The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1800-03-05 00:00:00

The Providence Journal.
AND
TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. Printer of the LAWS of the UNITED STATES for the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c. At the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[No. 62.]
WEDNESDAY, March 5, 1800.
[Vol. II.]
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
The Adelpiad, No. XXXIII.
THERE is more in the world to enjoy, than to suffer. Our sensibility might expose us to pain, at the same time we receive pleasure, were it not that nature has, with a wonderful exactitude, adapted every thing, in some way or other, to gratification. I believe we find nothing of which we can say, "this was designed to give misery." It is true, a misapplication of many things has that effect, and of some others, it is difficult for us to point out their good offices; but he must be rash, and perhaps ignorant, who will therefore affirm that any part of the system of things with which we are connected, was created for our torment. We find people, in conditions the most ineligible, who are not only patient, but even joyous. Epictetus is an old acquaintance of all my classical readers. He surely had few of what we call the conveniences of life, and was exposed to almost every thing which can make a man wretched; but notwithstanding he was certainly very happy. Goldsmith says, he remembers to have seen, in a fortification in Flanders, a slave who was maimed, deformed, and He was obliged to toil from the appearance of day, until night-fall, and condemned to a life; yet, with all these circumstances, he was a most happy man, and he danced, but that he wanted a leg, Mr. P. the merriest, happiest man of all the nation. If this man and Epictetus, who was also a slave, and a cripple, were so happy, I believe, in almost all conditions of life, we may find more to enjoy than to suffer.
It must, however, be acknowledged, that misery is in the world. We have all heard groans, and seen tears. These are the testimonies of human wretchedness. To some things we attach ourselves with a fondness so inflexible, that when torn from our embrace, the cruel avulsion seems to lacerate every fibre of our sensibility. Whoever has a sublunary enjoyment, or a sublunary hope; a brother, a parent, or a friend more amiably endeared, must lose them. Time will strip us, first of one possession, and then of another, until like the shivering, solitary passenger, who steps over the prow of Charon's boat, we are sent out of the world naked and alone. We all must go,
"Where mortals visit to return no more."
The office of administering consolation is, therefore, among the ordinary calls of friendship and humanity. But though few things are more frequent than the necessity of soothing grief, yet I believe not many persons offer consolation in a way which can lighten the load of an oppressed heart.
Some will attempt to comfort, by telling the disconsolate how many blessings they have lost. A person of this turn will accost his friend with a ruefully bemelancholied visage, and after expostulating several deep sighs, go on, in a most dismal tone of voice, to declare how much he feels for him; and then mark out the particular features of his misfortune, until the entire idea of his lost blessing rushes back on his heart, and overwhelms him with ten-fold more misery. This conduct is quite as wise as discouraging on the sweets of freedom, to cheer the gloom of imprisonment, or loosen the chains of slavery.
Others think they can never comfort disconsolation so effectually, as by telling their own griefs. Many honest well meaning people will pour into the ear of distress such a tale of woe as would make wretchedness itself sigh with pity for them. I once saw a brace of these comforters seat themselves over against a beautiful little girl of about fourteen. She had lost both parents, and had not a sister or brother left in the world to weep with her. She had just wiped the last tear from her eyes, and sat with such a sweet smile of resignation on her countenance, as an angel might have been proud of, when the kind-hearted old matrons began to condole with her, by telling how miserable they were, some thirty years ago, at which time they lost their maiden-aunt and mother, a widow of about threescore, both in the same twelvemonth. They went on in this manner, reading the sombre pages of their own biography, wiping their eyes; sighing, and feeling, until the disinterested little orphan burst into a flood of tears, and sobbed aloud with sympathy.
Among the ancients, that fatality, which they believed to attend all things human, was often introduced, as a source of consolation. "If all the incidents of life, said they, are the consequences of a resistless and inexorable destiny, let us be comforted, for we cannot better our condition." Homer says,
"Man was born to bear; Such is, alas! the Gods' severe decree, They, only they, are blest, and only free. Two urns by Jove's high throne have ever stood, The source of evil, one, and one of good; From thence, the cup of mortal man he fills, Blestings to these, to those distributes ills; To most he mingles both: the wretch decreed To taste the bad unmix'd is curs'd indeed. Pursu'd by wrongs, by meagre famine driven, He wanders, out-cast both of earth and heaven."
Whether the theology of the Grecian Bard be true or false, is foreign to my present purpose to remark; but without considering this, I believe, many people employ it as an engine of consolation, and will tell the sons and daughters of affliction to be quiet, because they cannot help themselves. For my own part, however, I always looked at unalterableness, as the sharpest ingredient in the whole composition of a calamity; and would above all things keep it from coming in contact with the sensibility of a distressed friend.
Perhaps nothing would have a better effect on the afflicted heart, than a persuasion that it still possesses, or may hope, for as many blessings as it can enjoy. In the first transports of grief, it is true, the soul disdains to calculate. It may with a sad satisfaction hover around the ruins of its desolated felicity, nor once cast an eye on what remains, but, like the bereaved daughter of Rama, "refuse to be comforted;" yet, when these have subsided, we turn to what has escaped the tempest. Like the shepherd, who, when he first beholds the ravages of the wolf, stands dumb with grief, but soon as he looks on his fleeing lambs, he forgets his loss in anxious solicitude to gather together and preserve the scattered remnant of his flock; so we collect the fragments of our felicity, and the friend who would console, must in that moment step up to us and offer his assistance.
A friend of mine, who is no stoic, has often told me he never knew a day wholly unhappy, and yet he has endured poverty, contempt and calumny. He has moreover lost a father, who tenderly loved him, and whom, I believe, he would have redeemed from death at the expence of his own existence. When I ask him, how he can be cheerful under the pressure of such adversities, he replies, that he is not under the pressure of them. A beneficent Providence, says he, has given me an antidote for all evils. The world will perhaps call it caprice; no matter; it is to me an almost divine versatility of soul; for by it I can resign the greatest good of life to him who lent it to me; and attach my heart with equal delight to what I still have left to hope for or to enjoy; so that it seems to me nobody ever gave a better receipt for making people happy than my favourite Pope:
"One perfect loss, another still we gain."
Thus, my friend would say, when misfortune has ravaged all our possessions, we may turn our attention to the object of hope. "We ought to hope for every thing that is good," said an old poet, "because there is nothing which may not be hoped for, and nothing which the gods are not able to bestow upon us." Though we circumscribe ourselves within the limits of this life, we shall, I am persuaded, find very few regions of it so beclouded by calamity, but that, here and there, a beam of hope will burst through and dissipate the gloom. For my own part, however, I can never comfort myself, or my friend so effectually as by taking a review of as much of our existence as we can well comprehend. When in a full persuasion of our souls' immortality, we compare this life with the whole duration of our existence, we can, by the assistance of hope, transport ourselves forward into the vast regions, and amidst the immense concerns of eternity, until, looking back on time, its whole retinue of comforts and calamities appear quite as trivial as the almost forgotten incidents of childhood. In this view; all life appears much shorter than commonly a single evening seems to be. When with our friends we arise from the convivial supper and retire, we never weep because we must separate for repose. Death is but the repose of immortals; it is infinitely less than the slumbers of a night, and it will never be repealed. "When the last morn shall rise," we shall awake to the embrace of those friends who reposed before: then
Cease, cease my fond children your parents to mourn; I dwell in the fields of undying delight, Where spring is enjoy'd in eternal return, And morning and evening unclouded with night.
PHILOCLÉS.
WHEREAS at the Supreme Judicial Court, holden at Providence, September term, 1799, the subscribers were, by said Court, appointed Commissioners to receive the claims against ANDREW COZZENS, of said Providence, who has obtained the benefit of an act passed in June, A. D. 1798, entitled "An act for the relief of insolvent debtors:" NOTICE is therefore hereby given to the creditors of the said ANDREW, to exhibit their respective claims to us within nine months from the 25th day of September last, otherwise they will be precluded according to the act above mentioned.
SAMUEL W. BRIGHAM, PAUL ALLEN, February 26. BENJAMIN COZZENS, jun.
Wanted, AN experienced SUGAR BOILER. Any one that can be well recommended, will meet with good encouragement. Enquire of JEREMIAH F. JENKINS. Feb. 6.
Mr. Ames' Oration,
ON THE SUBLIME VIRTUES OF GEN. GEORGE WASHINGTON, Delivered before the Legislature of Massachusetts.
IT is natural that the gratitude of mankind should be drawn to their benefactors. A number of these have successively arisen, who were no less distinguished for the elevation of their virtues, than the lustre of their talents. Of these however who were born, and who acted through life, as if they were born, not for themselves, but for their country and the whole human race, how few! alas! are recorded in the long annals of ages, and how wide the intervals of time and space that divide them. In all this dreary length of way, they appear like five or six light-houses on as many thousand miles of coast; they gleam upon the surrounding darkness with an inextinguishable splendour, like stars seen through a mist; but they are seen like stars, to cheer, to guide, and to save. WASHINGTON is now added to that small number. Already he attracts curiosity, like a newly discovered star, whose benignant light will travel on to the world's and time's farthest bounds. Already his name is hung up by history as conspicuously, as if it sparkled in one of the constellations of the sky.
By commemorating his death, we are called this day to yield the homage that is due to virtue; to confess the common debt of mankind as well as our own; and to pronounce for posterity, now dumb, that eulogium which they will delight to echo ten ages hence, when we are dumb.
I consider myself not merely in the midst of the citizens of this town, or even of the state. In idea, I gather round me the nation. In the vast and venerable congregation of the patriots of all countries and of all enlightened men, I would, if I could, raise my voice, and speak to mankind in a strain worthy of my audience, and as elevated as my subject. But how shall I express emotions, that are condemned to be mute, because they are unutterable? I felt, and I was witness, on the day when the news of his death reached us, to the throes of that grief, that saddened every countenance, and wrung drops of agony from the heart. Sorrow laboured for utterance, but found none. Every man looked round for the consolation of other men's tears. Gracious heaven! what consolation! each face was convulsed with sorrow for the past; every heart shivered with despair for the future. The man who, and who alone, united all hearts, was dead; dead at the moment when his power to do good was the greatest, and when the aspect of the imminent public dangers seemed more than ever to render his aid indispensable, and his loss irreparable—irreparable, for two WASHINGTONS come not in one age.
A grief so thoughtful, so profound, so mingled with tenderness and admiration, so interwoven with our national self-love, so often revived by being diffused, is not to be expressed. You have assigned me a task that is impossible.
O if I could perform it, if I could illustrate his principles in my discourse as he displayed them in his life, if I could paint his virtues as he practised them, if I could convert the fervid enthusiasm of my heart into the talent to transmit his fame, as it ought to pass, to posterity; I should be the successful organ of your will, the minister of his virtues, and may I dare to say, the humble partaker of his immortal glory. These are ambitious, deceiving hopes, and I reject them. For it is perhaps almost as difficult, at once with judgment and feeling, to praise great actions, as to perform them. A lavish and undistinguishing eulogium is no praise; and to discriminate such excellent qualities as were characteristic and peculiar to him, would be to raise a name, as he raised it, above envy, above parallel, perhaps, for that very reason, above emulation.
Such a portraying of character, however, must be addressed to the understanding, and therefore, even if it were well executed, would seem to be rather an analysis of moral principles, than the recital of a hero's exploits. It would rather conciliate confidence and esteem, than kindle enthusiasm and admiration. It would be a picture of WASHINGTON, and, like a picture, flat as the canvas; like a statue, cold as the marble on which he is represented; cold, alas, as his corpse in the ground. Ah, how unlike the man, late warm with living virtues, animated by the soul once glowing with patriotic fires! He is gone! the tomb hides all that the world could scarce contain, and that once was WASHINGTON, except his glory; that is the rich inheritance of his country; and his example, that let us endeavour by delineating to impart to mankind. Virtue will place it in her temple, wisdom in her treasury.
Peace then to your sorrows. I have done with them. Deep as your grief is, I aim not to be pathetic. I desire less to give utterance to the feelings of this age, than to the judgment of the next. Let us faithfully represent the illustrious dead, as history will paint, as posterity will behold him.
With whatever fidelity I might execute this task, I know that some would prefer a picture drawn to the imagination. They would have our WASHINGTON represented of a giant's size, and in the character of a hero of romance. They who love to wonder better than to reason, would not be satisfied with the contemplation of a great example, unless in the exhibition it should be so distorted into prodigy, as to be both incredible and useless. Others, I hope but few, who think meanly of human nature, will deem it incredible, that even WASHINGTON should think with as much dignity and elevation, as he acted; and they will grovel in vain in the search for mean and selfish motives, that could incite and sustain him to devote his life to his country.
Do not these suggestions sound in your ears like a profanation of virtue? and while I pronounce them, do you not feel a thrill of indignation at your hearts? Forbear. Time never fails to bring every exalted reputation to a strict scrutiny: the world, in passing the judgment that is never to be reversed, will deny all partiality, even to the name of WASHINGTON. Let it be denied; for its justice will confer glory.
Such a life as WASHINGTON's cannot derive honour from the circumstances of birth and education, though it throws back a lustre upon both. With an inquisitive mind, that always profited by the lights of others; and was unclouded by passions of its own, he acquired a maturity of judgment, rare in age, unparalleled in youth. Perhaps no young man had so early laid up a life's stock of materials for solid reflection, or settled so soon the principles and habits of his conduct. Grey experience listened to his councils with respect, and at a time when youth is almost privileged to be rash, Virginia committed the safety of her frontier, and ultimately the safety of America, not merely to his valour, for that would be scarcely praise; but to his prudence.
It is not in Indian wars that heroes are celebrated, but it is there they are formed. No enemy can be more formidable, by the craft of his ambushes, the suddenness of his onset, or the ferocity of his vengeance. The soul of WASHINGTON was thus exercised to danger; and on the first trial, as on every other, it appeared firm in adversity, cool in action, undaunted, self-possessed. His spirit, and still more his prudence, on the occasion of Braddock's defeat, diffused his name throughout America, and across the Atlantic. Even then his country viewed him with complacency, as her most hopeful son.
At the peace of 1763, Great-Britain, in consequence of her victories, stood in a position to prescribe her own terms. She chose, perhaps, better for us than for herself; for by expelling the French from Canada; we no longer feared hostile neighbours; and we soon found just cause to be afraid of our protectors. We discerned even then a truth, which the conduct of France has since so strongly confirmed, that there is nothing which the gratitude of weak states can give, that will satisfy strong allies for their aid, but authority. Nations that want protectors, will have masters. Our settlements, no longer checked by enemies on the frontier, rapidly increased; and it was discovered, that America was growing to a size that could defend itself.
In this, perhaps unforeseen, but at length obvious state of things, the British government conceived a jealousy of the Colonies, of which, and of their intended measures of precaution, they made no secret.
Thus it happened, that their foresight of the evil aggravated its symptoms, and accelerated its progress. The colonists perceived that they could not be governed, as before, by affection; and resolved that they would not be governed by force. Nobly resolved! for had we submitted to the British claims of right, we should have had, if any, less than our ancient liberty; and held what might have been left by a worse tenure.
Our nation, like its leader, had only to take counsel from its courage. When WASHINGTON heard the voice of his country in distress, his obedience was prompt; and though his sacrifices were great, they cost him no effort. Neither the object nor the limits of my plan permit me to dilate on the military events of the revolutionary war. Our history is but a transcript of his claims on our gratitude. Our hearts bear testimony, that they are claims not to be satisfied. When overmatched by numbers; a fugitive, with a little band of faithful soldiers; the states as much exhausted as dismayed; he explored his own undaunted heart, and found there resources to retrieve our affairs. We have seen him display as much valour as gives fame to heroes, and as consummate prudence as ensures success to valour; fearless of dangers that were personal to him; hesitating and cautious, when they affected his country; preferring fame before safety or repose; and duty, before fame.
Rome did not owe more to Fabius, than America to WASHINGTON. Our nation shares with him the singular glory of having conducted a civil war with midness, and a revolution with order.

The event of that war seemed to crown the felicity and glory both of America and its Chief. Until that contest, a great part of the civilized world had been surprisingly ignorant of the force and character, and almost of the existence, of the British Colonies. They had not retained what they knew, nor felt curiosity to know the state of thirteen wretched settlements, which vast woods inclosed, and still vaster woods divided from each other. They did not view the colonists so much a people, as a race of fugitives, whom want and solitude, and intermixture with the savages, had made barbarians. Great-Britain, they saw, was elate with her victories: Europe stood in awe of her power: her arms made the thrones of the most powerful unsteady, and disturbed the tranquillity of their States, with an agitation more extensive than an earthquake. As the giant Enceladus is fabled to lie under Etna, and to shake the mountain when he turns his limbs, her hostility was felt to the extremities of the world. It reached to both the Indies; in the wilds of Africa, it obstructed the commerce in slaves; the whales, finding in time of war a respite from their pursuers, could venture to sport between the tropics, and did not flee, as in peace, to hide beneath the ice-fields of the polar circle.
At this time, while Great-Britain wielded a force not inferior to that of the Roman Empire under Trajan, suddenly astonished Europe beheld a feeble people, till then unknown, stand forth, and defy this giant to the combat. It was so unequal, all expected it would be short. The events of that war were so many miracles, that attracted, as much perhaps as any war ever did, the wonder of mankind. Our final success exalted their admiration to its highest point: they allowed to WASHINGTON all that is due to transcendent virtue, and to the Americans more than is due to human nature. They considered us a race of WASHINGTONS, and admitted that nature in America was fruitful only in prodigies. Their books and their travellers, exaggerating and distorting all their representations, assiduously to establish the opinion, that this is a new world, with a new order of men and things adapted to it; that here we practiced industry, amidst the abundance that requires none; that we have morals so refined, that we do not need laws; and though we have them, yet we ought to consider their execution as an insult and a wrong; that we have virtue without weaknesses, sentiment without passions, and liberty without factions. These illusions, in spite of their absurdity, and, perhaps, because they are absurd enough to have dominion over the imagination only, have been received by many of the malcontents against the governments of Europe, and induced them to emigrate. Such illusions are too soothing to vanity, to be entirely checked in their currency among Americans.
They have been pernicious, as they cherish false ideas of the rights of men, and the duties of rulers. They have led the citizens to look for liberty, where it is not; and to consider the government, which is its castle, as its prison.
WASHINGTON retired to Mount-Vernon, and the eyes of the world followed him. He left his countrymen to their simplicity and their passions, and their glory soon departed. Europe began to be undeceived, and it seemed for a time as if, by the acquisition of independence, our citizens were disappointed. The confederation was then the only compact made "to form a perfect union of the States, to establish justice, to ensure the tranquillity, and provide for the security of the nation;" and accordingly, union was a name that still commanded reverence, though not obedience. The system called justice was, in some of the States, iniquity reduced to elementary principles; and the public tranquillity was such a portentous calm, as rings in deep caverns before the explosion of an earthquake. Most of the States then were in fact, though not in form, unbalanced democracies. Reason, it is true, spoke audibly in their constitutions; passion and prejudice louder in their laws. It is to the honour of Massachusetts, that it is chargeable with little deviation from principles. Its adherence to them was one of the causes of a dangerous rebellion. It was scarcely possible that such governments should not be agitated by parties, and that prevailing parties should not be vindictive and unjust. Accordingly, in some of the States, creditors were treated as outlaws; bankrupts were armed with legal authority to be persecutors; and, by the shock of all confidence and faith, society was shaken to its foundations. Liberty we had, but we dreaded its abuse almost as much as its loss; and the wife, who deplored the one, clearly fore saw the other.
The States were also becoming formidable to each other. Tribute, under the name of impost, was for years levied by some of the commercial States upon their neighbours. Measures of retaliation were resorted to, and mutual recriminations had begun to whet the resentments, whose never failing progress among states is more injustice, vengeance and war.
The peace of America hung by a thread, and factions were already sharpening their weapons to cut it. The project of three separate empires in America was beginning to be broached, and the progress of licentiousness would have soon rendered her citizens unfit for liberty in either of them. An age of blood and misery would have punished our disunion: but these were not the considerations to deter ambition from its purpose, while there were so many circumstances in our political situation to favour it.
At this awful crisis, which all the wise so much dreaded at the time, yet which appears, on a retrospect, so much more dreadful than their fears; some man was wanting, who possessed a commanding power over the popular passions, but over whom those passions had no power. That man was WASHINGTON.
His name, at the head of such a list of worthies as would reflect honour on any country,
had its proper weight with all the enlightened, and with almost all the well-disposed among the less informed citizens; and blessed be God! the Constitution was adopted. Yes, to the eternal honour of America among the nations of the earth, it was adopted, in spite of the obstacles which, in any other country, and perhaps in any other age of this, would have been insurmountable; in spite of the doubts and fears which well meaning prejudice creates for itself, and which party so artfully inflames into stubbornness: in spite of the vice, which it has subjected to restraint, and which is therefore its immortal and implacable foe; in spite of the oligarchies in some of the States, from whom it snatched dominion; it was adopted, and our country enjoys one more invaluable chance for its union and happiness: invaluable! if the retrospect of the dangers we have escaped shall sufficiently inculcate the principles we have so tardily established. Perhaps multitudes are not to be taught by their fears only, without suffering much to deepen the impression: for experience brandishes in her school a whip of scorpions, and teaches nations her summary lessons of wisdom by the scars and wounds of their adversity.
The amendments which have been projected in some of the States show, that in them at least, these lessons are not well remembered. In a confederacy of States, some powerful, others weak, the weaknesses of the federal union will, sooner or later, encourage, and will not restrain, the ambition and injustice of the members. The weak can no otherwise be strong or safe, but in the energy of the national government. It is this defect—which the blind jealousy of the weak States not unfrequently contributes to prolong—that has proved fatal to all the confederations that ever existed.
Although it was impossible that such merit as WASHINGTON's should not produce envy, it was scarcely possible that, with such a transcendent reputation, he should have rivals. Accordingly, he was unanimously chosen President of the United States.
As a general and a patriot, the measure of his glory was already full: there was no fame left for him to excel but his own; and even that task, the mightiest of all his labours, his civil magistracy has accomplished.
No sooner did the new government begin its auspicious course, than order seemed to arise out of confusion. The governments of Europe had seen the old confederation sinking, squalid and pale, into the tomb, when they beheld the new American republic rise suddenly from the ground, and throwing off its grave-cloaths, exhibiting the stature and proportions of a young giant, refreshed with sleep. Commerce and industry awoke, and were cheerful at their labours; for credit and confidence awoke with them. Every where was the appearance of prosperity; and the only fear was, that its progress was too rapid to consist with the purity and simplicity of ancient manners. The cares and labours of the President were incessant: his exhortations, example and authority, were employed to excite zeal and activity for the public service: able officers were selected, only for their merits; and some of them remarkably distinguished themselves by their successful management of the public business. Government was administered with such integrity, without mystery, and in so prosperous a course, that it seemed to be wholly employed in acts of beneficence. Though it has made many thousand malcontents, it has never, by its rigour or injustice, made one man wretched.
Such was the state of public affairs: and did it not seem perfectly to ensure uninterrupted harmony to the citizens? did they not, in respect to their government and its administration, possess their whole heart's desire? They had seen and suffered long the want of an efficient constitution: they had freely ratified it: they saw WASHINGTON, their tried friend, the father of his country, invested with its powers. They knew that he could not exceed or betray them, without forfeiting his own reputation. Consider, for a moment, what a reputation it was: Such as no man ever before possessed, by so clear a title, and in so high a degree. His fame seemed in its purity to exceed even its brightness: office took honour from his acceptance, but conferred none. Ambition stood awed and darkened by his shadow. For where, through the wide earth, was the man so vain as to dispute precedence with him; or what were the honours that could make the possessor of WASHINGTON's superior? Refined and complex as the ideas of virtue are, even the gross could discern in his life the infinite superiority of her rewards. Mankind perceived some change in their ideas of greatness: the splendour of power, and even the name of conqueror, had grown dim in their eyes. They did not know that WASHINGTON could augment his fame: but they knew and felt, that the world's wealth, and its empire too, would be a bribe far beneath his acceptance.
This is not exaggeration: never was confidence in a man and a chief magistrate more widely diffused, or more solidly established.
If it had been in the nature of man, that we should enjoy liberty, without the agitations of party, the United States had a right, under these circumstances, to expect it: but it was impossible. Where there is no liberty, they may be exempt from party. It will seem strange, but it scarcely admits a doubt, that there are fewer malcontents in Turkey than in any free state in the world. Where the people have no power, they enter into no contests, and are not anxious to know how they shall use it. The spirit of discontent becomes torpid for want of employment, and sighs itself to rest. The people sleep soundly in their chains, and do not even dream of their weight. They lose their turbulence with their energy, and become as tractable as any other animals: a state of degradation, in which they extort our scorn, and engage our pity, for the misery they do not feel. Yet that heart is a safe one, and fit only for a slave's bosom, that would not bleed freely, ra-
ther than submit to such a condition; for liberty with all its parties and agitations is more desirable than slavery. Who would not prefer the republics of ancient Greece, where liberty once subsisted in its excess, its delirium, terrible in its charms, and glistening to the last with the blaze of the very fire that consumed it?
I do not know what I ought, but I am sure that I do, prefer those republics to the dozing slavery of the modern Greece, where the degraded wretches have suffered scorn till they merit it, where they tread on classic ground, on the ashes of heroes and patriots, unconscious of their ancestry, ignorant of the nature, and almost of the name of liberty, and insensible even to the passion for it. Who, on this contrast, can forbear to say, it is the modern Greece that lies buried, that sleeps forgotten in the caves of Turkish darkness? It is the ancient Greece that lives in remembrance, that is still bright with glory, still fresh in immortal youth. They are unworthy of liberty, who entertain a less exalted idea of its excellence. The misfortune is, that those who profess to be its most passionate admirers have, generally, the least comprehension of its hazards and impediments: they expect that an enthusiastic admiration of its nature will reconcile the multitude to the irksomeness of its restraints. Delusive expectation! WASHINGTON was not thus deluded. We have his solemn warning against the often fatal propensities of liberty. He had reflected, that men are often false to their country and their honour, false to duty, and even to their interest; but multitudes of men are never long false or deaf to their passions; these will find obstacles in the laws, associates in party. The fellowships thus formed are more intimate, and impose commands more imperious, than those of society.
Thus party forms a state within the state, and is animated by a rivalry, fear and hatred, of its superior. When this happens, the merits of the government will become fresh provocations and offences; for they are the merits of an enemy. No wonder then, that as soon as party found the virtue and glory of WASHINGTON were obstacles, the attempt was made, by calumny, to surmount them both. For this, the greatest of all his trials, we know that he was prepared. He knew that the government must possess sufficient strength from within or without, or fall a victim to faction. This interior strength was plainly inadequate to its defence, unless it could be reinforced from without by the zeal and patriotism of the citizens; and this latter resource was certainly as accessible to President WASHINGTON, as to any chief magistrate that ever lived. The life of the federal government, he considered, was in the breath of the people's nostrils: whenever they should happen to be so infatuated or inflamed as to abandon its defence; its end must be as speedy, and might be as tragical, as a constitution for France.
* While the President was thus administering the government, in so wise and just a manner as to engage the great majority of the enlightened and virtuous citizens to co-operate with him for its support, and while he indulged the hope that time and habit were confirming their attachment, the French revolution had reached that point in its progress, when its terrible principles began to agitate all civilized nations. I will not, on this occasion, detain you to express, though my thoughts teem with it, my deep abhorrence of that revolution; its despotism, by the mob or the military, from the first, and its hypocrisy of morals to the last. Scenes have passed there which exceed description, and which, for other reasons, I will not attempt to describe; for it would not be possible, even at this distance of time, and with the sea between us and France, to go through with the recital of them, without perceiving horror gather, like a frost, about the heart, and almost stop its pulse. That revolution has been constant in nothing but its vicissitudes, and its promises, always delusive, but always renewed, to establish philosophy by crimes, and liberty by the sword. The people of France, if they are not like the modern Greeks, find their cap of liberty is a soldier's helmet: and, with all their imitation of dictators and consuls, their exactest similitude to these Roman ornaments is in their chains. The nations of Europe perceive another resemblance, in their all-conquering ambition.
But it is only the influence of that event on America, and on the measures of the President, that belongs to my subject. It would be ungratefully wrong to his character to be silent in respect to a part of it which has the most signalily illustrated his virtues.
The genuine character of that revolution is not even yet so well understood as the dictates of self preservation require it should be. The chief duty and care of all governments is to protect the rights of property, and the tranquillity of society. The leaders of the French revolution, from the beginning, excited the poor against the rich; this has made the rich poor, but it will never make the poor rich. On the contrary, they were used only as blind instruments to make those leaders masters, first of the adverse party, and then of the state. Thus the powers of the state were turned round into a direction exactly contrary to the proper one, not to preserve tranquillity and restrain violence, but to excite violence by the lure of power, and plunder, and vengeance. Thus all France has been, and still is, as much the prize of the ruling party as a captured ship, and if any right or possession has escaped confiscation, there is none that has not been liable to it.
Thus it clearly appears that, in its origin, its character, and its means, the government of that country is revolutionary; that is, not only different from, but directly contrary to, every re-
* The Government of Massachusetts has manifested more than once, and so lately as the last year, a wise discernment of the pernicious tendency of certain usurping claims by States, and of changes proposed to abolish, under the name of amending, the Constitution.
The example has had its proper weight to produce, in other States, a like zealous and prompt support of the national Government.
Long may such patriotic zeal continue, and ever may its efforts obtain a like success!
gular and well ordered society. It is a danger, similar in its kind, and at least equal in degree, to that with which ancient Rome menaced her enemies. The allies of Rome were slaves; and it cost some hundred years efforts of her policy and arms, to make her enemies her allies. Nations, at this day, can trust no better to treaties; they cannot even trust to arms, unless they are used with a spirit and perseverance becoming the magnitude of their danger. For the French revolution has been, from the first, hostile to all right and justice, to all peace and order in society; and, therefore, its very existence has been a state of warfare against the civilized world, and most of all against free and orderly republics. For such are never without factions, ready to be the allies of France, and to aid her in the work of destruction. Accordingly, scarcely any but republics have they subverted. Such governments, by shewing in practice what republican liberty is, detect French imposture, and shew what their pretences are not.
To subvert them; therefore, they had, besides the facility that faction affords, the double excitement of removing a reproach, and converting their greatest obstacles into their most efficient auxiliaries.
Who, then, on careful reflection, will be surprised, that the French and their partisans instantly conceived the desire, and made the most powerful attempts, to revolutionize the American government? But it will hereafter seem strange that their excesses should be excused, as the effects of a struggle for liberty, and that so many of our citizens should be flattered, while they were insulted with the idea, that our example was copied, and our principles pursued. Nothing was ever more false, or more fascinating. Our liberty depends on our education, our laws, and habits, to which even prejudices yield; on the dispersion of our people on farms, and on the almost equal diffusion of property; it is founded on morals and religion, whose authority reigns in the heart; and on the influence these produce on public opinion, before which opinion governs rulers. Here liberty is not there it is violence; here it is mild and like the morning sun of our summer, warming the hills, and making the vegetation there it is like the sun, when his violence on the sands of Africa. Liberty calms and restrains the licentious like an angel that says to the winds and troubled seas, Be still. But how has French licentiousness appeared to the wretched citizens of Switzerland and Venice? Do not their haunted imaginations, even when they wake, represent her as a monster, with eyes that flash wild fire, hands that hurl thunderbolts, a voice that shakes the foundation of the hills? She stands, and her ambition measures the earth; she speaks, and an epidemic fury seizes the nations.
Experience is lost upon us, if we deny, that it had seized a large part of the American nation. It is as sober and intelligent, as free, and as worthy to be free, as any in the world; yet, like all other people, we have passions and prejudices, and they had received a violent impulse, which, for a time, misled us.
(To be concluded in our next.) Congress of the United States. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. TUESDAY, Feb. 18.
AN engrossed bill, entitled, "An act to extend the time of payment of bonds given for duties of impost in certain cases," was read, and passed.
Mr. Champlin presented a petition from several ship owners of the ports of Warren and Bristol, Rhode-Island, stating that a petition heretofore presented to the House from some merchants of those ports, praying the establishment of a new port of entry and district, would be injurious to a great majority of the mercantile interest there; as well as to the revenue, and therefore they prayed it might not be granted.
Referred to the committee of commerce. Mr. Marshall, chairman of the committee appointed for that purpose, reported "a bill for removing any military force of the United States from the places of holding elections;" which was twice read, and committed to the whole House.
Mr. Brace, on account of a bill which passed the Senate last session, and which was sent down to the House just before the rising of Congress, and therefore was not taken up, laid upon the table the following resolution:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the expediency of accepting from the state of Connecticut a cession of jurisdiction, in the state of Pennsylvania, commonly called the western reserve of Connecticut, with instructions to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Smith reported a bill from the committee of commerce on the relief of Thomas Arnold, which was twice read, and committed to the whole House.
The third reading of the bankrupt bill was further postponed, in order to take up the French non-intercourse bill. The House went into committee thereupon.
Mr. Waln moved an amendment to the bill, so that persons resident in Europe only, who owned, hired or employed foreign vessels, should obtain a clearance to any port of the French republic or its dependencies. His wish was to prevent its being done by persons resident in the West-Indies or elsewhere, except in Europe.
This motion caused some debate. Mr. Harper at length superceded that motion, by one to strike out part of the section, so as to prevent the intercourse being carried on by neutrals in any manner whatever. This, he said, was truly consistent with the spirit of the act, which was to suspend the intercourse altogether. Some debate ensued on this motion, which was at length negatived, 48 to 41.
Mr. Randolph moved to strike out of the third section the words, "in bills of exchange, or in

money or bullion," so that vessels which should be driven into a French port by distress of weather, or other casualty, might receive compensation for the cargo in produce or merchandise.
Mr. Champlin opposed this motion; he said difficulties had occurred for want of this provision in the old law; it was now introduced to prevent any encouragement offering itself to the merchant who would wish to evade the law under the pretence of distress of weather; for if he could not take a cargo in return, it could not turn to his advantage to enter a French port under this pretence.
The motion was negatived. Mr. Randolph moved to strike out the whole of the sixth section—but afterwards so modified the section, as that the President should not have power to take off the restrictions of the act partially, or with such ports as he might deem it expedient to open the communication; he had no objection to the power to exist in the President to renew the intercourse when events should warrant it, but he wished it to be wholly done, or not at all. Negatived.
Mr. Gallatin wished to know the meaning of the beginning of the seventh section, in these words:
"That the whole island of Hispaniola shall, for the purposes of this act, be considered as a dependency of the French republic." He understood a part of it, which by the treaty with Spain was ceded to France; had not yet been evacuated by Spain; the government and laws, as well as the people of that nation, were still there, and he supposed it was not the design of the House to cut off the communication with Spain.
After some explanation by Mr. Smith, Mr. Nicholas moved to strike out the section.
This motion caused some debate, and at length was carried. Ayes 43—noes 40.
The committee then rose, and reported the amendments; but it being a late hour, the House adjourned without taking them up.
FRIDAY, February 21. BANKRUPT BILL. The bill entitled "an act to establish an uniform system of Bankruptcy throughout the United States," was read a third time, and the question being shall this bill pass?
Mr. Bithoff moved that it be recommitted to a committee of the whole House, for the purpose of making an amendment which he mentioned, and upon the question for commitment, it was lost, only 23 members voting in favour of it.
Mr. Davis said, he hoped the question would not now be urged, as there were some members absent, and therefore moved that it be postponed till Monday, and that a call of the House take place on that day—which was also lost, only 35 members rising in favour of it.
Mr. Eggleston then rose, to express a wish that the absent members might be summoned to attend; but the Speaker having directed the clerk to call the members, the question passing, the bill was carried in the affirmative, in manner following, to wit:
AFFIRMATIVE. Messrs. Baer, Bartlett, Bayard, Bird, Brace, J. Brown, Champlin, Cooper, Craik, Dina, F. Davenport, Dent, Dickson, Edmond, Evans, A. Foster, Glen, C. Goodrich, E. Goodrich, Gordon, Griswold, Harper, Hartly, Henderson, Imlay, Kittera, H. Lee, S. Lee, Livingston, Marshall, Morris, Nott, Otis, Pinckney, Powell, Reed, Rudledge, Sewall, Sheafe, Shepherd, Smith, Thatcher, J. Thomas, R. Thomas, Wadsworth, Waln, L. Williams, Woods.—48.
NEGATIVE. Messrs. Alston, Bailey, Bishop, R. Brown, Cabelle, Christie, Clay, Condit, Davis, Dawson, Eggleston, Elmerdorf, D. Foster, Fowler, Gallatin, Goode, Gray, Gregg, Grove, Hanna, Heister, Hill, Holmes, Jackson, Jones, Kitchel, Leib, Lyman, Lyon, Linn, Macon, Muhlenberg, New, Nicholas, Page, Randolph, Smilie, Spaight, Stanford, Stone, Sumpter, Taliaferro, Thompson, A. Trigg, J. Trigg, Van Cortland, Varnum, R. Williams.—48.
Mr. Speaker declared himself in the affirmative, and the bill was passed.
Mr. Harper, from the committee of ways and means, made report on the subject of a Loan for the support of government for the year 1800, and submitted a resolution, that it was expedient to authorize the President to borrow a sum not exceeding 3,500,000 dollars, reimbursable in any period within 15 years. The report was read a first and second time, and committed to a committee of the whole House on Monday next.
Natal Engagement.
[OFFICIAL.] PHILADELPHIA, FEBRUARY, 24. Yesterday morning Lieut. Shaw, of the armed schooner Experiment, arrived at Marcus Hook from a cruise, being dispatched by Commodore Truxton, with letters for the Secretary of the Navy; from which the following are extracts:
United States ship Constellation, at Sea, February 3, 1800.
SIR, On the 30th ult. I left St. Christophers with the Constellation in excellent trim, and flood to windward, in order to gain the station for myself, before the road of Guadaloupe, and at half past 7 A. M. of the day following I discovered a sail to the S. E. to which I gave chase, and for the further particulars of that chase and the action after it, I must beg to refer to the extracts from my journal herewith, as being the best mode of exhibiting a just and candid account of all our transactions in the late business, which has ended in the almost entire dismemberment of the Constellation; though I trust, to the high reputation of the American flag.
I have the honour, to be, &c. &c. THOMAS TRUXTON.
BENJ. STODDARD, Esq. Sec. of the Navy.
Occurrences on board the United States ship Constellation, of 38 guns, under my command, February 3, 1800.
Throughout these twenty-four hours, very unsettled weather, kept on our tacks, beating up under Guadaloupe, and at half past 7 A. M. the Road of Basseterre bearing east, 5 leagues distance, saw a sail in the S. E. landing to the S. W. which from her situation I at first took for a large ship from Martinico, and hoisted English colours on giving chase, by way of inducement for her to come down and speak me, which would have saved us a long chase to leeward, off my intended cruising ground; but finding she did not attempt to alter her course, I examined her more minutely, as we approached her, and discovered that she was a heavy French frigate, mounting at least 54 guns. I immediately gave orders for the yards, &c. to be slung with chains; topsail-sheets, &c. stoppered, and the ship cleared, and every thing prepared for action, and hauled down the English colours. At noon the wind became light, and I observed the chase, that we had before been gaining fast on, held way with us; but I was determined to continue the pursuit, though the running to the leeward I was convinced would be attended with many serious disadvantages, especially if the object of my wishes was not gratified.
Passed two Schooners standing to the northward, one of them shewed American colours, and was a merchant vessel, and the other I supposed to be of the same description.
February 3d, at 1 P. M. the wind being somewhat fresher, than at the noon preceding, and an appearance of its continuance, our prospect of bringing the enemy to action began again to brighten, as I perceived we were coming up with the chase fast, and every inch of canvas being set that could be of service, except the bog-reels, which I kept in the top-sails, in case of the chase finding an escape from our thunder impracticable, should haul on a wind and give us fair battle; but this did not prove to be her commandant's intention. I however got within hail of him at 8 P. M. hoisted our ensign, and had the candles in the battle-lanterns all lighted, and the large trumpet in the lee gangway ready to speak him, and to demand the surrender of his ship to the United States of America; but he at that instant commenced a fire from his stern and quarter-guns, directed at our rigging and spars. No parley being then necessary, I sent my principal aid-de-camp, Mr. Vandyke, to the different officers commanding divisions on the main battery, to repeat strictly my orders before given, not to throw away a single charge of powder, but to take a good aim, and fire directly into the hull of the enemy, and lead principally with two round shot, and now and then with a round shot and a stand of grape, &c. to encourage the men at their quarters; to cause or suffer no noise or confusion whatever; but to load and fire as fast as possible when it could be done with certain effect. These orders being given, in a few moments I gained a position on his weather quarter, that enabled us effectually to return his salute; and thus a close and as sharp an action as ever was fought between two frigates commenced and continued until within a few minutes of 1, A. M. when the enemy's fire was completely silenced, and he was again cheering off.
It was at this moment that I considered him as my prize, and was trimming in the best manner I could my much shattered sails; when I found the main-mast was totally unsupported by rigging, every shroud being shot away, and some of them in several places; that even stoppers were useless, and could not be applied with effect. I then gave orders for the officers to send the men up from the gun-deck to endeavour to secure it, in order that we might get along side of the enemy again as soon as possible—but every effort was in vain, for the main-mast went over the side in a few minutes after, and carried with it the top men, among whom was an amiable young gentleman who commanded the main-top, Mr. James Jarvis, son of James Jarvis, Esq. of New-York. It seems this young gentleman was apprized of the mast going in a few minutes, by an old seaman; but he had already so much of the principle of an officer engrained in his mind, not to leave his quarters on any account, that he told the man if the mast went they must go with it, which was the case, and only one of them was saved. I regret much his loss, as a promising officer and amiable young man, as well as on account of a long intimacy that has subsisted between his father and myself; but have great satisfaction in finding I have no other killed, and only two or three slightly wounded, fourteen men of the former and twenty-five of the latter.
As soon as the main-mast went, every effort was made to clear the wreck from the ship as soon as possible, which was effected in about an hour. It being impossible to pursue the enemy, and as our security was then the great object, I immediately bore away for Jamaica for repairs, &c. finding it impossible to reach a friendly port in any of the islands to windward.
I should be wanting in common justice, was I to omit here to journalize the steady attention to order, and the great exertion and bravery of all my officers, seamen and marines, in this action, many of whom I had sufficiently tried before on a similar occasion, and all their names are recorded in the muster-roll I sent to the Secretary of the navy, dated the 19th of December last, signed by myself.
All hands employed at repairing the damages sustained in the action, so far as to get the ship into Jamaica as soon as possible.
THOMAS TRUXTON.
For SALE, by Salmon Arnold, At his Store on the Long Wharf, NINE hundred Bushels of CORN, Also, Six thousand weight of TOBACCO. March 5.
Providence, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5.
A letter from Savannah, received at Charleston the 20th of February, says, that a vessel had arrived there from Liverpool, which had brought later accounts from Europe than had been before received. It adds, that the Envoys from the United States had arrived at Paris, and were received with the distinction due to their mission, and that it was probable the existing differences between the republics would speedily be adjusted. French privateers had received instructions not to molest American vessels.
Sorrowful as was the duty enjoined by the proclamation of the President of the United States, recommending the observance of the 22d ult. as a day of humiliation and mourning for the loss of our political Father and Benefactor, still the summons was obeyed with that promptitude and alacrity, by every description of people, as was at once evincive of their affection for the man, and their admiration and reverence for his memory. Every public house of worship was crowded with the inhabitants. The reverend clergy, under the inspiration of the subject, touched the sympathetic feelings, and excited the unequivocal plaudits of their numerous auditors.
It also being the day of the annual election of officers for Mount-Vernon Lodge, the members and brethren met at their lodge-room in the Council-Chamber, at 10 o'clock, A. M. The R. W. the Hon. JAMES BOWEN, Esq. past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, being appointed to preside at the election, he declared the following gentlemen chosen as officers for the year ensuing, viz.
R. W. AMOS M. ATWELL, Master. W. SAMUEL THURBER, jun. S. W. W. STEPHEN ABBOT, J. W. THOMAS SESSIONS, Treasurer. AARON SIMMONS, Secretary.
The unanimity in the election was a proof of the concord, love and harmony, among the brethren.
At 11 o'clock a procession was formed by the Lodge, assisted by a large number of visitors from St. John's Lodge and the vicinity, members of the Royal Arch Chapter, and many of the members of the Grand Lodge, and proceeded to the Episcopal church. In the centre of the procession was borne, by two Royal Arch Masons, a large masonic Royal Arch; an obelisk, 9 feet in height, supported by three Masters in a triangular position, succeeded; and three large wax candles, borne by three Masters (the right light extinguished) followed the obelisk. Every emblem, as well as the brethren, were clothed with the proper badges of mourning. The procession having entered the church, and the audience composed by the solemn and impressive strains of the organ, the W. Brother Abraham L. Clarke delivered a discourse on the virtues, morality and piety of the illustrious WASHINGTON; a discourse ingenious in its composition, and eminently calculated to touch the heart, and excite the admiration of that character which was the subject of it. After service, the procession returned to the Representatives' chamber, where an ingenious, pathetic and elegant address was pronounced by the R. W. Master, AMOS M. ATWELL, to a numerous and respectable auditory, touching the principles and duties of the divine institution of Masonry, and their consummation in the life and character of him, who was both the ornament of the society, and the acknowledged patron of the institution. A novel and pleasing spectacle was exhibited by a very numerous procession of young Misses and Masters, from the schools of Miss Batch and Mr. Carey, habited in the white robes of innocence, decorated with the appropriate insignia of grief, bearing emblematical representations and sprigs of evergreen. This delightful assembly of youth and innocence proceeded to the first congregational meeting-house, where a well adapted discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, pastor of that society. A number of the Cincinnati attended. The whole transactions of the day were conducted with that propriety and decorum which the solemnity of the occasion required. The expressions of affection, admiration and grief, were strongly marked in every action—in every countenance—the heart felt its anguish, and the lips expressed their sorrow.
The sloop Charlotte, Capt. Samuel Allen, of this port, on her passage from Surinam, with a very valuable cargo, was captured by a French privateer called the Beauty. This vessel had been three weeks on a cruise, and taken seventeen American vessels.
The amount of exports from the United States for the year prior to the first of October last, is 78,665,522 dollars.
Thursday the 3d of April is appointed as a day of public Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The building in which the Post-Office was kept at Hanover (N. H.) lately took fire, from the stove pipe, and was entirely consumed—the post-Master saved his books and papers.
Married, On Thursday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Gano, Mr. Cyrus Cole, to Miss Maria Jackson, only daughter of Capt. Thomas Jackson.
Died, At Smithfield, Miss Elizabeth Whipple, the amiable daughter of Mr. Joseph Whipple. Her funeral was attended on Sunday last, when a discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Gano, to a numerous concourse of sympathising friends and relations. In this town, yesterday, after a long and distressing illness, which she bore with christian fortitude, Miss Susan Luffell, daughter of Mr. John Luffell. Her funeral will be attended on Friday next, at 1 o'clock, P. M. At Haverhill, Mr. John White, aged 75, formerly an eminent merchant in that place. At Rehoboth, Capt. John Linsley, in the 32d year of his age.
Silver Plate, a great variety of valuable household Furniture, and women's wearing Apparel, at Auction. On Tuesday the 11th inst. will be sold by Public Vendue, at the Auction-Room of
Benjamin Hoppin and Co.
A Quantity of Silver Plate, Household Furniture, wearing Apparel, &c. Among which are—1 elegant Coffee-Pot, 1 do. Tea-Pot, 2 Pint Cans, 1 Sugar Urn and Cream-Pot, 1 Soup Ladle, &c. &c. 1 elegant Side-board, 1 do. Chamber Clock, 4 pair do. Looking-Glasses, Table Linen, Bed Furniture, &c. women's wearing Apparel, of every description. Sales to begin at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
The next day, Wednesday the 12th, the sales will be continued at the store of Capt. Lowry Aborn, on the west side of the Bridge, where will be offered as above, 1 elegant Double Sofa, 1 do. Easy Chair, Mahogany do. green Dining and Windsor do. 14 good Feather-Beds, Mahogany Tables, Brass Hand-Irons, Glass and China Ware, &c. &c. Sales to begin at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
Take Notice.
EDWARD DICKENS, surviving partner of the late Company of Dickens and Sowle, take this public method to inform all my creditors, that I have already paid for and on account of my late partner, (over and above all his stock on hand, at his death,) about five thousand dollars; and having now, by a late failure in a neighbouring state, had some new and extraordinary demands made against me on account of that company, I take the liberty to inform all concerned, that I stand ready, immediately, to pay all demands, against me, of whatever kind or nature, either now due, or due at any distant period, in the following Goods, at their real value, viz.
Bohea Tea, in whole, half and quarter chests Russia and Ravens Duck 40 Firkins of Family Butter A few hundred pieces of Nankenees China, Sugar and Molasses. March 5.
ALL persons having any demands against the estate of SEABURY SOWLE, late of Providence, merchant, deceased, rendered insolvent, are hereby notified to exhibit their claims within six months from the 24th of February last, to either of us the subscribers, who are duly appointed Commissioners to receive and examine the same, and report thereon. YOUNG SEAMANS. March 5. BENJAMIN CLIFFORD.
To Let,
A Good FARM, lying in Scituate, 14 miles from Providence. It is situated on Chobanish Hill, and is called the West Farm; containing 500 acres. Any person wishing to hire said Farm, by being well recommended, may know the terms by applying to ZECHARIAH ALLEN or JOSEPH JENCKES, in Providence. March 5.
Farm for sale.
A BARGAIN may be had in the purchase of a good FARM, containing one hundred and fifty-six acres, lying in the south part of Smithfield. For particulars enquire of the subscriber, who will attend at the state's gaol, in Providence. Possession may be had the first of April. JOHN WINSOR. March 5.
Thomas S. Webb
HAS FOR SALE, At his Paper-Hanging Manufactory, in Broad-street, opposite Dr. Dyer's (west side of the river) a large assortment of
PAPER-HANGINGS. CONSISTING of upwards of four thousand rolls, suitable for covering rooms, chambers, entries and halls; with selton, patch, chintz and common borders, from one to ten inches in breadth, by wholesale and retail. A handsome deduction made to those who purchase to sell again. Also, a general assortment of Books and Stationary, Music and Instruments.
C. and B. Clarionets, Hautboys, Flutes, Violins, Fifes, Books of instruction for the Clarionet, Hautboy, Violin, Flute, Forte Piano, &c. and several hundred different songs in these music. March 5. (6m.)
WHEREAS the Subscribers were this day appointed, by the Hon. Court of Probate for the town of Providence, Commissioners to receive and examine the claims against the estate of MARY HOLLAND, of said Providence, widow, deceased, represented insolvent: This is therefore to notify all persons having demands against said estate, to bring in and prove the same to the subscribers, at the store of Abner Daggett, in Providence, within six months from the date hereof, being the time allowed by the said Court for that purpose. ABNER DAGGETT, JOHN HOWLAND, JONATHAN W. COY.
All persons indebted to said estate are required to make immediate payment to the subscribers, who, on the 7th day of October last, were appointed administrators thereon. JAMES BURRILL, GEORGE R. BULL.
GUNNERY.
THE subscriber respectfully informs the public, that he carries on the Gunnery business at his Shop, South-end, next door north of Col. John Spurr's; where may be had the following articles, at short notice, made up in the best manner, viz.
Grape Shot, Cannon and Musket Cartridges, Priming Horns, Portfires, Match-rope, Musket Balls, Powder and Shot, &c. &c. March 5. ALLEN CLADDING.

Selected Poetry.
ANGELINA.
FROM BIDLAKE'S "SEA."
AND see where one, a lovely mourner strays, And eyes the wave intent; and ever as She turns aside her face, a piteous sigh She heaves, that almost bursts her swelling breast. 'Tis Angelina's form. I know the maid. Once, not a brighter star e'er shone in heav'n. How clouded now! How sunk in misty grief! That flings her lily where the rose late bloom'd. I see thee, beauteous ruin! child of woe! Shade with thy snowy hand thy ivory brow. 'Tis there thy sorrow rests; there reason fails Disturb'd, and shook upon its proper throne. Again that snowy hand thy bosom holds! Panting and struggling; there no less thy grief For ever feeds, and rankles deep. The fair A lover had, fond as the kissing breeze, That woos in spring the purple violet; Faithful as holy truth; and as sincere. But him the greedy sea swallow'd within Its pitiless, insatiate waste; and she, Since that disastrous hour, has never joy'd. For reason fled; and oft she seeks the strand; Or on a pointed rock sits sadly down; Mute as the monument; and still expects Each flowing wave will waft her lover's corpse Before her rainy eyes; though now, alas! In tedious length successive years have view'd Her sorrows; pass'd, and left her still forlorn. Be hush'd, ye waves! I hear her well-tun'd voice. The melancholy cadence melts my soul. It is too much—Good heav'ns! Why wound the dove?
Why lights thy vengeful arrow on the lamb? 'Why didst thou leave these arms,' (the mourner cries) 'And give inconstant elements such chance? Where have ye laid him, O ye sea-green nymphs! In what deep cove hold ye his precious form? Are not his eyes now jewels, made to light Your fathomless abys? His bones are pearl; His flowing hair fantastic weeds; his lips True coral now, where late sweet dimpling smiles Sat fair, like cherubs on a rosy cloud. O give him back, thou all devouring deep! Or lay me with him in one oozy grave!'
NORFOLK, February 8.
Yesterday arrived in distress the sloop Hazard, of Nantucket, Andrew Brock, master, bound from New-York to Wilmington, out 46 days.—Capt. Brock, in lat. 34:11, fell in with the wreck of the schooner Halcyon, of Rhode-Island, David Pendleton, master, who, in two gales of wind, on the 3d and 10th of January, lost his mainmast, foremast, bowsprit, boat and rudder.—Capt. B. took the people from the wreck, and saved the principal part of the cargo, which he brought in here.
Yesterday put into this port, in a leaky condition, the ship Martha, of Boston, Capt. Moore, after a passage of five months from Calcutta. The Martha is loaded with saltpetre, on account of government.
By this arrival we learn that there had been a dreadful hurricane at the Cape of Good-Hope on the 5th of November last, in which the British ship Sceptre, of 64 guns, a Danish 64 gun ship, and a number of merchantmen, were lost; the brig Hannah, Wyman, belonging to Boston, was one of the number. All the crews were saved, except the Sceptre's, in which vessel upwards of 300 souls perished.
JUST RECEIVED,
AND FOR SALE BY
Butler and Wheaton,
56 Hogheads of excellent Georgia Tobacco 40 Casks of new Rice 600 Barrels of superfine and fine Flour 150 Barrels of Ship Bread 100 Barrels of Pilot Bread.
They have also for Sale,
St. Peterburgh clean Hemp Russia and American Cordage New Sable Iron, Russia Sheetings Russia and Ravens Duck Feather Beds, Molasses. February 19.
MAIL-STAGE.
THE subscribers respectfully inform the public, that the only regular line of Stages for New-York and Boston, start from A. AMMIDON'S, at the sign of the Golden-Ball, near the State-House, in Providence; where ladies and gentlemen are invited to call and take their seats. The Mail Stage leaves Providence for New-York and Boston, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; for New-York at 4 o'clock, A. M. and for Boston, at 6 o'clock, A. M.
Particular care will be taken that the Mail-Stage is not crowded; not more than eight persons are allowed to go in the Mail-Stage to Boston.
SOLOMON HATCH, and Co. January 22. (t.f.)
Twenty Dollars Reward.
LOST,
On the 28th of January, between Koonimicut-Point and the Post-Office in this town, the sum of Two Hundred Dollars, consisting of 4 bills, one of an 100 dollars, one of 50 do. one of 30 do. and one of 20 do. The bills were wrapped up in a piece of paper, and the outside directed "Two Hundred Dollars, for Mr. James Temple." A reward of Twenty Dollars will be paid to any person who has found the money above described, and will return it to Mr. Temple, in Providence, or to William Smith, in Pawtucket. Feb. 5.
JUST RECEIVED,
AND FOR SALE BY
BENJAMIN THURBER,
At the sign of the Bunch of Grapes, FRESH supply of fine India COTTONS, ALSO, India Bandano Handkerchiefs, and other fancy Goods, likewise, flecks Cotton, all at moderate prices. February 19. (6w.)
To be SOLD, by
Samuel James,
On the west side of the great Bridge, Providence, 20 Hhds. of good retailing Molasses. 2 do. W. India Rum, of an excellent flavour 40 Kgs of Lard 10 Firkins of Butter 10 Barrels of Prime Beef 100 Quintals of Codfish 30 M. Hoghead Hoops, of a good quality 400 Shaken Hogheads Rum and Fifth Barrels.
Also—as usual,
A general assortment of Dry Goods, suitable for the season;—all which will be sold very cheap for cash, or on a short credit, with approved notes. February 26. (2m.)
For Charleston (S. C.)
The brig HERMES, JOHN EARLE, master—lying at Capt. Jo- seph Tillinghast's wharf; to sail by the 14th of March. For freight or passage, ap- ply to the master on board, or to Capt. Wil- iam EARLE, South End. Feb. 26.
Abraham Hayden,
BOOT and SHOE-MAKER,
Opposite the house of Obadiah Brown, Esq. EXECUTES every command in his line of business with neatness and dispatch. Those who wish to favour him with their com- mands, may rely on being served to their satis- faction.
Long Boots, 7 dollars 50 cents —half ditto, 5 dollars—Shoes, 2 dollars. Feb. 12.
For SALE, by
THOMAS JONES,
FORTY Hogheads of good retail- ing MOLASSES, at a low price, on which 90 days credit will be given. Barrels of good brown SUGAR, Boxes of Window GLASS, 20 casks of POWDER, and an assortment of SHOT. RAISINS of the first quality, in casks and boxes, Real Spanish SEGARS, in boxes of 1000. Ten-plate iron STOVES, and close ditto. A quantity of 3 thread Holland Seine TWINE, of the first quality, suitable for the menhaden fishery.
CASH GIVEN FOR
Clover, Herds-Grass and Bent HAY- SEED; also, for good OATS, RYE and INDIAN CORN
Any of the above Goods will be ex- changed for good Butter, Cheese, Hogs-Lard, Oats, Rye, Barley or Tallow. January 15. (6w)
GOLDEN BEE-HIVE.
Jeremiah F. Jenkins,
No. 3, MARKET-STREET, Has for Sale,
BOHEA Tea, in whole, half, and qr. chests Souchong and Hyson Tea, per chest Russia and Ravens Duck Russia Sheetings, Morocco Skins Complete tea-sets of China Piece and Hard-Ware Goods, as usual Citron, Zant Currants, Figs and Raisins Coffee and Sugar, per barrel Sheet Glass, of various sizes 8 by 6, and 9 by 7 Window-Glass Fashionable Hearth-Rugs and Fire-Fenders 400 Pieces of Nankeens 3 Pipes of pleasant flavour'd Brandy. A few old Dutch Cheeses Jan. 22. (6w)
Providence, sc.
WHEREAS ANNA SMITH, of Glo- cester, wife of James Smith, jun. of said Gloucester, in said county, preferred her petition to the next term of the Supreme Judicial Court, to be holden in Providence, in said county, on the third Monday of March next, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that a decree of divorce between her and her said husband may be passed:—NOTICE is hereby given to the said James, to appear at the next term of said Court in said county, and shew cause, if any he hath, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. February 26, 1800. PAUL ALLEN, Clk.
Kent, sc.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. WHEREAS SARAH JORDAN, of Coventry, in the county of Kent, wife of John Jordan, of Cogburn, in the State of New-Hampshire, has filed her petition in the clerk's office of the Supreme Judicial Court for said county, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that said Court would pass a decree of di- vorce, rendering null and void the bonds of mar- riage subsisting between her and her said husband.
NOTICE is hereby given to all persons con- cerned, to appear, if they see cause, at the Su- preme Judicial Court, to be holden at East- Greenwich, within and for said county of Kent, on the second Monday of April next, to shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted. A. BOYD, Clerk. East-Greenwich, Feb. 19.
For SALE, by
Amos Maine Atwell,
CONNECTICUT Salted Provisions of the best Qualities, and in excellent shipping order, viz. Prime Beef, Prime Pork, Mefs Pork, and one hog Pork.—Also, 20 Firkins of Butter, 7000 feet 1-4 inch seasoned hard Pine Boards, 2000 feet 2 inch Pine Plank, 700 feet 1 inch cherry-tree Boards, Two thousand Clapboards.
The above Goods are offered for sale on terms highly favourable to the purchaser.
ALSO,
15 Puncheons Jamaica Spirits, of the first flavour and quality, which will reduce 33 1-3 per cent.
October 30. (t.f.)
This day received, and for Sale by
ELISHA DYER,
TEN Pipes of first quality BRANDY, which will reduce 40 per cent.—Terms and Credit, liberal. February 5.
To be Sold,
A FARM situated in the town of Scituate, nine miles westward from Pro- vidence, on the south road, so called, to Plain- field, containing about 100 acres; with a dwell- ing-house, barn, cornhouse and cooper's shop thereon—consisting of plough land, mowing, pasture, orchard and wood-land, and is a delight- some stand for a country-seat, for any gentleman that wishes to purchase. Payment will be made easy, if desired. For further particulars, en- quire of JOB FISK, on the premises. Scituate, Feb. 11.
HAPPY CONTRADICTION.
OLD FRIENDS WITH NEW FACES, An extraordinary event at the opening of the extra- ordinary year 1800.
Being the beginning of the latter end of a century.
AT a tavern last night an old fashion- ed health was drunk—"May we never see an old friend with a new face."—Q, who sat in a corner, slyly observed, that it was all FUDGE; that he could satisfy the company they would be all glad to see their friends with new faces. Some grumbled, others laughed, but all seemed curious to learn the particulars; he began thus: "Have you never used
"HOPKINS' RAZOR STROPS?"
Yes, said one—No, said another; the experi- enced applauded the explanation, and those who had been in the habit of mowing their muzzles with handfaws, felt the brushes on their chins bristle with eagerness to render their old fashion- ed faces new to their friends—to satisfy their curiosity Q went on thus,
HOPKINS' RAZOR STROPS, which dis- appoint the most sanguine by their smooth and agreeable execution, are sold by appointment, at 75 cents, 1 dollar and 25 cents, and 2 dollars each, with the addition of a composition that will keep it in order for ages, at 50 cents.
BUT MARK THE IMPROVEMENT.
To men who travel where there are no pro- fessional face-scrapers—to seamen of every grade —to the whiskered soldier in his hatted tent— (how comfortable.)
The new invented and improved Box, containing, in the compass of little more than an ordinary comb-case,
A polished Razor—Comb—Brush— Lather Box, and Mirror—with a box for the surprising composition, all in a Morocco case, most conveniently calculated to fit the pocket without incumbrance.
The whole of this new portable and useful apparatus sold at No. 65, South Third- Street (opposite the United States Bank) Phila- delphia; and in Providence, by JEREMIAH F. JENKINS, at No. 3, Market-Street,
At only three Dollars.
And by the agents usually appointed to dispose of the invaluable and agreeable STROP. Feb. 19. (t.f.)
Cooley's genuine Pills,
Prepared by Samuel Cooley, of Bol- ton, State of Connecticut, And secured to him by letters patent, signed by the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, and dated at Philadelphia, the 26th day of June, A. D. 1798, agreeable to an act of Congress.
THEY are justly esteemed for their easy operation and good effects; they are a most certain remedy for the Jaundice, Rheu- matism, Erysipelas, Gravel, Piles, Scurvy, Diz- ziness of the Head, Pain in the Stomach and Bowels; they are an antidote against infectious diseases; and are, taking two or three early in the morning, a great preservative against con- tagious air, remove obstructions of any kind, by dissolving and discharging the morbid matter, help digestion, restore a lost appetite, a sure re- lief for costive habits; decayed constitutions are removed by a thorough use of the above Pills.
They are found by experience to be the most safe and easy physic of any composition yet known: Persons under weak circumstances may take them with safety and not find them- selves made weaker, as is common to other phy- sic. They are to be taken twice in a day, two in the morning and one at night, more or less, so as to cause one or two movements of the bo- dy more than usual; let the patient fast one hour, then eat, drink and exercise as he pleases.
N. B. There is no Mercury in the above Pills.
Sold by JOHN POSE, Providence. August 22.
For Sale,
At the Store of the Subscriber, 200 Barrels of Beef 20 ditto of Pork 50 Pipes of excellent Geneva, warranted equal to any imported 500 Casks of ditto 3 Tons of Ship Bread. 3, 4, 6 and 9 pound Cannon; round Shot, double headed ditto, grape, &c. suitable for the above sized cannon.
The above articles will be sold in large or small quantities, as will best suit the purcha- fers—for cash or approved notes, payable at the Bank. JOHN BROWN. (t.f.)
January 1.
PROVIDENCE LIBRARY, February 8, 1800.
AT a meeting of the Directors, this day, it was voted, That the Library be opened weekly, on Saturdays, to commence next Saturday afternoon, the 15th inst.—No proprie- tor to be allowed the liberty of taking out any books until the tax of one dollar on a right be paid, in conformity to a late resolution. PARIS J. TILLINGHAST, Secretary.
"He is in glory—the world in tears." WASHINGTON MEDALS.
For SALE, by
David Vinton,
At the corner shop, No. 7, Market-Square, PERKINS' celebrated WASHINGTON MEDALS, gold, silver and composition; impressed with the likeness, the initials, the dates of the birth, death, and principal events in the history of the immortal WASHINGTON.
The peculiar excellency of this in- vention is to imprint on the minds of ALL, es- pecially of YOUTH, the memory and important services of Him who bought our freedom, and entailed it to posterity.
These medals are worn in Boston, parti- cularly by children of all classes. January 29. (6w.)
REMOVAL,
At the Store occupied by the late WEL- COME ARNOLD, Esq. the subscriber offers, for the accommodation of Apothecaries, Physicians, and private Families, an assortment of genuine SIMPLE and COMPOUND MEDI- CINES:
Among which are the following Patent Medicines, viz. TURLINGTON'S Balsam of Life, Cundell's celebrated Balsam of Honey, for coughs, colds, &c. Hill's Balsam of Honey, Bateman's pectoral Drops, Daffey's Elixir Sa- lutis, Essence of Peppermint, Bowen's Sago in canisters, Anderson's true Scots Pills, in large and small boxes; Hooper's female Pills, Keyser's antiven. Pills, cephalic Snuff, pungent Smelling- Salts, &c.
Also, best Peruvian red Bark, com- mon ditto, Colombo, Ipecacuanha, Gum Cam- phire, Salt-Petre, &c. &c. &c.
Medicine Chests put up at a short no- tice, marked and numbered, with accurate and neatly written Directions.
Families and Physicians may depend on having their orders attended to with the greatest exactness and dispatch.
To the above he has added an assortment of GENUINE GROCERIES,
Consisting of Brandy, first and fourth proof; old Jamaica Spirits, fourth proof; Ja- maica Rum, St. Croix Rum, Cherry Rum, Holland Gin, Hyson, Hyson-Skin and Bohea Teas; Loaf and Brown Sugars, Surinam Mo- lasses, Coffee, Flour, Rice, Rye and Indian Meal, &c. &c. &c.
Constant attendance given from sun- rise till 9 o'clock in the evening, and the small- est favours gratefully acknowledged, by
JEREMIAH BROWN HOWELL.
N. B. He has five or six loads of THATCH (cut early and well secured) for sale, or to exchange for Posts, Rails, Wood, or other country produce. February 5.
Providence, sc.
WHEREAS Capt. JOSEPH COOKE, of Providence, Mariner, has preferred his petition to the next Supreme Judicial Court, to be holden at Providence, in and for the county aforesaid, on the third Monday of March next, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that a decree of divorce between him and his wife Susannah, of said Providence, should be granted:
NOTICE is hereby given to all persons con- cerned, to appear before said Court, to shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk.
Providence, Feb. 19.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. Providence, sc.
WHEREAS MARCY SLACK, of Smithfield, in said county, wife of Jo- seph Slack, of said Smithfield, preferred her petition to the Supreme Judicial Court for the county of Providence, at the next term thereof, holden at Providence, in and for the county of Providence, on the fourth Monday in March next, praying, for divers causes therein set forth, that a decree of divorce between her and her said husband may be passed: Notice is hereby given to all persons concerned, to appear at said court, and shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
Feb. 19. PAUL ALLEN, jun. Clerk.