The Kentucke gazette (Lexington [Ky.]), 1788-10-18 00:00:00

KENTUCKE GAZETTE,
S A T U R D A Y, OCTOBER 18. 1788.
LEXINGTON: Printed by JOHN BRADFORD at his OFFICE in Main Street, where Subscriptions, Advertisements, &c. for this paper, are thankfully received, and PRINTING in its different branches done with Care and Expedition.
WANTS A SCHOOL.
A SINGLE MAN who can be well recommended to Teach Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Book keeping; Also Geometry, Trigonometry and Algebra, after the most concise and expeditious methods extant. He will engage in a private family or compact neighbourhood; He would also engage as a Deputy in the Surveying business, he being well conversant in the practice of that branch. Gentlemen who would wish to employ him in Surveying may be well assured to have their lands regularly run, and will return accurate plots with their content after the the most modern methods of projection and Calculation. A few lines directed to Col Patterson or the Printer will be duly attended to by Lexington Oct. 8, 1788. C. BOLLING.
Mr Bollings solution of the question concerning a Settlement and Preemption, published in our paper No.
Let y = the breadth of the Settlement.
3y = the length thereof.
3yy = 64000 \quad 4000 \times 160 = 640000
y = \sqrt{64000} = 146.05 \text{ poles} = \text{breadth of}
Settlement X 3 = 438.15 = \text{an length of Settlement}
y = 146.05 Now let the distance from the
lines be x  ab = ac ge gh = ik = mn = no = np ,
Then ax and 2x \times 3y = 00 = Ab the length
of the Preemption X by x gives 2xx + 3yx X 2 gives
4xx + 6yx the content of the two Parallelograms
Ab and Mc, Thus 4x  y then y X x X 2 = 2yx content of
Parallelogram M and N which added to 4xx + 6yx
will be 4xx + 8xy = to the content of the Preemption
= 64000 poles = z from whence we have the following Equation.
4xx + 8xy = z = 64000 a Quadratic Equation
of first form,
xx + 2xy = \frac{z}{4}
xx + 2xy + yy = \frac{z}{4}  yy a compleat Square.
\pm y = \sqrt{\frac{z}{4} - xx}
x = \sqrt{\frac{z}{4} - yy} = 101.6 \text{ Poles, the length of the line required.}
Calculus.
z = 160000 \div 4 = 40000
yy = 146.05 \times 146.05
2133.6025
z - 4yy = 6133.6025
\text{Square root of } 6133.6025
= 247.65 - y = 101.6 \text{ poles}
A general Rule or Theorem in words for all such questions.
To one fourth part of the poles in the preemption add the square of the breadth of the settlement, out of the sum extract the square root, from that root deduct the breadth of the settlement. the remainder is the length of the line required.
THREE hundred acres of land for sale on the east fork of Hickman, about eight miles from Lexington, equal to any in the district. There is about forty acres cleared, about sixty under a very good fence, very well watered, a good barn and other good cabbins, and a small peach orchard. For terms apply to the subscriber living near the place.
WALTER CARR.
WANTED TO HIRE FOR 12 MONTHS SIX able negroe men, to be employed in the neighbourhood of Lexington, for which Cash will be given: Enquire of the Printer.
MR. John Whitledge departed this life on Saturday the 11th Inst. after a tedious illness much lamented by an affectionate wife and children. He was a tender Husband, an affectionate father, a good neighbour and an honest man. He declared to his friends his assurance of redemption, and cheerfully resigned himself into the hands of Providence.
MR. PRINTER, 30 PERMIT a man in my humble style and station to address the public through your press, although I may not be methodical, I shall affect some facts and make some observations that may be worth attending to.
At the supreme court in November 1784, Col. Benjamin Logan called together at Danville a large number of the Inhabitants from all parts of this District who were attending there on business, and informed them that he had lately been to the Cherokee Nation to enquire about certain hostilities, that had lately been committed on this Country; and from the information he gave of the hostilities that had been done, and the then hostile intention of the Savages, it was thought necessary immediately to carry an expedition against them. The meeting adjourned till the next day, when a large number met to devise ways and means for carrying on the said expedition; But finding there was no law to call out the Militia or procure provisions, they were obliged to decline it.
Alarmed at this situation, every one present saw the absolute necessity of calling together the wisdom of the District in a general Council to take into consideration the then state of our detached and distressed Country: and they directed that every Captains company should elect a man for that purpose.
This was the first Convention, which met in Danville in December 1784: and after ten days deliberation resolved that the District laboured under many inconveniences which might be redressed by applying to the Legislative of Virginia; and many others which from our local situation could never be redressed till this District should become a Separate Government: which several grievances they enumerated. Poplicola is mistaken in supposing this Convention determined on the expedience of a Separate State; a motion was made to that purpose, but it was not seconded.
The Convention then dissolved themselves, and directed an election for a new Convention; and recommended it to the good people of the District seriously to consider whether it would be proper to apply for a Separation.
This new Convention met in May 1785, and after about ten days deliberation resolved (I think unanimously) that a Separation was necessary. But as we had no press in the Country, and fearing the good people in general had not sufficient notice, and would not be fully satisfied with the measure, they resolved to publish their resolutions in writing as well as they could at the Court-houses and elsewhere; and ordered a new Election, recommending it to the people (as before) seriously to consider of the expediency of the measure proposed.
A third Convention elected agreeable to this resolution met in August 1785, and were nearly the same members as before; who unanimously resolved that it was the interest of the District to become a Separate State; and petitioned the Assembly of Virginia to pass an Act for that purpose.
The Assembly did pass an Act for our Separation, in which it was declared on what terms we might obtain it provided the people of the District would accept of the terms offered; and this Law directed a convention to be chosen to meet in September 1786 to determine the matter; but this Convention was prevented from meeting at that time by two expeditions then going against the Savages. They met however early in 1787 and by a majority of more than three to one agreed
to the proposals made in the Act of Assembly for our Separation
A member of the Convention for Mercer County had (with the assistance of a friend of his fabricated, and with much industry and privacy had circulated a petition to which he got about 70 subscribers, which petition he slyly stole away with and presented to the Assembly at Richmond. This petition was inaneuously fraught with much injurious falsehood, both against the members elected, and the manner of conducting the elections in the District; which, together with this Gentleman's industry among the members of the Assembly in the October Session 1786, gained such credit as to make them really doubt that our leading men were designing, and had petitioned for a separation contrary to the general wish of the people: and the Assembly, (ever attentive to, and desirous to promote our interests) were induced to pass a Law for electing another Convention to meet in September 1787, to determine the said question. This Gentleman arrived at Danville with this new Act, just as the Convention had determined in favor of a Separation, and perceiving that the conduct which had occasioned it was much reprobated, and knowing himself to be suspected; HE, struck with the disingenuity of such proceedings, declared in Convention "That he had no hand in the matter, but merely to be the bearer of the petition at the particular request of his constituents." The Convention, not knowing where to lay the blame, and fearing their proceedings might be thought illegal or unjustifiable, broke up and proceeded no further.
A fifth Convention (elected under this new law) met in September 1787 and unanimously agreed to a Separation on the terms proposed, and addressed Congress on the occasion: who acceded (so far as they thought they had any power) to the measure, resolved unanimously that it was right, and recommended it to the District to pursue such measures as might effect it.
The Acts for a separation provided that (in case the Congress agreed to the terms then proposed,) that Convention should order another to be elected for the purpose of carrying the said new Government into effect, which they accordingly ordered.
This sixth Convention met in July 1788 for the above purpose, but finding that Congress had only consented to our Separation but had not ratified the compact entered into betwixt this District and Virginia because previous to this nine states had acceded to the new Federal Constitution, and it was improper to pass the Act of ratification at that time; they concluded it would be proper to order a new Convention to be chosen, and leave the whole matter again with the people at large; and recommended that we should vest this new Convention with full powers to effect this wished for Separation and admission into the Federal Union, and to form a Constitution for the new Government when obtained -- or to take such other steps as on mature deliberation will in their opinion best promote the interest of the District: This measure was adopted by the unanimous voice of the Convention, and I think a very prudent one.
I was much surprised to find in your fourth number that some body (in the dark) hath cried out REBELLION! TREASON! And desired a publication of the Treason law. If that man's heart and conscience is as pure and honest as the intentions of the late Convention appears to me to have been: he might rest in quiet himself, and need not take so much pains to alarm his neighbours.
We have elected six Conventions without giving them any particular instructions -- they have (at their own expence) attended closely to their business at all times and deliberated coolly. They have always been vested with full powers to do what they thought would promote our interest; and as they have uniformly conducted so as to do honor to themselves and give general satisfaction to their constituents, I think it highly proper to elect a seventh vested with the same powers, and without any particular instructions.
Handwritten notes in the right margin: 16 + 2bx + 16 m + 66 20 236 + 24.400 500 22.36 42

But if the popular opinion must be taken on any important political question, I hope there will be one column to set down such opinions as mine, which is this Viz. "I am not able to decide with propriety on any momentous question till I hear the arguments both for and against it: therefore I shall vote for the most discreet and trust worthy men in my County, if they do well for themselves they will do well for all; and the opinion of the whole Convention shall be my opinion, and I will abide by and support it." If we were generally to take this method I think we should do well; for if we were even to take a wrong step, we might wheel about and get right. But if the common people, without any (or perhaps with a very partial) representation of the state of things, must be called on to decide on knotty and intricate points of State policy—a man with half a grain of sense (even the simple Cornplanter) may see that unanimity is not to be expected in any public measure whatever.
I will now say a few words in behalf of our bleeding, helpless defenceless, frontiers, and the poor Militia who have so long defended them: the first calls for our pity: the last, our justice.
Our battles have been hitherto fought and our frontiers defended by the poor Militia, the most of whom have little or no property, who often furnished their own provisions, and have never yet received a shilling for their services.
The reason formerly given for not executing the revenue law in Kentucky was, that it would draw money from this District into the treasury of Virginia: but now the land tax cannot be collected without a new Act of Assembly, and the other taxes payable within the District would be scarcely sufficient to pay for Militia services which ought to be performed for our defence, this law is still neglected; and the poor Soldier is still ordered by his officer (who is also perhaps his landlord) to leave his growing crop to be destroyed for want of tillage and perform a month's tour on the frontiers; which if he fails to do, he is dragged before a court martial, where if he can plead no other excuse than his poverty, his numerous family of children, the exorbitant rent of fifteen bushels of corn per acre which he annually pays, and the inutility of his always fighting with wages—he is condemned to pay a heavy fine. Thus the nose of the poor has been held to the grind-stone of oppression in this District ever since I became a resident which is about six years. I would ask the fictions Cornplanter (who I presume never planted or plowed an acre of corn in his life) who it seems hath lately travelled from Richmond to Boston to find out complaints and distresses, and hath since travelled from New-Jersey to Birds Town, to answer me this one question to wit In what part of your travels have you found the laws so partially executed, in favour of the rich, and oppressing the poor, as in the District of Kentucky?
The Militia have hitherto born this oppression with uncommon fortitude; they have been led by their richer neighbours to believe that the execution of the revenue law would militate against their interest; but since the law was passed for paying their wages out of the revenue of the District, they see otherwise, and wish to have that law, as well as the Militia law put in execution. Of late many of the Militia have absolutely refused to go on duty, and still will refuse, till they see a better prospect of being paid; and as their excuse is just no man of reason will blame them—if noncompliance with the law was ever excusable, it must be so in the Kentucky Militia.
Suppose the savages were now to attack us as they have formerly done, what would be our situation? Our bravest veterans ground down to desperation by oppression, and our men of property too fat, lazy and cowardly to fight, our circumstance would be truly deplorable.
If the revenue should be still neglected, the defence of our frontiers will still be neglected of course. Numbers of our backsettlers will be murdered and plundered, and the rest will be obliged to break up and move in, which will be a greater hurt to the District than the payment of a small tax. I hope our gentlemen and men of property will all join as one man and insist on the immediate enforcing the revenue law. Let us open our purses freely to pay the deserving Soldier who fights and bleeds to save us. Let us no longer withhold the deserved pittance from their needy hands. It is a great crime to keep back the wages of the poor.
I hope our Magistrates and revenue officers will no longer look upon themselves as LEGISLATORS, and suspend the execution of this law (as they have done) because they do not like it. I would not wish to offend the gentlemen; yet I must observe that their oath and duty directs them to execute the law whether they like it or not—Thousands of our distressed Inhabitants are suffering, and must still suffer till this law is executed: and I think every
man ought to be deemed an enemy to his country who shall dare to say it ought any longer to be neglected.
I shall conclude with an address to (the next Convention if we should have one, if not) to the Assembly of Virginia.
Gentlemen,
The foregoing piece, relative to the state of the revenue and defence of Kentucky is notorious and incontrovertible truth; and as you are the proper guardians of our bleeding helpless frontiers—it is humbly submitted to your SERIOUS CONSIDERATION by A FARMER.
Sir,
Please to print in your next paper, the remarks (you published in a hand-bill at my request) submitted to the consideration of the inhabitants of Fayette county as materials, if approved by them, for framing instructions to their Delegates at the approaching election.
I am sir, your &c.
GEORGE MUTER.
Mr Bradford.
Oct 15, 1788.
The following remarks are submitted to the consideration of the Inhabitants of the county of Fayette, as materials, if approved of by them, for framing instructions to their Delegates at the approaching election.
FORMING a constitution of Government, and organizing the same; before the consent of the Legislature of Virginia for that purpose is first obtained, will be directly contrary to the letter, and spirit of the Act of Assembly (lately published in Mr. Bradford's paper) entitled an act for punishing certain offences, and vesting the Governor with certain powers; which declares, "That every person or persons who shall erect or establish any government separate from, or independent of the government of Virginia within the limits thereof, unless by act of the Legislature for that purpose first obtained, or shall execute any office under such usurped government shall be guilty of high treason."
The third section of the fourth article of the Federal constitution (which has been adopted by Virginia) expressly declares, That, "No new State shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any other State: nor any State be formed or erected by the junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned, as well as of the Congress."
Therefore the consent of Virginia to the separation, must be first obtained, agreeable to the above cited Section, to afford to Kentucky any prospect of being admitted a member of the Federal union.
In the tenth section of the first article of the Federal constitution it is declared that "No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confederation;" of course it must follow, that no part of a state can enter into any such treaty, alliance, or confederation.
The resolution of the late convention, if adopted by the people, might fairly be construed to give authority to the next to treat with Spain, to obtain the navigation of the Mississippi; if they should think such a measure conducive to that purpose. When it must plainly appear by the before recited section, that any other application than to the Assembly of Virginia, and to the Congress of the United States, must be contrary to the Federal Constitution.
It is therefore submitted to the consideration of the inhabitants of this County, whether it may not be necessary in the instructions to the Delegates, to direct them.
Not to agree to the forming a Constitution, and form of Government, and organizing the same, till the consent of the Legislature of Virginia, for that purpose is first obtained.
Not to agree, to make any application whatever to obtain the navigation of the Mississippi, other than to the Legislature of Virginia, and to the Congress of the United States.
To draw up, and forward to the Assembly of Virginia a memorial, requesting them to alter their acts, for the separation of this District from Virginia, that the same may be brought before the Congress of the United States, in the manner directed by the Federal constitution. And to request them to authorize the Convention, by law, to form a constitution and form of government, and organize the same. Or direct a new Convention to be chosen, to continue in office a reasonable time, and to be vested with these powers.
To forward to the Assembly of Virginia (and the Congress of the United States, if they judge it pro-
per and necessary) a decent and manly memorial requesting that such measures may be pursued by Congress. Or that Virginia shall use her influence with Congress to take such measures as shall be most likely to procure to the people of the Western territory, the Navigation of the Mississippi.
To the Inhabitants of the County of Fayette.
FELLOW CITIZENS.
HERE is nothing more true than that the People of themselves will always be actuated by good Sense. Factious or ambitious Men may betray them into a momentary turbulence and opposition to their true interest, but the delusion quickly ceases and they return to their natural conduct. Of this Truth, the objections to the proceedings of the late Convention and consequent opposition to an Election are a conclusive proof. The powers voted by the late Convention to that which is about to be elected are not greater than has been repeatedly given to Conventions in this District. Yet we have had our Ears stunned with the Phantoms of prophetic oratory. We have been threatened with the dreadful Punishment of Rebellion. And to give a colour to this threat, a Law has been published declaring, that it shall be High Treason to erect a separate State within this Commonwealth without the Consent of the Legislature. But were these pretenders to Legal Knowledge, ignorant of the consent, given by the Legislature, to erect this District into a separate State? Did they not know that the United States had also sanctioned that consent? If they were so unacquainted with the subject, they ought not to have come forward as popular directors. And if they really did know they were bad men who wished to delude the people by assertions which they did not believe. But some of the Cart Orators have asserted that there is a danger lest the District should be brought under the dominion of Spain. Such an idea does not deserve a serious Reply. It is too absurd. I had proposed to have gone more fully into a consideration of the Conduct of the late Convention and the powers by them voted to their successors, but the meeting lately held by the officers of the Militia has made it unnecessary. The spirit of conciliation and patriotism has happily reconciled all parties. Mutual Concessions has united them for the publick good. They have all agreed that an Election shall be held and the delegates of the county instructed. Instructions have been drawn which will be agreeable to every Moderate Man. In short every thing has been done which can promote peace and good order. The Sun of Harmony has risen to bless us with his Beams and the Baneful Planet of Discord is seen no more.
BRUTUS.
THE subscriber having a considerable body of land at and in the main forks of big Sandy River, hereby offers to make over in fee simple, to twenty of the first families who may positively and bonafide settle thereon, fifty acres each, on such particular parts of the North and South branches of the River, as on examination they may best approve, within the limits of his two surveys of fifteen and eight Thousand acres; The said tracts however of fifty acres each, are not to be fixed upon by the parties nearer than two miles from the main forks of the River, nor to each other than half a mile; And as he proposes laying off a Town as near as may be to the main forks of the river, the said twenty families on their making a settlement thereon or any where on the aforesaid tracts, shall be respectively intitled in fee simple, to one Town lot containing one acre each. He sets off about the twentieth of October, with a party to view the lands and to fix upon the most eligible situation for the aforesaid Town on which it is probable he will immediately settle.
CHARLES VANCOUVER.
Providence: near Lexington Sept. 27, 1788.
TO BE SOLD
FOR inspected Tobacco, a likely Negroe Wench; Enquire of the Printer.