The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1783-08-26 00:00:00, page 2

„ tT ^^ from the Prefidenf fr The Supreme Execu
tive Council, to the General Aflembly.
:') length, thearduous contest for the freedom and
' m.te?enrtence .of America is decided in her favor,
and we ear pf congratulate you on the articles of
p f ce, and me cefctionof hofElities' between The Unit
(dScares and'G eat B # itain,ard between the ocher bHli
f^^tit powers and that kingdom, whereby a ftopis put
(the further effufion of b'ocd, and to the calami les
lICT always attend upm war.
Our moR ardent and devout thank^are due to the
Supreme Ruler of tie univ-rfe for this gracious dif
pofoion or events, in which we and our pofterny are so
< ? ep!y imereftdj and 4 fhou'd be our determined re
qjwion, with 4 an humble sense of our unworthiness, to
manifefl our grateful ventration for the Divine Author
of Gch a deliverance as this, by an improvement of it
to the heft purpefes, and by an habitual tenor of life
that may he pleafiug in his fyni.
Our inattention would : ejnexcufable, if upon this great
occafi hi we fh>uld not warmly acKnowledg how much
we are indebted for our fuccef , under Providence, to
the frindfhip of our august Ally and the gallantry of
his troops, audio the persevering fortitude of our of
ficers and folders —an army, whose patriotism muß
ever be remembered with affectionate reverencein these
Bates, as long as that liberty for which they fought
and fullered (hall continue to te an object of regard.
Your honorable house has teftified Inch a refpea for
the merits of these brave.men, that we trufl, the moB
flrenuous elf rts of this Bate will be exerted, fully to
feure to them all the compensations they are entitled
to by solemn and legal compaßs—compacts ! which,
peace and foverei nty are witnesses for them, that they
have faithfully and nobly performed on their part.
Gentlemen,
THE secretary will lay before you, letters from the
president of Congress of May the Bth and 12th, June
the 10th and 20th, July the 22d and 30th ; from the
commander io chief, o 1 June the <4 s h ; from the fuper
intendant of finance, of March r e mo and 25th, A pril
the 7lh, May the 12'h, June, the sth arid 21st, and Ju
ly the lira and 28'h ; from the fcrqrary for foreign
affairs, of April me 12 h ; from the governor of Vir
ginia, of June the 12th and July 23d; from general
Irvine, of June the 3d ; from tee commiffiopers for
the defence of the navigation, of April the 24th; and
from the wardens of this port, of June thegth ; with
many incloOire^
Year honorable house will observe, -that the "Torn-'
municafions on national affairs contain matters of tre
greeted magnitude, which demand immediate attention.
The arguments therein offered demohßrate, tuat im
rnrcr as the advantages are that have been already at
tained, yet, the citizens of America must mow deter
mine, whether they Ihall become blessings or misfor
tunes to them and to succeeding generations, and
that all the materials of happiness are lying ready be
fore them, if they will but take the pains to put them
properly together.
It would be u r e(efs to recapitulate points, or to dwell
upon fubjefts, that have been (0 accurately stated, and
so ably difcufled; but, we feel ourselves impelled by a
commanding sense of duty to our country at this im
portant crisis moll earnefily tovecommend, that the con
federation may be strengthened and improved.
We are perftflly convinced, that to advance the dig
nity and interef lof the union, is the bed way to ad
vance the dignity and interefl of each particular Bate.
When the powers of the whole (ball be so combined,
that general and relative concerns may be firmly go
verned by a federal supremacy, and a competent part
of the resources of the whole can be promptly and ef
fe^lna'ly drawn forth and applied to national purposes,
ali the benefits of refpeft tranquility and (afety, that
are natural y attach d to an extensive and well esta
blished empire, may be enfurfd, and at a rate far
cheaper and more eaf, than by any other method that
can be devifd Indeed, without such a combination
they never can be ensured. Every attempt to substi
tute force other plan will be Hfappointed, and have a
tendency to produce all the miseries of intestine con
vulsions, and of for ign influence if not invasion.
Reason, honefly, and her own experience, prescribe
the conduct, that ought to be adopted by America ;
and let her not disdain, in deciding upon her chara^er
and defliny, to take warning from the uniform exam
ples of other nations.
The fiftory of mankind does not afford an instance
that has come to our knowledge, of a people volunta
rily united in a juß cause, who have ever broken that
union, on-weakened it by being neglectful of the duties
arlfing from it, without involving themselves in dread
ful calamities.
We eßerm it an indispensable duty at this time, to
declare our opinion, that all the authorities before
mentioned may be veiled in a fcederal council, not on
ly without the lead danger to liberty, but that liber
ty will be thereby better secured.
Mistakes upon this fubjeft in the circumßances now
existing mull have unhappy consequences: and, there
fore we are felicitous, that the pretences assigned for
jea oufies of such authorities, and the motives through
which they may be propagated, should be very carefully
examin'd. Every man who truly loves his country
should boldly avow his Sentiments upon this momentous
point, and faithfully aft up to them. It is a treafona
ble cow rd. ; ce to flatter the prejudices of the uninform
ed, and thereby to betray the welfare of them and
their poßerity, for the fake of offices or applauses
which they can bellow. Nothing is more easy for the
f.lfifh and the artful, than this insidious management.
Human frailty is too apt to prefer things present and
pleasing to tho e infinitely more valuable—if more re
mote. Zhus it often debases and contrasts its enjoy
ments, by ea^ernefs to tafle them. The unfeeling and
defigningencourage this irregular appetite that they
may prepare viOims 10 their inordinate passions. It is
this temper and this abuse of it, that To frequently
facrifices the intereds of millions and of ages, for the
gratification of a few individuals for a few years.
The period is arrived when a decision must be made,
that will either lead to order, reputation, and prospe
rity, or to confufion, dishonor, and di fl refs. We fer
vently pray, that - ALMIGHTY God may be pleased
to infp>re toe people of this land with wisdom to make
such a choice, as shill establish their felicity upon a
durable batis, and till time shall be no metre afford just
catrfe for an American to rejoice, that he is a citizen
*of The United States.
Gentlemen,
THE reflations in the address of Congress now com
municated, we hope, will receive your approbation ;
and that they will be diretby and compleatly carried
into execution, not withßanding this commonwealth
might alledge particular reafoos for supporting objec
tions against feme of them : but, we plainly perceive,
that unless these Bates are animated by such a generous
and affectionate regard for each other, as chearfully to
make those mutual concessions, tho' to their own im
mediate disadvantage refpeHively,, that may be requi
site for advancing the good of the whole, the best plans
for,promoting the general welfare will probably be de
feated by a preference given to local and inferior con
federations. There is not an internal or foreign enemy
to our independence, but who cherishes a hope that these
confideratioos will prevail, and experts there will issue
from this source of difeords, the calamities that are to
prove, how essential monarchy is to conflitutional li
berty. May the condua of Pennsylvania be ever in
fluenced by so noble and found a policy, as inconteß
ably to faew, that her constant aim is the happiness
of ner lifter Hates in common with her own, and that
no gainful or ambitious profpefts can tempt her to
pals the bounds of this wife and virtuous moderation.
We join our anxious.wilhes to the recommendation,
that a relinquishment may be obtained upon such libe
ral principles that the (lability of tee confederacy may
not be endangered, of territorial claims in the western
country to The Uni ed States, so that it may be fettled
and disposed of by them for the general benefit, and
that no time may he loft in obtaining such relinquish
ment. Many weighty considerations urge, bat this
business be vigorously prosecuted and speedily con
cluded. Longer delays will be attended with very ex
tensive if not irremediable mifchiefs.
In addition to other reasons, the fraudulent practices
so frequently used of late in impairing the value of the
current coin, ender t heeftablifhment of a mint expedient.
We are informed, that some edi&s have been lately
published in Europe, that may be particularly injuri
ous to the trade of this Bate, and therefore they de
ftrve notice.
A< federal offers have been laid before Congress re
fpetiiag their permanent residence, it appears to us ve
ry proper, and we are desirous, that such proposals
Should be now made as will evince, that no Bate can be
more sincerely disposed >to consult the dignity of that
honorable body, and the .convenience of the union,
than this commonwealth.
It may be advifcable atthis 'feffion, to appoint some
place for the meeting of tit council of censors, and to
fix the allowance for their attendance.
The health of the inhabitants of this Bate is expos
ed to imminent dangers by defects in the laws refpeOing
fikiy vessels. 'Regulations on this fubjeß claim your
earliefl and Bfiaeß care.
Very good consequences. we expert, would attend
the execution of the resolve of the general assembly
made on the fetenth of March, 1780, by surveying and
allotting to officers and privates, the traft of country
reserved and let apart for their use. Considering the
circumstances in which these much-deserving fellow-ci
tizens will now find themtelve,, this measure may af
ford them some relief; and if'any other mode tor a
more immediate alleviation of their distresses fha!l in
your wisdom be judged practicable, we know, your
honorable house will be pleased with giving an additi
onal evidence of the attention due to men, who have
so signally served their country. Many of them have
fuffered by a depreciation of their unalienated certifi
cates. Tnis has been occasioned by some expressions
in the aft passed on the twenty fi.ft oflaft March, that
seem not to authorize the payment of interefl, even
upon alienations made afterthe original possessors have
taken the oath or affirmation required by the aft
Thus, alter they are proved to be objects of the law,
they are deprived of the advantage that would arise by
transferring their certificates for their valu°, though
this appears to be the chief benefit intended in firri
lar cases, where " permanent funds" are provided for
the payment of inte est.
V-ry confiderab e amendment?may be made inthelaws
for t eehabiifhment of courtsand toe administration of
justice. Courts of oyer and terminer, genera! gaol de
livery, and nifi prius, should be held by the judges of
the supreme court at certain days and places in every
county, so that the parties may have timely notice and
be duly prepared for the trial of t eir causes. A dan
gerous power is veiled in she r ffs, by leaving the electi
on of jurors totally dependant up n t.ae;r pleasure.
The ent re and ineßimablc benefits of that mode of tri
al, ought in civil and criminal cases to be so secured to
every Pennsylvanian, that confeious of his life, liberty
and property being guarded agrinft the passions and
prejudices of persons in public office, he should have
nothing to fear bu: the laws of his country, deciding
upon his actions and fortunes in the judgment of his
uninfluenced peers. Ufeful examples of this fort have
been given by several of these Bates It should be de
termined with precision, what Batutes prior to the re
volution are in force here ; or else, a very indefinite kind
of legislation is committed to judges.—Errors in pro
cess and pleading# should be amendable upon reasona
ble terms, so that neither merits may be subverted by
forms, nor a disreputable laxity introduced into prac
tice. These regulations will promote tle impartialad
miniftration of juflice, with the leaf! delay, and at the
smallest expence.
1 he answers now sent, of two judges of the supreme
court to queflions propo'ed by us concerning the lega
lity of " commissions of oyer and terminer," and
" the modes dire&ed by ads of assembly for the ap
pointment of justices of the peace by council w^h
" out elections of the people," may be of use in fortu.
ing foch a law as you may think requisite thereupon.
I he afts relating to marriages might be so amend
ed, that the licences would be in every ref pett more
beneficial than they now are.
The difeharge of debts due by the Bate, or if that
cannot be soon accomplished, at least the regular pay
ment of the interest should be provided for, and well
secured by adequate funds; so that the best fatisfadiQa
which circumstances will permit, may be given to the
creditors. Continual, and femetimes very affeaing
applications are made to us: but, while we perceive
the obligations of juflice, and the injuries and distress
es attendant upon a non-compliance with them, weare
unable to afford relief. It is essential to the public:
welfare, that public credit, upon which alone confi
dence can be founded, should be supported; and we ear
nefliy wifli, the general assembly would take into their
serious consideration the ways and means for eftablilh
ing a more regular and improved sy stem of revenue.
We believe, that the burthens of the good people of
this Bate might be thus relieved; and we ihall esteem
ourselves very happy if we can furnifh any ufeful in
formation upon this fubje&.
The acts for suppressing audions, and those for im
posts on goods, wares and merchandizes imported, re
quire a revision.
There are several cases, where by former laws pro
ceedings were to be had before the mayor or alder
men, and similar powers have not been yet given to
other magißrates in their place.
The inflitution of a chamber of commerce would
probably be attended with utility in disputes among
merchants; and perhaps the integrity and experience
of many worthy and well informed citizens might
thereby be more particularly engaged than they other
wise can be, to aid government in affairs of trade and
finance.
The passage of the river should be cleared by remov
ing the chevaux de frize. We have directed proposals
to be received ; but did not chufe to proceed further
without your approbation.
The highways are in bad condition, and the mode
pointed out by law for mending them, is judged by
us exceedingly inadequate to the purpose of secur
ing the uaß benefits that may arise from their being
kept in good order.
What canals can be advantageously made, and how
far the Delaware, Schuylkill, and Sufqu-hanna may
be rendered more navigable, are matters worthy of
much consideration.
The fortifications and banks on Mud iflaod, and
the liofpials and wharfts on State island, want many
repairs.,
An a& of assembly is immediately required to ascer
tain the extent of the port of Philadelphia, and to
prevent insults and disturbances therein, as also to de
fine the powers of the sheriff as water bailiff.
The western boundary of the Bate should be precise
ly determined.
Arrangements should be made, for giving the utmost
force and speediest effect to the exertions of the militia-
Humanity and a regard for the precepts of religion
dilate a desire, that the legislature of Pennsylvania:
may every year appoint a Banding committee to visit
all prrfons, and to report minutely in writing, the treat
ment given to the unhappy performs confined in them.
A power is vested in us to fell the lot of the old pri
son; but we think, a power to rent it would be more
advantageous: unless it may be thought fit to appro
priate it for an exchange, which considering its situa
tion and other circumflances, would perhaps be the
most ufeful and honorable purpose to which it could
be applied.
By a memorial that will be herewith delivered it ap
pears, that no proper provision is made for the meafur^
ing of grain and fait.
Since your recef% we have diligently endeavoured
to forward the coiled,on of public taxes, of which we
hope your honorable house will be convinced by the
inclofed papers—The deficiencies in several parts of
the Bate ar' Bill considerable.
W< have pursued the measures that appeared to us most
prudent, for car ymg into execution the law, entitu
led, " An act for the sale of certain lands therein men—
'' tinned for the purpose of redeeming and paying off
“ the certificates of depreciation given to the officers
" and soldiers of the Pennsylvania line or their repre
« endives ; and for appropriating certain other lands
c< therein mentioned for the use of the said officers
" and foldier c , to be di ided off to them severally at
' the end of the war;" so far as relates to the surveying
and laying out in lots the tra& therein firft described-
The peculiarly uncertain Bare of public affairs for
sometime after the last session, obliged us to proceed
with caution, and we took every previous Bep we
could think of, to facilitate the buffers and secure
success. Our mßru&ionsand several letters relative to
that fubjed will be presented by the secretary.
Captain Robinson's and captain Shrawder's compa
nies are Rationed at Wyoming. We ioclofe a letter
from the latter containing intelligence of importance-
The other companies of rangers which were very incom
plete, we have thought it moB advifeable to difeharge^
Coofiderabie difficulties have occurred upon the laws
of trade, concerning the payment of the duties of
whole cargoes where the importers were desirous, after
their arrival here, of exporting part; and also upon
the late law, for the payment of interest on certain
certificates by the continental loan officer. The papers
now transmitted will afford the necessary information
in these cases.
Mr. Marbois, as confol general of France, has made
repeated applications to us, representing, as you will
perceive by his memorials, the injuries done to the com
merce of that kingdom, by the interpolation of the ci
vil authority in disputes between makers of vessels and
their seamen. From refped for his most chtiflian ma
jesty, we should be glad thata remedy might be pro
vided for this particulargrievance, even before a conven
tion for regulating consular offices is agreed upon, as
we believe the desired relief might be given without a
ny inconvenience.
Many of the points which we now offer to the consi
deration of your honor ble house are of such a nature,
that they could not be treated more fully in this mes
sage, without extending it to too great a length: but,
whie such a harmony as the present subsists between
the legislative and executive powers, any urther com
munications that may be thought neceflary, can readi
ly be made.