The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1779-03-09 00:00:00, page 4

ble Lord. Why, surely, if no force ceuld do the business,
there could be no harm, at least, in hying the mode of
concession. But I*m far from being of this opinion, that
force, well applied, cannot effect it. He fays, the army
were all disgusted at the Conciliatory Bilbs, at the famt
moment, he fays, their force was insufficient to conquer
the enemy. This was a little unreasonable in the army,
to give it no harsher term. I cannot contradict what the
hon. Baronet asserts; but my observations on the army
were very different. The army was indeed disgusted, but
it was because they were not led against the enemy,, then
lying within twenty miles, whom they were confident they
could conquer. “ Lead us against the CP^my" was the
general with of soldier and officers hnd, indeed, Sir,
to the honor of the Cd^mander in Chief, who left them
at Philadelphia, I am proud to declare, there never was
so excellent, so beautiful, or so well appointed an army.
The picked men for the French theatre were not equal,
tn grace and comeliness, to the worst of the light-infantry ;
fuca a body of chosen troops, I believe, never were col
lected together ; and yet we have seen, from various cau
(% what little benefit the nation has derived from them :
at the moment they were confident of victory, they were
ordered to retreat, and during all this summer, and half
Übe autumn, incurring the fame expence as in the field,
they have, literally, been doing nothing, when every
man must remark, that the time we should have acted
with the utmost vigor was at this very period when we
leave been idle. To determine what now should be done,
requires a greater compass of information than I can boast.
To judge of the question, one should know the Rate and
difpofitidh of Holland, of the Northern Powers, of Por
tugal, the refouftes of France, the disposition and force of
Spain, the various resources of this country, as well as
the difficulties to encounter in America: with the firft I
am not Efficiently acquainted to pronounce positively;
but this I do know for certain, that the greater the ex
ertions we make ourselves, the more we fhalf be refpefted
by others ; and the more we assist ourselves, the more
ready others will be to give us their assistance.
The nation is far richer at this period than at the be
ginning of thelaft war, and our warlike operations were
then much more extensive in Germany, the East Indies,
Portugal, North-America, and the Weft-Indies. I ad
mit tint pur public funds are more embarrassed; but the
means of taxation are also more ample from the encreafed
wealth of the country. But I despair of the present Mi
nifiers being able to draw forth those resources: On the
other hand, as I said before, those men who may fwcceed
them, according to my conception of things, are desirous
to yield up all that is worth contending for, without any
struggle worthy of our ancient fame, fn such a situation,
it is difficult how toad, or what to wi'h. I am clear, if
we do not mean to pursue the object with d termined
firmnefs, and suitable exertions, we had better abandon it
at once, and make the best terms we can for the misera
ble inhabitants who have adhered to our cause. Nothing
less than 25,000 troops, exclusive of those in Canada and
Halifax, will prove fufficient; with that number we may
expert success ; a less number will render the decision te
dious, doubtful, and hazardous. The people of the coun
try, after what has happened, will hardly derive confi
dence from a smaller army to induce them to join us.
Those who possess the present returns of the army, and
know what numbers may have been ordered away to other
services, will know the number wanted; I guess about
9000 men. To keep New-York and Rhode-Bland, as
the Honourable Baronet proposes, on a defeufive plan,
does not appear eligible to me. If we cannot meet the ar
my of the enemy in the field, it will require many troops,
a considerable marine force, and very expensive fortifica
tions, to hold New-York; I believe by fortifying the
gorge at Fort Knyphaufen; by fortifying the heights of
Brooklyn; by fortifying Paulus Hook, and the heights
on the Narrows upon Staten-Bland, it might be defend
ed by 8000 men, together with the inhabitants, always
retaining in the harbour five frigates and three armed ves
sels, and three galleys; these fortifications would cost at
least five hundred thousand pounds, and the object would
hill be precarious. Why the Honourable Gentleman
fltould recommend an offeufive war in Europe, and a de
fenfive war in America, I cannot conceive: It seems to
me more necessary in thelaft place than in the other. At
all events, I would form some certain, steady plan, such
as the inhabitants might rely upon; if they fee they can
depend upon you, they will soon return to their allegi
ance* and their old government. If they fee you weak
and wavering, (they are a shrewd, cunning, sensible peo
ple) they' will avoid you like pestilence. Upon the
whole,' I ack?° wl e d g e our situation extremely perilous;
tlie difficulties w?""° '° contend with are great ; but it
is on such occasions ^t the nobl f qualities of man, per
severance, fortitude, a^d love of our country, thine in
their greatest lullre. Let O^not imagine, that those who
pppofe u^ are without difficulties i the contentions, divifi
-7)23, and fufferings, among the Americans, are greater
than our imagination can reach, in ^ Rate of affluence
in which we live. They would have been greater full,
if they had not been checked by our bad condud and ti
midity. Their divisions, Sir, I assure you, are as great
as those of t^e House of Commons of England; and what
stronger pi&ure can I draw of disunion ? Those who are
so uneasy at the reception which the Commissioners re
ceived, fliould recalled the reception Mons. the Count
d'Estaing and his falters met with at Boston. The firft
was the political answer of a body whole interests and
ambition are undoubtedly opposed to that of the people
they govern; the other was the indignant, spontaneous
passions of the people themselves : the House will judge to
which of the two most weight should be given. Before I
fit down, I must repeat again, that in what I have said
a ['9ut the operations of ^ r fleets, I did not mean, by my
argument, to throw any ,lame upon any military officer
whatever ; but I do blame AG u" niftr a^ for ^ fending
out Admiral Byron feoner : the, bad ''' intelligence in
April, he did not fail till June: it was clear from Mr.
Gerard, the Ambassador to the States, being on board,
and Mr. Deane, a Member of Congress, 1 °
large quantities of goods for America, tha. the loulon
fleet was bound to some port in that continent. " there
PHILADELPHIA: Printed and Sold by JOHN DUNL AP, in Market-street.
Philadelphia, March 6.
To be SOLD by Public Vendue,
On Thursday the eleventh inst. at fix o'clock in the even
ing, at the Coffee-houfe,
AVery neat two story BRICK HOUSE, situate
on the weft fide of Second-street, one door from the
corner of Plumb-street, and near to Prior's lot ; it haatwo
rooms upon a floor, a good cellar, and an alley, over which
the upper rooms are extended ; there is also a convenient
kitchen adjoining to the house. 'lhe lot on which these
improvements are built, is twenty feet in front on Second
ftreet, and sixty feet in depth, and is fubjed to a ground
rent of 40s. sterling per annum.
Any person inclining to purchase the said House before
the day of sale, may be informed of the terms, by apply
ing to ROBERT M'F EE,
near the premises.
Most gracious Sovereign,
ty E > your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal fubjeTs,
the Commons of Great-Britain, in Parliament as
sembled, beg leave to return your Majesty the thanks of
this House, for your most gracious speech from the throne.
We acknowledge with the utmost gratitude your Ma
jesty's paternal regard for the happiness of your people, in
your earned and uniform endeavours to preserve the pub
lic tranquility, and the good faith and uprightness of your
Majesty's conduct to all foreign powers : And we assure
your Majesty, that we have seen with concern and indig
nation, that tranquility disturbed by the Court of France,
without the least pretence of provocation, ®r colour of
complaint ; and we have, with the warmest emotions of
resentment, marked the progress of their malignant de
signs against this country, hrft by a clandeftirie aid and
ripply of arms to your Majesty's revolted fubjefts in
North-America : Afterwards in violation of the faith of
treaties, and contrary to the right and common interest
of every sovereign Rate in Europe possessed of colonies and
dependencies, by entering into, and avowing formal en
gagements with the leaders of the rebellion; and, at
length, by committing open Qoftilities and depredations,
and by actually invading part of your Majesty's domini
ons in America and the Weft Indies.
We cannot but feel concern and regret, that the mea
sures taken by your Majesty, for disappointing these hos
tile and malignant designs, have not been attended with
all the success which the justice of thecaufe, and the vigor
of the exertions seemed to promise; yet, we have at the
fame time seen with great fatisfaction, the extensive com
merce of your Majesty's fubjefts protested in most of its
branches, and large reprisals made on the injurious ag
gressors, by the vigilance of your Majesty's fleets, and the
active spirit of the nation.
It would have given your faithful Commons the truest
happiness, to have received the communication from your
Majesty, that the just and humane purposes of your Ma
jesty and your Parliament, for quieting the minds of your
revolted fubje&s, had taken the desired effect, and had
brought the troubles in North-America to a happy con
clusion. '-
Your Majesty may rely on the hearty and zealous con
currence and affiftance’of your faithful Commons, in en
abling your Majesty to make the most active and vigor
ous exertions by fen and land, for vindicating and eftab
lilhing the national honour and security ; and we beg leave
to declare our ftediafi refolutiou, and renew our folemu
adurances to your Majesty, that this House, convinced
of the importance of the objects for which we are contend
ing> an d impelled by every motive of duty and interest,
that can animate the hearts @f Britons, will effectually
assist your Majesty in the profecutiop of the present just
and necessary war; and that we will to the utmost of our
power, support your Majesty against all your enemies.
The following is his MAJESTY's Answer.
" I return you thanks for this very loyal and affection
ate address,. I am confident that nothing can so effectual
ly promote the public service, as your resolution and
firmnefs at this time. I should ill deserve the support of
my faithful Commons, and the zeal of my people for the
honour of my Crown, isl did not make their fafety and
happiness the constant objects of my care and concern.
The Humble ADDRESS of the HOUSE of COMMONS
444^*00# fto - *44***oo4-4*
To be SOLD by Public Vendue,
At the Coffee-houfe in Annapolis, on Thursday the
eleventh of March inff.
THE elegant and commodious HOUSE and
GARDE N in that city, late the property of
the Hon. William Paca, Esq; and now that of the
fubferiber. JAMES WILSON.
fore five or fix flips had been immediately sent off (as the
Admiralty must have known Lord Howe's fleet was col
leded; from the orders about La Motte Piquet, and the
ferret expedition) upon such a junction, his Lordrilip
would then have certainly been superior to d'Estaing.
But I am told, that the reason of this delay arose from
want of stores, and that we were obliged to unreeve the
running rigging of the ships at Spithead, to fit out Ad
miral Byron's fquadrop. If this be true, it is a melancho
ly tale indeed, after all our beafted preparations in the
begiuningof the year ; and the immense sums voted by
Parliament, and demands an enquiry more than any other
fubjed.
I ask pardon of the House for detaining them so long;
and now most humbly thank them for the indulgence
they have shewn me.
Your faithful Commons do most heartily concur with
your Majesty, in the just approbation you have been
pleased to express of the public spirit which has so Conspi
cuously animated all ranks of your Majesty's faithful fub
jecis, to stand forth, at this time of danger, in the service
of the militia, who, by their discipline and steady perse
verance in their duty, have enabled your Majesty to avail
yourfelf of that constitutional force for the defence of this
country.
to the KING.
TO BE SOLD by public Vendue,
On Thursday next, being the nth instant (March) a §
fix o'clock in the evening, at the Coffee-houfe,
THREE convenient two story brick Houses and Kit
chens, and Lots of ground, situate on the east file
of George- street, between Second and Third, South and
Shippen-flreets, oppolite Mr. John Morris's, in South
wark.
Lot No. i. The house r 5 feet 4 inches front. 26 feet 4
inches deep, piazza and kitchen 24 feet deep, in the whole
50 feet deep ; the lot 146 feet deep, with the privilege of
a g feet alley, 40 feet deep in common with Francis
Trumble.
No. 2. The house, kitchen and ground the fame as
No. i, with this farther addition of the privilege of an
alley 7 feet 1 inch, in common with lot No. 3, over and
under which alley the whole belongs to lot No. 2, which
makes the house over and under the alley 22 feet c inches
front.'
No. 3 . The house 14 feet 3 inches front, 3 o feet deep
piazza and kitchen 16 feet deep, in the whole 56 feet deep,
the ground 136 feet deep, witri a good frame liable the
back-end of said lot, with the privilege of said alley of 7
feet i inch wide, in common with lot No 2, said alley
continuing through said lots makes an addition of 1 feet
6 1-2 inch to each of the iaft described Lots No. 2 and ,-
there is a pump before tte door for the use of said houses ;
the wholeclear of ground-rent, and the title indisputable
For particulars refer to the plan at the Coffee-houfe and
the owner, who may be found at Mr. William Robinson's
in Front-street, Southwark.'
NATHANIEL IRISH.
To be SOLD by Public Vendue,
On Wednesday the tenth instant, on the premises, if
not fold at private sale before that time,
A THREE story brick house, eighteen feet front
and about thirty-four feet deep, with a brick
kitchen; twenty doling greund-rer.t thereon annually,
with the privilege of buying off the fame : Also a com-
P :" ^ alt ; houfe > eighteen feet front, sixty five feet deep,
three stories high, and clear of ground rent : Also a
compting-houfe, eighteen feet front and fourteen feet
* ^ vault undern ^th, hay-loft above,
with stable and sheds on said lot; 4 |. 10 s. sterling.
ground-rent: Litovife a mill-boule and malt-mill a
good copper containing about 24 barrels, math-tub,
coollers, tun, and all the titenfiis, with water-pumps
and beer-pumps brass chambered':Alfo the lease of a
brew home and a two- story dwelling-hcule, about nine
term unexpired, at 401. yearly rent: The whole
wiJ be fold together or separate as may best foitthe
purenafer: Continental currency of any ev^ n or
Loan-office certificates, will be taken in paving The
sale to begin at Three o'clock in the afternoon. For
further particulars enquire of the fubferiber oh the pre
mises, in Southwark, Philadelphia.''
N. B. He likewise has for sale, a number of young
grafted apple trees.
To be SOL Dby Public Vendue,
On Wednesday the tenth of March inst. at fix olGck
in the evening, at the Coffee-houfe,
A LARGE commodious brick House, with a kitch
'' f n „ and " llar underneath ; fubjed to a quit-rent of
one dollar per annum: Situate in Front-street near
Race street, next door to Mr. Rufo's shop, Philadelphia
b > SAMUEL VANLIER.'
, SAMUEL MOORE.
Ad pzrfens indebted to the fubferiber are requested
to come an.lmake payment by the firft day of April
next, and those that have any accounts against him to;
bring them in for fettlemeot. S. M
To be S 0 LI) by Public Vendue,
At the Coffee-houfe, on Wednesday the tenth of March
intt. at four o'clock in the afternoon,
F°ff R , GALL E YS , viz. the Experiment, the
Effingham, the Dickinson, and the Burke The
laid Galleys will make exceeding good river craft with
a (mail expence, as one of them hag been hauled up and
.? ed : "^ person Should incline to purchase before
the day 01 fair, please to enquire of Israel Cassel,
near Raee-ftreet corner.'
10 be SOLD by Public Vendue,
On Wednesday the tenth day of March, at the Coffee
houfe, at Six o'clock in the evening, if net fold sooner
by private sale,
AL OT of Ground in Southwark, situate on the
south fide of Christian-street, between Second and
Thi d streets: There are on the lot a twe-ftory brick
house fxteen feet front, and a two-story brick kitchen
behind the hcufe, also a frame stable on the front:
There are on the lot two early cherry-trees and five ap
ple-trees, all in good fence, and a pump of good water
near the door : The whole subj-st to a ground-rent of
three pounds twelve killings currency per annum. For
further particulars enquire of PETER DICK in
Front street, near Chefnut street.
TO BE S O LD,
Oil Monday the 15th instant, at Mr. Hendrickfoh's ta
vern, in Chrifiiana hundred, Newcastle county,
A VALUABLE plantation and trad of land, situate
in said hundred, containing about i s o acres of land,
about twenty acres whereof watered meadow; there are
suitable buildings on said plantation, two bearing orchards,
the whole in good repair. Also about five acres of mea
dow ground in Newport marsh, The said plantation and
meadow, late the estate of Christopher Wilson, being
connfeated and to be fold for the use of the Delaware state
by WILLIAM M. CLAY, Commissioner
March 1, Newcastle county."