The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1779-09-21 00:00:00, page 4

But we are persuaded, and our enemies will find,
that our union is not to end here. They re mistaken
when they suppose us kept together only by a sense of
prefect danger. It is a fad which they only will dis
pute, that the people of these Gates were never so cor
dially united as at this day. By having been obliged to
mix with each other, former prejudices have vorn off,
and their several manners become blended. A sense of
common permanent interest, mutual affedion (having
been brethren in affliction,) the ties of consanguinity
d^ily extending, constant reciprocity of good offices,
Similarity in language, in governments, and therefore
in manners, the importance, weight and fylendor of
the union, all conspire in forming a flrong chain of
connexion, which mufi for ever bind us together. The
United Provinces of the Netherlands and the United
Cantons of Switzerland became free and independent un
der circumstances very like ours; their independence
has been long eftablilhed, and yet their confederacies
continue in full vigor. What reason can be assigned
why our union should be less lading ? or why Should
the people of these Gates be supposed less wife than the
inhabitants of those? You are not uninformed that a
plan for a perpetual confederation has been prepared
and that twelve of the thirteen Gates have already ac
ceded to it. But enough has been said to Shew that for
every purpose of the present war, and all things inci
dent to it, there does at present exist a perfect solemn
confederation, and therefore that the Rates now are
and always will be in political capacity to redeem their
bills, pay their debts, and fettle their accounts.
3d. Whether, admitting the ability and political ca
pacity of the United States to redeem their bills, there
is any reason to apprehend a wanton violation of the
public faith?
It is with great regret and reluctance that we can pre
vail upon ourselves to take the least notice of a question
which involves in it a doubt so injurious to the honour
and dignity of America.
The enemy, aware that the Grength of America lay
in the union of her citizens, and the wisdom and integrity
of those to whom they committed the direction of their
affairs, have taken unwearied pains todifunite and alarm
the people, to depreciate the abilities and virtue of their
rulers, and to impair the confidence reposed in them by
their constituents. To this end repeated attempts have
been made to draw an absurd and fanciful line of dif
tindion between the Congress and the People, and to
create an opinion and a belief that their interests and
tadcr this headthree things ire to be attended to :
ift. Whether and in what manner the faith of the
United States has been pledged for the redemption of
their bills. -
zd. Whether they have put themselves in a political
capacity to redeem them,---and
?d. Whether, admitting the two former propositions,
there is any reason to apprehend a wanton violation of
the public faith.
ift. It mud be evident to every man who reads the
journals of Congress or looks at the face of one of their
bills, that Congtefs have pledged the faith of their'con-
Gituehts for the redemption of them. And it mull be
equally evident, not only that they had authority to
do so, but that th. ir conftituehts have actually ratifi
ed their afts, by receiving their bills, passing laws esta
blishing their currency, and punching those who coun
terfeit them. So that it may with truth be said that
the people have pledged tiheir faith for the redemption of
them not only collectively by their representatives, but
individually. -
id. Whether the United States have put tbemfelves
in a political capacity to redeem their bills, is a quefti
oa which calls for more full difcuflion.
Our enemies, ?s well foreign as domestic, have labour
ed to raise doubts on this head. They argue that the
confederation of the Gates remains yet to be perfected ;
that the union may be d ffolved, Congress be abolished,
and each Hate resuming its delegated powers proceed
in future to hold and <xercife all the rights of sove
reignty appertaining to an independent state. In such
an event, fay they, the continental bills of credit, cre
ated and supported by the union, would die with it. This
position being affufnecl, they next proceed to assert this
event to be probable, and in proof of it urge our divi
sions, our parties, our separate interests, diftin& man
ners, former prejudices, and many other arguments
equally plausible and equally fallacious. Examine this
matter.
For every purpose essential to the defence of these
Rates in the progress of the prefect war, and necessary
to the attainment of the objects of it, these Gates now
are as fully, legally and absolutely confederated, as it
is potable for them to be. Read the credentials of the
different delegates who composed the Congress in 1774,
1775, and part of 1776. You will find that they efta
blilh an union for the express purpose of opposing the op
preffionsof Britain and obtaining redress of grievances.
On the 4th of July 1776, your Representatives in Con
gress, perceiving that nothing less than unconditional
submission would fatisfy our enemies, did in the name of
the people of the Thirteen United Colonies declare them
to be free and independent Gates, and “ for the SUP
" PORT of that declaration, with a firm reliance
" on the protection of Divine Providence, did mutual
“ ly pledge to each other their LIVES, their FOR
“ TUNES and their SACRED HONOUR."
Was ever confederation more formal, more solemn or ex
plicit? It has been expressly assented to and ratified
by every Gate in the union.--Accordingly, for the direct
SUPPORT of this declaration, that is for the sup
port of the independence of these Gates, armies have
been railed, and bills of credit emitted and leans made
to pay and supply them- The redemption therefore
of these bills, the payment of these debts, and the
fetttement of the accounts of the several Gates for ex
penditures or services far the common benefit and in
This common cause, are among the objeds of this con
federation; and consequently while all or any of its ob
je&s remain unattained, it cannot, so far as it may
refped such objefts, be dissolved, consistent with the
laws of God or Man.
PHILADELPHIA: Printed and Sold by JOHN DUNLAP, in Market-street.
It has been already observed that in order to prevent
the Further natural depreciation of our bills we have re
folded to stop the press, and to call upon you for Sup
plies by loans and taxes. You are in capacity to afford
them, and are bound by the Grongeft ties to do it. Leave
us not therefore without Supplies, nor let in that flood
of evils which would follow from such a negled. It
would be an event most grateful to our enemies, and
depend upon it they will redouble their artifices and
industry to compass it. Be therefore upon your guard,
and examine well the policy of every measure and the
evidence of every report that may be proposed or men
tioned to you before you adopt tne one or believe the
other. Recoiled that it is the price of the liberty, the
peace and the Safety of yourselves and posterity, that
now is required —that peace, liberty and Safety, for the
attainment and Security of which you have so often and
so solemnly declared your readiness to facrifice your
lives and fortunes. The war, tho' drawing faft to a Suc
cessful issue, Still rages. Disdain to leave the whole busi
ness of your defence to your Ally. Be mindful that the
brignteit profpeas may be clouded, and that prudence
bids us be prepared for every event. Provide therefore
for continuing your armies in the field till victory and
peace shall lead them home, and avoid the reproach
of permitting the currency to depreciate in your hands,
when by yielding a part to taxes and loans, the whole
might have been appreciated and preserved. Humanity
as well as jultice makes this demand upon you, the
complaints of ruined widows, and the cries of fatherlefs
children, whose whole Support has been placed in your
hands and melted away, have doubtless reached you—
take care that they ascend no higher. Rouse therefore*
strive who Shall do most for his country; rekindle that
flame of patriotism which at the mention of disgrace and
slavery blazed throughout America, and animated all
her citizens.^Determine to finifh the contest as you be-
' a " 'l' '° ne ™y an d glorioufly.--.Let it never be said
that America had no Sooner become independent than
She became insolvent, or that her infant glories and
growing fame were obfeured and tarnished by broken
contrads and violated faith, in the very hour whon all
the nations of the earth were admiring and almost ador
ing the Splendor of her rising.
By the unanimous Order of Congress,
JOHN JAY, President.
Philadelphia, Sept. 13, 1779.
We should pay an ill compliment to the understand
ing and honour of every true American, were we to
adduce many arguments to shew the bafeuefs or bad
policy of violating our national faith, or*omitting to
pursue the measures necessary to preserve it. A bank
rupt faithlefs republic would be a novelty in the politi
cal world, and appear among reputable nations, like a
common prostitute among chaste and refpedable matrons.
The pride of America revolts from the idea ; her citi
zens know for what purposes these emissions were made,
and have repeatedly plighted their faith for the re
demption of them ; they are to be found in every man's
possession, and every man is interested in their being re
deemed; they mud therefore entertain a high opinion
0 American credulity, who suppose the people capable
of believing. 011 due reflection, that all America will,
against the faith, the honor and the intereG of all Ame
rica, be ever prevailed upon to countenance, support
or permit so ruinous, so disgraceful a measure. We are
convinced that the efforts and arts of our enemies will
not be wanting to draw us into thisfoumiliating and con
temptible situation. Impelled by malice, and the sug
gestions of chagrin and disappointment, at not being
able to bend our necks to their yoke, they willendeavour
to force or seduce us to commit this unpardonable fin,
in order to subject us to the punishment due to it, and
that we may thenceforth be a reproach and a by-word
among the nations. Apprized of these consequences,
knowing the value of nation! character, and impressed
with a due sense of the immutable laws of iuftice and
honour, it is impossible that America should think with
out horror of such an execrable deed.
If then neither our ability or inclination to difeharge
the public debt, are justly queltionable, let our conduct
correspond with this confidence, and let us refeue our
credit from its present imputations. - Had the attention
of America to this objed been unremitted, had taxes
been seasonably imposed and collefted, had proper
loans been made, had laws been puffed and executed for
punishing those who maliciously endeavoured to injure
the public credit :had these and many other things equal
ly necelQry been done, and had our currency, notwith-
Gandingall these efforts, declined to its present degree
of depreciation, our case would indeed have been de.
piorable. But as these exertions have not been made,
we may yet experience the good effects which natur
ally refuit from them. Our former negligences there
fore should now animate us with hope, and teach us
not to drfpair of removing by vigilance and applica
tion the evilswhich supineness and inattention have pro
duced.
views werediff&rent apd opposed. Hence the ridiculous
tales, the inviduous insinuations, and the whimfieal fuf
pipions that have been forged and propagated by dis
guised emissaries and traitors in the garb of patriots.
Hence has proceeded the notable discovery that as the
Congress made the money they also can deGroy it; and
that it will exist no longer than they find it convenient
to permit it. It is not surprising that in a free country,
where the tongues and pens of such people are and must
be licensed, such political herefles should be inculcated
and diffused, but it is really astonishing that themind of
a single virtuous citizen in America should be influenced
by them. It certainly cannot be necessary to remind
you that your representatives here are chosen from
among yourselves ; that you are or ought to be ac
quainted with their several characters ; that they are
sent here to (peak your sentiments, and that it is constant
ly in your power to remove such as do not. You surely
Are convinced that it is no more in their power to anni
hilate your money than your independence, and that
any aft of theirs for either of those purposes would be
null and void.
WANTED to PURCHASE,
A NEGRO WENCH acquainted with cooking
and house-work; also a NEGRO MAN or
BOY for family purpoGs, taking care of horses, &c.
Enquire of CHARLES YOUNG, the corner of
Lombard and Third-ftreeti, Philadelphia.
TO BE SO L D,
A NEGRO WENCH with her child ; the child
n is fifteen months old, and a girl. Likewise two
BOY S, one ten years old and the oth r five, both
have had the Small pox and measles. Enquire of RO
BERT SMITH, in Southwark, near Mr. Thomas
Fenrofe's. or at his Sail-loft on Hamilton's wharf, ix
Two Hundred Dollars Reward.
¥X7 A.S STOLEN from the Subscriber, living in
VV Montgomery townfbip, Philadelphia county, in
the night of the Seventh inst. (September) two likely
HORSES, one a brown bay, four years old, about
fifteen hands high, paces and trots well, a Small white
on his near hind foot, no brand or ear mark that can
be remembered, no flioes on. The other a bright bay,
about fourteen hands high, seven or eight years old, a
large star in his forehead, branded on the near buttock
thus, A R S, has a remarkable fliort tail, good courage,
paces, trots and carries well, lately Shod before. Who
ever Secures said horses and the thief, so that the owner
may have his horses and the thief be brought to justice,
fliall receive the above reward, or Fifty Dollars for
each horse, and all reasonable charges if brought home,
paid by JOHN NAYLOR.
Wilmington, September 11, 177,.
H EREAS William Wallace put
▼ • Some Goods on board a (hallop at Philadelphia,
consigned and marked for the fubferiber, in order to
elude the resolutions of the Committees, and the said
Wallace, after delivering the said Goods to another
person, disappeared. This is therefore to caution all
perlons against taking such liberties with my chara&er
in future, as I never have nor (hall give countenance to
such proceedings.
P. HACKET, A. Com. of Issues.
POCKET and SHEET ALMANACKS
for the year 1780, are likewise Sold at the fubfcribrrs,
elegantly engraved on copper, having a curious likeness
of His Excellency General Washington. Also a great
variety of Childrens Banks, P^per Hangings, &c.
THOMAS NEVELL,
THOMAS BEDWELL,
JOHN NORMAN.
WILLIAM TRICKETT,
Stationer and Book-Binder,
Next door to the CofFee-houfe, in Front-street,
HA S made up a large assortment of Ledgers, Jour
nals and Day-books of various sizes, bound in the
Grongelt and neatest manner. He fells all forts of
Writing Paper of the best quality, and Dutch Cartridge
Paper, with all forts of Stationary Ware, wholesale and
retail.
He gives the Highest Price for CLEAN LINEN
RAGS and OLD SAILS.
N. B. CHARTS of the Delaware Bay and River,
corrected from the best lurveys.
COFFIN FURNITURE,
MADE and SOLD by the fubferibers in Front
ftreet, between Market and Arch Greets,
Philadelphia.
PERSONS wanting large quantities are requested
to give timely notice, as materials are very Scarce.
The belt prices given by them for block tin, pewter
and lead.
To be SOLD by Public Vendue,
On the the 24'h inst. (September) at Chefnut Neck,
Egg-Harbour,
THE SCHOONER SLY, feing a priv^eef
compkatly fitted for fez, a remarkable faft Sailer,
and now ready to proceed on her cruise. Inventory to
be Seen at the time of Sale.
ALL perlons who are in any wife interested in the
Schooner SL Y, or her prizes, are requested then to
give their attendance, in order to fettle their accounts
and receive their dividend.
MICAJAH SMITH.
One Hundred Dollars Reward.
Si RAYED or STOLEN from the Commons
of Philadelphia, on the Sth day of July last, a bay
HORSE, fourteen hands high, about eight er nine
years old, a natural pacer, no mark but a saddle mark,
the near hind hoof smaller than the other, and has the
spavin. Whoever takes up said horse and brings him to
the fubferiber in Sixth Greet, near Arch Greet, Phila
delphia, (hall have Thirty Dollars reward, and for the
horse and thief the above reward, and reasonable charges,
P ai d by PHILIP GRUMMELL.
Coefler Canty, ff.
NOTICE is hereby givan to those who
have Suffered by the inroads and depredations of
the enemy, That an Appeal will he held in the borough
of Chaffer on the nit instant; at Dlworth's Tavein, in
the township of Birmingham, on the 2zd ; and at Ker
im's Tavern, in the townihip of Eatt-Whiteland, on
the 23d instant ; in order to make such allowances out
of the Lift year's State and Q_ota Taxes as the circum
stances may permit.
SKETCHLEV MORTON, 7
DAVID CLOYD, , Commissioners.
ANDREW BOYD,)
Sept. 8, 1779.