Portland gazette, and Maine advertiser (Portland, Me.), 1809-10-09 00:00:00

PORTLAND GAZETTE, And Maine Advertiser.
PORTLAND, PUBLISHED BY ARTHUR SHIRLEY... FISH-STREET.
N. 26, of Vol. XII.]
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1809.
[Whole N. 553.]
Modern Demagogues: OR, The "great men" of Democracy. Those who have not had an opportunity of perusing the spirited and interesting numbers of Sal Magundi , will find much amusement as well as correct remark in the following extract from that work. There is not a democratic town or club in this Commonwealth which does not embrace characters whose history and conduct is not strongly portrayed by the writer.
ON GREATNESS.
WE have, more than once in the course of our work, been most jocosely familiar with great personages; and, in truth, treated them with as little ceremony, respect, and consideration, as if they had been our most particular friends. Now, we would not suffer the mortification of having our readers even suspect us of an intimacy of the kind; assuring them we are extremely choice in our intimates, and uncommonly circumspect in avoiding connection with all doubtful characters, particularly pimps, bailiffs, lottery-brokers, chevialiers of industry, and great men. The world in general is pretty well aware of what is to be understood by the former classes of delinquents; but as the latter has never, I believe, been specifically defined, and as we are determined to instruct our readers to the extent of our abilities, and their limited comprehension, it may not be amiss here, to let them know what we understand by a great man.
First, therefore, let us (editors and kings are always plural) premise, that there are two kinds of greatness—one conferred by heaven —the exalted nobility of the soul—the other, a spurious distinction engendered by the mob, and lavished upon its favourites. The former of these distinctions we have always contemplated with reverence; the latter, we will take this opportunity to strip naked before our unenlightened readers: so that if by chance any of them are held in ignominious thrallom by this base circulation of false coin, they may forthwith emancipate themselves from such inglorious delusion.
It is a fictitious value given to individuals by public caprice, as bankers give an impression to a worthless slip of paper, thereby gaining it a currency for infinitely more than its intrinsic value. Every nation has its peculiar coin, and peculiar great men; neither of which will, for the most part, pass current out of the country where they are stamped. Your true mob created great man, is like a note of one of the little New-England banks, and his value depreciates in proportion to the distance from home. In England, a great man is he who has most ribbons and gew-gaws on his coat, most horses to his carriage, most slaves in his retinue, or most toad-eaters at his table; in France, he who can most dexterously flourish his heels above his head— Dupont is most incontestably the greatest man in France, when the emperor is absent. The greatest man in China, is he who can trace his ancestry up to the moon; and in this country our great men may generally hunt down their pedigree until it burrows in the dirt like a rabbit. To be concise, our great men are those who are most expert at crawling on all-fours, and have the happiest facility in dragging and winding themselves along in the dirt like very reptiles. This may seem a paradox to many of my readers, who, with great good nature be it hinted, are too stupid to look beyond the mere surface of our invaluable writings, and often pass over the knowing allusion, and poignant meaning, that is slyly couching beneath. It is for the benefit of such helpless ignoramus, who have no other creed but the opinion of the mob, that I shall trace, as far as it is possible to follow him in his progress from
insignificance—the rise, progress, and completion of a LITTLE GREAT MAN. In a logocracy (to use the sage Mustapha's phrase) it is not absolutely necessary to the formation of a great man, that he should be either wise or valiant, upright, or honorable. On the contrary, daily experience shows, that these qualities rather impede his preferment; inasmuch as they are prone to render him too inflexibly erect, and are directly at variance with that willowy suppleness, which enables a man to wind and twist through all the nooks and turns, and dark winding passages that lead to greatness. The grand requisite for climbing the rugged hill of popularity—the summit of which is the seat of power—is to be useful. And here once more, for the sake of our readers, who are of course not so wise as ourselves, I must explain what we understand by usefulness . The horse, in his native state, is wild, swift, impetuous, full of majesty, and of a most generous spirit. It is then the animal is noble, exalted, and useless . But entrap him, manacle him, cudgel him, break down his lofty spirit, put the curb into his mouth, the load upon his back, and reduce him into servile obedience to the bridle and the lash, and it is then he becomes useful . Your jackass is one of the most useful animals in existence. If my readers do not now understand what I mean by usefulness , I give them all up for most absolute nincompois .
To rise in this country a man must first descend . The aspiring politician, may be compared to that indefatigable insect, called the Tumbler ; (pronounced by a distinguished personage to be the only industrious animal in Virginia,) which buries itself in filth, and works ignobly in the dirt until it forms a little ball, which it rolls laboriously along, (like Diogenes his tub) sometimes head, sometimes tail foremost, pilfering from every rut and mud hole, & increasing its ball of greatness by the contributions of the kennel. Just so the candidate for greatness—he plunges into that mass of obscenity the mob , labours in dirt and oblivion, and makes unto himself the rudiments of a popular name from the admiration and praises of rogues, ignoramus and blackguards. His name once started, onward he goes, struggling, and puffing, and pushing it before him, collecting new tributes from dregs and offals of the land, as he proceeds, until having gathered together a mighty mass of popularity, he mounts it in triumph, is hoisted into office, and becomes a great man, and a ruler in the land—all this will be clearly illustrated by a sketch of a worthy of the kind, who sprung up under my eye, and was hatched from pollution by the broad rays of popularity, which, like the sun, can "breed maggots in a dead dog."
[Remainder next week.]
FOR THE GAZETTE.
The Sponsor.....No. VI.
ALTHOUGH the direful consequences of the apostasy of the first human pair may be plainly traced in their degenerate descendants, and although as it respects our allegiance to God, we are completely alienated and corrupted; yet we may observe, that in its relative capacity, the heart is not without virtue, but in many instances, gives decisive proof, of its divine origin; and excites to the performance of deeds, which approximate to something more than mortal.
"What is man?" said the admirable Saurin . "He is a being, who, all disfigured and debased as he is by sin, yet feels some sentiments of his primeval dignity—still conceives some boundless riches, still forms some immortal designs, which time can by no means accomplish."
Filial affection holds the first place among these innate virtues. No affection is so pure, so refined, and so exalted, as that of a child to its parent. It is not produced by any of those sordid principles, which so often influence our conduct. Mean & mercenary views, are never brought into the scale, nor do we wait until the frigid maxims of sour philosophy have been consulted.
or, stop to inquire the opinion of worldly prudence. It is the sincere and voluntary effusion of the heart, the offspring of gratitude, the first born of heaven. The mixture of evil which is so apparent in most of our propensities, affections and passions, seems in this case to be almost lost; nor does it seem wanting, but in degree, to be equal to that "perfect love which casteth out fear," that heavenly affection which is felt in the immediate presence of God, by the spirits of the justified. Our liability to change, is perceivable in almost every other affection, however warm it may be felt; but though our parents may be blameable, though their conduct may be such as to ruin their reputation in the world, and even should they, like the unnatural ostrich, refuse to acknowledge us as their offspring, yet the fine cords of filial affection, though perhaps sorely wounded, would not be broken; but, like the "thousand tender sympathies," which connect the soul and body, they could not be wholly dissolved while there was life remaining.
"Our best affections here, They are not like the toys of infancy; The soul outgrows them not— We do not cast them off."
So filial affection, having stood the test, and endured the fiery ordeal of trial & perplexity, will be one of those active principles, which shall yield us comfort in the hour of death, and give us foretastes of immortal glory.
FOR THE GAZETTE.
LITERARY.
NOAH WEBSTER, JUN. ESQ.
Few men, it is believed, have a greater claim on the gratitude and patronage of his countrymen, than this gentleman. As a literary character, he has distinguished himself in an eminent degree. Particularly in his etymological investigations and deductions of languages, tracing of words to their origin, and exhibiting their roots, structure, true import, and pronunciation, it is candidly believed he has excelled every other author of modern times, either European or American.
Mr. Webster has been a popular author, for perhaps more than twenty years, and his fame has probably not exceeded his usefulness. Since the first publication of his numerous school books, he has manifested a laudable desire of fixing a standard of pronunciation for the American youth, and the encouragement which these works have met from the public, has been very liberal and ample. Great and numerous impressions have issued from different presses in the northern states; and their simplified and improved method, and intelligible and easy arrangement, which all can understand, have been generally approved (even from necessity,) and his productions have deservedly had the decided preference to all others of the kind, by a great majority of the public.
His criticisms on the English language , published some years since, together with his " Compendious Dictionary of the English Language ," more recently published, tho' in them he manifests much curious research and ingenuity, seem not, as yet, to have met the undivided support of literary men, nor of his fellow citizens at large. The originality of the author, and the attempts at innovation which he has discovered, are a sufficient foundation, in the minds of many, for raising objections and cavils. This was doubtless anticipated by the author. The multitude or general mass of the people, are by no means able to decide on the merits of improvements of this kind; and the literati, too often actuated by a jealous, envious, and unworthy spirit, are generally unwilling to license authors, however meritorious they may be, in a departure from, or opposition to long established authorities. They look upon innovations, however supported by reason, as the products of visionaries and experimentalists. These are the true reasons, why Mr. Webster, and other great original authors, in all ages, have not only failed to meet the encouragement which they have merited, but have even been opposed. Time has ever been found necessary to effect any considerable & permanent change, in any long established system, however erroneous. Of these facts, the history of all ages, and common observation will abundantly testify.
That our language is susceptible of improvement, little doubt can be entertained; considering that every living language, like every living thing, (and on the same principles) is always fluctuating. It will occasionally need purging of redundant words, new ones added, &c. as the one become obsolete, and the others (both changes growing out of necessity) necessarily fabricated, to suit the convenience of time and place. Words may also be pruned from superfluous letters, where they are evidently of no real use, but rather an embarrassment, in the formation of their true sound. In short, not only the orthography, but the whole system of language, may doubtless undergo necessary changes, and receive improvement, in the hands of persons thoroughly acquainted with its elements, origin, and principles; to which end, nothing, perhaps, will contribute more, than an extensive knowledge of etymology.
On this ground, has Mr. Webster undertaken a thorough revision and correction of the English language; and particularly so
as to adapt it to the genius and habits of our own country. The attempt is laudable, and the skill which he has hitherto displayed in the attempt, bespeak the indefatigable, profound, and accomplished scholar—one who has made the science of language his chief study, and is equal to his arduous undertaking; who has unquestionably paid more attention to this subject than any other literary author in the United States; and if we may judge from the complexion of the most approved Dictionaries of European authors now extant, we may fairly conclude that no linguist, even of that celebrated country, can compare with Webster—who need esteem it no compliment to be ranked with a WALKER , or styled the JOHNSON of America , since he has demonstrated himself, in the view of unprejudiced and enlightened minds, to be superior to either.
[To be continued.]
* Those who would wish to be better acquainted with the comparative merits and literary pretensions of JOHNSON and WEBSTER , are referred to the preface of the " Compendious Dictionary of the English Language ," (a work of special and sterling merit); Mr. Webster's " Criticisms on the English language ;" his essays on the " corruptions of the English language ," and his letter of July last, to the Hon. Judge DAWES , of Boston, on the subject of his proposed COMPLETE DICTIONARY , in the compilation of which he is now engaged.
Piracy and Murder!
The following Circular has been forwarded by the Collector of Boston, to the Collectors of the respective Ports in the U. S. BOSTON, Sept. 27, 1809.
To the Collector of
SIR—This will be forwarded to you by the Collector of the Port of Boston; the purpose is to request of you that should the vessel below described enter your Port, or come into your neighbourhood, she may be detained, the persons on board taken into custody, and immediate information forwarded to me, or Gen. DEARBORN ; the said vessel having been forcibly taken possession of by the persons below described, two of the crew killed, and the Captain compelled to leap into the sea.
I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, W. S. SKINNER, Pro Consul.
SCHOONER THREE SISTERS , a remarkable high stern Schooner, no Cabin Windows; has a yellow streak fore and aft; from the break of the quarter deck to the stern a white streak; no mouldings round the stern, but painted yellow in imitation of mouldings. She is Registered in Halifax, owned by Messrs. Jona. and John Tremain , burthen sixty-three and fifty-nine North tons; John Stairs, Master. The signatures to the Register, are, Thom. as N. Jefferys, Collector , I. Slater, Comptroller , and James Grant, Deputy Naval Officer . She has her clearance from Gaspe, or Perce in the Province of Lower Canada, Signed by Hugh O'Hara, Deputy Collector .
The People left on board were, Edward Jordan , a man about thirty eight years of age, dark complexion, black hair, and a very black beard, of an innocent appearance; John Kelly, Mate , about twenty two or three years of age, five feet three or four inches high, very much pitted by the Small Pox, will probably, pass as master of the vessel; Edward Jordan , has his Wife and four Children on board, one of the four, a Boy about eight or nine years of age, and the oldest Girl very much disfigured by a burn on her back and her right arm.
The above act of Piracy and Murder was committed on the 13th ult. on the eastern coast of Nova Scotia and within two days sail of Halifax, where the vessel was bound. In an unguarded moment, while the Captain and one of the hands were in the cabin, the abovementioned Jordan , having first corrupted the mate, Kelly , and secured the arms, discharged a pistol down the sky light at the Captain, which wounded him and killed the man who was with him. The captain then ran on deck just in time to see the last stroke given to his only remaining man, who fell dead on the deck. He was then fallen upon by Jordan and his wife, and another pistol attempted to be fired at him, which flashed, and in the struggle was thrown overboard. Kelly at this time was charging another pistol; which the Captain observing, while engaged with Jordan and his wife, by great exertion disengaged himself, and seizing the Hatch, threw it over and jumped upon it. As it blew very hard he was soon clear from the vessel, and after remaining in the water about three hours was providentially fallen in with by the sch. Eliza , of Hingham , Capt. Stoddard , who took him up when nearly exhausted by cold and literally insensible. From Capt. Stoddard he received the most humane treatment, and every attention necessary to his recovery and subsequent comfort.
MOUNT ÆTNA.
A British officer writes from Messina, of date the 15th of April last:—"I returned a few days ago from a trip to Mount Ætna , where I had been to see the effects of an eruption which took place on the 20th ult. The preceding day, we were all much surprised at seeing the streets of Messina covered with a quantity of fire ashes something like gun-powder, which were driven by a strong south wind, from the top of the mountain, a distance of sixty miles. It appears that these ashes are thrown up before an eruption of fire;—
they come to Messina in such quantities that it was unpleasant to walk the streets, especially against the wind. On the 28th ult. volumes of lava and fire burst out from the several craters, which the volcanic matter made of itself, about six miles above the village Lingua Glassa ; it is impossible for words to convey, or colors to paint, the awful grandeur of this at once grand and terrific scene. Figure to yourself the highest mountain in Arran vomiting from a dozen of different places, and throwing up immense heaps of red hot stones to the height of one thousand feet, attended with a terrific noise, like the roaring of many cannon. Conceivable quantities of melted lava issuing from each crater like metal from a furnace, and sweeping along with it, forests, houses, and every obstacle that presents itself to impede its progress, and you may have some faint idea of an eruption of Mount Ætna . In three days the lava proceeded six miles, but very fortunately did not overwhelm any village; it has however destroyed a quantity of timber, many vineyards and some corn fields. It was lamentable to witness the distress of the inhabitants that were unfortunately situated in the neighborhood; they cried, tore their hair, prayed to all their saints and images, and carried them in procession to the lava, in hopes that their presence would stop the devouring element, but to no purpose. The wooden St. Joseph and all the rest of them were deaf to their prayers, and the lava continued to roll on for more than ten days, when the volcanic matter being exhausted, the fire became extinct. Had it continued a few days longer, several villages must have been burnt down. I was not more than 500 yards from one of the craters, but some of the stones flying over my head, I was obliged to scamper off. The effect at night is beyond all description magnificent."
NEW-YORK, SEPT. 30.
We stop the press to announce the arrival, of the ship Triton , capt. HENDERSON . She sailed from Hull, the 18th of August, and brings London dates to the 15th.
These papers contain the official particulars of the battle fought in Spain on the 27th and 28th July. The following note was sent to the Lord Mayor:—
Downing-street, 3 4th August, 1809. MY LORD,
I have the honor to inform your lordship, that the enemy having assembled on the Alberche all his forces in that part of Spain, consisting of the corps of Victor , of Sebastiani , and of 7 or 8000 troops from Madrid, the whole under the personal command of Joseph Bonaparte , assisted by Marshals Jourdan and Victor , and Gen. Sebastiani , attacked the combined armies posted at Talavera , on the 27th and 28th ult. The efforts of the enemy were chiefly directed against the British troops, and I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship, that on both days he was defeated with the most distinguished gallantry, and compelled to retire over the Alberche, with the loss of not less than 10,000 men, 20 pieces of cannon, and five standards. A victory so glorious to his Majesty's arms, has not been purchased without a severe loss on our part. We have to lament the loss of Major General Mackenzie , Brigadier General Langworth , and many other gallant officers who have fallen on this occasion. The total loss on both days is stated to be in killed, 801; wounded 3913; missing 353. The French Generals Lapiße and Morlot are killed; Generals Sebastiani and Bouler , wounded.
I have the honor to be &c. CASTLEREAGH.
The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor. A Gazette Extraordinary was published on the 15th, with the official despatches from Sir Arthur Wellesley .
The surrender of Flushing was reported, but no official advice had been received.
Sir James Saumarez's squadron had made a successful attack on Archangel , and took 100 ships in the harbor, laden with tallow and other valuable commodities.
The Emperor of Austria had repaired to Campfin , to accelerate the conclusion of the Negotiation for Peace. It was reported that a Congress would be held at Preiburg , to settle the terms of peace.
The Triton reports, that the Henrietta Charlotta , was to sail from London on the 21st of August, for New-York.

Foreign Intelligence.
British Official Account of the Battle of Talavera.
LONDON, AUG. 14.—The following letter from Sir ARTHUR WELLESLEY, contains the principal part of the late battle in Spain, between the French, and allied armies of Spain and England.
Letter from Sir Arthur Wellesley to Lord Castlereagh, dated Talavera, July 30, 1809.
MY LORD, General Cuesta followed the enemy's march with his army from the Alberche on the morning of the 24th, as far as Santa Olalla, and pushed towards his advanced guard as far as Torrijos.
For the reason stated to your lordship in my despatch of the 24th, I moved only 2 divisions of infantry and a brigade of cavalry across the Alberche to Casalegos, under the command of Lieut. gen. Sherbrooke, with a view to keep up the communication between gen. Cuesta and me, and with Sir R. Wilson's corps at Escalona.
It appears that gen. Venegas had not carried into execution that part of the plan of operations which related to his corps, and that he was still at Carrión, in Mancha; and the enemy in the course of the 24th, 25th, 26th, collected all his forces in this part of Spain, Torrijos and Toledo, leaving but a small corps of 2000 men in that place.
His united army thus consisted of the corps of marshal Victor, of that of gen. Sebastiani, and of 7 or 8000 men the guards of Joseph Bonaparte, and the garrison of Madrid, and it was commanded by Joseph Bonaparte, aided by marshals Jordon and Victor, and general Sebastiani.
On the 26th gen. Cuesta's advanced guard was attacked near Torrijos, and obliged to fall back, and the gen. retired with his army on that day to the left bank of the Alberche, gen. Sherbrooke continuing at Casalegos, and the enemy at Santa Olalla.
It was then obvious that the enemy intended to try the result of a general battle, for which the best position appeared to be in the neighborhood of Talavera, and gen. Cuesta having consented to take up this position on the morning of the 26th, I ordered gen. Sherbrooke to retire with his corps to its station in the line, leaving general Mackenzie with a division of infantry and a brigade of cavalry as an advance post in the wood on the right of Alberche, which covered our left flank.
The position taken up by the troops at Talavera extended more than two miles; the ground was open on the left where the British army was stationed, and it was commanded by a height on which was, in echelon and in second line, a division of infantry under the orders of major gen. Hill.
There was a valley between this height and a range of mountains still further on the left, which valley was not at first occupied as it was commanded by the height before mentioned; and the range of mountains appeared too distant to have any influence upon the expected action.
The right, consisting of Spanish troops, extended immediately in front of the town of Talavera down to the Tagus. This part of the ground was covered by olive trees, and much intersected by banks and ditches. The high road leading from the bridge over the Alberche, was defended by a heavy battery in front of a church, which was occupied by Spanish infantry.—All the avenues to the town were defended in a similar manner; the town was occupied, and the remainder of the Spanish infantry was formed in two lines behind the banks on the roads which led from the town and the right, to the left of our position.
In the centre, between the two armies, there was a commanding spot of ground, on which we had commenced to construct a redoubt, with some open ground in its rear.
Brigadier gen. Alexander Campbell was posted at this spot with a division of infantry, supported in his rear by gen. Cotton's brigade of dragoons, and some Spanish cavalry.
At about 2 o'clock on the 27th, the enemy appeared in strength on the left bank of the Alberche, and
manifested an intention to attack general Mackenzie's division.
The attack was made before they could be withdrawn; but the troops consisting of gen. Mackenzie's and col. Donkin's brigades, and gen. Anson's brigade of cavalry, and supported by gen. Payne, with the other 4 regiments of cavalry in the plain between Talavera and the wood, withdrew in good order, but with some loss, particularly by the 2d battalion 31st regiment in the wood.
Upon this occasion the steadiness and discipline of the 47th regiment, and of the 5th battalion 60th regiment were conspicuous; and I had particular reason for being satisfied for the manner in which maj. gen. Mackenzie withdrew his advanced guard.
As the day advanced, the enemy appeared in larger number on the right of the Alberche, and it was obvious that if he was advancing to a general attack upon the combined army.
Gen. Mackenzie continued to fall back gradually upon the left of the position of the combined armies, where he was placed in the second line, in the rear of the guards, col. Donkin being placed in the same situation further upon the left, in the rear of the king's German Legion.
The enemy immediately commenced its attack in the dusk of the evening, by a cannonade upon the left of our position, and by an attempt with his cavalry to overthrow the Spanish infantry posted, as I have before stated, on the right. This attempt failed entirely.
Early in the night he pushed a division along the valley on the left of the height occupied by general Hill, of which he gained a momentary possession, but major general Hill attacked it instantly with the bayonet, and regained it.
This attack was repeated in the night, but failed, and again at day light in the morning of the 28th, by two divisions of infantry, and were repulsed by major gen. Hill.
Major gen. Hill has reported to me in a particular manner the conduct of the 29th regiment, and of the 1st battalion 48th regiment, in these different affairs, as well as that of major gen. Telford, and brigadier general Richard Stewart.
We have lost many brave officers and soldiers in the defence of this important point in our position; among others I cannot avoid to mention brigadier major Fordyce, and brigadier major Gardner; and major gen. Hill was himself wounded, but I am happy to say but slightly.
The defeat of this attempt was followed about noon, by a general attack with the enemy's whole force upon the whole of that part of the position occupied by the British army.
In consequence of the repeated attempts upon the height on our left by the valley, I had placed two brigades of British cavalry in that valley, supported in the rear by the Duc d'Albuquerque's division of Spanish cavalry.
The enemy then placed light infantry in the range of mountains, on the left of the valley, which were opposed by a division of Spanish infantry under lieut. general De Bassecourt.
The general attack began by the march of several columns of infantry into the valley, with a view to attack the height occupied by major gen. Hill. These columns were immediately charged by the 1st German light dragoons and 23d dragoons, under the command of gen. Anson, directed by lieut. gen. Payne, and supported by gen. Fane's brigade of heavy cavalry; and although the 23d dragoons suffered considerable loss the charge had the effect of preventing the execution of that part of the enemy's plans.
At the same time he directed an attack upon brigadier gen. Alexander Campbell's position in the centre of the combined armies, and on the right of the British.
This attack was most successfully repulsed by brigadier gen. Campbell supported by the king's regiment of Spanish cavalry, and two battalions of Spanish infantry and brigadier gen. Campbell took the enemy's cannon.
The brigadier-general mentions particularly the conduct of the 97th, the 2d battalion, 7th, and of the 2d battalion 53d regiment, and I was
highly satisfied with the manner in which this part of the position was defended.
An attack was also made at the same time upon lt. gen. Sherbrooke's division, which was on the left and centre of the 1st line of the British army.
This attack was most gallantly repulsed by a charge with bayonets, by the whole division, but the brigade of Guards, which were on the right, having advanced too far, they were exposed on their left flank to the fire of the enemy's battery and of their retiring columns; and the division was obliged to retire towards the original position, under cover of the 2d line of gen. Cotton's brigade of cavalry, which I had moved from the centre, and of the 1st battalion 48th regiment.
I had moved this regiment from its original position on the heights, as soon as I observed the advance of the guards, and it was formed in the plain, and advanced upon the enemy, and covered the formation of lieut. gen. Sherbrooke's division.
Shortly after the repulse of this general attack, in which apparently all the enemy's troops were employed, he commenced his retreat across the Alberche, which was conducted in the most regular order, and was effected during the night, leaving in our hands 20 pieces of cannon, ammunition, tumbrils, and some prisoners.
Your lordship will observe by the enclosed return the great loss which we have sustained of valuable officers and soldiers in this long and hard fought action, with more than double our numbers. That of the enemy has been much greater. I am informed that entire brigades of infantry have been destroyed; indeed the battalions that retreated were much reduced in numbers. By all accounts their loss is 10,000 men. Gen. Lapistle and Moriot are killed; gens. Sebastiani and Bonet wounded.
I have particularly to lament the loss of major gen. Mackenzie, who had distinguished himself on the 27th; and of brigadier gen. Langworth, of the king's German legion; and of brigadier major Becket, of the guards.
Your lordship will observe, that the attacks of the enemy were principally if not entirely, directed against the British troops. The Spanish commander in chief, his officers and troops, manifested every disposition to render us assistance, and those of them which were engaged did their duty; but the ground which they occupied was so important, and its front at the same time so difficult that I did not think it proper to urge them to make any movement on the left of the enemy while he was engaged with us.
I have the honor to be, &c. ARTHUR WELLESLEY.
The numbers of the killed are 34 commissioned, and 32 non-commissioned officers and drummers, 735 rank and file. Wounded, 195 commissioned, and 181 non-commissioned officers and drummers, and 3537 rank and file. Missing, nine commissioned, and 24 non-commissioned officers and drummers, and 620 rank and file; making a melancholy diminution of more than 5000 effectives of the British army. An action more sanguinary than this, has rarely occurred, for if the British army did not exceed 22,000 men, every 5th man was killed or wounded.
Neutral Commerce.
LONDON, AUG. 13. Letters from Holland to the 4th instant, state that Bonaparte had issued a decree, by which all American vessels, permitting themselves to be searched by British cruisers, shall continue to be excluded from the ports of France, and in the mean time, all American property in France, has been placed in a state of sequestration. The same letters state, that Bonaparte has determined to incorporate the whole of Holland with France; and that his brother LOUIS, is to be made king of the territory about to be wrested from Austria.
Expedition in Holland.
Flushing had been found so strong as to require to be approached on the land side in a regular manner, and our troops were actively employed in constructing the various batteries,
which when completed, would mount upwards of 100 pieces of heavy ordnance, and it was expected would not be ready to open on the works of the town till Friday night, preparatory to which floating batteries had been sent round by the Slough, to be in readiness to co-operate in attacking by sea at the same moment. Some days will therefore probably elapse before the intelligence of its fall reaches us.
In the mean time the enemy are extremely active, and make daily skirmishes with our troops. They are said to have obtained reinforcements of men from the opposite coast of Cadfand, it not being possible for our shipping, on account of the batteries, to be sufficiently close in with the town to prevent it. Some boats which approached to reconnoitre have been literally beat to pieces by the enemy's shot.
A letter from Yarmouth states a report to have been brought by a vessel to that place, of 5000 French troops coming down the Scheldt for the relief of Flushing, having been all killed, drowned, or taken.
AUG. 15.—The surrender of Flushing is again reported, but no official advice has been received of that event. The reduction of this place is found to be more difficult than was apprehended.
Attack on Archangel.
The successful attack by our squadron at Archangel, is said to have excited a strong sensation in the Baltic. Sir James Saumarez is reported to have gone up to pay a visit to the Russian fleet at Cronstadt, but this is only a report, and requires confirmation.
Miscellaneous.
LONDON, AUG. 14.—Yesterday a Gottenburgh Mail arrived in town. By this arrival we learn, that an armistice has been entered into between the Swedes and the Norwegian troops. Great hopes are entertained that this convention will terminate in peace between Sweden and Denmark. Among other reports is one that the Island of Aland has been captured by a British squadron; a second, that 7000 Russians had been obliged to surrender to the Swedes in Bothnia—and, third, that the Prince of Augustenberg, who had been nominated as successor to the crown of Sweden, had refused to accept that nomination.
There is a report of a firing having been heard on the opposite coast, in consequence of the Preliminaries of peace having been signed between Austria & France, and that by one of the articles the Emperor Francis consents that the French shall occupy Vienna, and the Archduchy of Austria for six years!
The Duke of Brunswick Oels, with 2000 men is said to have finally effected his retreat to the Weser, and to have been received, with all his troops, on board the British squadron under Lord George Stewart.
Cuxhaven has been abandoned by our troops on the advance of a French corps, destined to take possession of that place.
The Duke of Brunswick Oels is arrived in London.
Arthur O'Connor it is reported, has a command in Flushing.
By the Sails.
Our relations with his Neapolitan Majesty, have been supposed of a very peculiar nature, when he esteems it a favour to allow American vessels to enter when direct from American ports.
The Ward Elections in Philadelphia, have just terminated. Seven have chosen Federal Republicans, and seven, Democrats; whether Duane or Snyder democrats, we do not know—they hate each other heartily.
Trade to South America.
The ship called the Dominica Packet, has lately returned to Liverpool, from South America; where she had been seventy miles up the river, to the port of Para, being the first British vessel that ever entered there. The commander fired a salute upon entering the port, which was answered by multitudes of the inhabitants on the shores rejoicing; and the ladies from the windows of the houses, waving their handkerchiefs, and exclaiming, "Long live the English," &c. &c. On the supercargo of the vessel's going on shore, he was received with all the pomp of an Indian prince; numbers of the women preceded him in grand procession, strewing flowers, and every demonstration of joy was manifested. In this fertile country, cows are sold for five dollars.
Mention is made in a late Savannah paper, of an American Captain who procured the impressment of an American Seamen, by a British Press Gang. He was immediately released on the application of the Consul; but the captain procured his impressment a second time. This, it is said, was to avoid the payment of a sum for which the sailor paid the Captain.
The Pope has issued a Proclamation of Excommunication against the Emperor NAPOLEON. His Holiness is said to have disappeared from Rome since; and none of his subjects know whither he has gone or been carried.
"HAIL VERMONT! ALL HAIL!" There is a most hideous shout in the democratic wigwam in Vermont, at what they call their triumphs in the late election; such a shout, forsooth, as shook the infernal regions, when the "arch fiend" returned from earth, and reported his success in deceiving our first parents. But a change of their voices, like that of their archetypes is unnecessary, for their pitiful shouts are nothing more nor less than the dissonant noises and hisses of vile serpents and reptiles.
But what cause have they for triumph?—It is uncertain whether there is a choice of governor; and as to representatives, it is ascertained that they will not be much different from what they were last year.
But admitting that they had succeeded to the extent of their wishes and exertions, they would have little cause for exultation; for they have gained every inch of ground by the mere dint of bribery, oppression and falsehood. In many places, numbers were deterred from voting on the federal ticket by the threats of jacobin merchants and bank agents, to whom they were indebted. Few persons, I believe, are aware of the influence which the Vermont banks had upon the election. Its poison is as deadly to the cause of liberty, and as far spreading, as the Upas of Java.—FARMER'S MUSEUM.
Portland,
Monday, October 9, 1809.
BATTLE OF TALAVERA.
IN our preceding columns will be seen Sir Arthur Wellesley's official account of the actions fought on the 27th and 28th of July betwixt the combined British and Spanish forces and the French army in Spain, commanded by king Joseph Bonaparte, who was assisted by Marshalls Jordon and Victor, and Gen. Sebastiani, the result of which was in favor of the Spanish cause. Of the number of troops engaged in these actions we have no precise account. The number of French is stated, considerably to have exceeded 40,000 veteran soldiers who had served in the campaigns of Germany and Poland. The number of British engaged were 22,000, against them the whole efforts of the French were directed. The Spaniards under Gen. Cuesta did not equal in number those of the British, and many of them were so situated as not to be able to enter into the engagement at all. Talavera, the place where the battle was fought is in New-Castile, in the province of Toledo, on the north side of the Tagus a little below where the Alberche falls into that river.
The severest engagement was on the 28th, and extended to the whole line, and continued through the day, at the close of which the French were defeated and retreated across the Alberche. 20 pieces of cannon, a large quantity of ammunition and many prisoners fell into the hands of the British. It is computed the French had 10,000 killed and wounded. The British loss is stated at 5000 killed and wounded—the loss of the Spaniards is not mentioned.
Of the situation of affairs in Austria, we have no further accounts. If she will sacrifice her power and independence, Bonaparte will permit her to retain a nominal political existence, provided all his future commands are obeyed. One is already hinted at, she is to assist in subjugating the empire of the Turks.
It is stated that Holland is to be incorporated as a province of France, and that Louis Bonaparte, the present king of that country, is to have a kingdom "got up" for him out of the lately conquered provinces of Austria.
Senegal.—The British have lately taken this place from the French. In a commercial point of view, Senegal is of considerable consequence, as the settlement is near the mouth of the river of that name, and commands the trade of the country, the principal article of which is gum.

The English Expedition, at the last accounts, were engaged in the siege of Flushing, which could not hold out long. A part of the force was about to proceed to Antwerp, to take possession of the stores and fleet at that place.
The latest intelligence from Europe does not afford any facts, to warrant a belief, that any thing advantageous will result to the United States, from the late attempts of Gen. Armstrong at negotiation with the French government. There is existing on paper, at this moment, a treaty, ratified by Bonaparte himself, between this country & France, which he respects as much as a highway robber does common honesty. Yet there are thousands in the U. States, who are deceived into the belief, by the falsehoods of the democratic papers, that Bonaparte executes all his engagements with good faith.
More News from Spain.
On the 3d instant the Spanish frigate Cornelia arrived at New-York from Cadiz, which place she left the 20th of August, having on board his Excellency Don Lewis De Onis , Minister Plenipotentiary from Ferdinand VII, to the United States.
This arrival furnishes the latest accounts of the military operations. It is mentioned that after the battle of Talavera, the French engaged the Spanish army under Gen. Venegas, and after much hard fighting were defeated. But it is not very easy to say what the exact situation of affairs are in Spain—Many of the accounts are contradictory. One thing is certain, that neither side has been inactive.
The Cornelia spoke on her passage the Ariadne , from Liverpool, for Charleston, S. C. and was informed that the English had got possession of all the islands on the coasts of Holland.
Bad News from Spain—If true.
The Salem Gazette of Friday last, mentions the arrival at that port of capt. Leach, from Cadiz, who informs that it was reported in that city, Aug. 14 (2 days before he sailed) that after the battle of Talavera the combined forces under Generals Wellesley and Cuesta were proceeding towards Madrid, they were met by the French who had received powerful reinforcements, and after a severe action were totally defeated; and that the British and Portuguese were retreating towards Portugal.—The New-York arrival, which is later, makes no mention of this battle.
The Squatters in motion.
We are informed by a gentleman from the eastward, that a number of the Squatters have assembled in the county of Kennebec and threaten to liberate the prisoners who are confined in the jail at Augusta for the murder of Chadwick. The millennium of democracy is approaching.
On Wednesday last, orders were issued by Maj. Gen. Sewall, for the detachment of 300 militia, to guard the prison in Augusta, and quell the insurrection there commenced.
From the Augusta pap. of Friday last.
On Tuesday last the Supreme Judicial Court commenced its session in this town—The Hon. Judge Sedgwick presides.—The supposed murderers of Mr. Paul Chadwick were arraigned before the court on Wednesday last, and the bill of indictment read to them; after which they were remanded to prison.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Hallowell, to his friend in this town, dated Oct 5, 1809.
"There is a body of between 5 and 600 men in Indian guise, called squatters, embodied in a piece of woods within a few miles of Augusta bridge, who are determined to rescue the 8 murderers confined in Augusta jail, or perish in the attempt. The night before last they advanced so near as to seize upon our guard of 4 men, set there to give the alarm on their approach: two of them escaped unhurt, one was badly wounded and the other after being driven before them to the woods, losing his hat & having part of his clothes torn off, was sent back to Augusta with this message, "that the eight prisoners must be liberated within three hours or the town would be set on fire." I heard him deliver it to the Brigadier General, J. Chandler: the prisoner was Maj. Weeks, a man of high standing and respectability in this place. The alarm was immediately given by the ringing of bells—the Hallowell Artillery Company to which I belong was immediately called out, and our field pieces being charged with canister shot I sincerely believe alone prevented their approach. They had notice of our approach by hearing our bell ring, and thought best to keep back. The Maj. General has called out about 300 Militia, who with our Company, which is divided, are posted round the prison walls night and day. I am almost sick having been marched to Augusta every night since last Friday, and must there stand without the prison walls all night in open air, rain or shine, after working in my shop all the day preceding. I know not where this will end."
Counterfeit Bills of the Stereotype Plate.
We would caution the public against being imposed upon by counterfeit bills of the new Stereotype Plate. Counterfeits of the denomination of two dollars on the Portland Bank , are in circulation. The imitation is tolerably well executed, but may be easily detected by examination, or on comparison with the true bills. The paper appears spongy, and the letters in the words "two dollars," which is repeated on the face of the bills, are rough and irregular. Some of these bills were brought to this town last
week, for the purpose of testing their goodness. The person upon whom they were found, had been taken up, upon suspicion in Conway, N. H. and is now in custody.
It is to be hoped something will shortly be done to put a stop to this villainous practice of cheating. The halter or states prison for life , and nothing short of these will effectually cure the evil.
The President and Heads of Department have returned to Washington.
FOR THE GAZETTE.
DE SENECTUTE.—No. IV.
FROM the earliest period of our Constitution, the principles in it contained were treated with the most malignant rancor by the hero of that party, which since has become predominant throughout the U. States, but which appears at the present day to be losing ground—Nothing but power and office can satiate their thirst, which nothing that human art can invent will be left untried to gain. We were told in 1788 and 1789 that our constitution would introduce aristocracy into our government, consequently it was our policy to retain those powers at home which the constitution delegated to Congress. In 1809 we are told by the same men that we cannot place too much reliance on the President; that congress never has (and if so they never can nor will) place too much power in his hands. An inconsistency unknown to reason, unheard of in history! A person questioning the policy of government is denounced a British partizan by those very men whom he so lately heard express an entire disavowal of the whole United States' Constitution. They tell us too that the New-England States for the sake of British friendship will disapprove the great political chain comprehending so many governments in one, and become allied partizans with England. To induce a belief that this absurd and inconsistent tale is entitled to credit they have availed themselves of the abilities of John Adams and drawn from him the following sentence in his letter of June 5th, which they mean shall be of service to their political projects.
"A majority of all the states to the southward of Hudson river united with nearly half of New-England, would have raised an army under Aaron Burr; a majority of New-England might have raised another under Hamilton—Burr would have beat Hamilton to pieces and what would have followed next let the prophets foretell."
If Adams, when he wrote this sentence had been endowed with a very moderate share of penetration, his pen would have remained in the standish and he would not have exposed so vulgar an opinion to the world. That a majority of the Southern States, or nearly half of New-England were ever ready to rise in a domestic war under Aaron Burr, or that a majority of New-England would have joined Hamilton in an insurgency is an impeachment on the understanding and patriotism of the people of the U. States—and for "prophets to foretell" the consequences of what never was nor can be, makes the sentence altogether an inconsistency, and averts all the attention expected or desired to be paid thereto by the party for whose service it was probably written. It is equally absurd to suppose that the federal party would wish to destroy an instrument which they had advocated with all the fluency of rhetoric and cogency of argument—or (as Giles expresses it) that "those who were the first to press the constitution on the U. States should now be ready to absolve themselves from its sacred obligations." Search the various petitions to President Jefferson, remonstrances, memorials and town-meeting resolves, against which declamation has been so enthusiastically raised, and you will not find a single syllable having the most distant allusion or bearing to such an event as a division of the Union, which is a fallacious tale gendered in democratic chimaera, brought forth in deception and nurtured for party purposes only.
That Adams had perplexities to encounter during his administration cannot admit of a doubt in the mind of any one, who has the smallest idea of the nature of so important an office—But whether the unprecedented responsibilities, which he took on himself and which gave such umbrage to the heads of department, either increased his own happiness or added dignity to the United States' government is a question of great magnitude. He says that he knew what the result would have been if he had submitted those subjects to them, which he decided himself—in doing thus he seems to have disregarded the precepts of his illustrious predecessor who "applied himself unto wisdom" and said "that in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
In a letter of May 17th, he says, "Washington I know was nearly as much tortured and vexed by these things as I was and resigned his office
to get rid of them; and so would I have done with joy could I have been sure of a successor whose sentiments were as conformable to mine as he knew mine to be to his." This sentence carries with it a two-fold inuendo—its author accuses Washington of retiring from office to get rid of the perplexities of serving his country, and confesses that if he could have found a man who would have succeeded him and whose sentiments were in unison with his own, he would have done the like himself. To leave the helm of state to be directed by an unexperienced hand merely on account of the perplexities attendant on its government, has not a single vestige of patriotism in it. It is selfish, base and servile—an expression which Washington, would have disdained to think of and which Adams in his better days would not have written. When Washington was about to step into the shade of retirement he congratulated his fellow-citizens on the issue to which their affairs were brought—that the embarrassing situation in which his country lately stood was changed and his services might now be dispensed with. So fond had he ever been of a seclude life that at the election before, he had prepared an address expressive of the idea of retirement, but which was prevented from being published because there then existed those perplexities which Adams says he retired to get rid of—Four years more he served his country—settled our differences with England by the Jay treaty—placed commerce on a steadfast foundation, and agriculture in a state of prosperity—published his legacy and retired.—This legacy contains the following reasons for his retirement, which overturn the idle notion of his leaving public business because some officious fellows "vexed and tortured" him, as Adams says.—"I rejoice" said Washington, "that the state of your concerns external as well as internal no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment," &c. The state of our concerns external and internal were brought to that issue, that inclination and propriety united in permitting him to retire. Had there been such "vexations & tortures" as Adams describes, Washington would have been needed to regulate the "internal concerns" which they must necessarily occasion. But Washington says further, "I am persuaded that whatever partiality may be retained for my service, that in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove of my determination to retire." Here he describes our country in a happy situation, which could not have been the case had there existed at the seat of government such a rottenness of heart and revolutionizing disposition as Adams intimates, and which he owns was nearly as great in Washington's day of public trust as in his own. And further Washington declared, "every day the increasing weight of years admonishes more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome." Unless Washington were guilty of dissimulation or Adams has made a random statement we have an inconsistency before us. Our departed chief, had he been "tortured & vexed" as Adams says he was, would have written thus, "every day the increasing weight of Hamilton's importunities and the opposition to my measures, which the heads of department witness in their unprincipled conduct, admonish me more and more to retire." What a contrast of sentiment! But great as it is the proportion does not exceed the difference between the real facts and Adams' assertions.—Did Washington now know that he was believed to be so great a coward as Adams has represented, his departed spirit would emit a sigh for deluded America—his voice if he could speak would say, "Go read the address I have left you and think no more I quit a public life through temporal fear—Witness my life in war when Armstrong vexed me, and when if tortures and vexations could have driven me from serving my country I should have resigned." But alas! he can never revisit our terrestrial dwellings—yet forty-five years public service and his writings so plenty among us, speak a language too plain to be misunderstood. His recommending those who had been attached to his person during the war to the patronage of Congress, and his special communication to the Senate, nominating Timothy Pickering for Secretary of State, whose character is therein given, in the most lively colors, it would seem, would be amply sufficient to convince the American people that Hamilton, Pickering and Ames are not guilty of such enormities as a set of unprincipled demagogues represent.
But here occurs a question, Why should Adams write such things unless they were founded in fact? An answer has been already given, which probability more and more confirms as the correspondence before us, becomes better understood and more strictly scrutinized. Old age, which reduces a man to the grade of an infant, united with the importunate solicitations of a political party among whom an endearing son is an influential character, might draw imprudent language as well as conduct from the brightest ornaments creation ever knew. The appointment of Joel and Abiah, the two sacrilegious sons of Samuel to be judges in Bur-sheba, is an example of this kind in the prophet not unlike that of Adams, whose fate we so deplore.—The inconsistency of his writings is a demonstration of debility—Let those who cannot discern the "hand of Joab" in this correspondence "Go and anoint their eyes with eye-salve."
LAEILIUS.
Sept. 15th, 1809.
VERMONT ELECTION.
We have seen a statement of the votes for Governor in most of the towns in that state; the result is, the election of a full-blooded, ignorant democrat, in the room of the virtuous, enlightened, and patriotic TICHBOR.
The means employed by the unprincipled leaders of the democratic party, to deceive the electors, were truly in character, and of a stamp with most of their electioneering tricks.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
24 per Cent.—We have lately received several communications on the subject of usury. Whether the authors of these pieces are actuated by private or public motives, is not for us to determine. But this we think we are at liberty to say, that we always have been, and still are of the opinion, that the transactions of individuals, as it respects their common business, are not proper subjects for newspaper discussion. Public men, and public measures are our game.
Married,
In Thomaston, by the Rev. Samuel Barker, Mr. Wymond Bradbury, formerly of Portland, to Miss Ruth Mathews, both of Thomaston.
In this town, Captain Pierce Brown, to Miss Ruth Homer.
Died,
On board brig Betsey , capt. York, at the Havana, on the 2d ult. Enoch McDaniel, seaman, aged 18.—Also, on the 22d ult. on his homeward bound passage, Peter Ester, aged 16: both of the yellow fever.—The captain informs us that it was very sickly at the Havana.
In Brunswick, very suddenly, Mr. Stephen Larrabee, aged 68.
In Gorham, Mrs. Ruth Files, wife of Mr. Robert F. aged 45.
In this town, suddenly, Mr. Elisha Mills, aged 32.—Miss Sally Todd, aged 14: at sea, Mr. William Todd, aged 19, brother to Miss T.
Gazette Ship News.
PORT OF PORTLAND—1809.
Saturday, Oct. 7.
Arrived brig Betsey , Capt. York, in 25 days from Havana.—Left there, brig Sampson , Stout, of and for Portland; brig Crockett , Killoran, for Portland, in four days; ship Gen. Hamilton , Robinson, of do. just arrived; brig Rhoda and Sophia , Baker; brig Union , of Warren, just arrived; brig Only Son , of Provincetown, do.; ship Arromanche , Conwell, for Bristol, in four days; brig Henry , for Boston, in two days; ship Aurora , Plummer, of Boston; [captain sick ashore, and given over by his physicians] Spoke , off the harbor, bound in, brig Traveller , of and from Kennebec, 28 days. Oct. 1, lat. 35, long. 74, brig Cygnet , Cook, of Hallowell, for Boston, out 30 days.
NEW BOOKS.
JUST received and for sale at the
Portland Book-Store,
No. 5, Melley's Row ,
The Child of Thirty-Six Fathers—a serious, comic and moral romance—translated from the French.
Celebs in search of a Wife—comprehending observations on domestic habits and manners, religion, and morals.
Edgar Huntley—or memoirs of a night-walker.
Ramsey's Life of Washington.
Curran's Speeches—a new edition in two vols.—containing the Speeches of Grattan—Erskine and Burke—with a brief sketch of the History of Ireland, and a Biographical account of Curran.
ADDITIONAL LAW BOOKS.
Judge Bay's Reports of cases argued and determined, in the Supreme Court of Law, in the State of South Carolina, since the Revolution—Vol. 1st, price 6 dols. in calf—also, Vol. 2d, Reports, of cases argued and determined in the Supreme Court of Errors, of the State of Connecticut, in the years 1805—6 and 7—by Thomas Day, Counsellor at Law—price 5 dls. Saunders' Reports, and Chafe's Trial. Maps of the United States, glazed and on rollers.
Dr. Rees' Cyclopedia.
THE subscribers for Dr. Rees' Cyclopedia, in the District of Maine, are informed, that DANIEL JOHNSON, is the only and exclusive Agent, by contract with the publishers, for delivering them to subscribers in this part of the State—And although THOMAS CROSS should advertise that he has the possession of those Half Volumes, which he will deliver; the Subscribers are hereby notified, that should they receive the numbers of any other than the said Johnson, they must nevertheless consider themselves as bound to pay the amount to him, and that no other than his receipt, will be considered as exoneration from a second payment. Portland, Oct. 9, 1809.
ASA JORDON,
INFORMS his friends and the public that he has removed his hand to the shop lately occupied by Aaron Dins, in a door above the Maine Bank , where he intends carrying on the
Boot and Shoe-Making Business , in its various branches. He warrants the articles which he manufactures to be as good as any in Boston or elsewhere. Portland, October 9, 1809.
DR. REES'
NEW CYCLOPAEDIA, Vol. X. Part 1st and 2d, and Vol. XI. part 1st, are in the possession of the subscriber, and will be delivered to subscribers in the District of Maine, at store No. 23, Long-Wharf.
THOMAS CROSS.
Portland, Oct. 9, 1809.
Maine Fire and Marine Insurance Company.
NOTICE TO STOCKHOLDERS.
THE Stockholders of said Company are hereby notified, that the Directors have made an ASSESSMENT of Thirty-Five Dollars on each Share in their Capital Stock, which is to be paid to their Secretary, at their Office in Portland, at two Installments, viz. Fifteen Dollars on each Share to be paid on or before the 4th day of September next, and the remaining sum of Twenty Dollars to be paid on or before the 4th day of November next. By order of the President and Directors. ELISHA MORSE, Secretary. M. F. & M. Insurance Office, July 12, 1809.
Benevolent Society.
THE members of Portland Benevolent Society are hereby notified that their annual meeting for the choice of Officers, &c. is adjourned to Wednesday, the 18th of October current, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, then to be held at the Office of the Hon. Samuel Freeman, Esq. in Portland; and an Oration or Discourse, will be pronounced, at 7 o'clock in the evening, by the Rev. Mr. Payson, after which there will be a contribution for the benefit of the Society. STEPHEN LONGFELLOW, Jun. Svy. Oct. 4, 1809.
NOTICE!
THIS is the last notice which will be given to those that are indebted to the firm of LITTLE & BARKER, either by note or account. They will be sued unless settled before the term of suing-time is expired at November term. This is the last time of asking. CHARLES BARKER. Falmouth, Oct. 9, 1809.
WANTED,
A FEW tons heavy FREIGHT on board ship THOMAS , for Baltimore.—Apply at No. 12 Union-Wharf.
TO LET,
The HOUSE in Middle-Street adjoining Mr. Thomas Hopkins' and lately occupied by Mr. Thomas Webster. Also, the Eagle Tavern (so called) in Clay cove, and a handsome two story HOUSE in Love Lane—Apply as above. Oct. 9.
WANTED.
TWO good NEW MILCH COWS for which cash will be given.—Also, or three Hundred Bushels of good POTATOES. Enquire of CHARLES & JOHN K. October 9th.
GOOD QUARTERS.
TO Let—a HOUSE, conveniently situated on Pleasant-Street, with a very large Garden, Yard, and suitable out Buildings.—Rent low, and immediate possession given, by Oct. 9, 1809 N. KINSMAN.
POST-RIDERS NOTICE.
ALL those indebted to the Post-Riders, for postage of their Papers, on the route from Portland through Farmington to Berwick, are requested to make immediate payment. TOPPAN SAWYER. October 9th, 1809
A good Stand for Trade.
TO Let—The HOUSE & STORE, lately occupied by Wm. R. & C. St. John, a few rods from the Wharves—enquire of Wm. R. STOCKBRIDGE, on the premises. North Yarmouth, Oct. 9, 1809
Boarding Wanted,
FOR a Gentleman and his Lady, during the Winter, in some respectable private family.—A line directed to A. B. and left at the Gazette Office, and the terms, will receive due notice. Oct. 9th.
TAKEN up on the twentieth of September last, THREE STRAY OXEN, two of which are red, the other brownish, with a white face. The owner may have them by proving property and paying charges. ANDREW HUDSON. Falmouth, Oct. 9th, 1809
NOTICE!
WE the subscribers having been appointed Commissioners to examine and allow the claims of the several Creditors to the estate of the late
ANTHONY LIBBY,
do hereby give notice, that we will attend that service at the late Dwelling House of the deceased, in Scarborough, on the 12th Saturday of the Six following months, from nine o'clock in the morning. W. VAUGHAN, } Commissioners. MOSES LIBBY. September 27th, 1809 (O 9)
THE Subscriber offers for sale, their remaining Stock in Trade, consisting of
Drugs, Medicines, Dye Stuff, &c. on terms which cannot fail to meet the approbation of any person wishing to establish himself in the Druggist Business.—The subscriber being about to remove to Gorham, any person wishing to possess himself of the above valuable Stand and Stock, will do well to apply immediately. JOHN S. DUPEE.

Poetry.
AN ACREONIC.
MARK the busy, sportive bee, Humming, febrile, thirsty thing; Every pregnant herb and tree Gives a welcome to his wing.
Lo those very flow'rs themselves, Tipping all the long night thro'; Jolly, little, social elves, Graping each his can of dew;
Nay behold that very Sun Biting thro' a thousand rills; Every toast consumes a run! How the broad faced taper swills!
Select Paragraphs.
A singular and unfortunate accident occurred in an adjacent village lately: A Mr. Wilks, some time after sunset, was examining some empty wine casks, which lay in the yard, and observing an unusual smell to issue from one of them, applied a lighted candle which he had in his hand to its bung. It instantly burst with a loud explosion. A piece of the heading struck Mrs. W. who unfortunately was in its way, knocked her down, cut her lips and nose almost entirely off, done considerable injury to her teeth and other parts of her body. She received the blow obliquely, otherwise the consequence had probably been fatal. The parts, however, were shortly afterwards secured in their proper situation, and we are told she is likely to do well.
The cause of this explosion, which has excited considerable speculation and surprise, could be no other than inflammable air (hydrogenous gas) which had accumulated in the cask. The properties of this gas are well known to Chemists. It smells like putrid fish and cannot be very safely breathed even when largely diluted with vital air. Pilatre du Rozier, a French chymist, however, mixed a ninth part of vital air with pure hydrogenous gas, filled his lungs with it, and set it on fire during the exhalation—which produced an explosion so dreadful that the philosopher had like to have lost all his teeth by the experiment.
From the Fayetteville Intelligencer. Messrs. RAY & BLACK will please to give the following a place in their paper, and obituary, and oblige H. M'VEY.
GENTLEMEN—In addition to the number of curious Phenomena, that have appeared in different quarters of the Globe, and which nature seems to have produced for the purpose of exercising the curious and Philosophic mind, there is one which frequently makes its appearance, on a plantation belonging to Col. Alexander Gray, of Randolph county. (whereon I now live) which not only keeps my family within doors, and gives me frequent alarms, but prevents me from receiving nightly visits from my neighbours; for in fact they seldom pass by the plantation after night has shrouded the world with her sable mantle, without being seriously alarmed, either by real or imaginary Phantoms, of such hideous forms, and variety of shapes, as frequently makes the hair of their heads stand erect, and puts all those who are not actually bald headed in danger of losing their hats. I have frequently observed it myself, & when settled on the plantation, could, like my neighbours see it in a variety of attitudes, part of which I perceive was produced by my own imagination. It has now methodized itself to my optics in a more regular appearance since habit has rendered it less frightful.
This Phenomenon appears in the night and is more frequent in the winter than summer; it rises out of the earth in a blue blaze like that of Brimstone to the height of five or six feet, and frequently spreads over several rods of ground, affords a light by which you may plainly see
any object near to the place. Upon approaching it gradually vanishes and nothing of it remains except a smoke or vapour, which smells strong of sulphur.—It does not always confine itself to one part of the plantation, but is seen sometimes in the woods, sometimes near a spring, but more frequently on the high lands.
A number of persons have been led by curiosity to examining the place where this Phenomenon most frequently appears, but their opinions have been various with respect to the causes which has produced it. Some suppose it to be a vapour produced by the richness of the soil, others who have dug into the earth, and found stone containing a great number of particles as clear as silver, which being heated in the fire affords a strong sulphurous smell, supposes that it proceeds from the heat of some Mineral, which lies concealed near the place.
Whether either of those conjectures are correct, I leave it to those who are better versed in the mysteries of nature than myself to determine. MAMBLETON M'VEY.
Mr. Bruce, the Abyssinian traveler, whilst accompanying a caravan in which were the natives of thirty different nations bordering on Ethiopia, procured a translation of part of Solomon's Song from each language; he observed a striking similarity in many parts of these translations, particularly in the word answering to "kiss," which was the same in them all. Having mentioned this to a certain bonny Duchess, [Gordon] the archly retorted, "I always told you, Mr. Bruce, that kissing is the same, all the world over."
Pay for your Papers.
THE subscriber once more requests all those indebted to him for the PORTLAND GAZETTE, to make payment up to the 1st of Sept. 1809, at which time he relinquished the publication of the paper. All accounts which remain unsettled on the 1st of November next, will be left with an attorney for collection. The bills for the papers which are taken at the Post-Offices in Warren and Waldoboro, are left with the Post-Masters. Those which go to Farmington, with Z. SOULE, Esq. Those to Freeport, with J. W. RIPLEY, Esq. Those to Waterville, with the Post-Master at that place. Those to Brunswick, with HENRY PUTNAM, Esq. and Mr. JAMES CUSHMAN. Other places will be named as the Bills are forwarded. ISAAC ADAMS.
Corn and Flour Store.
WILLIAM CROSS. No. 1 & 3, Long Wharf. HAS just received per Schooner Midas, Capt Brown, from Baltimore, 500 bbls. Superfine FLOUR; 120 half do. 1000 bushels yellow Maryland CORN; 12 bbls. Manufacturing and Shipping TOBACCO; 20 kegs best . . . do. 40 bags Green COFFEE. The above articles being all purchased with Cash, will be sold as low or lower than can be purchased in this town, of the same quality. N. B.—Flour is warranted not to be ground longer than 20 days. A constant supply will be kept, and every favor gratefully acknowledged. Sept. 18.
Mr. Woodman's Oration.
THE Members of the TYROCINIC ADELPHI, are informed, that their annual Meeting will be held at the Academy, on Wednesday the 18th of October, where an Oration will be publicly pronounced before the Society, at 10 o'clock, A. M. by JABEZ WOODMAN, A. M.—A general attendance of the members is requested. WILLIAM BAILEY, Sec'y. N. B. The annual Exhibition of the School, will be in the afternoon, at the abovenamed place. Habron, Sept. 20, 1809.
WANTED.
AS an Apprentice to the Tailoring Business, a Lad of steady habits, from 13 to 15 years of age, to whom good encouragement will be given.—Apply to SAMUEL WATSON. Sept. 18.
Ezekiel Day.
Has for sale, FRENCH and Spanish Brandy—American & Holland Gin—Wines—Loaf & brown Sugars—Imperial, Hyson, Souchong, Hyson-Skin and Campoi Teas—Chocolate—Coffee—barrels of clear Pork—Bacon in hds. for shipping or by retail—Dumb Fish—common rearing ditto—Candles—Corn—Flour—Raisins—Alspice—Pepper—Salt—Patent—American and English Powder—Balls—Shot—Flints—Alum—Copperas—Brimstone—Sulphur; and many other articles. Also—25000 lbs. Brown Soap—all which will be sold cheap for Cash or approved credit. Wanted to Purchase, 2000 bushels of HOUSE ASHES—Also, Salts of Lye—for which Cash will be paid. N. B. Those who are indebted to the late firm of Day & Lyle, are requested to call and settle. Portland, Sept. 18, 1809.
WANTED.
FIFTY likely young Shipping HORSES, and Ten MULES. For particulars enquire at the Stable of the subscriber in Court-Street. STEPHEN LILE. Portland, Sept. 18, 1809.
E. Greeley & Co.
Have for sale, 13 Casks Young Hyson TEA 17 do. Bohea TEA 38 pieces Ravens Duck. October 2.
For Charleston, (S. C.) THE Schooner RAVEN, Samuel S. Rich, master, now lying at Union-Wharf—For freight or passage apply to JOHN & SETH PHILLIPS, or the master on board. October 2.
Excellent English Hats.
William M'Lellan, Jun. HAS just opened for sale on very reasonable terms, a Box of English Hats. Likewise—A large assortment of gilt FRAMED LOOKING GLASSES—together with a general supply of English and European Goods, cheap for cash. October 2.
NEW GOODS.
JUST received from Philadelphia, by HOW & EVANS, at their Store in Middle-Street, 100 Boxes 7 by 9 Glass 55 casks 6d, 8d, 10d, 12d, 20d fine rose English Nails 2 hds. Glass Ware 400 galls. Linseed Oil 20 casks White Lead 4 do Red Lead The above being a consignment, will be sold as low as can be purchased in Boston. Oct. 2.
NOTICE!
THE Copartnership of CALVIN & DAVID FARRAR, was by mutual consent dissolved the 5th inst.—All persons indebted to the firm are requested to call on DAVID FARRAR, for settlement, who is authorized to adjust the demands against the firm. CALVIN FARRAR, DAVID FARRAR, Watford, Sept. 24, 1809.
David Farrar,
Respectfully informs the public that he has purchased the Stock in Trade of C & D FARRAR, and that business will be transacted as formerly.—He solicits a share of public patronage. Oct. 2.
Benjamin Whitwell,
OF Augusta, having formed a connection in business with JOHN POTTER, gives notice, that all business entrusted to their care as Attorneys at Law, will be faithfully attended to by them at the Office lately occupied by Whitwell & Fuller. All persons who are indebted to the late firm of Whitwell & Fuller, and all who have demands against said firm are requested to make immediate settlement at the above place. BENJ. WHITWELL, Augusta, Sept. 21, 1809. (Oct 2)
SESSION BUSINESS.
BY the direction of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Cumberland, I hereby give notice, to all concerned, that at the next term of said Court they will not attend to any business commonly called Session Business, (viz. such as respects Licenses, Roads, &c.) until Wednesday in the second week of said term.—Those persons, who may have such business at said Court, need not therefore, attend until that day. SAMUEL FREEMAN, Clerk. October 2.
Evening School.
THE subscriber's Evening School will be opened THIS EVENING, at the Old South School house, where he will instruct those who apply, in either Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Grammar, Geography, and use of the Globes. Terms, 3 dolls. per quarter, one paid in advance. Candles, pens and ink found by the subscriber. Navigation, Surveying, Book-Keeping by Single or Double Entry, and Lunar Observations by that short, easy and accurate method of Dunn's Linear Tables, will be taught by William Moody. Portland, Sept. 25.
To the Police of Portland.
WOULD it not be well to cause some regulation whereby our night walking gentry might be taken care of?—These courageous, manly and heroic fellows, who nobly go about in the night time besmearing Signs, taking down and misplacing them, taking Gates from front yards, sneaking into a neighbor's Coach yard and drawing away his carriages and running them off of Wharfs, girdling fruit and ornamental trees. Most noble fellows, you deserve well of your country, and no doubt will sooner or later meet with your reward in Newgate or the State's prison. To assist in the detection of these mean, cowardly, dirty, dastardly tricks, FIFTY DOLLARS
is offered as a reward to any one who will furnish evidence whereby the villain or villains who took the subscriber's sign from his office on Saturday evening last, may be brought to justice. NATHAN KINSMAN. Portland, Oct. 2.
NOTICE.
WE the subscribers having been appointed Commissioners, by the Hon. Samuel Freeman, Esq. Judge of Probate of Wills, &c. for the county of Cumberland, to receive and examine the claims of creditors to the estate of
JOSEPH SAWYER, late of Durham, in said county, trader, deceased, represented insolvent, hereby give notice that six months are allowed to said creditors to bring in and prove their claims, that we will attend that service at the dwelling-house of Barnabas Strouts, in said Durham, on the third Saturday of this month, and on the second Saturday of the five following months, from one to six o'clock, P. M. on each of said days. JOSIAH BURNHAM, } Commis- SYMONDS BAKER, } sioners. Durham, Sept. 4. (5w) (11)
C. & J. Fox,
OFFER FOR SALE, VERY LOW, 20 Hogheads first quality CODFISH, ready packed and in excellent order for shipping. —ALSO— Ship Chandlery and Naval Stores. September 11. (6w)
Dissolution of Partnership.
THE Copartnership under the Firm of HUSSEY & WINSLOW, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All persons, therefore, having demands against said firm, or who are indebted, are requested to call on BACHELOR HUSSEY, at the shop of John Bailey, 3d, Fifth-Street, and adjust the same immediately. All accounts which are not settled on or before the first day of December next, will be left with an attorney for collection. BACHELOR HUSSEY, NATHAN WINSLOW. Portland, Sept. 25, 1809.
Batchelor Hussey
HAS for sale, on liberal terms, a quantity of Spermaceti Candles & Oil, of a good quality—Also, Whale Oil, by retail. Sept. 25.
FOR SALE,
THAT valuable Estate situated in North-yarmouth, twelve miles from Portland, and about one hundred rods from the head of the tide in North-yarmouth, lying on the Post Road from Portland to Wilscusset, and has been occupied by the subscriber for a tavern a number of years past. Said Estate consists of a very convenient three-story House, a Stable, Barn, Shed, and other out houses, with a good well of water, and an aqueduct leading to the house, with about one hundred and ten acres of excellent Land, having a young Orchard on the same, said Farm is under excellent improvement. —ALSO— A FARM in the town of Freeport, at Frost's corner, so called, within one mile of Porter's landing, consisting of fifty-four acres of excellent land, a convenient Dwelling-house, Barn, &c. Said Farm is under good improvement, is well watered, cuts about fifteen tons of Hay, and has an Orchard which bears considerable fruit yearly, and is well situated, either for a Farmer, Merchant or Mechanic. The above Farms will be sold together or separate as may best suit the purchaser. For terms (which will be made easy) please to apply to the subscriber at North-yarmouth. SETH MITCHELL. North-yarmouth, August 21, 1809. (t.f)
FOR SALE, IN GORHAM,
A two Story DWELLING-HOUSE, with a Barn and Out-Houses, and from ten to twenty-five acres of good LAND, with a small Orchard and good water, adjoining Presumpscot river, eleven miles from Portland—a convenient stand for a tavern, tradesman, or Mechanic. Also—a good SAW-MILL;—A part or the whole of said property will be sold, as may best suit the purchaser—for a small part down, and a credit of four or seven years will be given if requested, for the remainder.—For further particulars enquire of JOSHUA SWETT, in said Gorham. (t.f) July 24.
COLLEGE LANDS.
THE Subscriber offers for sale, the following Tracts of LAND, belonging to Harvard College, the title to which is direct from the Government, viz.
IN FRYEBURG, Lot No. 35 1st Div. 53 acres, interval. 18 3d do. 35 do. do. 22 3d do. 54 do. upland. 10 3d do. 50 do. do. — 4th do. 50 do. do. 18 5th do. 60 or 70 do. do. IN TURNER, Lot No. 31, 135 acres. 86, 125 do. 166, 150 do. 277, 125 do. IN PARIS, Lot No. 27, 7th Range, } 400 28, 7th do. } acres 29, 859th do. } in all. IN LIVERMORE, Lot No. 78, 100 acres. 98, 100 do. 149, 100 do. IN OTISFIELD, Lot No. 116, 3d Div. 100 acres. 1, 2d R. 4th D. 100 do. 5, 8th R. 5th D. 100 do. 15,
The above Lands will be sold on a liberal credit, and Settlers now on any of the Lots will be accommodated if they wish it. For particulars, apply to the Subscriber, at his Office, in Middle-Street, Portland. PRENTISS MELLEN. July 24, 1809. (tf)
Thomas Hunter,
Watch and Clock maker—No. 72, Fore-Street, PORTLAND. HAS for sale, an English patent linen MANGLE, well calculated for Inns and Boarding-houses, saving all labour of ironing. A large quantity of Men's and Children's SHOES, at low prices. London patent liquid and cake Blacking, and English Shoe brushes, of a superior quality. Spectacles, to suit all ages. Reading Glasses; Razors; warranted Umbrellas and Parasols; made and repaired. Also—The above Premises to be sold, consisting of a Store, a House and Barn. July 17.
A FARM FOR SALE,
IN the town of Falmouth, in the county of Cumberland, consisting of one hundred and five acres of Land, of which thirty is Interval, and lying on Presumpscot River, and five miles from the town of Portland, and on the post road that leads from Portland to Augusta, and into many of the back towns. Said farm is conveniently situated for a Public House, with a large two story H. and Barn, with out houses. The soil of said farm is inferior to none.—Inquire of OLIVER WINSLOW, Oct. 17. (t.f)
India & Ravens Duck, FOR sale, at No. 18, Union-Wharf. —ALSO—
Beef, Mould Candles, and Brown Soap. LIKEWISE,
600 Pieces NANKINS, 150 lbs. NUTMEGS, entitled to debenture.
N. B. India DUCK, is pronounced by judges, to be superior to Russia Duck, and has the decided preference in the English Navy. Portland, Sept. 25, 1809.
Joseph Shelton,
OFFERS FOR SALE, at the Brick Store, at the Head of Union Wharf, 20 bbls. first quality MESS PORK, 800 Bushels Connecticut CORN.
Also, Groceries and Provisions, at retail as usual. Portland, Sept. 25, 1809.
Uncurrent Bank Bills,
ARE yet received for TOBACCO, at a reduced price, at the Tobacco Manufactory, near the head of Portland Pier.
Also, For 100 boxes Cod Fish, 20 bbls. Ship Bread, 100 Kegs Shipping Crackers, Quantity Room Paper, 600 Spelling Books, Collection of other Books, A Sloop of 50 tons burthen, Also, 3000 acres of good unimproved LANDS, within sixty miles of Portland, or would be exchanged for real Estate in Portland, or personal Property. Sept. 25, 1809.
Doct. Ramsay's Lectures
AT Bowdoin College. THE Trustees and Overseers having appropriated rooms in the College for the purpose, Dr. RAMSAY has consented to remove his Museum to Brunswick, and to give a course of ANATOMICAL LECTURES in the College. It is hoped that this singular opportunity of acquiring a minute knowledge of the structure and physiology of the human system, will be improved by every gentleman who may be desirous of acquiring a knowledge, or perfecting his researches in this important branch of science. The Lectures will commence on the 31st day of October next. Gentlemen who wish to become subscribers will apply at Capt. Estabrooks' or Mr. Owen's Public Houses in Brunswick, where subscriptions are open. The above Lectures will be completed in three weeks from their commencement. Sept. 1809.
Portland Academy.
THE Trustees give notice that they expect an additional Instructor, which will enable them to accommodate a few more scholars. Application for admission to be made to the Hon. SAMUEL FREEMAN, at his office, Middle-Street. Portland, Sept. 25, 1809.
FOR SALE,
A FEW in Messrs. Kellogg & Payson's meeting house—For terms enquire at this Office. October 2.
FOR SALE,
A PEW No. 127, in the Gallery of the Rev. Doct. Dens's meeting house—For further particulars enquire at this Office. October 2.
WANTED,
A Steady YOUNG WOMAN, to do house work, to whom good encouragement will be given by applying to JOSEPH SHELTON. Portland, Oct. 2.
Hatfield Bridge Lottery.
CLASS SIXTH. 12,000 Tickets, at 5 Dollars each, are 60,000 Dollars.
 1 Prize of 8,000 Dollars, is dolls. 8,000  2 do. 1250 are 2,500  2 do. 1000 are 2,000  3 do. 500 are 1,500  62 do. 100 are 6,200  66 do. 50 are 3,300  100 do. 20 are 2,000  200 do. 10 are 2,000  3,573 do. 7 are 25,011  4,009 59,711   Subject to no deduction, and not two blanks to a prize.—A part of the above prizes will be drawn in the following manner, viz.—
The first drawn blank on the 3d days drawing will be entitled to dolls. 500 do on the 6th — — — 1000 do on the 9th — — — 500 do on the 12th — — — 1000 do on the 15th — — — 500
do on the 18th { to 250 Tickets from No. 1001 to No. 1,250, inclusive. } 1250 do on the 21st — — — 8,000
do on the 24th { 250 Tickets from No. 6,001 to No. 6,250, inclusive. } 1250
Five hundred numbers will be considered a days drawing, and the above capital prizes determined accordingly. The drawing shall commence in Boston in November next.
The Prize of 8,000 dollars shall be paid in ninety days; those over 100 dollars in sixty days; all others in thirty days, in bills usually current in Massachusetts.
Tickets will rise to five dollars and fifty cents, fifteen days previous to the drawing. Prizes not demanded in one year will not be paid, but be considered as generously given for the object of the Lottery.
SAMUEL PORTER, ELIJAH DICKINSON, ISAAC ABERCROMBIE, SAMUEL F. DICKINSON, JOHN HASTINGS, Jan. July 1809. [O 2]
BOOKS.
In the various branches of Literature, for sale at the Bookstore of ISAAC ADAMS.