the afternoon,
will be exposed to Sale by Inch of Candle 133 at the Coffee-House
of Mr. Robert Guttridge in Boston, a Parcel of old Woolen Cards,
about 22 dozen more or less, to be put up at 3 Shillings Per dozen;
to advance 3 Pence each bidding, and to be seen at the Warehouse
of Mr. John George Merchant, at the Dock.
A LL Persons in Town & Country may have this News-Letter
-^^every Week by the Year, upon reasonable Terms, agreeing with
John Campbell Post-master of Boston for the same.
1ft. j. IRumb. 94.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /iDcmfcag January 28. to flDonCmE February 4 1705, 6.
NY
F TpHIS issue is a four page folio, to accommodate the report of the
JL meeting of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, July 3, 1705,
with the address of the queen, and the speeches of the duke
of Argyle and the earl of Scofield. There are also dispatches from
the military camps on the continent of Europe and from London,
Paris, Venice, Dresden and elsewhere. One New York item and
three Boston items comprise the domestic news, in all a half column.]
New-York, Jan. 21. We have had an extraordinary Season of
warm weather for 12 days past. We hear from Philadelphia, that
133 See foot-note, News-Letter No. 8 ante, p. 90.
288
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 11, 1706
several of the Virginia Fleet were arrived in Putuxan River in
Christmas week, and that tis believ d all the Fleet are arrived.
Boston, The Week before last was Moderate Weather for the Sea
son, Only on Wednesday the 23d. of January it Snow d a little,
Fry day the 25th. was very Cold, and Saturday more Moderate, about
nine a clock at Night it began to Snow, and continued till about
noon the first day of the last Week, when there fell a pritty deal of
Snow. Tuesday and Wednesday last, we had a severe Easterly
Storm of Snow, which fell very deep, and the Wind blow d very hard
all Tuesday Night, and till Wednesday Night.
On Tuesday night last, the 29th of January, John Coleburn of
Dedham, went from Boston over the Neck, with his Teem in order to
go Home, and it s judged he is lost in the Snow, his Sled, Horse and
Cattle being found upon the Neck, but not himself.
Cleared Outwards, William Walters for Rhode-Island the Hannah
and Ruth, Gill Belcher in Ship Tryal for South-Carolina.
Bfcvertisements.
A Certain Person wants to Borrow at Interest a Hundred Pound
^^-upon good Security; any Person that has said Sum, or any
greater or lesser to Lend, may repair to John Campbell Post-Master
of Boston, and know further.
[Reprinted: advertisement of attorneys for John Childe, as in
January 28.]
1FL JB. Wumb. 95.
The BoftonNews-Letter.
From /IDOttDag February 4. to /IDOUOa^ February 11. 1705, 6.
NY
F A I A HREE and a half columns of foreign and a half column of domes-
I A tic news make this issue, the foreign news being from Vienna,
Dresden, Mechlin, Madrid, Paris, Hague and the imperial
camp at Soncino.]
Lynn, Febr. 8. On Tuesday the 29th last, Mr. Joseph Newhall,
our Representative in the General Court, was at Salem; and pre
suming to go home late at night, notwithstanding the Violence of the
Storm of Snow; Wandered out of Reading-Road, which was his
Way; and declining still to the Left-hand, cross d Boston Road; and
so perished between the Butts and the Spring-Pond.
Boston, Coasters Cleared Outwards, Samuel Dutch in Sloop Night-
ingal, for Piscataqua. Foreign Cleared Outwards, William Bevis in
289
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 18, 1706
Ship Peace, for Topsham in England. Outward Bound, Giles Fifield
in Boston-Merchant, for Nevis.
John Coleburn mentioned in our Last to be Lost in the Storm of
:Snow, was found dead the 5th Instant, near to Mr. Ruggles s Barn at
Roxbury.
Last Week was a moderate Thaw.
HDverttsements.
ANy Person that wants to Borrow Money at Interest upon good
Security, may Repair to John Campbell Post-Master of Boston,
and know further.
[Reprinted: advertisement of attorneys for John Childe, as first
in January 28.]
. 96.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDOn&aS February 11. to /IDonDa^ February 18. 1705, 6.
NY
FlVTORE than three columns of this two page issue are filled with
I IVJL foreign news. For the most part this is of July, 1705, dates,
from Rome, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin, Hague, Turin, Zurich,
Lisbon and other European capitals. There are detailed reports from
the camp of the duke of Maryborough. The domestic news is
meagre, relating principally to shipping.]
New- York, Febr. 4. Entered Outward Bound, Adolph for Rhode-
Island, Manning for Jamaica, Capt. Jeffers and 2 or 3 more for London,
Via Virginia, with Convoy.
Rhode-Island, Febr. 14. On the 9th Instant arrived here Capt.
Benjamin Ellery from Curacoa, 4 weeks passage, who says, that there
is a Fleet of French Men of War, consisting of 22 Sail come to Marti-
nico, who were 30 Sail when they came out of France, but meeting
with an English Squadron took 5 of them, the other 3 are missing,
and they know not what is become of them. On the Fleets arrival
at Martinico, they call d in all their Privateers, but on what design
not Known
Capt. Avery a Privateer Sloop of Curacoa took a French Privateer
Briganteen of 90 men, and a Sloop of 80 men, & brought both in to
Curacoa, where they were Sold at a Vandieu, the Owner that fitted
them out at Petit-Guavus being there then a Trading, bought them
both again.
290
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 18, 1706
Piscataqua, Febr 15. On Monday 11 Currant arrived here Samuel
Dutch in a Sloop from Boston, having on Board the Hon. Col. Tho.
Povey Esqr. Lieut. Gov. of Her Majesty s Province of the Massa
chusetts-Bay, who intends on Thursday next to Imbark on Board
Capt. Jarvenin for Lisbon, and so to England.
Boston, Coasters Entered Inwards, Thomas Lothrop in Sloop
Diamond from the Vineyard. Foreign, Nicholas Thomas Jones,
in Sloop Industry, from N-Carolina. Cleared Outwards, Samuel
Long, Brig. Sarah, for Jamaica. Outward Bound for London, Capt.
Benjamin Gillam, in Ship Reward. New-York, Alexander Duncan,
Sloop Friendship; Rhode-Island, John Lothrop, Sloop Diamond.
Pensilvania, Eleazar Darby, Sloop Elizabeth. North Carolina,
Ebenezar Coffin, Sloop Dolphin. Jamaica, Joseph Pulsifer, Ship
William and Sarah.
Last week the first 3 days of it we had a moderate Thaw, on Wednes
day about noon it began to Rain, & continued till Fryday about
noon, which has carried away the Snow off the Streets of Boston,
where it lay very deep, that hardly the appearance of it is to be
seen: Fryday night and Saturday we had a hard Frost.
Last week returned Capt. Brown, Capt. Tyng and Capt. Stevins
with their Companies all well and in health after 17 days march into
the Woods, 50 miles above the Heads of the Frontiers from between
Connecticut River & Merrimack, in the late great Storm of Snow,
but neither discovered nor met with any of the Enemy.
On Saturday the 16th Currant, His Excellency our Governour was
pleased further to Prorogue the General Assembly of this Province,
that stood Prorogued to the last Wednesday of this Month, unto
Wednesday the 10th of April next.
B&verttsements.
ANy person that wants to put out a Child a Nursing on the Breast,
may repair unto John Campbell Post-Master of Boston, and
know further.
A Negro Man Slave about 21 years Old, speaks good English.
To be Sold by Capt. Thomas Leasenby, and to be seen at his
Housein the Back-street in the North-End of Boston, near to
Mr. Killer s.
A House Lott of Land on the South-side in School-House-Lane
in Boston, opposite to Joseph Melims, containing 44 Foot Front,
and 88 Foot Rear to be Sold on reasonable terms; Enquire of Mr.
Isaac Biscum, Barber, near to the Old-Meeting-House, and know
further.
291
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, FEBRUARY 25, 1706
ANy person that wants good Bills in Barbadoes for an Hundred
Pound here in Boston: Inquire of John Campbell Post Master,
and know further.
[Reprinted: money to loan, as in February 11.]
1ft. jg. Bumb, 97.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From fl&On&ap February 18. to /IDOnDap February 25 1705, 6.
NY
FT7OREIGN news of July and August, 1705, from London, Venice,
I JL Milan, Lisbon, Rome, Turin, Vienna, Hague, Hamburg and
elsewhere, and from several of the military camps on the con
tinent, occupy this four page issue to the almost complete exclusion
of domestic news.]
Boston, On Wednesday the 20th. Currant, we had an Easterly
Storm of Snow, Wind and Rain; The said day returned here Capt.
William Rowse in a Briganteen from Port-Royal, who Sailed from
hence the 29th. of December last, with some French Prisoners to be
Exchanged for Ours; And he brought with him 17 English Prisoners.
Coaster, Cleared Outward, Nath. Loring for Connecticut. Foreign
Cleared Outward for South Carolina, Samuel Boyce in Briganteen
Susan. For St. Christophers, Thomas Clarke Sloop Endeavour, for
Jamaica Bartholomew Green Briganteen Swan. Outward bound,
Thomas Porter for St. Christophers in Sloop New-London.
advertisements,
LAtely Published a Discourse concerning Earthquakes, occasioned
by the Earthquakes which were in New-England, in the Province
of the Massachusetts-Bay, June 16 And in Connecticut-Colony,
June 22d. 1705. Also Two Sermons shewing that Sin is the greatest
evil; and that to Redeem TIME is the greatest Wisdom: By the
Reverend Mr Increase Mather. Sold by Benjamin Eliot, at his
Shop under the West-end of the Town-House in Boston.
GOod Barbadoes Rhum by the Hogshead or Tearse, to be Sold
by Mr. Joseph Hiller at his House in the Back-street beyond the
Mill-bridge in the North End of Boston near the upper end of Coney s-
Lane.
A Negro Woman to be Sold by John Campbell, Post-Master, and
to be seen at his House next door to the Anchor-Tavern in
Boston. As also a parcel of very good Flax.
292
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 4, 1706
[Reprinted: house for sale, and Exchange bills for Barbadoes, as
in February 18.]
ft j. mumb. 98
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDcmfcag February 25. to flDOUfcaE March 4 1705, 6.
NY
[" A FOUR PAGE folio, more than three pages filled with foreign
I -/Xnews, including an account of the meeting of the English
Parliament; war dispatches, and reports from Yarmouth and
other ports of a great storm and marine disasters.]
Plimouth, [Eng] August 12. On Friday night last we had a terrible
Storm, in which several Merchant Ships were lost; part of which were,
Owners Adventure, Capt. Stubbs from Barbadoes; Somer
set, Capt. Wickstead, from Barbadoes; with 3 or 4 others whose
Names I cannot learn.
New-York, Febr. 18. This day arrived here a Briganteen from
Nevis, in 15 days, William Stanton Master, by whom we have advice,
that the King William Pacquet-Boat was arrived there (a few days
before he Sailed) from England with the ill news of many of the
Eastern Fleet being taken by a Squadron of Nine French Men of
War, and 2 Privateers, Commanded by Monsieur St. Paul, their
Convoy is said to be the Greenwich, Jersey and one other Man of
War, who maintained a Fight of 8 hours with great Gallantry, but
at last were obliged to submit to Number; in which action Monsieur
St. Paul was killed.
We are further advised, that the Martinico Privateers are all gone
to Tobago, where are expected 12 Men of War from France which
with 3 at Martinico are to undertake some Enterprize.
They write from Philadelphia, that the Homeward bound Virginia
Fleet for England are to Sail the latter end of April next, and that 2
more Men of War are expected there from Lisbon, to strengthen the
Convoy: Two or three Vessels from hence design to take the oppor
tunity of that Convoy. Capt. Grevenraet designs to Sail for Boston
in a fortnight.
Hartford, Feb. 18. The late excessive Rains we have had, has
occasioned a very great Flood, which would have been much greater,
had not the Wind chop d about to N. W. and notwithstanding, the
like has not been this 14 or 15 years, we do not yet hear of much
damage done by it.
293
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 4, 1706
Piscataqua, March 1. On Friday the 15th of February last,
Capt Jarvenin Sailed from hence to Lisbon.
Marblehead, March 1. On Wednesday the 20th of February last,
we had a Violent Storm, wherein we lost two of our Fishing Shallops,
and four men out of one of them.
Boston, Coaster Entered Inward, James Webber from Piscataqua.
Cleared Outward, Daniel Wair and Anthony Bracket for Piscataqua;
Alexander Duncan Sloop Friendship, for New York. Outward
bound for London, John Wilde, Ship Dove, David Mason, Ship,
William & Hannah; for Monserat, Thomas Taylor, Briganteen
Experiment; Andrew Wager, Sloop Endeavour; for Barbadoes,
Andrew Wilson, Sarah Galley.
$*This is to give Notice, that the Western Post, to Connecticutt,
New- York and Philadelphia Sets out on Monday the 4th Currant, at
3 a Clock in the Afternoon, to return on Saturday next; and so to
continue for once a week till December; he also carries with him the
Southern Maile for Rhode-Island.
Bfcverttsements.
THE Tan-Yard lately in the Occupation of Capt. Bozoon Allen,
where he lately dwelt near to the Prison in Boston, To be Lett
on reasonable Terms: Enquire of John Campbell Post-master, and
know further.
THe Christians Exercise by Satans Temptations: Or an Essay to
discover the Methods which this Adversary useth to Tempt
the Children of GOD; and to Direct them how to escape the mis
chief thereof; being the Substance of several Sermons Preached on
that Subject, from that Text, 1 Chron. 21. 1. By the Reverend Mr.
Samuel Willard.
As also a Sermon of Brotherly Love, Preached by him on the
Lecture, from Heb. 13 1. Let Brotherly Love continue. Sold by
Benjamin Eliot at his Shop under the West End of the Town-House
in Boston.
A Certain person wants a single able man to Drive a Teame in
Boston; If any such will repair to John Campbell Post-master
of Boston, they may have Encouragement for that Work.
A Negro Woman to be Sold by John Campbell, Post-Master, and
to be seen at his House next door to the Anchor-Tavern in Boston.
LAst year the Undertaker of this Publick Print of Intelligence
for both Foreign and Domestick Occurrences in Numb 51. gave
you an Account of his Motive to Print, viz. To give a True Relation
of Affairs, Remarkable Providences that occur d, and to prevent a
294
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 11, 1706
great many false Reports of the same; As also a Specimen of the
Trouble and Charge attending it, to which he still refers you: And
now acquaints you, That notwithstanding at the Generous desire of
several Gentlemen, Merchants and others who were willing to promote
such a Publick Good, by Contributing this Second Year for its sup
port, yet the Undertaker has not had a sufficient number to defray
the Necessary Charge of it, by reason of a great many, as well, nay
better able than some who do Contribute, that are so backward
to promote so good a Publick Work; Whereas did every Town in
this and the Neighbouring Provinces take but One a Week per.
Annum, the Charge to some of them would not amount to 2d. a
man, and to the most not above 4d. or 6d. where it goes by the
Post, which if they did, would be a good Motive to carry it on: And
were there a Competent number to take it, the Undertaker would
be enabled to Print a Sheet instead of half a Sheet, and to settle
Correspondents everywhere so as to have the Occurrences some
Months sooner than Now they are, and to Polish the Print better
which would make it far more acceptable than now it is; for want
whereof the Undertaker cannot now do, as he would. Therefore all
persons in Town and Country in this and the Neighbouring Provinces,
who have not already paid according to Agreement for this Currant
year for said Intelligence, are now desired to do it: And such who
have a mind to encourage the supporting and carrying it on for
a third year, are hereby Advertised by Word or Writting to Agree
with John Campbell Post -master of Boston for the same, that before
this second year (which ends the last of April next) is elapsed, it may
be known, If it can be undertaken for the third year, which if en
couraged to be continued that it drop not for 4 or 5 Weeks as it did
in the beginning of this year, by reason of several Encouragers Post
poning to take it at the beginning that afterwards did. 134
99.
The Bofton News-Letter.
[A
From tfDcmfta March 4. to /ftOtl&ag March 11. 1705, 6.
NY
FOUR PAGE sheet 135 of eight columns, over six of which are filled
with foreign news, mostly concerning the war, from Berlin,
134 Although in this advertisement, as also again in the issue of March 25,
Campbell asserts that the News- Letter was suspended for several weeks, that
was not the fact. As the pages of this volume show, copies of the News- Letter
for every week of 1705 and every week of 1706 to December 2 are now extant.
Why Campbell should have made that statement cannot now be divined.
135 This enlargement to a full sheet would indicate that Campbell had
295
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 11, 1706
Paris and Vienna, of August, 1705, dates; and from the duke
of Marlborough s camp at Ramee an account of the battle on the
banks of the river Adda.]
Barbadoes, Novemb. 22d. Six days ago arrived here from Nevis
Mr. Samuel Frazon Merchant, whom I formerly Wrote you was
feared to be Lost in coming from on board a Man of War, a Storm
rising drove them to Sea, where they lay driving 6 days, without
any manner of Subsistance either Bread or Water; at last were drove
on Shore at St. Vincent, where the Indians stript him naked as soon
as he Landed: his two Sailours dyed in a little time after, but his
Negro surviv d the Calamity; Mr. Frazon continued in that condi
tion 3 Months, at last the Indians carryed him over to Martinico,
where he paid to the value of 17 or 18 Pistoles for his Ransom, but
they would not let him redeem his Negro, but keeps him still: from
Martinico he came to Nevis. At the same time another Boat with
two Negro s drove off to Sea, and Landed the same day at St. Vincent.
New-York, March 4. On the 19th of February last arrived here a
Sloop from St. Thomas in 14 days, Samuel Martin Master, by whom
we are informed, that 14 Men of War Sailed from France for the
West-Indies, but in or near the Chanel were separated by a Storm,
& only 6 of them were arrived at Martinico, which are Sailed from
thence to Guardaloop with 22 Privateers to take on Board Land
Forces in order to attack the Leward-Islands; tis said had the 14
Men of War all arrived, their Design was against Barbadoes, and from
thence to the other Islands, but 8 Ships being missing, they have
wav d that intention, and tis feared the Leward-Islands are in danger.
It is reported the 8 French Men of War that are missing are taken
by a Squadron of English (I wish it prove so) but of this we have no
positive account.
Capt. Gincks in the Privateer Briganteen Dragon (who Sailed from
hence last Fall with upwards of 130 able men) off Porto Rico Engaged
2 French Privateers, the Trampoose and another Sloop, and had
taken them had they not run, and having received damage in his
Rigging & Sails could not follow them, the French Privateers got
into St. Thomas being much shatter d, and several men killed and
wounded. The Privateer which boarded Capt. Andrew Wilson of
Boston, mentioned in your News-Letter Numb. 91 was also at St.
Thomas s, and acknowledges Wilson killed him 22 men.
The English daily Courants of October informs us, That not the
received the encouragement which he asked, that would enable him to "print
a sheet instead of half a sheet." See his advertisement in March 4. Later
appeals, however, show that he did not obtain the desired support. With the
issue of March 18 a return is made to the half sheet size.
296
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 11, 1706
Greenwich and Jersey mentioned in my last to be the Convoys of the
Eastland Fleet attacked by 9 French Men of War and 2 Privateers,
commanded by Monsieur St. Paul, but that it was the Pendennis,
Blackwell and another Man of War, who made a brave resistance e re
they were taken, wherein Monsieur St. Paul was kill d, and 200 of
his Ships Crew. [Then are printed several other foreign news
items.]
There are Outward bound 3 Vessels for St. Thomas, 1 for Barba-
does, I for Nevis, 3 for London, via Virginia.
Watertown, March 6. The middle Precinct, Mr. Daniel Warren
of this Town, aged about 80 years, being well and in health at Meet
ing on the Lords-Day the 24th of February last, just before the
beginning of the Morning Exercise, he suddenly sunk down dead.
Hampton, March 8. On Fryday the 1st. Currant a sad accident
fell out here, a Man falling a Tree, it fell upon one of his own Sons of
about 7 years old, his Fathers darling, and dash d him to pieces, so
that he never spake or stirr d more.
Rhode-Island, March 8. Yesterday arrived here Robert Smith in
Briganteen Dragon, from Surranam 11 weeks passage, who lost all
his Horses in going there, he and his men were near perishing for
want of Water, having 13 Weeks passage to Surranam. This day
arrived here Loring and Duncan from Boston.
Boston, Abel Jones from Jamaica came from Blewfields last, had
about 8 weeks passage, brings no News.
Coasters Entered Outward, James Webber for Piscataqua, John
Lothrop for Rhode-Island. Foreign Inwards, Abel Jones in Briganteen
Amity from Jamaica. Cleared Outwards, Joseph Foy. Dwaal
Frigot, for Barbadoes, Ebenezar Parker Sloop Dolphin for Bermuda,
James Gold Sloop Hopewell for Pensilvania, Joseph Berrey Sloop
New-London, for St. Christophers, Joseph Johnson Sloop Elizabeth
for Salem in New-Jersey. Outward Bound, Stephen Pain in Ketch
Martha for Tercera, John Tucker in Sloop Hope, for Roanoke, Solo
mon Gardner Sloop Mary, for Newfoundland, Job Hilliard Ketch
Adventure, for Fyall.
HOvertisements.
A Certain Tract of Land in Kittery in the Province of Main in New-
-^"VEngland, near to Capt. Ichabod Plaisted s, containing 110 Acres,
borders on Piscataqua River, having on it two good Orchards, a good
quantity of fresh Meadow, and good Oak and Pine Timber. To be
Sold by Thomas Short at the Printing-House in the South End of
Boston.
297
A
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 18, 1706
Negro Woman Aged about 24 years of Age to be Sold by Mr.
Peter Barbour Tailour near the Town-House in Boston.
Ood Wine Vinegar very cheap, to be Sold by Joseph Maylim
at his House in School-house Lane in Boston.
MAgnalia Christi Americana: Or, r j ^he Ecclesiastical
History of New-England, from its first / Planting in the year
1620, unto the year of our Lord, 1698, in Folio, containing
820 Pages, in 7 Books 1. Antiquities in 7 Chapters, with an Appendix
2. Containing the Lives of the Govouernours, & Names of the Magis
trates of N. England, in 13 Chapters, with an Appendix. 3 The Lives
of 60 famous Divines, by whose Ministry the Churches of New-
England have been planted and continued. 4. An Account of the
University of Cambridge in New-England, in Two parts. The
first contains the Lives, the Benefactors, and Vicissitudes of Harvard
College, with remarks upon it. The Second part contains the Lives.
of some Eminent Persons Educated in it. 5. Acts and Monuments
of the Faith and Order in the Churches of New-England, passed in
their Synods; with Historical Remarks upon those Venerable Assem
blies; and a great Variety of Church Cases occurring, and resolved
by the Synods of those Churches; in four Parts. 6. A Faithful
Record of many Illustrious, Wonderful Providences, both of Mercies
and Judgments, on divers Persons in New-England; in 8 Chapters.
7. The Wars of the Lord. Being an History of the Manifold Afflic
tions & Disturbances of the Churches in New-England, from their
Various Adversaries, and the Wonderful Methods and Mercies of
GOD in their Deliverance; in 6 Chapters. To which is Subjoyned,
An Appendix of Remarkable Occurrences which New-England had
in the Wars with the Indian Salvages, from the year 1688 to the year
1698. By the Reverend and Learned Cotton Mather, M. A. and
Pastor of the North Church in Boston, New-England. To be Sold by
Benjamin Eliot at his Shop under the West End of the Town-House
in Boston: Price 20s.
1R. jg. Bumb. 100.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From fl&0nfca$ March 11. to /IDonfcaS March 18. 1705, 6.
NY
I" I A HREE of the four columns of this issue are filled with foreign
A news which includes, an account of the siege and capture of the
town of Leuwe, August 28-September 7, 1705, sent from the
camp of the duke of Marlborough at Tirlemont ; and also dispatches
from Constantinople, Madrid, Vienna, Hamburgh and Hague.]
298
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH IS, 1706
Jamaica, Febr. 6. There is arrived here from Boston, John Venti-
man, and John Welsh, and Thomas Pemberton from Rhode-Island,
who sprung his Mast in the Voyage.
One Ccbra Sailed 4 days ago for New York. And this day Sails
for London, 3 Merchant men, viz. the Gold-Frigot, the Dolphin, and
Maremaid; for Boston, Jonathan Armitage, John Pitts, and Thomas
Hunt, the last whereof sprung a Leak and returned again; William
Goddard in a Briganteen Sailed also for St. George s.
Her Majesties Ship the Experiment bound from Jamaica to Bar-
badoes met with a French Merchant-man of 200 Tuns, loaden with
Cocoa, and brought her in here.
About the latter end of Jan. last, Her Majesties Ship the Bristol
and Folston met with 10 Sail of Merchant -men bound from Petigua-
vus to France under Convoy of Two French Men of War of 24 and 30
Guns a piece out of which Capt. Anderson Commadore of the English
took 6 French Merchant men Loaden with Sugar, Cocoa, Cochenile
and Indigo, which were brought in here. And upon their Arrival
a Court of Admiralty was held by Admiral Whetstone, who took Capt.
Anderson s and the Officers Commissions from them, for not Engag
ing the Two French Men of War and the other Ships, and has reserved
them for a further Tryal in England.
A Dutch Privateer of Curacoa brought in here a French Prize Sloop,
who gave an Account of 14 Sail arrived from France at Martinico,
whereof some are Merchant-men, and Fireships and Tenders.
New- York, March 11. On the 10th Instant, arrived here a Ship
from Jamaica in 28 days, one Mears Master, who belongs to Boston.
Capt. Ginks with a small Dutch Privateer in Consort from Curacoa,
has taken a French Privateer, and two very good Prizes, and carried
them in to Jamaica.
Hampton, March 15 On Tuesday the 12th Currant, a considerable
parcel of very good fresh Oranges, some whole, some broken, were
Cast ashore upon our Beach for some miles together, since which is
come ashore a Cane, and a carved Lion, whereby we are afraid of
some Vessel inward bound being Lost.
Boston, Monday the llth. Instant being the Annual Election-
day for Town-Officers, There was chosen to Serve as Select or Towns
men, Messieurs* Timothy Thornton, Daniel Oliver, John Barnard,
Thomas Fitch, Thomas Jackson, Daniel Pounding, Thomas Gushing,
*Samuel Greenwood, and Joseph Prout, who is also Town Clerk, and
Town Treasurer.
Those that have this Mark * before their Names are New Officers. 136
136 In the Boston Town Records, Pounding appears Powning; Barnard,
Barnerd.
299
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 25, 1706
In our Number 49. we gave you the preceding years Bill of Mor
tality; and in this we give you last years Bill of the Persons Buryed
in the Town of Boston, besides those who dyed abroad, many of the
Inhabitants of Boston being Seafaring men, are not Reckoned in
this Catalogue.
March 14 July 29 November 15 70
April 18 August 31 December 18 102
May 18 September 24 January 16 66
June 20 October 18 February 17
238
70 102 66. Negro s 44
282
Coaster Entered Inward, Carter et Gillam in Sloop Tryal from Con
necticut. Foreign Inward, William Rowlson Sloop Elizabeth, from
Axuma, Jonathan Armitage, in Brigt. 3 Sisters, from Jamaica.
Cleared Outward, Joseph Pidsifer, Ship William and Sarah, for
Jamaica; Stephen Paine, Ketch Martha, for Tercera; Jacob Legay,
MitcheVs Prize, and Matthew Vibert, Friends Adventure, for Barba-
does. Outward Bound, John Waters, Ship Betty, for Barbadoes;
Archibald Ferguson, Sloop Flying Horse, for Newfoundland; John
Charnock, Ship Society, for Jamaica; William Blair, Briganteen John
Abiel, for England; James Smith Ship America, for Leward Islands.
advertisements.
ANy Person that wants to bind out a Lad or Lads to learn the
Trade of a Man or Womans Tailour, let them repair to John
Campbell Postmaster in Boston, who will help them to a good Master.
[Reprinted: negro woman to be sold by John Campbell; as in
March 4.]
B, J. mumb. 101.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /iDonDaE March 18. to /sDOlt&aE March 25. 1706
NY
N unusual amount of foreign news compelled the enlargement
this issue to four pages or eight columns, only one of which
is reserved for domestic items and advertisements. There are
sixty-six foreign items, chiefly of war news from London, Paris,
Venice, Vienna, Rome, Madrid, Hamburgh, Turin, Zurich, Lisbon,
Hague and elsewhere of preceding August, September, October,
November and December dates.]
300
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 25, 1706
Boston, On the 18th Currant arrived here a Sloop in 14 days from
Barmuda, John Stevins Master, who says, That just as he was coming
away, there arrived one Fowles in a Sloop from Antigua, 14 days
passage, who informed that when he left Antigua, he saw about 36
sail of French Ships and other Vessels off that Island; And that
Colonel Johnson, Commander in Chief was preparing for the Defence
of the Island, in case of an Attack; the Inhabitants were in Arms,
and that 500 Negroes well Armed were Marched into St. Johns; The
Commander in Chief Encouraged them to prove themselves men in
Fighting to defend themselves and the place from the Enemy, which
they promised to do.
Master Stevins further says, that there was a Sloop arrived at
Barmuda from Barbadoes about a Month ere he came from thence,
that informed of a large Ship, with 6 or 7 more just going in to Bar
badoes as the Sloop came out, who is thought to be the Deptford Man
of War that went from hence, with part of the Fleet under her Convoy.
On Fryday the 22d. Arrived here Capt. Michael Gill 137 from Lisbon,
about 5 Weeks passage, by whom we have the following Advice by
Prints and Letters. [Here follow two columns of foreign news,
among which under date of London, Decemb. 21. is this item; "Ordered
that the Commissioners of Trade, do lay before this House a State of
the Trade with Newfoundland and the Western-Islands."]
The Oranges mentioned in our last to be found on Hampton Beach,
were some hove Overboard in Ipswich Bay by Rowlson from Aocuma,
and the Carved Lyon and Cane had been there a year before, which
thro a mistake of our Informers was said to come then ashore.
On Thursday night last, Sampson Waters, a Young man went well
to Bed, and was found dead next morning.
Coasters Inward, Giles Hall from Connecticut, & Joseph Allen
from Piscataqua. Foreign Inward, John Leigh, Ship Sarah, from
Liverpool, John Stevins, Sloop Mary Rose from Nevis, Thomas Hunt t
Sloop Panther, John Welch, Sloop Larke, and Matthew Soley Sloop
Rebecca, from Jamaica; Richard Dafforne, Ketch Fisher, from Vir
ginia, and Capt. Michael Gill, Ship John and Timothy, from Lisbon.
Cleared Outwards for Barbadoes, John Fisher, Sloop Blackthorne,
John Walters Sloop Betty, Lewis Hunt, Ship Victory, for Jamaica,
Nathaniel Balston, Elizabeth and Mary, for London, John Wild Ship
Dove, for Newfoundland, Solomon Gardner, Sloop Mary. Outward
Bound for Barbadoes, John Welch in Sloop Larke.
New- York, March 18. On the 13th arrived here one Santford in
137 A graphic account of Captain Gill s sea fight in the harbor of St. Johns,
Newfoundland in August, 1704, is in the News- Letter No. 25, p. 130 ante.
301
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MARCH 25, 1706
a Sloop from South-Carolina, who says, a Sloop and Ship belonging
to Boston was there, Flint & (I suppose) Wing Masters: A Vessel
arrived there from Barbadoes gave account, That the French Fleet
in the West-Indies were gone to attack S. Christophers . 138
On the same day arrived Capt. Basset from Madera, who left it
the 4th of February, and just before he Sailed a Galley arrived there
from Portsmouth a very short passage, . . . Four days before
Cap. Basset came in, he spoke with a Ship from Jamaica bound to
Boston.
Several Vessels Outward Bound for Nevis, Jamaica, & 3 for London
Via Virginia; Gravenraet, Adolph and Duncan for Boston.
Rhode-Island, March 22. On the 18th arrived Ephraim Breed in
a Bark from Providence, who 10 days ago spoke with a Sloop from
Jamaica bound to New- York, who said that the Packet-Boat from
Spain was taken and brought in to Jamaica, and by Letters found
on Board her, they perceived that there was a French Squadron
coming out to take Jamaica, who were preparing themselves to receive
them.
Gould, Darby & Carter are gone to the Westward, Lathrop is still
here.
HDvertisements.
Ood Share Moulds to be Sold by Mr. Nathaniel Ayres at his Shop
near the Salutation at the North-End of Boston.
is Publick Print of Intelligence is to be continued to the first
of May next, and all Persons who have a mind that the Under
taker should carry it on a third year, and are willing to Contribute
for promoting such a Publick good, are hereby desired to Agree
with John Campbell Post-master of Boston for the same, that it
may be known before the first of May, If any Tollerable Competent
number do Agree to take it, so as it can be proceeded on of New, that
it drop not for 4 or 5 Weeks, as it did in the beginning of this Currant
year, by reason of several delaying to take it at first, that afterwards
did agree to have it. 139
138 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : .... Vol. VIII, p. 561, in
connection with an account of the cause and nature of the distress of St.
Christopher, pp. 561-562, 565-567. See News-Letter Nos. 103, 104 (account
of the attack on St. Christopher), 105, ("Brief" of Governor Dudley recom
mending aid for the sufferers at St. Christopher), 107, 108, 109 post. This was
the fleet commanded by the Sieur d Iberville, who, after operating in the West
Indies, purposed, as his men divulged at Jamaica, to attack New York, thus
occasioning a hurried fortification of that city, and also some preparation for
resistance in New England. See News- Letter Nos. 110 and 111 post. Also,
see Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, page 157, under date Apr. 4, 1706.
139 See News-Letter No. 98 ante, foot-note, p. 295.
302
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 1, 1706
[Reprinted: tailor s apprentice wanted, as in March 18; man
wanted to drive a team, as in March 4.]
1R. j. Bumb. 102.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDonfca March 25. to /IDOttDa April 1. 1706.*
NY
A RETURN is made to the two page folio. The foreign news which
|L-L~Ynllsallbut about three quarters of a column includes principally
a page account of the opening of the English Parliament in
the preceding October and a report of the queen s speech on that
occasion.]
London, Decemb. 25 The Adventure of and for London and the
Providence of Topsham from Boston in A r . England, arrived at Ply
mouth the 20th Instant, having been separated 14 days before in
bad weather from 8 Sail more under Convoy of Her Majesty s Ship
the Guernsey.
London, Jan. 1. Her Majesties Ship the Guernsey, with the Vessels
under her Convoy from Boston are safe arrived except Stone and
Lowder. There is also arrived at Bristol from New-York, 2 of Her
Majesties Ships of War, but none of the Vessels under their Convoy.
The Mast Fleet for New England will Sail in 3 months.
New- York, March 25. On the 19th arrived Capt. Dehart in the
Ship Katherine from Madera.
On the 21st arrived Capt. Plummer in a Brigt. from Barmudas
in 20 days, who came from Bristol in Octob. last bound hither, but
was blown off the Coast, by whom we are acquainted that a Sloop
arrived at Barmuda from Antigua, who saw the French Fleet con
sisting of 36 Sail off that Island, and that there was upwards of 2000
men on Antigua that were in Arms ready to defend themselves if
attacked. That Capts. Tongrelow & Penniston who Sailed from
hence last Christmas were arrived at Barmuda, & gone from thence to
Barbadoes; Cap. Penniston overset at Barmuda, whereby he lost
5 Guns & damnified his Powder. That a French Ship was brought
in to Barmuda by a Privateer of that Island, of 2 Guns & 17 men,
loaden with Sugar; she is a Ship of 120 Tuns, & one of 6 that was
bound from Martinico to France; A Dutch Man of War took 3 of
them before; The Prize is daily expected here with her Loading to
be Sold: The Capt. of the French Ship is said to be a Protestant, and
is come a Passenger in Plummer.
303
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 1, 1706
On the 23d Instant arrived one Braddick in a Sloop from Madera,
who 3 weeks ago met with a Bermuda Sloop who had been 9 days out
of Antigua, who said that she & 2 other Vessels that lay in one of the
Harbours slipt their Cables and put to Sea. The French Fleet of 36
Sails separated themselves, and put into several Harbours of that
Island, but could not tell if they Landed or not, but says, that there
was 2500 men in Arms at Antigua, & 800 Negro s ready to defend
it against any Attack of the Enemy.
On the 24 Arrived James Cebra from Jamaica in a Sloop.
The Philadelphia Post not yet come in.
New-port, Rhode-Island. March 28. Yesterday died Mr. Alexan
der Gordon of this Town.
Scituate, March 27 On Fryday the 22d Instant, Dyed the Reverend
Mr. Jeremiah Gushing, Minister of the Lower Precinct of this Town,
aged about 51. Who was interr d on Monday last.
On Fryday also John Turner of this Town went well from Home
with his Cart and Oxen after Dinner, and fell ill, he desired the little
boy his Son that went with him, to go and call his Mother, but ere
she came, he was Speechless, and being carried Home, he Dyed that
Evening about Eight of the Clock.
Boston, At a Town-Meeting on Fryday last, There was Chosen as
Overseers of the Poor; Simeon Stoddard, Thomas Palmer, Esqrs
and Messieurs, John Borland, John Pitts, Henry Deering, Francis
Clarke and William Westead. And Chosen as Assessors, Samuel
Lyndes Esq Capts. Timothy Clark and Thomas Hutchinson; and
Messieurs, Isaiah Tay, and James Barns. 14
By way of New-York we are acquainted, that Mr. Stantford from
South Carolina informs of one Everton of Boston being arrived there
from Barbadoes, who says that Her Majesty s Ship the Deptford
was arrived at Barbadoes from Boston, with the Vessels under her
Convoy all safe.
Coaster Entered Inward, Ebenezar Coffin, Sloop Ann, from Nan-
tucket. Outward, Flood for Piscataqua; James Blin, John Hedge
and Thomas Lathrop, for Connecticut. Foreign Inward, James
Dean, Brigt. Dragon from Suranam, Cleared Outward, John Welch,
Sloop Larke, for Barbadoes, and Archibald Ferguson, Sloop Flying
Horse, for Newfoundland. Outward Bound, Robert Sears, Ship
Charles, for London; William Smallage, Sloop Prosperous, for Jersey;
John Pitts, Sloop Rebecca, for Jamaica; John Leigh, Ship Sarah,
140 In the Boston Town Records, Deering appears Dering; Clarke, Clark;
Westead, Welsteed ; Lyndes, Lynd ; Barns, Barnes.
304
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 8, 1706
for Liverpool; Eleazar Moses, Sloop Content, for Newfoundland;
Richard Hall, Sloop Lyon, for Barmuda.
[No advertisements in this issue.]
1R. i. Wumb. 103.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDonDaE April 1. to /IDOttDaS April 8. 1706.
NY
I* T)ROMINENCE is given on the first page of this issue to a proc-
i JLlamation of Governor Dudley for a General Fast, and then there
follow a little more than one and a half columns of foreign
news from Vienna, Turin, Frankfort and elsewhere, of preceding
September dates.]
By His Excellency, JOSEPH DUDLEY, Esqr. Captain General and
Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Provinces of the
Massachusetts-Bay and New-Hampshire in New-England.
A PROCLAMATION for a GENERAL FAST.
HAving lately rendred all Humble Thanks and Praises to
Almighty GOD for the Publick Blessings to Her Majesty ,
The Confederate Princes, and these Provinces, in Obedience
to Her Majesties Especial command: And having yet the
Consideration of the Great Troubles of Europe, by the continuance
of the War with the common Enemy of the Repose of the Christian
Nations; as well as our Own and our Neighbours Troubles with the
French and Indians; and the Just Reason we have therefore to Im
plore the Divine Favour, for the Remission of our Great and Man
ifold Sins, that have justly displeased GOD.
I Have thought fit, by and with the Advice of Her Majesties Council,
to Appoint and Order, That Thursday the Eighteenth day of April
Currant, be Solemnized as a day of Publick FASTING and PRAYER
throughout these Provinces, Exhorting both Ministers and People in
their several Assemblies, Religiously to attend the Solemn Services of
the said Day; That by a sincere Repentance and steady Affiance in the
Divine Mercy in their most humble Adr esses, They may Obtain from
GOD, That our Soveraign Lady the QUEEN, with the Nations and
Territories under Her Happy Government, may always be under the
Protection of Heaven, Her Majesties Life and Government long
continued, Her Counsels and Just Arms prospered; the Designs of
the barbarous Salvages against Us, defeated; Our Exposed Plantations
preserved; And the poor Christian Captives in their Hands, returned;
305
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 8, 1706
That the Government of these Provinces may have the Divine Direction
in all their Administrations; That Health may be continued, and the
Ensuing Year Crowned with the Fruits of Divine Bounty; That
Deliverance may speedily arise to the Church of God oppressed with
the Tyranny of Antichrist; That every kind of Peace and Prosperity
may be given and secured to Us and our Posterity, upon the firm avid
lasting foundations of ihe Divine Blessing & Favour.
And all Servile Labour upon the said Day is Inhibited.
Given at the Council-Chamber in Boston, the Second Day of April,
1706. In the Fifth Year of the Reign of Our Soveraign Lady ANNE,
by the Grace of GOD, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland,
QUEEN, Defender of the Faith &c.
By Order of the Gover-
nour and Council, /. D UDLE Y.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
Madera, January 20. We are acquainted by a Vessel 12 days
Passage from England, that the Leuwe Man of War, Convoy to the
Homeward Bound Newfoundland Fleet, was Lost going thorow the
Needles, and 40 Men drowned.
Jamaica, Febr. 1. Our last Packet from England advise us, that
the Queen Ann, the Anna Frigot, the Happy Return, and 2 more
Ships, being part of the Homeward bound Fleet from hence to Eng
land, (that were separated in the violent Storm on the 18th of August
last, that the said Fleet met with in Lat. 38.) were Arrived in Ireland
and Plimouth.
New- York, April 1. There are 4 Sloops and A Brigt. bound for
Jamaica, Duncan and Adolph for Boston, and Hicks for Rhode-
Island, Gravenraet Sailed for Boston on Thursday last; We have no
certain Account when the Fleet for Engl. will Sail from Virginia.
Rhode-Island, April 5. This day arrived here Benj Cranston 6
weeks passage from Suranam, who sprung his Mast, & was forced to
St. Christophers, where he arrived 7 days after the French Fleet had
left it; They consisted of 4 Men of War, some of them 70 Gun Ships,
and 28 Sail of Privateers, the Enemy Landed 3000 men; there was
but 500 English to resist them, who did the best they could, and kept
to their Forts; but sent several Parties out, who kill d several of
the Enemy, and the English lost but one man; the Enemy stayed
there 4 days, who took the whole place, except the Forts, which they
never Attacked: They did all the Damage they could, by burning
the Towns, Mills and Canes, kill d Horse and Cattle, and carryed
away several Negroes. Before the Enemy went to St Christophers,
306
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 15, 1706
they lay two days at Nevis Battering there, but durst not Land;
they never Attacked Antigua, only came in sight of it, and so went by
Montserrat to St. Christophers. The Privateers quarrelled with the
Men of War, because they did not Batter the Forts: It is supposed
that the Enemy design next for Curacoa. They daily expect from
England a Fleet of 18 Sail at the Leward Islands to Attack Martinico.
As Mr. Cranston left St. Christophers he saw a Vessel which he judged
to be a Packet from England. 141
Boston, On Wednesday the 10th Currant, Sits the General Assembly
of this Province; to which day the said Court stands Prorogu d.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Richard Christophers, John Smith, and
John Walker from Connecticut; Daniel Wair from Piscataqua; Thomas
Lothrop, and Nathaniel Gardner, from Nantucket; William Rhodes
from Rhode-Island; and Alexander Duncan from New-York. Out
ward, Anthony Bracket for Piscataqua; William Smallage for New-
Jersey. Foreign Inwards, John Wallis, Ketch John and Deborah,
from Virginia; Joseph English, Sloop Industry, from South-Carolina.
Cleared Outward, Giles Hall, Sloop Lyon, for Barmuda. Outward
Bound for Tercera, Samuel Carey, Brigt Three Sisters; Suranam,
Edward Holloway in Dragon; Fyall, William Rowlson, Elizabeth;
and Moses Wadland, Sloop Seaflower; New-York, Samuel Darby,
Sloop Flying Hart; Jamaica, Thomas Hunt, Sloop Panther.
BDpertisement*
[Reprinted: man wanted to drive a team, as in March 4.]
1FL j. IRumb. 104.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDOttDaS April 8. to /IDOtt&at? April 15. 1706.
NY
f^T^HIS issue, a four page folio, is largely filled with news of mili-
JL tary operations in Spain. On the first page are manifestoes issued
by Prince Charles of Austria, here designated as King Charles
of Spain, and of the earl of Peterborough at the head of their troops
before Barcelona. There is also an extract from a letter of Sir
Cloudsly Shovel, on board the man-of-war Britannia, October 22,
relating to the capture of Barcelona, and a letter from Prince Charles
on the same subject. On the third page are communications from
the junta of the military camp of Catalonia, and from the city of
141 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: .... Vol. VIII, p. 565, in
account of the distress of St. Christopher, pp. 561-562, 565-567.
307
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 15, 1706 .
Vich thanking the queen of England for the assistance given to the
Spanish cause by the English forces. On the same page is the letter
of the earl of Peterborough to the queen, dated Barcelona, reporting
the capture of that city. From Hague, September 29, is a report
of the consideration of plans for settling the differences between the
States of the Dutch Republic and the Pope of Rome. Domestic
news and advertisements fill the two columns of the last page.]
St. Christophers, March 8. Having had Intelligence of a French
Fleet designing to attack some of the Leward Islands, 13 Sail of
Vessels appearing in sight of Antigua the 29th of January last,
caused an Alarm, but the next day 30 Sail appearing, gave assurance
twas the French, and by their actions were designed to Land on
that Island; two Sloops were sent out to discover the strength and
designs of the Enemy, one of which exchanged several Shot with one
of the French Privateers, most of the small Vessels came within a
League of Five-Island Harbour, and some within the outwardmost
Island, the Wind blowing strong Northerly, the great Ships could not
come to Windward; in this posture they lay till the 3d day at noon,,
during which time the Commander in Chief (Col. John Johnson) had
in Arms about 1000 of the Inhabitants, 2 Companies of the Queen s
Soldiers, about 300 Marines, & 250 Negroes, in all about 2000 men,
with which he designed to meet the Enemy at Landing: The Gray-
hound Man of War lay then on the Careen, and her Guns ashore, and
the Captain brought his men ashore to joyn the Forces there.
The Wind still blowing very hard, about noon the 3d day the
Enemy s Commadore fired a Gun, & their whole Fleet went before
the Wind to Nevis, where they arrived the 5th of February, & pre
sumed to Land, but the Wind blowing hard caused a great Sea, which
hindered their designs, the English lying in their Trenches ready to
receive them in case of their Landing, sundry shot from the Fleet
were sent on shore, some of which 24 Pounders; they Landed in the
night a French man and a Negro, who were to burn the Canes, think
ing we should leave our Trenches to extinguish the Fire, that they
might have an opportunity to Land without any repulse, and accord
ingly they burnt about 80 Acres of Canes, but our men would not
hazard the loss of the Island by deserting the Trenches for any sinister
end; a small party was detached to look for the two men aforesaid,
which were both found, & after Examination and Tryal were hang d.
The Enemy finding it impossible for them to Land at Nevis, they
went for St. Christophers, where they arrived the 10th of February
at night, and Landed at three several places of the Island, and ranged
from end to end, most of the Houses, Canes and Mills on the South-
side are burnt, the North-side escaped, all but 5 or 6 Plantations
ruin d. The Enemy carried away some Negroes, the Loss sustained
308
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 15, 1706
is considerable; our two Garisons of Charles Fort, and Brimstone-
Hill were never attacked.
The General being in Antigua sent several Expresses to Barbadoes
for Assistance; accordingly two Men of War came down to our
relief, the French having notice of it on the 16th by an Express from
Martinico, and supposing greater strength would follow, went away
in great confusion. The Enemy s strength consisted of three 66
Gun Ships, 1 of 60, 1 of 58, 1 of 36, and 1 of 24 Guns, 4 Briganteens,
and 21 Sloops, and near 3500 Men. From St. Christophers the 6 Men
of War went for Tobago, and the rest for Guardilope. During these
Alarms our Flag of Truce for Exchange of Prisoners was detained at
Martinico, who gave an Account at her arrival in Antigua, that a
Sloop from France to Martinico arrived some time before they Sailed,
who said, that 8 Sail of Men of War Sailed from Brest two days before
him, who were daily expected, and that their design was if possible,
to take all the English Islands in the West-Indies.
The last Pacquet gave us an Account of Admiral Wisharfs design
ing to stop at these Islands with 15 Sail of English and Dutch Men of
War from England in their way to Jamaica, of whose arrival we are
much desirous, being at present under seeming dangerous Circum
stances. An Embargo hath continued since the 29th of January,
and Masters and men in case of any Alarm are to leave their Vessels,
and joyn the Land Forces, Strangers to be fitted with Arms and
Ammunition by the Publick, and to have 18 d. per day during their
Service, and in case of loss of any Limb, to have Eighteen Pound
15 s. per Annum during Life. 142
The New-England Fleet under Convoy of Her Majestys Ship the
Deptford were arrived in Barbadoes, Antigua, and the rest of the
Leward-Islands, except Barnes in a Sloop, who was taken and carried
into Martinico. The. Embargo on said Fleet (it s thought) will
hinder most of them from going to Saltertuda.
A Sloop from Virginia to Antigua, in Lat. of said Island, found a
Ship overset, with all her Masts, Sailes and Yards standing; (he
being short of Provisions, his men were unwilling to go on Board her)
& it s thought to be a New-England Vessel Loaden with Lumber.
Several Vessels now at Nevis and St. Christophers, will Sail in 14
days to the Northward, most for New-England.
New- York, April 8. We are advised from Philadelphia, that if the
Men of War expected in Virginia do not arrive, the Homeward bound
142 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 565, in
connection with account of the distress of St. Christopher, pp. 561-562, 565-
567. See News-Letter Nos. 105, 107, 108, 109 post.
309
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 15, 1706
Fleet for England will Sail the latter end of this Month, or the first
of May, most of the Ships being ready ; And that if the Men of War
do arrive before that time, their Orders are to tarry 20 days after
their arrival, and no longer.
Our Vessels Outward bound to the Leward Islands will not Sail
till we hear further of the French Fleet. Capt. Mears is Entered
Outward for Jamaica.
Salem, April 13. On Tuesday last, Laurence Mazory of this
Town, aged about 70 years, went out a Fishing, and was struck down
with Death at his Fishing Line.
Boston, Abraham Hill in a Sloop from Antigua is arrived at Mar
tha s- Vineyard, who last Fall came from Newfoundland bound
hither, but was blown off the Coast, and put into Antigua, where Mr.
William Charters of Charlestown Merchant, a Passenger on Board
her, died.
On Fryday the 12th Currant, His Excellency Dissolved the General
Assembly of this Province.
Coasters Entered Inward, Flood and Jackson from Piscataqua.
Outward for Rhode -Island, William Rhodes and Francis James, for
Martha s- Vineyard, Thomas Lothrop; for Connecticut, Moses Wadland;
for Nantucket Nathaniel Gardner. Foreign Inwards, Ephraim
Breed, Ship Seaftower, from Jamaica; Andrew Gravenraedt, Sloop
Ann, from New-York; Richard Ingesol, Sloop Seaflower, from
Surranam. Cleared Outwards, John Leigh, Ship Sarah, for Beau-
Mom in England; Giles Fy field, Ship .Boston-Merchant, and Joseph
Flint, Ship Prudent Hannah, for Antigua. Outward Bound for
New York, John Grose, Sloop Mary; for Nevis, John Stevins, Sloop
Mary Rose; for Newfoundland, William Carket, Sloop Friends Ad
venture, and John White, Ketch Fisher; for Barbadoes, Thomas
Ruck, Briganteen Fraternity, and William Thomas, Briganteen
Amity; for Fyall, John Hoddy, Briganteen Adventure. 143
Hfcvertisements.
A Copper Still containing about 62 Gallons, with Worm & Worm-
top, to be Sold; Enquire of John Campbell Postmaster of Boston,
and know further.
[Reprinted: man wanted to drive a team, as in March 4; negro
143 The critical reader will not fail to observe in this paragraph the occa
sional use of capitals in Roman text for words that are otherwise italicized. The
capital M is here most used in this manner, but on page 314 post the capitals
C and E similarly appear. This is one of the many peculiarities of the News-
Letter typography, and special attention is called to it for reason of its com
parative mconspicuousness in a hasty reading. The errors were probably due
to careless proofreading.
310
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 22, 1706
woman to be sold, as in March 18; News-Letter advertisement, as
in March 25.]
1FL J. Uumfc, 105.
The BoftonNews-Letter.
From /IDOUfcaE April 15. to /IDOUDa^ April 22. 1706.
NY
|" / T A HIS issue is also a four page folio, nearly three pages filled with
L A foreign news. From Constantinople, August 3, 1705, is gossip
of Turkish internal affairs; from Hague, October 2 and October
10, are various items of war news and reports of further negotiations
between Holland and Rome ; from Vienna, September 23 and October
3, and from Breslau, September 26, are reports of affairs in Poland
and Hungary; other minor news, principally concerning the war, is
from Berlin, Frankfort, Turin, Dantzick and other capitals. Among
the domestic news is a Brief" issued by Governor Dudley regarding
the distress of St. Christopher.]
London, Nov. 29. The Virginia Fleet is all safe arrived, and the
Fleet from Barbadoes that was left of the violent Storm, not above
half loaden: We hear several of the Jamaica Fleet are arrived since
the great Storm they met with, at New-York, & hope more may
be at Boston.
Capts. Bowditch and Minot are put up for New England, Capt.
Peppril bound for New England was Sailed, but meeting with a
Storm, was forc t to return, who is now at Plimouth, and designs not
to Sail till he has the opportunity of a Convoy.
St. Christophers, March 10. Two days ago arrived here a Ship
from England, by whom we are acquainted, That Cadiz has submitted
to King Charles the 3d That Valentia is taken. That 25 Sail of
English men of War were coming from England to these Islands.
We daily expect the Pacquet to inform us further.
Montserrat, March, 21. This day we espyed upwards of 40 Sail
of French whereof 12 were large Ships, some of them supposed to
carry 60 Guns, one fire Ship, and a Bomb Ketch; the rest were Brig-
anteens, Ketches and Sloops: They lay three days before at Antigua,
but the Wind being High, hindered their Landing: Twas expected
they would Land this night at Montserrat, but we suppose they
designed for Nevis. A Packet of 22 Guns newly arrived from Eng
land, and brings News, That the Spainards do dayly revolt from the
Duke of Anjou to King Charles 3d.
311
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 22, 1706
South-Carolina, March 30. Capts. Flint and Belcher are arrived
here from Boston in New-England, the latter lost all his Masts. The
14th instant arrived here a Spanish Sloop, who was bound from St.
Augustines to the Havanna, and had on board 13 Spaniards and 3
English Prisoners; The Prisoners rose up and kill d the Spaniards
all but 3 or 4, and brought the Sloop in here. The Governour was
pleased to condemn the said Vessel, and gave her to the Prisoners.
Yesterday arrived here a Ship from Liverpool, 9 weeks passage, who
informs us, that when he left England, they had the News of Cadiz,
revolting from the Duke of Anjou to King Charles the 3d.
Montserrat, March, 26. On the 21st Currant, The French Fleet
consisting upwards of 40 Sail were seen going to Nevis: but we have
no News from thence, only we see Fires on the Land every Night,
and hear Firing of Guns. Col. Johnson went down from Antigua to
Nevis to their Assistance with 2 Sloops full of able Effective Men:
We are making preparations for to withstand the Enemy, in case of
an Attack: Two of Her Majesty s Men of War went for Barbadoes
3 days before the Enemy s Fleet came.
Pattomack in Virginia, March 30. On the 10th of Jan. last arrived
here from Barbadoes the Dublin Merchant, a Ship of 10 Guns & 22
men, Michael Broomlie Master, who in her Voyage sprung her Fore-
top-mast and was forced to bear away to the Leward-Islands, and
going by Nevis, a French Privateer of 87 men came up with her,
whom she fought 4 hours, & at last the Privateer boarded her, but
Broomlie kill d & carried to St. Christophers 50 of his men, the one
half of Broomlies men were sick & not able to fight. It s said there
is a Privateer of 16 Guns off the Capes of Virginia.
Philadelphia, April 11. We are acquainted by a Gentleman from
Maryland, that a West-country-man from England was lately boarded
by a French Privateer off the Coast of Virginia, who in boarding him
lost 9 of his men that fell Overboard into the Sea, which while they
were endeavoring to save, being also favou rd with the night coining
on, the Westcountryman got clear of him, and said that he brought
6 of the French mans hands into Virginia with him; that got on
board him when the rest fell Overboard.
Vessels Outward bound are Hamerton & Guy for London, Ray
mond for Jamaica, and Trot for Fyall.
New- York, April 15. Capt. Jeffers & a Brigt. will Sail this week
or next to Virginia for Convoy to Engl. Vessels Outward bound are
Wells for Madera, Sand ford for Carolina, Moyon for Virginia, Meers
for Jamaica. Capt. Stanton Sails this week for Nevis. Her majesties
Ship La[ow]staffe will Sail this week on a Cruise. We are acquainted
312
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 22, 1706
by a Gentleman lately come from England and Virginia, that Her
Majesties Ship the Nonsuch that went from hence, was arrived at
Falmouth.
Boston, Captain Gilbert from Fyal arrived here the 18th. Currant,
by whom we are acquainted, That Benjamin Stone from Boston
bound to England under Convoy of Her Majesties Ship the Guernsey,
was separated in bad Weather, and put in to Fyall; from whence he
Sailed for England the 4th. of January last, in company with a Brig
anteen from Philadelphia.
In December last, There was Advertisements of a Negro man Slave,
and an Indian s Running away from Mr William Pepperil 0/Kittery
in the Province of Main, desiring they might be apprehended where
ever they came, and by vertue of said Advertisements coming (in
the News Letter) to South-Caralonia, whither the said Negro and
Indian had travelled, the Governour of said place has secured the said
Runaways for the Owner.
By Letters from Nevis, We are informed, That while the French
Fleet lay before that Island about the 6th of February last, A Ship
of 16 Guns belonging to London, and a Briganteen belonging to
Boston in N. England, Daniel Noyes Master, both from the Mad-eras
bound to Jamaica, fell in with said Fleet, who took them to be Friends,
the Enemy gave them Chase, and the Ship and Briganteen run in to
Nevis under the Fort, where they were protected, and when the
Enemy were gone they proceeded on their Voyage.
Mr. Blew from Montserrat see the Hulk of a Vessel without Masts
in the Lat. of Virginia, as he was coming to Boston.
Mr. Carver from said Island came out in Company with Thomas
Ball in a Sloop for this place, a few days after they Sayled from
Montserrat, Carver met with a Ship who gave him Chase for 3 Glasses.
By His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq. Captain General and Gover
nour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Provinces of the Massa
chusetts-Bay and New-Hampshire in New-England.
A BRIEF. 144
WHereas the Island of St. Christophers, some few weeks since, has
been Insulted and Ravaged by the French; And Her Majesties
good Subjects of that Island reduced to the last Extremity, by the Spoyles
the Enemy has made in burning of their Houses and Mills, destroying
and carrying off their Stocks and Estates: so that they are left destitute
144 In Massachusetts Archives, Vol. II, p. 652. Reprinted in Notes, in The
Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . ,
Vol. VIII, p. 566. Also in Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 94*. See News-
Letter Nos. 101, 103, 104, (account of the attack) ante, and 107, 108, 109 post.
313
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 22, 1706
both of Habitation and Subsistance: most having lost everything they had
I Have therefore, at the Desire of the Representatives in their late
Session, and with the Advice of Her Majesties Council, Issued
forth this BRIEF; Hereby Recommending to the Commiseration and
Pity of all Charitable Well-disposed Christians, within this Province
and the Province of New-Hampshire, the deplorable Circumstances,
and distressing Wants of their said Christian Brethren and fellow Sub
jects; And Exciting them to put on bowels of Christian Compassion
and Charity, for the Relief of the pinching necessites of their distressed
Friends and Countrymen. Which will be very acceptable to GOD,
profitable for our selves, and be remembred with the like grateful Ac
knowledgment and Respect from this Island, as formerly.
The Money that shall be Contributed and Collected for this pious
Use, to be put into the Hands of Samuel Sewall, Esqr. and Andrew
Belcher Esqr. by them to be Invested in Provisions, &c. and forthwith
forwarded by the Direction of My Self and the Council.
And the Ministers of the several Towns are Directed to Read and
Publish this in their Congregations; And to stir up their People ,
notwithstanding their deep Poverty, to a Chearful and Liberal Contri
bution to this good Work. 145
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the 17th Day of April,
1706, in the Fifth Year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady
QUEEN ANNE.
By Order of the Governour
and Council. /. DUDLEY.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
Entered Inwards, Adolph from New-York, Tho. Philps and
Jeremiah Vaile from North-Carolina, William Walter, Peter Harris^
Samuel Prince, and Jonas Green from Connecticut. Outward, John
Walker, Richard Christophers, Nathaniel Loring, Elisha Hedge and
John Smith for Connecticut. Foreign Inwards from Maryland, Moses
Abbot Sloop John and Mary, and Thomas Bell Sloop Endeavour;
from Antigua, Abraham Hill Sloop Mary; from Nevis William
Russel Ship Friendship, from Fyall; Thomas Gilbert, Briganteen
Good will; from St. Christophers, Charles Renouf; from Montserat,
Francis N orris, Sloop Seaflower, John Blew Briganteen Dragon,
Robert Carver Briganteen Plimouth; from South-Carolina, Wil.
Everton Ship Elizabeth. Cleared Outward for Fyall Benjamin
Edwards Sloop Elizabeth; for White-haven in England, William
Blaire; for Newfoundland, Eleazar Moses Sloop Content; for New-
York, Samuel Darby Sloop Flying Hart. Outward bound, Joseph
145 The Brief was read in the Old South Church on the 28th. See Diary
of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, page 160, under date, Lords-Day, April, 28.
314
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 29, 1706
Thome in Briganteen Tryal for Surranam; and Andrew Gravenraedt
in Sloop Ann, for New-York and Philadelphia.
Bfcvertteements*
A LL Persons in Town and Country who have a mind this Publick
^ * Print of Intelligence should be continued, and proceeded on
after the last day of this instant April, and are willing to Contribute
for its support, are hereby desired to agree with John Campbell
Post-master of Boston for the same, where they may have it Weekly
by the year on reasonable Terms, not exceeding what it was the last
year, but rather lessened provided any considerable number agree s
to take it.
[Reprinted: sale of a copper still, as in April 15.]
. 106.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From fl&OnDaS April 22. to /IDOItOaK? April 29. 1706.
NY
GAIN a two page folio of which nearly one half is filled with
reign news, from London, Rome, Hague and Venice, of
preceding September and October dates, brought by John
Scot, master of a briganteen, from Plymouth, England.]
New- York, April 22. On the 19th Instant arrived here one Spencer
in a Sloop from St. Thomas. Letters via Virginia from England and
Ireland acquaint us, That Her Majesties Ships from hence arrived
in England and Ireland, the Nonsuch at Falmouth in 27 days, the
Deal Castle at Plimouth about same time, & the Maremaid at King-
saile the last of December, who six days after she left this Port sprung
her main Mast and a Leak in the fish room, the next day lost her
Top Mast and sprung a Leak in the bread room, and with great
difficulty got Kingsaile in a shatter d condition.
His Excellency the Lord Cornbury sets out on Thursday next for
His Government of New-Jersey.
The Philadelphia Post not yet come in.
Salem, April 27. Yesterday arrived here Daniel Bray from Fyal.
Boston, On Thursday arrived here from England a Brigt. John
Scot Master, who Sailed from Plimouth the first of March in Company
with a Fleet consisting of 370 Sail, under Convoy of 9 Men of War,
bound for several parts, whereof there was 80 Transport Ships with
315
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, APRIL 29, 1706
Forces on board for Catalonia; Capt. Bowditch & Ca.pt. Pepperil
came also out in Company for this place, as likewise did Capt. Bond
for New York, and another Vessel or two for Philadelphia.
The Advice we have by Mr. Scot is, That John
Bennet from Boston to London was forc d on Shore by a Privateer
at Dungeness; and that Stone & Lowder for said Port were safe
arrived in Ireland. That Capt Pitts and Capt. Gerrish were put
up in London for Boston. [Then follows one and a half columns of
miscellaneous foreign news received by this vessel.]
By letters from England, we are acquainted that Capt. Sanders from
New- York was safe arrived in Ireland.
Capt. Pepperil from Plimouth arrived here on Saturday the 27th.
Currant, and Capt. Bowditch from said Port on the 28th. and Noah
Guill from Madera.
Coasters Entered Outward, Tho. Curtice for Connecticut, Tho
Phelps for N. Carolina, Anthony Bracket for Piscataqua. Foreign
Inwards, Tho. Ball Sloop Elizabeth from Montserrat, and John Scot
Brigt. William from London. Cleared Outwards, Tho. Hunt Sloop
Panther, & Will. Carket Sloop Friend Adventure for Newfoundland,
Alex. Duncan Sloop Friendship for Barmuda, John Pitts Sloop Rebec
ca for Jamaica, John Hoddy Brigt. Adventure, & Job Hilliard Ketch
Goodwill for Fyall. Outward bound, Walter Goodridge Ship Francis,
& John Robison Brigt. Larke for Barbados; Richard Ingerson
Sloop Seaflower for Suranam, Peter Leach Brigt. Plymouth for
Antigua, Rich. Dafforne Sloop Amity for Newfoundland.
E&vertisements.
Within a day or two will be Published a Book Entituled, Vigilan-
tius. Or, A Servant of the Lord found Ready for the Coming
of the Lord. A Discourse Occasioned by the Early Death of Seven
Young Ministers, within a little while One of another: with some
Essay upon their very Commendable & Imitable Character.
And an ELEGY upon them Sold by Bartholomew Green at the
Printing-House at the South-End of Boston.
A Set of Halberts for a foot Company to be Sold on reasonable
Terms, by Nicholas Boone Bookseller, to be seen at his House
near School-House Lane in Boston.
A Surranam Indian Woman, and Child about 5 years old, to be
-^^-Solcl, Inquire of John Campbell Post-master of Boston, and
know further.
A Certain Person has an Hundred Twenty Five Pound to Lend
at Interest upon good Security: Enquire of John Campbell Post
master of Boston, and know further.
316
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 6, 1706
[Reprinted: copper still to be sold, as in April 22.]
1R. . mumb. 107.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDon&a^ April 29. to flDOttDap May 6. 1706.
NY
folio pages. Six and a half columns are filled with foreign
news, most space being given to an address of Queen Anne to
the house of lords, to an account of the investment of the town
of Badajos in the preceding October, and to a report of the corona
tion of King Stanislaus at Warsaw in October. The issue opens
with an editorial note prefacing the queen s speech.]
In our Numb. 102 We gave you the QUEENS Speech to the Parlia
ment, and Numb. 103 The House of Commons Address to Her
Majesty: The House of Lords Address tho Prior to the House of
Commons not then coming to our hands, we thought it would not
be ill taken by the Encouragers of this Print, now to Insert it:
Which was presented by Her Majesty on the 31st of October
last: And is as follows. [The queen s speech and the other
foreign news follows.]
Barbadoes, April 5. Money is grown very scarce here, so that our
Assembly have Issued out from the Treasury 7000 Pound in Paper
Notes, to run for Six Months, and to Morrow they Sit again, and its
said, That they design to Order Bills for 40000 Pound to pass for 7
years.
Her Majesties Ship the Deptford with the Fleet from Boston under
her Convoy arrived here the latter end of January, except some
that are arrived in the Leward Islands, onely Thomas Barns in Brig-
anteen Swan who was taken and carry ed in to Martinico; The said
Fleet being bound for Saltertuda, but (by reason of the rumour that
the French Fleet was abroad in the West-Indies, and one of Her
Majesties Secretary s of State advising our Governour of a Fleet
of 21 Sail with Transports, &c. fitting out of Brest under Conduct of
Monsier DeCasse, to attack this place.) Here is a strict Embargo,
so that your Vessels are hindred from proceeding on their Voyage,
which will be a great Loss to us and New-England. The reason of
the Frenches Effort thus, is said to be, That the French King at the
beginning of this War borrowed a considerable Sum from New-
Spain, with Engagement in 5 years to furnish them with 50,000
Negros for their Mines, which time of Contract being out, and his
necessity requiring another Borrow; The Spaniards were Crusty,
317
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 6, 1706
and would not Lend till the first agreement was answered; so he
thought an Attack on these Islands to be the readiest way to accom
plish his bargain, and designs, which hitherto in great measure has
been frustrated; for in their coming out of Brest 8 of said Ships were
lost by Storm, some put back again disabled, others of them, viz.
6 Sail of Men of War and some Transports arrived at Martinico,
and were Joyned by some Privateers, who attempted in the Latter
end of January, and beginning of February last to land at Antigua
and Nevis, the Wind blowing hard and contrary hindred their Attack :
Our Forts at Nevis, Maul d their Ships, and kill d their Vice Admiral.
The Enemy went then for St. Christophers, where they Landed 1600
Regular men from France, and as many Privateers, where they burnt
and destroyed the greatest part of their Crop, Houses and Mills,
&c. but could not take the Forts : And the Enemy hearing of a Supply
going from hence to the Assistance of those Islands, The Enemy
in a Confusion left the place, and returned to Martinico. 146
Yesterday in the afternoon arrived a Pacquet from England, and
a Sloop Express from Antigua; By the former we are acquainted,
That a Fleet from England for this Place put to Sea the last of Feb
ruary, in Company with the Fleet for Lisbone, and other places, and
with those for Lisbon Two Mast Ships, of about 600 Ton each, to
Load Salt for New- England; The Fleet for this Place we daily expect.
Monsieur De Casse is said to have Sailed from Brest with 15 Sail of
Men of War, no body knows where, but is not yet arrived in the
West-Indies.
The Account we have by the Express from Antigua is, That the
Enemy, with Men of War, Transports, and Privateers, make about 50
Sail, having on board about 6000 Men, and on a second Expedition
have attacked Nevis; and tis to be feared they have gained their
Landing; If so, they are in danger to be lost: At Antigua they are
so well provided, that they imagine themselves in no great danger.
This Express has occasioned the Embargo on the New-England
Fleet, which caused Capt. Stuckley Commander of Her Majesties
Ship the Deptford to leave them behind.
Boston, On Thursday the 2d Instant arrived here from Barbadoes,
Her Majesties Ship the Deptford, about a Months passage.
Entered Foreign Inward, William Bowditch, ship Essex from
London; Samuel Pre 147 Ship William Andrew from Cowes; Tobias
Andrews, Mary Ketch from Surranam; and Noah Guille, Sloop
146 Reprinted, in part, from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and
Resolves . . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . ., Vol. VIII,
p. 565, in account of the distress of St. Christopher, pp. 561-562, 565-567.
147 Paper creased and worn so that last part of name is not decipherable.
318
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 13, 1706
Adventure from Madera. Cleared Outward for Surranam, Edward
Halloway, Brigt. Dragon, Richard Ingersol, Sloop Seaflower, and
David Adams, Brigt. Plimouth; and for Jamaica, Francis Plaisteed
Frigot Evton. Outward Bound for Montserat, Thomas Andrews,
Ketch Mary; for Barbadoes, John Robinson, Brigt Larke; for New-
York, Dirick Adolph, and Andrew Gravenraedt for New-York and
Philadelphia; for Connecticut, Peter Harris and Jonas Green.
HDverttsements.
A New Edition of the New-England PSALM-BOOK, Printed with
***a New fair Character, and on good fine Paper; with a New Set
of most Common Tunes, more free from Errors than heretofore:
To be Sold by Benjamin Eliot at his Shop under the West End of the
Town-House in Boston: And Nicholas Boone at his Shop near
School-House Lane.
A Negro Man Slave Aged about 20 years, and a Negro Woman,
to be Sold ; Inquire of John Campbell, & Know further.
OUR Last finished the Second Years Printing of the Publick
Occurrences, and notwithstanding the Undertaker has not had a
Competent Number to take it Weekly, whereby it might be carryed
on effectually so as to have the Intelligence both sooner and more
certain; yet most of those that have had it last year, being still
willing .to promote and encourage it, upon their desire, and in hopes
that others will fall in with them, to support and carry on the same;
so as the Undertaker may be enabled to settle Correspondents for
the Intelligence, and lower the Price to those who are so willing to
promote. its continuance; The Undertaker has in this proceeded on
one of a New for the third year ; And all Persons in Town and Coun
try who have a mind to Encourage the same, may Agree with John
Campbell Post-master of Boston for the year, who shall have it on
reasonable Terms.
[Reprinted: a Surranam Indian woman and child to be sold,
as in April 29.]
1FL jg. Bumb. 108.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From /IDOnfcaE May 6. to /IDOHDa^ May 13. 1706
NY
f A NOTHER four page folio, three pages filled with foreign news.
I ^LJLProminence is given to the action of Queen Anne and the
house of lords in condemning the spreading of reports to the
effect that the established church was in danger under her majesty s
319
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 13, 1706
administration, and especially arraigning one "David Edwards of
the Parish of St. Dunstans in the West, London printer" for having
published the libel, and offering rewards for the apprehension of the
author and the printer. There are two pages of news from Paris,
Rome, Turin, Vienna, Madrid, Hague and elsewhere.]
Jamaica, April 1 st. One Fidling bound hither from South Carolina
was taken by a French Privateer, and carryed in to Petiguavus,
and being ordered to France; he was retaken by Her Majestys Ship
the Hector, & brought in here.
We have had an Embargo here for Six Weeks, by reason of the
Intelligence brought us of a French Squardron being abroad in the
West Indies: The last Packet brought the bad News of the said
Squadron having over-run St. Christophers all but the Forts, and that
they had left the Leward Islands.
Virginia, April 16. Capt John Wilde in the Ship Dove arrived
here from Boston in 10 days, who came hither to imbrace a Convoy for
London; and its uncertain when the Fleet from hence will Sail, the
Commadore first expecting orders from England, and tis well if the
Fleet Sail in June.
New- York, April 29. On the 27th instant arrived here a Sloop
in 5 days from Barmuda, loaden with Salt; The Master whereof
informs, That the Prize Ship bound from thence to this Port, met
with a Storm in her Passage, in which they cut away their Main
Mast, and had 2 men Drowned, and were returned to Barmuda to
repair their Damage.
On the 28th arrived a Sloop from Virginia one Follen Master, who
came from thence the 24th Instant, who acquaints us, That three
Ships were arrived from England 3 or 4 days before he Sailed, who
together with 17 Sail more came out of England the Latter-end of
February, in Company of a Fleet upwards of 300 odd Sail, bound for
Lisbon, Catalonia, &c. under Convoy of 9 Men of War. And that
after they had left the St[r] eights-Fleet, and were Standing for Vir
ginia, they unhappily met with Two French Men of War, who took
5 of them, and what became of the rest they know not: but Mr.
Follen met 3 Ships going into the Capes, as he came out, which are
Supposed to be some of them: He further sayes, That one of the Men
of War designed to come to Virginia for Convoy was in the Dock at
Portsmouth, when these Ships came from England; so that its
uncertain when the Fleet will Sail for England, having orders not to
stir till the other Convoys do arrive.
Most of the Jamaica Fleet that went from hence for England the
first of December last, were arrived in Ireland.
320
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 13, 1706
Just now arrived a Sloop in 30 days from Curacoa, Lucas Steven
Master ; Three other Sloops for this Port came out in Company with
him ; but are not yet arrived : He brings no News, but that Monsieur
De Casse was taken by an English Squadron coming out of the
Channel : Which News they had at Curacoa by a Ship lately arrived
there from Holland, that came out in Company with Six other Mer
chant-men under Convoy of Two Dutch men of War, the other Ships
were daily expected in there. There was Two Sloops for Rhode-
Island, Bernon and another that came out in Company with this Sloop :
And there was 4 or 5 for Boston, who were to Sail the same day or
the day after.
Rhode-Island, May 3d. On the 26th last arrived at New-Port
a Ketch from Montserrat, Samuel Hooper Master, who came from
thence the 21 March last, and in his Passage met with a violent
Storm, which had like to have Founder d him; wherein he lost his
Masts, Spoyl d most of his Suggar in his hould.
On Wednesday last was our Election ; all our Officers are continued
as they were, except one Assistant left out, and Major William
Wanton Elected in his Room.
New-Haven, May 1st. On the 27th. last, William Nick of Marble-
head, firing from a Sloop in our Harbour at some Fowl, the piece
broke, greatly tore his left hand; and on the 29th the Chyrurgeons
cut off his fore and middle Finger, and fear they must to Save his
Life, cut above the Wrist. Yesterday we had a very great South
east Storm and Rain ; Tis said our Small Rivers were never known by
the English to be so high ; We fear there is much damage in Towns
lying on great Streams.
Dover, May 3d. On the 27th last, Some Sculking Indians about
10 or 12, came on part of Oyster River, and suddenly Kill d and
Captivated 8 Persons, who had been Stragling abroad out of Garison.
Montserat, April 5. We have had no News from Nevis these 12
days, only we are informed from St. Christophers, that the French
Landed there the 22d of March, and that there was two French Flags
seen flying upon the Fort; We are daily Fortifying here for defence.
Hartford, May 3. Of late we have had much Rain, which has
cavis d a very great Flood, and but one like unto it this 40 years, it
rose near 5 fathom above its usual height in our River, has done
considerable damage, sundry Mills and Damns ruined, Houses
floated, others drove away, 3 or 4 Vessels floated off their Blocks,
great quantity of Corn spoyled.
New- York, May 6. Yesterday arrived 2 Sloops, Bill & Peniston
from Curacoa, who 8 or 10 days ago met with a Sloop from Antigua
321
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 13, 1706
bound to Pensilvania, the Master whereof gave him the unwelcome
News that Nevis was entirely taken by the French, he also says,
that after the French had taken the Leeward Islands, they designed
an Attack upon Jamaica. Two Sloops are bound for St. Thomas.
Rhode-Island, May 10th. On the 6th Currant arrived here John
Wanton in Sloop Brothers Adventure, 22 days passage from Antigua,
who says, That the French were possest of Nevis three Weeks, ere he
left the Island, but had no News from thence, how the Enemy took it.
They have made all imaginable preparations at Antigua for defence.
Letters from Barmuda acquaint us, That they are informed there
from St. Thomas, That Monsieur De Casse coming out of France with
11. Sail of men of War, was intercepted in the Channel by an English
Squadron, who took him and 4 or 5 more Men of War, ruined the
rest, & carried De Casse to Bristol.
Boston, On the 5th Currant arrived here a Sloop from St. Thomas,
Daniel Wyborn Master, 18 days passage; And by Passengers on board
her that made their escape from Nevis, We are acquainted, That a
French Fleet consisting of 12 Capital Ships, and 40 other Vessels
on the 22d of March last, did Attack said Island, where the Enemy
Landed 6000 Men, who had over-run the Island, and carryed away
all that was Valuable; only they left the Inhabitants with their
Houses Standing: There was several of the Enemy killed by the
Negros. The Enemy stayed there upwards of 20 days. Several
Vessels belonging to New-England, and other Places being Imbargo d
there, were taken by the French. 148
On Fryday the 10th Currant arrived here John Ventiman from
Jamaica about 5 W r eeks passage: He came out in Company with
Admiral Whetston and 6 men of War, that turned to the Windard:
There came also out with him for this place, Pemberton, Bedgood
and Edwards in 3 Sloops. The Anne Galley and Packet-Boat Sailed
for England: Scrivener in a Briganteen for Barmuda and New- York:
a Ship and a Sloop for Carolina ; Vanbrugh of New- York for Virginia ;
a New- York Sloop from Carolina was ready to Sail for New- York.
His Excellency has Ordered, That the Masters of the Coasting
Vessels Westward, Anchoring near the Shoar from Cape Cod to
Seaconet, do forthwith send a Boat or Cannoe, with two men and no
more, to give Notice to the Inhabitants who they are and from whence
they come, to prevent their being put off their business by appre
hending them to be Enemies.
148 Reprinted from the News- Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay; . . . , Vol. VIII, p.
566, in account of the distress of St. Christopher, pp. 561-562, 565-567.
322
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 20, 1706
Coasters, Entered Inwards, Flood from Piscataqua, John Hedge,
Joseph Concklin, Thomas Lathrop, Jacob Cornwell, & Obadiah
Carter from Connecticut. Outward, Thomas Ball, John Lothrop,
James Allin, Samuel Prince, William Waters, Peter Harris and Jonas
Green for Connecticut, Benj. Flood, and Jacob Parker for Piscataqua,
and Dirik Adolph for New- York. Foreign Inwards, from St. Thomas
Daniel Wyborn Sloop Hawck; from Virginia Mathew Armstrong
Sloop Swallow: from Jamaica John Ventiman Ship Martha. Cleared
Outward, for Montserrat Dennis Hollirt Brigt. Experiment, for Nevis
John Stevins Sloop Mary-Rose, for Madera Samuel Carey Brigt.
Three Sisters, for Jamaica, Peter King Ship Society, Andrew Wilson
Sarah Galley, James Smith Ship America. Outward bound for
London, Thomas Loch Tryall Galley, for Jamaica, John Secum
Sloop Boneta, for Barbadoes Newcomb Blague Coleman Frigat.
Bfcvertteements.
TWo Negro Men Slaves Aged about 21 years, & a Negro Woman;
to be Sold; Inquire of John Campbell, & know further.
AT the desire of Several Gentlemen Merchants and others who are
willing to Contribute towards supporting of this Publick Print of
Intelligence, the Undertaker has begun for a third year in hopes of
others following their Good Example, whereby it may be Continued.
And all Persons in Town & Country who have a mind to promote
the same, may Agree with John Campbell Postmaster of Boston for
the year, who shall have it on reasonable Terms.
Vi. jg. mumb. 109.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDOnfcaS May 13. to flDOItDaB May 20. 1706.
NY
f \ NOTHER four page folio, more than three pages filled with
I ./^foreign news of preceding October and November dates from
* Lisbon, Rome, Milan, Vienna, Hamburgh, Cologne, Hague and
elsewhere. There are accounts of the capture of Barcelona, October
21, 1705, and of the progress of the siege of Badajos.]
Antigua, April 21st. On the 20th of March, we were Alarm d by
a French Squadron just under the Land; but in the afternoon they
bore away for Nevis; they consisted of 64 Sail, whereof were 12 Ships
from 50 to 72 Guns, Monsieur Debervell was their Commadore.
On the 22d in the Night, Monsieur Debervell Landed 4000 Men
about 8 Miles from Nevis Town, at a Place where our People thought
323
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 20, 1706
it impossible for them to Land, where, had there been but 50 men,
twould broke the French s designs: The Commodore was the first
man that went on Shore in a Cannoe, and about two a clock in the
Morning he Marched at the Head of his Forces undiscovered, till
they came within half a Mile of the Town, where two Companies of
about 50 men discovered and engag d them some time, but no Assist
ance coming were forced to give way: The Enemy immediately got
possession of the Town and several Platforms of Guns; The People
fled to the Dodan, except about 30 Men, that fought them some time,
and beat the Enemy out of one of the Platforms, Turn d the Guns
on the Town which did the Enemy considerable damage. Major
P arris with 15 Men in the Fort fought the Enemy till 3 a clock in the
afternoon of next day, & then Surrendered on honourable Terms.
The same day the Enemy Marched to the Dodan with all their
Forces: It is a Fort on the Top of a high Mountain wall d in with a
dry Stone Wall breast high, where we had 500 Men, with the Queen s
Souldiers and Seamen, Commanded by Col. Abbot, who was resolved
to Ffght the Enemy and keep the Fort: but contrary to his own
reason, being over-perswaded by some other Gentlemen, and Cryes
of the Women and Children, he yielded to a Parly, and agreed on
Articles to Surrender.
That they should March out with their Arms, Drums beating and
Collours flying; but so soon as they were out, The French broke
their Articles, disarmed the English and barbarously used them:
The Enemy burnt about half of the Country, and have taken all
that was valuable ; they took also 3200 Negros ; Half of the Town of
Nevis was burnt by Accident after the Capitulation; The Inhab
itants have also agreed with the French (to Save the remaining part
of their Houses Standing, and themselves from being carryed off
Captives,) in Six Months time to deliver atMartinico 1400 Negros, or to
pay 42000 I. for which they took the Gentlemens Bonds, and carryed
4 young Gentlemen with them as Hostages for the performance.
Some of the Negros they had taken, after they were on board to
be sent away, understanding that they were to be Sold to the Span
iards 80 of them Jumpt overboard, and some of them got on Shore,
who possest the Negros that were in the Mountains of the Frenches
design of getting them also by vertue of the Articles of Capitula
tion, and to carry them to New-Spain to work in the Mines, which
made about 600 of them, who were well armed come down on the
French, kill d several of them, and used them so as to give no quarter,
that the French durst not -move half a Mile out of Town for fear of
the Negros.
The Enemy lost about 500 Men at Nevis, 130 men were blown up
and kill d at blowing up the Forts, and splitting the great Guns:
324
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 20, 1706
when the Enemy went away the 10th Instant, they carryed with
them 25 Sail of Vessels that lay Embargo d in the Harbour.
The Negros are still in Arms; there are 1400 of them who say,
That they will not lay down their Arms till the General goes down and
Commands them: They are afraid if they should that their Masters
must and will comply with the Articles to send them off, and so be
carryed to New-Spain.
Col. Johnson has sent down to Nevis 150 small Arms, & 26 barrels
of Powder, and some Provisions; the English having nothing to
Eat since the French left them but Potatoes.
The French left the Island suddenly in 3 hours time, by reason of
14 Sail of Tall Ships seen by their Spy, to the Windward of Barbados,
whom they took to be English men of War, but since are informed,
they were Dutch, bound home from Surranam. Most of the French
went to the Leeward, their design is said to be for some other place.
Three Privateers went again to St. Christopher s, and took off
400 Negro s.
New- York, May 13. On the 6th Currant arrived Stillwell from
Curacoa, and last week arrived Joel from Barmuda. His Excellency
the Lord Cornbury our Governour has Issued forth Two Proclama
tions: One Commanding all persons to appear in Arms, &c. upon the
first Alarm ; and the other to discover what quantity of Powder is in
this Province, prohibiting the Sale and Exportation thereof till further
Order. Two Sloops Outward bound for Curacoa, one for Barbadoes,
and one for Barmuda.
Just now arrived 2 Sloops from St. Thomas in 16 days, by whom
we have advice, That the French have taken Nevis, that Monsieur
Debervill was arrived at St. Thomas in a Ship of 67 Guns, he lay
there 3 days, with 12 Sail more, supposed to be a part of his Squadron;
tis not known whither they are bound, but belived to be for New-
Spain: It was talk t at St. Thomas s, that the French Fleet were to
Rendezvous at St. de Crux, and that their Design was to attack
Curacoa, The Privateers were returned to Martinico.
Two Sloops are just arrived in 30 days from Jamaica; they left
Mr. Vial bound for Boston 6 days ago. A Sloop bound from Jamaica
for England, but last from Virginia; John Vanbrugh Master is just
now come in here.
Boston, On Tuesday the 14th Currant Dyed here Capt. Benjamin
Gilliam, and was interr d on Thursday the 17th. Aged 43 years.
Coasters Cleared Outward, for Piscataqua Coin and Wair, for
Connecticut Thomas Lathrop Sloop Diamond, Thomas Lathrop Sloop
Susanna, and John Lathrop Sloop Speedwell. Foreign Inwards,
from Jamaica, Jeffery Bedgood Sloop Two Brothers, Thomas P ember-
325
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 27, 1706
ton, Sloop John & Anne, from Barmuda, John Welch Sloop Larke,
from Antigua, John Porter Sloop Mary. Outward bound, for Mont-
serrat, William Cooke Brigt. John and James, for South Carolina, John
Comer Ketch Exchange, f or Newfoundland, Jeremiah Vaile Sloop Mary.
On Saturday arrived Nathaniel Perkins from South Carolina,
John Edwards from Jamaica, Blin and Hedge from Connecticut.
On Wednesday the 15th Currant, It was Resolved by His Excellency
& Council, That Capt. Redknap Her Majesties Engineer for the Con
tinent of America be forthwith supplied with Materials for Mounting
20 Pieces of Cannon at Castle William, and to repair the Works, and
raise more as shall be judged necessary for the Defence of this Place.
BDvertteements.
/ T s He Good Old Way : Or, Christianity Described in the
"*" Lives of the Primitive Christians. Sold by Benjamin Eliot
under the West End of the Town-House: Price bound 12 d.
[Reprinted: negro man slave for sale, as in May 6; News-Letter
advertisement as in May 13.]
ffL J 1Rumb. no.
The Boft on Newsletter.
From /IDOttDa^ May 20. to /EBOtt&ap May 27. 1706.
NY
OUR folio pages, more than three pages devoted to foreign news,
the most important relating to the siege of Asti in the pre-
ceding November, the meeting of the czar of Russia and the
king of Poland, at Grodno in November, the visit of the duke of
Marlborough to Vienna, and affairs in Bavaria, Hungary and
Germany.]
Guernsey, Nov 12. Several Prizes have been lately brought in
here by the Privateers, belonging to this island . . . The
Francis of Philadelphia, Andrew Lock Master, of 40 Tuns and 8
men, Loaden with Wine Retaken by Capt John Brock.
Plimouth [Eng.] Decemb. 2. The 30th past a Dutch Privateer
called the Dolphin of Flushing brought in here as Prize, the Abraham
of Rochel, of 14 Guns, and 200 Tuns, laden with Sugar, Indigo, and
other Goods from Martinico.
St. James s December 9. This day Francis Nicholson Esq. late
Governour of Her Majesties Colony and Dominion of Virginia, was
introduced into Her Majesty s Presence by the Rt. Hon. Mr. Secre-
326
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 27, 1706
tary Hedges, and had the Honour to Kiss Her Majesty s Hand:
He likewise waited upon his Royal Highness, who was also pleased to
receive him very favourably.
Jamaica, April 10th. Capt. Bartholomew Green is arrived here
from Boston. The Packet call d the Barbados having on board 150
Cask of Indigo, and about 20000 /. value in Silver and Gold, bound
from hence to England, was lost upon the Island Heneago: The men
on board her Saved the Indigo and Money, built a Boat, took in the
Money, designing down hither, leaving the Indigo on the Island, but
in the way were met by a French Ship, who took them with their
Riches, and gave the men the Boat again and all of them their Liberty
Save two: When they arrived here, the Merchants immediately
fitted out a Sloop with 90 men to fetch the Indigo from Heneago,
which accordingly they did and brough it hither.
We have now here 300 French Prisoners; We set all the Spaniards
that we take at Liberty ; and the Spaniards do the same to the Eng
lish: We keep all the French Criolians close Prisoners: There are
two Flags of Truce sent from hence to the Havanna, and St Domingo:
Admiral Whetstone with Her Majesties Ships under his Command
being to the Eastward, is returning from his Cruise hither again.
St. John s, Newfoundland, May the 4th. It has been very Sickly
here last Winter, and we have buryed a great many : We have taken
6 French Prisoners, and two Indians; Three of the French Prisoners
made their escape to Petty Harbour, where the Chief Gunner with
a party in pursuit of them kill d two in their endeavouring a second
escape. On the 25 last, a party of French came & burnt Mr. Coals
House. Here are two Ships arrive from England, Abraham Fil-
more from Topsham and Thomas Templeman from Bristol, by whom
we are informed, That Sir William Jumper is bound hither with a
Squadron, whom we daily expect.
Southampton on Long-Island, May the 12th. On Saturday the
4th Currant, Dyed here Col. Mathew Howel Esq. much Lamented.
Nantuckei, May the 15th. On Monday the 6th Instant, Dyed here
John Gardner Esq. Aged about 82 years.
New- York, May 20. This day arrived a Sloop from St. Thomas
in 20 days, who brings News that the French gave out there, that
they designed for Jamaica, and in their Return for New- York, which
has caused us to make all possible provision to give them a warm
Reception; All persons having provided themselves with Arms
and Ammunition, and all hands are employed upon Fortifying this
City, which in a short time will be put in a good posture of defence;
Our Inhabitants having voluntarily advanced large Sums of Mony
327
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, MAY 27, 1706
for the procuring of Materials, until such time our Assembly Sits,
which will be on the 24th Instant. A great many new Carriages are
already made for the Mounting of our Cannon, and a great number of
Stockadoes and Plank brought to Town, for the making of Platforms,
Breast-works, &c.
Her Majesty s Ship Lowstaffe will go to Sea this week on a Cruise.
Vessels Outward bound are Gilbert and Ecles for St. Thomas,
Schelinx for Boston, Stevins for Curacoa, Hutchins for Barmuda,
Ecles for Jamaica, Chaplain for Barbadoes & Maclenan for Antigua.
Hartford, May 20. This day a Woman was Condemned to Dy
for Murdering her Husband, which was done by throwing a pair of
Taylors Shears at him, which hitting him on the head, in a few days
it prov d fatal to him.
Rhode-Island, May 24. On the 14th Instant about 4 in the after
noon, we had a great Shower of Hail, some whereof measured full
three quarters of an inch through, but did no damage. A Vessel
has been seen off Block-Island, which by her working is supposed to
be an Enemy.
Marblehead, May the 24th. On Saturday the 18th. Dyed here
Capt. John Brown Merchant, who was interr d on Wednesday the
22d. instant.
Boston, On Monday the 13th Currant, His Excellency reviewed
the Militia of this Place, at a General Muster of the Regiment. And
on Wednesday the 15th Currant the Militia of the Eastern Regiment
in the County of Middlesex at a General Muster in Charlestown.
And on Tuesday the 21st Currant the Militia of the South Regiment
in the County of Essex, at a General Muster at Salem And on Thurs
day the 23d the middle Regiment in the said County of Essex, at a
General Muster at Ipswich; And found them well provided as the
Law Directs.
Wednesday next the 29th Currant is the Aniversary Day for
Electing the Members of Her Majesties Council for this Province,
when the Great and General Court is to sit at Boston.
Mr. Nathaniel Vial after he came out of Jamaica in his Voyage
hither, met a Bark-Alongo that came from Cuba, bound to Jamaica,
with several English Prisoners.
On Monday the 20th Currant, The Governour Acquainting the
Council, That His Excellency the Lord Cornbury Governour of New-
York &c. had Written to Capt. Redknap Her Majesties Engineer,
to repair into that Province.
The Council Unanimously desired His Excellency to direct his
Attendance in this Province for Her Majesty s Service, until the New
328
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 3, 1706
Cannon be Mounted at Her Majesty s Castle William, and the Works
there, now in hand, be set in Order.
Coasters, Entered Inwards, Jackson from Piscataqua, Lewis &
Blin from Connecticut. Outward, Gold & Bracket for Piscataqua,
Ed. Hedge for Connecticut. Andrew Gravenradt for Rhode-Island,
N. York & Pensilvania. Foreign Inwards from Jamaica, John
Patison Sloop Dove, Nathaniel Vial Ship Dutchess: From South-
Carolina, Nathaniel Perkins Brigt. Success: from Bonire, John
Sharp Sloop Four Friends: from Saltertuda, John Hobbs Ketch
Lamb: From Newfoundland Solomon Gardner Sloop Mary: from
Surranam Ebenezar Dennis Brigt. Friendship. Cleared Outwards,
for St. Christophers, William Cole Sloop Mary: for Antigua, William
Thomas Brigt Amity: for Newfoundland, Richard Dafforn Sloop
Amity: for Barbados, Thomas Ruck Brigt. Fraternity, and John
Robinson Brigt. Larke. Outward bound, for Maryland, Moses
Abbot Sloop Endeavour: for New York Joseph Concklin Sloop Tryal:
fof Fyal John Jarvis Brigt. Goodwill: for Carolina, Jeffery Bedgood
Sloop Two Brothers: for St. Christophers, Daniel Wyborn Sloop
Hawck: for Newfoundland, George Pearson Sloop John and Mary.
HSwetttsements.
[Reprinted: loan of money wanted, as in February 14; negro
man slave for sale, as in May 6; News-Letter advertisement, as in
May 13.]
IFt jg. Bumb. in.
The Bofton News-Letter,
From /l&OUfcaE May 27. to jflDOtlfcap June 3. 1706.
NY
N this issue, the space devoted to domestic news exceeds that
given to the foreign. The latter is in December, 1705, letters
from London, Turin, Venice, Florence, Warsaw, Hague, Ratis-
bon and elsewhere. The number opens with reports of the Anniver
sary Election, the sitting of the General Court and the address of
Governor Dudley.]
Boston, June 3. 1706.
WEdnesday the 29th of May last, being the day appointed
for the Sitting of the Great and General Court or Assem
bly of this Province, And the Anniversary Election:
After the Election Sermon Preach d by the Rever
end Mr. John Rogers, Minister of Ipswich: (upon these words,
1 Kings 8.57, 58. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our
329
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 3, 1706
Fathers: Let him not leave us, nor forsake us: that he may encline our
hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his Commandments,
and his Statutes, and his Judgments, which he commanded our Fathers.}
The following Gentlemen were Chosen Members of Her Majesty s
Council for the Ensuing Year, whom His Excellency was pleased to
Approve of, Viz. 14Q
IV ait Winthrop Esq James Russel Esq
John Hathorn Esq Elisha Hutchinscn Esq
Samuel Sewall Esq Isaac Addington Esq
William Brown Esq John Phillips Esq
Jonathan Corwin Esq John Foster Esq
John W alley Esq John Thacher Esq
Eliakim Hutch inson Esq John Appleton Esq
Penn Townsend Esq John Higginson Esq
Samuel Partridge Esq Andrew Belcher Esq
Edward Brom field Esq Samuel Legg Esq
Isaac Winslow Esq Nathanael Payne Esq
Samuel Appleton Esq *John Leverett Esq
*John Gushing junior Esq *Ichabod Plaistead Esq
The Members of the House of Representatives for the several Towns
are as follows, and those that have this Mark [*] are New Ones. 149
r Mr Tho. Oakes Speak
Boston J Col Sam. Checkley
I Capt Eph Savage
I Mr Eliz. Holyoke
Roxbury, Mr Wil Denison
Dorchester, Mr Hopestill Clap
Milton, Capt Thomas Vose
Braintrey, Mr John Baxter
Watertown, * Jonas Bond Esq
Sudbury, *Mr Edmund Ryce
Marlborough, *Capt Tho How
Concord, *Mr Wil. Wilson
Chelmsford, Capt Jera. Bowers
Billerica, *Mr John Sternes
Woburn, James Converse Esq
Reading, Maj. Jer Swain
149 Printed, revised, in The Acts and Resolves . . . of the Province of
the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, pp. 161-163. In the list of members
of the council are these changes in the Province Laws print: Russell for
Russel; Hathorne for Hathorn; Browne for Brown; Paine for Payne; Plaisted
for Plaistead. In the list of representatives, the following: Sudbury, Deacon
Edmund Rice instead of Mr. Edmund Ryce; Billerica, Lieut. John Stearns
instead of Mr. John Sternes; Woburn, added: Ensign John Pierce; Hingham,
Maj. Samuel Eells instead of Samuel Eels Esq.; Salem, blank rilled: Mr.
Daniel Epes; Ipswich, Jewett for Jewet, Mr. Goodue instead of Capt.; Reading,
Sweyne for Swain; Maiden, Hill "for Hills; Sherburne, Lieut. Morse instead of
Mr. ; Dunstable, Lieut. Col. Tyng instead of Col. ; Newbury, Somerby for
Somersby; Lynn, Poole for Pool; Marblehead, Galley for Cawley; Wenham^.
Deacon William Fiske instead of- Mr. Wil. Fisk; Gloucester, Haskall for Hascall;
Yarmouth, Paddocke for Paddock; Hatfield, Deacon Marsh instead of Mr. ;
Rehoboth, Ensign Read instead of Mr. Reed; Haverhill, Saundersfor Sanders;
Boxford, Perley for Pearly; Cambridge, Capt. Thomas Oliver in place of John
Leverett Esq., Leverett being elected to the council; Charlestown, Gary for
Carey; Taunton, Crosman for Grossman; York, Donnell for Donnel.
330
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 3, 1706
Weymouth, Capt Steph French
Dedham, Mr John Fuller
Medfield, *Mr Henry Adams
Hingham, Samuel Eels Esq
Brooklin, *Mr John Winchester
Salem \ *Mr Benj Lynde
/ Mr Nehe Jewet
Ipswich \ *Capt Wil Goodhue
Neivbury, Capt Hen Somersby
Lynne, *Mr John Pool
Marblehead, *Mr John Cawley
Beverly, Mr Samuel Balch
Wenham, Mr Wil. Fisk
Topsfield, Mr Elisha Perkins
Glocester, *Mr Benj. Hascall
Rowley, Mr John Dresser
Salisbury, *Mr Rich. Hubbard
Amesbury, *Capt Tho. Harvey
Andover, Capt Chri. Osgood
H overkill, *Mr James Sanders
Boxford, *Mr Tho. Pearly
Cambrige, *John Leverett Esq
Ckarlestown, *Capt Nath Carey
Newtown, *Mr John Spring
His Excellency, JOSEPH DUDLEY Esqr. Captain General and
GOVERNOUR in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province of
the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, &c. His SPEECH to
the Honourable the COUNCIL and Representatives, in General
Court Assembled at Boston, May the 30th. 1706.
Gentlemen,
BY the favour of Almighty GOD, we have been last year
preserved from any inroad of the Enemy by Land, or any
considerable Depredation upon our Coast; and the Forces
in the several Parts have done their Duty towards our
Preservation.
I am to acquaint you, That by our Advice from the West Indies,
The French have a more powerful Fleet than at any time heretofore;
and having done what Spoil they can in the Islands; may be reason
ably expected to visit the Continent, and every Body will agree that
it is Our Duty to be in all possible Preparation to receive them,
to defend this Province from their Insults, and therein to do the
Just Honour we owe to the Crown of England, to Her Majesty the
331
Maldon, *Mr Eben. Hills
Sherborn, *Mr Jonath. Morse
Dunstable, *Col. Jonat Tyng
Lancaster, Mr John Houghton
Groton, *Mr Simon Stone
Plymouth, *Mr Nath Morton
Situate, *Mr John Barker
Marshfield, Mr Eph. Little
Bridgewater, Mr Dav. Perkins
Duxbury, *Capt Seth Arnold
Barnstable, *Mr Sam Hinckley
Yarmouth, *Mr Zech. Paddock
Eastham, Mr Sam. Knowles
Springfield, *Jos. Parsons Esq
Northampton, *Mr Eb. Strong
Hadley, *Mr Daniel Marsh
Hatfield, *Mr Samuel Marsh
Bristol, Mr Nath Blagrove
Rehoboth, *Mr Moses Reed
Swanzey, *Mr Hezek. Luther
Taunton, *Mr Ro. Grossman
York, * Samuel Donnel Esq
Kittery, *Mr Jos. Hammond
Nantucket, Capt Rich. Gardner.
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 3, 1706
best of Princes, and to all Her Majesties good Subjects that depend
upon US.
I have lately reviewed the several Regiments upon the Sea Coast,
and put them into the best Readiness for a March, to the Assistance
of any oppressed Part, and by the Advice of Her Majesties Council,
have doubled the Garrison at the Castle, and laid in Provisions and
Stores there.
There is something further necessary to be done towards the
Security of this Town, at the Battery s and else where, as well as at
Salem, Marblehead and Cape Anne, which I shall desire you forth
with to enter upon: the Season of the year being far advanced, and
proper for the Enemy to look this way.
Gentlemen of the Representatives,
I have always found your Readiness to Assist in the Affairs of the
War; and as the Circumstances are more pressing, I doubt not of
your further Resolutions, you will properly consider the Method of
such growing Charges of the Fortifications, and other Necessarys,
and how to lay them equally, and thereby more easy to the People.
Mr. Treasurer s Accounts will acquaint you what is wanting there.
I have used all Methods this last year to make the Charge as easy
as possible, that I might Encourage your Readiness in the Supply,
and shall at all times depend upon your Advice for the Security of
this Province, and am well Assured of your Assistance.
I shall be glad you will make this the first business, and proceed
early in it, because all things that we shall judge necessary will
demand time.
I Trust Almighty GOD will Inspire us with that Courage and Reso
lution which is needful for our Defence: and that we may proceed
Unanimously and Vigorously in what is before us, which I shall
always justly represent to the Honour of the Government.
On Thursday the 30th of May, An Express came to His Excellency
from Albany, giving, an Account, That Mr. Shelden (who went from
hence to Canada with Letters from our Governour, to the Governour
of Quebeck, in order to the Exchange of Prisoners) was safe arrived
there, and had got all our Captives together (except 9 or 10) in read
iness to come away from thence.
This day came here by Land from Martha s-Vineyard, Jeremiah
Snow, Master of the Ship Hope-wel, who came from Hundoras about
5 weeks ago loaden with Logwood bound for Curacoa; But on the
3d of May coming thro the Gulph of Florida was taken by a French
Man of War of 26 Guns, bound from St. Domingo to Burdeaux in
France: The French having pillaged her of Water, Provisions, Beds
and Cloathing, Sold the Ship and Loading to the Master for an 100 /.
Sterling; for the payment of which he sent a Man in Hostage. And
332
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 3, 1706
on Thursday the 23d of May, Mr. Snow being off Block-Island, and
very short of Water and Provisions, seeing two Sloops, he drew up his
Sails designing to speak with them to get a supply; but they were
afraid, and run away from him, he being unacquainted at Rhode-
Island, and not having time that night to run in, he made the best
of his way to the Eastward, and on the 26th. got in to Martha s-
Vineyard. Mr. Snow see the People of Block-Island fire the Beacon,
and doubtless his Ship was the Vessel mentioned in our last supposed
to be an Enemy.
By a Vessel from Carolina, We are acquainted, That Capt. Baylie
in a Ship from Barmuda bound to Pensilvania, having 41 Persons on
board was cast away the beginning of April last, a little to the North
ward of Ruanok Barr, and had 33 Persons drowned, 15 whereof were
Negros. As also that Capt. Josiah Flint in the Stephen and Samuel
of Boston, laden with Pitch, Tar, Ryce &c. bound from South Carolina
to Virginia, in order to imbrace the Convoy from thence to England,
was cast away upon Cape Hatteras, about the middle of April last;
the men all Saved.
His Excellency has been pleased to Commissionate Mr. Samuel
Keeling Merchant, to be one of the Captains of the Regiment of
Militia of this Town.
New-York, May 27. On the 21st Instant arrived here Capt. Mor
rison from Jamaica, and Cox from Turks Island. And on the 24th
a Prize Ship (formerly mentioned) from Bermuda, but neither bring
any News.
Her Majesty s Ship Lowstaffe Sails this week on a Cruise towards
Virginia.
We have above 200 at work every day on the Fortifications, and a
great number cutting and fetching of Timber, Stockadoes, &c. for
making of Batteries, Platforms, &c. The Northside of this City from
Hudsons River to the East River will be inclosed with Stockadoes,
and a very good Breast -work, with several Block-Houses at conven
ient places. One half whereof is already done, and we hope to have
finished that Line this week. A breast-work is carrying on all along
Hudsons River, and several Batteries will be made fronting the
Harbour, there being Carriages ready for Mounting 40 or 50 heavy
Cannon, & more making.
Most persons in case of any Attack from the Enemy have provided
Retreats in the Country, for their Wives and Children, &c. And
a Computation has been made, that in less than 24 hours, we can
have 4000 Men well ArmedTin this City ; So that if the French should
come, they are like to get little more than hard blows & Brick Walls y
which will do them no extroordinary Service.
333
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 3, 1706
We are acquainted from Virginia, that Capt. Bond for this place
has Souldiers on Board to Recruit the Forces here; who comes from
England under Convoy of Her Majesty s Ships the Greenwich &
Hazardous for Virginia, whom we daily expect.
Vessels Outward bound are Budge for London, Bradduck for
Boston, Bill, Pasco, Stilwell and Dupuy for Curacoa, and Martin for
St Thomas.
Boston, Coasters Entered Inwards, Elisha Hedge, Nathanael
Loring, Richard Christophers and William Rodes from Connecticut.
Outward, Jacob Cornwal for Connecticut. Foreign Inwards, from
Ruanoak, William Clarke Sloop Endeavour, John Ford Sloop Speed
well, David Northy Brigt. Speedwell- friend, and John Webster
Brigt. Endeavour: from Turks Island, Solomon Pitman Brigt.
Content: from Montserrat, Samuel Hooper Ketch Endeavour:
from Bonavist, James Loring Brigt. Industry: from Nevis - Ebenezar
Breed Ketch Goodwill: from South-Carolina, Joseph Elicot Sloop
Nonsuch. Cleared Outward, for Newfoundland, Jeremiah Vail
Sloop Mary: for South Carolina, John Pitts Ketch Exchange. Out
ward bound, for Fyall Samuel Edward Brigt. William and Mary.
THese are to give Notice, That in our Numb. 79 We gave you
an Account, That Her Majesty, for the better maintaining of
Correspondence between England and Her Plantation Islands in the
West-Indies, and for the further Improvement and Benefit of Trade,
had settled Packet-Boats, to go from Plimouth every Month in the
year, and being arrived at Barbadoes to stay no longer than 3 days
and nights, at Antigua 2 days and nights, Monserat, Nevis and St.
Christophers at each 36 hours, at Jamaica 10 days and nights, and
thence to Return to England, and not to be stay d or delayed on any
pretence whatsoever.
And whereas in the said Account by an Error of the Press, it is said
every Vessel hath performed her Voyage in the space of 150 days or
thereabouts: These are to give Notice, that it should be but 100 days, which
according to the first Proposition laid down by the Honourable Edmund
Dummer Esqr. is de facto found practicable to accomplish the same.
In the said Account we also informed you, That by virtue of the Act
of Parliament for Establishing the Post- Office, Her Majesty had
Directed and Impowered the Honourable Sir Robert Cotton Knight,
and also the Honourable Sir Thomas Frankland Baronet, Her Majesty s
Post-Master General of England and the Plantations, &c. to take and
receive for the Port of all Letters and Packets so conveyed to and from
the Plantations to England, according to the Rates following. From
England to the West-Indies, each Letter not exceeding one sheet 15 d.
double not exceeding 2 Sheets 2 s. 6 d. and in proportion to the same
334
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 3, 1706
Rates for every Packet of Letters. From the Islands to England single
18 d. Double 3 s. and in proportion for Packets, and for Packets
of greater bulk 6 s. per Ounce.
We also acquainted you that Letters would be taken in at the General
Post-Office in London, directed for New-England, New- York, New-
Jersey, Pensilvania, &c. On the same Post nights as those for the
Plantation Islands, which would be put up in Separate Bags, for the
Continent, with Direction to the several Agents of Her Majesty s Packets
in each Island by the very first Embarkation that presents from either
Island, to put said Mails on Board for the Continent, where said Letters
are to be dispatched to the Respective Governments by the Post-master
of the Place where the said Vessel does first arrive.
These are also to give Notice, That the Agents of the Packets in each
Island, and the Post-masters on the Continent, are ordered to Corres
pond with each other in order to promote and carry on this Publick
Good. As also the Post-masters of the several Provinces on the Continent
are hereby desired to acquaint each other from time to time of all Vessels
Outward bound from their Precincts to any Port of the West-Indies or
Beyond Sea, as well as those that do arrive from any Foreign Port;
whereby all Persons may know how and when to send Letters by said
Vessels for Counveyance by the Monthly Packets to England, or any
other Ports.
It is also hereby further Notified to all Persons who at any time have a
mind to send any Letters or Packets for England, either directly when
Embarkations offer, or by the way of the W T est-Indies by said Packets,
either from this or the Neighbouring Provinces, that all due care shall be
taken by the Respective Post-masters to put said Letters on board the
Vessel for England, and if to the Plantations, to put up the said Letters
in a Maile directed for the Agent, where the first Embarkation offers,
by him to be put on Board the first Packet for England : The Owners of
said Letters or Packets, first having pay d the Inland Postage and
usual allowances of 2 d. each Letter for the same.
Hfcvertisements.
A I^O be Sold at Charlestown on reasonable Terms, K House &
* Land,- Barn, Gardens, with other accomodations, and a Dock and
Ship-yard belonging thereunto, with all necessarys for a Ship-wright;
Inquire of Mr. Samuel B[a]llard of said Town, and know further.
T TPon Tuesday night last the 28th of May, there was Stole, a
^ Little Moses Boat from the side of the Sloop Larke lying at
Mrs. Keeche s Wharffe in the North End of Boston: Whoever will
bring back again the said Boat unto John Welch Master of said
Sloop, or give him any true Intelligence, so as he may have her
again, shall have a sufficient Reward.
335
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
ANy Person that wants to borrow Money at Interest, upon good
Security, may inquire of John Campbell Postmaster, and
know further.
THree Negro Men Slaves, & three Negro Women, to be Sold;
Inquire of John Campbell Postmaster, & know further.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in May 13.]
1ft. fi* Bumb. 112.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From ffDOUfcaE June 3. to flDOn&a June 10. 1706.
NY
|"TN all respects size, diversity of news, treatment of domestic
I J[ affairs, quantity of advertising and so on this is the most am-
* bitious number of the News-Letter attempted up to this date.
Two regular pages are added, making it a six page folio. On the
first page is an account from Limerick, December 7, 1705, of storms
and shipwrecks on the Irish coast, and this is followed on the first
and second pages with other foreign news from Vienna, Madrid,
Zurich, Ratisbon and elsewhere. More than half of the third page
is given to domestic news. On the fourth page is an editorial argu
ment against negro slavery, an important historical document,
and on the same page is additional domestic news. The fifth page is
filled with the speech of Lord Cornbury and the proceedings of the
Assembly of New York, while the sixth page presents foreign news
from Paris, Dresden, Frankfort, Falmouth, Hague and elsewhere,
and three quarters of a column of advertisements.]
Boston, On Monday the 3d. Currant, The Annual Artillery Election
Sermon was Preach d by the Reverend Mr. Rowland Cotton, Minister
of Sandwich, upon these words, Mat. 11. 12. The Kingdom of Heaven
suffereth Violence, and the Violent take it by Force. After Sermon
the following Gentlemen were Chosen by the Honourable Artillery
Company to be their Officers for the Ensuing Year, Viz. Major
Adam Winthrop, Captain; Captain Timothy Clarke, Lieutenant;
and Captain John Ballantine, Ensign: Whom His Excellency was
pleased to Approve of.
On the said day arrived here the Port Merchant from Lisbon in
51 days, John Babbage Master; there came out in Company with him,
Mr. Gerrish for Piscataqua, via Fyall, Mr. Winter for this place, 10
Sail of large Merchant-men for the West-Indies, and 14 Sail for New
foundland.
By whom we are Advised, [Then is printed nearly a half column
of minor foreign news items.]
336
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
This Port Merchant, whereof Richard Thomas was formerly Master,
was taken in his Voyage from Boston to Lisbon by three Letter of
Mark-men; all the Commanders were very kind to the said Thomas,
whom they carried with them to Martinico, and the said Vessel was
retaken by a Flushing Privateer of 36 Guns, and ransomed again:
Cravat from Boston was also taken, and they gave him his Vessel again.
Mr. Babbage further says, That one of the Mast-Ships, & Mr.
Minot in a Flag Boat," were arrived at Lisbon from England, who
waited for a Convoy to this Place.
On Tuesday the 4th Instant, By an Express from the Governour
of Rhode-Island to His Excellency, we are acquainted, that there is a
French Privateer on that Coast, who upon Fryday the 31st of May
Chased one Walker in a Sloop from Connecticut, so that he and his
men was forced to leave his Sloop laden with Provisions, and get on
shore at Watchpoint. The Government of Rhode-Island upon notice
had of it, immediately fitted out two Sloops well Mann d and Arm d,
under Command of Major Wanton, and Lieut. Payn to go in Quest
of the said Privateer. Mr. Walker saw the Privateer take the Pro
visions out of his Sloop, and then turn her a drift.
On Thursday the 6th Currant, there came an Express to His Excel
lency from the Province of Main, giving an Account, that 6 or 8 of
the Skulking Enemy Indians on Tuesday last came unawares upon
3 or 4 persons that were working in their field at Cachethe, and kill d
two of them being Young men, e re they could escape to the Garison,
as the other did.
On the said Day the Assembly Elected Two of Her Majesty s
Council for this Province, to make up the Number of 28. Viz Benja
min Brown Esq. and Ephraim Hunt Esq. and His Excellency Approved
of the Choice.
Since our Last there was chosen the following Gentlemen to Serve
in the General Court as Representatives of the following Towns, viz.
For Cambridge, Capt. Thomas Oliver; John Leverett Esq. the late
Representative for that Town, being chosen One of Her Majesty s
Council: for Little Compton *Col. Benjamin Church, and for Mendon,
*Mr. William Holebrook. 1
On Fryday the 7th Currant, arrived here Capt. Tho. Gwin, and
Capt. Beamsly Perkins, in 17 days from Antigua, with whom came
out for this place David Bucklin, and John Taylor, who Sailed the
same day about 6 hours before them, by whom we are acquainted,
That Mr. Nathaniel Harris for Boston, and Mr. Andrew Pepyril for
Piscataqua Sailed from Antigua about 16 days before they came out.
150 See foot-note, 149, p. 330 ante.
337
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
That in the Lat of 19 and 40. Capt. Perkins met a large Ship of Force,
who gave him Chase, which Ship he saw take a Sloop, whom he fears
to be Taylor. That there was a Flag of Truce returned from Mar-
tinico to Antigua the 10th of May last with all the English Prisoners
from thence, by whom we are advised, That the French Squadron
were all gone to the Leeward, (excepting one 70 Gun Ship, that was
going Convoy of the Martinico Fleet for France) and were to stop at
St. Domingo, where they expected a considerable Force to join them,
in order to attack Curacoa or Jamaica: That the Dutch Fleet from
Curacoa to Holland, consisting of above 100 Sail were gone home.
That Capt. Crapo in a Ship of 14 Guns, who was upon this Coast last
year, was Sailed from Martinico 14 days before the last Flag of
Truce to Antigua came from thence, and was gone for St. Domingo,
in order to join some French Ships of War to come upon the Coast of
N. E. That they expected Monsieur Du Casse at Martinico. That
there was lately a great Storm at Martinico, wherein they Lost 12
Sail of Vessels, 4 whereof were Privateers, and the rest Prizes. That
there was a Spy Boat from Barbadoes at Antigua, waiting for the
Return of the Flag of Truce from Martinico, which Spy Boat returned
to Barbadoes upon the Arrival of the Flag of Truce, and upon their
Arrival at Barbadoes: It is not doubted, but the long Embargo upon
Vessels there will be taken off.
On Saturday the 8th Currant, arrived here David Bucklin from
Antigua.
This day was Interr d the Corps of Mr. Jonathan Balston t who dyed
on Thursday last, in the 89th year of his Age.
Coasters, Entered Outward, for Connecticut, Elisha Hedge, An
drew Wager, James Blin, and William Rhodes: for New- York, Joseph
Concklin. Foreign Inwards, from Lisbone, John Babbage Ship Oporto
Merchant: from St. George, William Goddard Brigt. Seaflower:
from Antigua, Thomas Gwin Brigt. Eliz. and Beamsly Perkins
Eagle Galley. Cleared Outwards, for New-foundland, Solomon
Gardner Sloop Mary: for Curacoa, Thomas Andrews Ketch Mary.
Outward bound, for Antigua, John Rawlins Sloop Mary: for Oporto,
Samuel Turill Ship John & Timothy: for Newfoundland John Sharp
Sloop Four friends.
On the 9th Arrived Nathanael Jarvies from Antigua.
BY last Years Bill of Mortality for the Town of Boston in Numb
100 News-Letter, we are furnished with a list of 44 Negroes dead
last year, which being computed one with another at 30 1. per Head,
amounts to the Sum of One Thousand three hundred and Twenty Pounds,
of which we would make this Remark; That the Importing of Negroes
into this or the Neighbouring Provinces is not so beneficial either to the
338
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
Crown or Country, as White Servants would be.
For Negroes do not carry Arms to defend the Countrey, as Whites do.
Negroes are generally Eye-Servants, great Thieves, much addicted
to Stealing, Lying and Purloining.
They do not People our Country as Whites would do whereby we
should be strengthened against an Enemy.
By Encouraging the importing of White Men Servants, allowing
somewhat to the Importer, most Husbandmen in the Country might
be furnished with Servants for 8, p, or 10 1. a Head, who are not able
to Launch out 40 or 50 1. for a Negro the now common price.
A Man then might buy a White Man Servant we suppose for 10 I.
to Serve 4 years, and Boys for the same price to Serve 6, 8 or 10 years:
If a White Servant die, the Loss exceeds not 10 1. but if a Negro dies,
tis a very great loss to the Husbandman; Three years Interest of the
price of the Negro, will near upon if not altogether purchase a White
Man Servant.
If Necessity call for it, that the Husbandman must fit out a man
against the Enemy; if he has a Negro he cannot send him, but if he
has a White Servant, twill answer the end, and perhaps save his Son
at home.
Were Merchants and Masters Encouraged as already said to bring
in Men Servants, there needed not be such Complaint against Supe-
riours Impressing our Children to ike War, there would then be Men
enough to be had without Impressing.
The bringing in of such Servants would much enrich this Province ,
because Husbandmen would not only be able far better to manure what
Lands are already under Improvement, but would also improve a great
deal more that now lyes waste under Woods, and enable this Province
to set about raising of Naval Stores, which would be greatly advantagious
to the Crown of England, and this Province.
For the raising of Hemp here, so as to make Sail-cloth and Cordage
to furnish but our own Shipping, would kinder the Importing it, &
save a considerable sum in a year to make Returns for which we now do,
and in time might be capacitated to furnish England not only with
Sail-cloth and Cordage, but likewise with Pitch, Tar, Hemp and other
Stores which they are now obliged to purchase in Foreign Nations.
Suppose the Government here should allow Forty Shillings per head
for five years, to such as should Import every of these years 100 White
Men Servants, and each to Serve 4 years, the cost would be but 200 I.
a year, and a 1000 Is for the 5 years: The first 100 Servants being free
the 4th year, they serve the $th for Wages, and the 6th there is 100 that
goes out into the Woods, and settles a 100 families to Strengthen and
Baracado us from the Indians, and so a 100 Families more every year
successively.
339
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
And here you see that in one year the Town of Boston has lost 1320 I.
by 44 Negroes, which is also a Loss to the Country in general, and for a
less Loss, (if it may improperly be so called) for a 1000 L the Country
may have 500 Men in 5 years time for the 44 Negroes dead in one year.
A certain person within these 6 years had two Negroes dead com
puted both at 60 1. which would have procured him six white Servants
at 10 L per head to have Served 24 years, at 4 years apiece, without
running such a great risque, and the Whites would have strengthened
the Country; that Negroes do not.
Twould do well that none of those Servants be liable to be Impressed
during their Service of Agreement at their first Landing.
That such Servants being Sold or Transported out of this Province
during the time of their Service, the Person that buys them be liable
to pay 3 1. into the Treasury. 151
New -Haven, May 29. To Morrow is a Publick day of Fasting &
Prayer appointed throughout our Colony, much on the same grounds
of that kept in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay & N. Hamp
shire in April last.
On the 23d Currant, We had here a Storm of Thunder Hail,
whereby two men working on a Vessel upon the Stocks were smitten,
the one down to the ground who lay near half an hour without any
appearance of Life, the other smitten so as to fall against the side
of the Vessel, both since well in Body and Mind, but do declare,
that they neither heard the Thunder nor saw the Lightning that
did them this harm. We have had several great Rains of late besides
that I formerly wrote you of, which has caused great Floods in our
small Rivers.
Piscataqua, June 7th. On Wednesday last was Launched here
the Lusitania Galley, burthen about 500 Tuns, whereof Capt. John
Wentworth is Commander. And yesterday Mr. John Shaplie and
his Son being Riding on the Road near Kittery, their Horses were
found all bloody without their Riders; a Party of the Garison that
went out in Quest of the Sculking Enemy, found Mr. Shaplies Body,
and his head cut off, but cannot tell what is become of the Son.
New-port Rhode-Island, June 7. On the 2d. Instant, at 8 a Clock
in the morning, there came to our Governour one John Walker
(Master of a Sloop bound to Boston from Connecticut, loaden with
78 barrels of Pork, 7 of Beef, 700 bushels of Wheat and Indian Corn)
who gave his Honour this Account, That on Saturday last in the
afternoon he had been Chased in the Sound by a French Privateer
Sloop, and to avoid being taken, he & his men got into their small
151 One of the earliest public utterances against slavery in the colonies.
340
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
boat, and left their Sloop to the mercy of the Privateer who took
her, and they getting on shore at Watch-Hill, Alarmed the people all
along Narraganset shore and Stonington, where it was Lined with near
1000 men in Arms. Mr. Walker himself made the best of his way
hither; and upon his Arrival, our Governour immediately issued
forth a Proclamation for Voluntiers, and in less than 2 hours time,
we had 2 Sloops fitted out with 100 and odd men well armed, under
Command of Major William Wanton and Capt. Thomas Payne,
who Sailed from hence about 10 a Clock in the morning, and about
2 a Clock in the afternoon made themselves Masters of the Privateer
and her Prize about 3 Leagues to the Southward of Block-Island,
and brought her on Monday last in here about 10 a Clock in the
morning. The Privateer seeing 2 Sloops after him did not fight.
The Sloop is of about 30 Tons, 37 men, sails well, the Captains name
is Charles Ferret has his Commission from Petitguavus, she was bound
for Port-Royal, in order to Cruise this Summer on the New-England
Coast.
Yesterday was held here a Court of Admiralty by the Hon. Na
thaniel Byfield Esq. Judge thereof, where the said Privateer was
Condemned by his Honour gratis, to Encourage so noble and valor
ous an Action.
New-York, June 3.
His Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury, Captain General and
Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesty s Colony of New-
York and Territories depending thereon, &c. His SPEECH to the
Honourable the Council and Representatives in General Assembly
now Sitting in the City of New York, upon Wednesday the 29th.
of May 1706.
Gentlemen,
THE Service of Her most Sacred Majesty the Queen, in the
eighbouring Colony, having Obliged me to Prorogue this
Assembly to the Month of September next, I should not have
given you the trouble of meeting till that time, were I not forced
to it by an indispensible necessity, the repeated Advices our Mer
chants here have received from their Correspondents in the West-
Indies, of the design the French have of attempting this Colony,
has made me think it of absolute necessity to call you together at
this time, that all proper measures may be taken, for the defence
of this Place, which as yet lies very open, naked and defenceless.
There are two things therefore which I shall -chiefly recommend to
your care, one is the providing a Fund for the Fortifying this City;
the other is, the providing a Fund for the Repairing this Her Majesties
Fort, which is extreamly out of Order, and for mounting the Guns,
most of the Carriages being rotten and unserviceable. These two
341
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
things are of absolute necessity, and without which, it is to be feared
this place may become a prey to a powerful enemy, who can design
no less, than to lay it waste, and destroy it, as they have done the
Islands of Nevis and St. Christophers, whose misfortunes I hope
will be an inducement to you to make effectual provision for the
defence of this Colony: And you may be sure, that whatever you
shall think fit to give, shall be applied to the Uses for which you give
it, and to no other.
Gentlemen,
I must take notice to you, that the last Assembly did pass an Act
for the Raising the Sum of 1500 /. towards the erecting Batteries at
the Narrows, which would have been of very great use at this time
had that Money been collected, but it has not: I am sensible that
some malicious ill minded people have reported, That I had taken
that Money into my hands; that the truth therefore may be known,
and I justifyed, I recommend it to you Gentlemen of the House of
Representatives, to make a strict enquiry into that Tax I think it
proper to recommend to you, the Reviving the Militia Act, which
expired by its own Limitation in the year 1704. And I am the rather
Induced to do it at this time, because in this time of danger, if there
is not some Law past to keep the people to their Duty, I shall be
forced to put Martial Law in practice, which I am sure will fall
heavier, than any Act of Assembly will do. I cannot conclude without
putting you in mind of the necessity of making provision for Out-
scouts this next Winter, to be sent from Albany. These are the things
I thought proper to recommend to you, and which I hope you will
provide for with all possible dispatch, because I think the nature of
the thing requires it. If you can think of any thing else that may
require the Aid of an Act of Assembly at this time, you shall always
find me ready to do anything that shall be proposed to me, for the
QUEENS Service and the good of the Country.
The House being met on Thursday the 30th of May, and a Debate
arising concerning the Legality of the present meeting of the General
Assembly, which stands Prorogued till the 12th of September next.
Resolved, Nemine contradicente, That in regard of the indispensible
Necessity mentioned in his Lordships Speech, of which this House
is deeply sensible, they will sit and proceed to give their best Assist
ance towards the necessary Defence of this Colony.
Resolved, That the City of New-York be immediately fortified.
Resolved, That this House will raise a Fund towards the defraying
the Charge of the Fortifications of the City of New-York.
Resolved, That this House will to Morrow Morning resolve in
to a Committee of the whole House to consider of ways and means
342
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 10, 1706
for the raising a Fund for defraying the Charge of Fortifying the City
of New-York.
Ordered, That - be a Committee of this House to inspect
and examine what Sum of Money has been raised and paid in, by vir
tue of a late Act of General Assembly for raising 1500 /. towards
erecting Batteries at the Narrows, and make their Report thereof to
this House.
Ordered, That a Bill be brought in to revive the Militia Act,
lately expired by its own Limitation.
Resolved, That a Fund be raised for the payment of Scouts for
the Fronteers at Albany for the year ensuing.
Ordered, That a Bill be brought in accordingly.
Ordered, That his Excellencys Speech and the Votes of this House
be forthwith Printed. 152
Our Fortifications are briskly carried on, we having some days
400 men at work, & seldom less than 200. The Country are very
ready in their Assistance, and have sent us 150 men at a time to work,
& we hope in a short time to be in a good posture of defence.
Her Majesty s Ship Lowstaffe, Capt. Jeffers and a Brigt. Sailed
out of Sandyhook yesterday morning for Virginia, the Merchant
men are bound with the Fleet for London.
On Saturday last His Excellency my Lord Cornbury went to his
Government of New-Jersey, and is expected back to morrow.
Outward bound are 4 Sloops, one for London, Via Virginia, the
rest for Madera, Barbadoes, and St. Thomas.
Plimouth[Eng.], Decemb 28 This day arrived here Her Majesty s
Ship the Deal Castle from New York.
Falmouth, Decemb. 29. The 26th Her Majesty s Ship the Nonsuch
put into this port from New-York, whence she Sailed the first Instant,
in company of the Mermaid and Deal Castle, with about 19 Sail
of Merchant men under their Convoy ; but was separated from them
the 6th by bad Weather.
advertisements.
MAgnalia Christi Americana: Or, the Ecclesiastical History of
New-England, from its first Planting in the year 1620, unto
the year of our Lord 1698, in folio, containing 820 Pages in 7 Books,
wherein you have the Lives of the Governours, Magistrates, and
Divines ; an Account of the University of Cambridge, with the Lives
of the Benefactors and Eminent Persons Educated therein: The
152 This speech and the resolves are in the Journal of the Votes and Pro
ceedings of the General Assembly of the Colony of New York, Gaine edition,
Vol. I, pp. 212-213.
343
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 17, 1706
Order in the Churches and Synods: Many Illustrious Providences of
Mercy and Judgement ; and Afflictions of the Churches from several
Adversaries, and remarkable Occurences in the Wars with the Indians
To be Sold by Benjamin Eliot at his Shop under the West End of
the Town-House in Boston. Price, Twenty Shillings. 153
A New Edition of the New-England PSALM-BOOK, Printed
with a New, Fair Character, and on good fine Paper; with a
New Set of most Common Tunes, more free from Errors than hereto
fore. To be Sold also by Benjamin Eliot at his Shop under the West
End of the Town-House in Boston: & Nicholas Boone at his Shop
near School-house Lane. 154
TO Be Sold at the Post-Office in Boston: The Monthly Mercury s
at 12 d a Piece: London Gazetts, Flying-Posts, Post-Man,
Post-Boy, Bills of Entry, Price Courants, Observators, at 1 d. per
Piece; and the Boston News-Letter for the first two years, at 2 d. per
Piece. So that any Persons in Town or Country in this or the Neigh
bouring Provinces, may have the same, agreeing with John Campbell,
Post-Master of Boston for all, or any of the same.
ANy Person that wants to buy a Set of New-Halbards, may inquire
of John Campbell Post -master and know further.
^ I ^O be Lett or Sold at Charlestown on reasonable Terms, A House
-*- & Land, Barn, Gardens, with other accomodations, and a Dock
and Ship-yard belonging thereunto, with all necessarys for a Ship
wright; Inquire of Mr. Samuel Ballard of said Town, and know
further.
[Reprinted: reward offered for return of a stolen boat, money to
loan, and negro slaves to be sold, as in June 3; News-Letter adver
tisement, as first in May 13.]
1ft. j. Bumb. us.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDOnDag June 10. to /TOonDag June 17. 1706.
NY
RETURN is made to the four page folio size. At the head of
e first column of the first page, under date "London, De
cember 31, 1705," begins a review of the European events of
the year, and this is preceded with an editorial introduction. The
review fills the entire first page and one and a half columns on the
153 This work originally advertised in the News-Letter of March 11, 1706.
154 See advertisement in News-Letter, May 6, 1706.
344
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 17, 1706
second page. In half a column of the second page and all the third
page is foreign news from Paris, Frankfort, Vienna, Venice, Hague,
Madrid, and elsewhere, of January dates. There is one full page of
domestic news.]
THE Reader having favourably received the Epitome s we
have hitherto made at the conclusion of each year, of the
chief Actions transacted therein, we shall pursue our usual
method, and present him with a short account of the most
material Occurences that have happened in this present year. [Here
follows the review.]
Falmouth, Jan. 3. ... Two other Dutch Privateers have
brought in two French Prizes of about 200 Tuns each, laden with
Sugar, Coco, and other Goods, from Martinico.
New- York, June 10. On the 4th Instant arrived here Capt. Creago
in 19 days from St. Thomas, who brings News, That Monsieur Deber-
ville with the French Squadron was gone to St. Domingo, and that
Monsieur du Casse was not yet arrived in Martinico. They had advice
there by a Sloop from Martinico, that a Ship was arrived there from
France which saw 14 (some Letters say 24) English Men of War go
into Madera, supposed to be bound to the West-Indies, upon which
the Governour of Martinico will admit but a few Privateers to go out
at a time, and not above 3 weeks Cruise.
The same day arrived a Prize Sloop loaden with Martinico Cocoa,
and bound from thence to St. Domingo, she was taken by a Privateer
belonging to Curacoa and sent hither, with whom Capt. Pennistone a
few days after Concerted ; Penniston s Periawger had taken a Spanish
Privateer of 4 Guns and 30 men; Pennistone was waiting in Kids
river in expectation of a Prize, and writes that 15 Galloons were arrived
in the West Indies.
On the 8th Instant arrived here a Ship from Bristol, one Cockerin
Master, who came out the 23d of March in Company of 24 Sail bound
for Virginia and Maryland: By whom we are advised [here follow
several short items of foreign news.]
Capt. Bond for New- York was in the Downs the 16th March whom
we expect with the Virginia Convoy, and we expect another from
London with fhe Newfoundland Fleet.
Our Assembly have Voted 3000 1. for fortifying of this City.
Rhode-Island, June 14th. There is arrived here from Barbadoes
in 16 days Philip Lewis in Brigt. Hope, Elery, Sloop Benjamin &
Abigail, and Chapman, Sloop Dove; who came out in company
with several Vessels for the Continent.
Dedham, June 15th. On Thursday the 13th. Currant, We had
345
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 17, 1706
here a Shower of Rain, accompanyed with great Thunder and Light
ning, whereby the House of Mr. Vigilans Fisher (in the middle of
the Town) was smitten, several Bricks beat off the Chimny, falling
down on the fore-side of the House, one of the Spars of the House
Split from the Chimney down-wards to the Plate, and from thence
taking the Post of the fore door, Split that also, Carrying one piece
of it to the other side of the Street, several pieces of Bricks fell down the
Chimney very near to a Child sitting in the Corner, several pieces of
Clap boards broken and beat off the House : The Lower Room (where
the People were) fill d with a smell of Sulphur for a Considerable
time, but (through Mercy) no Person kill d or hurt.
Boston, On Monday the 10th. Currant arrived here Capt. Rows
in the Flag of Truce, that went for Port-Royal, in order to the Ex
change of Prisoners, who has brought with him Seven, and Eight
more are on board of a Briganteen that is not yet arrived, who are
all the English Prisoners that were there. Capt. Rows acquaints us,
that there is a Privateer of 10 Guns designed from Placentia, to touch
at Port-Royal, in order to Cruise upon this Coast.
The Briganteen that Capt. Rows Ransomed was designed to be
fitted out at Port- Royal, to be a Privateer to annoy this Coast.
Mid-week the 12th. Instant, Upon Representation of the Danger
of an Attack from Her Majesties Enemies the French, the Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston, have Voluntarily consented and agreed, That
the Sum of One Thousand Pounds be raised on the said Town, and
applyed to the repairing of the Fortifications within the same, and
setting them in order for Her Majesties Service, according to such
Directions as shall be given by His Excellency. 155
On Fryday the 14th. Currant arrived here, Azor Gale in 19 days
from Barbadoes, who came out in Company with about 70 Sail of
Vessels, whereof about 30 Sail for Boston, Salem, Marblehead and
Piscataqua; some for Rhode-Island, New- York, Pensilvania, Virginia,
Carolina, and London.
On Saturday the 15th. Currant, we had an Alarm here, occasioned
by 12 Sail of Vessels from Barbadoes, which begun about nine a Clock
in the fore-noon, and in less than an Hour, we had near upon 1400
Men in Arms (besides Seamen, and those at the Forts and Batteries)
whom His Excellency was pleased to review.
Coasters Entered Inward, Roundy from Salem, Lothrop from
Connecticut, Jackson from Piscataqua, and Dirick Adolph from
New- York. Outward, John Hobbs Ketch Lamb for New-Haven,
and Richard Christophers Sloop Grace & Ruth for New-London.
155 See Boston Records from 1710 to 1728 (City Document No. 137, 1882)
pp. 39-40.
346
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 17, 1706
Foreign Inward, from Antigua, Nathanael Harris Brigt. Swallow,
and David Bucklin Brigt. Randall, from Barbadoes, Joseph Everton
Brigt. Eliz. John Pullin Brigt. Dove. & Azor Gale Ship Friend-ship:
from Hundoras Jer. Snow Hopewell Pink. Cleared Outward, for
Jamaica, John Elkins Sloop Boneto, and for Fiall, Thomas Sill
Brigt. William & Mary. Outward bound, for Newfoundland Michael
Gill Boston Galley; for Antigua John Norton Brigt. Tryal: for
Montserrat John Blue Brigt. Dragon, and Francis Norris Sloop Sea-
flower: for Fyall William Clarke Sloop Endeavour, and Abel -Jones
Sloop Larke: for Barmuda Solomon Pittman Brigt. Content: for
Barbados Joseph Eliot Sloop Nonsuch, and Nathaniel Carey Sloop
Katherine: and for Jamaica John Venteman Martha and Elizabeth.
Arrived this day from Barbados, Capts. Samuel Rymes, John
Alden, William Holberton, William Alden, James Berry, John Corney,
Tho. Simkins, William Fellows, Tobias Green, Jonathan Lambert,
Goold.
T)Y Letters from London of April the 3d. Per the Packet via Bar-
-*~*badoes we have the following Account.
Deal, Feb. 22. This day came in the Mermaid from Ireland Convoy
to the George, Marlborough, Desire, Laurel, Indigo Merchant, Robert
and Francis from Jamaica; Also the Golden Fleece Benjamin Stone ,
the Thomas and Sarah Henry Lowder from New-England; the
Resolution Capt. Saunders from N-York, all last from Ireland.
Plimouth, March 5. Yesterday came in the good Intent from
Pensilvania.
Dartmouth, March 5. This day came in the Dover Galley Clement
Jackson Commander, belonging to New-England, but last from
Jamaica.
London, March 15. We have an Account that the Queen Anne
Packet from the West Indies, is carried in to St Malo.
Deal, March 16. Yesterday arrived several Ships from Holland,
among which is the Sarah of Boston for N England.
In our last under Boston, thro an Error of the Press, Lieut. Payn,
should have been Captain Payn.
Btwerttsements.
RAN-away at Boston on the 26th of December last, Samuel Downs,
a Man-Servant, aged about 25 years, a spare man, middle Stature,
light brown Hair, speaketh broad English; he was in May last at
work in Sea-brook in Connecticut Colony, and now abscondeth from
the said place : Whoever will take up and secure the said Run-away,
so that he may be delivered unto Mr. John Colman Merchant in Boston,
shall be immediately paid Five Pounds, and Charges.
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 24, 1706
THis Letter of Intelligence is to be continued weekly: And all
Persons in Town and Country who have a mind to promote the
same, may Agree with John Campbell Postmaster of Boston for the
year, who shall have it on reasonable Terms.
1FU jg. IRumb. H4.
The Boft on Newsletter.
From /JDOltOaE June 17. to /IDcmfca^ June 24. 1706.
NY
A LITTLE more than three of the four pages of this issue are filled
jLjLwith foreign news : of January and February dates, principally
from London, Vienna, Berlin, Ratisbon, Hague and other
European capitals. One of the roundabout methods of securing
news in those days is indicated by this line on the second page of
the issue: "By Letters from London of April 6. Per the Packet, Via
Barbadoes, we have the following Account." The domestic news in
cludes a proclamation by Governor Dudley "against false and illegal
traders."]
Falmouth, Jan. 12. . . . The 10th was sent in here as a
Prize, by a Privateer belonging to Guernsey, the Pearl of Morlais,
of 12 Guns, laden with Wine, Arms, Iron, and other Goods for the
West-Indies
London, Jan. 5. ... Our Squadron for Barcelona is fitting
out with all expedition ; as also another for the West-Indies.
London, April 6. Capt. Kere in the Bredah, Commands the West
India Squadron, having a Rear-Admirals Pay, and a Captain under
him.
New-York June 17th. On Thursday last Her Majesties Ship
Tritons Prize 156 Sailed from hence, on a Cruise to the Eastward.
On the 13th Instant arrived here Captains Dunscum, Van Bael, &
on the 14th Perkins & Laurier from Barbadoes in 19 days, came out
in Company with a great Fleet for Boston, Pensilvania, &c.
The same day arrived Capt. Coerteen in 18 days from Curacoa, by
whom we are informed, That Three French Men of War had taken
Two Dutch East-India men, which had on board 60 Chests of Money,
besides other Goods, & were gone after Four more, which had parted
with the Two taken a few days before. The French gave the Prisoners
156 The Triton s Prize was a man-of-war captured from the French and
renamed as the prize of its captor.
348
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 24, 1706
a small ship in which they arrived at Curacoa: The Dutch men were
bound to the East-Indies.
On the said day arrived a Sloop from Nevis, & Gravenraedt from
Boston:
On the 16th Instant a small Prize Ship about 60 or 70 Tons loaden
with Sugar arrived here in 15 days, from the Windward passage near
Cape Franswa, she was taken by Capt. Penistone, and was one of
Six Sail, that came out of Petitguavus, bound for France, who were
met by Capt. Tongrelow and his Consort (a Curacoa Privateer) upon
which the French men separated, and Tongrelow gave chase to the
biggest, which they say is a Ship of 36 Guns and 150 men, his Consort
in the pursuit broke his Boom, and left off the chase, and afterward
met with Penistone (who had taken this Prize) and gave him this
Information: We daily expect further news from them.
Tis said Tongrelow has taken a Briganteen with 400 Hogsheads of
Sugar on board, and also a Prize from France with Claret, of which
we have not the particulars: by this Prize we have Account that
15 Galloons are arrived in the West Indies most of them 60 Guns, and
5 or 600 men a piece.
We do not hear that the Men of War from England to Convoy the
Virginia Fleet home are yet arrived.
We are informed from Maryland, That the Assembly there has
past an Act Prohibiting the exportation of all European Commodities
out of that Province for three years, excepting Goods consigned or
belonging to Persons residing in Virginia, or Pensilvania, and Mer
chandize Imported in order to be Shipt off for the Coast of Guinea.
Hadley, June 15. On Thursday the 13th Currant There were Two
men kill d in our Meadows by Lightning.
Watertown, June 19. On the 16th Currant, Dyed here, Mrs. Eliza
beth Beers (Widow of Capt. John Beers who was kill d at Deer field
in the first Indian Wars) in the 92 Year of her Age: whose Grand-
Daughter is a Grandmother; She came to New-England, in June
1630 Being then Sixteen Year Old, and lived in New-England 76
Years.
By His Excellency JOSEPH D UDLEY Esq. Captain General and
Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Province of the
Massachusetts- Bay in New-England, and Vice-Admiral of the
same. A PROCLAMATION against false and illegal Traders.
WHereas sundry Persons have been detected of late holding a false
and illegal Trade with Her Majesties Enemies, the French and
the Indian Rebels and Enemies, in and about Nova Scotia, and other
parts and places Eastward, giving them Supplies: And there being
349
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JUNE 24, 1706
just reason to suspect that other Persons, not yet known, have been
concern d in such false and illegal Trade, and the Effects conceal d.
T Do therefore, by the Advice of Her Majesties Council, hereby strictly
* Command and Require all Her Majesties Loving Subjects that have
any Knowledge, or can make discovery of any such false & illegal
Traders, or any Goods or Effects Imployed therein, or the product thereof,
That they forthwith disclose and make known the same to My Self, or
one of Her Majesties Judges of the Super iour Court of Judicature,
in Order to their being apprehended, Examined and duly proceeded with,
and the said Goods Secured.
And the Person or Persons that make the first discovery shall be
Entituled to the benefit of Informers according to Law.
And all Justices of the Peace are commanded to be assisting to the
apprehending Seizing and Securing of any Persons or Goods as above-
said.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the 21st of June 1706.
In the Fifth Year of Her Majesties Reign,
By His Excellency s Command,
with the Advice of the Council. ]. DUDLEY.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
His Excellency the Governour has Account from Quebeck, That
Mr. Shelden his Messenger is well there, and is Returning by Sea with
a number of the Prisoners, and may be daily expected.
Boston, Coasters Entered Inwards, John Tucker from North Caro
lina: from Connecticut John Smith, Thomas Curtice, John Walker,
Will. Walter, Joseph Allen, John Hedge & John Paine. Outward for
Connecticut, Nath. Loring, and Elisha Prince: for Piscataqua
Joseph Flood and Antony Bracket: for North Carolina, John Webster.
Foreign inwards from Barbadoes, Will. Holberton Ship Anne, Nath.
Coffin, Ship Industery, James Berry Ship Swan, Tho. Savil Ship Two
Brothers, Will. Alden Ship Content, Samuel Rymes Barbadoes Mer
chant, Jonathan Lambert Ship Industry, John Alden Ship Swallow,
John Symkins Ship Blessing, John Foster Ship Sarah, Tobias Green
Brigt. Mayflower, Thomas Symkins Providence Brigt. John Walker
Brigt. Hopewell, John Corney Brigt. Dorothy, Will. Wyat Brigt.
Endeavour, Philip Lewis Brigt. Hope, Will. Bellows Sloop Rosanna,
Jer. Gushing Sloop Industry, Robert Gold Sloop Mary. Cleared Out
ward, for New- York, Jeffery Bedgood, Sloop Two Brothers: for
Fyal John Jarvis Brigt. Goodwill: for Antigua, John Rawlings Sloop
Mary. Outward bound for South Carolina, Nath. Perkins Brigt,
Success: for Suranam, Joseph Fiborn Brigt Friendship, and Jer.
Gushing Sloop Industry: for Newfoundland Will. Webber Sloop
350
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 1, 1706
Dove: for Virginia John Brewer Katch Good-hope: for New-York
Dirick Adolph Sloop Two Brothers: for St. Georges Will Goddard
Brigt. Speedwell.
advertisements.
Stolen or Stray d out of John Reed s Pastour in Taunton, on the
13th of October last past, a dark Bay-horse of about Fourteen
Hands high, having white Feet, and a Star in his Forehead, branded
in one of his Shoulders with the Letters T. H, full bodyed, hardly
possible to make him Gallop; belongeth to William Grigs Cooper.
Whosoever shall take up the said Horse and him Convey to Mr.
John Adams Shop-keeper in Boston, shall have 40 s. Reward and
reasonable Charges, tho* the Horse be not worth half the Money.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as in June 17.]
1ft. j. IRumb. 115.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flDOUfcag June 24. to flDOtlfcaS July 1. 1706.
NY
UR pages folio. In the first column of the first page is this in-
troductory line, "By Letters from London of April the 6th. per the
Packet Via Barbadoes, we have this further Account." Then follow
forty-six items of foreign news filling the first, second and third pages
and nearly half of the fourth page.]
Madrid, Feb. 12. . . Advices from Cadiz say, that the Duke
of Anjou has ordered the Galloons to prepare to Sail to the West-
Indies the latter end of this Month.
Falmouth, Feb. 25. Yesterday came in the great Nassau, a
Privateer of Flushing, who has taken two French Prizes, one a Mer
chant-man of 18 Guns which came from the West Indies.
Cowes, Feb. 27. Three Dutch Capers have brought in here the
Nostra Segniora De Rosa of St. Sebastian from the Havanna, laden
with Sugar, Indico, &c.
Rhode-Island, June 21st. On the 16th instant arrived here Edward
Gross in the Sloop Speedwell 14 days passage from Antigua, who says,
That just before he came from thence the Flagg of Truce arrived
from Martinico, which positively said, That there was four Privateer
Sloops Sailed from Martinico for the New-England Coast before he
left that Island.
351
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 1, 1706
Her Majesties Ship the Triton Prize 157 lay here three dayes, and Sailed
on her Cruise a Tuesday.
New-York, June 24th. Yesterday arrived at Sandyhook Her
Majesties Ship the Triton Prize, 157 She has been Cruising between
this Place, and Rhode-Island and Block-Island, &c. but met with no
Enemy. We are acquainted via. Philadelphia, That the Virginia
Convoy consisting of 4 men of War were arrived, but have no par
ticulars, so cannot depend on it. This morning arrived a Sloop from
Curacoa in 25 days, but brings no News. Outward bound are White-
comb for Barmuda, Lawrence for Jamaica, Dunscum for Barbados,
Coerteen for Curacoa, and Smallage for Boston.
Rhode-Island, June 28th. There is a Briganteen in the Sound
that has chased some Sloops, but can give no account whither she
be friend or foe.
Boston, His Excellency having received some Advice from Albany,
has marched several Troops and Foot Companies to the Frontiers
on Fryday last.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Thomas Lothrop, John Lothrop, Thomas
Lothrop, Carteret Gillam and John Wells from Connecticut; Peter
Coffin from Nantucket, Abraham ShelHnx and John Bradick from
New- York. Outwards, Andrew Pepperil and William Wyar for
Piscataqua. Foreign Inwards, from Barbadoes, James Bridgham
Ship Hampton, and Joseph Small Katch Sea-flower. Cleared Out
wards for Pensilvania, Abraham Hill Ship Andrew and William: for
Maryland, John Brewer Katch Goodhope: for New-foundland,
George Person Sloop Mary: South Carolina, Nathanael Perkins
Brigt. Success. Outward bound, for Barbadoes Joseph Everton
Brigt. Eliza, David Bucklin Brigt. Randal, and Thomas Pemberton
Sloop Sea-flower: for Antigua, Thomas Gwin Brigt. Eliza, and
Nathanael Harris Brigt. Swallow: for Jamaica William Russil
Brigt. Dolphin: for Fyall Noah Guille Sloop Adventure: for Rhode-
Island and Pensilvania, Eleazar Darby Sloop Mary.
In our last under Watertown, thro an error of the Press, Capt.
John Beers, should have been Capt. Richard Beers.
These are to give Notice, that by Virtue of a Direction in the Act for
Encouraging a Post-Office in this Province: The Post-master of
Boston does send out every Two days after that the Post comes in, and
after the Receipt of Foreign Letters by Sea; All such Letters and Packets
that remain in the Office uncalVd for; And if the Persons they are
directed to .cannot be found, or that the said Letters or Pacquets are for
any Persons in the Neighbouring Towns out of the Post Road; Then
157 See foot-note 156, page 348 ante.
352
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 8, 1706
the Names of the said Persons are every day to be seen on a fair Alpha
betical List for the Sirname, with the name of the Town they live in:
If they are for the Town of Boston, then no Town added. So that all
Persons may know without Enquiring, when they have any Letters in
the Office, excepting as above-said, when the Post comes in, or the Arrival
of Vessels.
advertisements*
The following Books to be Sold by Benjamin Eliot, at his Shop under
the West-End of the Town-House in Boston, Viz.
PRactical Truths, Tending to promote Holiness in the Hearts and
Lives of Christians: Delivered in several Sermons; By the Rev
erend Mr. Increase Mather.
Spiritual Desertions Discovered and Remedied, being the Sub
stance of divers Sermons Preach d for the help of dark Souls,
labouring under Divine With drawings.
THe Fountain Opened : Or, The Great Gospel Priviledge of having
Christ exhibited to Sinful Men: Wherein also is proved that
there shall be a National Calling of the Jews. Both these by the
Reverend Mr. Samuel Willard.
A Modest Enquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft, and how Persons
Guilty of that Crime may be Convicted, and the means used for
their discovery discussed; both Negatively and Affirmatively, ac
cording to Scripture and Experience. By the Reverend Mr. John
Hale Deceas d.
A Negro Girle to be Sold, Inquire of John Campbell Post-Master
of Boston, and know further.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement as first in June 17.]
W* ), Bumb. 116.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flQonfcaS July 1. to flQonfcaE July 8. 1706.
NY
IX and a quarter of the eight columns in this four page number
e filled with foreign news which is introduced with this line
at the head of the first column of the first page: By Letters
from London of April the 6th. per the Packet Via Barbadours, we
have yet this further Account." The news is of February dates, from
Paris, Hague, Cologne, Lisbon, Madrid, Perpignan, Rome and Turin.]
Deal, March 3. There is now in the Downs 8 Men of W^ar, and
sundry Merchant Ships, viz. 2 for the East-Indies, 8 for Barbadoes,
353
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 8, 1706
3 for Jamaica, 2 for Virginia 1 for the West-Indies, 1 for the Canaries,
I for Antigua, 1 for New-York, 1 for Nevis, and 1 for Viano.
St. Johns, Newfoundland, June the 9th. There are arrived here
from Boston, Carkeit Dafforn, and Moses, Carkeit was chased off
Caplin-Bay, by a Vessel that show d English Colours, he was within
two Cannon Shot of her, who fired a Gun to Leeward, but he durst
not Trust her. The French and Indians Plundered the People at
Bonavist, destroyed one whole Family; and about 16 hundred
Quintals of Fish. The Enemy also burnt Green-Island. The Fleet
from Lisbone are arrived, but no Ships yet from England besides those
mentioned in my last.
New- York July 1st. On the 25th. of June last arrived here Capt.
Sandford from South Carolina, and Capt. Joyner on the 27th. from
Jamaica, and on the 28th Two Sloops under Convoy of Her Majesties
Ship the Lowstaffe from Virginia; She came from thence the 22d of
June, and rydes now at Sandy-hook, by whom we are acquainted,
That the Men of War expected there, are not yet arrived, and tis
thought the Fleet from thence to England will not Sail till September
or October. The Ships are all gone up to the Freshes. There is an
Embargo in Virginia, and these Sloops had not got out, but for the
opportunity of Convoy of the Lowstaffe.
On the 29th arrived here a Prize Sloop loadn d with Cuba Sugar,
she was bound from Cuba to Carthagene, and was taken in sight of
Monsieur Deberville, (who was at Anchor in Carthagene or near to it)
by Capt. Zacharias in a Privateer Sloop belongs to this place. They
bring News that the French Fleet are gone to Carthagene, Porto Bell
and other places to load Plate, and that there is to go home with this
Fleet Twenty Millions of Money and Plate.
On Thursday last the Militia of this City and the Neighbouring
Counties of this Province, appeared here under Arms, who with 700
Men (that were in Arms the day before in New Jersey, and designed
to be here had not their Harvest obstructed) amount to about 3000.
The most of which can be here upon occasion in 12 hours time, and
the furthest off in 24 hours times. A great many of the Country
Militia appeared, not being necessitated to attend their Harvest;
so that by computation we can have in Arms in 24 hours time in this
City between 4 or 5 Thousand men.
We just now hear there is a Briganteen of 150 Tons in the Sound
bound hither, she is a Prize loaden with Sugar and Indigo, taken by
Capt. Tongrelow.
Her Majesties Ship the Triton Prize lyes at Sandy-Hook, and only
waits a wind to go to Sea on a Cruise.
354
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 8, 1706
Rhode-Island, July 5th. There is one Carder arrived here this
week from Antigua, but brings no News : Rhodes is bound for Boston.
Piscataqua, July 5t*h. Capt. Southack in the Province Galley came
in here on Wednesday last, he has taken a French Sloop of 60 Tons
in the Bay of Port-Royall, the Enemy all fled, and tis supposed she
was going for Stones and Timber to build some Fortifications. The
Prize Sloop and Capt. Cawley was left by Capt. Southack in Casko-Bay.
Boston, His Excellency the Governour having been for Ten days
past in Expectation of a Troop of the Indians from Quebeck, had
Posted men in the several Frontiers of Hampshire, Middlesex and
Yorkshire, to receive them : and a Wednesday Evening they Entered
Dunstable a poor weak Village, where lay a Troop of Horse; and
the Rebels chanced upon a Garrison where half of the said Troop was,
who though they were surprized soon relieved themselves, and the
whole Village, which in probability had been all lost, if the Indians
had not found a Force there more than they expected. The Enemy
consisted of 100, and by their March confess to have lost Seven,
besides wounded men, and we lost nine Men Women and Children. 158
Very soon after by His Excellency s Order, the Forces under Col.
Tyng, and Col. Taylour, marched in three Parties to follow the Rebels
into the Woods, but after 3 days they all came in without any dis
covery. There is another march of 150 men Commanded by Capt.
Tyng to lye out Ten Days to look after the Enemy, and in the mean
time the remaining Forces are taking care to cover the Husbandry of
all the Frontiers.
On Saturday arrived a Sloop from Newfoundland about 20 days
passage, one Hunt Master.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Flood and Bracket from Piscataqua.
Outwards, Dirick Adolph for New- York, John Lothrop, Barnabas
Loihrop, Giles Hall and Joseph Basset for Connecticut. Foreign
Inwards, Alexander Duncan Sloop Friendship from Barmuda, Cleared
Outwards, for Virginia Moses Abbot Sloop Endeavour, and Abel
Jones Sloop Larke: for Newfoundland, Michael Gill Ship Boston
Galley, and William Webber Sloop Dove. Outward bound, for
Barbadoes, William Wyar Brigt. Endeavour, James Loring Brigt.
Industry, and Isaac Perkins Sloop Rosanna: for Jamaica John Scott
Brigt. William, and Thomas Savill Ship Two Brothers: for Suranam,
Philip Lewis Brigt. Hope: for Antigua, Jeremiah Snow Pinke Hope-
well, Isaac Fowle Brigt. Abigail, and Eleazar Johnson Brigt. Hope-
158 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay : . . . , Vol. VIII, p. 700.
See Journal of the Reverend John Pike, in Proceedings of the Massachusetts
Historical Society, 1875-1876, p. 142. Also Penhallow s Indian Wars, pp. 43-46.
355
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 15, 1706
well: for Montserrat, Samuel Hooper Katch Endeavour: for North-
Carolina, David Northy Brigt. Speedwell Friend.
Bfcx>erttsements.
A Katch of 45 Tons well fitted for the Sea, to be Sold Enquire of
John Campbell Post-master of Boston, and know further.
[Reprinted: negro slave girl to be sold, as in July 1; News-Letter
advertisement, as first in June 17.]
, 117.
The Boft on News-Letter
From /IDonfcaS July 8. to /IDonfca July 15. 1706.
NY
|"TN this four page number, five and a half of the eight columns are
I Afilled with foreign news, introduced again at the head of the first
column of the first page with this line, By Letters from London
of April the 6th per the Packet Via Barbadoes, we have still this further
Account." The advices are mainly from Paris, Vienna, Madrid,
Hague, and "the French Army near Fraga on the Cinca, March 19. "j
Falmouth March 9. On the 7th came in here the Marlborough,
a Flushing Caper, Capt Noes Commander, from Cruising, and brought
in with her 2 French Ships from Newfoundland.
New-York, July 8th. Last Week arrived here a Prize Briganteen
taken by Capt Tongrelow, bound from Hispaniola to France, built at
Brazil, and taken from the Portuguise by the French on the Coast
of Guinea, she has on board 24 Hogsheads of Muscavado Sugar, and
2 Casks of Indigo, and Capt. Tongrelow sent in her 20 Hogsheads of
Claret, some Glasses, and Earthen Ware, which he took in a Vessel
bound from France to Hispaniola, which they stript of her Rigging
&c. and then burnt her. This Prize came through the Sound.
On the 4th Instant arrived here a Sloop in 20 days from Nevis,
John Shute Master, who brings advice, That 14 Men of War were dayly
expected in the West Indies from England.
Shute from Nevis is bound from hence to Boston, who only came
here to Land some Passengers.
Yesterday Her Majesty s Ship the Triton s Prize Sailed from Sandy-
hook on a Cruise.
Vessels outward bound are 3 Sloops for Barbadoes, a Ship, a Brig
anteen and Sloop for Jamaica, a Brigt. for Curacoa, a Sloop for
Boston, a Sloop for Philadelphia, a Sloop for Antigua.
356
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 15, 1706
Reading July 10. On Saturday the 6th Currant about 4 a Clock
in the afternoon there came 5 Indians to Benjamin Ho rndal s House
of this Town, being an Out house, where they found his Wife and eight
Children, the Woman and three young Children they killed, and
carried the other five with them; One of the Captive Children not
being able to Travel, an Indian gave it some blows on the head, and
left it in a Swamp not far from the House for dead, where it lay almost
two days, & then was found alive stark naked.
Upon notice had of this mischief on the 7th Instant being the
Lords Day; several Parties of our Forces went in pursuit of the
skulking Enemy, and as some of the Indians sat in a Swamp with
three of the Captives, a Company of Souldiers coming very near them,
the Enemy started up, ran, and left their Captives, Plunder and
Blankets, &c. And when the Indians were gone, the Children went
to a deserted House that was near, where the English found them.
The other Captive was discovered by some men at a Block-House
in Chelmsford, as he was wandring in a Meadow alone, the Indian
that carry d him away had (it s most probable) lost him in the night,
some Soldiers discovered one of these Indians, shot at, & wounded
him, the Indian fell, but as they were going to him, he arose, cast
away his Blanket and Pack, ran to Concord- R.iver that was near, and
was seen sink in the River, and suppose he was drowned.
Woburn, July 11. On the Lords-day night the 7th Currant, Dyed
here Major James Converse Esq. Aged about 62 Years: And was
Interr d on Tuesday the 9th Instant.
Piscataqua, July, 12th. On Tuesday the 9th Currant arrived here
Mr. Natkanael Gerrish about 9 Weeks passage from Fyall. And
on Thursday the llth. Her Majesty s Ship the Dover a 4th Rate
Capt. Mathews Commander, with two Mast-Ships viz. The New-
Hampshire Capt. Eason Commander, and the Thennet Capt. Martyn
Commander, who came out of Lisbon the 9th of May, both loaden
with Salt and other goods, bound hence for Boston with the first fair
Wind: There came out in Company with them for Boston Capt.
Minot, Capt. Javernin, Capt. Coggin and Capt. Fendal, whom they
parted with about Six Weeks ago.
No late impression of the Enemy, but dayly expected; our Fron
tiers are in readiness to receive them: several Tracts of the Enemy
are dayly seen.
Boston, By Letters of the 15th of June Last via New-York from
South Carolina, we are acquainted, That it is very Sickly there, &
that several have lately died.
And by Mr. Ebenezar Parker from Barmuda, we are informed, That
the Vermin there do so abound as to eat all the Fruits of the ground.
357
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 15, 1706
Last Week one of the Sculking Indian Enemy was kill d at Groton,
and another at Kingston.
On Saturday the 13th. Currant His Excellency the Governour
was pleased to Prorogue the General Assembly of this Province, unto
Wednesday the 7th day of August next.
Coasters Entered Inwards, from Connecticut Phillips, Hilliard,
Brown, Rhodes and Green. Outward for Connecticut, Curtice,
Hedge, Lothrop, Walker, Allen & Pain. Foreign Inwards from
Barmuda, Ebenezar Parker Sloop Dolphin: from St. Christophers,
Thomas Clark Sloop Endeavour. Cleared Outward for Barbadoes,
John Myles Ship Unity, John Jenkins, Ship Robert, Thomas Diamond
Ship Abigail, Joseph Everton Brigt. Elizabeth, William Wyer Brigt
Endeavour, Thomas Pemberton, Sloop Seanower, and Nathanael
Carey Sloop Katherin: for Montserrat, Francis N orris Sloop Sea-
flower, and John Blew Brigt Dragon: for Fyall William Clark Sloop
Endeavour: for Jamaica Walter Goodridge Ship Francis, and William
More Sloop John and Thomas: for Newfoundland John Babbage
Oporto Merchant, John Norton Brigt. Tryal, John Richards Brigt
Endeavour John Sharp Sloop Four Friends and Robert Melvill Sloop
Timothy: for Barmuda, Solomon Pitman Brigt. Content. Outward
bound for London, William Holeberton Ship Anne, and George White-
home Ship Anne: for Newfoundland Arthur Savage Triton Galley.
On the 14th arrived Capt. James Grant in a Katch from White-
haven, 14 weeks passage.
The French Sloop mentioned in our last to be taken by Capt.
Southack was taken by Capt. Cawly.
(TT*He Undernamed Mareens having Deserted Her Majesties Service
from on board Her Majesties Ship the Deptford, Viz W T illiam
Stewart, a well set fresh coloured young man, ivhite hair, aged about
24 years, about 5 Foot & 7 Inches high, a Weaver by Trade, now lurking
in or about Scituate. Tristram Derby a well set man, wore a Wigg,
aged about 50 years, about 5 Foot & an half high, by Trade a Miller.
Thomas Hooper, a well set young man, streight brown hair aged about
24 years, 5 Foot and an half high, a Weaver by Trade; and Henry
Willis a young man aged about 20, with short cropt hair, Pockholes in
his Face, about 5 Foot and 5 Inches high, by Trade a Shoe maker.
If these or either of them within ten dayes from the Date hereof, repair
to their Duty on board Her Majesties said Ship at Boston, shall be
acquitted of their Crime, and well Received.
These are therefore to Notify to all Persons, That whosoever shall
apprehend and secure the said Deserters or any one of them, (so as that
he or they may be delivered unto Capt Thomas Sutton Commander
of the said Mareens at his Lodging in Boston) shall be immediately
358
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 15, 1706
paid Four Pounds, and reasonable Charges; and in case any of them
should be brought to Boston when Her Majesties said Ship should be
at Sea on her Cruise, Then the said Deserters to be brought unto John
Campbell Post-blaster of Boston.
BCwertisements.
THere is now arrived from England good Cordage of all Sizes,
from a Spun-yarn to Cables of 16 Inches; as also Canvas, to be
Sold by Mr. John Mico Merchant, either by whole Sale or Retail, at
his Warehouse upon the Dock in Boston.
The following Books to be Sold by Benjamin Eliot, at his Shop
under the West End of the Town-House in Boston, Viz.
THe Joy of Faith, or a Treatise opening the Nature of Faith,
its lowest Stature and distinction from Assurance, with a Scrip
ture Method to attain both, by the Influence and Aid of Divine Grace:
With a Preliminary Tract evidencing the Being & Actings of Faith,
the Deity of Christ, and the Divinity of the Sacred Scriptures. By
the Reverend Samuel Lee M A Sometime Fellow of Wadham Colledge,
Oxon.
MEditations on the Glory of the Lord Jesus Christ: delivered
in several Sermons, by the Reverend Mr. Increase Mather.
MEat out of the Eater, or Funeral-Discourses occasioned by the
Death of several Relatives. A Work Accomodated unto the
Service of all that are in any Affliction; but very particularly such
as are Afflicted with the Loss of their Consorts [paper worn] Children
/ "T A He Armour of Christianity: A Treatise detecting first the
*- Plots of the Devil against our Happiness. Declaring then, the
Wiles by which those Plots are managed. And propounding Lastly,
^he Thoughts by which those Wiles may be defeated.
/""^Ares about the Nurseries, Two brief Discourses: The one offering
^-^ Methods and Motives for Parents to Catechise their Children while
yet under the Tuition of their Parents. The other offering some
Instructions for Children, How they may do well, when they come to
years of doing for themselves.
A Sermon Preached before His Excellency the Governour, the
-^^-Honourable Council and Representatives of the Province of the
Massachusetts-Bay in New England: on the 29th of May 1706,
which was the day for Election of Her Majesties Council for that
Province: By the Reverend Mr. John Rogers.
A Sermon Preached in the Audience of the General Assembly at
the Publick Lecture in Boston, November. 1st. 1705. upon these
Words, Hosea 7. 9. Gray hairs are here and there upon him yet he
knoweth not. By the Reverend Mr. Ebenezar Pemberton. Both
359
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 22, 1706
which Sermons were Published at the desire of the House of Repre
sentatives.
[Reprinted: a ketch for sale, as in July 8; a negro slave girl to be
sold, as first in July 1 ; News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1FU J. mumb. us.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDon&ag July 15. to flDOUDag July 22. 1706.
NY
FTTTTTH this issue the size is reduced to two pages folio. As in the
VV several immediately preceding numbers, the foreign news
is given as "by letters from London," and is mainly from
London, Paris, Vienna and Frankfort, occupying nearly one half of
the issue.]
Fiall, June 16. We have here a Sloop and a Brigt. from Pensilvania.
Philadelphia, July, llth. This day arrived here a Barque from
Boston, one Hill Master.
New- York, July 15th. On Fryday last Her Majesties Ship the
Triton Prize sailed out of Sandy-hook on a Cruise.
Entered out, Two Sloops for Barbadoes, a Ship for England via
Virginia, and a Ship for Newfoundland. Capt. Sandford for South-
Carolina will Sail about a forthnight hence.
Piscataqua, July, 18th. On Monday the 15th Currant arrived here
Capt. Wincoll, who came from Lisbon with the Mast Ships and others
for Boston, but stopt at Fyall. No late discovery of the Enemy.
Our General Assembly is now Sitting; The Honourable the Lieuten
ant Governour being present.
Ipswich, July, 19th. Yesterday there was two Women kill d with
Lightning at Cape Anne.
M.arblehead, July 20. On Wednesday the 17th Currant arrived
here Capt Samuel Coggin in the Sarah and Elizabeth, and Capt.
James Feudal both from Lisbon, they came from thence the 9th of
May last, in Company & under Convoy of Her Majesty s Ship the
Dover; arrived here also Capt. Christian, in a Ship from England,
bound for Virginia, who was beaten off that Coast. And on the
said day arrived Capt. Abraham Winter in the Ship Francis, who
came out of Plimouth the 8th of May last, with a Fleet consisting of
about 90 Sail, under Convoy of about 20 Men of War, about 10 Sail
whereof under the Command of Sir Stafford Fairborn, went to Cruise
360
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 22, 1706
before Brest; 7 more and 2 Fire-ships under Command of Cap. Kerr
in the Bredah, with about 40 Sail of Merchant-men bound for Bar-
badoes and Jamaica; Her Majesty s Ship the Hazardous for Virginia,
Capt. Brown Commander, with 5 Sail of Merchant men, and Capt.
John Bond for New-York; Capt. Winter parted with them about
150 leagues, from St. George s Bank. Her Majesty s Ship the Warrick
Capt. Raymond Commander, with 17 Sail of Merchant-men for New
foundland; There came also out in Company with Capt. Winter, one
Dennis for this place, and David Craig in the Sarah for Boston, he
parted with the last about a fortnight ago, and with the first about 10
days ago. We are acquainted by Capt. Winter, that Capt. Beavis,
who Sailed from Boston about the middle of February, was taken
near the Channel, about the middle of M.arch last.
That Capt. Pitts, Capt. Gerrish, and another Ship from London
to Boston, were to Sail about the latter end of this month.
Boston, The following Acts were passed by the Great and General
Court or Assembly of Her Majesty s Province of the Massachusetts
Bay in New- England; Begun & Held at Boston, upon Wednesday
the 29 of May, 1706 Viz.
An Act for Reviving and further Continuing of several Acts therin
mentioned, that are near expiring, viz The Act to prevent the Deserting
of the Frontiers of this Province. The Paragraph in Addition to the
Act for Levying Souldiers. The Act Granting to Her Majesty an Excise
upon Wines, Liquors and Strong Drink Sold by Retail. The Act
Granting unto Her Majesty, several Rates and Duties of Impost and
Tunnage of Shipping. The Act for Punishing of Officers and Soul
diers retained in Her M.ajestys Service, and under Pay
An Act for better securing the Payment of Prison Charges
An Act for Reviving and further Continuing of the Act directing how
Rates or Taxes to be granted by the General Assembly, shall be Assessed
and Collected.
An Act for Erecting of a Powder House within the Town of Boston.
An Act for the better preventing of Criminals avoiding of Justice.
An Act for Apportioning and Assessing of four several Taxes on
Polls and Estate, Pursuant to the Funds and Grants made to Her
Majesty, by the General Assembly, in the years 1704, 1705, and 1706.
On Wednesday the 17th Instant, arrived here from Piscataqua,
Her Majesty s Ship the Dover, Capt. Mathews Commander, and the
two Mast-Ships, who arrived last week at Piscataqua from Lisbon,
by whom we are advised, [here follow items of foreign news.]
On Fryday the 19th Currant, arrived here a Brigt. from St. George s,
Jeremiah Tay Master, about six weeks passage who informs, [here
follow items of foreign news.]
361
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 22, 1706
On Saturday the 20th Currant arrived here a Sloop from South-
Carolina 14 days passage, Thomas Lanyon Master, who says, That
there was 2 Vessels arrived there from England, the one a Brigt.
from Bristol, 10 days before he Sailed, and the other a Ship from
Liverpool 7 days, each had at their arrival but 5 weeks passage, both
brought the following Account, [here follows an account of the
hostilities in Spain.]
Capt. Tyng with the Forces under his Command, who went into
the Woods from Dunstable in quest of the Indian Enemy, is returned
without meeting any of them, who are judged to have had a great
many wounded men, with whom they are drawn off at some good
distance.
At His Excellency s Direction Col. Taylour is returned home from
the Frontiers, having left them in a good posture of defence.
Coasters Entered Inwards, Lewis from Connecticut, & Flood from
Piscataqua. Outward for Connecticut Darby, Smith and Rhodes:
for New- York, John Bradduck, and Abraham Schellinx. Foreign
Inwards from Whitehaven, Jamss Grant; from Fyall Nathaniel
Gerrish, Ship Benjamin and Peter, and William Rowlson Sloop
Elizabeth. From Lisbon Josiah Minot Ship Samuel, Robert Eason
Ship Hampshire, and Peter Martin Ship Thennet: From St. George s
Jeremiah Tay, Brigt John and Ann:- from St. Christophers Richard
Shute, Sloop Richard: From Exon Abraham Winter, Ship Francis.
Cleared Outwards for Antigua Tobias Green Mayflower, Nathaniel
Harris Brigt. Swallow, Isaac Fowle Brigt. Abigail, and David Bucklin
Brigt. Randal For Newfoundland Timothy Kemble Tritton Galley:
For St. Christophers Daniel Wyborn Sloop Hawk: for St. George s
William Goddard Brigt. Sea-flower; for Barbadoes Isaac Perkins
Sloop Rosanna; for Suranam Joseph Faborne Brigt Friendship,
Jeremiah Gushing Sloop Industry, and Philip Lewis Brigt. Hope;
for Fyall Noah Guille Sloop Adventure. Outward Bound, Thomas
Hunt for Newfoundland Sloop Panther.
In our Numb. 116. in a Paragraph of N. York thro an Error of the
Press, there is a Comma misplaced at the word appeared which should
have been placed at the word not.
Hfcverttsements.
"O An-away from his Master George Robinson Carver of Boston,
-*-^on Tuesday last the 16th. Currant, A Negro Man-Slave Named
Jo, of a middle Stature, well set, Speaks good English, aged about 32
years, has on a sad coloured Jacket, white Shirt, and Leather Breeches.
Whosoever shall apprehend and take up the said Runaway, so that
he may be delivered unto his said Master, or give any true Intelligence
of him, shall have a Sufficient reward.
362
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 29, 1706
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1R. jg. IRumb* H9.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOU&ay July 22. to /IDOUDa\? July 29. 1706.
NY
I" A S in immediately preceding issues, most of the foreign news in
I ./Vthe two pages of this number is "by letters from London," and
* includes advices from London, Zurich, Hague and elsewhere,
of March dates.]
Philadelphia , July 18. On the 16th arrived here one Keele in a
Sloop from Antigua and Nevis, who had about 15 days passage from
Anguilla, who informs that there was a Ship lately arrived at Nevis
from England, who came out with a Squadron of 12 Men of War bound
to the West-Indies, who put in to Madera, but the above Ship made
the best of her way: It s said, That General Park who was daily
expected is on board the Squadron. We are also advised, that
Monsieur Deberville has written to General Gabaret in Martinico,
that he is bound from St. Domingo with 10 Sail of Ships, & about 25
Sail of smaller Vessels to Jamaica, and from thence to the North
ward (it s thought to New-York.} That there are 2 Ships and 2
Sloops gone from Martinico to Cruise on the Coast of New-York.
Yesterday arrived Erasmus Lowes in a Ship, from Whitehaven, but
last from Bellfast in Ireland about 14 weeks passage: Capt. Burnam
in a Ship Sail d yesterday for Madera; some Sloops are Lading for
Madera and Fyall, and several for Barbadoes, Jamaica and Virginia.
New -York, July 22. Last night arrived here Arnold Crook in 7
weeks from Madera, he left that Island in Company of 12 Sail of
Her Majesties Ships of War bound to the West-Indies, on board of
whom is Col. Park, General of the Leward-Islands; Capt. Bond bound
hither, came out of England with this Fleet, but is not yet arrived.
By a Letter from one of the Captains of the above Squadron we
are acquainted, That [here follow items of foreign news.]
Dirick Adolph is arrived from Boston: Entered out a Brigt. from
Madera, & a Sloop for Surranam. This day an Embargo will be
Laid on here.
Piscataqua, July 25th. On Tuesday the 23d. Currant eleven men
about a Mile from Mr. Hilton s Garison at Exeter mowing in a Field,
were insulted by about 40 Indians, One of the two that stood Centinal
fired at them, but the other 9 being hard at work, were intercepted
363
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, JULY 29, 1706
from their Guns, of which 2 in the whole were slain, one desperately
wounded, two more made their escape, and six wanting, which are
supposed to be either kill d or taken Captive.
Several Companies of our Forces went in pursuit of the Enemy,
who about a Mile from the place where they did the mischief, gave a
great Shout, and separated themselves, so that none of them could be
found.
On the 24th. arrived Her Majesties Ship the Deptford from Boston
Captain Stuckley Commander, with whom came his Excellency our
Governour, who is now Sitting here in General Assembly.
Boston, At Groton on the Lords-Day the 21st Currant, 3 Souldiers
going to the place of Publick Worship, passing over a Fence through
a Field of Corn, some of the Sculking Indian Enemy being hid in the
Field, shot at them, kill d two and Captivated the third.
On Monday the 22d Currant, His Excellency our Governour Em-
barkt on board Her Majesty s Ship the Deptford, for his other
Goveru[n]ment of New -Hampshire.
On the said Day there was a Lad Mowing in a Field at Sudbury
toward Sun-set, espied an Indian near to him, and he having a Pistol
hanging at his Girdle, fired at the Indian whom he saw fall, the Lad
made the best of his way home; the next morning Major Brown with a
party of men went out in search of him and view d the place, where they
saw a considerable quantity of Blood on the ground, and ( tis supposed
the Indian was mortally wounded, but that his Mates, as they usually do,
carried him off.
In regard that Labourers at this time of the year are very difficult to
be got even for wages: The Inhabitants of the Town of Milton as is their
usual Custom every year freely offered their Service to their Reverend
Minister, Mr. Peter Thacher, to cut down his Grass, make his Hay,
and carry it into his Barn, and to their praise and commendation be it
spoken: On Monday last there was no less in his Field than 26 Men
Mowers in a Breast, and on Wednesday there was 14 others that were
Rakers; and on Thursday 16 more, and no doubt there was a competent
number on Fryday and Satturday (though not come to our knowledge)
to carry it into the Barn.
By Letters per Cravath from Oporto, May, 7th. [Here follows a
little more than half a column of foreign news.]
Coasters Entered Inwards Peter Harris and 5am. Prince from
Connecticut. Outward George Phillips, Francis Browne and Ebene-
zar Parker for Connecticut. Foreign Inwards Ezekiel Cravath Ketch
Dolphin from Aviro. Cleared Outward for Jamaica Robert Meers
Brigt. William; for Monserrat William Cooke Brigt. John and James.
Outward Bound for Antigua Ebenezar Payne Sloop Nicholas and
364
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 5, 1706
Mary, and John Walker Sloop Burbuda; for London Pelatiah Kins
man Ship Hopewell.
BCwertisements.
The following Books to be Sold by Benjamin Eliot at his Shop,
under the West-End of the Town-House in Boston, Viz.
TNvisibles, Realities, Demonstrated in the Holy Life and Trium-
-*-phant Death of Mr. John Janeway, Fellow of Kings Colledge in
Cambridge: by the Reverend Mr. James Janeway.
A Token for Children, being an exact Account of the Conversion,
Holy and Exemplary Lives and Joyful Deaths of several Young
Children: by the Reverend Mr. James Janeway. To which is added,
A Token for the Children of New-England, or some Examples of
Children in whom the fear of God was remarkably budding before
they died.
SEven Sermons, (1st) of the Unpardonable Sin against the Holy
Ghost, or the Sin unto Death, &c. By the Reverend Mr .Robert RusseL
THe best Friend standing at the door, or Christs Awakening and
Affectionate Call, both to Professors and Secure Sinners for
Entrance into the House : in Six Sermons, by the Reverend Mr. John
Ryther.
RAn-away from his Master Samuel Niles of Kingstown in Narra-
ganset, A Spanish Indian Man-Slave, aged about 28 years, speaks
good English, a short fellow, much of the reliques of the small Pox
to be seen in his Face, has a broad face, a broad flat Nose, his teeth
are thin before; has on grayish coloured Cloaths much worn. Who
soever shall take up the said Indian and bring or convey him safe
to his said Master, or secure him and send notice of him, shall be well
rewarded and satisfyed for his pains.
ANy Person that wants to borrow 220 Pounds at Interest, giving
good Security, may repair to John Campbell Post-master of
Boston and know further.
[Reprinted: cordage for sale by John Mico, as in July 15; negro
slave girl to be sold, as in July 1 ; News-Letter advertisement, as
first in June 17.]
1R. JE. ttumb. 120.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From fl&OnfcaK? July 29. to /lDOU&a August 5. 1706.
[F
NY
OREIGN news in this number is principally from London and
Paris, of March dates. Much of it refers to the war in Spain,
365
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 5, 1708
and particularly to the siege of Barcelona. With this issue the
rules above and below the line "Published by Authority" in the
heading were dropped.]
Barbadoes, June 22d. About a week ago arrived here a Vessell
from Ireland, who reports; . . . ; and that 30 odd Sail of Men
of War were fitting out for the West Indies. Three days since was
Published here a Paper Credit to stand for five years. To Morrow
Sailes our Fleet for England. Five days ago arrived here Capt.
Flint and Fyfield from Boston. We have had no Pacquet since my last.
St. Christophers July 8. There is a Packet from England arrived
at Antigua, by whom we have the following Account; [here follows
a short account of the defeat of the French and Spanish forces before
Barcelona.]
New-York, July 29. On the 26th arrived here Braddick in a Sloop
from Boston, who on the 18th instant, off Cape-Cod in the night
heard great Guns fire for several hours. The same day arrived a
Sloop from Turks Island with Salt, that belongs to Barmuda.
Last week an Embargo was laid here for 60 days, and all persons
forbid all manner of Labour, and all the Shops shut up until the
Fortifications of this City be finished, so that we have near 1000 men
at work every day.
On the 27th arrived here Capt. Bond from England with 34 Soul-
diers (there was 40 but 6 dyed in the passage) and 80 Barrels of
Powder; we have advice that a Man of War is bound hither with 60
more Souldiers, Cloaths, Stores, &c.
The Ship Unity, William Patience Master, lay Loadened in the
Downs bound hither, and would Sail with the first Convoy.
We have no News so late by Capt. Bond as that in the Boston News-
Letter.
Her Majesty s Ship the Triton s Prize is not yet returned from her
Cruise.
Piscataqua, Aug. 1. On Tuesday the 30th of July His Excellency
our Governour went on board the Province- Gaily, in order to return
to Boston for his other Government of Massachusetts -Bay; And
on the said day at evening there was a man kill d at Wells, & another
wounded by the sculking Indians, pursuit was made after the Enemy
but could not be found.
Hampton, Aug. 1. This day there was a man kill d near the Falls,
and a Lad taken by the Indian Enemy.
We had a Company out in quest of them in 10 minutes after the mis
chief was done, but the Enemy escap d, & left some things behind them,
MajorSw^/zisstilloutm the Woods with 100 men in search of them.
366
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 5, 1706
Boston, On Thursday the 1st Currant arrived here the Province-
Galley from Piscataqua, with whom came His Excellency our Gover-
nour from his other Government of N aw -Hampshire.
On the said day arrived a Flag of Truce Bark from Canada, with
Mr. Shelden the Messenger whom His Excellency sent to the Gover-
nour of Quebeck for the Exchange of Prisoners, who has brought
with him 45. l59
On Wednesday next the 7th Currant Sits here the General Assembly
of this Province, unto which day it stands Prorogu d.
On Saturday last, by the great diligence of Capt. Redknap Her
Majesty s Engineer, the 20 pieces of Cannon were mounted at the
Castle of this place; The Garison consisting of 200 men besides
Artificers dayly working there; so that now all is very compleat:
A Regiment consisting of 500 men under the Command of Col.
Hutchinson being always in readiness for the Service there. 16
By Letters by the Packet Via Antigua, we have this Account: [here
follows foreign news.]
Coasters Inward, Jackson and Abbot from Piscataqua, Nath.
Loring from Connecticut. Outward Jonas Green, Carteret Gillam,
James Lewis and Elisha Hedge for Connecticut; Nath. Geerish and
Joseph Flood for Piscataqua. Foreign Inwards from Fiall James
Galley Ketch Blessing; from South-Carolina Thomas Lanyon, Sloop
Return; from Barbadoes Lewis Hunt Ship Victory; from Antigua
John Fisher Sloop Blackthorne; from St. Christophers John Redduck
Sloop St. Christophers. Cleared Outward for Jamaica William
Russel Brigt. Dolphin. Outward bound for London Robert Eason
Ship New-Hampshire, and Peter Martin Ship Thenet; for White-
haven John Smith Ketch Belford; for Antigua Jonathan Hart Sloop
Gilford ; for Barbadoes James Berry Ship Swan.
The Vessel for New-haven in England, will Sail about. 15 dayes
hence.
Bfcvertisements.
STray d from Mr. Gamblings Pasture in Roxbury, A Sorrel Horse
with a white Blaze in his Fore-head, and one hind foot white:
Whosoever shall take up said Horse, or give any true Intelligence of
him unto Mr. Nicholas Roberts Merchant in Boston, so as the owner
159 Ensign John Sheldon of Deerfield: his second expedition to Canada for
return of captives. See Sheldon s A History of Deerfield, Massachusetts, Vol.
I, pages 332-333,
160 Reprinted from the News-Letter in Notes, in The Acts and Resolves
. . . of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay: . . . , Vol. VIII, page 552,
in connection with the story of these pieces of ordnance, which were "sent by
her Maj^ for her service at her Castle William" in response to a memorial
from the General Court, February 1704-1705, for arms and stores.
367
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 12, 1706
may have him again, shall have a Sufficient reward and charges.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1R. E. TRumb. 121.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flUonfcaE August 5. to ftQonfca^ August 12. 1706.
NY
I A HIS issue of two pages is remarkable for the predominance of
I JL domestic news. Foreign news is confined to two short para
graphs under London date of April 2, and two paragraphs under
Fayal date of July 5, concerning affairs in Spain and Portugal.]
Jamaica, June 24. Upon Advice brought here by the Packet of
the mischief done by the French Squadron upon Her Majesty s
Subjects at St. Christophers and Nevis, and of their design to make
an Attack upon Jamaica;*- His Excellency our Governour laid on an
Embargo, ArnVd and Disciplin d a Regiment of Negroes, rais d
several Batteries, and mounted them with Guns; and made all
necessary preparations to receive the French, having laid several
Mines in the way to the principal places, thro which the Enemy
must pass (if they had Landed) to blow them up: And intended to
give them a Field Battel, and ordered his Son to lead the Van-Guard,
declaring that whosoever should flinch back should immediately
be shot down.
Three Trading Sloops arriving at Carthageen from Jamaica, the
Governour acquainted them, that the French designed to attack
Jamaica, and advised them to make haste home to help defend their
Island, fearing the French might be there before they got home;
and accordingly dispatched them in two dayes with Eighty Thousand
pieces of Eight.
A Runagado English man running from one of these Trading
Sloops, offered his Service to the Governour of Carthageen to Pilot
him to take the Island of Jamaica, and particularly Col. Handisyde
our Governour in his House; which the Governour resenting as a
villanous action, took the said Runagado and sent him with a Guard
on board one of the Sloops, ordering the Master to secure and carry
him unto the Governour of Jamaica, with whom he sent a Letter to
His Excellency our Governour, acquainting him of the same, and that
he hated Traitors. And upon the arrival of the said Runagado in
one of the Sloops, a Court Martial was call d, where the said Runa-
161 See News-Letter Nos. 96, 103, 104, 107, 108 ante.
368
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 12, 1706
gado being Tryed, was found guilty, Condemned to Dye, and Executed
accordingly.
Four days ago the Embargo was taken off, and 2 days since the
Colours were lodged and the Law Martial ceased upon advice brought
here of the French Squadron s being separated and gone to several
Ports to the Leeward. Monsieur Deberville the French Admiral
beat up for Volunteers at Petitguavus and Hispaniola, in order to
make a descent upon Jamaica, but the Inhabitants declined it, and
he offered to force some Spaniards away, which caused a considerable
Tumult among the people.
They are still Fortifying at Jamaica. Our Squadron under the
Command of Admiral Whetstone consists of 6 Capital Ships, a Fire-
ship and Tenders. The Fleet bound for England was Embargo d,
being about 40 Sail waiting for a Convoy, which was supposed to be
Admiral Whetstone, when the other Fleet from England did arrive,
whom we daily expect.
Taunton, July 19. About midnight the Thunder and Lightning
split the wooden button on the top of the Vane Spindle of the Meeting-
House, and split into shivers the post it stood in; but the Vane
Spindle is not hurt, and carryed it off; and destroyed the biggest
part of the Covering of the Terret boards, shingles and timber, and so
descended on the proper roof of the Meeting-House, which is almost
flat, and ript up the board and shingle for about 10 foot, and the
two ends of the Rupture descended into the Meeting House two
ways on the Fore-side of the Meeting House, and also two ways on
the back-side of it, and split a principal long brace on the fore-side of
the Meeting-House from end to end, and made it quite unserviceable,
and came down on two of the middle of the Fore-side of the Meeting
House, and ript off a considerable quantity of the Clapboards and
boards on the outside, and also of the plaistering and Laths on the
inside, and grazed and hurt the timber all along as it came down.
It has drove two of the Windows a little outward (one of the fore-
side windows, and one of the back-side windows) it has taken off
two great splinters (one on the upper side, another on the lower)
of one of the Main braces that support the roof on the back-side of
the house, the said splinters are about 4 inches square, and about
7 foot long; some of the wooden Frames of 4 windows are split off
on the outside, the white Lime plaistering in 4 or 5 places is blown
off as with Gunpowder in considerable pieces. It took off a loose
Seat from the East Gallery, and carried it above twenty foot, & left
it on the Table without any harm : The ends of 2 or 3 boards of the
Floor are blown up & the Nails of them drawn as if blown up with
Gunpowder. Several paynes of Glass are considerably shattered;
369
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 12, 1706
The post of one of the Seats in the upper Gallery which the Rayls
went into is split to pieces and the Seats fallen down. No harm is
done to the Bell only the Wheel is somewhat shattered. Several
Posts and pieces of Timber are grazed as if they were gouged, Lime
and Splinters are scattered over the Meeting-House, scarce any
place free, and bits of Clapboard and Shingles are scattered round
about the middle of the House.
The same night Ensign Thomas Gilbert s old House was struck with
Lightning, there was such a smoke and light and smell of Brimstone
after the stroke, that they thought the House was on fire. It made
holes in the Tunnel and sides of the Chimney, and so shatter d it,
that it is not safe making a fire in it; one of his Grand Children that
lay in the same Room, was stunn d a while, but recovered again.
New-York, August 5. On the 30th of July arrived here a Privateer
Sloop of 6 Guns and 27 men, Nath. Burchet Commander, being the
Tender of Capt. Tongrelou, which about [blank] weeks ago met with
a Spanish Ship (bound from Canaries to New-Spain) of 600 Tuns, 24
Guns, and 250 men, near to Cuba, this Sloop fired 6 shot at her, two
whereof hull d her, one blew up the Round House, killed the Captain
and 5 men, and another disabled, her Main Mast which afterwards
fell over board, the Sloop finding the Ship too strong for her left her,
and carried notice of her to Capt. Tongrelou, who immediately there
upon went in search of her, but could not find her; the Sloop soon
after she parted with Cap. Tongrelou found the Spanish Ship ashore
about a league from Barricoe upon Cuba, the Spaniards defended her
from the shore, and at last capitulated with the Sloop for her Lading
of Wines and Brandy, provided they would not burn the rest, nor
the Ship ; and accordingly she has brought hither 50 pipes of Canary
and Brandy which they took out of her, but have not seen Tongrelou
for seven, nor his Consort for 9 weeks past: The Spanish Ship was
obliged to run ashore, having 8 foot water in the Hould before they
knew of it, and upon her striking Ground, her Main Mast tumbled
over board being wounded by a shot from the Sloop, but the Sloop
knew not what execution they had done, till they found her ashore.
The same day arrived Capt. Basset in a month from Jamaica, who
says Capt. Pennistone (a Privateer of this Port) boarded two Ships
together, one of 18, and the other of 24 Guns, but was beat off with
the loss of his Arm, and 9 men kill d, and as many wounded, and
obliged to bear away to Jamaica.
A Dutch Brigt. of 110 men, Consort to Cap. Tongrelou has taken a
French Privateer of 14 Guns and 130 men belonging to Petitguavus,
Commanded by the Chevalier Courtney, and carried her into Jamaica,
she was designed for this Coast.
370
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 12, 1706
We have advice by these Vessels, that 7 Fr. Ships were gone down
to the Havanna, and that Monsieur Deverville with 5 men of War
were still lying on the Northside of Hispaniola, but were sickly with
the bloody Flux, and that at Jamaica they are not under any appre
hension of being attack d by them.
The Fleet from England was not arrived at Jamaica, the same
day arrived here a Sloop from Curacoa, brings not any News.
Capt. Basset off Cape May was Chased by a Ship [blank] hours which
gained upon him and got within half Gun shot of him, which obliged
him to pull down his Round House, cut his Beam, and throw all upon
Deck over board except his Guns; after which the Ship fell a Stern
show d her broad side and Stern, and fired a Gun to Leeward under
English Colours, upon which Basset answered with a Gun to Lee
ward, but made the best of his way, tho he took the Ship for the
Triton s Prize, but it proved otherwise.
On the 3d. Instant Her Majesties Ship Tritons Prize arrived at
Sandy-hooke from Her Cruise, She has been at Virginia, and about 10
days since met the Hazardous with the Ships under her Convoy going
into the Capes; they were dog d 4 dayes off Nantucket by a Ship of
about 20 Guns, which the Hazardous at last chased away; tis thought
to be the same Ship that chased Basset. One of our Outward bound
Sloops met the Tritons Prize at Sea, and told them, a small Briganteen
had taken a Sloop upon this Coast, in his sight, the Triton immediately
went in search of her, but could not meet ivith her on her Cruise.
Yesterday arrived here Capt. Davis from Jamaica, three Briganteens,
and a Ketch for Boston, Noyce, Green, Long and Rayner Masters, came
out in Company: He says the 7 Ships gone to the Havanna are the
French men of War that lay on the North side of Hispaniola, who are
very Sickly.
Our Fortifications we hope will be Compleat this week, and we shall
have 100 Cannon Mounted in this City, besides the Fort, which is also
put into very good Repair & Order.
Her Majesties Ship Low staff e will Sail in 3 days on a Cruise.
Piscataqua, August 8th. Just now is arrived Capt. Janverin from
Lisbone, that came out in Company with the Mast Ships from thence,
who after he parted with them was taken by a French Letter of
Marque man, of 24 Guns, from the Havanna bound to Rochel, about
100 Leagues to the Westward of Fyall, Capt. Janverin bought his
Ship again for 8000 Livers, and sent his Mate Hostage for the payment
of the Money.
Boston, On Tuesday the 6th Currant arrived here Cap. Daniel
Noyes from Jamaica, about 6 weeks passage; there came out in
371
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 12, 1706
Company with him about 20 Sail, some whereof for England and
other places; for New-York a Brigt, and 2 Sloops; and for this place
Capt. Bartholomew Green, Capt. Rayner and Long.
On Wednesday the 7th. Instant Satt the General Assembly of this
Province, unto which day they stood Prorogu d.
Her Majesty s Ship the Depiford arrived here on T^tesday the 6th
Currant from Piscataqua, and designs to Sail on a Cruise on Monday
the 12th Instant.
Coasters Inwards
Collins and Flood
John Lothrop
Outward
Peter Harris
For[e]ign Inwards
Francis Ellis Ship Pleasure
Joseph Burchal Sloop Blossom
Moses Wadland Sloop Seaflower
Daniel Noyes Hannover Brigt. ^
Bartholomew Green Swan Brigt. \
Joseph Rayner Ketch Freeke. J
John Hoddy Adventure Brigt.
Cleared Outward
Robert Eason Ship N. Hampshire \
Peter Martin Ship Thanet /
Eleazar Johnson Brigt. Hopewell \
Jonathan Hart Sloop Gilford /
Thomas Savill Ship Two Brothers
Thomas Hunt Sloop Panther
Outward bound
Richard Shute Sloop Richard
Joseph Burchal Sloop Blossom
Moses Wadland Sloop Seaflower
John Holland Brigt. Tygre
Thomas Miller Ship Enfield-Green
John Edwards Brigt Providence
advertisements*
T TOusing and Land being part of the Estate of BartholomewGed-
* -*-ney Esqr. late of Salem in the County of Essex, and Province of
Massachusetts-Bay in New-England: To be Sold by Mrs. Mary
Gedney, Widow and Executrix of Doctor Samuel Gedney of said
Salem : Viz.
Three House Lotts, about 40 foot Front, and 124 Foot deep each
Lott.
From
Piscataqua.
Connecticut.
For
Rhode-Island.
From
Barbadoes.
Barmuda.
St. Georges.
Jamaica.
Fyall.
For
Piscataqua &
London
Antigua
Jamaica
Newfoundland
For
St. Christophers
Barmuda
St. Georges
Madera
London
Jamaica.
372
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 19, 1706
Another House Lott about 40 foot Front, and 124 foot deep, with
an House and Barn on it.
As also a Dwelling-House, Warehouse, Wood-House, Yard Room
and Garden, with a Ship Yard suitable for a Ship Carpenter: To be
Sold by single Lotts or altogether.
SAlt at Four Shillings per Bushel; To be Sold by Mr. Samuel
Lilly Merchant, at his Ware-House upon the Dock in Boston.
A Negro Woman and a Negro Girle to be Sold, Inquire of John
Campbell Post Master of Boston, and know further.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
. 122.
The BoftonNews-Letter.
From /IDon&aB August 12. to /l&On&ag August 19. 1706.
NY
GAIN, in this two page issue, the foreign news is subordinated,
ore than half the contents being of domestic affairs. Mainly,
the foreign news is from Hague and Paris, concerning the siege
of Barcelona.]
Hartford, August 5, The Towns in the County of Hampshire
being greatly infested by the Sculking Indian Enemy: We are just
sending out 50 Men with Dogs, who are to divide into small parties,
and range the Woods on both sides the River, if possible to discover
and annoy, the Enemy.
New-York, August 12. Last week we heard that two or three
Sloops were seen Cruise off the East-end of Long Island, From
Philadelphia we are advised, that Her Majesty s Ships the Greenwich
and Hazardous are arrived in Virginia, and that it s said the Fleet
from thence to England will Sail the middle of next Month : We daily
expect more certain Intelligence by Gentlemen from thence.
Last night the Rt. Hon. the Lady CORNBURY departed this Life. 162
162 Lady Cornbury (Katherine Hyde) was the daughter of Lord O Brien
son of the earl of Richmond of Ireland by his wife, Lady Katherine Stuart,
daughter of the duke of Richmond and Lenox. Her obsequies were conduct
ed with much pomp and ceremony in Trinity Church by the Reverend John
Sharp, chaplain of the fort, and she was buried in Trinity churchyard. The
great expense incurred for her funeral was one of the counts against Lord Corn-
bury for official extravagance. Several months later one Boudinot of Long
Island was paid 300 from the sale of crown lands "as due for part of Lady
Cornbury s funeral." See official papers in Documents Relative to the Colo
nial History of New York, Vol. V, p. 406 and p. 511.
373
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 19, 1706
This morning arrived a Sloop from St. Thomas, one Martin Master
brings no News. Her Majesties Ship the Lowstaffe will Sail this day
on a Cruise.
Rhode-Island, August 16. Upon the Report that a French Squad
ron from the West Indies, under the Command of Monsieur Deber-
ville is designed to come upon our Coast; His Honour our Governour
calPd a General Council, & Council of War, in order to Consult what
was proper to be done for Fortifying of this Place, and especially
the Town of New-port, in case of an Attack from the Enemy. Where
upon the Inhabitants of the Town and Island are daily at work,
making all necessary preparations to Fortify the same, several
Breast-works and Half Moons near and about the Town are already
cast up, and a Breast-work and Trenches from the Point before the
Town to Coasters Harbour, & likewise at the South End of the Town,
to prevent an Enemy s Landing near the Town; And if they should
Land at a distance from it, we shall have the greater advantage
against them, by reason of the many Stone Walls and Ditches they
must pass thorow to come at the Town, where they may be
Ambuscado d.
Capt. Cranston from Curacoa arrived here in 18 days, by whom we
are acquainted, that they had the same News there that we have had
in the Boston News-Letter. [Here follow a few lines of foreign news.]
Moses Butterworth and Robert Wrightington for Barbadoes, and
John Chapman bound for Antigua.
Piscataqua, Aug. 15. On Saturday last, the Sculking Indian
Enemy kill d a man at Dover. And this day arrived here from
Boston Capt. Martin in the Thenet Mast Ship.
Salem, August 17. On Wednesday the 14th. Currant, arrived here
Eleazar Moses from Newfoundland 22 days passage, who informs,
That there is one Man of War at St. Johns, & about 40 Merchant
men. That Sir W. Jumper was daliy expected from Engl. with a
Squadron of Men of War, in order to Attack Placentia. That an
English Prisoner retaken out of a French Boat informed that in May
last, there was about 36 Sail of French Merchantmen in Placentia.
That two Letter of Marque Men from Bristol, the one of 14 and the
other of 16 Guns, and one of London of 24 Guns has Cruised on New
foundland Coast, and had taken 20 Prizes, some whereof were Bankers,
and others that were bound in to Placentia. Mr. Moses saw 4 or 5
Vessels going in to St. Johns as he came out , but knows not what they were.
Boston, An Act Passed by the Great and General Court or Assembly
of this Province in their Second Sessions, upon Wednesday the 7th
Currant, for Encouraging the Prosecution of the Indian Enemy and
374
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 19, 1706
Rebels. Granting the following Reward or Praemium, (over and
above the stated Wages, to such as are under Pay, and the benefit
of Plunder, and all Indian Women and Children Prisoners under
12 Years of Age) to every Company, Troop, Party or Person singly,
who shall Kill or Take any Male Indian Enemy or Rebel, capable of
bearing Arms, or above the age of 12 years. Viz.
To the Regular Detached Forces under Pay, the Sum of Ten
Pounds per Head.
To Voluntiers actually in the Service and under Pay, Twenty
Pounds per Head.
To Voluntiers without Pay or Subsistance, Fifty Pounds per Head.
To any Company, Troop or Party Issuing forth upon an Alarm, to
the Relief of any Town or Garison Attackt, Thirty Pounds per Head.
On Saturday Sailed Her Maj. Ship the Deptford on a Cruise.
The said day Sailed the New-Hampshire Mast Ship for Piscataqua
Capt. Eason Commander.
Coasters Inward
William Smallage Sloop Prosperous
John Lothrop Sloop Swallow
Outward
Samuel Prince Sloop Adventure \
Jacob Parker Sloop Endeavour >
James Blin Sloop Sparrow
Foreign Inwards,
James Gold Sloop Hopewell
Samuel Long Brigt. Sarah
Cleared Outward,
John Welch Brigt. Dolphin
Benjamin Edward Sloop Elizabeth
Moses Wadland Sloop Seaflower
Outward Bound
Josiah Minot Ship Samuel
Thomas Fosdick Charlestown Galley [
Thomas Lettered Ship Olive Branch f
Peter Man Dart Galley
John Alden Ship Swallow
James Gold Ship Mary
Jeremiah Tay Brigt. John and Ann
From
Rhode-Island.
Connecticut.
For
Connecticut.
From
Pensilvania.
Jamaica.
For
Antigua.
Newfoundland.
St. George.
For
London.
Topsham.
Newfoundland.
St. George.
advertisements.
W Here as Peter Sonmans, son of Arent Sonmans Deceased, wider pre
text of being invested in several Proprieties and shares [of Propri
eties of Lands, Quit-Rents and other Appurtenances thereunto belonging,
375
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 19, 1706
purchased by his said Deceased Father in East and West New Jersey
in America: Hath already Sold a considerable quantity thereof, and
(as I am informed} is about Selling other parcels thereof. These are
therefore to give Notice, That Her most Gracious Majesty, Queen Anne,
by Her Letter dated at Windsor, the tenth day of September, 1705 in
the Fourth Year of Her Reign, to His Excellency Edward Viscount
Cornbury, Governour of the Province of New-Jersey, and to the Council
of the said Province directed: Hath been pleased to signify, that the
said Proprieties and shares of Proprieties of Lands, Quit- Rents and
other Appurtenances thereunto belonging, do belong unto Her said
Majesty; for that the said Arent Sonmans Deceased, was an Alien born,
and uncapable of taking or holding any Land otherwise than to the use
of the Crown, by reason he was not Naturalized, nor made a Denizon of
England. And further, That Her said Majesty is graciously pleased
to grant all Her Right, Title, Interest and Claim to the said Proprieties
and shares of Proprieties of Lands, Quit-Rents and other Appurtenances
thereunto belonging, unto Joseph Ormston of London, Merchant, and
Rachel his Wife, and their Heirs for ever, in trust for Peter Sonmans,
Rachel Ormston, and Joanna Wright and their Heirs for ever. And
therefore by the said Letter doth direct His said Excellency and the said
Council, to cause Letters Patients to be past under the Seal of the said
Province, containing the grant aforesaid: and that such Clauses be in
serted in the said Letters Patents as shall be requisite for making Her
said Majesty s Grant good and effectual to the said Joseph Ormston
and Rachel his Wife, and their Heirs, in trust as aforesaid, as by Her
said Majesty s Letter may appear.
All which I the Subscriber being Agent for the said Joseph Ormston
and Rachel his Wife, have thought fit to publish, in Order to prevent
any persons being mistaken in purchasing any Right or Title to the
aforesaid Proprieties and shares of Proprieties of Lands, Quit- Rents
and other Appurtenances thereunto belonging, or any part thereof.
Perth Amboy, July 24. 1706. JOHN ORMSTON. 163
The following Books to be Sold by Benjamin Eliot at his Shop under
the West-End of the Town-House in Boston, Viz.
Nglands Perfect School-Master: Or Directions for exact Spelling,
Reading and Writing: Showing how to Spell or Read any
Chapter in the Bible, by four and twenty words only; with Examples
of most words, from one to six syllables, both in whole words and
also divided; with Rules how to spell them: Also how to spell all
such words which are alike in sound, yet differ in their sense and
spelling. Together with the true meaning and use of all stops and
163 Reprinted from the News-Letter, with a biographical and historical
foot-note, in New Jersey Archives, First Series, Vol. XI, p. 18.
376
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 26, 1706
points to be observed by all that would Read and Write well : With
a Table of Orthography, shewing how to write true English: As
also variety of Pieces, both of English and Latin Verse, on the most
remarkable passages mentioned in Scripture, very useful for Writing-
Schools: Lastly, Directions for writing of Letters, Acquittances,
Bills of Exchange, Bills of Parcels, Bills of Debt, Bonds, &c. How to
state Accompts aright, &c.
THE Great Concern : Or a serious warning to a timely & thorough
Preparation for Death: With helps and directions in order
thereunto: By Edward Pearse: Recommended as proper to be given
at Funerals.
THE Call of Christ unto Thirsty Sinners, to come to him and
drink of the Waters of Life : As it was Preached by that Holy
Man of God, and faithful Servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Allen, late
Pastor of a Church in the City of Norwich, and sometime Teacher
of the Church of Christ at Charlstown in New-England.
A Guide to Eternal Glory: Or brief directions to all Christians,
how to attain to Everlasting Salvation: With several other
brief Tracts, and Spiritual Hymns.
[Reprinted: News- Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1R. jg. Wumb. 123.
The Boft on News-Letter
From jflDOUfcaE August 19. to /IDon&a August 26. 1706.
NY
[" T ESS than two columns of this two page issue are filled with foreign
[^ JL^news: confined to two letters from Hague, one of April 6, and the
other of April 9, and one letter from Lisbon, dated July 7. The
news is principally concerning the investment of Barcelona, and
fighting in Flanders and Spain.]
Jamaica, July S. This morning arrived here a Ship from Bristol,
the Master whereof informs, that Sir John Leake [account of naval
engagement with the French squadron.]
Our Fleet from England not yet arrived, but are daily expected.
St Johns Newfoundland, August 5th. Here is Arrived Capt.
Michael Gill and Arthur Savage in 9 days passage from Boston in
New England; Capt. Gill in the Latitude of 48 8. met a French
Banker of 6 Guns and 21 men, with whom he had a small dispute,
and made the French-mar]. Strike and Surrender. Unto whom he
377
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, AUGUST 26, 1706
Sold his Ship again for 350 Pistoles in Gold, and has the French
Captain on Board a Hostage for payment of the Money.
New York, Aug. 19. By an Express from Anapolis to Philadel
phia, we are acquainted, that the Captain of Her Majesty s Ship the
Hazardous the next day after his Arrival had writ to the Gover-
nour of Maryland that he would Sail with the Fleet for England the
29th of this Month, \vhether the Greenwich arrived or not.
Adolph for Boston, and Sandford for Carolina Sails this day.
Entered Outward bound are Laurence for Terceras, Basset, Stevens
and Moyon for Curacoa, Crook for Barbadoes, Smith, Norwood and
Bedgood for Jamaica, Bond and Laurier for London Via Virginia.
A Sloop from Barbadoes one Fry Master bound for Rhode Island,
came from Curacoa about 3 weeks ago, was met on Fry day last by
her Majesty s Ship the Lowstaff, seized and brought in here this day
for want of a Register.
Piscataqua, Aug. 23. On the 18 Instant arrived here the New-
Hampshire Mast Ship from Boston, Capt. Eason Commander.
Marblehead, Aug. 23, Capt. Cawley in the Ship Essex will Sail
for Kingsayle in Ireland again the first of October next.
Boston, Capt. Mathews, Commander of her Majesty s Ship the
Dover, designs to Sail from hence to Piscataqua the first of September
next, and from thence to England the fifth of October following, to
take under his Convoy what Vessels will be then ready.
By Letters (since the Post) from New-York of the 20th Currant,
we are acquainted, That by a Sloop from Curacoa, they have the
self-same News there that we have here of the Signal Victories [in
Flanders and Spain].
Coasters Inward From
Joseph Concklin Tryal Sloop ~]
Eleazar Darby Elizabeth Sloop
John Groce Speedwell Sloop f
Giles Hall Lyon Sloop Connecticut.
John Lothrop Speedwell Sloop 1
Thomas Curtice Swan Sloop
John Wells Tryal Sloop
John Hedge Speedwell Sloop
Benjamin Flood Benj. & Mary Piscataqua.
Nathaniel Loring Dolphin Sloop Rhode-Island.
Foreign Inwards From
Eleazar Moses Content Sloop Newfoundland.
John Pitts Exchange Ketch South-Carolina.
378
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 2, 1706
Cleared Outward For
Elias Fortune Endeavour Ketch Monserat
John Ventiman Martha & Eliz. Ship Jamaica.
Joseph Burchal Blossom Sloop Barmuda.
James Loring Industry Brigt. 1
Joseph Vearing Colman Frigot / Barbadoes.
John Walker Burbuda Sloop Antigua.
Outward Bound
Richard Pitcher Lydia Brigt. England.
Lewis Hunt Victory Ship Newfoundland
Peter Hawksworth Mary Fortune Ship ^
Jonathan Evans Expectation Brigt. /
[The notice concerning the new postal service between England and
the West Indies is reprinted as it appeared in the issue of June 3.]
Bfcverttsements
A Negro Man Slave, Two Negro Women and a Negro Girl to be
Sold: Inquire of John Campbell Post-master of Boston, and
know further.
[Reprinted: sale of housing and land of estate of Bartholomew
Gedney, as in August 12; sale of salt by Samuel Lilly, as in August 12;
sale of English newspapers, as in June 10; News-Letter advertise
ment, as first in June 17.]
R. J. Mumb. 124.
The Boft on Newsletter.
From fDXmOag, August 26. to /iDOttimg September 2. 1706.
NY
f A COMPARATIVELY small part of the two pages of this issue
I -/JLis given to foreign news, and that little is mainly in short para
graphs received by the way of West Indies ports.]
Antigua, July ip. 1706. via Philadelphia.
[Under this date line there are first, several paragraphs of news
from Europe, and then follow various domestic news items.]
Commadore Kerr arrived here 4 days since with our General Col.
Parke, and is gone to Jamaica with 10 Men of War, and 2 Fire Ships,
and 2 Men of War from Barbadoes, and our 2 that were here ex
pecting to find the French Fleet at Jamaica.
One of our Men of War cut a large Sloop out of Guardiloop Harbour.
One Crapo a French Privateer Sloop of 64 Men boarded an Irish
379
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 2, 1706
man with Bease from Ireland, bound to Jamaica of 12 Guns and 20
men: The Irish man kill d him 36 Men and Wounded him 14,
brought Crapo with the Sloop in here.
Her Majesties Ship the Kingsail has taken another Privateer, and a
Ship of 20 Guns, loaden with Suggar and carryed them in to Barbadoas.
Capt. Plaisteed in a New Ship of 400 Tuns 20 Guns, 37 men, bound
from Boston to Jamaica, was taken by a French Man of War of 48
Guns, 350 Men, off Portorico, and was carryed in to Martinico, and
was sent here in a Flag of Truce the 16th Currant. She took also an
East-India Dutch Man of 36 Guns mounted, 600 Tuns, 200 Men.
Maryland, August 2. On the 29th last arrived Her Majesty s
Ship the Hazardous, and 4 merchant-men 12 weeks from Plimoutk:
The Greenwich Man of War is daily expected. The Fleet for England
designs to Sail the latter end of this Month, under Convoy of 5 Men of
War. There is a Ship arrived in Virginia from England 6 weeks
passage, who reports, that Sir John Leake met with the French
Squadron and worsted them.
Master Abbot in a Sloop from Boston arrived here.
Barbadoes, August 3. Our Fleet from England arrived here the
2d of last month, under Convoy of Capt. Kerr, who is gone down
to Jamaica with 12 Sail of Men of War to relieve Admiral Whetstone
and his Squadron.
About 3 weeks ago Her Majesty s Ship the Kingsayle brought in 2
Prizes, a Sloop and a Ship of 20 Guns, the latter bound to West
France in Company with two others of like Force, both loaded with
Sugar, Cotton, some Cocoa and Indigo: The Sloop he cut from
the Shore at Martinico.
We have lately Advice from Antigua, That a Vessel from Ireland
of 10 Guns and 18 Hands (whereof 6 were Servants) bound for this
place, was Attacked by a Sloop from Martinico, (who the day before
took a Sloop from Curacoa bound hither) who boarded him, but the
Captain of the Irish Man, and the rest of his men made a stout re
sistance, and kill d 20 of the French men, and retook the Sloop and
carryed her into Antigua: The Privateer had 50 men belonging to
her, and do not hear that any of the English were kill d.
Our Fleet for England, in whom goes His Excellency our Governour,
will sail about a Month hence.
Capt. Wilson, Capt. Fyfield and Capt. Flint of Boston, are this day
bound for Saltertuda, and from thence to Boston. Capt. Taylor
will hardly Sail for Boston before our Fleet Sails for England. Capt.
Francis Plaisted in the Eaton Frigot, bound from Boston to Jamaica
is said to be carryed into Martinico.
380
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 2, 1706
Our last Pacquet from England Arrived here the 4th of last Month ,
who brought us the glad Tydings of the Glorious and Signal Victory
obtained by his Grace the Duke of Marlborough over the French
Army in Flanders, under the Command of the Duke of Bavaria:
The Account whereof was sent Express to Her Majesty, with Col.
Richard Aid de Camp, to His Grace the Duke of Marlborough, which
was Published by Authority at St James s May the 16th (and Reprint
ed in the Boston News Letter, Aug. 5 No. 120 to which we refer you.)
The further News from England by the Pacquet of May 30th is,
[here follow items of foreign news, principally relating to the war on
the continent.]
That Her Majesty has given the Scotch 10 Men of War and an
swerable Transports for 10000 Men, with whom they are to make an
Attack upon some of Her Majesties Enemies in the West-Indies.
Philadelphia, Aug, 22d On the 17th arrived here Capt Trot from
Fyall, 8 weeks passage, by whom we have the same News of the 18th of
June from Lisbon that you ha vein the Boston News-Letter Numb. 121.
On the 20th arrived Capt. Brown in 23 dayes from Antigua, who
brought us the News that is in the Boston News-Letter Numb. 120
and further says, that the Union between England and Scotland was
agreed upon. That the Queen had allowed the Scotch Caladonia
Company 100000 /. That a Squadron of 15 sail of Men of War
was designed for the West-Indies, and that the Scotch were raising
several Thousand Men for that Expedition, and were to settle on
what place they took from Her Majesty s Enemies. That the French
Prize taken by Her Majesty s Ship the Kingsayle had 70000 pieces
of Eight on Board. One Stilwell of New-York lost his Sloop upon
Barbuda.
New York, August 26. On the 19th arrived here Daniel Roberts
in a Sloop from Jamaica 40 days passage.
On the 22d. Hugh Coward in a Sloop from Curacoa, brings News,
from thence, which they had from Holland and Barbadoes, [war
events in Europe.]
Martin is bound out for St. Thomas.
Rhode-Island, Aug 30 Outward bound are Nehemiah Cuquit for
St Christophers; William Codner for Suranam; Edward Gross for
Madera, John Davis and Joseph Dill for Barmuda.
Salem, Aug 31. This day arrived Capt. Balch in 33 days from
Antigua, in whom came Capt Francis Plaisteed a Passenger.
Boston, On Fryday the 30th of August, Capt. Samuel Appleton
Esq. Commissioner (sent by His Excellency our Governour a Flagg
381
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 2, 1706
of Truce for Canada, for the Exchanging of Prisoners) Sailed from
Nantasket in the Briganteen Hope, Capt. John Banner Master.
On the said day Sailed the French Barque, that came a Flagg
of Truce from Canada with our Prisoners. As also did a Sloop for
Port-Royall; in which Vessels there went about 70 French Prisoners.
His Excellency Ordered Capt. Southack Commander of Her Majes
ties Ship the Province Galley, to Convoy them ten Leagues to the
Eastward of Cape Ann.
About ten days ago His Excellency sent two men by Land to Mont
Real, with Letters to the Governour of Quebeck, desiring that our
Prisoners might be ready at the Arrival of our Flagg of Truce there,
in order to their returning hither before Winter sett in.
Coasters, Inward. From
Anthony Bracket Sloop Kathrin \
John Abbot Sloop Seallower
Joseph Yorke Sloop Mary
John Walker Sloop Endeavour
Derick Adolph Sloop Two Brothers
Outward
Sloop Prosperous
Sloop Lion
Sloop Nightingal
Sloop Success
Foreign, Inward,
Abraham Cording Sloop Fortune
Thomas Ruck Brigt. Fraternity
Cleared Outward
Isaac Binney Sloop Mary
Ebenezar Breed Brigt. Elizabeth
Outward Bound
Thomas Meers Sloop Blessing
Samuel Long Brigt. Swan
James Grant Ship Tryal
In our last thro an Error of the Press in a Paragraph from Lisbon
of July 7th. It is said that 13000 men were Landed in France, Com
manded by my Lord Trevers, and it should be my Lord Rivers
advertisements*
The following Books to be Sold by Benjamin Eliot, at his Shop
under the West-End of the Town-House in Boston, Viz.
Alking with God, the Great Duty and Priviledge of Christians:
in two Sermons.
T Oves Pedigree: Or a Discourse shewing the Grace of Love in a
-" Believer to be of Divine Original: in one sermon.
382
John Grace
Giles Hall
Samuel Dutch
Jonathan Hilton
Piscataqua
Connecticut
New York
For
Connecticut
From
Axuma
Barbadoes
For
N. foundland
For
Jamaica
White-Haven
W;
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 9, 1706
THe Best Priviledge: Or a Sermon wherin the Great Advantage
of Enjoying the Oracles of God is displayed, & the Duty of such
as have them is urged.
THe Man of War. A Sermon Preached to the Artillery Company
at Boston, at the Anniversary day of Election of Officers. All
Four by the Reverend Mr. Samuel Willard.
THe Door of Salvation Opened: Or a Voice from Heaven, to
Unregenerate Sinners; plainly shewing the necessity of Opening
your Hearts to Christ, or else He will Open Hells Mouth to devour
you: with many sweet Invitations to come to Him, that they might
have Life, and be hidden from the Wrath of God which is worse than
Death. By D. Pede.
GOD s Frown in the Death of Useful Men: Shewed in a Sermon
Preached at the Funeral of the Honourable Col. John Pynchon
Esq. By the Reverend Mr. Solomon Stoddard.
A Good Master well Served: A Brief Discourse on the (necessary
-^^Properties and Practices of a Good Servant, in every kind of Servi
tude : and of the Methods that should be taken by the Heads of a
Family, to obtain such a Servant.
[Reprinted : notice of postmaster regarding advertising of letters not
called for, as in July 1 ; News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
. Bumb. 125.
The Bofton Newsletter.
From /ID01tDa September 2. to /IDOlU>a September 9 170G.
NY
O REIGN news in this issue consists of an abstract of a letter
from the duke of Marlborough and the deputies of the States
General to the States of Brabant, and the response thereto,
and a half column of items concerning the fighting in Flanders.]
Fyall, July 29 We have advice from England [foreign news.]
There was two Ships that touched in here from the Canaries,
who gave us an Account, That Capt. Halsy in the Charles Galley, a
Privateer from Boston had taken a Spanish Ship of 24 Guns from
the Havanna, which he sent to the Moderns: He had also boarded
another Ship of 40 Guns three times, but his Graplings breaking, was
f orc t to leave her.
New- York, Sept 2. Our Assembly is Adjourned to the 24th Instant.
His Excellency the Lord Cornbury sets out on Wednesday next for
383
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 9, 1706
Albany to visit the Frontiers. No Vessels arrived since my last.
Outward bound are Van Bael for Suranam, Many for Jamaica, &
Sleigh for Curacoa.
Rhode-Island, Sept 6 By Letters from Lisbon of July 8 and 13
per Capt Benjamin Cranston from Maderas, 5 weeks passage, we have
[war items "all mentioned these several weeks past in the Boston
News-Letter."]
Boston, On Wednesday the 4th Curant, His Excellency was pleased
to Prorogue the General Assembly of this Province unto Wednesday
the 2d day of October next.
An Act Pass d at the last Session, Entituled, An Act to prevent
all Traiterous Correspondence with her Majesties Enemies.*
Joseph Flood
Daniel Wair
Benj Flood
Francis Brown
Thomas Lothrop
Joseph Allen
George Phillips
Joseph Bull
Will. Rhodes
Samuel Sanders
Tho. Masters
Tho. Ball
John Lathrop
Tho. Curtice
John Hedge
Joseph Concklin
Dirick Adolph
Lewis Hunt
John Richards
Joseph Johnson
Richard Shute
John Smith
Tho. Lytheret
Ebenezar Payne
Sam. Winckley
Coasters Inwards, From
Sloop John & Abiel j
Sloop Adventure Piscataqua
Sloop Benj. & Mary J
Sloop Speedwell
Sloop Diamond ~
01 T t, o AT r Connecticut
Sloop John & Mary
Sloop Supply J
Brigt. Mary
Sloop Rose Rhode-Island
Foreign Inwards
Sloop Mary Corratuck
Brigt. Dragon Suranam
Sloop Elizabeth Fiall
Cleared Outwards For
Sloop Swallow ~\
Sloop Swan [ Connecticut
Sloop Speedwel
Sloop Tryal \
Sloop Two Brothers J New- York
Ship Victory N. foundland
Brigt. Endeavour Ditto
Sloop Elizabeth Pensilvania
Sloop Richard St. Christophr
Katch Belford White-haven
Ship Olive-branch London
Sloop Swallow Jamaica
Outward Bound
Sloop Sarah Hannah Pensilvania
164 See The Acts and Resolves ... of the Province of the Massachu
setts Bay: .... Vol. I, p 595.
384
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 16, 1706
Tho. Barnes Brigt. Sarah St. Christoph
John Foster Ship Sarah Barbadoes
Will.Alden Ship Content Ditto
John Blower Ship Stanier Galley Madera
John Porter Brigt. Experiment Tercera
Ephraim Breed Ship Seaflower Jamaica
B&x>erttsements.
Mlistress Mary Turfrey at the South End of Boston, Intends to
board Young Gentlewomen : If any Gentlemen desires their
Daughters should be under her Education : They may please to agree
with her on Terms.
A Certain Person has Lent Fuller s Holy War, his name is on the
Frontice Leaf of it: Whosoever has borrowed the said Book,
or into whose hands it may come, are desired to return it unto John
Campbell Post-master of Boston, that the true Owner may have it
again .
[Reprinted: sale of negro slaves, as in August 26; sale of salt
by Samuel Lilly, as in August 12; sale of English newspapers, as in
June 10; News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
fU l, Bumb, 126.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDonfcap September 9. to /IDcmfca^ September 16. 1706.
NY
[o
F the four columns of this two page issue, three are filled with
foreign news, under date of Lisbon, July 3, concerning military
movements in Spain and the Low Countries.]
Maryland, Aug. 27. Since my last Her Majesty s Ship the Green
wich is arrived from England to Virginia, who is Commodore to the
Homeward bound Fleet, that consists of about 200 Sail, under Convoy
of 5 Men of War, & designs to Sail the latter end of this Month.
New York, Sept. 9 From Pensilvania we have the Account of 2
Sloops arrived there from Virginia, that came from thence the 29th
last, who said that the Fleet for England was to Sail the 1st Currant.
His Excellency Col. Nott Esqr. late Lieut. Governour of Virginia
dyed about 14 days before they came away, was sick but 5 days.
We daily expect Capt. Patience from England.
Outward bound are Capt. Bond and Laurier for London Via
385
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 16, 1706
Virginia, and Capt. Budge Via Piscataqua, Rolland for Jamaica,
Gravenradt for Boston, and Coddin for Rhode-Island.
Her Majesties Ship the Tritons Prize will go to Sea the first fair
Wind on a Cruise.
On Wednesday last his Excellency the Lord Cornbury Sailed from
hence for Albany.
Piscataqua, Sept. 12, Several of the Sculking Indian Enemy
have lately been seen, a Company went in pursuit of them, but could
meet with none.
Last night arrived here from Boston Her Majesty s Ship the Dover,
Capt. Mathews Commander.
Bristol Sept. 12. Mr. Nathan Hayman in the Ship Thomas &
Francis bound for Antigua, will Sail in ten days.
Rhode-Island, Sept. 13. One Penrose in a Sloop from Barbadoes
is arrived here. Outward bound are Godfrey and Codner for Suranam,
and Gross for Madera.
Salem, Sept. 14. Capt. Francis Ellis in the Ship Pleasure is bound
for Suranam.
Boston, On Wednesday the llth Currant Sailed from Nantasket
Her Majesties Ship the Dover, Capt. Mathew s Commander for
Piscataqua.
Her Majesties Ship the Province Galley Capt. Southack Commander,
is returned from Her Cruise, and is bound out again upon another.
Capt. James Grant Sailes for White-haven in England, the Latter
end of this Month.
On Saturday night Her Majesties Ship the Deptford arrived at
Nantasket from her Cruise.
And on said night Capt. James Pitts arrived here from England,
who left Plymouth the llth of July last, that came out in Company,
with Capt. Geerish and Capt. Lowder for this place, under Convoy
of Four Sail of Men of War, viz. the Faulkland, the Warrick, and the
Larke, with 12 Sail of Merchant-men for Newfoundland, and the
Gosport for Jamaica, with several Merchantmen, and some for
Guinea: And Capt. Patience for New York: Capt Holland was
Loading in L ondon for the said Port.
Capt. Geerish and Capt. Lowder arrived at Nantasket on the
Lords-Day
Inwards, From
John Smith Sloop Dolphin Connecticut
Peter Coffin Sloop Society Nantucket
386
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 23, 1706
Cleared Outwards, For
Benja. Flood Sloop Benj. & Mary Piscataqua
Willi. Rhodes Sloop Rose Rhod-Island
Tho. Lothrop Sloop Diamond Nantucket
Daniel Wair Sloop Adventure Connecticut
John Pattison Brigt. Providence Jamaica
James Berry Ship Swan Barbadoes
Outward Bound, For
Richard Simes Brigt. Richard Topsham
Azor Gale Ship Friendship Jamaica
John Harris Brigt. Sarah Ditto
John Devereux Sloop Mary N. Jersey
Tho. Winsor Brigt. Adventure Suraname
Tho. Ball Sloop Elizabeth Fyall
Bfcvettisements.
[Reprinted: News- Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
m. . mumb, 127.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDOntmE September 16. to /IDOnDa^ September 23. 1706.
NY
FTN this issue of four pages, nearly five and a half columns are filled
I A with foreign news. At the top of the first column, on the first
page, is the editorial note about the contents of the issue. Im
mediately following are the letters from the burgomasters of Brussels
and the States of Brabant to the duke of Marlborough. From
London, under June and July dates, are reports of the campaigns
in Flanders and Spain, and there is other news of like character from
Turin, Rome, Lisbon and Perpignan. In the domestic news, prom
inence is given to a Thanksgiving proclamation of Governor Dudley,
and an account of the murder of Simeon Stoddard.]
In our Last we promised you the Copies of some Letters written
to his Grace the Duke of Marlborough immediately upon his ob
taining of the Signal Victory in Flanders, over the French Army,
under the Command of the Duke of Bavaria; which follow. We
also promised you in this a more full Account of the Publick Occur
rences of Europe, brought in the Ships from England: The chief
whereof you have had in our Publick Prints for these 8 weeks past.
The more particular Account whereof you shall (God willing)
have in our succeeding Prints, with the other Occurrences that
came not to our hands till now, by reason of several Publick Prints
387
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 23, 1706
coming from England to the Undertaker that miscarry ed, by the
Vessel they were in being taken: And to compleat our Print
with the Publick News of Europe (as well as those of the West-
Indies, besides those of this and the Neighbouring Provinces;)
we must return where we left off to carry on the same. So that
any one having our Prints for the Year, will be furnished, not only
with all that is material in the Publick Prints of England, but also
with the Occurrences of the West-Indies, and of this and the Neigh
bouring Provinces.
Antigua, August 22d. [This letter begins with a report of the
victories of the duke of Marlborough in Flanders and then continues
as follows :] Monsieur du Gasse is came out of France with a Squad
ron for the West-Indies, and we fear another attack upon some of Her
Majesties Plantations. We speedily expect 16 Sail of Men of War
with 6000 Land Forces, to make a descent some where upon the
Enemy. . . . W T e are afraid by reason of some flying Reports
from St. Thomas s, that Jamaica is attacked by the Enemy.
By His Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY Esqr. Captain General
and Governour in Chief, in and over Her Majesties Provinces of the
Massachusetts- Bay, and New-Hampshire in New-England A
PROCLAMATION
for a General THANKSGIVING.
UPon due Consideration of the late Extraordinary and Eminent
Appearances of Divine Providence, demanding Publick Acknowledg
ments, with Solemn Praise and Thanksgiving unto Almighty God; In
Special, For His Gracious Protection and Assistance of Her Sacred
Majesty, in the just War, in which Her Majesty is now Engaged; and
for the Good Conduct and Courage wherewith Her Majesty s Armes, in
Conduction with Her Allies, have been Inspired, to the obtaining of so
many Wonderful and Glorious Victories over their Proud Insulting
Enemies; thereby disappointing their boundless Ambition.
As also, for the Defence Vouchsafed to these Her Majesties Planta
tions, Against the Attacks of the French, who, this present Summer,
have made their Impressions upon some of Her Majesties Islands;
For defeating the Designs and Attempts of the barbarous Indian Enemy
and Rebels, and so for preventing of their Outrages; For the plentiful
Harvest, after the immoderate Rains and Excessive Floods, in the
begining of the Summer; For the great Measure of Health; The
Return of many of our Prisoners from the French and Indian hands;
And for other Great and Publick Blessings.
I Have therefore thought fit, with the Advice of Her Majesties Council,
to Order and Appoint Thursday the Seventeenth of October next,
to be Religously Observed as a Day for General Thanksgiving throughout
388
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 23, 1706
both the Provinces: Exhorting both Ministers and People in their
Publick Assembly s, thereon, to Offer up most Sincere and Hearty
Praises to Almighty God, for His so Great and Admirable Favours
and Benefits. Hereby forbiding all Servile Labour upon the said Day.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston the Nineteenth Day of
September, 1706. In the Fifth Year of the Reign of our Soveraign
Lady ANNE, by the Grace of GGD, [sic] of England, Scotland,
France and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, &c.
By Order of His Excellency, the
Governour and Council, /. DUDLEY.
Isaac Addington, Seer.
GOD Save the QUEEN.
Boston. We have by the Ships from England, the Melancholy
News of the Death of Mr. Simeon Stoddard Merchant; [Son to
Simeon Stoddard Esqr.] a Young Gentleman of an unblemish t
Character, belonging to this Place; who was barbarously Murder d.
And Whereas some false Reports have been raised concerning the
manner of his Death, much to his Injury: It is thought proper by several
Gentlemen, to give an Account of the Matters of Fact relating hereto,
as far as is come to our Hands; that so his Honour and Reputation, who
was known to be a Person of Indisputable Vertue, and uncommon
Piety, might not be Wounded thro Ignorance, or from any worse Principle.
He was found the 14th of last May in a Pond or Gravel Pit in
Chelsea Fields, with his Throat Cutt: His Corps was view d, and
his Wounds Examined by two Eminent Surgeons, who jointly declared,
That it was evident to a Demonstration that he was barbarously
Murther d; being Cut from Jugalar to Jugalar one way; and a second
Incision made round his Neck to the very Spondyls of the Neck-
bone; and a third Incision under that, in which his Neckcloath was
Cut, and he Cut near to the Shoulder: which they determin d could
never have been done but by a Murderers hand: and that it was
absolutely impossible to have done this himself, had he attempted
it; inasmuch as the smallest of these great Incisions would have
determin d all manner of power to make a second, much less a third.
This judgment of the Surgeons was Connrm d by the judgment of
the Honourable Col. Mordant, Brother to the Earl of Peterborough,
who was a Spectator; and his known Skill in Anatomy rendred him
a proper judge.
A Jury of Sixteen Persons sat upon him, and made their Return,
That he was Murthered; And all this passed while it was unknown
who the Person was, and so could not be thro favour. His Body
lay several days exposed to view in the Church-yard at St. Martins
in the Fields, that it might be known who he was: And not being
389
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 23, 1706
known by any of the Spectators, the Vestry Clerk of the Parish of
St. Martins, Prints an Advertisement in the JpOSt^/IDatl of May 30th,
in which he is accurately described, in order to find out who he was;
which Advertisement begins thus: Whereas a Person unknown
was found barbarously Murder d &c. By which Advertisement
some Gentlemen of Mr. Stoddards Acquaintance, were put upon, to
make Enquiry after him, and finding he had been absent for some
time, and the Characters given of the Murder d Person Suiting him;
they obtained Liberty to take him up in the Church- Yard, where he
had been Buried and found it to be their Friend.
Upon this, There were Advertisements Published in several
GAZETTS for the discovery of the Murtherers; with the proposal of
a Reward of Fifty Pounds to the Discoverer. In the GAZETT of
July [the 4th. A Proclamation from Her Majesty under the Hand of
One of Her Majesties Principal Secretarys of State, to Encourage such
a discovery. In these Words, Whereas Mr. Simeon Stoddard Mer
chant, was, about the iqtk c/May last found most barbarously Murther d,
in or near Chelsea- Fields: Her Majesty is pleased to Promise Her
most gracious Pardon to any Person or Persons concerned in the said
Murther, (Except the immediate Mutherer, or Murtherers of the said
Mr. Stoddard) who shall discover the Person or Persons that committed
the same, so that he or they, or any of them, may be Convicted thereof.
By the pains taken for the discovery. A Man and a Woman have,
upon Suspicion, been taken up, and Committed to New-gate. The
Grand Jury have found the Bill against them. There being Three
Witnesses, who made Oath, That they heard the Woman Say to the
Man (upon a Quarrel between them,) Will you Murther me, as you
did the Gentleman in Chelsea- Fields; adding, That he came home
with his hands bloody; and that he repented only that he had left
the Gentleman so much Money in his Pocket. Their Tryal is put off
to the next Sessions, that there might be time to gain further Evidence,
which is probable will be to their Conviction. 165
New- York, Sept. 16th. On the 10th. Instant arrived here a Sloop
from Madera, Six weeks passage, Simon Pasco Master. By whom
we have the same News that is in the Boston News-Letter, Numb. 125.
with this addition, That Prince Eugene has obtained a Victory over
the French in Italy.
Letters from Pensilvania inform us, That the Virginia Fleet were
to Sail from thence to England the 10th Instant.
Adolph arrived here yesterday from Boston.
Rhode-Island, Sept. 20th. On the 15th. Currant came in here
165 See Diary of Samuel Sewall, Vol. II, p. 169, under date Satterday
Sept r 21; also note 2, same page.
390
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 23, 1706
Moses Butterworth, who Sailed from hence sometime in August last,
bound for Barbadoes, he had 23 Horses on board; And the first
Instant he met a violent Storm, which had like to have oversett him;
he lost all his Masts, Horses and Guns.
Yesterday arrived here one Hooper in a Katch, who met with the
same Storm above said, wherein She lost her Masts and Horses,
She was bound from Boston to Montserrat.
Arrived Rhodes from Boston, and Codding from New- York;
Lothrop bound for Connecticut.
Salem, Septemb. 21. On the 18th Arrived here Mr. John Shattuck
about 11 weeks passage from Lisbon, and says, [concerning affairs
in Spain].
Yesterday arrived here Mr. Girdler from Cape Sables, and brings
Tydings that a Ketch belonging to this Town whereof Joseph Wood-
bury was Master, was Cast away upon Cape Sable Coast; the men
endeavoring to save the Cables, Anchors, Rigging and Sails, with the
assistance of another Vessels Crew; one Robert Herbert of the said
Crew was shot down by the Cape Sable Indians, and the rest of the
men made their escape.
Boston, By Letters from Madera Via New-York of July 16. and
August 8. [Charles proclaimed King of Spain.]
Elisha Hedge
Peter Harris
James Pitts
Richard Geerish
Henry Lowder
Richard Ingersol
Joseph Rawlings
Inwards
Sloop Speedwell
Sloop Dolphin
Ship David & Joseph
Ship Ruth Frigot
Ship Thomas & Sarah
Sloop Sea-flower
Sloop Mary
Cleared Outward
Eleazar Collins Brothers Adventure
Brigt. Adventure
Sloop John & Mary
Sloop Supply
Sloop Friendship
Brigt. Tyger
Ship Ann
Outward Bound
Edward Beare Sloop St. Christoph.
Thomas Lanyon Sloop Return
Thomas Gwin Ship Eagle Galley
Jonathan Lambert Ship Industry
391
John Hoddy
Joseph Allen
George Phillips
Alexand. Duncan
John Holland
John Blany
From
Fairfield
New-Lond.
London
Ditto
Ditto
Surranam
Antigua
For
Piscataqua
Ditto
Connecticut
Ditto
N. York
Madera
London
For
St. Christoph
Virginia
Antigua.
Ditto
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 30, 1706
Thomas Beard Ship Adventure Madera.
James Gold Sloop Hopewell Pensilvania
H&t>ertfsements.
TO be Seen and Sold at Mr. Thomas Clarke Brazier his Shop in
Boston, a large Copper that weighs 245 Pound, and holds up
wards of a Hogshead.
[Reprinted: book lost, as in September 9; Mistress Mary Turfrey s
boarding school, as in September 9; sale of salt by Samuel Lilly, as
in August 12; News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1R. jg. Bumb. 128.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From jflDonfcap September 23. to /IDOUfcaE September 30. 1706.
NY
FlTN this issue prominence is given to the proclamation of Queen
I A Anne, April 11. 1706, for better enforcing the law against Roman
Catholics. There are items of war news from Gibraltar, Venice,
Warsaw, Lisbon, Vienna and Leghorn, of March and April dates.]
New York, Sept. 23 On the 17th Instant arrived here Capt.
William Patience from England, who left Plimouth the llth of July
last in Company with Capts. Pitts, Geerish and Lowder for Boston,
who brings the same News mentioned in the Boston News-Letter,
Numb. 126.
On the 19th arrived here a private Ship of War, the New- York
Galley, Capt. Regnier Tongrelou Commander, and brought in a Prize
Ship of 170 Tons, having on board 460 Hogsheads of Sugar, about
1200 pound of Indigo, some raw Hides and Cotton. Off Cape Fran-
swa Capt. Tongrelow, two Jamaica Privateers, and one of Curacoa
espyed 5 Sail and gave them Chase: Capt. Tongrelow took the
biggest which is the Prize brought in here : The Jamaica Privateers
took three, and that of Curacoa one, they were most or all of them
Vessels that were taken out of Nevis Road by Monsieur Deberville,
& by him Loaded.
The Prisoners inform us for Truth that Monsieur Deberville fully
resolved to come hither, and in order thereunto had got 6 Privateers
to joyn him with 5 Men of War, but Providence attacked him with
a great Sickness and Mortality which happily frustrated all his
measures, & obliged him to go to the Havanna; We hear he has
sent two of his Men of War to M[i]ssishippy, and tis believed he is
Returned towards France with the rest.
392
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, SEPTEMBER 30, 1706
The Prize brought hither is an English built Ship, and was lately
call d the Monserat Merchant.
Capt. Tongrelow intends to Careen and fit his Ship again with all
expedition, and be gone to Sea in 4 or 5 weeks time.
On the 20th arrived here a Ship from Exuma with Salt, William
Mizon Master.
Mr. Gravenraedt will Sail this week for Boston. Outward bound
are Gibbins for Barmuda, Adolph for Boston and Wymbolt for
Rhode-Island.
Piscataqua, Sept. 26th. The Mast Ships under Convoy of Her
Majesties Ship the Dover, Capt. Matheivs Commander, will be ready
to Sail from hence for England again the 12th Day of October next.
Rhode-Island, Sept. 27th. One Borrow is arrived here in a Sloop
from Turks-Island with Salt.
Boston, Monday last being the 23d Instant, His Excellency the
Governour, and several Members of the Council, Officers and Gentle
men went down to the Castle to make their Rejoycing for the Great
and Good News from all Parts, of Her Majesties Glorious Successes
and Victories.
And at three of the Clock after Dinner, all the Cannon of the
Castle were Discharged, and followed by the Volleyes of the Town.
After which Her Majesty s Frigot, the Galley, and a number of
Ships Fired all their Guns, which was followed with Bonfires and
Illuminations in several parts of the Town in the Evening, every
body shewing their Hearty and Sincere Satisfaction in the good News.
His Excellency has been pleased by Proclamation, further to Pro
rogue the General Assembly of this Province that stood Prorogu d
unto Wednesday the 2d. of October next, unto Wednesday the 23d
day of the said Month at 9 a Clock in the Morning, and then to Sit.
Inwards From
George Giddings Sloop Hopewell Piscataqua
Joseph Giddings Sloop Eunice Ditto
Anthony Bracket Sloop Katherin Ditto
Thomas Sill Brigt. Wil. & Mary Fyall
William Clarke Sloop Endeavour Ditto
Cleared Outward For
John Walker Sloop Endeavour Connecticut
Benjamin Gold Sloop Coronation Piscataqua
John Kidder Pink Hopewell Jamaica
Thomas Lanyon Sloop Return Virginia
Outward Bound For
Nathaniel Coffin Ship Industry Jamaica
393
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 7, 1706
John Symkin Bark Blessing Antigua
John Waters Sloop Betty St. Christophers
Thomas Gilbert Ship Wreen Frigot Ditto
Woodard Tay Brigt. Hanover Madera.
Hese are to give Notice to any Person or Persons who
design to send any Letters for England via Piscataqua,
to go eitlier by Her Majesties Ship the Dover, The Mast Ships, or
any other Vessels; That they may bring them to the Post- Office in Bos
ton, and paying the Postage, shall be carefully put on board the re
spective Vessel or Vessels they are directed to go by.
advertisements
A Negro Infant Girl about Six Weeks Old, to be Given for the
-^ ^-Bringing up: Inquire of John Campbell Post-Master, and
know further.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1R. ]. Bumb, 129.
The Bofton News-Letter.
From flDonfca September 30. to /IDOU&ap October 7. 1706.
NY
["OEVEN columns of this six page folio issue are filled with foreign
I Onews. From Lisbon, April 7 and April 19, and Alcantara, April
14, are accounts of the siege and capitulation of Alcantara to
the English and allied forces. From Paris there is a report of the
siege of Barcelona, and other war news of March and April dates
from Madrid, Rome, Turin, Vienna and elsewhere. Among the
domestic news the speech of Lord Cornbury to the General Assembly
of the Province of New York is featured by being set in large type,
and it fills more than two columns.]
Falmouth, April 13. The 9th Instant came in here the Great
Cortien, a Privateer belonging to Flushing, and brought in 2 Prizes,
one called the Belle Bruno of Nantes, of 250 Tuns homeward bound
from Martinico, and laden with Sugar, Cotton and Cocco, which was
taken after half an Hour s Resistance, wherein she had her Main
and Mizen Masts shot by the Board ; the other is named the St Philip,
of 200 Tuns Burden, belongs to Bayonne, and was bound from thence
with Salt, Wine and Brandy, for Newfoundland.
Jamaica, August 9th. One the 28th July Arrived here Com-
madore Kerr from England with 10 Sail of Men of W T ar, and a fire
394
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 7, 1706
Ship, with the Ships under his Convoy. Admiral Whetstone on the
8th Currant hoysed his Flag on board Her Majesties Ship the Windsor,
and Sailed for Cathageen or Portobel on the Spanish Coast with 10
Sail of Men of War, and the fire Ship. The Fleet for England will
Sail when Admiral Whetstone returns.
Her Majesties Ship the Reserve brought in here a French Privateer
of 10 Guns and 90 Men. A Dutch Privateer brought in another of
8 Guns and 80 Men.
Pulsifer from Boston is bound for England, Char nock, Thomas,
Balston and Buckly designs to Sail for Boston in a Week hence.
St. John s Newfoundland, Sept. 19th. About a Month ago having
notice of some mischief done by the French and Indians at Pelicum,
Major Loyd our Governour imbark d on board a Sloop with about
60 Souldiers & Saylors, and went to Trinity Bay, where they Landed,
and pursu d the Enemy, kill d their Sentinel, and took four Prisoners,
and would have taken the rest (being 22) had not the Sailours been
too hot to fire before Command. One of the Prisoners advised,
That they were to return to Placentia over a small River where lay
a boat and 3 Men ready to attend them: Major Loyd having this
account marched to the place, trapan d the French men and took them
Prisoners, and all 7 were brought here by Land, and are kept in the Fort.
Several Prizes have been taken here this Summer; Her Majesties
Ship the Larke brought in one here. Her Majesties Ship the Mounti-
gue brought in a French Privateer of 16 Guns, who Cruised out of
Placentia: The said Privateer took one Gardner in a Sloop from
Boston, and a Portuguese Ship bound in here: She also took another
Sloop from Boston. Her Majesties Ship the Swallow Prize carryed
in a Prize to Ferryland. The Prince Eugene a Letter of Marque Man
of 16 Guns, one Eastman Commander (who Sailed the 13th Currant
for Leghorne} took 14 Prizes on the Banks; three whereof he brought
in here, and the other eleven were ransomed. Capt. Hokworth took
two Prizes and Sunk one. Two other Ships took three between them.
Sundry other Ships took each their Prize.
Here are 70 Sail of Merchant men. and five Sail of Men of War,
viz. the Faukland, Warrick and Lark from England: The Montigue
(who Sailed the 13th Currant for England before the Fleet by reason
of a Leak) and the Faulson who arrived a little time ago from the West-
Indies. Her Majesties Ship the Swallow Prize Capt. Padon Com
mander lies at Ferryland who was ordered out yesterday on a Cruise
for 10, days till the Ships there: being abou[t] 12 Sail are getting ready,
On the 13 also Sailed the Foulson on a Cruise.
Our Commadore has notified the Fleet, That he will Sail the last
of this Month, but fear that the Ships will not then be ready, by
395
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 7, 1706
reason of so much foul Weather, hardly a fair day in a week. Capt.
Michael Gill arrived here last week from the Northward, and being
Loaded intends to Sail for Portugal the first fair Wind, there being
no other N. England Vessels bound there but he and Capt. Arthur
Savage.
Yesterday an unlucky accident fell out, One Burbank Mate of
Edwards in a Sloop from Boston carrying some small Arms on Shore,
at the Landing of them, one Goss, of their Company was saying
they were very rusty, Burbank bid him Snap one of them, having no
Priming, which he did, the Gun going off at the same time, Shot
Burbank through the head, and kill d him immediately.
Point-Judith, Sept. 19. P. M. Her Majesties Ship the Triton s-
Prize pass d by this place; standing for Newport.
Philadelphia, Sept. 26. On the 24th arrived one Selwood in a Sloop
from Virginia, who came out of the Capes the 19th Instant, by whom
we are acquainted, That the Fleet for England consisting of about
270 Sail, under Convoy of 4 Men of War Sailed out of the Capes of
Virginia the 17th Instant: Nineteen Sail of Ships that was left
behind the Fleet, Sailed out of the Capes with the said Selwood.
Letters from Linn- Haven Bay of the 14th of Septemb. Tell us
that a Ketch was lately arrived from Liverpool 8 weeks passage, who
gives an account, [war news from Flanders and Spain.]
On the 24th one Keele arrived in a Sloop from Turks-Island with
Salt, brings no News. The same day arrived Capt. Thomas Hurst in a
Privateer Sloop belonging to this place, who came from St. Johns
Newfoundland the 17th of the last Month, in the Bay of 5*. Marys,
he took a French Prize Ship of about 120 Tuns loaden with dry Fish,
just ready to Sail for France: On the 21st Capt. Hurst put his
Lieutenant and 9 hands more on Board the Prize, and ordered them
to make the best of their way for this Port, they had the French
Master and Doctor on Board the Prize, the rest of the French being
about 20 Ran ashore; The Prize is not yet arrived.
New-York, Sept. 30. On the 23d Instant arrived here a Sloop from
Barmuda with Salt, who two days before she came in fell in with
part of the Homeward bound Verginia Fleet off the Capes, the Fleet
consisted of about 200 Sail, under Convoy of 4 Men of War.
On the 25th. His Excellency my Lord Cornbury arrived here from
the Frontiers at Albany.
On the 27th about one a Clock in the morning a terrible Fire
happened here in the House of one John Sheppard which in a few
hours was burnt down, they saved nothing, and the Family narrowly
escaped being burnt in their beds, a Servant Maid dyed of her burns
396
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 7, 1706
the same day. His Excellency my Lord Cornbury made a Speech
this day to the Assembly (which is as follows) 168
On the 28th arrived here a small Prize Ship which was taken by a
Dutch Briganteen, Consort to Capt. Tongrelow, which is also arrived
here, She is Loadened with Brandy, Oyl, &c. and was bound from
Nants to the Plavanna. 167
Yesterday arrived one Marsh in a Sloop from Rhode Island, who
is bound to Pensilvania.
Outward bound are a Sloop for Surranam, 2 for Jamaica, one for
Curacoa, one for Rhode-Island and Piscataqua, and two for Boston.
The S P E E C H of His Excellency Edward Viscount Cornbury,
Captain General and Govern our in Chief of the Province of NEW
YORK, To the General Assembly, the 2 jthday of September, 1706. 168
Gentlemen;
WHen I dismist you at the end of the last Sessions, in June last,
I acquainted you, that tho I could not assent to the Bill you
tender d to me, for the raising the Sum of Three Thousand Pounds
towards the fortifying of this City, yet I could not reject it, hoping
that I might receive such directions from England as might make that
matter more easie; I am very glad I can now acquaint you that my
expectations are answered: I have received Letters from the Right
Honourable the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations,
containing Her Most gracious Majesties Commands to Me, to permit
the General Assembly of this Province to Name their own Treasurer
when they raise extraordinary Supplys for particular Uses, and which
are no part of Her Majesties standing and constant Revenue; but the
Treasurer so nominated must be accountable to the Governour,
Council and Assembly: Warrants may be issued by the Colonels,
Captains, or other Persons, as the Act shall direct, but the Governour
must always be inform d of the occasion of issuing of such Warrants;
and all Persons concern d in the issuing and disposing of such Moneys,
166 The speech does not follow here but appears as placed below on this
page.
167 Captain Tongrelow was one of the most active and most successful
privateers operating at this time off the coast between New York and the
West Indies. His captures were frequently recorded in the columns of the
News- Letter. In the Mss. New York Council Minutes preserved in the office
of the Secretary of State in Albany is this entry concerning one of his adven
tures: "July 4 1706 Captain Tongrelou, commander Privateer New York
Galley took French ship off Petit Guavas in Oct 1705."
168 This speech of Lord Cornbury is printed in the Journal of the Votes
and Proceedings of the General Assembly of the Colony of New York, Vol. I,
pp. 213-214, Gaine Edition. A previous speech of Lord Cornbury, June 27,
1706, is in the same volume, pp. 212-213: in the latter he reproaches the mem
bers of the Assembly for not having passed the money bills as he had desired
without amending clauses.
397
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 7, 1706
must be made accountable to the Governour, Council and Assembly.
Thus, Gentlemen, I have acquainted you with Her Majesties
Pleasure relating to the passing of Bills for the raising Moneys for
extraordinary Supplyes.
Gentlemen, I am commanded by the Right Honourable the Lords
Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, to acquaint you, That Her
Majestys Council for this Province have undoubtedly as much to do
in forming of Bills for the granting and raising of Money, as the As
sembly and consequently have a right to alter or mend any such
Money Bills, as well as the Assembly.
Their Lordships likewise observe, That in the Preamble of the 1700 /.
Bill, there is an Error in not granting the Money, thereby intended
to be raised, to the QUEEN, which need not hinder the Assembly
from appropriating the Money to be granted, to such Uses as are
found requisite.
Their Lordships further observe, That the Penalty in the last
Clause in the 1700 /. Bill, is of an extraordinary nature, such as no
Assembly any where else ever attempted before ; and they say, it is
highly presumptuous in the Assembly to pretend to propose or pass
any Clause whereby Her Majesty is restrained in Her Royal Prerog
ative of pardoning or reprieving Her Subjects whenever She sees it
reasonable & convenient; and they Command Me to acquaint the
Assembly with these Matters, that the like Errors may be avoided for
the future.
I am further to acquaint you, That their Lordships are of Opinion,
that Province of New-York ought to provide towards its own security,
by giving such necessary Funds (as is done in other Plantations)
for furnishing the Inhabitants with Arms, as there may be occasion;
and this their Lordships command Me likewise to represent to you.
Thus, Gentlemen, I have acquainted you with those things I had
in charge from England. I shall now mention to you those things,
which in My opinion ought now to be provided for; and first, I desire
you to observe, That by the directions I have now received, it is
impossible for Me to pass the 3000 /. Bill in the terms it is now con
ceived, therefore I entreat you to prepare another Bill for that
Service, according to the Methods above mentioned.
I must likewise recommend to your consideration the providing a
Fund for the paying the Detachment sent up under Capt. Higby s
command, for the defence of the Fronteers, in the year 1704. and the
out-Scouts under the command of Capt. Brat, and since that time;
and likewise for defraying, the charge of Col. Schuykrs Journey to
the Onondags Country, at a time when we were in great danger of
having the five Nations debaucht from their Allegiance to the Crown
of England, which was prevented by his going; this was so good a
398
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 7, 1706
Service that I hope you will think it reasonable that charge should
be answered.
I must likewise acquaint you, That by accident, very lately, the
Guard Room in the Fort at Schenectady was burnt down, with a
great quantity of Fire- Wood, which had been provided for this
Winter now coming on, I should be glad that might be repaired before
the cold Weather comes, else it will be impossible for the men to keep
guard in that place, which lies the most exposed of all our Fronteers;
I will direct an estimate to be laid before you for that purpose.
I must again recommend to you the providing a Fund for the, re
pairing and maintaining Her Majesties Fort in this City, which yet
wants several things to put it into a posture fit to resist an Enemy,
if we should be attackt, which we very narrowly escaped this Summer.
Whether you will think fit to fortify the Narrows to prevent any
attempt of the like nature for the future, I leave to your considera
tions; but, in my judgment, I look upon that to be the best Way to
cover this City from any attempt the French may intend to make
upon us; and I chuse to mention it to you at this time, the rather
because Capt. Redknap whom the QUEEN has been pleased to
appoint to be Her Engineer in these parts, 169 is now here, and will,
if you desire it, give you an account what he thinks proper to be done,
to answer that end.
The last thing I shall trouble you with at this time, is the providing
a Fund for the defence of the Fronteers at and about Albany this
Winter, one hundred men, and five and twenty out-Scouts will, in
my opinion, be sufficient to answer that Service.
Thus, Gentlemen, I have offered to you what I think necessary
to be provided for, if any other things occur to your thoughts, which
may be necessary to be provided for by a Law, you shall always
find Me ready to consent to any thing that may conduce to the Ser
vice of Her most Sacred Majesty the QUEEN, and the Good and
Well-fare of the Country.
Rhode Island, Octob. 4 Yesterday arrived here Captain Nathaniel
Balston from Jamaica, he brings no News, but that our Fleet is gone
over on the Spanish Coast to bring the Spaniards to declare for their
King Charles the 3d, which they are all inclinable to do.
Her Majesties Ship the Triton s Prize from New-York has lain
here a Fortnight. There came a Briganteen from Antigua, which
had 6 pieces of small Canvas on Board her, which was to make her
small sails and mend her other as the Master declares on Oath, but
169 Captain John Redknap, "Her Majesty s Engineer General for the Con
tinent of America," successor of Colonel Wolfgang William Romer, builder of
Castle William in Boston harbor in 1701-1703.
399
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 7, 1706
the Man of War sent his Boat out to her, found that and se[i]zed her,
and carried her to New-York.
Tillinghust from Connecticut, Gillam from Connecticut bound to
Boston, Jonas Green from Connecticut, & bound there again: Rod
man for New-York. Outward Bound Ellery for Barbadoes, Cranston
for Curacoa, and Cuquit for St. Christophers,
Boston, On the 4th Currant arrived here the Ship Batchelours
Adventure, Mathew Wilson Master, about five weeks passage from
Fyall, who about 5 weeks before came from Lisbon, by whom we are
advised; [several items of foreign news.] That three days before his
Arrival at Fyall there was a great Storm there wherein were lost
three Vesse[l]s from New England, viz. Welsh and Jarvies from
Boston, and the other from Salem.
On Saturday a Sad and awful Providence fell out; There was 14
Men on Board the Pinnace of Her Majesty s Ship the Province Galley
coming from Nantasket to Boston, who about 2 aClock in the after
noon, with little or no Wind off Long-Island Head by a Jeeb of the
Sail, over-set the Pinnace, eight of the men were saved, & the other
six were drowned, viz Mr. Nicholas Thomas Jones, Christopher Hun-
lock, Samuel Payne, John Mayhew, John Johnson, & Deras Denison a
Frenchman & Chyrurgion.
Capt. Charnock from Jamaica is arrived at Plymouth.
Inwards, From
Joseph Flood Sloop John & Abigail Piscataqua
John Wilkins Sloop Bathseba Rhode Island
John Brewer Katch Goodhope Maryland
John Pitts Sloop Rebecca Jamaica
Tho. Hunt Sloop Panther N foundland
Mathew Wilson Ship Batchelours Advent. Fiall
Cleared Outward, For
Antr[h\ony Bracket Sloop Kathern Piscataqua
Jonathan Hunlock Ship Wil. & Hannah London
Thomas Lock Ship Tryal Galley Ditto
John Trerice Ship Reward Ditto
John Alden Ship Swallow Topsham
Samuel Winkley Sloop Sarah & Han. Virginia
John Harris Brtgt. Sarah Jamaica
James Gold Sloop Hopewell Pensilvania
Outward Bound For
James Oborne Sloop Blackthorn Virginia
John Ruggles Brigt. Good Luck Barbadoes.
Bfcverttsements*
[Reprinted: sale of copper, as in September 23; ^book lost, and JVfis-
400
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 14, 1706
tress Mary Turfrey s boarding school, as in September 9; News-Letter
advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1FU j. 1Rumb, 130.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From /IDOUfca^ October 7. to flDonfca October 14. 1706.
NY
FTj^OUR pages folio. The queen s thanksgiving proclamation is
I -T prominent on the first page, with an editorial introduction.
Miscellaneous foreign news of April dates is from Hague, Vienna,
Frankfort and London. An account of the attack upon Charleston,
South Carolina, by French and Spanish ships of war, in the preceding
August, fills three columns.]
In regard that the Day of Publick Thanksgiving (appointed by the
Governour, to be Solemnized in this and the Province of New
Hampshire; as by His Excellency s Proclamation to be seen in
our Numb. 127. for the several Clauses therein mentioned, and in
special for the Great and Signal Victories obtained by Her Majesty s
Arms in Conjunction with Her Allies, over the Enemy) falls to
be in the Currant Week. We thought it not amiss here to en
tertain our Encouragers with her Majesty s Proclamation for the
said Thanksgiving; though afterwards we must return to carry
on the Foreign Occurrences where we left off. [The proclamation
follows.]
Charlstown, South-Carolina, Septemb. 13.
CAROLINA being a Frontier to the English Settlements on the
Continent of America; We long expected an Attack from our
Enemies the French & Spaniards, and accordingly we took care to
fortify Charlstown, and make all other necessary preparation for
our defence.
Monsieur Le Feboure, Commander of a Private Man of War being
at the Havanna with 4 more French Privateer Ships, being encouraged
by the Governour of the Havanna, and reinforced by several Span
iards put on board the French Ships, he undertook to Invade Carolina,
having direction first to touch at St. Augustine, there to take in more
men, and then to make for this place.
The Enemy were the more encouraged to Invade us (as the Prisoners
informed us) because they heard that the Sickness raged in Charls
town, and had swept away a great many of our Men, and that the
Country Planters would be unwilling to come to Town to defend it.
401
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 14, 1706
Our first discovery of the Enemy was by means of Capt. Stool in a
Dutch Privateer Sloop belonging to New-York, who lately refitted
here and Sailed from hence to the Bar of St. Augustine there to Cruise
for a Ship expected from the Havanna with mony to pay the Souldiers
of that Garrison. x
On Saturday, Aug. 24. Capt. Stool returned again to this Port,
who informed us, that on Wednesday last he Engaged a French Ship
off of St. Augustine Bar, where he lost two men, and had 5 wounded;
and that the day before he was Chased by four Ships upon this Coast.
He had not been here above an hour before 4 or 5 Smoaks were made
on Sulivans Island, which signified to us that so many Vessels were
seen.
Lieutenant Col. William Rhett being then in Town about 5 a
Clock at night, he caused an Alarm to be made, and dispatched a
Messenger with a Letter to the Governour, giving an Account of the
same, and other Messengers and Letters to the several Captains in the
Country, to order them to make the Alarm, and forthwith to march
their Companies to the Town, and at night caused the Alarm Guns
at Town to be fired.
That Evening the Enemy came up with our Bar, but would not
venture to come over, but stood off again, it being near night.
On Sunday the 25th Our Look-outs discovered the Enemy to the
Southward of the Bar, Maning all their Galleys, Periaugers and
Boats, upon which we expected them to Land upon us that night.
In the Afternoon Major-General Broughton came to Town with 2
Companies: And most of the Gentlemen belonging to the Troop,
Commanded by Col. George Logan came also in; all which kept a
diligent Watch that night.
The next Morning Monday the 26th. The Country Companies
marched out of the Lines of the Town, and had their Quarters within
half a quarter of a mile of the same, it being thought convenient not
to expose them to the Sickness of the Town but in case of necessity.
All that day the Enemies Ships continued at Anchor at Folly Island,
and their Boats were sounding the South Bar. The same day Sir
Nathaniel Johnson our Governour came to Town and gave the neces
sary Orders: his Presence gave great encouragement to the People,
who had great Confidence in his Conduct, he having been bred abroad
a Souldier from his Youth. In the Evening the Forces were again
ordered into the Town.
On Tuesday Morning early Capt. Johnson Linches, & Capt. George
Hearnes Company marched within a quarter of a mile of the Town,
ready to march in when ordered. And Capt. Jonathan Drake s
Company from James Island came over to the Town. The same
Morning the Enemy with 4 Ships and a Galley with Small Craft to
402
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 14, 1706
Land their Men came over the South Bar, and stood directly for the
Town with fair Wind and Tide: When they came so near the Town
as to have a sight of our Fortifications being out of the reach of our
Guns, they bore up and came to an Anchor under Sulivans Island.
The same morning the Governour drew up all the Forces that were
Quartered near the Lines of the Town, and marched them into the
Town in order to receive the Enemy. And a Sloop was sent over
from Charlstown to a Neck of Land lying between Wando River and
the Sea, and took on board Capt. John Fenwick and his Company,
& brought them safe to Charlstown, notwithstanding one of the
Enemys Galleys endeavoured to intercept them. In the Evening
Martial Law was Proclaimed.
Wednesday morning the 28th. Capt. Longbois with the Santee
Company marched into the Town, as also did Capt. Seabrooks Com
pany from the Southward. That morning a Council of War was
held, and the Vessels that lay in the Harbour were fitted, viz Three
Ships, one Briganteen, two Sloops and a Fireship in order to annoy
the Enemy, the said Ships and Vessels to be under the Command
of Lieut. Col. William Rhett, who had a Commission from the Gover
nour to be Vice-Admiral, and hoisted the Union Flag on board the
Crown Galley. The same day a Flag of Truce came on Shore from
the Enemy with a Message to the Governour. The Messenger being
brought into Granvile Bastion, then Commanded by Capt. George
Evans, who had the Command of one of the Town Companies which
was posted there, the Messenger waited till the Governour was made
acquainted with his Message. And being Introduced to the Gov
ernour, he told him he was ordered by Monsieur De Feboure who
was Admiral of the French Ships, in the Name of the French King,
to demand that we should Surrender to him the Town and Country,
and our Persons to be Prisoners of War; and he said his Orders was
to give but one hours time for an answer. The Governour told him
that it needed not a quarter of an hour or a minutes time to give an
answer to that demand, for that he might see he was not in such a
Condition to be obliged to Surrender the Town, but that he kept the
same, and would defend it in the Name and by the Authority of the
Great Queen of England, and that he valued not any Force he had,
and bid him go about his Business.
The next day being Thursday the 29th, a party of the Enemy
went on Shore on the above-named Neck of Land between Wando
River and the Sea, and burnt two Vessels by Col. Dearsleys Creek,
and set fire to the said Col. Dearsleys Store-house. And another
party of them went on Shore on James-Island and set an House on
fire; upon which Capt. Drake with his Company belonging to the said
Island, was ordered to it from the Town, but before he could march
403
THE BOSTONJNEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 14, 1706
up where the Enemy were, some Indians that went from the Town
with him, marching faster than he, Attacked the Enem^, and drove
them into their half Galley.
On Fryday morning about an hour or two befoie day, notice being
brought by a Negro, that the Enemy had been on Shore on the neck
all night they having landed about 160 Men, and had killed several
Cattle and Fowls and were then feasting of it: The Governour
ordered about 100 men to be sent from the Town to the said Neck,
viz. Capt. John Fenwick with his Company about 70 men, and a
Detachment of about 25 men from Capt. Linches Company, and
another Detachment of about the same number from Captain Wil
liam Cantey s Company; bothjthe said Detachments to be under the
Command of Capt. Cantey. The said Capt. Cantey and Capt. Fen-
wick being with their men Landed on the Neck, they marched in
pursuit of the Enemy, when coming up with a party of them, they
engaged them and defeated them, killing and wounding above a
dozen upon the spot, and six or seven were drowned in trying to swim
over a Creek, and took about 33 Prisoners with the Loss only of one
man on our side named William Adams (formerly of N. England.)
Afterwards the Indians brought in several more Prisoners which
made the number about 60 besides what was found kill d in several
places in the pursuit.
On Saturday morning the 31s/. Our Fleet consisting of six Vessels
and a Fireship, under the Command of Col. Rhelt as Vice- Admiral
Sailed for the mouth of the Bar where the Enemy lay, who perceiving
our Ships to stand towards them, in great haste and confusion Sailed
over the Bar and made the best of their way, and they having a favour
able Wind and Tide before them, and dirty Weather coming on, our
Ships were not able to come up with them, so they returned again
to the Harbour before Charlstown.
On Sunday in the afternoon being the 1st of September, Capt.
Watson in the Seaflower was ordered to go to the Bar to see if he
could discover any of the Ships or Vessels belonging to the Enemy,
not being able to discover any of their Ships or Vessels, and returning
again to Town from a Point of Land on the Neck, the said Capt.
Watson took off 14 more Prisoners, and brought them to Town, and
informing the Governour that he could make no discovery of the
Enemy, they having made the best of their way: That Evening the
Alarm was discharged, and Martial Law declared to cease. At night
News being brought to the Governour, that there was a Ship seen in
Seway-Bay, and that some of their men were Landed; and it being
thought to be the Ship that the Prisoners told us the Enemy expected,
in which was Monsieur Arbouset their Land General, and several
other of their Officers, and about 180 or 200 men.
404
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 14, 1706
The next Morning being Monday the 2d of September a Barmuda
Sloop then in the Harbour, together with the Dutch Privateer Sloop,
both under the Command of Col. Rhett, was ordered forthwith to
Sail for the said Bay to take the said Ship : Col. Rhett went on Board the
Barmuda Sloop as Commander in Chief, and Col. Risbee, Capt.
Evans and some other Gentlemen went on Board the Dutch Privateer
as Volunteers, and that morning both the said Sloops sailed over the
Bar, and made the best of their way for Seway-Bay. Capt. John
Fenwick and his Company were sent over to the Neck in search of
them by Land.
On Tuesday the 3d about Noon Capt. Fenwick and his Company,
with some others of the Patrole came up with the Enemy, who though
they were more in number than our men, and advantageously posted,
yet our men charging of them, and several of the Enemy falling, the
rest cryed out for Quarter; so they killed about 12 or 14 of the Enemy,
and took about 50 Prisoners, and brought them to Charlstown,
amongst which is Capt. John Pacguereau the Commander of the said
Ship, with 4 more Officers; and afterwards some few more Prisoners
were brought in. In the evening of the same day the two Sloops
before-mentioned under the Command of Col. Rhett coming up with
the Enemies Ship at Seway, and ready to lay her on Board, the Enemy
cryed out for Quarter, and surrendered up their Ship and yielded
themselves Prisoners, being between 80 and 90 men then on Board.
On Wednesday the 4th. the Wind being contrary, the two Sloops
with their Prize being forced to remain in the Bay, Col. Rhett dis
patched away by Land Mr. John Barnwell who was a Volunteer on
Board him, with an Express to the Governour, giving an Account of
his Success.
On Fryday morning, the 6th Instant, The said two Sloops under
the Command of Col Rhett returned from Seway-Bay in Charlstown
Harbour, and brought with them the French Ship their Prize, with
their Land-General and several other Officers on Board.
So that now we have in all about 230 Prisoners French and Span
iards. 17
The Mortal Distemper we have had here has been over six weeks
ago, only among Children, Strangers and Indians.
Jamaica, Sept. 10. On the 24th last there was brought in here as
Prizes 4 large French Merchant-men Loaden with Sugar and Indigo,
taken by a Privateer Briganteen belonging to this Place and a Dutch
170 Upon this report chiefly is based the account of this affair in Rivers s
A Sketch of the History of South Carolina to the Close of the Proprietary
Government by the Revolution of 1719, pp. 210-213: see note p. 213. Also
see McCrady s History of South Carolina under the Proprietary Government,
1670-1719, note p. 400.
405
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 14, 1706
Sloop. It s said that there is 90 Cask of Indigo on board one of the
Prizes.
Admiral Whetstone and his Squadron is returned from the Spanish
Coast, and its said that the Spaniards decline to send home the
Galloons under French Convoy, but rather incline that they should
go under English Convoy. Admiral Whetstone with the Fleet for
England was designed to Sail the 24th currant.
John Scot in the Briganteen William is arrived here from Boston.
Barbadoes, Sept. 13 Capt. M[y]les from Boston is arrived here,
and the other Vessels under his Convoy.
This day sails a Fleet from hence, consisting of about 60 Sail most
for England, three whereof for Virginia, Taylor for Boston, several
Sloops for New-York, Dunscum one of them; A Briganteen and
2 or 3 Sloops for Pensilvania, some Sloops for Rhode-Island: They
came out under Convoy of 3 Men of War, viz the Kingsayle, Capt.
Castle Commadore, the Swan and the Maidstone. Sir Bevill Granvile
our Governour is gone Home for England in the Fleet.
New- York, Octob. 7. On the^3d arrived one Joel in a Sloop from
Antigua, but last from Barmuda.
On the 4th & 6th arrived 2 Sloops from Barbadoes, a Brigt. is
also arrived here that was seized at Rhode-Island by Her Majestys
Ship the Triton s Prize. Yesterday also came in here a Brigt. be
longing to Maryland, Mathew Driver Master, who was bound for
England with the Virginia Fleet, but by a Storm which they met
with on the 19th of September last they sprang a Leak, & came in
here to repair their damage.
This afternoon is also come in here a Ship another of the Virginia
Fleet disabled by the Storm, they left the Fleet scattered ten days ago.
Rhode-Island, Octob. 11. Several Vessels arrived here this week
Nichols from New- York, Pain and Whitamore from Connecticut.
Four Sloops from Barbadoes, Ellery, Rosbothen, Bear & Sherman:
Bordin from New-Providence and Smith from Suranam. Cleared
Outward, Rodman for New-York, Nichols for Boston, Codner for
Surranam, John and Benjamin Cranstons for Curacoa. Outward
bound Borrows for Barmuda, & Godfrey for Surranam.
Piscataqua, Octob 11. The Mast-ships will be ready to Sail for
England the latter end of next week.
Boston, on Tuesday the 8th Currant arrived here a Sloop from
Nevis, John Stevins Master, by whom we are informed that Col
Johnstoun of Antigua was kill d by a Lieutenant.
On Wednesday the 9th arrived a Brigt. from Barbadoes, Tho.
Taylor Master, who says, That Capt. Castle in Her Majesty s Ship
406
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 14, 1706
the Kingsayle who was Commadore to the Fleet he came out in
Company with, Dyed in two days after they left Barbadoes.
On Fryday the llth came in here the Brigt. Susanna, Samuel
Boyes Master, being one of the Virginia Fleet bound for England,
who on the 29th of September last sprung a Leak in a Storm and
put in here to refit.
Several Vessels for England have lain several days at Nantasket
waiting for a Wind to carry them to Piscataqua in order to joyn
the Mast Ships, to imbrace the Convoy of Her Majesty s Ship the
Dover, Capt. Mathews Commander.
On the 13th Currant at night His Excellency (being bound for his
other Government of New-Hampshire who was also Wind bound
several days) Embark d on Board Her Majesty s Ship the Province
Galley, Capt. Southack Commander.
Inwards
Cartaret Gillam Sloop Tryal
Simon Ramee Sloop Charles
Dirick Adolph Sloop Two Brothers
Simon Pasco Sloop Stephen
Noah Parker Brigt. Pelican
John Charnock Ship Society
John Stevens Sloop Mary Rose
Thomas Taylor Brigt. Experiment
Rich. Metcalfe Ship Francis & Eliz.
Andrew Wilson Ship Sarah Galley
Joseph Flint Ship Prudent Sarah
Nath. Perkins Brigt. Success
Thomas Phelps Sloop Greyhound
John Webster Brigt. Endeavour
Tho. Grose Sloop Hope
John Ela Brigt. Dove
John Pickman Ketch Seahorse
John Babbage Ship Oporto Merch.
John Robinson Brigt. Larke
Moses Abbot Sloop Endeavour
Cleared Outward
Francis Brown Sloop Speedwell
John Smith Sloop Dolphin
Peter Harris Sloop Dolphin
Peter Coffin Sloop Society
Jacob Parker Sloop Endeavour
Noah Parker Brigt. Pelican
Abra. Cording Sloop Fortune
407
From
Connecticut
Ditto
New-York
Ditto
Antigua
Jamaica
Anguilla
Barbadoes
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
South-Carolina
North-Carolina
Ditto
Ditto
Virginia
Ditto
Newfoundland
Saltertuda
Maryland
For
Connecticut
Ditto
Ditto
Nantucket
Piscataqua
Ditto
Ditto
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 21, 1706
John Porter Brigt. Experiment Tercera
Jeremiah Tay Brigt. John and Ann Ditto
Thomas Ball Sloop Elizabeth Antigua
Rich. Harris Ship Eagle Ditto
Rich. Pitcher Brigt. Lydia Plymouth
Tho. Barns Brigt. Sarah St. Christophers
John Blower Ship Stanier Galley Madera
Math. Pimer Ship Ann London
Rich. Simes Brigt. Richard Ditto
Rich. Tilhurst Brigt. Association Jamaica
Andr. Wilson Sloop Flying Horse South-Carolina
Outward Bound For
[blank] Eastwick Sloop Seaflower Rhode-Island
Tho. Hunt Sloop Panther Jamaica
Nath. Vial Hester Galley Ditto
Tho. Taylor Ship Experiment London
B&\>erttsements.
An away from their Master Nathaniel Niles Junior of Point-
Judith in Narraganset, a Negro Woman with 4 small Children,
three of them are Molatto s, and the youngest a Negro, that sucks
or is lately weaned; The Woman is of a middle Stature and thick
set. The Eldest of the Children is not above 10 or 11 year old,
the two eldest are Girls, the other two Boyes. Whosoever shall
apprehend the said Negro Woman & her Children, or any of them, and
do bring and Convey her or them or any of them, to their said Master,
or secure her or them, or any of them, and send notice thereof to her
or their said Master, shall be sufficiently rewarded and satisfyed for
their pains.
[Reprinted: News-Letter advertisement, as first in June 17.]
1FL j. Bumb. 131.
The Boft on News-Letter.
From flQonfcaE October 14. to flnonfcag October 21. 1706.
NY
["TTOUR folio pages, seven columns filled with foreign news. Most
[^ -F space is given to details of the surrender of Alcantara, the siege of
Barcelona, the submission of Placentia to King Charles, and
the movements of the duke of Marlborough in Holland ; these reports
are from Whitehall, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, Vienna, Hague, Mayence
and elsewhere, of April and May dates.]
408
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER, OCTOBER 21, 1706
Piscataqua, Octob. 18. On Monday the 14th Instant, His Excel
lency our Governour arrived here in Her Majesty s Ship the Province-
Gally from Boston.
Several Vessels are also arrived here from Boston to Joyn the Mast
Convoy, which it s thought will not Sail before the next Post over
takes them.
Boston, On Thursday the 17th Currant, was devoutly Solemnized
here the day of Publick Thanksgiving, appointed by His Excellency s
Proclamation, (in our Number 127) to be Religiously observed in
this and the Province of New-Hampshire, for the many Signal
Favours and Blessings conferred upon us in these Provinces, and in
a special manner for the Wonderful and Glorious Victories obtained
by Her Majesties Arms in Conjunction with the Allies, over the
Proud and Insulting Enemies, thereby disappointing their bound
less Ambition.
By a Sloop from Cape- Ann we are informed, That two Sloops from
thence to the Eastward met a French Shallop from Placentia bound to
Port-Royal, who had lost themselves, and being very short of Pro
visions surrendered themselves Prisoners of War: On Board the
Shallop were three 
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