Herald of the United States (Warren, R.I.), 1806-08-16 00:00:00

Gerald of the United States.
WARREN:—PUBLISHED NEAR THE POST-OFFICE, BY NATHANIEL PHILLIPS.
[No. 46, of Vol. XIV.]
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 1806.
[Whole No. 712.]
WEEKLY ALMANACK.
   AUGUST. D. W. M. T. TH. F. S. REMARKS.     27 Sunday, 5 11 7 3 39 10 40   28 Monday, 5 12 7 9 9 11 38   29 Tuesday, 5 13 7 9 44 12 31 Likely for a dry   30 Wednesday, 5 14 7 10 22 1 21 spell of wea-   31 Thursday, 5 15 7 11 7 2 12 ther.   1 Friday, 5 16 7 11 58 3 2   2 Saturday, 5 17 7 11 53 3 53  
From the BOSTON CENTINEL.
ON THE FOLLY OF BEING ASHAMED OF RETRACTING OUR MISTAKES.
Seize upon TRUTH whene'er 'tis found, Among your friends, among your foes, On christian or on heathen ground; The flower's divine, whene'er it grows, Neglect the prickles and assume the rose.
WATTS.
To persist in defending a sentiment which we are convinced is erroneous, merely because we have once been so unfortunate as to receive it for a truth, argues a great degree of self-conceit and weakness of mind and cannot fail of being attended with very pernicious consequences; by such a conduct we wilfully shut out the light of truth from our minds, and yield ourselves the voluntary slaves of ignorance and error.
There cannot be a more effectual bar to any one's improvement, than an obstinate resolution of adhering to every sentiment which they have once adopted: On such persons the most convincing arguments lose their force.—To what pitiful resources do we often find them driven in order to support the silly vanity of never having changed their opinions . The imaginary disgrace of retracting a mistaken sentiment operates more powerfully upon their minds, than the love of truth; every attempt to emancipate them from the shackles of prejudice and error is looked upon as an insult to their understanding, and the person who has ventured on so kind an undertaking will probably be considered as their greatest enemy.
Among the various errors incident to human nature, that of thinking ourselves infallible appears to be one of the most pernicious; and the reason is obvious, because of its manifest tendency to shield and protect us from all others. Wherever this odious principle gains the ascendancy, it raises a mist about the mind through which the brightest rays of truth can never penetrate. It is to this infallibility that some of the most unamiable dispositions of our nature owe their existence; to this unhappy source may be traced that haughty dominating arrogance, and that supercilious contempt for the opinions of others, which throw an odium on the characters of those who cherish dispositions so inimical to the happiness of society: To the same cause may be ascribed that spirit of intolerance and persecution which has been the fruitful parent of miseries too horrible to relate.
When we reflect on the uncertainty and imperfection to which we are subjected by the inevitable law of our nature—the long and laborious efforts which are in many cases necessary for the discovery of important truth, together with the incessant fluctuations which are taking place in the opinions of mankind upon almost every subject, can we vainly flatter ourselves that we alone are exempted from the general lot of humanity? that we alone have enjoyed the peculiar felicity of forming correct sentiments upon every subject which has fallen within the sphere of our observation? The supposition must surely confound us with its absurdity. Such considerations should teach us to repress a spirit of harshness and acrimony towards the sentiments of others, and dispose us to listen with moderation and candor to whatever argument can be urged in behalf of systems or opinions the very reverse of those which we have adopted.
Scanty and imperfect will be our information on many interesting points even after the utmost diligence of which we are capable.—Our limited capacities admit not those superior degrees of knowledge which are requisite for the entire exclusion of error; we can form but a very superficial acquaintance even with many of those subjects which have occupied our chief attention; after our most laborious researches many doubts will still remain to perplex our minds, and the mists of obscurity will still dim the intellectual light; dark and imperfect conjecture most often supply the place of more satisfactory information. Amidst so much imperfection and uncertainty, it must surely become us to be more sparing of our censures on those who differ from us even in points which we may deem of the greatest importance; it must behove us to be candid and diffident in maintaining our own opinions, and ready at all times to relinquish them in obedience to the voice of truth and integrity.
The harshness and asperity with which controversies are too frequently conducted, plainly prove that the love of truth is not always the predominant motive; each resolved at all events to maintain his own opinions, determined not to recede a tittle from what he has once advanced, it is no wonder that reviling and opprobrious language is often substituted in
the room of solid argument. This is particularly observable where the interest of either of the disputants is connected with the sentiments he endeavors to defend; to what a variety of expedients will persons thus circumstanced have recourse, in order to obscure the lustre of truth, and weaken the force of the most conclusive arguments; unable to confute their opponents by the fair methods of reasoning, their only refuge is in the arts of sophistry and evasion; or when these fail them, in serious language, and the most shameful servility.
In all our researches after truth, if we would hope for any degree of success, we must lay aside those two great preventers of the human understanding, interest and prejudice ; while we are under the influence of either of these principles, the judgment will be biased, and every object viewed through such an unhappy medium will appear distorted;—thus the human mind is deprived of its native energy, and voluntarily fettered in chains of its own forging; its noblest powers are weakened and debased, and the obscurity which is unavoidably attached to the present scene of things is rendered still more impenetrable by our own folly and perverseness.
Latest Foreign Intelligence.
RECEIVED BY AN ARRIVAL AT NEW-YORK.
HOLLAND. HAGUE, JUNE 10. YESTERDAY Messrs. Verhuel and Van Styrum returned hither from Paris.—The other deputies will shortly follow; and our new Sovereign is also expected in the course of a very few days.
His Excellency M. Verhuel, after paying a visit to the acting Pensionary, held conferences with the Secretaries of State, and opened the special mission entrusted to him by his Imperial Highness Prince Louis Napoleon, as King of Holland, as the result of several resolutions for the organization of the Government, and communicating that his Majesty the King had appointed M. Verhuel Minister of the Marine, and M. Gogel Minister of the Finances, the other Secretaries of State being charged to continue in their posts till the King's arrival, which they accepted.
The same gentleman repaired in person to the assembly of their High Mightinesses, where also, in pursuance of his commission, he expressed his Majesty's charge, and made the necessary communications—he also repaired to the Council of State; after which his Excellency assumed the Executive power, in name and by authority of his Majesty, while the Pensionary who had acted ad interim , resigned that post, and resumed that of President of their High Mightinesses.
The following is a copy of the Proclamation which was read this day to the military, and announced to the people:—
"Louis Napoleon, by the Grace of God and the Constitutional Laws of the State, King of Holland, to all who shall see and read this, greeting: Make known to all and every one, that We, with the approbation of his Majesty the Emperor and King Napoleon, our illustrious brother, have accepted and do accept the Royal dignity of Holland, in conformity to the wish of the country, with the Constitutional Laws, and with the treaty concluded between us to day, and the reciprocal ratifications, by the Deputies of the Dutch Nation. On our accession to the throne, it shall be our most sacred care to be alive to the interests of our people—It shall be our constant wish to give them incessant and manifold instances of our love and of our solicitude; to that end maintaining the liberties of all our subjects, and their rights, and continually employing ourselves to their welfare. The Independence of the Kingdom is guaranteed by his Majesty the Emperor and King—The Constitutional Laws, with our firm will, serve no less for every one as a pledge to the creditors of the State, to personal security, and to liberty of conscience. Conformably to this declaration, we have decreed and do decree as follows:—
I. Our ministers of the Marine and Finances, appointed this day, shall immediately enter upon their functions—he other ministers shall continue in the discharge of their functions till further orders.
II. All the constituted authorities, civil and military shall continue in their functions till further orders, or till other appointments shall take place.
III. The constitutional laws of the state, with the treaty concluded at Paris, on the 24th of May, 1806, between his Majesty the Emperor and King, and the Batavian Republic, with the present decree, shall be immediately announced in the most public manner.
We accordingly charge and command, that the present be proclaimed and posted up every where in all public places, charged those to whom it belongs, to take care that the contents of the same be strictly observed.
Given at Paris, June 5, 1806, being the first year of our reign.
On behalf of the King,
LOUIS. VERHUEL.
In consequence of this Proclamation, a discharge of the artillery in the Cow camp took place, and the flags were hoisted on the Tower of the great Church, and on the observatory of the Hotel, in the inner Court.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL LAW.
GENERAL DISPOSITIONS.
Art. 1. The Constitutional Laws actually in force, especially the constitution of 1805, as the civil, political, and religious laws, the exercise of which is conformable to the regulations of the treaty concluded on the 24th of May of the present year, shall be preserved inviolate, with the exception of those only which shall be abolished by the present constitutional laws.
2. The administration of the Dutch colonies is regulated by particular laws, and the expenses of the colonies shall be estimated as a part of the revenues of the state.
3. The public debt is guaranteed by the present laws.
4. The Dutch language shall continue to be employed exclusively in the laws, the publications, ordinances, judgments, and all public acts, without distinction.
5. There shall be no changes made in the name or the value of the current coin, unless it shall be authorized by a particular law.
6. The ancient colours of the state shall be preserved.
7. The Council of State shall be composed of thirteen members. The ministers shall hold their rank, their sitting, and their votes of deliberation, in the said council.
OF RELIGION.
1. The King and the law grant equal protection to all religions which are professed in the state. By their authority, every thing necessary for the organization, the protection, and the exercise of every kind of worship is to be determined. The exercise, of every kind of religion is to be confined to the interior of the churches belonging to the different communions.
2. The King shall enjoy the public exercise of his religion in his Palace, and in every other place where he shall reside.
OF THE KING.
1. The King shall have exclusively, and without restriction, the complete exercise of the government, and all the power necessary to secure the execution of the laws, and to cause them to be respected. He has the nomination to all the charges and offices, civil and military, which, according to anterior laws, were vested in the grand Pensionary. He likewise enjoys the preeminence and the prerogatives hitherto attached to that dignity. The coin of the state shall bear his image. Justice shall be administered in his name. He has the right of granting pardon, abolition, or the mitigation of the pains pronounced by judiciary awards; nevertheless, he shall not be authorized to exercise this right, but after having heard the members of the national court in his privy council.
2. Upon the Death of the King, the Office of Guardian to the Minor King shall be vested in the Queen Dowager; and, in case of her death, in that person who shall be nominated for the purpose by the Emperor of the French.
3. The Regent shall be assisted by a Council of Natives, the qualifications and privileges of whom shall be determined by a particular law. The Regent shall not be personally responsible for the Acts of his Government.
The Government of the Colonies, and every thing relative to their internal regulation, belong exclusively to the King.
The general administration of the kingdom is confided to the immediate direction of four Ministers of State, nominated by the King, viz: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of War and Marine, a Minister of the Finances, and a Minister of the Interior.
OF THE LAW.
1. The Law is established in Holland by the concurrence of the Legislative Body, formed of the Assembly of their High Mightinesses, and by the King. The Legislative Body is composed of 38 Members, elected for 5 years and nominated as follows: for the Department of Holland, 17 Members; Guelderland, four; Brabant, four; Friesland, four; Overysel, 3; Zealand, two; Groningen, two; Utrecht, two; Drenthe, one. But the number of their High Mightinesses may be augmented by a law, in case of aggrandizement of territory.
2. To complete the number of Members authorized by the foregoing article, their High Mightinesses shall present to his Majesty, a list of two candidates for each of the vacant places. The King shall make the election out of the candidates proposed.
3. The present Grand Pensionary shall take the title of President of their High Mightinesses, and exercise his function in this quality during life. The choice of his successor shall take place in the manner determined by the Constitution of 1805.
4. The Legislative Body shall choose a Recorder out of its own body, by a plurality of votes.
5. The Legislative Body shall assemble in ordinary twice in the year, viz. from the 15th of April to the 1st of June, and from the 15th of November to the 15th of January. On the 15th of November a 5th of the oldest Members shall go out from the body. The first Member shall go out on the 15th of November, 1807. Such members, notwithstanding, may be re-elected.
OF JUDICIARY POWER.
1. The judiciary institutions shall be preserved in the mode they have been established by the constitution of 1805.
2. Relative to the judiciary power, the King shall exercise all the rights and all the authority vested in the grand Pensionary by virtue of the constitution of 1805.
3. Every thing that relates to the exercise of military criminal justice shall be separately regulated by an ulterior law.
JUNE 17.
The Gazette of Saturday night contains an order of council for allowing friendly and neutral nations to trade to the Cape of Good Hope; prohibiting, however, the importation of Asiatick goods or military stores, except by the India Company; and restricting exports generally without license.
An extensive promotion has taken place in the Prussian army, a measure generally adopted at the commencement of a war, of which it is now considered indicative. Several fresh regiments have been ordered to join the Prussian army in Pomerania.
Lucian Bonaparte still lives at Frascati, near Rome and has refused his eldest daughter (by his first wife) to go to Paris, as Napoleon desired; declining, also, the offer of the latter to obtain for her an advantageous marriage.
The Archduke Charles has induced the organization of Volunteer Corps in Vienna, to the number of 20,000 men, and has encouraged similar associations in all the other cities of the empire. It is confidently stated that the Levy en Masse and Volunteers now occasionally assembling and training in Hungary, Bohemia, Austria, &c. amount to between four and five millions of men; while the most extraordinary and successful exertions are making to reinforce the army. A letter from Rotterdam, which announces these measures, adds, that they become the subject of a strong remonstrance on the part of M. Rochefoucault, and an inquiry as to the occasion of them—to which Count Stadion replied, that they were considered necessary for the purpose of internal defence.
The French continued, to the date of the last accounts from the Inn, to be unremittingly employed in strengthening Brannau—Three thousand of the neighbouring peasantry had for three months been engaged on the works.
By a new treaty between France and Holland, Bonaparte guarantees the integrity of the Dutch possessions. If this guarantee is retrospective, we must give up Demarara, Surinam, and the Cape, to the Dutch, i. e. to France, before Bonaparte can make peace. It will remain to be seen, if our ministry will make this sacrifice.
FRANCE.
"Napoleon, Emperor of the French, and King of Italy."
"Accounts having reached us, that in several of the Northern Departments of our Empire, certain Jews, not exercising any other profession than that of usury, have by extorting an enormous interest, reduced a number of farmers to a state of great distress: we have conceived it our subjects as have been reduced to those sorrowful extremes by an unjustifiable avarice. These circumstances have, at the same time, furnished us with an opportunity of knowing the urgent ne-

ating the sentiments among those persons of the Jewish religion, in the several jurisdictions; such unhappily have been excited among a great number of persons in consequence of the state of government under which they have languished; which it has never occurred into my views, either to maintain or to renew. For the accomplishment of this design, we have resolved to collect the principal persons among the Jews, in an assembly; and then, through the means of commissioners, whom we shall nominate for the purpose to communicate our intentions; and who will at the same time, learn their wishes in respect to such means as they may deem most expedient to awaken among their brethren the exercise of the arts and useful professions of life, in order that an honest industry may take the place of those scandalous resources, to which so many persons among the Jews have given themselves up, from the father to the son, for several ages past. To this end, and upon the report of our Grand Judge, Minister of Justice, our Minister of the Interior, our Council of State, &c. we decree as follows:
"1. The execution of all contracts or judgments against farmers not merchants, shall be suspended for one year reckoning from the date of the present decree, simple conservatory acts excepted; such Farmers belonging to the Departments of Le Sarre, Roer, Mont-Tonnerre, Haut and Bas Rhin, Rhin and Moselle, and Vosges, in cases where they have been granted in favour of Jews.
"2. On the 15th of July next, an assembly of those individuals is professing the Jewish religion, shall be held in our good city of Paris. This assembly is only to be formed of those Jews who inhabit the French territory.
"3. The Members shall be regulated according to the table hereunto annexed, taken from the various departments, and selected by the Prefects from among the Rabbins; the Proprietors of Land, and other Jews the most distinguished by their probity and intelligence.
"4. In the other departments of our Empire not named in the annexed table should any individuals be found professing the Jewish religion, to the number of 100, and less than 500, and above that number to 1000, two deputies; and so on in proportion.
"5. The deputies chosen shall be at Paris before the 10th of July, and shall announce their arrival, and their place of residence, to the Secretary of our Minister of the Interior, who shall inform them of the place, the day, and the hour when the assembly shall open. Our Minister of the Interior is charged with the execution of the present decree.
(Signed) "NAPOLEON."
Palace of St. Cloud, May 30.
[Here follows a list of the number of the Deputies required from each of the departments, making in the whole 74 persons.]
The feudal system, the abolition of which was one of the first objects of the Constituent Assembly, is now rising again in France from its ashes. Napoleon, by the his last communication to the Senate, created more important fiefs, than any French Sovereign of modern times. The principality of Neufchatel and Nalengin, conferred on Marshal Alexander Berthier is a fine territory, with 46,430 inhabitants.—According to a new and very detailed account of the population, the 3 towns of Neufchatel, Lauderon, and Bndry, contain 6,785 inhabitants, and the 19 districts, 38,645.
ENGLAND. LONDON, JUNE 14.
The Moniteur of the 7th, contains a copy of the Prussian Proclamation, by which Anspach is transferred to Bavaria.
The difference respecting Cataro is at length terminated. The evacuation of that post by the Russians, or, at least, the issue of orders for that purpose, is officially announced in the
Moniteur, of the 8th inst. The French armies are in consequence immediately to retire from Germany, and Brannau is to be restored to Austria.
Letters from Berlin in the Dutch papers of the 14th inst. say, that "Baron Hardenberg was about to set out from thence for London, on a special mission."
The Funds yesterday experienced an additional rise, and there were some considerable purchases. The speculation is similar to that we mentioned yesterday. A negotiation is expected to take place in conjunction with Russia. The letters and papers from the continent encourage this expectation; but we cannot view it as founded upon any authentic information.
ANTIGUA. ST. JOHNS. JULY 15. BRITISH FLEET.
Yesterday morning arrived his majesty's brig Pert, Capt. Pringle, from the leeward. We learn by this vessel, that Admiral Cochrane had got sight of the French fleet off Tortola, on Sunday last, and immediately gave chase; the enemy at the same time ran, not choosing to await the issue of the contest.
An alarm was fired yesterday morning, upon the appearance of a squadron of men of war, which afterwards proved to be that under the command of Vice Admiral Sir John B. Warren, consisting of the following vessels, viz.
  Foudroyant, 80 Admiral Sir J. B. Warren,   Hero, 74 Capt. White,   Ramillies, 74 Capt. the Hon. A. H. Gardner,   Namur, 74 Capt. Francis Pickmore,   Courageux, 74 Capt. L. W. Halsted,   Fame, 74 Capt. Lee,   Amazon, 38 Capt. Bisset,   Saracen, 16 Capt. Wm. Parker,   Moucheron, 16 Capt. James Prevost,   Capt. James Hawes, 
The John Bull cutter, of 10 guns, had been detached on Sunday, to procure information respecting the course of the French squadron. The Amazon frigate touched at English Harbour, and immediately rejoined the fleet which steered for St. Kitts.
Domestic Occurrences.
VIRGINIA. ALEXANDRIA, AUG. 8.
FRENCH FRATERNITY!!
Extract of a letter from Capt. John Hand, jun. of the Sch'r Caroline, of this port, dated Port Spain, (Trinidad) July 8, 1806.
"ON the 21st of June, in lat. 14, lon. 58, was boarded by two French line of battle ships, who took from us about 140 barrels flour, all the beans and cheese, and the greater part of the hams, and never gave us the scrape of a pen for it."
PENNSYLVANIA. PHILADELPHIA, AUG. 8.
Yesterday arrived the brig Eliza, Capt. Toby: she left New-Orleans the 18th July, and the Balize the 21st inst. By her we learn, that a great fire broke out in the Fauxburg on or about the 15th July, which burnt several houses and stores, in which was consumed about 350 hds. tobacco, 100 bales cotton, some flour, and sundry other articles. The most of the property belonged to people in the Western country. Loss estimated about forty or fifty thousand dollars.
The brig Fanny, arrived at the Lazaretto yesterday morning, from St. Kitts, was boarded on the 30th July, lat. 33, long. 73, by the French frigate Le Generaux, and politely dismissed, after a short detention.
A combination of counterfeiters have been discovered in this city; the principals of which have been committed for trial.
AUG. 11.
We understand, that advices of a very unpleasant tenor, have been received from Halifax. The court of admiralty at the place, it is said, have determined to condemn all produce of enemies ports, whether it be found on board neutral ships importing the same or otherwise. By this latitude of condemnation, it follows, that the whole of our foreign trade will be entirely destroyed. —Admiral Berkeley, who was to succeed to that station, had not arrived. It therefore does not clearly appear whether this destructive principle is derived from recent orders or not.
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
NEW-YORK, AUG. 13. The following is an extract of a well written letter from a commercial house in Barcelona to a merchant in Salem.
"Looking to the circumstances that have already happened, we shall not be surprised if the passages of the Sound and the Dardanelles be closed relatively to England, which would be tantamount to the annihilation of navigation to the Baltic and Black Sea. In such a state of things, the other parts of Europe must look to the United States for supplies. The wants of this province are neither casual nor accidental: it raises but little grain, and in the best of years requires an importation of 1,200,000 bushels for the population. If the resources it has hitherto had, be cut off, wheat from your continent will be a very fair object of speculation this way; and those resources have hitherto depended on the Baltic and the Black Sea.
"Europe has undergone changes, that are conceived of only because they are seen and felt. The state of empires has proved as mutable as the property of individuals; nations are disposed of with so little ceremony, that a knowledge of their language is not thought necessary in those, to whose government they are consigned: principles of legislation are acquired in the refinement of garrison, and laws presented on the point of a bayonet. Such is the state of things, that must make you look to your own government with pride. The mission of Lord Selkirk, and the known disposition of the British minority, make us easy on your account. This government (Spain) cannot wish to fall out with you."
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
PORTSMOUTH, AUG. 2.
Arrived here on Wednesday last, passenger in the brig Montezuma, captain Titus Salter of the brig Maria Jane, which belonged to Capt. John Salter of this town. On his passage from Amsterdam to the Isle of May, Capt. Salter was cast away on the coast of Barbary in the night of the 27th of May. The next morning the captain and crew gained the shore and were employed during the day in getting provisions, &c. ashore from the vessel, which had not bilged. The next day a number of Moors (about 15) appeared on the beach, and proceeded immediately to plundering. After robbing Capt. S. of all his provisions, and 800 dollars in specie, and his seamen of their cloathing, these savages used the utmost violence to them. Having resisted some time and sustained considerable injury in their persons, Capt. S. and his men escaped in the long boat in the evening, and put to sea in great danger from the breakers. The number in the boat was nine, and their whole stock of provisions was four or five pounds of bread, and about three gallons of water for a voyage they knew not of what length.
They steered along the coast for Senegal, suffering extremely with hunger and thirst without any thing material happening till the ninth day, when the first mate, Mr. Lang, who had been exhausted with fatigue, died of hunger. His thirst was so keen he could not resist it, and notwithstanding captain S. entreated him to forbear, he frequently drank salt water. The night following the wind blew fresh on shore—Capt. S. was obliged to put the boat before it, and continued safe till he arrived near the shore; when the boat was upset, and every soul committed to the mercy of the waves. They however regained and righted the boat, and were again washed out of her.—The second mate, Mr. John Nud and one seaman were drowned. Capt. S. and six seamen got safe ashore, within a few miles of Senegal, where they were hospitably treated and found relief.
POPLAR CATERPILLARS.
The following interesting Experiment in Natural History, is from a late Philadelphia paper. The ingenious and inquiring reader, will find much entertainment in its perusal:—
Wilmington, (Del.) August 1.
"DEAR SIR, Your attention to all subjects of natural history, and your minute knowledge of that beautiful science, induce me to address you with a summary account of the metamorphoses of the
Poplar Caterpillar; which, like the Sphinx of Britanny, had spread terror and dismay in many parts of our country, though unaccompanied by epidemic pestilence. With us, however, this harmless insect was contemporary with vernal bilious fever, of a mild grade.
"The general curiosity and alarm, together with the contradictory accounts of experimentalists, though preponderating on the negative scale, made it desirable to know whether this suspected insect would pass the regular metamorphoses of Lepidopterous insects, or, as supposed by Dr. Davidge, of Baltimore, would perish in the Chrysalis state; and thus by an unusual death, seal the apprehensions of its venomous nature. With this view, I obtained one of those caterpillars (on the 8th July) of about three inches in length, and after provoking it to bite several animals, without injury to them, put it in a wide mouthed bottle, with some leaves from its favourite tree. For two days it seemed torpid, and I apprehended it had been injured by our efforts to make it bite the animals of experiment; but on the 10th it had formed a strong silken investiture, resembling the coque of the silk worm, so as to incase itself safely on the side of the bottle; which was shreaded over with fibrils of the same silken web, but leaving the worm distinct in the new cell. The preparation for the change of being was now made, and the provident insect ceased from its labours for two or three days more. It then shewed violent contortions of body, denoting its immediately passing into the chrysalis state; and was gradually covered over with a glutinous exudation, and contracted itself to an inch and a quarter in length.
"The shape of the chrysalid was at first cylindrical; and shortly divided by a deeply impressed ring, at about three fifths of its length, and the tail part subdivided by three more rings, terminating in a cone; and this crustaceous covering soon hardened so as to be impervious. This shell, which was at once both the coffin of the caterpillar and the cradle of the butterfly, gradually changed in color, until it became a complete aurelia.
"Alternately hoping and doubting, on the fate of my chrysalid, I was this morning delighted to find the door of the gaol opened, and the prisoner, evolved, a large and beautiful butterfly, ready to take flight.—Wishing to examine the shell and the coque he had left, and supposing him two weak to escape, I cautiously broke off the bottom of the bottle, and to the surprise of several gentlemen present, he flew around the room, with the greatest ease and activity. We caught him, with some difficulty, and once more confined him to a perfectly transparent bottle, to be the subject of new investigations.
"The characters of this metamorphosed caterpillar, are not strictly conformable to those of the common butterfly.
"The head is small—the eyes large prominent and nearly spherical—the proboscis curled.
"The corselet is large, solid and the back part arched, and the color of the aurelia.
"The body large, of a dusky colour, gradually terminating in a cone and thickly covered with a silky down.
"The legs are six in number, fescacious and pretinated; the fore legs longer than usual.
"The antennae are long, and not elevated, but filiform (like the moth.)
"The wings, four in number, and the front, or superior pair, large, horizontal, and of a dusky hue, variegated with black: the inferior pair are yellow, with transverse bands of black: (like the Sphinx.)
"The red, or blood coloured faces, which is deposited early in the butterfly state, and which has in past ages excited such consternation in the minds of the superstitious, was in drops on the side of the vial. M. Reaumur informs us, that all butterflies, which

proceed from hairy caterpillars, void one or more drops of a blood coloured fluid:—and the number of these drops which have fallen upon the earth in some places, have been deemed nothing less than miraculous rain, ominous of the impending frowns of heaven. M. de Peirese records an instance of this sort which occurred at Aix. Gregory of Tours mentions a shower of blood which fell in the time of Childebert, and another was observed in the reign of Robert. (Smellie's P. N. History.)
"Your critical knowledge of natural history will enable you to correct any imperfections in this hasty account of the dreaded, but harmless caterpillar, in his transformations to a perfect animal. For if they perished in a chrysalis state, the species would be extinct with the season. The reason why some chrysalids perish in the torpid state, is imputed to a certain species fly making its way into their bodies, while in the worm state and depositing their eggs; and though the caterpillar, be metamorphosed into a chrysalid, the parts essential to progressive life are destroyed by the larvae of the fly, and the chrysalid perishes."
"I am, dear Sir, with great esteem and regard, your obedient servant, JOHN VAUGHAN." "DR. BENJAMIN S. BARTON."
WARREN: SATURDAY, AUG. 16, 1806.
LATEST FROM EUROPE.
By the regular trading ship Packet, Capt. Scott, arrived at Boston, in 41 days from Liverpool; we have received our regular files of London papers to the 1st July. From these papers it appears, that Negotiations for a general peace in Europe, were in active operation. Private letters from London, corroborate this intelligence so far, as to suggest an opinion to their correspondents, that the event was not improbable. We also find, that the British funds had experienced a gradual rise from the first rumours of a pacific overture; and that the latest advices from the Continent, tended to keep them in a state of fluctuation.
No adjustment of our affairs with Great-Britain, had taken place; nor had any circumstances occurred, which indicated a belief, that it would take place immediately.
The London Courier of 23d June, advises, "That Mr. WILBRAHAM, had landed at Dover, with dispatches from M. TALLEYRAND, for Mr. FOX." To this article the same paper adds, "It is now we think, beyond a doubt, that a Negotiation for Peace is going on, and that the Negotiation is carried on direct between Mr. FOX and M. TALLEYRAND. When they have agreed on certain basis, each government will appoint Negotiators. Perhaps Mr. W. brought the necessary passports."
Lord YARMOUTH had been sent by the British Government to the French Court, with dispatches: He arrived at Paris on the 18th June; but the tenor of his dispatches was not divulged in France, nor were they publicly known in London, yet such were the pacific hopes entertained in consequence thereof, that the French funds rose one per cent.
Mr. PINCKNEY, the American Ambassador, to Great-Britain, with his family and suite, arrived at London 23d June, last from Liverpool.
A London paper of June 24, says, that the American Funds had experienced a considerable depression for the five preceding days.
Policies were opened at Lloyds about the 25th June giving sixty guineas to receive one hundred, if Peace shall be concluded with France, before January 1.
Mr. BARKINE, son of the Lord Chancellor, is stated to have been appointed Ambassador to the American States.
An opinion is still entertained, that the dispute between Prussia and Sweden, will be accommodated through the interference of Russia.
From some recent manoeuvres of the French cabinet, a war between Russia and Turkey, is highly probable.
Gazette holds out; and the vigorous opposition which is made in this place, has occasioned an infatuation in the Neapolitan States, which has excited considerable alarm to the French.
The evacuation of Casaro, seems not to be credited in England. From this circumstance the British Journalists indicate, that the business of the late warfare on the continent is not finally settled, by the coalesced powers, engaged therein.
The French have added to their dominions on the Continent, the Republic of Ragusa, in Dalmatia. This little commonwealth may answer for some of the less ambitious members of the Napoleon family.
Mr. FOX was so much indisposed during the latter end of June, as to be unable to attend the duties of his office; and fears were entertained that he would not be able to appear in public during the sitting of Parliament.
BRITISH NAVY.—There at present in commission 730 ships of war, of which 122 are of the line, 15 from 50 to 44, 165 frigates, 181 sloops, and 47 brigs, &c.
GENERAL MIRANDA.
In a late English paper, (Bell's Messenger) we find a lengthy article on the character and views of Gen. MIRANDA. Our readers have been furnished with the more prominent parts of the character of this distinguished adventurer; but the following extracts, contain, we believe, a course of remark and observation, that will not be read with indifference:—
"But what is the effect of the present system of government in Spain, which is decidedly arbitrary—a government, whose fundamental principle excludes all, but the privileged class, from the offices and honors of the State:—What, we say, is the effect of this system upon the other orders of the people? Why simply, that having nothing to look to as a reward, they have no spur to any extraordinary exertion. There is no effort in the absence of emulation, and no excellence in the absence of effort. The whole mind of the State is pelfied; the great remain in indolence, because they can attain the ordinary objects of desire without exertion, and the lower classes will not toil, where their toil will not raise them from their destined obscurity."
"Such is the condition of the Spanish Monarchy at this moment, with regard to the production of those eminent men whose aid is so much required in this season of need. Will it not appear almost a paradox to say, that Spain can only be preserved by a Revolution? yet it is only by this event that her latent powers can be called forth,—that the dormant and not extinguished spark of her former national character can be re-animated. The season of peril and high reward will call this spirit forth. The necessity of the time will shake off those who are inferior to its demands. Rank and place,—the slaves of a Court or a Minister,—the Generals of a parade,—and Admirals ex officio, must then retire, and make room for merit of more efficiency."
"The monopoly of Spain, and the regulations to which, is common with every other parent country, she has subjected her colonies, has long hung a heavy yoke upon the necks of the Colonists. The weight of this yoke has not been alleviated by the sense of the superiority of the mother country. The colonists have not the consolation that their servitude is the tribute for their protection:—as incapable of protecting as governing them, the mother country hangs a dead burthen upon her colonies.—Like Anchises, in the fable, she is supported on the back of her children, but her children, on like Aeneas, are not much pleased with the weight. In the language of the same fable, travestied, "they care not how soon the shuffle off the Old Woman."
"Thus is it at present, and thus has it long been, with Spain and her Colonies. Her claim to their monopoly must be urged upon her former services, and not upon her present protection. But it is the persuasion of the Colonies that this debt of former protection has been paid off by former servitude, and that the service of protection having ceased, the colonial REDDITUS, the monopoly and subjection, should cease with it. In a word, that they should be no longer subject to a power, which can neither give them an intercourse of commerce to mutual advantage in peace, nor probable protection in war."
"The independence of North America gave birth to these principles—the French Revolution has confirmed them. South America is now restrained within her obedience by two bars only—a very weak military force, and a militia already corrupted, being in fact but the country itself."
"It was in this situation that Gen. MIRANDA conceived his design of effecting his favorite purpose."
"He promised Mr. PITT that with ten thousand men he would scour South America, and effect her independence. Mr. PITT listened to him, but there were two impediments—the state of our armies, and the positive refusal of Gen. MIRANDA to have any thing to do with the expedition, if he were not at least second in command. There was indeed a third—doubt as to the policy of throwing Spain into the already overwhelming monarchy of France. If France hesitated to incorporate Spain, it was in the apprehension that England would immediately seize her colonies. If the colonies were become independent, Spain would in the same instant become a province of France."
"General MIRANDA, however, received certain promises, which, had the late Minister lived, would have been fulfilled. Mr. PITT had a great mind. He was not to be daunted by inconsiderable dangers. We are persuaded that his views were latterly directed to Spanish America—but we cannot say that he intended to act as fortunate to the designs of MIRANDA."
"What has been the subsequent course of MIRANDA?—He had a mind above servility; he accordingly adopted the singular purpose of attempting this boundless enterprise, the conquest of half a world, upon his own single resources."
The Tunisian Ambassador declines embarking in the vessel, which has been prepared for him by our government. His objection is said to arise from the circumstance, of a report, that he was once a prize in Tunis. This vessel was intended, as a compliment to the Bey; is handsomely fitted up, and contains many valuable presents for him—What will result from the objections of the Ambassador, cannot be ascertained; but it is probable his wishes, of some further accommodations, let them be grounded on whatever reasons they may, will be complied with.
A letter from Amsterdam of the 6th of June, says:—The ship General Eaton, Brown, from New-York, is just arrived. She was sent away from the Texel by a British man of war, and ordered for the Downs on the 26th of May. The Admiral on that station released the vessel
immediately, and endorsed the ship's register thereon.—That the blockade mentioned by the captain of the man of war who warned him off, was erroneous, and that he was permitted to proceed for the Texel.
Capt. STEPHEN DECATUR, with his Lady, is now at Newport. It is understood, his business in that place is to take a survey of the harbour, and neighbouring waters, for some national purposes.
A Jamaica paper of the 17th ult. mentions, on report, that BONA PARTE's squadron was bound to Havane, there to be joined by 2 Spanish ships of the line.
Admiral COCHRANE, with his squadron, arrived at Antigua the 16th ult.
The United States brig Hornet, who took the 2,000,000 dollars to France, has arrived in the Delaware, in 60 days from Gibraltar.
A Norfolk paper of Thursday week, contains the subsequent articles:—
"Capt. NASH, from St. Barts, was, on the 17th inst. boarded off St. Martias by a brig, 10 ships then in sight, under a press of sail, supposed to be Admiral COCHRANE, reinforced, in pursuit of the runaway French fleet."
"Capt. TARLINGTON from Antigua, on the 25th ult. in lat. 32, long. 73, fell in with 6 French ships of the line and a frigate, and was boarded by one of them. They were steering W. under easy sail. If this fleet is bound to Europe, it must have come that far to the westward to deceive the English in pursuit of them."
Capt. GALE has pointedly contradicted the infamous report propagated from the southward some months since, of his having been stabbed by Commodore RODDERS; and adds, that the Commodore always behaved towards him with every attention and politeness due an officer.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
The communication of "BETSEY FRANK" is omitted for further consideration.
MARRIED.
At Providence, on Thursday evening the 7th inst. by the Rev. Stephen Gano, Capt. William C. Jenckes, to Miss Sally Davis, eldest daughter of John Davis, Esq.
At Newport, on Friday evening the 8th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Botsford, Mr. William A. Allison, to Mrs. Mary Young, all of South Carolina.
DIED.
At Newport, on the 3d inst. Mrs. Thankful Coote, consort of Mr. Lodowick Coote, in the 34th year of her age.
At Warwick, on the 19th ult. Mr. John Franklin, in the 79th year of his age.
SHIP NEWS.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT.
   ENTERED. FROM     Sloop Huntress, Earl, New-York   Aurora, Cahoon, ditto   Fame, Bliss, ditto   Brig Ruffel, Lawton, Havana   CLEARED. FOR   Sloop Golden Age, Justin, New-York   Halycon, Cahoon, ditto   Polly, Edwards, Philadelphia  
DISTRICT OF PROVIDENCE.
   ENTERED. FROM     Sloop Ann, Comstock, New-York   Providence, Currie, ditto   Polly, Brown, ditto   Victory, Turner, ditto   Schr. Ann & Eliza, Holmes, ditto   Irish, Arnold, Barbadoes   CLEARED. FOR   Sloop Eliza, Crapon, New-York   Maria, Hull, ditto   New-York, Williams, ditto   Rolla, Earl, Charleston   Brig Matilda, Gray, Antwerp   Ship Ann & Hope, Graves, Norfolk  
DISTRICT OF BRISTOL.
   ENTERED. FROM     Sloop Sally & Ann, Church, New-York   Becca & Betty, Pearse, Providence   Schr. Concord, Webb, Dighton   CLEARED. FOR   Sloop Lilly, Munro, Boston   Titon, Dean, ditto   Union, Whiton, ditto   Becca & Betty, Pearse, Providence   Swallow, Role, Dighton   Brig German Peggy, Davis, Newport   Ship Monticello, Champlin, Africa  
Loss of the brig Planter.
The brig Planter, of Providence, (R. I.) Capt. Harris owned by Joseph and Wm. B. Tillinghast and Benjamin E. Gorham, failed from Bafford the 9th of July, bound to Providence (laden with rum and molasses.) On Monday 21st, after being out 12 days, in lat. 36, 40, N. long. 72, 12, W. at half past three o'clock A. M. was struck by a very heavy squall from the S. W. which instantly shifted to the eastward and so round the compass, which was in 15 or 20 minutes at S. E. again. The squall when shifting caught her aback and carried away the fore-top-mast about mid way, and almost instantly upset her. Mr. John Manscheffer, mate of Providence, and Mr. Thomas Clarke, of Green County, in the State of New-York, in the employ of Herman Vosberg and Co. of the city of New-York, drowned. After the rest had succeeded in getting on board (the water coming within two feet of the weather quarter rail) cut away the lashing of the weather part of deck-load, the then righted on the beam end; we lay in that situation until 10 o'clock, when the lchr. Recovery, Capt. Prindle, came to our assistance—we then used every exertion till night came on to get her righted and clear of water, but without effect; proceeded on board Capt. Prindle after making the Schooner's hawser fast to her. Next morning found all
States.
[Whole No. 713.]
which had been acknowledged during a long period, and by each nation in its turn, as the most perfect, and if not absolutely so, yet as much so as the nature of man will admit. But, doubtless, if perfection were the lot of humanity, we might then dispense with a government of this kind. Laws would then be founded in wisdom, and obeyed without reluctance or obstacle; virtue would reign triumphant, and ensure its own reward; vice would be banished, and wickedness rendered impotent; but illusions which favor such romantic ideas of human nature are transient; and experience soon brings us back to positive facts.
"However, even monarchy is not sufficient for a country which though powerful and important, is not sufficiently so for its position, which requires forces of the first rank by land and sea. It will therefore, be necessary for it to form a connection with one of the great Powers of Europe, with which its arinity may be eternally assured without any alteration of its independence."
This, gentlemen, is what your nation has done: this is the object of its constitutional laws, and also that of my taking upon me an employment so glorious; this is my object in placing myself in the midst of a people who are, and ever shall be mine, by my affection and solicitude. With pride I perceive two of the principal means of government and confidence offering themselves to me; the honor and the virtue of the inhabitants."
ELIZABETH CROADE,
a few well chosen Goods, being of the latest Importations and newest Fashions, calculated to please the fancy of every one.
N. B. She invites her customers, friends and the Public, to call and see. *August 16, 1806.
Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Court County of Bristol.
THE Creditors of ABRAHAM WARREN, of Bristol, in the County of Bristol, Housewright, an Insolvent Debtor, are hereby notified, that they may appear if they see fit, before the Supreme Judicial Court, to be holden at Bristol, in and for said County on the second Monday of September, then and there to nominate Assignees or Commissioners, pursuant to the Act for the relief of Insolvent Debtors passed A. D. 1756, the benefit whereof has been extended to the said Abraham, by a special Act of the General Assembly.
DANIEL BRADFORD, jun. Clerk of the S. J. Court.
Bristol, Aug. 9, 1806.
BROKE into the enclosure of the Subscriber on the 28th ult. Two STEERS and One HEIFER.—The owner or owners are requested to prove Property pay charges and take them away. DAVID MASON. *Rehoboth, Aug. 9, 1806.
FOR SALE,
THE staunch and well Built Brig COMMERCE, Burthen 106 Tons, now lying at the Wharf of Charles Collins, Esq. and can be fitted for sea at a small expence.—Apply to HENRY SISSON. *Warren, July 25, 1806.
NOTICE is hereby given, That the Subscriber has been duly appointed Administratrix to the last Will and Testament of
NATHANIEL HOWLAND,
late of this Town, Mariner, deceased; and have taken upon her that Trust by giving Bonds as the Law directs.—All Persons having Demands upon the said Estate, are requested to exhibit the same on or before the 1st Day of September; and all indebted to the said Estate, are called upon to make Payment, to NICHOLAS PACK, Attorney for HANNAH HOWLAND. *Bristol, July 11, 1806.
ALL persons indebted to JOSIAH MUNRO by book or note, are requested to make immediate payment to the Subscriber; an Assignment of all his property being made for the express purpose of a speedy settlement with all concerned. N. M. BURR, *Warren, July 4, 1806. Assigns.

ating the sentiments among those persons of Jewish religion, in the United States; which unhappily have been excited among a great number of persons in consequence of the state of ferment under which they have languished; which it has never occurred into my views, either to maintain or to renew. For the accomplishment of this design, we have resolved to collect the principal persons among the Jews, in an assembly; and then, through the means of commissioners, whom we shall nominate for the purpose to communicate our intentions; and who will at the same time, learn their wishes in respect to such means as they may deem most expedient to awaken among their brethren the exercise of the arts and useful professions of life, in order that an honest industry may take the place of those scandalous resources, to which so many persons among the Jews have given themselves up, from the father to the son, for several ages past. To this end, and upon the report of our Grand Judge, Minister of Justice, our Minister of the Interior, our Council of State, &c. we decree as follows:
"1. The execution of all contracts or judgments against farmers not merchants, shall be suspended for one year reckoning from the date of the present decree, simple conservatory acts excepted; such Farmers belonging to the Departments of Le Sarre, Roer, Mont-Tonnerre, Haut et Bas Rhin, Rhin et Moselle, and Volges, in cases where they have been granted in favour of Jews.
"2. On the 15th of July next, an assembly of those individuals is professing the Jewish religion, shall be held in our good city of Paris. This assembly is only to be formed of those Jews who inhabit the French territory.
"3. The Members shall be regulated according to the table hereunto annexed, taken from the various departments, and selected by the Prefects from among the Rabbins; the Proprietors of Land, and other Jews the most distinguished by their probity and intelligence.
"4. In the other departments of our Empire not named in the annexed table should any individuals be found professing the Jewish religion, to the number of 100, and less than 500, and above that number to 1000, two deputies; and so on in proportion.
"5. The deputies chosen shall be at Paris before the 10th of July, and shall announce their arrival, and their place of residence, to the Secretary of our Minister of the Interior, who shall inform them of the place, the day, and the hour when the assembly shall open.
"Our Minister of the Interior is charged with the execution of the present decree.
(Signed) "NAPOLEON."
Palace of St. Cloud, May 30. [Here follows a list of the number of the Deputies required from each of the departments, making in the whole 74 persons.]
The feudal system, the abolition of which was one of the first objects of the Constituent Assembly, is now rising again in France from its ashes. Napoleon, by the his last communication to the Senate, created more important fiefs, than any French Sovereign of modern times. The principality of Neufchatel and Nalengin, conferred on Marshal Alexander Berthier is a fine territory, with 46,430 inhabitants.—According to a new and very detailed account of the population, the 3 towns of Neufchatel, Lauderon, and Bondry, contain 6,785 inhabitants, and the 19 districts, 38,645.
ENGLAND. LONDON, JUNE 14. The Moniteur of the 7th, contains a copy of the Prussian Proclamation, by which Anspach is transferred to Bavaria.
The difference respecting Cataro is at length terminated. The evacuation of that post by the Russians, or, at least, the issue of orders for that purpose, is officially announced in the
Moniteur, of the 8th inst. The French armies are in consequence immediately to retire from Germany, and Brannau is to be restored to Austria.
Letters from Berlin in the Dutch papers of the 14th inst. say, that "Baron Hardenberg was about to set out from thence for London, on a special mission."
The Funds yesterday experienced an additional rise, and there were some considerable purchases. The speculation is similar to that we mentioned yesterday. A negotiation is expected to take place in conjunction with Russia. The letters and papers from the continent encourage this expectation; but we cannot view it as founded upon any authentic information.
ANTIGUA. ST. JOHNS, JULY 15. BRITISH FLEET.
Yesterday morning arrived his majesty's brig Pert, Capt. Pringle, from the leeward. We learn by this vessel, that Admiral Cochrane had got sight of the French fleet off Tortola, on Sunday last, and immediately gave chase; the enemy at the same time ran, not choosing to await the issue of the contest.
An alarm was fired yesterday morning, upon the appearance of a squadron of men of war, which afterwards proved to be that under the command of Vice Admiral Sir John B. Warren, consisting of the following vessels, viz.
  Foudroyant, 80 Admiral Sir J. B. Warren,   Hero, 74 Capt. White,   Ramillies, 74 Capt. the Hon. A. H. Gardner,   Namur, 74 Capt. Francis Pickmore,   Courageux, 74 Capt. L. W. Halsted,   Fame, 74 Capt. Lee,   Amazon, 38 Capt. Bisset,   Saracen, 16 Capt. Wm. Parker,   Moucheron, 16 Capt. James Prevoost,   Capt. James Hawes, 
The John Bull cutter, of 10 guns, had been detached on Sunday, to procure information respecting the course of the French Squadron. The Amazon frigate touched at English Harbour, and immediately rejoined the fleet which steered for St. Kitts.
Domestic Occurrences.
VIRGINIA. ALEXANDRIA, AUG. 8. FRENCH FRATERNITY!! Extract of a letter from Capt. John Hand, jun. of the sch'r Caroline, of this port, dated Port Spain, (Trinidad) July 8, 1806.
"ON the 21st of June, in lat. 14, lon. 58, was boarded by two French line of battle ships, who took from us about 140 barrels flour, all the beans and cheese, and the greater part of the hams, and never gave us the scrape of a pen for it."
PENNSYLVANIA. PHILADELPHIA, AUG. 8.
Yesterday arrived the brig Eliza, Capt. Toby: she left New-Orleans the 18th July, and the Balize the 21st inst. By her we learn, that a great fire broke out in the Fauxburg on or about the 15th July, which burnt several houses and stores, in which was consumed about 350 hds. tobacco, 100 bales cotton, some flour, and sundry other articles. The most of the property belonged to people in the Western country. Loss estimated about forty or fifty thousand dollars.
The brig Fanny, arrived at the Lazaretto yesterday morning, from St. Kitts, was boarded on the 30th July, lat. 33, long. 73, by the French frigate Le Generale, and politely dismissed, after a short detention.
A combination of counterfeiters have been discovered in this city; the principals of which have been committed for trial.
AUG. 11.
We understand, that advices of a very unpleasant tenor, have been received from Halifax. The court of admiralty at the place, it is said, have determined to condemn all produce of enemies ports, whether it be found on board neutral ships importing the same or otherwise. By this latitude of condemnation, it follows, that the whole of our foreign trade will be entirely destroyed. —Admiral Berkeley, who was to succeed to that station, had not arrived. It therefore does not clearly appear whether this destructive principle is derived from recent orders or not.
STATE OF NEW-YORK.
NEW-YORK, AUG. 13. The following is an extract of a well written letter from a commercial house in Barcelona to a merchant in Salem.
"Looking to the circumstances that have already happened, we shall not be surprised if the passages of the Sound and the Dardanelles be closed relatively to England, which would be tantamount to the annihilation of navigation to the Baltic and Black Sea. In such a state of things, the other parts of Europe must look to the United States for supplies. The wants of this province are neither casual nor accidental: it raises but little grain, and in the best of years requires an importation of 1,200,000 bushels for the population. If the resources it has hitherto had, be cut off, wheat from your continent will be a very fair object of speculation this way; and those resources have hitherto depended on the Baltic and the Black Sea."
"Europe has undergone changes, that are conceived of only because they are seen and felt. The state of empires has proved as mutable as the property of individuals; nations are disposed of with so little ceremony, that a knowledge of their language is not thought necessary in those, to whose government they are consigned: principles of legislation are acquired in the refinement of garrison, and laws presented on the point of a bayonet. Such is the state of things, that must make you look to your own government with pride. The mission of Lord Shelburne, and the known disposition of the British minority, make us easy on your account. This government (Spain) cannot wish to fall out with you."
NEW HAMPSHIRE. PORTSMOUTH, AUG. 2.
Arrived here on Wednesday last, passenger in the brig Montezuma, captain Titus Salter of the brig Maria Jane, which belonged to Capt. John Salter of this town. On his passage from Amsterdam to the Isle of May, Capt. Salter was cast away on the coast of Barbary in the night of the 27th of May. The next morning the captain and crew gained the shore and were employed during the day in getting provisions, &c. ashore from the vessel, which had not bilged. The next day a number of Moors (about 15) appeared on the beach, and proceeded immediately to plundering. After robbing Capt. S. of all his provisions, and 800 dollars in specie, and his seamen of their cloathing, these savages used the utmost violence to them. Having resisted some time and sustained considerable injury in their persons, Capt. S. and his men escaped in the long boat in the evening, and put to sea in great danger from the breakers. The number in the boat was nine, and their whole stock of provisions was four or five pounds of bread, and about three gallons of water for a voyage they knew not of what length.
They stretched along the coast for Senegal, suffering extremely with hunger and thirst without any thing material happening till the ninth day, when the first mate, Mr. Lang, who had been exhausted with fatigue, died of hunger. His thirst was so keen he could not resist it, and notwithstanding captain S. entreated him to forbear, he frequently drank salt water. The night following the wind blew fresh on shore—Capt. S. was obliged to put the boat before it, and continued safe till he arrived near the shore; when the boat was upset, and every soul committed to the mercy of the waves. They however regained and righted the boat, and were again washed out of her.—The second mate, Mr. John Nud and one seaman were drowned. Capt. S. and six seamen got safe ashore, within a few miles of Senegal, where they were hospitably treated and found relief.
POPLAR CATERPILLARS.
The following interesting Experiment in Natural History, is from a late Philadelphia paper. The ingenious and inquiring reader, will find much entertainment in its perusal:—
Wilmington, (Del.) August 1.
"DEAR SIR, Your attention to all subjects of natural history, and your minute knowledge of that beautiful science, induce me to address you with a summary ac-
count of the metamorphoses of the Poplar Caterpillar; which, like the Sphinx of Britanny, had spread terror and dismay in many parts of our country, though unaccompanied by epidemic pestilence. With us, however, this harmless insect was contemporary with vernal bilious fever, of a mild grade.
"The general curiosity and alarm, together with the contradictory accounts of experimentalists, though preponderating on the negative scale, made it desirable to know whether this suspected insect would pass the regular metamorphoses of Lepidopterous insects, or, as supposed by Dr. Davidge, of Baltimore, would perish in the Chrysalis state; and thus by an unusual death, seal the apprehensions of its venomous nature. With this view, I obtained one of those caterpillars (on the 8th July) of about three inches in length, and after provoking it to bite several animals, without injury to them, put it in a wide mouthed bottle, with some leaves from its favourite tree. For two days it seemed torpid, and I apprehended it had been injured by our efforts to make it bite the animals of experiment; but on the 10th it had formed a strong silken investiture, resembling the coque of the silk worm, so as to incase itself safely on the side of the bottle; which was shread over with fibrils of the same silken web, but leaving the worm distinct in the new cell. The preparation for the change of being was now made, and the provident insect ceased from its labours for two or three days more. It then shewed violent contortions of body, denoting its immediately passing into the chrysalis state; and was gradually covered over with a glutinous exudation, and contracted itself to an inch and a quarter in length.
"The shape of the chrysalid was at first cylindrical; and shortly divided by a deeply impressed ring, at about three fifths of its length, and the tail part subdivided by three more rings, terminating in a cone; and this crustaceous covering soon hardened so as to be impervious. This shell, which was at once both the coffin of the caterpillar and the cradle of the butterfly, gradually changed in color, until it became a complete aurelia.
"Alternately hoping and doubting, on the fate of my chrysalid, I was this morning delighted to find the door of the gaol opened, and the prisoner, evolved, a large and beautiful butterfly, ready to take flight.—Wishing to examine the shell and the coque he had left, and supposing him two weak to escape, I cautiously broke off the bottom of the bottle, and to the surprise of several gentlemen present, he flew around the room, with the greatest ease and activity. We caught him, with some difficulty, and once more confined him to a perfectly transparent bottle, to be the subject of new investigations.
"The characters of this metamorphosed caterpillar, are not strictly conformable to those of the common butterfly.
"The head is small—the eyes large prominent and nearly spherical—the proboscis curled.
"The corselet is large, solid and the back part arched, and the color of the aurelia.
"The body large, of a dusky colour, gradually terminating in a cone and thickly covered with a silky down.
"The legs are six in number, fescacious and pretinated; the fore legs longer than usual.
"The antennae are long, and not elevated, but filiform (like the moth.)
"The wings, four in number, and the front, or superior pair, large, horizontal, and of a dusky hue, variegated with black: the inferior pair are yellow, with transverse bands of black: (like the Sphinx.)
"The red, or blood coloured sacs, which is deposited early in the butterfly state, and which has in past ages excited such consternation in the minds of the superstitious, was in drops on the side of the vial. M. Reaumur informs us, that all butterflies, which

proceed from hairy caterpillars, void one or more drops of a blood coloured fluid:—and the number of these drops which have fallen upon the earth in some places, have been deemed nothing less than miraculous rain, ominous of the impending frowns of heaven. M. de Peirese records an instance of this sort which occurred at Aix. Gregory of Tours mentions a shower of blood which fell in the time of Childebert, and another was observed in the reign of Robert. (Smellie's P. N. History.)
"Your critical knowledge of natural history will enable you to correct any imperfections in this hasty account of the dreaded, but harmless caterpillar, in his transformations to a perfect animal. For if they perished in a chrysalis state, the species would be extinct with the season. The reason why some chrysalids perish in the torpid state, is imputed to a certain species fly making its way into their bodies, while in the worm state and depositing their eggs; and though the caterpillar, be metamorphosed into a chrysalid, the parts essential to progressive life are destroyed by the larvae of the fly, and the chrysalid perishes."
"I am, dear Sir, with great esteem and regard, your obedient servant, JOHN VAUGHAN." "DR. BENJAMIN S. BARTON."
WARREN: SATURDAY, AUG. 16, 1806.
LATEST FROM EUROPE.
By the regular trading ship Packet, Capt. SCOTT, arrived at Boston, in 41 days from Liverpool, we have received our regular files of London papers to the 1st July. From these papers it appears, that Negotiations for a general peace in Europe, were in active operation. Private letters from London, corroborate this intelligence so far, as to suggest an opinion to their correspondents, that the event was not improbable. We also find, that the British funds had experienced a gradual rise from the first rumours of a pacific overture; and that the latest advices from the Continent, tended to keep them in a state of fluctuation.
No adjustment of our affairs with Great-Britain, had taken place; nor had any circumstances occurred, which indicated a belief, that it would take place immediately.
The London Courier of 23d June, advises, "That Mr. WILBRAHAM, had landed at Dover, with dispatches from M. TALLEYRAND, for Mr. FOX." To this article the same paper adds, "It is now we think, beyond a doubt, that a Negotiation for Peace is going on, and that the Negotiation is carried on direct between Mr. FOX and M. TALLEYRAND. When they have agreed on certain basis, each government will appoint Negotiators. Perhaps Mr. W. brought the necessary passports."
Lord YARMOUTH had been sent by the British Government to the French Court, with dispatches: He arrived at Paris on the 18th June; but the tenor of his dispatches was not divulged in France, nor were they publicly known in London, yet such were the pacific hopes entertained in consequence thereof, that the French funds rose one per cent.
Mr. PINCKNEY, the American Ambassador, to Great-Britain, with his family and suite, arrived at London 23d June, last from Liverpool.
A London paper of June 24, says, that the American Funds had experienced a considerable depression for the five preceding days.
Policies were opened at Lloyds about the 25th June giving sixty guineas to receive one hundred, if Peace shall be concluded with France, before January 1.
Mr. BIRKINE, son of the Lord Chancellor, is stated to have been appointed Ambassador to the American States.
An opinion is still entertained, that the dispute between Prussia and Sweden, will be accommodated through the interference of Russia.
From some recent manoeuvres of the French cabinet, a war between Russia and Turkey, is highly probable.
Gates still holds out; and the vigorous opposition which is made in this place, has occasioned an insurrection in the Neapolitan States, which has excited considerable alarm to the French.
The evacuation of Cataro, seems not to be credited in England. From this circumstance the British Journalists indicate, that the business of the late warfare on the continent is not finally settled, by the coallesced powers, engaged therein.
The French have added to their dominions on the Continent, the Republic of Ragusa, in Dalmatia. This little commonwealth may answer for some of the less ambitious members of the Napoleonic family.
Mr. FOX was so much indisposed during the latter end of June, as to be unable to attend the duties of his office; and fears were entertained that he would not be able to appear in public during the sitting of Parliament.
BRITISH NAVY.—There at present in commission 730 ships of war, of which 122 are of the line, 15 from 50 to 44, 165 frigates, 181 sloops, and 47 b.s., &c.
GENERAL MIRANDA.
In a late English paper, (Bell's Magazine) we find a lengthy article on the character and views of Gen. MIRANDA. Our readers have been furnished with the more prominent parts of the character of this distinguished adventurer; but the following extracts, contain, we believe, a course of remark and observation, that will not be read with indifference:—
"But what is the effect of the present system of government in Spain, which is decidedly arbitrary—a government, whose fundamental principle excludes all, but the privileged class, from the offices and honors of the State:—What, we say, is the effect of this system upon the other orders of the people? Why simply, that having nothing to look to as a reward, they have no spur to any extraordinary exertion. There is no effort in the absence of emulation, and no excellence in the absence of effort. The whole mind of the State is palsied; the great remain in indolence, because they can attain the ordinary objects of desire without exertion, and the lower classes will not toil, where their toil will not raise them from their destined obscurity."
"Such is the condition of the Spanish Monarchy at this moment, with regard to the production of those eminent men whose aid it so much requires in this season of need. Will it not appear almost a paradox to say, that Spain can only be preserved by a Revolution? yet it is only by this event that her latent powers can be called forth,—that the dormant and not extinguished spark of her former national character can be re-animated. The season of peril and high reward will call this spirit forth. The necessity of the time will shake off those who are inferior to its demands. Rank and place,—the slaves of a Court or a Minister,—the Generals of a parade,—and Admirals ex officio, must then retire, and make room for merit of more efficiency."
"The monopoly of Spain, and the regulations to which, is common with every other parent country, she has subjected her colonies, has long hung a heavy yoke upon the necks of the Colonists. The weight of this yoke has not been alleviated by the sense of the superiority of the mother country. The colonists have not the consolation that their servitude is the tribute for their protection:—as incapable of protecting as governing them, the mother country hangs a dead burthen upon her colonies. Like Anchises, in the fable, he is supported on the back of her children, but her children, unlike Aeneas, are not much pleased with the weight. In the language of the same fable, traversed, "they care not how soon the shuffle off the Old Woman."
"Thus is it at present, and thus has it long been, with Spain and her Colonies. Her claim to their monopoly must be urged upon her former services, and not upon her present protection. But it is the persuasion of the Colonies that this debt of former protection has been paid off by former servitude, and that the service of protection having ceased, the colonial redditus, the monopoly and subjection, should cease with it. In a word, that they should be no longer subject to a power, which can neither give them an intercourse of commerce to mutual advantage in peace, nor probable protection in war."
"The independence of North America gave birth to these principles—the French Revolution has confirmed them. South America is now restrained within her obedience by two bars only—a very weak military force, and a militia already corrupted, being in fact but the country itself."
"It was in this situation that Gen. MIRANDA conceived his design of effecting his favorite purpose."
"He promised Mr. PITT that with ten thousand men he would scour South America, and effect her independence. Mr. PITT listened to him, but there were two impediments—the state of our armies, and the positive refusal of Gen. MIRANDA to have any thing to do with the expedition, if he were not at least second in command. There was indeed a third—doubt as to the policy of throwing Spain into the already overwhelming monarchy of France. If France hesitated to incorporate Spain, it was in the apprehension that England would immediately seize her colonies. If the colonies were become independent, Spain would in the same instant become a province of France."
"General MIRANDA, however, received certain promises, which, had the late Minister lived, would have been fulfilled. Mr. PITT had a great mind. He was not to be daunted by inconsiderable dangers. We are persuaded that his views were latterly directed to Spanish America—but we cannot say that he intended to act as fortuitous to the designs of MIRANDA."
"What has been the subsequent course of MIRANDA?—He had a mind above servility; he accordingly adopted the singular purpose of attempting this boundless enterprise, the conquest of half a world, upon his own single resources."
The Tunisian Ambassador declines embarking in the vessel, which has been prepared for him by our government. His objection is said to arise from the circumstance, of a report, that she was once a prize in Tunis. This vessel was intended, as a compliment to the Bey; is handsomely fitted up, and contains many valuable presents for him—What will result from the objections of the Ambassador, cannot be ascertained; but it is probable his wishes, of some further accommodations, let them be grounded on whatever reasons they may, will be complied with.
A letter from Amsterdam of the 6th of June, says "The ship General Eaton, Brown, from New-York, is just arrived. She was sent away from the Texel by a British man of war, and ordered for the Downs on the 26th of May. The Admiral on that station released the vessel
immediately, and endorsed the ship's register thus.—That the blockade mentioned by the captain of the man of war who warned him off, was erroneous, and that he was permitted to proceed for the Texel."
Capt. STEPHEN DECATUR, with his Lady, is now at Newport. It is understood, his business in that place is to take a survey of the harbour, and neighbouring waters, for some national purposes.
A Jamaica paper of the 17th ult. mentions, on report, that BONAPARTE's squadron was bound to Havana, there to be joined by 2 Spanish ships of the line.
Admiral COCHRANE, with his squadron, arrived at Antigua the 16th ult.
The United States brig Hornet, who took the 2,000,000 dollars to France, has arrived in the Delaware, in 60 days from Gibraltar.
A Norfolk paper of Thursday week, contains the subsequent articles:—
"Capt. NASH, from St. Barts, was, on the 17th inst. boarded off St. Martias by a brig, 10 ships then in sight, under a press of sail, supposed to be Admiral COCHRANE, reinforced, in pursuit of the runaway French fleet."
"Capt. TARLINGTON from Antigua, on the 25th ult. in lat. 32, long. 73, fell in with 6 French ships of the line and a frigate, and was boarded by one of them. They were steering W. under easy sail. If this fleet is bound to Europe, it must have come thus far to the westward to deceive the English in pursuit of them."
Capt. GALE has pointedly contradicted the infamous report propagated from the southward some months since, of his having been stabbed by Commodore ROOKES; and adds, that the Commodore always behaved towards him with every attention and politeness due an officer.
TO CORRESPONDENTS.
The communication of "BETSEY FAIR" is omitted for further consideration.
MARRIED.
At Providence, on Thursday evening the 7th inst. by the Rev. Stephen Gano, Capt. William C. Jenckes, to Miss Sally Davis, eldest daughter of John Davis, Esq.
At Newport, on Friday evening the 8th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Botsford, Mr. William A. Alliton, to Mrs. Mary Young, all of South Carolina.
DIED.
At Newport, on the 3d instant, Mrs. Thankful Coote, consort of Mr. Lodowick Coote, in the 34th year of her age.
At Warwick, on the 19th ult. Mr. John Franklin, in the 79th year of his age.
SHIP NEWS.
STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND.
DISTRICT OF NEWPORT.
   ENTERED. FROM     Sloop Huntress, Earl, New-York   — Aurora, Caboon, ditto   — Fame, Bliss, ditto   Brig Ruffel, Lawton, Havana   CLEARED. FOR   Sloop Golden Age, Justin, New-York   — Halcyon, Caboon, ditto   — Polly, Edwards, Philadelphia  
DISTRICT OF PROVIDENCE.
   ENTERED. FROM     Sloop Ann, Cornstock, New-York   — Providence, Currie, ditto   — Polly, Brown, ditto   — Victory, Turner, ditto   Schr. Ann & Eliza, Holmes, ditto   — Iris, Arnold, Barbadoes   CLEARED. FOR   Sloop Eliza, Crapon, New-York   — Maria, Hull, ditto   — New-York, Williams, ditto   — Rolla, Earl, Charleston   Brig Matilda, Gray, Antwerp   Ship Ann & Hope, Graves, Norfolk  
DISTRICT OF BRISTOL.
   ENTERED. FROM     Sloop Sally & Ann, Church, New-York   — Becca & Betty, Pearse, Providence   Schr. Concord, Webb, Dighton   CLEARED. FOR   Sloop Lilly, Munro, Boston   — Triton, Dean, ditto   — Union, Whiton, ditto   — Becca & Betty, Pearse, Providence   — Swallow, Rose, Dighton   Brig German Peggy, Davis, Newport   Ship Monticello, Champlin, Africa  
Loss of the brig Planter.
The brig Planter, of Providence, (R. I.) Capt. Harris owned by Joseph and Wm. E. Tillinghast and Benjamin E. Gorton, sailed from Bassend the 9th of July, bound to Providence (laden with rum and molasses.) On Monday 21st, after being out 12 days, in lat. 36, 40, N. long. 72, 12, W. at half past three o'clock A. M. was struck by a very heavy squall from the S. W. which instantly shifted to the eastward and so round the compass, which was in 15 or 20 minutes at S. E. again. The squall when shifting caught her abaft and carried away the fore-top-mast about mid way, and almost instantly upset her. Mr. John Manchester, mate of Providence, and Mr. Thomas Clarke, of Green County, in the State of New-York, in the employ of Herman Vosberg and Co. of the city of New-York, drowned. After the rest had succeeded in getting on board (the water coming within two feet of the weather quarter rail) cut away the lashing of the weather part of deck-load, he then righted on the beam end; we lay in that situation until 10 o'clock, when the fchr. Recovery, Capt. Prindle, came to our assistance—we then used every exertion till night came on to get her righted and clear of water, but without effect; proceeded on board Capt. Prindle after making the Schooner's hawser fast to her. Next morning found all
ELIZABETH CROADE,
a few well chosen Goods, being of the latest Importations and newest Fashions, calculated to please the fancy of every one.
N. B. She invites her customers, friends and the Public, to call and see.
• August 16, 1806.
Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Court County of Bristol.
BRISTOL, ff.
THE Creditors of ABRAHAM WARREN, of Bristol, in the County of Bristol, Housewright, an Insolvent Debtor, are hereby notified, that they may appear if they see fit, before the Supreme Judicial Court, to be holden at Bristol, in and for said County on the second Monday of September, then and there to nominate Assignees or Commissioners, pursuant to the Act for the relief of Insolvent Debtors passed A. D. 1756, the benefit whereof has been extended to the said Abraham, by a special Act of the General Assembly.
DANIEL BRADFORD, jun. Clerk of the S. J. Court.
BRISTOL, AUG. 9, 1806.
BROKE into the enclosure of the Subscriber on the 28th ult. Two STEERS and One HEIFER.—The owner or owners are requested to prove Property pay charges and take them away. DAVID MASON. • Rababab, Aug. 9, 1806.
FOR SALE,
THE staunch and well Built Brig COMMERCE, Burthen 106 Tons, now lying at the Wharf of Charles Collins, Esq. and can be fitted for sea as a small expence.—Apply to HENRY SISSON. • Warren, July 25, 1806. 3w
NOTICE is hereby given, That the Subscriber has been duly appointed Administratrix to the last Will and Testament of
NATHANIEL HOWLAND,
late of this Town, Mariner, deceased; and have taken upon her that Trust by giving Bonds as the Law directs.—All Persons having Demands upon the said Estate, are requested to exhibit the same on or before the 1st Day of September; and all indebted to the said Estate, are called upon to make Payment, to
NICHOLAS PECK, Attorney for HANNAH HOWLAND.
• Bristol, July 11, 1806.
ALL persons indebted to JOSIAH MUNRO by book or note, are requested to make immediate payment to the Subscriber; an Assignment of all his property being made for the express purpose of a speedy settlement with all concerned. N. M. BURR. • Warren, July 30, 1806. Assignee.

THE pleasantest part of a man's life is which passes in courtship. Love, desire, hope, and all the pleasing emotions of the soul arise in the pursuit. An artful man is more likely to succeed than the sincere lover. The lover hath ten thousand griefs, impertinences and resentments, which render a man unamiable, and often ridiculous. Where the choice is left to friends, the chief point is an estate. Where the persons chuse for themselves, their thoughts turn upon person. The first would provide for the conveniences of life; the others are preparing for perpetual feast. An agreeable woman is preferable to a perfect beauty. Good nature, and evenness of temper, will give you an easy companion for life; virtue and good sense, an agreeable friend; love and constancy a good wife or husband. Of all disparities, that in humour makes the unhappy marriages, yet it scarce enters our thoughts in contracting them.
Before marriage we cannot be too inquisitive and discerning in the faults of the person beloved, nor after it too dim-sighted and superficial. Marriage enlarges the scene of our happiness or misery. A marriage of love is pleasant; of interest easy; and where both meet, happy; but happy only to those who tread the paths of life together in a constant uniform course of virtue.
TAKE NOTICE.
THE Subscriber being on a Journey, and wishing to be quit of every needless Incumbrance, requests all that are indebted to him by Note or Book, to make immediate Payment, to enable him to pay his just Debts, together with a little spending Money to bear his Expenses on the Road:—Those who do not comply with this Request within Three Months, must expect that their Accounts will be lodged in the Hands of an Attorney.
ARCHIBALD MUNRO.
Bristol, July 8. 1806.
ADVERTISEMENT.
THE Subscriber hereby gives notice, that there will be sold at PUBLIC AUCTION, in Somerset, Mass. on Monday the First day of December next, at 11 o'Clock, A. M. the following real Estates belonging to the heirs of SIMEON POTTER, Esq. late of Swansea, deceased, viz.
THE very pleasantly situated MAN- STON HOUSE, being the well known seat of the late Henry Bowers, Esq. with the 60 HOOSES and EIGHETY ACRES of Land adjoining, all under good improvement and well fenced with Stone Wall. This seat presents one of the best views on the River, and is in the very heart of Somerset.
THE DWELLING-HOUSE, STORES and WHARF, heretofore belonging to Mr. Lloyd Bowers, this is confessedly the best stand in Somerset for Business. The Stores are ample and convenient, the Wharf is in good repair and well built, is at the head of the deep navigable water, and at ordinary Tides, Vessels of 200 Tons will float along side.
THE MANSION-HOUSE and LOT whereon it stands, fronting the Main Street, and very conveniently situated for Business, heretofore the property of Mr. Caleb Bowers, subject to a right of Dower.
A TEN ACRE LOT at the head of broad Cove, a WOOD LOT of 12 Acres, and another of Three Acres. The above Estates will be Sold entire or in Lots as shall suit purchasers.—The Terms of Sale will be made known at the Time and Place of sale, which will be on the Premises. For any information that may be wanted about the Premises, apply to Mr. David Anthony, of Somerset.—By Order and in behalf of the Heirs of Col. Simeon Potter.
WILLIAM D'WOLFE,
Agent for the Heirs.
Bristol, June 13, 1806.
FOR SALE, BY RUFUS & NATHAN M. BURR, 65 puncheons 3d proof Rum, Coarse Rock Salt, for the Diary, 14 half bbls. Mefs Mutton, 20 nest Molasses Casks, 2 bbls. R. Beef. Terms of payment liberal. Inquire of the above.
Warren, May 10. 1806.
NOTICE.
ALL persons any ways indebted to the Estate of NATHANIEL MARTIN, late of Barrington, Esquire, deceased, are requested to make immediate payment to the subscribers, Executors to the last Will and Testament of said NATHANIEL: And those who have any demands against said Estate are also requested to exhibit the same to
CALVIN MARTIN, ANDERSON MARTIN, } Executors
Barrington, March 8, 1806.
(6m.)
nothing to the pleasure of the chace.—If women would study to please, they would give more pleasure. This is a paradox, which those for whom I throw out these reflections, cannot comprehend, and until they can, they will never make their fortunes by their faces. The roses of youth are not long in bloom, and when time has torn them away, there's an end to love at first sight; and on that, they seem by their manner of setting themselves off, chiefly to depend.
The modern fine ladies carry their heads well, I must own, and have fine sweeping tails; but when a man of sense would choose a wife, he expects other good qualities than those which might well recommend a horse!
To be stared at a few seasons, and neglected, and in a few more sink into oblivion, is the lot of a thousand showy girls, who have only external appearances to recommend them.—Without prudence and discretion, even the most substantial ornaments, though they excite admiration, will never procure esteem.
Prudence is superior to pearls, there is no kind of comparison between diamonds and discretion. Fools may be caught by the shell, but the man worth having will make the gem the object of his attention.
WHAT THEN?
AS a diligent use of these two words has been very beneficial to myself, I am convinced that, if they were properly regarded, they might be equally beneficial to others.
When I was seventeen years of age, my father died, and left my mother, with myself and six other children, in great distress. My aunt, offered to take me as a chambermaid. As I was lively, well shaped, and had a pleasing countenance, some of my friends disapproved my acceptance of this offer.
An old officer who had been my father's friend, heard of it, and sent for me, advising me not to refuse it, conditionally that I would fortify myself daily by looking up to God for protection, and he added likewise, that he had prepared a faithful monitor to accompany me at all times and in all places; to which if I paid a due regard, I should be preserved from the danger so much dreaded. He then gave, me written in large letters on a card, what then? enjoining me always to have it about me, and frequently to reflect on it. He moreover charged me, that whenever any one flattered me by commending my person, discouraging amorously, or making love, as it is called, I should readily reply, what then? and as often as any of them repeated their protestations of love, &c. I should as often repeat what then?
I assured him I should endeavour to follow his advice, and accordingly went to live with my aunt. I had soon many admirers, to whose addresses I always replied what then? It had the intended effect; and thus I got rid of many vicious solicitations and impertinent lovers; and so preserved my character unsullied.
But I was once in very great danger; for a sprightly young farmer gained possession of my heart, whose character and circumstances were such as in all probability might make the marriage state happy: he seemed very fond of me, and often professed how much he loved me, but never proposed marriage;—I had therefore recourse to my faithful monitor, and so repeatedly that I found him alarmed by it; for at length in answering what then? he replied, "I mean to marry you." This he accordingly did. I am now very happily situated, which I attribute to the constant application of my monitor.
This inestimable preservative I would recommend to all young women, to secure them against the various arts of seduction, so frequently practised to the ruin of the unguarded. Consider well these two important words, what then? Pause awhile—beware—resist the temptation. What must be the consequence of listening to their leaguers—Ah! what then?
To know how properly to deny or comply with the request of a child, seems to be one of the nicest and most essential points of a parent; to deny them what is necessary and suitable to his own condition and circumstances, is cruel and unjust; to grant them more, is madness and folly—but here will arise the question, who is to be the judge of what is necessary, the parent, or the child? I fear the child too often determines that point, and the parent gives up what he should invariably support and maintain, his own opinion. When once through our weakness and affection for our children, we thus suffer them to triumph over us, we then take a lasting farewell of all order and subordination; and we must not complain, should they then oppose us in every step we take—despise our authority; look upon us with indifference and contempt; and at last, accuse us of being silly dotards, and the authors of their ruin.
I am well aware that this kind of doctrine will draw a frown on many a pretty face; but as I write not to flatter the folly of any one, nor to insult the empire of beauty, I shall address a few friendly words to the Female Sex:
Remember my fair friends, that there is nothing truly valuable in this life but virtue, and that the parade and glare of dress, is more its enemy than its friend, though modesty, peculiar and grateful to your sex, will not permit you to own, yet certainly true it is, that your fondness for dress owes its origin to the wish of procuring yourselves rich and opulent husbands.—Your gaudy dress may indeed entrap the fool or the coxcomb; but what girl of sense would wish to make a husband of either; the sensible man will not be directed in the choice of a wife by her lawns, her silks, or her satins; but by the internal perfections of her mind—he will consider how far she is capable of giving up the gaities and pleasures of life, to the painful task of managing her family; he will consider that as she will partake with him of all his pleasures and comforts, so she must be of a mind that will sooth him amidst the cares, troubles, and disappointments of this life, and think no home like her own, nor no man like her husband. Happy must be such a union; equally miserable the reverse.
However morose you may consider these reflections, the time may come when you may, with a sigh, acknowledge the truth of them.
HUMAN NATURE.
HINTS TO THE LADIES.
IT has often been remarked that the generality of females have many admirers, and at the same time, few or no lovers; and they wonder at it; but the reason is obvious if they thought, but thinking is become quite unfashionable. "Ah," said a venerable virgin, lamenting the degeneracy of the age, "courtship is nothing to what it was when I was young! The flirts now-a-days make the fellows so saucy that there is hardly to be found a respectful lover."
The observation was just. The women of the last age were more respected, because they were more reserved. For want of a proper reserve, they are treated with difference which is nearly allied to contempt; they make themselves too cheap to keep up their consequence, without which, they can never be respectable.
To speak philosophically, a woman must repel before she can attract. All this advice may sound oddly to a female ear; but she who laughs as it pays no compliment to her understanding.
Ovid, who knew human nature tolerably well, discovered not a little penetration when he made Daphne fly so fast from her laurelled lover, for his passion was encreased by the pursuit.
Our modern Daphnes are quite another sort of people. Instead of flying from, they run into the arms of their Apollos, and are afterwards surprised that they grow cool to their charms. Lovers are like sportsmen, to whom the possession of the game is
From the Boston Weekly Magazine.
ON THE NECESSITY OF PARENTAL RESTRAINT IN THE EARLY PART OF FEMALE LIFE.
DID not daily experience convince us to the contrary, one would hardly think it possible that there could be such a being as a cruel parent; and yet I am satisfied, in my opinion, that parents in general, are oftener guilty of folly than cruelty. Whatever may be the disposition of a man to severity, yet the fond endearments, wheedlings and caresses of his children, whom he considers as part of himself, will ever prevent him from acting the part of a tyrant, unless he has a soul callous to all feelings, and deaf to all the calls of humanity. I believe it will be found upon enquiry, that one half of the errors which children commit, and our daughters in particular, owe their existence to the folly and ambition of their parents; who, under the ambitious idea that their children should dress as well as their neighbours—feather them up in all the empty parade of fashion, and thereby sow in their little hearts, those seeds of pride which spring up all the rest of their lives, and effectually choke all the beneficent shoots of reason. Though pride may, in some degree, be considered as the sentinel of female virtue; yet like a treacherous guard, it often betrays them, and leads them into the most fatal errors—for a girl having once been taught to consider dress as an essential point, should she lose her parents or friends, by whom she is supported in her gaudy parade; yet the pride of her heart will not suffer her to submit to what she before considered as a vulgar dress, as noble gamesters, after a run of ill luck, put up their estates at auction, in order to pay their debts of honour: so it is much to be feared that the proud female-heart, humbled by the loss of parents or friends, rather than to appear humiliated in the eyes of the world, will barter her virtue for folly, and meet her disgrace and ruin in the arms of the assassin of innocence.