The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1781-11-27 00:00:00, page 3

Translation of a difrourfe delivered on the 4th inftanf,
in the catholic c^ur^h in this cit: , before the honour
able the Congress, his Excellency the Minister of
France, and many other gentlemen of diftinaion.
By M. de Bandole, chaplain to the embassy of
France.
Gentlemen,
a Numerous people affembhd to render thanks to
the Almighty for his mercies, is one of the most
affefting obje&s, and worthy tue attention of the Su
prome Being. While camps resound .an triumphal ac
clamations, while nations rejoice in victory and glory,
the most honourable office a minit^r of the altars can
fill, is to be the org 11 by which public gratitude is con
veyed to the omnipotent.
Those miracles which he once wrought for his chosen
people are renewed in our favour; and it would be
equally ungrateful and impious not to acknowledge,
that the event which lately confounded our enemies and
fruftrated their designs, was the wonderful work of that
God who guards your liberties.
And who but he could so combine the circumstances
which led to success ' We have fern our enemies push
forward amid perils almofl innumerable, amid obflucles
almost insurmountable, to the foot which was defigoed
to witness their disgrace; yet they eagerly fought it
as their theatre of triumph !
Blind as they were, they bore hunger, third, and in
clement ikies, poured their blood in battle against
brave republicans, and crossed immense regions to
confine themselves in another Jericho, whose walls were
fated to fall before another Joihua. It is he, whose
voice commands the winds, the seas and the seasons,
who formed a jun&ion on the fame day, in the fame
hour, between a formidable fleet from the f^th, and
an army rushing from the north, like an impetuous
torrent. Who but he, in whose hands are the hearts
of men, could inspire the allied troops with the friend
fhipi, the confidence, the tenderness of brothers? How
is it that two nations once divided, jealous, inimical,
and nursed in reciprocal prejudices, are now become so
closely united, as to form but one? Worldlings would
fay, it is the wisdom, the virtue, and moderation of
their chiefs, it is 1 great national inrereft wh ch has
performed this prodigy. They will'fay, that to the
ikill of the generals, to the courage of the troops, to
the activity of the whole army, we mufi attribute this
splendid fuccefs:.Ah! they are ignorant, that the com
bining of so m ray for unate circumstances, is an ema
nation from the all perfect mind; that courage, that
skill, that activity, bear the sacred impression of him
who is divine.
For how many favours ha^e we not to thank him
during the eourfe of the prefect year? Your union,
which was at firfl supported by justice alone, has been
consolidated by your courage, and the knot which ties
you together is become indissoluble, by the accession of
al! the Rates, and the unanimou voice of all the con
federates. You present to the universe the noble fight
of a society, which, founded in equality and juftice,fe-
Cure to the individuals whocoap fe it, the utmost ap~
pinefs which can be derived from human institutions.
This advantage, which so many other nations have
been unable to procure, even after ages of efforts and
misery, is granted by divine providence to the United
States; and his adoreable decrees have marked the pre
sent moment for the c impletion of that memorable hap
py revolution, which has taken place in this extensive
continent. While your counsels were thus acquiring
new energy, rapid multiplied successes have crowned
your arms in the southern slates.
We have seen the unfortunate citizens of these Rates
forced from their peaceful abodes; after a long and
cruel captivity, old men, women and children, thrown,
without mercy, intoa foreign country. Master of their
lands and their slaves, am d his temporary a ' uence,
a superb vidor rejoiced in their distresses. But Phila
delphia has witnessed their patience and fortitude; they
have found here another home, and though driven from
their native foil they have bleffel God, that he has deli
vered them from their presence, and conducted them to
a country where every just and feeling man has Wretched
out the helping hand of benevolence. Heaven rewards
their virtues. Three large states are at once wrefled
from the foe. The rapacious soldier has been compel
led to take refuge behind his ramparts, and oppression
has vanished like those phantoms wh ch are dissipated
by the morning ray
On this solemn occafon, we might renew our thanks
to the God of battles, for the success he has granted
to the arms of your allies and your friends by land and
by sea, through the other parts of the globe. But let
us not recal those events which too clearly prove how
much the hearts of our enemies have been obdurated.
Let us prostrate ourselves at the altar, and implore the
God of mercy to suspend his vengeance, to (pare them in
his wrath, to inspire them with sentiments of justice and
moderation, to terminate their obflin^cy and error, and
to ordan that your victories be followed by peace and
tranquillity. Let us beseech him to continue to shed on
the counsels of the king your ally, that spirit of wifhorn,
of justice, and of courage, which has rendered his reign so
glorious Let us intreat him to maintain in each of the
Rates that intelligence by which the united Rates are in
spired. Let us return him thanks that a fa&ion, whose
rebellion he has corrected, now deprived of fuppo/r is
annihilated. Let us offer him pure hearts, unsoiled by
private hatred or public diffention; and let us, with
one will and one voice, pour forth to the Lord that
hymn of praise, by which chriftians celebrate their gra
titude and his glory.
BOSTO N, November 15,
A gentlemen arrived in this town last Monday from
Charleftown, (S. C.) where he had for forae :;m been
a prisoner on parole, which place he left the nth of
last month ; by him we learn, that the British fevered
greatly in the late adion between them and genial
Greene, and that their loss was not less than 12.00 k.
led, wounded and prisoners. This gentleman saw 6
veftels loaded with wounded men come down the river,
and were landed at Charleflown soon after the engage
ment: he further adds, that there were not more than
100 troops, including British and Hessians; in Charlef
town, and those were all ordered to Monk's- Corner,
except a few Hessians: the inhabitants were all obliged
to do duty in the city : They were all in expectation
of being attacked by general Greene: the merchants
were disposing of their effects as fall as possible: ven
dues were plenty, but purchaFrs scarce: when he left
that city, general Greene lay about 3 miles from Monk's
Corner, as he was informed by tome of the people who
came from that place.
When the veff is hft arrived front France left that
kingdom, the prevailing reports from persons of good
authority were, that all appreheufious refpeaing the
cause of the allies in the present war, arising from the
death of vie late empress of Germany, and the views
of the imperial court were now over ; the emperor hav
ing been in France three months, and secretly fettled
with his most enriftian majesty all material points con
cerning the general arrangement ofaffairs: that though
it was prudent in the late situation of affairs for France
to keep a very large part of her forces at home, and
ready for any contingence, yet now all matters being
amicably adjusted with the only power that Britain
had any hopes of employing in her favour, it was in
the powtr of France greatly to augment her force in
America : accordingly it was said that a large body of
troops were defined to be embarked for these coasts,
and might in no great length of time be expected
here.
On Tuesday last captain Collier arrived at Salem, in
34 days from Nantz. The letters are not yet come
to town; but by a gentleman who came passenger in
this vessel we are informed, that the Spaniards conti
nue vigorously to push the siege of Gibraltcr ; that the
forces which were employed for the reduction of Minor
ca, after possessing themselves of the whole island, to
the environs of St. Phillips, had carried their approach
es very near that fortrefs, and cut off the water from
the garrison, which it was expelled would soon fur
render. That the combined fleet having cruized for
some time in the channel, where no British squadron
had ventured to face it, at length separated; the
French returning to Brest, and the Spanish ships to
Cadiz.
By a gentleman of intelligence lately returned from
Europe we learn, that the British news writers were
working double tides to Contradict, or explain away
a I the accounts that had been received there of general
Greene's success; and to puff away lord Cornwallis's
military talents and atchievements, while the reputa
tion of Clinton was on the decline; that while the Bri
tish affairs wore a gloomy afpe& in all quarters, in
the East and Weft Indies, towards the Baltick, in the
channel, and in the difpofi:ion ®f all the courts of Eu
rope, the chief dependence of that infatuated nation was
upon lord Cornwallis, who was to perform wonders,
by carrying his conquests before winter from South-
Carolina to Philadelphia, and in this way retrieve all
their affairs : Thus all their expectations and boaflings
which have rung so loudly through Europe, have in
the end only served to add weight and brilliancy to
the glorious conquefl of the allied army in Virginia.
Our inveterate enemies the Britons, are greatly dis
appointed in two things ; they expe&ed that our paper
money would soon produce a fatal convulsion in our
affairs; this has been proclaimed in parliament and
throughout their political writings. They mart be
aßoniihed to know that this fame paper money, after
carrying on the war, and supporting the American
cause for a number of years, has at last, by common
consent, been quietly interred, and by its declension
and death paid off an immense debt upon the United
States. They expected also that from national and
religious prejudices, and from their own machinations,
a coolness must soon ensue between France and her al
lies the United States. They must be equally cha
grined to find, that instead of this, the Americans have
had sense enough to compare the fidelity and generosity
of their new friends, with the perfidy and cruelty of
their former oppressors; and that in consequence of
this common sense, and a mutual infeperable interest,
and also as the natural effect of reciprocal assistance
and civilities, the friendship of the allied nations grows
stronger every day.
FIS H-K ILL, November 'l.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman near the lines.
“ I have the pleasure to forward the account of an
instance of partizan bravery on the coast, which,
though it may have its equal, is seldom exceeded.
" On the morning of the 13th infant, a party con
fiding of about twenty continental troops, u der the
command of lieutenant de Forest, of the Connecticut
line; and fifteen volunteers under captain Lockwood,
late of the continental army, with lieutenants Hull
and Mead, went on board a small unarmed vessel which
lay in Eaftcheder-Bay, and made chafe after a fleet
which appeared off between them and Long-Island.
They came up with a privateer well equipped, mount
ing 10 carriage guns, secured by a firong netting, 12
feet in height above her gun wale, with 25 regular
troops on board, of the regiment of Anfpach, armed
with spears for their defence. On feeing her ttrength
and equipment, they found there was no other way to
reduce her, but by the closes l action : they accordingly
threw their little vessel along-fide of her, and commen
ced the attack, and with that determined bravery which
knows no repulse, in the Space of a few minutes, with
their knives and bayonets, m?de themselves a passage
through her netting, and properly vindicated their Su
periority. Unfortunately lieutenant Mead, (who like
the true soldier, was among the foremoft on board)
received a wound, which it is sea red is mortal: several
othersof the party, the captain of the privateer and 4
others of the crew, were also wounded.
“ In the time of the attack, ome boats, who were
also of the party, under captain Jones, and Mr Matt
bie, took fix of the convoy, two of which were rtnfom
el; the rest, with the privateer, are arrived in Stan
ford I arbour.
“ Though this is an instance of the petite guerre,
yet the difficulty of the object, compared with the si
tuation of the assailants, does no less honour to the in.
dividuals in point of reputation as Soldiers ; and Shews
that they Share the fame spirit of military ardor and
enterprize, which has crowned us with the successes
and expectations of the present day."
CHARLES-TOWN, (S. Carolina) Sept, if
Saturday afternoon a fire broke out in Fenwicke'#
buildings on White Point, which consumed the fame;
but was happily prevented fpreadi'g any farther^
Sime evening arrived his majesty's frigate Solebay,
Everitt, esquire, commander, and the Savage
floopof war. We are informed that on the sth instant
off Cape-Fear, the Savage fell in with a Rebel frigate
of 32 guns, named the Congress, which sh? engaged,
and after a severe aftion, which laded for fix glasses,
and during which her mizen mast was Shot away, and
her hull and rigging very much damaged, She was obli
ged to Grike to such a vastly Superior force. The Sa
vage had the master (Mr. Whiteman) and 4 men kill
ed, and 13 wounded. The loss on board the Congress,
was 13 killed, and 26 wounded. The Congress and her
prize were proceeding to the northward, when the Sole
bay eight daysafter hove in fight, and gave them chafe.
The rebel commander, as soon as he perceived the
vessel bearing down upon him was a frigate, very pru
dently made all the fail he could, and escaped. The
Savage being unable to carry fail enough to keep up
with her, in consequence of the damage She had sustain-.
®d, was soon after retaken without any opposition-
Captain Stirling and most of the officers belonging to
the Savage, was on board the Congress.
BALTIMORE, November 20.
A few days ago died at Abingdon, near Alexandria,
Shortly after his return from the feige of York and
Gloucefler JOHN PARKE CUSTSS, Esq ; Rep fora
to his excellency general WASHINGTON. The death
of this amiable and accomplished gentleman, in the
bloom of life, hath involved his relations and numerous
friends in the deepest afflictions
The French troops which afffled in the reduction of
the British army in Virginia, arequartered at Hampton,
York-Town, Gloucefler, Williamsburg, and Newcaflle,
in the above mentioned Rate.
Major general St. Clair, and brigadiers gen. Wayne,
Muhlenberg, and Gift, with about 3000 Pennsylvania,
Virginia, and Maryland troops, lately marched from
the vicinity of York-Town, to join major general
Greene, in S uth Carolina.
On the Bth instant the count de Graffe, with the
fl et under his command, failed from Chesapeake-Bay.
Philadelphia, Nov. 27.
Yesterday Afternoon his Excel
lency the Commander in Chief,
with his Lady, arrived in Town
from Virginia. In the Evening
the Bells were rung, and other
Demonstrations of Joy were shewn
by People of all Ranks.
About the fame Time a Body
of American Forces passed thro'
the City, on their way northward.
We hear that Mr Charles W. Peale will this evening
exhibit, at his house, the corner of Lombard and Third
fireets, sundry TRANSPARENT SCENES, descrip
tive of the glorious events, &C. which have occurred
in the ceurfe of the American revolution. On account
of the late arrival of his Excellency, these pleasing
tokens of the author's fefyed, could not be prepared
last evening.
d^^^^h^ ^W^^^^X^
Mr. R OBINS,
Teacher of the French Language,
BEGS leave to inform the public, that
on Monday, the 26th of November, he propofeg
to open an evening fchooi for the teaching of the French
language, which will begin at fix o'clock.
Mr, Robins hopes that the attention he (halt pay to
the perfecting of his pupils in the various branches of
this universal and elegant language, will entitle him to
the public favour ; and that his pupils will find this a
very agreeable and inftruClve manner of (pending their
evenings. The long experience which he has had in
the education of youth, and his extensive travels will
enable him to teach the young gentlemen a variety of
of other elegant and philosophical amusements.
Mr. Robins has hited a suitable house in Sixth-street,
the second door from the north corner of Market-ftrect,
where he will hold his fchooi. His name is over the
d*cr
Hu exercises will be divided ; half the week in teach
ing the rules of grammar, and trarflatmg French in
to English, and vice versa; with improving conversati
on in the French language^ agreeable to the present
idiom.
Mr. Donnelly,
AT the felicitation of a number of his friends, pro
poses to open School, on toe third of Decern er
next in Grate's Al'ey, near Second ft get, for the in
ftru&jn of a feUa number of young laches, in the
rudiments of Engl fhGr rnmar, Reading, Writing,
Arithmetic, arid B<ok keeping. The hows of atic.,-
dance fiom 9to 12 in the forenoon. He also continues
to teach in private families the after p^rc of the da.
Such as may please to honour h s m with the educati
on of their c,i ! dren, will please to leav. a note for him
at Captain LANG'S, in Market ftrect, or at Mr. BAI
LEY'S printing office, and they (hall be waited upw
immediate!;. Nov. 17.