The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Extract of a letter from a gentleman of credit dated New York, April 19.

"The last packet, which arrived here about a week since, brought the distressing confirmation of a peace with America; by which I find the Loyalists in this country are most shamefully and traitorously abandoned. What the consequences will be Heaven only knows. Our fears at present surpass all description. Never was there upon the face of the earth, a set of wretches in a more deplorable situation. Deprived of all hopes of future comfort or safety either for themselves or their unhappy wives and children, many have lost their senses, and are now in a state of perfect madness. Some have put a period to their miserable existence by drowning, shooting, and hanging themselves, leaving their unfortunate wives and helpless infants destitute of bread to support them: and I am afraid many more will follow the dreadful example.

This city swarms with those we lately called Rebels: and daily accounts are brought in of the most violent resolves entered into by different associations, to murder all those who shall be found here upon the evacuation by the King's troops, under a hope of being permitted to return to their families. When the dreadful day arrives, I hope we shall not find our fears realized. I say I hope: for it is hope only, without any reason to believe it will be so. All appearances are against it. Under this impression, great numbers of people, with their families, are going to the deserts of Nova Scotia. What will be their fate, where they will find places to cover their heads, or how they will subsist, it is impossible even to conjecture. In my own opinion, I have already consigned two thirds of them to the grave.

Accounts are brought in from New Jersey, that several respectable persons have been privately assassinated there, and others hanged for returning to their families; so that you may perceive the grounds of our fears and distress.

O infamous event! To purchase an ignominious and disgraceful peace, at the price and expense of the lives and fortunes of the most faithful subjects! My indignation is so great, that I must either be silent or indecent."