The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-04-03 00:00:00

The Providence Journal.  AND  TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. at the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 14. ]
WEDNESDAY, April 3, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE
Of the Proceedings of his Majesty's Squadron, under the command of Rear Admiral Sir H. NELSON, from its sailing from Gibraltar, to the conclusion of the glorious battle of the Nile— Drawn from the minutes by an Officer of rank in the Squadron.
SIR HORATIO NELSON had been detached by the Earl St. Vincent into the Mediterranean, with the Vanguard, of 74 guns, the Rear Admiral's flag ship; the Orion and Alexander, of 74 guns each, the Emerald and Terpsichore frigates, and la Bonne Citoyenne sloop of war. Nothing material occurred to the squadron from the day it sailed from Gibraltar, which was on the 9th of May, till the 22d, when, being in the Gulph of Lyons, at 2, A. M. a most violent squall of wind took the Vanguard, which carried away her topmasts, and at last her foremast. The other ships experienced the fury of the gale, but not in the same degree as the Vanguard, a stronger vein of the tempest having taken that ship. The three line of battle ships lost sight of the frigates on the same day, and at the moment of the misfortune which befel the Vanguard, the British squadron was not many leagues distant from the French fleet, under Buonaparte, which had on that very day set sail from Toulon. The squadron bore up for Sardinia, the Alexander taking the Vanguard in tow, and the Orion looking out ahead, to endeavour to get a pilot, for the purpose of gaining St. Pierre's Roads.
On the 24th, with very great difficulty we reached that anchorage, where we were in great hopes of meeting with a friendly reception, which our distressed situation seemed to demand from a neutral power; the Governor of St. Pierre, however, had orders from the French not to admit any British ship; but their utmost hostility could not prevent us from anchoring in the Road. The resources which the British seamen always have within themselves, availed us much on this occasion. Capt. Berry, with the very great assistance received from Sir J. Saumarez and Capt. Ball, was enabled with great expedition to equip the Vanguard with a jury foremast, and jury main and mizen topmasts, and to trim the bowsprit, which was sprung in many places; and on the 4th day from our anchoring in St. Pierre's Road, we again put to sea with top-gallant yards across. It is proper here to observe, that although the Governor of St. Pierre, in consequence of peremptory orders from the French, denied us a public reception, gave us in an underhand way every assistance in his power. The admiral, eager to execute the orders which he had received, did not think of sailing to Naples, or any other port where he could have received the most open friendly assistance, in getting the ship properly refitted, which her condition seemed to require, but immediately steered for his appointed rendezvous; nor did he ever express the smallest intention of shifting his flag to either of the other ships, which to many Officers the peculiar circumstances of his own ship might have seemed to render desirable. The Admiral and Officers of the Vanguard indeed had the happiness to find that the ship failed and worked as well as the other ships, notwithstanding her apparently crippled condition. The squadron reached the rendezvous on the 4th of June, and on the following day was joined by la Mutine, Capt. Hardy, who was charged with orders for the Admiral, that Capt. Troubridge had been detached with ten sail of the line and a fifty gun ship to reinforce us. This intelligence was received with universal joy throughout our little squadron; and the Admiral observed to Capt. Berry, that he would then be a match for any hostile fleet in the Mediterranean, and his only desire would be to encounter one.
June 6th—The squadron was spread, anxiously looking out for the expected reinforcement. By a vessel spoke with on that day, we were informed that several sail then in sight were Spanish ships richly laden; but prize money was not the object of the Admiral—all selfish consideration was absorbed in his great mind by that of the honour and interests of his country; and his attention and anxiety were solely engrossed by his desire to meet his promised reinforcements, that he might pursue the enemy, of the sailing of whom from Toulon he had certain intelligence. The Alexander being on the lookout, stopped one of these ships—finding she had on board eighty or ninety Priests, driven by the French persecutions and cruelties from Rome, he thought it would be an act of humanity to permit her to pursue her voyage; and he accordingly released her, and rejoined the Admiral, bringing with him a few volunteers from the Spanish vessel, chiefly Genoese who were desirous of the honour of serving in the British fleet, expressing at the same time their detestation and resentment at the ill usage which they had experienced from the French.
On the 8th at noon, we had the happiness to discover from the mast head ten sail, and it was not long before we recognized them to be British ships of war, standing upon a wind in
close line of battle, with all sails set. Private signals were exchanged, and before sun set the much wished for junction was formed, an event which was certainly facilitated by the great professional ability, judgment and zeal of Capt. Troubridge. The Admiral had received no instructions what course he was now to steer, and no certain information respecting the destination of the enemy's fleet; he was left therefore entirely to his own judgment. He had the happiness, however, to find, that to the Captains of his squadron he had no necessity to give directions of being in constant readiness for battle. On this point their zeal anticipated his utmost wishes, for the decks of all the ships were kept perfectly clear night and day, and every man was ready to start to his post at a moment's notice. It was a great satisfaction to him, likewise, to perceive that the men of all the ships were daily exercised at the great guns and small arms, and that every thing was in the best state of preparation for actual service. The Admiral knew that the enemy had failed with a N. W. wind, which naturally led him to conclude that their course was up the Mediterranean. He sent la Mutine to Civitta Vecchia, and along the Roman coast, to gain intelligence, and steered with the fleet for Corsica, which he reached on the 12th of June. Several vessels had been spoken with on the passage thither, but no intelligence whatever was obtained from them. He continued his course on the 13th between Corsica and Elba, and between Pianosa and Elba, through the latter of which passages large ships or fleets had not been accustomed to pass. We made the Roman coast, and were joined by la Mutine, without gaining any intelligence, notwithstanding the active exertions of Captain Hardy. The Admiral now determined to steer towards Naples, in the hope of some satisfactory information. It had been reported that the plundering Algerians was the object of the French armament; but the account was too vague to warrant the Admiral in implicitly adopting it. We saw mount Vesuvius on the 16th, and detached Capt. Troubridge in la Mutine, to obtain what information he could from Sir William Hamilton. He returned with a report only that the enemy had gone towards Malta. The Admiral now lamented that even a day had been lost by visiting the Bay of Naples, and determined by the shortest cut to make the Faro de Messina, which the fleet passed through on the 20th, with a fair wind. The joy with which the Sicilians hailed our squadron, when it was discovered by them to be British, gave the most sincere satisfaction to every one on board of it.
A vast number of boats came off, and rowed round it with the loudest congratulations, and the sincerest exultation, as they had been apprehensive that the French fleet was destined to act against them, after the capture of Malta. Here we gained intelligence from the British Consul, that Malta had actually surrendered. We had now hope of being able to attack the enemy's fleet at Goza, where it was reported they had anchored, and the Admiral immediately formed a plan for that purpose. We were now steering with a press of sail for Malta, with a fresh breeze at N. W.
On the 22d of June, la Mutine, at day light in the morning, spoke a Genoese brig from Malta, which gave intelligence that the French had sailed from thence on the 18th, with a fresh gale at N. W. The Admiral was not long in determining what course he should take, and made signal to bear up and steer to the S. E. with all possible sail. At this time we had no certain means of ascertaining that the enemy were not bound up the Adriatic. From the day we bore up, till the 29th of June, only three vessels were spoken with, two of which had come from Alexandria, and had not seen anything of the enemy's fleet; the other had come from the Archipelago, and had likewise seen nothing of them. This day we saw the Pharos Tower of Alexandria, and continued nearing the land with a press of sail, till we had a distinct view of both harbours; and to our general surprise and disappointment, we saw not a French ship in either. La Mutine communicated with the Governor of Alexandria, who was as much surprised at seeing a British squadron there, as he was at the intelligence that a French fleet was probably on its passage thither. It now became a subject of deep and anxious deliberation with the Admiral what could possibly have been the course of the enemy, and what their ultimate destination. His anxious and active mind, however, would not permit him to rest a moment in the same place; he therefore shaped his course to the northward for the coast of Caramania, to reach as quickly as possible some quarter where information could most probably be obtained, as well as to supply his ships with water, of which they began to run short.
On the 14th of July, we made the coast of Caramania; steering along the south side of Candia, carrying a press of sail both night and day with a contrary wind; on the 18th we saw the island of Sicily, when the admiral determined to enter the port of Syracuse. With this harbour no one in the fleet was acquainted—but by the skill and judgment of the officers, every ship safely got in, and immediately pro-
ceeded to get in water, &c. with all possible expedition. This was the first opportunity the Vanguard had had of receiving water on board from the 6th of May, so that not only the flock of that ship, but of several others of the squadron, was very nearly exhausted. Although there was no proper or regular watering place, yet the great exertions of the officers and men enabled us to complete this necessary service in five days, and on the 23th the squadron again put to sea. We received vague accounts while at Syracuse, that the enemy's fleet had not been seen in the Archipelago nor the Adriatic, nor had they gone down the Mediterranean; the conclusion then seemed to be, that the coast of Egypt was still the object of their destination; therefore, neither our former disappointment, nor the hardships we had endured from the heat of the climate, though we were still to follow an uncertain pursuit, could deter the admiral from steering to that point where there was a chance of finding the enemy. Now that it is ascertained by events that Alexandria was the object of the enemy, it may seem strange that they should have been missed by us both in our passage thither and our return to Syracuse; but it appears that the French steered a direct course for Candia, by which they made an angular passage towards Alexandria, whilst we steered a direct course for that place, without making Candia at all, by which we of course very considerably shortened the distance. The smallness of our squadron made it necessary to sail in close order, and therefore the space which it covered was very limited; and as the admiral had no frigates that he might have detached upon the look out, added to the constant haze of the atmosphere in that climate, our chance of discovering the enemy was very much circumscribed. The distance likewise between Candia and the Barbary coast, about 35 leagues, leaves very sufficient space for more than two of the largest fleets to pass without mutual observation, particularly under the circumstance described. On our return to Syracuse, the circumstance of our steering up to the northward, while the enemy kept a southward course for Alexandria, makes it obvious that our chance of falling in with them was still less than before.
On the 25th of July we left Syracuse, still without any positive information respecting the enemy; but it occurred to the admiral, that some authentic intelligence might be obtained in the Morca. We steered for that coast, and made the Gulph of Corun on the 28th. Capt. Troubridge was again employed on the important service of obtaining intelligence, and was dispatched in the Culloden into Corun, off which place, by the great exertions of that able officer, the fleet was not detained above three hours. He returned with intelligence from the Turkish governor, that the enemy had been seen steering to the S. E. from Candia, about four weeks before. Capt. Troubridge had the satisfaction of observing, during his very hurried visit to Corun, that the inhabitants there entertained the most serious apprehensions from the French armament, and the most perfect detestation against that people.—Upon the information obtained by captain Troubridge, the admiral determined again to visit Alexandria, and carried all sail, steering for that place, which we had the pleasure to desry on the 1st of August at noon: but not as before, it now appearing full of vessels of various kinds: and we soon had the satisfaction of perceiving the French flag flying on board some of the ships. The utmost joy seemed to animate every breast on board the squadron at the sight of the enemy; and the pleasure which the admiral himself felt, was perhaps more heightened than that of any other man, as he had now a certainty by which he could regulate his future operations.
The admiral had, and it appeared most justly, the highest opinion of, and placed the firmest reliance on the valour and conduct of every captain in his squadron. It had been his practice during the whole of his cruise, whenever the weather and circumstances would permit, to have his captains on board the Vanguard, where he would fully develop to them his own ideas of the different and best modes of attack, and such plans as he proposed to execute upon falling in with the enemy, whatever their position or situation might be, by night or by day.—There was no possible position in which they could be found, that he did not take into his calculation, and for the most advantageous attack of which he had not digested and arranged the best possible disposition of the force which he commanded. With the masterly ideas of their admiral, therefore, on the subject of naval tactics, every one of the captains of his squadron was almost thoroughly acquainted; and upon surveying the situation of the enemy, they could ascertain with precision what were the ideas and intentions of their commander, without the aid of any further instructions; by which means signals became almost unnecessary, much time was saved, and the attention of every captain could almost undistractedly be paid to the conduct of his own particular ship; a circumstance from which, upon this occasion, the advantages to the general service were almost incalculable.
It cannot here be thought irrelevant to give
some idea of what were the plans which admiral Nelson had formed, and which he explained to his captains with such perspicuity, as to render his ideas their own. To the naval service at least they must prove not only interesting, but useful. Had he fallen in with the French fleet at sea, that he might make the best impression upon any part of it that might appear the most vulnerable, or the most eligible for attack, he divided his force into three sub-squadrons, viz.
  Vanguard, Orion, Culloden,   Minotaur, Goliath, Theseus,   Leader, Majestic, Alexander,   Audacious, Bellerophon, Swiftsure.   Defence,   Zealous. 
Two of these sub-squadrons were to attack the ships of war, while the third was to pursue the transports, and to sink and destroy as many as it could.
The destination of the French armament was involved in doubt and uncertainty; but it was forcibly struck the admiral, that, as it was commanded by the man whom the French had dignified with the title of the "Conqueror of Italy," and as he had with him a very large body of troops, an expedition had been planned, which the land force might execute without the aid of their fleet, should the transports be permitted to make their escape, and reach in safety their place of rendezvous; it therefore became a material consideration with the admiral so to arrange his force, as at once to engage the whole attention of their ships of war, and at the same time materially to annoy and injure their convoy. It will be fully admitted, from the subsequent information which has been received upon the subject, that the ideas of the admiral upon the occasion were perfectly just; and that the plan which he had arranged, was the most likely to frustrate the designs of the enemy.
It is almost unnecessary to explain his projected mode of attack at anchor, as that was minutely and precisely executed in the action which we now come to describe. These plans, however, were formed two months before an opportunity presented itself of executing any of them; and the advantage now was, that they were familiar to the understanding of every captain in the fleet.
It has been already mentioned, that we saw the Pharos of Alexandria at noon, on the 1st of August. The Alexander and Swiftsure had been detached ahead on the preceding evening to reconnoitre the ports of Alexandria, while the main body of the squadron kept in the offing. The enemy's fleet were first discovered by the Zealous, captain Hood, who immediately communicated by signal, the number of ships, sixteen, lying at anchor in a line of battle, in a bay upon the larboard bow, which we afterwards found to be Aboukir Bay.—The admiral hauled his wind that instant, a movement which was immediately observed and followed by the whole squadron; and at the same time he recalled the Alexander and Swiftsure. The wind was at this time N. N. W. and blew what seamen call a top-gallant breeze.—It was necessary to take in the royals when we hauled upon a wind.
The admiral made the signal to prepare for battle, and that it was his intention to attack the enemy's van and centre as they lay at anchor, and according to the plan before developed. His idea, in this disposition of his force, was first to secure the victory, and then to make the most of it as circumstances might permit. A bower cable of each ship was immediately got out abaft and bent forward. We continued carrying sail and standing in for the enemy's fleet in a close line of battle. As all the officers of our squadron were totally unacquainted with Aboukir Bay, each ship kept sounding as she stood in.
The enemy appeared to be moored in a strong and compact line of battle, close in with the shore, their line describing an obtuse angle in its form, flanked by numerous gun-boats, four frigates, and a battery of guns and mortars on an island in their van. This situation of the enemy seemed to secure to them the most decided advantages, as they had nothing to attend to but their artillery, in their superior skill in the use of which the French so much pride themselves, and to which indeed their splendid series of land victories was in general chiefly to be imputed.
The position of the enemy presented the most formidable obstacles; but the admiral viewed these with the eye of a seaman, determined on attack; and it instantly struck his eager and penetrating mind, "that where there was room for an enemy's ship to swing, there was room for one of our's to anchor." No further signal was necessary than those which had already been made. The Admiral's designs were fully known to his whole squadron, as was his determination to conquer or perish in the attempt.
The Goliath and Zealous had the honour to lead inside, and to receive the first fire from the van of the enemy, as well as from the batteries and gun-boats with which their van was strengthened.—These two ships, with the Orion, Audacious and Theseus, took their stations in

side of the enemy's line, and were immediately in close action. The Vanguard anchored the first on the outer side of the enemy, and was opposed within half pistol shot to le Spatiate, the third in the enemy's line. In standing in, our leading ships were unavoidably obliged to receive into their bows the whole fire of the broadsides of the French line, until they could take their respective stations; and it is but justice to observe, that the enemy received us with great firmness and deliberation, no colours having been hoisted on either side, nor a gun fired, till our van ships were within half a gun shot. At this time the necessary number of our men were employed aloft in furling sails, and on deck, in hauling the braces, &c. preparatory to our casting anchor. As soon as this took place, a most animated fire was opened from the Vanguard, which ship covered the approach of those in the rear, that were following in a close line. The Minotaur, Defence, Bellerophon, Majestic, Swiftsure and Alexander, came up in succession, and passing within hail of the Vanguard, took up their respective stations opposed to the enemy's line. All our ships anchored by the stern, by which means the British line became inverted from van to rear. Capt. Thompson, of the Leander, of 50 guns, with a degree of judgment highly honourable to his professional character, advanced towards the enemy's line on the outside, and most judiciously dropped his anchor athwartships of le Franklin, and raking her with great success, the shot from the Leander's broadside which passed that ship all striking l'Orient, the flag ship of the Commander in Chief. The action commenced at sunset, which was at 31 minutes past six, P. M., with an ardour and vigour which it is impossible to describe.
About seven o'clock total darkness had come on; but the whole hemisphere was, at intervals, illuminated by the fire of the hostile fleets. Our ships, when darkness came on, had all hoisted their distinguishing lights, by a signal from the Admiral.—The van ship of the enemy, le Guerrier, was dismasted in less than twelve minutes: and in ten minutes after, the second ship, le Conquerant, and the third, le Spatiate, very nearly at the same moment, were also dismasted. L'Aquilon and le Souverain Peuple, the fourth and fifth ships of the enemy's line, were taken possession of by the British at half past eight in the evening. Captain Berry, at that hour, sent Lieut. Gaiwey, of the Vanguard, with a party of marines, to take possession of le Spatiate; and that officer returned by the boat the French Captain's sword, which Captain Berry immediately delivered to the Admiral, who was then below in consequence of a severe wound he had received in the head during the heat of the attack. At this time it appeared that victory had already declared itself in our favour; for although l'Orient, Heureux and Tonnant, were not taken possession of, they were considered as completely in our power, which pleasing intelligence Captain Berry had likewise the satisfaction of communicating in person to the Admiral. At ten minutes after nine, a fire was observed on board l'Orient, the French Admiral's ship, which seemed to proceed from the after part of the cabin, and which increased with great rapidity, presently involving the whole of the after part of the ship in flames. This circumstance Captain Berry immediately communicated to the Admiral, who, though suffering severely from his wound, came upon deck, where the first consideration that struck his mind, was, concern for the danger of so many lives, to save as many as possible of whom, he ordered Capt. Berry to make every possible exertion.—A boat, the only one that could swim, was instantly dispatched from the Vanguard, and other ships that were in a condition to do so immediately followed the example, by which means, from the best possible information, the lives of about seventy Frenchmen were saved. The light thrown by l'Orient upon the surrounding objects enabled us to perceive with more certainty the situation of the two fleets, the colours of both being clearly distinguishable.—The cannonading was still partially kept up to leeward of the centre, till about 10 o'clock, when l'Orient blew up with a most tremendous explosion. An awful pause and death-like silence for about three minutes ensued, when the wreck of the masts, yards, &c. &c. which had been carried to a vast height, fell down into the water, and on board the surrounding ships. A hot fire from l'Orient, fell into the main royal of the Alexander, the fire occasioned by which was however extinguished in about two minutes, by the active exertions of Capt. Ball.—After this awful scene, the firing re-commenced with the ships to leeward of the centre till twenty minutes past ten, when there was a total cessation of firing for about ten minutes; after which it was revived till about three in the morning, when it again ceased.
After the victory had been secured in the van, such British ships as were in a condition to move had gone down upon the fresh ships of the enemy. At five minutes past five in the morning the two rear ships of the enemy, le Guillaume Tell and le Generaux, were the only French ships of the line that had their colours flying. At fifty-four minutes past five a French frigate, l'Artemise, fired a broadside and struck her colours; but such was the unwarrantable and infamous conduct of the French Captain, that after having thus surrendered, he set fire to his ship, and, with part of his crew, made his escape on shore. Another of the French frigates, la Serieuse, had been sunk by the fire from some of our ships; but as her poop remained above water, her men were saved upon it, and were taken off by our boats in the morning.
The Bellerophon, whose masts and cables had been entirely shot away, could not retain her situation abreast of the l'Orient, but had drifted out of the line to the lee side of the Bay, a little before that ship blew up. The Audacious was in the morning detached to her assistance.
At 11 o'clock le Generaux and Guillaume
Tell, with the two frigates, le Justice and la Diane, cut their cables and stood out to sea, pursued by the Zealous, Captain Hood, who, as the Admiral himself has stated, handsomely endeavoured to prevent their escape; but as there was no other ship in a condition to support the Zealous, she was recalled.
The whole day of the second was employed in securing the French ships that had struck, and which were now completely in our possession, le Tonnant and Timoleon excepted; as these were both dismasted, and consequently could not escape, they were naturally the last of which we thought of taking possession.
On the morning of the third the Timoleon was set fire to, and le Tonnant had cut her cable and drifted on shore, but that active officer, Capt. Miller, of the Teseus, soon got her off again, and secured her in the British line.
The British force engaged consisted of twelve ships of 74 guns, and the Leander of 50.
From the over anxiety and zeal of Capt. Troubridge to get into action, his ship, the Culloden, in standing in for the van of the enemy's line, unfortunately grounded upon the tail of a shoal, running off from the island on which were the mortar and gun batteries of the enemy; and notwithstanding all the exertions of that able officer and his ship's company, she could not be got off. This unfortunate circumstance was severely felt at the moment by the Admiral and all the officers of the squadron; but their feelings were nothing compared to the anxiety and even anguish of mind which the Captain of the Culloden himself experienced for so many eventful hours. There was but one consolation that could offer itself to him in the midst of the distresses of his situation, a feeble one it is true—that his ship served as a beacon for three other ships, viz. the Alexander, Theseus and Leander, which were advancing with all possible sail set close in his rear, and which otherwise might have experienced a similar misfortune, and thus in a greater proportion still have weakened our force.
It was not till the morning of the 2d, that the Culloden could be got off, and it was found she had suffered very considerable damage in her bottom; that her rudder was beat off, and the crew could scarcely keep her afloat with all pumps going.
The resources of Capt. Troubridge's mind availed him much, and were admirably exerted upon this trying occasion. In four days he had a new rudder made upon his own deck, which was immediately shipped; and the Culloden was again in a state for actual service, tho' still very leaky.
The Admiral, knowing that the wounded of his own ships had been well taken care of, beat his first attention to those of the enemy. He established a truce with the Commandant of Aboukir, and through him made a communication to the Commandant of Alexandria, that it was his intention to allow all the wounded Frenchmen to be taken ashore to proper hospitals, with their own surgeons to attend them; a proposal which was well received by the French, and which was carried into effect on the following day.
The activity and generous consideration of Capt. Troubridge were again exerted at this time for the general good. He communicated with the shore, and had the address to procure a supply of fresh provisions, onions, &c. which were served out to the sick and wounded, and which proved of essential utility.
On the 2d, the Arabs and Mamelukes, who during the battle had lined the shores of the Bay, saw with transport that the victory was decisively ours, an event in which they participated with an exultation almost equal to our own; and on that and the following nights, the whole coast and country were illuminated as far as we could see, in celebration of our victory. This had a great effect upon the minds of our prisoners, as they conceived that this illumination was the consequence not entirely of our success, but of some signal advantage obtained by the Arabs and Mamelukes over Buonaparte.
Although it is natural to suppose that the time and attention of the Admiral, and all the officers of his squadron, were very fully employed in repairing the damages sustained by their own ships, and in securing those of the enemy, which their valour had subdued, yet the mind of that great and good man felt the strongest emotions of the most pious gratitude to the Supreme Being, for the signal success which, by his divine favour, had crowned his endeavours in the cause of his country, and in consequence, on the morning of the 2d, he issued the following memorandum to the different Captains of his squadron:
MEMORANDUM. "Vanguard, off the Mouth of the Nile, 2d day of Aug. 1798.
"ALMIGHTY GOD having blessed his Majesty's arms with victory, the Admiral intends returning Public Thanksgiving for the same, at two o'clock this day; and he recommends every ship doing the same as soon as convenient.
"To the respective Captains of the Squadron."
At two o'clock accordingly on that day, public service was performed on the quarter deck of the Vanguard, by the Rev. Mr. Comyn; the other ships following the example of the Admiral, though perhaps not all at the same time.
This solemn act of gratitude to HEAVEN seemed to make a very deep impression upon several of the prisoners, both officers and men, some of the former of whom remarked, "that it was no wonder we could preserve such order and discipline, when we could impress the minds of our men with such sentiments after a victory so great, and at a moment of such seeming confusion."
On the same day the following memorandum was issued to all the ships, expressive of the Admiral's sentiments of the noble exertions of the different officers and men of his squadron:
"Vanguard, 2d day of August, 1798, "off the Mouth of the Nile.
"The Admiral most heartily congratulates the Captains, Officers, Seamen and Marines of the Squadron he has the honour to command, on the event of the late action; and he desires they will accept his most sincere and cordial thanks for their very gallant behaviour in this glorious battle. It must strike forcibly every British Seaman, how superior their conduct is, when in discipline and good order, to the riotous behaviour of lawless Frenchmen.
"The Squadron may be assured, the Admiral will not fail, with his dispatches, to represent their truly meritorious conduct in the strongest terms to the Commander in Chief.
"To the Captains of the ships of the Squadron."
The praise expressed in this memorandum, could not fail to be highly acceptable and gratifying to every individual in the squadron; and the observation which it endeavoured to impress upon the minds of all, of the striking advantages derived from discipline and good order, was so much the effect of recent experience, that every heart immediately assented to its justice.
The benefit of this important truth will not, we trust, be confined to any particular branch of the British navy: the sentiment of the Hero of the Nile, must infuse itself into the heart of every British Seaman, in whatever quarter of the globe he may be, in extending the glory and interest of his country, and will there produce the conviction that courage alone will not lead him to conquest, without the aid and direction of exact discipline and order. Let those who desire to emulate (as every British Seaman must) the glory acquired upon this signal occasion, pursue the same means which principally led to its acquisition. Let them repose the most perfect reliance in the courage, judgment and skill, of their superior officers; and let them aid the designs of these by uniformly submissive obedience and willing subordination—so shall the British navy continue to be the admiration of the world, till time shall be no more!
Immediately after the action, some Maltese, Genoese and Spaniards, who had been serving on board the French fleet, offered their services in ours, which were accepted; and they expressed the greatest happiness at thus being freed, as they themselves said, from the tyranny and cruelty of the French.
On the 4th day after the action, Capt. Berry, of the Vanguard, failed in the Leander, of 50 guns, with the Admiral's dispatches to the Commander in Chief, Earl St. Vincent, off Cadiz, containing intelligence of the glorious victory which he had obtained.
From the COLUMBIAN CENTINEL.
Very late European Intelligence,
Received by the brig Alert, Capt. Rich, 37 days from Alicante, last from Gibraltar, in 29 days.
From the Leyden "Nouvelles Politiques," of January 15, 1799, 5th year of the Batavian Republic.
Of Buonaparte and Egypt.
PARIS, January 8.
TWO Tuscan tartans have arrived at Leghorn, from Alexandria, in Egypt. The dates of their last accounts are to November 10th. The following is a copy of a letter from a lieutenant of the French marine artillery, dated at Fort du Fare, Alexandria, Nov. 8th 1798:—
"We have received intelligence, that the inhabitants of Cairo and its vicinity, instigated by English emissaries, have risen in arms against our troops, who were necessitated to fire on the insurgents, and to destroy near four thousand of them;—that the residue had returned to order, and had surrendered themselves to Buonaparte, in person. After the insurrection was allayed, a contribution of two millions were levied on the inhabitants."
This letter incontestibly proves the falsehood of the accounts of Buonaparte's death, and of his reputed ill successes; but it establishes the facts of the insurrection at Cairo—of the scenes of blood and carnage consequent thereon; and that the intrigues of the English are not confined to Europe.
We further learn from Egypt, that the Divan, assembled at Cairo, by Buonaparte, had not answered his expectation. The result of its deliberations was, that all innovation was contrary to the Alcoran; and that the Alcoran had foreseen every thing. At the breaking up of this Turkish Convention, the Polish General Sulkowski, one of the principal aids-de-camp of Buonaparte, was assaulted by them, and although he vigorously defended himself, fell a sacrifice to their fury. Gen. Dupuis, informed that at the instigation of their jealous and ferocious priests a number of armed Mussulmen threatened to assassinate the Institute (a society of learned men, assembled at Cairo) was murdered in the act of affording them assistance. Gen. Buonaparte immediately assembled his forces, beat the generale, and ordered in a detachment of 6000 men, who had been stationed at a distance. A horrible carnage was made amongst the assassins. Fifteen hundred of them took refuge in a mosque. No quarter to assassins, was the word; and they all perished by the sword. It is added, Buonaparte has been obliged to shut himself up in his encampment.
The following has been received from Constantinople, dated 3d December, viz.—
"The Porte has just communicated to the foreign ministers the latest news it has received from Aboukir; in substance as follows:—The French fort at Aboukir, which was furnished with a numerous artillery, was attacked by a number of Turkish gun-boats, ordered against it by Commodore Hood, who commands the blockade of Alexandria:—After a vigorous defence, the French were driven out. Commodore Hood immediately took possession of, and garrisoned the fort with some thousand troops,
sent him by the Pasha of Rhodes. These troops, after having forced the French in the neighbourhood to retreat, have cut off all communication between Alexandria, Rosetta and Cairo. By this means the situation of Buonaparte has been rendered more critical. It has been necessary for him to take a position nearer Alexandria, on account of the scarcity of provisions and ammunition, which he begins to experience, in consequence of the continued attacks of the Arabs."
The sum total of this intelligence is—1st. That there has been a bloody insurrection at Cairo, against the French:—2d. That Buonaparte was not killed in the revolt:—3d. That he has been obliged to evacuate Cairo, and shut himself up in his fortified camp at some distance.
INVASION OF NAPLES! [Translated for the Centinel, from the Madrid Gazette, of February 8th.—Official.]
PARIS, January 18.
Gen. Championet writes thus to the Directory.
"Head-Quarters, Calvi, Jan. 14, 1799.
"I waited with great impatience the result of my operations, to give you news of the army.
"In order to obtain it, we have had a great many obstacles to conquer; for continual rains, snow and torrents, as well as the insurrections of the peasants which harassed our flanks, intercepted the communication, prevented the passage of the bridges, and frequently caused me great uneasiness; but the valour of the troops and the energy of the generals overcame every thing; and now I am able to inform you, that in consequence of the taking of Pescara, the two provinces of Abruzzo are in the power of the French Republic: That her troops are garrisoning the fortresses of Gaeta, and that the right wing of my army is encamped before Capua. I shall only mention here the places where the army passed, leaving to the care of the chief of the staff officers to relate all the actions more individually. The 1st division, under the command of General Macdonald, after very tiresome marches, passed the Garigliano in two different places, viz. at Ceprano and Isole—the roads were almost impassable, and the intrenched posts that the enemy had before that river were formidable; they left in them 80 guns. Whilst the said division was doing this, I had detached Gen. Rey with two regiments of chasseurs, the Poliss legion and some light artillery, against Terracina. He had orders to take possession of the batteries placed in the defiles, from Fondi to Itri, which had 7 guns, and he did so; to make himself master of Gaeta, to cross the Garigliano, and present himself before Capua. He did it all to my entire satisfaction. In the mean while Gen. Kellerman, whom the resistance of Viterbo, and the residue of the Sicilian column under the command of Gen. Damas, obliged to remain far from the army, finally informed me that after routing Gen. Damas, subduing Viterbo, and setting at liberty the French prisoners, which that rebellious city kept as hostages, he marched to join the army; he gave orders to his cavalry to go and join the 1st division at Ceprano, and he himself, with the light infantry and cavalry, joined at Foudi the troops of Gen. Rey. The first division, after crossing the Garigliano, arrived in three marches only before Capua, and summoned the place to surrender. Mr. Mack, the commander of it, answered, that being covered by the Volurno, and with a strong place, and an intrenched camp, he was determined to defend himself. At this answer Gen. Macdonald gave orders to attack. The grenadiers carried the redoubts. We lost some men, and the valiant Gen. Mathieu had one of his arms broken.
"Gen. Rey complying with his instructions, and being reinforced with the troops of Kellerman, presented himself before Gaeta, which being defended by 4000 men, 70 guns, and 22 mortars, all of them brass, with provisions and ammunition for one year, and in its harbour 7 vessels of war, a bridge equipage, and a great many vessels loaded with grain, prepared itself for defence. Gen. Rey had a howitzer placed before the place, and was ordered to discharge it a few times, which soon put the garrison in disorder. The enemy's General proposed to capitulate; he was answered he must surrender, otherwise no quarters would be given, which he obeyed. The garrison remain prisoners of war, except the General and 63 officers, who have gone to their homes, having given their words not to serve against the French Republic. We found in the place 100,000 pounds of gun-powder, 20,000 stands of arms, &c. &c. (Here follows the detail.) Gen. Rey left a garrison at Gaeta, and having thrown a bridge over the Garigliano, he joined the first division before Capua, and he now forms a part of the line of attack. The preparations of defence that Mr. Mack makes, leave a hope for a pitched battle, and I shall begin it as soon as the column of Gen. Lemoine, which is gone from Aquila towards Sulmona, and a part of the division of Duhem, shall have joined my troops. The left wing of the army, under the command of the general of this name, after the most skilful and difficult marches, has arrived before Pescara, which Gen. Monnier took possession of.—3,000 men, 44 guns, and several mortars, defended this place. The garrison marched out with the honours of war, leaving their arms on the glacis. In this city, and in the harbour, we found two millions of cartridges; 12,000 pounds of powder, and magazines most abundantly provided. Every intelligence confirms, that the king has left Naples, and that Mr. Pignatelli has remained in that city as Viceroy. Gen. Mack sent me the day before yesterday, at St. German, proposals for an armistice. I herein include a copy of his letter, and my answer."
The letter of Mr. Mack said thus:
"Head-Quarters, at Capua, 31st Dec.
"GENERAL,
"I HAVE received orders from my government, to propose to you a suspension of arms,

in order to procure some repose to the troops of both armies, in this severe season, and after so many fatigues, occasioned by frequent marches, and the continual rains and snow. Should this proposal be agreeable to you, the bearer of the present (Mr. Pignatelli) who is my Adjutant-General, has powers to treat on the subject, with the person that you may be pleased to appoint, and to conclude a limited or unlimited armistice, under the principle to include in it the line of the advanced posts of both armies."
Answer of CHAMPIONET.
St. German, 1st Jan.
"I HAVE received, General, your propositions of armistice; for which you give as a reason the bad roads, the rain and snow: And from this you alledge considerations of humanity, which alone bears all the burden. But the French army, with its usual patience, have overcome it all, and nothing now remains for them to do but to invade Naples. I am going to march, in order to satisfy their desire, and comply with the orders of my government, who, in consequence of your declaration of war, faite a coupe de canon , has charged me with the chastisement of this insult. As for me, I am sorry my instructions oblige me to reject your propositions."
Private news add, that the adjutant Pignatelli proposed, as conditions of the armistice, to deliver to the French the place of Capua, and to draw from thence a military line.—That hostilities being suspended, Pignatelli would go to Paris with proposals more advantageous; finally, he offered in the name of his court to make a treaty of alliance offensive and defensive against England, and to give to France all her navy.
[OFFICIAL.]
From the Gazette of Madrid, dated 29th January.
PARIS, January 5.
On the first day of this month the two Councils of the Legislative Body received a message from the Directory which stated:—"Eighty thousand Neapolitans had inundated the territory of the Roman Republic.—No declaration of war having preceded this act, the French army could preserve in Rome only the castle of St. Angel, and when our troops left that city, they said to the Romans, "we shall be back in twenty days;" but seventeen had not elapsed, when that city was free from enemies. Our soldiers fought and conquered successfully, at Poto-Fermo, Ferni, Civita-Castellana, Monterosi, Oricoli, Calvi, Bieti, Civitella, Cantalupo and Sora. In these actions, and in a campaign of less than 20 days, we have taken 12,000 prisoners, 99 guns, 21 colours and standards, 3,000 horses and mules, the baggage and military chests of the fugitives. The enemy's army is flying in confusion; the King and General Mack going before them;—that of the French is marching towards Naples."
This message was read twice, admiſſit acclamations and plaudits, and finally it was ordered to be printed, with the speeches pronounced on that occasion by some of the members, and that six sets should be distributed to each Representative.
KINGSTON, (Jam.) February 9.
It was yesterday current among the French people in this town, that the Island of Curra-coa had surrendered to the English, but we have not been able to ascertain whether it is true or not.
It does not appear that Toussaint and Rigaud, two Chiefs in St. Domingo, agree entirely; the latter has not altogether come into the views of the former, with regard to the future government of that island, by the late reports from the district he commands.
February 14.
Some days ago we mentioned a report of the capture of Curra-coa, but could not say how it had been received; letters are in town stating it, that the inhabitants had sent a formal request to Admiral Hervey, to come and take possession of it, as they were in want of every necessary.
St. JOHN'S (Antigua) Feb. 26.
The American frigate Constitution, capt. Nicholson, it is said, has lately sunk a large French privateer near St. Lucia—the crew saved.
Captain Bureau, late commander of the French national frigate L'Insurgente, taken a few days ago and carried into St. Kitt's, it is reported, has been charged by his first lieutenant with cowardice, in the action with the American frigate Constellation, by which she was taken; and that he is in consequence in confinement in Guadalupe. From the action, however, having lasted an hour and an half, and near 80 of the French being killed and wounded, before L'Insurgente struck; and she being very much shattered, it would appear the event was unavoidable.
There are several British officers, prisoners in Guadalupe, who, we have the pleasure to learn, are at large, and treated with every degree of respect and attention.
Several of the Cork fleet are arrived at Martinique, after being separated by bad weather.
NORFOLK, March 14.
Notwithstanding the active precautions taken by the Mayor, Aldermen, &c. to prevent a similar catastrophe as that lately experienced in this Borough by Fire, we are sorry to inform, there are still some vile incendiaries lurking about, who are seizing every opportunity of executing their infernal projects.
On Monday night last, a few minutes previous to the guard of the inhabitants being placed, a quantity of shavings, shingles, and other combustible matter, were perceived in a blaze at the rear of a new building in lower Water-street; but by the timely aid of some persons passing, the flames were got under without much trouble. A similar attempt was made on Tuesday morning, a few minutes after the guard was dismissed, but luckily with no better success, although the villains were more determined, having very
deliberately mounted a ladder in the rear of a dwelling house in Church-street, in the roof of which they put a coal of fire rolled in straw.
BALTIMORE, March 22.
Mr. Horne, supercargo of the ship Mount Vernon, from Batavia and Madras, arrived in town yesterday morning, having left his vessel in Hampton Roads. The Mount Vernon has completed her voyage out and home in 15 months, laden with a cargo, we understand, productive beyond the most sanguine expectations of her owners.
The marine company, consisting of about 30 men, lately enlisted in this city, by lieutenant Edwards, leaves this to-morrow morning for Philadelphia. It is but a small compliment to call them a well looking body of men—for few companies raised for the same service, either in point of utility or appearance, can be compared with them; and much praise is due to the lieutenant for his particular and judicious selection.
A correspondent recommends, in case the name of the Insurgente prize frigate should be changed, to substitute that of CONVENT, as being more proper than any other.
PHILADELPHIA, March 25.
On Saturday last, a boat loaded with flour, supposed near 500 barrels, coming down the Schuylkill, struck on a rock, split in two, and immediately sunk; the boatmen escaped by swimming, but a woman and child, passengers, were drowned.
The accounts from Northampton are various and contradictory. Three of the insurgents arrived in town yesterday, and ten more this morning. They are chiefly of the number that had been rescued from the Marſhal.
It is pretty certain that Fries and others have offered to surrender themselves, on condition that they will not be hanged.
One hundred and fifty federal troops from Fort Jay, arrived at Newton, Bucks-County, yesterday, on their way to Northampton.
NEW-YORK, March 25.
ANOTHER VICTORY
Has crowned the efforts of our infant Navy. Yesterday arrived the Schooner Dispatch, captain Hudson, in 15 days from the Havanna, by whom we have received the following pleasing intelligence:—That a few days before he sailed, the New-York Cutter, John Jay, commanded by captain Leonard, and the Philadelphia Cutter, General Greene, commanded by captain Price, in cruising off the Havanna, came across a French privateer of 12 guns, which they compelled to strike to the American Eagle. They carried their prize into the Havanna. Captain Hudson, with 30 American vessels, sailed under convoy of the John Jay, the General Greene, and the Delaware sloop of war. We congratulate the public on the above intelligence; on the almost complete protection afforded to our West India trade; on the rising dignity of the American character, and the general prosperity of our commerce. These happy circumstances, together with the animating prospects which they open to our view, are to be ascribed to the wisdom of our public measures, and the patriotic firmness of our Supreme Executive. Yet these men and these measures are the theme of constant defamation in certain abandoned papers. Shame on such profligacy!—Confusion to their wicked machinations and views!—When we cast our eyes over the earth, where do we see a government more free, laws more mild, taxes more equal, just and moderate, and the administration of public affairs in the hands of men of equal integrity, diligence, zeal and talents? Do we not all feel the truth of these observations? Let us, therefore, place a liberal confidence in those to whom we have intrusted the helm of government, and reject with indignation the insidious counsels of ambitious and discontented men; who, under the mask of a zeal for the public good, aim solely at promoting their own private interests and aggrandizement.
March 27.
Extract of a letter from a young gentleman of this City, dated
On board the Gen. Greene, March 6, 1799.
Dear Sir,
"Since I last wrote you by the Lavinia, Capt. Carlson, via Philadelphia, informing you of our safe arrival on our station, we have been at the Havanna to water, and since that have been convoying Americans to and from that port. We had not the good luck of falling in with an enemy till the 5th instant, when we came across a French privateer, who struck to us after the fourth shot. On boarding her she proved to be a Schooner pierced for twelve guns, and small arms, &c. and manned with 26 men. She had left the Havanna the day before we took her, and the captain had said, that in less than 24 hours after he was out, he would have three or four Americans as prizes. His commission having expired, he was bound to the Cape to have it renewed; but having about seventy barrels of beef and pork on board, he pretended, when we took him, to consider himself as a merchantman, and thought we would not make a prize of him; he was soon made sensible of his mistake. They are all safe on board the commodore, and in irons. She and her cargo will amount to about 4000 dollars. Our Commodore means, when we return to port, to have her manned and armed out of the fleet, and, being a fast sailer, she will certainly be an acquisition to our little squadron. There are at present in the Havanna, a cutter mounting 16 nines, and a Schooner of 14 sixes; likewise another in a port to windward, with the sales of several American prizes on board, to the amount of nearly 40,000 dollars. We are continually on the look out for these gentlemen, and have not the least doubt, before the cruise is over, we shall have the whole or part of them, and so clear this coast of these plundering pickaroons, so ruinous to our commerce."
The Journal.
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3.
At the Supreme Judicial Court, now sitting here, James Atwood, and — Tralk, were yesterday tried on an indictment for entering the store of Mr. S. Dexter, in January last, and stealing from thence a bale of broadcloths, &c. The evidence was full and clear, and the jury, after retiring a few minutes, brought them in guilty. Judgment is not yet pronounced.
The equipment of the United States frigate General Greene goes on rapidly at Newport. She will soon be in readiness for sea, and in a few days the recruiting business will commence.
The Legislature of the State of Georgia have postponed the consideration of the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions, until their next session.
The President of the United States has recently come to a determination to raise the 24 additional regiments, which a late law of Congress provisionally authorized him to do, and the officers will be immediately appointed. It seems that an apprehension of imminent danger has operated upon the President's mind, and determined him to this measure.
We are told there is reason to believe that the French have determined on an invasion of some of our southern States. It is not to be supposed that their designs are to be effected by any great armament from France, but by the more sure and fatal operation of secret emissaries, who will combine the slaves with the enemies of our government in Virginia, Kentucky, &c. and thus employ the force of the country in its own destruction. Salem Gazette.
From the Philadelphia Aurora.
No object can be more pleasing to a virtuous mind, than to behold a well directed benevolence productive of a grateful and happy heart; while the smiling scenes of cultivation and society succeed to the solitary wastes of savage nature. Mr. Wood, a free merchant of Decca, coming from thence to Calcutta, where the Ganges flows through vast tracts of uncultivated and marshy woods, which render the navigation peculiarly difficult and dangerous, happened to fall in with a poor native wood cutter. In the course of conversation the latter said, that if he had but fifty rupees (1.) he could make a comfortable settlement. The fifty rupees Mr. Wood lent him. When this worthy man, after staying at Calcutta, returned to Decca, he saw the pleasing effects of his bounty, in an advanced settlement, on a small eminence, newly cleared from standing trees. Unsolicited, he lent the wood cutter fifty rupees more. The next voyage, Mr. Wood was delighted to behold the rapid progress of the settlement, and astonished to meet the wood cutter offering to pay half the small, but generous loan. Mr. Wood refused to receive it at that time, and lent him one hundred rupees more. About eighteen months after the commencement of the settlement, he had the inexpressible satisfaction of seeing his industrious wood cutter at the head of five populous villages, and a spacious tract of fine land under cultivation, drained and cleared of swamps and woods. The wood cutter now repaid the principal he had borrowed, and tendered the interest, while tears of gratitude and humble affection stole down his venerable, his happy and expressive countenance. But how inexpressible the feelings of the merchant! Let those plunderers, returning with the wealth of nations finking under their cruelty and oppression, while they wanton in all the luxuries of life—let them still
In palaces lie straining their low thought
To form unreal wants—
to sensations like this they must ever be strangers. An enjoyment so exquisite, so pure, so permanent, not all the riches of the East can purchase.
NEW-YORK, March 26.
Last evening the sloop Sally Maria, Capt. Sells, arrived in 16 days from St. Kitts—failed under convoy of the United States brig Norfolk, Capt. Williams, in company with 14 sail of American vessels.
Capt. Sells was informed by one of the officers of the Norfolk, that a few days before, they had had an engagement with a French privateer of 14 guns, from St. Martin's; in which they shot away her main-topmast, and killed 8 men, when she struck to the Norfolk; but, that Capt. Williams had not courage to board her. A representation of this fact being made to Commodore Truxton, induced him to order Capt. Williams home, that an investigation of his conduct might take place. The privateer put into St. Martin's.
Capt. Sells also informs, that the day before he failed, the Constellation's prize, L'Insurgente, dropped down to St. Kitts' watering place, preparatory to a cruise. Com. Adv.
MARRIED,
Mr. George Webster, one of the proprietors of the Albany Gazette, to Miss Rachel Bush, of Sheffield, Massachusetts.
PORT OF PROVIDENCE.
ENTERED.
Schooner Rebecca, Brown, East-Greenwich; sloop Briton, Brown, New-York; ship Rebecca, Tayer, Havanna; Schooner Britannia, Nickerson, Savannah; sloop Sally, Pearce, Bristol; sloop Humbird, Oze, ditto.
CLEARED.
Sloop Cordelia, Anthony, New-York; brig Betty, Graves, St. Croix; sloop Sally, Phillips, Dighton; sloop Briton, Brown, Washington; sloop Humbird, Oze, Bristol; ship Maria, Sprague, New-York; Schooner Rebecca, Brown, do. sloop Sally, Crandell, do. sloop Sally, Westcott, Newport; brig Maria, Aborn, New-York.
The ship Palmyra, Trotter, of this port, for Hamburg, put into the Cove of Cork, January 2d.
For Sale,
At the GOLDEN BEE-HIVE,
FEW Pipes of 4th and 5th proof genuine French Brandy Molasses in Hhds. Cocoa, Cask Raisins Box Raisins of the best quality Bohea Tea in half chests Citron, Currants, Figs and Almonds. April 3.
ATTENTION!
THE Independent Company of CADETS are hereby notified to appear at the Court-House this evening, at 7 o'clock, with muskets.
By order of Col. Burrill, CALEB BOWERS, Ord. Serj.
April 3.
William Blodget, jun.
No. 3, Cheapside,
OFFERS for cash, at unexceptionable prices, a general assortment of India, English and Scotch GOODS (calculated for the present and advancing season) if applied for soon.
Gentlemen's TRUXTON, bell and yeoman crown'd HATS, of superior qualities
ALSO
For cash or short credit, on very favourable terms, 2,000 wt. of 1st quality Surinam Coffee 3 Hogheads do. do. Sugar 8 Hogheads of Havanna Molasses 4 Hogheads of excellent W. India Rum 20 Barrels of mels and prime Beef. April 3.
For SALE, by
Isaac Boorum and Co.
20 Hhds. of prime Georgia Tobacco 100 Barrels of Tar 70 ditto of Turpentine. April 3. (t.f.)
Rhode-Island District.
By order of the Hon. BENJAMIN BOURN, Esq; Judge of the District Court for the District of Rhode-Island,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
To all persons concerned, That a libel is filed in said Court by Jeremiah Olney, Esq; Collector for the District of Providence, against one bag of coffee, seized at said Providence, and alleged to have been imported into the United States contrary to law; and that trial will be had on said libel, at the District Court to be holden at Providence, within and for said District, on the second Tuesday of May next, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
W. PECK, Marshal.
April 3.
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. EPHRAIM 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.
Examine your TEETH.
[In vain do you decorate the head, either to attract the attention of others, or to gratify the sight of your own eyes, unless you can at the same time display a handsome set of teeth. Lay aside their real use in mastication, and in the pronunciation of words, their beauty is a sufficient inducement to call your attention.]
I. GREENWOOD,
Surgeon Dentist,
WHO has had the experience of 18 years practice, continues to perform every operation that will have a tendency to eradicate all diseases incident to the teeth and gums. He cleanses the teeth, and makes them white; substitutes artificial teeth, from a single tooth to a whole set, made of different substances, one of which will retain its colour, and cannot be distinguished from those that are natural. He ingrafts natural teeth to the remaining roots in the jaw, which, in many instances, will answer every purpose of the original ones. As fear of pain in the operation may prevent many from enjoying the advantages resulting from a good set of teeth, he assures the most timid, that there is seldom a case which will admit of complaint.
N. B. He has for sale, genuine patent medicines, such as Lee's approved bilious pills, real Anderson's pills, common ditto, Turlington's balsam of life, Cundell's balsam of honey, Daffy's elixir salutis, British oil, Bateman's drops, Jesuit's drops, essence of peppermint, James' fever powders.
ALSO
Stomachic bitters, castor oil, oil of juniper, calomel, unguentum, mercurial pills, balsam capevi, salts, emetics, salves, court plaster, tooth-powder and brushes, smelling-bottles, syringes, &c. April 3.

Selected Poetry. FROM THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL.
Ode,
To Capt. THOMAS TRUXTON, COMMANDER OF The U. S. A. Frigate Constellation, of 36 guns.
OCCASIONED BY HIS CAPTURE OF The French Frigate L'Infatigable, of 44 guns. Feb. 9, 1799.
FAVOUR'D chief, to whom th' auspicious powers Have given firm courage, like the fowl of Mars! High o'er thy lofty mast Victoria towers, And crowns with conquest stern Columbia's tars: By thy example fir'd, they deal the blows On patriot vengeance on their country's foes.
For thee has Fame th' eternal wreath entwined--- Sparkling with glory's gems, it decks thy brow; For thee, within her sacred dome, assign'd A throne, 'mid heroes who impell'd the row, Thro' Ocean's crimson'd waves, in old or modern time, With skill directed helm and energy divine.
See Gallia's vaunting prophecy belie'd--- Her boast of boiling chill'd with fore dismay! With her struck flag has sunk her impious pride--- When TRUXTON triumph'd in the "bloody fray!"
Vain Gallia, conquer on Italia's field--- Our ships contain no monks---no convents ride the sea: No servile cowards fear thy threatening arms; Our hardy mariners disdain to yield; Alike determin'd to be free, Even holy PRIESTS will join the martial host, Rang'd in battalia on our coast--- To guard our cities, and defend our farms!
Ye Britons, found your loudest shells--- And while along the boundless waste of air Shall flame with golden trump declare, The deeds of Seamen, emulously brave--- Proclaim through Neptune's regal courts, Or where, with green-hair'd nymphs he sports In coral groves or crystal cells, How Truxton fought, and how the indignant wave Blush'd to become the briny grave Of French polluted corse---Tell him, ye Who with your clarion's blasts wake surges on the sea.
Two kindred navies now triumphant ride, The world's protectors, guardians of its right, From waters red with morning's orient light, To realms where sinking day fades in the western tide!
* Tho' stern and awful to the foes of Rome, "He is all goodness"--- CATO.
In times of peace poets may sing of fair Columbia---At present she assumes a majestic courage---The burnished casque gleams portentous from her brow, and her massive shield bids defiance, while in her strong right hand the "heaven-temper'd spear" threatens destruction to her enemies.
Original.
A crumb of consolation on the death of a lady's Dove, addressed to the unhappy widow Dove.
SWEET poet of the verdant plains, Why dost thou seek a calm retreat, Where sober melancholy reigns, And tune thy pensive note to sweet?
Does some rude boy, with hand unblest, Seek the dark covert of the grove, And rise from the little nest The darling pledges of thy love?
Or has some savage sportsman's eyes, Drove from thy sight thy lovely mate? Ah! no, thy lovely partner lies Lock'd in the iron sleep of fate.
Then, lovely bird, cease not to grieve; Seek the dark willow, dank with dew, And there, from rising morn to eve, Your tender, plaintive song renew.
The gales which once transported bore On rapid wings thy notes of love, Thy pensive fate shall now deplore, And sorrow fadden all the grove.
The stream where once the lovers stray'd, Down its pure margin gently flows, And murmurs down the silver glade, In stony responses to thy woes.
Yon sturdy oak, thy fav'rite tree, All gloomy to the sight appears, And as a tribute due to thee, Shakes from its leaves the trickling tears.
Thy form in vivid hues was drest, But death has turn'd their lustre pale; The silver down that shades thy breast, Is ruffled by the passing gale.
But, lovely mourner, cease thy sighs, Nor think thy griefs unheeded flow; One pearl is won from beauty's eyes, More brilliant than the diamond's glow.
HERMES.
From the New-York Mercantile Advertiser.
THIRTEEN ALLEGORIES.
I. HUMAN thoughts are like the planetary system, where many are fixed, and many wander, and many continue forever unintelligible; or rather like meteors, which generally lose their substance with their lustre.
II. The understanding is like the sun, which gives light and life to the whole intellectual world; but the memory, regarding those things only that are past, is like the moon, which is new and full, and has her wane by turns.
III. The world is a sea, and life and death are its ebbing and flowing. Wars are the storms which agitate and toss it into fury and faction. The tongues of its enraged inhabitants are then as the noise of many waters. Peace is the calm which succeeds the tempest, and hushes the billows of interest and passion to rest. Prosperity is the sun whose beams produce plenty and
comfort. Adversity is a portentous cloud impregnated with discontent, and often bursts in a torrent of desolation and destruction.
IV. Wit is like a lily. The one is as pleasing to the ear as the other is to the eye; and if not timely gathered, soon withers and dies.
V. On the tower of ambition hangs the dial of industry where the sun of good fortune marks the time and progress of friendship on the figure of ambition.
VI. Every man may learn the elements of geography, which is the noblest science in the world, from an attention to the temperature of his own mind.
Melancholy is the North Pole. Envy the South. Choler the Torrid Zone. Ambition the Zodiac, Joy the Ecliptic Line, Justice the Equinoctial, Prudence and Temperance the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, Patience and fortitude the Tropics.
VII. Every little fly, and every little pebble, and every little flower, are tutors in the great school of Nature, to instruct the mind and better the heart. The four elements are the four volumes in which all her works are written.
VIII. They who take self love for their guide, ride on the paths of partiality, on the horse of adulation, to the Judge of falsehood; but he who prefers the mandate of reason, rides in the way of probability, on the courser of prudence---His Journey will then be as pleasing as the object of it, which is truth.
IX. Human destiny is a nut, of which human life is the shell, and reputation the kernel. Crack it gently, and you enjoy its whole value entire and at once. But open it roughly, and ten to one you break the shell or bruise the kernel, or reduce the whole into one useless compound.
X. Prudence through the ground of misery cuts a river of patience, where the mind swims in boats of tranquillity along the streams of life, until she arrives at the haven of death, where all streams meet.
XI. Spite creeps like a snake out of the hedge of deceit, or the sand bed of hypocrisy, and having fermented its venom by basking in the sun of prosperity, aims the most deadly wound at the fairest fame.
XII. The mind is a garden, where all manner of seeds are sown.
Prosperities are fine painted tulips. Innocency white lilies. The Virtues sweet gilliflowers, roses, violets and primroses. Learning favourey herbage, Affliction rue, wormwood, and rhubarb. Pride, ambition, extortion, nightshade and hellebore. Stupidity poppy. Sloth and ignorance, briers and thistles. XIII. Justice should be a man's governor. Temperance his friend. Prudence his counsellor. Fortitude his companion. Hope his food. Charity his house. Faith or sincerity his porter. Wit his companion. Love his bed-fellow. Patience his mistress. Reason his secretary, and Judgment his steward.
The following remarks are copied from the Courier, a London paper of Dec. 13.
"The late discovery of Dr. Perkins, of North America, of the Metallic Tractors, is exciting much attention on the Continent. Several of the Physicians and Lecturers at Copenhagen have recently been employed in investigating this subject; and for that purpose, instituted a series of experiments on various subjects in the Hospitals of Copenhagen, the result of which was communicated to Professors Herholdt and Rafn, who have just presented them to the Public, in a pamphlet of 120 pages. Of twelve medical men, who communicated their experiments, one only, Professor Tode, is opposed to the practice. The Editors, Messrs. Herholdt and Rafn, after citing these various experiments, which, together with their own, amount to about one hundred in number, conclude---"We do not find it possible to apply with any justice against Perkinism, those arguments and doubts which have been raised against Magnetism. If our experiments have not all been so successful as the American ones, they demonstrate however to our satisfaction, that there is much reality at bottom, and that it is of importance to the Physician; and, as our Abilgard has justly observed, it merits particularly the whole attention of the Physiologist." This work is translated from the Danish into the German. The science they term PERKINISM, in honor to the discoverer. The diseases in which they found Perkinism most successful, were rheumatic and gouty affections.
* Professor and first Lecturer in the Veterinary College, who has published his theory of Perkinism, which he accounts for on the principles of Galvanism and electricity.
TAKE NOTICE.
WILL be sold at Public Auction, for the benefit of the underwriters, on Wednesday the 3d of April next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. at Capt. Jabez Bullock's wharf, the brig POLLY, and appurtenances, burthen 117 tons. Conditions of payment will be made known at the time of sale. March 27.
For CHARLESTON (S. C.) THE new sloop CAROLINA, CYRUS ALLIN, master; now lying at Capt. Samuel Godfrey's wharf: She is built for a packet, and intended for a constant trader; has excellent accommodations for passengers; sails remarkably fast, and will sail by the 8th of April. For freight or passage, apply to the master on board, or to SAMUEL ALLIN, at the fourth end. March 27.
For CHARLESTON (S. C.) The Brig HERMES, OLIVER EARLE, Master; Will sail in 12 days, wind and weather permitting. For freight or passage, apply to Capt. WILLIAM EARLE, or the master on board, at Capt. Joseph Tillinghast's wharf. March 20.
To be Sold or Let,
ON REASONABLE TERMS, A Large and commodious four story HOUSE, in Westminster-street, adjoining the Theatre, with a good store convenient for the retailing business.
Also, to Let, The HOUSE in Broad-street where the subscriber now lives, with a large shop in front, and ground sufficient for a good garden, &c. BENJAMIN TALBOT. March 27.
Providence Bank, March 26, 1799. A Semi-annual Dividend from this Institution will be paid to the Stockholders, on or after Tuesday the second day of April next.
The subscribers at this Bank to the Loan of Five Millions of Dollars to the United States, will please to call and receive certificates for the sums obtained, and the balances of their deposits. By order of the President and Directors, OLNEY WINSOR, Cashier.
For SALE, by Elisha Dyer, A Few Pipes of real French Brandy, 5th proof, warranted to reduce from 60 to 65 per cent. A L S O Loaf Sugar, Molasses in tierces, Codfish, and a few barrels of excellent mess and prime Pork. March 20.
JUST IMPORTED, In the ship JOHN JAY, from Russia, and for SALE, by Brown and Ives, On liberal terms, BEST St. Petersburg clean Hemp Russia Duck, 1st and 2d Qualities Russia Bar-Iron. March 20.
LOST,
ON Friday last, between the house of the subscriber, and Sylvanus Martin, Esqrs; a black leather POCKET-BOOK, containing about 20 dollars in bank-bills, and a number of bills and notes of hand, of no use to any person but the owner.---Whoever has found the same, and will return it to the subscriber, with its contents entire, shall receive ten dollars reward. JACOB WINSLOW. North-Providence, March 20, 1799.
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.)
NOTICE is hereby given, That the co-partnership between the subscribers is this day, by mutual consent, dissolved.
All persons having demands against said firm are requested to present the same for settlement to John Eveleth, who has assumed the payment of all the company debts.---All indebted to said firm are earnestly requested to make immediate payment to him.---Those indebted as aforesaid, who neglect this request, may depend on being prosecuted at the next May term of the Court of Common Pleas for Providence county, as he is determined to close the company concerns with the utmost dispatch. WILLIAM EVELETH. JOHN EVELETH.
The business of the Snuff and Tobacco Manufactory is continued in all its various branches at the place where the late company carried on the same, by JOHN EVELETH; Who has to let, the large and commodious shop, under the tenement which he occupies, opposite to his store. March 20.
FOR BALTIMORE, THE Ship General GREENE, to sail with all convenient speed, and will take on board any quantity of Freight on very reasonable terms. Apply to BROWN & IVES. A few smart active Seamen, or raw hands, who have been brought up in the vicinity of this town, are wanted, to whom generous wages will be given. March 13.
Salisbury Iron Works.
TO BE SOLD, Or to let for a term of years, ALL this property, consisting of a blast furnace, three air furnaces, with moulding and casting houses, and blacksmith's shop; a right in the ore-bed, not two miles from the furnace; a forge with two fires, nearly new, and in complete repair; a large store-house, &c. &c.---A good grist-mill, with two pair of stones, deemed the best in the town.---Attached to these works are every requisite building and improvement, in particular two good dwelling-houses, with gardens, barns and stables. Also, five other dwelling-houses, of less value, for the accommodation of workmen having families, all adjoining the furnace. Also, about 2000 acres of land, of which 500 are clear; divided into two farms, with good mansion-houses and large barns, all lately built, and on which there is sufficient pasture and forage for the stock. Several other farms may be laid out to advantage, and with little expence.---Preparations are making for going into blast on the 1st of May next, and contracts have been made and offered for as many cannon and pig iron as can be made during the season, which will be assigned to the purchaser or lessee; the quality of the ore, the best in America, and the many advantages of water and situation, render this the most eligible situation for the manufacture of cannon and arms in the United States. The proprietor, being prevented by other avocations from paying the necessary attention to this business, will dispose of it on terms very easy and advantageous to the purchaser, and will take a part in real estate. The particulars may be known by applying to Stephen Higginson, Esq; Boston; John Brown, Esq; Providence; John Caldwell, Esq; Hartford; David Waterman, overseer, on the premises, or to the subscriber, the owner, in New-York. WILLIAM NEILSON. New-York, February 28, 1799.
John Harwood, jun.
Offers for Sale, A LIQUID, prepared by himself, which, from long experience, has been proved to be a complete and radical cure for that loathsome disorder, the ITCH. This Liquid is simple in its composition, perfectly innocent in its operation, and is attended with no inconvenience whatever. It is sold directly opposite the Turk's Head, Market-street, at 4s. 6d. per bottle, with printed directions. March 27.
For SALE, 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.)
NEW AND FASHIONABLE GOODS,
Samuel Ames HAS JUST OPENED FOR SALE, An assortment of calicoes and chintzes, muslins, muslinets and dimities; lute-strings and satins, modes, farnets and tiffanies; Italian, crape and Rutland net gauze; silk, worsted and cotton hose; black and white silk gloves; long and short white and coloured kid gloves; a variety of plain and fancy ribbons; laces, edgings and fur trimmings; ferrets, tapes, bobbins and threads; pins and needles; fine and superfine broadcloths and cassimeres; fashionable cape velvets, rattinets, shalloons, ruffsels, durants, tamies, Irish linens and sheetings, fine and low priced India cottons, gentlemens and childrens fashionable fur hats, gilt, plated and steel coat buttons; ditto vest ditto, an assortment of thick woolen goods, with many articles of hard ware and other goods, too numerous for an advertisement; all which he will sell at reduced prices for cash. Jan 30. (gw.)
Boston Coach Lace Manufactory, By John & Wm. Bright, No. 44, Marlborough-street---Who have for Sale, A GREAT variety of Coach and Livery LACE, CORDS, FRINGES and TASSELS, which they will sell very low for Cash only.
Also Just Imported, Plain and satin striped Hair Seating, of the best Quality, from 18 to 32 inches wide. A few elegant Persia and Wilton Chaise CARPETS, with a large assortment of UPHOLSTERY. Boston, March 12.