Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1805-08-31 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 48, of Vol. XIII.]
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 1805.
[Whole No. 672.]
John Croade
INFORMS his Customers, that he has just received a considerable Supply of Staple and fancy GOODS, which, added to his former Parcel, make a general Assortment, of seasonable Articles, of the Cheapest of which they will be convinced by calling and looking for themselves. Warren, Aug. 16, 1805.
THE SUBSCRIBER, By the Sloop George, J. Cole, just arrived from Albany, has received, and for Sale, Fresh Superfine FLOUR, CORN and RYE.—Apply next Door South of the Baptist Meeting House, to THOMAS BAKER.
Warren, Aug. 16, 1805.
WANTED, immediately, by the Subscriber, as an Apprentice to the BLACKSMITH'S BUSINESS, a smart active Lad about 14 or 16 Years of Age.—One who can come recommended as such shall have good Usage. Warren, Aug. 16, 1805.
Washington Academy Lottery.
THE Drawing of this Lottery will positively commence on the First Day of October next, at the Academy Hall, and continue from Day to Day until completed. By Order of the Managers. DANIEL E. UPDIKE, Sec'y. Washington Academy (North Kingstown) August 9, 1805.
TICKETS in the above Lottery, for Sale at this Office.
APPRENTICES WANTED.
THE Subscriber wishes to take a smart active BOY as an Apprentice to the MOROCCO SHOE-MAKING BUSINESS.—Likewise, a rugged ready young Man as an Apprentice to the MOROCCO LEATHER DRESSING BUSINESS—any young Man who has arrived to the strength of Manhood or nearly—who expects to get a living by Labor, and has not yet engaged in any Trade, may, for a short Term of Service, learn a Trade by which he can earn three the Wages of common Tradesmen. ABNER KINGMAN. Warren, Aug. 9, 1805.
AUCTION STORE.
BLODGET and POWER HAVING added to their Establishment the AUCTIONEERING and COMMISSION BUSINESS, solicit the Patronage of their Friends and the Public. Liberal Advances (if required) on Consignments. Their IMPORTING BUSINESS will be continued as usual. They have on Hand, at low Prices and accommodating Credit, a very handsome Supply of DRY GOODS and HARD WARE. Providence, Aug. 9, 1805.
FOR SALE, BY FREEBORN SISSON, on Distill-House Wharf, 1500 Bushels coarse LIVERPOOL SALT, suitable for Packing Fish. Five Pipes well flavored old French BRANDY. 2 Hhds. do. old RUM. 50 Barrels Boston, No. 1 and 2 Salt BEEF. And a few Bbls. of Black & White VARNISH.
WANTED—Three smart Journeymen COOPERS, to whom good Wages and constant Employ will be given. Also, Fifty Cords of Wood, to be delivered at the Distill House. Warren, March 2, 1805. (tbc)
FROM BELL'S WEEKLY MESSENGER.
PRESENT SITUATION OF BOTANY BAY. We have been favoured with the following description of Botany-Bay, from the Manuscript of Mr. Trumbull, whose very interesting and curious Voyages are about to be published, and we beg leave to reprint, that any original communications of this kind which have never yet been before the Public, will be deemed a favour. [Repertory.]
IT struck forcibly on my mind as one of the characteristicks of the colony (says Mr. T.) that it is almost the only settlement in the world in which the residence of Europeans has produced absolutely no change in the manners, or useful knowledge of the natives. The
inhabitants of O-ahite, as will be hereafter mentioned, have adopted our fishing hooks, and acknowledging the superiority of our tools, have almost universally laid aside their implements of bone. The Sandwich islanders are in many respects still more advanced in the knowledge and use of European commodities. It is not so with the natives of New-Holland: they have gained nothing in civilization since their first discovery. They are still the same savages as in the time of Phillips and their first settlement.
"The town of Sydney, the capital of the colony, and the seat of government is divided into two parts by a river, which empties itself into a cove named after the town. Sydney Cove has thus a double advantage, that of being well and plentifully provided with excellent water, and, at the same time, possessing an harbour which might contain with ease all the royal navy of Great-Britain. These twofold advantages rendered it much more eligible than Botany-Bay, the original destination.
"The peculiar circumstances which belonged to the first settlement of this colony rendered it necessary to have store-houses erected for the reception of provisions, houses for the convicts, and barracks for the military, upon the arrival of the first settlers. These buildings, in different parts of the country most fit for cultivation formed the outlines of the present towns, of which the chief are Sydney, Parramatta, and Hawkesbury. The adjacent country being parcelled out amongst such of the settlers as preferred this means of livelihood, others of a more mechanical and sedentary propensity, collected together in villages, erecting shops, establishing trades, and becoming factors in the mutual exchange of commodities between the country and the towns. From such beginnings the village has increased into towns, and Sydney, according to the most accurate calculations I am enabled to make, has now a population of two thousand six hundred inhabitants. They may be classed under the following denominations.
 "Military and civil establishment, 450  "Convicts employed by the crown in the public works, bridges, batteries, and dock-yards, &c. 400  "Taylors, shoe makers, bakers, butchers, carpenters, and masons, 250  "Fishermen, 20  "People employed in boats, getting wood for shipping, bringing grain from the Hawkesbury dealers in Bats's Straits, chiefly employed on the water. 350  "Petty traders or pedlars who gain a livelihood by trading. 40  "Women, 600  "Children, 450 
"The space occupied by the town is about a mile from one extremity to the other. With the exception of the store-rooms and other public buildings, eight out of ten of the houses are only one story in height and whether built at the first formation of the colony, or immediately afterwards, are for the most part composed of wattle and plaster, and some few, but few indeed, of brick and stone. The absolute want of lime, or any sufficient substitute, except that made from shells, is an invincible impediment against more substantial architecture. "Sydney, however, is in every respect well situated to become, in progress of years a port of very great commerce. It already comprehends upwards of one third of the whole population of New South Wales. The effect of the climate has been rather over rated. It is chiefly visible in children born in the country of European parents, but it is not visible so much in any defect, as in a certain characteristic trait of countenance. These children differ nothing in size or stature from the common standard of Europe, but are invariably of one complexion, fair and with white hair. Out of eleven hundred children born in New South Wales, there is scarcely a single exception to this national, as we may call it, distiñction. Their eyes are usually black and very brilliant, their disposition quick and voluble, and their loquacity such as might render them a proverb. "The settlers follow as much as possible the customs and manners of life of their native country, and are therefore liable to the same maladies with their countrymen of the same order. Intemperance, encouraged perhaps by the intensity and continuance of labour, is necessary in a new settlement, has many victims, and some have fallen a premature sacrifice to dysenteries, and complaints in the liver, the diseases of all new settled lands."
From the Boston Weekly Magazine.
THE PASSIONS.
ANGER inflames the blood, is a temporary deprivation of reason, and involves those who rather indulge than endeavour to conquer their resentments, in perpetual quarrels and contentions. Envy is a worm which corrodes the breast, and makes those who cherish it, miserable, because others are happy. Pride meets with daily mortifications, which more than counterbalance the splendor of rank, or gifts of fortune. Vanity, or an extravagant desire of admiration, is oftentimes fatal to virtue, and at last terminates in contempt. Avarice, or an inordinate desire of wealth, destroys the
finer feelings of humanity, and makes riches a curse instead of a blessing. The covetous neither enjoy the good things of life themselves, nor communicate a portion of them to others in distress; the relief of which to a generous mind, would be more gratifying than the contemplation of hoarded gold. Dissimulation is not only odious in itself, but frequently destructive in its consequences. The artists and underlings, who act from strict principles of integrity, never suspect the honor and veracity of another, they both see and feel for the misfortunes of others, and from their own experience, that promises are frequently made, only to deceive and betray. They become the dupes of treachery, because they expected truth, where they met with falsehood; and placed confidence where they should have harboured distrust. Pleasure, is a bewitching syren, which flatters its votaries with unbounded delights, invites them to taste of the forbidden fruit, and at last plunges them into guilt and misery.
VIRTUE.
VIRTUE is the daughter of Heaven; happy they who cultivate it from their infancy; they pass their youth in innocence, their manhood in tranquillity, and their old age without remorse; there is nothing in this world fit to be compared to it; all its wishes and desires tend to celestial enjoyments, which are not liable to a change. The virtuous man looks back upon his past conduct without regret, because his fate cannot be unhappy. His mind is the seat of cheerfulness, and his actions are the foundation of felicity; he is rich amidst poverty, and no one can deprive him of what he possesses; he is all perfection, for his life is spotless; and he has nothing to wish for, since he possesses every thing. Alexander was celebrated for his courage, Ptolemy for his learning, Trajan for his love of truth, Antonius for his piety, Constantius for his temperance, Scipio for his continence, and Theodosius for his humility. O glorious virtue, which, in some way or other, rewarded all thy admirers and without whom there can be no real happiness!
ON THE PLEASURES OF REFLECTION.
THAT the enjoyments of the intellect exceed the pleasures of sense, is a truth confessed by all who are capable of exerting the faculties of thinking in their full vigor. But by these pleasures are generally understood sublime contemplations on subjects of science and abstruse disquisition—contemplations which can only be the result of uncommon powers, and extraordinary efforts.
But there are intellectual pleasures of another kind; to the enjoyment of which, neither abilities nor learning are required. These are no other than the pleasures of reflection, which are open to the illiterate mechanic, as well as to the sage philosopher, and constitute the sweetest satisfaction of human life.
There are few who have not felt pleasing sensations arising from a retrospective view of the first period of their lives. To recollect the puerile amusements, the petty anxieties, and the eager pursuits of childhood, is a task in which all delight. It is common to observe, that on no subject do men dwell with such pleasure, as the boyish tricks and wanton pranks which they practised at school. The hoary head looks back with a smile of complacency, mixed with regret, on the season when health glowed on the cheek, when lively spirits warmed the heart, and when toil strung the nerve with vigor.
Cicero has remarked, that events the most disagreeable, during their immediate influence, give an exquisite satisfaction when their consequences have ceased; and Aeneas solaces his companions, under the hardships they endured, with the consideration, that the remembrance of their sufferings would, one day give them satisfaction. That these sentiments are just, is well known to those who have enjoyed the conversation of the soldier. Battles, skirmishes, and sieges, at which, perhaps, he trembled during the action, furnish him with topics of conversation, and sources of pleasure, for the remainder of his life.
Reflection is the most proper employment, and the sweetest satisfaction, in a rational old age. Deficiency of strength and vigor, necessary for bodily exertions, and furnished with observations by experience, the old man finds his chief employment, and his greatest pleasure, to consist in wandering in imagination over past scenes of delight, in recounting the adventures of his youth, the vicissitudes of human life, and the public events to which he is proud of having been an eye witness. Of so exalted a nature are these enjoyments that theologians have not hesitated to assert, that to recollect a well-spent life, is to anticipate the bliss of a future existence.
The professors of philosophy, who will be acknowledged to have understood the nature of true and substantial pleasure better than the busy, the gay, and the dissipated, have ever shown a predilection for privacy and solitude. No other cause have they assigned for their conduct in forsaking society, than that the noise and hurry of the world is incompatible with the exertion of calm reason, and dispa-
sionate reflection. The apothegm of that ancient, who said, "he was never less alone than when by himself," is not to be considered as a mere epigrammatic turn. In vain was it to pursue philosophy in the Sabarra—the was only to be courted, with success, in the sequestered shade or rural retirement.
Were the powers of reflection cultivated by habit, mankind would at all times be able to derive a pleasure from their own breast, as rational as it is exalted. To the attainment of his happiness, a strict adherence to the rules of virtue is necessary; for let it be remembered, that none can feel the pleasures of reflection, who do not enjoy the peace of innocence.
INTERESTING SKETCH OF THE POLISH CHARACTER.
FROM WRAXALL'S MEMOIRS.
THE Polish men of condition possess a captivating exterior, and no where are to be found more accomplished cavaliers. In all the exercises of the body they are expert; but it is on horseback that they excel. "Le Polonoise est ne a cheval;" and they preserve this original characteristic of their Sarmatian or Scythian origin. I never saw men ride so gracefully, or unite a more martial air, with the elegance and softness of modern manners. In conversation they are full of urbanity, gay, communicative, and well bred. Almost all the young nobility have travelled, particularly into France; from which country they have brought back the superficial, but modish address, only to be gained at Paris. French is not any where spoken more generally or fluently than at Warsaw; for the Poles, like the Russians, have a national facility at acquiring foreign languages. They are magnificent and shewy in their entertainments, with which they contrive to mix all the delicacy of an expensive taste, and creative fancy. It is to be lamented that a race of men endowed with such qualities and faculties, should in general be false, inconsistent, fickle, prodigal and deficient, in that judgment, conduct and consistency of character, without which all external and ornamented talents are comparatively of no value or importance.
If the men excel in personal endowments and accomplishments, the Polish women of rank or condition are equally pleasing. The world does not produce females more winning, polished or calculated to charm in conversation. They have neither the shyness and coldness of the English, nor the reserve and haughtiness of Austrian women. Eager, joined with grace, animated by the will to please, render them infinitely agreeable. In beauty they may dispute the palm with any country; and their attractions are commonly heightened by all the refinement of coquetry. I do not mean to apologize for their levity, not to excuse their libertinism; but those imperfections and faults are more the result of situation than of natural depravity or licentiousness. In a court and capital such as Warsaw, it is not easy to resist the seduction of example, added to the torrent of immorality. The same woman who in Poland is a Messalina, if transported to Vienna, or to London, would have given an example of every conjugal virtue. It is society, morals and laws, which model individuals, and call into action every thing valuable in our nature. Here, all I see, announces not less the internal dissolution, than the external destruction, of Poland.
The elegance and variety of the toilet are no where better understood, or more successfully practised than in this capital: where the ladies seem to disdain the formal restraints imposed by custom in other courts. "I have seen the same women in the dresses of different nations, and different centuries; a circumstance that excites no astonishment here. There is something Asiatic in the style of female attire, which reminds me of Greek or Turkish, more than of French or German modes. In a country which frontiers on Moldavia and Ukraine, such a departure, or rather emancipation, from the "costume" of Paris, does not and ought not to surprise. I dined the day before yesterday with the princes Z——s, at her villa, near the Vistula, accompanied by Mr. Wrangham. The weather being insupportably warm, we passed the whole afternoon in her garden, under the spreading shade of some large elms, not far from the back of the river. I had then an opportunity of attentively considering her dress, which I will endeavour to describe. Whatever inability the attempt may discover, it will convey to you an idea of the toilet of a Polish woman of quality, who adds to the advantages of birth and fortune, the additional attractions of youth and beauty.
Her head dress has no resemblance to any thing that I ever beheld in other parts of Europe; for she neither wore powder, nor was her hair frizzled, but on the contrary, simply combed down over her forehead, and bound by a muslin fillet. The tresses twisted, which fell from the left side were negligently pinned to a sort of turban, composed likewise of muslin, that encircled her head. Her robe was of a pale rose color, bordered by a rich embroidery, and descending to her feet, but without concealing them. About her waist was fastened a girdle or sash of silk, near nine inches in breadth.

It is exactly the zone of the Greeks and of Homer, which is still worn in Walachia. A broad Medici of Dresden lace surrounded her bosom and shoulders, which were partly uncovered, and partly veiled by a Turkish gauze, calculated rather to display, than to hide, those parts of her person. Over her whole figure was diffused a voluptuousness which added to the effect of her natural attractions. She showed me her maids who had just returned from bathing; young Polonese girls, resembling nymphs of loose drapery, with their wet hair floating down their backs. The princess herself, like lady Wortley Montague's Fatima, is a native of Raminiez on the borders of Moldavia; and when a child had, as she told me, frequently been carried by her mother into the Haram of the Bathaw of Choczim, capital of that Turkish province. I have found her conversation on every subject, not less interesting than her figure; and I regret that my approaching departure from Warsaw will soon interrupt our acquaintance.
It is not merely in the intercourse of private life, in the graces of personal deportment, or in the ornaments of female cultivation, that the Polish women excel. They have, in a variety of instances, displayed masculine firmness and courage above their sex; peculiarly during the period when their country was the scene of civil and foreign war. I could cite some examples of this assertion, not unworthy to be compared with the greatest models of antiquity in heroism. At the action of Slonim in Lithuania, fought by prince Radzivil against the forces of Catharine II. in the autumn of 1764, two ladies of the highest rank appeared in the field. The one was sister to prince Radzivil, the other was his wife. The latter scarcely seventeen years of age, and newly married, sought to person on horse-back. With a pistol in her hand, she rode along the line, encouraging the troops to do their duty; and when the Russians obtained the victory, she saved herself by swimming her horse across the river Niemen. This Camilla only wanted a Virgil to celebrate her courage. She was born a Countess Rzewuski, and is still alive, confined in a lonely castle in Lithuania, where as I am told, she is disordered in her understanding. Her sister-in-law is likewise living, and in Poland. The fact itself, which I know to be true, is one of the many that tend to prove how widely different are the spirit and manners of the country, from those of our own.
Domestic Occurrences.
NORTH-CAROLINA.
RALEIGH, AUG. 10.
OUR friend in Wayne county has favoured us with the following further particulars relative to the proceedings of the special court held for the trial of certain negroes, charged with poisoning sundry white people:
Wayneborough, July 30.
"I sit down to give you an account of the negro business since my last.
"One other negro was found guilty and hanged, with the two I wrote you were to be hung the Wednesday following the date of my last. One other, found guilty, was pilloried, whipped, nailed, and his ears cut off, the same day. Some others, who were guilty in a less degree, were whipped and discharged; others were acquitted for the want of sufficient evidence to convict them. The court then adjourned until after the superior court held at Newbern, owing to the business of some of the parties concerned in that court. This court met again on Thursday last, tried and acquitted one, for the want of the witnesses being brought up. Nothing more was done until yesterday, when the court tried another, who is sentenced to transportation, agreeably to the act of Assembly. Our election commencing to-morrow, the court adjourned until the next day, when it is expected the other four will be tried."
VIRGINIA.
NORFOLK, AUG. 13.
Most of our readers will recollect the capture of the ship Golden Grove from this port to Liverpool in May last. There have always existed strong suspicions that the privateer which captured her, was fitted out in this country, which suspicions are now confirmed. It appears that the Golden Grove went out in company with a number of vessels; among others a small schooner which was observed in Hampton Roads for six or eight days, of which no notice was taken, until Cape Henry bore S. W. distant about five miles, when the schooner ran along side of the Golden Grove , hoisted Spanish Colours, fired one gun, and a volley of small arm, and boarding made prize of her. It now appeared that the schooner had four guns, which had been concealed by throwing sails over them, had 37 men, most of whom were concealed in the hold. The privateer was commanded by an American, one Hooper, there were also
many other Americans on board, who the Captain and officers of the Golden Grove recognized, as having been seen in this place, going on board the different British vessels under pretext of inquiring for passages, but with a view to ascertain their force and time of sailing.
AUG. 15.
Yesterday arrived here from Batuvano (a small port in Cuba,) the ship Eliza , Capt. Evans, of this port.
The capture, plunder, and detention of this ship and cargo, says a letter from a respectable character in Cuba—"will give you some idea of the abuses and impositions upon our trade in this island, which are beyond conception, and no person can have a just idea of them, without being here."
We have had the perusal of Capt. Evan's protest made before the American Consul at Havana, of which the following is a short sketch, and in which it will be seen that it is not the lawless depredations of pirates, that are complained of, but the acts of the officers of the Spanish government, from the chief to the lowest.
The Eliza was captured on the 27th of February, in the prosecution of a voyage from Jamaica to this port, the Captain and part of the crew were put on shore, upon an uninhabited island, from whence they got to Havana, after experiencing many hardships, and being exposed to the danger of perishing for the want of food.—The ship and the remainder of the crew, were taken into the above-mentioned port of Batuvano.
A few days after Captain Evans got to Havana he met the person who was put on board his ship as prize-master; this person informed, that the master of the privateer convinced that the ship could not be made a prize, had, to avoid prosecution, gone off; and that his ship was in possession of some Frenchmen and Spaniards. The prize-master at the same time, gave up to Captain Evans, the ship's papers, that were in his possession.
Upon this information, Captain Evans presented a memorial to the Captain General of the Island, in which he stated his case, and prayed that he might have an order for the restitution of his vessel and cargo. To this memorial, no answer was given.—In a few days after, Capt. Evans presented another memorial to the Captain General, in which he recapitulated the subject of his former, and stated in addition, that the part of the crew which had been detained on board the ship were confined as prisoners, and were suffering for necessaries—that the vessel and cargo were daily plundered, and the whole would, in a short time, be lost. To this memorial no answer was given. Upon this, Capt. Evans proceeded to Batuvano, where he was fully informed of the sufferings of his people, and depredations on the vessel and cargo. No sooner was the commandant of the place, informed that Captain Evans was there, than he ordered him to leave the place instantly, without permitting him to see his people, or go on board his ship. As this order was backed with a threat of imprisonment, in case of disobedience, Captain Evans was obliged to return to Havana, where he remained until the 20th June;—when by his own, and the unceasing efforts of Mr. Gray the late, and Mr. Hill, the present Consul, he procured an order for the restitution of the vessel and cargo. When Capt. Evans got possession, he found one third of the cargo (originally 180 puncheons of rum,) had been plundered.—The ship had been stripped of her boats, anchors, cables, and running rigging, with one half of her sails.—In addition to all this, the master of the privateer, had contracted a debt of about 900 dollars, which the commandant compelled Capt. Evans to satisfy, before he would permit him to depart. Many minor instances of the iniquitous conduct of the officers of the Spanish government are omitted. Enough is said, to shew to the public, the conduct of the officers who were bound in duty and honor, to afford the rights of hospitality and protection.
We hope and believe, that a representation of this case will be made to our government, from whom alone, redress for this and similar aggressions can be expected. It furnishes matter of surprize, that the merchants of this place, have not pursued the same measure, as the merchants of Charleston.
AUG. 19.
The French Consul at this place, has, we understand, received a letter from the French Minister at Washington, informing, that a letter had been received by him from General Ferrand, which states, that the schooner Iris , Capt. Pearson, captured on her voyage from Porto-Rico to this port in May last, had been carried into St. Domingo, (the City) where she had been tried and acquitted, and the captors condemned to pay damages. We record this act of justice with pleasure, and shall be happy to credit the same account with a similar article in every day's Ledger, until the large balance yet remaining is liquidated.
MARYLAND.
BALTIMORE, AUG. 24.
The following is an extract of a letter from a gentleman belonging to this city, who went from Loughorn to Milan, to be present at the late coronation of Bonaparte.
MILAN, JUNE 8.
"The night preceding the coronation, we had retired to bed sooner than usual, with the intention of rising early the next morning to secure ourselves seats in the Cathedral, to witness the ceremonies of the day. Soon after midnight, four officers of the French Gens D'Armes, with an officer of the Police, entered our chamber, and, after demanding our Cartes de Senate, which were shewn, informed us they were under the necessity of accompanying us to the Police. Thus far we went cheerfully, without the least suspicion of what was after to befall us; Arrived at the Police, I was delivered over to one of the keepers, and conducted to a most loathsome prison, where I found for my companions nearly a dozen of vagabond wretches.—Amory's fate was somewhat similar, excepting his company being rather more select. Two days following our arrest, we were re-conducted to our lodgings, our papers taken and sealed, and again returned to confinement. The fourth, fifth, and sixth days we underwent separate examinations, and as I had no papers whatever, that could, in the least implicate me, I was informed that I should be released on the following day. For several days after, however, I heard no further of our process, until I was again called and made acquainted with the intention of the French Commandant of Police, to send us both to Paris, to be delivered to the Police there. Through the interest of a friend this measure, as it respected me, was relinquished, and to him I am chiefly indebted for my liberation here. Amory, very unfortunately, had in his possession a letter which treated freely on Bonaparte, and it was owing to this entirely, we were not liberated after the first examination of our papers. In consequence of having this letter, the Police have ordered him to be sent to Paris, for whence he set out this morning, under escort of an officer. I am perfectly ignorant of the cause of our arrest. I, however, conjecture, with others, that it was on a suspicion of our being Englishmen, and such denounced by some spy of the Police."
FEDERAL CITY.
WASHINGTON, AUG. 16.
Mr. John Peter, who was so inhumanly wounded and robbed between Georgetown and Alexandria a short time since, was conveyed to town yesterday about one o'clock, in a barge belonging to George Washington Park Custis, Esq. who, with that characteristic humanity for which he is remarkable, went from Mount-Washington to Alexandria in his barge for that purpose. Mr. Peter not being in a situation to be conveyed any other way. The barge was little more than an hour from Alexandria to Georgetown. After Mr. Peter was landed he was
placed on a litter and carried by the barge-men up to his house—a number of his fellow-townsmen, whose sympathy was strongly excited, accompanied him. His recovery is progressing. Mr. Custis's boat returned soon after to his elegant seat, a few miles below this place.
It was rather a novel sight, and excited the curiosity of many, to see a ten-oared barge, with a large awning, rowed by men in red jackets and black caps, swiftly approaching our wharves.
All attempts to discover the money of which Mr. Peter was robbed, have hitherto been fruitless.
PENNSYLVANIA.
PHILADELPHIA, AUG. 23.
On Wednesday evening last, between the hours of 9 and 10, the house of Mr. Samuel Allen, in Arch, between Front and Second-streets, was broken open and entered by some of the gang of villains that now infest our city. The family of Mr. Allen reside in the country at present, and no person slept in the house that night. The villains effected their entrance at the back of the house, and by means of an augur, bored round the lock of the back door, which they then opened. They struck a light, as it is presumed from matches being found, and proceeded to examine the house—the neighbours perceiving a light therein, and knowing the family were absent, suspected that all was not right, and attempted to get in at the front door, this alarmed the villains, who made their escape, taking with them a number of keys and a silver soup spoon—many valuable articles were in the house, which must have fallen a prey to the villains. Persons, whose families are in the country, ought to be cautious how they leave their town-houses, without a guard or protector, and it should induce the patrols to be alert and vigilant.
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
NEW-YORK, AUG. 21.
Extract of a letter from Charles Pinckney, Esq. late American Minister, at Madrid, dated at Aranjuez, (six leagues from Madrid) May 4.
"It is now five months since Mr. Munroe and myself have been deeply and closely engaged in arranging some very important concerns, and, which are now nearly closing. In August last, I was ready to leave this country, having resigned my appointment as Minister here; the malignant disorder which made its appearance, prevented my departure either by land or water, as cordons of troops were placed round the sea ports, and all intercourse was prohibited between France and Portugal and this country. As soon as these impediments were removed, Mr. Munroe arrived with a new special commission to himself and me; as it was joint, and the dearest interests of our country were involved, I was obliged in honor to remain, although so immensly inconvenient to me in my affairs. You may expect me now in a very short time, as the special commission is now closing and every moment's stay here is contrary to my wishes, and most ardent desire to be at home."
AUG. 22.
To those who are interested in vessels captured and carried into Tortola, or other British ports.
Mr. —, captor's agent, leaves that island very soon for England, in order to attend to the appeals he is interested in, and to obtain a dismissal of those claims which have not been attended to by the claimants, or their proctors, within the twelve months allowed by law for commencing the suit before the Lords of Appeals; Mr. —, is one of those, who are ever on the watch to take every advantage which the acts of parliament, the practice of courts, inattention of parties, &c. &c. will admit of.
During the last war he got many claims set aside for want of prosecution within the time, which would have been confirmed if they had been brought to a hearing. The merchants and underwriters of the United States, who are interested in such captures, ought as

soon as possible to send to England a copy of the condemnation at least, and have a proctor employed to serve a monition or citation on the captor's proctor; in case of capture by a man-of-war, notice on the King's Advocate is sufficient; if by private vessels of war, on the owner's proctor, whose name he is obliged to give when required. The copy of the proceedings in the case of any vessel, will answer for all the claimants. It is every day's practice in England, for the proctors to accommodate each other with the proceedings from the Courts in the Colonies, upon the parties, not having them, agreeing to pay a proportional part of the expence.
AUG. 27.
We mentioned yesterday, that a British 50 gun-ship, and a frigate were cruising off Sandy-Hook. This is partly incorrect. One of the ships is the Cleopatra frigate from Halifax; and the other a sloop-of-war from Bermuda, on her first cruise, being just off the stocks. They yesterday boarded the brig Lydia, from St. Bartholomews; and detained the brig Ceres two hours.
CONNECTICUT.
WINDHAM, AUG. 22.
Last Monday afternoon a tremendous tornado or whirlwind, passed over a part of Plainfield, accompanied by hail of an uncommon size, or perhaps more properly, by large pieces of ice. Devastation marked its course—large trees were twisted off or torn up by the roots, fences scattered over the earth, fields of corn totally destroyed, and all kinds of vegetation in its track rendered useless—the glass in the houses broken, and considerable damage otherwise sustained. It lasted about fifteen minutes, and extended between three and four miles in length, and about one mile in breadth.
Four yearling cattle died last week, in this town, by eating the leaves of the wild cherry-tree, from limbs which had been felled for the convenience of gathering the cherries, and imprudently left in the cattle's way.
MASSACHUSETTS.
NEW BEDFORD, AUG. 23.
COMMERCE.
As a commercial spirit of our enterprising merchants, and the value put an Merrimac Ship Builders, we would mention the following vessels constructed on our banks, and launched into their destined element, the present season; most of them commanding the admiration of the connoisseurs of naval architecture, for the beauty of their construction and workmanship:—
Ship Huntress, 250 tons, belonging to Mr. Thomas M. Clark and others.—Ship Maria, 300 tons, belonging to Mr. Robert Folter and others.—Ship Mechanic, 252 tons, belonging to Mr. Daniel Webster and others.—Ship Bradford, 217 tons, belonging to Mr. John Pearson and Moses Emery.—Ship Merrimac, 288 tons, belonging to Messrs. Amos Tappan and Stephen Howard.—Ship Calidonia, 350 tons, belonging to Mr. Thomas and others.—Ship Moses Brown, (off her stocks Wednesday evening) 330 tons, belonging to Messrs. William Wyer, jun. and Samuel Brown. Brig Ruby, (late Black Sal) 110 tons, belonging to Capt. William Russell. Brig Ann, 187 tons, belonging to Mr. William Parsons, (Boston.)
Besides a number now on the stocks, some of which almost ready for launching, which we shall notice in due time.
The total number, (excepting sloops) now belonging to this port, and registered in this district, is—
Ships 41—brigs 62—sloops 2—barques 2—schooners 66: None of which are in every part of the commercial world.
SALEM, AUG. 16.
Capt. Bullock, whose arrival from Jamaica was mentioned in our last, was late master of the ship Hazard, of this port, and had the misfortune to be taken by a British frigate, sent to Jamaica, and there condemned, ship and cargo. The Hazard failed from hence in April last, with a cargo, for
Laguiria: on arriving there being refused an entry, Capt. B. steered for Curracoa, but with a determination not to enter that or any other port till he could ascertain that it was perfectly free from blockade. At the time he made the island, he also descried two ships standing off and on; and in order to gain information respecting a blockade, he ran down towards them, and hove to, when a boat from one of them (the Fortune) was sent with an officer to board the Hazard, who took Capt. B. with his papers, on board the other ship, which proved to be the frigate Franchise, Commodore Murray. Another boat was then dispatched to the Hazard, with orders to bring away the whole of the officers and crew; and the Commodore informed Capt. B. that he intended to send the ship to Jamaica, and would allow only himself and one of his people to go in her. Accordingly Capt. B. and Mr. Palfrey his Clerk, were permitted to return on board: and a prize-master and eight men conducted the ship to Jamaica, where they arrived the 16th of May, and on the 6th of June her condemnation was pronounced, to the astonishment of all who were acquainted with the circumstances, upon the ground that the property belonged to the enemies of Great-Britain—an allegation, for which there was not the least shadow of pretence, and which it is hardly possible the Judge himself could believe. Capt. B. entered an appeal from this sentence, the injustice of which is so flagrant, there is no doubt it will be reversed in England. The ship and cargo, when sailed from this port, were valued at 80,000 dollars.
When Capt. B. left Curracoa, Commodore Murray pronounced upon his honor that he would send his men to Jamaica by the first opportunity; but though many opportunities had passed, he still detained them in his service, where it is supposed they are at this time, with about 60 more, impressed with protections in their hands.
Capt. B. informs, that many impressed Americans remained at Jamaica, through want of an Agent of the Government, in the absence of their Captains.
BOSTON, AUG. 29.
Important and highly interesting intelligence.
We understand, by several gentlemen, who left Salem yesterday afternoon, that the brig Belleisle, Captain Leach, had arrived at that place from Naples, bringing the important and highly gratifying intelligence of the capture of the city of Tripoli, by the forces under the Ex-Bashaw (directed, we presume, by the intrepid spirit of our countryman, General Eaton) and that the American prisoners had been immediately released.
Several parcels of dispatches, directed to the President, and to the Heads of Department (received by this vessel) were lodged in the post-office last evening. They were noted to be of high importance, and ordered to be forwarded to the seat of government, without delay.
The following letters were received by the above arrival, and add some important particulars to the agreeable intelligence above stated. Extract of a letter from an American gentleman at Naples, dated June 15, 1805.
"Letters from Sicily mention, that advices had been received from our Commodore at Syracuse, informing of the release of the American Prisoners, and a Peace with Tripoli. This event is said to be altogether owing to the spirited conduct of General Eaton. No particulars are mentioned; but it is supposed on the terms offered by America, as Gen. Eaton had previously taken Derna and Baquara."
Extra of a letter from Frederick Degen, Esq. to a gentleman in this town, dated
"NAPLES, JUNE 22, 1805."
"Commodore Barron has resigned the command of the American squadron to Captain Rodgers. He (Commodore Rodgers) wrote me on the 1st of June, that Peace with the Bashaw of Tripoli was finally concluded, and that the terms were most advantageous and honorable to the United States. It appears that General Eaton's undertaking has been attended with success. Mr. Deyson wrote me from Syracuse, that, previous to the conclusion of peace, Gen. Eaton had defeated the Bashaw's troops at Derna, and took possession of that town and castle, and took possession of that town and castle, but received himself, during the action, a musket shot through the arm."
The intelligence contained in the above letters is derived through an official source; and announces the important fact, that Peace is made with Tripoli, and our Countrymen are free.
POSTSCRIPT.
Thursday morning, 3 o'clock, Aug. 29. [The Express which we dispatched late last evening to Salem, has this moment arrived, and furnishes the following particulars relative to the before mentioned important News.]
From the Salem Register, Aug. 29. Yesterday the brig Belleisle, Capt. Leach, arrived here in 66 days from Naples. About
8 days before he failed, news arrived there, that Gen. Eaton, at the head of the small American force which had been detached from our Mediterranean squadron, and the troops collected by the rival brother of the Bashaw of Tripoli, had had an engagement with the Tripolines at Derna—on which side victory declared we do not learn; but it was said that Gen. Eaton's army suffered most severely, and that every American was killed, except Mr. Eaton, who was wounded in the shoulder.
The effect of the battle, however, was an immediate negotiation for peace, to assist at which, Col. Lear went from Malta to Tripoli; and two days before Capt. L. failed, dispatches were received from Col. Lear at Naples, bringing the important and glorious intelligence, that a PEACE highly honorable to the United States had been concluded, and of course the Americans who had been so long suffering in captivity released. Capt. L. we understand brings dispatches for our government, so that we may expect shortly to have the official details of the battle, the negotiation, and the terms of peace.
The American squadron had not left Malta when this affair took place; and there was no intelligence at Naples of the Gun Boats from the United States having joined them. Commodore Barron, after he found the negotiation was in a promising train, failed for the United States on account of his ill state of health.
WARREN, SATURDAY, AUG. 31.
It is said that government have ordered two more frigates to be fitted for sea.
William Lattimore, Esq. is elected by the Legislature of the Mississippi Territory, to represent that Territory in the Congress of the United States.
The harbour of Charleston, (S. C.) is again blockaded by French privateers; and every vessel entering or clearing is robbed and insulted.
The Philadelphia Board of Health state, that on the 20th inst. there was but one case of a contagious fever within the limits of that city.
A Baltimore paper mentions that one of the civil officers of that city had been lately seen on horseback galloping towards the jail, holding one end of a halter, the other end of which was fastened around the neck of a poor black fellow, whom he was conducting to prison.
On the 18th of July, Mrs. HAUSE and Miss BETSEY CHENWITH, both of Jefferson county, Kentucky, spon on a wager in one day, 65 cots of yarn, equal, almost to 6 days work.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT.
Entered. From Sloop Aurora, Calhoun, New-York Cleared. For Sloop Dove, Burnham, Martinique Brig Alfred, Fowler, Africa
DISTRICT OF PROVIDENCE.
Entered. From Brig Mount-Vernon, Low, St. Thomas's Cleared. For Brig Star, Williams, St. Lucar
DISTRICT OF BRISTOL.
Entered. From Sloop Sally & Ann, Church, New-York — Phebe, Kelly, Ditto Schooner Betty, Rogers, Havanna Cleared. For Sloop George, Cole, New-York — Phebe, Tyler, Charleston — Polly, Bowen, Havanna Schooner Elizabeth, Swift, Boston Ship Charlotte, Sabins, Africa
BOSTON, AUG. 22.
Arrived, brig Hope, John Ribborough, 12 days from Charleston, S. C. Sailed in company with 2 American ships, 3 English armed privateers, 1 transport and 2 brigs; one of the privateers, about 600 tons, mounting 26 guns, called the Jack Parks, of Liverpool, struck on the bar, ebb tide; she continued firing distress-guns until we were out of hearing; from her situation most probably the most bilge. Aug. 20, at 5 P. M. in lat. 40, 1, long. 69, Nantucket south shoal bearing N. W. distant 20 leagues, it then being calm, was boarded by the jolly-boat, with a lieut. a quarter-master, and 4 men, well armed, belonging to the sloop-of-war Driver, John Thompson commander, mounting 18 guns, being five miles distant from us, and 9 days from Halifax, on a cross-tide; pressed one man, Atwell Power, an American seaman, belonging to Passamaquoddy, without a protection, and said his orders were to press all hands who had no protections. They took him away notwithstanding the remonstrances of Capt. R. that his brig was in distress, having only two men who were able to do duty, and that in case of a gale of wind, he should most certainly lose the vessel, for want of hands; he boarded a brig then in sight, which he said was from New-Bedford, bound to Martinique, had pressed two men from her; by the standing of the brig after the wind sprang up, it is probable he bore away for New-York, for other hands.
AUG. 24.
Arrived, (via quarantine,) the valuable ship Juno, Captain Coffin, last from Isle-of-France. Spoke, Aug. 7, lat. 30, 12, long. 61, 40, brig George Washington, Parrot, from Boston, for Portsmouth. Aug. 11, lat. 32, 50, long. 60, 54, ship Hibernia, Fossler, from Bristol, for Jamaica, 16 days out. The La Pysche French frigate of 32 guns, commanded by Capt. Bugnet, has been taken in the Bay of Bengal, by the British frigate St. Fiorenzo, of 44 guns, after a very desperate battle of 4 hours, in which the La Pysche was dismasted;
and the British frigate very much damaged.—Capt. Bugnet lost, as we heard, all his officers, had 40 men killed, and 60 wounded. About 24 prizes, large English ships, had been sent into Isle-of-France in the course of 6 months. Off the Cape of Good-Hope, 9 h June, saw a fleet of 11 large ships, which was supposed to be the English China fleet, bound home.
NEW-YORK, AUG. 27.
Arrived, the brig Lydia, Sowler, (late of Charleston) in 21 days from St. Bartholomews. Spoke, Aug. 19, in lat. 33, 30, long. 71, fchr. Ann Peacock, 16 days from Martinique for Philadelphia. On Sunday, 10 miles from the Highlands, Capt. Sowler was boarded by a Bermudian-built sloop-of-war—the frigate Cleopatra, from Halifax, at a small distance. Capt. Sowler, when boarded, was not more than ten miles from the Hook. The Lydia came into the Hook in co. with the brig Ceres, from St. Croix, which had been detained two hours by the Cleopatra.
PHILADELPHIA, AUG. 24.
At the Lazaretto ship New-York, Capt. George, 50 days from Cadiz.—Gen. Moreau and family are passengers on board this ship, and are all in good health.
At New-Castle, ship Clothier, Dandelot, from La Guira. Was boarded in the Mona passage by his Britannic Majesty's frigate Jason, Wm. Champain, and treated politely. The frigate having got aground on the night, Capt. Dandelot, with Mr. Nairac, and Mr. Francis Breuil, jun. supercargoes, went on board to offer their assistance. The frigate was supplied with a cable and anchor, for which Capt. Champain gave a Bill of Exchange upon the Admiralty in London. The foregoing gentlemen remained on board the frigate two days, and left her only after she was out of danger.
NORFOLK, AUG. 19.
Arrived, the ship Nancy, Lawrence, Monre-Video 82 days. Left, May 22, ship America, Davis, of Philadelphia, for London; and Schooner Neat, Robins, of New-York, to sail in 4 or 5 days. On the 19th May, the Spanish frigate Ascencion, was lost on the English Bank in the river La Plata, and 350 of her crew drowned.—Spoke, July 26, in lat. 19, 12, long. 57, 50, the fchr Polly, Bartlett, 21 days from New-Bedford for Martinique. July 31, in lat. 23, long. 61, 57, a French privateer of 8 guns and 30 men treated politely. Aug. 10, in lat. 33, 38, the Cutter Bright Tar, treated politely.
CHARLESTON, AUG. 10.
Arrived, brig Venus, Cournfider, Marseilles 7 days: fchr. Sally, Lark, Martinique 18. Capt. Lark, of the fchr. Sally, on the 27th of July, in lat. 22, 11, long. 63, at 4 P. M. fell in with the main-mast of a large ship, which he supposed had been blown up, as part of the rigging and sails were much burnt, picked up part of an English pendant, and a number of blocks, stamped with an arrow, the customary mark of blocks belonging to a King's ship.—Saw another mast about a mile distant, with all the yards and other spars attached to it, and one of the bowers anchors, with the cable to it, hanging under the main-top—There being a high swell, and the weight of the anchor keeping the mast nearly upright, Capt. Lark could only save a few spars and blocks. On one of the top-gallant-yards, "BLENHEIM, G. R." is cut with a pen knife. [His Majesty's ship Blenheim, of 74 guns, was commanded by Capt. Bland; she does not appear to have been annexed to the fleet under Lord Nelson; nor, from the list published, to that which sailed from England, under Admiral Collingwood; neither do we find her name among those last stated to have been on the Jamaica station.—From the circumstance of her having her colours flying (which Capt. Lark could plainly discern under water) it is conjectured that the ship must have been in action when the accident happened.] In lat. 31, 50, Captain Lark was boarded by the French privateer Regulator detained him an hour and plundered him of spun yarn, blocks, &c.—put on board one man, and a letter directed to Mons. Salomon, of this city, inclosing the bill given by Capt. Scofield, for the ransom of the ship Benjamin.—Left the privateer at the outer edge of the Gulf, standing to the southward.
FOR SALE, BY Abner Kingman, FIVE SHARES in the Bristol Insurance Company, for an approved Note at 60 or 90 Days. BILLS OF EXCHANGE on Charleston, (S. C.)—any Sum from 100 to 1200 Dollars. *Warren, Aug. 30, 1805.
NOTICE.
WHEREAS, I have had taken from my possession some Time in the present Year, One or TWO NOTES to the Amount of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS, signed by JOHN E. LEWIN, which the said John E. Lewin has since Paid me:—This is therefore to forbid any Person or Persons purchasing said NOTES, as they were feloniously taken from me by some Person with an intent to Forge my Name on their Back, for the purpose of conveying the Same.
JOHN LEWIN.
Swanzey, Aug. 30, 1805.
ALL Persons having Demands against the Estate of SAMUEL V. PECK, Esq. late of Bristol, deceased, are requested to Call on the Subscriber and receive their Dues:—And all Persons indebted to said Estate, are called upon to make immediate Payment, to JOHN HOWLAND, Attorney for the Administratrix. *Bristol, Aug. 31, 1805.

APOLLO'S FOUNT.
FOR THE HERALD.
Mr. PHILLIPS, I lately call my eye on the following "EXTRACT of a LETTER" written by a sailor of this place, while abroad, to his friend at home. You will readily perceive that its Author was much more conversant with HAMILTON MOORE—than an English Grammar; and that he might be expert in mounting to the top-gallant-yard;—he certainly was unacquainted with scaling the STEEP ASSENTS of PARNASSUS.
Bristol, August 14, 1805.
YOU say, dear JACK, you'd with to know, "If my affairs are still so, so; "Or if I've gather'd gold;" 'Tis time enough for me to try To hoard up money, BY AND BY, When I am growing Old.
Yet I HAVE strove, with toil and pain, A DECENT COMPETENCE to gain; And toil'd with some success; 'Till barbarous Frenchmen's plund'ring hands, And shipwrecks on Bahama's sands, Have made my LITTLE LESS.
But still, my scanty means afford Plain dinners at my frugal board, In neat, though homely style; And more than all, I have a wife Who SWEETENS EVERY ILL OF LIFE, And makes even sorrow smile.
Kind heav'n besides, has given one child, Of aspect sweet, and temper mild, In whose lov'd form I find, Those nameless charms, and all that grace That once adorn'd my ANNA's face And still adorns her mind.
Then my OLD FRIEND, I'll not complain, Though I should fail much wealth to gain, THESE BLESSINGS, still are mine; They crown with joy, my HAPPIER HOURS. They strew my ROUGHER PATH, with flowers; Then why should I repine.
And though I've quit my peaceful home, Abroad, in foreign climes, to roam, And bray'd the stormy seas; Yet still I HOPE, to meet my friend, With her my evening Life to spend, In competence, and ease.
This HOPE, shall sooth me on the way, Shall cheer my nights, and blets my day, Shall render labour sweet; This HOPE, shall sooth my drooping heart, And be a balm for every smart, 'Till we again do meet.
From the BOSTON WEEKLY MAGAZINE.
THE TRIUMPH OF FORTITUDE AND PA-TIENCE, OVER BARBARITY AND DECEIT: A TRUE STORY.
[From the Female Spectator.]
[Continued from our last.]
THIS letter had the effect it was intended to have, in exciting the most impatient curiosity in Jemima, and engaging her to allow him another private conversation. She longed with no less earnestness than himself for the appointed time of her aunt to go abroad, and his approach, that she might have the mystery unravelled, and also hear what testimony it was that her lover intended to offer of the sincerity of his passion.
Instigated by motives in which the most rigid virtue can find nothing to condemn, she received him with an obliging softness, which he knowing her too well to suspect of affection, looked on as a propitious omen to his wishes; but having before well weighed that she wanted not penetration, he had prepared and studied over the part he was to act, to the end that no unguarded gesture or expression should open a way for the least suspicion to gain entrance.
His first salutation on her had a more grave air, than she had ever seen in him; and when they were seated though he began to thank her for the favor of her letter, yet he seemed not in a hurry to explain the meaning of his reply to it, and pretended a kind of inward agitation; when perceiving he was silent on that subject, she let fall some words, as if she was a little impatient for it.
How severe is my destiny, lovely Jemima! How difficult is it for me to behave in so critical a juncture! said he, with a deep sigh. How were the transports your dear letter raised in me alloyed by the command it contained! How terrible was it to me to find you exacted from me, as a proof of my love, what would be the ruin of my love to comply with, yet I have it not in my power to convince you it would be so, without forfeiting my honour; a jewel ever sacred to me; dearer than my life, and next in value to my love!
These words, instead of unfolding, rather heightened the mystery, and Jemima not being able to conceive any part of their meaning, desired he would be more plain.
On which, did you insist, answered he, that I should reveal the secret of my passion for you to Dalinda?
And was not the injunction enforced by the cruel menace of seeing me no more in case of a refusal?
I know not, sir, resumed she, blushing, between surprise and shame, whether I might express myself properly on that occasion: But certainly there was nothing so very difficult in acquainting an aunt with the sentiments you are possessed of for her niece; provided, continued she, with a half frown, they are of a nature you are not ashamed to own.
Believe, then, pursued he, after some moments of a well counterfeited disturbance of mind, that I had not waited for the commands of Jemima, to discover to her aunt all I felt for her dear kinswoman, had not that aunt given me too plain, too long, and too continued proofs, that she thinks more favourably of me than I ever wished.
How, said Jemima, astonished beyond measure, can such a thing be possible? Then paused, and reflecting on many passages she had observed in the conduct of her aunt in regard to other gentlemen, hesitated but a very little, before she yielded all her faith to what Lothario alledged.
The truth is, that Dalinda, to say no worse of her, was one of the greatest coquets of the age; vain, gay, and extravagantly envious and malicious against those charms she saw preferred to her own; and this perfect knowledge of her disposition made Jemima now reflect, which before she had not done, that she was not a very proper person for a confident, even though she had been less interested than Lothario pretended.
She gave an implicit credit, however to what he said; so liable does the being guilty of some errors render us to be censured of others, of which we are perfectly innocent; for in fact there was not one syllable of truth in what this artful man insinuated of Dalinda's affection for him, and it must be owned, he could not have hit on a more plausible invention to remove all the scruples Jemima had entertained on his keeping his passion for her a secret to that lady.
(To be continued.)
THE DUBLIN SHOE-BLACK.
A QUARREL happened between two shoe boys, who were playing at what in England is called pitch farthing, or head and tails, and in Ireland, head or harp. One of the combatants threw a small paving stone at his opponent, who drew out the knife with which he used to scrape shoes, and plunged it up to the hilt in his companion's breast. It is necessary for our story to say, that near the hilt of this knife was stamped the name of Lamprey, an eminent cutler in Dublin. The shoe-black was brought to trial. With a number of significant gestures, which on his audience had all the powers Demosthenes ascribes to action, he in a language not purely attic, gave the following account of the affair to his judge:
"Why, my lard, as I was going past the Royal Exchange, I meets Billy —. "Billy," says I, "will you sky a copper?" "Done," says he—"Done," says I—and done and done's enough between two jantlemen. With that I ranged them even with hook-em snivy—up they go—"Music!" says he—"Skull!" says I—and down they come three brown mazzards—"By the holy you flish'd'em," says he—"You lie," says I, —With that he ups with a lump of a two year old, and let's drive at me.—I out's with my bread earner, and gives it him up to Lamprey in the bread-basket."
To make this intelligible to the English, some comments are necessary. Let us follow the text, step by step, and it will afford our readers, as Lord Kames says of Blair's Dissertation on Ossian, a delicious morsel of criticism.
As I was going past the Royal Exchange I meets Billy. In this apparent simple exordium, the scene and the meeting with Billy are brought before the eyes by the judicious use of the present tense, Billy, says I, will you sky a copper?
A copper! genus pro specie! the generic name of copper for the individual halfpenny.
Sky a copper.
To sky is a new verb, which none but a master-hand could have coined; a more splendid metonymy could not be applied to a more trivial occasion; the lofty idea of raising a metal to the skies, is substituted for the mean tho' of tossing up a halfpenny. Our orator compresses his hyperbole into a single word.—Thus the mind is prevented from dwelling long enough upon the figure to perceive its enormity.—This is the perfection of the art. Let the genius of French exaggeration and of French hyperbole hide their diminished head.—Virgil is scarcely more sublime:
Ingredi turpe solo et caput inter rubila condit. Her feet on earth, her head amidst the clouds.
Up they go, continues our orator, Music! says he; skull! says I.
Metaphor continually; on the one side of an Irish halfpenny there is a harp; this is expressed by the general term music, which is finely contrasted with the word skull.
Down they come, three brown mazzards!
Mazzards! how the diction of our orator is enriched from the vocabulary of Shakespeare! the word head, instead of being changed for a more general term, is here brought distinctly to the eye by the term mazzard or face, which is more appropriate to his majesty's profile than the words, skull or head.
By the holy! you flish'd'em, says he.
By the holy! is an oath in which more is meant than meets the ear; it is an ellipsis, and abridgement of an oath. The full formula runs thus.—By the holy poker of hell!—This instrument is of Irish invention or imagination. It seems a useful piece of furniture in the place for which it is intended, to stir the devouring flames, and thus to increase the torments of the damned. Great judgment is necessary to direct an orator how to suit his term to his auditors, so as not to shock their feelings either of what is too much above, or too much below common life. In the use of oaths, where the passions are warm, this must be particularly attended to, else they lose their effect, and seem more the result of the head than the heart. But to proceed:
By the holy! you flish'd'em.
To flish is another verb of the Irish coinage; it means, in shoe-black dialect, to touch a halfpenny as it goes up into the air, with the fleshy part of the thumb, so as to turn it which way you please, and thus to cheat your opponent. What an intricate explanation saved by one word!
You lie! says I.
Here no periphrasis would do the business.
With that he up with a lump of a two year old, and let drive at me.
With that—These are not unmeaning words, used like expletives by some orators, merely to gain time; for though the phrase with that varies in signification according to the circumstances, either it denotes, that one action immediately follows another as its consequence, or else it implies, that two actions happen, or two ideas occur actually at the same time.
I up with.—A verb is here formed of two prepositions—a novelty in grammar. Conjunctions, we all know, are corrupted Anglo Saxon verbs, but prepositions, according to Horne Tooke, derive only from Anglo Saxon nouns.
All this time it is possible that the mere English reader may not be able to guess what it is that our orator ups with or takes up. He should be surprised that a lump of a two year old is a middle sized stone. This is a metaphor, borrowed partly from the graziers vocabulary, and partly from the arithmetician's vade mecum. A stone, to come under the denomination of a lump of a two year old, must be to a less stone as a two year old calf is to a yearling; or it must be to a larger stone than itself as a two year old calf is to an ox. Here the scholar sees that
there must be two statements, one in the rule of three direct, and one in the rule of three inverse, to obtain precisely the thing required; yet the untutored Irishman, without suspecting the necessity of this operose process, arrives at the solution of the problem by some short cut of his own, as he clearly evinces by the propriety of his metaphor. To be sure there seems some incongruity in his throwing a lump of a two year old calf at his adversary. No arm but that of Milo could be strong enough for such a feat. Upon recollection, however, bold as that figure may seem, there are precedents for its use.
"We read in a certain author" says Brattle, "of a giant, who, in his wrath, tore off the top of the promontory and flung it at the enemy; and so huge was the mass, that you might, says he, have seen goats browsing on it as it flew through the air."—Compared with this, our orator's figure is cold and tame.
"I outs with my bread-earner," continues he.
We forbear to comment on outs with, because the intelligent critic immediately perceives, that it has the same sort of merit ascribed to ups with. What our hero distinguishes with his bread-earner, is the knife with which, by scraping shoes, he earned his bread. Pope's ingenious critic, Mr. War-ton, bestows his judicious praise upon the art with which this poet, in the Rape of the Lock, has used many "periphrases and uncommon expressions," to avoid mentioning the name of scissors, which would sound too vulgar for epic dignity;—fatal engine, forsex, meeting points, &c. Though the metonymy of bread-earner for shoe-black's knife may not equal these in elegance, perhaps surpasses them in ingenuity.
I gives it him up to Lamprey in the bread-basket. (Stomach.)
Homer is happy in his description of wounds, but this surpasses him in the characteristic choice of circumstance.—Up to Lamprey, gives us at once a complete idea of the length, breadth, and thickness of the wound, without the assistance of the coroner. It reminds us of a passage in Virgil.
"Cervice orantis capulo tenus abdidit ensem." Up to the hilt his shining Falchion sheathed."
Let us now compare the Irish shoe-black's metaphorical language with the sober flang of an English black guard, who fortunately for the fairness of the comparison, was placed somewhat in similar circumstances.
Lord Mansfield, examining a man who was a witness in the court of King's Bench, asked him, what he knew of the defendant.
"O, my lord, I knew him. I was up to him."
"Up to him!" says his lordship, "what do you mean by being up to him?"
"Mean, my Lord? why, I was down upon him."
"Up to him, and down upon him!" says his lordship, turning to counsellor Dunning, "What does the fellow mean?"
"Why, I mean, my lord, as deep as he thought himself, I flagged him."
"I cannot conceive, friend," says his lordship, "what you mean by this sort of language; I do not understand it."
"Not understand it!" rejoined the fellow with surprize, "Lord, what a flat you must be!"
Though he undervalued Lord Mansfield, this man does not seem to have been a very bright genius. In his cant words "up to him, down upon him, flagged him," these are no metaphors; and we confess ourselves to be as great flats as his lordship, for we do not understand this sort of language.
"True no meaning puzzles more than wit."
OPENING THIS DAY, BY
Benj. T. Chandler,
at his Shop, No. 9, Cheap Side, directly opposite the Roger Williams Bank, Providence. 5 Bales of Ingrain, Scotch and common floor CARPETINGS, which he will sell lower than can be purchased in the State. Also, a general Assortment of DRY GOODS as usual. Aug. 23, 1805.