Oracle post — Portsmouth, N.H., 1804-07-31 00:00:00, page 2

« Dea'k loves a brilliant markka single blow—
" .1 blow, which while it executes, alarms—.
" And startles nullions with a single full."
THE funeral of this great man, took place on Sat
nrday last, agreeably to the arrangements made by
the Cincinnati —os published in the last ORACLE.
On a stage erected in the portico of Trinity
Church, Mr. Governeur Morris, having four of
Generals Hamilton's sons, the eldest about sixteen
and the youngest six years of age, with him, rose
—and delivered to the immense concourse in front,
in a pathetic and impressive manner, the following
extemporary.
Funeral Oration :
Fellow-Citizens,
IF on this sad, this solemn occasion, I should en
deavour to move your commiseration, it would be
doing injustice te that sensibility which has been so
generally and so justly manifested. Far from attem
pting to excite your emotions I must try to repress
my own, and yet I fear that instead of the language
of a public speaker, you will here only the lamenta
tions of a bewailing friend. But I will struggle with
my bursting heart to pourtray the Heroic Spirit,
which has flown to the mansions ofbliss.
Students of Columbia—he was in the ardent pur
suit of knowledge in your academic shades, when
the first sound ot the American war called him to.
the field. A young and unprotected volunteer, such
was his zeal and so brilliant his services that we
heard his name before we knew his person—lt seem
ed as if God had called him suddenly into exist
ence, that lie might assist to save a world !
The penetrating eye of Washington soon percei
ved the manly spirit which animated his youthful
bosom. By that excellent judge of men he was se
lected as an Aid and thus he became early acquain
ted with and was a principle actor in the most im
portant scenes of our Revolution.
At the siege of York, he pertinaciously insisted
and he obtained the command of a Forlorn Hope.
He stormed the re doubt ; but let it be recorded that
not one single man of the enemy perished. His gal
lant troops emulating the heroism of tlieir chief
checked the uplifted arm, and spared a foe no lon
ger resisting. Here closed his military career.
Shortly after the war your favour—no, your dis
cernment called him to public office. You sent him
to the convention at Philadelphia ; he there assisted
in forming that constitution which is now the bond
cf our union, the shield of cur defence and the
source of our prosperity. In signing the compact
he exprest liis apprehension that it did not contain
sufficient ineans of strength for its own preserva
tion ; and tliat in consequence we would share the
fate of many other republics and pass th^oughAnar
chy to Despotism. We hoped better things. We
confided in the good sense of the American people ;
and above all we trusted in the protecting Providence
of the Almighty. On this important subject he
never concealed his opinion. He disdained conceal
ment. Knowing the purity of his heart, he bore it
as it were in his hand, exposing to every passenger
its inmost recesses. This generous U discretion
subjected him t^ censure from misrepresentation. His
speculative opinions were treated as deliberate de
signs ; and yet you all know hiw strenuos, how un
remiting were his efforts to establish and to preserve
the constitution. If then, his opinion was wrong,
pardon, O ! pardon that single error, in a life devo
ted to your service.
At the time when our government was organized,
we were without funds, though not witiiout resourc
es. To call them into action, and establish order in
the finances Washington sought for splendid talents,
for extensive information, and above all, he sought
for sterling incorruptible integrity—fill these he
found in Hamilton —The system then adopt
ed has been the subject of much animadversion.
If it be not without a fault, let it lie remembered that
nothing human is perfect: Recollect the circum
stances of the moment ; recollect the conflict of o
'pinion, and above all remember tliat the minister of
a republic must bend to the will of the People.
The administration which Washing on formed was
one of the most efficient, one of the very best, that
any country was ever blest with. And the,result
was a rapid advance in power and prosperity, of
which there is no example in any other age or na
tion. The part which Hamilton bore is universally
known.
His unsuspecting confidence in professions which
he believed to be sincere, led him to trust too much
to the undeserving. This exposed him to misrepre
sentation. He felt himself obliged to resign. The
care of a rising family, and the narrowness of his
fortune, made it a duty to return to his profession
for their support. But though he was compelled to
abandon public life, never, no never, for a moment
did he abandon the public service. He never lost
sight of your interests—l declare to you before that
God in whose presence we are now so especially as
sembled, that in his most private and confidential
conversations, the single objects of discussion and
consideration were your freedom and happiness.
You well remember the state of things which again
called forth Washington from his retreat to lead
your armies. You know that he asked for Hamil
ton to be his Secondin Command. Tiiat venerable
sage well knew the dangerous incidents of a milita
ry profession, and he felt the hand of time pinching
life at its source. It was probable that he would
soon be removed from the scene and that his Second
would succeed to tlie command. He knew by expe
rience the importance of that place—and he tho't
the sword of America might safely be confided to.
the hand which now lies cold in that coffin. Oh!
my fellow citizens, remember this solemn testimoni
al; that he was not ambitious. Yet he was charged
with ambition; and wounded by the imputation,
when he laid down his command, he declared in
tiie proad independence of his soul, that he never
would accept of any office, unless in a foreign war
he should be called on to expose his life in defence of
his country. This determination was immoveable.
It was his fault that his opinions and his resolutions
could not be changed. Knowing his own firm pur
pose, he was indignant at the charge that he sought
for place or power. He was ambitious only for glo
ry, but he was deeply solicitous for you. For him
self he feared nothing, but he feared that bad men
might, by false professions, acquire your confidence
and abuse it to your. ruin.
Brethren of the Cincinnati—There lies our chief!
Let him still be our model. Like him, after long and
faithful public services, let us cheerfully perform the
social duties of private life ! Oh! he was mild and
gentle. In him there was no offence ; no guile.
His generous hand and heart were open to all.
Gentlemen of the Bar—l ou have lost your bright
est ornament. Cherish and imitate his example.
While, like him, with justifiable and with laudable
zeal, you pursue the interests of your clients, re
member like him the eternal principle of justice.
Fellow Citizens —You have long witnessed his pro
fessional conduct, add felt his unrivalled eloquence.
You know how well he performed the duties of a
Citizen —you know that he never courted your fa
vor by adulation or the sacrifice of his own judg
ment. You have seen him contending against you,
and saving your dearat interests, as it were, ^ ,te
of yourselves. And you now feel and enjoy to re
fits resulting from the firm energy of his coh^.
Bear this testimony to the memory of my d^o ^ed
friend. I charge you to protect hisfame—^ \ ^
he has left-all that these poor orphan child,•.• ^til
inherit from their father. Buty my countrymQ unit
Fame may be a rich treasure to you also, i, it
be the test by which to examine those who sricit
your favor. Disregarding professions, view their,
conduct, and on a doubtful occasion, ask ituuld
Hamiit in have done this thing ?
You all know how he perished. On this last
scene, I cannot, I must not dwell. It might excite
emotions too strong for your better judgment. Suf
fer not your indignation to lead to any act which,
might again offend the insulted majesty of the laws.
Onhis part, as from his lips though with my voice ;
for his voice you will hear no more ; let me entreat
you to respect yourselves.
And now ye ministers of the .everlasting God,
perform your'holv office, and commit these ashes of
our departed brother to the bosom of the grave !
After Mr. Morris's address, the corpse was carri
ed into the church-yard, where the usual funeral
service was performed by Bishop Moore, and the
body interred with military lionours.
In the procession we observed col. Barclay, (the
English Consul-General) the French Agent, Spanish
Consul and other foreign agents, the officers ot the
French frigates now in our harbour, and several
other characters of distinction.
The bells of the different churches were muffled
and tolled during the day—and minute guns fired
from the Battery until the corpse was interred.
To the honor of the British and French nations
let it be observed, that the Boston frigate at Sandy
Hook, and the two French frigates in port, had their
yards crossed and their colors hoisted half mast,
and fired minute guns during the morning. All the
shipping in port had tlieir colours hoiste^ifalf hihst.
It deserves also to be mentioned, that the French
Surgeons of the frigates went out to Mr. Bayard's
house, l>efcrc Gen. Hamilton's death, and offered
their services. These affecting marks of attention
will be gratefully received by our fellow-citizens as
evidence how highly the deceased was respected
and esteemed by the French and English officers.
When a great man falls his nation mourns. When
a great man and a political father falls, in the midst
of his days; in his full strength ; in the very vigor of
hisage; at the noontide of his usefulness, liis bereaved
nation suffers deep afflictions. When such a man
falls aside from the ordinary course of nature, cut off
by the hand of violence ; and sent suddenly and pre
maturely to be numbered with the silent dead ; his
tall is yet more deeply and peculiarly bewailed.—
Such a man has fallen in our nation—Such a man
was ALEXANDER HAMILTON—and in such
a manner has he fallen, in the midst ofhis davs,
in his full strength ; in the very vigor ofhis age !
at the noontide of his usefulness ; cut off alas ! In the
hand of violence. The mourning countenance of
every one ; ths anguish of his friends—the tears of
his countrymen, proclaim their sense of his worth
and offer ajust tribute of gratitude to his memory.
To the honor of our character, let it be recorded,
tliat those who entertained unceasing jeaJouw ofhis
superior powers, while living—with honorable feeling
lament him dead. After Washington, (who alone
surpassed him)—After the first of Men and grea
test of Heroes, who has rivalled HAMILTON in
usefulness to our country—in attachment to its in
terests-—in unceasing labour, in the exertion
of the most splendid talents for its welfare ? The
generous and gallant Soldier, the vise and virtu
ous Statesman, the eloquent and accomplished Ora
tor, the ardent and magnanimous Patriot, has fallen
the victim of unyielding honor and inflexible integ
rity.
His memory is embalmed in the esteem and af
fection of his cotemporaries, and will ba enq-ccru
ted by the gratitude of his country to futureJ,s.
The ci izens of Philadelphia,' Southwark, and the
Nothorn I iberties, assembled agreeably to public
notice, for the purpose of adopting proper measures
for. the expression of their grief at the untimely
fate ofltheir deceased fellow citizen, Maj. Gen.
ALEX INDEX HAMILTON; their admiration of
his virtues nd his tments and their gratitude for
tiie enminent services which, as a SOLDIER and
SI \ 1 ISMAIL he has rendered to liis country —
have resolved—To attend their respective places
of worship on Sunday,render prayers ofthanksgixing
to God for having blessed their country witli a man
of his talents, virtues and usefulness—to request the
clergy to expatiate on the same dav on the irreligious
and pernicious practice dueling—To have thelxdls
mu ffl ed throughout the city,and to have them tol
led during the day—To have the shipping display
their flags half-mast high—To wear crape on tlieir
left arms thirty days—and that their Chairman
transmit to the Mayor of New-York their heart-felt
condolence for the loss which the state of New York
and the United States of America have sustained
in the death ofGENERAL HAMILTON.
From the Columbian Centinel.
MORE OF NEGRO VO TES.
I have lately seen in the papers, a great deal of
discussion on the topic of negro slaves at the south
ward ; and my neighbours have frequently inquir
ed my opinion on the subject of their being reckoned
as legal votes.—This has induced me to look a lit
tle into the matter ; and to offer the result of my
inquiries for insertion ; in order ; if incorrect, I may
be set right.
By the census taken in 1800, I find there were the
following numbers of Slaves in the States of the U
nion viz.
In Newhampshire, 8
Rhodeisland, ^9,
Connecticut, , 951'
Newyork, 20,613
Newjersey, 12,422
Pennsylvania, 1,706
Delaware, 6,15.1
Maryland 100,303
Virginia, 345,796
Northcarolina, 133,296
Southcarolina, 146,151
Georgia, 59,699
Kentucky, 40,843
Territories. 6,868
874,779.
Agreeably to the constitution as I understand it,
Representatives and direct taxes are to be appor
tioned among the several States, according to their
respective numbers which shall be determined by
adding to the whole number of FREE persons, in
cluding those bound to service for a term of years,
and excluding Indians not taxed, THREE FIFTHS
of all other persons—meaning Slaves. Now
as Thirty -three thousand Free persons are entitled
to One Representative, it follows that the hol
ders of Fiftyfive thousand slaves, are entitled
from that property also, to chose One Repre
sentative EXTRA. Dividing then the above
total of 874,779, by 55,900, w# shall find, that the
holders of t^ese Negroes send FIFTEEN RtPRE
SENT STIVES to Congress,—and within a' small
fraction oi SIXTEEN. In the choice of Presi
dent and Vice President of United States they also
choose FII PEEN ELECTORS ; and their influence
was felt in the last choice.
In that choice the wliole number of Electors was
133—70 making a choice. Deducting the above 15
negro votes, the whole number would have been
123—-of which 62 would have been a choice.
The votes for President, in the several States,
were
Adams. Jefferson.
Newhampshire, 6 q
Massachusetts, 16 o
Rhodeisland, 4 o
Connecticut, 9 Q
Vermont, 4 . 0
New-York, o 12
New-Jersey, 7 o
Delaware, 3 o
Pennsylvania, 7 g
Maryland, 5 5
Virginia, o 21
Northcarolina, 4 g
Southcarolina, ft g
Georgia, 0 4
Kentucky, 0 4
Tennessee. Q 3
, . 65 73
The Slaves in the States, and proportions c'States
which voted for Mr. Adams, amount to 115,345—
equal to Two Electors, and a small fraction ; but
which does not amount to a proportion of the frac
tion over Fifteen Electors, —Deducting these two
from Mr. Adam's votes, there will be left 63—one
more than a majority.
The Slaves in the States & proportions of States,
which voted for Mr. Jefferson, amount 759,434,
equal to THIRTEEN ELECTORS ; and a large
fraction.—Deducting these from the votes given to
Mr. Jefferson, and his total will be 60 ; two
less than a majority.
I believe these to be facts. They speak loudly.
They proclaim, that JOHN ADAMS, at the last
choice was elected President of the the Uniced States
by the FREEMEN of the United States : And that
notwithstanding this fact,by the Influence of the votes
of slaves, THOMAS JEEFERSON was declar
ed elected President.
4 Let the Freemen of Massachusetts think of these
things ; and let them say, if they ought to be so.
A Massachusetts Farmer.
Essex, June 16 1804.
$
The Language of Democracy.
The public have not forgotten the language
which Duane used on the resignation of Gen.
Washington, " that the event ought to be com
memorated, through the Union as a national Jubilee ;
nor the midnight scenes ofCheethamwas recommend
ed"the assassination of certain Federalists, in the un
suspecting moments of sleep. These things, com
ing from such aliens to principle and humanity, as
well as our conntry, are not surprising ; but that
similar language and similar means should be recom
mended by our countrymen, evinces a degree of
turpitude and malevolence that ought indeed to ex
cite astonishment and awaken alarm. To shew
the force of cur remark the two following articles
are annexed,
The Worcester .Aegis, in speaking of the dissent
of Governor Gilm an to several Resolutions of the
Legislature of Newhampshire, has the following
very extrdtlinary cut-throat remarks :
It is hoped, and confidently expected, that the
respectative Houses of the legislature will conduct
on this occasion, with that propriety, decision and
energy, which become real Republicans—that they
will resist the encroachment of this Northan Ar
thur St. Clair, with becoming firmness. It is
possible should the Governor continue his aggres
sions, that his “ little brief authority," which will
inevitably die a natural 'death in one short year may
be curtailed even to a shorter term—On this sub
ject we would not be explicit. We would merely
hint to Mr. Gilman that the People of New
HAMPSHIRE ARE REPUBLICANS : AND THAT
Republicans will NOT BE INSULTED.
The Chronicle too, that immaculate sheet of
“ Truth" and " Liberty," has at length tore off the
mask and comes'boldly before the public in all its
native deformity. Let any man read the following
extract, which is literally copied from the Chronicle
of Thursday last, and then say what he thinks of
the principles and views of such men as conduct
that paper of which Honestus is the presumtive lea
der.
“ THERE IS NO NATURAL RIGHT THAT
ONE MAN SHOULD HAVE MORE PROPER
TY THAN ANOTHER ; THESE THINGS
ARE MERELY CONVENTIONAL ! ! ! and if
individual States are ageing to erect themselves
into bodies corporate, to demand a mere thorough
equalization of State rights it is high time that in
dividual persons should demand a more just E
QUALIZATION OF PERSONAL CIRCUM
STANCES ! Begin a-new—start fair, and see who
comes out fore-most in the second heat ! !"
— — C+t
It is amusing to see with what industry and per
severance, the editor of the Observatory, and those
of other papers of the same political cast, endeavor
to make the community believe that a large portion
of our fellow citizens are in favor of a monarchy in
this country ; — no less provoking i^ the reflection
that on the minds of the ignorant and deluded these
constant assertions should produce some effect.
These sticklers for liberty and equality are the
same who in France have ridden on the necks of
the people to absolute despotism. Robertspierre
was almost deified for a while, for his loud profes
sions of love to the people, till the views of the ty
rant were unmasked. Bonaparte began his, career
with fraternal embraces and a loud expression of
liis love of the citizens. His success lias been equal
to his utmost wishes, and his ambition lias met its
highest gratification. Heis now seated on a threne,
and his edicts are not headed with the hypocritical
cant words of liberty, equality,fraternity ; but it is
the will of Bonaparte. Such will be the fate of all
nations who listen to the honied words of political
demagogues ; and such we fear will lie eventually
the unhappy fate of this country. It is amusing to
hear the aforementioned editor trumpeting the
praises of Virginia, and libelling almost every high
official character in New England. It is deroga
te the feelings of all of us to hear week after week
that the hot bed of aristocracy is placed in the gar
den of New England ; that monarchical plants are
generated here, alone, in superabundance. Surely
there is some sense in the body of the people ; sure
ly they will not believe evefy thing thus crammed
down their throats. There is surely some reflec
tion left among us. People will not, surely, take
every thing for gospel which comes from the Ob
servatory. Unqualified assertions, without testimo
ny, can meet with no believers. Compare the
characters who hold the first offices in the govern
ment at the Southward, and in the Northern States.
What man, but one who wishes to deceive his fel
low citizens for party purposes, can insinuate, with
out a blush, that the mud, the conciliatory, the patri-
ott Gov. Strong, would wish to found a monarchy'
or the subversion of our present constitution ? Who
but a man of the same 'description, would insinuate
that that uprigh: unci independent magistrate, John|
Taylor Gilman, is actuatedrin his official con
duct except by motives of the purest nature ? Yet
these men, fellow citizens, are stigmatized, till our
cares are stunned with the sound, as being hostile to ^
the republican form of government. They are de
nounced as designing, hypocritical and aristocrati
cal. The people surely cannot believe these things
It would, we should think, raise the ire of our
New-England brethren to have triumphed weekly
the superiority of the Virginian character over
our own. It is certainly not true. There is more
real independent republicanism in the habits of the '
people in one county of New Hampshire, than in all
she slaves of Virginia.'
KEENE, N. H. JULY 7.
THE 28th Anniversary of the Independence of
these States, was publicly noticed in this town on
W ednesday last.—The day was announced as usu
al by the ringing of the bell, music, and discharges
of vollies of musquetry. At 9 o'clock, A. M. the
Millitary Companies, under the command of Cap
tains Chase and Mere alf paraded, and at 11 escorted
a Urge and respectable procession to the Meeting-'
house ; —The exercises were opened in a well adap-•
ted prayer by the Rev. Mr. Hail.—N. Cooke, Esq.
then read the Declaration of Independence ; after
which an Oration was very handsomely pronounced
by Mr. Phinrhas Cooke. Os this performances (
good judges concur witli us in the opinion, that it wa^
dignified and elegant—highly honourable to the
!writer, and no less gratifying to a respectable and
crowded' audience. Next followed the Song, whicli
was sung in a good style by Daniel Adams, Esq.—
The Rev. Mr. Sprague in a +ery judicious prayer, r
,closed the exercises./
j After meeting, a large party of gentlemen retired
:to a " shady bower," fitted up for the occasion, and
' partook of an elegant entertainment provided, by
IMr. Holbrook, when the following toasts were drank
iaccompanied with military and musical honour :
I 1. The Day —While we celebrate our Indepen- I
dence, may we not forget the blood and treasure,
, with which it was won.'
2. The memory of Washington —Whose precepts
and examples gave " ardour to virtue, and confi
dence to truth."
3. 7he Constitution — The bond of our union, and
Palladium of our liberties.
4. The Sage of Quincy —Wisdom his wealth,
and glory his reward. 3 cheers.
5. The People —May they feel that noble and
honest pride, that just regard for native merit,
which will not suffer them to be
" Dictated by aliens, whose projects had fail'd
" In their ous native land, whence they ned from correct
tiop."
6. The President—
" He is ours.
T' administer, to guard, t' adorn the State,'
Bat not to WARP er CHANGE it."
3 cheers.
7. New-Hampshire —Among the first to assert
our Liberty and Independence—may she never for-/
feit that character which she has hitherto justly
sustained by a shameful dereliction of her former
principles, and by becoming subservient to the
views of a “ desperate faction."
8. Governor Gilman—
" We love
“ The chief, who loves the law, respects bis lourt,
" And reigns content within them.' 1
9 cheers.
9. Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufactures.
10. the Militia of the United States. , 4
11. Massachusetts —Our admiration and our
praise. 3 cheers. ~
1 12. Our brethren, prisoners in\Tripoli —May theyi
speedily be released from their captivity so painful ;
to themselves, and so disgraceful to our country.
13. The Navy —Too small even for economy
may it become powerful enough to protect our
Commerce and Navigation.
14. Judge Chase—Who in the worst of times,
when the upright magistrates are no longer res
pected, an object of foul calumny and disgraceful
persecution, dares to render righteous judgment
without fear of impeachment. 4
15. The Clergy —" Lights of the world, and
stars of the human race."
16. Foreign Immigrants —
“ When such o'ercast the state, no bond of love,
“ No heart, no soul, no unity, no nerve, '.
" Combines the loose disjointed public, lost(
“ To fame abroad, to happiness at home."
17. The contending Powers of Europe Ma,
the blessings of peace soon descend and rest upon
them.
18. The Purchase of Louisiana, —" FOLLY
CLAPS HER HANDS, & WISDOM STARES."
<)
The fallowing toast was given the 4th inst. at Fred
erickstown, Maryland.
A plentiful harvest unimpaired by the rains, of a
prosperousgtrade in spite of the new two Sc a half per
cent—home manufactures instead of“ all our Work
shops in Europe" —public credit instead of fajse" e- < 1
conomies," —religion instead of " twenty Geds or
no God," —National character instead of Frenchl
philosophy, and in the place of Virginia influence,the
powers of the constitution and the rights of he U-|
.nion.
— T o..—
BOSTON, JULY 21.1
FROM EUROPE.
ENGLlSHpapers to the 4th of June, have been
received since our last. They afford, however, but
a scanty portion of intelligence.
The English parliament seas still in session. Some
progress had been made on the important andfavor
ite motion of Mr Wilberforce, for the abolition
of the Slave Trade—The example of St. Domingo
is not lost on the English nation, and the phrenzy of
avarice will not much longer impede measures of
prudence.
Mr. Pitt is hurried by the clamour of opposition 1
to produce a perfect plan for the defence of the na
tion, before he has time to learn the ri nation in which
the last Administration has left the kingdom, of the
extent of his present means of operation. On Tues
day June sth, his friends were summoned to attend,
and probably his system of defence was then pro
duced. It must have been almost impossible for the
present Administration to have communicated their
sentiments, much less prepared to act. But they feel
their responsibility, and ambition and patriotism,
seconded by genius, will net exhibit that delay, in
decision, want of energy; and promptitude which
has too long paralized the power of the nation
Defensive and offensive meat ures cannot be separat-<
ed ; and we hope England will ward off an attack
not so much by the attitude of resistance, as the me'-*
nace of her arms, and the extent of her enterprizes (
With respect to the situation ofthe King, it is im
possible to say any thing definite. His health per
mits him to ride, but it is doubtful how far he en
, gages in the (cabinet —Rumour is ever stuffing the
ears of men with false report^.
Mr. Livingston is in England, but it does not aft.
pear that his negotiations extend beyond the cih 1
yuette and business qf a dinner.