The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

PHILADELPHIA, May 22.

On Monday morning last, arrived here the brig Minerva, Capt. WISE from Poole, in eight weeks, and brought with her what we have been long impatiently waiting for, An act of parliament, repealing the STAMP-ACT, &c.

We had before an account, that this bill had been supported by a Majority in the house of commons and was sent up to the house of lords, where it seems long and warm debates arose, but on the 18th of March last, upon the question being put, it was carried in favour of the bill by a Majority of 34 lords, and on the 18th this law received the royal assent: and event that has caused almost universal joy in England, especially amongst those people who value their liberty, and have sense enough to know the blessings it annexes to their existence; No wonder then, if the transports of our joy on this side the Atlantic should lead us into modes of expression not quite consistent with the moderation our friends in England advise.

However, notwithstanding the great and glorious cause of our present rejoicings, not one single instance of that kind of triumph so much dreaded by our friends and wished for by our enemies in England, has escaped the warmest sons of liberty in this city, as will appear by the following account of our proceedings. The Minerva came to an anchor opposite the town, before it was known from whence she came, or the news she brought; but being soon boarded by an active son of liberty, he received the glorious tidings and instantly proclaimed the news: brought the Law on shore, as published by Baskett the king's printer, read it aloud at the London Coffee-House, and a multitude being by this time collected, three loud huzzas testified their approbation. A deputation from their number was directly sent down to wait on Capt. WISE, and having first made the ship's company a present, they conducted him to the Coffee-house with colours flying, &c. a large bowl of punch was ready, in which he drank, prosperity to America, and was complimented with a gold laced hat, for having brought the first certain account of the Stamp Act being totally repealed. The inhabitants then appointed the next evening to illuminate the city, which was done to the universal satisfaction of all spectators, the houses made a most beautiful appearance. to which the regularity of our streets contributed not a little, the scene was however variegated by the different manner of placing the lights, devices, &c. for which the publick is indebted to the Ladies who exercised their fancies on the occasion. It was very remarkable, that the city was not disturbed by any riot or mob, as is common on such occasions, but the whole was begun, continued, and ended to the universal satisfaction of the inhabitants. A large quantity of wood was given for a bonfire and many barrels of beer to the populace: and yesterday the principal inhabitants, gave an elegant entertainment at the State house, at which his honor the Governor, the officers of this government, the military gentlemen, capt. Hawker of his Majesty's sloop Sardoine, and the other gentlemen of the navy, and the strangers in the city were present. The honors of the table were performed by the worshipful Mayor of the city, assisted by some of the Aldermen, and considering that not less than 300 plates were laid, the whole was conducted with the greatest elegance and decorum, so that detraction itself must be silent on the occasion. After dinner the following toasts were drank in flowing glasses.

1 The KING. 2 The QUEEN. 3 Prince of Wales and Royal Family. 4 May the Illustrious House of Hanover preside over the united British Empire to the End of Time. The House of Lords. The House of Commons. 7 The present worthy Ministry. 8 The glorious and immortal Mr. PITT. 9 That lover & supporter of Justice Ld CAMBDEN. 10 The London Committee of Merchants. 11 America's Friends in Great Britain. 12. The Virginia Assembly. 13 The other Assemblies on the Continent actuated by the like zeal for the Liberties of their country. 14 Prosperity to the spirited Inhabitants of St. Christophers. 15 The Navy and Army, 16 Daniel Delany, Esquire. 17 May the Interest of Great-Britain and her Colonies be always united. 18 Trade and Navigation.

19 America's Friends In Ireland. 20 Prosperity to the Province of PENNSYLVANIA. 21 The Liberty of the PRESS in AMERICA. With many others of the same public nature.

The cannon belonging to the province being placed in the State-house yard, the royal salute was fired on drinking the KING, and seven guns after every succeeding Toast. The whole concluded in the evening with ringing of bells, &c. and strong beer given to the populace, and gave general satisfaction to every person concerned.

In the Afternoon the following Resolution was unanimously entered into; viz.

" That to demonstrate our affection to G. BRITAIN, and our Gratitude for the Repeal of the STAMP-ACT, each of us will on the 5th of June next, being the Birth Day of our most gracious Sovereign GEORGE III, dress our- selves in a new Suit of the Manufactures of England, and give what Home spun we have to the Poor"

On this occasion the public were much obliged to Capt. Hawker, of his Majesty's ship Sardoine, as he brought her up before the town and dressed her off with a variety of colours.