The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-04-24 00:00:00

The Providence Journal AND TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. Printer of the LAWS of the UNITED STATES for the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c. At the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 17. ]
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
State of Rhode-Island, &c. April 9th, 1799.
THE Creditors of Colvill Dana, of Providence, in the county of Providence, merchant, are hereby notified to appear (if they shall think fit) at the General Assembly, to be holden at Newport on the 1st Wednesday of May next, then and there to shew cause (if any they may have) why his petition for the benefit of an act passed in the year 1756, entitled, "An act for the relief of insolvent debtors," ought not to be granted. By order, SAMUEL EDDY, Secretary.
State of Rhode-Island, &c. April 9th, 1799.
THE Creditors of Nathan Wilcox, of Providence, in the county of Providence, trader, are hereby notified to appear (if they shall think fit) at the General Assembly, to be holden at Newport, on the first Wednesday of May next, then and there to shew cause (if any they may have) why his petition for the benefit of an act passed in the year 1756, for the relief of insolvent debtors, ought not to be granted. By order, SAMUEL EDDY, Secretary.
State of Rhode-Island, &c. April 9th, 1799.
THE Creditors of Cyprian Sterry, of Providence, in the county of Providence, merchant, are hereby notified to appear (if they shall think fit) at the General Assembly, to be holden at Newport, on the first Wednesday of May next, then and there to shew cause (if any they may have) why his petition for the benefit of an act passed in 1756, for the relief of insolvent debtors, ought not to be granted. By order, SAMUEL EDDY, Secretary.
Final Notice.
THE Hon. Court of Probate having allowed the further time of six months, from the fourth day of December last, for closing the administration on the estate of the late Dr. ESPERAIM COMSTOCK; all persons interested are requested to avail themselves of this information, as no claim will be received or allowed after the expiration of that time.
EDWARD DEXTER, Administrator.
N. B. The administrator to the above estate takes this last and public method to acquaint all persons whom it may concern, that the unsettled notes, and all book accounts relative to said estate, will be lodged in the hands of George R. Burrill, Esq.; as fast as the accounts can be drawn off, without any reserve, as he is determined to close the business by the above time. Said DEXTER also requests all persons who have unsettled accounts with him in his private business, to call and settle the same. April 3. (t.b.c)
For Sale,
THE FARM on which the subscriber lives, in Plainfield, in Connecticut. It lies near the centre of the town, on the stage road from Providence to Norwich, containing about 200 acres. The buildings are good, the land fertile and pleasant, and the situation very healthy. It will be sold all together or in lots, as may best suit the purchaser. He has also three very valuable JACK-ASSES for sale, raised from the Spanish breed in the country. ELISHA PERKINS. Plainfield, February 8, 1799. (t. b. c.)
For S A L E, by
Isaac Boorum and Co.
20 Hhds. of prime Georgia Tobacco 100 Barrels of Tar 70 ditto of Turpentine. April 3. (t.f.)
For S A L E, by
Munro, Snow and Munro,
At their Store, next east of the Coffee-House, FRESH Baltimore superfine FLOUR, in whole and half barrels—Also, Pilot and Ship BREAD; just received by the Schooner Olive-Branch, Capt. Remington. They have also remaining on hand, A few pipes of excellent Coniac Bourdeaux BRANDY—some Jamaica RUM and SUGAR, and Turks-Island Salt. N. B. To be Let, and entered upon immediately, on the west side of the bridge, near Capt. James Aborn's, a convenient DWELLING-HOUSE, with a Wood-House, Yard and Garden. Jan. 9, 1799. (t.b.c.)
Great Encouragement!
WANTED immediately, for the United States frigate GENERAL GREENE, Christopher R. Perry, commander, now fitting at Newport for a cruise with all possible speed, a number of able-bodied seamen and landsmen. All young men disposed to serve their country, against the lawless depredations of its enemies, may have an opportunity, by applying to the rendezvous in this town. April 10.
TOWN ACT, making Provision against Fire, passed April 17, 1799.
WHEREAS the due preservation of this town from the alarming accidents of fire has become greatly endangered, by the improper practices of smoking pipes and segars in the compact parts of the same: For prevention of such offences, as far as may be, in future, It is Voted and Resolved, That whosoever shall be discovered in any of the streets in this town, or upon any of the wharves in the compact parts of the same, in the act of smoking or carrying a lighted pipe or segar, he, she, or they so offending, upon conviction thereof, on complaint or information, before any single justice of the peace in this town, shall forfeit and pay as for the first offence, and for the second offence the sum of two dollars, and the same penalty of two dollars for every subsequent offence.
It is further Resolved, That this act be published in all the news-papers in this town; and that the same shall commence, and take effect, at the expiration of ten days from the date of its first publication. A true copy: Witness, GEO. TILLINGHAST, T. Clk. Providence, April 20, 1799.
THE Subscriber herby gives public notice, that he has taken upon himself the trust of administrator upon the estate of NATHAN TINGLEY, late of Attleborough, in the county of Bristol, deceased; and, as such, he requests all persons who have any demands upon the estate of said deceased, to bring in the same; and those who are indebted, to make immediate payment to ARANAH TINGLEY, Administrator. April 10.
FOR VIRGINIA & MARYLAND,
THE Schooner ZERVIAH, will sail in ten days. For freight or passage, apply to BUTLER & WHEATON, Who have for Sale, Fresh superfine Flour, Ship Bread, Russia and Swedish IRON, Feather BEDS, MOLASSES, New-England RUM, NAILS of various sizes, Spermaceti CANDLES, ANCHORS, CORDAGE assorted, BEEF, STONE LIME, &c. Also, 3, 4 and 6 pound Cannon, of a superior quality; Bar and round SHOT. April 17.
TAKE NOTICE.
THE subscribers inform the public they have entered into co-partnership under the firm of
John Mason & Sons.
They wish to contract with some person for three hundred cords of stone, to build a wharf, and with a person to lay them; also to fill a wharf 170 by 34 feet.
Any person willing to undertake, will please to apply at their store, west side of the bridge, where they offer for sale, four Puncheons of excellent flavoured ANTIGUA RUM, very low for cash or produce. JOHN MASON, JAMES B. MASON, AMASA MASON. April 17.
TAKE NOTICE.
ALL those who are indebted to the subscriber, are requested to call and settle with him; otherwise, should they neglect this notice, he will be under the necessity of lodging their notes and accounts with an attorney, to be sued, without distinction, at the May court. JAMES ABORN, jun. He has for Sale, as usual, All kinds of LUMBER, at wholesale and retail. April 17.
TO LET,
A HOUSE suitable for a small family with a shop in front; together with a lot for a garden; near to Col. Joseph Hoyle's. For particulars, enquire of JAMES RHODES. April 17.
VENTRILOQUIST.
The following is one of the many well attested but singular anecdotes told of the late extraordinary ventriloquist:—Tommy (as he was called) a few years ago, going to a fish stall in Sheffield, asked the price of a tench, which being told him, he took the fish in his hand, and cramming a finger into its gill, opened his mouth, at the same time asking, was it fresh?—to which the fish woman replied, "I vow to God it was in the water yesterday!—Tommy immediately threw a found into the fish's mouth, which articulated, "It's a d—d lie!—I haven't been in the water this week, and you know it's very well!" The woman, conscious that she had been telling an untruth, fell to the floor as flat as a flounder; she felt it with all the force of a miracle, and such was its wholesome effects, that she has never been known to tell a lie about her fish since. Lon.p.
AN ADDRESS To His EXCELLENCY the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, from the Citizens, Inhabitants of the Mississippi Territory.
SIR, HAVING at a late period been admitted to constitute a part of the federal government of the United States, we take the earliest opportunity of giving you an assurance of our fidelity to the government, constitution and laws of the same. We anticipate the advantages which are resulting from a government, whose basis is liberty and equality. Permit us, Sir, to give you the fullest testimony of our unequivocal approbation of the spirited and firm measures adopted by our supreme executive, at a juncture when the liberties and independence of our country are invaded by the conduct and imperious demands made by some of the powers of Europe, whose apparent ruling passion is avarice and universal domination;—we deprecate a war as the worst of national evils, and value peace as the greatest of national blessings; yet Sir, our liberties and independence we still prize higher, nor shall they ever be wrested from us, without a strenuous opposition and manly struggle, and at the expence of our lives and properties. Permit us, Sir, to hope that you may long enjoy that entire confidence, which we conceive your past conduct has long merited. We likewise hope, and wish, that your domestic happiness, may keep pace with your political glory. In behalf of ourselves and fellow-citizens. Thomas Burling, Cato West, Matthew Surney, Benjamin Osburn, Thomas M. Greene, John Henderson, John Bernet, William Erving, Joshua Howard, Anthony Hoggatt, John Bosll, Ebenezer Smith. January 5, 1799.
ANSWER
To the Citizens, Inhabitants of the Mississippi Territory.
GENTLEMEN, WITH much pleasure I have received through your able and faithful Governor your obliging Address of the fifth of January. As your situation on a frontier of the United States, near a nation under whose government many of you have lived, and with whose inhabitants you are well acquainted, qualify you in a particular manner to maintain a benevolent, pacific and friendly conduct towards your neighbors, and entitle you to a return of a similar behaviour from them;—it is to be hoped and expected that the peace and friendship between the two nations, will be by these means preserved and promoted, and that the emissaries of no other nation that may be hostile, will be able to destroy or diminish your mutual esteem or regard. The sentiments of attachment to the constitution which you avow are such as become the best Americans, and will secure you the confidence of government and the esteem and affection of your fellow citizens throughout the union. JOHN ADAMS. Quincy, April 8, 1799.
From the Wilmington Gazette, Lumberton, 20th Feb. '99
Mr. HALL, Useful and new inventions are a subject that has occupied the attention of the government of the United States, and one of an extraordinary nature has lately made its appearance here. Mr. Joseph Belton has made a gun (at least he is the inventor) that will receive four charges at once, and fire them separately; and upon the same plan he can make one, and intends to do so, that will fire 21 rounds in two minutes. He has several times fired the one he has finished, to the astonishment of all who saw it. It fires regularly one load after another with the single motion of the fore finger, just giving time for the person to take sight at the object. It is as much superior to the common gun as that is to the bow and arrow.
Mr. Benton intends shortly to go to Philadelphia with his model, or rather the gun actually completed, where there is no doubt he will meet with encouragement. This may appear a little extraordinary to the public, but the thing is done and speaks for itself. It is upon the most simple construction, and will cost not one dollar more than the common gun. It is truly republican: Mr. Belton is a native of Connecticut, near New London, but has resided at Lumberton upwards of six years. I hope he will receive the reward of his merit. He is an unexceptionable good character.
MILAN, December 29.
The Grand Duke of Tuscany has issued a proclamation, stating, that the Neapolitans residing at Liorna, and affiliated to his Sicilian Majesty, are to leave the city and the port. The reason of such a measure being taken is, that Mr. Windham, minister of his Britannic Majesty at Florence, has given one million of livres to assist in carrying on the war.
RASTADT, January 4.
The losses which the Princes and Secular Estates have sustained on the left side of the Rhine, amount to 472 German miles, and 1,144,523 fowls, and those of the Ecclesiastical Estates to 1112 miles, and 1,344,650 fowls, not including small abbeys and convents. The fortress of Ehrenbreitstein is as closely blockaded as it was before the deputation of the empire conformed to the ultimatum of the French ministers. They have moreover demanded latterly, from the countries on the right side, a contribution of 1,600,000 livres in specie, and various goods, which amount to 200,000 florins. Among the articles which have been discovered secreted, are 40,000 bottles of brandy, 150,000 weight of iron, &c.
LONDON, January 26.
The Swedish frigate Thetis lately liberated four Swedish merchantmen in the port of Malaga, brought there by French privateers. In reward for this, the King of Sweden promoted the captain to the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
January 28.
Government has lately received undoubted intelligence, that the French are at this moment making the most vigorous exertions at Brest, to get ready for sea, with all possible dispatch, a squadron of ten sail of the line; and that for this purpose they have sent over land vast quantities of naval stores, and great numbers of seamen, from different ports on the northern and western coasts of the republic. The Directory has given out, this armament is destined for the Mediterranean.
AMBUSCADE FRIGATE.
The accounts which have reached the admiralty of the capture of this frigate differ, we understand, materially from the French accounts, with regard to the force of the enemy's corvette, which, we are informed, is stated to mount 32 guns.—The action, it is said, took place off the coast of France, on the 14th ult. and lasted, with much desperation, for some hours, when the enemy succeeded in boarding the Ambuscade, from her foremast being badly wounded, and falling on board the French vessel, so as to serve the republicans as a bridge to pass over. The Bayonnais had on board three hundred picked troops, independent of her full complement of seamen, which gave her a decided superiority over the British ship. The prize was sent into Rochefort.
KINGSTON (Jamaica) March 12.
A passenger on board the Eliza informs, that the frigate lately arrived at Cape-Francis from France mounts 44 guns; she brought out 40,000 dollars, but was not permitted to enter the harbour; she lies in a place ten miles to leeward of it. Her crew are reported to be in a state of mutiny.
It is mentioned that Gen. Toussaint's commissary has published a proclamation, signifying, that in spite of the mother country, and the enemies of the island, the colony shall be free and independent.
BALTIMORE, April 9.
Extract of a letter from Frederickburgh, to a gentleman in Baltimore, dated April 4.
"A most tremendous fire broke out last night in this place, about 8 o'clock, nearly opposite the post-office, which in a few hours turned out of their dwellings upwards of 15 families. It presented a scene of awfulness, which I have never seen exceeded any where. The wind, strongly from the west, spread the flames to the opposite side of the street, burnt the post-office, and both printing-offices; total said to be thirty houses."
NEW-YORK, April 11.
On Thursday last the Circuit Court of the United States, for the district of New-Jersey, commenced its session in this city. Judge Iredell delivered to the Grand Jury a true patriotic charge. After some general reflections on the relative situation between the United States and France, the learned Judge went into a defence of the alien and sedition laws, and proved them, it is believed to the satisfaction of every unprejudiced mind, to be perfectly consistent with the principles of the constitution, and to be founded on the wisest maxims of policy. The Judge concluded with calling the attention of the Grand Jury to the present situation of the country, and with remarks on the mild and virtuous administration of the government.
The Grand Jury having completed their service, returned into court, and presented the following resolution:
Resolved (with only one dissenting voice) That this Grand Jury do entirely approve of the observations and sentiments contained in the charge of the court, as well as of the Alien and Sedition acts particularly noticed therein, which, in our opinion, the late and present critical situation of our country rendered indispensable.
By order of the Grand Jury, B. SMITH, Foreman.

On the Constitution of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT of the State of RHODE ISLAND, &c.
ALTHOUGH by law the Supreme Judicial Court is to consist of five Judges, yet as three Judges constitute a court, it lies in the discretion of the legislature to leave one or two seats vacant for any length of time.
It has been viewed, by many judicious persons, as an object in this small state to reduce the number of the Judges of this court: An opportunity may soon be presented to do it, without giving offence to any man, county or party, by the promotion of the Honourable Judge BROWN to the place of Lieutenant-Governor.
I take the liberty to propose, that only four Judges of this court be chosen at the ensuing election; all four may be present at important trials, and three constantly attend.
If the court consists of five Judges, and two Judges are against two, the fifth Judge decides the cause—and perhaps he may not be a man of more learning, abilities or integrity, than any other of the court; and I have a right to say, that if a sixth Judge should be added, the court would be again divided; for this is a fair presumption.
If the court consists of three Judges only, all must at all times be present (unless two make a quorum) and in case of a division, the third Judge decides the cause: In both these cases, great power and authority is lodged in one man. If the court consists of four Judges, and all are present, less than two men on a division cannot decide the cause. In case of a division, then, in these three different courts, the calculations in favour of a right judgment will stand thus—in a court of five, as three to two; in a court of three, as two to one; in a court of four, as three to one.—And the chance or calculation for a wrong judgment on a division will be thus—in a court of five, there will be two bad judgments to three good ones; in a court of three, there will be one bad judgment to two good ones; and in a court of four, there will be one bad judgment to three good ones; so that a court of four Judges ought to be preferred in point of safety (the qualifications of the Judges being the same) to either a court of five or of three: and the confidence of the people in a judgment of court rendered by those three different courts, ought to be, and would, in fact, be regulated, by the above proportions.
Some casualist may ask—What is to be done by your court of four, when they are divided? I answer—no bad judgment will be rendered certainly, and in many cases it will be a comfortable assurance that no mischief will be done; no person will be punished cruelly—nor turned out of his house wrongfully—nor deprived of his farm contrary to law. In other words, things will remain as they are; and the parties will find themselves in no worse condition than when twelve jurors cannot all agree. No court business ought to be impeded in its regular current, such as evidence offered to a jury, on a division of a court.
When parties, from a confidence in the character of a particular man, may agree to commit themselves wholly to his judgment, it is their own act, and ought to bind them: But for a legislature to organize a court of law, that according to its regular course in full session the most intricate questions, touching the property, liberties and lives of the citizens, are to be decided by the voice of a single man, is a very different thing—of the propriety, policy or necessity of which, I doubt.
Saving to the state the salary of a fifth Judge, is of little or no consideration in the great business of a regular administration of justice among the people. I had rather pay him for staying at home, than for attending the court. If one is appointed, I would keep him as I would a fifth wheel to my waggon, at home till wanted.
The judiciary courts of Great-Britain are justly esteemed by the subjects of that kingdom, and much celebrated by foreigners. Two Judges, I understand, hold their courts of Nisi Prius —four constitute their court of Common Pleas—four their court of Exchequer—and four their court of King's Bench, which are their highest courts of law—excepting courts to revise and correct their errors—as the court of Exchequer Chamber, which in some cases consists of eight, in some of ten, and mostly of all the twelve Judges aforesaid. In the United States, we find some courts, particularly in New-England, consisting of five Judges; but in others of the states their supreme courts of law consist of four Judges, after the manner of England, whence we received most of our laws and customs—and under the federal government, which is an effort of skill and policy creditable to human nature, we see circuit courts holden by two Judges, and the supreme judicial court consisting of six Judges.
I regret that I am not better qualified to treat on this subject, and hope that some person of more learning, as well as leisure, will take it up; yet if others are silent, and these hints shall be well received by the candid public, they may hear from me again; but if otherwise, I shall not again stop my plough, to take up my goose-quill.
A FARMER.
P. S. If Judges would pay more attention to causes, during the trial, and afterwards digest by laborious consideration the whole case as to law and facts, there would be less divisions among the Judges—this truth is established by the singular unanimity of the court of King's Bench, during the long period while that most learned and laborious Judge, Lord Mansfield, presided.
NEW-YORK, April 11.
We are informed that a person in Massachusetts has attempted to convert to an eminently useful purpose, a substance that has hitherto been considered as worthless and of no account. He has discovered that the seeds of the cotton plant are capable of affording an Oil, equally suited to the lamp with the whale or spermaceti oil.
Cotton is known to produce a great number of seeds, which are thrown away as useless. To extract from these somewhat of so universal and indispensable advantage as oil, may justly be accounted a valuable process. This plant is extensively cultivated in Georgia, and if its product be at once employed to adorn our bodies and illuminate our dwellings, there are few that will deserve to be compared with it.
Spermaceti oil is attained by exploring the remotest quarters of the ocean. A thousand toils and dangers are encountered in the pursuit, and no operation is more nauleous and disgusting, than that of separating the oil from the flesh. Hence the price is considerable.
Cotton seed oil is procured by a common and simple machinery. The original material is produced in large quantities, not on its own account, but for the sake of that from which it is inseparable. At present, therefore, it is literally as cheap as dirt.
The price of this oil must be much inferior to that of spermaceti, as the quantity procured in proportion to the trouble, time and expence of procuring it, is greater.
A bushel of the seed will produce, it is said, six quarts of oil, more agreeable in odour, and equal in quality, to that of the whale. The latter is commonly sold at a dollar per gallon—the former may be afforded at a much smaller rate. If manufactured with industry and success, the price of this necessary article would be greatly diminished; and whatever augments the quantity and diminishes the price of the necessaries of life, promotes the most essential happiness of mankind. It is to be hoped, therefore, that this discovery will not be neglected.
Remarkable instance of Longevity.
On Monday last departed this life Mrs. ELIZABETH BECKENHOVEN, of the last century—one of the oldest inhabitants of this city, of which she was a native. She was born the 20th of July, 1699, so that she had nearly completed her hundredth year; and was the third of fourteen children of Abraham Van Gelder, of whom now remain none except the youngest (who bears the father's name) is in his 84th year, and enjoys a remarkable share of health. The name of the old lady acquired by marriage, is now become totally extinct by her death, having long since lost her sons.
April 15.
We have been favoured with the following extract of a letter dated February 2, 1799, from the Continent of Europe, to a gentleman in Philadelphia. The public may rely on its authenticity.
"Our vessels sail about the European seas with little or no protection, and great numbers are captured and condemned. Not being in a state of war, our merchants and captains vainly flatter themselves that muster rolls and registers will protect them; and notwithstanding the examples before their eyes, the delusion continues: they catch at every silly story, or paragraph in a newspaper, and are perpetually cajoled by the delusive promises of French agents."
"The elections in the Southern States afford much consolation for some disgraceful events. I see you are likely to have some trouble with Kentucky and Virginia, which the agents of the directory wish to convert into an American La Vendee, and when their schemes are ripe, to make the medium of their attack on our liberties. In this mode they began with Switzerland, exciting rebellion in the Valais, and then marching troops to assist the friends of liberty. Though I do not doubt their designs, I do not fear the result. You have wisdom and foresight in the government and a spirit of independence in the people, which will frustrate their nefarious schemes."
"The agents of France, finding the love of their country is no longer the order of the day in the United States, change their conduct. Preserving their ambition, tho' cloaked under exterior professions of friendship, they will excite sedition and rebellion under pretence of oppression, as in Ireland, and when they have inspired a portion of the people with a hatred of their own government, then they will kindly offer their aid. I hope these views now are well understood in America. There will be no fear of invasion unless the above plan succeeds—Should the discontent spread, without doubt an attack will be made."
"At a late entertainment given at Madrid by the French Ambassador, Col. Humphreys was not invited, but clasped with the Sardinian and Neapolitan ministers."
"I see by the late French papers that the minister of war complains sadly of desertion—he says that the conscripts march fast enough when called out, but that they desert immediately after. The minister of finance on his side complains of the emptiness of the treasury, more plunder must be sought—they have already ransacked Piedmont—they will probably soon have Naples, and then they will try their hands at Spain and Portugal. In the mean time, my dear sir, let our own country go on in strengthening its army and navy, or our time will come next."
The fate of the island of Malta is remarkable. A fortress which, in the sixteenth century, resisted for months the whole force of the Turkish empire, was taken by the French in a few days. It was much stronger during the latter than the former siege, and has indeed been commonly regarded as impregnable. The religious zeal with which it was formerly defended, might have been supposed to be no less ardent with regard to Frenchmen than to Musselmans. It was the asylum of many fugitives from the revolutionary tyranny, and not only their dignity, but their very being seemed to be involved with the fate of this island.
This event, so adverse to political predictions, and so much deplored by the enemies of France, was the most fortunate event imaginable for Great-Britain. If the English had sought possession of Malta, they ought to have desired as an indispensable preliminary, that it should be taken by the French. Thus only could the privilege of besieging it be attained, and the bulwarks of Valletta, tho' impregnable to cannon, yielded with equal facility to famine and to treachery.
The English assigned it to the King of Naples, and by the same act transferred it to the French; and the isle of Sicily, it is to be feared, will speedily share the fate of the province: on the continent. In this case, Malta will be compelled to surrender a second time to famine. English navies may screen it from invading armies; but they cannot supply it with daily bread. The isle is known not to afford bread to half its people for half a year; and what is wanting has always been supplied by Sicily, whose barn doors will then be shut upon the Maltese.
When the antiquity and renown of the order of Malta, the commercial convenience, capacious harbour and formidable bulwarks of this island, the sudden, unforeseen and almost inexplicable revolutions in the state that have already taken place are considered, it will appear that few scenes of this eventful war are more memorable than this.
The Journal. Providence.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24.
COMMUNICATION.
FAST TO-MORROW.
Our worthy and discerning PRESIDENT, placed by his office in the best possible situation to know the real state of his country, has in his proclamation for a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, to be observed to-morrow, declared it as his opinion, that "the most precious interests of the people of the United States are still held in jeopardy by the hostile designs and insidious arts of a foreign nation, as well as by the dissemination among us of those principles, subversive of all religious, moral and social obligations, that have produced incalculable mischiefs and misery in other countries." What can have a more direct moral tendency to avert the judgments we are threatened with, than for this great and extensive community to arise, as one, to implore the interposing providence of God for their relief and deliverance? What method so suitable to awaken the attention of the people, to give a check to the growth and progress of licentious principle and practice, and to promote reformation among them, as their generally assembling at their respective places of public worship and instruction, to observe a season of religious solemnities unto God?
On the night of the 10th inst. that most valuable manufactory of gunlocks, bayonets and trimmings for small arms, at Johnston, in this state, was consumed by fire. It was first discovered by a girl, who lived with Mr. Ezekiel Angell, the owner of said buildings. She immediately alarmed the workmen, to the number of 12 or 14, who did every thing in their power to extinguish the flames, but were unsuccessful; they then endeavoured to save the tools and materials; but with all their exertions the owner must have sustained a very considerable loss. Too much praise cannot be given to Mr. Edson, one of the head workmen, who on the alarm sprang from his bed and ran to the building; the door being locked, he jumped through a glass window naked as he was, and saved considerable property, although very much cut by the glass in his feet and other places. It is supposed the owner must have lost at least from 1000 to 1200 dollars; but we are happy to be informed a new building is now erecting by the spirited owner, and will be fit for use in ten or twelve days.
From the best information we have been able to collect from the different towns, it is calculated that the new prox for the alterations in the legislature of this State will be carried by a majority of about 80 votes.
The keel of a frigate of 36 guns has been lately laid at Salem. A handsome frigate of 36 guns, building at that place, we learn, is nearly ready to launch.
Fries, the leader of the insurrection in the western counties of Pennsylvania, together with 28 of his adherents, have been arrested. The insurrection was nearly quelled by the last accounts from thence, and the troops about returning.
When Ledyard, the celebrated American traveller, was at Cairo, he wrote to the president of the royal society, for the express purpose of pointing out to him the expediency of Great-Britain's taking possession of Egypt, in order to prevent its being seized upon by some other European power, which, with the spirit of prophecy, he declared he considered as an event that could not fail of taking place ere many years should elapse. After descending upon its extraordinary advantages of soil and situation, he urged, as a particular incentive to its conquest, the existence in the country of near fifty thousand free traders, who would join and support any power that should undertake to rid them of the oppression and plunder they suffered from the beys. Ledyard's letter was, by his own desire, communicated to his majesty's ministers, but was not attended to. They thought it, no doubt, neither moral nor political to attack the sublime Porte, without any plausible pretence of war. Lond. Paper.
THE UNITED STATES.
At this moment present a spectacle the most novel and interesting that the world ever beheld. Europeans view it with wonder and envy. Americans contemplate it with exultation.
ation. A young nation, not rising by gradual and successive steps, but attaining by a single manly effort, a high, respectable, influential rank among the empires of the world. But yesterday and we were regarded with a careless and contemptuous eye—the sport and shuttlecock of foreign intrigue—the mark for the finger of scorn. Our magnanimous forbearance and love of peace was construed into pusillanimity. Our commerce was the prey of every petty marauder, our flag humiliated, and our very harbours insulted. Disgrace and disaster awaited us abroad, and at home nothing was to be seen but indecision, imbecility and discontent. But what is the picture this day presents.—The honour of the American character vindicated; the base artifices of France laid open to the abhorrence of mankind, and her perfidious designs completely frustrated. I am being destitute of a single ship of war, we have now afloat 29 of various sizes, and in a few months shall have nearly as many more, and among the number six ships of the line! Mean time domestic enemies have been entirely baffled, and the government, excepting in the forests of Kentucky, or on the race grounds of Virginia, can count on the general affection and support of the American people. D. Adv.
Many of our American papers (says the Lay Preacher's Gazette) are not so valuable after being blackened and defiled by stupid printers and editors, as when immediately from the paper mill. Our domestic gazettes, when destitute of news, are not like European journals, replete with entertainment and sound instruction. They are generally destitute of wit and originality. Indeed, a gross and slovenly system of plagiarism prevails throughout. One wittol editor copies the nonsense of his simple brother; and false grammar, trivial remark, unimportant news, wire drawn poetry, and drowsy essays, pass from hand to hand, and dulness enjoys a kind of newspaper immortality. There are some respectable exceptions, but the majority of American newspapers fully deserve the severity of Mr. Fenno's reproof. He has described a large class of our Journals with truth, accuracy and acumen. From a most painful experience of four years, the writer of this article can abundantly testify to the plagiarisms, mawkishness, dreariness, and gross folly of many of those weekly things, which profess to convey novelty and amusement to the gaping reader. The fact is, there are three or four good papers published, upon which all the rest live. The great body corporate of our heavy newspapers is as misshapen and undiscerning, as the morter of the Roman poet, "Cui lumen ademptum."
LONDON, Feb. 4.
The Congress at Rastadt is in a very disturbed state. The French successes in Italy have made their deputies insolent—and there is no prospect now of an accommodation.—The king of Prussia has, to general astonishment, declared himself independent of the Germanic league.
Two Russian frigates have been wrecked in the Black Sea, and Rear-Admiral Afzing has perished.
DIED,
At Pomfret, on the 7th inst. Capt. Amasa Sessions, in the 84th year of his age. In 1755 he raised a respectable company in Connecticut, at the expence and for the service of Rhode-Island, which he afterwards commanded at Lake George, under Sir William Johnson. These several duties he executed with ability, and to the satisfaction of the government he served. The late Major-General Putnam was appointed first lieutenant in this company, it being the first public notice taken of his military talents. At Johnston, Mr. Thomas Arnold, in the 50th year of his age.
MARRIED,
On Sunday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Maxcy, Capt. Burrows Aborn, to Miss Mary Hughes, both of this town. Mr. John Flagg Fry, to Miss Abigail Fife.
PORT OF PROVIDENCE.
ENTERED.
Sloop Leopord, Farnum, Newport. Sloop Eagle, Earl, New-York. Sloop Sally, Crandall, New-York.
CLEARED.
Sloop Blue Bird, Rhodes, Norfolk. Sloop Sophia, Mitchell, New Providence. Sloop Friendship, Godfrey, New-York. Ship Huron, Seton, New-York. Schooner Britannia, Chace, Barnstable. Sloop Eagle, Earl, Newport. The valuable ship Ocean, of 22 guns, Capt. Kemp, from New-York for Vera Cruz, has been captured by 2 French privateers, after an obstinate engagement, and the whole crew, consisting of 60 men, put to the sword, save 5.
ATTENTION.
THE Independent Company of Cadets are hereby notified to appear at the State-House on Friday next, at 8 o'clock, P. M. armed and equipped.
By order of Col. BURNILL, CALF BOWERS, Orderly Serg't.
HERDS GRASS SEED.
A QUANTITY of Herds Grass Seed, of an excellent quality, this day received from Troy, and for sale by GREENE & BARKER. April 24.
FOUND,
A RED Morocco Pocket-Book, which from the papers contained in it appears to belong to ANDREW HORTON; who may have it again by applying at this office. April 24.
LOST,
A GOLD BROACH, set round with large Pearls, with hair work, inclosed by a crystal. Any person finding the same, who will deliver it to the subscriber, shall be handsomely rewarded, and no questions asked. ESEK ALDRICH. April 17.