January 4, 1771 New Hampshire Gazette

As we proceed to the winter of 1771, we’ll be making notes on how the region’s primary newspaper, The New Hampshire Gazette, reported the local and international news.

An anonymous writer, who describes himself as “A Member of Dartmouth College” writes  a page long poem of praise to Governor Wentworth, thanking him for his role in establishing the college.  In describing the progress of the school’s founding, he writes:

“To future Times now turn thy wond’ring Eyes,
View distant Scenes and pleasing Prospects rise;
Where late wild beasts and savage monsters prowl’d,
Couch’d in their dens, or thro’ dark desarts howl’d,
There herds domestic thro’ green pastures stray,
and round their Dames the sportive lambkins play,
Where towering Forests spread their gloomy shades,
and lofty pines wav’d their majestic heads,
there golden harvests nod with ponderous grain,
And rich Productions crown the smiling plain..”

News of a great plague in Warsaw, Poland, and a Russian war with the Turks.

Anecdote of a pauper in Edinburgh who was once a baronet and was reduced for having given the Duke of Marlborough a challenge.

His majesty’s frigate, the Mercury to sail for South Carolina to relieve the Foy.

News of a great Russian victory over the Turks, (which called for rejoicing among all friends of England)

News from London that as of October 26, 1770, the King has appointed Thomas Hutchinson Captain General and Governor of Massachusettts and Andrew Oliver Lieut. Governor.

The Marquis of Granby dies at the age of 50, a victim of a “Gout Powder” remedy.

In London, Boston rumored to be tired of non-importation.

Boston — Former Governor Bernard, given an additional annual pension of 400 l. Sterling, (in addition to the 600 l.) he enjoys.

Lady Bernard sails for England.

Boston — prisoners attempted to burn down their jail.  The attempt was foiled.

New York  proceeds with its case against sons of liberty leader, Alexander McDougal.

Portsmouth — marriage of Josiah Moulton and Dorothy Shackford celebrated. (January 3, 1770)

A 112 year old widow, Mrs. Poak, a native of Ireland, passes away.  She was celebrated for her hearty health and long walks well into her late years.

Isaac Hill’s shop was broken up by thieves on December 25th, 1770 in the town of Dover.