The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

PHILADELPHIA, August 10.

By a gentleman from New Jersey, we are informed, that a prisoner from New York, had handed him the following intelligence.

That Saturday morning last was ushered in, at New York, with the news that Great Britain had declared America independent, and that an Ambassador was sent to notify it to Congress, and to lay before that Hon. Body, the terms on which Great Britain has proposed a Peace with America. That it was in consequence of instructions received by Sir Guy Carleton, from his Majesty's Privy Council, that this news was made known to the people. Great was the consternation that it occasioned, and the greater part of the day was spent before much credit was given to it by those who were assiduous to promote the report; but the true Americans, even too conscious of its validity, to be dissuaded to the contrary, wherever they met, hearty congratulations were given and received. On Sunday it was reported, that a resolution had passed the houses of parliament to acknowledge the absolute unconditional independence of America, and to treat with the other belligerent powers immediately. That in order thereto, it was said, Mr. Grenville has been appointed commissioner on the part of England, to meet with the commissioners of other powers concerned in France, to agree on a general peace. It is further provided that in case these advances towards a peace should prove ineffectual to that purpose, from the non-agreement of the powers in Europe; that America should be considered neutral, and Britain left at liberty to contend with the others (or in other words, they mean to quit America.)

The same gentleman mentioned, that as soon as the report began to gain ground, the confusion was very great and general among the tories, and the joy as great among the friends of America, who soon expect a relief, by an evacuation of New York. It is also said, that Sir Guy Carleton sent for some members of the council, who happened to be out of town, to return immediately, having something to communicate that would not admit of delay. The purport of this business is said to be, that as Great Britain had acknowledged America independent, he had orders to make the necessary dispositions for an embarkation.

That the officers of the independent companies and city militia, it was said, had petitioned Guy Carleton to explain to them how circumstances stood, that in case parliament had actually agreed to admit the American independence, they would throw down their arms and never again resume them. It was reported, that on Monday the independence of America was to be announced at New York in form.--If that should be the case, it is thought that much trouble may be expected.

He further adds, that the Lion of 64, the Warwick of 44, and ten frigates, had fell down to the Hook to prevent a surprise, that seven or eight large transports were dismantled, and preparing to be sunk on the.