Jenks's Portland gazette (Portland [Me.]), 1802-03-01 00:00:00

JENKS' PORTLAND GAZETTE.
NUMBER 201.]
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1802.
[VOLUME IV.]
Laws of the United States.
SEVENTH CONGRESS of the United States: at the session, begun and held at the city of Washington, in the district of Columbia, on Monday, the seventh of December, one thousand eight hundred and one.
An Act for the protection of the Commerce and Seamen of the United States against Tripolitan Cruisers.
WHEREAS the Regency of Tripoli, on the coast of Barbary, has commenced a predatory warfare against the United States:
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for the President of the United States, to instruct the commanders of the respective public vessels aforesaid, to seize, take and make prize of all vessels, goods and effects, belonging to the Bey of Tripoli, or to his subjects, and to bring them into port, to be proceeded against, and distributed according to law, and also to cause to be done all such other acts of precaution or hostility as the state of war will justify, and may in his opinion, require.
Sec. 3. And be it further enacted, That on the application of the owners of private armed vessels of the United States, the President of the United States may grant to them special commissions, in the form which he shall direct, under the seal of the United States; and such private armed vessels, when so commissioned, shall have the like authority for seizing, taking and bringing into port, any Tripolitan vessel, goods, or effects as the aforesaid public armed vessels may by law have; and shall therein be subject to the instructions which may be given by the President of the United States for the regulation of their conduct; and their commissions shall be revocable at his pleasure:
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That any Tripolitan vessel, goods or effects, which shall be so captured and brought into port by any private armed vessel of the United States, duly commissioned as aforesaid, may be adjudged good prize, and thereupon shall accrue to the owners and officers, and men of the capturing vessel, and shall be distributed according to the agreement which shall have been made between them, or, in failure of such agreement, according to the discretion of the court having cognizance of the capture.
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That the seamen may be engaged to serve in the navy of the U. S. for a period not exceeding two years; but the President may discharge the same sooner, if in his judgment, their services may be dispensed with.
NATHANIEL MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. AARON BURR, Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate. Approved Feb. 6, 1802. TH: JEFFERSON, President of the United States.
AUGUSTA, FEB. 12.
AN ADDRESS to the PRESIDENT of the United States, from the Constitutional Republicans of the County of Kennebec, in the District of Maine, who have appointed the undersigned a Committee to transmit the same.
SIR, WE do not approve of formal Addresses to our Rulers, generally, but we consider that peculiar circumstances may render such an act in the citizens, justifiable and proper. As a considerable difference in political opinions still continues in some part of our nation, and as this state has not publicly expressed their full confidence in the present Administration of the general Government, we deem it proper, though at this late period, to tender you our congratulations on your appointment to the first and most important office in the federal government; and in so doing we do not offer you that adulation which characterizes unprincipled sycophants, and which we are sure must wound your feelings, and our consciences: but we are sincere in our belief that your talents, integrity and patriotism, have merited the confidence which the citizens of America have manifested to you.
We esteem your inaugural address as containing the genuine principles of republicanism; such principles being the basis of administration, must add dignity to the government, and increase the happiness of the citizens.
Permit us, Sir, to assure you that your administration thus far, has our cordial approbation; and that with pleasure and confidence we anticipate the propriety of your future conduct.
Your appointment of men as Heads of the Departments, and your constitutional advisers, merits the approbation of all those who are attached to our system of government. From the union and exertion of so much personal virtue and political wisdom in the first, and other important officers of government, we are encouraged to hope, that harmony and unanimity of political opinions will more generally prevail through our country.
We regard the Constitution as the grand palladium, and sheet anchor of our national rights; not to commemorate its various checks and balances to regulate the different branches of the government, but the numerous privileges guaranteed to the people; we view as deducible from it, the right of citizens to candidly watch and examine the doings of those, whom they appoint to the high offices of government; but that their remarks on governmental measures should be temperate and judicious, as the natural dictate of true patriotism.
We sincerely respect all the constituted authorities of our government, and consider their general co-operation essential for promoting the best interest of the people.
It is with pleasure we observe, that public economy forms one of the characteristic traits of the present administration. As from the local situation of the country, and the general habits and enterprise of the inhabitants, agriculture and commerce must form the principal sources of individual wealth and of revenue to the United States; so a prudent care of the financial interests of the Nation, should be manifested by all, more especially by our rulers. We conceive the reduction of national expenses which has already been made, prefaces the enlargement of public confidence, and the relief of indigent citizens.
The late intelligence of a general European peace, is a subject which must interest the feelings of every friend to humanity. Rejoicing in an event so auspicious to the welfare of mankind, we cannot refrain congratulating you, and our common country, that the slaughter of the human species is once more staid. May the benign influences of peace, long continue where it is established; and may whole countries which have been so often incriminated with human gore, never become again the theatre of war.
With ardent supplications to the Supreme Arbiter of the Universe, that he would continue your life, health, and usefulness, and that every blessing may be extended to your family, we subscribe ourselves respectfully, your fellow-citizens,
NATHAN WESTON, DUDLEY B. HOBART, JOSHUA WINGATE.
Augusta, Dec. 24, 1801.
THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY to Messrs. Nathan Weston, Dudley B. Hobart, and Joshua Wingate, a Committee of the Constitutional Republicans of the County of Kennebec, in the District of Maine.
Washington, Jan. 16, 1802.
GENTLEMEN, THE Address you have been pleased to forward me from the Constitutional Republicans of the county of Kennebec, has been duly received, and with that sincere satisfaction which expressions of so much confidence are calculated to inspire. The difference of political opinion which too much divided us some time past, is, I hope, yielding to the evidence daily arising, that the great bulk of our citizens have as a common object, the preservation of federal and representative government as organized by the constitution, and the admiration of it with the least burthen which their safety, foreign and domestic, will admit. To keep it in its proper line, the doings of those, whom you appoint to high office, should be watched with strictness, and noted with that candor, which speaking in the voice of a friend, is thankfully received, and weighed with respect.
The principles of my Inaugural Address, which you are pleased to notice, were dictated by the sincere convictions of my mind, and shall be faithfully adhered to in the gestion of your affairs: and I am happy that you view my administration so far with cordial approbation. Justice and truth require that I acknowledge how much I am indebted to my coadjutors and constitutional advisers, in whose personal virtues and political wisdom, you have expressed a confidence so just, so well merited, and so safe. The restoration of peace is an universal blessing, for which our interests, as well as our religion, call for our thanks.
Accept for yourselves, gentlemen, and those whose sentiments you have been desired to communicate, my sincere thanks for the expressions so personally obliging to me, and the assurances of my respect and high consideration.
TH: JEFFERSON.
FROM A LONDON PAPER, DEC. 4.
OF FRANCE.
A letter from a gentleman on his travels in France, says, "You surely do not expect that a residence of three weeks should have rendered me so confident of my own insight into national manners, as that I should presume to give you a view of them. It has not been my fate to meet with any of those opportunely character-istic conversation—those epigrammatic dialogues, or theatrical contests of repartee, which are so easily found and so nicely concerted in the books upon the subject. I observe only, that the gait of the French nation is now perceptible chiefly in their fondness for public places; and there, indeed, it should rather be called a desire of amusement, and of being relieved from the consciousness of a want of gaiety. The fact is, that the general air is that of tristesse , of nonchalance or of insouciance . Those who feel most, or have most to feel, are sad; the rest have a kind of habitual indifference. I have mentioned this to strangers, who have been here in former times, and find it universally admitted. Some of the inhabitants themselves confess it, and seem indeed to be proud of it as creditable to their character. "Every one" they say "has lost a relative, during the Revolution, either by the massacres, the executions, or the war; some have lost by every mode of death; would you have us the only unfeeling people upon earth?" And it is not only by the loss of relatives that the present race of Parisians are depressed. Great numbers even of the middle classes have suffered in their property; nearly all have been, at one period or other of the Revolution, in extreme danger of their lives; and could scarcely at any time feel that security of person and property, without which man either flies into violent resistance, or falls into torpid despair. The latter was the state of the most respectable part of the Parisians; and I have heard several of them say, that the French character will never be restored in the metropolis, until a new generation shall supply a majority, who have not witnessed the horrors of the present; who did not daily see the carts
passing with victims for the guillotine; who did not nightly fear the domiciliary visit; who did not tremble in the street at the sight of every person worse dressed than themselves. The present generation have a remainder of despair upon their character, which may be softened into indifference, but cannot be changed into gaiety.
"The churches of the capital exist, for the most part, in the state they were in before the Revolution, except as to the valuable articles of their furniture and decoration; and some of the latter have now been restored. Several are open for catholic worship on Sundays and other days, and three or four are well filled; but I found it was rather because there is a fashion of attending mass at them than from any religious motive. An attendance at church begins, however, to be considered as the distinction of those, who are independent of the trade of Revolutions. There is also one Protestant church, that of St. Thomas de Louvre, which is always full on Sunday. You are aware that both Sundays and Decadi are observed only as far as choice directs. Every citizen opens or shuts his shop as he pleases. The effect of this is, that both days are partly observed, and neither completely; but with respect to outward appearance, the former is by far the most attended to.—About two thirds of the shops and manufactories are shut on Sundays, and one third on Decadi. It is thought, indeed, that if the persons employed under Government had not Decadi for their only holiday, and thus set an example to others, it would not be more observed at Paris than in the departments, where scarcely any regard is now paid to it."
"Though the appellation of Citizen is extinct so far as you do not use it to equals, you cannot flatter a man of the lower class more than by accosting him with it. He feels reminded of his political existence, and becomes your humble servant immediately. "Citoyen, ou est le maître de Ministère de l'Intérieur?" "Ou! mon brave Citoyen, je vais la montrer toute de suite!" To use it to shop-keepers is considered as an assertion of superiority, and on that account it is frequent; for you are not now to learn that in a Republic there being no fixed distinction of rank, every other kind of superiority is much more positively insisted upon than elsewhere."
From the New-York Evening Post.
EXAMINATION.—No. II.
THE next most prominent feature in the Message, is the proposal to abandon at once all the internal revenue of the country. The motives avowed for this astonishing scheme are, that "there is reasonable ground of confidence that this part of the revenue may now be safely dispensed with—that the remaining sources will be sufficient to provide for the support of government; to pay the interest of the public debt, and to discharge the principal in shorter periods than the laws or the general expectation had contemplated—and that though wars and untoward events might change this prospect of things, and call for expenses which the impost could not meet—yet that sound principles would not justify our taxing the industry of our fellow citizens to accumulate treasure for wars to happen we know not when, and which might not perhaps happen but from the temptations offered by that treasure."
If we allow these to be more than ostensible motives, we shall be driven to ascribe this conduct to a deficiency of intellect, and to an ignorance of our financial arrangements, greater than could have been supposed: if but ostensible, it is then impossible to trace the suggestion to any other source than the culpable desire of gaining or securing popularity at an immediate expense of public utility, equivalent, on a pecuniary scale to a million of dollars annually; and the greater expense of a very serious invasion of our system of public credit.
That these at least, are the certain consequences of the measure, shall be demonstrated by arguments which are believed to be unanswerable.
To do this the more effectually, it is necessary to premise, that some of the revenues now proposed to be relinquished, are with every solemnity of law pledged for paying the interest and redeeming the principal of our public debt foreign and domestic. As to the interest, and such parts of the principal, as by the original constitution of the debt, are payable by annual instalments, the appropriation is absolute. As to the residue it is qualified. On the 3d of March 1795, was passed an act of Congress which forms a main pillar in the fabric of our public debt—which, maturing and perfecting the establishment of a Sinking Fund, endeavors with peculiar solicitude to render it adequate, effectual and inviolable; by the 8th section of this act it is provided. "That all surpluses of the revenue, which shall remain at the end of any year, and which at the next session of Congress shall not be otherwise appropriated or reserved by law, shall ipso facto become a part of the Sinking Fund." This fund, by other provisions of the same act, is vested in commissioners in trust, to be applied to the redemption of the debt, by reimbursement or by purchase, until the whole shall be extinguished: and the faith of the United States is expressly engaged that the mon-
ies which are to constitute the fund shall inviolably remain so appropriated and vested, until the redemption of the debt shall be completely effected.
The simple statement of these provisions goes far to confirm the character which we have given to the proposition. But a disti't examination of the reasons by which it is supported, will, when taken in connection with those provisions, place beyond doubt, its absurd and pernicious tendency.
The first inducement offered for relinquishing the internal revenue, is a reasonable ground of confidence that it may safely be dispensed with.
When it is considered that we are in the very crisis of an important change of situation, passing from a state in which neutrality had procured to our commerce, and to the revenues depending on it, a great artificial increase—with good reason to look for a diminution, and without satisfactory data to enable us to fix the extent of this diminution: can any thing be more rash, more empirical, than voluntarily to abandon a valuable and growing branch of income of which we are already in possession? Can it be said that merely "a reasonable ground of confidence" is a sufficient warrant for so important a surrender? Surely we ought to have been told that there was at least a moral certainty of the fact. But even this would not have been deemed enough by a prudent statesman. Nothing less than experimental certainty ought to have been relied upon.—There was no pressure of circumstances making it proper to precipitate the measure.—It would have been ridiculous to pretend that the burden is so heavy as to demand immediate relief, and without this incentive to relinquishment, experience ought undoubtedly to have been taken as the only fit and sure guide.
Not only is it problematical what the present duties on imports will, for succeeding years, produce; but it is in a degree questionable, whether it may not be found necessary to reduce the rates. That they are now high when compared with the commercial capital of our country as not to be denied, and whether they may not be found too high for a beneficial course of our trade, is yet to be decided by experiment. The latter augmentations of the rates of duty, were made at times and under circumstances in the situations of this and of other countries, which forbid us to regard past experience as conclusive on the point.
Should it be said in answer, that the revenues can hereafter be renewed, if on trial it shall be found they have been prematurely abandoned, the decisive reply is, that this is to invert the natural order of reasoning. Were it now the question, whether such revenues should be created in anticipation of a possible deficiency, the correct answer would be, let experiment first answer the necessity: as they already exist, on a question to abolish them, the answer equally ought to be, let experience first show them to be unnecessary.
But how can they be unnecessary? Let us grant that the remaining sources will be equal to the purposes enumerated in the Message, does it follow that it will not still be wise to retain the internal revenue? Is it not desirable that government should have it in its power to discharge the debt faster than may have been contemplated? Is not this a felicity in our situation which ought to be improved? A precious item in the public fortune which ought not rashly to be squandered? But it is not even true that the laws have exclusively contemplated a definitive period for the ultimate redemption of the entire debt. They have only made a determinate provision for its extinguishment, at all events, within a given term of years; but, anxious to shorten the period, they, in the clause which has been quoted respecting the surpluses of revenue have made an auxiliary provision for the purpose of a bridging that term. The Message, while it goes to impair the efficacy of the principal provision, proposes formally to renounce the auxiliary, and thus to disapprove the provident care of the laws to accelerate the discharge of the debt.
How reconcilable is this with the wanton and unjust clamours heretofore vented against those who projected and established our present system of public credit; charging them with a criminal design to perpetuate the debt, under the pretext that a public debt was a public blessing? It is not forgotten that in these clamours Mr. Jefferson liberally participated! Now it seems, the tone is entirely changed. The past administration who had so long been calumniated by the imputation of the pernicious design, are of a sudden discovered to have done too much for the speedy discharge of the debt, and its duration is to be prolonged by throwing away a part of the fund destined for its redemption—Wonderful union of consistency and wisdom!
Before we yield our approbation to the proposal, we ought to have a guarantee for the continuance of our peace, long enough to give effect to the leisurely operation of that residue of the fund which it is intended to retain; else war, which never fails to bring with it an accumulation of debt, may intervene, and we may then rapidly hasten to that period when the exigencies of government may render it necessary to appropriate too large a portion of the earnings of labor. To guard against so afortunat-

a result, towards which there is always too great a tendency in the affairs of nations, our past administrations have evinced a deep foresight, and exercised a truly patriotic care. Unhappy will it be, if any succeeding projector shall be permitted to frustrate their salutary plan.
It has been seen, that the Message anticipates and attempts to answer objections to the direction of revenue: it is said, that, "found principles will not permit us to tax the industry of our citizens to accumulate treasure for wars to happen we know not when, and which might not perhaps happen but for the temptations offered by that treasure." Unless, however, the accumulation of treasure be the necessary consequence of retaining the revenue, this argument is evidently futile. But the President had only to open our statute book to learn, that this consequence is chimerical. All future surpluses of revenue, being already eventually appropriated to the discharge of the public debts, it follows that till the whole debt shall have been extinguished, there could be no accumulation of treasure—no spoil from that source to tempt the rapacity of a greedy invader. Here we fix the charge of ignorance of our financial arrangements: to which there can be no alternative but a deliberate design to delude the people. Between the two let the worshippers of the Idol make their opinion.
LUCIUS CRASSUS.
General Washington fore saw that frequent assaults would be made on our Constitution, under cover of the specious name of amendments, and endeavored, in his excellent farewell address, to guard us against them. "Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your present happy state (says he, with the most affectionate solicitude) it is requisite that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious its pretences. One method may be, to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot directly be overthrown."—Perhaps he hardly imagined so direct and bold a stroke as that aimed at the Constitution by the late attempt in Congress on the judiciary department.
An ingenious writer in the New York Daily Advertiser, speaking of the probable possession of Louisiana by the French, observes:—"What is meant by Louisiana? Is that term confined to the island, as it is called, of New Orleans, and the small district of country adjoining the embouchure of the Mississippi—or does it extend to the antient possessions of France, to an undefined boundary westward of this mighty river, and running north to the pole? Whoever has conversed on this subject with a Frenchman, statesman or private citizen, knows full well his national prejudices—the jealousy with which he views Canada in the possession of the English—and the countries west of the Alleghany, owned by the United States. He exultingly demands, "who first explored these wilds?" and considers their present occupation, as the result of imperious necessity—an usurpation to be recovered, whenever circumstances permit. "Confine yourselves to the eastward of your mountains" the great cordon of nature, and which the French endeavored to establish and maintain, at the epoch which first called forth the talents and enterprize of our immortal Washington. Should the French gain possession of Louisiana; and we believe most firmly, that part of the embarkation of Breton is destined for the Mississippi; how long will it be before the immensely rich mines of St. Fee will attract their cupidity, and allure the restless settlers on the western waters to unite in a common cause, to establish a new empire under the auspices of France, and reduce the Spanish dominions of Mexico and Peru? What controul can the Atlantic States have over their western territories?"
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
TUESDAY, FEB. 9.
A confidential communication from the President was read with closed doors. [It relates to Indian affairs.]
The 1802 Appropriation Bill was discussed in committee of the whole, Mr. Varnum in the chair, reported, agreed to, and ordered for a third reading.
The New Orleans drawback bill passed—Ayes 45—Nays 24.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10.
Mr. Davis moved a resolution for a bill to abolish the Internal Taxes.—He assigned as a reason, the Delay of the Committee of Ways and Means on the subject, and the necessity of a speedy decision.
This motion was opposed, as the committee, having determined on the abolition of the internal taxes, would speedily report; and that of consequence no time would be gained by its adoption. The motion was negatived—Yeas 40—Nays 57.
A bill making certain partial appropriations for 1802, passed as did also a bill respecting the collection of certain fees in the territory of Columbia.
THURSDAY, FEB. 11.
The House took up the amendments of the Senate on the bill for the relief of Samuel Dexter, which instead of allowing him six dollars per day, authorize the Secretary of the Treasury
to advance him 500 dols. to account.—Committed for tomorrow.
The Direct Tax amendment bill was taken up and dismissed.
From the Washington Federalist—Feb. 11.
The debate in the senate, the day before yesterday, upon the bill to authorize the settlement of the account of Samuel Dexter for his expenses in defending against the suit of Joseph Hodgson, deserves special notice.
It is well known by the public, that when the public offices were removed to the present seat of government, there was no public office for the war department, and that Mr. Dexter the then secretary of war, took, in behalf of and for the United States, a house of Mr. Hodgson on lease, to be occupied as a war office, which was, during the term of said lease consumed by fire. It will likewise be remembered what an infamous and unfounded cry was set up by our democrats, in every jacobin paper, from Duane, down to the Watch Tower, Chronicle, &c. &c.—that this burning was done intentionally by Mr. Dexter, or some other public officer, to screen from scrutiny, Colonel Pickering, Mr. Wolcott and many other officers under the federal administration, who, by these wretches, were accused of vast peculations of public money. It will likewise be remembered that a committee of the house of representatives was appointed for the purpose, and who actually did enquire into the causes of this house and the treasury office being burnt, and reported in such manner, as to quiet every reasonable apprehension of any crime in Mr. Dexter or any other public officer or agents; and in short, that the house was burnt by accident. In addition to this, Mr. Hodgson preferred his claims to congress, which in the house of representatives, was referred to a judicious committee, of which the present speaker was chairman, who, upon hearing all the allegations of Mr. Hodgson, reported that no blame could possibly be attributed to Mr. Dexter or any other person, but that the fire which consumed the house was in their opinion communicated by accident.
Hardened as these jacobins were, they recoiled a little at these stubborn facts; and for a time the public ear was relieved from their slanderous accusations of federal officers. After Mr. Dexter was out of all public employment, he was arrested in the suit of Mr. Hodgson, on the covenants in the lease, to deliver up the house, &c. at the end of the term. This suit is now pending before the circuit court of the District of Columbia, a decision of which is expected in June next.
Mr. Dexter applied to congress the present session for an indemnification against this suit. The house of representatives passed a bill directing the accounting officers of the treasury to settle Mr. Dexter's account for his time and expenses which had been, or might hereafter be incurred in defending against said suit. This bill came before the senate, and on the question shall have it a third reading—a debate was had, in which Messrs. Mason of Virginia, Wright, Cocke and Jackson opposed the bill; and Messrs. Tracy, Mason, of Massachusetts, Rofs and Ogden spoke in favor of it. It was urged in favor of the bill, that Mr. Dexter lived at a distance, and had been obliged to attend at great expense upon this cause, which was in fact the cause of the United States, that Mr. Dexter, was only the agent for the public, and to whom it was reasonable to make advances, that the expenses might not fall upon him personally, and that to force him to wait until a decision, was putting upon him an unreasonable burden, and as it might be a very inconvenient one, as the amount of expense must be considerable. And as no imputation of either guilt or negligence, could rest upon Mr. Dexter there ought to be prompt provision made by congress for his indemnification.
By the opposition it was urged, that we ought not now to pass any bill upon this subject. That any interference of congress, of this kind, would have a tendency to influence the jury in the eventual decision, who would commiserate the plaintiff as an individual, and think the public had better pay for his house than to throw the loss singly upon him.—Every senator in the opposition who spoke upon this bill, gave a most unequivocal opinion, that no suspicion could or ought to rest on Mr. Dexter; but that they believed him perfectly innocent; yet it would be sufficiently in time, to relieve him after a decision of court was had.
They urged that a full development of the subject ought to be had, that Mr. Hodgson had filed an affidavit that he expected to prove the house was intentionally fired by some person, and had named his witnesses of the fact; and that any interference of congress might impede a development, and that it was possible and indeed probable Mr. Dexter would recover, and obtain a bill of costs; and yet the government was now legislating on the subject of his expenses. They moved for a postponement till the next session, which was lost. The question was then put, shall the bill be read a third time? and there were 14 for it and 14 against it, the Vice-President was in the affirmative, which saved the bill.
It is extremely obvious in this whole business, that the ministerialists in the senate, still remember that Mr. Dexter was and is a Federalist.
Legislature of Massachusetts.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19.
Leave was given for a bill to establish a Lottery to raise 20,000 dollars, for the aid of the Locks and Canals on Connecticut river.
A bill for the establishing salaries of a fixed
and permanent value for the Justices of the Supreme Court, was read a first time.
SATURDAY, FEB. 20.
An order was received from the Senate, appointing the Committee, which waited on Mr. Baldwin, to wait on the Rev. Dr. Tappan, and request, for publication, a copy of the Sermon preached by him at Andover, at the interment of His Honor the Lieutenant Governor.
MONDAY, FEB. 22.
An additional bill, respecting the incorporation of the members of the Episcopal Church at Portland, was read twice.
A bill to incorporate "Pejepscot-claim" and Little's-Gore, into a town, by the name of Pejepscot, was read a first time.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
BY HIS EXCELLENCY CALEB STRONG, ESQUIRE, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
A PROCLAMATION For a day of PUBLIC FASTING and PRAYER.
THE religious principle of veneration for the Supreme Being is inherent to our nature and essential to our happiness; and our ancestors, from a just view of his providential government, and their own frailty and dependence, applied to him in all their necessities and dangers, and with united supplications addressed him at this season of the year, for his protection, and the supply of their wants: And as we are unworthy of his regard, and our circumstances depend entirely upon his pleasure, it is our duty and interest to imitate their example, to confess our sins with true repentance, and humbly to implore the divine blessing upon us in the course of the ensuing year.
I do, therefore, with the advice of the Council, appoint Thursday, the eighth day of April next, to be observed as a day of Public Fasting and Prayer throughout this Commonwealth, and to recommend it to the Ministers and People of every denomination, to meet together on that day, and with humble and contrite hearts to confess their manifold transgressions; to implore the forgiveness of that Almighty Being, who, in wisdom and mercy, presides over the universe; & to beseech him to continue his favor to us that he would give wisdom to our councils and improvement to our virtues, and bless us in all the work of our hands.
That the President and Congress may employ their talents and power to promote justice; and establish the union and tranquility of these States: and that all their measures may tend to the public happiness:—That those who are in public office in this Commonwealth may be solicitous to preserve the peace of society, and maintain the respectability of Government, by a prudent and impartial conduct, and a faithful application to the duties of their several offices:—That the people of the United States, may respect the authority of the Laws and Magistrates, and yield them a just and reasonable obedience, and that the privileges, by which we are distinguished from other nations, may be improved by us as a rich inheritance, and be transmitted without diminution to our posterity:
That the Ministers of the Gospel may be active and assiduous to plead the cause of Religion and recommend its practice; and that every christian society may flourish in knowledge, purity and mutual affection: That the rich and prosperous may endeavor to afford relief in every instance of necessity and distress; and that we may all cultivate the benevolent dispositions and offices enjoined by religion, and prove, by our conversation and conduct, that we are uncorrupted with vice and infidelity.
That he would be pleased to grant us favorable seasons, that our land may yield her increase and the trees yield their fruit:—That he would preserve us from wasting and contagious sickness, and continue to us the blessing of health:—That he would still protect and prosper our trade, manufactures, and fisheries: And that he would regard with favor our university, colleges, and academies, and schools in the several towns, and grant that they may accomplish the designs of their institution, and that multitudes may receive impressions in them, which shall secure their felicity and usefulness, and lay a firm foundation for public virtue:—
That he would subdue those lusts and passions of the human heart, from whence wars proceed, and overrule the mischief that has been done by the destroyers of mankind, to promote the wisest and kindest purposes:—That in every nation the Religion of Christ may be professed and honored, that the revolutions among men may subserve to the interest of his kingdom; and that of the increase of his government and peace there may be no end.
And the people of this State are requested to abstain from labor and recreation on said day.
Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, this twenty-second day of February, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and two, and in the twenty-sixth year of the Independence of the United States of America. CALEB STRONG.
By his Excellency's command, with the advice and the consent of the Council. JOHN AVERY, Sec'y.
God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By the Mail.
WASHINGTON, FEB. 12.
ON the 2d ult. a talk was held with the Little Turtle, and the Chiefs of the Miamies, Pottawatomas and Weas Indians, in the presence of the President of the United States. The speakers were Pottawatomas and Little Turtle. They expressed the attachment of the tribes for the white People; and suggested their wants and wishes. The talk being translated,
an answer was returned by the President. The Secretary of War then delivered an address to the Chiefs, which was answered by the Little Turtle.
John Haskel, Esq. is appointed Governor of the British Bahama Islands, in America.
The duty on antimony is to be taken off; and 20 per cent. on foreign printing types—The whole of the internal taxes are to be repealed, and 7,300,000 dollars (if the coins can be compassed) appropriated to the discharge of the national debt."
The expense of collecting the internal taxes, instead of amounting to 20 per cent. as stated by the democrats in Congress, and elsewhere, is not more than 13 3/4 the present year. So much for official veracity.
PHILAD. FEB. 15.
The Incompatability bill, notwithstanding the Veto of His Excellency the Governor, has repassed both branches, by more than the two thirds required by the Constitution. The numbers were:—In the Senate, for the bill, 18, against it 7:—In the House, for it 76, against it 4. The reflections arising from this extraordinary disagreement between the Supreme Executive and Legislature are too obvious to require comment.
NEWYORK, FEB. 15.
Extract of a letter from Washington, dated Feb. 10.
"However base and indelicate such a matter may appear to a citizen of Connecticut, who disdains to be biased by any consideration but the merits of the candidate and his country's welfare, yet there is little doubt of what is alluded to by M. Dana in his speech, viz. that from 25 to 30 of the Southern members of this house have absolutely pledged themselves to their constituents to vote for the abolition of the internal revenues, as the price of a seat in this branch of the legislature.
If this is not bribery, although indirect, I know not what to call it. These virtuous Republicans, to ensure a seat in Congress, before they have heard the subject discussed, without considering whether these revenues have not already been appropriated, engage to surrender them up, whatever new burdens this surrender may impose on the commerce of their country." Oh, Democracy! thou hast as little dignity or delicacy, as thou hast of consistency or true patriotism.
Extract of a letter from a Democrat at Washington, dated February 9th.
"'Tis fortunate for the Republicans that they are strong enough to get on without the vote of Mr. Calhoun, who is much of a trimmer.—The naturalization bill will be acted upon in a few days, and amendments will be made to it, 'tis said, which will render it more conformable to the wishes of the President, whose liberality extends to permitting an immediate admission to the rights of citizenship! Mr. King writes from England that he experiences nothing but vexatious delays from the British government on the subject of compensation for British captures, and Mr. Madison will shortly make a report to Congress on this subject. A resolution has passed for the abolishment of the Mint, and all the establishments of the nation will be tumbled down one after the other." (Aurora.)
BOSTON, FEB. 29.
NEWS from the MEDITERRANEAN.
Capt. Folger, who arrived here yesterday, in 49 days from Leghorn, informs, that four days before he sailed, Mr. Appleton, Consul at Leghorn, received a letter from Naples, informing him, that the George Washington frigate, of 32 guns, would come round to Leghorn, to take the vessels under convoy which were ready to sail; and touch at Marseilles for those waiting there:—That Mr. Cathcart had received a letter from Tripoli, dated December 28th, mentioning, that the Basha had purchased a Greek built ship, of 16 guns, which was to sail in a few days on a cruise, in company with a brig of 12 guns. The Tripoline Admiral sails in the ship. Mr. Cathcart's correspondent advised the Americans to wait convoy, as he imagined the risk very great:—That on the 28th December, Commodore Dale, in the President of 44 guns, in coming out of Port Mahon struck on a rock, and was at Toulon repairing:—That on the 12th December, the Philadelphia, of 44 guns, capt. Barron, sailed from Leghorn on a cruise, supposed off Naples:—That the Essex was daily expected at Leghorn from Gibraltar:—And that on his passage home, Majorca bearing N.E. six leagues, capt. Folger was chased by a black ship shewing 16 guns (which answered the description of the above Tripoline ship) until Cape de Gat bore E. by N. four leagues, when a sudden squall struck the cruiser and carried away his topmasts—on which he gave over chase, wore round, and stood over for the Barbary coast.
Lord Keith's fleet was at Port Mahon, the 24th December.
Foreign News.
Capt. Marshall, has arrived at New York, from Bordeaux. Sailed Jan. 2. The Definitive Treaty had not been signed; and commercial enterprises therefore, remained in a degree suspended. The squadrons for St. Domingo, sailed about the 14th Dec. The American Minister did not receive much homage of respect in Paris. He was treated as is said, with cool civility. The contrast between the reception of Monarchical and Republican Envoys, excited much observation. Every body remembered the parade with which the British Minister, and that Minister Lord Cornwallis

Poetry. Some idea of the delicacy and sweetness of Arabian poetry may be formed from the following specimens, selected from the elegant translations of professor CARLYLE. The one was addressed to certain young men by WALDATA, daughter of the last Caliph of Cordova, no less celebrated for the beauty of her person, than for the sweetness of her poetry. The other was facetiously pronounced, almost extempore, in view of the Monks of Khabbet, by Masud.
TO CERTAIN YOUNG MEN. WHEN you told us our glances, soft, timid and mild, Could occasion such wounds in the heart, Can ye wonder that yours, so ungovern'd and wild, Some wounds to our cheeks should impart?
ON THE MONKS OF KHABBET. Tenants of yon hollowed fauce, Let me your devotions share; There unceasing raptures reign— None are ever sober there!
DISTRICT OF MAINE. NOTICE is hereby given to the Creditors of SAMUEL MOORE, of Damariscutt, in said District, against whom a Commission of Bankruptcy has duly issued and proceeded upon, that they may shew cause before the Judge of the District Court of Maine, on Wednesday the second day of March next, at the Court-house in Pownalborough, if they think fit, against allowing and approving of the Certificate of discharge of the said Bankrupt. DAVID SEWALL, Judge of the District Court of Maine. February 22, 1802.
NOTICE is hereby given to the Creditors of WILLIAM FENNELLY, a Bankrupt, that Wednesday the second day of March next, is appointed for hearing any objections to the allowing the Certificate of Discharge to said Bankrupt; and that the hearing will be at the Court-house in Pownalborough; at which time and place any of the Creditors of said Bankrupt may appear, if they see fit, and be heard upon their objections. DAVID SEWALL, Judge of District Court. York Feb. 1, 1802.
TAKE NOTICE. ALL persons are hereby cautioned against purchasing a NOTE of HAND, dated the twenty-ninth day of December, 1800, for Fifty Dollars with interest—payable to JONATHAN GARLAND, or order, in fifteen months from date, signed by the subscriber—as said note was given without consideration, and I am determined not to pay the same. Pownalborough, Feb. 5, 1802. JOSEPH GLIDDEN.
THE subscriber hereby gives notice to all concerned, that having been duly appointed administrator on the Estate of JOHN HANCOCK RIGGS, late of Portland, in the county of Cumberland, mariner deceased, has taken upon him that trust, and given bond as the law directs. He therefore requests all persons who are indebted to said deceased's estate, to make immediate payment; and those who have any demands thereon, to exhibit the same to HARISON BRAZIER. Feb. 15, 1802.
THE subscriber hereby gives notice to all concerned, that having been duly appointed administrator on the Estate of BENJAMIN WINSLOW, late of Falmouth, in the county of Cumberland, yeoman deceased, has taken upon him that trust, and given bond as the law directs. He therefore requests all persons who are indebted to said deceased's estate, to make immediate payment; and those who have any demands thereon to exhibit the same, to THOMAS WINSLOW. Feb. 15, 1802.
THE subscriber hereby gives notice to all concerned, that having been duly appointed administratrix on the estate of JAMES DAVIS, late of Standish, in the county of Cumberland, yeoman deceased, has taken upon her that trust, and given bond as the law directs. She therefore requests all persons who are indebted to said deceased's estate to make immediate payment; and those who have any demands thereon to exhibit the same, to THANKFUL DAVIS. Feb. 15, 1802.
THE subscribers, having been duly appointed by the Hon. William Gorham, Esq. Judge of the Probate of Wills, &c. for the county of Cumberland, Guardians to ELIJAH TUTTLE, of North Yarmouth, in said county—who by the Selectmen of said town has been adjudged a Spendthrift—hereby caution all persons against trading with him; and those who may be indebted to him, against paying any thing to him; but all such persons are requested to make payment to us; and those who have any demands against said Spendthrift, are also requested to bring in their accounts to us. STEPHEN L. HARRIS, } Guardians. DAVID PRINCE, } North Yarmouth, February 10, 1802.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the subscriber has been duly appointed Administratrix of the estate of THOMAS FARNHAM, late of Bath, in the county of Lincoln, Mariner, deceased, and has undertaken that trust by giving bond as the law directs:—All persons, therefore, having demands against said estate, are requested to exhibit the same for settlement; and all indebted to said estate, are desired to make immediate payment. ELIZABETH FARNHAM, Administratrix. Feb. 15, 1802.
The Poor Gentleman, A new COMEDY—is just received, and for sale at the Book-Store of Jenks & Clark.
JUST RECEIVED, AND FOR SALE BY  How & Evans, At their Store in Middle-street, on corner Union-street, A Large assortment of PAPER HANGINGS—75 different figures, of the newest fashion, at the Boston prices.—Also, English, Hardware, & West-India Goods, and Groceries, as usual. Portland, Feb. 22. (6m)
Fresh Goods. WILL be landed this day, from on board ships Nabby and Minerva, from Liverpool, and offered for sale on very generous terms, per piece or less quantity, by  M'Lellan & Brown. Viz. 3 Trunks, consisting of common CALICOES; 3 colored fancy; few pieces black, dove, and yellow superfine CLOTHS; Dark ground superfine CHINTZ; CHINTZ FURNITURES, and Cotton and Calico CHECKS; Black CAMBRICS, and check'd MUSLINS, 1 Cane BROWN HOLLANDS, 2 do. Colerain LINENS, 1 do. THREADS and TAPES, 2 do. Silk and Cotton HOSIERY, 2 do. GLOVES and MITTS—well assorted. Also, in store, a few small sized Crates White WARE. Portland, Feb. 15.
Stephen Thomas, HAS for sale at his Store in Fifth-street, a large and general assortment of  Drugs & Medicines, as cheap as can be purchased in town. Port, Sherry, & Madeira WINES, of an excellent quality.—Also, very good Cogniac Brandy, and Holland Gin. Portland, Feb. 15.
Molasses, Per Hhd. for sale at approved credit, by  SAMUEL M. QUINCY, Portland, Feb. 15.
William Gorham, Respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has just received for sale, at his store in Forest-street, an assortment of  WINES, of the best quality.—Also, a large assortment of West-India Goods, Groceries, &c. all of which will be sold on the lowest terms for cash or country produce. Portland, Feb. 15.
FOR SALE, At JENKS & CLARK'S Bookstore, A NEW and neat edition of the COLUMBIAN ORATOR.—Also, a general assortment of SCHOOL BOOKS, and most kinds of BOOKS and STATIONARY, as usual, which will be sold at the Boston prices. Feb. 15.
Nathan & Company, FURRIERS, JUST arrived from London, will give the best price, and ready money, for all kinds of FUR-SKINS, at Gen. Coss's Tavern, sign of the Eagle, Forest-street. Portland, Feb. 8, 1802.
Cotton Yarn. ALMY & BROWN, in Providence, State of Rhode-Island, being principally concerned in the most extensive COTTON MILLS on the continent, have for sale a large assortment of COTTON YARN, suitable for Warp or Filling; and also of two and three thread Yarn suitable for knitting or weaving Stockings, both bleached and unbleached; equal in quality to any in America. They are enabled to supply their customers and others who may want, on as low terms as any persons in the United States, and on short notice. Orders from every part of the country will be duly attended to by addressing by post or otherwise, to the subscriber. ALMY & BROWN. Providence, 1st Mo. 1802.
John Taber & Son, NO. 8, MUSSETT'S ROW, KEEP the aforesaid Yarn constantly for sale, by the Bundle, at the same prices as at the Manufactory, with only the expense of transportation. Portland, 2d Mo. 8, 1802.
FOR SALE, At N. Richardson's Wharf, BALES INDIA COTTONS, consisting of Bour- bon, Gurrahs, Allat, and Patna Bales. Pipes 4th proof Barcelona BRANDY, Bags white India SUGAR, Quarter Casks old Lisbon WINES, Boxes dpt CANDLES, Casks fresh RAISINS, 2000 Wt. PEPPER, entitled to debenture. RAVENS DUCK, and RUSSIA SHEETING, 1 Trunk GOODS, consisting of LONGCLOTHS, MUSLINS, CAMBRICKS, BANDANNA HAND- KERCHIEFS, &c. Bbls. Fine and superfine FLOUR—Baltimore. By JOSHUA RICHARDSON. Portland, Jan. 25, 1802.
NOTICE is hereby given, to the nonresident proprietors of land in the town of Thompsonborough, district of Maine, that their lands are taxed to the State, County and Town, for the year 1801, in the bills committed to me the subscriber to collect as follows:
   Names No Lot No. Acre State tax County tax Town tax     James Bowdoin, Esq. 1 & 2 3385 5 64 13 52 9 2   Proprietors unknown 3 & 4 1380 2 30 5 52 3 68   6 720 1 20 2 88 1 92   6 665 1 10 2 66 1 77   James Bowdoin, Esq. 7 1200 2 48 8 80 3 20   8 1200 2 48 8 80 3 20   Proprietors unknown 9 600 1 20 2 40 1 60   9 600 1 20 2 40 1 60   10 1200 2 40 4 80 5 60   part of 11 700 1 16 2 80 1 86    And unless said taxes, and the necessary intervening charges, are paid to me the collector, on or before Thursday, the fifteenth day of April next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, so much of said lands will then be sold by Public Auction, as will pay the same, at the dwelling house of capt. NOAH JORDAN, Innholder, in said Thompsonborough. Feb. 15, 1802. PHINEAS JONES, Collector.
THE Copartnership of WASHBURN & COOK, was dissolved on the first day of this month, by mutual consent. RUFUS WASHBURN, SILVANUS COOK. Portland, Jan. 17, 1802.
French Spoliations. THE sufferers by French Spoliations, in Portland, and its vicinity, are requested to exhibit their claims at the Maine Fire and Marine Insurance Office, to the Subscribers, who were appointed a Committee for the purpose, at a meeting held on the 4th inst.—stating the names of the Vessel, the owner's, and the master's name, with the amount of Property captured, at the real cost or value at the time, stated in gross—together with such circumstances as they may think useful in establishing their claims. DANIEL TUCKER, HUGH M'LELLAN, THOMAS WEBSTER. Portland, Feb. 6, 1802.
DIRECT TAX. STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, EIGHTH COLLECTION DISTRICT, SECOND DIVISION.
NOTICE is hereby given, by virtue of an act of Congress, passed on the 14th day of July, 1798, entitled "An Act to lay and collect the Direct Tax, within the United States."—The following taxes assessed on the respective Houses and Lands, to which they relate, became due and payable on the 7th day of April, 1800, of which the said reputed owners, possessors, or occupants of said Houses and Lands, have been notified by the Collector in manner directed aforesaid; yet said taxes remain unpaid in said District, viz. Falmouth, in the county of Cumberland.
   Occupant. Owner. Value of House. Tax on House. Value of Lands. Tax on Lands.     Silas Howel. Howel Silas 523 80 1 48   Michael Lunt. Lunt Mich. 400 80 1380 3 90   William Prade. Pride Wm. 839 50 2 37   William Patrick. Patrick W. 300 60   Waldo Heirs. Waldo Samuel, Heirs of 3137 20 8 88   James Webb. do. 135   do. do. 1035   do. do. 621   do. do. 517 50   do. do. 4600   Zachariah Small do. 6911 50 19 56   Peter Chick do. 398 1 13   135 38   10,584 70  
And that so much of the above described property as will pay the respective taxes assessed thereon, with costs and charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of SAMUEL STAPLES Innholder, in Gorham, on Thursday the first day of April, 1802, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, unless prevented by previous payment. THOMAS M'LELLAN, Collector. Gorham, Jan. 25, 1802.
DIRECT TAX. STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, ELEVENTH COLLECTION DISTRICT, SECOND DIVISION.
PURSUANT to an act of Congress, passed the fourteenth of July, 1798, entitled, "an act to lay and collect a Direct Tax, within the United States."—will be sold at public Sale at the dwelling house of Benjamin Hooper, jun. in Biddeford, on Monday the fifth day of April next, at ten of the clock, A. M. so much of the under described estates, consisting of dwelling houses and lands, as will satisfy the taxes due thereon, together with costs and charges, as the law directs; unless said taxes and charges should be paid before that time.
   Value of House. Tax on each House. Value of Lands. Total tax on Lands.     John Fairfield 550 1 65 1191 23 3 37   Obed & Ralph Emery 300 60 1563 2 25   Capt. James Lane 300 60 1703 4 82   Dominicus Stearns 250 50 1852 93 5 24   John Davis 200 40 390 1 10    BENJAMIN HOOPER, jun. Collector. Biddeford, February 4, 1802.
DIRECT TAX. SEVENTH COLLECTION DISTRICT, SECOND DIVISION, IN THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS.
PURSUANT to an act of Congress passed the 14th of July, 1798, entitled, "an act to lay and collect a direct tax within the United States."—will be sold at public sale at the dwelling house of Benjamin Ayer, innholder in Standish, on Monday the fifth day of April next, at ten of the clock A. M. so much of the under described estates, consisting of dwelling houses and lands, as will satisfy the taxes due thereon, together with costs and charges as the law directs; unless said taxes and charges should be paid before that time.
   Names of Owner, or Occupant, at the time of taking the Valuation. Value of each dwelling house. Tax on each house. Value of lands. Total tax on lands.     Burnal Stephen 504 1 43   Barton Isaac 270 76   Brown Jesse 240 68   Cookson John 235 67   Cookson Joseph 198 56   Camell Thomas 356 1 1   Cook Nathan 434 1 23   Dow Joseph 1140 3 22   Davis James 630 1 78   Elias H. Derby, ow. 655 1 86   Obadiah Man, occu.   Elias H. Derby, ow. 220 63   Depper West, occu.   Davenport John 324 92   Freeman George 200 40 990 2 80   Freeman Benjamin 350 99   Fly James 51 14   Gibbs Ezra 798 2 26   Haskell Jonathan 651 1 84   Hopkins Theo. 105 21 420 1 19   Harding Barnabus 45 13   How Jacob 569 1 69   Holmes Josiah 280 56 924 2 62   Jones William 300 60 1080 3 6   Enoch Illey, ow. 180 51   Robert M'Donald, occu.   Jackson Thomas 240 68   Kelley Peter 298 85   Kimball Jacob 605 1 71   Laraby Isaac 350 99   Libby Jonathan 237 67   Libby John 337 95   McDaniel Saml 452 1 21   Mercer John, jun. 616 1 75   Mercer Charles 70 20   Morton Elisha 228 65   Morton Joseph 180 50   Means David 60 17   M'Donald Robert 160 45   Milkins Josiah 528 1 50   Maxfield Josiah 264 75   Merrill Nathan 1450 5 80 4188 11 84   Naton Abraham 700 2 1   Nath Elijah 357 1 1   Parker Moses 150 30 540 1 53   Richard Pierce 125 25 456 1 29   Procter Wm. 360 1 2   Pote Thomas 360 1 2   Row Ephraim, 3d. 203 29   Rogers Wm. 56 16  
   Row Webber   Robinson John 576 1 6   Sawyer John, jun. 296 3   Snow Thomas 288 34   Swett Joshua 90 27   Stone Joshua 84 25   Skillines Benj. 180 54   Sanborn David 386 1 1   Sanborn David, jun. 176 59   Sawyer Saml. 417 1 12   Small James 404 1 12   Sirington Nathl. 312 84   Thompson Edw. jun. 60 18   Thorne Joseph 118 37   Thorne John 150 43   Tinney Saml. jun. 200 53   Tinney Henry 205 79   Thorndike Larkin 234 65   Verrell Richard 240 68   West Joseph 66 18   Wood Joseph 250 79   Ward Jonathan 120 34   Winney Joseph 212 60   Wilbur Thomas 256 72   Young Joseph 90 25   Young Solomon  
NON RESIDENTS, TO ME UNKNOWN. No. of Lots.
   Baker Charles 102 28   Bickford Wm. 159 43   Chapman Isaac 546 1 50   Clerk Ephraim, heirs of 234 65   Cumming Stephen, heirs of 120 34   Harding Stephen 60 18   Aldson Jacob 882 2 41   Age Thomas 250 79   Abbot Stephen 254 72   Andrews Jonathan 312 84   Butler John 84 25   Cushman Richard, heirs of 540 1 50   Crecy