The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

NEW-YORK, MARCH 26.

A few very mischievous Spirits among the Soldiery, supposed to be of the lowest Rank, quarter'd in the Barracks in this City, have again for this Week past been endeavouring to raise Ill will and Disturbance between the Citizens and the Soldiers. The Causes of such a malevolent Disposition towards the Inhabitants is unknown, as well as the Persons proceed of it--It particularly shews itself on Occasions when every true Friend to the English Nation and Government, every one who wishes its Prosperity, and the preservation its happy Constitution, would feel Dispositions of a quite opposite Kind,--an affectionate regard for a People So firmly attach'd to that Constitution which is the Glory and Happiness of Englishmen, so Loyal to his Majesty, and resolutely determin'd to defend and support, at the hazard of their Lives and Fortunes, Him, and every Order in the Nation, in the full enjoyment of their just Rights and Privileges--Such Principles and Tempers, universally prevalent with the People here which would have endear'd them to every Englishman, excites it seems, the Enmity of those lurking Foes to Peace and good Order, to Liberty and Happiness, to the British King and Government.

After the Entertainment on Wednesday the 18th Inst. mention'd in our last, (in Commemoration of the Repeal of the Stamp Act; which, if it had taken place must have ruin'd the whole British Empire:) the Evening having concluded with great good Humour and Harmony--The Mast erected on the Common, inscribed to his Majesty, Mr. Pitt, and Liberty, on occasion of the Repeal, was in the Night cut down. Next Day the Inhabitants erected another, more large and substantial, secured with Iron to a considerable height above Ground: The same Night attempts were made both to cut it down, and to undermine and dig it down --but without Effect. On Saturday Night, the 22d. there was an attempt to destroy it by Gun powder, by boring a hole, and charging it with Powder, but this also fail'd. Next Night Sunday--a strong Watch
was set by the Citizens, at an adjacent House; a small Company of Soldiers in the Night appear'd with their Coats turn'd, arm'd with Bayonets and Sticks but no Guns --Some of the Watch went out, ask'd who they were, and their Business But received no satisfactory Answer : They then drew up before the Door where the Watch was kept, but after a few Words, thought proper to retire. On Monday about 6 in the Evening. a party of Soldiers march'd by the Post, and as they passed by Mr. Bardin's-Tavern, fired their Muskets, two of which were pointed at the House; next Morning it was found that a Ball had been fired thro' the House, and another into one of the Timbers.-- On Tuesday about I o'Clock in the Afternoon, the same party as it is supposed, took a Ladder from a new Building. which they carried to the Barracks, and were from thence proceeding towards the post--but saw by an Officer he stop'd and turn'd them back-and notice of this Behaviour of the Soldiers, getting to the Governor and General and the Magistrates of the City,- we hear strict Orders were immediately given and effectual Measures taken to prevent Disturbance on any the like future Occasion of it; since which all has been quiet, and we hope this Matter, in itself trivial and only consider'd as of Importance by the Citizens, as it shew'd an intention to offend and insult them,-- will occasion no farther Difference.