The Pennsylvania gazette — Philadelphia, Pa., 1776-10-30 00:00:00, page 2

* Mr. James Cannon, a learned, sensible and difmterejl
ed Patriot.
+ They quite forget Dr. Franklin and David Rittenhoufe,
A. At. were in Convention. 'Tis true they remember Colonel
Mailack, but only to inform the true proprietors of dominion
(the rich) that the felloe is an iffart and docs dot keep a
■ chariot.
plaint of the lead omiflion of any thing requisite to ren
der that important body a full representative of the
4whole people. They were sent to frame and eftablilh a
Constitution, without any inftrudtion to wait a moment
longer than it was finished —the necessity of the State
called for that expedition, as we too evidently find by
the violent sedition already stirred up arriongft us—they
perfected their work in so masterly a manner, that the
idolaters of power have lifted it as Satan did St. Peter,
to find flaws in it to expose it to contempt and detesta
tion ; and at last their masterly penetration ' found out it
must be a vile thing, because a certain Schoolmaster *
had a principal hand in forming it. If such critics had
been a little better schooled, they would perhaps have
said, with Alexander the Great, that they owed more
to Aristotle further educati m, than Philip for their de
feent to the heirfhip of a kingdom, f lam well inform
ed that in their firft secret cabal, one proposed attacking
•the Constitution on the 'religious quarter; a more con
feientiqus gentleman, as nemo repente ft turpiffimus, ob
jected and said he thought it abominable to bring religion
into political debates; and was for his part of opinion,
that creeds had nothing to do in civil constitutions; but
that he was answered the people could not be moved
otherwise, and the necessity of the case carried the que
flion. But here a feene opens upon us too black for de
scription, too base for imagination, and too detestable to
escape the execration of future ages, who shall be inform
ed that billets were handed about to persons through
out all parts of the city, who were judged proper fub
jeds to work upon ; carefully passing by those who were
a little better acquainted with proceedings of this nature,
than to be expected to swallow the artful mess which was
, In THE DAY cf Adversity consider.
Eccles.
Oppo^ ' -as;. \e regained by repentance.
HAD oui & ix.>.Liens enemies been guided either by
conference or common ,\kfcnce,~ they hid paid
feme Adchtion to the divine motto which heads this es
say. They would have considered and given their fellow
citizens time to confider the inconceivable danger they
ate plunging them into, by endeavouring to prejudice
them against the constitution of their country. But, fay
they, there was no timeto be loft. There are force such
defeats in the constitution as render it impossible for a
man of sense to bear it one hour.
I have soberly asked those gentlemen, how they know
this constitution is so very deficient ? They tell me every
cue fays fi% nobody likes it, the whole body of the peo
ple, whigs and tories, exclaim against it in all parts of A
merica, I answer that is no strange thing. Minorca was
in a like uproar at the trial by juries being offered to the
Inhabitants, and even the virtuous and sagacious citizens
of Philadelphia are endeavouring to render it impractica
ble in Admiralty cases, notwithstanding it is an institu
tion of their late idolized Aflembly. Copernicus's sy
stem convulsed the world, and nearly cost Galellio his life.
It cost him his honour, which brave men count much
dearer than life. Consideration might have brought the
Minorquins to reason. The bulk of mankind now ad
mires Galellio. All I would argue from this is, that the
clamour which is falfely said to be universal against our
frame of government might be nearly so, and yet the
frame as perfect as human nature could make it. —
Tate and Brady's psalms differ nothing essentially from
the old version, but in superiority of stile and metre ; yet
who is ignorant of the heats and animosities that elegant
aid to divine worship occasioned? Had the public tran
quility, fafety and happiness been the tingle object of their
politics, they would not have disgraced so noble a cause
with meer rout and clamour.
It is well remembered that no people were more for
/Calm and dispassionate measures, while the powers and
increating profits of government were within their reach,
and they had a profpea of estates for life in the funfliine
of royal and proprietary favour; but now, alas 1 their
moderation has quite defected them, they will not be go
verned by,leather aprons; places, bv this tyrannic, this
intolerable constitution, are rendered entirely dependent
on the people, who hate to pay much money for little
service. Betides, by a very convenient indulgence in our
old mode of proceeding, in favour of which many of us are
much prejudiced, an entrprizing man might be a Delegate
in the Continental Cungrefs, a Member of General As
sembly, and hold nearly as many executive offices as he
pleased. Now a 'fudge of Admiralty must entirely give
up the privilege of prescribing rules for his own conduct,
or relinquijb bis pod. This Separation of legislative 'and
executive power, and the amazing precautions taken to
prevent the inveteration of power, are the really obnoxi
ous articles in the constitution, and neither the Catho
licism of the creed, nor ftri&nefs of the oath of allegi
ance; which, by-the way, is the most rational and un
exceptionable that ever was offered to mankind. “ But
alas! we are disunited fay the honest, unthinking people,
and our wife and good men tell us, that if we do but
dispense with the oath of qualification, which must bar
the gentry, whose whole fouls are bent upon the preju
dice, injury and final overthrow of our free constitution,
omit the election of a counfellor, and inftrud the assem
bly to amend the constitution till we all like it, we shall
agree quietly.”
For God's fake, gentlemen, confider a moment what
you are about ! Is an oath that bars an inveterate enemy
who would enter a garrison on purpose to throw open its
gates to the besiegers a tyrannic, cruel and urireafonable
t'ing? Did not the law, which excluded Germans resi
dent in Pennsylvania for many years, and every man below
the value of Fifty Pounds in clear estate, bear as hard
upon the honest friends of our country as could be ? and
yet this was never complained of, but wished to be con
tiiftied by these wonderful sticklers for free election. For
my own part I care not how free our future elections may
be, provided the persons we ele& be not impowered to
subvert our legal freedom when elected.
The Constitution has ever been understood to be the
charter or com,ad of the whole people, and the LIMI
TATION of 'all legislative and executive powers. The peo
ple at large by their delegates are the only proper makers
and amenders of such compacts, and whatever man or
body men goes about to alter, add or take ae,va, from a
Constitution tluis formed, by any other means than the
consent of the community at large, is guilty of high trea
son against the State, and justly liable to the punishments
by law eftabliihed for the fame.
Our Convention was delegated in so fair a manner,
that even from our enemies we have never heard a com-
cooked up to inflame their passions, and mislead their
judgments, to the deftrudion of their own, and the
peace, liberty, and happiness of poflerity. It is very re
markable that gentlemen who came to impeach the Con
vention for tyranny, in imposing declarations of cur at
tachment to the government, could not suppose them
fclves ready to proceed on their business till they had
actually fubferibed a tantamount declaration. After
this their grand conductor, or as Orator Puff repeats
ad naufeum, their leader, proposes for their coofider
ation, “ That the late Convention was called for the
express purpose of forming a new government in this
State, on the authority of the people only, with power
also to appoint Delegates in Congress, and a Council of
Safety." As this was a truth unquestioned by all men it
was judged a good entering wedge for all that followed;
for few, betides the Lycurgus of the Delaware State, would
have conceived it implied a condition that any reftri&ion
of their commission, and confeqUent censure of their con
duct, was implied by that resolve. However, having got
that down, the second was proposed, viz. “ That the said
Convention assumed and exercised powers with which
(.hey were not intruded by the people." This bold asser
tion might well have intitled the cool, the moderate man,
LONDO N, July 24.
A new plan is said to be on foot for extending the
trade with Ituffia, in consequence of the defect in our
Colonies. This trade will chiefly be carried- on to the
port of Archangel.
Extract ts a letter from Captain Richards^ of the Lifoon
packet, arrived at Falmouth, from Lifoon, to the Pof
Maflers General.
" My Lords,
“ Saturday, June 15, received two mails from Mr.
Bell for the Duke of York Packet, and failed for Lisbon,
in company with the Anna Theresa, and Eagle packets;
T uefday, June 25, arrived at Lisbon, with the Eagle
packet in company, and off the bar saw a fleet of French
men of war, confiding of fix fail of the line, two fri
gates, two sloops, a brig, and two cutters; the 29th
arrived fix fail of Spanish men of war in the Tagus. On
Monday, the Bth of July afterwards, we failed in %m
At the Tuesday meeting, understanding that the absur
dity of 'wearing to support a government that 'fhould be
made' by ar Afiembly they should inftruft for the purpose
was too glaring, they expunged that article, and did not
put it to vote.
The large and refpedable meeting, of between two
and three hundred persons convened for the patriotic
purpose of overthrowing the constitution, then resolved
that their judicious befolutions should be affectionately re
commended to their fellow-citizens in every part of the
State of Pennsylvania, and some persons were accordingly
dispatched with them.
How clear these Ambassadors will steer of ' kingly' and
' proprietary' votaries in their present tour is not quite
evident to persons who observe a wonderful foftnefs of
disposition lately, where there was heretofore the most
profound contempt on one fide, and as , hearty resent
ment on the other.
Nothing less than dementition, cr a total inattention to
the probable copfeguences of so dangerous a measure,
could ever have led h number of honest and worthy men
to patronize so pernicious an experiment. Could they
confider a moment the behaviour of cur common enemies
on the'becafion, they could not fail to draw inftrudion
from it. They know well the consequences of fuffering
the legislature to amend constitutions. They have seen the
effects of it, in the several changes of the condition of
the people in Europe. A little reading would inform us
that the slavery and misery of every State that ever loft
its liberty was the consequence of people's negligence in
this very point. A point of more importance than all the
words in my power will ever be able to communicate.
To conclude, fellow-citizens, be advised by a person
who can have no interest in deceiving you, to hold faft
your constitution as the sure hope of your'political salva
tion. Tis time enough to have it amended when expe
rience and cool reflexion on all the arguments that can
be offered for and against it can ripen your judgments for
so weighty an affair. At present vou are fenftble theop
pofers of your free government have mightily and very
rudely troubled the waters, and if you do not find they
aim to fifh advantages to themselves out of the public
disquiet, never again give credit to. # -
CONSIDERATION.;
the friend to peace, liberty and lawful government, to
expert force evidence in support of so daring a charge
against the majesty of the whole people in their unque
stioned reprefeutative. The constitution was demanded
to be brought forth and read, and the instances in it
pointed out, which could ground the allegation. But all
in vain, and when the mighty introducer of the resolu
tions harangued the people on the cruel designs of their
Delegates, the burden of his song rested on their remain
ing at case in Philadelphia, while he was rifquing his life
on the found of Staten -Bland. He indeed said they had
exceeded their power in.many things. Col. Matlack,
though greatly indisposed was fired at so wretched an
attempt to render men odious for doing what they must
have Been the mod criminal traitors to the common
wealth had they neglected. He read over a lift of the
extra articles they had aded upon, and at the end of each
asked the people was that wrong, cruel or oppressive?
They answered in the negative, or were silent to all.
The primier orator then said the gentlemen on the other
fide might spare themselves the labour of vindicating those
articled, as' he bad no reference to any thing without the
constitution. On this Dr. Y—g observed that he should
feel f>rthe present Assembly in a too fenftble a manner, if
they should be induced to resolve, that the most impor
tant body that ever convened on the affairs of this State
exceeded their powers in the instance wherein they had
no limitation. Noise, clamour and vague declamation,
ended the debate on the second resolution, and the que
flion being put, was decided in the affirmative.
After so clear a demonstration of popular infatuation,
the last mentioned gentleman spoke but little more, and
did not appear on the next morning, to which the meet
ing was adjourned.
On the fourth article, “ That the said constitution un
necessarily deviates from all rcfemblance to the former
government of tin's State, to which the people have been
accudomed, Messrs. M —k and C —n observed that in a
government founded on charters from two sovereigns, it
was hard to find many articles which could serve as copies
for feclions of a constitution framed on the authority of
the people only. 'And that too many members of the
Convention had a most just and inveterate abhorrence to
that wretched jumble of regal and proprietary domination
to wish to rake into it for any materials they needed.
However the people who composed that meeting palled
the resolution, as they did every one that was read to
them, without the lead alteration.
Advices from the south weflern Frontiers.
On Thursday, the 26th of September, a soldier be
longing to Capt. Gilmore's company was killed and scalp
ed near the main camp of our army. About the fame
time one of the inhabitants was killed, and another taken
prisoner.—On Sunday the 29th our spies came in and in
formed, that they had difeovered the tracks of a larger,
party of the enemy making towards the fettlements
upon which, that very fame evening, Col. Chrifian went
in quest of them with about 500 men, who after march
ing part of the night, and most of the next dav,°fouiy.
that the enemy had tacked about suddenly, and made off
towards their towns.—On Tuesday and' Thursday, thb
ift and 3d instant, our whole army, confiding of about
2000 men, healthy, well equipped, and in high spirits
crossed the river, together with the pack-horses and bul
locks; and Col. Cbriftian expected to be at Brqad River
111 8 or io days, within 40 miles of the enemy's towns,
where he had information they intended to fight him.-f
Advice had been received, that General Rutherford
with the North- Carolina troops, had penetrated as far as
the Cherokee middle fettlemcnts; arid thhtThe favag&
were flying precipitately before him. ?
P R OVIDE NC E, O&ober 12.
Captain Arthur Crawford, of this Place, has taken
and sent into a fafe port a ship frpm.London, bound for
Quebec, laden with blankets, woolen .cloths, Irish linens,
fheefcing, dowlas, shoes, dockings, boots, brandy, port
wine, bottled porter, cheese, &c. Her cargoe, when she
failed, was estimated at 15,c001, sterling. "He has like
wise taken two Jamaica fliips.
1 uefday last arrived From a cruize t.ie florip,Providence,
Cjpt. Jones, in the service of th'e,United Stater. During
her cruize die took 13 prizes, mod of them fifhermen, ,6
of which she burnt or funk, after taking out the Lands',
and ordered the others to:different ports.
Capt. Coffin, in the Favourite privateer, of this port,
has taken a ship from Jamaica, bound for London, laden
with sugar, rum, limes, &c. She is arrived in a fafe
port.
NEWPORT, Gaoler r 4.
A Gentleman who left Boston la£ Thursday informs,
that 5 prize ships were in fight, coming into that harbohr.
when he came away.
The ship loaded with 3000 quintals ,of fiffi, taken to
Capt. Jones in the Continental (loop Providence, is fafe
arrived at a certain port. ........
pany with the Spanish fleet, which confined of three fail
of the line, one frigate, and two hoops; in the evening
law lorn fail more of Spanish ships of war going in, three
fail of the line, and one frigate; the French fleet failed
to the northward.
“On the 4 th of July, his Most Faithful Majesty of
Portugal issued a decree, prohibiting all ships and vessels
belonging to Britilh America entering into any ports of
the dominions of Portugal, and in %fe they should ar
rive, prohibiting any of his fubje&s from giving them
any fuccour, but immediately turning them out of the
ports; and for thole in the ports, immediately after eight
days from the above date; and in case of disobedience,
all such ships or vessels are to be confifeattd to the use and
benefit of the public works; and in case of departure, a
ftrift charge is,given to the outward Confulada to search
them, that they do not carry with them any implements
of war. “ lam, my Lords,
" Your Lordfllips obedient,
" Humble Servant,
Falmouth, July 20. John Richards."
Iwo battah ons'from the foot and a considerable draft
from the royal regiment of artillery are ordered out, we
h °^' ^ ^ iuforce the ^ arrif ° ns of Gibraltar and Minorca,
r r accounts from the Mediterranean fay, that tan
Enghfh squadron of five men of war and two frigates was
shortly expected there. The reason assigned is, on ac
count of several of the vessels with the Mediterranean
pafles having been boarded and plundered by some of the
corldirs belonging to the States of Barbary.
T™' Howe, it is said, has sent home for two bomb
vends , to be sent after him as soon as possible.
„ %''^ 24 ° r This morning arrived Cantain Sheal in
tnq liree Sifters from Lisbon, in 15 days, who fays, that
about tour or live day , before he parted, a vessel had ar
rived there from Philadelphia in 14 days, and had brought
1 -me of the Philadelphia prints. Captain Sheal fays he
read therein, among others, a Resolution of the General
Congiets ligned " John Hancock," ordering and di
redmg that Ins Majesty's name should be erased cut of
all and every public instruments, records, deeds, &c. and
that no refpeft whatsoever mould be observed to any
perlon deriving or claiming by or under his Majesty's go
vernment, &c. . '°
Dublin, %., 29. We hear that inftrudions from the
Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of Great-Britain
"^ e '' "" ' a " Packet, for the condemnation of
all American ships and merchandize, that may be taken
°Y ""P,°! war ° r privateer, and brought into any
port of this kingdom, and confifcatipg the fame as lawful
prizes for the use of the captors. It is not doubted but
th<rt many spirited merchants will fit out cruizers, to en
rich themselves at the expence of our rebellious fubjeds,
notwithftanaing the prevailing factious disposition df too
many in Ireland, who seem to wish success to the arms of
their ti ans Atlantic friends. We also hear that, in ex
pecmtion of this event, the free citizens, and other pa
tiiotic societies in Dublin, are railing hibfcrhhions for
the use of filch American crews as shall be confined in
the g®ais of this kingdom, as they happen to be brought
WIL LIA MS BU RG, October rB.
It was iaft 1 uefday resolved in the House of Delegates,
that hx new battalions of infantry lie raised and employ
ed in the Continental service, upon the terms and ac
coi cing to the requisition of the General Congress, and
that provision be made for completing the nine'battalions
formerly raised, and extending the additional bounty to
such of them as shall be willing to enlist on the like
?,' a bill is ordered to be brought in pursuant
to the said resolution.
The following bills are now depending in the House,
viz. J bill to enable tenants in taille. to convey their lands i^
fee sole; read the second time. A bill "declaring /laves
to be personal efate. A bill for the naturalization ~of fo
reigners; read the second time. And, A bill for the"re
moyal of the feat of government; for the difeuffien of
whicn, a general call of the House is ordered the iith
of next month.
. A small Baltimore privateer has taken, and brought
into a fare port, a Jamaica-mah of 200 tons burthen; her
cargo, 260 hogsheads of rum, 150 hogiheads of sugar
and a quantity of coffee.
Thursday evening, as Mr. Robert Norris, and
Mr. Henry Duke, were crossing James river, on their re
turn from a sale in Isle of Wight county, by a sudden
Squall their boat overfet, when they unfortunately perish
ed, with two negro men.