The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

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Last Friday arrived at Boston the Ship Bocawen, Capt. Robson and the Ship Marquis of Rockingham, Capt. Whitewood, from LONDON, by whom we have the following Advices, viz. LONDON, December 13. We are assured, that in case of a War, Sir Francis Bernard will be appointed to a very considerable Post in North America. Dec. 15. It is whispered that the command of the British Army is intended to be offered to Prince Ferdinand. It has been proposed in Parliament to augment the land forces in Ireland with the Roman-Catholick subjects of that kingdom, under certain restrictions, and which will take place should our present negotiations with Spain terminate in a war. It is said, that the Court of Versailles have used every argument to induce the States-General to come into a treaty with the Court of Madrid: but hitherto without effect. Dec. 16. It was strongly asserted on Tuesday night, at a Coffee-House at the West-end of the town, that a Messenger was arrived at the Spanish Ambassador's, from the King of Spain, with proposals for accommodating the differences respecting Falkland's-Island; but that they were rejected by our Ministry, and returned with assurances that the British Crown would not accept such trifling Concessions for the material injuries it has lately received from his Catholick Majesty. Notwithstanding which, ten to one was laid by a Person of Rank, that no War would commence with either France or Spain within twelve months. Dec. 18. It is said, that, notwithstanding all reports to the contrary, the D-ke of G-r--n will go abroad in a short time in a most important capacity; his Grace having such implicit confidence in the Judgment of A-...--...-n, that whatever they pronounce him qualified to undertake, he never once suspects to be inadequate to his abilities, or inconsistent with his character. There is a strong report that most of the P-e--y C-----l are now for a War, and that it is particularly enforced by L-- N..r.. Dec. 18. The Rev. Mr. Berridge, of Everton, near Cambridge preaching on the death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield, from the first verse of the twelfth Psalm, took occasion to give the following account of Mr. Whitefield's worth in money. The Fifteen hundred pounds of which he died possessed, was left him in several separate legacies. Eight hundred pounds came to him by the death of his wife, one three hundred, and one two hundred, and two of one hundred pounds, have been bequeathed him by friends not long deceased. We hear that Lord Chatham will make a Motion in a few Days in a certain great Assembly, for immediately introducing an American Representation. We are informed, that Matters respecting the appointment of persons to act as Consuls in the different Colonies, will shortly be the subject of Consideration. The M--.-.y were never in a more critical Situation than at present: they seem to be greatly afraid, that either Gibraltar or Minorca is besieged and perhaps in Possession of our Enemies: If this should prove true, they know they must make a disgraceful and precipitate Retreat from Posts which the Nation will then look upon them by no Means qualified to fill. This Day the Admiralty Session ended at the Old Bailey, before Sir Thomas Salusbury, when Capt. Ferguson, for the Murder of a Negro Boy, about 13 Years of Age, was capitally convicted, and received Sentence to be executed on Thursday next. Dec. 20. The Spanish Ambassador, we hear, has delivered a Memorial within these few Days, demanding why we are making such vigorous Preparations at present? The Answer that has been given to him, we are told was two fold, "First, To defend our own Rights and Properties. And secondly, Because we had a Right to do as we pleased." It is said that the true Reason of L--.- W---.--h's Resignation Was owing to his Lordship's differing in Opinion with the rest of the M---- -y, in regard to the Negociation now depending with the Court of Spain. He declared, that as he was in a respectable Office, he never could consent to any tameful and infamous Concessions on the Part of our Nation; and has strongly forewarned whoever may succeed him, against coming into any Measure so derogatory to the Honour of Great-Britain. Yet are our M-.---rs so fearful of losing their Places and Emoluments, that it is confidently reported that a French patched-work peace will be the Termination of these Delays; and it is more to be apprehended as L--- N--o-h has given out amongst his Friends, that he shall have no Occasion for a further Supply and yet discharge a considerable Part of the National Debt. Yesterday the Trial of Mr. Robinson, for publishing one of Junius's Letters, came on at Guildhall. Whilst the Judge was giving his Charge, one of the Jury started up, and cried out, "You need not say any more, for I'm determined to acquit him," On which the Attorney-General moved to have that Man removed from the Jury; but this was objected to by Serjeant Glynn; on which the Trial was put off till next term. It is said that the E--- of C---s-m has been offered to take his Choice of any place he shall think proper, together with Appointments for a certain Number of his Friends; but the Proposal was rejected on Account of the latter Part of it. We hear many grand national Objects, both domestic and foreign, have been some time before Lord North for Consideration, by which he will be enabled to extricate this Nation from its present Embarrassments. The Expences for supporting his Majesty's Forces in the Plantations for the ensuing Year, we are informed, will amount to 479,170 l. 3 s. Dec. 20. It is said the Viceroy ship of a neighbouring Kingdom is so lucrative in Time of War, that it is impossible to calculate with Precision the amount of the perquisite and profits arising upon the disposal of Places, Jobs, contracts, &c. &c. belonging to it, but some estimate them at 20,000 l. per annum. We hear the Land-Tax Bills & bills for the better regulating the Marine and Land-Forces, &c. will receive the Royal Assent To-morrow, when both Houses of Parliament will be adjourned till after the Holidays. We are told that orders are sent to Admiral Geary at Portsmouth, to attend the Board of Admiralty To-morrow on Affairs of Importance. On the Trial of Capt. Ferguson on Wednesday at the Admiralty Session, for the Murder of his Cabin-Boy, it appeared, that six or seven Leagues from Cape-Charles, on the Coast of Virginia, on their Return home on the 2d of January last, the Captain knocked the Boy down and stamped upon him, because he came on Deck with only one Stocking on; and afterwards, for further punishment, he confined him almost an hour to the Weather-Side of the Long Boat, exposed to the severity of the Weather, which at that time was extreme, insomuch that it broke the shrouds of the ship. Afterwards, in going down to the cabin by the companion, he trod on him with both his feet, and perpetrated divers other severities, of which he died the next day. Dec. 22. Letters from Havre de Grace inform, that ten regiments of infantry had lately arrived there from the interior provinces, said to be designed for embarkation. Wednesday night there was a general Press, at one and almost the same hour in every part of Great-Britain. By the returns made at the Admiralty office, it appears, that 30,000 men were collected in the different parts of Great-Britain on Wednesday last, in consequence of the general Press. Dec. 25. We are assured that the M----y are positively determined, and that we are now at the eve of a war. An embargo is expected every day to be laid on the outward bound trading vessels; whence it is concluded a rupture is at no great distance. Private letters from France make mention of a prevailing rumour there, of an intended invasion on the English territories. Lord C-----m, we hear, still continues to support the declaration he made some time after the opening the present session of Parliament, that we should not be a nation two months from that time, The expiration of this prediction happens on the 22d of January next, upon which account many persons are under great apprehensions. It is said to be in agitation to recall Capt. Preston from Boston, and to confer honours on him. Last Friday there was the hottest Press at Portsmouth ever known there in the memory of man. It is now confidently said, that the Kings of England and France, the two leading princes in Europe, are determined, as far as possible, to preserve peace during their mutual reign; and as humanity seems to be the characteristic of both monarchs, there are great hopes that they will be able to maintain their benevolent design. Dec. 27. They write from Madrid, that the King of Spain has made a great promotion in his military establishment, as a war with the English appears inevitable. Yesterday a Privy Council was held at St. James's, at which his Majesty attended. A correspondent justly observes, that the Ministry are at length sensible of the shameful neglect of the marine department, for the retrieving of which, they are now using all the means in their power for fitting out a formidable fleet; but notwithstanding the utmost diligence is made, the same cannot be completed before the spring of the year. On Monday last the Spanish Ambassador gave a grand entertainment to several of the foreign Ministers, and a great number of English Nobility at Powis House, in Ormond-street. The Right Hon. the Earl of Sandwich, Secretary of State, was present, and afterwards held a conference with the Spanish Ambassador in the evening, on the important affairs now depending between the two nations. Captain Saltontall from New-London with Sugar, is lost on Eyzeland, on the coast of Holland. A Letter from Paris, says, their last advices from Spain are that Don Bucarelli, Governor of Buenos Ayres, the same who constrained the English to evacuate Falkland Island, is arrived at Cadiz.---They also add, that the Spaniards have 100,000 men on foot, and in America 25,000 regular Troops and a fleet of 34 ships of the line. Friday night 25 men were pressed from on board the outward bound vessels, said to be designed for Admiral Howe's squadron. Jan. 1. We hear there is not likely to be any War, at least with France; for the King of France said to the Duke Choiseul, "Why do you mention War? I have told you I would not hear of War!" His Majesty immediately ordered him out of Court into the country, and sent to the Duke de Noailles to succeed to the Premiership. By a letter from Malaga, we are assured, that the preparations at Cadiz are carrying on with the utmost vigour; a camp of 25,000 men is to be formed there before the spring; and from the great quantities of ammunition, which have been conveyed thither, it is confidently believed in Spain, that as Cadiz is not more than 40 miles from Gibraltar, the latter fortress is certainly intended to be attacked as soon as a rupture breaks out. In case of a war with France and Spain, many visionary politicians seem to apprehend, that the Colonies will throw off their dependence on the mother country but even should that be the case the consequence would be, that they must fight their battles single handed, which would bring upon them such a yoke, as neither they nor their children would be able to bear; and reduce the people of America to the miserable condition of all men. Our correspondent from Paris remarks, that when the King came there to hold a bed of justice, all the members of parliament went out, and left the King alone to enregister his edict, and the moment the King went out of one door, all the members entered at the other, and entered formal protest against enregistering the said edict. The same correspondent adds, that orders had been sent for 20,000 troops immediately to surround the city of Paris, in order to quell if possible the present insurgents; and that it was thought the military on this occasion would not act offensively against the mutineers, provided they were headed by the Parliament; so that when this letter came from Paris, all was anarchy and confusion there. Sunday arrived from Boston, in New-England, Capt. Preston, who was lately tried on account of a riot in that town, and acquitted. Jan. 2. We are assured that the final determination from the court of Madrid is expected by the last messenger sent there, whose return is fixed for the 2d of February, at which time the important point of Peace or War, will be finally settled. It is reported that Lord Townshend has consented to remain another year in his present station in Ireland. Jan. 3. Lord Weymouth, it is asserted, moved in the Privy Council, that our minister at the Court of Madrid might be immediately recalled, and all negociations broke off; which not being adopted, his Lordship resigned. It is confidently said, that Lord Townshend has requested a reinforcement of 1000 troops, having received intelligence that the Spaniards intend to pay a visit to Ireland. A correspondent gives us the following, as the real cause of the Duke of Choiseul's disgrace When the family-compact was in the course of negociation, the Duke de Choiseul made it a point, that if any of the Bourbon family should declare war against any European power, or should be attacked in their respective kingdoms and dominions, or war be declared against any one of them, the enemy should be considered as the common enemy of the whole Bourbon family Choiseul who never imagined that Spain would be the first to declare war against any power in Europe, by which general expression Great-Britain was solely understood; Choiseul insisted upon the insertion of the above clause. Being pressed by the court of Madrid for a definitive answer, whether France would declare war or not, against Great-Britain, in case the Spanish King should first declare war; and Choiseul at the same time knowing his Royal Master's inclination to peace, and the distressful situation of affairs, throughout the whole kingdom of France, did in the last cabinet council held at Versailles, declare his embarrassment, adding at the same time, that although France was by no means in a situation fit to enter into a war, conjointly with Spain, against Great-Britain, yet as the insertion of the above clause in the family-compact was super-added at the particular request and pressing instance of the Court of Versailles, he thought it concerned the dignity and honour of the Crown of France, not to remain any longer neuter, and that he was therefore for war. The King disapproving, not only of the representation of the distressful situation of his country, but being himself totally averse to war, seemed much dissatisfied; and thus the council broke up, re infecta. The friends of Madame de Barre instantly communicated the intelligence of the King's displeasure against Choiseul, and as instantly drew up an order for the exile of Choiseul for that lady to present to his Majesty. The French King, on coming into Madame de Barre's apartment, was presented with this written paper, the King signed it with that fatal word Louis; and in less than ten minutes the Duke de Choiseul was sent into exile; from which, probably, he will never return, at least during this King's life, it being his rule never to see any minister he has disgraced. Jan. 4. On Wednesday a Courier arrived with dispatches from the courts of Versailles and Madrid, said to contain articles of agreement for an accommodation of Peace, It was the universal report yesterday upon Change, that there will be no war, which had a considerable effect on insurances. While the French tell us, that all their designs in respect to Great-Britain are entirely pacific, the preparations carrying on in every port of their kingdom indicate nothing but hostilities. A report prevailed yesterday that an attempt had been made on the life of the French King, by firing a musket at him while walking in the royal gardens at Versailles. We are told that the government has a design of granting salaries to all the American Governors, to render them independent of the Assemblies. They have already begun with the Governor of Massachusetts-Bay, and will immediately proceed to the same regulation with respect to the other Colonies. The Duke of Grafton, it is said, is at length come into office, and publicly and avowedly to take upon him the lead in affairs.

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