The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1779-02-27 00:00:00, page 2

tion to those who have a value for it. And altho' inch prcs
dudiohs may off nd individuals, yet they are not with
out use to society, in like manner as the blasts of winter
tho' keen are wholesome. We may further deduce from
it the filacy or rather falfity of what was once a favorite
position among you, that people did not dare to utter
their Sentiments,. neither is it unworthy of your attention
tuat the various attacks upon Congress have not drawn
the lead notice from that body. From hence it is to be
concluded that they have a well founded confidence in
themselves, for did the fhaft flick, it wouldmake the bo
dy fore. And nothing is truer than this, that little minds
are more refentful than great ones, and truth more resen
ted than falfehopd. From some acquaintance and good in
formation I will venture to add, that the present Con
gress considered in the double view of abilities and integ
rity is at lead as refpedable as any which hath yet been
assembled. Let it not be concluded from this, that I con
ceive the individuals of that body to be of a Superior na
ture. They like other men are fubjef to passions, pre
judices, weaknesses and the influence of the elements, and
since the Deity chose one Judas among twelve disciples,
it cannot be wondered at if among a much greater number
some few mould be charged with peculiar pravity. But
this by no means militates against the general observa
tion. . .
For what regards the dispute between the Executive
Council of this State and Congress it is, as far as your
views may be served by it, the most trifling of all trifling
tilings. Stimulated by a laudable zeal to difeover public
abuses, their suspicions were turned on one to whose ga
lantry America is much indebted. Greatness and weak
ness are sometimes nearly allied. That spirit which car
ried him in triumph over the fields ofhonor, induced a
^ant of refpe& for Magistrates to whom he did not deem
himfelf accountable. Charity bids us believe that con
feioas innocence inspired an elevation which he would not
have felt under the pressure of guilt. Perhaps also it was
regard to the privileges of his brother soldiers which re
jected submission to other than a military tribunal, when
his conduct as an officer was arraigned. These and many
other reasons doubtiefs suggested themselves to the Coun
cil, and had they been at liberty to obey those dispassion
ate sentiments which embellish their high office, his re
fufal might perhaps have been disregarded. But on the
one hand attachment to the interests of America, and on
the other divisions in their Rate and doubts about their
authority, which naturally rendered them more jealous
of it than those to whom dignity and power are familia
rized. these motives would not permit a moment delay in
pursuing the interests and vindicating the majesty of the
people. Perhaps there may have been some little person
alities concerned, tho' the reverence which is due to the
Supreme Executive ofan independent State, opposes the
idea. But be this as it may, Congress seems to have view
ed the matter somewhat differently from the State. Con
scious of possessing the love and refpe& of their country
men in arms as well as of others, they were not open to
angry impressions, which indeed are of little use either in
public or private life. Affection also for an army which
hath served them so faithfully, so generously, might raise
some prejudice in favor of it's members; as an indulgent
parent Smiles at the petulant vivacity of a favorite child.
Tley did not therefore catch therefentments of the Coun
cil, and tho' determined to support the authority of a
State, they were not eager to blemish the reputation of a
worthy soldier. The Council probably influenced by good
reasons which they will undoubtedly declare at a proper
time, came to certain resolutions which they have publish
ed and transmitted to the fev< ral States. But this little
feveriih ebullition, and the ridicule which many have at
tested to cast upon it, can do no good to you. The As
sembly of Pennsylvania which by their constitution is of
real importance, a&s in perfect harmony with the Con
gress. And depend upon it, whatever your leaders may
flatter you with, the Whigs of Pennsylvania will hot en
gage in any dispute with the representative body of Ame
ric°i to the prejudice either of the acknowledged rights of
that body, or of the privileges of those brave citizens
who have drawn their swords in the cause of Freedom.
And even if any such dispute Should exist, can you sup
pose, that in case of necessity, the President of that State
would hesitate a moment to head his militia? That he
would not instantly take the field with his wonted alacri
ty ? That he would not fight under the banners of Ame
rica with his former zeal ? Those who know him know
better. It would be equally absurd for you to suppose that
the Council are disposed to promote public divisions, in
order ta favor the negociations of the enemy. Do not
dwell on the mysteriousness in Doctor Berkenhout's af
fair. It is nothing new that an artful man Should impose
upon the unfufpicious. Honesty and knowledge are ve
ry different things, and of the two the former isthe most
amiable..
As little ground have you for hope in the depreciation
of the Continental money. You know that this is in a
great degree to be attributed to the arts of interested men
whole effortsto acquire it Shew their conviction of it's va
lue. I know it hath been a fafhionable dodrine, that af
ter the emissions Should amount to a certain sum, the bub
ble, asthe purafe was, would burst. But the absurdity of
this to men acquainted with human nature was evident.
The reasons are needless, became we may appeal to expe
rience to Shew whether there is the leaf! danger of this
To fay there are divisions in Congress is only faying in
other words that it is a popular Assembly. Different views
of the fame fubjed naturally lead men to differ in Senti
ments. Ferfonai connections excite personal emotions,
and the conflict of such emotions sometimes produces per
sonal altercation. The heats inevitable on such occasions
Seldom evaporate within the walls of one house, but ftimu
-Ihe to bitter observations easily credited,becaufe they flat
ter a felf- importance which is uneasy at any kind of Su
periority. Perhaps you will ask how it happens that such
things did not exist formerly? They did ; but the pub
lic dingers and distresses taught men to keep more Secret
those things which they readily divulge in an hour of grea
ter security. The appearance of such divisions therefore
in personal matters are Striking marks of national pros
perity, and you will find, that however the members of
Congress raay disagree about who Shall be in and who
shall be out, they will be firmly united in refuting to ac
cept the independance Great-Britain is about to offer, and
insist on a clear, explicit and pointed acknowledgment
of it in the most extensive sense previous to any treaty
whatsoever.
event. When two emissions were called in, and every me
thod, consistent with justice and good faith, taken to flop
their circulation'; those who had principally contributed
to depreciate the money were the very persons who con
tinued to receive the vicious emissions. For as soon as it
became a question, whether they Should lose not the va
lue, but merely the use of so much money, they made e
very effort to uphold the credit of it. A few days ago,
when a report prevailed ofthe arrivals of some favorable
intelligence from Europe, such of you as are in this city
cannot but remember the rapid fall of every article, Specie
not excepted. Herne the deduction is clear that the mo
ney issued by Congress is intrinsically worth what they
contend, but is depreciated by the quantity in some de
gree, and more by the arts of engroffers. Take the fa
miliar proposition, that a country will easily bear taxation
to the amount of some given part of the circulating me
dium, suppose a tenth, tho' in faCt one fifth may be railed
among a free people, and you will fee that, let the paper
medium be increased to any degree, it may be funk in a
Short period.
Not pretending to great knowledge of national Secrets,
and little desirous of communicating whatever of this kind
it hath fallen to my lot to know, I Shall reason with you
on these things as I have reasoned for myfelf, and I trust
the event will verify my conclusions. And firft I confider
it to be manifestly the interest of every Court in Europe
to fofter our independence because it is in effeCt the divid
ing a great empire, whose power was formidable^ and
whose insolence was insupportable.
Begining with Russia; iron, potash and such other
commodities as that country produces in common with
this, will now have equal advantages at the London mark
et, because no bounties will in future be granted by Par
liament to the produce of these States. Sailcloth and the
other articles produced there and consumed here will come
hither directly from thence, and in direct return they will
take our rice and tobacco, the commercial advantages of
which are evident, not to mention the increase of naval
force they may expert from it. Add to these solid rea
sons of national interest the personal character of the Em
press. This is firongly marked by benevolence and the
love of that fame which results from contributing to the
happiness of mankind, a disposition evidenced by giving
to her Subjects all the liberty they are at prefect capable
of. These considerations will naturally lead you to the
answer filled with disdain which She gave to a propose of
the British Ambassador requeuing her troops to Subdue
us. "My glory Shall never be ta'rnifhed by the infamy
" of oppressing those who only contend for freedom and
" juftice.' 'They will also account for her refufal to ac
cede to subsequent propositions from our enemies the most
difgraceful te them as well as apparently advantageous to
her.
The spirit of the State reasons abovementioned applies
generallyall the Northern Courts, and it must be observ
ed that the lesser will be very cautious how they contra
vene the views of the greater. As to Denmark her im
becility is the best possible reason why She Should not fide
with the weaker party, especially when She nolds the lit
tle of her Weft -India possessions as a tenant at will to the
maritime powers.
Sweden, the faithful ally of France, if She acts at all,
will certainly take part in our favour, and with twenty
Ships of the line ready at a moment's warning, is in capa
city to afford us no inconsiderable aid.
France is already at war with Great-Britain for Ame
rican Independence; and those who know the connection
between the Courts of Versailles and Madrid, their en
mity to that of St. James's, and their national interests,
cannot but perceive that Spain will soon be joined in this
Contest, unless it be terminated agreeably to our wiflies.
Hence then it is evident, either that we Shall immedi
ately conclude a Safe and honorable peace, or that Great-
Britain must carry on the war alone, and unsupported
against France, Spain and America, in which case the
two former will give every aid in their power, to our
trade and finances, so that on the whole no well founded
doubt can exist, that the Continental currency will rife
greatly in its value, and that the independence and fafe
ty of America will be established on the firmeft founda
tion.
Convinced as you must be of these things, what ought
your conduct to be ? You cannot pretend to plead consci
ence on this occasion, because the success ©four measures
being apparent, it is on your own principl.s the will of
God, to which you are confeientieufly bound to conform.
If you oppose your countrymen you may indeed incourage
the enemy, and thereby lengthen out the conteft,in which
case you yourselves Shall determine, whether you will not
in some degree be answerable for the consequences. You
have seen enough of war to wish a termination of it. You
have sense enough to perceive that you can live happily
usder those governments which you wished in vain to
prevent. You ought to fear that if the enemy perform
their threats of wafting our country, your persons may
become obnoxious to the vengeance of your fellow-citi
zens, and your estates be applied to compensate the ra
vages committed on theirs. Take then the Counsel which
I again declare to you is dictated by humanity. I with
Sincerely the happiness of all mankind. I wish sincerely
the prosperity and glory of the United States. And as
Sincerely I wish for peace. May Heaven grant it to us,
to you and to all.
AN AMERICAN.
Prussia and Austria, equally desirous of becoming ma
ritime powers, equally desirous to obtain for that purpofa
a Share of the American commerce, and actually at war
with each other, will neither of them be willing to fend
force against America. Nor will the Smaller German
Powers dare to weaken their dominions, by the loss of a
Single soldier, whilst the Emperor and King of Prussia are
armed in motion, and in capacity to swallow them up.
Of the United Netherlands and Italy nothing need be
said, unless that at least a Arid neutrality may be de
pended on from them ; the reasons of which are too ob
vious.
On Thursday last the petition of this city, expressing
difipprobation of the measures recommended by the Ge
neral Assembly for taking the sense of the people on the
calling of a Convention, Signed by eight hundred and se
venty-seven freemen, was delivered by a Committee to
Robert Morris, Esquire, Member for the city, to be by
him predated ta the House,
PHILADELPHIA, February 27.
Be it enabled, and it is hereby enacted, by the Repre
sentatives of the Freemen of the commonwealth of Penn
sylvania in General Assembly met, and by the authority
of the fame. That from and after the publication of this aft,
if it Shall appear to any Justice of the Peace of this Rate ore
the oath or affirmation of any Constable or other credible
person, which the Said Justice is hereby empowered and
required to admipifler, that there is caufc to fufyed that
any difliller or other person or persons is or are diflilling
or causing to be diflilled Whiskey or other Spirits from
any wheat, rye, or any other fort of gr in, or from any
Hual, malt or flour, contrary to the true i atent and mean
ing of the said a&, it Shall and may be lawful, and the
said Justice is hereby empowered and required, to issue his
warrant, authorising the Conflable of the township or dif
triH where the offender dwells, taking to his assistance
such and so many persons as he may think necessary, to
enter in the day time, and, if necessity requires, to break
open the door of any fill house or other places where such
unlawful pradiees are fufpeGed to be carried en as afore
faid, to difeover, and enable the said Constable or other
person to bring to due punishment, such offender.
And whereas no provisions are made in the said ad to
prevent grain from being carried out of this state, and as
laws prohibiting distilling have not been paffe.l in the ad
joining States, thegeod people of this ftatefuffer all theincon
venienc.es without reaping the full advantages of thefaid ad.
Be it therefore enafeed by the authority aforefaid, That
if any person or persons whatsoever, Shall, from and after
the publication of this a&, export or carry, or cause to be
exported or carried out of this date, any wheat, rye, bar
ley or any other fort of grain, or any meal or malt, or
Shall knowingly buy or fell or cause to be bought or fold
any wheat, rye, barley or any other fort of grain, or any
meal or malt for the purpefe and intent of oeing exported
or carried out of this ftate,which grain, meal, flour or malt
fliall be accordingly exported or carried out of the fame,
(except for the use of the United States) every such per
son or persons so offending, upon coniiftion thereofin the
Court of General Quarter Seffi®ns of the Peace for the city
or county where such offence is committed, Shall for every
such offence forfeit and pay the Sum of pounds,
and also incur a forfeiture of all such wheat, rye, barlev or
other grain, or meal, flour or malt so exported or carried
out of this state or bought or fold with that intent as afore
faid, to be afeertained and assessed by the jury by whom
the cause Shall be tried, which said forfeiture Shall be col
lected by the refpeftive Sheriffs of the city or county where
such forfeiture arises, and the said Sheriff Shall transmit one
moiety thereof to the treasurer of this state to be disposed
of by the General Assembly, and shall pay the other moie
ty to the Constable or other person or persons informing
against the offender.
Monday February zzd, 1779.
^ The bill intitled " A Supplement to an Aft intitled
" An Aft to prohibit for a limited time the making of
" Whiskey and other Spirits from wheat, rye or any other
" fort of grain, or from any meal or flour," being read
a second time, and considered by paragraphs, was thereup
on ordered to be tranferibed for a third reading,and print
ed in the mean time for public consideration.
Extract from the minutes,
JOHN MORRIS, Junior,
Clerk of the General Assembly.
A SUPPLEMENT f ? An Aa intitled "An Ad t®
" prohibit for a limited time, the making of Whiskey and
" other spirits from avbeat, rye or any other fort of grain,
" or from any meal or four."
WHE REAS nothing but necessity and a convic
tion that the welfare and fafety of the public can
not otherwise be Secured and promoted, will juftify the
legislature of a State, in making laws impowering the ex
ecutive officers of the state to break open the doors of the
houses or out houses of any of the citizens thereof in any
case whatsoever ;
And whereas a faered regard to the liberties of the good
people of this state, and a belief that public virtue alone
would be a Sufficiently Prong motive to induce them to
Submit to the Said law, which necessity and the public good
made absolutely necessary, prevented the legislature of
this state at the passing thereof, from euafting a clause in
the fame to empower the Constables of the refpeffive town
fliips or diftrids in this state, to break open the ftill-houfee
of such as Should offend against the said a& of A ffembly.
And whereas many persons minding only their own pri
vate gain, lucre and progt, and regardless of the Sufferings
of their fellow citizens, have in defiance and contempt of
the said aft continued to make, extract and diftilWhifkey
and other Spirits contrary to the true intent|and meaning of
the fame; and by keeping their flill-hcufe doors Shut have
Screened themselves from the penalties infixed by the Said
aft on such as areguilty of such unlawful practices. For
remedy whereof,
And be it further enafted by the authority aforefaid,
That if any person or persons has or have been or Shall be
indicted ®r presented for distilling Whiskey frem grain,
meal or malt so mashed, on proof thereof as aforefaid, it
Shall and may be lawful for the Attorney General to enter
a noli profequi on every such indictment or presentment
an the defendants paying the fees thereon.
In GENERAL ASSEMBLY @f Penn fylvania,
And whereas it is set forth in the petition of several of
the Inhabitants of Cumberland County, that by reason of
the Short time between the enacting the said law and its ta
king effect, many persons, especially in the more remote
parts of the state, not having had notice ®f the fame, had
mashed several quantities of grain before the relpeaive
days on which the said law took effect, by which it was
rendered unfit for any other use, and therefore they had
distilled it afterwards; but have Since paid a due obedience
to the said law; and praying the aid of the legislature for
their relief.
Be it therefore enaded by the authority aforefaid, That
no person or persons whatsoever within this state Shall in
cur, forfeit @r pay any fine or penalty for or by reason of
distilling or extracting any Whiskey or other spirits from
any grain,meal or malt which was bona fide malhed before
the respective days on which the said aft became in force
and took effect, any thing in the said aft to the contrary
thereof in any wife notwithstanding.
Provided always nevertheless, that where any Whiskey
has been diflilled after the expiration of day,
after the said refpe&ivedays, the proof that the grain, meal
or malt from which such Whiskey was difiilled,was mash
ed as aforefaid before the said days Shall lie on the party
distilling the fame. ''