The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-05-15 00:00:00

The Providence Journal.
AND
TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. Printer of the LAWS of the UNITED STATES for the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c. At the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 20. ]
WEDNESDAY, May 15, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
Take Notice!
THAT only a few able-bodied MEN, and a few MARINES are now wanted to complete the manning of the United States frigate GENEVIEVE, Captain R. PERRY, commander, now fitting at Newport, for a cruise against the enemies of our country, and will sail in the course of ten days. Very generous wages will be given. Apply at the rendezvous.
May 3, 1799.
Just Landed,
from on board the brig Mary, and for sale by BENJ. & EDWARD ABORN, BROWN Sugar, of the 1st quality, in hds. and bbls. Molasses, good for retailing, per hhd. St. Croix Rum, per do. And 500 wt. of Cocoa. They have likewise for sale, Rock and Turk's-Island Salt, per quantity 1/2 Barrels of Pickled Fish; and 1/2 Barrels of Turpentine. May 8.
TO LET,
THE House and Store lately occupied by JAMES ATWOOD, opposite the head of the Long Wharf, and may be entered on immediate—very commodious place for a merchant or tradesman. Enquire of POLLY NICHOLS, living on the premises. May 8.
Plainfield Academy.
THE public are informed that this institution will continue under the care and instruction of Mr. BENJAMIN ASBLEN. The Summer term will commence on Monday the 20th of May.
HERDS GRASS SEED.
A QUANTITY of Herds Grass Seed, of an excellent quality, this day received from Troy, and for sale by ORREN & BARKER, April 22.
Final Notice.
THE Hon. Court of Probate having allowed the further time of six months, from the fourth day of December last, for closing the administration on the estate of the late Dr. BARNABAS CONVERSE; all persons interested are requested to avail themselves of this information, as no claim will be received or allowed after the expiration of that time.
EDWARD DEXTER, Administrator. N. B. The administrator to the above estate takes this last and public method to acquaint all persons whom it may concern, that the unsealed notes, and all book accounts relative to said estate, will be lodged in the hands of George R. Burill, Esq.; as fast as the accounts can be drawn out, without any reserve, as he is determined to close the business by the above time.
Said DEXTER also requests all persons who have unsettled accounts with him in his private business, to call and settle the same. April 30. (tbc)
FOR SALE, by
Edward Dickens, 15 Hogheads of Tobacco 60 barrels of prime beef 40 ditto pork 200 bushels of salt 200 hogheads molasses 2000 weight of cheese 10 Kegs of lard April 28.
THE creditors to the estate of RICHARD FENNER, of Johnston, yeoman, are hereby notified to exhibit their claims against said estate to the subscribers, administrators thereon, within twelve months from the 20th of April, 1799: otherwise they will be excluded according to law: And all those indebted to said estate, are requested to settle their accounts immediately.
JAMES FENNER, RICHARD FENNER, ISAAC FISK.
Johnston, May 1, 1799.
FOR SALE, by
Isaac Boorum and Co. 20 Hds. of prime Georgia Tobacco 100 Barrels of Tar 70 ditto of Turpentine. April 3. (t.f.)
John Harwood, jun.
Offers for Sale, opposite the TOWN HALL, A LIQUID, prepared by himself, which, from long experience, has been proved to be a complete and radical cure for that loathsome disorder, the ITCH. This Liquid is simple in its composition, perfectly innocent in its operation, and is attended with no inconvenience whatever.
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL. The Adelphiad, No. III.
I RECOLLECT of reading an account of a certain country where, when any gross crime was committed, the sentence of condemnation was, that the culprit should be sent to the basket-makers. The story of the rich lord and the poor basket-maker is too well known to need a particular recital. I apprehend it will not be deemed vanity to say, that whenever a man is afflicted with a malignant distemper, the common cry will be, send him to the hospital. As I have taken upon myself the character of a mental physician, I have observed with pain that my fellow brethren have not adopted a proper remedy for the cure of mental infirmities. Many of them, like Dr. Sangrado, make use of nothing else but the satirical lancet. Others again have given opiate pills of morality twice every seven days, whose drowsy qualities are felt at the time of operation, but otherwise have no perceivable effect on the patient. Not merely the nature of the complaint, but likewise the temper and constitution of the patient, ought to be examined. Mental physicians ought always to remember that the most salutary drugs for the different disorders, when mixed together, may be converted into the most deadly poison. I will illustrate this principle by a story:—
A corporal physician, if the critical court will allow me the expression, observed that he had found out an infallible cure for the consumption. This complaint, he observed, was composed of seven different disorders. He remarked that he knew perfectly well what medicine would cure them separately—consequently, by mixing the seven different medicines together, he would have an infallible cure for the consumption. The learned gentleman forgot that the mixture of the most salutary medicines, without attending either to the nature of the compound or to the constitution of his patients, might prove the most destructive poison. Suffice it to say, that his success answered my expectations, and that the church yard was the only memorial of his medical skill. Physicians of my class run into the same error; and it is for this cause that I have offered my humble assistance to the public. I have therefore undertaken the cure of mental infirmities, and I hope that my plan will give general satisfaction.
As the atmosphere of a play-house, a ball-room or a billiard table, is proved to be dangerous to my patients, I have caused an hospital to be erected in the vicinity of the town. The rooms are large and convenient, suitable for the accommodation of my patients. Persons novel-struck seem to be partially deranged in their senses. I have therefore confined them in the highest apartment (for they cannot bear the thought of living on earth) and in their lucid intervals have given them three doses of cool reflection. They will frequently be heard to talk incoherently of dungeons, chains, arrows and bitter-dough, but this is when the distemper is in the highest state of malignity. The above mentioned specific has always proved a radical cure. In the mean time, a carpenter is much wanted to enlarge the room for the accommodation of this class of my patients.
Cohabitation I take to be downright lunacy—for persons afflicted with this distemper are for perpetual changes and revolutions; I have taken these my patients into a lower apartment, and have found confinement to the company of a few select friends the only cure. If a great number are admitted, the brain immediately turns. One case of this kind was very remarkable: A fair patient had undergone the most rigid confinement without producing any visible alteration. I visited her anxiously every morning, and always found her contemplating a beautiful figure in the glass. The hint was sufficient—the glass was removed, and a Dutch looking glass, which distorts the features of the face, placed in its stead. In a short time my fair patient recovered.
Epopeia is a kind of malignant and infectious complaint, which must be cautiously managed. It is so epidemic, that, like the cockatrice, the poison communicates itself by sight. Disorders of this kind proceed from a brain very much inflamed; for want of exercise, the dregs of sense remain at the bottom, while the volatile particles of fancy swim on the surface, like the flies on a stream. I have frequently known these particles to sink down, and then the brain assumes a livid, pale, watery cast, which will be remarked by a lack of expression in the countenance of the patient. Sometimes it may be discovered by the conversation, which consists merely of scraps, shreds and patches of novels, plays and romances—the most worthless passages of which they repeat with infinite satisfaction. I have attended this class of my patients to six pills of common sense every day, accompanied with some cooling doses of reflection. By this regimen, paradoxical as it may appear, I have, out of ten beaus, turned out three men of sense, genius and information.
Self-conceit I have always found the most incurable of all complaints. It very frequently breaks out into inflammatory eruptions of spleen and ill humour. Sometimes the patient is heard uttering general expressions of reproach against the whole of the female sex. When the disorder arrives at this state of malignity, I have caused my patient to be shut up in a dungeon, so dark that these words only can be discerned, which I have caused to be inscribed in capitals—“REMEMBER THAT YOUR MOTHER WAS A WOMAN.” O.
NEW-YORK, May 6.
GOADED by two such passions as ambition and love of plunder; bursting with national conceit, and flushed with victory, what nation can hope to appease or assuage the haughty republic of France? Will principle set bounds to her passion? Look at every page of her history, monarchical or republican: Will treaties bind her? Look at Dr. Franklin's treaty of 1778, and then peruse the condemnation of the ship Laurens, in 1793, before any pretence of complaint, before even the arrival of Genet: Will friendship restrain her ambition or her avarice? Ask the Swift, who have been her allies for 150 years—who had fought her battles, and defended her territories, but who are now victims to her rapacity: Will submission secure safety? As this is the most interesting question to America, and as I have said that resistance is cheaper than submission, I shall answer this question by briefly stating the example and fate of other nations.
Every nation in Europe, but Great-Britain, has in the contest with France been governed by a narrow and parsimonious policy; France has debauched and frightened more nations than she has conquered. The paltry consideration of saving a few towns, or a few provinces, or a few millions of dollars, has nearly subjugated all Europe to the power of France. But this niggardly policy has saved them nothing but a name. Like the allies of Rome, they have the honour to pay a tribute, to support the grandeur of their noble friend, and to have honourable mention made of them in the bulletin of the Republic. The first example which exhibited to view is that of Holland: Holland was our old ally and friend—the foolishly thought herself free, but France convinced her that she was enslaved. No man will deny, that the Dutch loved their money better than their liberties. A modern Dutchman, not the men who wrested their liberties from the Philip of Spain, but the new fashioned pacific Dutchman, would surrender his rights and the honour of his nation sooner than his purse. Invaded by France—threatened with her vengeance, if they did not consent to be free, and to let France make free with their country—terrified at the apprehension of the cost of vigorous defence—Holland ignominiously and meanly submitted to the terms which France saw fit to impose.—What has Holland saved by this despicable policy? What could she have lost by a manful resistance? If vanquished she might have lost her territory and her wealth, but she would have retained the fame which 40 years glorious war had gained for her ancestors. The Dutch might have perished, but they would have perished with honour: They have now purchased life, but they hold it with disgrace. In the narrow calculations of political arithmetic, in which honour is sold by the pound, and national rights are bartered by weight and measure, Holland has gained nothing but submission, but dishonour and slavery. She has not saved one fliver. Her trade is destroyed—her famous bank without credit—her navigation rotting in the Tessel—her fleet, fighting the battles of France, vanquished and destroyed—her East-India commerce at an end—her most valuable colonies captured or rendered useless to her—her merchants having paid thirty per cent. to France, in requisitions, are suffering the disgrace of bankruptcy—but above all, a French mercenary army, quartered upon her peaceable inhabitants, in submissive alliance with the Grand Republic. “DECUS.”
COMMUNICATION.
“The Church is in Danger.” If any one dares in our free country to express such an apprehension, the free-thinker calls him a fanatic, an enthusiast; in the Jacobin cant he is an aristocrat, and fears not that the “church,” but that the “craft” is in danger. The few who stand firm in the faith of Christ, when armed millions attempt its overthrow; who have not yet learned with the “new school” to disavow God, will not perhaps be displeased at seeing proof rise upon proof, to remove all doubt, that jacobinism is constantly connected with the meditated and in part accomplished overthrow of morals and religion. To the serious attention of these, the following facts are recommended: It might have been thought that the late disturbances in our State were, at least not intimately, connected with the grand scheme of the philosophers; but the following facts will evince, that what might have been doubted by many, can now no longer be so; that even among the peaceable, industrious (I speak
of them as they were) Germans, numbers have been excited to add to their rebellion against government, a marked disregard and contempt of the institutes of God.
It will be necessary to mention the subjects of the following short details of facts are all Germans.
In the city of Philadelphia, a preacher of the gospel, whose piety and perseverance in the days of sorrow and affliction have endeared him to the hearts of all men of worth and honesty, has been publicly calumniated in the most false and opprobrious manner, for advising the infatuated Germans in Northampton county to submit to the laws.
In the same city, a young clergyman, eminent for his abilities, and irreproachable in his conduct, has been publicly and most infamous reviled, for having written, as principal of an academy, a dialogue which was spoken at a public examination by two of his scholars. In this dialogue he had been guilty of exhibiting modern liberty, equality and fraternity, in their ridiculous deformity; of tearing the visor from the idols, and shewing their hideous nakedness. For this crime have papers teemed with abuse against him, most virulent and vile.
In Berks county, a clergyman has been compelled to resort to teaching school for his subsistence; his congregation having refused to pay him his usual salary, because he taught them that they had duties as well as rights.
And in Northampton, a venerable old clergyman, who has grown gray in the service of his Lord and Master, has been forbid to enter his church, and the doors have even been shut against him, for advising his flock to repair from violence and rebellion.
How many more similar occurrences have taken place I know not; the above may be relied on as authentic. They are sufficient proofs to me that the irreligious doctrines of France have taken root in our soil; and if the friends of the Christian religion remain in their present state of apathy and indolence, whilst the rancour and zeal of its enemies increase, we may yet live to see written on our church yard gates, “this is the place of eternal sleep,” and the altars on which the sacrifice of prayer has been offered to the most high God, may yet smoke with incense to some brazen strumpet, decorated with the titles and paraphernalia of the “Goddess of Reason.” (P. P. v.)
The report that Spain and Portugal have purchased a temporary respite from French invasion, is not at all to be discredited. The finances of France are in a low state; and it may be very convenient to accept a large sum of money for suspending hostilities against Portugal, until Italy, Egypt and Turkey are subjugated. The conquest of Portugal and Spain will be as easy a year or two hence, as at present, and the delay may operate favourably for France. The plan of threatening a country with invasion, to compel the government to advance heavy sums of money to purchase a continuance of peace, is a state trick of French rapacity. It is a mode of laying nations under tribute, while they are permitted to call themselves independent.—It is a species of land-piracy, precisely resembling that employed by the Barbary states on the ocean. It is to give nations the alternative of paying tribute or being slaves, and small states are obliged to submit to it.
The Emperor seems to be preparing to renew the war; at the same time, his conduct is very indecisive, or he meets with insurmountable obstacles to his views. Foreign papers alledge that he was compelled to sign the preliminaries at Leoben, by the want of fidelity in his officers, 4000 of whom have been dismissed on suspicion of disaffection. It is further said that a French officer of high rank had been heard to declare, that it cost Buonaparte more money to support the Austrian army than his own.
The court of Berlin appears to attempt to hold neutral ground. Whether the object is to exalt the Prussian power on the ruins of the German empire, and at the expence of Austria; or to become the great balancing power between France, Austria and the North, it may not be easy to decide. So far as the best information goes, we are inclined to believe the views of the king of Prussia are pacific; and that he will not take a decided part, unless to defend his own possessions. It is well known that his policy has been to guarantee the independence of Hamburg, and the free trade of the Elbe, as that trade is beneficial to some part of his own dominions; and it is probable that his power alone has hitherto protected the Hanse towns from French rapine.
On whatever side we turn our eye, we are led to believe that peace is a distant blessing. The views of France are most indubitably fixed on a general prostration of all the old governments and ecclesiastical establishments of Europe. Their policy is to fritter them down by peace-meal, and subjugate them by insinuations. The states on the continent preserve their independence by expedients, like a falling merchant, who makes one sacrifice after another to sustain his sinking credit, instead of the more manly measure of acknowledging his insolvency, or attempting by a collected effort, to save himself from ruin. [Daily Adv.]

THIS court is to be elected annually by the legislature. The object of this provision seems to have been, that the legislature, being itself eligible every year, might at no time be embarrassed with a court capable of thwarting its views; yet we find that more than half the electors of this court are chosen every half year; so that for half the time a majority of the existing legislature find a court established without their aid, over whom they cannot exercise this control. This is a serious inconvenience, and calls loudly for a remedy, if the general principle above stated be right. In the year 1786, this inconvenience was said to be severely felt: The state had passed a law to give currency to paper money; the breakers of that law were liable to be tried even on the facts, without the intervention of a jury, and by a special court, and without appeal: The court then had the hardness to refuse to execute that law; whereby the relief intended by that currency for the distressed was delayed for an half year, at least; and till some of the court resigned, and others were turned out; and, in the event, a number of persons were obliged to pay their debts with real money.
This principle is, however, combated by many and great authorities:—it is the doctrine of the English constitution—of that of the United States, and of most of the individual states—that the legislative, judicial and executive powers of government ought to be separate and independent of each other. The people in this republic, relying on their own virtue, it seems, have not been afraid to trust themselves with this frequent control over their judges: And indeed, in times like the present, and when good men bear sway, and when party is dead, it may do very well; but if the time should ever come, when two great parties should revive, or arise, and bandying into parties, embolden the state, and each party be for establishing its own will as law, it may become necessary to have a court authorized to say, and who would have the confidence to say to them, as is said to the waves of the sea, "hitherto shalt ye come."—Such a court would prove a bulwark to the rights of the people; they would bear and redress the wrongs of the poor man; they would protect the weak and helpless against the strong and the rapacious—they would curb the fomenters of faction and the leaders of parties.
I am aware that where the people are well disposed, they may be happy without much government; that it is perhaps a general fault in rulers to govern too much—to make too many and often too severe laws;—and that the spirit of the times operates more on society than either the constitution or laws of a country. We are told that the constitution of England has been the same for ages; yet the condition of the people, as to the enjoyment of their rights, has been very different under different administrations: I have therefore no doubt but that the people of this state may continue to have a good court, even while it is eligible every year. Let the legislature continue to elect men of independent principles and honest hearts—Let the leading members of the legislature content themselves with discharging their own duties, and leave the court to act freely the part which belongs to them; and the people may be as happy as if the same line of conduct in their rulers was guaranteed to them by the best constitution.
The judges of the supreme court in the state of Connecticut are chosen once every year; and I am told that, owing to the great moderation and integrity of the people there, little or no inconvenience results from it. A judge is seldom ever left out till disqualified on account of old age: The return of the annual election of their court is a mere ceremony; and if a member of their legislature should attempt to remove a judge from office or party views, it would cost him his own reputation. They elect their judges only from among their law characters.
A new order of things has lately taken place in this little, free republic—many valuable new laws have been added to our ancient code, and others have been amended and explained. A supreme judicial court is soon to be elected, and take the place of the late superior court. On this new court are devolved very great and extensive powers and authorities; many of which have been heretofore tenaciously held by the legislature, and only exercised by that august body, sitting as the sovereign power of the state. It is yet to be learned whether this new court will exercise these new powers for the advantage, or for the disadvantage of the people.
So far as feeble efforts could reach, they have always been in favour of establishing a written constitution; to bind and cement the various parts of government—to define their powers and to secure the people's rights: But I am nevertheless for doing whatever the actual state of things admits of at the present time—the present is all we can be sure of. The legislature on the late revision of the laws, might have passed a law for establishing the supreme judicial court for five or seven years, or during good behaviour; yet the present, or some succeeding General Assembly, might have repealed that law, and filled the court with different characters.
There is no want of power, under our present constitution and laws, to elect as wise, as learned and as good men, judges of this court, as the people please to have there—and to keep them in office as long as the people please—and to pay them as large salaries as the people please to give them—and those who don't like our government, may take the loss of it, if they please.
A FARMER.
From a London Paper.
The invention of Stereotypes (solid types) by the Parisian printers Didot and Herhan, is thought a great improvement. These types, instead of being detached characters, like the common, form a single solid mass for each page, which being incapable of derangement, fixes forever the purity of the text. As all the types of a work may be thus preserved, it is not necessary to take off a greater number of copies than are wanted at a time, whence a great saving of paper results. It does not clearly appear how this vast multiplication of types can be made economical on the whole, unless it were in printing books of common and perpetual demand; yet it seems from the list of prices given, that the stereotype editions, besides being more correct than others, are sold almost twice as cheap. These printers likewise sell on very moderate terms the stereotype plates of all the works they print; by which means any person with a common printing press is enabled to take off as many copies as he pleases.
The value of the effects belonging to the French merchants in Turkey, seized by order of the Sultan, are said to have been calculated at five millions and a half pounds sterling. This is however a mistake: the Turkish coin has lately been so much debased, that according to the present exchange, fourteen piastres make a pound sterling; so that the sum seized amounts only to £ 2,150,000 sterling.
The last French papers agree in stating that highway robberies throughout the different departments have increased to a most alarming degree. The department of La Gironde was particularly exposed to them, and the Diligence from Bordeaux to Bayonne was stopped in December by 16 persons well dressed, and in masks, and robbed of 24,000 livres in specie.
The winter has been no less severe in proportion on the continent than in this country.
The cold was so violent the 26th of Dec. at Mannheim, that the thermometer of Reaumur fell there to 10 degrees 2-3ds, while in the winter of 1783, it only fell to 19 degrees 3-10ths. This corresponds with something more than 43 degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer under the ice.
LONDON, March 17.
FRENCH AND DUTCH FLEETS.
Advice was yesterday received at the Admiralty, that a considerable convoy, with naval and other stores, and having on board a large body of troops, had arrived at Brest from Bourdeaux. Seven frigates and seventy gun vessels at Havre, have been dismantled, and the crews conveyed to Brest. The numerous privateers of Cherbourg have experienced the like fate, and the fishermen along the coasts of Normandy and Brittany have been put in requisition. The Brest fleet thus recruited, and now in every respect ready for sea, consists, in the outward road, of six ships of 110 guns, and nine two deckers; and in the inner road there are twelve ships of the line nearly equiped for service. In consequence of this intelligence, orders were yesterday issued from the Admiralty for reinforcing the squadron of Admiral Kingmill, and to expedite as much as possible the equipment of the several ships preparing at Portsmouth, &c. for sea.
The Dutch marine, by uncommon exertions, has not only repaired the losses which it sustained in the action of the 11th of October, but attained a more formidable appointment than it has known during the war. The fleet in the Texel is in readiness for sea.
BALTIMORE, May 2.
Yesterday arrived the schooners Ann and Felicity, from La Vera Cruz. It gives us great pleasure to contradict in toto the accounts respecting the ship Ocean, Capt. Kemp, as she was left at Vera Cruz the 8th of April, where she had arrived in safety, having seen no French privateer on her passage.
We learn that on Saturday evening last, the house of Mr. Samuel Wolf, in Calvert county, was blown down by a storm, by which unfortunate event six persons were killed therein, and many much hurt; The billiard house was carried nearly 200 yards from its foundation.
MEDICAL.
For the information of those afflicted with Convulsion Fits, the following remedy may be relied on as a certain and never failing cure for them:—A pair of steel bracelets worn constantly round the wrists, next to and touching the skin; in fact, by an experiment made, it has been proved that even when worn covered with Morocco leather, except a small space of the steel left so as to touch the skin, it had the desired effect. Or should steel bracelets be thought either too expensive or troublesome, a ring made of common iron, of good substance, worn on the finger next to the little finger of the left hand, has been found by experience equally efficacious. No metal or composition of metal, except that of iron or steel, must be used in the formation of the bracelets or ring on any account. Should the fits, which has sometimes been the case, return once, twice or thrice, after the wearing commences, the wearer must persevere in wearing them, and not be discouraged by such circumstance, as it may be relied on from different experiments made that they will not return more than three times after the wearing may be begun.
It is possible that the same may answer for the cure of fits of a different description; at least the experiment may be well worth the making. This communication being made wholly from a view and wish to relieve the unfortunate from the distressing affliction of convulsion fits, it is hoped that the different printers, both in America and Europe, will give it as extensive a circulation as their convenience may permit.
NEW-YORK, May 7.
Another Privateer Captured.
Capt. Galloway, arrived yesterday in 27 days from St. Kitts informs, that the Constellation has captured another French privateer of 6 guns, bound from St. Bartholomew to Guadalupe.
REMARKABLE CASE.
The following remarkable instance of the failure of volition is extracted from Dr. Crichton's Essay on Mental Derangement.
"A young lady, an attendant on the princess of —, after having been confined to her bed for a great length of time with a violent nervous disorder, was at last, to all appearance, deprived of life. Her lips were quite pale, her face resembled the countenance of a dead person, and her body grew cold. She was removed from the room in which she died, was laid in a coffin, and the day for her funeral was fixed on. The day arrived, and according to the custom of the country, funeral songs and hymns were sung before the door. Just as the people were about to nail on the lid of the coffin, a kind of perspiration was observed on the surface of her body. She recovered. The following is the account she gave of her sensations: she said, "it seemed to her as if, in a dream, she was really dead; yet she was perfectly conscious of all that happened around her. She felt them pull on the dead clothes and lay her out. This feeling produced a mental anxiety which she could not describe. She tried to cry out, but her mind was without power, and could not act on her body. She had the contradictory feeling as if she were in her own body, and not in it at the same time. It was equally impossible for her to stretch out her arm or open her eyes, as to cry, although she continually endeavoured to do so. The internal anguish of her mind was at its utmost height when the funeral hymns began to be sung, and when the lid of the coffin was about to be nailed on. The thought that she was to be buried alive was the first which gave activity to her mind, and enabled it to operate on her corporeal frame."
The Journal.
Providence, WEDNESDAY, MAY 15.
By a gentleman who arrived from New-York on Monday evening, we have received papers of that city as late as Saturday the 11th instant, from which several articles in this day's paper are extracted.
Extracts of a letter from the Surgeon of the ship Ann and Hope, of this port, dated Whampoa (China) Dec. 17, 1798.
"I wrote you (via London) from Port Jackson, in New-Holland, and gave a circumstantial account of the voyage, till our arrival there. I will add, that after beating several days off Port Jackson, and finding it in vain to contend with adverse winds and a strong current, we fell to leeward, and ran into Botany-Bay, "that southern realm, and land of rogues," where we anchored October 21. Next day Messrs. Snow, Thompson, Page, jun. and myself, went to Sydney, a British settlement about 9 miles distant, where we waited on governor Hunter, and were politely received. After tarrying two days, we returned to the ship, accompanied by some of the first characters at Sydney, who dined on board. On the 25th, after having completed our wooding and watering, we again put to sea.
"On the 9th of November, off New-Georgia, spoke the ship Jenny, Capt. R. Brown, from Boston, formerly of New-York, bound for Canton. He informed us, that, agreeably to his orders, he had touched at the island of New-Amsterdam, and taken off a number of the crew of a Boston sloop, that had been wrecked there; the rest of the crew preferred remaining on the island. On the 30th of November, at half past 4 P. M. we made the island of Timian, 7 leagues distant. Next day came to anchor in the road, and the Captain, with 25 men, went ashore. As we lay at anchor, we discovered by means of a glass two flags flying on Lord Anson's beach, and a man walking backward and forward seemingly in great agitation. When the pinnace drew near the shore, he hailed her, and enquired what countrymen we were. Being told, he was questioned in turn. He replied, that he was an unfortunate Laica, cast away there about 18 months since, in the brig Bramin, from Macao, Captain Swain, formerly of Providence (R. I.) When the Captain went ashore, he prostrated himself at his feet, in the oriental manner. He informed us that he was the only human being on the island, and begged to be taken on board, and delivered from death. The scene was affecting. Capt. Page consoled him, by assuring him that he should return to Macao in the ship, where he would find vessels bound for Bengal, and be restored to his friends. He is about 25 years of age, had been the turner or head of the gang, (a term answering to boatswain with us) and is a man of ability. He converses in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Malay, beside his own language. He informed us that the brig was originally commanded by Capt. McClellan, an Irishman, who died at Leuconia; that the mate, whose name was Swain, succeeded to the command; that they arrived at Timian about 18 months since, and preserving no order, the Captain and his mistress being ashore, and the people on board intoxicated, parted her cables in the monsoon at night, and struck on a reef, where she went to pieces. The people were all saved except one, and part of the cargo was likewise preserved. The crew lived some months in huts, after which the whites were taken off by a vessel bound to the north-west coast. The Laicans, 9 or 10 in number, remained till the arrival of a Spanish vessel, when they were confined in irons, and all carried off except this unfortunate man, who escaped into the woods. When the Spaniards had failed, he returned to the huts, which he found plundered of every thing saved from the wreck. Here he had spent his time in solitude and tears till our arrival.
"Timian abounds with fruit, such as oranges, limes, guavas, the bread fruit, cherries, plums, beans, cocones and cabbage; cotton and indigo are also in great plenty. The cattle are numerous and large, and hogs and fowls abundant. We saw some remains of the pyramidal pillars mentioned by Lord Anson, but none of them are standing. This island, even in its present uncultivated state, appears to be one of the finest and most desirable spots on earth. We remained there about 12 hours, got a supply of vegetables, and then departed. It lies in lat. 15 N. long. 146 E.
"P. S. It is no small compliment to the Ann and Hope, to say that the outfalls the Jenny, as the latter has been allowed to be the swiftest sailer out of America."
A coppered sloop is arrived at Newport from Manilla, after a passage of 6 1-2 months. Left there two French frigates, which did not discover any hostile intentions towards American vessels. About 25 days since was boarded by a French privateer, which had taken several vessels to the northward of Bermuda, among them mention was made of a R. Island schooner, and a valuable ship from Charleston. The privateer was bearing away for the West-Indies, having completed her cruise.
THE SHIP OCEAN.
It gives us the highest pleasure to announce, that the Capt. and crew of the ship Ocean are all well, and were at Vera Cruz on the 8th April. We give this on the authority of a letter from Capt. Kemp himself. The crew so inhumanly massacred, are supposed to have belonged to an English vessel. N. Y. Paper.
General Washington, on the day of election in Virginia, mounted his old iron gray charger, and rode 10 miles to the county courthouse, to vote for his brave old brother soldier, Col. Powell, who is happily elected.
From Philadelphia, May 10.
Last evening the trial of JOHN FRIES closed, after the unremitting attention of the court and jury for nine days. 20 witnesses were examined on the part of the United States, and 4 on the part of the prisoner. The jury, by their foreman, Mr. Wynkoop, delivered in their verdict "GUILTY."
A quarry of Plaster of Paris has been discovered in York county, Pennsylvania, which proves upon trial to be equal to that imported.
A strong Spanish force has arrived in the West-Indies from Spain—an 84 gun ship and some heavy frigates, with a considerable body of troops, are arrived at Carthagena. Advice has also been received at St. Vincents of five Spanish ships of the line being at sea: in consequence of which admiral Harvey had gone to Trinidad with a 90 and two 74 gun ships.
The General Society of the Cincinnati, at their triennial meeting, held in the city of Philadelphia, on the 8th May, 1799, elected the following gentlemen, officers of the society for the ensuing three years:
General George Washington, President General. Major General Alexander Hamilton, Vice President General. Major William Jackson, Secretary General. Dr. N. Dorsey, Assistant Secretary General. Brigadier General William Macpherson, Treasurer General.
Capt. Samuel Snow, of this town, lately appointed consul for the United States at Canton, has arrived in good health at that port in the ship Ann and Hope.
BOSTON, May 14. FIRE!
Considerable time had elapsed since this town had been visited by the mortal foe of its wooden edifices, till Saturday morning last, when a fire commenced near Rowe's-lane and Newbury-street. It is generally supposed to have begun in Mr. Merkell's barn. Several barns with hay were in the immediate neighbourhood—to which the flames instantly extended—and from thence to the combustible buildings in the vicinity. 12 or 13 dwelling-houses and 3 or 4 barns, were reduced to ashes—several carriages and much furniture were burned. The whole loss cannot be estimated at less than 30,000 dollars. The principal sufferers are Mrs. Inches, Mr. Child, Mr. Cole, Miss Yorkers, Mr. Merkell, Mrs. Hunt, Mr. S. Adams, Mr. A. Adams, Mr. Jarvis, Mr. Leamont, Mr. Graupner, Mr. Kenny, Capt. G. Wheelwright, Mr. T. Pease, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Fullerton and Capt. Pierce."
NEW-YORK, May 11.
Accounts from Bombay state the French corvette, Ambuscade, mounting 22 guns, to have been carried into Mosambique. It appears that the corvette had captured three Portuguese vessels off the coast, and had manned them with the greater part of her crew, for the purpose of navigating them to the Mauritius, taking on board the officers and crews of the captured vessels. The latter, being superior in number, rose on the captors, and after a desperate conflict, in which ten Frenchmen were killed, possessed themselves of the corvette. The Portuguese immediately pursued the prizes, came up with and recaptured them, and carried the whole in safety to Mosambique.
A fire broke out in a rear building in Chatham-street about 8 o'clock this morning, which was happily extinguished without occasioning much injury.
DIED.
In his town, Mrs. Abigail Sterry, wife of Capt. Nathan Sterry, and daughter of Comfort Wheaton, Esq. At his seat in Lynde, on Sunday the 28th ult. the Hon. Matthew Griswold, Esq. aged 85.
MARRIED.
Mr. John Tarp, to Mrs. Potter, widow of the late Mr. Reuben Potter. Mr. Benjamin Allen, Rector of Plainfield Academy, to Miss Mary Benedict, daughter of the Rev. Joel Benedict.
Ship News.
PORT OF PROVIDENCE.
ENTERED.
Sloop Sally, Smith, Norfolk; ship George William, Aborn, New-York; sloop Rising Sun, Rhodes, Alexandria; sloop Seafarer, Read, Richmond; sloop Sally, Crandall, New-York.
CLEARED.
Schooner Zerviah, Remington, Norfolk; brig Polly, Graves, St. Thomas; sloop Betty, Childs, Warren; schooner Ruth, Bliss, Newport; schooner Joshua, Greenman, New-York; sloop Hope, Heath, Newport; sloop Friendship, Godfrey, New-York; brigantine Ranger, Peckham, St. Thomas.
NEW-YORK, May 11.
Sloop Vermont, Freeman, is taken by a French privateer—the same privateer took two brigs from Baltimore, bound to Laguire—an English schooner from Charleston to Antigua, and an American schooner, names unknown.
Capt. Allen, of the brig James, arrived yesterday, failed from St. Thomas on the 21st of April, and, on that day, joined a fleet of 35 sail of American vessels from the windward, under convoy of the frigates United States, commander Barry, and the Constitution, Captain Nicholson. Commodore Barry had then in charge three French schooner privateers, and a sloop, which he had captured.
Capt. Allen was informed, that a few days before, commodore Barry had recaptured an English packet, which had been taken by a French privateer of 14 guns and 120 men, from Guadalupe.
Arrived the ship Northern Liberties, R. M. Ayling, in 136 days from Canton, whence she failed in company with the Elizabeth, Sage, bound for Salem (Mass.)—Left at Canton.
Ontario, Whitten, for New-York. Swift, White, do. Neptun, Green, do. Camilla, Roberts, do. Semiramis, Smith, for Rhode-Island. Brig Hazard, Swift, for Boston. Met in the river Tygris. Jenny, from Boston. Ann and Hope, Page, from Providence. March 19, put in at St. Helena, watered, and sailed from thence in the evening. Left there the American ship Nancy, Swain, for Bedford, waiting for the English convoy.
Grinnell & Taylor
Respectfully inform the public, that they continue the Painting Business at their shop nearly opposite Bank-lane, two doors south from Mr. Thos. Mas. L. Halsey's Store,
WHERE THEY HAVE FOR SALE, the following articles—viz.
LINSEED OIL, pr. barrel or gallon Lampblack per quantity or single paper White and red Lead, dry or ground in oil, per cwt. or lb. Prussian Blue of different qualities Stone Yellow Patent and King's Yellow Spanish Brown Turkey Umber Spanish White White Vitirol Verdigrease, per sack or lb. D. Rill'd Verdigrease Russia Glue, of a superior quality, per cwt. or lb. Dutch Pink English do. Rotten Stone A few casks of Yellow Ochre, of the first quality, very cheap Window and China Putty Spirits of Turpentine per cask or gallon Painters' Brushes Colours prepared at a short notice, and all favours thankfully received. Camel's Hair Pencils Gold Leaf Indian Red Vermillion Window Glass Ship Varnish, &c.
They have to Let,
The lower story of a HOUSE in Ship-street, handsomely finished, and very convenient. —ALSO—
The second story in their Store, a very suitable place for many kinds of mechanical business. May 15. (6w.)