The New Hampshire Gazette

SALEM, JULY 19.

FISHERMEN IMPRESSED!!

It is with strong feelings of indignation, we notice the impressment of our fishermen by the British. Several fishing vessels from Marblehead, Beverly, and Salem, have lately been fallen in with by the English frigate Ville de Milan, Capt. Laurie, cruising on the Banks, and had twelve or fourteen of their best men forcibly impressed and carried off to Halifax, to serve his Britannic Majesty, in his "just and necessary war against France." We fear that many others may experience a similar fate; and should this be the case, our industrious fishermen will be obliged to quit the Banks, and return home. As it is, we know not what security they will receive that the practice may not be followed up for the season. What have we done that merits this treatment? Have we impressed British subjects? Do we take their seamen? No, we respect their rights and they are bound to respect ours.

The friends of the unfortunate impressed men, (aided by the generous exertions of some individuals) have dispatched a vessel for Halifax, with documents proving the citizenship of every individual impressed. The vessel sailed on Thursday last, and we hope will return with the men--we understand they are all native citizens, and we believe born within the county of Essex. It is said the British Consul residing in Boston, has advised the Admiral on the Halifax station to give up the men. The advice is reasonable, and the Admiral will certainly find it for the interest of his Government to surrender them immediately. If it has come to this, that our fishing and bay craft cannot sail in security, we may as well meet Great-Britain "single handed" at once, and try who is the strongest? Will she risk this? We think not. But surely it is enough in all conscience to see TWO THOUSAND SEAMEN taken from the Merchant ships of the United States, in less than two years; and now, having borne with that outrage, we are to witness still further injury, and the fishermen are to be torn from their families and country, to fight in the wars of George the Third!! Will our coasting vessels be safe in future? Perhaps not--and it may be found that we shall be visited in our very harbours by British cruisers, hunting after their prey! The Ville de Milan was lately captured from the French, and as the Capt. declared, "wanted hands." Good God! "wanted hands," and what was that to us? Are we to find them? It seems we are--but if so, better stop all intercourse with Great Britain immediately, and let the "green mountain boys" march to Canada, than to sleep much longer in inglorious ease.