By a gentleman from Falmouth, we have collected a more particular account of what happened at the Elizabeth islands, on or about the 6th day of December the enemy made their appearance with two ships in the mouth of the Sound between Gay Head and the westermost islands, after cruizing two days some of the crew went ashore on the outermost island, where was a little butt, after buying a few turkeys, asking the price of sheep, and what force was at Tarpaulin Cove, on Naushon Island, they went on board ship again, came to sail and run into Robinson's-hole, near which place lived Mr. Jeremiah Robinson, a quaker, who made not the least opposition to their landing, but his family through fear, which consisted of his wife, an aged mother of 80 years, with 9 or 10 children, fled to the woods for safety. The enemy landed about 150 men, plundered and burnt the house in which was all the poor man's beef, pork, roots, butter, cheese, &c. together with all his furniture, not content with all this, they burnt his corn barn, in which was all his grain, killed and carried off two or three cattle and hogs, likewise killed and left dead on the ground some of his milch cows, and wounded and mangled others in the most cruel manner — Thus was a peaceable and good liver in a few hours reduced to the greatest distress, by worse than brutal enemies.
Capt. [Benjamin] Nye who was stationed at the Cove, with the help of the militia from the neighbouring towns very soon made a strong party, went up to the west end of the island, but they had gone on board the ships, and the next day stood out of the sound. We have not been able to learn who commanded the ships.
By a Vessel arriv'd at Cape-Ann from Guadaloupe in 19 Days, we learn, that before she sail'd six French men of war and some transports arriv'd there from France, who were part of a fleet that bro't 15,000 troops; and that the Captains of the men of war said they did not doubt but that war was declar'd in France against England before their arrival.
On Friday 3d of January next, at Eleven in the Morning, will be Sold by Public Vendue, at Bedford, in Dartmouth 1,400 Sacks of Oats, 30 Barrells of Beef, and Pork. And the Snow Friendship, about 250 Tons burthen, both River built Vessels and well found
J. Russell, Auctioneer.
To be sold at public Vendue, on Tuesday the 31st of December Instant, at Ten o'Clock, A.M. on Richard Derby, Esq'rs Wharff, in Salem:
The Prize Brigantine Amy, about 180 Tons burthen, about 6 Years old; together with her Appurtenances. She is a very burthensome Vessel extremely well calculated for the Lumber Trade.
Also to be sold at the same Time and Place, at Vendue,
The Prize Brigantine Providence Success, about 100 Tons Burthen, 5 Years old. Inventories to be seen, and Vessels and Appurtenances to be viewed any Time before the Sale, by applying to
Walter P. Bartlet, Auctioneer.
On Thursday the 2d of January next, Will be Sold by Public Auction, at Newbury Port, The Brigantine Susannah, burthen about 180 Tons. — Also —
About 300 Pipes and Hogsheads of genuine red and white Port Wine, a Quantity of Sheet Cork, and a Number of Boxes of Plumbs. Also —
Upon the same Day, at Newbury Port will be Sold The Snow John, burthen about 180 Tons, and the Brig Lark, burthen about 130 Tons.
The Sale will begin at Ten o'Clock, A. M.
J. Ingersoll, Auctioneer.
To be sold at Public Auction, on Tuesday the 7th Day of January next, 1777, at Salem;
The Prize Ship Sally, about 220 Tons Burthen, built at Philadelphia, well found with Sails, Rigging, Cables, Anchors, &c. Inventory to be seen by applying to Samuel Williams, any Time before the Sale.
Said Williams has for Sale, excellent Lisbon Wine, in Quantity or single Cask. Also one Cask of about 50 Gallons of very excellent Red Port Wine.
Should not the Wine be sold at private Sale before the Day appointed to sell the Ship, the remaining Part of [it will be sold at] Auction.
