The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-03-13 00:00:00

C.W. Thompson Middleborough Returned
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. 11. ]
WEDNESDAY, March 13, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
From the Anchor Club.
WHEN Great-Britain, in pursuance of her plan for starving out the Fever of the French revolutionists, seized on numbers of our vessels, the blood of the whole nation boiled with rage. A loud call for vengeance kindled into animation even the sluggish and insensible mass, the long-eared tribe of Midas ; who, while they de-canted on the Honour of the Nation, inwardly longed for the spoils of British commerce and the gold of Pitt.
With these coalesced all the numerous herds of Jacobins, half federalists, true Americans and impartialists. The burthen of their declamations was the honour, the wounded honour and compromised dignity of the nation. "A nation," laid they, "can hardly sacrifice too much to preserve an unfulfilled character." "Acquiescence with injuries begets new injuries, injuries beget insults, and insults will beget contempt and degradation."
In many of these sentiments joined also the government and its friends—with this difference, that the pretended guardians of the honour and dignity of the nation would immediately have declared war; whereas the friends of government thought found policy required at least an attempt to obtain justice by negotiation, previously to unsheathing the sword.
That the motives which governed the factious demagogues of that day, were as base as those of the leaders of the present, no man of sense ever doubted; but in endeavouring to lug the country violently into a war, proved afterwards to be unnecessary, it will be allowed, that many of the arguments adduced by them comported admirably with the fitness of things, and the interests of a nation so peculiarly situated as ours. "A state of things may exist," said a distinguished member of the opposition, "in which reprisal not only becomes the right but the duty of the nation sustaining the wrong. This happens when one nation, without cause, forcibly seizes upon the effects of another, or of its citizens, and withholds them without restitution or compensation; and when the nation whose effects shall be so seized and detained, shall possess no other means of indemnification."
This is an axiom most unqualifiedly just; to its justice the friends of government unanimously subscribed, and on its principles did they act, by sending an Envoy to Great-Britain. Had he returned without success, we should have found ourselves in the exact predicament above described. It was understood at the time, that had Mr. Jay failed in his negotiations (when of course, "no other means of indemnification" would have remained) war would have been immediately declared. For evidence of this intention, the reader is referred to the speeches of Federal members, to the speech of the President, to the measures adopted by Congress, the embargo, fortification of ports and harbours, raising an army of seventy thousand men, and a naval armament.
Such was our repulsive temper of mind towards Great-Britain—towards a nation that was fighting our battles—towards a nation, on our relations with which, our all depended—towards a nation which was refusing our property (from that gulph of treachery and rapacity which has swallowed up so many millions) to be held in trust, and restored with ample retribution.
The circumstances, the peculiar circumstances, which contributed to this display of spirit, are too fresh in memory to need a recurrence. They are gone down—and the feeling, the pride, the honour, the spirit of the nation are gone too. There is now no American Character to spurn at insults—A crowd of intruders have shaken down the pillars of that once splendid edifice, and compounded of its ruins a mongrel philosophy which inculcates subserviency to views and wishes foreign to our natures, and hostile to our existence. In this new school, the sense and meaning of terms is utterly perverted; and words have lost their signification. National honour , a theme once dwelt on with rapture, is now an empty bubble. The salus populi , the security and welfare of a citizen or the community at large, once deemed the prime purpose and leading care of government, is now trodden contemptuously under foot, or lost sight of in the pursuit of a new fangled form, styled national policy, the love of peace, and calculations of profit and loss. A less odious tax than even the most petulant ill humour has since borne, inflamed into opposition every tenant of every log-house on the continent; one drew forth to action the very woods and stones. ]
* Speech of Wm. B. Giles. † See S. Smith's propositions and speeches in Congress. Clarke's do. Maddison's do and the Sequestration affair. See also the speeches of W. B. Giles, and the opposition generally. ‡ The "Americanism" of the present day is thus defined by the people who exclusively pretend to the character of "True Americans":—"Let us neither be Englishmen nor Frenchmen, let us be Americans." Ergo, he that is neither Englishman nor Frenchman is an American. Of wall painted character! || No false; we began our war for independence without any of the necessary means; hence stones were collected on the hills where forts had been erected, as substitutes for cannon and balls.
Such were the effects which sprung from this simple cause—effects, which no excess of insult—no length of aggression—no accumulation of bitterer reproach on bitterer injury, on the part of another nation, have yet been sufficient to produce.
France has, by appealing to our passions, and by a thousand indirect methods, attempted to seduce us into a war—she has armed our citizens against nations with whom we were at peace—she has erected tribunals on our territory, to decide on causes only cognizable by our own courts—she has repeatedly violated our neutrality, by seizing on our vessels, or destroying them in our very harbours—she has refused payment for supplies furnished her by our merchants in pursuance of the most solemn contract—she has converted her dominions into so many asylums for pirates, more to be dreaded than the Barbary rovers—she has endangered the very existence of the southern states by arming the negroes against their masters—she has attempted to impose the public enemy of the state upon us for a President—she has in the most open manner invited the people to insurrection and the overthrow of their government—she has unceasingly fostered a nest of vipers in the very councils of the nation, by granting free passage to their ships, while she has indiscriminately seized those of others—she has left no means of fraud or violence unessay'd to drag other nations into her system of oppression against us—she has seized, imprisoned, chained, whipped, tortured and murdered our seamen—she has levied armies on our territory—she has threatened, abused, insulted and banished our ministers of peace—she has demanded of us TRIBUTE, and unconditional submission to her will—she has attempted to restrain us in the exercise of every right appertaining to an independent nation—she has forbidden us to make treaties without her consent—she has undertaken to impose on us her own peculiar and oppressive forms of navigation—to prescribe the articles in which we shall trade—and the ports with which we shall prosecute our commercial pursuits—she has stigmatized our public functionaries as venal knaves, and the whole people as fools, dupes and slaves, and she has hired presses in our own country to reiterate her abuse—she has told us that we dare not go to war with her, for that she has her clutches fast hold on us, and that we shall struggle under her grasp in vain.
But this long catalogue (which is, however, only a feeble outline of her conduct towards us) black and blasting as it is, holds not up stronger incentives to war, than certain other motives, which, as opportunity presents, it is intended hereafter to dwell on.
For the present, to trace the causes of this apparent diversity of character;—of this astonishing union of the greatest jealousy with the greatest insensibility, within the short space of four years, in the same people, is a pursuit well worthy the attention of every man who loves his country. It is in fact the only means by which we can ever obviate the evils we suffer. E.
From THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
The Neighbour.
Some, wide expanding their voracious jaws, Morsel on morsel swallow down uncjew'd, Untasted, through mad appetite for more: Gorg'd to the throat, yet lean and raw'nous still; Some, o'er enamour'd of their Bags, run mad, Green under Gold, yet pine for want of Bread.
YOUNG.
I SCARCE know a more despicable character, or a more miserable wretch, than one whose predominant and leading passion is avarice. He is despicable, because all his springs of action, and all his wishes and enjoyments, are mean and low; all his plans and pursuits are selfish, narrow, illiberal, earthly, and often devilish. The only deity whom he worships supremely, is Mammon; and him he loves, as good men love God, with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his strength, and with all his mind.
"O love of Gold! thou meanest of Amours!"
The line between right and wrong, just and unjust, as well as that between generosity and meanness, is no line for him to walk by; for he crosses it whenever he has a prospect of gain, without the danger of human penalties.
"All rush rapacious! Friends o'er trodden Friends; Sons o'er their Fathers, Subjects o'er their Kings; Priests o'er their Gods, and Lovers o'er the Fair; (Still more ador'd) to snatch the golden Shower."
"Avarice and ambition, says the sage, are the two elements which enter into the composition of every vice: Ambition is boundless, and avarice is insatiable." Avarice is that sordid passion, which heathen poets and philosophers have denominated Auri sacra fames , the accursed love of gold, which has impelled men to the most atrocious crimes, given birth to the most horrid murders, conflagrations, and wide spread distresses. As the streams of base and pernicious wickedness, which have sprung from their foul source, are innumerable; so it is impossible to reckon up all the epithets of infa-
my which covetous men of different degrees of criminality and baseness in their several pursuits have been stigmatized; such as rogue, knave, cheat, robber, thief, pirate, hunk, &c. History tells us of illustrious villains, there never was an illustrious miser in nature.
The man who is servant to this mean passion, is as abject as he is despicable. No drudgery is so slavish servitude of avarice. The tyrant which rules with a rod of iron, requires brick without straw, incessant toil without refreshment or pay; for it scarce allows its vassals sleep to their eyes, or slumber to their eyelids, as they must rise early, sit up late, and eat, if they eat at all, the bread of carefulness. "Watching for riches," says the adage, "consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof driveth away sleep." Well may persons of this turn, be called misers ; for miser signifies one that is miserable: And scarce any persons are so wretched in this world, as they who feel wretchedly, and live wretchedly, in the midst of abundance, as many covetous men do. The greatest pleasure which misers take in their wealth, is in acquiring it with facility, hoarding it securely, and beholding it frequently. But this pleasure is always embittered with corroding cares, anxious fears, and tormenting distrust. What a miserable wretch is he, who has spent all his life in raising a fortune out of the mire of such meanness, and amidst the thorns of such passions; and when he comes to die, knows not how to part with it, nor how to dispose of it! This is often the case of those, who have acquired their estates, by rigid industry and parsimony, without real knavery. What then must be the tormenting reflections of those, providing they are not past feeling, who have gotten riches, but not by right? It is often the curse of the covetous in the close of life, that their abundance is the heaviest burden upon their minds. They are mistrustful of their heirs, and even suspicious that their own children with them out of the way, that they may dissipate those hoards, which they have with so much pains and anxiety been all their lives scraping together and securing.
Some avaricious men have this additional vexation and solicitude, viz. how to make their estates comport with the semblance of respectability; how to gratify their craving desires, make all their worldly schemes bear, to get riches fast enough, and yet keep fair in the eyes of honest men, and be accounted heavenly minded. But with all their professions, their good talk, and their sober faces, they are not always fortunate enough to be thought sincere and mortified to the world; and notwithstanding all their caution, their religious cloak is so thin, and the parts of it so poorly put together, that spectators often get a glimpse, not of disinterested benevolence and sincere piety, which they intended to display, but of real hypocrisy and sordid covetousness, which they meant to conceal.
We should all do well to remember that in a certain venerable book, covetousness is styled idolatry; and that a wiser than Solomon declares, that the service of Mammon is incompatible with the service of God.
From the FARMER'S JOURNAL.
"A wit's a feather, and a chief's a rod, An honest man's the noblest work of God."
THESE lines are often repeated, but little regarded. Almost all are willing to lay claim to the character; but very few support their claim by such a manner of conduct, as gives others reason to think it just. There is so much hypocrisy, deceit and falsehood amongst mankind, that I sometimes wonder the race has continued so long as it has. It surely can be ascribed to nothing short of divine agency. He that controuls the jarring elements of nature, doth also controul the passions of men, so as to prevent total confusion and destruction. Although they appear to act as avarice, lust and passion dictate—bite and devour one another—while they are devoured one of another, which would rage until the world was depopulated, was it not that the wise Creator and Governor of the Universe has so balanced those raging passions, by setting one in opposition to another, that every man carries about with him some check upon himself: And as all men are not under the influence of the same lust and passion, they are a check one upon another. An individual, having many passions to gratify, he cannot devote himself to the gratification of any one. There are some so avaricious, that they would become very dangerous members of society, was it not for their pride, which prevents their engrossing so much as they would otherwise covet; that I have sometimes thought the poor would have but a very scanty pittance, was it not that pride constrains some to scatter, what others may pick up. Pride also restrains them from some mean and sordid actions, which their avarice would put them upon; but having some regard for their reputation, they are a check upon themselves. So the intemperate lusts and appetites of some would totally destroy the peace of society, did not their covetousness forbid the expence of it. Was it not
for this restraint, we should see more of those "emaciated, fluttering, fantastical beings, worn out in the keen pursuit of pleasure: Creatures that know, own, condemn, deplore, yet still pursue their own infelicity; the decayed monuments of error! the then remains of what is called delight." So if all men were avaricious, the world would not be wide enough for them; for avarice never judges any thing unlawful that is gainful; and if a whole community were under the influence of this passion, there would be little beside extortion, oppression, rapine and murder: But while some are solicitous to gather, others are as willing to scatter, that the avaricious man in some measure satisfies his desires without practising open violence upon his fellow creatures; that by the different parts they act, they keep property floating, while the honest man takes what naturally and justly falls to his share. "He only is worthy of esteem, that knows what is just and honest, and dares to do it; that is master of his own passions, and scorns to be a slave to another's. Such an one, in the lowest poverty, is a far better man, and merits more respect, than those gay things, who owe all their greatness and reputation to their rents and revenues." The more honestly a man has, the less he affects the air of a faint: He feels safe in having simplicity and integrity for his vouchers, and considers affectation of sanctity as a blot on the face of piety.
When I go into a public religious assembly, as I told you I sometimes did, and hear the preacher groan and sigh, as if he was in torment, I know not what to make of it; I can't suppose him in trouble, because he is delivering the glad tidings of salvation to his fellow mortals: And even if he is denouncing the terrors of the law; to awaken the impenitent; I don't see wherefore he should be in distress, for if that is a necessary service, he ought to feel himself happy in doing of it! that I confess I don't know how to reconcile it with honesty; I am obliged to think it is affectation. So if I see a hearer, in such an assembly, turn up his face to the view of the whole congregation, and roll tears from his eyes, I conclude he has learned the art of emitting tears at pleasure; and that they proceed not from any real impressions, but from a desire to appear affected. In like manner, if I see a lady tower her face with her hand, and leave her fingers so far apart as to cover the whole congregation, I conclude she wishes to gaze at every body; under the appearance of devotion.
FAUST.
NEW-YORK, March 3.
The following important information is copied from the Charleston State Gazette of the 22d ult.
Charleston, Feb. 22.
Americans! unite, rally round your government—look on Frenchmen with the eye of suspicion, and prepare to meet them as enemies, with a sword; and beware of French emissaries!
This was the caution of the patriotic Maj. Gen. Pinckney to Americans, while he was their envoy to, and was in France.
Proofs of the necessity of this caution have succeeded each other almost every day, for two or three last years; but they are now so plain and positive that they must convict the minds of all, but such as deserve transportation to France, or the gallows.
READ THIS.
His Excellency Gov. Rutledge, and the collector of the port, about five weeks ago, received a letter from Col. Pickering, Secretary of State of the United States, to the following effect:
That government had obtained intelligence that four persons were to embark from Hamburg for this port, as agents of the French Directory, with dispatches of a hostile nature to the peace and welfare of the United States.
The Secretary of State then gave the names of the persons, and their description; also of the vessel, and the passports which it was expected they would have; and informed further that the dispatches and papers of consequence would be secreted in two false-bottomed tubs, and requested that the necessary steps should be taken to secure the suspected persons and their papers, as soon as they arrived here.
Capt. Thompson, the boarding-officer of the port, was accordingly instructed to notice particularly, and report without delay, all passengers from Europe.
Yesterday he had the happiness and good fortune to board the brig Minerva, Capt. Cramp, in 119 days from Hamburg, and reported her arrival, and that there were four or five passengers on board. This brig was the expected vessel, and the collector, Maj. Simons, attended by Mr. William Crafts, agents of the United States for the naval and war departments, went immediately on board, with proper assistance, to examine and secure the suspected persons and their papers.
As soon as they got on board, they enquired for persons by names they had received, and were answered affirmatively; these were directly searched and given into custody, and the search continued for the tubs, which were for-

unfortunately discovered in the cabin; the tubs were broken open, and the papers taken out; the horrors of guilt were depicted strongly on the countenances of the guilty wretches, and their bodies shook with fear and trembling. There was a design to have thrown them overboard from the cabin window, but it was prevented by the expedition of the gentlemen who undertook the business. Three of the fellows are mulattoes, and one of them a white person; a woman was also taken up, who was evidently concerned in the conspiracy, and endeavoured to take care of the tubs under her arm. The four men and their female accomplice, are now confined at Fort Pinckney; their trunks and baggage are taken to the custom-house, and the important tales of the tubs are under the examination of Maj. Gen. Pinckney, to whom they were immediately delivered. The development will come out in due season.
For the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
MEMORIAL of the Representatives of the People called QUAKERS, in New-England, to the Legislature of this State, on the Militia Law.
To the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c. Respectfully Shew,
THE Representatives of the People called Quakers, in New-England, met in capacity of a meeting for sufferings at Somerset, the 10th of 1st mo. 1799.
That feeling our minds actuated, as we trust, by that spirit of christian benevolence which teaches us to live in peace with all men, and to demean ourselves as peaceable citizens of the governments under which it hath pleased Almighty God to place us, we are engaged to call your attention to our situation under the present militia law of this state; for, as professors of the christian faith, we believe ourselves bound by the precepts and example of Christ, who, distinguishing between the doctrine of retaliation, as promulgated in that day, and the dispensation of peace and salvation, which he came to introduce, says, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them who curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you, and persecute you, that ye may be the children of your father who is in heaven." Impressed with a sense of the purity and blessedness of these principles, and with their exemplification in the author's most holy life, we feel ourselves restrained from participating in those measures which counteract their efficacious influence and extension. Principles, which if believed in and obeyed, would convert the present fields of blood into fields of offering, and enable mankind not only to deprecate such inveterate hostilities, but to live together in that harmony becoming the children of one universal parent.
Upon this ground arises our well known scruples against bearing arms, training, or assisting in any military preparations; and upon this subject we addressed the legislature in the 10th mo. 1793, when the militia bill was under consideration; notwithstanding which, and more than fifty years exemption from these requisitions, we are affected to find that a law now exists which invades our religious liberty, and under its operation, or that which has immediately preceded it, not only various distresses have been made upon our property, but divers of our members have been imprisoned, and their confinement attended with circumstances of severity.
We feel ourselves justified on the present occasion to revive in your remembrance, that religious liberty, that a perfect freedom to serve, worship and obey God, appeared so precious in the view of our forefathers, the first settlers of this country, that they chose to forsake the cultivated fields of their ancestors, encounter the dangers of the sea, and seek an asylum from persecution in this then uncultivated wilderness. Persecution for conscience sake is one and the same thing the world over, at all times, and in all ages, whether suffered for non-conformity to this or that creed, to which the sufferer cannot subscribe consistent with the tender scruples in his own mind, or for his obedience to the same discoveries of the divine will, restraining him from learning war, and from qualifying himself, in whatever instance, to imbrue his hands in another's blood: A reformat, though on a national occasion, which we humbly and religiously believe, not only oppugns the true spirit of christianity, but is derogatory to the true dignity of the human mind: Its constituted powers appearing designed, by the benevolent author of our existence, to qualify for, and point to, a very different mode of adjusting every species of controversy between man and his fellow man.
Many, who readily give their assent to the superior excellency of these principles, alledge that they ought not to be adopted as a rule of our practice, because there is not a general conformity among men to the doctrine which they teach; but as a nation is not born in a day, nor a revolution in their minds, in favour of the humbling, benign precepts of the gospel an instantaneous work; but more especially, as no man can redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for his soul, we believe that the conduct of others will be found unsafe for any to rely upon, in departing from the revealed will of the Lord their God. We are accountable to him as individuals, and according to our obedience to his divine light and truth, will be the distribution of his justice, in—come ye blessed, or depart ye cursed.
It is in proportion to our faithfulness to the discoveries of gospel light, that we see into the purity and spirituality of this dispensation, which breathes peace on earth and good will to men,—that we become convinced of God's om-
nipotency, and dare not make flesh but are engaged to put our trust in the almighty wing. It is thus that we come in degree to experience that state, figuratively described by the prophet, of knowing the mountain of the Lord's house to be established upon the top of every mountain, where none can hurt nor destroy, but where swords are beat into ploughshares, and spears into pruning hooks, and we restrained from learning war anymore.
We need not dwell upon this full of our principles in these respects are general, and our practice, we respectfully confess, has been in conformity to them, under every government we have lived, ever since we were a religious society; nor have those governments been wanting to acknowledge the reality of our religious scruples, and in many instances to make provision for our relief. We therefore cannot believe that in this enlightened age, when religious liberty is so well understood, and when divers states in the union have made provision for its full enjoyment, and in particular, exempted our society, with some others, from military requisitions, that the light of Rhode-Island, long known for the cleanness of its government, and especially for its regard to the rights of conscience, will, after full consideration, either from the ideas that will may have of policy, or from any other cause, suffer a law to remain in their code which both opposes its former wise and liberal administration, and subjects many of its industrious, peaceable citizens to fines and imprisonment, on account of their faithful adherence to the law of their God. Indeed the very admission of a religious scruple, and the belief of divine superintendency, lays a necessity on the powers admitting them, to leave those under their jurisdiction, unmolested in the peaceable conformity to what it enjoins; otherwise are they not opposing their power, to the power of the highest, and endeavouring to counteract the purposes of the divine will?
It is true that the present militia law does excuse from personal service such members of our society as shall produce a certificate, and pay three dollars annually, in lieu of such service; but it appears to us, that solid reflection must convince every considerate mind, that the principle of commutation is rendered entirely inadmissible, if a conscientious scruple is admitted. Yet, though the reality of a religious restraint, on account of bearing arms, is admitted in the act aforesaid, still no provision is made, which a citizen, sincerely under such impressions, can avail himself of, to obtain an exemption from the military duties therein imposed.
From these considerations, your memorialists have believed themselves bound in religious duty to represent, that not only divers of our members, and several others of tender conscience, have been sufferers, either in person or property, under the existence and operation of the present militia system, but that all of us as a religious society, and others under religious scruples, on this account, of the several descriptions defined in that act, are still exposed to further and continued sufferings, contrary to our and their religious rights, and subversive in its tendency, as we apprehend, of that allegiance which every man most sacredly owes to his Maker.
We therefore respectfully solicit that such parts of the law aforesaid as subjects us, and others under similar circumstances, to suffering for non-compliance with its requisitions, may be repealed, or such other provision made for our relief as you in wisdom may devise, to leave us in the free exercise of those rights pertaining to conscience, which being derived immediately from God, ought, from their nature, to be left free and independent of human controul.
Signed by order and in behalf of the meeting aforesaid.
WILLIAM ALMY, Clerk.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, February Session, A. D. 1799.
WHEREAS the representatives of the people called Quakers, in New-England, have preferred to this General Assembly their memorial, praying for relief against the operation of the militia laws upon persons scrupulously conscientious against bearing arms: It is voted and resolved, that said petition be received, and referred to the next session of this Assembly: That in the mean time all proceedings under said militia laws, against any of the society of Friends, be stayed; and that the operation of said militia laws, upon any of said society who are scrupulously conscientious against bearing arms, be suspended until the rising of this Assembly at next session.
It is further resolved, That any person claiming the benefit of this resolution, shall produce to the proper authority by which the indulgence is to be granted, a certificate from the clerk of said society, of his being a member thereof.
A true copy: Witness, SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'y.
SONG.
MY fond shepherds of late were so blest, Their fair nymphs were so happy and gay, That each night they went fately to rest, And they merrily sung through the day: But ah! what a scene must appear, Must the sweet rural pastimes be o'er? Shall the tabor no more strike the ear? Shall the dance on the green be no more? Must the flocks from their pastures be led? Must the herds go wild straying abroad? Shall the looms be all stopp'd in each shed, And the ships be all moor'd in each road? Must the arts be all scatter'd abroad, And shall commerce grow sick of her tide? Must religion expire on the ground? And shall virtue sink down by her side?
From the AURORA.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
Gentlemen of the Senate,
I TRANSMIT you a document which seems to be intended to be a compliance with the condition mentioned at the conclusion of my message to Congress, of the 21st June last.
Always disposed and ready to embrace every plausible appearance of probability of preserving or restoring tranquility—I nominate William Vans Murray, our Minister resident at the Hague, to be Minister Plenipotentiary to the French Republic.
If the Senate shall advise and consent to his appointment, effectual care shall be taken in his instructions, that he shall not go to France without direct and unequivocal assurances from the French government, signified by their minister of Exterior Relations, that he shall be received in character: shall enjoy the privileges attached to his character, by the laws of nations; and that a minister of equal rank, title and powers, shall be appointed to treat with him, to discuss and conclude all controversies between the two Republics, by a new treaty.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, February 18, 1799.
[COPY.] LIBERTY. (L.S.) EQUALITY. Exterior Relations, 3d. Division. PARIS, 7th Vendemaire of the 7th year of the French Republic, one and indivisible.
The Minister of Exterior Relations, to citizen PICHON, Secretary of Legation of the French Republic, near the Batavian Republic.
I HAVE received successively, Citizen, your letters of the 22d and 27th Fructidor; they afford me more and more reason to be pleased with the manner you have adopted, to detail to me your conversations with Mr. Murray. These conversations, at first merely friendly, have required consistency, by the sanction I have given to them by my letter of the 11th Fructidor. I do not regret that you have trusted to Mr. Murray's honor, a copy of my letter. It was intended for you only, and contained nothing but what is conformable to the intentions of government. I am thoroughly convinced, that should explanations take place with confidence, between the two administrations, irritations would cease; a cloud of misrepresentations would disappear; and the ties of friendship would be more strongly united, as each party would discover the hand that sought to disunite them.
But I will not conceal from you, that your letters of the 2d and 3d Vendemaire, just received, surprise me much. What Mr. Murray is still dubious of, has been explicitly declared, even before the President's message to Congress of the 3d Messidor last, was known in France. I had written it to Mr. Gerry, namely, on the 24th Messidor and 4th Thermidor. I did not repeat it to him before he set out. A whole paragraph of my letter to you of the 11th Fructidor, of which Mr. Murray has a copy, is devoted to develop the more fixed determination of the French government according to these bases. You were right to assert, that whatever plenipotentiary the government of the United States might send to France, to put an end to existing differences between the two countries, would undoubtedly, be received with the respect due to the representatives of a powerful and independent nation.
I cannot, Citizen, conceive that the American government need any further declarations from us to induce them, in order to renew the negotiations, to adopt such measures as would be suggested to them by their desire to bring the differences to a peaceable end.
If misunderstandings on both sides have prevented former explanations from reaching that end, it is presumable that those misunderstandings being done away, nothing henceforth will bring obstacles to the reciprocal dispositions. The President's instructions to his Envoys at Paris, which I have only known by the copy given you by Mr. Murray, and received by me on the 21st Messidor, announcing (if they contain the whole of the American government's instructions) dispositions which could only have been added to those which the Directory has always entertained; and notwithstanding the irritating and almost hostile measures they have adopted, the Directory has manifested its perseverance in the sentiments which are deposited both in my correspondence with Mr. Gerry, and in my letter to you of the 11th Fructidor, and which I have herein before repeated in the most explicit manner. Carry, therefore, Citizen, to Mr. Murray, those positive expressions, in order to convince him of our sincerity, and prevail upon him to transmit them to his government.
I presume, Citizen, that this letter will find you at the Hague; if not, I ask that it may be sent back to you at Paris.
Salute and fraternity. (Signed) CH. MAU. TALLEYRAND.
Gentlemen of the Senate,
THE proposition of a fresh negotiation with France, in consequence of advances made by the French government, having excited no general attention, and so much conversation, as to have given occasion to many manifestations of the public opinion, by which it appears to me, that a new modification of the Embassy will give more general satisfaction to the nation, and perhaps better answer the purposes we have in view.
It is upon this supposition, and with this exception, I now nominate Oliver Ellsworth, Esq. Chief Justice of the United States, Patrick Henry, Esq. late Governor of Virginia, and
William Vans Murray, our Minister resident at the Hague, to be Envoys Extraordinary and Ministers Plenipotentiary to the French republic, with full powers to discuss and settle by a treaty, all controversies between the United States and France.
It is not intended that the two former of these gentlemen shall embark for Europe until they shall have received from the Executive Directory, direct and unequivocal assurances, signified by their Secretary of Foreign Relations, that they shall enjoy all the prerogatives attached to that character by the law of nations, and that a Minister or Ministers of equal power shall be appointed and commissioned to treat with them.
JOHN ADAMS.
February 25, 1799.
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
SATURDAY, March 2.
A CALL of the House took place at half past ten, agreeably to order. Some of the members were absent, who had severally to make apologies on taking their seats.
Mr. D. Foster, from the committee of claims made several unfavourable reports; which were concurred in.
The House resolved itself into committees of the whole, Mr. J. Parker in the chair, on sundry bills, which were severally read the third time and passed, the titles of which will appear in the course of the sitting, as approved by the President.
A message was received from the President, stating to the House the number of vessels commissioned since July last; the number of which is 365, their tonnage 66,691 tons, their number of guns 2723, of men 6847.
Mr. Foster moved to refer the resolution he sometime ago laid upon the table, respecting an amendment to the constitution, to a committee of the whole on the state of the union. The motion was negatived, 56 to 28.
A bill to reform the Superior Courts in the territory of the United States north-west of the river Ohio, underwent some discussion; but was afterwards postponed till next session.
The House agreed to the resolution in favour of Joseph Wheaton, also one in favour of subscribing for 400 copies of the old Journals proposed to be printed by Mr. Folwell.
Mr. Gregg presented a petition signed by 950 inhabitants of Lancaster county, praying for a repeal of the alien and sedition laws.
Ordered to lie.
Adjourned till seven this evening.
EVENING SITTING.
Mr. Otis called the order of the day on the bill vesting the power of retaliation in certain cases in the President of the United States; when
Mr. Dent moved to postpone the consideration of this bill until the next session of Congress, which motion was negatived, 35 to 32.
The House then went into a committee of the whole on this bill, Mr. J. Parker in the chair; and, after some discussion, and an amendment being introduced into the preamble of the bill, by Mr. Dayton (the Speaker) to make it apply generally to any acts of severity that may be committed by the French republic in pursuance of any violent decree, instead of applying particularly to the decree declaring American citizens found on board vessels of their enemy, pirates, and liable to suffer death; the committee rose, and the amendment was concurred in.
The question being, "Shall this bill pass?" a considerable debate took place. Its passage was opposed by Messrs. Livingston, Gallatin, M'Dowell, and Macon; and advocated by Messrs. Edmond, Dana and Otis. The yeas and nays were taken on the question as follows: YEAS 56.—NAYS 30.
An amendment of the Senate to the bill authorizing a detachment of the militia, was called up. This amendment proposed that "the President should be authorized, if he thinks it expedient, to excuse the states east of the Poowmac, from making the detachments thereby required."
This amendment produced considerable warmth in the Southern delegation. Messrs. W. Claiborne, S. Smith, Venable, Eggleston and Clopton, expressed their pointed disapprobation of it. It was negatived unanimously.
Several bills were passed, the titles of which will appear when they return from the President.
The President informed the House that he had approved and signed the following acts, viz. An Act allowing additional compensation, for the year 1799, to certain officers of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States; An Act to amend the act regulating grants of land for military services, &c. An Act to provide for the more general promulgation of the laws of the United States; and An Act making additional appropriations for the year 1799.
A motion was made by Mr. Livingston to adjourn till ten in the morning, as it would be impossible to get through the business to-night, and he understood the Senate were about to adjourn to that time.
Mr. Dana proposed to adjourn till seven in the evening, but that motion being negatived, the House adjourned till ten o'clock on Sunday morning.
SUNDAY MORNING.
The Senate informed the House, that they had come to a resolution that the bill authorizing a detachment of the militia of the United States, be postponed till next session.
Several reports were made by the committee of enrolment, and sundry messages communicated from the Senate, relative to the bills in their passage.

The President informed the House, that he had approved and signed the following acts, viz. An act making appropriations for the support of the naval establishment for the year 1799; an act making appropriations for the military establishment for 1799; an act to authorize the sale of certain land, between the Great and Little Miami Rivers; an act relating to distillers of Geneva; an act making appropriations for the support of government for the year 1799; an act to establish the Post-Office of the United States; an act for the relief of Comfort Sands and others; an act to amend the act for the relief and protection of American seamen; an act in addition to the act for the relief of sick and destitute seamen; a resolution to authorize the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to subscribe for 400 copies of the old journals of Congress.
The President also informed the Senate that he had approved and signed the following acts, which originated in that House, viz. An act for the security of bail in certain cases; an act to regulate the Medical establishment of the United States; an act placing eventual authority in the President to augment the army; an act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontiers; an act for the better organizing the troops of the United States, and for other purposes; an act vesting the power of retaliation in certain cases in the President of the United States; and an act authorizing the President of the United States to fill certain vacancies in the navy and army.
VOTE OF THANKS.
Mr. Champlin addressed the House as follows: Sensible as I am of the importance of the duties that, at all times, attach to a gentleman, who presides over the deliberations of this assembly, and more especially in times of imminent danger; impressed with the able and honourable manner in which those duties have been discharged by the gentleman who now fills the chair; and believing the sentiments I entertain on this occasion to be in perfect unison with those of every member of this House, I beg leave to submit a resolution expressive of the sense of the House on this subject.
He then moved the following resolution: Resolved, That the thanks of this House be presented to Jonathan Dayton, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in discharging the arduous and important duties assigned him, while in the chair.
This motion was received by the Clerk, and the question being put upon it by him, there appeared for it 49, against it 22.
The resolution being carried, the Speaker rose and addressed the House as follows:
"No language, Gentlemen, can do justice to those feelings which this second vote of approbation of my conduct, after four years Presidency in the house of Representatives, has excited in my breast. It would be unjust in me not to acknowledge, that to the support uniformly afforded, and to the confidence unreservedly reposed in me, rather than to any merit of my own, is to be ascribed the success with which you are pleased to declare, that the duties of the chair have been executed."
Permit me to say, that far from being displeased, I have, on the contrary, been very much gratified at hearing that the resolution of thanks has not been passed, as a mere matter of form, unanimously. As in all public bodies there have ever been found men whose approbation must be considered by the meritorious as a censure, so in this body there are, unhappily, some whose censure will be regarded by all whose esteem I value as the highest testimony of merit. About to abandon the seat which I have held in this branch of the general legislature for eight successive years, I take advantage of the moment which precedes our separation, to bid you, gentlemen, an affectionate farewell."
The Senate sent down a bill for altering the time of the next meeting of Congress, making it, instead of the first Monday in December (as fixed by the Constitution) the third Monday in November. On motion of Mr. Bayard, this bill was rejected, 53 votes being for it.
Mr. Macon moved the usual resolution, appointing a joint committee with the Senate, to inform the President, that Congress is ready to adjourn without day, unless he has any farther communication to make to them; which being agreed to, Messrs. Otis, Macon and Brooks, were appointed a committee on the part of this House.
Mr. Otis, from the committee appointed to wait upon the President, informed the House that they had performed that service, and he informed them "that he had no further communication to make, except to express his wish for the health and happiness of the members, and a pleasant journey home to their families and friends."
The Speaker then adjourned the House without day.
LONDON, December 24.
The Neapolitan troops, after having taken possession of Rome, advanced under General Meck to Civita Castellana, 25 miles from Rome; where they were met by 4000 French commanded by Gen. Macdonnel. The Neapolitans are said to have been 40,000 strong; and that the French took 4000.
CAPTURE OF LEGHORN.
The English and Portuguese Squadron, with Neapolitan troops on board, appeared before the city of Leghorn, the 28th of November, and summoned the Tuscan General, Jacob Lavilette, to permit their landing. After the General had advised with Council, he acceded to the disembarkation of the troops; under the express condition of respecting the neutrality of the port of Tuscany.
Lord Nelson has declared all the vessels belonging to the Ligurian republic to be lawful prizes.
SURRENDER OF MINORCA.
DEC. 24. Gen. Stuart's aid-de-camp has brought official accounts of the surrender of Minorca, to the British arms. The troops landed the 12th of November. Some opposition was made; but both the forts Mafon and Citadella capitulated the 14th. The prisoners are 4000 in number. The Park and Tower guns were yesterday fired on this event, which puts us again in possession of the important harbour of Mahon.
We have advice from Italy, that ten Spanish men of war had entered Toulon, and that an English convoy had been taken by the Spaniards.
HAMBURG, DEC. 7. The French General Faypoult has squeezed Genoa out of a further contribution of 800,000.
The assassination of Buonaparte, at Cairo, is still persisted in by the English paragraphists. Their information is official from Constantinople.—Whether correct from Cairo thence, time will develop. We expect report in this, as in many other instances, will be the precursor of fact.
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13.
Extract of a letter from a mercantile house at L'Orient, to Messieurs Bulkeley and Son, at Lisbon, dated Dec. 9.
"We have to inform you of the disagreeable tidings of the capture of the coppered ship Pigou, of Philadelphia, Capt. Green, bound to Canton, with 150,000 dollars, which were taken out, and put on board the two frigates that took her. The frigates were coming from the West-Indies, and fell in with said ship 7 days after her sailing. One of the frigates is arrived at Brest, the other here. The Pigou has not arrived, and we presume has been recaptured by the British."
The Mail for the Chesterfield packet, Capt. Jones, which was sunk on the 28th of February, at New-York, has been taken up without having suffered much damage.
The sum subscribed to the new loan was 14,834,700 dollars. 9,000,000 of which were subscribed by the Philadelphians, and 186,200 by citizens of this town. The United States Gazette says, "The scrip of 12 1-2 dollars, on each share of 1000, is already selling at 13 3-4 dollars, and is expected to be 25 dollars in a few days, so many have been disappointed, who must now purchase at a premium; indeed if bought at 37 1-2 dollars, which is 200 per cent. advance upon the sum paid at subscription, it will give the stockholder more than 6 per cent. interest for his money."
The Baltimore Telegraph, of the 4th inst. makes mention of a dreadful fire having lately taken place at Norfolk, consuming the whole of Water-street, in which were upwards of 70 houses.
The detection of the tales of the tubs, and the arrestation of their keepers, afford new proof of the vigilance of our Executive, and will doubtless lead to some important discoveries. It seems that Government was apprised of the plot upwards of two months since, and it is probable knew the nature of it. From the accuracy of their information as to the vessel, the passengers, the tubs and the papers, this is highly presumable. We wish it was in our power to gratify an anxious public with all the particulars relative to this strange affair. At present however, besides what we give, we can only offer our sincere congratulations on the success of the proceedings of Government.
There is no man in America so well acquainted with the French character as the President; he has had greater opportunities of knowing it; he has more than once been attacked by the whole train and resources of their diplomatic skill; and the fisheries, the western lands, and even the independence of our country, witness his impenetrable firmness. When our treaty of peace with England was on the tapis, and had consented to yield the most important points to the crafty Vergennes, Mr. Adams rose and put an end to their intrigues at once, by solemnly declaring that unless these were preliminary and absolutely conceded, he would break up the negotiation at once. But this is but one of numberless acts of his life, which show that he possesses a mind uncommonly penetrating, upright and decisive, fully equal to every trying occasion. Under the safeguard of such talents and integrity then we may well repose our fullest confidence. Time will certainly illustrate the propriety of this opinion.
[J. Russell's Gaz.]
Mr. Cobbett has published from the German, a long enumeration of the contributions and exactions of the French on their neighbours. The pillage and destruction which these virtuous republicans have made, amount to the enormous sum of 1691 millions of pounds sterling!!! a sum that would be wholly incredible, unless we had spread before us the most ample evidence of the accuracy with which it is ascertained. Ibid.
DIED,
In the 90th year of his age, Mr. CHARLES EASTEBROOKS, an honest man and a worthy citizen.
In this town, Capt. DAVID ARNOLD.
* Several valuable communications, together with the Meteorological Observations, which were handed too late for this day's Journal, will appear in our next.
NEW GOODS.
Just received, and now opened for Sale, at No. 1, Cheapside,
A LARGE and Extensive Assortment, to which additions are constantly making of ENGLISH, INDIA and SCOTCH GOODS, at a very moderate advance for Cash and Cash only.
ALSO,
150 bbls prime Pork & Beef, and 300 groce Velvet Corks, for Cash or short time. March 13, 1799.
Ship News.
PORT OF PROVIDENCE.
ENTERED.
Sloop Friendship, Russell, New-York. Sloop Hancock, Crapon, ditto. Sloop Rising Sun, Rhodes, Alexandria. Sloop Mary-Ann, Westcott, Baltimore. CLEARED.
Ship Enterprize, Aplin, St. Thomas. Brig Lydia, Cook, Wilmington. Sloop Romeo, Heath, Newport. Sloop Clarissa, Langford, St. Thomas. Sloop Hancock, Crapon, New-York.
Ship John Jay, of this port, Capt. Olney, has arrived at New-York from Lisbon. Left there, on the 10th of January, the following vessels, viz.
Ship Caroline, of Baltimore, John Malony. Brig Angelica, of Philadelphia, Robert Robertson. Ship Roebeck, of Charleston, in distress, bound to Madeira, Daniel Sterling. Ship Gloriana, of Boston, Jonathan Coffin. Ship Mary, of Portland, William Baker. Ship Active, of Baltimore, John Garde. Ketch John, of Salem, entirely dismasted, Stephen Phillips. Schooner Nancy, of Gloucester, in distress, George Girdler. Schooner Adventure, of Gloucester, in distress, William Kilham. Aréthuse, Stewart Moffat.
Sloop Smithfield, of this port, on her passage from Charleston to the Havanna, with a load of naval stores, has been captured and carried into New-England.
Orange Wheaton, of this port, on her passage from Charleston to Surinam, after being out 6 days, returned with the loss of her foremast.
PHILADELPHIA, March 5.
The ship supposed to be the Swerger Rydags, Mannings, from Lisbon, and Schooner Maria Matilda, Morse, from the Havanna, are at Reedy Island. Arrived at Reedy Island the ship Asia, Morgan, from Batavia, last from the Isle of France. Sailed from thence the 17th of November last, leaving there the ship Summer, Stone, of Boston, and Woodcock, White, late an English Indian, both to sail in a few days for India, and no other Americans. Mr. Maddoc, the supercargo, informs that the Asia was detained several days by an embargo, in consequence of an insurrection breaking out by a party, friends to the French republic, their object being to overlet the colonial assembly and its acts, and to substitute those of the Directory. They succeeded in securing several members of the assembly, whom they imprisoned, and drove the rest from the town, who retired to the mountains, and collected a large body of native volunteers; with these they returned, and overpowered their opponents; 23 ringleaders were secured and shipped off to old France, and order restored. They failed in a brief day before the Asia, and during the insurrection. La Porte 44 gun frigate lay there, but took no part with the insurgents. Sercey was in the Indian seas, and daily expected at the Isle of France. There had been no arrival from the time the Asia put in to her sailing, upwards of two months. La Porte failed on a cruise a few days before the Asia. The Asia had been 18 days on the coast, and had five of her hands frosthitten.
JUST IMPORTED,
In the MERCHANT from London, and the FOX- WELL from Bristol,
And to be Sold Wholesale and Retail,
By Benjamin Dyer,
A VERY large, general and genuine Assortment of DRUGS & MEDICINES, DYE STUFFS and GLASS WARE, on reasonable terms. Constant attendance given, and all favours gratefully acknowledged. March 12, 1799.
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.
Boston Coach Lace Manufacturing, 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 fatten striped Hair Seating, of the best Quality, from 18 to 32 inches wide. A few elegant Peria and Wilton Chaife CARPETS, with a large assortment of UPHOLSTERY. Boston, March 12.
To LETT,
ON Westminster-street, a BAKE-HOUSE, with two good OVENS, one eight by ten, the other twelve by fourteen; with a tenement above for a small family.—Likewise, a good Store, Stable and Hay-Loft, adjoining to the Bake-House. For further particulars, enquire of March 13. SAMUEL JAMES.
TO BE SOLD,
A F A R M,
LYING partly in Gloucester, and partly in Douglas. Said farm is well wooded and well watered, and contains nearly three hundred acres of excellent land; has two good young orchards, which will make about one hundred barrels of cider; has a barn, dwelling-house and corn-crib. Said farm will cut between sixty and seventy tons of good English hay, and may easily be made to cut one hundred and fifty tons yearly; with sufficient pasture of the best kind, to summer as many cattle as the farm will winter; good tillage, and is on a good road, which makes it a suitable stand for a public house; about two hundred and fifty acres of wood land, well timbered; and one half of a new saw-mill, standing on the wood land. The farm will be sold altogether or in lots, as will best suit the purchaser or purchasers, and payments made easy for part thereof: ten years credit will be given, with good security. For further particulars, enquire of
DANIEL HUNT, living on the premises, near Wallomp-Pond. Gloucester, March 12.
GOOD NEW LANDS, TO BE SOLD CHEAP.
THE Subscriber having lately been into the rich and populous state of New-York as far as Fort Schuyler, now called Utica, in White's-Town; also to Fort Stanwix, now called the city of Rome, and to New-Hartford; also through Messrs. Boone and Shayler's settlements, at Trenton, Streuben and Leyden, on the Black River, in the late county of Herkemer, but lately made into three counties by the General Assembly of New-York; there being no track beat across the Black River, and the snow very deep, I could not proceed on my 210,000 acres of land, which lie about six miles N. E. of said river, but was exceedingly pleased with the lands for 33 miles north of White's-Town; 15 miles of which I went in a good beaten track, and found the lands of the very best kind, both on account of timber and the laying of the lands in general, being about as level as the island of Rhode-Island, on the east road; but the soil much better.
The new settlers on or near the said Black River are now giving from four to five dollars and an half per acre for their new farms to Messrs. Boone and Shayler, and I think there are about 150 families now living within 10 or 12 miles along the course of said river, and within three or four miles of the same; all within 8 or 10 miles of my said tract. I am desirous of accommodating as many good, industrious able-bodied men, as wish to go and pick themselves good farms of 80 or 160 acres each, and to go to work at clearing and settling this spring, as I have agreed with two good surveyors to go on by the 1st of April, and lay out two whole townships into roads of four rods wide, and farms of 80 and 160 acres each, to adjoin one of said roads; and having also engaged the necessary provisions to be carried on immediately by Messrs. O. and J. Balou, merchants, at Utica, or Fort Schuyler, who are also empowered by me to contract with, and set off the farms to all such as may go on to settle, either from this vicinity, or from any part of the country. Therefore, all who choose to get for themselves good farms may apply to me or to them, and close their agreements for 80 or 160 acres each of picked land, at two dollars and an half per acre, provided they will go on and go to work so as to plant four acres at least by the 10th of June next, as experience has shown that it will do very well to plant any time between the first and 15th of June; and most generally produces from 40 to 50 bushels of good corn per acre without hoeing. The payments at this price to be in five years—say four yearly payments after one year, with interest after the first year till paid: or if any of the new settlers choose to pay their money down, the price is two dollars only—and in either case a warranty deed will be given by me as soon as the payments are completed, and the payments for the provisions supplied by me or my agents will be taken at my store, to be built on the settlement, in grain or other produce, at the same price as the same kinds are selling for at the time at Utica, with interest till paid; and the price charged to each settler for such provisions as he stands in need of, will be no more than the cash price at Utica, together with the expense of getting the same on the said tract.
If any good able-bodied ax-men choose to work by the month for the first season, or to clear and burn the timber by the acre, as is common in that country, rather than settle farms for themselves, I will give them good wages for seven or eight months, or pay them by the acre for clearing, and allow ten days travel, and three dollars for expenses in going, and board them while at work. All those who live between this and White's-Town, who conclude to go on my said land, are desired to call on Messrs. O. and J. Balou, merchants, at Utica, who will supply them with axes and provisions, and shew them where to work at clearing and burning, as they have my orders to get one hundred acres of corn planted by the 1st of June, on my account, on the said tract—and it may not be improper to inform all who wish to purchase, that every acre of the land which may be cleared and planted with the common produce of that country, in corn at half a dollar per bushel, will completely pay the whole expense of the land, and of clearing, burning, planting and harvesting in one season; and I now engage to receive good corn on the tract next fall, at half a dollar per bushel, either in payment for the lands or provisions, in order to be ready to supply the settlers who may go on after this spring to purchase the lands at an advanced price—say four or five dollars. It is therefore my advice to all that conclude to go on, to be on the ground by the 10th of April next, which will give them two months time to build log houses and clear four or five acres, and get their corn in the ground. The best route at present is to go direct to Utica, or Fort Schuyler, through Albany, the whole distance being fully settled and mostly by New England people, of which a large proportion are from this State. The shortest route to Albany from this town don't exceed 160 miles, from thence to Utica 95 miles up the Mohawk river, and from thence, to my said tract, is 35 miles, making in all from this town, 290 miles: but the distance will be shortened about 40 miles by a new road to be cut this Summer from Johnson to the said tract, which will make the distance from Albany to the said tract only 90 miles. Commissioners are already appointed to open said road, and I have stipulated to cut ten miles from my said tract in a direct line towards Albany, to meet them; and the same route is to continue through my said tract 20 miles, and to the river St. Lawrence; which will open the markets of Montreal and Quebec, for the produce of my said tract, as well as those on the North-River and the Mohawk. There are 3 large rivers which run through my said tract into the Black River, one of which is said to be boatable from the river St. Lawrence to the centre of my lands. JOHN BROWN. March 13, 1799.

Selected Poetry.
Elegy.
WRITTEN IN A CHURCH YARD IN SOUTH WALES.
FROM southern Cambria's richly varied clime, Where grace and grandeur share an equal reign; Where cliffs, o'erhung with shade, and hills sublime, Of mountain lineage sweep into the main; From bays, where commerce furls her wearied sails, Proud to have dar'd the dangers of the deep, And floats at anchor'd ease inclos'd by vales, To ocean's verge where stray the vent'rous sheep; From brilliant scenes like these I turn my eye; And, lo! a solemn circle meets its view, Wall'd to protect inhum'd mortality, And shaded close with poplar and with yew. Deep in that dell the humble fane appears, Whence prayers, if humble, best to heaven aspire; No tower embattled, no proud spire it rears, A mols-grown coffin deck's its lowly choir. And round the fane the sons of toil repose, Who drove the ploughshare, or the sail who spread; With wives, with children, all in measur'd rows, Two whiten'd flint-stones mark the feet and head. While these between full many a simple flow'r, Pansy, and pink, with languid beauty smile, The primrose opening at the twilight hour, And velvet tufts of fragrant chamomile. For, more intent the smell from fight to please, Surviving love selects its vernal race; Plants that with early perfume feed the breeze May best each dank and noxious vapour chace. The flaunting tulip, the carnation gay, Turnsole, and pansy, and all the train That love to glitter in the noon-tide ray, Ill suit the copse where death and silence reign. Nat but, perchance, to deck some virgin's tomb, Where violets sweet their two-fold purple spread, Some rose of maiden blush may faintly bloom, Or with ring hang its emblematic head. These to renew, with more than annual care, That wakeful love with passive step will go; The hand that lists the dibble shakes with fear, Lest haply it disturb the friend below. Vain fear! for never shall disturb come, Potent enough to wake such sleep profound, Till the dread herald to the day of doom Pours from his trump the world dissolving sound. Vain fear! yet who that boasts a heart to feel, An eye to pity, would that fear reprove? They only who are crust with breaths of steel Can mock the foibles of surviving love. Those foibles far beyond cold reason's claim Have power the social charities to spread; They feed, sweet tenderness! thy lambent flame, Which, while it warms the heart, improves the head. Its chemic aid a gradual heat applies, That from the dross of self each with refines, Extracts the liberal spirit, bids it rise, Till with primal purity it shines. Take then, poor peasants, from the friend of Gray, His humble praise; for Gray or fail'd to see, Or saw unnotic'd what had wak'd a lay Rich in the pathos of true poetry. Yes, had he pac'd this churchway path along, Or lean'd like me against this ivied wall, How sadly sweet had flow'd his Dorian song, Then sweetest when it flow'd at Nature's call. Like Tadmor's king, his comprehensive mind Each plant's peculiar character could seize; And hence his moralizing muse had join'd To all these flow'rs, a thousand families. But he, alas! in distant village grave, Has mix'd with dear maternal dust his own; Ev'n now the pangs, which parting friendship gave, Thrills at my heart, and tells me he is gone. Take then from me the pensive strain that flows Congenial to this consecrated gloom; Where all that meets my eye some symbol shows Of grief, like mine, that lives beyond the tomb. Shows me that you, though doom'd the livelong year For scanty food the toiling arm to ply, Can smite your breasts, and find an inmate there To heave, when mem'ry bids, the ready sigh. Still nurse that best of inmates, gentle swains, Still act as heartfelt sympathy inspires; The taste, which birth from education gains, Serves but to chill affection's native fires. To you more knowledge than that shields from vice Were but a gift would multiply your cares; Of matter and of m'et let reasoners nice Dispute; be patience yours, presumption theirs. You know (what more can earthly science know?) That all must die; by revelation's ray Illum'd, you trust the ashes plac'd below These flow'ry tufts, shall rise again to day. What if you deem, by hoar tradition led, To you perchance devolv'd from Druids old, That parted souls at solemn seasons tread The circles that their thrones of clay infold? What if you deem they some sad pleasures take These poor memorials of your love to view, And scent the perfume for the planter's sake, That breathes from vulgar rosemary and rue? Unfeeling will may scorn, and pride may frown; Yet fancy, emp'ress of the realms of song, Shall bless the decent mode, and reason own It may be right—for who can prove it wrong?
THE CHOICE.
GIVE me a maid, whene'er I take a wife, Inur'd to the domestic cares of life: With mind unstain'd by vanity or art, Blest with good nature from a virtuous heart: Though modest, cheerful—love her aim and end; To truth, religion, and to me a friend: Her tender bosom shall my heart retain, From all the world calls great, or I call vain: May grace be in her soul, heav'n in her eye: With such I'd wish to live, with her I'd wish to die.
For SALE, by the Subscribers, at a very moderate price, THE STORE lately occupied by Messrs. Benjamin and John Brown, a little north of the State-House, in the chambers of which is a convenient tenement for a large family. The terms of payment will be made easy. BENJAMIN HOPPIN & Co. Jan. 9, 1799. (s m.)
Now or Never!
An Opportunity once lost, may never be regained. IN Pursuance of Authority vested in the Subscriber, by the Hon. General Assembly, at their present Session, and by virtue and under the advice of the Hon. Court of Probate of this town, there will be exposed to sale, at public auction, on the third Monday of March inst. at 11 o'clock, A. M. on the premises, that very valuable real Estate wh. Capt. Josiah Gifford died seized, situated on the southerly part of the town, on the west side of Water-street, whereon it fronts, measuring thereon 54 feet, and, holding that width, extends back to the channel about 200 feet, consisting of a two story Dwelling-House, very convenient, and in good repair; together with a large store, stable, and other necessary out buildings, and a never-failing well of water. The property hereby offered for sale unites so many advantages for the accommodation of the man of business, that a more particular description is rendered unnecessary. In pursuance of the same authority as aforementioned, the following are advertised as the conditions of sale, viz.
One quarter part of the purchase money to be paid in one month, the second in three, the third in six, and the last in nine months, from the time of sale; the whole consideration money to be secured by promissory notes, payable at those instalments, at Bank, with approved indorsers.
PELEG GIFFORD, Administrator. March 2.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. In GENERAL ASSEMBLY,
February Session, A. D. 1799.
It is Voted and Resolved, That the several Town-Clerks be, and they are hereby required and directed to forward to the General Assembly, at May Session, copies of the town rate lists, and assessments of the State tax, ordered at October Session last; and all such lists, assessments and documents whatever, relating to the last general estimate, as may be in their respective offices: and that the Secretary cause this resolution to be published in one of the Providence, and one of the Newport newspapers, and in the Warren newspaper.
A true copy, Witness, SAMUEL EDDY, Sec'y.
Dancing School.
JOHN C. DEVERO
RESPECTFULLY informs the inhabitants of Providence, and its vicinity, that he purposes opening a DANCING-SCHOOL, on the fourth of April next, at Mr. Ammidon's ball-room—Mr. DEVERO to furnish room, music, &c. and the terms as follows: One scholar 3 dollars, two scholars coming from one family, 14 dollars; three scholars 18 dollars four scholars 20 dollars; to continue twelve weeks, three days in a week, and give two lessons per day, if necessary.
Mr. DEVERO begs leave to observe, that he has taught a Dancing-School for these two years past in the State of Connecticut, with great success and approbation; he also taught in Newport last summer, where he received great encouragement, and flatters himself he gave general satisfaction; and as he now offers to teach on moderate terms, and pays the greatest attention to the morals, carriage, and address of his scholars, he doubts not but the inhabitants of the town of Providence will cheerfully perfect their children in this polite and necessary part of education. Providence, March 6.
Benjamin Thurber,
At his shop, nearly opposite the Episcopal Church, at the sign of the BUNCH OF GRAPES, offers for sale a very good assortment of English, India, Scotch and other GOODS:
AMONG WHICH ARE, A NEAT assortment of coloured taffetas, lutestring, fatins, persians, modes, and some new fashioned silk; also straw bands for ladies hats, black girdles and clasp, long and short womens' kid gloves. Newest fashioned dark and light ground patches and chintzes, black and white moreens of all colours, neat morocco and cloth shoes, broadcloths, durants and baizes, tambour muslins, muslinetts, dimities, and a variety of good laces of the newest fashion; ladies' hats, childrens' fur hats, elegant shawls, waistcoat patterns, best fleece cotton, nankeens and nankeenets, some neat muffs, furs and ermines. Spanish float and French indigo, warranted; brass kettles, warming pans, London and Bristol pewter, knives and forks, shovels and tongs, coffee-mills, candlesticks, an assortment of looking glasses; Delf, China and glass ware, iron hollow ware, cart and waggon boxes; clover seed, herdiglass, red and bent seed, meal and lawn sieves. West-India Goods, oranges, lemons, raisins, figs, tamarinds, and many other articles, too tedious to mention. The whole will be disposed of at a low advance. All old friends and new customers are desired to call and see for themselves. I daily expect a fresh supply of goods from New-York and Boston. Jan. 30, 1799. G.W.
To be SOLD,
A BRIG of 120 tons burthen (now on the stocks on Taunton Great River) between the Needles and Rocky Nook (so called) built of white oak timber, well furnished; calculated to sail fast. For further particulars, enquire of
DAVID STANDISH.
Dighton, March 2.
For SALE, by Pitts and Chedel,
On the west side of the great Bridge, opposite the store of Amos Atwell, Esq:
10 Pipes of the best GENEVA 13 hogheads of Tobago RUM A few hogheads of retailing MOLASSES 20 Casks of new RICE 30 bbls. of TURPENTINE.
The above articles, with a variety of others, may be had, wholesale or retail, at a very low rate.
Providence, March 6.
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.)
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. PROVIDENCE, sc.
BE it remembered, that Mary Updike, of Providence, in said county, wife of RICHARD E. UPDIKE, of said Providence, mariner, hath filed in the office of the clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the county aforesaid, her petition to said court, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that a decree of divorce may be pass'd, dissolving the bond of matrimony now subsisting between her and her said husband.
Notice therefore is hereby given to all persons, to appear (if they shall see fit) at the next term of said court, to be holden on the third Monday of March next, to show cause, if any they may have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
By order of court, PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk. February 16, 1799.
State of Rhode-Island, &c. PROVIDENCE, sc.
WHEREAS Sarah Parker, wife of Edward Parker, late of said Providence, mariner, hath preferred her petition to the next Supreme Judicial Court, to be holden at Providence, in and for the county aforesaid, on the fourth Monday of March next, praying that a sentence of divorce may be pass'd—Notice is hereby given to all persons concerned, to appear before said court, and show cause (if any they have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk. February 27.
Boston (and Newport Mail) STAGE-OFFICE.
ESEK ALDRICH
Respectfully informs the Public, THAT the Boston (and Newport Mail) Stage Office is kept at his house, west side the river, Providence, where the regular Line of Stages for Boston leave and arrive every day.
Also, Mr. Henry's Newport Mail Stages leave and arrive on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Extra Coaches ready for Boston, Newport, Norwich, New-London or New-York, at the shortest notice, and on the most reasonable terms.
In Boston, seats for Providence or Newport are to be taken at Major King's, Market Square. February 27.
FLAX-SEED.
WANTED by the subscriber, two thousand bushels of FLAX-SEED, for which a generous price will be given.
SAMUEL BROWN.
Said Brown has for sale, painters' colours, dye-stuffs, &c. of almost every description. He executes ornamental painting and gilding with accuracy and attention. February 13. (t.b.c.)
For Sale,
THE FARM on which the subscriber lives, in Plainfield, in Connecticut. It lies near the centre of the town, on the stage road from Providence to Norwich, containing about 200 acres. The buildings are good, the land fertile and pleasant, and the situation very healthy. It will be sold all together or in lots, as may best suit the purchaser.
He has also three very valuable JACK-ASSES for sale, raised from the Spanish breed in the country.
ELISHA PERKINS. Plainfield, February 8, 1799. (t.b.c.)
New LANDS.
THE subscriber having purchased the fee of a tract of 210,000 acres of LAND, near White's Town, in Herkimer county, State of New-York, which is laid out into eight townships; he this day sets off to obtain a more accurate knowledge, from the settlers in the neighbourhood, of the true value of said tract, and to have the necessary provisions carried on, while the sleighing lasts, to accommodate settlers who may go thereon the coming spring, and to have the same surveyed, and laid out into farms of half a mile square, say 160 acres each, so that each farm may adjoin a road of four rods wide. Having already agreed with about twenty-five men, by selling them part of said land very cheap, to go on and begin the settlement the ensuing spring, he wishes to agree with as many more, on his return home, as will make up, from eighty to one hundred men, to begin the improvements early. It lies about one hundred miles west of Albany, and that country is filling with new settlers from New-England with such rapidity as has never before been known in any other part of the United States. All who wish to obtain for themselves and families good farms, at a moderate price, and to be accommodated with time for the payments, may prepare themselves to go on in April next, by which time the township in which the settlement may begin will be surveyed and laid out into lots, and I shall be ready to accommodate them with such quantities of land as the different situations of their families may require. The goodness of the soil in general in that vicinity is so well known, that no recommendation is necessary. I will only observe, that by good information 364 bushels of good wheat have been raised on 1/4 of an acre of land, in one season, and that two oxen and two cows were last summer kept so far on only two acres of pasture land, that one of the cows, when killed in the fall, had 91 pounds of tallow. Good hay is now at five dollars per ton in the new settled towns in that quarter. There is scarcely an instance, among all who have removed into that country, of their circumstances not having been bettered, and every industrious man has become rich. A Mr. Phillips, who purchased a farm of 144 acres, at four dollars per acre, and improved it four years, has lately sold it for 30 dollars per acre, and purchased a large tract 40 miles further northward, at two dollars per acre, being to the northward of my tract, and far from any settlement.
By the 10th of March I hope to be at home, and ready to accommodate forty or fifty industrious men with good farms, on a long credit, at a reasonable price, or cheap for cash.
JOHN BROWN.
February 19, 1799.
John Young
HAS FOR SALE,
At his Retail Grocery Store,
In Westminster-Street, West side of the Bridge,
BEST French BRANDY, Old Jamaica SPIRITS, West-India RUM—Cherry ditto, Holland GENEVA, Old Sherry, Port, Lisbon, Malaga, Cacavilla, Tent, and Teneriffe WINES, of the first Quality. London PORTER, Hylon, Souchong and Bohea TEAS, Nutmegs, Cinnamon and Mace, Loaf, Powder'd and Brown SUGAR, Cayenne, India Pepper and Mustard.
An assortment of Handsome China Cups and Saucers, A number of complete Sets for Tea, and other CHINA. Glass and Crockery Ware, assorted. Elegant jappan'd Tea Waiters, of different sizes; And many other Articles in the Grocery Line, equal in quality to any sold in this town. February 20. 1799.
NEW AND FASHIONABLE GOODS. Samuel Ames
HAS JUST OPENED FOR SALE,
AN assortment of calicoes and chintzes, muslins, muslinetts and dimities; lutestring and fatins, modes, farsets 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, ratine, shalloons, rufels, durants, tammies, Irish linens and sheetings, fine and low priced India cottons, gentlemen 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 20.
TO BE SOLD,
A Good FARM, pleasantly situated in the south part of Smithfield; containing about 156 acres of land, including a valuable cedar swamp within half a mile of the premises: A dwelling-house, barn, and corn-crib near the centre of the improvements; well proportioned with pasture, orchard, meadow, and tillage land; a plenty of timber, and the farm well watered; two saw-mills, two grist-mills, a fulling-mill, and a blacksmiths' shop, within half a mile of the premises, with many other good advantages. It will be sold on reasonable terms, and the pay made easy, if applied for soon. For terms, apply to the subscriber, on the premises. Smithfield, Feb. 12. JOHN WINSOR.