The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-09-11 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. 37. ]
WEDNESDAY, September 11, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
For Charleston (S. C.) The Sloop LYDIA, WILL sail in 10 days. For freight or passage, apply to EZEKIEL DURFEY, or to Mr. WILLIAM VALENTINE.
The subscriber wants to purchase, Butter, Cheese, Apples, Cider, Potatoes and Oats, for which cash will be given. He has for sale, a few casks of Charleston TOBACCO, which he will sell low for cash, or the above mentioned articles.
For Sale, THE real estate where the subscriber now lives, situated in Weybosset-street, nearly opposite the Long Wharf—consisting of a well finished two story Dwelling-House, a large Store, Barn, Chaife-House, Stable and Garden. The Lot is 41 feet fronting the street, and extends 99 feet back.
Also—a Right in Field's Fountain-Water-Works. The whole will be sold for cash or short credit, with sufficient security, on reasonable terms. For particulars, apply to A. TESIE.
Rhode-Island District. BY virtue of a warrant from the Hon. BENJAMIN BOURN, Esq; Judge of the District Court for Rhode-Island District: There will be exposed for sale at Public Auction, on Thursday the 19th of September inst. at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, the SCHOONER FLYING-FISH, with her tackle, apparel, &c. as she now lies at Ashton's Wharf, in Providence; said Schooner having been adjudged forfeit for having been fitted, equipped and employed in transporting slaves from the coast of Africa to the West-Indies.
Providence, September 4, 1799. W. PECK, Marshal. THE Creditors of RICHARD LEE, of Providence, in said County, an insolvent debtor, are hereby notified to appear before the next Supreme Judicial Court, to be held at Providence, in and for the County aforesaid, on the third Monday of September next, and to appoint Commissioners agreeable to an act of the General Assembly passed in June, 1756, entitled, "an Act for the relief of insolvent debtors." PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. WHEREAS REBECCA LONGE, of North-Providence, wife of EDWARD LONGE, late of Providence, in the county of Providence, labourer, has filed her petition in the clerk's office of the Supreme Judicial Court for said county, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that said Court would pass a decree of divorce, rendering null and void the bands of marriage subsisting between her and her said husband:—NOTICE is therefore hereby given, to all persons concerned, to appear (if they shall think fit) at the Supreme Judicial Court, to be held at Providence, within and for said county, on the third Monday of September next, to show cause (if any they may have) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. By order, PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk. Providence, Aug. 24.
Kent, &c. Supreme Judicial Court, to be held at East-Greenwich, on the first Monday of October, A. D. 1799. WHEREAS HANNAH WALL, of Coventry, in the county of Kent, wife of JOHN WALL, formerly of said Coventry, gentleman, has filed her petition in the clerk's office of said Court, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that a sentence of divorce between her and her husband, the said JOHN, be passed:—NOTICE is hereby given to the said JOHN, to appear before said Court, at the term aforesaid, and show cause (if any he hath) why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. A. BOYD, Clerk. East-Greenwich, Aug. 26.
WHEREAS the Hon. Court of Common Pleas for the county of Providence, at the last May term, appointed the subscribers commissioners to receive the claims against SOLOMON HATCH, of Providence, who has obtained the benefit of an act passed in June, A. D. 1756, entitled, "An act for the relief of Insolvent Debtors!" Notice is therefore hereby given to the creditors of said Hatch, to exhibit their respective claims to the subscribers, within nine months from the thirty-first day of May last, otherwise they will be precluded agreeably to the aforesaid act. SAMUEL W. BRIDGHAM, ALPHEUS AMMIDON, JESSE WHITMORE, Providence, August 23.
Notice. OWNERS or POSSESSORS of CARRIAGES for the conveyance of Persons and RETAILERS of WINES and FOREIGN DISTILLED SPIRITS, are requested to pay attention to the Notifications relating to those duties, which agreeably to law, have been placed in different public places in the county of Providence; as in cases of neglect, the penalties will be indiscriminately demanded. N. CUSHING, Collector of the Revenue. Sept. 4.
WANTED, An Apprentice to the Tailoring Business.—One from the country, of about 13 or 14 years of age, would meet with good encouragement. Apply to BENJ. HOWLAND. August 28.
To be Sold or Let, ON REASONABLE TERMS, A Large and commodious four story HOUSE, in Westminster-street, adjoining the Theatre, with a good store, convenient for the retailing business. Also, to Let, The STORE in front of the House where the subscriber now lives, opposite the Town Pump. BENJAMIN TALBOT. (C. I.) July 17.
Sugden's Specific, For the Cure of Sprains and Bruises. THE afflicted who are labouring under the painful accidents of SPRAINS and BRUISES, may be assured of being afforded permanent relief, by an immediate application of the above Specific, used agreeably to the printed directions, which will be given on purchasing the Specific; and which ought to be particularly observed in its application. As one of the strongest proofs of its efficacy in the above complaints, the inventor has been politely favoured with the patronage of the following medical gentlemen; and who have been pleased publicly to recommend it, as follows: "WE the undersigned, Physicians of Providence, Rhode-Island, having given Sugden's Specific a trial, do venture to recommend it to the Public, as proving eminently serviceable in the cure of Sprains and Bruises. AMOS THROOP, PARDON BOWEN, BENJAMIN DYER."
Abbott and Ingals, At their Tan-Yard in North-Providence, FOUR thousand dried HIDES, in excellent order, very reasonable for cash or short credit. They want to purchase, OAK BARK, For which the highest price in cash will be given. May 20. (11)
Benjamin Thurber, Has just received from New-York, a fresh Assortment of GOODS, which are now opening at his Store, at the sign of the Bunch of Grapes: Among which are, A VARIETY of fancy Patches, Chinizes and Calicoes, such as must suit those who will call and see them; English and India Satins, Lustrings, Silks for Bonnets, Silk Shawls of different colours, Silk and Kid Gloves, Bengals, Crapes, Tambour Mullins, Lappets, Mullinets, Dimities, fashionable Ribbons, Umbrellas, Window-Blinds, a large assortment of Black and White Laces, Mullin Handkerchiefs, Cotton Shawls, Dunstable Hats and Straw Trimmings, Morocco and Florentine Shoes, House Paper, Bohca Tea by the dozen, French and Spanish Flute Indigo, warranted good; Durants, Moreens, Russells, London Pewter, Looking-Glasses, China and Deaf Ware, with other articles too numerous to mention, at a small advance for cash. July 31. (8 w.)
John G. Francis, BOOT and SHOE-MAKER, Respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he keeps his shop directly opposite Capt. Daniel Bucklin's, in the Main Street, where he carries on his business in all its various branches, and in the latest fashions from Europe. After many years experience in his business, he has found out a new method of keeping the elasticity in Boots, still they are quite worn out, and warrants them to fit the leg, as it ever to badly shaped. He has got Boot-legs and Seal-skins, manufactured in New-York, which he will warrant to be good. N. B. He also makes Ladies' Boots and Shoes, of the newest fashion, and in the neatest manner. August 21. (t.f.)
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL. The Adelpiad, No. XVI.
OLD John Bunyan observes that idleness is the father of folly, and the mother of vice. This author was more remarkable for the justice of his sentiments, than for the manner of his expression, though he never was much celebrated for either. It would appear by the observation above quoted, that John considered idleness as an hermaphrodite. But be the phrase elegant or not, the observation is just. I have been amusing myself with considering how different the effects of an indolent disposition are on different characters. To those of a suspicious turn, idleness holds up an ideal glass, which distorts every figure in creation. Seeing others in possession of property which they have acquired by their own labour and the sweat of their own brows, and being destitute themselves of a second shirt, merely by neglecting their business, they begin to declaim on the monstrous influence of property in the common occurrences of life. Property, say they, gives weight and eminence, and character without property never can be obtained. Then they will let out some shrewd observation on the depravity of the present times.
These rag-fair philosophers are taken by some as prodigies of genius. I have often heard of a maid, who, being emulous of the splendour of her mistress, declared that her clothes would make a much better appearance on her. Take these same men and give them what was given to Judas, a sop, or a little property, and after they have soaked in it awhile, they will swell like a rain in a porridge, from the meagre shrivelled form of philosophical contemplation, to the full round plump appearance of a jolly good fellow. I think it therefore clear that Bunyan's observation may be extended so far as to say that idleness is the father of one half of our modern philosophers. Idleness in others will have a quite different effect. Instead of that morose censure, they enjoy the world as it passes, and perpetually dance the round of fashionable amusements. A beau, for instance, without employment, is every day and at all times of day, in company with the ladies. I was once informed by one of the fair sex, that after her beau had been her constant attendant for four years together, she overheard him one day in conversation declare—that he used the ladies just as he did his billiards, merely to pass away time.
Here I must pause for a moment, to do homage to the discretion of the beautiful sex. Though these dangers at toilets are admitted to all the privileges of a gallant, such as flitting the fan, or admiring the elegance of the ring—still they are seldom regarded in the light of a confidant. If they are ever entrusted with secrets, they are secrets of such a nature, that if published in every paper throughout the continent, would neither redound to their honour or disadvantage. That the ladies have the same opinion of them that we old fashioned folks have, is evident. The extreme reluctance which they manifest to be joined in wedlock to a beau, is a proof of this assertion. A beau is one of the last persons in the world that a lady will give her hand to in marriage. The remedy that I should prescribe is this, that those of four and morose dispositions should be put to the business of flitting iron. Instead of drawing false conclusions from erroneous premises, they would then be much better and more profitably employed in drawing nail-rods. As for the other class of gentlemen, I should recommend them to be bound out apprentices to a barber; an occupation for which they seem to have a natural turn, as they are perpetually playing with the curls of the ladies' hair. Or if the fair sex will learn them the art of knitting, it would very well suit with their genius. Then, as they are perpetually talking of dying for the love of the ladies, they may have the satisfaction of hanging themselves in garters of their own making. O.
Commercially Important. NASSAU (N. P.) August 13. COURT OF VICE ADMIRALTY. LORING, qui tam, vs. the ship REBECCA and CARGO. The Rebecca was an American vessel, and failed from Rhode-Island, cleared out for Havana, with a small quantity of provisions and dry goods, touched at Turks-Island, discharged her provisions, took in salt, and departed from thence for Havana; but was intercepted by the libellant, sent into this port, and prosecuted for a breach of the laws of trade, under the statute 28 Geo. III. cap. 6, which provides that American vessels may enter the port of Turks-Island in ballast, and lade salt.
The information contained three counts, one for entering the port otherwise than in ballast; one for importing therein European and Asiatic goods; and one for entering otherwise than in ballast, and lading salt. The claimant set forth in his answer, that upon his arrival at Turks-Island, he immediately waited upon the King's agent and the officers of the customs, to whom he stated the nature of
the voyage, and cargo. After a full knowledge thereof, they admitted the ship to an entry, upon reporting all that part of the cargo not admissible under the proclamation of his Excellency the Governor of this island, for exportation; the legality of which procedure was not doubted, either by the claimant, or the officers of his Majesty's customs. That agreeable to the entry, the provisions only were landed, and 5000 bushels of salt were laded, with which, and the remaining part of his outward cargo, he failed from thence for the Havanna; in all which he was fully authorized by the king's agent and the officers of the customs, as appeared by their permits and clearances regularly obtained, annexed to his claim; and that he neither intended nor committed any act or fraud against the laws of trade.
Upon the trial, the honesty of the claimant's intentions and actions was admitted, as well as the legality of the governor's proclamation. But condemnation of the vessel was urged upon the grounds, that by the very act of entering the port otherwise than in ballast, or exclusively laden with provisions, she became forfeited, and that the sanction of the officers of the customs, being against law, availed nothing.
These doctrines were opposed on the part of the claimant, who contended that the vessel, by having provisions on board, rightly entered the port under the proclamation, which virtually became the rule of law, instead of the act of Parliament: that no European or Asiatic goods were entered or landed, consequently there could not be an importation in such way as to attach a forfeiture; that admitting (which he denied to be fact) the strict letter of the law had been infringed by the ignorance of the officers of the customs, the honesty of the claimant's actions and intentions, throughout the business, ought to protect his property; and urged the equitable principles laid down by Sir James Marriott, in the case of the ship Columbus, to the consideration of the Judge.
The Judge, by his decree, condemned the vessel and cargo; and in giving his reasons therefor, said, that however desirous he might be to give the relief prayed for by the claimant, he was constrained to do so, by the strict letter of the law, and the limits prescribed to him, and construe equitably the express and penal provisions of acts of Parliament: that the Rebecca, by entering the port of Turks-Island with European goods on board, had infringed the laws of trade, and had thereby become forfeited, together with her lading of salt, and illicit goods.
Extract of a letter from Capt. Metcalf Bowler, master of the ship Rebecca, to his owner in this town, dated New-Providencia August 14, 1799.
SIR, I EMBRACE the earliest opportunity to inform you of the unhappy fate of your ship Rebecca: She is condemned, both ship and cargo. The judge condemned her upon a point of law: to use his own words, "acts of parliament are sacred things; and the act declares that no vessel of the United States shall enter the port of Turks-Island, but in ballast only, to load with salt." The king's attorney declared that no special permission of his majesty's agent or officers of the customs, not even the governor's proclamation, could protect any American vessel entering Turks-Island, otherwise than in ballast, from being seized by his majesty's ships of war, and that they would be good prize when brought in. The condemnation of the Rebecca is universally disapproved of here, being against every principle of equity and justice. The sentiments of the people here will, however, not do much towards making you satisfaction for the property you have been thus plundered of. The attorney-general declared that equity and justice ought to be turned out of doors, to admit law. The Rebecca was condemned eight days since, and immediately after condemnation, I was, with my officers and people, turned out of her in the most rude, indecent and inhuman manner, by the lieutenant of the ship which took us; and we were obliged to flee on board the other vessels in the harbour that were not condemned, without money or provisions, and scarcely allowed time to save our cloaths. But three days after, I was sent for by the attorney-general, who disapproved of the conduct of the officers, and procured an order from the court to restore me my property, together with that of the mates and people. It was generally believed that the ship could not be condemned, as there was not a single circumstance against her, excepting her having on board a few articles contraband of trade, which you well know were intended for the Havanna, and were entered at Turks-Island for exportation to the Havanna, and there was nothing landed at Turks-Island without a special permit, and nothing landed that was contraband to the amount of six-pence. I have, since condemnation, received every assurance, even from the king's attorney and agents, that if I entered an appeal, the property will be restored, and which is my sincere belief; but God only knows when—you must lay out of your property many years.
I have noted an appeal, and have done every thing in my power for your interest. I must do Mr. Armstrong the justice to say, I believe he has done every thing in the power of man to do for the defence of your property. The charges, fees, &c. are thrown by the court on the claimants, with double cost. I have not been able as yet to obtain my papers. I forwarded you the protest some time since, via New-York, and should have returned home by this opportunity, but shall wait for my papers. Some of the people have been sick, and some of our countrymen, in consequence of their misfortunes and anxiety of mind, have paid their last debt here. I have had a touch of the fever myself, but am at present very well, and very anxious to return home. To our treaty, it is violated almost every day; you will see by the papers the numerous condemnations of American vessels for having a small quantity of articles on board, contraband of trade. Capt. Brown, in a brig belonging to Col. Cooke, is likewise condemned, vessel and cargo. American property here is in a state of requisition, and condemnation is really the order of the day.
[The preceding letter appeared in our last, and is now re-inserted by particular request, with the trial of the ship Rebecca.]
Female Education. A LADY, who has had much experience in teaching, and is well qualified for the important duties of PARENTS, is to an ACADEMY for YOUNG LADIES, would be willing to engage in that line, on moderate terms. Enquire at this Office. 2/7/4.

Latest European Intelligence.
By the arrival of the Thorn, at Boston, on the 6th instant, in 46 days from Liverpool.
Defeat of Macdonald's Army.
OFFICIAL ACCOUNTS.
LONDON, July 11.
GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY.
Downing-Street, July 10, 1799.
DISPATCHES, of which the following are copies, have been this day received from the Right Hon. Wm. Bentinck, by the Right Hon. Lord Grenville, his Majesty's secretary of state for the foreign department.
PLACENZA, JUNE 22.
MY LORD,
Before I begin to relate the different actions which have taken place, and which I am happy to say have terminated in the most complete success, it will be necessary previously to state to you Lordship the situation of the allied army, by which you will be better able to understand the vicissitudes of the enemy, and the movements by which they have been defeated. The great and extensive plan of operations undertaken by Fd. M. Suwarrows, have necessarily very much divided his force. Besides the siege of Turin, Mantua, Alexandria and Tortona, were blockaded. The passes of Susa, Pignerot and the Col D'Assietta, have been occupied. Major Gen. Hohenzollern was posted at Modena, with a considerable corps: Lt. Gen. Ott, with 10,000 men, at Reggio, observed the movements of the enemy on that side, while Field Marshal Suwarrows remained at Turin, with the rest of the army. This divided state of the army appears to have presented to Gen. Moreau the most favourable opportunity of retrieving the French affairs in Italy. He hoped by strongly reinforcing the army of Naples, that Gen. Macdonald would be able to defeat the separate corps of Generals Ott and Hohenzollern, and afterwards to effect a junction with the army under his own command; and he probably conceived that the Field Marshal was too distant to afford assistance. With this view the army of Macdonald, which had advanced very far to the north of Italy, was joined by the division of Victor, and from the report of the French officers taken, must have amounted to near 30,000 men, composed entirely of French, with the exception of one Polish legion.
Field Marshal Suwarrows having received information of the intention of the enemy, immediately collected all the force at Alexandria, whence he marched on the 15th, with seventeen battalions of Russians, twelve battalions of Austrians, and three regiments of Cossacks. In the meantime Gen. Macdonald had fallen upon Major Gen. Hohenzollern, and had obliged him to cross the Po, with considerable loss. Lt. Gen. Ott had also been obliged to retire from Reggio to Piacenza. On the 17th, the French attacked Gen. Ott, and compelled him to fall back upon Castel S. Giovanni, when the arrival of the army, under the command of Field Marshal Suwarrows, enabled Lt. Gen. Ott to repulse the French behind the Idone river, with the loss of one piece of cannon and several prisoners. On the 18th, the army marched in three columns to attack the enemy. The Russian General Rosenberg commanded the right column, the Russian General Forrester the centre, and Gen. Melas the left. The Russian Major Gen. Prince Piokration commanded the advanced guard, Prince Lichtenstern the reserve. The columns moved at twelve o'clock. The country is perfectly flat, and very much intersected with ditches and rows of vines. It does not appear that the enemy occupied any particular position. An advanced corps of two battalions and two guns at Cassaleggio was attacked by the Russian grenadiers, and the whole made prisoners. The French line retired behind the Trebbia. It was too late, and the troops were too much fatigued to make a general attack, which was ordered for the next morning. The Trebbia is the most rapid torrent in Italy. The distance from one bank to the other is near a mile. The intermediate space is an open sand, divided by several streams, which at this season are fordable any where. The French occupied the right bank, the Allies the left. On the 19th, while the allies were preparing to make the attack, the French began a very heavy fire upon the whole line. For a moment they succeeded in turning the right of the Russians at Cassaleggio, and obliged them to fall back; but at this instant Prince Piokration, who had been detached with the same intent on the enemy's left, fell upon their rear and flank, and took one piece of cannon, and many prisoners. The French did not however give up their object. They renewed the attack repeatedly upon the village of Cassaleggio, but they were always defeated by the obstinate valour of the Russians. The attack upon the centre and left was equally violent. For some time the success was doubtful, but at night the whole French line was repulsed behind the Trebbia. It was the intention of Field Marshal Suwarrows to have followed up the successes the next morning, but the French army retired in the night. On the 20th, in the morning, the army pursued the enemy in two columns. The Russians in the night marched by Settimo, Montangé and Zena, where the rear-guard of the French, after an obstinate resistance, laid down their arms. The left column, composed of Austrians, marched on the great road from Piacenza to Parma, as far as Ponte Nova. On the 21st the army moved on to Florenzola. Lt. Gen. Ott was detached with a corps of Austrians, in pursuit of the enemy. Several prisoners have already been sent in.
Gen. Ott has reported, that the French are retiring in two columns, one upon Parma, the other upon Ponte Nova. Prince Hohenzollern has again advanced to Parma. Seven pieces of can-
non, four French Generals, and above 10,000 prisoners, have fallen into the hands of the allies. Gen. Moreau has advanced to Tortona, where he gained a slight advantage over the advanced posts of Gen. Bellegarde. Gen. Moreau's army, from all reports, does not exceed 12,000 men, among whom are a vast number of Genoese. Not having seen any return of the killed and wounded of the Austrians, it is impossible for me to say what their loss has been; it must have been considerable.
(Signed) WM. BENTINCK.
LANSLEBOURG, June 27.
The garrison of the citadel of Turin, consisting of 3000 men, has just passed through this place. With this fortress we lose 500 pieces of cannon, 40,000 muskets, ammunition for a whole campaign, and the hope of maintaining ourselves in Italy.
Agitations in the French Councils.
COUNCIL OF FIVE HUNDRED, JULY 2. A great number of addresses denounced the three Ex-Directors and Scherer, and a special committee was appointed to take these denunciations into consideration.
JULY 6. Levaillais, after observing that the Directory had frequently exercised the illegal power of publishing arrests in opposition to positive laws, by the means of which it hoped to concentrate its influence, and to usurp the title of Government, moved for the nomination of a commission for two specific objects: 1st, To enquire into the propriety of adopting a resolution, stating, that every declaration of the Directory, and of all other authorities whatever in opposition to a law, is a violation of the sovereignty of the people. 2dly, That no partial authority can assume the title of Government.
Briot seconded the motion, and proposed that a commission should be named to prepare and furnish an account of the demands made of the Ancient Directory by the Council, but which was not answered, and also of the new demands which the Council has still to make. The different motions were agreed to.
Joubert is definitely appointed Commander in Chief of the armies of Italy, in the room of Moreau.
The Telegraphe announced yesterday at 12 o'clock, that Offenbourg has been retaken.
Letters from Naples of May 31, announce, "That every thing is tranquil and agreeable to the Republican system; they add, that the English have abandoned the isles of Ischia and Procida."
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11.
MORE OF THE FRENCH DEPUTIES.
The "Augsburgh Gazette" has been received at New-York, containing letters from M. De Barbaczy, Colonel of the hussars of Szeckler, to the Archduke Charles, giving a full and clear statement of the late transaction at Rastadt, by which it appears that the assassination of their Deputies is fixed on the French Directory themselves! Jean Debry was in the secret! and although upon his return to Rastadt, after the murder of his colleagues, he complained grievously of his wounds, pretending to have received twenty, yet upon examination by a member of the faculty, he was found not to have received the least material injury. A party of Col. Barbaczy's hussars took two Frenchmen of suspicious appearance, and conducted them before him. They were questioned, and not giving satisfactory answers, were searched, and a purse of 50 pieces of French money found upon each, together with a billet in the pocket of one, from Rosenstiel, secretary of the legation, directing the assassins which carriages to attack, and which to spare. A postscript to the Colonel's letter, mentions that ten other Frenchmen had been taken on the borders of the Black Forest, who owned they were sent from Strasburg, to the number of 27, in order to strike this blow, and that they were not informed before the evening of the 28th of April, of the moment when it was to be put in execution. They were all sent under a strong guard, to the head quarters of the Archduke Charles, for further examination.
A fresh attempt was made, on the 28th of August, to set fire to the city of Baltimore.
A son of Secretary Pickering, and a son of Judge Dana, are appointed midshipmen on board the Congress lately launched at Portsmouth.
There have been 26 new cases, and 3 deaths, of the prevailing fever, reported at the health-office in New-York, for the 24 hours ending at 12 o'clock on the 4th inst.
Number of burials at Philadelphia, for the 24 hours ending on Monday evening the 2d inst. at 8 o'clock, 19.
The yellow fever has entirely subsided at Hartford.
On Sunday last passed through this town, on their way to Portland, a large company of Artillerists and Artificers, commanded by Captain Woodworth. They were recruited in Vermont, are a fine body of men, and in their march through town, observed the strictest order and discipline.
The George Washington frigate, Capt. Fletcher, was at Cape-Francis August 14, about sailing with a fleet for the Bite of Leogagne.
ROME (N. Y.) Aug. 22.
On Tuesday last, Mr. Chester Gould, an American, and resident in this place, left town, with one of his celebrated New invented SEA-LOGS , on his way to Europe, to obtain from his Britannic Majesty the premium which has been offered to the person who should be the inventor of a machine of this description.
This machine is made in the form of clock-work, and when drawn through the water, is operated upon in a manner similar to the operation of the weight upon a clock, which puts all the wheels in motion.
BRITISH FRIENDSHIP.
Notwithstanding the proverbial enmity of the English and French, there seems to be a mighty coincidence of opinion between them upon some points, such as plundering the American commerce, whenever they meet with it; and persecuting American citizens with the most wanton cruelties whenever they are so unfortunate as to fall into their power.
The following extracts of letters appeared in a late Baltimore paper, and seem to show that the conduct of the British to the Americans, in the West-Indies, is part of a system, strictly adhered to, to annihilate the American commerce in that quarter. They were written by a gentleman in Jamaica to his friend in Baltimore, and dated
Kingston, August 1.
"My vessel, after I was taken, was confined to Waterhouse, who appears to be one of the most unprincipled and worst of men; he is Hyde Parker's agent, and agent for all, or nearly all, the cruising vessels out of this place. This profit and honour is conferred on him because there is nothing wanting to condemn a vessel, but what he will do, or get done."
"The present judge of the admiralty court purchased his appointment, and I have no doubt will make a good speculation out of it—he has never been regularly appointed—you cannot mistake the reason for this, when you recollect the excuse made by Lord Grenville, in his note to Mr. King, for the condemnation of American vessels at the Mole."
"It is usual for the Americans in this port to hoist their colours on Sunday, and of late it has been customary for those sent in by the British for adjudication, to hoist the American union down, to show as much contempt as possible to the United States."
"The ship Niger, which was taken by an American ship—sent into Norfolk—there acquitted, and the United States paying heavy damages (her owner has been heard to boast here of her having had at the time of her capture two sets of papers, that is, English and French! and at the same time cruising to intercept the American commerce) had no sooner returned here, than a number of gentlemen went on board to dine, when the American ensign was hoisted at the mizen peak, the union down, and at 5 o'clock lowered under the stern! You cannot mistake what this meant."
"I have been here several weeks, and there has not been one week of the time in which there have not been brought in several sail of Americans by his Majesty's vessels of war, under one pretext or another. Within the 90 days past, there have been 58 American vessels, to use the modest language of these lords of the sea, "detained." I take the number from the Marine register in the custom-house, but I know that they are not all entered there, and the actual number is greater. The detention which the American vessels undergo, proves generally fatal to vessel or cargo, or both: In almost every case, one or both are condemned in the court of admiralty."
"The value of those condemned, I am perfectly convinced, average each 30,000 dollars—much the greater number have been in the Spanish trade."
"It is curious to observe that the fate of a vessel and cargo depends much on the value. If that is valuable, it is strong proof that the trade is illegal. If it is little worth, there is a chance of getting clear. If very valuable, the case is desperate."
"The proportion of American seamen in the squadron on this station, is incredible; and their treatment too shocking to relate. The following narrative I give of one Williams, a seaman from Baltimore, in the words of his mate: We were impressed into his majesty's service at the Mole, two years and a half ago. Williams refused to sign the ship's articles. He was put in irons in the hold. Some time after he was brought upon deck, and again asked to sign the ship's articles, which he refused. He was then taken forward to the gangway, where he received 20 lashes, and sent on board another ship, and was shifted from one ship to another, until at last he was put on board La Hermione frigate, and was on board at the time the crew rose on the officers, and took the vessel into one of the Spanish ports; from there he went to America, and again shipped on board an American vessel, which was taken and brought into Kingston; he was again impressed and put on board the Abercromby, where he was recognized by one of the officers and put in irons, was tried by a court-martial, and without any evidence that he was concerned in the mutiny, condemned as a mutineer; and protesting his innocence to the last, was hung in gibbets, and continues a horrid spectacle for his countrymen to behold as they pass and repass a small island at the entrance of the harbour."
"There is a circumstance which perhaps may prove interesting to the United States. The famous general Bowles, who here styles himself governor and commander in chief of all the Indians south of the Ohio, is now here, and to be conducted with a long retinue of military men, in one of his majesty's ships, to one of the most convenient places on the Florida coast, for his return to the Indians. He is lately from England, and is supported by the British government—there can be no doubt that their views in this are political: he says the Cherokees have been imposed upon in the late treaty with the United States, held in Tennessee. He has long been considered as a great man among the Indians, and I apprehend the object of his present expedition unfavourable to the harmony which has latterly subsisted between us and the southern Indians."
"Americans are treated with great indignity—they speak of the United States contemptuously, and say, facetiously, that Porcupine is the pivot on which the American government turns."
On Wednesday the 4th inst. was celebrated the Anniversary Commencement of Rhode-Island College. At 10 o'clock, A. M. the procession train was formed, and moved to the Baptist Meeting-House.
After prayer by the President, the following exercises were performed:
FORENOON.
1. The salutatory address, together with an Oration on the dangerous consequences of foreign influence.—By Zechariah Eddy. 2. An intermediate Oration, on superstition.—By Lemuel Le Baron. 3. An Oration in Greek, on the necessity of virtue.—By Alvan Tobey. 4. An Oration, on the manners and principles of the times.—By P. L. Armand Aubouyne. 5. An intermediate Oration, on the necessity of uniting habits of industry with religion.—By Judah A. McClellan. 6. A Dissertation, showing that man is actuated more by passion than by reason.—By John Pitman. 7. An Oration, on enthusiasm of opinion.—By Daniel Turner. 8. An Oration, on the advantages of a navy to the United States.—By Allen Bourne. 9. A Dissertation, on the utility of a general diffusion of political knowledge.—By Nathan F. Dixon.
AFTERNOON.
1. An intermediate Oration, on the necessity of science to support the government of the U. States.—By James Thompson. 2. A poetical Dissertation.—By Whipple Aldrich. 3. A Dissertation, in Latin, on the necessity of virtue to the support of civil government.—By Franklin Greene. 4. An intermediate Oration, on the establishment of a national university.—By Wood Furman. 5. An intermediate Oration, on the importance of philosophical improvement.—By Abraham B. Story. 6. A Dissertation, on the impossibility of exterminating christianity.—By Joshua Bradley.
7. An Oration on war.—By Tristram Burges, candidate for the degree of Master of Arts.
8. The Valedictory Address, and an Oration on the prudence of men to fall into extremes.—By Jeremiah Chaplin.
The degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on the following young gentlemen, alumni of the College:
Whipple Aldrich, P. L. Armand Aubouyne, Elihu Ball, Allen Bourne, Joshua Bradley, Jeremiah Chaplin, Thomas Cochran, Nathan F. Dixon, Zechariah Eddy, Wood Furman, Aaron Gardner, Franklin Greene, Galen Hicks, Jonathan P. Hitchcock, Pinhas Johnson, Lemuel Le Baron, Judah A. McClellan, John Pitman, Zechariah Soule, Abraham B. Story, James Thompson, Alvan Tobey, Daniel Turner and William H. Williams.
The degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the following young gentlemen, alumni of the College:
Tristram Burges, Oliver Cobb, Joseph Holmes, David Kim, Philip Hayward, Zenas L. Leonard, Jonathan Russell, Horace Senter, Benjamin Shurtleff, Nathan Whiting and John H. Hathaway.
Mr. Ebenezer Adams, of Brown University, and Mr. Nathaniel H. Fletcher, of Harvard College, were admitted ad eundem in this.
The degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on the following gentlemen:
Hon. James Sullivan, of Boston, Hon. Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State, Hon. Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury. A prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Stillman, concluded the exercises.
GRAND EUROPEAN FLEETS.
Accounts respecting the movements of the European Fleets are still vague and contradictory. Capt. Preble, arrived at Boston from Gibraltar, brings information of the French and Spanish having formed a junction at Carthagena on the 22d of June, sailed from thence the 29th, and arrived safe at Cadiz: forming an aggregate of 53 sail of the line, 14 frigates, &c. When Capt. Preble left Gibraltar, the British fleet, under Lord Keith, consisting of 31 sail of the line, was hourly expected to arrive from Port-Mahon.
Capt. Smith, arrived at New-York from Teneriffe, informs, that 4 days previous to his sailing, a gentleman had arrived there from Cadiz, by whom he learnt that the French and Spanish fleets had formed a junction, and got into the Western Ocean.
FROM PORTLAND, September 4.
This forenoon arrived here Capt. Crabtree, in 35 days from Liverpool. We stop the press to announce the following highly important news, contained in a handbill, which Capt. C. has politely favoured us with.
On the 6th of June, a Turkish flotilla arrived in the road of Acre, with the auxiliary corps from the Porte, under Marabout Zade, Hassan Beg, and Capigi Ismael Beg, collected at Rhodes. The enemy, aware of this reinforcement, poured a terrible shower of balls from all their artillery upon the fortress. But all the French that penetrated there, were so warmly received by the Mussulmen, that not one escaped. The next evening the enemy renewed their attack upon the same half-burnt tower, from a desire to revenge the disgrace and loss of the preceding day. But all the assaults were again cut to pieces by the brave defenders, and Buonaparte's hopes frustrated a second time. Defeated from these repeatedly frustrated attempts, Buonaparte resolved the next day upon a new form, which was, however, again beaten off, with great loss to the French, for all who penetrated were cut to pieces.
This induced all the troops in the fortress to a general sally, in which an immense number of the French were partly cut to pieces, partly dispersed, and so completely defeated, that Buonaparte was obliged to set fire to his own camp and equipment. The heads of thirteen French generals and chiefs, and about three hundred commissioned and non-commissioned officers are sent to Constantinople, and put up at the principal gate of the Grand Seigneur's palace.
Gen. Buonaparte, we learn, has been wounded, though not mortally. He is said to have left only 1000 Frenchmen in Egypt, exclusive of the Coptics and the Algerines; so that this country may now be considered lost to France. The entire loss of the French before Acre is estimated at 20,000 men, including many Jews and Greeks. Buonaparte, for the sake of his life, has put himself under the protection of the English.
Port of Providence.
ENTERED.
Sloop Humbird, Ozz, Bristol; brig Sufannah, Bowler, Barbadoes; schooner Commerce, Jacobs, Bath (Masa.) snow Rover, Stubbs, New-York; ship Dolphin, Dunwell, New-York.
CLEARED.
Brig Alfred, Northport; Turks-Island; sloop Nancy, Norris, New-London; ship Dolphin, Godfrey, Newport.
In a few queries of the last week's Journal (which was principally circulated at the south end) the sale of the Schooner Flying-Fish, &c. was advertised for the 12th, instead of the 19th inst. which those concerned will be pleased to correct.
Theatre.
THIS EVENING, September 11,
WILL BE PRESENTED,
Goldsmith's celebrated Comedy of
She stoops to Conquer;
Or, The Mistakes of a Night.
Hardcastle, Mr. Whitehead; Sir Charles Marlow, Mr. Turnbull; Young Marlow, Mr. Harper; Hastings, Mr. Prigmore; Diggory, Mr. Lathy; Roger, Mr. Ombey; Stingo, Mr. Keady; and Tony Lumpkin, Mr. Simpson. Mrs. Hardcastle, Mrs. Turnbull; Miss Neville, Miss Westray; and Miss Hardcastle, Mrs. Simpson.
TO WHICH WILL BE ADDED,
A favourite Entertainment, called The Scheming Lieutenant;
Or, St. Patrick's Day.
Lieut. O'Connor, Mr. Harper; Justice Credulous, Mr. Simpson; Sergeant Trounce, Mr. Turnbull; Corporal Breakbones, Mr. Keady; 1st Countryman, Mr. Lathy; 2d Countryman, Mr. Ombey; and Doctor Rofy, Mr. Prigmore. Mrs. Bridget, Mrs. Simpson; and Lauretta, Miss Westray.
COLLEGE SEAL.
THE person who borrowed the COLLEGE SEAL last year, and did not return it, will much oblige the subscriber, by returning it immediately, as no diplomas can be completed without it.
JONATHAN MAXCY.
R. I. College, Sept. 11.
The Most Worshipful
PELEG CLARKE, Esq;
GRAND MASTER.
THE officers and members of the GRAND LODGE of the most ancient and honourable fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, are hereby notified to convene at the State-House in South-Kingstown, on Monday the 23d inst. at 9 o'clock, A. M. in order to constitute and consecret Washington Lodge, No. 2, and to instal the officers thereof.
By order, JOHN HANDY, Grand Secretary. N. B. Brethren in general are invited to attend. Newport, Sept. 7.
Fresh Flour.
JUST ARRIVED, FRESH Superfine FLOUR, Pilot and Ship BREAD, for sale by BUTLER and WHEATON. Also for Sale,
Corn, Swedish Iron and Cordage. September 11.
GREAT BARGAINS
WILL be sold at Public Auction on Monday the 23d instant, viz.
Fourteen HOUSE-LOTS, Situated in the southerly part of the town, on a street laid out by Ebenezer Thompson, Esq; running southerly from the north-west corner of the house of Mr. Isaac Peck, near Tockwotton, to a street under the bank of Fox-Point Hill. The Lots measure 40 feet by 70, and are numbered, on a plat of said lots, from 29 to 36, and from 45 to 50, inclusive. A plat may be seen, any time previous to the sale, at the store of B. HOPPIN and Co.
Conditions of Sale—Approved Notes at 40 days, payable at Bank. BENJAMIN HOPPIN, Vend. Mast.