The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1800-01-22 00:00:00

A Funeral Oration,
In Honour of the MEMORY of
George Washington,
Late General of the Armies of the United-States;
Delivered at the request of Congress, Dec. 26, 1799,
By Major General Henry Lee,
Representative in Congress from Virginia.
IN obedience to your will, I rise your humble organ, with the hope of executing a part of the system of public mourning which you have been pleased to adopt, commemorative of the death of the most illustrious and most beloved personage this country has ever produced; and which, while it transmits to posterity your sense of the awful event, faintly represents your knowledge of the consummate excellence you so cordially honour.
Desperate indeed is any attempt on earth to meet correspondently this dispensation of Heaven; for, while with pious resignation we submit to the will of an all-gracious Providence, we can never cease lamenting in our finite view of Omnipotent wisdom, the heart-rending privation for which our nation weeps. When the civilized world shakes to its centre, when every moment gives birth to strange and momentous changes; when our peaceful quarter of the globe, exempt as it happily has been from any share in the slaughter of the human race, may yet be compelled to abandon her pacific policy, and to risk the doleful casualties of war; What limit is there to the extent of our loss? None within the reach of my words to express; none which your feelings will not disavow.
The founder of our federative republic—our bulwark in war, our guide in peace, is no more. Oh that this was but questionable! Hope, the comforter of the wretched, would pour into our agonized hearts its balmy dew. But, alas! there is no hope for us; our Washington is removed forever. Possessing the stoutest frame, and purest mind, he had passed nearly to his sixty-eighth year, in the enjoyment of high health, when, habituated by his care of us to neglect himself, a slight cold, disregarded, became inconvenient on Friday, oppressive on Saturday, and defying every medical interposition, before the morning of Sunday, put an end to the best of men. An end did I say—his fame survives! bounded only by the limits of the earth, and by the extent of the human mind. He survives in our hearts, in the growing knowledge of our children, in the affection of the good throughout the world; and when our monuments shall be done away, when nations now existing shall be no more, when even our young and fast-spreading empire shall have perished, still will our Washington's glory unfaded shine, and die not, until love of virtue cease on earth, or earth itself sinks into chaos.
How, my fellow-citizens, shall I single to your grateful hearts his pre-eminent worth? Where shall I begin in opening to your view a character throughout sublime? Shall I speak of his warlike achievements, all springing from obedience to his country's will—all directed to his country's good?
Will you go with me to the banks of the Monongahela, to see your youthful Washington, supporting in the dismal hour of Indian victory the ill-fated Braddock; and saving, by his judgment and by his valour, the remains of a defeated army, pressed by the conquering savage foe? Or, when oppressed America, nobly resolving to risk her all in defence of her violated rights, was elevated by the unanimous voice of Congress to the command of her armies? Will you follow him to the high-grounds of Boston, where to an undisciplined, courageous and virtuous yeomanry, his presence gave the stability of system, and infused the invincibility of love of country? Or shall I carry you to the painful scenes of Long-Island, York-Island and New Jersey, when combating superior and gallant armies, aided by powerful fleets, and led by chiefs high in the roll of fame, he saved the bulwark of our safety; undismayed by after, unchanged by change of fortune? Or will you view him in the precarious fields of Trenton, where deep gloom unnerving every arm, reigned triumphant through our thinned, worn down, unaided ranks: himself unmoved? Dreadful was the night—it was about this time of winter—the storm raged—the Delaware, rolling furiously with floating ice, forbade the approach of man. Washington, self-collected, viewed, viewed the tremendous scene—his country called; unappalled by surrounding danger, he passed to the hostile shore; he fought—he conquered. The morning sun cheered the American world. Our country rose on the event, and her dauntless chief pursuing his blow, completed in the lawns of Princeton, what his vast soul had conceived on the shores of the Delaware.
Thence to the strong grounds of Morristown he led his small but gallant band; and through an eventful winter, by the high efforts of his genius, whose matchless force was
measurable only by the growth of difficulties, he held in check formidable hostile legions, conducted by a Chief experienced in the art of war, and famed for his valour on the ever-memorable heights of Abraham, where fell Wolfe, Montcalm, and since our much lamented Montgomery; all covered with glory. In this fortunate interval, produced by his masterly conduct, our fathers, ourselves, animated by his resistless example, rallied around our country's standard, and continued to follow her beloved chief through the various and trying scenes to which the destiny of our union led.
Who is there that has forgotten the vales of Brandywine—the fields of Germantown, or the plains of Monmouth? Every where present, wants of every kind obstructing, numerous and valiant armies encountering, himself a host, he assuaged our sufferings, limited our privations, and upheld our tottering republic. Shall I display to you the spread of the fire of his soul, by rehearsing the praises of the hero of Saratoga, and his much loved compeer of the Carolinas? No, our Washington wears no borrowed glory. To Gates—to Greene, he gave without reserve the applause due to their eminent merit, and long may the chiefs of Saratoga and of Eutaw, receive the grateful respect of a grateful people.
Moving in his own orbit, he imparted heat and light to his most distant satellites; and combining the physical and moral force of all within his sphere, with irresistible weight he took his course, comiserating folly, disdaining vice, dismaying treason and invigorating despondency, until the auspicious hour arrived, when, united with the intrepid forces of a potent and magnanimous ally, he brought to submission the since conqueror of India; thus finishing his long career of military glory with a lustre corresponding to his great name, and in this his last act of war, affixing the seal of fate to our nation's birth.
To the horrid din of battle, sweet peace succeeded, and our virtuous chief, mindful only of the common good, in a moment tempting personal aggrandizement, hushed the discontented of growing sedition, and surrendering his power into the hands from which he had received it, converted his sword into a ploughshare, teaching an admiring world, that to be truly great, you must be truly good.
Was I to stop here, the picture would be incomplete, and the task imposed unfinished—Great as was our Washington in war, and as much as did that greatness contribute to produce the American republic, it is not in war alone his pre-eminence stands conspicuous: his various talents, combining all the capacities of a statesman with those of a soldier, fitting him alike to guide the councils and the armies of our nation. Scarcely had he rested from his martial toils, while his invaluable parental advice was still sounding in our ears, when he who had been our shield and our sword, was called forth to act a less splendid but more important part.
Possessing a clear and a penetrating mind, a strong and a sound judgment, calmness and temper for deliberation, with invincible firmness and perseverance in resolutions maturely formed, drawing information from all, acting from himself, with incorruptible integrity and unvarying patriotism; his own superiority, and the public confidence, alike marked him as the man designed by heaven, to lead in the great political as well as military events which have distinguished the era of his life.
The finger of an overruling Providence, pointing at Washington, was neither mistaken nor unobserved; when to realize the vast hopes to which our revolution had given birth, a change of political system became indispensable.
How novel, how grand the spectacle! Independent states stretched over an immense territory, and known only by common difficulty, clinging to their union as the rock of their safety, deciding by frank comparison of their relative condition, to rear on that rock, under the guidance of reason, a common government, through whose commanding protection liberty and order, with their long train of blessings, should be safe to themselves, and the sure inheritance of their posterity.
This arduous task devolved on citizens selected by the people, from knowledge of their wisdom and confidence in their virtue. In this august assembly of sages and of patriots, Washington of course was found—and, as if acknowledged to be most wise, where all were wise, with one voice he was declared their chief. How well he merited this rare distinction, how faithful were the labours of himself and his companions, the work of their hands and our union, strength and prosperity, the fruits of that work, best attest.
But to have essentially aided in presenting to his country this consummation of her hopes, neither satisfied the claims of his fellow-citizens on his talents, nor those duties which the possession of those talents imposed. Heaven had not infused into his mind such an uncommon share of its ætherial spirit to remain unemployed, nor bestowed on him his genius unaccompanied with the corresponding duty of devoting
it to the common good. To have framed a constitution, was shewing only, without realizing, the general happiness. This great work remained to be done, and America, steadfast in her preference, with one voice, summoned her beloved Washington, unpractised as he was in the duties of civil administration, to execute this last act in the completion of the national felicity.
Obedient to her call, he assumed the high office with that self-distrust peculiar to his innate modesty, the constant attendant of pre-eminent virtue. What was the burst of joy through our anxious land on this exhilarating event, is known to us all. The aged, the young, the brave, the fair, rivalled each other in demonstrations of their gratitude; and this high-wrought, delightful scene was heightened in its effect, by the singular contest between the zeal of the bestowers and the avoidance of the receiver of the honours bestowed. Commencing his administration, what heart is not charmed with the recollection of the pure and wise principle, announced by himself, as the basis of his political life? He best understood the indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and individual felicity; watching with an equal and comprehensive eye over this great assemblage of communities and interests, he laid the foundations of our national policy in the unerring, immutable principles of morality, based on religion, exemplifying the pre-eminence of free government, by all the attributes which win the affections of its citizens, or command the respect of the world.
"O fortunatus nimium, sua si bona norint!" Leading through the complicated difficulties produced by previous obligations and conflicting interests, seconded by succeeding Houses of Congress, enlightened and patriotic, he surmounted all original obstruction, and brightened the path of our national felicity.
The Presidential term expiring, his solicitude to exchange exaltation for humility returned, with a force increased with increase of age, and he had prepared his farewell address to his countrymen, proclaiming his intention, when the united interposition of all around him, enforced by the eventful prospects of the epoch, produced a further sacrifice of inclination to duty. The election of President followed, and Washington, by the unanimous vote of the nation, was called to resume the chief magistracy: what a wonderful fixture of confidence! Which attracts most our admiration, a people so correct, or a citizen combining an assemblage of talents forbidding rivalry, and rising even envy itself? Such a nation ought to be happy—such a chief must be forever revered.
War, long menaced by the Indian tribes, now broke out; and the terrible conflict deluging Europe with blood, began to shed its baneful influence over our happy land. To the first, outstretching his invincible arm, under the orders of the gallant Wayne, the American Eagle soared triumphant through distant forests. Peace followed victory, and the melioration of the condition of the enemy followed peace. Goodlike virtue, which uplifts even the subdued savage.
To the second he opposed himself. New and delicate was the conjuncture, and great was the stake. Soon did his penetrating mind discern and seize the only course, continuing to us all the felicity enjoyed. He issued his proclamation of neutrality. This index to his whole subsequent conduct was sanctioned by the approbation of both Houses of Congress, and by the approving voice of the people.
To this sublime policy he inviolably adhered, unmoved by foreign intrusion, unshaken by domestic turbulence.
"Iustum et tenacem propositi virum, Non civium ardor prava jubentium, Non vulsus instantis tyranni, Mente quait solida."
Maintaining his pacific system at the expence of no duty, America, faithful to herself, and unstrained in her honour, continued to enjoy the delights of peace, while afflicted Europe mourns in every quarter, under the accumulated miseries of an unexampled war; miseries in which our happy country must have shared, had not our pre-eminent Washington been as firm in council as he was brave in the field.
Pursuing steadfastly his course, he held safe the public happiness, preventing foreign war, and quelling internal discord, till the revolving period of a third election approached, when he executed his interrupted, but inextinguishable desire of returning to the humble walks of private life.
The promulgation of his fixed resolution stopped the anxious wishes of an affectionate people from adding a third unanimous testimonial of their unabated confidence in the man so long enthroned in their hearts. When, before, was affection like this exhibited on earth?—Turn over the records of ancient Greece—review the annals of mighty Rome—examine the volumes of modern Europe; you search in vain. America and her Washington only afford the dignified exemplification.
The illustrious personage called by the na-
tional voice in succession to the arduous office of guiding a free people, had new difficulties to encounter: the amicable effort of settling our difficulties with France, begun by Washington, and pursued by his successor in virtue as in station, proving abortive, America took measures of self-defence. No sooner was the public mind roused by the prospect of danger, than every eye was turned to the friend of all, though secluded from public view, and grey in public service; the virtuous veteran, following his plough, received the unexpected summons with mingled emotions of indignation at the unmerited ill-treatment of his country, and of a determination once more to risk his all in her defence.
The announcement of these feelings, in his affecting letter to the President, accepting the command of the army, concludes his official conduct.
"First in war—first in peace—and first in the hearts of his countrymen," he was second to none, in the humble and endearing scenes of private life; pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere; uniform, dignified and commanding, his example was as edifying to all around him, as were the effects of that example lasting.
To his equals he was condescending—to his inferiors kind, and to the dear object of his affections exemplarily tender; correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence, and virtue always felt his fostering hand; the purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues.
His last scene comported with the whole tenor of his life. Although in extreme pain, not a sigh, not a groan escaped him; and with undisturbed serenity he closed his well spent life. Such was the man America has lost—such was the man for whom our nation mourns.
Methinks I see his august image, and hear falling from his venerable lips these deep-sinking words:
"CEASE, Sons of America, lamenting our separation: go on, and confirm by your wisdom the fruits of our joint councils, joint efforts, and common dangers: Reverence religion, diffuse knowledge throughout your land, patronize the arts and sciences; let liberty and order be inseparable companions, control party spirit, the bane of free government: observe good faith to, and cultivate peace with all nations; shut up every avenue to foreign influence, contract rather than extend national connexion, rely on yourselves only: Be Americans in thought and deed—Thus will you give immortality to that union which was the constant object of my terrestrial labours; thus will you preserve undisturbed to the latest posterity, the felicity of a people to me most dear, and thus will you supply (if my happiness is now sought to you) the only vacancy in the round of pure bliss high heaven bestows."
* General Washington, though opulent, gave much of his time and attention to practical agriculture.
EXTRACT From a Sermon, on the death of General Washington,
Preached at Burlington, New Jersey, by the Rev. Dr. Wharton.
I. MACCABEES, Chap. ix. V. 18, 20, 21, 22. Judas also was killed. And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying—"How is the valiant man fallen that delivered Israel. As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written, for they were very many."
WITH how much propriety these words refer to the illustrious man, whose loss we now deplore, you, my hearers, must feel more powerfully than I can express. The achievements of the Jewish hero bear a strong resemblance to those of our late glorious fellow-missioner; and they, who read the books of the Maccabees, will readily perceive that Judas Maccabeus was the Washington of his day. His exploits, indeed, and his virtues, were too numerous to be written, as the labour of recording, in those days, was attended with many difficulties, which the art of printing has happily done away; whereas the transcendent accomplishments and unparalleled transactions of our great deliverer, stand recorded upon the pages of multiplied history, and are become even already the objects of admiration and applause among all civilized nations. Well, therefore, may I be excused from entering on a detail so familiar to every son and daughter of America, so familiar to the universe; well may I be excused from attempting to throw any additional lustre upon the brilliancy of that character, which for so many years has swelled the sweetest notes of the trumpet of fame, and borne upon the wings of unadulterated glory, has exhibited to mankind the first great spectacle of the most exalted heroism, accompanied with dove-like modesty; of the most indefatigable patriotism, united with selflessness; of the soft irradiations of genuine magnanimity and greatness, eclipsing the obtrusive glare of pride, and effectually suppressing the swell of arrogance and presumption. At the grand and soothing idea, that this great instance of human perfectibility, this conspicu-
* The two Houses of Congress.

cus phenomenon of human elevation and grandeur, should have been permitted to rise first on the horizon of America, every citizen of these states must feel his bosom beat with rapturous and honest pride, tempered with reverential gratitude to the great Author and Source of all perfection. He will be penetrated with astonishment, and kindled into thanksgiving, when he reflects that our globe had existed 6000 years before a Washington appeared on the theatre of the world, and that he was then destined to appear in America—to be the ornament, the deliverer, the protector, the delight!!!—But alas! he is now no longer among us: He is gone, gone, to his death-bed, inclosed in the silent tomb; and all that is left us is, "like Israel, to make great lamentation for him, and to mourn many days, saying, how is the valiant man fallen that delivered Israel." My brethren, had the character of Washington rested solely on the basis of military achievements, and political sagacity; had the vast fabric of his immortal reputation been supported merely by the hollow columns of universal applause, and perfumed with no other sweets than the incense of adulation, proffered by the wayward multitude, to merit, often as false as it is glaring; had the virtues of the man been stained with the vices of the hero, or the Christian disappeared amidst the pretensions of the philosopher, with whatever delight you might have listened to his panegyrists in other places, you would have heard no tribute paid to his memory in this. The temple of God is not designed to display the importance and fascination of human glory and pre-eminence, but rather to exhibit the transient glory and emptiness of both. And yet, O holy and divine religion! who presideth within these walls, I trust it will be deemed no violation of thy sanctuary to have just hinted at the genuine glory and unparalleled pre-eminence of character which adorned the great deliverer and beloved father of our country. His respect for thee was uninterrupted and sincere. In private and in public his conduct and conversation were marked with an awful reverence for thy truths and ordinances; nothing profane ever dropped from his lips; nothing irreligious ever appeared in his behaviour; to Providence he ascribed all his success and his glory; he deposited all his laurels at the foot of the altar, and the affectionate addresses of his fellow-citizens, joined with the applauses of distant nations, instead of swelling his great soul with the fumes of vain glory, seemed only to depress every sense of self-sufficiency, and rivet more firmly his confidence in the Almighty. In his last pathetic address to his country, he bears open and ample testimony to the functions of revelation, and assures us all, that without religion, neither the wisdom of laws, nor the precepts of morality, will be able to preserve a state from destruction. Let this sentiment, my hearers, rest permanently upon our minds. It is the important legacy of our beloved Washington, calculated to promote our worldly and eternal happiness; and I trust that he now enjoys the blessed effects of its adoption. And now let us, from the death of this good and wonderful man, endeavour to learn wisdom.
A view of his life must fill every citizen with astonishment, veneration and love—while his death conveys the most affecting lessons to a christian. Let us presume to follow his disembodied soul into the depths of eternity. There he now is alone with his God. What a sudden revolution takes place in all his sentiments and ideas! What avails him now, that he lived a solitary example of uninterrupted admiration and worldly prosperity; that he reigned in the affections of every virtuous heart, that his memory is honoured by the tears of his own and distant nations; that the painter, the sculptor, the historian and the poet, shall vie with each other in conveying to future ages the benign traits of his countenance, the majestic symmetry of his person, the fair features of his expanded mind, and the fame of his achievements: what avails him now, that the most enlightened strangers, from the European world, crossed the vast Atlantic, to behold the Joshua and the Solomon of America; that mighty vessels, and towns, and cities, and provinces, bear his name! a name that seems to combine whatever is good, and great, and amiable, among men! Alas! neither this mighty name, nor all the events that agitate the earth, are anything to him. The vast extent of eternity now displayed before his eyes; his everlasting destiny in a new state of existence; the realities of the eternal world opened upon his view, fix all the attention and absorb all the faculties of his immortal spirit: thrice happy, I trust, to have learned from the blessed religion which he professed and respected, that all the successes and disgraces of this transitory state, when not referred to God, are little else than empty dreams; that there is no real happiness or misery but in eternity. These are lessons which our divine religion had delivered to the venerable and beloved father of our country. It was his happiness to believe them. The veil is now rent asunder, and I doubt not but this great benefactor of mankind is actually perceiving and feeling and approving them in the bosom of the Eternal. And we, my hearers, shall very soon perceive these truths, and approve them also. A few days perhaps, but certainly a few years, will put a period to our mortal existence. But were our lives to be protracted even through a series of ages, yet still the longest life would be only a moment: when measured upon the scale of eternity, the duration of the loftiest cedar upon Libanus is not less contracted and precarious, than that of the humblest shrub that grows in its shade. The whole of man seems to be "to be born, and to die." The space that intervenes between these terms of his mortality is so very short, that it appears to be just nothing. Genius, opulence, fame, authority and reputation; all the gifts and treasures of nature and of fortune, are evidently contained in a small vessel of clay, which no sooner falls,
than it is broken in pieces, and its scattered fragments lie useless on the ground. My hearers, let us accustom ourselves to think, as we shall think in eternity; to judge as we shall then judge. Happy, thrice happy, the venerable sage and patriot, whose death we now lament, that in life he regarded God as the sovereign master—religion as the sovereign law, the happiness of eternity as the supreme object, that should interest his affections. To us, O Lord, it belongs not to penetrate into the depths of thy judgments: and well we know, that human virtues, the most resplendent and sublime, can entitle no man to the benefit of salvation. From thy pure mercy only can this grace be derived. This we trust has been extended to our beloved Father and Protector. Though a conquering warrior, he delighted in peace, and therefore we consider he is now called a child of God. With justice and humanity he judged his Israel; and therefore we humbly hope that he also has been judged according to the abundance of thy mercy. And if any remains of human frailty were still hanging about him, when ushered into thy presence, O! may the cleansing blood of the Lamb have washed every stain; may the gates of Sion be opened to receive him, and introduce this defender and benefactor of nations, into the everlasting repole of the elect of God.—Amen.
Foreign Intelligence.
By an arrival at New-York
LONDON, Nov. 10.
PREPARATIONS are in considerable forwardness for an expedition, the success of which will be a deadly stroke to the powerful, though at present inactive, marine of the enemy.
The French government, we are informed, have caused it to be intimated to the Senate of Hamburg, that on receiving a contribution of 11 millions of livres, they will forgive the insult done them in the surrender of Napper Tandy and his associates. A less sum, it was believed, would be accepted, and amity restored through the agency of citizen Rheinhard, the French minister for foreign affairs; who is represented as much attached to Hamburg, from having resided there, and married the daughter of a physician named Rumarus, who still practises in that city.
The embargo ordered by the Executive Directory on all vessels bearing the Hamburg flag, had not excited much sensation at Hamburg; the event having been long expected, the Hamburg traders had time either to leave France, or to hoist the Danish flag, under which many of them have since left the ports of the republic.
About an hundred letters from the Helder, brought thence by a transport, were yesterday delivered from the post-office; they are dated two days subsequent to the mail, but do not contain any matter of moment. The troops were for the greater part embarked, and we are taught to expect their arrival in England as immediately as the wind will permit.
The troops remaining in Holland, on the 3d instant, consisted of the 5th regiment, the 3d battalion of the 9th, the 31st, 56th and 69th, besides Russians. There were more transports at the Helder than were necessary for their conveyance.
The late accounts from Switzerland represent the army of Massena to have been for upwards of four months without pay, and nearly destitute of both clothes and provisions.
The new French army of the north is rapidly forming in Brabant; it is to consist of two divisions of 12,000 men each; the one to be encamped near Antwerp, the other on the Meuse. Bournonville had the inspection and organization of it.
Government, on Thursday, received dispatches from the theatre of war on the continent. Their silence on the subject has induced a report, that their contents were unfavourable; and some of our Journals have insinuated some disasters to the allies in Italy. We most sincerely hope the inference will prove unwarranted by fact.
We regret to learn, that a transport foundered on Scroby Sand on Wednesday night, when, it is added, 74 artillerymen, with their officers, were drowned. The crew, consisting of 5 men, escaped.
Napper Tandy and his associates were yesterday removed from Newgate, to be conveyed to Ireland.
The total amount of failures which have taken place in Hamburg, from the 6th of September to the 25th of October, is twenty-six million seven hundred and fifty-three thousand seven hundred and sixty-three Banco Marks.
ARMY.
The Duke of York, on landing at Yarmouth on Saturday (attended by General Dundas, Col. Brownrigg, and Sir H. Popham) was met by Lord Duncan, in whose carriage his Royal Highness was conveyed to the house of the noble Admiral by the populace, who took away the horses, and drew the coach. The Duke arrived in town at six o'clock on Monday morning, and shortly after set off for Windsor, where after a short stay with their Majesties, he proceeded to the Dutchess, at Oatlands.
The guards have arrived in town from Holland; from whence 7000 Russians put into Yarmouth on the 7th, in their way to Guernsey.
It is said that Louis XVIII. will soon return to Germany.
From Alexandria, Oct. 7, it is stated, that on the preceding day the Austrians obtained an important victory over the French, and opened the communication between Ceva and the camp before Coni, which place they had summoned, and which place they were immediately to besiege.
From Milan, of the 10th, it is said, General Melas had defeated General Championet with the loss of 4000 men. The head-quarters of the latter were at Finale, and his army consisted of 40,000 men.
From Frankfort, Oct. 22, it is said, the French had attacked the peasants and troops of Mentz, by whom, however, they had been defeated.
A treaty of peace, commerce, fishery and navigation, has been concluded between his catholic majesty and the emperor of Morocco, at Mequinez.
Arrived at Torbay, on the 2d of Nov. Lord Bridport, with 27 sail of the line.
The last accounts communicated by the Clyde, are said to state, that seven of the French line sailed from Brest on the 13th ult.: that they left in the outer road 39 of the line; and that on the same day a large fleet went in there, under a strong convoy. We know that intelligence was some time before received, that the combined enemy, then nearly equipped at Brest, amounted to 48 sail of the line, and think it highly probable that the strong convoy now alluded to, refers to the French squadron from Rochefort, or the Spanish squadron from Ferrol.
Lord Bridport is off Brest with 34 sail of the line, as well and gallantly manned and equipped as any ships that ever put to sea; but, though we were to admit that even with so immense an inferiority as 34, to possibly 48, we yet should come off victors, it is an experiment we ought not to venture, whilst so many of our ships, thirsting for conquest, remain idle in our ports. With the fortunate superiority, of every kind, which we possess, ours should now be bloodless victories. The achievement of miracles could not augment our fame. It is to be hoped we shall not again trust to miracles for our salvation.
The Russian Gen. Herman, on the 25th ult. continued at Lisle. He was much indisposed, he declined all society excepting that of his two Adjutants. According to the Dutch accounts he strongly censures dispositions made by the commander in chief, who, he states, it is added, obliged him immediately after his landing in Holland, and against his judgment, to lead his troops into action.
BRECENTZ, October 13.
We are assured that the French have evacuated Constance. However, no boat has yet arrived from that city.
STRASBURGH, October 16.
According to letters from Waldshut, the Austrian troops entered Little-Basel on the 8th. The French retired to the other side of the Rhine, after having carried away the bridge of boats. The enemy also broke the bridges of the Rhine near Rheinfelden and Seckengen. They have entirely ruined those of Lauenbourg and Kaiserstuhl. It is supposed the French will not delay entirely evacuating the Frickthal. The head-quarters of his Royal Highness the Archduke Charles were, on the 10th of October, still at Donaueschingen. We presume that the Austrians will continually pass the Rhine near Stein and Dissenhofen: they have constructed a great number of pontoons on this side.
October 20.
Private letters inform us, that since our troops entered Manheim, the bridge has been established, and that many divisions have passed it, in order to advance in two columns against Heilbrun and Bruchsal.
The day before yesterday the grand train of artillery of the army of the Rhine set out for Frankenthal.
General Nez is advancing against Aschaffenburg and Franconia, with a body of the army composed of 10,000 infantry, and nearly as many cavalry.
October 22.
General Lecourbe is not to join the army of the Danube; according to repeated letters from him, received by the minister of war, he has resolved upon taking the chief command of the army of the Rhine.
ZURICH, October 26.
The reserve of the French army has made a movement. Gen. Massena, apprehensive that Prince Charles, who advanced with his army into the Brisgau, would attempt to turn us at Balle, has just sent the reserve to protect the Rhine on that point.
Our troops, during the short time they remained in Constance, pillaged a part of the town.
The Helvetic Directory having formally forbidden the payment of the loan of 800,000 francs, imposed on the inhabitants of Zurich, General Massena has sent from that town the Swiss troops who did duty there, and has replaced them by French troops.
SIXTH Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, January 8.
A MESSAGE from the President of the United States, by Mr. Shaw, his secretary, was sent to the House, inclosing a report and documents from the Director of the Mint.
A message was also received containing a letter from the President, with Mrs. Washington's answer to the request of Congress.
(For the letters see the Philadelphia head.)
The message was referred to the joint committee appointed to commemorate the death of General Washington.
The order of the day was then called for on Mr. Nicholas' resolution, when Mr. Goode read some introductory preamble to a motion, which succeeded, to postpone it till the first Monday in March next. As this was not regularly moved or seconded, no question was taken on it.
The resolution underwent debate, until five o'clock, although the question of adjournment was thrice called. No decision was had.
THURSDAY, January 9.
The House resolved itself into a committee on the motion of Mr. Nicholas, for the reduction of the army.
Mr. Morris in the chair.
Mr. Nicholas spoke at length in favour of the motion. He was followed by Gen. Shepard against the motion. Mr. Robert Williams advocated it, as did also Mr. Randolph, in his maiden speech. Mr. Otis spoke in answer to Mr. Randolph, and against the motion. Mr. Jones spoke in favour of the motion. He was succeeded by Mr. Claiborne on the same side. Mr. Harrison and Mr. Hill spoke in opposition.
Just before four o'clock, Mr. Alston moved the committee to rise, report progress, and ask leave to sit again. This was granted, 51 rising in the affirmative. Adjourned.
FRIDAY, January 10.
The House, in committee of the whole, Mr. Morris in the chair, resumed the consideration of Mr. Nicholas' resolution for reducing the army establishment—when Messrs. Kitchell, Gallatin and Randolph, spoke in favour of it; and Messrs. S. Smith, Harper, H. Lee, and Huger, against it.
About half past five, the call for the question being very loud, it was at length taken; when there appeared in favour of the resolution 38, against it 59.
The committee then rose, and the chairman reported their disagreement to the resolution; when the question upon agreeing to the report of the committee was taken in the House by yeas and nays, as follows—yeas 59—nays 39.
MONDAY, January 13.
Samuel J. Cabelle, Esq. from Virginia, appeared this day, was qualified, and took his seat.
Mr. Smith presented a memorial of Paul Bentalou and others, merchants, of Baltimore, owners of the ship Flora, stating that they had, previous to the passing of the act suspending intercourse with France and her possessions, dispatched said vessel on a voyage to the Isle of France; that upon her return to the United States, and entry at the port of Edgertown; in the State of Massachusetts, she was seized, and detained by the collector of that port; that every security was offered for permission of said vessel to come round to the port of Baltimore, that her cargo might be disposed of, but was refused; that application was then made to the Secretary of the Treasury, by whose order she was at length liberated; and further stating, that by this unlawful detention, the memorialists had suffered a loss of 13,000 dollars, and praying for such relief in the premises as may be seen fit—referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
Mr. Otis, from the committee of defence, made a report in part, proposing the adoption of a resolution for suspending the recruiting service, until, in the opinion of the President, imminent danger of invasion shall be deemed to exist, which was ordered to lie on the table.
Mr. D. Foster, from the committee of claims, to whom were referred the petition of George Farracut, with the report of the Secretary of War made thereon, reported, that, in the opinion of the committee, the report of the Secretary, which is unfavourable to the petitioner, ought to be adopted, and the same was concurred in by the House.
Mr. Platt presented a petition of Jacob Mead, of the county of Oneida, late of the county of Dutchess, state of New-York, stating, that while in the office of ensign of a militia regiment, during the late war, he had received a wound which at this day prevented his getting a livelihood by his profession, and therefore praying to be allowed a pension, which was read and referred to the committee of claims.
On motion of Mr. Read, the report of the Secretary of War, on the subject of the national armoury at Springfield, Massachusetts, was referred to the committee of defence for consideration and report, by bill or otherwise.
On motion of Mr. D. Foster, the message of the President, containing sundry statements from the Director of the Mint, was referred to a select committee for consideration.
Mr. Hill called up the resolution which he laid on the table on Friday last, instructing and authorizing the Secretary of State to procure and transmit to the governor of the state of North-Carolina, a number of copies of the laws of the United States, equal to the number heretofore authorized, which had been destroyed by fire.
Mr. Nicholas wished to know, if in order to furnish these copies, it would be requisite to print another edition?
Mr. Hill replied, that he had understood there were a sufficient number of copies on hand, and that the Secretary of State had anticipated the adoption of the resolution, by transmitting several copies to the governor of North-Carolina.
On motion, the resolution was committed to a select committee.
Mr. Macon said, he wished early in the session to call the attention of the House to a subject which his constituents anxiously looked up to; it had been already twice discussed in this House, and however unsuccessful, he conceived it his duty to renew it; he therefore laid a resolution on the table for the repeal of the 2d section of the act commonly called the Sedition Law.
On motion of Mr. Nicholas, the committee of claims were instructed to enquire whether any, and if any, what alterations ought to be made in the law passed the 12th of June, 1798, respecting loan office and final settlement certificates, indents of interest, &c. and that they report by bill or otherwise.
On motion of Mr. Sewall, the committee of commerce and manufactures were instructed to report, by bill or otherwise, the expediency of renewing and continuing the acts relative to the fisheries of the United States, and for the gov-

ernment of the fishermen employed therein; and whether any, and if any, what alterations are necessary to be made in said acts.
On motion of Mr. Jones, the committee of revival and unfinished business were instructed to report a bill to revive and continue in force an act declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the state of Maryland, relative to Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Mr. Claiborne presented to the House two petitions, from the inhabitants of the Mississippi territory; the first complaining of the administration of the territorial executive, and also of the ordinance which had been adopted by Congress, for their government, and praying an amelioration thereof; the second stated, that most of the citizens of that territory were settled on land which had been granted to them by the Spanish government; and praying that the same may be confirmed by an act of Congress.
The first petition was ordered to be referred to a select committee; and the second was committed to the committee to whom were referred similar petitions of John Henderson and others, and Thomas Burling and others.
A written message was received from the President of the United States, by his Secretary, Mr. Shaw, in the following words:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, A report made to me on the fifth of this month, by the Secretary of War, contains various matters, in which the honour and safety of the nation are deeply interested. I transmit it therefore to Congress, and recommend it to their serious consideration.
JOHN ADAMS. United States, January 13th, 1800. The report of the Secretary of War, which is very lengthy, recommends the establishment of the following military institutions—1st, a Fundamental School, for the instruction of engineers, miners, &c. the present plan of assimilating artillerymen and engineers, the Secretary conceives incomplete, and recommends their separation.—2d, a School of Artillery.—3d, a School for Cavalry and Infantry.—4th, a School of the Navy. Each to be governed by a director, &c. The site of the school of artillery to be in the vicinity of a foundry of cannon, the manufacture of small arms, &c. that of the navy, in a situation where practical experiments may be made.
The message and report were referred to the committee of defence, and ordered to be printed.
The House went into a committee of the whole on the bill to repeal part of an act entitled "an Act for mitigating or remitting the forfeitures, penalties and disabilities, accruing in certain cases therein mentioned, Mr. Morris in the chair, when the bill was agreed to without amendment, and ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. Adjourned.
NASSAU (N. P.) November 26. We are favoured with the following by a gentleman of this place:
On the night between Monday and Tuesday last, the sky exhibited a most splendid phenomenon; from about twelve o'clock, till near sun-rise, the atmosphere was one continued blaze of fire-balls, and what are commonly called falling stars; fifty at least might have been counted in the space of one minute, darting in every direction, and bursting with a glare which often exceeded the brightness of the moon, which was then nearly in the zenith.
Sometimes they appeared so near, that people imagined there could be heard a hissing noise as they passed along, leaving a long train behind them, which would remain fixed for several minutes, presenting a beautiful variety of colours, and gradually approaching to the appearance of a slender white cloud, curling at length by the motion of the atmosphere; sometimes where a kind of explosion would take place, a ring of smoke would form like that from the mouth of a cannon.
For several days previous, it had been uncommonly warm for the time of the year, and by the few little clouds that were in motion, the wind appeared to be from southwest, which generally indicates at this season the approach of cool winds; there was a considerable dew falling; and notwithstanding the moon shone very bright, the air had a kind of smoaky appearance.
On the Tuesday evening following, there was a severe gale of wind from the north; since which the wind has prevailed in that quarter, and has continued remarkably cool for the season.
Extract of a letter from Exuma, dated the 18th of November, 1799.
"This morning the wind which commenced on the 12th lulled, and I narrowly examined the cotton fields, which are likely to suffer by cool winds. I find no injury worth mentioning, neither could I distinguish a single bug, or sign of chenille. Several pods are formed, and the progress of the crop is extremely promising."
"On Monday night the 11th instant, or rather on Tuesday the 12th, a singular phenomenon of the heavens happened here, and must have been observed in town, and elsewhere, in places distant from us. What we frequently observe of single stars, shooting and blazing in a direction towards the horizon, became general to a great number of stars, nearly on every side, about two hours before day, and continued until day-break, the stars shooting one after another principally in northerly and easterly directions, and forming transitory streaks of fire, nearly as broad as the palm of my hand. The awfulness of this extraordinary scene was probably lessened by the presence of the moon, which was just past the full, and shone very bright."
CHARLESTON, January 1. We are happy to announce to the public the almost entire completion of the light-house on North-Island, which it is expected, will be lit
in a few days, as they only wait for the lamp from Charlestown.
BALTIMORE, January 9. The frigate Adams overhauled and captured the privateer our last accounts stated her to be in chase of. She mounted 8 guns and 64 men; the latter the Insurgent, as a cartel, took into Guadaloupe, and exchanged for American prisoners.
The prize which the Insurgent recaptured, and the above privateer, were sent into Martinique, where the frigates arrived a few days after, watered and put to sea again. The Adams took under convoy 14 sail of Americans to St. Kitts; after which she was to join the Insurgent, and cruise off Desada, for three French frigates, which they learnt were coming down from Cayenne.
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 10. Extract of a letter from Alexandria, Vir.
"Gen. Washington has left Mount-Vernon, and all his papers, to Judge Washington. His negroes are to be free after the death of Mrs. Washington, who, during her life, retains possession of the whole estate; and after her death, it is to be divided equally among his own family and her grand-children."
The following letters were on Wednesday sent to Congress by the President of the United States:
Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, In compliance with the request in one of the resolutions of Congress of the 21st of December last, I transmitted a copy of those resolutions by my Secretary, Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person and character—of their condolence in the late affliction dispensation of Providence, and intreating her assent to the interment of the remains of General GEORGE WASHINGTON in the manner expressed in the first resolution. As the sentiments of that virtuous lady, not less beloved by this nation, than she is at present greatly afflicted, can never be so well expressed as in her own words, I transmit to Congress her original letter.
It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to make any comments upon it—but there can be no doubt that the nation at large, as well as all the branches of the government, will be highly gratified by any arrangement which may diminish the sacrifice she makes of her individual feelings. JOHN ADAMS. United States, January 8, 1800.
Mount-Vernon, Dec. 31, 1799.
SIR, While I feel with keenest anguish the late dispensation of Divine Providence, I cannot be insensible to the mournful tributes of respect and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband; and as his best services and his anxious wishes were always devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country, to know that they were truly appreciated and gratefully remembered, affords no inconsiderable consolation.
Taught by the great example which I have so long had before me, never to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the request made by Congress, which you have had the goodness to transmit to me; and in doing this, I need not—I cannot say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty.
With grateful acknowledgment and unfeigned thanks for the personal respect and evidences of condolence expressed by Congress and yourself, I remain very respectfully, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
MARTHA WASHINGTON. The President of the United States.
A PROCLAMATION, By the President of the United States of America.
WHEREAS the Congress of the United States have this day resolved, "That it be recommended to the people of the United States to assemble on the twenty-second day of February next, in such numbers and manner as may be convenient, publicly to testify their grief for the death of General GEORGE WASHINGTON, by suitable Eulogies, Oration and Discourses, or by Public Prayers;" and, "that the President be requested to issue a Proclamation for the purpose of carrying the foregoing resolution into effect:" NOW THEREFORE, I JOHN ADAMS, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the same accordingly.
GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Philadelphia, the sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, and of the independence of the said States the twenty-fourth. JOHN ADAMS. By the President,
TIMOTHY PICKERING, Secretary of State.
Extract of a letter from Alexandria, dated January 4, 1800.
"General Washington has willed all his own negroes free, the number of which are one hundred and thirty; the remainder on the estates belonged to his wife."
"They are to enjoy their freedom at the death of their mistress, and as much sooner as the pleasures; and it is expected it will not be long before the will liberate them all."
"Lawrence Washington and his wife (relations of the General lately deceased) have also freed all their slaves, the number of which is very considerable."
"Those of General Washington who are advanced in years, are to be maintained by his estate."
Providence, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22.
At the Annual meeting of the stockholders in the PROVIDENCE INSURANCE COMPANY, at the Coffee-House, on Monday the 6th inst. the following gentlemen, who served as Directors for the last year, were unanimously re-elected, viz.
  JOHN MASON, Esq. President.  CHARLES LIPPITT.  JOHN ROGERS.    NATHANIEL BROWN.  MOSES LIPPITT.  SAMUEL BUTLER, jun.    JOHN L. CLARK.  THOMAS L. HALSEY.  JAMES BURNELL, jun. and    THOMAS P. IVES.  YOUNG SEAMANS, Directors.  MR. WILLIAM H. MASON Secretary.    JOHN COLLIS.      ZACHARIAH ALLEN.    
The Company were well pleased with the management of their concerns since the establishment of their office, and with the judicious appropriation of their funds.
From the LONDON OBSERVER, of Nov. 10.
"Distinguished merit, in whomever it may be found, always meets our ready commendation. The following detail affords us particular pleasure, as, in doing justice to some gallant fellows, it records an act highly honourable to a people whom we wish to again, and forever, esteem as a second part of ourselves."
"At ten o'clock on the morning of the 28th ult. Scilly N. N. E. distance 35 leagues, the ship Washington, from London for Philadelphia, J. Williamson, commander, was attacked by a French privateer, with 24 guns on her gun-deck, and four on her quarter-deck, when a close action commenced, in which the Washington's 24 pound carronades upset, and she was left to depend on 8 twelve-pounders; she, however, made so good a use of these guns, that at eleven o'clock the privateer made sail to repair her damage, the Washington being too much cut in her rigging to be able to follow."
"At twelve she again bore down, and at half past one renewed the fight, which was continued with great warmth for an hour and a quarter, when she ran with all the sail she could carry, leaving the Washington's braces, tail-sheets, standing and running rigging, and all sails cut to pieces; her three masts and crosskack-jard rendered useless, and the entire ship a mere wreck; she fortunately with only one man killed, and two wounded."
"The intelligence was brought by a Swede from Smyrna, who adds, that the wind being too far to the northward to fetch even Ireland, Capt. Williamson proposed to stand for Lisbon, where we trust he has safely arrived with his gallant ship-mates."
COMMUNICATION.
On Sunday the 18th instant, the Episcopal Church of this town exhibited a solemn and truly affecting scene of mourning, which forcibly impressed the feeling heart with exalted veneration for the melancholy cause. The pulpit and canopy bore the sad habiliments of mourning. The gallery, organ-loft, and urns thereon, were shrouded in black. The sable weeds which involved the chancel, altar and urn, produced a gloomy and awful solemnity, suited to the occasion. The ever-green entwined there for the celebration of our Saviour's birth, contrasted with the sable hangings, bearing the melancholy insignia of death—the death of the illustrious Saviour of his Country, impressed the mind with reverential awe. The east end of the church, south of the chancel, was decorated with a white obelisk on a black ground; the pedestal of which was handsomely adorned with various trophies of war. From the top of the obelisk, Fame spread her wings, bearing a never-fading wreath—smiling cherubs hovered round their sacred trust. On the pedestal was inscribed—"SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF WASHINGTON;" under it the following Elegiac lines:
Around the far'd Urn shall laurels bloom, And peace and genius hover o'er the tomb; Oft shall Columbia's tears be seen to flow; And distant nations join the general woe.
On this occasion, Gen. William Allen and suite, with the officers of the militia, together with the officers of the several independent companies, attended service, having previously contemplated to visit the respective houses of worship the succeeding Sundays, commencing at the Episcopal Church: An appropriate and pathetic discourse was addressed to them by the Rev. ABRAHAM L. CLARKE, displaying in elegant eulogiums the purity, piety, greatness and sensibility, of their beloved Commander in Chief. Every countenance appeared strongly impressed with veneration during this excellent and moving Discourse; nor could the tear of sensibility be restrained. The Church is indebted to the pleasing ability and genius of Mrs. ELIZABETH HITCHCOCK, for the handsome monumental representation—whose talents are likewise displayed in the composition of the applicable lines annexed to the same.
The legacy of Gen. WASHINGTON to his nephew, Judge Washington, we are credibly informed, is a history of the American revolution, written by himself. To those whom the custom of his country imposed it upon him, during his life time, to keep in slavery, he has given their "freedom, and land to support them." [ Balt. pap. ]
We learn there was a fire at New-York on Friday evening last, which consumed a warehouse, and communicated to the shipping; a valuable ship, ready for sea, with her cargo, were destroyed.
East-Greenwich, January 23, 1800. The citizens of the town of East-Greenwich and Warwick, deeply impressed with a sense of the irreparable loss sustained by the death of our illustrious fellow-citizen, General GEORGE WASHINGTON, and anxiously wishing to pay a suitable tribute of respect to his memory, appointed a committee for that purpose, who met this day at Col. William Arnold's, at East-Greenwich, when it was unanimously resolved, that Saturday the 22d of February next be observed as a day of solemn mourning, on account of the death of our late illustrious General; and that the several independent companies in the county of Kent meet on that day, at Col. William Arnold's, in military order, for the purpose above mentioned.
Died, In this town, Miss POLLY SPEARS, daughter of Mr. William Spears, late of Woodstock; deceased, in the 34th year of her age. Her funeral will be attended at 3 o'clock on Friday, at the house of Miss Sally Drown, when her friends and acquaintance are requested to attend.
In an advanced age, Mrs. JEMIMA FIELD, relict of the late Mr. William Field.
At Warwick, in the 36th year of her age, Miss ABNER GREENE, daughter of the late James Greene, Esq.
At Newport, Mrs. CATHERINE DOBLEY, widow of Charles Dudley, Esq. formerly Collector of that port; and daughter of Robert Crooker, Esq.
At Wrentham, Mr. AARON HAWES, in the 82d year of his age.
At Pawtuxet, on Wednesday last, Mrs. MARY BICE, aged 62 years, much and deservedly lamented.
Appropriate Music.
Now in the Press of THOMAS & ANDREWS, And will be elegantly executed, A NUMBER OF
Dirges, Hymns & Anthems,
Composed on the Death of GENERAL WASHINGTON. And respectfully dedicated to the afflicted People of the United States, who so justly mourn the loss, and so gratefully Commemorate the exalted virtues and distinguished talents of that great Man.
The words are carefully selected from the numerous effusions of ingenious grief, which have flowed spontaneously from various quarters of our Country, and are more particularly set to Music, for performance on the 22d of FEBRUARY, the day recommended and set apart by Congress, that the People of United America may publicly testify their grief for the Death of
General George Washington,
By Eulogies, Oration, &c. To which will be added—several
ORIGINAL MASONIC DIRGES.
The whole by a Citizen of Massachusetts.
It is expected that the work will be ready for Sale in this town in ten days; and in other parts of the United States, by the first of February. Boston, Jan. 17, 1800.
GOLDEN BEE-HIVE. Jeremiah F. Jenkins, No. 3, MARKET-STREET, Has for Sale,
BOHEA Tea, in whole, half, and qr. chests Souchoong and Hyson Tea, per chest Ruffs and Ravens Duck Russia Sheeting, Morocco Skins Complete tea-sets of China Piece and Hard-Ware Goods, as usual Citron, Zant Currants, Figs and Raisins Coffee and Sugar, per barrel Sheet Glass, of various sizes 8 by 6, and 9 by 7 Window-Glass Fashionable Hearth-Rugs and Fire-Fenders A few old Dutch Cheeses January 22. (6w)
THE undersigned, his Swedish Majesty's Vice-Consul (and authorized to transact the Consular business for his Majesty the King of Denmark) within the States of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode-Island, hereby gives Public Notice, that in obedience to recent instructions received from his government, it is the duty of all Masters of Swedish and Danish vessels, before their sailing from any port of the above mentioned states, to call upon him, in order to be granted such certificates for their cargoes, as the exigency of the present state of the neutral commerce, and the several decrees of the belligerent powers, render indispensably necessary; and that any Master of vessel, belonging to the respective nations, or navigating under the protection of their flags, in omitting to take such certificates, will personally stand responsible for the consequences. In the absence of CHARLES F. DEGEN, Esq. JOHN C. HAUFF.
Boston, Jan. 1. 1806.
The respective printers at Salem, Newbury-port, Portland, Portsmouth, Newport and Providence, are requested to publish the above.
MAIL-STAGE.
THE subscribers respectfully inform the public, that the only regular line of Stages for New-York and Boston, start from A. AMMIDON's, at the sign of the Golden Ball, near the State-House, in Providence; where ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and take their seats. The Mail Stage leaves Providence for New-York and Boston, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; for New-York, at 4 o'clock, A. M. and for Boston, at 6 o'clock, A. M.
Particular care will be taken that the Mail Stage is not crowded; not more than eight persons are allowed to go in the Mail-Stage to Boston. SOLOMON HATCH, and Co. January 22.
PROVIDENCE, &c.
WILLIAM SPEAR, convertant in Foster, in the county of Providence, Trader, having filed his petition in the office of the clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the county of Providence, praying that a sentence of divorce between him and his wife Nancy may be passed:—NOTICE is hereby given to the said Nancy, or to any person in her behalf, to appear at the next Supreme Judicial Court, to be held at Providence, in and for the county aforesaid, on the third Monday of March next, and show cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk. January 22, 1800.

Selected Poetry.
CHARITY IN WINTER.
WHEN raging storms deform the air, And clouds of snow descend, And the wide landscape, bright and fair, No deepened colour blend:
When biting frost rides on the wind, Bleak from the north and east, And wealth is at its ease reclined, Prepare to laugh and feast:
When the poor traveller treads the plain, All dubious of his way, And crawls with night-increasing pain, And dreads the parting day:
When poverty, in vile attire, Shrinks from the biting blast, Or hovers o'er the igneous fire, And fears it will not last:
When the fond mother hugs her child Still closer to her breast; And the poor infant, frost-beguiled, Scarce feels that it is prest:—
Then let thy bounteous hand extend Its blessings to the poor, Nor spurn the wretched, while they bend All suppliant at your door.
From the GAZETTE of the UNITED STATES. Extract from a Sermon, "on the shortness, uncertainty, and consequent value of Human Life;" preached December 20, 1799, in Christ's Church and St. Peter's, by the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie, one of the assistant Ministers of said Churches.
BRETHREN, another year of our probation is almost gone, and all our thoughts, words and actions, during its silent, yet rapid revolution, are recorded in Heaven's awful register; on whose important page depends our future happiness or woe. Tremendous thought! But, what says Conscience, that still, small, piercing voice within? Can we with composed and steadfast gaze behold, in the unclouded mirror of the gospel, our late departed hours pass in review, and say she wilpers peace? Or, rather, during such inspection, doth not that faithful monitor proclaim, that they are gone to testify against us "trumpet-tongued;" and that, like Belshazzar of old, when weighed in the balance of the Sanctuary, we shall be "found wanting?" If so, well may we, like that unhappy monarch, be "greatly terrified, and the thoughts of our hearts trouble us;" since life is so uncertain, death inevitable, and judgment the sure consequence.
To creatures, therefore, of a day, whose every passing moment hangs suspended by the trembling hand of time, over eternity's immeasurable gulph, by a tie lighter than air; to creatures of such uncertain duration, surely the termination of a year is a most important event, and should induce a solemn pause, in which we should seriously review our conduct during the past portion of our life, and form such resolution for the improvement of that which is to come, as will enable us to give an account with joy, and to render up our stewardship with the consciousness of fidelity. Time to come, like that which is past, will assuredly be accompanied by disease and death; and if reflection extends its scrutiny only over the expiring year, it will furnish many affecting proofs of the uncertainty of human life. How many hearts have been rent and torn, by the agonizing pangs of separation, from their fondest, their closest connections? And do we not now behold the Ensigns of the universal conqueror of our species displayed in the solemn Temple, to mark his triumph over one of the most celebrated of the sons of men? Over one, in whom was centered the affections and confidence of a whole nation, however its individuals were distinguished by sect, or separated by opposition of political sentiment; over one, who was elevated by the general suffrages of his countrymen, to the most conspicuous superiority of station, both in military and civil life; over one, of whom, could the wishes of a grateful people have availed to protract his life, they would have been loudly expressed, in one voice, with the ardor and enthusiasm of Eastern sublimity, O WASHINGTON, LIVE FOREVER!—Yet even he, this far-famed Hero, Sage and Patriot, now lies numbered with the mighty dead: at a period too, the most interesting and eventful in the annals of time; amid the convolution of empires, and the general distress of nations! He is gone down, however, to the grave, "the house appointed for all the living," in peace.
"Bearing his blushing honors thick upon him," and at the same time exhibiting a striking example of the indiscriminate, and sometimes unexpected arrest of death, to a mourning continent, and an admiring world.
As some majestic promontory, which rears its awful head on high, the pride and ornament of its native soil, is, by the unceasing current of the ocean, gradually undermined, and at length tumbles, with terrific noise, and wide extended ruin, into the vast profound;—so fell this distinguished Chieftain—suddenly exchanging time for eternity.
When uncommon worth forsakes the world, 'tis impious not to mourn: Yet, even under the present bereavement, though the sigh of patriotism, and the tear of affection, pour forth their natural, but unavailing tribute of affliction, the soothing accents of religion, whose peculiar office it is to administer consolation, forbid us to indulge excess of grief, or to "sorrow as those who have no hope," by affording us the most unquestionable assurance, that the next state of existence, being a state of retribution, will prove to the virtuous a state of reward and happiness supreme, where "there shall be no more sickness, sorrow, pain or death;"
But one unclouded, never-ending day, Of peace, serenity and joy.
THE subscriber respectfully informs his customers and the public, that he carries on the business of Saddler, Chaise-trimmer, Harness-maker and Upholsterer, in the shop under the dwelling-house of Mrs. Mary Young, in Water-street, nearly opposite the store of John Brown, Esq. where those who may please to call on him for any thing in his line of business, may depend upon being served with punctuality and dispatch; and the smallest favours gratefully acknowledged, by their humble servant, NEHEMIAH BECKFORD.
N. B. Wanted, as an Apprentice to the above branches, a smart active LAD, to whom good encouragement will be given. January 15.
DRY GOODS,
For sale, very low, at No. 1, Chesapeake, near the Market, by
Bowers and Bucklin.
—Such as— FINE and superfine Broadcloths, Ladies Cloths, Cashmere Coatings, Baizes, English and home manufactured Flannel, Lustrings, Ladies patent Veils, Laced Muslins, Tambour'd ditto, Jacquet and Book ditto, Russets, plain and striped, Moreens, Durants, Gentlemen's Hats of all kinds, An excellent feather Bed, Ginger by the cask, Rose Blankets, and
A number of other articles, which they will dispose of on such terms, as will convince the purchasers that goods are sold as low in this place, as in Boston or New-York. January 15.
THOMAS JONES,
SIXTY-Eight Hogheads of good retailing MOLASSES, at a low price, on which 90 day's credit will be given. Barrels of good brown SUGAR, Boxes of Window GLASS, 20 casks of POWDER, and an assortment of SHOT. RAISINS of the first quality, in casks and boxes, Real Spanish SEGARS, in boxes of 1000. Ten-plate iron STOVES, and close ditto. A quantity of 3 thread Holland Seine TWINE, of the first quality.
CASH GIVEN FOR
Clover, Herds-Grass and Bent HAY-SEED; also, for good OATS and RYE.
Any of the above Goods will be exchanged for good Butter, Cheese, Hogs-Lard, Oats, Rye, Barley or Tallow. January 15.
OFFICIAL.
To the CONSUL of his Catholic Majesty for the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c.
COMMERCIAL INFORMATION.
DON JOSEPH IGNATIUS DE VIAR, his Catholic Majesty's Consul-General, has received, from the Intendant at the Havanna, the following list of articles, now prohibited at that port:—
 Vermillion  Mens' Caps—Silk, Thread, and Cotton  Stocking-web patterns (worsted)  Coarse Shirts  Sieves  Brass Locks and Nails  Coverlets (wool and cotton)  Dimities (thread and cotton)  Oil-Cloth (flowered and plain)  Paper Hangings  Esterlings  Tinsel Laces  Sealing Wax  Stockings (worsted and cotton)  Marseilles Quilting  Handkerchiefs (linen)  Hats (castor excepted)  Shoes, calicoes and printing linens  Plain and ornamental dresses for both sexes, of what manufacture soever. 
Further information from the Intendant of the Havanna.
All shippers of goods or merchandise from the United States to the above port, shall be qualified before a notary public respecting the property specified in the invoices; the same shall be attested by his Majesty's Consul-General, or by some one of his Majesty's Consuls or Vice-Consuls, otherwise such goods will not be admitted to entry.
Whereas it has long been found that numbers of merchants and others, trading from the United States to the Havanna, regard the foregoing publication inserted some time since in several papers of the Union, have procured their voyages without soliciting the attestation mentioned therein, and on arrival there have alleged ignorance respecting the same: Now, therefore, his Catholic Majesty's Consul-General, in compliance with his instructions received lately on this head, does hereby make known, to all whom it may concern, that from and after the publication hereof, any vessel or vessels trading to the above port or ports in the Island of Cuba, shall be provided with the aforementioned attestation, otherwise they will not be admitted to entry.
Newport, January 10.
CINCINNATI.
AT a meeting of the Standing committee of the Rhode-Island State Society of the Cincinnati, January 6, 1800—The committee, penetrated with the deepest sorrow for the irreparable loss the nation, and humanity in general, have sustained, in the death of that true Patriot, Father and Saviour of his country, General GEORGE WASHINGTON—
Resolves unanimously, That it be recommended to the members of the said Society, to wear black crape or ribbon on the left arm, below the elbow, until the 30th day of June next, as a tribute of honour and esteem due to the memory of the late venerated President-General of the Cincinnati. And that the above be published in the Newport and Providence Papers.
A true copy from the Minutes, DANIEL S. DEXTER. January 15.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, January 8, 1800.
THE Creditors of WILLIAM INMAN, of Gloucester, in the county of Providence, Cordwainer, are hereby notified to appear, if they shall think fit, at the General Assembly to be holden at Providence on the last Monday in February next, then and there to shew cause, if any they may have, why his petition for the benefit of the act entitled "an Act for the relief of insolvent debtors," ought not to be granted.
SAMUEL EDDY, Secretary.
Kent, &c.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
WHEREAS Henrietta Babcock, of Warwick, in the county of Kent, wife of Henry Babcock, a transient person, has filed her petition in the clerk's office of the Supreme Judicial Court for said county, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that said Court would pass a decree of divorce, rendering null and void the bands of marriage subsisting between her and her said husband:—NOTICE is therefore hereby given to all persons concerned, to appear (if they shall think fit) at the Supreme Judicial Court, to be holden at East-Greenwich, within and for said county of Kent, on the second Monday of April next, to shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
A. BOYD, Clerk.
East-Greenwich, Jan. 1.
For SALE,
Amos Maine Atwell,
CONNECTICUT Salted Provisions of the best Qualities, and in excellent shipping order, viz. Prime Beef, Prime Pork, Mefs Pork, and one Hog pork.—Also, 20 Firkins of Butter, 7000 feet 1 1-4 inch seasoned hard Pine Boards, 2000 feet 2 inch Pine Plank, 700 feet 1 inch cherry-tree Boards, Two thousand Clapboards.
The above Goods are offered for sale on terms highly favourable to the purchaser. ALSO,
15 Puncheons Jamaica Spirits, of the first flavour and quality, which will reduce 33 1-3 per centum. October 30.
Just Published,
And for sale by J. CARTER, at the Printing-Office opposite the Market, wholesale and retail,
THE NEW-ENGLAND ALMANACK,
OR Lady's and Gentleman's DIARY, for the Year of our Lord 1800. By ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, Philom. Containing, besides the usual astronomical calculations and tables (which are very accurate) a variety of useful and entertaining matter.—The author, in his preface, gives a concise account of the old and new styles, reasons for abolishing the old style, and why there cannot be another Leap-Year till 1804.
Cooley's genuine Pills,
Prepared by Samuel Cooley, of Bolton, State of Connecticut, And secured to him by letters patent, signed by the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, and dated at Philadelphia, the 26th day of June, A. D. 1798, agreeable to an act of Congress.
THEY are justly esteemed for their easy operation and good effects; they are a most certain remedy for the Jaundice, Rheumatism, Erysipelas, Gravel, Piles, Scurvy, Dizziness of the Head, Pain in the Stomach and Bowels; they are an antidote against infectious diseases; and are, taking two or three early in the morning, a great preservative against contagious air, remove obstructions of any kind, by dissolving and discharging the morbid matter, help digestion, restore a lost appetite, a sure relief for costive habits; decayed constitutions are removed by a thorough use of the above Pills.
They are found by experience to be the most safe and easy physic of any composition yet known: Persons under weak circumstances may take them with safety and not find themselves made weaker, as is common to other physic. They are to be taken twice in a day, two in the morning and one at night, more or less, so as to cause one or two movements of the body more than usual; let the patient fast one hour, then eat, drink and exercise as he pleases.
N. B. There is no Mercury in the above Pills.
Sold by JOHN POPE, Providence. August 21. (t. f.)
To be Sold,
At PUBLIC AUCTION,
At eleven o'clock in the forenoon, on the second Monday in February next,
A HOUSE and LOT, situated on Eddy's Point, being the estate of SAMUEL INGRAHAM. For further particulars, apply to RICHARD ANTHONY.
January 8.
Valuable LANDS for Sale.
FOR SALE, in lots of 100, 200, 300 and 400 acres, a body of very valuable LANDS, equal in point of soil, situation and advantages of water carriage, to any lands in the United States. The soil has been proved, and is found, on cultivation, to be very fertile in wheat, rye, indian corn, potatoes, and other essential vegetables. The lands are situated in the county of Luzerne, and state of Pennsylvania, within 7 miles of a river which is navigable to the sea for boats of considerable burthen; and large rafts of timber, from settlements on the same river many miles above these lands, are in the proper season of the year sent to Baltimore, Havre-de-Grace, and other places. The lands are about 170 miles north of Philadelphia, 60 miles west of Poughkeepsie, on the North River, and about 240 on a direct west course from Providence. The canal from the mouth of the Susquehannah, which it is expected will soon be accomplished, will afford a direct water carriage from the landings near this tract to Philadelphia.
The lands are surrounded by settlements on all sides; those of Chenango are about 30 miles to the northward. Several families from this state purchased and moved on to a part of these lands the last spring. The subscribers have erected a grist-mill on the premises, for the accommodation of settlers. The whole tract is well wooded throughout, having little or no underbrush. There is a sufficiency of the sugar maple, and of white ash, to afford a permanent supply of sugar and fencing. The land is not stony, rocky or mountainous; nor is it flat or level, but diversified with hills and valleys, just sufficient to ensure its salubrity.
The inhabitants who have been settled in its neighbourhood for several years, have experienced the climate to be very healthy, and the winters moderate. The lands are well watered, having several good mill-lets, and a considerable quantity of natural meadow, sufficient, in the opinion of good judges, to support 100 head of cattle winter and summer. The whole tract has been surveyed, and divided into lots of 200 acres, but will be sold in such quantities as will best suit the purchasers; or some of it will be leased, if desired.
Real estate in Providence or its vicinity will be received in exchange for a part of it, on reasonable terms. The title is clear and indisputable, and deeds with warranty will be executed unto the purchasers by the subscribers; by enquiring of whom, it will be found that the lands now offered for sale are really inuring to all desirous of settling in a fertile and healthy country, and that the terms, both with respect to credit and price, are very moderate. Persons desirous of purchasing, are requested to apply soon, as the tract for sale is not large, containing only about twelve thousand acres. BENJAMIN BOURN, in Bristol, BROWN and IVES, in Providence. December 25.
Benjamin Thurber
Has just received a handsome assortment of G O O D S,
Suitable to the season, which are now for Sale, at his Store, at the Sign of the Bunch of Grapes. Please to call and see them.
AMONG THEM ARE,
SCARLET , crimson, blue and London brown broadcloths; London brown blue and green serges; forest cloth, lamb-skin and coating, very cheap; twandown, nankeens, florentines, sergeadams, crimson, scarlet and green baizes; blankets, black, yellow, red and white English blankets; moreens, russets, plain and striped cambricos, durants, shaloon, plain and striped wildbores, bengals, crapes, dimities, muslinets, India cottons, a great variety of muslins, lappets, Irish linen, sheeting ditto, towcloths, bedtickings, yellow canvas, cambric bricks, lawn, a large assortment of cambric, silk and chintz shawls; black Barce-lona and bandana handkerchiefs; a variety of fancy patches, chintzes and calicoes; English and India lustrings of various colours; English and India satins of all widths; modes and many other silks for bonnets; silver grey, Persians, long and short silk gloves, a great variety of black and white laces; fashionable ribbons, white and coloured kid gloves, mens and ladies hose, a fresh assortment of womens Morocco and florentine shoes, mens womens and boys fur hats, muffs, fur trimmings, house paper, writing ditto.
Brass kettles, warming pans, candlesticks, London and Bristol pewter, knives and forks, shovels and tongs, metal tea pots, patent lamps, elastic needles, sadirons, bellows, coffee mills, looking glasses, glass, China, Liverpool and Delft ware; cotton and wool cards.
Hyson and bohea tea, by the dozen, warranted; pepper, cinnamon, nutmegs, ginger, mustard, Spanish float and French Indigo, warranted; long and short pipes, per gross, salt petre by the pound or dozen.
Molasses, sugar, coffee, best Boston chocolate and shells, raisins, flour, cod fish, with many other articles, very cheap for cash only. Nov. 23. 10 w.