The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-05-22 00:00:00

Capt. E. C. John South
The Providence Journal
AND
TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. Printer of the LAWS of the UNITED STATES for the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c. At the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 21. ]
WEDNESDAY, May 22, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
Grinnell & Taylor
Respectfully inform the public, that they continue the Painting Business at their shop nearly opposite Bank-lane, two doors south from Mr. Thomas L. Halsey's Store,
WHERE THEY HAVE FOR SALE, the following articles—viz.
 LINSEED OIL, pr. barrel or gallon  White and red Lead, dry or ground in oil, per cwt. or lb.  Stone Yellow  Spanish Brown  Spanish White  Verdigris, per sack or lb.  Russia Glue, of a superior quality, per cwt. or lb.  English do.  A few casks of Yellow Ochre, of the first quality, very cheap  Spirits of Turpentine per cask or gallon  Lampblack per quantity or single paper  Prussian Blue of different qualities  Patent and King's Yellow  Turkey Umber  White Vitirol  Distill'd Verdigris  Dutch Pink  Rotten Stone  Window and China Putty  Painters' Brushes  Camel's Hair Pencils  Gold Leaf  Indian Red  Vermillion  Window Glass  Ship Varnish, &c. 
Colours prepared to suit notice, and all favours thankfully received.
They have to Let,
The lower story of a HOUSE in Ship-street, handsomely finished, and very convenient.
The second story in their Store, a very suitable place for many kinds of mechanical business. May 15. (6w.)
Just Landed,
From on board the brig Murfree , and for sale by
BENJ. & EDWARD ABORN, BROWN SUGAR, of the 1st quality, in bds. and bbls.
Molasses, good for retailing, per hhd.
St. Croix Rum, per do.
And 500 wt. of Cocoa.
They have likewise for sale,
Rock and Turk's-Island Salt, per quantity 75 Barrels of Picked Fish; and 20 Barrels of Turpentine. May 8.
TO LET,
THE House and Store lately occupied by JAMES ATWOOD, opposite the head of the Long Wharf, and may be entered on immediately—a very commodious place for a merchant or tradesman. Enquire of POLLY NICHOLS , living on the premises. May 8.
Final Notice.
THE Hon. Court of Probate having allowed the farther time of six months, from the fourth day of December last, for closing the administration on the estate of the late Dr. EPRAIM COMSTOCK; all persons interested are requested to avail themselves of this information, as no claim will be received or allowed after the expiration of that time.
EDWARD DEXTER, Administrator.
N. B. The administrator to the above estate takes this last and public method to acquaint all persons whom it may concern, that the unsettled notes, and all book accounts relative to said estate, will be lodged in the hands of George R. Burrill, Esq.; as fast as the accounts can be drawn off, without any reserve, as he is determined to close the business by the above time.
Said Dexter also requests all persons who have unsettled accounts with him in his private business, to call and settle the same. April 3. (the)
For SALE, by
Isaac Boorum and Co.
20 Hhds. of prime Georgia Tobacco
100 Barrels of Tar
70 ditto of Turpentine. April 3. (t.f.)
John Harwood, jun.
Offers for Sale, opposite the TOWN'S HEAD, LIQUID, prepared by himself, which, from long experience, has been proved to be a complete and radical cure for that loathsome disorder, the ITCH. This Liquid is simple in its composition, perfectly innocent in its operation, and is attended with no inconvenience whatever.
WANT OF CURIOSITY.
THREE years in London BOB ALL had been, Yet, not the Lions nor the Tombs had seen; I cannot tell the cause, without a smile— The reason had been, in Newgate all the while!
ANECDOTE.
THE late Mr. Churchill, the poet, being in company with some men of quality, at a tavern, was called upon to give his toast, he named lady L——. The noblemen demanded "why he named her?" "Why not?" replied the poet, "she has the qualifications of a toast, being both brown and dry."
PHILADELPHIA, May 13.
From SURINAM.
BY the Sally, from Surinam, the following letter has been received for publication:
The 22d of February, being the anniversary of that day which gave birth to the Hero of American independence, the illustrious WASHINGTON, the American captains and supercargoes in the port and colony of Surinam gave a splendid dinner in honour of it. The greatest respect was paid to the day, by the Governor, merchants and planters of the colony, and the officers of four Spanish frigates which were in port at the time. At sun-rise, a federal salute was fired by an American armed ship, and another at noon. At 8, A. M. about 100 of us marched from the coffee-house to the hall, accompanied by a band of music.—As we passed the shipping in the harbour, the yards and rigging of the American vessels were manned by our brave tars, who, with repeated huzzas, shouted, "Long live the father of our country." At the hall we partook of an elegant entertainment, and spent the day in the greatest harmony and festive mirth.
Extract of a letter from Capt. Silas Swain, of the ship Molly , of this port, dated Liverpool, March 23.
"On the 8th inst. at 8, A. M. I saw a cutter standing athwart us to the northward, we then steering an east course for Cape Clear, being about 16 or 17 leagues from it, and had a fine breeze at N. W. at half past 8, she tacked and stood for us; at 9 she was within gun shot, and on hoisting my ensign, she immediately ran up a French national flag at her topmast head, and fired a shot between our main and fore-mast; she then tacked and reconnoitred us, giving us her stern chase in going about. We retained our fire, and continued our course under our topsails; at a quarter past meridian she recommenced firing, and running under our starboard quarter, attempted to board us, which was happily prevented, and we immediately exchanged broadsides; she then approached us on the larboard quarter, within pistol shot, and gave us her other broadside, which we instantly returned; she then hauled off a little, removed her ensign to her main peak, and running up a pendant to the mast head, immediately attempted again to board us on our starboard quarter, which was as before prevented—we then exchanged broadsides twice, when she sheered off, hauled down her colours, and lay too."
"She was a fine new brig of 16 fixes, and full of men, was coppered, and sailed very fast."
"We have received considerable damage, in our sails, rigging and hull, but thank God have not lost one of our men. We found our quarters proof against grape shot, none having penetrated, though many struck us on each side."
Latest European Intelligence.
By the ship Venus , which arrived at Boston on Thursday last, after a short passage from Liverpool, we have received the following interesting intelligence.
DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH.
LONDON, March 24.
OBSERVER Office, Sunday Evening, 2 o'clock. THE Hamburg mail due this day arrived at twelve o'clock, and brought the gratifying and important intelligence of The Defeat and Retreat of the French Army in the Country of the Grisons, communicated through various channels, but particularly by a letter from Lindau, on the Lake of Constance, dated on the evening of the 8th instant, to the following effect:
The French army, under the orders of Gen. Massena, on the night of the 5th, passed the Rhine near Sargantz, between Chur and Feldkirch, and on the following morning advanced with rapidity on Gen. Auffenburg's corps, which it drove back, and cut off its communication with the main body of the Imperial army. General Hotze, however, being apprized of these movements, early on the morning of the 7th, advanced from Feldkirch; an action dreadfully sanguinary ensued, and was maintained during the greater part of the day; but in the event, the French were defeated, and compelled to cross the Rhine, with very considerable loss.
The loss of the Austrians was considerable; the regiment of Stein had forty men killed, and several wounded.
Small corps of Republicans on the 7th attempted to cross the Rhine at four several points on the skirts of the Grison country and Vorarlberg, namely, at Haldenstein, Ragatz, Werdemberg, and Salatz, but were at each repulsed by the Austrians.
General Hotze profiting by his victory, immediately penetrated from Chur into the Canton of Glarus, where thousands of Swiss malcontents were crowding to join him.
Lindau on the 7th was occupied by four companies of the regiment of Bender, and a considerable train of artillery followed them.
The news of these movements reached Ulm on the 9th, and was communicated to the army.
The accounts from Ulm are to the 11th inst. At that period the Archduke Charles had his head-quarters at Mindenheim, and his army had advanced as far as Memmingen. General Jourdan had, on the 9th, halted at Villengen, and General St. Cyr at Rothweil. Their patrollers had been pushed as far as Rothenburg, Tubingen, Rottlingen, and Nagold; but the part of the main body of the Republican army which was advancing against Ulm, by Stockade and Reidingen, had, on advice of the disaster sustained by the column under Massena, fled with great precipitancy towards Schaffhausen and Constance, for support.
But for this unexpected occurrence, Jourdan had reached Ulm on the 10th inst. The advanced corps would have previously met at Mindenheim and Moskirch. His army has been reinforced by some columns from Switzerland.
The French general Souhane has occupied Ebingen, and the whole of the Brigaw.
The Imperial army in Bavaria comprised 115,000 men; of these 80,000 had, on the 8th inst. crossed the Lech. They are represented by accounts from Ulm, Frankfort, &c. as full of animation and confidence. Many of the Regiments of Infantry had two and three hundred Supernumeraries;—and were complete, and better appointed than at any former period. One hundred and twenty pieces of ordnance had been collected at Ulm on the 6th, and the Archduke Charles had impressed 1000 wagons, and all the horses of the adjacent Country, to hasten the conveyance of troops, cannon, &c. to the theatre of war, and all the Staff Officers at Vienna have been ordered to the Army.
Hostilities had not commenced in Italy; but the armies were in motion. In Switzerland 20,000 militia had been ordered to the frontiers.
Field-Marshal Suwarrows left Petersburg on the 27th ult. to join the Austrian army in Italy.
The Archduke Charles, in an address to the Generals and armies of the Emperor and the Empire, dated Aufburg, March 4, respecting the recommencement of hostilities by France, observes, that the forces of the Emperor and Empire had scarce retired under the faith of a solemn treaty concluded a year since with France, than that power subjugated the Swiss for the purpose of obtaining an establishment on the flank of Germany; "refused to let provisions enter into the fortresses of Ehrenbreitstein, in opposition to the most precise agreement," and ultimately forced the garrison, but gallant garrison to evacuate the place.—His Royal Highness proceeds to recapitulate the aggressions of France, which instead of making atonement, demanded if the Germans "were disposed to prepare any resistance to future operations of that kind."—To our answer, "If hostilities were put an end to by the French—if Ehrenbreitstein was evacuated—if the French troops in Switzerland, which threatened Germany, were withdrawn—and if a reasonable peace was concluded at Rastadt, founded on the Rights, not the slavery of the Empire," no other reply was made on the part of France, than that it was hoped the Diet would agree to such a resolution as France might wish."
The Deputies at Rastadt prepared to depart from thence the instant they were informed that the French had required Phillipburg to surrender.
A British squadron blocks up the port of Naples; a scarcity of provisions had already been the consequence.
Intelligence was last night received in town that the Dutch fleet, in considerable force, and with a large body of troops on board, had sailed from the Texel. The public have been some time apprized of the extraordinary preparations for the equipment of this fleet, and were, by our last number, informed that they were ready. It is therefore highly probable, that, profiting by the absence of our ships, they have put to sea. In the much wished for event of our falling in with them, there is every reason to look for an additional wreath to that stupendous laurel, which, we trust, will bloom forever.
A person arrived in town last night from Flanders assures us, that the Belgique rebellion, as the French are pleased to file the excursions of that gallant people for their liberty, so far from suppression, has acquired considerable strength by the accounts from Germany, and that the want of proper leaders, arms and ammunition, alone prevents the assembling of such an army as would insure the retreat or extermination of their oppressors.
In the Council of Five Hundred, on the 9th, it was proposed, that women and foreigners should be prohibited wearing the national cockade,
and that any Frenchman who should disgrace it, should be confined four years in irons.
Letters from Constantinople of the 19th ult. speak with confidence as to the result of the preparations making for the Egyptian expedition; they mention a report being prevalent that Buonaparte had caused himself to be proclaimed Sultan of Egypt. A division of the Russian and Turkish troops which had been destined against Passawan Oglou, had proceeded to join the Pacha of Acre, who assures the Porte that Buonaparte, notwithstanding the strong fortifications which he has constructed for his defence, would shortly be in his power.
The Hamburg Gazette of the 10th inst. states that on the departure of the mail from Vienna, a report was general there, that two English regiments, under the orders of General Doyle, aided by a strong corps of Russians and Turks, had landed at Salerno, and in conjunction with the Lazaroni attacked and retaken Naples from the French.
On the 21st, a squadron of five sail of the line, left Yarmouth, for the coast of Holland.
Intelligence is received, that a Dutch fleet of considerable force, with troops, have in the absence of our fleet, put to sea from the Texel. As our squadron are out we may anticipate another naval victory speedily.
Hamburg, and other places at the northward, are under apprehensions that this armament is destined against them. March 26.
THE DEFEAT CONFIRMED.
Yesterday morning a cartel arrived at Dover from Gravelines, with sixty-one masters and mates of merchantmen. These persons bring a confirmation of the defeat of the French by the Austrians in the Grisons country. Their account adds, that the French had experienced a very severe defeat indeed.
Yesterday two persons of the names of Pierrepont and Mitchell, who represent themselves to be American Merchants were arrested at their apartments in Surry-street, Strand, by Sayers and Townsend, two of the Bow-street Officers, under authority of a warrant from the Secretary of State, on suspicion of being concerned in treasonable practices.
Mr. Mitchell's Servant, a Frenchman, was also taken into custody and committed to the House of Correction, Cold Bath Fields. Mr. Pierrepont and Mr. Mitchell were committed to the care of different Messengers.
A large quantity of papers, &c. were seized and brought away by the Officers.
Phillipburg still holds out. Its garrison consists of 2000 troops of the empire; but they are chosen troops; and distinguished themselves at the end of the campaign of 1756; and in that of 1766. There is little doubt but that City will defend itself vigorously. The Landgrave of Hesse Cassel is employed in raising 12,000 men near Cassel.
Wurtzburg is in the possession of the Austrians. The Hanse Towns, and particularly Hamburg, appear to be under great apprehensions, though I know not why, that the armament in the Texel, which consists only of 6000 men, is intended to act against them.
According to the report of a person of my acquaintance, who had arrived yesterday from Rotterdam, the Belgic Insurgents had advanced as far as the forest of Soignes; and one of their small Corps has appeared about two leagues from Brussels; they have also been able to excite new commotions in the adjacent Flanders, and are still with the major part of their forces in the Campine.
BREMEN, March 19.
The Archduke passed the Lech on the 4th, at Augsburg, and after having thrown six battalions into Ulm, he advanced rapidly against the enemy, and will lose no time in meeting with them, while the enemy on their part have penetrated rapidly into Swabia.
It was reported at Rastadt on the 9th, that a little skirmish of posts had taken place on the frontiers of the Grisons, and the French Ministers asserted that it terminated favourably for Massena. It is not, however, in this quarter that the great blow will be struck; and it is about three or four marches from the Lake of Constance that I expect to hear of the great engagement between the Archduke and Jourdan. The plan of the French is to cut this Prince off from the Tyrol, in order to take the country in flank, and thus to penetrate more easily into the hereditary dominions.
The letters from Upper Germany inform us, that the Archduke Charles has joined a great part of his forces at Memmingen, on the heights of Luc. Preparations are making in Italy, on both sides, with great activity; but we do not yet know that hostilities have taken place, and we are also ignorant whether Admiral Nelson has disembarked the Russian and Turkish troops in the kingdom of Naples. The situation of the Republicans is, however, at all events, very precarious, and it is with difficulty they are able to maintain their positions. Civita Vecchia, so far from having surrendered, maintains a vigorous resistance against the French.

The Advertiser, No. IV.
THE neglect and decline of religion amongst the fashionable world, has already been the subject of very serious complaint from the desk. However much disposed I may be to join with the reverend teachers of religion to lament this growing evil, still I cannot impute it to a corruptness of heart, or a mind bent on every vicious pursuit. We see many young gentlemen and ladies, the ornaments of both sexes, attend a theatre, who will rejoice at the triumphs and mourn for the sufferings of virtue. This shews that their ingenious feelings are not lost, but only directed to objects comparatively small and unworthy of their attention. What would they say if they should behold one of their company laughing in the deepest scenes of a tragedy? They would immediately set him down for an idiot in taste. If they should behold any one careless and inattentive, they would say he was destitute of the common feelings of humanity. Now the question is, why they will not adopt the same line of conduct—display the same anxiety and attention, where matters of infinitely more importance are at stake? The beauty of virtue, and deformity of vice, the horrors of hell and the happiness of heaven, are, we all must allow, superior to the painted scenes of theatrical distress, more interesting to the feelings, and pregnant with consequences more important to every moment of our existence. How comes it then to pass that such levity is shewn, during the time of divine service, by beings so capable of feeling the force of these eternal truths, and of diffusing the splendour of their example through every rank, class and grade of society? I rather impute it to a perversion of taste, than to any other motive whatever. Many will laugh, talk, and even sleep, during divine service, who would blush to be guilty of such levity or such inattention during the performance of a tragedy. Let me tell my young friends, that this conduct argues as much deficiency of taste and judgment, as it does of piety and religion. Taught as they are to admire the overstrained expressions of sensibility and sentiment of a play, they cannot relish the simple, unaffected and unadorned elegance of the bible. I look upon the sacred writings to contain not only sublimer truths, but more elegance of style, beauty of expression, grandeur of sentiment, and brilliancy of description, than all other compositions, ancient or modern. Let any champion step forward and produce the most admired passages of the most admired poets, and I will be bound to find sentiments still more sublime and more elegantly expressed in the passages of inspiration. This may seem a bold declaration, but it is really true. I am willing now to enter the lists, throw down the gauntlet, and begin the contest. Shakespeare, the patriarch of the drama, excels all his fellows in the description of every thing pathetic, grand or magnificent. But terror has been allowed by the greatest of critics to constitute his peculiar excellence. His whole machinery of ghosts and supernatural beings are wrought up with such strength and fire of fancy, that like the magician he only calls and they make their appearance. Let us select two of his most striking descriptions for example. In the play of Hamlet, when the Ghost appears, the young prince cries out—
"Angels and ministers of grace defend us! Art thou a spirit of health, or goblin damn'd? Bring with thee airs from heav'n, or blasts from hell? Why dost thou Revisit again the glimpses of the moon, Making night hideous?"
The whole of this highly finished picture I have not time to transcribe. In the play of Macbeth—when the ghost of murdered Banquo appears at the table, Macbeth cries out—
"Horrible shadow!—unreal mockery, hence! Why dost thou shake thy gory locks at me? Thou hast no speculations in those eyes, Which thou dost glare with."
To these descriptions, tremendous as they are, we will oppose one taken from the book of Job—"In the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, fear came upon me, which made all my bones to shake—the hair of my flesh stood up—A spirit passed before mine eyes, but I could not discern the form thereof. There was silence, and I heard a voice."—This passage I very well remember I never could think of in bed, when a child, without burying my head under the blanket—and I will cheerfully leave it with any unprejudiced person to decide which of all these contain the most terrible description.
Hereafter I may select some instances of the tender and pathetic from the sacred writings, and by contrasting them with passages from the most celebrated poets, shew how infinitely superior they are. I hope therefore that those who aspire to cultivated understandings, and make a mock of religion, will not call their taste and judgment so much in question again. Let them reflect that they are transgressing the rules of polite literature, since many of them had rather be called good critics than good christians. O.
PHILADELPHIA, May 14.
Yesterday the Circuit Court proceeded in the trial of Christian Ruth, Daniel Schwartz, jun. Henry Stahler, Henry Scheffert, and George Scheffert, on the charges for conspiracy, rescue and obstruction of process. All the witnesses in support of the prosecution were examined; and Mr. M'Kean and Mr. Dall's were heard in defence of the prisoners. At nine o'clock the court adjourned to this morning.
John Fries, lately convicted of treason against the United States, was yesterday morning ordered to be brought to the bar, that judgment might be passed; when Mr. Lewis rose and observed, that since coming into court he had received information, which, if true, was of a nature that could not fail to interest the court in behalf of the prisoner. It would be improper, he said, to mention it to the court until its truth was ascertained; and as he intended (if on enquiry it should turn out to be true) to make it the ground of a motion, prayed that the prisoner might not be brought to the bar till this morning—which was granted.
TRENTON, (N. J.) May 13.
The Legislature of this state are to meet in this city, on Tuesday the 21st of May instant, for the despatch of public business.
At the close of the last session of Congress, the honourable MATTHEW LYON, Esq; member from the state of Vermont, applied to the serjeant at arms (who settles the members' bills for mileage and attendance) to settle his bill for mileage and attendance during the session. Mr. Lyon had come to Congress only a very short time before the session ended, having in the fall of last year been imprisoned in the goal of Vergennes, in the state of Vermont, on a judgment of the Circuit Court there, for sedition. But Mr. Lyon had the modesty to demand pay for attendance in Congress during the whole of the session. The serjeant at arms thought this claim inadmissible, and would not pass his account without the approbation of the speaker. Mr. Lyon had so much grace left him as to be ashamed to apply to the speaker himself; but he had so little grace as to ask another to do that which he knew he ought not to do himself. At his request, the serjeant at arms mentioned the matter to the speaker:—The speaker, like the serjeant at arms, and every honest man, was of opinion that Mr. Lyon's claim was inadmissible. Mr. Lyon claimed mileage from the goal of Vergennes to Philadelphia. The reader is requested to observe, that the goal of Vergennes is farther from Philadelphia than Mr. Lyon's house is. The serjeant at arms was again sent to the speaker. The speaker, with all the promptness for which Mr. Dayton is remarkable, replied, "Perhaps the claim is right: Go back and get from Mr. Lyon a certificate, that the goal of Vergennes is his usual place of abode, and that he means to return thither; and on that certificate I will authorize the settlement of his account for mileage as he has presented it."
It is needless to add, that Mr. Lyon did not choose to give such certificate, and Mr. Lyon got only the wages he deserved: But it may be proper to observe, that two other bills for sedition were cut and dry for Mr. Lyon, on his return to Vermont; and that he chple to retire for shelter with his friend Mason, of Virginia, and has lately announced his intention of going to Kentucky.
[Western Telegraph.]
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, May 22.
Summary of European Intelligence.
[Received by the latest arrivals.]
Accounts from Holland of a late date state, that the swelling of the Rhine had been so great as to burst the dyke which kept out the sea at Nimeguen, and a considerable part of Dutch Gueldres had been inundated. That many of the inhabitants had been drowned, and that the remainder, getting upon the roofs of houses to save themselves from the floating ice, had been frozen there.—That the town of Dort, 19 leagues from Amsterdam, was expecting with dreadful anxiety the breaking up of the frost, it being situated lower than the Legzval, a river as impetuous as the Scheldt. This town was on the point of being swallowed, and the inhabitants flying in all directions.—That Rotterdam was in a similar situation, the water being only six inches below the tops of the dykes, by which the sea was prevented from rushing in.—That in the town of Deventer, 6 leagues from Amsterdam, the water was 6 feet above the dykes, and 17 feet deep in the town.—That the number of souls lost was unknown, it being impossible to approach the place.—That the bridges of Arnhem, 3 leagues from Amsterdam, were carried away, and the communication between that city and the Hague entirely cut off by the ice, and the water of the Rhine, which covers a part of Holland.—That great numbers of boats were employed by government to convey provisions to the different villages, which were entirely under water, and to receive such families as the sudden increase of the waters obliged to fly for safety to the eminences.—These boats, however, were soon rendered useless, the excessive cold again covering the waters with ice; boats were then put upon sledges, but the provisions with which they were laden, were almost entirely frozen.—That no intelligence could be received from the inundated villages.—That fields of ice arrived at Nimeguen, covered with men and cattle.—That at Bois-le-Duc, the inhabitants had retired to ware-houses in the highest part of the town for safety.—That the public calamity had excited the utmost attention of government, and that the Directory had written to the first chamber to demand an extraordinary aid of 100,000 florins, which was immediately granted.—Accounts further state, that vast treasures were conveying from Holland to Hamburg, in order to be transported to England, and that great expectations were entertained of an insurrection becoming general in Holland against the French government.—That the insurrection in Belgium was gaining great strength, and the insurgents full of spirits.—That in Italy, every engine of war was at
work; and that 20,000 of the Swiss had been ordered by the French to the frontiers.—That the Emperor as well as the king of G. Britain had sent a special messenger to the Prussian court.—That the king of Prussia appeared obstinately bent on preserving his neutrality.—That the celebrated Russian general Suwarrows, upwards of 60 years of age, is to command the imperial forces in Italy.—That a Spanish squadron from Cadiz had returned, after landing 2000 men at the Canaries.—That a Russian squadron of 7 sail of the line had arrived at Palermo, in Sicily, with troops.—That the French troops who had passed the Rhine, had imposed the most heavy contributions. Heidelberg had to pay in 12 hours 100,000 livres.—That the French legislature had abolished privateering, and ordered all their privateers on board the Brest fleet, which was in readiness for sea at the date of our last accounts.
The state of Georgia have advertised a premium of thirty dollars for a device for a state seal, agreeably to a specific description; and, in a laudable spirit of liberal patronage, preface their advertisement, with "Premium for genius; artists of all nations, attend."
Parturient montes, et nascitur ridiculus mus. Without aspiring after the tempting dower, we would offer, gratuitously, an emblem of a man in the act of signing, with one hand, a scroll of paper, beginning with Know all men by these presents, and with the other pointing to large tracts of land in the moon.
[Lay Preacher's Gazette.]
American Naval Register.
The United States frigate, Commodore Barry, has arrived at Philadelphia, with the French privateer Tortue, of 14 guns and 56 men. Commodore Barry has re-captured and sent into Virginia for salvage, an English copper-bottomed schooner, mounting 14 brass pieces, and laden with dry goods, bound from London to Martinique.
The Montezuma, of 20 guns, Capt. Murray; the Herald, of 18 guns, Capt. Ruffel; the Scammel, of 16 guns, Capt. Adams, and the General Greene cutter, Capt. Price, have likewise arrived at Philadelphia.
The Constitution, Capt. Nicholson, and the Merrimack, Capt. Brown, have arrived at Boston.
The Constellation, Capt. Truxton, has captured a French letter of marque, pierced for 16 guns, laden with 200 barrels of flour, bound to Guadaloupe.
The United States cutter Eagle has captured a French privateer of 7 guns, and 55 men.
A 16 gun brig, prize to the United States sloop of war Montezuma, Capt. Murray; and a privateer sloop, prize to the U. S. sloop of war Ganges, Capt. Tingey, have arrived at Philadelphia—and a privateer schooner, of 8 guns, prize to the Constitution, has arrived at Boston.
The Boston frigate was launched at Boston, on Monday last.
The frigate General Greene, Capt. Perry, now lying at Newport, is ready for sea, and will sail in all this week, on a cruise against the French buccaneers.
The intelligence of the capture of the Insurgente has been received with great pleasure in England; and was well on its way to tickle the ears of the Directory, who no doubt will be much surprized at the "impudence" of "John Adams' jack-ass."
Several French prizes are now in our river. Besides these, ten or twelve important captures have been made during the last six months by our national ships of war. Millions have already been rescued from inevitable seizure and condemnation, by the vigilance and promptness of our infant fleet. The "true American character" has blazoned forth, not less in the integrity of its views than in the vigour of its necessary operations.
If there were men who could not reason on the productiveness of our marine defence when it was first contemplated, there surely can be none so obstinate and perverse in their prejudices as to resist the strong arguments of our cannon, in support of our naval establishment.—Judging a tree by its fruit, we are surely justified in appreciating the value, and extending the growth of these seascions.
[Phil. Gaz.]
Ship News.
PORT OF PROVIDENCE.
ENTERED.
Brig Polly and Betty, Fenner, St. Croix; sloop Scaflower, Pearsall, Philadelphia; sloop Juno, Trowbridge, New-York; schooner Sukey, Small, Philadelphia; sloop Briton, Bowen, New-York; sloop Young Greyhound, Cottrell, Baltimore.
CLEARED.
Ship John Jay, Olney, Batavia; sloop Lydia, Potter, Surinam; sloop Virgin, Eagle, Charleston; brig Susannah, Bowler, Baltimore; schooner Sukey, Small, Boston; sloop Scaflower, Pearsall, Philadelphia.
Yesterday arrived the brig Charlotte, Gilbert Fuller master, 35 days from the river Gambia, in Africa. In lat. 31, 58, N. long. 59, 50, W. by account, spoke the schooner Providence, of Hartford, Moses Montague, master, 11 days from New-London, bound to St. Bartholomew's all well.
Capt. Fuller informs, that on the 10th of February, off the island of Goree, he was brought to by the French privateer Laranonia, of 18 guns, commanded by Noel Renaud, who fired on him until he struck his colours, when he was ordered to go on board the privateer. Capt. F. found the commander of the privateer to be an old acquaintance, who told him, that he would not take his vessel unless compelled to do so by his crew; and gave Capt. F. directions to conceal whatever English goods he might have on board, and the next morning he would send men to search; and further assured him, that if he was obliged to make prize of him, the vessel should be returned.
Renaud told Capt. F. that he had taken 16 English vessels within a short time. After having satisfied the crew of the privateer that Capt. F. had no contraband goods on board, he was permitted to proceed on his voyage.
S O N G.
IMITATED FROM A POPULAR GERMAN SONG.
GIVE to joy your fleeting hours, Nature fills the lap of May; Cull the sweetest, earliest flowers, But throw the thorns away.
Bid Gloom, and Guilt, and Malice, fly; Be gentle Peace forever nigh, And Hope, who views with steadfast eye Her joys, beyond to-day. Give to Joy, &c.
Though clouds and tempests veil the sky, And loud the thunder rolls on high, The transient cloud soon passes by, And leaves a lovelier ray. Give to Joy, &c.
Bid hail to Love, enchanting guest, Bid Friendship welcome to your breast, Let generous deeds, by Misery blest, Mark every passing day. Give to Joy, &c.
The heart that feels the wretch's need Shall find a surer, richer meed, In every good and generous deed, Than gold can ever pay. Give to Joy, &c.
The joys of vulgar souls despise, Beneath their role a serpent lies; The nobler pleasures of the wife Make one eternal May.
Give to Joy your fleeting hours, Life is swift to pass away; Cull the sweetest, earliest flowers, Before their bloom decay.
MARRIED.
At East-Greenwich, Dan'l E. Upde, Esq; of North-Kingstown, to Miss Arnold, daughter of Col. William Arnold.
At Taunton, Mr. William Sever, jun. to Miss Lydia Priddy.
DIED.
At Scituate, Miss Eliza Fiske, daughter of Dr. Caleb Fiske, aged 19 years:—In her were happily united those talents and virtues which adorn the female character; her exit is justly lamented by her friends and relatives.
In the East-Indies, Mr. Samuel Ward Clarke, eldest son of Mr. Ethan Clarke, of Newport.
At Boston, Capt. Thomas Adams, late editor of the Independent Chronicle.
For SALE, by CALEB BOWERS, No. 1 Chespidie, 150 Barrels first quality prime Beef, for cash or on time. Also—A few hogheads of good retailing Surinam Molasses, West-India Rum per hoghead, Sugar per barrel; Russia Feather Beds, a general assortment of English, India and Scotch GOODS, at a very small advance, as usual, for cash. May 21, 1799.
John Jenckes,
Gold and Silver-Smith and Jeweller, TAKES this method of informing his friends and the public, that he has taken the shop formerly occupied by Mr. JOHN GIBBS, in company with the Widow ELIZA GIBBS, under the firm of John Jenckes & Co.
Where he intends prosecuting the business carried on by the late Mr. John Gibbs, in its various branches; and has constantly on hand for sale,
Warranted Gold Necklaces, Ear- knobs and Twists, Miniature Cases, Fancy Jewellery, Table Spoons, Desert, Tea, Salt and Mustard ditto, Gold and Silver Watch-Chains, Keys and Seals, &c. The Plating business carried on in all its branches. Umbrellas re- paired and covered in the best manner. N. B. Cash given for old Gold, Silver and Brass.
To be LET,
A convenient SHOP at the south end of the town. Enquire of said JENCKES, May 22.
Rhode-Island District, ss.
BY virtue of a warrant from the Hon. BEN- JAMIN BOURN, Esq; Judge of the Dis- trict Court for the District of Rhode-Island,
There will be exposed for sale at auction, at the Coffee-House in Providence, on Saturday the 8th of June next, at 12 o'clock, one bag of COFFEE, adjudged forfeit by said Court, for having been imported into the United States contrary to law.
W. PECK, Marshal.
Providence, May 20, 1799.
State of Rhode-Island, &c.
May 20, 1799.
THE Creditors of JOHN BURGESS, of Providence, in the county of Prov- idence, Masson, are hereby notified to appear, if they shall think fit, at the General Assem- bly to be holden at Newport, on the second Monday in June next, then and there to shew cause, if any they may have, why his petition for the benefit of an act passed in the year 1756, entitled, "An act for the relief of in- solvent debtors," ought not to be granted.
By Order,
SAMUEL EDDY, Secretary.
THE Proprietors of the PROVIDENCE LIBRARY, and all others possessed of any Books belonging to it, are requested to return the same to the Library on Saturday the 27th instant; or, if more convenient, to either of the subscribers, at their respective houses in Providence, previous to that time; they being appointed a committee by the directors to collect, examine and appraise, all the books of the Library, that it may be put in the best order possible, under new regulations, to be established agreeably to the charter lately grant- ed by the legislature of the State.
JOHN SMITH, JOSEPH JENCKES, THEODORE FOSTER,
Providence, May 22, 1799.