The Pennsylvania packet, or, The general advertiser — Lancaster, Pa.;Philadelphia, Pa., 1779-02-06 00:00:00, page 3

To thePEOPLE of PENNSYLVANIA.
LETTER I.
Certe id fir minimum longe est imperium, quo obedientei
gaudent. Liv.
^OME renders have a strange propensity to know the
O name, age, feature, temper, profedion, place of abode
and inch like circumrianc^s of an author, before they can
enter upon his productions with any degree of attention
or impartiality. To such I offer the following ' short ac
count of myfelf fpr the prefect. They may be indulged
mother hereafter.'
1 am a Freeman of the State of Pennfylvama, and, as
my feature expresses, chiefly employed in the rural
walked life. I hav^ arrived at an age wti h forbids me
to exped or to covet 'any fliare in the offices of State or
directions of public affairs ; except by advice and exhor
tation. lam not a gi mt in fixture, and do not under
take more than other great authors, to fight every man
who differs from me in fentment. For that reason I bold
it fafe not to use provoking language, nor to insult any
one upon account of his /rivals infirmities', whether real
or supposed.—But where the public is concerned, I hold
with Master Pope that —
Alike, among the Little and the Great,
“ A knave's a knave to me in ev'ry State ,—
And therefore on fubjeffs connected with the general
filicity, I fllall with the utmost decency and cooh^fs call
men and measures by their proper names ; candidly da
ting the reasons of my opinion and the fa^s upon which
it is founded. I dislike angry combatants ; and being
devoted to the interests of the United 'States of America,
and not inattentive to what passes on the great theatre of
pu die affairs,fl have often been led to reflect mournfully
within myfelf. —" How foolifli and contradictory are ail
the arguments of passion and prejudice !—How unfit are
warm partizans who have predetermined important ques
tions, for any future difcufion of them ! How often hath
the sacred cause of liberty fuff'ered, thro' the intemperate
zeal of its profeffed Advocates!" How many amidst the
moO clamorous pretences for the public welfare, are Pek
ing only to secure jsr themf huy that unbounded domi
nions which they would be thought to oppose in others ;
while the univar) too easily (alas! ) follow such seduc
tive leasers. and give their hearts and their hands to
those who talk toudef, anl ad bo'defi.
This has been the case in other countries; and while
there is the leaf danger of the example being , copied in this
it cannot be unfeifonable to exhort againf t it. Our cala
mities are {efficiently grievous without seeking to encreafe
them by needless anipolities, or depriving each other of
the Lift Comfort of the afflicted — The freedom of enquiry
into the causes of our disorders, and raeft probable means
of cure.
When America was compelled by an unjust invasion of
her rights, to take up arms in their defence, the avowed
purpose was the e ftablifhment of our peace, liberty and
fafety upon a permanent foundation. In the courfc of the
contest it became clear arid certain, that no- foundation
fh®rt of absolute Independance, could be permanent.
To secure that foundation, new forms oj gove nment were
to be eftab ilhed mpm the authority of th# people.
The annals cf mankind cannot furnifh an example of so
many States, at an advanced period of their civilization,
knowledge and polity, favoured by providence with an
opportunity of chufing for themselves and their posterity
such frames of government as they might judge befi adop
ted to their circumftfnces and the public happiness.
Privileges were not to be sparingly extorted from the nig
gardly hand of power, but freely draws from the fountain
head ; namely from those who were to be benefitted by
privileges.
It hath indeed been truly ovferved by a celebrated po
litical writer, that where governments are to be formed
in difficult times, efp&ially during wars and invasions,
miliary ideas and the arbitrary control of the people are
too apt to become the leading principles, whereas thetrue
legislature should confider the general interest of a coun
try, whether commercial or warlike, whether already
improved to its extent, or capable of further improve
ment.
For the honor of our neighbouring States in general,
they wifely improved the noble opportunity preferred
them. However much they might judge that indulging
the ambition or prejudices of particular classes of men,
was necessary for a time, they did not for that rea on
found their governments on a narrow bafis,likean inverted
pyramid, which can bear no shock rem wi bout, and must
be overturned by the least ihockfrom within. They conside
red the importance of the great work in which they were
engaged & committed the execution of it to men of appro
ved abilities and temper, chosen by the people at large.
Such men considered themselves as the servants of the pub
lic,and not of a party. Having known and felt the abuses
of power where the lust of dominion and the uncurbed will
ofa/eio lord it over the many, they consulted the good
of the whole. They did not superciliously set themselves
above the wisdom of past ages ; but copying the best mo
dels, carefully balanced the powers of government that
they might controul and be controuled by each other.---
The people finding themselves refpe&ed and reverenced
by such conftitutiohs as well as duly consulted before the
final eftablifliment of them, speedily harmonized under
them, in the well grounded hope of future strength and
happiness.
But in Penafylvania quis /alio fando= —in Penn
sylvania I fay where the wisdom as well as former habits
of the people promised every advantage in framing a liber
al and compleat system of government ; an absurd and
fodlifh doftrinf was too fuccefsfully propagated among the
unthinking many that men of property,however much
they might have at flake, men of experience and know
ledge, however well they might have acquitted them
selves in former trusts; were to be carefully avoided on
that occasion. Altho' it was pretended to found a govern
ment on the foie authority of the people, yet the people in
general were not to be indulged with a voice in the choice
of those who were to be founders. Every bar and impedi
ment was contrived for throwing the election into the
hands of a few. A flranger whose short residence could
scarce have given him the least knowledge ofaur language
and former laws, could obtain preference over a native of
Pennsylvania whose anceftors' had perhaps assisted in
laying the firfl stone of Philadelphia, or in grubbing the
firft garden spot in it's uncultivated environs.
It was in vain that tome men of more prudence and
forefight in the Convention objected to many parts of the ,
proposed Constitution, in every fiageof it's progress.
It was carried as it now appears in heat and in haste. Ne
ceflity, the tyrant's usual plea, was urged for carrying it
into immediate execution, without submitting it to the
difeufion or sovereign fan&ion of the people.
7 he consequence was what might have been expected
and was foretold—a general diffatisfaHion and difanon.
Scarce a twentieth part of the people would countenance
f e constitution, by giving a vote under it at the subse
quent eledion.^ A Sufficient indication that it was repro
bated by an immense majority,and of the few of the people
who did vote, a large proportion made a direct breach
upon it, refufing to take the oath which it enjoined, or to
ele^ Counfellors as it directed. A further breach was
made by the house of Assembly at their firft meeting, in
admission of members who were elected by unqualified vo
ters, and who refufed to qualify themselves agreeable to
the constitution. lam not now contending how far the
plea of necessity will jufiify these breaches, and many o
thers that have been since made. I only contend that if
the servants of the people, and the creatures of the consti
tution can jufiify any breaches of it, under the plea of
tieceffity or public good ; surely it cannot now be so fa-
C'ed as that tbepeopte tbemfelves fhould' be any longer de
nied what they were originally intitled to and solemnly
promised; viz. an opportunity of exercising their sover
eign unalienable right of eftabli fixing, amending or rejec
ting it and fubfiituting a better in its.room ; as they may
judge cenfi Rent with their own happiness.
I cannot but smile at the arguments of yfo little great
ones, who now enjoy the funflline df power, when 1 hear
them talking of the tacreduefs of the conftittition. Our
old constitution by the duration of near a hundred year^
had, certainly contrasted some degree of fanftity in the
esteem of thoufand^, both here and in diflant parts of the
world —
But arguments of this kind were properly rejected,
when it became necessary to reform it; and happy had it
been if only such a refortnation had taken place as would
have reconciled it with our independency § and that while
we were tearing off the lace, we had not proceeded so vi
olently a scarce to leave afored of the old garment. There
is nothing sacred where the public good is in competition;
and if the old Romans, when certain salutary measures
were to be pursued, turned their backs on religion and
law, and shrouded from the fight tie very Images of
their Gons; so likewise as there seems a fore mifehief
lurking in the vitals of our constitution, let us throw a
veil over it for a time, in hopes that it may be unveiled
again with renewed iuftre, in our future concord, happi
ness and strength. There is the more reason for this as I
shall afterwards endeavour to fliew, that most of the brea
ches already made in it are encroachments upon the liber
ty it promised to eftablilh ; and that its principal defers
remain wholly untouched.---But I have said enough by
way of introduction and perhaps more than enough to
awaken the jealousy and raise the clamors of some. The
judgment of candid fellow-citizens I shall ftriCHy rever
ence but Ibefeech all men in office or parties interefled,
wholly to let me alone, and not even to inquire after my
name, left by threatening they ihduld terri'y me; or by
offering me promotion, blind me in the profecutien of
my defign,after the manner ,of some others who once con
demned the constitution much more than I shall do in the
course of these letters.
, AGRICOL A.
PHILADELPHIA, February 6.
Four vessels, with valuable cargoes of Welt-India pro
duce, have lately arrived at Baltimore from Martinico.
In GENERAL ASSEMBLY of PENNSYLVANIA.
Tuesday November 24, 1778.
On motion Resolved, That Mr. Meredith, Mr. Knox,
Mr. Samuel Smith, Mr. Patrick Anderson, Mr. James
Anderson, Mr Edie, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Mark Bird, Mr.
Peter Rhoads, Mr. Davidson, Mr. Dale and Mr. Shields
be a committee of grievances for the ensuing year.
Extras from tbe Minutes,
JOH'N MORRIS, Junior.
Clerk of General Assembly.
The committee of grievances give this public notice that
they will attend at the new committee room in. the state
house at nine o'clock on every Tuesday and Friday mor
ning, during the present session.
In GENERAL ASSEMBLY of PENNSYLVANIA.
Friday February 5, 1779.
On motion Ordered, That this house will on Tuesday
the 16th instant resolve itfelf into a committee of the
whole in order to take into their most serious deliberation
the alarming and pernicious traffick of monopolizers and
foreftallers, and provide effectual measures for the pre
vention es the evils flowing from such illegal and detestable
practices.
Extrafl from tbe Minutess
JOHN MORRIS, Junior,
Clerk of General Assembly.
*b* The length of the pieces figoed A Whig Citizen
and Agricola, has obliged us to omit in this day's paper
many Advertisements, news, &c. which shall be inserted
in our next.
n,HE Managersof the United States Lottery inform the
' Public for their fatisfadion, that the situation of the
Wheels is very favorable for those who may chufe to ad
venture, being this day seventy-six thousand dollars richer
than when the drawing commenc'd, and that not any of
the high prizes, except one of five thousand dollars, are
yet drawn.
The sale of Tickets is continued at the Lottery Office,
from eight to, eleven o'clock in the morning, and from five
to seven o'clock in the evening. Feb. 6.
^^^^^ ^^ dxt)%&±X± &t^c*^^ ^
CA ME to the plantation of the subscriber,
in Tinicnm townftrip, Bucks county, some time
lalt August, a black BULL, with a white face, ear
marked. The owner is desired to come, prove his pro
perty, pay charges and take him away, or he will be
fold to pay the ceft. FRANCIS TITUS.
Philadelphia, February 6, 1774.
TO BE S O L D,'
On Saturday the thirteen th instant, at Six o'clock in the
evening, at the Coffee-houfe,
THE Schooner WOL F, about no tons burthen,
as the now lays at Race-street wharf; with her
Boat, &c. as per inventory to be seen at the Coffee
houfe.
To be SOLD by Publk Vendue,
On Monday the twcnty-ftcond day of this infant, by
the fubfcriber,'
^ VALUABLE Plantation or Tr?& of Land,
containing two hundred arid ninety fix acres, one
hundred and forty whereof are bleared; twelve of which
are good meadow, and as much more may esfil v be
made, the remainder well timbered, with all necessary
improvements thereon; lyin? on the road leading Ircra
the Head of Elk River to Bohemia Manor, intaecil
Country Maryland: The title is indisputable. The
terms will be made known on the day of falely the sub
scriber, living on the premises, who will fliew the land
at any time before the sale.
Feb', z. ANDREW MILLER.
To be SOL D at Public Sale,
At Baltimore, on Tuesday, the twenty-third of Febru
ary instant,
TH E Privateer Brigantine S NAKE, lately from
Martinico. She is a new veflel, and compleatly
sited with fails, rigging, cables, &c. She is built to
carry 14 guns, and has 4 four-plunders and 6 swivels
on board. She is a mod remarkable fift tailer, and
every how calculated for privateering. There is a meft
elegant ffor of new COLOURS to be fold separately
the fame d?y.. For further particulars enquire of Mr.
David Stewart, Merchant, in Baltimore, Captain
Mathewman on board, or John BenezeT i n Phila
delphia,.
To be S O L D or £'£ 2°,~
Ar.d may be entered upon the firft o f April
A VALUABLE PLANTATION it iCharlef-
A town townflyp, Cheder county, containing about
one hundred and thirty acres. Enquire of the Printer.
THE GARD £ Fr?EiDVi? t ^d.
vertifed for sale by Mr. JOHN MEA SE
are now to be fold retail by W ALTER DRUM'
MO ND, in Front street, near the Drawbridge, op'po^
site Robert Morris, Efar's. viz. ° ''
Early York Cabbage,
Early Dutch Turnip,
Large Field Turnip,
Large Scot< h Cabbage,
Siort top Raddilh;
Salmon Raddifh,
Turnip Raddilh,
Cabbage and Cofs Lettuce,
Cillery, Leek, Onion,
Where allo may be had, frefh LIME TUICF bw
the quart or gallon. ,•'
Philadelphia, January 3 0, 1779?
TO BE SOLD, on Saturday the 6th of February,
1 at fix o'clock in the evening, to the highest bidder,
at the Ceffee-hcufe, the brigantine ES S EX, with all
her tackle and apparel, as fbe now lies at Fifhbourne's
Wharf; as per inventory to be seen at the Coffee-houfe.
To be SOLD by Public Vendue,
On Wednesday the seventeenth day of February infh
at Six o'clock in the evening, at the Coffee-houfe,
AL OT of Ground in Kensington, near where the
Hall stood, 'bounding on the river Delaware at
low-w^ter mark, in breadth twenty-seven feet ten inches,
or thereabouts, and back to Queen street, and on said
street in front twenty-two feet; the whole length from
Queea-ftreet to low-water mark is seven hundred and
sixty-eight feet, or thereabouts, and joining a house
and lot of Mr. Wilcocks's. The said lot is clear of
ground-rent.
D RO P P'E D,
Out of a Gentleman's pocket, as he thinks, at the Cofi
see-house, yesterday at noon,
A LARGE red Morocco POCKET-BOOK,
with a silver dafp, containing a quantity of Con
tinental money of the emissions out of circulation, be
sides some other Continental bills, instruments, and
sundry papers of no value to any person but the owner.
A reward of EIGHTY DOLLARS will be
given to any person who will restore it with its contents
to the Printer of this paper.
February 3.
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.
^TR AYED or STOLEN from the subscriber, in
° Meyamenfing Township, about two months ago, a
light bay Mare Colt, upwards of two years old, a white
flip in her forehead, about thirteen and a half hands
high, three quarters blood, a natural trotter, with a
long Twitch tail, and is remarkably genteel. Whoever
takes up and fecuies said colt shall have Twenty Dol
lars reward if strayed, and if stolen the above reward
for colt and thief.
Allo strayed or stolen on the nineteenth of December
last, a dark roan Mare, about fourteen years old, hip
fhot in the near hip, a natural trotter, goes lame, and
has no shoes on. A reward ofTwENTY Dollars, and
reasonable charges, will be given for said Mare, by
Jan. 1 3 . JOHN W RHGH T.
SIXTEEN DOLLARS REWARD.
CTRAYED on Monday tbe eleventh inst. (January)
° from the stable of Abraham Moyer, in New-Provi
dence, a black Mare, with a snip in her face, her near
hind foot white; between fourteen ard fifteen hands
high, trots and canters well, and carries very high.
Said Mare is four years old past. Whoever will bring
said Mare to Abraham Moyer aforefaid, or to the sub
scriber living in Vincent township, Chester county, shall
have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by
JACOB HOFFMAN.