The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1801-09-02 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, At the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[No. 140.]
WEDNESDAY, September 2, 1801.
[ Vol. III. ]
PORTER and BRANDY.
John Ward,
Near the Market, Providence,
HAS just imported a parcel of Hibberts' best London Porter, and Brown Stout, which he will sell by the quantity, single cask or dozen.
He has also just received,
A few pipes 4th proof Spanish and Cogniac Brandy, and has at wholesale and retail, Madeira, Sherry, Port, Lisbon, Malaga and Tenerife Wines, a few Hhds. St. Croix Rum, Loaf Sugar, and Brown Sugar in Hhds. and Bbls.—Also Hysan, Souchong, Young Hysan, and Bohea Teas.
August 26.
Bowers and Bucklin,
Importers of English GOODS,
No. 4, WATER-STREET,
Have just received, and now opened for sale,
ONE box low priced 4-4 Irish
Linens
One bale Yorkshire Broadcloth and
Cassimere
One case gentlemen's fashionable Hats
One trunk Damask Table-Cloths, assorted, from 5-4 to 10-16;
Also for sale, at the above store,
India Lutestrings
Nankeens
China, in Tea and Coffee Sets
And Souchong Tea.
August 26.
GROCERIES,
Just received, and now ready for sale by
Samuel Brown,
A little north of the State-house, Providence.
Among them are the following, which are
genuine:
WEST-India and New-England
Rum
Cherry Rum
Brandy and Holland Geneva
Loaf and brown Sugars
Hysan and Bohea Tea
Coffee and Chocolate
Pepper, Allspice, fresh Raisins, Cinnamon,
Cassia Buds, Pearlshes, &c.
ALSO,
Drugs, Medicines, Painters' Colours and Dye Stuffs; all of which are to be sold on the most moderate terms.
He will let the Store Chamber of the store he occupies.
Ornamental Painting and
Gilding of various kinds, executed with accuracy and attention; and all favours thankfully received.
August 26.
6w.
For SALE, by
William N. Rhodes,
30 Casks Hysan
20 do. Souchong
40 do. Bohea
TEA.
New-England and West-India Rum by
the hoghead or barrel; Loaf and brown Sugars; Coffee in hogheads or by the hundred.
Cash and the highest price
given for Flax-Seed and Oats.
Take Notice.
THE Creditors to the Estate of ELEAZER BALLOUE, of Gloucester, in the county of Providence, deceased, are informed, that one year from the seventh of February last is allowed by the Honourable Court of Probate for exhibiting claims against said estate:—Therefore, all who have any, are requested to exhibit them within that time, and all who are indebted to the estate are called upon to make payment to the subscribers.
PHEBE BALLOUE,
JIRAH BALLOUE,
Gloucester, August 25.
LOOKING-GLASSES.
THE subscriber has just received an assortment of Elegant Gilt-Frame LOOKING-GLASSES, with glass pannels, and ornamented tops, of the latest fashions, as low as can be bought in New-York or Boston.—Prices from 20 to 60 dollars the pair.
SAMUEL AMES.
July 29.
(12 w)
From the ALBANY GAZETTE.
DISMISSALS FROM OFFICE.
REPUBLICANISM VS. DEMOCRATISM.
DE WITT CLINTON declares, according to the Secretary's statement, as one of the inducements to the present violent proceedings, that for some years past the appointments to office have been all made in one way, to the entire exclusion of a certain description of citizens.—Let us see how far this assertion is founded in fact.
Ezra L'Hommedieu, Esq. a very respectable member of the Senate, and a decided and warm friend to Governor Clinton's politics, during the last session, openly declared on the floor of that House, that when he was in the Council of Appointment, Governor Jay made it a practice to inform his Council, that he did not wish to hear what were the politics of a candidate for office: but was he an honest man, was he a respectable man, and was he qualified to fill the office for which he was named; and during Governor Jay's administration, it is notorious that John Lansing, jun. Esq. was appointed Chief Justice, John Tayler, Esq. first Judge of the county of Albany, Ebenezer Purdy, Esq. first Judge of the county of Westchester, Evans Wherry a Judge of Herkimer, Benjamin Hovey a Judge of Chautauqua, David Pye Clerk of Rockland, Abner Stone Sheriff of Washington, Joseph C. Yates Mayor of Schenectady; and among the last acts of the Council which preceded the present John Russell was appointed Assistant Justice of Onondaga, and Silas Stow a Justice of Oneida; all these men, were at the time of their appointment, and continue to this day, in decided opposition to the political principles of Governor Jay, and serve, to give a flat contradiction to Mr. Clinton's declaration. Many other appointments of men of a similar political description could no doubt be mentioned were a reference had to official documents; and there can be no doubt, were the different county rolls referred to, but the names of numbers of officers and magistrates of the same description would appear, who were appointed under the administration of Governor Jay, or continued by him from original appointments made under the former administration of Governor Clinton.
That variations have frequently been made in the civil lists of many of the counties, during Governor Jay's administration, is a fact; but the particular cause which led to this can only be explained by the members of former councils, or by those members of the Legislature who recommended such lists. This was equally the case under Governor Clinton's former administration, and is a circumstance utterly unavoidable.
It is also a fact, that during the last part of Governor Jay's administration, his nominations were pretty generally in favour of men who acquiesced in or supported his administration; had he given a preference to men who were openly and incessantly abusing, reviling and opposing it, it would have been strange in deed; Silas Stow and John Russell are however even an exception to this.—And if Governor Clinton had confined himself to appointing none but his own decided friends and partisans to offices, as they fell vacant, and had even went so far as to turn out every man who shewed a decided opposition to his administration, he would have met with no censure from the considerate part of the federal interest of the State.
The circumstance of bringing forward the removal of the Secretary in his own presence, and in the very act of faithfully discharging the duties of his office, when he might have been requested to retire and direct the attendance of his deputy, was a refinement on tyranny, which serves to render the present outrageous conduct of De Witt Clinton and Ambrose Spencer complete. The conduct of the Governor, on that occasion, was inefficient, and undignified, to a great degree. He appears to have contented himself with merely declaring himself "innocent of the blood of these just men;" when, if he had really felt opposed to the measure, he should have informed his council in decided terms, you may if you please vote for the removal of these officers, but I never will sign a supersedeas to them—or either nominate or commission successors to their offices. This John Jay would have done without the least hesitation, where he supposed the public good and sound principles involved. But his Excellency's sincerity on that occasion is rather to be doubted, for he has positively since, on several occasions, re-echoed the sentiments declared by De Witt Clinton, and expressed as his opinion, that the voice of the people, as declared at the last election, made the removal of the officers appointed under the former administration absolutely necessary. His Excellency should not, when in New-York, and since his election, have asked and accepted personal services from the late Secretary, and acknowledged himself obliged by him, if
he intended ever to acquiesce in his removal, nor should he by any means have invited him to his house to qualify him to office, when Judge Lewis, a gentleman of his own politics, was then in the city, and stood ready to perform that duty.—These things are inconsistent and unbecoming in a dignified character.
In March, 1794, a period of Governor Clinton's former administration, when the council of appointment were sitting in this city, his Excellency thought proper to publish a protest under his own signature, against certain proceedings which he then thought improper and unconstitutional—which protest contains this remarkable passage:—
"The constitution declares that all offices, the duration of which is not particularly ascertained, shall be held during the pleasure of the council. By the pleasure of the council, is intended, in my opinion, not a capricious arbitrary pleasure, but a sound rational discretion, to be exercised for the public good; a contrary doctrine renders the constitution unsafe and its administration unstable, and whenever parties exist, may tend to deprive men of their offices because they have too much independence of spirit to support measures which they suppose injurious to the community, and may induce others from an attachment to office to sacrifice their integrity to improper consideration."
(Signed) "GEORGE CLINTON."
Is it in the nature of things—is it within the bounds of possibility, to state a case which would apply in more positive and direct contradiction to the sound sentiments contained in the foregoing passage, than the present proceedings of the Governor and council? Can the friends of Governor Clinton, can Governor Clinton for himself, refrain from blushing with confusion on reading its contents? His Excellency's feelings must be really to be pitied, or he must be an object of real pity for having no feelings at all.—But "Brutus is an honourable man."—Let us endeavour to treat the chief magistrate of our State with every possible degree of delicacy.
The conduct of Mr. Hale, in receiving the appointment of Secretary, was perhaps the most honourable and independent of any circumstance of the kind ever transacted under any administration; he did not degrade himself by clinging and fawning to an Ambrose Spencer or a De Witt Clinton, and humbly entreat their friendship and patronage; he did not day after day hang upon the council and solicit the removal of any officer that he might enjoy the sinecure emoluments of his office, the duties of which he was incapable of performing, or too indolent to attend to.—On the death of Mr. Scott, the former Secretary, a respectable member of the Council of Appointment, then in session, was pleased to wait on Mr. Hale, and propose to him the acceptance of the vacant office. Mr. Hale, after some hesitation, informed the gentleman, that if the Council thought proper to confer the office upon him, he would accept of it, and would study to perform its duties in the best manner his abilities would admit. Mr. Hale would not even wait on the Governor and offer himself a candidate, nor did he solicit the favour of one member of the Council.
When the business of making the appointment was taken up by the Council, they unanimously concurred in Mr. Hale, though Governor Jay expressed a strong partiality for a friend of his, who was previously nominated, together with several other respectable characters, and the Governor was evidently not a little mortified at the result; but after a few months had elapsed, his Excellency was pleased to express his warmest approbation of Mr. Hale's official conduct, and has continued from that time uniformly to declare, that the duties of the office were never before so ably executed, and that the Secretary merited the confidence of the people of the State.
The injury Mr. Hale must experience from having given up a respectable establishment in trade, and the difficulty attending his forming another, must be considerable.
It is a circumstance, not altogether unworthy remark, that when the opposition to the re-election of Governor Clinton commenced, Mr. Tillotson (who has been put in Mr. Hale's place as Secretary of the State of New-York, and is now one of Governor Clinton's loudest friends) was one of the first to call personally on Mr. Hale, and strongly to urge the absolute necessity of Governor Clinton's not being re-elected to office, and to enforce on Mr. Hale's mind the propriety of resorting to every possible means that might tend to guard against an event which would prove so injurious to the interest and reputation of the State. No one will say that Governor Clinton has changed his political sentiments, consequently the change must be in Mr. Tillotson; at all events, Mr. Hale has continued firm to the principles instilled in his mind by Mr. Tillotson at that day; for doing which he is sacrificed, and Mr. Tillotson, for his defection rewarded. How far this is founded on principles of substantial justice, the people of the State must determine.
These proceedings are declared to be founded on the voice and wishes of the people, and consequently on true republican principles; but can it be the wish of the people that all the connexions of one great and wealthy family should be preferred to the honours and emoluments of the State? At this time there are held by the family of Chancellor Livingston the following offices:—Chancellor; a Minister to the French Republic; a Judge of the Supreme Court; a Mayor of the city of New-York; a District Attorney of the United States; a Senator of the United States; a Representative to Congress; and a Secretary of this State; and in several instances are two of these offices held by one person. Though it is not here intended to detract from the personal merit of any of the gentlemen who are holders of these offices, who may have a just claim to it, can it be compatible with the principles of a free republican government, that so many offices should be bestowed on one family?
Are not these facts, among numerous others, sufficient to prove, beyond the smallest possibility of doubt, that the cry which has been made by a certain description of men, of the rights of the people, of the liberty of the press, the freedom of speech, the freedom of election, sedition, alien and stamp laws, taxation, with all the other clamours which have been raised; and the load of shameful and unfounded personal abuse, which has blackened the public prints for several years past, against the reputation of every man who has supported the federal government, upon the true republican principles, from General Washington downward; is the mere effect of unprincipled policy in men who were striving, by raising popular clamours, to gain the support of the people, only to have it in their power to place themselves in office, and to tyrannize over every man who would not join with them in destroying the peace, order and welfare of their country?
If the removal of the late Secretary was just, why did not this Council of pure republicans, as they are pleased to profess themselves, appoint Jasper Hopper to the office to which he has such just pretensions, who was so handsomely recommended by the Secretary, and whose political principles are the same as those which they profess? The question is easily answered; because he was not connected with an opulent and powerful family, to countenance and support his just claims. Is this republicanism? Is this equality of rights? away with such professions; they are too contemptible even to be reasoned with.
For several years past, when De Witt Clinton and Ambrose Spencer were in the minority, the late Secretary has been in the habit of treating them with the most polite attention, civilities, and hospitality, and has continued uniformly to do so. When Mr. Spencer thought proper to desert his principles of federalism, and attach himself to the politics of Governor Clinton, though he was treated with studied neglect by most of the respectable federal characters, the Secretary not only continued his friendly civilities and attentions to him, but was actually induced on many occasions to become his apologist; and these men have on many occasions spoken in the highest terms of respect of the Secretary as an officer and as a man; but no sooner are Mr. Spencer and Mr. Clinton clothed with power, than one of the first objects of their tyrannical malevolence, is the very man whose kind attentions they were in the uniform habit of receiving, and for whom they had openly expressed sentiments of respect and esteem. Alas! poor human nature, to what grade of depravity art thou not capable of descending! And these two men, it is with a degree of horror the declaration is made, are announced by their partisans as intending to place themselves on the Bench of the Supreme Court of this State!
The citizens of Albany intend to petition to the Council of Appointment of New-York, for the re-instatement of Mr. Cuyler, to the office of Sheriff of the county, from which he was lately excluded for political non-conformity. A majority of these citizens are democratic republicans, and their conduct in this case will entitle them to an honourable distinction.
From a late London paper.
LAW INTELLIGENCE.
COURT OF SESSION, EDINBURGH.
THE Court of Session lately decided a question between the seamen of Prestonpans and Messrs. George and James Warroch, of that place, respecting a charitable fund belonging to the seamen. As similar cases may probably have occurred in other seaport towns, of which the trade has decayed, the statement of the decision may be of general importance. Prestonpans, which is a burgh of barony, was formerly a place of considerable trade. So early as 1624, the ship masters and sailors

had raised a fund for the relief of the poor of their body, and their widows and orphan children. After the union with England, the trade of Prestonpans fell into decay, and ship-masters who used to reside there, left the place. A few of the members who had left the sea, and betaken themselves to other professions, had the influence to procure a regulation to be made, which excluded seamen from admission, unless they happened to be children of former members of the society. They afterwards assumed an arbitrary power of rejecting all candidates for admission, insomuch that no new member has been received since the year 1762. Thus the incorporation came at last to center in the Messrs. Warroch, who had been admitted members, though neither of them ever were seamen. These gentlemen lent out the funds, amounting to 600, sterling, in their own names, and the only thing which kept alive the memory of the institution, was the payment to an old widow of a small pension of 10s. per quarter. The fund was thus about to be lost altogether to the public, when some seamen, who had applied for admission, and had been rejected, brought this action before the Court of Session, concluding that Messrs. Warroch should be ordained to admit them members, and account for the funds of the society. These gentlemen opposed this claim, alledging, that this was no more than a private Friendly Society, that they, as the surviving members had an uncontroled power to reject candidates for admission, without any cause assigned, and were entitled to do with the funds what they thought proper. The Court had no occasion to decide on this argument; for though the original constitution of the society could not be shewn, it was proved to have existed under the name of the "Incorporation of Seamen of Prestonpans," downwards from the year 1694, and to have exercised all the rights of a body corporate during that period. The Court accordingly found it to be an existing Incorporation, and that the funds behoved to be applied to the charitable purposes for which they were contributed; that the pursuers were entitled to be admitted members; and the original laws being now lost, the cause was remitted to the Lord Ordinary, that regulations might be framed suitable to this incorporation, in the present circumstances of the trade of Prestonpans. The Court found Messrs. Warroch were not entitled to charge any part of their own expences against the funds of the incorporation, but that the pursuers were entitled to payment of their expences from the funds.
CHARACTER OF THE CELEBRATED BLACK GENERAL TOUSSAINT L'OUVERTURE.
[From a Miscellaneous Publication.]
THIS extraordinary man is a native of St. Domingo. He was born a slave, and as such remained till the troubles in that island gave an opportunity for the display of his talents. His master, a considerable planter, took him while very young to France, where he remained some time; and being a smart lad, attention was paid to his education, which is better than most negroes receive. But still he was only a negro slave, and returned to St. Domingo, where he lived in that shelter several years before the troubles broke out. Soon after the French revolution, every one knows how the misrepresentation of the principles of liberty and equality destroyed, and after them the people of colour; the blacks remaining in fact masters of the island. In the dreadful scenes that occurred, Toussaint soon distinguished himself, and acquired a sovereign sway over his fellow-negroes, amounting now to 100,000 men in arms, inured to the climate, and educated to war. Toussaint, to the talents of a General and a politician, adds those more amiable, of gratitude and humanity. His master fled to the United States of America; and Toussaint remitted him, or endeavoured to remit as much of the produce of his estate as was possible. When General Maitland evacuated Port-au-Prince, the treaty for that purpose was negotiated and concluded with Toussaint, who executed every condition with the strictest fidelity and honour. But Toussaint did not treat as an independent Prince, as some of the papers have said. All he did was in the name of the French Republic. For while he is absolute monarch over St. Domingo, he affects to be a subject of France, a fact of which the following is a sufficient testimony: When General Maitland evacuated Port-au-Prince, all the old French planters who had joined the British, departed with him of course. In the harbour was the old master of Toussaint, who had come from the continent to endeavour to retrieve his property, in which he had been unsuccessful; and he was about to fly with the English, in rags and wretchedness. General Maitland had too much wisdom to treat Toussaint as a brigand, (robber) as he had hitherto been treated; and Toussaint's conduct repaid him for his civility. Toussaint hearing of his master, sent a message to General Maitland, saying he had a favour to ask. What was it? To send his master to him. The General did so; and Toussaint restored his estate, and gave him negroes for their cultivation. He behaved in the most affectionate and kind manner to him who had truly been his father. General Maitland, upon this sent a message, asking a favour of Toussaint. What is it? To restore a dozen of the principle planters to their estate. Toussaint desired they might be sent to his care. They were so. He clapped them in prison.
Some days afterwards he had them brought into a church, before a large body of his blacks—and he mounted the pulpit to preach a sermon; for his prowess at arms is but a small part of his distinction. Here he enforced the virtue of forgiveness to the repentant, saying, "we were for awhile Spaniards (the blacks fled to the Spanish protection, in the beginning of the troubles) but we were misled. We were born Frenchmen, and now we are Frenchmen again. These men have also been misled. They were born Frenchmen. For a time they have been British; but now they have returned, and are Frenchmen again. Let us embrace." Here Toussaint embraced them, and reconciled his followers. He restored them their estates, and gave them negroes as servants.
It would be the disposition of a little mind, in Toussaint's situation, to hate and persecute the whites; but he knows well, that the island cannot flourish without them; and they are necessary to cultivation and good government, to the commerce and prosperity of the place. Therefore his chief aim is to restore the planters, and revive the trade. He fears that France will one day endeavour to punish him as a rebel; but this, France will never be able to accomplish. Hedouville, the French Commissioner, is a fool, and a person of no influence: Toussaint disregards him; but all Toussaint's acts are in the name of the French Republic, for which alone he pretends to act; and his utmost wish is, that the Directory would name him their General.
From the N. YORK DAILY ADVERTISER.
MAJOR ANDRE'S TREE. THE memorable TULIP TREE, at Greenburgh, or Tarrytown, under which Major Andre was taken, was on Saturday the 31st ult. struck with lightning. It was rent almost exactly in two, from the top to the bottom. Near the root it was hollow, at which part it took fire, and blazed up for about 12 or 15 feet through the fissure, for a few minutes, when the eastern half fell. The remainder, extending over the road, stood in so menacing an attitude, as to render it necessary to cut it down. This remarkable tree measured 26 feet in circumference at the base, was 111 feet in height, and its branches extended 106 feet in diameter. It has often awakened the sympathy of the feeling traveller, by recalling the memory of a gallant, but unfortunate enemy. As Americans, we could not but rejoice at the event, which, while it blasted his flattering prospects, and consigned him to an ignominious death, still rescued our country from destruction. Yet discriminating in our emotions, and just to his individual merits, we mingled with his friends and relations the sigh of regret to the recollection of his virtues—while our bosoms have swelled with indignation, and our lips have imprecated curses on the traitor, whose villainy occasioned his untimely fate. It is rather a singular coincidence, that the news of Arnold's death arrived at Greenburgh the same day on which the lightning destroyed this tree. Its destruction has occasioned general regret through the surrounding country, and its fragments have been carefully collected and preserved by the inhabitants.
Foreign Intelligence.
By late arrivals at Boston from Liverpool.
BRUSSELS, June 11. A PART of the gun-boats and armed flat-bottomed vessels have got out of Ostend and Nieuport, and arrived safely at Dunkirk, by keeping close to the shore, the English ships being out in the open sea. The divisions of the vessels at Havre, Boulogne and Calais, have not; however, yet been able to reach Dunkirk, being prevented by the English cruisers. Two camps are now marking out by the French engineers, the one between Bruges and Ostend, and the other between Gravelines, Dunkirk and Havre, which probably will be employed in the expedition: 80,000 men are assembled on the French coasts for this expedition, which is intended against England and Ireland.
LONDON, July 11. We received this morning, by express, the Paris papers to the 9th instant. They contain more important intelligence than the Paris papers have afforded us for some time past. The French government have at length received dispatches from Egypt. The Lodi arrived at Nice on the 28th ult. from Alexandria, which she left on the 19th of May. She brought no details of the events that had occurred since the landing of the English, because General Menou had sent avisos with these details some days before the Lodi sailed. It is therefore conjectured that they have been taken in their passage. On the 19th of May, the day on which the Lodi left Alexandria, Cairo and Alexandria were still in the hands of the French. The English had cut the bank of the lake Mareotis; by this means they had inundated 50 leagues of the country round Alexandria, which has considerably strengthened their position of Aboukir, and rendered the French fortifications of Alexandria impregnable. General Menou, who was in person in that city, was abundantly provided with military stores and provisions for several years. The Chief Consul has lately been extremely afflicted with the rheumatism, which rendered the application of blisters on the breast and arms necessary. The Moniteur says that
he has derived much benefit from them, though they prevented him from attending at the last grand parade, or giving the usual audience to the Ambassadors. We can hardly suppose that his illness is of a dangerous nature, for Madame Bonaparte left Paris on the 7th, with her daughter, to drink the waters of Plombieres. The Chief Consul's first Physician has expressed his belief that he will be able to be present at the fete of the 14th of July.
We know not whether it be to the indisposition of Bonaparte, or to another cause, that we are to attribute the fall of the French funds about three per cent. from 46 3/4 to 43. It is probable that it has been produced by the Chief Consul's illness, which occasioned great uneasiness at Paris.
The plan of the Indemnities has at length been drawn up, signed by Count Cobentzel and Joseph Bonaparte, and approved of both by the Court of Vienna and the French government. A letter from Messina of the 27th of May gives some details relative to Gantheume's squadron, which passed the Straits of Messina on the 25th. It consisted of four sail of the line, two frigates, and two transports, and is going to Brindisi, on the Neapolitan coast, to be reinforced by the three Neapolitan frigates, which have been given up to France. It is also said, that it is to be joined by four sail of the line and four frigates, which are on their passage from France. The whole armament will then proceed to the Levant; the number of troops on board will, it is added, amount to 12,000 men.
All the letters from Holland agree in stating, that the Batavian fleet, commanded by Admiral de Winter, has received orders to sail at the first signal. It is expected, in consequence, that the two divisions fitted out at the Texel and in the Meuse will not delay to effect their junction, the English squadron under Admiral Dickson being too weak to prevent that operation, whenever the Dutch shall resolve to attempt it. It is believed at the Hague, that the departure of General Angereau for Paris has for its object, to concert measures with the French government on this point.
The flotilla which sailed from Havre, and put into Fecamp, sailed from the latter place on the 1st instant, got to Dieppe at night, and sailed from Dieppe at five o'clock in the afternoon of the 2d. It is in all probability gone to Dunkirk.
A Lisbon mail arrived this morning, brought by the Prince of Wales packet, in 8 days. The letters contain no news of importance. The terms of the peace with Portugal have not yet transpired.
Letters from Copenhagen assert, that our court has promised to restore the Danish islands in the exact state in which they were when taken.
A ministerial paper says, that the disgrace of Talleyrand Perigord is not only serious and definitive, but the cause of it was his having concealed from Bonaparte some parts of Lord Hawkesbury's correspondence. It is not probable that Talleyrand would venture to commit such a fraud with such a man as Bonaparte.—Besides, if the Minister of Foreign Affairs is dismissed, how happens it that a person of his own appointment, one of his own clerks, is his temporary successor?
July 13.
Capt. Blake, of the Dispatch cutter, arrived in town on Saturday afternoon with dispatches from Lord St. Helens, as satisfactory as they are important. On the 19th of last month a Convention was signed at Peterburgh, between Lord St. Helens and Count Panin, by which all the differences between the two countries were amicably terminated. The other two Maritime Courts of the North have been invited to accede to this Convention, which they will doubtless do. This news was justly considered by Lord Hawkesbury of such moment, that his Lordship, late as it was in the evening, communicated it to the Lord-Mayor in the following letter.
"Downing-Street, July 11, half past 8, P. M."
"MY LORD, "I have great satisfaction in informing you, that Capt. Blake, of the Dispatch cutter, is just arrived from St. Peterburgh, and has brought a Convention, signed on the 17th of June, by Lord St. Helens and Count Panin, on the part of his Majesty and the Emperor of Russia, by which all differences between the two countries have been amicably adjusted. Their Danish and Swedish Majesties have been invited to accede to this Convention. I have the honour to be, &c. (Signed) HAWKESBURY." The Right Hon. the Lord-Mayor.
July 13.
More than 40,000 persons have returned to St. Peterburgh since the death of the late Emperor.
The foreign wheat and flour which will be imported into Great-Britain, from September, 1800, to September, 1801, will cost this country ten millions sterling, exclusive of bounty.
The King of Sweden is about to visit Peterburgh.
The Emperor Alexander has ordered a monument to be erected to the memory of the late General Suwarow.
It should seem as if the Emperor and the Chief Consul of France had made some new arrangements, calculated to remove the objections of Prussia and Russia, in regard to the treaty of Lunéville; and it is rumoured to be the intention of the Cabinets of Vienna and Paris to relinquish the idea of indemnity.
ing the Grand Duke in Germany, and to establish him in the Roman territories. The Ligurian Republic has been re-organized by Buonaparte. It is to have a Doge, a Senate, and a Diet. Porto-Ferrajo (off Leghorn) had not surrendered to the French, who bombard it daily. It is defended by 1,500 men, 300 of whom are English. The expedition fitting out at Carthagena is supposed to be destined against Port-Mahon.
DUBLIN, July 8. Our five per cents. yesterday at the commercial buildings rose 1 3/4. per cent. We can no otherwise account for the above agreeable advance, than the presumption that the negotiations with France are approaching to a favourable issue. This idea we suppose is fortified by the receipt of a letter from London to a banking house in this city, which came by the last mail; it states, that the principal obstacle (Egypt) is eventually settled between the hostile cabinets, so as not further to impede the arrangement of the other objects under discussion. A letter received from Bombay says, the abundant crop of spice at the Molucca islands for this season, is found to be more than has been produced for three years together.
Domestic Intelligence.
WASHINGTON, August 29.
OFFICIAL. Appointment by the PRESIDENT. Francis L. Taney, Esq. to be commercial agent for Ostend.
An Order of the PRESIDENT of the United States,
Making certain alterations in the Districts therein mentioned, and erecting a new Revenue District, to be denominated "N. West District."
Sect. 1. In pursuance of divers acts of the Congress of the United States, vesting in me certain powers and authorities, in relation to the internal Revenues thereof: the following alterations, made for securing and collecting the said duties, are hereby adopted and established.
Sect. 2. The districts of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, shall, from after the thirtieth day of September next, severally form each one survey; and the duties of Inspector of each of said surveys shall be performed by the supervisor of the district comprehending the same.
Sect. 3. The several counties of the district of Virginia, originally and heretofore contained within and forming the first, second, third and fourth surveys, of the said district, shall, from and after the thirtieth day of September next, be contained in, and form but one survey (to be thereafter denominated the first) and the duties of Inspector, in and for the same, shall be performed by the supervisor of the said district.
Sect. 4. The second survey of the district of Ohio, according to its present limits, heretofore established by the President of the United States, shall be, and is hereby erected into an entire new district, to be denominated "the N. West District."
And the said district shall consist of one survey, and may from time to time be divided into such and so many divisions, as by the Supervisor thereof shall be found expedient and necessary.
Sect. 5. The Collectors of Revenue in the districts of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and South-Carolina, and in the first, second, third and fourth surveys of the district of Virginia, shall render their accounts of duties, arising from and after the thirtieth day of June last, and pay over the monies, arising from the same, to the respective Supervisors of the said district.
Given under my hand at the city of Washington, on the twenty-ninth day of July, one thousand eight hundred and one. THO. JEFFERSON.
[On this measure the following remarks are made in the National Intelligencer—the official Gazette of the Executive.]
By the above order the President has abolished, after the 30th of September next, NINETEEN of the officers of INSPECTORS of survey, appointed under the several acts of Congress for raising internal revenue.
Before this alteration was made the following arrangements existed. The States of New-Hampshire, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New-York, New-Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, and Tennessee, being so many districts, formed each one survey, wherein the duties of Inspector were performed by the Supervisor. By the late alteration the situation of these districts remains unaffected.
In Massachusetts there were three Surveys, in Pennsylvania four, in Maryland three, in Virginia six, in North-Carolina five, in South-Carolina three, and in Ohio two; making in all twenty-six surveys, and twenty-two inspectors; the supervisors of Maryland, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Ohio, being also inspectors of one of the surveys of their respective districts.
By the new arrangement of the Executive, all the surveys in each of these seven districts are condensed into one survey, and the duties of Inspector devolved upon the Supervisor, except in the cases of Virginia and Ohio; in the former of which two Inspectors are retained, and in the latter there are in future to be two districts, with a Supervisor in each, on account of the extensive tracts of country they embrace.

By this modification of the old plan of collection, an annual saving of about 20,000 dollars will be made, or near 3 per cent. on the net product of the internal revenue.
But in addition to this interesting effect, we understand the following reasons had great weight:
The Collectors of the internal revenue (appointed by the Supervisors) under the late system, made their payments to, and accounted with, the Inspectors, who made payments of the sums so received to the Supervisors, and rendered to them their own general account after settling quarterly the accounts of all the collectors in their survey.
The Supervisor finally made payment to the treasury, and after settling the accounts of the Inspectors in his district, rendered his accounts to the commissioners of the revenue.
It appears, from this statement, that no correspondence existed between the collectors and the supervisors, or between the collectors and inspectors and the treasury department. It follows, that whenever the accounts of a supervisor were not rendered in time, he might charge the delay on any one inspector, who might himself throw all the blame upon one or more collectors.—Thus the delinquency of a single collector might stop the settlement of the accounts of a whole State, without its being possible for the treasury department to trace the evil to its source. And although the supervisors, having the absolute power of appointing and removing collectors, might be considered responsible for their conduct, such responsibility was nearly annihilated by the intermediate class of inspectors, appointed by the President, who stood between them and the collectors, and who had the immediate superintendence of that subordinate class of officers.
By the new arrangement these difficulties are removed, by the collectors being obliged to account directly to the supervisors, and these last directly to the treasury.
NORFOLK, August 11.
ADMIRALTY CAUSE.
VIRGINIA:
At a special Court of the United States for the district of Norfolk, held at the Court-house of the borough of Norfolk, within the State of Virginia, on Monday the 3d of August, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and one, before the Hon. Cyrus Griffin, Esq.
Samuel Barron, his officers and crew, against
The Schooner Success.
This cause being heard on the libel, and the proofs offered in support thereof, and the several papers, writings and documents, found on board the said Schooner at the time of her seizure and capture, being brought in and deposited in the office of this honourable court; and on hearing what was alleged on the part of the said libellants: the court doth order, adjudge and decree, that the said Schooner Success, her guns, tackle, furniture and apparel, be forfeited for being employed in the slave trade, in violation of the act of Congress, entitled, "an act to prohibit the carrying on the slave trade, from the United States to any foreign place or country;" and the same is hereby condemned to the use of the said Samuel Barron, commander of the ship of war called the Chesapeake, his officers, seamen, mariners and marines, all libellants in this cause; that the marshal, after giving six days notice in a public newspaper, proceed to sell the said Schooner Success, and her guns, tackle, apparel and furniture, at public auction; and after deducting the costs of this prosecution, and such expenses as have been incurred on account of said vessel since her arrival in this port, that the next proceeds be paid William Bennoek, agent for the said libellants. And the court doth further order that the monies arising from the said sale, be applied and distributed to and among the libellants, in such proportion as is directed by the act for the government of the navy of the United States, in respect to prizes and prize money.
A true copy, Test, SETH FOSTER, Clerk.
The above Schooner Success, we are informed, was owned by Samuel W. Greene, of Providence, in the State of Rhode-Island; that she was commanded by Paul Brownell; and sailing under the authority of a commission from the late President of the United States, granting full power to seize and capture the armed vessels of the French Republic.
PHILADELPHIA, August 21.
By papers laid before the Parliament of Great-Britain and Ireland, it appears that in one year ending in October last, one million and eight hundred thousand quarters of corn, or fourteen millions four hundred thousand bushels had been imported into England; the expence of which was estimated at more than seven millions sterling. In the present year, the importation will probably exceed that of the last. Fifteen millions sterling paid in two years to foreign nations for bread, is no inconsiderable drawback on the profits of national industry. Parliament is occupied in extending cultivation, by encouraging the enclosure of waste or common lands. This desirable object is however greatly embarrassed, with the claim of Bishops, Patrons and incumbents to the tithes.
A ship pump on a new construction has lately been invented in this city by G. Clymer, an ingenious mechanic. A great imperfection in pumps, on every principle hitherto invented, is that they are liable to be checked, and get out of repair, by the dirt and gravel lodging in the bottom of the vessels; this imperfection is completely obviated by the
invention of Mr. Clymer, as a demonstration of which, he throws an 18 pound ball into the well, which was pumped up and delivered in a few seconds.
This experiment was made on Tuesday last, before the Governor, Judge Peters, Commodore Barry, Mr. Latrobe and several other respectable citizens, who spoke of the invention in terms of approbation, and we hope for the good of mankind that it may be fairly tried, and meet with the encouragement it deserves.
NEW-YORK, August 21.
We understand that the following Auctioneers have been superceded:
Martin Hoffman, Monson Hoyt, John S. Henry, Peter Griffin, Isaac Moses, John Hone; and that John Blagge has been appointed, David Dickson and George Hunter, continued. Extract of a letter from Wilmington (N. C.) to a gentleman in Philadelphia, dated Aug. 11.
This morning arrived here a Spanish privateer, with the English brig Eliza, captain M'Keever, her prize. She was taken in lat. 31, long. 68, out 8 days from New-York, bound to New-Providence."
The above letter, we are sorry to add, announces the melancholy intelligence of the yellow-fever raging at present in the city of Charleston.
Yesterday arrived brig Tartar, captain Rogers, 50 days from Greenock, owned by J. Halford, and has a cargo of dry goods to sundry persons. She sailed from Greenock the 6th ult. and brings papers to the 4th. We have not been fortunate enough to obtain the paper of the 4th, but understand its contents are unimportant.
The Spaniards have gained a number of victories over the Portuguese, and taken several important posts and towns. They were within a few miles of Oporto and Lisbon, which places they threatened with attack, if their proposals of peace were not accepted. At the latest dates it was said the French troops had not been in an engagement with the Portuguese, but were prepared to co-operate in reducing Oporto and Lisbon. The last official accounts from Egypt state, that no engagement of consequence had taken place; but the English were successful in several skirmishes with the French, since our former accounts from that quarter.
Lord Nelson, had entirely recovered of his indisposition. Rear-Admiral Graves was very unwell, and it was expected he would return from the Baltic fleet to England, for the recovery of his health.
Captain Rogers informs us that he read in a Greenock paper, the preliminaries of peace, as proposed by England to the French Republic: but the paper containing it was not brought out.
The Mercury failed a few days before the Tartar, for this port.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Bourdeaux, to his friend in George-Town, dated June 15.
"We hear from Paris, that the Treaty has been accepted, and that Mr. Dawton was on the eve of his departure."
As various statements have appeared in the public papers, relative to the fire which happened on the morning of Tuesday last, in Fair-street, we are competent to say, that the place of worship, belonging to the Rev. John Stanford, is so far destroyed as to be irreparable.—Our sympathy in this calamity is very much increased, on information that Mr. Stanford erected that building at his own expence, the fruit of many years labour, and as it was appropriated to public worship, and his Academy was the only source of supporting his family. The loss is computed at about 1400l. This is the second time Mr. Stanford has suffered by the conflagration of the neighbouring bake-houses; and it is to be hoped, that the benevolent and the pious will not neglect this opportunity to express their sensibility in lessening the loss of the sufferer, by their generous contributions.
BOSTON, August 24.
On Saturday the British sloop of war Pheasant (which has been long waiting in Boston Bay to encounter the French corvette Berceau) anchored in Nantasket roads.
Postscript to a letter from a gentleman in Baltimore, to his friend in this town, dated August 18.
"A pilot boat arrived about 12 o'clock this day, the master of which reports, that as he was coming into the Capes yesterday morning, the French frigate Semillante was going out, and the British frigate Andromache, (which has been waiting some time for the former) was with her in a close running fight, each exchanging frequent broadsides; the probability is, that the Frenchman will escape, as she is the fastest sailer, otherwise she would no doubt accompany the Englishman to Jamaica."
August 29.
FROM RUSSIA.—DIRECT.
Capt. Ellery, who arrived in this port yesterday, in 55 days from Cronstadt, in Russia, informs, that no traces remained of the controversy lately existing between Great-Britain and Russia; that the British ships which had been embargoed were completely refitted and delivered up; and that great numbers had proceeded on their voyages;—That the British, Russian, Danish and Swedish vessels were navigating the seas unmolested by each other; but that a British squadron still continued off the island of Bornholm.
FROM LISBON.—LATE.
By the Schooner Anson, Capt. Lombard, arrived here yesterday from Lisbon, letters were received, from one of which, dated July
10th, the following are extracts:—"The political independence of this country, which has been of late so severely threatened, is, we are happy to inform you, now fully established, by the conclusion of a peace with France and Spain; which relieves us from the fatal effects of an invading army, that could not be resisted, and was already on the frontiers. The conditions of the peace are not known; but it is generally understood they will prove harsh to the prevalency of English influence, which has so long existed in this kingdom: However, as property of every description is secured to its proprietors, and commercial business undisturbed, it reconciles whatever other sacrifices may be the result."
FROM FRANCE.—DIRECT.
We yesterday received from our correspondent at Bourdeaux, Paris papers to the 30th Prairial (June 18, 1801) but their contents have been anticipated in the London Gazettes. As the intercourse with France becomes more frequent we may expect the French papers we shall receive will not be so barren of News as they have been heretofore.
FROM TRIPOLI.
An official letter, dated April 17, states, that "No arrangements had taken place with the Bashaw; that six cruisers were ready for sea, and it was expected would be ordered to capture American vessels."
COMMERCIAL.
"LISBON (Portugal) July 10, 1801.—The markets for grain and flour are likely to continue good for several months; owing to the heavy falls of rain in May, which has almost destroyed the usual supply."
FAIRBANKS—TAKEN.
Yesterday Jason Fairbanks, under sentence of death for murder, was safely committed to the goal in this town. He escaped from the prison in Dedham, on Tuesday the 18th inst. and was accompanied in his flight by Henry Dukeham. They took the road to Worcester and Spencer, passed Connecticut river at Hadley on Wednesday evening, and lodged that night near the Turnpike gate, eight miles distant from thence they proceeded through Shelburne, Bennington, in Vermont, Arlington, and Greenfield, on to Skeensbury (Whit-hall) on South-bay, Lake Champlain, where they were apprehended, on Sunday morning last, between eight and nine o'clock, by Capt. Henry Tisdale, of Dover, Mr. Moses P. Holt, of Hadley, and Mr. Seth Wheelock, of Medfield. Messrs. Tisdale and Wheelock were sent on the pursuit by Sheriff Cutler. At Milford, they obtained their first information of the fugitives, and pursued the road to Connecticut river; where they were joined by Mr. Holt, and continued their pursuit, from information obtained on the road, to Skeensborough landing; where Mr. Holt, being the best mounted, arrived first, found them, kept them in conversation until assistance came up, and then secured them. Previous to this, Dukeham had chartered a boat, for fifteen dollars, to convey Fairbanks down the lake to St. John's, in Canada, who was ready to embark, having some baggage and stores on board; and was only waiting for breakfast, which was on the table; and to take leave of his companion. They were conducted to Northampton, where by the direction of His Excellency the Governor they were delivered into the custody of General Mattoon, Sheriff of Hampshire county, and by him brought to this town, and both committed to jail. The fugitives were not armed, and did not make any resistance. They travelled leisurely after they passed the river, though they were well mounted. At Arlington, in Vermont, Dukeham changed a ten dollar bill, and told his name; and that he belonged to Dorchester. Fairbanks appeared to be astonished that any one should pursue him; and observed, that had he suspected he was followed, his pursuers should have rode some hundred miles further. On the road, after his detection, he observed the same indifference to his situation as on his trial. Much credit is due the gentlemen who apprehended the fugitives, for their persevering and spirited exertions. Beside a liberal compensation for their services, they are entitled to the gratitude of every friend to law and justice.
Edward Sisk, Stephen Fairbanks, and Samuel Cotton, have been committed to jail at Dedham, for the rescue of Fairbanks; and Jacob Hampson, is in custody on suspicion as concerned in the outrage. Two other persons, suspected, have not yet been apprehended.
Providence, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2.
The ANNIVERSARY COMMENCEMENT OF RHODE-ISLAND COLLEGE will be celebrated in this town this day.
Yesterday arrived the ship Patterson, Capt. J. Aborn, 53 days from the River of Plate. Capt. Meneal Bowler, of the brig Fair, of this port, came passenger in the Patterson; his vessel, the Fair, having been condemned by the Spaniards. Capt. Aborn brings information that the ship Mary-Ann, Capt. D. Olney of this port, ran on shore in the River of Plate, and sustained considerable damage.
On Wednesday last arrived the ship Resourse, Capt. Pearce, of this port, from Batavia, in 120 days.
The ship Fair American, Capt. Earl, of Charleston, failed from Batavia the 8th of November last for Manila. On her passage, the captain and four seamen landed on an island,
to procure provisions and water, and were all murdered by the natives. The ship arrived at Cheribon (Java) on the 23d of March last, having been some time in great distress for provisions and water.
The following vessels arrived at Batavia April 6: Ship Jefferson, Dougherty, of Philadelphia; failed for Manila the 19th, all well. Ship Bacchus, Dehon, of Baltimore, from London; her main and mizen masts gone. Ship Franklin, of Salem, Devereux, all well, and expected to sail homeward the 5th of May.
The brig Harriet, Hubbard, for Philadelphia, failed in company with the Resourse the 19th of April, and parted the 23d, 50 leagues westward of Prince's Island, Straits of Sunda.
On the 22d of April saw three ships, with American colours, at anchor under the island of Java.—August 6, spoke the ship William, from the Cape de Verds for Philadelphia, 20 days out; lat. 24: 30 N. long. 50: 30 W.—August 13, fell in with a fleet of 170 sail of British merchant ships, from St. Thomas for London, under convoy of the Diana and Severn frigates, and Surinam sloop; was boarded by a boat from the latter, and ordered to steer for the commodore (the Diana) went on board the Diana, where his papers were closely examined, after which his boat was dismissed, with some live stock for the Resourse.—August 15 fell in with a Schooner; she came nearly within shot, and hoisted an English jack; but observing that the ship was prepared to receive her, she tacked and stood off; supposed to be a cruiser from Bermuda.—August 20, lat. 38: 12 N. long. 68: W. spoke the brig Union, from Boston for the Havanna, out 4 days, all well.
During the voyage, two persons died on board the Resourse, viz. Dr. James Tyler, of Brooklyn (Con.) and Mr. Ichabod W. Stoddard, of Providence, aged 19 years; a promising youth.
The execution of Jason Fairbanks is to take place on Thursday the 10th of September, between the hours of 11, A. M. and 4, P. M.
At the town-meeting held here on the 25th ult. the following gentlemen were elected to represent this town in General Assembly, viz. Charles Lippitt, John Dorrance, Ephraim Bowen, jun. and John Carlile, Esquires.
We learn that the Hon. William Edmond, Esq; of Connecticut, has resigned his seat in Congress. The Hon. Elizur Goodrich, Esq; lately Collector of New-Haven, is already talked of in that State to fill the vacancy.
The Hon. Thomas Tillotson, and John Bird, Esqrs. of New-York, have resigned their seats in Congress. The election, consequent upon these resignations, will be held on the 5th of October.
COMMUNICATION.
AD CUFFE.
Quis detrahit aliquos, de nullis injuriis cautis, ne potest aliquid amicitiae: haec si una veritas multis observatione evenitur: sic vir, si femina, cum exceptionibus paucis: sed talio est admissus in omnes, cum lex est in toto orbe, naturae.—Cave. igitur. J. L.
Never performed here.
THEATRE—Providence.
THIS evening, September 2, will be presented a favourite new Comedy, performed 100 nights successively in London, with the greatest applause, entitled,
LIFE;
OR,
HYPOCRISY DETECTED,
AND
INNOCENCE REWARDED.
Written by F. REYNOLDS, Esq. author of the Dramatist, Cheap Living, Fortune's Fool, &c. &c.
To which will be added, the admired Comic Opera of the
PADLOCK.
[Characters in the bills for the evening.]
As inconvenience has sometimes arisen, on the evening of Commencement, from the late application for tickets; those ladies and gentlemen who intend to honour the Theatre this evening, will please to apply early in the day for tickets.
THE Members of the Agricultural Society in the State of Rhode-Island, are hereby notified, that the Semi-Annual Meeting of the said Society will be held at the State-House, in Providence, on Thursday the 3d day of September, at 4 o'clock, P. M.—When a general and punctual attendance is requested. JABEZ BOWEN, President. September 2.
THE subscribers having been, on the 27th day of August last, legally appointed Commissioners, to receive and examine the claims against the Estate of RICHARD BROWN, late of Providence, in said county, mariner, deceased, represented intestate:—Hereby give notice, that six months is allowed from the date, for the creditors to bring in their claims to us; those who neglect will be precluded according to law.
JOHN SMITH, ad.
SILVANUS G. MARTIN.
N. B. All indebted to said Estate, are requested to make immediate payment to
ABBY BROWN, Administratrix.
September 2.

Selected Poetry.
SONNET TO A LADY.
ON HER PRESENTING THE AUTHOR WITH A PAIR OF GARTERS.
"Honi soit qui mal y pense."
IF once a single Garter could surprize, And lure a courtly circle's wond'ring eyes; Could draw from Majesty a Royal Charter, And cause an " Institution of the Garter ;" If such high honours were—as said to be— Shewn to a Lady's Ribbon from her knee, What ought not I, when garter'd by the Fair— Not with a single—but substantial PAIR; What ought not I a grateful Sense to shew, If fast as Thought the Pow'r of Words could flow? But since no words nor language can impart My vast Susceptibility of Heart, Permit me just to say—respecting Charters, I rev'rence most your Order of the Garters!
From PLUTARCH'S MORALS.
OF CURIOSITY, OR AN OVER BUSY INQUISITIVENESS INTO THINGS IMPERTINENT.
(Continued from our last paper.)
IT is observed of the hen, that loathing the plenty of meat that is cast before her on a clean floor, she will be scratching in a hole, or spurning the dunghill, in search of one single musty grain. So this over busy people, neglecting such obvious and common things, into which any man may enquire, and talk of without offence, cannot be satisfied unless they rake into the private and concealed evils of every family in the neighbourhood. It was smartly said by the Egyptian, who, being asked what it was he carried so closely? replied, it was therefore covered, that it might be secret. Which answer will serve to check the curiosity of those impertinent men, who will be always peeping into the privacies of others; for assuredly, there is nothing usually more concealed, than what is too foul to be seen; nor would it be kept so close, were it either fit or safe it should be known. Without knocking at the door, it is great rudeness to enter another's house, and therefore in former times were rappers fitted to the gates, that by the noise thereof, notice might be given to the family; for the same purpose, are porters appointed now, lest a stranger coming in unawares, the mistress or daughter, of the family might be surprised busy, or undressed, or a servant be seen under correction, or the maids be over-heard in the heat of their scolding; but a person of this prying, busy temper, who would disdain the being invited to a sober, and well-governed house, will yet even forcibly intrude himself as a spy into the indecencies of private families, and those very things, which locks, bolts and doors were intended to secure from common view, he pries into, for no other end but to discover them to all the world. Aristo said, that those winds were the most troublesome, which blew up one's garments, and exposed one's nakedness; but these inquisitive people deprive us of all the shelter or security of walls and doors, and like the wanton air, which pervades the veil, and steals through the closest guards of virgin-modesty, they insinuate into those divertissements which are hidden in the retirements of the night, and strip men even to their very skin. So that as it is merrily said by the Comedian, concerning Cleon , that his body was in one country, and his soul in another; the hands and feet, eyes and thoughts of inquisitive persons, are straggling about in many places at once; neither the mansions of the great, nor the cottages of the poor, nor the privy chambers of Princes, nor the recesses of the nuptial alcove, can escape the search of their curiosity; they are familiar to the affairs of strangers, and will be prying into the darkest mysteries of State, although it be to the manifest peril of their being ruined by it. For as to him that will be curiously examining the virtues of medicinal herbs, the unwary taste of a venomous plant, he conveys a deleterious impression upon the brain, before its noxious quality can be discerned by the palate—so they that boldly pry into the ills of great persons, usually meet with their own destruction, sooner than they can discover the dangerous secret they enquire after. And so it happens,
that when the rashly curious eye, not contented to expatiate in the free and boundless regions of reflected light, will be gazing at the imperial seat of brightness; it becomes a sacrifice to the burning rays, and freight sinks down in penal darkness.
It was therefore well said by Philippides , the comedian, who being asked by King Lysimachus , what he desired might be imparted to him, replied, any thing but a secret. And indeed, those things in the Courts of Princes, that are most pleasant in themselves, and most delightful to be known, such as balls, magnificent entertainments, and all the shews of pomp and greatness, are exposed to common view; nor do they ever hide those divertissements and enjoyments, which are the attendants of a prosperous estate; but in what case soever they seem reserved, as when they are conceiving some high displeasure, or contriving the methods of a revenge, or raging under a fit of jealousy, or suspicious of the disloyal practices of their children, or dubious concerning the treachery of a favourite; come not near, nor intermeddle, for every thing is of a dreadful aspect, and of very dangerous access, that is thus concealed. Fly from to black a cloud, whose darkness condenses into a tempest; and it will be time enough, when its fury breaks forth with flash and thunder, for thee to observe upon whose head the mischief falls.
But to avoid the danger of this Curiosity, divert thy thoughts to more safe and delightful enquiries; survey the wonders of nature in the heavens, earth, the sea, and air; in which thou hast a copious choice of materials for the more sublime, as well as for the more easy and obvious contemplations. If thy more piercing wit aspires to the noblest enquiries, consider the great luminary in its diurnal motion, in what part of heaven its morning beams are kindled, and where those chambers of the night are placed, which entertain its declining lustre. View the moon in all her changes, the just representation of human vicissitudes; and learn the causes that destroy, and then restore her brightness.
How from an infant-spark sprung out of night, She swells into a perfect globe of light; And soon, her beauties thus repaired, die Wasting into their first obscurity.
These are indeed the great secrets of nature, whose depth may perhaps amaze and discourage thy enquiries; search therefore into things more obvious, why the fruits of plants are shaped into such variety of figures? Why some are clothed with the verdure of a perennial Spring, and others, which sometimes were no less fresh and fair, like hasty spend-thrifts lavish away the bounty of Heaven in one Summer's gaiety, and stand naked to the succeeding frosts. But such harmless speculations will perchance affect thee little, and it may be thou hast that malignity in thy temper, which like venomous beasts, that cannot live out of stink and putrefaction, must be ever prying upon the follies and miseries of mankind. Peruse therefore the histories of the world, wherein thou shalt find such vast heaps of wickedness and mischiefs, made up of the downfalls and sudden deaths of great men, the rapes and defilements of women, the treacheries of servants, the falseness of friends, the arts of poisoning, the fatal effects of envy and jealousy, the ruin of families, dethroning of Princes, with many other such direful occurrences, as may not only delight and satisfy, but even cloy and nauseate thy ill-natured curiosity.
But neither (as it appears) are such antiquated evils any agreeable entertainment to people of this perverse disposition; they hearken most to modern tragedies, and such doleful accidents as may be grateful, as well for the novelty, as the horror of the relation. All pleasant and cheerful converse is irksome to them; so that if they happen into a company that are talking of weddings, the solemnities of sacred rites, or pompous processions; they make as though they heard not, or to divert and shorten the discourse, will pretend they knew as much before; yet if any one should relate, how such a wench had a child before the time, or that a fellow was caught with another man's wife, or that certain people were at
law with each other, or that there was an unhappy difference between near relation: he no longer sits unconcerned, or minds other things, but
With ears prick'd up, he listens, what and when, And how, he asks; pray say, let's hear it again. And indeed, that proverbial saying, ill news goes quick and far , was occasioned chiefly by these busy ill-natured men, who very unwillingly hear, or talk of any thing else. For their ears, like cupping-glasses, that attract the most noxious humours in the body, are ever sucking in the most spiteful and malicious reports; and as in some cities there are certain ominous gates, through which nothing passes but scavenger's carts, or the sledges of malefactors; so nothing goes in at their ears, or out of their mouths, but obscene, tragical and horrid relations.
Howling and woe, as in a jail, or hell, Always infest the places where they dwell. This noise is to them like the Syrens song, and the sweetest melody, the most pleasant hearing in the world.
(To be continued in our next.)
TRUE BLUES.
At the Golden Bee-Hive, DARK blue Nankeens, of the first Quality, long Pieces; usual coloured ditto, short Pieces;
A Variety of Piece and Hard Ware GOODS in general, among which are Women's extra longblack, white and coloured Silk Mitts and Gloves; Cotton ditto, Dimities of various Stripes, and very low; a good Assortment of 4-4 and 7-8 Linens, ditto 9-8 Sheeting, ditto Russia bleached, Linen and Cambric Pocket Handkerchiefs, a pretty Assortment of Thread Edgings, Men's black and other coloured Silk Hose, common 4-4 Carpeting, Venetian and Wilton Stair ditto—Also
SALT, very fine and white, per Bushel, and in Casks of 8 Bushels.
Genuine Spanish Float Indigo, per Hundred or Pound; choice Mufadel Box Raisins, Currants, Figs and Almonds.
Black Morocco Skins, per Dozen or single, of various Sizes.
Wedgewood's approved Ink-Pots, assorted Sizes; India Rubber, black Lead Pencils, Memorandum Books, a Variety of japan'd and Brass Lamps, best Roman Fiddle Strings.
And at the CROCKERY SHOP of J. F. JENKINS, A general Assortment of Crockery and Glass Ware, with which are a Variety of Flower Pots.
Likewise, DEARBORN'S Truly just Patent Balances, A late and important Improvement, Being a Consignment, Of all Sizes, for weighing from Ounces to Tons (Use authorized by Law.) Comparative view of their cost with that of Scales and Weights.
   Scales, &c. Patent Balance.     Beam to weigh 30 cwt. Beam of 30 cwt. at 2 dolls. 60,00   60 wts. of 56lb. each at 15s. each, 150 3 brals case wts. of 32 lb. each, at 5 1-2 dolls. 16,50   1 pair of Scales with chains 15 1 do. of 16 lb. 3,00   Triangle 10 3 12 per cent. wts. for 32 lbs. 4,00   1 for 16 lbs. 1,00   1 brals balance wt. 1,25   1 scale and skid 12,00   1 set of right angles 7,00   1 guard 1,00   225 105,75   Saving in favour of Patent Balance 119,25   225,00  
N. B. Should Scales and Weights become such lumber in consequence of the introduction of BALANCES to general use, that they may be purchased for half their present value, still the concerned, fearless of them as rivals, contemplate a rapid demand for the Patent Balances, from the ease, accuracy and dispatch of their operations, as well as great saving in labour, transportation and scaling; and from the great expence and difficulty in the W. Indies of weighing bulky articles, merchants may find them a valuable article for exportation (profit being their object.)
The Brals Weights will be made to agree with the standard of any country for which they are designed, and any Weights may for that use be supplied with the Beam, Weights, and additional conveniences.
Providence, August 26, 1801.
THE Creditors to the Estate of ROBERT S. PACKARD, late of Providence, deceased, are informed that a further time of one month, from the 3d of August inst. has been allowed by the Honourable Court of Probate, for claims against said Estate.
RICHARD JACKSON, jun. } Com's. PARIS J. TILLINGHAST. }
WAX-WORK.
Moulthrop and Street
RESpectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Providence, that they have opened, at the Coffee-House, a new and most elegant collection of
WAX-WORK,
which has been universally admired; consisting of Thirty-Four Figures as large as LIFE, among which are the following:
His Excellency THOMAS JEFFERSON, President of the United States. The Honorable JOHN ADAMS, Late President.
A striking Likeness of the late General GEORGE WASHINGTON.
In another apartment the Illustrious Hero is represented as fallen a victim to Death—his Lady and Domestic are weeping around him.
The late General BUTLER, who fell in St. Clair's Defeat, represented as wounded in his leg and breast, and the Indians rushing on him with their Tomahawks.
Major ANDRE taking leave of his Honora before his execution.
Mrs. SIDDONS, in the character of the Grecian Daughter, rescuing her Father from Prison, by assassinating the Emperor.
DAVID returning from the Slaughter of the Philistines, with the Head of Goliath.
Maternal Affection, represented by a Lady with her Children around her.
The New-Haven Beauty.
The New-London Beauty.
The Litchfield Beauty.
A Thief taken upon Surprise.
Mungo disciplined by his Mistress.
Old Darby and Joan enjoying themselves over the Bottle and Pipe.
The poor Mendicant asking Alms; and sundry other Figures.
This Exhibition will be opened from 9 o'clock in the morning till 9 in the evening, (Sundays excepted) and will be removed from this town on the 7th of September; therefore, all who wish to see this collection, must improve the opportunity.
Admission One Quarter of a Dollar for grown Persons, and half price for Children.
N. B. The above Figures have been exhibited in several cities in the United States, and are allowed to be more to the Life, and far superior to any thing of the kind ever exhibited in America. August 19.
BANKRUPTCY.
NOTICE.
WHEREAS a Commission of Bankrupt is awarded and issued forth against GIDEON FROST, late of Uxbridge, in the county of Worcester, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, usually residing in Providence, Trader, and he being declared a Bankrupt, is hereby required to surrender himself to us, the undersigned Commissioners, on the twentieth day of August instant, and on the third and seventeenth days of September next, and on the first day of October next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon on each day, at ALPHEUS AMMIDON's Golden-Ball Inn, in Providence, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his Estate and Effects; when and where the Creditors are to come prepared to prove their debts, and at the second meeting to choose Assignees; and at the last meeting the said Bankrupt is to finish his examination, and the Creditors are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate. All persons indebted to the said Bankrupt, or that have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the said Commissioners shall appoint.
PARIS J. TILLINGHAST, } Com're. JOSEPH JENCKES, GEORGE R. BURRILL, } August 20.
Twenty-Five Dollars Reward.
ON Friday the 7th inst. the subscriber lost a Black Horse, with one of his hind feet white, and about thirteen and a half hands high, a well carried horse, 5 years old, a natural trotter, rather thin of flesh, with a single weltsed Saddle, double reined bridle, and a Ciringle, to a certain man who called his name WILLIAM READ, to go to Bristol, to be gone not to exceed twenty-four hours. Said Read is about thirty years of age, and about six feet high, short dark hair and black eyes, well proportioned, and tolerable likely. He had with him one other horse, which he called his own, about fifteen hands high, a little lame in his off hind leg, of a light bay colour, a pair of black Saddle-Bags with a small brass lock on one end, and a blue Surcoat. He also had in his possession two Watches, one of which he shewed to the Inn-holder, where he tarried while in town, on the outside case of which was inscribed, "Dr. William Little, 1797." He had on when he went away, a blue coat, buff-leather pantaloons, and half boots. Whoever will return said Read and the property to the subscriber, so that he may be brought to justice, shall be entitled to the above reward.
STEPHEN SMITH.
Providence, August 12.