The Freeman's Journal, Or, New Hampshire Gazette

Copy of a Letter received by Express, from Camp near Machias. to the Committee from the Town of Cumberland. in this Town.

GENTLEMEN,

Machias, December 21, 1776.

We must inform you, in Consequence of Col. Eddy's Attack upon Cumberland, a Party under our Command, and the Command of some others, with a few Volunteers, amounting in the whole to 49, embarked in Boats, and proceeded up the Bay, as a Reinforcement to Col. Eddy: But as we were not all ready to set out at one Time, Lieut. David Prescott, with seven Men, arrived first at Shepardy, the 9th Instant, and took 4 Prisoners at Mr. Peek's House, who, together with Mrs. Peek, informed him, that three Men of War, and two Transports arrived at Cumberland the 26th of November, with a Reinforcement for the Fort, and that on the 29th, about Sun-rise, a Party of about 100 British Troops, surprized and drove our Camp.--That our People, Friends, and even Women with their Children, fled into the Woods-- That Col. Eddy, and the Chief of his Men, together with the Committee of Cumberland, had set off for Machias, by way of Maugerville, on the river St. John's.--That the British troops then proceeded to burn and destroy as far as Bloody Bridge.--That the Goods and Provisions belonging to our Party there, are burnt.--That Col. Gorham has published a Manifesto, requiring the Inhabitants to come in and lay down their Arms, and promising Protection to the Person and Property of all, except four, who will come in, until his Majesty's Pleasure is known. That some have complied, but Numbers have declared that they would not, but would rather perish in the Woods.~-That the Fort is made stronger, with the addition of 16 Cannon. Upon receiving this Intelligence, Lieut. Prescott thought proper to return with all our Party, as we were out of Provision, and could do nothing there. When we came to St. John's, we met with Capt. Samuel Rogers, who came immediately from Cumberland, and confirms the above Account.

We doubt not therefore, but you will use all your Influence with the General Court of this State, to procure a sufficient Armament to subdue and hold that unhappy Province.--We are all ready at a Day's Notice. We are, Gentlemen, your very humble Servants

EDWARD STEVENS, Esq;
DAVID PRESCOTT. Lieut.
DANIEL MESERUY, Lieut,
JOSEPH HILL.

John Allen, Esq:
Obadiah Ayers.
To Josiah Throop, Esq;
Boston.