The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-01-02 00:00:00

The Providence Journal, AND TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. at the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, ON the Side of the Great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 1. ]
WEDNESDAY, January 2, 1799.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY, [ Vol. I. ] PROVIDENCE, R.I.
PROVIDENCE, JANUARY 2.
[As the Speech of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress, at the opening of their present Session, together with the Answers thereto, and the President's Replies, will doubtless form very interesting links in the chain of American Politics, it is thought necessary to precede the Debates of Congress with these excellent productions. We presume this will be gratifying to the generality of our readers, but more especially to those who may think proper to preserve regular files of the JOURNAL.]
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, December 8.
THE House having been called to order, and the journals read, the Speaker observed, that the hour was nearly arrived at which the President had proposed to make his communications to both Houses, and read a resolution which was usually entered into on such occasions, informing the Senate that this House is formed, and ready to receive any communications which the President may be pleased to make to them. The resolution was adopted, and a message having been sent to the Senate therewith, the members soon after entered, and took the places prepared for them.
At twelve o'clock, Lieutenant-General WASHINGTON, with his Secretary, Col. LEAR, Major-Generals PINCKNEY and HAMILTON, entered the hall, and took their places on the right of the Speaker's chair. The British and Portuguese Ministers, and the British and Danish Consuls, with their Secretaries, had their places assigned them on the left of the chair.
A few minutes after twelve, the President of the United States, accompanied by his Secretary and the Heads of the several Departments of the Government, appeared. The President having taken his seat, and the Officers of Government theirs, near the General-Officers, he rose, and addressed the two Houses as follows:--
THE SPEECH.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,
WHILE with reverence and resignation we contemplate the dispensations of Divine Providence, in the alarming and destructive silence with which several of our cities and towns have been visited, there is cause for gratitude and mutual congratulations that the malady has disappeared, and that we are again permitted to assemble in safety, at the seat of government, for the discharge of our important duties. But when we reflect that this fatal disorder has, within a few years, made repeated ravages in some of our principal sea-ports, and with increased malignancy; and when we consider the magnitude of the evils arising from the interruption of public and private business, whereby the national interests are deeply affected; I think it my duty to invite the Legislature of the Union to examine the expediency of establishing suitable regulations, in aid of the health laws of the respective States: for these being formed on the idea that contagious sickness may be communicated through the channels of commerce, there seems to be a necessity that Congress, who alone can regulate trade, should frame a system, which, while it may tend to preserve the general health, may be compatible with the interests of commerce, and the safety of the revenue.
While we think on this calamity, and sympathize with the immediate sufferers, we have abundant reason to present to the Supreme Being our annual oblations of gratitude for a liberal participation in the ordinary blessings of his Providence. To the usual subjects of gratitude, I cannot omit to add one of the first importance to our well-being and safety; I mean the spirit which has arisen in our country against the menaces and aggressions of a foreign nation. A manly sense of national honour, dignity and independence, has appeared, which, if encouraged and invigorated by every branch of the government, will enable us to view, undismayed, the enterprises of any foreign power, and become the sure foundation of national prosperity and glory.
The course of the transactions, in relation to the United States and France, which have come to my knowledge during your recess, will be made the subject of a future communication. That communication will confirm the ultimate failure of the measures which have been taken by the government of the United States towards an amicable adjustment of differences with that power. You will at the same time perceive, that the French government appears solicitous to impress the opinion, that it is averse to a rupture with this country; and that it has, in a qualified manner, declared itself willing to receive a minister from the United States, for the purpose of restoring a good understanding. It is unfortunate for professions of this kind, that they should be expressed in terms which may countenance the inadmissible pretension of a right to prescribe the qualifications which a minister from the United States should possess; and that, while France is asserting the existence of a disposition on her part to conciliate with sincerity the differences which have arisen, the sincerity of a like disposition on the part of the United States, of which so many demonstrative proofs have been given, should even be indirectly questioned. It is also worthy of observation, that the decree of the Directory, alledged to be intended to restrain the depredations of French cruizers on our commerce, has not given and cannot give any relief: it enjoins them to conform to all the laws of France, relative to cruizing and prizes, while these laws are themselves the source of the depredations of which
we have so long, so justly, and so fruitlessly complained.
The law of France enacted in January last, which subjects to capture and condemnation neutral vessels and their cargoes, if any portion of the latter are of British fabric or produce, although the entire property belong to neutrals, instead of being rescinded, has lately received a confirmation, by the failure of a proposition for its repeal. While this law, which is an unequivocal act of war on the commerce of the nations it attacks, continues in force, those nations can see in the French government only a power regardless of their essential rights, of their independence and sovereignty; and if they possess the means, they can reconcile nothing with their interest and honour, but a firm resistance.
Hitherto, therefore, nothing is discoverable in the conduct of France, which ought to change or relax our measures of defence; on the contrary, to extend and invigorate them is our true policy. We have no reason to regret that those measures have been thus far adopted and pursued; and in proportion as we enlarge our view of the portentous and incalculable situation of Europe, we shall discover new and cogent motives for the full development of our energies and resources.
But in demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war, in the necessary protection of our rights and honour, we shall give no room to infer that we abandon the desire of peace. An efficient preparation for war can alone insure peace. It is peace that we have uniformly and perseveringly cultivated, and harmony between us and France may be restored at her option. But to send another minister, without more determinate assurances that he would be received, would be an act of humiliation to which the United States ought not to submit. It must therefore be left with France, if she is indeed desirous of accommodation, to take the requisite steps. The United States will steadily observe the maxims by which they have hitherto been governed. They will respect the sacred rights of embassy, and with a sincere disposition on the part of France to desist from hostility, to make reparation for the injuries hitherto inflicted on our commerce, and to do justice in future, there will be no obstacles to the restoration of a friendly intercourse. In making to you this declaration, I give a pledge to France and to the world, that the Executive authority of this country which adheres to the humane and pacific policy which has invariably governed its proceedings, in conformity with the wishes of the other branches of the government, and of the people of the United States. But considering the late manifestations of her policy towards foreign nations, I deem it a duty deliberately and solemnly to declare my opinion, that whether we negotiate with her or not, vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable. These alone will give us an equal treaty, and insure its object.
Among the measures of preparation which appear expedient, I take the liberty to recal your attention to the naval establishment. The beneficial effects of the small naval armament provided under the acts of the last session, are known and acknowledged. Perhaps no country ever experienced more sudden and remarkable advantages from any measure of policy, than we have derived from the arming for our maritime protection and defence. We ought, without loss of time, to lay the foundation for an increase of our navy, to a size sufficient to guard our coast and protect our trade. Such a naval force, as it is doubtless in the power of the United States to create and maintain, would also afford to them the best means of general defence, by facilitating the safe transportation of troops and stores to every part of our extensive coast. To accomplish this important object, a prudent foresight requires, that systematical measures be adopted, for procuring at all times the requisite timber and other supplies. In what manner this shall be done, I leave to your consideration.
I will now advert, Gentlemen, to some matters of less moment, but proper to be communicated to the National Legislature.
After the Spanish garrisons had evacuated the posts which they occupied at the Natchez, and the Walnut-Hills, the commissioner of the United States commenced his observations, to ascertain the point near the Mississippi which terminated the northernmost part of the thirty-first degree of north latitude. From thence he proceeded to run the boundary line between the United States and Spain. He was afterwards joined by the Spanish commissioner, when the work of the former was confirmed, and they proceeded together to the demarcation of the line. Recent information renders it probable, that the southern Indians, either instigated to oppose the demarcation, or jealous of the consequences of suffering white people to run a line over lands to which the Indian title had not been extinguished, have ere this time stopped the progress of the commissioners. And considering the mischiefs which may result from continuing the demarcation, in opposition to the will of the Indian tribes, the great expence attending it, and that the boundaries which the commissioners have actually established probably extend at least as far as the Indian title has been extinguished, it will perhaps become expe-
dient and necessary to suspend further proceedings, by recalling our commissioners.
The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the fifth article of the treaty of amity, commerce and navigation, between the United States and his Britannic majesty, to determine what river was truly intended under the name of the river St. Croix, mentioned in the treaty of peace, and forming a part of the boundary therein described, have finally decided that question. On the twenty-fifth of October, they made their declaration, that a river called Scodiac, which falls into Passamaquoddy Bay, at its north-western quarter, was the true St. Croix intended in the treaty of peace, as far as its great fork, where one of its streams comes from the westward, and the other from the northward, and that the latter stream is the continuation of the St. Croix to its source. This decision, it is understood, will preclude all contention among individual claimants, as it seems that the Scodiac, and its northern branch, bound the grants of lands which have been made by the respective adjoining governments. A subordinate question, however, it has been suggested, still remains to be determined. Between the mouth of the St. Croix, as now settled, and what is usually called the Bay of Fundy, lie a number of very valuable islands. The commissioners have not continued the boundary line through any channel of these islands; and unless the Bay of Passamaquoddy be a part of the Bay of Fundy, this further adjustment of boundary will be necessary. But it is apprehended that this will not be a matter of any difficulty.
Such progress has been made in the examination and decision of cases of captures and condemnations of American vessels, which were the subject of the seventh article of the treaty of amity, commerce and navigation, between the United States and Great-Britain, that it is supposed the commissioners will be able to bring their business to a conclusion in August of the ensuing year.
The commissioners, acting under the twenty-first article of the treaty between the United States and Spain, have adjusted most of the claims of our citizens, for losses sustained in consequence of their vessels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of his Catholic Majesty, during the late war between France and Spain.
Various circumstances have concurred to delay the execution of the law for augmenting the military establishment. Among these, the desire of obtaining the fullest information to direct the best selection of officers. As this object will now be speedily accomplished, it is expected that the raising and organizing of the troops will proceed without obstacle, and with effect.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, I have directed an estimate of the appropriations which will be necessary for the service of the ensuing year to be laid before you, accompanied with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to a recent period. It will afford you satisfaction to infer the great extent and solidity of the public resources, from the prosperous state of the finances, notwithstanding the unexampled embarrassments which have attended commerce. When you reflect on the conspicuous examples of patriotism and liberality which have been exhibited by our mercantile fellow-citizens, and how great a proportion of the public resources depends on their enterprise, you will naturally consider, whether their convenience cannot be promoted and reconciled with the security of the revenue, by a revision of the system by which the collection is at present regulated.
During your recess, measures have been steadily pursued for effecting the valuations and returns directed by the act of the last session, preliminary to the assessment and collection of a direct tax. No other delays or obstacles have been experienced, except such as were expected to arise from the great extent of our country, and the magnitude and novelty of the operation; and enough has been accomplished to assure a fulfilment of the views of the Legislature.
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, I cannot close this address, without once more advertising to our political situation, and inculcating the essential importance of uniting in the maintenance of our dearest interests: and I trust that by the temper and wisdom of your proceedings, and by a harmony of measures, we shall secure to our country that weight and respect to which it is so justly entitled.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, Dec. 8, 1798.
ANSWER OF THE SENATE.
To the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
SIR, THE Senate of the United States join you in thanks to Almighty God, for the removal of the late afflicting dispensations of his Providence--and for the patriotic spirit, and general prosperity of our country. Sympathy for the sufferings of our fellow-citizens from disease, and the important interests of the union, demanded of the national legislature a ready co-operation with the state governments, in the use of such means as seem best calculated to prevent the return of this fatal calamity.
Although we have sincerely wished that an adjustment of our differences with the republic of France might be effected on fair and honourable terms, yet the information you have given us of the ultimate failure of this negotiation, has not surprised us. In the general conduct of that republic, we have seen a design
of universal influence, incompatible with the self government, and destructive of the independence of other states.
In its conduct towards the United States, we have seen a plan of hostility pursued with unremitting constancy, equally disregarding the obligations of treaties, and the rights of individuals. We have seen two embassies, formed for the purpose of mutual explanations, and clothed with the most extensive and liberal powers, dismissed without recognition, and even without a hearing. The government of France has not only refused to repeal, but has recently enjoined the observance of its former edict respecting merchandise of British fabric or produce, the property of neutrals, by which the interruption of our lawful commerce, and the spoliations of the property of our citizens, have again received a public sanction. These facts indicate no change of system or disposition; they speak a more intelligible language than professions of solicitude to avoid a rupture, however ardently made. But if, after the repeated proofs we have given of a sincere desire for peace, these professions should be accompanied by insinuations implicating the integrity with which it has been pursued; if, neglecting and passing by the constitutional and authorized agents of the government, they are made through the medium of individuals without public character or authority--and, above all, if they carry with them a claim to prefer the political qualifications of the minister of the United States to be employed in the negotiation, they are not entitled to attention or consideration, but ought to be regarded as designed to separate the people from their government, and to bring about by intrigue that which open force could not effect.
We are of opinion with you, Sir, that there has nothing yet been discovered in the conduct of France, which can justify a relaxation of the means of defence, adopted during the last session of Congress, the happy result of which is so strongly and generally marked. If the force by sea and land, which the existing laws authorize, should be judged inadequate to the public defence, we will perform the indispensable duty of bringing forward such other acts as will effectually call forth the resources and force of our country.
A steady adherence to this wise and manly policy, a proper direction of the noble spirit of patriotism which has arisen in our country, and which ought to be cherished and invigorated by every branch of the government, will secure our liberty and independence against all open and secret attacks.
We enter on the business of the present session with an anxious solicitude for the public good, and shall below that consideration on the several objects pointed out in your communication which they respectively merit.
Your long and important services, your talents and firmness, so often displayed, in the most trying times and most critical situations, afford a sure pledge of a zealous co-operation in every measure necessary to secure justice and respect.
To which the PRESIDENT made the following REPLY.
To the SENATE of the UNITED STATES.
GENTLEMEN, I THANK you for this address, so conformable to the spirit of our constitution, and the established character of the Senate of the United States for wisdom, honour and virtue.
I have seen no real evidence of any change of system or disposition in the French republic, towards the United States. Although the officious interference of individuals, without public character or authority, is not entitled to any credit, yet it deserves to be considered, whether that temerity and impertinence of individuals, affecting to interfere in public affairs, between France and the United States, whether by their secret correspondence or otherwise, and intended to impose on the people, and separate them from their government, ought not to be enquired into, and corrected.
I thank you, Gentlemen, for your assurances, that you will bestow that consideration on the several objects pointed out in my communication, which they respectively merit.
If I have participated in that understanding, sincerity and constancy, which have been displayed by my fellow-citizens and countrymen, in the most trying times and critical situations, and fulfilled my duties to them, I am happy. The testimony of the Senate of the United States in my favour, is an high and honourable reward, which receives, as it merits, my grateful acknowledgments. My zealous co-operation, in measures necessary to secure us justice and consideration, may be always depended on.
JOHN ADAMS.
Philadelphia, December 12, 1798.
ANSWER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
SIR, THE House of Representatives unite with you in deplored the effects of the devastating malady by which the seat of government and other parts of our country have recently been visited. In calling our attention to the fatality of its repeated ravages, and inviting us to consider the expediency of exercising our constitutional powers in aid of the health laws of the respective States, your recommendation is sanctioned by the dictates of humanity and liberal policy. On this interesting subject, we feel the necessity of adopting every wise expedient for preventing a calamity so distressing to individual sufferers, and so prejudicial to our national commerce.
That our finances are in a prosperous state, notwithstanding the commercial derangements resulting from this calamity, and from external embarrassments, is a satisfactory manifestation of the great extent and solidity of the public resources. Connected with this situation of our fiscal concerns, the assurance that the legal provisions for obtaining revenue by direct taxation will fulfil the views of the legislature, is peculiarly acceptable.
Desirous as we are that all causes of hostility may be removed, by the amicable adjustment of national differences, we learn with satisfaction, that, in pursuance of our treaties with Spain and with Great-Britain, advances have been made for definitively settling the controversies relative to the southern and the north-eastern limits of the United States. With similar sentiments have we received your information, that the proceedings under commissions, authorized by the same treaties, afford to a respectable portion of our citizens the prospect of a final decision on their claims for maritime injuries committed by subjects of those powers.
It would be the theme of mutual felicitation, were we assured of experiencing similar moderation and justice from the French republic, between which and the United States differences have unhappily arisen. But this is denied us by the ultimate failure of the measures which have been taken by this government towards an amicable adjustment of those differences, and by the various inadmissible pretensions on the part of that nation.
The continuing in force the decree of January last, to which you have more particularly pointed our attention, ought, of itself, to be considered as demonstrative of the real intentions of the French government. That decree proclaims a predatory warfare against the unquestionable rights of neutral commerce; which, with our means of defence, our interest and our honour command us to repeal. It therefore now becomes the United States to be as determined in resistance, as they have been patient in suffering, and condescending in negotiation.
While those who direct the affair of France persist in the enforcement of decrees so hostile to our essential rights, their conduct forbids us to confide in any of their professions of amity.
As, therefore, the conduct of France hitherto exhibits nothing which ought to change or relax our measures of defence, the policy of extending and invigorating those measures demands our sedulous attention. The sudden and remarkable advantages which this country has experienced from a small naval armament, sufficiently proves the utility of its establishment. A vast respect to the guarding of our coast, the protection of our trade, and the facility of safely transporting the means of national defence to every part of our immense frontier, so vast and so

force must be considered as an important object of national policy. Nor do we hesitate to adopt the opinion, that, whether negotiations with France are resumed or not, vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable.
In this conjuncture of affairs, while with you we recognize our abundant cause of gratitude to the Supreme Dispenser of events for the ordinary blessings of his Providence, we regard, as of high national importance, the manifestation, in our country, of a magnanimous spirit of resistance to foreign domination. This spirit merits to be cherished and invigorated by every branch of government, as the estimable pledge of national prosperity and glory.
Disdaining a reliance on foreign protection, wanting no foreign guarantee of our liberties, resolving to maintain our national independence against every attempt to despoil us of this inestimable treasure, we confide, under Providence, in the patriotism and energies of the people of these United States for defeating the hostile enterprises of any foreign power.
To adopt with prudent foresight such systematic measures as may be expedient for calling forth those energies wherever the national exigencies may require, whether on the ocean or on our own territory—and to reconcile with the proper security of revenue the convenience of mercantile enterprise, on which so great a proportion of the public resources depends—are objects of moment, which shall be duly regarded in the course of our deliberations.
Fully as we accord with you in the opinion, that the United States ought not to submit to the humiliation of sending another minister to France, without previous assurances sufficiently determinate that he will be duly accredited—we have heard, with cordial approbation, the declaration of your purpose steadily to observe those maxims of humane and pacific policy by which the United States have hitherto been governed. While it is left with France to take the requisite steps for accommodation, it is worthy the Chief Magistrate of a free people to be known to the world, that justice on the part of France will annihilate every obstacle to the restoration of a friendly intercourse, and that the Executive authority of this country will respect the sacred rights of embassy. At the same time, the wisdom and decision which have characterized your past administration, assure us, that no illusory professions will seduce you into any abandonment of the rights which belong to the United States as a free and independent nation.
To which the PRESIDENT made the following REPLY.
To the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
GENTLEMEN, MY sincere acknowledgments are due to the House of Representatives of the United States for this excellent address, so consonant to the character of representatives of a great and free people. The judgment and feelings of a nation, I believe, were never more truly expressed by their representatives, than those of our constituents by your decided declaration, that with our means of defence, our interest and honour command us to repel a predatory warfare against the unquestionable rights of neutral commerce—That it becomes the United States to be as determined in resistance as they have been patient in suffering, and condescending in negotiation—That while those who direct the affairs of France persist in the enforcement of decrees so hostile to our essential rights, their conduct forbids us to confide in any of their professions of amity—That an adequate naval force must be considered as an important object of national policy, and that whether negotiations with France are resumed or not, vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable.
The generous disdain you so coolly and deliberately express of a reliance on foreign protection, wanting no foreign guarantee of our liberties, resolving to maintain our national independence against every attempt to despoil us of this inestimable treasure, will meet the full approbation of every sound understanding, and exulting applauses from the heart of every faithful American.
I thank you, Gentlemen, for your candid approbation of my sentiments on the subject of negotiation, and for the declaration of your opinion, that the policy of extending and invigorating our measures of defence, and the adoption, with prudent foresight, such systematic measures as may be expedient for calling forth the energies of our country, wherever the national exigencies may require, whether on the ocean, or on our own territory, will demand your most sedulous attention.
At the same time, I take the liberty to assure you, it shall be my vigilant endeavour, that no illusory professions shall seduce me into an abandonment of the rights which belong to the United States, as a free and independent nation.
JOHN ADAMS. United States, Dec. 14, 1798.
RETIREMENT IN WINTER. HOWL on, ye winds, that rudely hurt The storm about my cot, I'll closer press my lovely girl, And bless my happy lot. Though you unroof our little shed, I'll fold her from your rage, Whilst Love, the guardian of our bed, Shall all your force assuage. I'll tell her fiercer storms shall rend The proud ambitious great, Whose lofty heads must learn to bend, Amidst the pomp of state. We'll envy not the rich, my girl, The proud, the great, the gay; But learn to live, and love as well, Nay, better far than they. Richer than theirs our hearts shall be, And purer far our bliss; Then let the great ones envy me, When those sweet lips I kiss. Tho' mutual toil must spread our board, Content and peace shall bless it, And it such joy no rank afford, Why, let the lordling gues it.
ADDRESS of the PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES.
To JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
SIR, AT this momentous crisis of our public affairs, the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania, at an early period of their session, beg leave to express the high sense they entertain of your conduct, as chief magistrate of the United States, in support of the honour and independence of this country.
We have viewed, with anxious solicitude, the wild projects of dominion, which have been displayed on the theatre of Europe. We have seen, that even that theatre is too small for the unlimited ambition of the rulers of the French people; that the Atlantic itself gives no bounds to their projects of subjugation; and that the United States of America are threatened. Threatened, Sir, not so much with open hostility—or an immediate and bold division of their territory—as with a division, by means of a dark and insidious policy, of the people from the government of their choice, and from the men on whom the ponderous weight of administration rests.
The vilest arts of political seduction have been triumphantly employed in various governments, and especially in those of a republican form. The enfeebling language of sister has been uttered, in the moment of a deadly embrace. That you, Sir, have been constantly aware of the effects of this policy, and have, with an uniform dignity, provided against them and for the public safety, so far as your constitutional powers permitted, must be highly gratifying to the patriotic pride of every independent mind. That in this address we speak the sentiments of the great body of our constituents, as well as our own, warms our hearts in the expression of that important truth. Yet we deplore that there are those, who call themselves by the American name, who have daringly insulted our country, by an usurpation of powers not delegated to them, by an obscure interference in our external concerns. That you have lately noticed this circumstance, is an additional proof of your vigilance for the general welfare.
On this subject it remains for us to say, that as (notwithstanding your liberal policy) negotiation has failed, we pledge ourselves in a solemn manner, as far as our constitutional powers extend, to co-operate with the government in averting all foreign influence, and detecting domestic intrigue. With sincere and earnest wishes for your health; that your care for the public good may continue, and with it, the confidence of the citizens of the United States; the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania have voted this Address.
To which the PRESIDENT made the following REPLY:
To the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
GENTLEMEN, I receive the honour of this address from the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania, expressive of their approbation of my conduct, as chief magistrate of the United States, in support of the honour and independence of this country, with more than common gratitude, and peculiar sensibility.
The passion of ambition is in its nature unlimited. The late wild projects suggested by it on the theatre of Europe, are not new. The French nation, from their numbers, their situation, their resources, their bravery, activity, ingenuity and enterprize, have been peculiarly subject to paroxysms of this distemper of the human mind. The spirit of conquest, which has often seized on this people, has, however, never taken possession of them without making work for severe repentance—without involving France in extravagant exertions and expences, both of blood and treasure, which have exhausted it to such a degree, as to require oftentimes whole centuries of languor and lassitude before they could recover their true station in the world.
There has not been a sound mind in France, which has not always regretted and lamented this foible of his countrymen. Nor do I believe there is a Frenchman in the world at this day, who is really and truly enlightened with the knowledge of the true interest and honour of his country, who does not bewail the infatuation which is producing temporary calamities to other nations, and must produce more lasting misfortunes to France.
The insidious and malevolent policy of dividing people and nations from their government, is not original: The French have not the credit even of the invention of it. It is borrowed from the greening of Persia, who were taught it by the little republic of Sparta, after she was debauched and corrupted. France ought to be ashamed of it, and the world ought to make her repent of her servile imitation.
Candour must own that our country lies under a reproach which it concerns the nation to correct; it is that of producing individuals who are capable not only of dark interferences by usurpation in our external concerns, but also capable of forgetting or renouncing their principles, feeling and habits, in a foreign country, and becoming enemies to their own. The disgraceful observation has been made, and with too much appearance of truth, that there are more Americans than there are of any other nation, who change their minds when they change their skies. Scandalous and criminal proofs of this are heard and read almost every day. Whether this is owing to a want of national character, or a want of criminal law, a remedy ought to be sought.
The solemn pledge you give to co-operate with the general government, in averting all foreign influence, and detecting domestic intrigue, is very important to the common welfare of our country, and will give great satisfaction to the Union.
I return, gentlemen, with great pleasure, my sincere and earnest wishes for your health; that your care for the public good may continue, as I doubt not it will, and with it the confidence of the citizens of Pennsylvania in particular, and the union in general.
JOHN ADAMS. Philadelphia, Dec. 21, 1798.
To the EDITOR of the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
Mr. CARTER, I AM one of the many who highly approve your proposal for publishing a paper on an enlarged plan, and with every other newspaper printed in this State could be increased to the same size. This might be done, were Printers suitably encouraged among us. But the truth is, there are too many papers received in this State from abroad, to the great discouragement of our own Printers. Add to this, that from the numerous dunning advertisements which appear in our papers, I suspect your brethren of the type are poorly paid by great numbers of their subscribers. As a Printer perhaps never sees one half of them, they ought to consider the trifling price of a paper as a debt of a superior nature, and discharge it with punctuality. By neglecting to pay Printers, they injure the State at large, because the time employed by an Editor in writing those dunning advertisements , and drawing and re-drawing thousands of trifling accounts, might be occupied in the improvement of his paper, and rendering it more extensively useful.
News-papers are of much more importance to society than many generally imagine. When properly conducted, they reflect credit on the State which supports them, and have a salutary effect on the manners and morals of a people. They enlighten the mind, and meliorate the heart; they were of infinite service previous to and during our revolutionary war, and I much doubt whether the revolution could have been effected without them; they first sounded the alarm from one end of the Union to the other, and roused our citizens to a just sense of their danger, and of their rights as freemen: They are moreover essentially useful in a family of children, and I should be well pleased to see them generally introduced into our schools. My children read the papers as regularly as I do myself, and I feel a singular pleasure in explaining to them whatever their tender minds cannot fully comprehend. Thus they are instructed, and I am amused. Much might be added on this subject, but at present I will not trespass further on your limits.
Let the citizens of this State countenance the printing of good papers therein; the more of them the better, if they can find support. In the State of Connecticut, many thousands of news-papers are circulated by private post-riders, and every family takes one or more. This has a most happy effect; the people are thus well informed, and in consequence, that State is allowed to be more easily if not better governed than any other in the Union.
I take three printed in this State, and one from abroad; the latter I shall discontinue and become a subscriber to the Journal ; and whenever I fail in making regular payments, you shall be at full liberty to disgrace my name , by erasing it from your list. Wishing you every success, I remain,
"A Friend to the Art which preserves all other Arts." January 2, 1799.
PHILADELPHIA, December 21. Extract of a letter from the Consul of the United States at Gibraltar, dated the 18th and 23rd of October, 1798.
The American ship Roanoke, Ebenezer Paine, commander, from Norfolk, in Virginia, with a valuable cargo of Cocoa, Indigo, &c. bound to Cadiz and a market, was brought in two days ago by a British privateer, on pretence of being Spanish property; and after going through the customary interrogations, has been cleared.
"Since the vessel was freed, being of 333 tons burthen, I met Earl St. Vincent, when I took the opportunity to request the favour of leave for her going to Cadiz with her cargo, which he not only granted, but also a convoy, as she is not armed, with leave to bring out for the United States a cargo of the produce of Spain.
"At foot you have the names of the six French prizes sent in by Admiral Nelson, five of which are now ready to proceed to Lisbon, there to get some temporary repairs before they go to England; they are under jury masts, and in a shocking state. Admiral Nelson is blocking up Malta.
NAMES of the Prizes. Le Franklin, 80 guns; Le Tonant, 80; Le Spartiat, 74; La Conquerant, 74; Le Peuple Souverain, 74; L'Aquilon, 74.
"By a Dane, in 27 days from Leghorn, it is reported that the Maltese had rose on the French garrison, dispossessed them of the island, and thrown themselves under the protection of Great Britain and the King of Naples. He further reports, that Buonaparte had been compelled by the Turks to re-embark his army, and was in great want of provisions; that on the other hand, the English continued to block them up."
Mr. DOBSON, of this city, has issued Proposals for publishing a supplement to the Encyclopaedia , in which the mistakes of former volumes might be corrected, and some account given of recent discoveries of the greatest importance.
NEW-YORK, December 26. It is said a Mr. Bunel, merchant, of St. Domingo, is the gentleman who bears dispatches from Gen. Toussaint to the Executive of the United States.
Major Franklin, late a member of the House of Representatives, is elected a Senator of the United States for N. Carolina, in the place of Mr. Martin, whose time expires in March next.
From J. RUSSELL'S GAZETTE. BOSTON, Dec. 27.
SUMMARY OF FOREIGN NEWS.
On Sunday last the ship Liberty, Capt. Jenkins, arrived at Newburyport from Hamburg, with German papers to the 27th Oct. They state, That official accounts have been received at Vienna, from Constantinople, announcing, that the Bays of Egypt, having embodied a very strong army near Cairo, on the 9th of Sept. attacked the army of Buonaparte, and obliged them to retreat to Rosetta, after an obstinate engagement which continued the whole day. Other confirmatory accounts mention, that the French troops were reduced to 10,000; and that Buonaparte, despairing of success, had proposed a capitulation to the Turks, stipulating for a safe passage from Egypt; but the Bays refused it, as they were powerful enough to make him surrender at discretion:
That official accounts had also been received at the same place, of the total destruction of the Toulon fleet of transports in the harbour of Alexandria, to the number of 366, including those of Venice and Ragusa. When the wind favoured, admiral Nelson directed his bomb vessels to assail the French forts on the shore, and then sent fire-ships amongst them, which taking the windward ones, immediately communicated the flames to the whole squadron:
That the rising of the Maltese against the French, was also confirmed; they were driven to St. Elmo, and summoned to surrender. No accounts have been received which announce their expulsion or surrender; but as a squadron has sailed from Gibraltar, probably to assist the Maltese, joined by a Turkish and Russian fleet of ships, it is highly probable they will soon be quashed:
That dispatches from the Lord Lieut. of Ireland had been sent to the British admiralty, announcing, that on the 12th October a sea engagement between 16 ships was seen from the Isle of Tory; that the action began at 3 o'clock, P. M. and continued for the space of five or six hours; that one vessel was totally disabled; one had all her sails and rigging shot away, two were sunk at the close of the engagement, and five took flight and sheered off, but were pursued. Three frigates of this squadron had, previous to the battle, anchored in the bay of Donegal, and landed a parcel of French troops, which were immediately driven back by the inhabitants; six transports were taken. A second edition of the Hamburg Correspondent, of the 27th of Oct. has the following article:—"By an extraordinary opportunity, we have received OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS from London, that on the 12th instant, Sir John B. Warren's squadron had defeated the French Brest fleet; and captured the ship Hoche, of 84 guns, and four frigates. Sir John further writes, that the French ships which fled from the engagement will not be able to reach the ports of France:"
Thus far on the subject of great events; on those of less import, the same papers further state, That the French army of Italy had entered the Neapolitan dominions in a hostile manner, though without a formal declaration of war; [This is French "management"] but with what success, time will determine, the King of Naples having a very respectable force on foot, to resist the invasion of the French:
That Jean Bon St. Andre, late French Resident at Smyrna, with his suit, had been taken to Constantinople, and lodged in the castle of the Seven Towers, on suspicion of revolutionizing principles; and among his papers was actually found a plan for Frenchifying the Ottoman empire—this important detection, caused the march of 30,000 men towards certain places, where the intrigues of the French minister had too well succeeded in disaffecting the people; thirty-seven cannon were also found in the Palace Francaise, lately the abode of the minister, but now converted into a prison, where the non-emigrant French are confined:
That an expedition against the South of France, in retaliation for the invasion of Egypt, was talked of. The Turks to furnish 30,000 men:
That the Russian and Turkish fleets, in the Egyptian waters, contemplated the possession of the French in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, and the Gulph of Genoa; the particular object, Ancona, Civita Vecchia, &c. and the city of Genoa, in which they expected to find great booty:
That the crews of eight French ships, in the harbour of Constantinople, have been made prisoners of war:
That the Turkish Minister to France had been arrested, and committed to the Temple:
That although the Turks were vigilant in preventing the French scheme of fraternization, they were not fearful it would succeed; in consequence of which the Russian troops, destined for Moldavia and Wallachia, have continued their route towards Italy; two other columns destined for Germany have also marched, and the Emperor has directed magazines to be provided in his hereditary dominions, for them:
That the Culloden, of 74 guns, which ran aground in going to action, off the Nile, has been got off, and Capt. Towbridge, the commander, appointed to take charge of a squadron of six ships:
That Baron Nelson had arrived at Naples, where he was received with every mark of distinction, and a splendid festival provided for him and his officers, by the King:
That the French have detached 8000 men, of their army in Switzerland, to the Austrian territory, which they have entered, and commenced their lawful business of ravaging:—the Emperor considers this as "letting loose the dogs of war, crying havoc and confusion:"
That six of the French ships, taken in the action off the Nile, are now equipped and taken into the British service:
That the Grand Seignor has made rich presents to all the British naval officers, and 80,000

dollars to the seamen engaged in the battle off the Nile:
A perfect cordiality subsists between the Turks and Russians; in proof, among other things, the Grand Seigneur went incog. on board the Russian fleet, while lying at Constantinople; an instance of confidence unparalleled in history:
That the Dutch have in the Texel a fleet of 11 sail of the line and 9 frigates; the Admiral's ship, called the Washington, of 74 guns: In the Males at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, they have 12 more of the line and 6 frigates:
That it is rumoured, a new embargo will be laid on all American vessels at Bourdeaux:
And lastly, that accounts from the Hague, of Oct. 20, are received, which affirm, "That the French government have repealed their decree against neutral property, consisting of English manufactures or produce."
To the EDITOR of the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
SIR, I AM pleased with the increasing means of diffusing light and information through our country. As you are about establishing a new medium of political communication, I wish it may also be accompanied with that kind of information which is always requisite to give ability and energy to government. It is an avowed maxim of our worthy and most excellent President Adams, "That Religion and good Morals are essential to republican governments; and that the United States may be free and happy so long as the people are careful to preserve these, and no longer." As this sentiment is the result of experience, and a most attentive observation, so it deserves our most serious consideration. The history of the world confirms the truth, and very little reflection will show the reasonableness of adopting it as such. That fixed principle should ever attend enlightened policy, as the only guard against corruption—and that virtuous habits should be taught and encouraged as the only means of preserving the order of a free government, are truths so plain and obvious, that a laboured proof of them is not necessary at this time. My design, therefore, is to recommend, that a small portion of your newly instituted paper be dedicated to moral communications, and that your friends be invited to furnish weekly materials for occupying the same. The Christian, moral, and sentimental reflections that may flow from their pens, will add beauty and lustre to your paper, while they render it more extensively beneficial to the public.
[We return thanks to the above correspondent, and should be pleased to receive communications of the kind to which he refers.]
BOSTON, December 28.
The late Speech of the PRESIDENT contains the prominent features of the policy, wisdom and energy, of the American Administration. — It shows a firm sense of National Independence, when assailed by the wanton aggressions of a foreign nation, it declares to the world, that the humane and pacific principles that have ever actuated our Government, still operate in full force. We are cautioned not to sleep on our posts; that the more desirous we are for Peace, the more vigorous must be our preparations for War; and that new and cogent reasons demand at this moment, the full development of our energies and resources. We are told, that the French government still persists in measures hostile to our national Sovereignty and Independence; that even her pacific professions are qualified in a manner injurious to our national Rights, and are accompanied with groundless imputations against our sincere and repeated overtures for Peace. Thus circumstanced, should France not shortly "discover a sincere disposition to desist from her actual hostility, to make reparation for her ravages on our commerce, and to be just towards us in future," what can the American Government and People resort to, but actual warfare, to vindicate their Rights against a nation who intend hostility even in their loudest professions of friendship?
A letter has been received from Capt. Seward, of the armed ship Camillus, of this port, belonging to Mr. Eben Parsons, informing, that on his outward passage he was attacked by two French privateers, which after an action he beat off—and rescued from them a Portuguese vessel, which they had taken. His men stood to their guns with perfect resolution, and exercised them in the most active manner. This is another proof of the expediency of arming. Several benefits result from the issue of this engagement, which all honest Americans must exult in. A valuable ship, cargo, and a number of brave fellows, are preferred to their country—and Piracy disappointed of its prey.
Thursday, the 17th day of January next, the first and third southern districts meet for the choice of federal representatives.
THE EDITOR of the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL, through the patronage of a generous Public, has been enabled to publish his first number on the day contemplated in his Proposals. For this distinguished mark of favour, he tenders his respectful and unfeigned thanks—assuring the present and future patrons of his Paper, that his most zealous attention, and unremitted exertions, shall be employed to render it worthy of general support.
Although the present number of subscribers is inadequate to the expense, yet he has every reason to hope for an accession of Patrons, and in this hope will proceed with alacrity.
In making arrangements, and giving the business its first course, much time has necessarily been occupied; and this he offers as an apology for any defects that may be observed. An Engraving, intended for the head of the paper, was not timely executed for the first number.
The Proposals for the JOURNAL are republished in the last page of this day's paper, in order to preserve a remembrance of the terms on which it will be continued.
Communications and Advertisements for the JOURNAL is requested may be forwarded to the office by two o'clock, P. M. on Tuesdays.
Jan. 2, 1799.
The Journal.
PROVIDENCE, JANUARY 2.
On Monday next will be launched at Warren, the United States Frigate General Greene, Christopher R. Perry, Esq. commander. She will be immediately equipped for service. Her guns have gone down from this town, and we hope soon to hear of her being actively engaged in defending our much injured commerce.
On Wednesday last the anniversary festival of St. John the evangelist was celebrated here by St. John's Lodge. The brethren partook of an elegant dinner provided on the occasion at Mr. Aldrich's inn; after which,
The Lodge made choice of the following brethren as officers for the ensuing year:
 R. W. JOHN CARLILE, Master.  W. SETH WHEATON, Senior Warden.  W. ZEBADIAH FARNUM, Junior Warden.  JEREMIAH F. JENKINS, Treasurer.  YOUNG SEAMANS, Secretary.  EZEKIEL BURR, Senior Deacon.  GEORGE EARL, Junior Deacon. 
On Wednesday next, at Mason's Hall, in this town, will be held a Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the Northern States.
A Bill has been reported in Congress for establishing an uniform system of Bankruptcy. The Bill in its present state contains 59 sections, 17 of which have gone through the house, without much objection or debate.
General WASHINGTON has arrived in good health at Mount Vernon.
Judge RUSH is a candidate for Governor in Pennsylvania.
The legislature of Virginia have elected JAMES WOOD, Esq; Governor of that State.
The total amount of taxes, loans and gratuitous contributions, for the relief of the poor of Philadelphia, during their late calamity, is 92,943 dollars. The number of persons relieved, 11,353.
[As frequent enquiries have been made whether the subscriptions raised in this town for the relief of the suffering poor of Philadelphia have been received by the Board of Health in that city, and no mention of the receipt thereof having been made in any of the public papers, for the information of the subscribers, and the public, we have procured the following copy of a letter from the President of the Board of Health, to the committee for transmitting the money.]
Health-Office, Philadelphia. Oct. 18, '98.
GENTLEMEN, Your much respected favour of the 9th inst. covering Fourteen Hundred and Forty Dollars, for the relief of our suffering poor, came safely to hand, and shall be applied agreeably to the charitable views of the benevolent donors.
Accept, Gentlemen, the thanks of the Board of Managers for your generous exertions.
On behalf of the Board of Managers of the Marine and City Hospitals, I am yours very respectfully,
WILLIAM JONES, President.
Messrs. MOSES BROWN and OLNBY WINSOR.
American Navy.
LIST OF VESSELS IN SERVICE.
   Vessel. Guns. Commander.     United States, 44 John Barry.   Constitution, 44 Samuel Nicholson.   Constellation, 36 Thomas Truxton.   Geo. Washington, 32 Patrick Fletcher.   Ganges, 26 Thomas Tingey.   Delaware, 22 Stephen Decatur.   Montezuma, 22 Alex. Murray.   Baltimore, 24 Isaac Phillips.   Herald, 20 James Sever.   Portsmouth, 24 Daniel M'Neil.   Pinckney, 18 Samuel Hayward.   Norfolk, 18 Thomas Williams.   Richmond, 18   Pickering, 16 Chapman.   Merimack, 26 Moses Brown.   Retaliation, 14 Wm. Bambridge.   Eight Revenue Cutters.  
BUILDING.
   Gen. Greene, 32 Christ. R. Perry.   Connecticut, 28 Moses Tryon.   Adams, 24 Richard V. Morris.   1 at Boston, 36   2 at New-York, 44 each.   1 at Philadelphia, 44   1 at Portsmouth, 44   1 at Norfolk, 36   1 at Salem, 32   2 at Baltimore, 24 each.   1 at Charleston, 24  
MARRIED.
At North-Providence, on Sunday evening last, by the Rev. President Maxey, WILLIAM WILKINSON, Esq; Postmaster, of this town, to Miss MARY WILKINSON, Daughter of Mr. Oziel Wilkinson, of North-Providence.
DIED.
On Saturday last, in the 35th year of her age, Mrs. ESTHER HARWOOD, wife of Mr. John Harwood, Printer. She bore a long and distressing illness with pious resignation, and met the king of terrors with great composure, humbly trusting in the merits of her Redeemer.
On Wednesday last, suddenly, in the 26th year of her age, Mrs. MARY SOWLE, relict of the late Mr. Seabury Sowle, merchant.
Mrs. MARGARET BOWTER, relict of the late Mr. Andrew Bowter.
At Newport, in the 48th year of her age, Mrs. ANNA CLARKE, consort of Mr. Ethan Clarke, Merchant, and daughter of the late Hon. Samuel Ward, Esq; formerly Governor of this State, a lady highly respected.
At Rehoboth, Capt. JOHN JACOBS, in the 67th year of his age.
Ship News.
The snow Susan, Capt. Metcalf Bowler, of this port, has arrived at Newport, with a very valuable cargo from Surinam, 56 days passage, having been on the coast upwards of 20 days, and experiencing continual and severe gales of wind.
The sloop Sally, Capt. Hammett, arrived yesterday from Berbice. She touched at Tortola, and sailed with 19 other American vessels, convoyed by a British sloop of war, Capt. Forre, and parted Dec. 5, in Lat. 20, N. The Captain could not acquaint us with the names of the different vessels, but among them were several belonging to the Eastward, and a New-Haven Brig, Capt. Miller. Left at Berbice, the Brig—Rathburn, of Newport, being the only American vessel in port.
The sloop Smithfield, Wheaton, of this port, has arrived at Charleston.
The Delaware sloop of war, Capt. Decatur, has sailed with a convoy from Philadelphia for the Havana.
Capt. Shaw arrived at Newport on Sunday last from the Havana, who says there are two American ships of war cruising off there, which made it quite safe for our vessels, when approaching that port. Left at the Havana brig Susannah, Capt. Tarpin Smith, of this port, just arrived.
The Frigate Constitution has sailed from Boston, on a cruise.
The Schooner Beauty, Haynes, has arrived at Baltimore, in 11 days from the Havana—sailed under convoy of the United States ship Baltimore, Capt. Phillips.
The Ship Hope, Donison of this Port, from the Havana for New-York, has put into Newport. Having experienced successive gales, received some damage.
The ships of war Herald and Pickering, were at the Vineyard the 28th of Dec. bound into Boston.
The Mervimack, ship of war is on the point of sailing from Boston on a cruise.
Charleston, Nov. 22.
Yesterday anchored off Fort Johnson, the United States armed Brig Eagle, Capt. George Campbell, from a cruise.
Also returned from a cruise, the United States brig General Pinkney, Capt. George Croft.
We regret not having it in our power to enrich our first number with some important intelligence, which has not been generally communicated. The mail yesterday brought no Philadelphia paper.
Sales at Auction.
On FRIDAY next, at Jacob Whitman, jun. & Co.'s AUCTION ROOM, No. 2, Westminster-Street, BROADCLOTHS, Baizes, Calicoes, Linens, India Cottons, Shawls, Cassimeres, Mens' and Boys' Hats, One hoghead Jamaica Rum, One cask Malaga Wine, Barrels of Cider Brandy, Barrels of Gin, Part of a bale of Cotton, Kegs of Ginger, Gin Cases, Soak Leather—and a variety of other articles.
AT PRIVATE SALE, the following Articles, viz. India Cottons of different qualities, by the bale or piece.
 Eight pieces fine twill'd Coatings, various colors,  Few pieces fancy corded Velvet,  Few pieces ditto Moreens,  Wildbores, Calicoes, Shawls,  One handsome Carpet, 5 by 5 and 3-4 yards,  One piece of Carpeting, by the yard,  Blue Broadcloths,  One piece green Baize,  Ten pieces Irish Linens,  Platillas and Britannics, by the piece,  Fifteen pieces very handsome Oilcloths,  Six casks blue and white Crockery Ware, handsomely assorted,  West-India Rum by the hoghead,  Eight Barrels Gin,  Four ditto Cider Brandy,  Ten kegs ground Ginger,  Quantity of Gin Cases,  Loaf Sugar by the hundred or single loaf. 
Jan. 2, 1799.
For SALE, On a long credit, for approved paper, Four Lots of Land,
On the most pleasant part of Benevolent-street, a little southward of the College, on the height of the hill, one lot to the eastward of Mr. Henry Alexander's house.—For Terms, apply to JOHN CORLIS.
Jan. 2, 1799.
Carrington & Bowers, No. 1, CHEAPSIDE, HAVE a large and extensive Assortment of ENGLISH GOODS,
which they offer for SALE on the most reasonable terms for Cash.
In addition to their former Assortment, they have just received from New York,
 A fresh supply of Carpets and Carpeting, suitable for rooms of any size;—Brown HOLLAND and low priced BROADCLOTHS, per piece.—A few sets of Pearl-Fish COUNTERS.—PINS per Pack, 3d, 4d, 4d and 5d lb.—Blue, brown and other coloured COATINGS, per piece.—WRITING PAPER per Ream.—TAPES, BOBBINS and DUTCH LACES. 
They have likewise for Sale, 130 Barrels PRIME BEEF, which will be sold low for cash or short time.
Jan. 2, 1799.
FOR SALE, BY Benjamin Hoppin & Co.
For Cash or approved Notes, payable at the Providence Bank at 60 days,
EIGHT Pipes first quality French BRANDY—Three half Pipes ad ditto Naples ditto—Four Puncheons excellent Windward Island RUM—Twenty Boxes best Havana Brown SUGAR—Loaf SUGAR—Thirty Casks ground GINGER—One hundred empty GIN CASES—Five hundred pair lin'd and bound Calf Skin SHOES—Forty pieces handsome figured OIL CLOTHS—Straws of TUMBLERS—Wine GLASSES—Quart, pint and half pint DECANTERS, with ground Bottoms.—They have likewise just received a small Consignment of Fine and Courte BROADCLOTHS, Twilled COATINGS, and Blue PLAINS.—Which will be sold for Notes payable at the Bank at Three Months Credit. India COTTONS, of every Quality—and Cotton and Linnen CHECKS, on hand as usual.
January 2, 1799.
Attention, CADETS! THE Independent Company of CADETS, of the town of Providence, are hereby notified to appear at the State House, with muskets, on Saturday the 5th instant, at 6 o'clock, P. M. By order of Col. BURRILL. CALEB BOWERS, 2d Serjeant. Jan. 2, 1799.
FOR SALE, BY Young Seamans,
A FEW Hhds. first quality green COFFEE. Ditto brown SUGAR, both entitled to draw back.—MOLASSES fit for retailing, and fleecy COTTON. Jan. 2, 1799.
Just Landing, and for Sale by Joseph S. Martin,
A FEW Hhds. of green COFFEE, A few ditto of brown SUGAR, some fleecy COTTON; all subject to the drawback. Also, A few Hhds. of MOLASSES, and a few hogheads of Tobago RUM. Jan. 2, 1799.
For SALE, by William Blodget, jun.
No. 3, CHEAPSIDE, MESS and prime Pork and Beef per quantity, in whole and half barrels, at a reasonable price and time.
As usual, a general assortment of India, English and Scotch GOODS, proper for the season, extremely cheap, at a fixed price, for Cash. Jan. 2, 1799.
Just arrived, and for SALE by Elisha Dyer,
A QUANTITY of Tar and Pitch, in good order. Jan. 2, 1799.
To LET, A convenient Store,
Situated nearly opposite the dwelling-house of Mr. Thomas P. Ives, very suitable for a person in the Grocery line, or in Navigation, having a privilege on the wharf.—For particulars, enquire of
ARAUNAH TINGLEY. January 2, 1799.
New Lands.
THE underwritten offers for sale, or exchange for lands not very remote from the town of Providence, several rights of good LAND in the well-known and settled town of St. Johnsbury (where the late Dr. Arnold, formerly of this town, lived) in the county of Caledonia, and State of Vermont.
One tract, containing about 600 Acres, lies on the banks of the pleasant river Passumpsick, and has on it an excellent mill-seat.
For terms, apply to Daniel Cahoon, Esq; (late of this town) who lives on a farm adjoining the above tract—or to the underwritten. DAVID HOWELL.
Jan. 2, 1799.
Benjamin Howland,
TAYLOR AND LADIES HABIT-MAKER,
RESPECTFULLY informs the public, that he has removed to the Corner Shop next South of the Market; where he has opened a beautiful Assortment of Cloths, of the best Kind, and most fashionable Colours. Real London superfine Broadcloths and Cassimeres, superfine Coatings for Surtouts and Spencers, Waistcoatings and Buttons, and other Trimmings to match every Pattern—elastic Suspenders, &c. Grateful for every Favour, his best endeavours will be exerted to merit the Confidence of his Customers.
N. B. He makes FANCY BREECHES, without Leg, Side, Seat, Waistband or Kneeband Seams; which, for Ease and elegant Set, are far superior to any former Plan. Providence, Jan. 2, 1799.
WANTED, at this Office, A Smart active BOY, as an Apprentice to the Printing Business.
Great Encouragement will be given. Jan. 2.

Selected Poetry.
FEDERAL OATH.
"SOME other hand must sign the impious deed, That would our liberties to Gallia yield;" Thus Adams spoke!—And Washington, to lead, Seiz'd his bright sword, and wav'd it o'er the field.
"To arms! to arms!"—our patriot hero cries; Columbia's sons reverberate the sound, To Washington they cast their wilful eyes, To where arises Vernon's sacred mound.
They saw their Chief preparing for the war, The war of Virtue—Liberty and Truth! Gainst factious foes, and foes who dwell afar, Where reigns fell Discord—ev'ry thing but Worth.
High up the sacred hill supreme he stood, His arm uprais'd—as if suspending ill; His eyes directed to the throne of God— He thus declar'd his firm and steady will:
"Tho' time has silver'd o'er my aged head; Tho' many patriots sleep among the dead; As kindred souls should there together lie:— As free I've liv'd—so free I swear to die!"
Throughout Columbia quick the vallies ring, From earth to heav'n the solemn oath is heard; Columbia's sons from ev'ry region bring Their free-will off'rings to the altar rear'd.
These, these we give, our charter'd rights to save, Ourselves, our wives, our children; all shall fall; Sooner the world shall be a mighty grave, Than we our Rights or Liberties enthral.
Great Jove, approving, view'd the solemn scene, And orders gave to record this decree:— "My chosen people, that have virtuous been, Shall still be happy—and shall still be free."
New-Printing-Office.
PROVIDENCE, DECEMBER 11, 1798.
TO THE PUBLIC.
AT the present CRISIS, replete with GREAT and IMPORTANT EVENTS, which furnish Materials to arrest the Attention, excite the Curiosity, and interest the Feelings of every Class of the Community, the Expediency of establishing another News-Paper in this populous commercial Town, hath been suggested by many respectable Citizens, for the Purpose of more copiously communicating, and more seasonably and promptly circulating, such PUBLIC INTELLIGENCE as may be received through the Medium of the MAILS, PACKETS, and other conveyances.
The Subscriber, anxious to profit by this Opportunity of advancing himself in a Profession to which he hath been regularly bred, and for which he feels the strongest Predilection, is induced to solicit the general Patronage and Support of the Public, in establishing him as an EDITOR of a NEWS-PAPER in his NATIVE TOWN.
It cannot be necessary, it is presumed, to dwell on the great Utility of such periodical Publications—their Importance is universally known and acknowledged, and was fully experienced in the Course of the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. That GREAT SUPPORTER of the COMMON CAUSE of FREEDOM, the illustrious WASHINGTON, in a Paragraph of a Letter to Mr. MATTHEW CAREY, the Editor of the AMERICAN MUSEUM, declines not to give them due Credit in these Words:—
"For my Part, I entertain a high Idea of the Utility of periodical Publications; inasmuch that I could heartily desire Copies of the MUSEUM, MAGAZINES, as well as common GAZETTES, might be spread through every City, Town and Village, in America. I consider such early Vehicles of Knowledge more happily calculated than any other to preserve the Liberty, stimulate the Industry, and meliorate the Morals, of a free and enlightened People."
While the Subscriber contemplates, with peculiar Satisfaction, the rapidly-increasing Populism and Respectability of this Town, he flatters himself with the Presage, that his Establishment, as a PRINTER and EDITOR of a NEWS-PAPER, will "grow with its Growth, and strengthen with its Strength." Under this Idea, in grateful to his Feelings, in Deference to the Opinion and in Compliance with the Wishes of a Number of respectable Citizens, he now proposes to publish a PAPER every WEDNESDAY MORNING, under the Title of
The Providence Journal,
AND
TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
It is proposed to issue the first Number of the JOURNAL on WEDNESDAY the 2d of JANUARY next.
In conducting this PAPER, no Pains will be spared to render it a useful and entertaining Compendium of NEWS, POLITICS and LITERATURE. Particular Care will, uniformly, be taken to present the Reader with all the COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE which the Editor may derive from the various Sources of Information—and no less Care and Attention will be paid to the Publication, from Time to Time, of useful and important Essays, for the equal Benefit of the MERCHANT, the FARMER, and the MECHANIC.
The JOURNAL will be printed with a new and handsome Type, and on excellent Paper, of a Size equal to that of the COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, printed at Boston; which will enable its Editor to comprise all the PUBLIC INTELLIGENCE, foreign and domestic, that shall be worthy the Notice of his Readers, as well as to dedicate some Part to Communications from ingenious and learned Correspondents (whose Favour he now solicits) and, occasionally, to diversify the Paper with such elegant and useful Extracts, from valuable Authors, as may have a Tendency to mingle Instruction with innocent Amusement.
To enable the Editor more effectually to perform his Engagements, and to gratify his Readers, he hath laid the Foundation of an extensive Correspondence, to the End that whatever shall be interesting in the MECHANIC ARTS, in AGRICULTURE, in COMMERCE, in LITERATURE, in POLITICS, as well as in the OCCURRENCE of the DAY, may be communicated, as far as shall be practicable, to the PATRONS of the JOURNAL.
The Price of the JOURNAL will be TWO DOLLARS per Annum, which will appear moderate to every candid Person, when the Size and Quality of the PAPER shall be duly estimated. The Payments to be annual, excepting the first Half Year's Subscription, which, as is customary on the Establishment of a PUBLIC PAPER, will be paid in Advance, upon Delivery of the first Number, to enable the Editor to defray the many Charges attendant on this expensive and arduous Undertaking.
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Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10.
IN the House of Representatives of the United States, this day, orders were severally passed for the appointment of a committee of claims, a committee of revisal and unfinished business, and a committee of commerce and manufactures. The house then proceeded to ballot for a chaplain, when the Rev. Dr. Green was chosen.—Adjourned.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11.
In the House of Representatives, the committee of revisal and unfinished business reported in part.
Mr. S. Smith moved that a letter received from the Secretary of the Treasury, during the last session, accompanying a plan for regulating the collection of duties on imports and tonnage, be referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
Mr. Macon thought, as it was the intention of this report to provide a new law on this subject, it would save time, if the committee was empowered to report by bill or otherwise. Agreed.
Mr. Harper said, it would be recollected that at an early period of the last session, the House took into consideration an important subject relative to a uniform system of Bankruptcy. The bill proposed, it was well known, was then passed over on account of more pressing concerns; but as he considered the business as of great importance, he wished to call the attention of the House to it at an early period of the present session, and therefore proposed the following resolution for adoption:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill for establishing an uniform system of Bankruptcy throughout the United States.
The resolution was agreed to, and a committee of five appointed.
Mr. Harper said, no member of this House could be ignorant of the use at this moment made of two acts passed during the last session of Congress. He meant the acts commonly called the Alien and Sedition laws. No one could be ignorant of the ferment which has been raised, and sedulously kept up, on account of those laws. I do know, said he, of a certainty, that this ferment has been raised, and is kept up, in many places, by a misrepresentation of the contents of those laws. The possibility of doing this will be readily allowed, when it is recollected how little news-papers are circulated in some parts of the union, and even where they do circulate, how liable the readers of them are to pass over, without much attention, any law which may appear in them. A law, said he, is not like an article of news, which if a person remember in part, he may recollect the rest—of a law a man ought to have precise and accurate ideas, and in order to attain these, it must be read at leisure, and he must have it by him, so as to occasionally refer to it. This cannot be done, at present, with respect to the laws of the United States. A comparatively small number of copies only are printed; of course, they are far from being generally circulated, and the great mass of the people have no opportunity of becoming acquainted with them. I know (continued Mr. H.) that the most unfair representations have been practised. I know an instance, in a large assembly of people, the bill which originated in the Senate on the subject of sedition, and which was never passed into a law, was read as the sedition law complained of, and resolutions were founded upon it. I also know, that, in another state, resolutions have been passed, not upon the laws which are reprobated, but upon a letter from a member of Congress, which contained, not perhaps wilful misrepresentations, but certainly misrepresentations of the laws in question.—In order to counteract these evils, Mr. H. said, he held a proposition in his hand, which he meant to submit to the House. And as an additional reason for moving it, he mentioned, that, in the course of an excursion which he had lately made of many hundred miles, he had met with no individual (who was not himself actively employed in spreading the misinformation which he complained of) who did approve of these laws. He had, indeed, met with many who had been misinformed with respect to them; but all of these, without exception, have expressed themselves satisfied that the laws are wise and constitutional measures, when made acquainted with their contents. In order, therefore, to enable the people to judge for themselves upon this subject, to do away the misrepresentations so industriously propagated respecting them, and to defeat the attempts which he believes were made in some places to produce an armed opposition to them, he offered a resolution to the House to the following effect:
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, That the Secretary of State be, and he is hereby authorized, to cause to be printed and distributed throughout the United States, copies of two acts passed during the last session, the one entitled, "An act respecting aliens," the other, "An act in addition to an act for the punishment of certain offences against the United States, and for other purposes."
Ordered to lie on the table.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12.
Mr. Harper called up the resolution which he yesterday laid upon the table, respecting the publication of an extra number of copies of the Alien and Sedition laws to be distributed, gratis, throughout the United States.
After some interesting observations from Mr. Harper, and a reply from Mr. Nicholas, the question was put, and the blank filled with 20,000 copies.
Mr. Harper wished to lay a resolution on the table, the subject of which had engaged the attention of Congress at their last session; and as
it was in substance the same with a bill which then passed this house, he trusted no objection would be made to it. It was as follows:
Resolved, That if any state against which a balance was reported by the commissioners appointed to settle the accounts between the United States and the several states shall, within either pay into the treasury of the United States, or expend, or by a legislative act engage to expend, in executing, enlarging or completing, any fortification for the defence of the said state, at such place or places, and according to such plan or plans, as shall be approved by the President of the United States, and under his direction, a sum in money or in stock of the United States, equal to the balance reported as aforesaid against such states, or to the sum assumed by the United States, in the debt of such state, such payment or expenditure, when so made, shall be accepted by the United States as a full acquittance of all demands on account of the said balance; and the President of the United States shall be and hereby is authorized to cause credit to be given to such state on the books of the treasury of the United States accordingly: Provided, however, that no more than the third part of the whole payment or expenditure that may be made by any such state, shall be made in three per cent. stock, nor more than one third part of the remaining two thirds shall be made in deferred stock: And provided also, that any such state may obtain a full acquittance, as aforesaid, by the payment or expenditure of a sum of money sufficient, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Treasury, to purchase, at market price, the different species of stock, the payment or expenditure of which would be accepted as a full acquittance as aforesaid.
And provided further, That if any such state as is indebted as aforesaid, shall have expended, since the establishment of the present government of the United States, any sum of money in fortifying any place since ceded by such state to the U. States, or which may be so ceded within such expenditure having been ascertained and proved to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be taken and allowed.
Mr. H. moved to have it referred to a committee of the whole this day; but Mr. Thatcher wishing that it might be printed, it was made the order for to-morrow.
Mr. Harper moved that a committee be appointed to bring in a bill further to amend the act for laying a duty on stamped vellum, parchment and paper. A bill of this kind, he said, was before the house at a late period of the last session, which the Senate postponed. The purpose of this bill is to correct that part of the law which subjects all the copies of foreign bills of exchange and bills of lading to the same stamp with the original, and of course makes the duty on those kind of transactions fall heavier than upon any other.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13.
The Speaker laid before the house a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanying sundry statements exhibiting the amount of duties arising from domestic distilled spirits and stills for the year ending on the 30th of June, 1797; also on sales at auction, refined sugar, carriages, and retailers' licences, to the close of 1797, together with a letter from the Commissioners of the Revenue on the subject, which were ordered to be printed.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14.
Mr. Sewall, from the committee appointed to prepare and report a bill providing an uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States, reported a bill, which, being a copy of the one before the house, at the last session, was not read, but, after reading the title, committed to a committee of the whole, and made the order for Monday.
Mr. Harper moved that the house go into a committee of the whole on the state of the union, for the purpose of taking up the President's speech; which motion being agreed to, and the committee formed,
He proposed the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, as the opinion of this committee, that so much of the speech of the President of the United States to both houses of Congress, at the commencement of the present session, as relates to the expediency of establishing suitable regulations in aid of the health laws of the respective States, for preventing the introduction of contagious diseases, be referred to a committee, with power to report by bill or otherwise.
2. That so much of the said speech as relates to the extending and invigorating the measures of defence heretofore adopted by the government of the United States, be referred to a committee.
3. That so much of the said speech as relates to the naval establishment, and to the augmentation of the navy, and the adoption of systematic measures for procuring timber and other supplies, be referred to a committee.
4. That so much of the said speech as relates to a revision of the system by which the collection of that part of the revenue which arises from duties on merchandise imported, is now regulated, be referred to a committee of commerce and manufactures.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17.
It appeared from the reading of the journals, that Messrs. Otis, Rutledge, Goodrich, S. Smith, Champlin, Spaight and Dent, are appointed a committee for considering that part of the President's speech which relates to the extending and invigorating the measures of defence heretofore adopted:
That Messrs. Josiah Parker, Pinckney, Sewall, Champlin, Baldwin, Griswold, and Van Cortlandt, are appointed a committee for considering that part of the same speech which relates to the navy, and to the adoption of systematic measures for procuring timber and other supplies:
And that Messrs. Harper, Gallatin, N. Smith, Cochran, Jones, Isaac Parker, Hindman, Blount and Sinnickson, are appointed a committee of ways and means.
Mr. W. Claibourne laid the following resolution upon the table:
Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of America, in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed, to cause to be printed a certain number of copies, not exceeding thousands of the Constitution of the United States, together with the amendments which have been made thereto, and to cause the same to be distributed gratis throughout the United States.—Ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. Dawson moved that a committee of ways and means be instructed to prepare and report a bill for the enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18.
Mr. J. Parker presented a resolution to the following effect:
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to lay before this house an account of all armed vessels employed in, or preparing for the service of the United States, particularizing where the same were built, or are building, and under what contract; their respective sizes, number of guns, and complement of men, and the names of the commanders of such as are in commission, with a statement of the expence of the equipment of each, and of its annual support.
A message was received from the Senate, notifying the house that William Blount, impeached for high crimes and misdemeanours, although duly summoned by the Senate, did not appear; and that the Senate would be ready, to receive the managers at twelve o'clock this day, to take further order on this trial.
Mr. Harper, from the committee of managers of the impeachment of William Blount, to whom had been referred the message of the Senate of this morning, reported, as their opinion, that it would be proper for the managers to attend before the Senate at the time appointed, to request a further day for preparing their proceedings in the said impeachment.
SENATE, DECEMBER 18.
The Senate having, by taking the oath required by law, formed itself into a court of impeachment for the purpose of trying William Blount, charged by the House of Representatives with high crimes and misdemeanours against the United States,
A letter was received from Messrs. Dallas and Ingersoll, desiring to be heard at the bar of the Senate as counsel for William Blount.
On motion, leave was granted, and the Secretary ordered to notify the House of Representatives therewith.
A little after twelve, the managers of the House of Representatives, as well as the Counsel of the defendant, appeared at the Bar of the Senate; when the President of the Senate pro tem. (Mr. Laurence) addressed the managers to the following effect:—
"Gentlemen, The Senate being formed into a Court of Impeachment, are ready to proceed in the trial of William Blount, late a Senator of the United States, impeached by the House of Representatives of high crimes and misdemeanours against the United States. It will be necessary you should be informed, that Mr. Dallas and Mr. Ingersoll have applied to be heard as counsel in behalf of the defendant, and that leave has been given them to attend in that capacity. I shall proceed to read the articles of impeachment exhibited against the defendant. [The President here read the articles of impeachment.] A copy of these articles (continued the President) together with a summons for his appearance before the bar of the Senate, on the third Monday in the present month, was served upon the defendant by the Sergeant at Arms, and a due return made thereof [which was also read.] Notwithstanding this, the said William Blount has not appeared before the Senate, as required. The court are, however, now ready to hear the managers of the House of Representatives on this trial."
Mr. Harper (as chairman of the managers of the House of Representatives in the absence of Mr. Bayard) then addressed the Court to the following effect:
"May it please this Honourable Court, I am directed by the managers of the House of Representatives for conducting the impeachment against William Blount, and also by the House of Representatives, to state to this honourable court, the motives which have induced the House of Representatives to apply to this honourable court for the appointment of a future day, on which to be heard on the subject of their impeachment against William Blount. The time being so short betwixt the receipt of the message from the Honourable Senate, and the hour fixed for receiving the managers before this honourable court, it did not allow them time to receive directions from the House of Representatives with respect to their future proceedings in the trial."
"May it please this Honourable Court,
"The committee of managers conceive, that in consequence of the message received from the honourable the Senate, a very important preliminary question will arise in this business, and upon which the managers of this impeachment cannot presume to act until they have been instructed by the House of Representatives. This question is, "Whether this honourable court can proceed to the trial of William Blount, without his personal appearance before them." Conceiving this point to be of considerable magnitude, the managers of this impeachment reported it as their opinion to the House of Representatives, that it would be proper for them to appear before your honourable court at the time appointed, for the purpose of requesting that a further day may be assigned for hearing them in behalf of the House of Representatives, on this trial. The managers (continued Mr. H.) do now, therefore, appear before this honourable court, to request the assignment of a future day, on which they may be more fully heard on this important question."
Whereupon Monday next was assigned,