The Kentucke gazette (Lexington [Ky.]), 1787-12-15 00:00:00

David Root
K E N T U C K E G A Z E T T E
S A T U R D A Y, DECEMBER 15, 1787.
Mr. PRINTER.
THE most remarkable performance which has appeared in your paper is, in my opinion, Capt Sullivan's letter to the Spanish ambassador. Its stile and sentiment indicate a mind elevated with all the fire of military ardour, and bent upon the execution of mighty projects. The confidence of young adventurers is generally considered by themselves and others as a prognostic of success; and I myself find a wish excited by the captain's letter that, if our country should be involved in a war against foreign invaders or tyrants, he may be invited to exert his prowess in our cause. But when I reflect upon the injuries which mankind have always received from war; and how seldom nations who fight upon the most justifiable principles, have reason to boast in the consequences of their exertions; I am affected with very disagreeable apprehensions of our being hurried again too early into the field. I never have imagined that farmers lately settled in the middle regions of North America, and just beginning to enjoy the comforts of an undisturbed and civilized life should all at once be called to rush into the Atlantic ocean and spread terror among commercial nations. We have a great deal to do at home before we should look abroad for employment; and though we may be as capable as other men to live on land and water, it must be most advisable at present to stay where we are. The interests of mankind are to be distinguished by wisdom, and supported on the basis of civil laws. The Soldier is only useful as a centinel to guard them from invasions of foreign nations.
Indeed I cannot pretend to know the motives which have urged to the publication of a letter which can be considered in no other light than a torch of war; it depends entirely upon the intentions of Spain with respect to us, whether Capt. Sullivan is to be viewed as a patriotic soldier or a successor to Macedonia's madman and the Swede. If Spain has actually laid the plan or discovered a fixed intention to rob us of the just rights which have been asserted before Congress in our behalf; the writer of that letter is a magnanimous hero and calls for our admiration. If no such inimical intentions have appeared, we are obliged to consider him as a mere soldier of fortune, to whom all nations are alike to whom mankind appear like cattle formed for slaughter, and who prefers one country to another only because it gives him the first encouragement to shed human blood! For my own part if the author of that brilliant letter is to be considered in this light I sincerely wish he may be the last man of this character in the world. I had rather see a comet preparing to agitate the globe as a minister of divine anger and terrifying the guilty nations. When the comet should retire from the sphere in which the earth might feel its attraction, our disturbances would be at an end; but the fire-brand of ambition kindles a flame which is more dreadful in appearance than itself, and no body can tell where its devastations will end. But I will pursue these reflections no further; and beg leave to present your reader with an ode upon War, written by the late king of Prussia. A LOVER OF PEACE.
When will thy frantic rage with restless hand Bellona cease to desolate the land? Why do we see on ev'ry plain and flood Such torrents tavis'd of heroic blood? O'er all the earth with unre sist'd sway, Sword, fire, confusion, plunder, famin, reign, Nor can th' boundless ocean ought survey But wrecks of ships destroy'd and carcasses of the slain.
Say, does this fiend with front of brass endu'd! Of blood insatiate, tho' with blood imbriu'd, This fiend of war the world in fetters hold Only to range and waste it uncontroul'd. Old Charon's wherry such enormous weight Ne'er yet sustain'd; nor were the fatal sheers So oft employ'd of unrelenting fate To snap the vital threads that hold our warriors years.
Inhuman Discord, red with carnage stak'd Her flaming torch and irritates her snakes; And fond of Chaos with eternal strife Embroils all nature and embitters life; Mans erring steps from gulf to gulf she leads; And death despair and treason, all the crimes Which follow and avenge such cruel deeds O'er spread with cypress all our desolated climes.
'Tis Phebus' self, his heaven-born genius deigns To teach my feeble voice immortal strains! Let all the world an awful silence keep, Ye kings! ye people! listen to my lay; And let a while your frantic fury sleep To hear the truths I sing, to hear them and obey.
Ye judges of mankind! their gods by birth! Ye proud oppressors of this wretched earth! Tho' by your hands dire thunderbolts are thrown; Tho' in your chains these captive people groan; Restrain the rigor of resistless force: These are your children: feel what fathers feel: From all their bosoms stab'd without remorse, Streams your own vital blood, and stains the murderous
As a good shepherd, provident and wise, Defends his darling flock with watchful eyes From the wolf's rav'nous jaws with gore imbriu'd, Or the fierce lion growling for his food, When from the wood the tyrant flies, their fears Remov'd, they soundly sleep or safely feed; And tho' his sheep with fondling hand he shears Yet ne'er beneath his knife the harmless victims bleed!
A tender monarch like this shepherd swain Humane in counsels in designs humane, For publick good alone prolongs his days And counts his years by deeds deserving praise. Wreaths stain'd with blood he nobly scorns to wear But to his virtue future glory owes Such was that antient, that heroic pair Aurelius, Titus thus to deathless honours rose!
Abhor'd be these intestine wars, these brands So widely scatter'd by ambition's hands: See all the Universe in ruin lies; Earth is a tomb of vast stupendous size! What tragic scenes this theatre disgrace! Europe against her sons with stepdame hate Leads forth alist'd Asias pow'rful race; To urge with speedier course the direful work of fate!
Barbarians swarming from Siberia's coasts, Assassins nuru'd amidst eternal frosts, Caspian and Tartars join'd in dread array I see, retain'd in Dutch and German pay: This savage rage what Demon can inspire? Europe! no more your fury can sustain; With fierce dissention other worlds to fire Aust for fighting fields transports you o'er the main.
From your bright mansion in yon azure sky, Goddess! on whom for bliss we all rely: So long desir'd, descend, oh lovely peace. Close Janus dreadful gates; bid discord cease; All interest, envy banish; and restore To worth, to arts that fame, that life they want, Then we amidst our laurels stain'd with gore Thy myrtles and thy olives joyfully will plant.
FOUR DOLLARS REWARD. WAS stolen, or taken by mistake from the subscriber at Limestone landing, on the 27th instant, the following articles, viz. One piece of fustian No. 57, containing 24 yards; about 2 and a half yds. of cotton delinquer; a small remnant of gray german serge, two shirts, with sundry other articles which cannot be ascertained. Whoever will return the same to captain James Bray in Lexington, or capt. Morrison at Bardstown shall receive the above reward. Nov. 30, 1787. 17 EVAN SHELBY.
THE subscriber has for sale in Danville, a large quantity of dry goods that he will exchange either by small or large quantities, for Horned cattle, good horses, some stills between 60 and 80 gallons, or black male servants between 15 and 25 years of age, the said goods being on the most reasonable terms of any imported into this district. The goods to be delivered, when the above mentioned property is so like- wife. 17 P. TARDIVEAU.
BLANK DEEDS &c. at this Office.
WHEREAS the assembly have appointed John Brown esquire, a member of Congress, and Mr. Brown having informed me, that he should return to this district in May next, in order to attend his business as usual in the supreme court; I have ventured to offer my services in conjunction with Mr. Ormsby, to Mr. Brown's clients in all cases where I am not immediately on the opposite side of the question, without requiring from them any compensation, and shall be happy in any measure to be conducive to his and their interest; and I do further assure such of Mr. Brown's clients against whom I am employed, that I shall take no advantage of his absence, being sensible of the great benefits which this district will derive by his appointment, and being well convinced, that in accepting of the trust, he hath sacrificed his private interest for the public good, letters directed to me in this place shall be punctually answered. Danville, Dec. 2, 1787. 19 HARRY INNES.
December 1, 1787. WHEREAS the subscribers to the proposals for establishing a society, to be called The Kentucky Society for promoting useful knowledge , were prevented from meeting on the fourth Monday in September last, according to appointment; and as it is probable that, a meeting of the subscribers cannot in any short time be had, and absolutely necessary that something should be done for the benefit of the society, without further loss of time; it is proposed, by sundry subscribers, that a Select committee, Curator and Treasurer shall be forthwith chosen, by the subscribers, in the (only) manner, which their dispersed situation, will at present, admit of. The Committee, Curator and Treasurer, to act, in their several capacities, till a meeting of the subscribers can be had. Each subscriber is, therefore requested, to forward to Mr. Thomas Speed at Danville, before the first day of February next, a list of such gentlemen as he chuses, to constitute a select committee; and also, the names of such gentlemen; as he wishes to be appointed, Curator and Treasurer.
It is proposed, that, such gentlemen as are found, on the said first day of February next, to have a majority of such votes in their favour, as have then come to hand, shall be a select committee, and act as Curator and Treasurer, till a meeting, as abovementioned, can be had. A list of all the subscribers is, hereunto subjoined; and it is necessary to observe that, the select committee is to consist of seven members, including the chairman, who is to be chosen by the committee.
  George Muter,  John Jouett,  Jno. Coburn,    Sam. M'Dowell,  Tho. Allin,  Geo. Gordon,    Harry Innes,  Robt. Todd,  Alex. D. Orr,    James Speed,  Jos. Crockett,  Robt. Barr,    Will. M'Dowell,  Ebenr. Brooks,  Hor. Turpin,    Willis Green,  T. Hall,  Robt. Johnson,    Thomas Todd,  Caleb Wallace,  John Craig,    Thomas Speed,  Will. Irvine,  James Garrard,    Gabriel J. Johnston,  Chas. Scott,  Isaac Shelby,    Joshua Barbee,  Levi Todd,  David Leitch,    Step. Ormsby,  James Parker,  H. Marshall,    J. Overton, just.  Alex. Parker,  Christo. Greenup,    J. Brown,  John Fowler,   
THE public should be cautious how they deal with a certain capt. John Martin of Lincoln county; as that man has lately taken advantage of the law in pleading the limitation act, and that only, because he has been indulged nearly three years. This I hope will be a sufficient warning to the citizens of Kentucky particularly those in business. Danville, Dec. 4, 1787. 29 M. NAGLE.
N. B. He says I owe him, let him produce his account proved; and then I will give him credit on the execution I have against him; M. N.

HAGUE, June 23.
ALL hopes of a recociliation in the United Provinces are vanished: Guelders, Zealand, and Friesland persist in refusing to acknowledge the deputies from Utrecht; and the province of Groningen have not explained themselves, so that the voice of Amersfort preponderates at present.
This new check serves only to give fresh vigor to the patriots in Holland. The states of this province have taken every step in their power to get the better of the Stadholder's party. They have issued money for raising ten thousand men, on whose fidelity they can depend. The general rendezvous is at Woerden, where the secret commissioners hold their assembly. It has been expected for some days, that the Stadholder would come armed to this place--but we think the council of Amersfort have not courage enough for such an enterprize.
The military force is between 5 and 6 thousand men; but about one quarter are suspended. In the province they have sixty thousand armed burgesses, out of which a corps of twenty thousand are to be immediately selected to join the troops on the Cordon. We have no doubt that England assists the stadholder, as sir James Harris has frequent conferences with those members who are known to be of his party; but especially by the large sums of money a certain banker of Amsterdam has sent to Amersfort, though we believe this supply is for a lost account.
The town of Amsterdam is taking the most vigorous measures to act on the defensive: and they have displaced the two reigning burgomasters; messrs. Dedels and Beels, who they thought were friends to the stadholder, or at least wavering in their conduct.
June 24. Yesterday in the sitting of the states of Holland and West Friesland, the deputies of the city of Amsterdam made the proposition to charge the deputies of the province, at the assembly of the states general to invite the respective provinces to demand the mediation of his most Christian majesty, in the differences that have arisen among them. Nevertheless that proposition was made only under the reserve, that they would not depart the least from the measures taken, or to be taken for the defence of the province.
The city of Alkmaar immediately conformed to the proposition: those of Dordrecht, Hearlem, Leyden, Goude, Rotterdam, Schiedam, Schoonhoven, Moninendam and Pormerend agreed 'To declare themselves as soon as the proposition should be entered on the register.' The majority of the Equestrian order, and the cities that follow their party, have taken it ad referendum. It appears that the court of Baden desires an arrangement: and we look upon as a favourable omen for the cessation of hostilities, the arrival of the princess of Orange at Amersfort, where she arrived the 22d of this month to join the prince. If the representations which friends of the stadholderian house may yet make to him at this crisis, miscarry this last time, of two things, one will come to pass, either that house will be ruined for ever, and deprived of its hereditary dignities, at least in our province; or the prince of Orange will make his way to absolute power.
LONDON, July 3.
They write from Friesland, that the deputies to the states of that province, have disapproved the conduct of their deputies at the assemblies of the states general, in admitting the deputies of Utrecht to that assembly; and that they have declared they acknowledge the states sitting at Amersfort, as the only legal states of the province of Utrecht.
Couriers between the courts of London and Versailles, in consequence of the troubles in Holland, are almost incessantly passing and repassing. No less than six French messenger were together in town last week: their uniform is scarlet, trimed with gold lace, with three fleur de lis embroidered in the place of our grey hound.
June 30. It is asserted in some circles about the court, that a very considerable sum of money has been advanced here by way of loan, to his serene highness the prince of Orange. The sum is stated to amount to no less than 120,000l. sterling. This it is said, was not advanced as a national loan from Great Britain, but as a private one out of the Epargne, or savings of certain electoral revenue.
Such a loan could not be wanted by the stadholder merely for the support of his family and household; his own private estate, exclusive of his civil and military employments in the republic, are more than sufficient for the maintenance of his highness's family in becoming splendor. The necessity of such a loan, therefore, must arise from the opposition made to him
by the provincial states of Holland and West Friesland which opposition the sum of 120,000l. may possibly enable him to overthrow, if judiciously employed. And indeed Great Britain ought to with his highness may be able to withstand the attacks of the Hollanders, as they were drawn upon him principally by his unshaken attachment to this country.
The Dutch grow more and more violent in their party disputes, it prevades every branch of their civil and p'eausable society. The literary corporation of Haalem have been at loggerheads, and the battle of the books has been realized, to the injury of much fine binding, and the destruction of many curious editions.
July 2. The insolence of the Algerines has arisen to so great a pitch, that the dey, or sovereign of that petty state, makes no scruple of treating the representatives of the crowned heads of Europe with the most supercilious contempt and indignity. This behaviour was manifested in a late application concerning a treaty between that Barbarian and his Neapolitan majesty, whose ambassador, having only demanded a strict compliance with the terms stipulated between the two powers, was treated with the grossest insults, and told in the plainest language that they would fulfil their engagements no further than correspondent with their own interests. What a shame! that the Europeans should suffer that paltry, insignificant state to levy indiscriminate contributions on their commerce! and this too with a pitiful navy, consisting of seven or eight ships, the largest not carrying more than forty guns.
LEXINGTON.
About the 28 ult. three men returning from hunting, was fired on by a party of about eight Indians, on the waters of Eagle creek, one of the men missing, supposed to be killed, one other mortally wounded but got into the inhabitants, and died the next day, the third escaped clear.
About the first instant, col. Benjamin Harrison was out hunting on Licking creek, where he discovered great sign of Indians, he immediately returned, raised a company, and is now out in pursuit of them.
The third inst. a party of three Indians came into the inhabitants of North Elkhorn creek, near Major Johnstons mill, and stole a number of horses, they were immediately followed by a party under Mr. Jacob Stucker, they came on the Indians in the night, killed two on the spot and wounded the other who made his escape. They recovered the horses and all their plunder. Several gentlemen whose horses were taken offered them to Stucker and his party, as a reward for their bravery, which they modestly refused.
About ten days ago a party of surveyors out on Cumberland river, were fired on by four Indians as they lay asleep, and received no damage.
About eight days ago an Indian fired at a man on Bear grass near Louisville, and wounded him so that he fell on the spot, the Indian advanced immediately with an intention to secure his booty, when the wounded man fired his piece as he lay, upon which the Indian let fall his gun, blanket, &c. and ran off, and it is thought could not survive long, as there is every reason to believe he was mortally wounded from his actions and the great effusion of blood, the white man did not long survive.
Extract of a letter from a representative of this district, dated Richmond Nov. 5.
"The assembly have unanimously resolved to recommend it to the people of this state to elect two members in each county on the several court days in March, to meet at Richmond on the fourth Monday in May to consider of the federal constitution.
"The subest of paper money hath been taken up by the house and unanimously rejected; the resolutions express such a detestation to that subject, as will probably prevent all future application thereon."
"**We are directed to inform the public that a plan for an Academy to be erected in Lexington or the vicinity, is proposed by two students from the Academy of the Rev. Doct. Robert Smith, in Pennsylvania, to commence in April ensuing; the advantages of a Seminary where the whole circle of arts and Sciences will be taught in its purest principals, will no doubt merit encouragement by every friend to this rising state.
TO be hired on twelve months credit, for one year, nine likely negroes, at Danville on the first day of January next, the necessary cloathing will be then stipulated, bond and good security will be required. Dec. 12, 18 HARRY INNIS.
ROBERT BARR
Just gives notice, that he has opened the remaining part of his dry goods, and has lately received a general assortment of GROCERY and DYE STUFFS with the following MEDICINES, viz.
GLAUBER salts, best powdered bark, red powdered ditto, camphor, powdered rhubarb; magnesia, tartar emetic, cream of tartar, quicksilver ointment, powdered jallap, powdered ippecacuana, flour of sulphur, antimony, British oil, Batemans drops, Haalem oil, Turlington's balsam, Anderson's pills, Hooper's female pills, essence of pepper mint, liquorish ball, &c. &c.
As I propose to quit trade, as soon as this cargo of merchandize is vended, shall in future sell on the lowest terms to facilitate the fame, SUPERFINE cloths, SILKS, &c. with other fine goods, will be sold lower than this district can in future be supplied.
A small quantity of PORK is wanted, goods will be given in exchange at cash price. R. B. Lexington, Dec. 15, 1797. 18
THE subscribers are authorised by general Wilkinson to purchase tobacco, tallow, butter, well cured bacon hams, lard and smoked briskets of beef, to be delivered on the Kentucke, at the mouth of Hickman, the mouth of Dicks river and general Scotts, on or before the twentieth of January next; the butter and lard to be in kegs not to exceeding forty five lb. nett. These articles being intended for a foreign market, it is necessary that they be handled in the neatest manner, not only to do the seller credit, but to recommend our commodities to foreign merchants and make them desirous of engaging in a commercial intercourse with the western country. We therefore propose to have the tobacco inspected by the gentlemen hereafter named, at the following places; at Hickman by mr. William Lewis of Fayette and mr. Richard Barbour of Mercer, at Dicks river by mr. John Curd senr. and capt. Robert Mosby of Mercer, at gen. Scotts, by the general and capt. John Watkins of Fayette, those who have any of the above articles to dispose of may know the terms by applying to 20 HARRY INNIS. Dec. 12 1787. HORATIO TURPIN.
TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
Strayed from the subscriber (living on Cane run) some time last spring, a dark brindled cow pretty large, heavy bodied, a short tail about a foot and a half long, marked with a crop and two slits in each ear. Whoever takes up said cow and sends word thereof to the printer hereof or to the subscriber so that the owner gets her again, shall receive the above reward. 19 THOMAS DINWIDDIE.
TO BE SOLD
BY the subscriber for ready cash, two valuable in lots contiguous to each other, conveniently situate in the town of Lexington, with considerable improvements thereon: Also one out lot under good fence and in repair for farming, for terms apply to the Printer hereof. HENRY LEE.
SAMUEL BLAIR.
Has for sale, at the corner of High and Cross streets, Lexington,
A Quantity of excellent STILLs of various sizes, copper and brass wash kettles, copper tea kettles, frying pans, tureenes, tin ware, augers and two foot rules, very cheap for cash.
N. B. Said Blair makes and sells all kinds of mens and womens saddles, in the neatest, cheapest and best manner.