The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1800-04-30 00:00:00

The Providence Journal
AND
TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. Printer of the LAWS of the UNITED STATES for the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c. At the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 70. ]
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 1800.
[ Vol. II. ]
From the GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
THOUGHTS
ON THE Increasing Wealth and National Economy Of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
INTRODUCTION.
FROM the time of the establishment of our European ancestors on the western side of the Atlantic Ocean, to the recent contest of the United States for independence, all faithful representations of the rapid growth of the country, were in Europe deemed fabulous;—and still there must remain a vast variety of opinions both in Europe and America on the rate of our annual increase.
To point out an eligible mode by which to answer the various subordinate questions comprised under the several heads of the Statistical Table annexed, and to consider the natural result of the whole, is the sole object both of the table and of the explanatory remarks.
The first Essays will be offered to the public in their crude state, in the order in which they may arise; but if they should ever be considered of sufficient importance to call for revision, method may be more attended to in classing the several remarks each under its proper head.
No. I. ON POPULATION.
The very ingenious and indefatigable Dr. Morse, in his elaborate geographical work, makes the following remarks, which are warranted in fact both by the opinions and the experience of cotemporary writers of celebrity.
Admitting the population of the United States at present (1796) "to be five millions, and that this number will be doubled in twenty years, and continue to increase in that ratio for a century to come, at that period, viz. 1896, there will be in United America one hundred and sixty millions, nearly twenty millions more than there are at present in all Europe."
Sir William Petty, in his Essays on Political Arithmetic, has given an average valuation for each inhabitant of Britain in his time; they are rated by him at 90 pounds sterling per head, or 400 dollars; if this rule be applied to the present inhabitants of these States, they are now worth more than two thousand millions of dollars; in addition to this statement, the following will be more generally understood, and as far as it agrees with, must strengthen the position formed from Mr. Petty's rule for a personal valuation.
The taxable property of the United States,
per valuation, under the recent law of Congress, amounts to more than 750 millions:
Which will authorize a valuation of personal property in stock, money, shipping, &c. } 750 as much more.
And about 500 millions of lands, to average one dollar per acre. } 500
Total, 2000 mil. dls.
An annual compound increase of 3 per cent. will double the given number in about 24 years. By this rule the population has been averaged in the annexed table, from the time of the census in 1790, although the exports of merchandise, and the tonnage, have more than doubled in half that time; yet for a succession of years it may be safer to confide in the rule adopted for the rate of increase in population, more especially when it is found that under such prudent calculations the net amount of the increase of wealth, for the last year only, is at least three per cent. on two thousand millions, or the sum of SIXTY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. When it is considered that the whole of this actual increase amounts in fact to a positive though in part a passive fund, and is therefore called a natural
sinking fund, to distinguish it from the visible operations of the ordinary revenues of the state; hence it may not be difficult to conceive, that the United States are within a short space to rank with the most powerful states on earth, both in population and in general wealth. And further, to consider the effects of population only, it may be said with truth, that by constant increase it has, since the year 1796, reduced a public debt of 20 dollars for each individual, to fifteen dollars; and if the conjectural increase for 1896 should be verified, the whole amount of eighty millions may then be redeemed by a capitation of 50 cents only. The ultimate population destined for the United States may be better imagined by a comparative view of the old world, where it will be found that France, England, Italy and the Netherlands, will average about 160 inhabitants to each square mile; and China, with no favourable difference either in soil or climate, has above three hundred; which rate of population would give to the United States above three hundred millions; but experience has shown that a population less than half that of China would be more conducive to health, and to every rational enjoyment.
OBSERVATOR.
A STATISTICAL TABLE,
For the United States of America, for a succession of years, compiled chiefly from official Documents.
Length of the United States, 1,250 miles—Breadth, 1,040 miles—containing more than one million of square miles, or 640 millions of acres.
   Years. Population. Improved Lands, part of 640 millions of acres. Militia. Navy U. States. Seamen. EXPORTS. Tonnage merchant vessels. Receipts, Revenue, &c. Expendit. Metallic Medium. Public Debt, Nominal. SINKING FUNDS.   Domestic Produce. Total. Active Sinking Fund. Dormant and Active.     Dollars. Dollars. Dollars. Note. Species, by law of the United States, of August, 1790, Dols. 2,000,000   1774 2,486,000 20,860,000 121,300 - 15,000 6,100,000 6,100,000 198,000 - - 4,000,000 { 200,000,000 The sinking fund, if deducted from the amount of the nominal debt for the year, will leave the net amount of the public debt. Ditto, surplus of duties, per ditto.   1784 3,250,000 21,500,000 541,666 - 18,000 9,000,000 10,150,000 250,000 - - 10,000,000 { Paper Money. Ditto, ditto, May, 1792.   1790 3,930,000 30,000,000 654,000 - 25,000 14,200,900 16,000,000 486,890 - - 8,000,000 Part of the war debt was funded before 1790, and the residue before 1795. Ditto by sale of Lake Erie lands, Dols. 406,941   1791 4,047,900 31,000,000 677,650 - 28,000 14,600,000 18,399,202 502,698 4,771,342 3,797,436 12,000,000 235,000,000 acres of Western Territory, limited by law at not less than two dollars per acre, Dols. 470,000,000.   1792 4,169,337 32,000,000 694,889 - 30,090 15,060,500 21,005,568 567,698 8,772,458 8,962,920 17,000,000   1793 4,294,417 33,500,000 715,736 - 33,060 15,420,000 26,011,788 627,570 6,450,195 6,479,977 20,000,000   1794 4,423,249 34,000,000 737,208 - 39,900 16,200,100 33,043,725 628,617 9,439,855 9,041,593 21,500,000 Part of these lands have been sold at auction, to average more than the above price of two dollars per acre.   1795 4,555,946 34,550,000 759,324 - 45,000 18,064,050 47,855,556 747,964 9,515,758 10,151,240 19,000,000 84,989,438 3,258,669   1796 4,692,624 35,100,000 782,104 V. G. 51,500 20,024,021 67,064,097 831,900 8,740,329 8,867,776 19,500,000 83,404,139 3,901,403   1797 4,833,402 35,600,000 805,567 3 124 24,052,671 51,294,710 876,912 8,758,780 8,625,877 14,000,000 81,324,139 4,549,592   1798 4,978,404 36,100,000 829,734 13 360 27,991,413 61,327,411 898,329 10,161,097 9,021,313 13,000,000 79,105,100 6,690,000   1799 5,127,756 36,300,000 854,626 42 950 33,142,187 78,665,522 920,000 12,777,487 10,351,703 16,000,000 84,185,400 8,002,104  
Note.—The several sums under the head of Metallic Medium are necessarily conjectural, but are nevertheless of immediate importance to the completion of the table, and therefore inserted, to be re-considered in the next annual statement; at which period the whole table will again be compared with the public documents, and errors corrected.
Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, April 16.
THE bill for the regulation of public arsenals and magazines, was read a third time and passed.
On motion of Mr. D. Foster, the committee of claims were discharged from the further consideration of the petition of Alexander Spotswood, and it was referred to the committee of the whole House, to whom is referred the petition of Temple Elliott, and others.
Mr. D. Foster, from the committee of claims, made a report on the petition of Major Thomas Johnson, who prayed compensation for a party of militia on an expedition against the Indians in 1794—the report is favourable to the claim of the petitioners, and recommends that provision be made by law for allowing the compensation requested.
The report was committed for to-morrow. Mr. Brace, from the committee to whom was referred several petitions relative to lands purchased from Judge Symmes, reported a bill to provide for the disposition of the lands between the Great and Little Miami Rivers—which was read and committed.
The House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the petition of Temple Elliott and others—Mr. Rutledge in the chair; when the unfavourable report of the committee
of claims on the petition of David Jones and Mr. Rogers, chaplains to the American army during the revolutionary war, who prayed for bounty lands, was agreed to—ayes 36, noes 23. The committee then rose, and the House concurred.
Mr. New then offered a resolution, directing a bill to be brought in to authorize the President of the United States to grant patents for lands due to certain officers for their military services in the continental army during the revolutionary war, which were granted by the state of Virginia, and have hitherto been withheld from them in consequence of the act of cession made by said state.
The resolution was agreed to, and a committee appointed for that purpose.
Mr. S. Smith brought in a bill to establish the district of Kennebec, and to annex Lyme to New-London; to alter the district of Bermuda-Hundred and City Point, and further to amend the act regulating the collection of duties on imports and tonnage.
The amendments of the Senate to the bill to continue in force the act entitled an act to authorize the defence of merchant vessels of the United States against French depredations, and to the bill supplementary to the act regulating trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontiers, were taken up and concurred in.
The bill sent from the Senate, permitting the exportation of certain parcels of gunpowder, muskets and cutlasses, was read a first and se-
cond time, and referred to the committee of commerce and manufactures.
The House resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill to prescribe the mode of deciding disputed elections of President and Vice-President of the United States—Mr. Rutledge in the chair; when
Mr. Marshall moved to strike out that part of the first section which contains the principal features of the bill, viz. that the Senate shall appoint the chairman of the grand committee; that their decisions shall be final and conclusive, &c.
Mr. Harper thought this would go to the entire destruction of the bill—he was not prepared to say these principles should be agreed to, but he thought there ought to be some investigation as to the bill contemplated; he would therefore recommend the honourable mover to modify his motion so as to try the second principle, that of the decision of the grand committee being final and conclusive.
Mr. Marshall said, he was by no means an enemy to the bill; but he entertained some doubts as to the constitutionality of its provisions at present. After dwelling for some time on particular clauses of the constitution, Mr. M. read the amendment which he would make if the motion for striking out was agreed to.
A short"> A short debate ensued, when Mr. Nicholas moved that the committee rise, report progress, and ask leave to sit again, which was carried; and Mr. Marshall's amendment was ordered to be printed. 
The House resolved itself into a committee of
the whole on the bill to make appropriations for the military establishment for the year 1800—and after filling up the blanks in the bill, it was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time to-morrow.
The bill allowing an additional salary to the officers of both Houses of Congress, was agreed to in committee of the whole, and ordered to be read a third time to-morrow.
Mr. Varnum called up for consideration the resolution which he laid on the table, directing the clerk to procure twelve copies of Hettie's digest of the laws of the United States—and the same having been again read, was agreed to by the House.
Mr. H. Lee's motion for appointing a committee to prepare a system of rules and regulations for the government of the district of Columbia, was also agreed to—ayes 50; and a committee of five appointed for that purpose.
The favourable report of the select committee on the petition of William Tazewell, Esq. late secretary of Mr. Gerry, was debated in committee of the whole, and agreed to—ayes 39, nays 30; and a bill ordered to be brought in for his relief.
Adjourned.
THURSDAY, April 17.
The bill entitled, An act making appropriations for the military establishment of the United States for the year 1800, and the bill supplementary to the laws now in force fixing the compensation to the officers of the Senate and House of Representatives, were respectively read a third time, and passed.

A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary, informing the House, that the Senate have passed the bill supplemental to the act for an amicable settlement of limits with the state of Georgia, and authorising the establishment of a government in the Mississippi territory, with amendments.
The bill and amendments were referred to a select committee, and ordered to be printed.
The House again resolved itself into a committee of the whole, on the bill prescribing the mode of deciding disputed elections of President and Vice-President, Mr. Rutledge in the chair; and Mr. Marshall's amendment being under consideration.
Mr. Randolph moved to amend the amendment, by striking out that part which directs the grand committee to be chosen by ballot, and inserting that they shall be chosen by lot.
Mr. Nicholas then rose, and after noticing the amendments which had been offered, and animadverting at considerable length upon the unconstitutionality of the bill, moved to strike out the first section.
He was followed by Mr. Marshall, in opposition, and Mr. Randolph in support of the motion; the committee then rose, and obtained leave to sit again.
A message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Shaw, his Secretary, notifying that the President did, on the 16th inst. approve and sign an act for the relief of the Corporation of Rhode-Island College, and a resolution relative to the Copper Mine on Lake Superior; also, that the President did this day approve and sign an act extending the privilege of obtaining patents for useful discoveries and inventions to certain persons therein mentioned, and to enlarge and define the rights of patentees.
A message from the Senate informed the House, that they have passed the following bills with amendments, viz. An act to continue in force for a limited period the act entitled, An act prescribing the mode of taking evidence in cases of disputed elections for members of the House of Representatives, and to compel the attendance of witnesses: An act for the government of the navy of the United States: An act to provide for the removal of the government of the United States, and An act to fix the compensation to the Paymaster-General, and the assistants to the Adjutant-General.
Adjourned.
FRIDAY, April 18.
Mr. Speaker laid before the House a letter from the treasurer of the United States, enclosing his accounts for the last year.
Ordered to be printed.
Mr. Nicholas called for the order of the day on the bill prescribing the mode of deciding disputed elections of President and Vice-President of the United States.
Mr. Harper moved that it be postponed till Monday.
Mr. Nicholas, after expressing his abhorrence of the principles contained in the bill, then moved that it be postponed till the first Monday in December next.
Messrs. Harper, Dana, Rutledge and Marshall, opposed this motion; and Messrs. S. Smith, Gallatin, Randolph, Nicholson and Nicholas, supported it.
The question was taken by yeas and nays, as follows:
AFFIRMATIVE 48—NEGATIVE 52.
Mr. Harper's motion for postponement till Monday was then agreed to—yeas 54.
The bill to continue in force an act laying an additional duty on salt, imported into the United States, was taken up in committee of the whole—Mr. Rutledge in the chair: when
Mr. S. Smith, with a view to make the tax perpetual, and the easier to be increased, if necessary, hereafter, moved to strike out that part of the bill which limits its duration to ten years.
This motion caused a long debate, and was finally negatived—yeas 30, nays 48.
Mr. Macon then moved to limit the operation of the law to two years, instead of ten, as the bill contemplates; which was also negatived—yeas 44, nays 47. The committee then rose, and
Mr. Randolph renewed the motion for inserting two years; which was negatived as follows:
AFFIRMATIVE 44—NEGATIVE 50.
The bill was then ordered to be read a third time on Monday.
A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary, notifying that the Senate have passed the bill to fix the rank and pay of the commanding officer of the Marine Corps; and also the resolution sent from the House, authorizing the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives to close the present session by adjourning their respective Houses on the first Monday in May next; with an amendment.
The Senate propose to strike out first and insert second, which was concurred in by the House.
Mr. Marshall brought in a bill to authorize the allowance of a credit to William Tazewell, and also a bill to authorize the issuing of certain patents; which were respectively read and committed for Monday.
Mr. D. Foster, from the committee of claims, made an unfavourable report on the petition of Oliver Pollock, which was committed to a committee of the whole House. Adjourned.
MONDAY, April 21.
The bill to continue in force the act laying an additional duty on salt, was read a third time, and passed—yeas 37, nays 28.
Mr. Stone presented a petition of the inhabitants of the district of Edenton, in North-Carolina, praying an alteration in a certain post-road, which was postponed till next session of Congress—yeas 34, nays 19.
Mr. Cooper presented a petition of Hugh White and others, which was referred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
Mr. D. Foster, from the committee of claims, reported a resolution in favour of Benjamin Wells and others, who suffered by the loss of property during the western insurrection, in 1794, which was committed for to-morrow.
Mr. Parker brought in a bill to authorize the purchase of timber for naval purposes, which was committed for to-morrow.
Mr. P. also brought in a bill for the appointment of admirals for the navy.
This bill contemplates the appointment of one Vice-Admiral and four Rear-Admirals.—Upon the question, shall this bill have a second reading? it was carried—yeas 34, nays 31, and was then committed to a committee of the whole House—yeas 37, nays 32.
Mr. Gallatin then moved that it be made the order of the day for the first Monday in December next.
A long debate ensued upon this motion—after which the yeas and nays were taken—yeas 44, nays 45.
And the bill was then made the order of the day for to-morrow.
In the course of the debate on the above question, Mr. Speaker having declared that it was not in order to discuss the merits of the bill, Mr. Harper, who was desirous of doing so, appealed from the decision of the chair; and upon the question, will the House concur in the decision of their Speaker? it passed in the affirmative—yeas 65.
A message was received from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary, informing the House, that they have passed the following bills sent from this House, viz.
An act to provide for rebuilding the light-house at New-London; for the support of a light-house at Clark's Point, and for other purposes—and
An act to repeal the act laying a duty on mills and implements employed in the manufacture of stuff.
Also, that the Senate have passed a bill in addition to the act to prohibit the carrying on the slave trade from the United States to any foreign place or country—to which they request the concurrence of the House.
The bill was read a first and second time, and referred to the same committee of the whole, to whom a bill of a similar nature, reported in this House, was referred.
Last Foreign Intelligence.
Received at New-York by an arrival from Portsmouth.
PARIS, February 23.
MR. McCartney, Secretary of the American Legation at the Hague, is arrived at Paris, and has joined Mr. Murray. He is Secretary of the commissioners at Paris. The other two commissioners left Corunna the 6th of February.
Several letters from Vernuil, arrived this evening, confirm the execution of Frotte, and his Etat Major. They were all shot, without permitting their eyes to be covered. One of them, who was only wounded by the first fire, turned to the soldiers, and with perfect tranquillity told them to finish their business.
LONDON, March 1.
Yesterday the first deposit was made on the last loan; and the pressure for money being over, the funds rose about half per cent.
Mr. Gore, one of the Commissioners for settling the American claims, had taken his passage on board the Helen, a small single decked vessel, without accommodation for passengers; but which vessel was expected to sail the first for America; but ministers have given orders for the February packet to New-York, to be detained at Falmouth until Mr. Gore can reach that place, and he goes out in her. The extreme haste and eagerness which were manifested on this occasion, by Mr. Gore's taking a passage on board such a vessel as the Helen, when several regular ships will sail in ten days, give rise to the idea that some important proposition has been made by our government.
The credentials of two of the new Commissioners from America, who are arrived at Lisbon, were addressed to the late Directory, not to the present government of France; and it is supposed that this circumstance has occasioned a delay. The last French papers however assert, that Mr. Murray, one of the Commissioners appointed, had arrived at Paris from the Hague, where he has resided some time as American Minister to the Batavian Republic.
March 3.
One of our cutters on the Yarmouth station on Monday last looked into the Elbe, but could not approach the coast, the navigation being wholly interrupted by the ice.
We have received the Paris papers to the 25th ultimo, inclusive. The accounts they bring of the destination of the Russian army are very contradictory—the Vienna Court Gazette of the 8th says, however, that nothing positive was then known of the destination of these auxiliaries, which seems to prove that the late report of the Russians marching again the Rhine was unfounded.
The Emperor of Germany has at last acknowledged the rights of the King of Sardinia. Letters from Genoa mention, not only the admission of his officers to the civil government of Piedmont, but that the troops of that state now occupy Tortona, Alessandria, and the other fortresses.
A deputy from the wretched inhabitants of the Valais, has remonstrated, with a firmness worthy of the founders of the Swiss liberty, with the French general. He justly charges him and his country with being the authors of all the calamities which overwhelm that innocent and once happy people.
The Legislative Body at Berne have passed to the order of the day upon the complaint of the French general, who resented the patriotic courage of his accuser. Buonaparte has communicated to that body his overtures for peace,
and promises that the independence of the Helvetic Republic shall be established at its conclusion. Money had arrived to pay the French troops at Basle. The Swiss in their service have mutinied for their pay, and some have returned, without orders, from the places in insurrection to which they had been marched.
The Consuls were installed in their new residence at the Thuilleries, on the 19th, with great pomp. On the 21st, Buonaparte received all the foreign ambassadors, and afterwards entertained them at dinner.
The Chief Consul continues to make it the great object of his policy to conciliate men of all opinions, and to banish all distinctions of party. Almost all the victims of the 18th Fructidor, who were recalled, have been restored to the full rights of citizens. Even Camille Jordan, who was generally considered as a royalist, is permitted to return to France, and is to be placed under the superintendence of the police at Grenoble.
General Brune writes from Vannes, that the disarming of the rebels continues. The war is entirely at an end, and the only interruption of the tranquillity of these districts, is from a set of brigands, inured to habits of licentiousness and plunder. The Paris papers speak differently of the fate of Frotte, who was seized with his staff. Some state them to have been executed; but a paper of the 5th Ventose, the Publiciste, contradicts these accounts, and says they are to be brought to Paris.
The French papers affect to doubt the truth of the report, that the Elector of Bavaria was to hire out troops to this country; but ministers, doubtless, are better acquainted with his intentions.
There is no material intelligence from either of the theatres of war, except that the army of the Archduke Charles has been set in motion, and is on its march towards the Rhine. The campaign in that quarter may shortly be expected to commence. The only article from Italy worthy of notice is, that the Austrians have begun to withdraw themselves from the Genoese territory, in consequence of the scarcity of provisions in that quarter.
DUBLIN, February 24.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer is so much recovered of his wound, that he this day attended in his place in the House of Commons.
February 26.
As a proof how much the public curiosity and interest relative to the Union has subsided here, there were not ten persons in the gallery of the House of Commons, at four o'clock this day, although the most important of all the propositions that embraced the commercial part of the Union, was to have been brought forward.
Three thousand British troops, we understand, landed here yesterday.
Another of the Orange Lodges of this city has come forward in reprobation of a Legislative Union.
February 27.
No business was done in the Commons this evening. The Speaker took the chair at four o'clock, and counting the House, notwithstanding much anxiety was expressed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to go into business, he adjourned, forty members not being present.
This day again presented the same proof as yesterday, that the public feeling has greatly subsided about the Union, although it was the great commercial proposition that was to have been discussed; and although several merchants and manufacturers of the first eminence were to have been examined as to the effects of the proposition of the trade of Ireland, there were not twenty persons in the gallery. We are a volatile people, and things of the extremest moment affect us but as a nine days wonder! I laugh at those who say this measure of Union will be resisted by the people. If Irishmen fight at all, it will not be for any interest they feel about the Union, but "for the fun of the thing"—for mere pleasure, as they do at a fair, a wake, or a patron.
On Saturday last, Major Swan having received information, that a number of prisoners in the new gaol (some of them under sentence of death) had planned their escape by breaking prison, he went directly to their place of confinement, and with Mr. Gregg, the gaoler, began a strict search. They found a deep and considerable breach had been made from one of the cells in the second range.—They also found a large iron instrument, by which the moving the stones had been effected; and also a thick long rope, which was to facilitate their escape. The fellows were then properly secured, and rendered incapable of any farther attempt. By this timely and happy discovery, several atrocious and daring ruffians were prevented from being again let loose on the public.
Domestic Intelligence.
NORFOLK, April 11.
Yesterday arrived here the brig Pearle, Capt. Evelith, 12 days from St. Thomas. Sailed under convoy of the United States brig Richmond, in company with 7 sail bound to the northward. April 2d, in lat. 22, long. 65, spoke the United States ship Baltimore, all well, returning to her station.
By this arrival we have also received information that the United States brig Pickering, Capt. Hillar, had, under the lee of Guadaloupe, fallen in with two French privateers, (one of 40 guns and the other of 4 guns) which he engaged for four hours. The result of the business was, that he had captured the ten gun privateer and had driven the smaller one on shore and destroyed her; we are also informed, that in that heroic action, Capt. Hillar had fallen a victim. Should this circumstance be true, as we are sorry to fear is the case, we have to lament the death of a brave and very intelligent officer, and whose abilities merited a better fate.
The same arrival has brought information that the French frigate Vengeance (whom the gallant Truxton engaged, and obliged to put into Curacao) had been condemned as unfit for sea: the greater part of her crew had arrived at St. Thomas before the Pearle failed.
PHILADELPHIA, April 21.
Arrived brig Los Amigos, Warren, prize to the United States Schooner Experiment, Captain Maley.
Arrived brig Two Sisters, Watson, from Havanna. Captain Watson informs, that he sailed from thence the 8th inst. and that a few days previous to his departure, the United States sloop of war Gangs, Capt. Mullowny, arrived there from Carthagena, having on board the Governor of Carthagena and his suite.
Yesterday came on the trial of Joseph Berouse, or Burs, Peter Peteron, or La Croix, and Joseph Baker, or Bowlander, indicted for piracy and murder; in having on the 12th day of September last, on board the Schooner Eliza, Capt. Whelen, of Philadelphia, rose on the officers of said Schooner, and after barbarously murdering Charles Rey, supercargo, Thomas Croft, mate, and Jacob Schutter, seaman, took possession of the vessel.
Capt. Whelen was the only witness, and his narrative alone was sufficient to carry conviction with it. The facts were too strong to admit a doubt of the commission of the horrid crime with which the prisoners stood charged, and the jury with very little hesitation gave in their verdict guilty.
Messrs. Dallas, Duponceau and Moylan, were counsel for the prisoners, but offered no defence. Mr. Dallas, however, gave notice that he would move for an arrest of judgment.
MUTINY IN THE SHIP CONGRESS.
On the 4th inst. a most serious and alarming mutiny broke out on board the Congress frigate of 36 guns, lying at Craney-Island, four miles below the town of Norfolk. About 200 of the seamen of the spar-deck, paraded on the forecastle, and gave three cheers as a signal for mutiny. Only three commissioned officers were on board the ship at the time—these were, the Captain, first Lieutenant, and Lieutenant Llewellyn, of the marines. The business wore a dreadful aspect for some time, but was soon settled by the extraordinary exertions of the marines, under the command of Lieut. Llewellyn. Seven of the ringleaders were secured by their exertions and deposited in Norfolk gaol. The mutiny took place at night—it was notwithstanding quelled without bloodshed.
A letter from an officer on board states, that the marines were paraded with uncommon alacrity, and stationed in the best possible positions. Captain Sever complements them in the highest terms.
TRENTON, April 21.
As politics are the "order of the day" in this country—and as Jacobins, French agents, and democrats abound, whose avowed intentions are to destroy our present government, to place Jefferson in the chair of State, and spread anarchy and confusion through the nation, it has become absolutely necessary that the strong arm of federalism should be stretched forth, to crush the demon of sedition, and blast the feverish hopes, and insidious schemes of deluded men. Virginia, that hot-bed of sedition and receptacle of disappointed demagogues, has long contemplated a reform in the general government, by making interest through the states for the election of Mr. Jefferson, to the Presidency, at the next general suffrage—their satellites swarm through the country—Calender writes libels on the government, and defames the character of President Adams. Giles, Taylor, and Madison spout in their assemblies, and inflame the passions—while every avenue, that may further their scheme, is explored and pursued with diligence. Their plans are all hostile to the reputation and welfare of America—and will, if not counteracted, consummate its ruin. Parties, obstinate and headstrong, are the bane of society; they tend to the dissolution of law and order; and will shake to the foundation the strongest empires. The friends to the American government must unite, be firm and consistent, cautious, eagle-eyed, support with dignity the charter of their liberties, and spurn with indignation the villain that would fully it. By this means our worthy President will be continued in office, commerce and agriculture enrich our shores, and smiling happiness be the lot of all. Z.
Just as our paper was going to press, about half past 2 o'clock this afternoon, the citizens were alarmed by the cry of fire from the State Prison; it was first discovered on the roof of the left wing, or men's apartment, and notwithstanding every exertion, the whole roof of that apartment was in a very short time in flames. The promptness and activity of the inhabitants were perhaps on no occasion more conspicuous, as well in affording every assistance in the safe keeping of the prisoners, during the fire, as in preventing the progress of the flames; and providentially the wind bearing a course off the main building, no further damage than the destruction of the roof of the left wing was sustained, and no escape effected. The prevailing opinion is, that the fire took place by accident.
NEW-YORK, April 17.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Cadiz, to a respectable mercantile house in this city, dated February 4, 1800.
"A great alteration has taken place in the French cruising system, nothing less than sparing inimical property under neutral flags. Since the late revolution all the consuls in these parts have been recalled, and others named in their place. Many condemnations have been reversed. Latterly an American ship having been

carried into Malaga by a French corsair, the consul released her immediately without looking into her papers, or listening to the captor.
A Philadelphia paper of yesterday says, that the Secretary of State has received no advices from Mr. Yznardi, our Consul at Cadiz, respecting a rupture with the Bey of Tunis.
At the Supreme Court held in this city, the 3d instant, William Durell, late printer at Mount-Pleasant, was tried for sedition, and sentenced to four months imprisonment, and to pay a fine of fifty pounds.
April 23.
Last week came on before the Circuit Court in Connecticut, the trial of Charles Holt, for a libel. This was a publication in the paper called the Bee, printed at New-London, in May 1799, the general tenor of which was to throw contempt on the government of the United States, and to discourage enlistments into the army. Mr. Edwards and Mr. Terry argued the cause on the part of the United States, and Mr. Dagget and Mr. Hofmer advocated the cause of the prisoner.
The counsel for the prisoner rested his defence on two grounds—1st. the unconstitutionality of the law to prevent sedition, and 2d, the tenor of the publication itself.
The objections to the constitutionality of the law were those which the opposers of the law have uniformly urged against it—that the powers of the general government, being carved out of the powers of the states, are not to be extended by construction—that the powers not delegated to this government remain with the states—that the preamble to the constitution specifies the objects, not the powers of the general government—that the sweeping clause which gives to Congress all the powers necessary and proper to carry the constitution and laws into effect, could not extend to the case in question, and that it would be dangerous to extend it by construction. It is not necessary to state the arguments on the nature of the publication, as the warmest advocates of the prisoner, in private conversation, admitted that if the law is constitutional, the jury ought to find the prisoner guilty.
The Counsel for the United States, contended and the Court unanimously decided the law in question to be constitutional, on the following grounds:
The people of the United States have established a constitution for certain general or national purposes. They have delegated to the legislature of the United States, certain specific powers of high national consequence, such as the collection of duties, and the raising of armies for defence and protection; and they have also given, by a general clause, all the powers necessary to carry into effect the laws intended to accomplish the objects of the government. It never could have been intended by the people to institute a government for specific objects, and withhold from that government the powers necessary to accomplish those objects. And to prevent any doubt on this subject, it was expressly declared that Congress should possess all such auxiliary powers. As Congress are entrusted expressly with the power to raise forces for the general defence, it follows as a necessary consequence that they must have the power to punish any attempt to defeat the measures they had adopted for that purpose. In vain have the people delegated certain powers to the general government, if individuals may with impunity, publish malicious falsehoods respecting it and its laws, calculated to withdraw from it the public confidence, render the laws odious to the people, and thus defeat their operation. It is necessarily incident to a government, invested with certain powers, that it must possess every other power necessary to make its deliberations respected, as the public will, and to carry them into complete operation. This is more necessary in a free government, which rests entirely on the confidence of the people. Deprive such a government of the public confidence, and its energy is destroyed—its ends are defeated.
Malicious attempts to defeat the operations of law, by bringing into contempt the government and the men who administered it, is universally admitted to be a great crime and justly punishable. If so, then the government of the United States must possess this same power to defend its measures, from such slanderous attempts, as every other government; for nothing can be more absurd, than to admit the criminality of the attempt, and yet deny the power in the government to punish it; or to maintain that it is a crime to bring into contempt the general government, but that crime must be punished by the state governments.
What does this law against sedition prohibit? says the District Attorney. It prohibits not the publication of truth or candid discussion. It prohibits the uttering and publishing of malicious falsehoods only. Now who is the man that wishes for the right or privilege of uttering lies; malicious lies? The only liberty abridged by this law, is the liberty of lying maliciously—a liberty which none but rascals can wish to enjoy. Where is the man who dare avow a wish to enjoy this liberty? Who will contend he has a right to do wrong? Who has the hardness to clamour against the law which abridges only his power of being a rascal with impunity?
The arguments on this subject, and especially the learned, candid and dispassionate charge of Judge Washington, made a most sensible impression on a numerous audience. Even the friends of the prisoner, who had collected from Dan to Beersheba, to hear the trial, and afford aid and comfort to their brother, discovered some symptoms of conviction. Their countenances fell, and they appeared confounded.
The prisoner was sentenced to three months imprisonment, to pay a fine of 200 dollars, and stand committed, till the fine is paid. The mildness of this punishment will do honour to the humanity of the Judge, and we trust will not dishonour the law.
NEW-HAVEN, April 15.
Capt. James Stewart, of Chatham, in the brig Sally, arrived at New-London on the 4th inst. from Jamaica, brings the most unpleasant accounts from that quarter. He states that the British capture all American vessels that afford the slightest pretext for condemnation, and impress all their seamen without discrimination. Capt. Stewart was taken by his Majesty's ship Acafta, of 44 guns, the commander of which, Edward Fellows, came on board the Sally himself, ordered Capt. Stewart's chest open, and with his own hands took out of it 4250 dollars, besides plundering the captain of other articles. On the arrival of the brig at Kingston, every man on board, except the captain and boy, all natives of Connecticut, were impressed, and are left there. Capt. Nathan Allen, of Groton, had all his people impressed with their protections in their hands. Capt. Waterman, of New-York, was treated in the same manner, with many others; and Mr. Savage, the American agent in Kingston, informed Capt. Stewart, that he had forwarded to the Secretary of State, by Commodore Truxton, an attested list of the names of one thousand and one bona fide American seamen, who have lately been impressed by the British in that single port. American vessels and cargoes were constantly condemned in that place, a full account of which must soon be made public. Several masters and supercargoes of condemned vessels came home with Capt. Stewart, who, besides the general usage, was himself treated with personal incivilities and contempt.
SHARON, March 21.
The Litchfield post informs us, that on his last route, about five miles east of New-Milford, his attention was suddenly arrested by the appearance in the middle of the path, of a hole seven or eight feet wide; having frequently travelled the same road before, his curiosity was great to ascertain the cause of so singular an event. A neighbour informed him, that the first discovery of it was by driving some horses over the ground, when suddenly one broke through and discovered to the astonished driver, a pit something in the form of a well, into which our informant descended by a ladder, thirty-five feet, where there was a spring that ran off in an oblique direction, into other subterraneous caverns.
BOSTON, April 24.
A decree of condemnation was pronounced on Monday, by his Honour Judge Lowell, against the French armed ship Les Deux Anges, prize to the United States frigate Boston. The Deux Anges is a letter of marque, captured by Captain Little, in January last, on her passage from Cape-Francois to Bourdeaux, and is laden with a valuable cargo, consisting of sugar, cocoa, tobacco and Campeachy wood.
There is an appeal from the decree of condemnation to the next Circuit Court.
April 28.
LATEST FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN. Capt. Freeman of the ship Boston, arrived here on Saturday from Leghorn and Gibraltar, informs, that while at Leghorn, he saw a letter from the American Consul at Tunis, to our Consul, at the former place, which stated, that there had existed some uneasiness with the Bey on account of the nonfulfilment of some articles of the late treaty with him; but that it had entirely subsided, and every thing amicably settled. Capt. Freeman was also informed, while there, that Lord Nelson, in the siege of Malta, had lost one of his line of battle ships, sunk under the battery, from which but a few lives escaped; and that about the same time, his squadron captured a French 74 from Toulon, bound to Malta with supplies.
While at Gibraltar, Capt. F. was informed by the American Consul at that place, that he had received a letter from Mr. Williams, the American Consul at London, stating, that the blockade of Cadiz and the coast of Catalonia, by Lord Keith, was unauthorized, and requested him at the same time to give information of every American detained, or ordered away from those coasts.
About twenty culprits have been indicted by the Grand Jury, at the Circuit Court now sitting at Philadelphia—They are charged with murder, treason, libelling and conspiracy. Among them are the noted Fries, Cooper, of Northumberland, and Duane, printer of the Aurora.
NAVAL AFFAIRS.
The Connecticut, Captain Tryon, and not the Boston, is said to have been the American frigate which so handsomely punished the audacity of Rigaud's shaving mills, in the Bite of Leoganne.
Capt. Russell, arrived at New-London, from St. Kitts, spoke the United States ship of war Connecticut, Captain Tryon, under the lee of Montserrat.
A letter from on board the Warren, dated the 1st of April, off the Havanna, says, "we see nothing flying but the stripes and stars, and occasionally St. George's Cross. There are no Frenchmen on the north side of the Island.—Crew very healthy."
The frigate New-York, of 44 guns, was to have been launched on Thursday, at that city.
The Philadelphia, of 44 guns, Captain Decatur, has failed on a cruise.
NOTICE.
THE subscriber takes this method to call on all those who are indebted to him by note or account, to make immediate payment; or at least to come and settle their accounts, as he expects to go to sea within ten days.
BENJAMIN G. DEXTER.
N. B. He will take it as a particular favour, if the above request is attended to April 30.
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30.
At the Anniversary Election of officers of the Cadet Company, held on Monday last, the following gentlemen were elected to the offices annexed to their respective names:
GEORGE R. BURRILL, Captain. BENJAMIN HOPPIN, jun. 1st Lieutenant. WILLIAM BLODGET, jun. 2d. Lieutenant. CALEB BOWERS, Ensign.
A letter from Capt. Perry, of the United States frigate General Greene, to Doctor Stevens, dated off Jacquemel, the 17th of March, mentions his having captured a French privateer, commanded by John Pelott, who took the New-Jersey Indiaman, of Philadelphia.
Extract of a letter from Captain Tryon, of the ship Connecticut, to the Secretary of the navy, dated February 9th, 1800.
"On the 14th ult. I fell in with a French privateer schooner of 14 guns, which I chased the north side of Demarara, within gun shot of the shore, until she got under cover of the fort. She sailed remarkably fast, or I should have taken her; I fired upwards of 80 shot at her.
"On the same day, I chased on shore on De-seada, a fine ship direct from France, mounting 22 guns, which bilged and sunk immediately after she struck."
CONGRESS-HALL, April 22.
Mr. Bird, of New-York, obtained leave of absence for 15 days.
The bill to establish the district of Kennebec, and to annex Lyme to New-London—to alter the district of City-Point and Bermuda Hundred, and therein to amend the act regulating the collection of duties on imports and tonnage, was read a third time, and passed.
The bill to incorporate a company by the name and stile of the Mine and Metal Company, was also read a third time, and on the question, shall this bill pass? it was resolved in the negative—Ayes 34—Nocs 36.
The following BILL was read a first and second time, and committed to a committee of the whole House, to-morrow.
For the appointment of Admirals for the Navy.
Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and hereby is authorized, by and with the advice of the Senate, to appoint a Vice-Admiral to command the navy of the United States, with four Rear Admirals, to aid in the better management of it.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the pay of the Vice-Admiral shall be _____ dollars per month, and _____ rations per day, or money, as an equivalent therefor. And that the pay of a Rear-Admiral shall be _____ dollars per month, and _____ rations per day, or money therefor as an equivalent.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That the Vice-Admiral shall only receive his pay and ration whilst actually employed in the command of a fleet, and a Rear-Admiral only whilst employed in the command of a squadron in actual service.
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That any Admiral, commissioned as above, not actually employed in the command of a fleet or squadron, shall only be entitled to receive half his monthly pay and rations.
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That the Navy shall be divided into squadrons, and have such variety in the flags, that each may be known under the description of White, Blue and Red.
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That each admiral, whilst on duty, shall be allowed a captain to aid and assist him on board the ship on which he shall hoist his flag, to be taken out of the captains in the navy.
It is not probable this bill will be acted upon this session—the vote yesterday has answered all the purposes intended, to shew to France and the world, that the United States are determined to persist in this line of conduct, which has so manifestly preserved our independence and our respectability, at home and abroad.
Extract of a letter from Mr. King, Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, in London, to Mr. Pickering, Secretary of State, dated London, 31st of December, 1799.
"The provisional government of France, re-established on the 20th inst. the law of the 29th Nivose, 6th year [18th Jan. 1798] and declared that the regulations of 1778, in respect to the rights of belligerents and neutrals should in future be strictly observed."
The regulations above alluded to, were published by order of the French King, July 26, 1778.
By the first article "His Majesty forbids all privateers to take and carry into the ports of his kingdom any ships belonging to neutral powers even though they should have failed from an enemy's port or be bound thither; unless such ships shall be carrying succours to places belonging to an enemy, then blockaded, invested, or besieged. In case the ships of neutral states shall be laden with contraband articles for the use of the enemy, such ships may be stopped, and the said articles seized and confiscated; but the vessel and remainder of the cargo, shall be released, unless the said contraband articles compose three fourths of the value of the cargo; in which case the ships and cargo shall be entirely confiscated. His majesty, however, reserves the power of revoking the liberty given by this article, if the belligerent powers do not grant the same within six months from the day of the publication of this regulation."
By the 2d art. "The masters of neutral ships shall be obliged, when at sea, to prove their neutral property, by passports, bills of lading, invoices, and other papers on board; one of which
at least must incontestibly prove the neutral property, or must contain a precise enumeration of it. As to charter parties, and other papers which shall not be signed, it is his majesty's pleasure that such shall be considered null and of no effect."
By the 9th art. "All foreign ships shall be deemed good prize, on board of which shall be found a supercargo, clerk or other superior officer, subjects of his majesty's enemies, or whose crews shall be composed of more than one third subjects of his majesty's enemies, nor who shall not have on board a proper list of the ship's company [ role d'equipage ] authenticated by the public officers of the neutral places from whence the vessels shall have failed."
And by the 13th. "In case any French privateer shall contravene the provisions of the present regulation, such vessels and their cargoes, except what is liable to confiscation shall be delivered up, and the said privateer shall be condemned to pay such damages and interest as shall be thought just."
Circuit Court of the United States, now sitting at Philadelphia.
On Saturday last Thomas Cooper, who was indicted for a libel against the President of the United States, was tried and found guilty.
The indictment was founded on a publication signed by Mr. Cooper, which appeared in Hand Bills, printed in Northumberland county, in this state. The libellous passages mentioned, were in effect—
1st. That the President did not possess sufficient capacity to fulfil the duties of his office. 2d. That he had created a permanent navy. 3d. That a standing army had been created under his immediate auspices—and 4th. That he had interfered in the judiciary of the United States, and caused Jonathan Robbins to be delivered over, for execution, to an unrelenting military tribunal.
Mr. Rawle opened the case by animadverting on the above selected passages, and called Mr. Buyers, a justice of the peace of the county, to prove Mr. Cooper the author—who said, that Mr. C. had called at his house with the paper—said that was his name (pointing to it in the paper) and that he was the author of the piece.
The indictment having been founded on the law commonly called the sedition act, nothing now remained but for Mr. Cooper to give the truth in evidence. Having failed in his attempt to procure official documents of the President's answers to the numerous addresses from the citizens of the United States, Mr. Cooper proceeded to read from a book containing them, certain passages in substantiation of the truth of the charges alledged against him—but this was declared by the court, not to be legal evidence. Mr. C. however, read numerous passages, and continued his defence until exhausted and unable to proceed. The indulgence of the court here was manifested by Judge Chase, who declared he would patiently wait until he was able to resume his defence.
Witnesses were next called by Mr. Cooper to prove his character, good opinion of the President, &c. by which he wished to shew, it was not his design to bring him into contempt; but the court would not allow them to be examined, as his private opinion could not be admitted in mitigation of the offences with which he was charged.
Having failed in every attempt to procure evidence on which to ground a defence, Mr. C. concluded, and Mr. Rawle addressed the jury in reply. Judge Chase then summed up the evidence, and the jury in a few minutes returned their verdict GUILTY.
We understand the court have appointed this day to hear any thing Mr. Cooper may have to offer in extenuation—after which the court will pass judgment.
The votes for governor of Massachusetts stood thus by the last accounts from Boston: FOR STRONG, 19,004—GERRY, 16,309
Died,
In this town, on Friday last, Mr. William Bals, merchant, of Boston, on his way home from St. Thomas.
On Saturday last, Miss Deborah Brown, daughter of Mr. Elisha Brown.
At Milford (Mass.) on the 25th inst. in the 68th year of his age, Ezekiel Connell, Esq. late of Scituate, in this state. His services to his country, both as a civil and a military officer (in the last of which he served several years in our revolutionary war as a Brigadier-General) will be remembered with respect by all the true friends of liberty.
WHEREAS the freemen of the town of Providence, in Town Meeting legally assembled, on the 26th day of April, 1800, ordered a tax of six thousand dollars, to be assessed on the property of the inhabitants and others within said town, for the sole purpose of establishing and maintaining FREE SCHOOLS:—All persons concerned are hereby notified to exhibit to either of the subscribers within ten days from the date hereof, a true and just list of all their rateable estates, both real and personal, as the law directs.
WILLIAM LARNED, } Assessors. WILLIAM RICHMOND, } WILLIAM HOLROYD, Providence, April 28.
For Sale,
AT PUBLIC AUCTION,
On WEDNESDAY, May 10th, at 12 o'clock.
THE Estate now occupied by Dr. JOHN SPURR (for the benefit of the heirs of the late Mrs. Mary Rice) consisting of a large and convenient well built Dwelling-House, and sundry out buildings. Also, the lot of land on which it stands, 50 feet front and 140 feet back.
One other lot of land, 38 by 80, to the eastward, adjoining said estate, and land, the property of Thomas L. Halsey, Esq. More particular information may be obtained, by application to WILLIAM BLODGET, jun. April 30.

Selected Poetry.
FROM CAMPBELL'S POEMS.
THE WOUNDED HUSSAR.
ALONE to the banks of the dark-rolling Danube Fair Adelaide bled when the battle was o'er; Oh whither, she cried, hast thou wandered, my lover; Or where dost thou welter, and bleed on the shore?  What voice have I heard? 'twas my Henry that sigh'd; All mournful the hasten'd, nor wander'd the far; When bleeding, and low, on the heat the descri'd, By the light of the moon, her poor wounded Hussar!  From his bosom that heav'd, the last torrent was streaming, And pale was his visage, deep mark'd with a scar; And dim was that eye, once expressively beaming, That melted in love, and that kindled in war!  How faint was fair Adelaide's heart at the sight! How bitter the wep o'er the victim of war! Halt thou come, my fond love, this last sorrowful night, To cheer the lone heart of your wounded Hussar!
Then faint alive, she replied, Heav'n's mercy relieving Each anguishing wound, shall forbid me to mourn! Ah, no! the last pang in my bosom is heaving! No light of the moon shall to Henry return!  Thou charmer of life, ever tender and true! Ye lab's of my love that await me afar! His faltering tongue scarce could murmur adieu, When he sank in her arms---the poor wounded Hussar.
From the GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
"We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from these vanities."
DURING the first stages of christianity, the Apostles and the primitive builders of the church went about, like their benevolent master, doing good. While thus itinerating among those simple and credulous tribes scattered over the east, which the day-spring from high had sprung from high had not yet visited, many of the most familiar acts of these venerated men would appear of a supernatural cast. Ignorance invariably begets wonder; that species of it which was excited in the villages of Palestine, and the oriental cities, by the conduct of the first christians, was the rude admiration of the populace, and who more funken in ignorance than the people of that remote age? Every thing beyond their narrow comprehension would appear like magic, and, in every rare exhibition of power, Gods, and not men, must be the agents.
Paul and Barnabas, we learn it from their own history, were colleagues in apostleship, and companions in travel. In Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, they preached the gospel. The sanctity of their demeanour would, of course, attract the respect of their hearers, and the slightest act of such good preachers would be magnified. Paul, in his walks through the streets of Lystra, observed and relieved the impotence of a cripple. Though the healing arts, which the saints employed, were doubtless seconded by Providence; yet mortal skill was sufficient to make "the lame his crutch forego." The men of the city, when they witnessed this cure, supposed it must be effected by a celestial physician. They accordingly said, and believed, that the Gods had descended in human shape. Barnabas was exalted into Jupiter, and Paul's eloquence dubbed him Mercury. Shocked at this impiety, and unwilling to arrogate any but deserved honour, the modest Apostles, hearing that the priest, and garlands, and victims were at hand, ran and remonstrated to the enthusiastic people, "Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from these vanities. Our appearance among you may be easily explained. Believing a new and rational system of religion ourselves, we are willing to impart it to others. When we heal your sick, we discharge one of the most important duties of man. There is no occasion to render us divine honours. We wish fervently that not only ourselves, but ye, might in purity of heart approach divine nature. But we know that we are mere men, and frail ones too. We can, perhaps, sometimes cure the sick, but what course can we take with the well? those who are whole indeed in body, but tainted and perverted in mind? We may exhort others to the practice of virtue, and yet be ourselves among those who dwell carelessly. Are not such beings men? Yea, verily, we not only see, but feel the weakness of human nature."
Every age has its errors. Good preaching and benevolent actions, in the opinion of barbarians, exalt men to Gods. Among a polished and speculating people, neither the sound holiness of the parson, nor the charities at his door, avail, unless his uniform practice is as divine as his precepts. He is secretly thought, sometimes openly called, a hypocrite; and men doubt the rectitude and pleasantness of virtue's path, because he sometimes stumbles, or turns aside. But virtue is the same, let her followers treat her as they may; and if it promote our well being to go where this charming power leads, if you find a million, my good friend, who only show the route she has taken, without joining her train, let not such inconsistency prevent thy pilgrimage.
These reflections are suggested by the common remark, "If my divine practice as he preaches, I might believe his doctrines." But his wild deviations are no impeachments of the rule. It is agreed that man is, at best, a feeble being: why should an individual in black, be required to possess double the strength of him in green? Habits of meditation, of studying the scriptures, of contemplating the operations of Providence, cause him to preach gravely. But still he is a man, of like passions with you, ye captious hearers, and, like you, he will sometimes indulge them. But, believe one, who "has looked upon the world for four times ten years," passion is never indulged without remorse and suffering. This then is virtue's
praise, that those who slight, yet trumpet her charms. Give the Preacher credit for the morality of his writings; exhibit that morality in your lives, and enquire not too curiously whether his life and doctrine are coincident. Possibly they are not; possibly he is "in weakness and wanderings often," but if he err, it should be remembered he is a man of like passions with you. The candid Paul confesses, that he delighted in the law, after the inward man; that is, his judgment was convinced of the utility of good morals, but there was a law in his members, warring, a word of singular emphasis, warring against the law of his mind. He adds, in his rapid logic, that which I do, I allow not. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law, that it is good. An adept in every misery of human nature, and sagacious, if not holy as a saint, has a phrase like the following; I can easier teach twenty, what were good to be done, than to be one of that twenty to follow my own teaching.
THE LAY PREACHER.
Just received, At the GOLDEN BEE-HIVE, MIDDLING and coarse Irish Linens, at a low rate Spanish float Indigo, per dozen or single lb. Liquid Blue, per box or single pot Hopkins' celebrated Razor-Strips and Paste, which render the use of a stone needless. Also, his portable Shaving Case, for travellers, &c. Morocco Skins, of various colours Blues, red, and white Bunting Loaf Sugar, per hoghead, hundred or loaf Fine Lisbon Salt Fine Table Salt per basket, &c. April 23.
For Sale, And immediate possession given, A FARM in the first parish in Mendon, within half a mile of the Meeting-House, containing about two hundred and fifty acres of LAND, well proportioned into mowing, pasturing and plough-land: A good Orchard, and a large number of Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry and Mulberry Trees, of different kinds. —A large number of Quinces, and a fine growth of excellent Grape-Vines, within a few rods of the house. For further particulars, enquire of the subscriber, living on the premises. GEORGE ALDRICH.
The stock of farming tools will be sold with said Farm, if it should suit the purchaser. Mendon, April 20.
REMOVAL. Nathan Truman, APOTHECARY, TAKES this method of tendering his sincere thanks to his friends and customers for their past favours, and begs leave to inform them, and the public in general, that he has removed his business from his late stand, a few steps north-east, to a new shop he has erected, next door east of Messrs. Williams and Bulard, and opposite Mr. Abner Daggett's store; where he has for sale, a very general assortment of Drugs, Medicines and Dye-Stuffs, too numerous for an advertisement, which he is determined to sell on terms that he flatters himself will induce his old friends and new customers to call on him for whatever they may want in that line. Particular care will always be taken to procure the very best articles he deals in. Prescriptions from physicians and others will be carefully attended to, and their favours of every description received with gratitude. N. B. Constant attendance given from sunrise till nine o'clock in the evening. April 16.
Notice.
THE subscriber hopes it will be convenient for his friends, who may have business to settle, or to consult with him in the line of his profession, to call upon him, in future, on WEDNESDAYS and SATURDAYS ; on which days he proposes to give special attendance at his office. And, on other days he will attend as usual.
Mr. W. C. WHITE and Mr. JOHN PITMAN, jun. the present clerks in his office, give constant attendance. DAVID HOWELL. N. B. THE DWELLING-HOUSE belonging to said HOWELL, near the north end of this town, and some pasture land, to be let, and possession given immediately. April 9. (5 w.)
Public notice is hereby given, that there will be sold at Public Auction, on the 12th day of May next, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, by order of the Supreme Judicial Court,
THE Real Estate of which GEORGE W. RHODES, late of Providence, died seized, lying in Scituate, or so much thereof as will be sufficient to make up the deficiency of the personal estate, which belonged to the said George, to pay the debts due from said estate, with the expences of settling the same. The sale to be made on the premises. The conditions of sale to be made known at the time and place of sale. SAMUEL ABORN, jun. Administrator. April 9.
Just received, and for SALE by
Rufus Greene,
(Price, on fine paper, 33 cents—on coarse, 25 cents)
A NARRATIVE of the loss of the ship HERCULES, commanded by Capt. Benjamin Stout, on the coast of Caffraria, the 16th of June, 1796.—Also, a circumstantial detail of his travels through the southern deserts of Africa, and the colonies, to the Cape of Good Hope; with an introductory address to the Rt. Hon. JOHN ADAMS, President of the Continental Congress of America.
For SALE, by Samuel Ames, ELEGANT Chintz Furnitures, which being a consignment, will be sold at cost and charges only. April 16. (6w.)
For Sale, ABOUT three acres of LAND, in this town, lying near the estate of the late Col. JOSEPH HOYLE, being part of the lot commonly called the Tyler Lot. For particulars, enquire of DEXTER BROWN. April 9.
Just arrived, and for sale by Benjamin and Edward Aborn, At their Store, near the Long-Wharf, 1000 bushels of CORN White-Oak Hoghead Staves and Heading. April 9.
TO BE LEASED, For any length of time, THE Wharf and Store, be- longing to the heirs of JOSEPH BROWN, deceased, lately occupied by Col. THOMAS LLOYD HALSEY, adjoining the estate of Mr. JOHN EVELETH. For particulars enquire of OBADIAH BROWN. Providence, April 5, 1800.
BY APPOINTMENT.
For Sale, At the POST OFFICE in this Town, DR. LEE'S patent New-London Bilious PILLS, celebrated throughout the United States and the West-Indies, in the cure and prevention of intermitent, remittent, bilious, inflammatory and yellow fevers—jaundice, bilious cholic, indigestion, dropsy, gout, rheumatism, pleurisy, chlorosis, worms, dysentery, bilious vomitings, convulsion and epileptic fits, asthma, coughs and colds accompanied with costiveness; foul stomach, scurvy, sore throat, hypochondria, and hysterical affections, &c. &c. &c. &c.
Certificates of their efficacy may be seen by applying to the vender, who has the exclusive privilege of vending in this town, and will be regularly supplied with the genuine pills from the patentee. April 2. (3m.)
William Blodget, jun. At Store, No. 7, Cheapside, next door north of Capt. Seth Wheaton's, adjoining Mr. Thomas Arnold's, will sell for cash, at prices remarkably low,
BROADCLOTHS and Cassimeres, of every description Genoa and Queen's Cord, Nankeens Cotton, Cassimere, white and fancy colour'd Marcellies and mouselinet Velvings India and English Lustrings Satins, Sarcenets Patent and common silk Hosiery, of every description Plated Cotton do. Umbrellas, Kid and Morocco Shoes Cambricks, Linens, jaconet and book Mullins and Handkerchiefs Cock'd and round Hats Superfine, common and low-priced silk and kid Gloves, of fashionable kinds and lengths Stuff Goods Carpets and Carpeting 3-4 and 4-4 Calicoes and Chintzes, worthy very particular attention Gingham, Powder, Pomatum Camel's-hair Shawls Crapes, Gauzes, Edgings Pocket-Books, Platillas Bleach'd and brown Sheetings Dowlas, Tiffany Paris Net Gauze, Purses and Slings Muskets, Pistols, Epaulettes, Laces, Dirks and Swords.
The prices of all the above (for cash) will be made perfectly satisfactory to the purchaser. April 2.
For Sale,
A FARM, as good, and as pleasantly situated, as any in the country, lying on the turnpike road leading from Hartford to Boston, near the centre of the town; with a large house, two barns, merchant's shop, corn-house, cider-mill, slaughter-house, and a forty-eight feet building; with a shed, chaise-house, &c. under the same roof. Said farm contains seventy-five acres in the home lot, eighteen acres of wood land, and fifteen acres of mowing and ploughing; and an orchard, which is a little distance off. Will make from forty to fifty barrels of cider annually. It is an excellent stand for a tavern, and is now improved as such. ALSO,
A convenient HOUSE for a mechanic (to be sold separate from the above.) For further particulars, enquire of NATHAN GROSVENOR, living on the premises. Pomfret, March 9. (4w.)
MAIL-STAGE.
THE subscribers respectfully inform the public, that the only regular line of Stages for New-York and Boston, start from A. AMMIDON'S, at the sign of the Golden-Ball, near the State-House, in Providence; where ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and take their seats. The Mail Stage leaves Providence for New-York and Boston, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; for New-York at 4 o'clock, A. M. and for Boston, at 6 o'clock, A. M.
Particular care will be taken that the Mail-Stage is not crowded; not more than eight persons are allowed to go in the Mail-Stage to Boston. SOLOMON HATCH and Co.
Thomas S. Webb HAS FOR SALE, At his Paper-Hanging Manufactory, in Broad-street, opposite Dr. Dyer's (west side of the river) a large assortment of PAPER-HANGINGS.
CONSISTING of upwards of four thousand rolls, suitable for covering rooms, chambers, entries and halls; with festoon, patch, chintz and common borders, from one to ten inches in breadth, by wholesale and retail. A handsome deduction made to those who purchase to sell again. Also, a general assortment of Books and Stationary, Music and Instruments.
C. and B. Clarionets, Hautboys, Flutes, Violins, Fifes, Books of instruction for the Clarionet, Hautboy, Violin, Flute, Forte Piano, &c. and several hundred different songs in sheet music. March 5. (6w.)
To be SOLD, by Samuel James, On the west side of the great Bridge, Providence, 20 Hhds. of good retailing Molasses 2 do. W. India Rum, of an excellent flavour 40 Kegs of Lard 10 Firkins of Butter 10 Barrels of Prime Beef 100 Quintals of Codfish 30 M. Hoghead Hoops, of a good quality 400 Shaken Hogheads Rum and Fish Barrels.
ALSO—as usual, A general assortment of Dry Goods, suitable for the season;—all which will be sold very cheap for cash, or on a short credit, with approved notes. February 26. (2m.)
HAPPY CONTRADICTION.
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES, An extraordinary event at the opening of the extraordinary year 1800. Being the beginning of the latter end of a century.
AT a tavern last night an old fashioned health was drank—"May we never see an old friend with a new face."—Q, who sat in a corner, slyly observed, that it was all RUDDER; that he could satisfy the company they would be all glad to see their friends with new faces. Some grumbled, others laughed, but all seemed curious to learn the particulars; he began thus: "Have you never used
"HOPKINS' RAZOR STROPS?" Yes, said one—No, said another; the experienced applauded the explanation, and those who had been in the habit of mowing their muzzles with handsaws, felt the brushes on their chins bristle with eagerness to render their old fashioned faces new to their friends—to satisfy their curiosity Q went on thus,
HOPKINS' RAZOR STROPS, which dis-appoint the most sanguine by their smooth and agreeable execution, are sold by appointment, at 75 cents, 1 dollar and 25 cents, and 2 dollars each, with the addition of a composition that will keep it in order for ages, at 50 cents.
BUT MARK THE IMPROVEMENT. To men who travel where there are no professional face-scrapers—to seamen of every grade—to the whiskered soldier in his hutted tent—(how comfortable.)
The new invented and improved Box, containing, in the compass of little more than an ordinary comb-case,
A polished Razor—Comb—Brush—Lather Box, and Mirror—with a box for the surprizing composition, all in a Morocco case, most conveniently calculated to fit the pocket without incumbrance.
The whole of this new portable and useful apparatus sold at No. 65, South-Third-Street (opposite the United States Bank) Philadelphia; and in Providence, by JEREMIAH F. JENKINS, at No. 3, Market-street.
At only three Dollars. And by the agents usually appointed to dispose of the invaluable and agreeable STROP. Feb. 19. (1. f.)
Cooley's genuine Pills, Prepared by Samuel Cooley, of Boston, State of Connecticut, And secured to him by letters patent, signed by the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, and dated at Philadelphia, the 26th day of June, A. D. 1798, agreeable to an act of Congress.
THEY are justly esteemed for their easy operation and good effects; they are a most certain remedy for the Jaundice, Rheumatism, Erysipelas, Gravel, Piles, Scurvy, Dizziness of the Head, Pain in the Stomach and Bowels; they are an antidote against infectious diseases; and are, taking two or three early in the morning, a great preservative against contagious air, remove obstructions of any kind, by dissolving and discharging the morbid matter, help digestion, restore a lost appetite, a sure relief for costive habits; decayed constitutions are removed by a thorough use of the above Pills.
They are found by experience to be the most safe and easy physic of any composition yet known: Persons under weak circumstances may take them with safety and not find themselves made weaker, as is common to other physic. They are to be taken twice in a day, two in the morning and one at night, more or less, so as to cause one or two movements of the body more than usual; let the patient fast one hour, then eat, drink and exercise as he pleases.
N. B. There is no Mercury in the above Pills.
Sold by JOHN POPE, Providence.