The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

CHATHAM, Dec. 5.

Last Saturday night seven refugees from Staten Island landed at Halstead's point, with the expectation (as their leader told them) of meeting with some of our quondam friends with fat cattle; but Capt. Dayton having notice of their intention, collected a party of men, and knowing the rout they were to take, laid in ambush for them, though unfortunately a muddy place in the road had turned them a little out, and obliged his party to fire through two fences, otherwise, in all probability, they would have killed every one the first fire; however, they killed one, mortally wounded another, and took three prisoners: the other two, favored by the shade of the night, and a good pair of heels, made their escape. Three of the party were left in the gun-boat, but hearing a boat of ours coming out of the creek, pushed over to Staten Island shore, nevertheless they fell into the hands of Lieut. Randall. It seems their leader, Swain Parsel, was a deserter from our army; but, in order to obtain forgiveness, and make some atonement for his crime, had previously concerted this plan: he was to have brought over 20 men, but unfortunately, when on the point of embarking, they were recalled on some urgent business. In consequence of Parsel's information, David Oliver, a villain who has long been the supporter of illicit trade, and a dread to the inhabitants on the lines, was taken the same night, concealed in a house at Rahway, where he was secreted and without arms, it is more than probable we shall have the pleasure of beholding his exaltation in a few days. It is not impossible that Parsel was sent on purpose to excuse this business.

The refugees, in a tale of despondency, are using every means their cunning can invent to make peace with their injured countrymen; but we hope our legislature will never, by an act of grace, put it in the power of those murderers and plunderers to participate of the blessings of that freedom they have used every art to destroy, and intermix themselves with the virtuous patriots.