The Kentucke gazette (Lexington [Ky.]), 1788-11-15 00:00:00

KENTUCKE GAZETTE,
S A T U R D A Y, NOVEMBER 15, 1788.
LEXINGTON: Printed by JOHN BRADFORD at his Office in Main Street. where Subscriptions, Advertisements, &c. for this paper, are thankfully received, and PRINTING in its different branches done with Care and Expedition.
To the Commonality of the free Inhabitants of the Kentucky District
GENTLEMEN and FELLOW CITIZENS.
THERE is nothing but the approaching danger that is hanging over our heads; could have induced me to address you in the following manner (as I am a man of about 45 years of age and never accepted of but one commission from the State; never sought popular applause and never received one shilling of public pay in my life; but hitherto have lived on my own industry; as my other poor neighbours have done; which course of living I mean to pursue. I have lived almost nine years in the District and have born my part of the burthen and heat of the day) but I am now sensibly struck with the impending danger the District is in, of violence, and oppression; and could wish if possible to avert the danger that threatens us, and knowing it is in your power to dispel the gathering storm I address you on the solemn occasion and hope you will feel the same sentiment with my self, now is the time or never. Providence has put a favorable opportunity into our hands, if we do not let it slip. I have this 29th day of October 1788, (taken up my pen) with a determination to Vindicate the liberty and freedom of the District; and do not mean to lay it down until the prize is gained or lost; the ground on which I stand and mean to defend is, that a Separation of the District at present from the Eastern part of the State; is not for the good of the citizens at large this I lay down as a first principle and mean to hold it up as a prime object. In the first place I shall inquire after the necessity of a separation at present. 2ndly The advantages thereof and who it is that will reap them. And 3rdly Compare the advantages and disadvantages together and see which will over balance. 1st Then I am to enquire after the necessity of a separation at present and for my part I am at a loss to point out one reason of a public nature that would justify the measure. What is it that Government can do for us (that tends to make us happy) if the seat thereof was fixed at Danville; that we do not enjoy. I presume nothing that would justify a separation. I do not suppose that our lives property or liberty would be better secured than they are at present (if so well and it were no advantages in the security of these; there is no necessity we should separate; for these should be the great objects of all Governments. As to the security of our lives, what better provision could we expect than we have? is not the laws sufficient to punish any who shall make an attempt on them? Nay, would not a Separation endanger our lives? Can it be supposed that a new Government forced upon us by the illegal measures lately taken will not endanger the lives of thousands of our best friends. As for instance Fayette County contains about 3500 free inhabitants and only about 500 Voted in the late illegal Election: Now doth reason dictate that 3000 freemen will ought to look upon what the illegal Representatives of 500 shall do as obligatory on them. If they ought, where is liberty or equal representation fled? If the new Government is brought on by or in consequence of the late Election, then there will be about 3000 free inhabitants in Fayette that on American principles cannot be bound to submit to it; because there has been no legal door opened for them to give their assent or dissent to such a measure.
Therefore any such Government brought on is tyrannical and oppressive: Nor can free spirits submit to such arbitrary measures; now I think a Separation at present clearly points out that the great object of securing the lives of the Citizens will be frustrated; which proves that we ought not to separate until a Majority of the free Inhabitants give their legal voice for it; as for protecting ourselves against the savages; no advantage can arise that will justify the measure; as the Militia law is sufficient to enable the Officers to repel any invasion the Indian Tribes is able to make upon the District and to pursue them if necessary: as to the security of our property will that be bettered by a Separation I presume not for under the present
Government no man can deprive us of it but by the laws of the land in the making of which we have a legal equal and free representation.
But if a new Government is set up in consequence of the late measures, our property will be thrust from us by violence and not by consent either by confiscation or exorbitant taxation, for as there is so large a majority as 300. to 500, that has not gave their assent to the late illegal step we have reason to believe they are against the separation at present; therefore they will not tamely submit to such an usurped Government and as such our property as well as lives will be in danger. As to our liberty we see we are wholly deprived of it in the very instance. Was there ever seen a more arbitrary measure than those arbitrary men have taken in Fayette, for about 500 illegally to elect five Representatives and they to accept said election and to meet in Convention and presume to have the voice and authority of the County to bring on a new Government when so large a majority has not gave their assent to it. From which circumstance they are opposed to it; I say is not this usurpation on the rights and liberties of free men? Any person with half an eye may see that our liberty is gone, if we do not think for freedom for by the same rule that the majority of 500 to 3000 may force a revolution a less number may; say the same principle will justify one person to do it; and so make himself King at once. Now if the district can receive no advantage in the security of the lives, property or liberty of its Citizens there can be no public necessity why we should separate; especially when we consider all those above blessings we enjoy from Virginia without any expense to the district; and we have reason to believe from past experience that if we conduct ourselves well, we may enjoy those blessings as we have done, so long as the Savages continues their depredations on our frontiers; but if the new Government takes place we shall pay dearly for blessings (if we get them);
2ndly. What are the advantages of a separation and who it is that will reap them. I have already said that there is no public advantage that can possibly justify the measure; but there are a number of private advantages that is to be enjoyed by individuals. As the honours and dignities that is essentially necessary to a sovereign and independent Government, this is a very attracting object to individuals; they love to be called of man Rabot but this is not all there is the Salaries annexed and proportioned to those dignified offices of state, this is also a desirable object and there is but few men who have them in view but is powerfully influenced by them; those are the only real advantages and those are they who will reap them; I know of no other advantages that is sufficient to excite a separation it may be said the Legislators meeting 500 miles from the district is a public grievance; I grant it but we see our best men willing to represent us and has hitherto obtained every thing that was reasonable for us to expect and that too whilst it has cost us nothing. Whereas had we the honours and dignities of sovereignty fixed within the district; and a Governor a chief Magistrate and other necessary Officers of state and their salaries annexed the expense would be so intolerable that all those advantages would be swallowed up and lost to the commonality of the district add to this the other necessary expense that must attend an Independent Government in order for its own safety and defence; together with the districts proportion of the foreign and domestic debt; I say such an enormous expense will bring on such heavy taxes that the commonality will groan under the yoke; and lands being disposable for taxes; will put it in the power of those who hold the offices of Government to make themselves proprietors of the soil and grind the faces of the poor; now Gentlemen the disadvantages of such enormous and grievous expenses is in itself enough to over balance every thing that can be said in favor of a separation at this time; especially when we consider how difficult it is to raise a little cash for our real necessities: it is not possible for the dis-
trict in its present situation to pay the expenses of a separate Government without the greatest distress and as for moderation it is not to be expected in usurpers. We have already seen what a principle of moderation prevails in this district with those that have the rule over us. What is the County levies? What are they in effect? look at the Court-house are they not extravagant for a new Country? What will the state; and Governors houses be and what must the public salaries be, if proportioned to County expenses; my dear friends and fellow citizens it is time for us to awake; here are disadvantages let us compare them with the advantages and see which will over balance; and in whose favor doth the scale turn the publick or individuals? Besides all this; the separation if brought about by the late illegal measures will be an usurped Government because a majority of the free inhabitants (which constitute the public voice) appears to be against it; therefore it will be at the expence of a free and equal representation which is an inconfolable loss; the spirit of freedom and liberty is too deeply rooted in the American free born to submit to such oppression and usurpation; therefore intestine division and civil war must be the natural consequences and is much to be feared. Altho' the oppressed may exercise a degree of patience for a time, yet when their persons and property is attacked their resentment will burst forth in a dreadful storm; add this to the scale of disadvantages and I think you must be roused. Gentlemen upon the whole doth any thing offer by a separation for public advantage: all matters duly considered; I am persuaded you will answer in the negative; then as all civil power originates from the people at large and power otherwise assumed is arbitrary and oppressive: step forward my Country-men and claim your rights as free men.
VALERIUS
L O N D O N July 7
Extract of a letter from Vienna, June 14.
"General prince de Lichtenstein has desired that the battalions which are sent to his assistance may march night and day: from this we may presume that he is in daily apprehension of an attack from the Turks encamped near Dubiczan."
"The war has already cost us an immense sum even (according to some calculation) more than two campaigns under prince Eugene. Notwithstanding there seems to be no want of money, and all the banks, both public and private, keep their credit in the highest estimation by the promptitude of their payment."
Sweden is certainly in earnest in her dispute with Russia. The empress provoked the quarrel, and may think she can decide. The King, however thinks it is time to speak his mind freely. No ship is permitted to sail from any port in Sweden without being duly examined, lest she may contain stores or ammunition for Petersburg.
Two officers lately arrived from Petersburg, who are going to Italy to make some arrangements there concerning the Russian fleet, have brought some letters for the Russian ambassador residing there, which seem in some measure to have informed him of the approaching motions of the Russian army, as directly as he received the said letters, he declared prince Kaunitz, in a private conference, that the troops of his sovereign would soon begin to act so as to convince this court she had the common cause at heart. It must undoubtedly have been very agreeable to the ambassador to have been authorized to make such communication, as it has no doubt been extremely disagreeable to him to hear the daily murmurs of the public concerning the inactivity of the Russians. We are at present assured, that field marshal count Romanzow is marched with his troops, who were a Nnicow, to pass the Nieper, and that the corps of Russian troops which have hitherto been in Poland, will likewise pass that river to join the field marshal, and they do not doubt but that 4000 Russians will soon again join prince Cobourg.

Extract of a letter from Vienna, June 15. We learn from head quarters at Semlin, that Addi Pacha, Governor of Belgrade, tho' respectable for his personal qualities, has been reported by the grand signior for not destroying the dyke, made by the Austrians, and because his son suffered the loss of Schabatz to be taken. He is said to be succeeded by the Pacha of Romelia, who we are assured, is preparing to make a vigorous sally.
By letters from the camp of Semlin, dated the 13th inst. we learn, that the grand vizier is not from thence, and that seven battalions are already gone to reinforce our troops in the Bannat; all the other regiments and battalions are still near Semlin, and the troops by his majesty's orders have raised the camp, and put themselves in order to battle.
A letter from Panczova of the 2nd instant informs us, that a great part of the grand vizier's army is marching towards the Bannat, and that they are building four new floating batteries at Panczova, mounting four guns each; six battalions of infantry, and two regiments of curassiers are ordered to quit the camp of Benaszo, and march towards Mehadia, as the grand vizier is marching 40,000 men into the Bannat to penetrate through the defile of Torsburg. The curassiers will arrive here this day, and tomorrow we expect the infantry. As the grand vizier approaches, a great number of fugitive Turks come to us and enter as volunteers.
Letters from Venice of the 7th instant contain some interesting news concerning the measure, by the nobles, in a numerous pregradì to support the system of neutrality they have thought proper to adopt; after some smart debates on the umbrage which the equipments of the republic might give to the allies, they resolved by a majority to arm powerfully by sea and land; in consequence of which, they have sent couriers to the commanders in the different provinces to raise some thousands of recruits and train them up to the exercise of arms.
Wednesday afternoon the secretary of state sent a free pardon to Mr. Wilkins, the printer, in newgate, which his majesty signed among the first official papers at Cheltenham. The right hon. lord George Gordon, the author of the publication in favor of the prisoners, printed by Mr. Wilkins, still continues in Newgate.
It was not until Thursday, that any positive advices of the engagement between the Swedes and Russians in the east sea were received. The fact was thus explained by a letter received by the Danish ambassador from Copenhagen. On the 22d of June, four Russian sail of the line three of which were of 100 guns, and four frigates, on their passage from Cronstadt to Copenhagen, fell in with the Swedish squadron, and in passing, they saluted each other. The firing was heard and seen at a distance by an English merchantman passing near at the time, who knowing of the intended rupture between the two nations, gave it out that there had been an engagement.
July 18. A daily paper says, the public may be assured, of the following very important intelligence: On the 7th of September last a corvette sailed from Brest with dispatches for Pondicherry; she arrived off that place on the 8th of February. No person was permitted to go on shore but a special messenger with the dispatches; and those being delivered, the corvette sailed from the coast the next day. The governor of Pondicherry on the receipt of these dispatches, sent an officer of distinction to Tippoo Saib the consequence of which was, that in a few days Tippoo marched with a very considerable body of troops and took possession of an important pass. Upon which General Conway, the commander of the French forces, embarked 1200 Europeans on board two Indianmen, and sailed for Trincomale, of which he thus secured the possession, and positively refused to give it up to the Dutch.
July 8. They write from Constantinople that the Porte has received a declaration from Spain, intimating that they will not oppose the passage of the Russian fleet in the straits of Gibraltar, if they have no English sailors or transports; and that the Emperor of Morocco has informed the Divan, that he will take part with the Porte in the present war against any power whatever.
On the 14th of last month, the Swedish fleet consisting of fifteen sail of the line, were at the entrance of the Gulf of Finland. On the 18th of the same month, the Russian fleet sailed from Cronstadt, and were composed of sixteen sail of the line among which were two first rates, mounting 100 guns each. An action between the two powers is therefore looked for as a consequence almost inevitable.
The Swedish army assembled in Finland is composed of 35,000 men, all well equipped, and in a good state of discipline.
Letters from Sweden via Paris, say, that hostilities have already commenced between their troops and those of Russia, on the borders of Finland.
The blow is struck between Sweden and Russia; a vessel is arrived, in a short passage, from the Baltic
who spoke with a cutter dispatched with the information to Stockholm from the Swedish commander.
Mr. Thornton, the Russian merchant, has also received letters that an engagement between the Russian and Swedish fleets had certainly taken place, but no particulars are given: a severe cannonade had been heard by many ships for upwards of four hours continuance.
The Swedish, Prussian, and Danish ministers received advice yesterday of the same import; and private letters from Elsinore confirm also the intelligence.
There is no reason to doubt the authenticity of the above intelligence, it being mentioned as an absolute fact in several other private letters from persons of unquestionable veracity.
Thursday night advices were received from Elsinore, in a letter from N. Fenwick, esq.; the British consul there, dated the first instant with an account of the arrival of a ship that sailed on the 22d ult. from Cronstadt, in company with four Russian ships of the line, with whom having parted one hour he fell in with sixteen sail of Swedish men of war, and in one hour more he heard a violent cannonade. The account of the engagement was confirmed by another ship; and Mr. Fenwick adds, that in his opinion, no doubt can be entertained of an action having taken place between the Swedes and Russians, in which opinion he is the more confirmed, his Swedish majesty having ordered the Russian ambassador to depart from Stockholm in 48 hours.
July 10 The following passages are selected from a letter dated Berlin, June 27; The Russian ambassadors at this court, count Romanzow, received a messenger the day before yesterday from Peterburgh; the contents of the dispatches must have been of a very peculiar nature, because the count has delivered a memorial to our ministry, desiring, "That our monarch would prevent the King of Sweden from pursuing his warlike preparations against Russia, and and cause him to receive pacific propositions or to incline him so to do; otherwise her imperial majesty would look on the measures taken by Sweden as nurtured and assisted by Prussia, which her imperial majesty should know how to resent, &c." This very haughty language has given much umbrage; however, the Russian minister is packing up his all, and himself is gone a small distance from the metropolis, and will not return thither, but go without taking leave.
The answer given to this very extraordinary memorial ran thus: "That his majesty, the King of Prussia, had no controul or command over his majesty of Sweden as a sovereign; as to his own part, he had already and repeatedly declared, that he was resolved and fully determined to remain neutral in the present troubles in Europe, &c."
***** WHEREAS I gave my note under seal for £2 Virginia currency on the 12th of August last to Mr. Vivin Goodlow payable on demand, which I am informed he offers to dispose of, as the consideration for which said note was given cannot be procured, and if even had as I have an obligation from Mr. Goodlow of the same date not to sue, or assign the note and to receive payments in the manner expressed in said obligation, it will not be safe for any person to take an assignment of it, as I am determined without Mr. Goodlow establishes to me the property dealt for, I will not pay a penny more than I have done, and then according to contract. S. IRWIN. Danville November 1 1788.
***** DR. BEATTY PRESENTS his respectful compliments to those persons who have done him the honor to employ him in his professional line, and requests them to come in and settle their accounts as he intends to leave the District the last of this month. Lexington November 14th 1788.
WANTED TO HIRE FOR 12 MONTHS, SIX able negro men, to be employed in the neighbourhood of Lexington, for which Cash will be given: Enquire of the Printer.
NOTICE
WHEREAS Hector Lithgow, who, in or about the year 1764, served as a private in his britannic majesty's 77th regiment, then quartered at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, left that place for Great Britain, and proceeded in the same capacity to the East Indies, where he died in the year 1784, possessed of a considerable property, and by his last will and testament bequeathed the same to John and Hugh Lithgow, his two sons, who were born in the said town of Halifax, and lately resided there, and also Frances Sweeting, their mother: this is therefore to notify the said John and Hugh Lithgow and Frances Sweeting, or any of them, that satisfactory information of the whole transaction may be received at Halifax, by applying to Messrs Brymer and Feather at New York to Thomas Pope esq. at Philadelphia to Archibald Gay, Letitia court.
Any who may have it in their power to give satisfactory information with respect to the above persons, or any of them, shall be rewarded for their trouble.
The Printers in the West India islands and the states of America are desired to insert the above advertisement, and the charge of the same will be defrayed by transmitting of accounts to either of the above gentlemen.
I HAVE several Tracts of Land in this District which I would sell for Cash Tobacco, Young Cattle, Merchandise or Public Securities: at their Passing Value Viz.
1500 Acres on Hinkston fork of Licking in Bourbon County. 2000 Acres on the Kentucky in Fayette 850 Acres in several Tracts on the Waters of Dicks River in Lincoln; all Patented in my Name. also.
2000 Acres on the Beech fork and 1000 on the Waters of Cox's Creek in Nelson Patented in the Name of William du Val.
8000 Acres in Entries and surveys in the Name of David Griffith, besides about 30,000 Acres on the Waters of Sandy and Licking Creeks, and the Ohio, in different Names.
I would also Let out for a few Years, some Valuable Lands near Stroud's Station Hickman's Creek, North Elkhorn and several Places on the Kentucky in Fayette, and in the Counties of Lincoln and Nelson.
CHRISTOPHER GREENUP Danville. 25th. Oct. 1788.
***** NOTICE
IS hereby given the field Officers and Captains of Fayette county, to meet at the court-house in Lexington, on the first monday in December next at nine o'clock in the morning, to finish the business of the court of enquiry; The delinquents are also notified to attend November. 14, 1788, R.PATTERSON P.C.E.
TAKEN up by the subscriber living in Lincoln County one bay horse fourteen hands high, six years old, branded S on the neck and near shoulder, and on the buttock M, and on the off shoulder O, which horse was brought out of the Wilderness from laurel river Sept. 1787. OBADIAH SHORT.
NOTICE
A LARGE company will meet at the Crab orchard the 24th of november instead of the 19th (as published in our last) in order to start early the next day, through the Wilderness. As it is very dangerous on account of the Indians, it is hoped each person will go well armed.