The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-12-18 00:00:00

Thompson
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. 51. ]
WEDNESDAY, December 18, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
The Adelphiad, No. XXVIII.
NO character has been more universally disliked and reproached than that of a pedant. In a qualified sense, no doubt, the censure is just. A certain painter, after he had drawn his picture, wrote under it, "this is a bear," by way of explanation. The pedant does the same thing. Fearful that he shall not have an opportunity to have his abilities discovered, he seems to say to every one who approaches him, I am a man of learning. This orientation is not less unnecessary than ridiculous. The various topics of conversation will give an ample opportunity for a display of erudition, without having every subject luged in by the ears to gratify a favourite propensity.
The term Pedant, however, has been very unjustly confined to a scholar. Any man, who is an adept in any particular art, mystery or science, if he brings forward his own occupation or mystery as a subject of conversation, and dwells long upon it, is a pedant. A belle or a coquette, if she relates the number of conquests that she has made, possesses a pedantic disposition. An officer who talks of his ravelins and fortresses, when the subject of conversation does not demand it, is liable to the same imputation. How often have we seen some gentlemen, who have been on a short voyage, and can scarcely be said to have burnt the nautical egg, talk in the style of a seaman as much as all the admirals in the British navy; these likewise are pedants. The beau, who engrosses all conversation with an account of the newest fashions, and discourse like a knight of the thimble on the most genteel cut of the coat, is also a pedant. Indeed, in every rank and class of society, whether rich or poor, we discover men of a pedantic disposition. Let us not then apply this appellation solely to the scholar, when we ourselves are guilty of the same absurdities in another way. All men of all descriptions have the same passions and propensities, and wish for the same opportunities to indulge them. Nothing but an intercourse with mankind can show the follies and absurdities of such pedantic orientation. It may be generally remarked, that a pedant is not what we commonly call a man of the world; and the moment he becomes such, he ceases to be a pedant.
I have an old female acquaintance, for whom I have the highest esteem and affection. We commonly spend our evenings together, under the comfortable smoke of a pipe, while the potatoes are roasting in the fire. She was once a belle, and had many proffers, civilities and attentions. As partners in misfortune, old maids and bachelors commonly associate. This venerable treatise, which, by the cover, wears marks of antiquity, has often furnished me with a variety of interesting anecdotes. When young, said she, I always had the misfortune to be courted by pedants of all classes. A lawyer, a doctor, a merchant, a tailor, a blacksmith, all pedants in their way, solicited the honour of my hand. The lawyer in his letter, said he, took occasion to observe, that his cause was desperate, and would be infallibly ruined by my demurrer. The doctor declared that the incision-knife of my beauty had made such an aperture in his heart, that nothing but the poultice of matrimony could cure it. The merchant, with equal truth and sincerity, avowed that he had endeavoured to draw upon my affections, and was always noted for non-acceptance. The tailor swore that he admired my signals, and wished he could make a lawful prize of so handsome a galley. The blacksmith roundly affirmed that he had long been under the hammer of my disdain, and that his sighs for my neglect would equal in strength and sincerity the puffings of his bellows. Fortunately, said she, I had the good fortune to escape from all these pedants, which is to me a great source of satisfaction. This story of the good old woman's relation will serve to illustrate what I before observed, that any man, whatever may be his occupation, may still be a pedant. O.
From the (N. Y.) COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER.
The Itinerant Preacher.
"See that ye fall not out by the way."
MAN is defined for activity, exertion and enterprise. Whether we view him in populous cities or solitary retreats, we find him active, inventive, and perpetually busied in reformation. The variety of occupations, and multiplicity of conditions, passing continually before us, bespeak diversity of opinions, and freedom of choice. The emblem of human affairs is rather a passing stream, than a stagnant pool.
"Man (saith Montesquieu) is born in society, and there he remains." If there is any propensity common to his character, it is to herd with his species, and follow the croud. He is averse to a solitary life, and seeks the enjoyment of company. With solitude are connected sadness and melancholy; with the concourse of men, gladness and pleasure. The track of a savage on the desert shore, kindles emotions of joy in the heart of the lonely mariner; and the silent tokens of amity and kindness awaken in his bosom the pleasures of society. Though we are so strongly attached to society, and value so highly its pleasures and advantages, we often discover principles and actions hostile to its existence, and productive of its ruin.
Mutual wants and mutual compassion, a sense of reciprocal benefits and hopes of security, lead us to friendship and amity. Our admiration and desire for the same subjects, opposite pretensions and mutual provocations in the course of competition, produce animosities, war and dissension. Our attachment to any particular sect or party, often derives its force from our animosity to an opposite one; and this animosity arises from a zeal to espouse and vindicate the cause of our own party. This leads us to embrace the occasions of contention with alacrity and satisfaction. Hence we become familiar with quarrels and contests, and strangers to peace and unanimity. The most tranquil retreats are surrounded with enemies, and every day's observation affords specimens of strife and contention.
The advantages of social harmony have been so often portrayed in glowing colours, that an attempt to attract further attention to this subject, by additional efforts, may appear vain and intrusive; but it is the remark of experience, that we seldom estimate the worth of our most valuable enjoyments till we realize their loss. Health seems most precious to the sick, and life most valuable to the expiring. Therefore, at a time when alliances seem formed for violation, union and good faith withdrawing from society, quarrels and contentions of gigantic inveteracy, menacing the extinction of every social principle; we may, by seeing the effect of dissensions, feel the worth of unanimity.
The animated poet, wise politician, and enlightened divine, concur in recommending union as the surest medium of success in every enterprise. Though all may agree in pointing out the object of our security and happiness, but few develop to the mind effectually the means of obtaining it. 'Tis in vain to hold out allurements to engage attention in the pursuit of an object, without instructions how to acquire the possession. Preachers and politicians may exhort their flocks, and counsel their fellow-citizens to unite; but unless they assist and enforce the reasons why, their efforts, though unceasing, will prove unavailing.
Sensible of our animal wants and desires, we are generally governed by considerations of interest. Rare indeed is an instance of disinterested friendship or liberality known in society. The primum mobile of all our actions, and mainpring of all our boasted patriotism and virtue, is self-interest. So much are we under the dominion of this principle, that we are unwilling to pursue or countenance objects or measures which we think contrary to self-interest, but eagerly grasp at those we apprehend will advance it. If we are mistaken in the event, our disappointment must be imputed rather to ignorance than irresolution. For whatever may have contributed to create a taste, and form a choice, 'tis certain our desires are always fixed upon those objects we think will afford the greatest enjoyment. To acquire the possession, awakens every inventive faculty, and employs every active power of which we are possessed. The philosopher
in his closet, the statesman in council, and the warrior in the field, are all impelled to action by the same motives, the gratification of their desires. Passing, if it were possible, unnoticed, the concourse with which our capital cities swarm, of dice, billiard and card-table votaries, who dissipate their time, property and character in nocturnal revellings, and noon-day number; we find the same principle predominating in all classes and professions of men.
If men are governed by the same principle, to what cause shall we ascribe their diversity of desires and pursuits? We have no occasion to enter far into the history of human nature, for a solution of this question. Man is the creature of notion, the child of imitation, and offspring of example. To different systems of education, more than to any other cause, may be ascribed the origin of his various and opposite opinions. From different ideas and sentiments, arise diverse, contending and opposite pursuits. Hence the party jars, religious sects, political parties, clashing interests and contending passions, which constitute our greatest misfortune, and expose us to all the evils of war, famine and distress. When union and peace prevail, plenty and joy accompany them; but contention produces every thing hostile to happiness. Various methods are adopted to unite men in maintaining their political and ecclesiastical rights; but the most powerful is to show them their interest in so doing. They will then act with energy, consistency and firmness. To effect any material revolution in society, you must discover the object to be advantageous. The party politician, wishing to carry his point at an election, may vociferate unite, unite, till his powers of speech are exhausted; he will not succeed, unless he can show one common interest to support, and one common mischief to avert. This he never can accomplish, without the mind is enlightened. The uninformed are ever fickle and undetermined. Credulous of fables, they are the dopes of misrepresentation, and abandon to-day the cause they espoused yesterday.
'Tis of importance that a nation should have a national energy, character and interest; and that this national stamp should be marked upon every individual. Athens, Sparta and Rome, produced good citizens, able legislators and brave defenders, who were remarkable for their patriotic virtues and national attachment. They were good citizens because they knew their duty, and were early accustomed to discharge it. Their valour was the effect of education, and their unanimity the consequence of national institutions and uniform instruction. The same cause would no doubt produce similar effects in the United States, or any other country.
While a nation has no public and permanent institutions for improving and uniting her youth, her old men will, in the language of oriental poetry, "dream dreams, and her young men see visions," of union and security, which exist only in the regions of imagination.
To persuade men not to "fall out by the way," it is necessary to convince them of the utility of uniting and assisting each other. Few men can knowingly and voluntarily act contrary to their interest. Therefore, to ensure unanimity in public concerns, the public good must be the standard, and of this every mind must be well informed. To establish a system of conduct for a man, you must commence at an early period. In advanced life he becomes confirmed in his habits, and cannot be easily changed. Hence the necessity of early attention to education.
When America shall see the fostering hand of uniform instruction stretched forth to train her sons to a knowledge of their rights, duties and interests; she will then, nor till then, see them unite in advancing their common happiness, by securing their general welfare. Real merit will then constitute the only criterion of preference; virtue, integrity and talents command veneration, inspire confidence, and produce satisfaction.
THE ITINERANT PREACHER.
PHILADELPHIA, December 6. A bill is now pending in the Legislature of Maryland, for the incorporating a company to open a canal between the river Delaware and the Chesapeake Bay.
In a late Paris paper, Blanchard gives the following account of his aerial excursions, and their consequences, from which it appears that though he ascended, the people of Paris would not come down:
"Being teased with questions respecting my last three ascensions at Paris, of which I had not intended to give any account, I request you will inform the amateurs, that the grand excursions which I made at Tivoli, on the 8th Thermidor, with the astronomer Lalande, from engagements which I had come under to his family, could only turn out a Bagatelle , and I accordingly descended at Bagatelle."
"On the 15th of Thermidor, accompanied by an engaging citizeness only ten years old, and innocence itself, I descended on the Plain of Virtue. I had made the greatest sacrifices to repeat the experiment on the 4th Fructidor, in Biron Gardens, with the hope of repairing the losses I had suffered on the earth while I was flying in the air. But all my labour and money being lost by the little encouragement I have received, I descended between the Bicetre and the hospital, which is the very place destined for every artist who shall persist to make similar experiments at Paris. As to myself, without repenting that I have amused the public at my own expence, I declare that, if ever I am again seen in the air, it shall not be in the atmosphere of this Commune, which has deprived me of again making any such sacrifices."
The subscriber, master of the ship Perseverance , of Philadelphia, lately arrived from Batavia, conceives it a duty he owes, as well to the conduct and character of his Excellency Governor Brooke, of St. Helena, as to all Americans trading beyond the Cape of Good-Hope, to whom a knowledge of the good treatment they may expect to receive at St. Helena may be of material service, to publish the following:
On our passage from Batavia, we found it necessary to put into St. Helena, and on anchoring in the roads we were boarded by two armed boats from the Belvidere, Capt. Christie, and the Earl of Wycombe, Capt. Meadows, English East Indiamen, who forcibly took possession of the ship under pretence of our having Dutch property on board. In this situation the supercargo and myself determined to apply to the governor, who, on hearing the evidence on both sides, ordered the ship to be instantly restored to us, and on representing the matter to the council of the Island, the following resolution passed, was sent to me, and is now in my possession:
"St. Helena, September 23d, 1799. Resolved, That in consideration of the ship Perseverance having been illegally seized in this harbour, and in direct contradiction to the orders of government and the port regulations established at St. Helena, the captain or supercargo be requested to draw out a clear statement of any loss or damage that has been sustained in consequence of said outrage—that this government may order the amount to be paid, and charged to account of those who committed the same."
The commodore (Christie) and some of the inferior officers of the two ships, were ordered under arrest, to be sent to England for trial, for contempt of the governor's authority in seizing the Perseverance under the guns of the forts. Indeed, in every instance, the supercargo and myself experienced from the governor the utmost politeness and hospitality, which we believe has been his uniform conduct to all Americans. I have much pleasure in adding this public testimony in his favour, as far as respects the case of the Perseverance .
DAVID WILLIAMSON.
Philadelphia, December 5, 1799.
By an American captain from Cape-Francois, we are told, that Lord Balcarres has forbidden the entry at and departure from Toussaint's Dominions, under Dutch and Spanish colours, as a degradation of the British flag. This is believed to be the ground of the report propagated at the Southward, by the member of Congress.
It is added, on the same authority, that Toussaint loses ground daily.
NEW-YORK, December 5.
From the Baltimore Federal Gazette, of Dec. 2. A Member of Congress from Norfolk, on his journey to the seat of government, mentioned in this city on Saturday last the arrival of a Captain Young at Norfolk from Jamaica, who reported that the treaty between Toussaint and the British government was formally annulled by a proclamation of Lord Balcarres, the Governor of Jamaica, in consequence of repeated violations on the part of Toussaint; and that the capture of all vessels trading to St. Domingo, without discrimination, was authorized by said proclamation.
The respectable channel through which this report reaches us, has given great alarm to the mercantile part of our city. It is, however, so flagrant a breach of faith, as relates to the United States, and is so irreconcilable with the understanding that took place between the two governments, respecting the intercourse with St. Domingo, that we cannot, without further evidence, ascribe to Great-Britain so swindling a conduct, calculated to procure her own dishonour, and excite the indignation of all neutral powers.
This morning arrived a cutter, under the command of lieut. Hervey Kenyon, prize to the U. S. brig Norfolk, Captain Bainbridge; which she captured the 7th ult. off the Cape. The cutter is laden with coffee—was bound from Jeremie to Cuba.
The United States sloop of war Ganges , Capt. Mullowny, to sail shortly from Philadelphia, will take all vessels bound to the windward Islands under convoy.
SIXTH Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
WEDNESDAY, December 4.
AFTER the Speaker had taken the chair, it was moved that the House resolve itself into a committee of the whole, upon the President's speech, which being agreed to, Mr. Rutledge was called to the chair.
The committee of the whole agreed to the following resolution, which was reported to the Speaker on the House being resumed:
Resolved, that it is the opinion of this committee, that a respectful address ought to be presented by the House of Representatives to the President of the United States, in answer to his speech to both Houses of Congress, at the commencement of the present session, containing assurances, that this House will duly attend to the important objects recommended by him to their consideration.
The resolution being adopted by the House, it was moved and agreed to, that a committee of five be appointed to prepare an answer conformable to the resolution.
The committee named were, Messrs. Marshall, Nicholas, Sewall, Livingston and Rutledge.
The letter of the celebrated painter, Mr. Trumbull, accompanying two pictures forwarded to Congress as a present from the artist, was on the motion of Mr. Livingston also referred to a select committee.
On motion of Mr. Thatcher, the house proceeded to the election of a chaplain—upon examining the ballots, the majority, being 44 votes, was for the Rev. Dr. Greene. The next in number was for the Rev. Mr. Ustick, and there was one vote for Mr. Thatcher.
The House soon after adjourned to 11 o'clock on Thursday. The Senate chose the Rev. Bishop White as their chaplain.
TUESDAY, December 5. The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanying documents from the commissioners for superintending the public buildings at the city of Washington, containing statements of the expenditure of monies, and the progress in the objects for which they were appropriated, from the 18th of November, 1798, to the 18th of November, 1799.
A message was received from the President of the United States by Mr. Shaw, his secretary, containing sundry documents promised in his communication to both Houses on Tuesday:
1st. Relating to the insurrection in certain counties in the state of Pennsylvania.
2d. A renewal of intercourse with St. Domingo, by proclamation from the President.
3d. Relating to the opening of a negotiation with the French Republic.
The documents relating to the insurrection in Pennsylvania contained,
1st. A letter from Richard Peters, Esq. district Judge, to Timothy Pickering, Esq. Secretary of State, comprizing a statement of his proceeding on the first information of an opposition to the laws for laying a direct tax, and a tax on houses, &c. when he issued his warrants for apprehending the offenders.
2d. A report of the Marshal of the district made to the Secretary of State, relating his evidence of the existence of such opposition, and its progress, by preventing him from executing the warrants, issued by the district Judge, on the offenders.
3d. Several depositions to corroborate the facts which excited the interference of the executive.
4th. A proclamation of the President of the United States.
5th. A letter from the Secretary of War to the governor of Pennsylvania, requesting him to order certain militia companies to the aid of others, in order to quell the insurrection, and assist the marshal in apprehending offenders.
6th. Instructions from the Secretary of War to Brigadier General M'Pherson, who was appointed to the command of the expedition.
The documents for renewing negotiations with the French Republic contained,
1st. A letter from Patrick Henry, Esq. late governor of Virginia, expressive of his sense of the honour done him by the appointment, but which he declined to accept, on account of his age.
2d. A copy of a letter, dated Paris, August 28, 1798, from citizen Talleyrand to citizen Pichon, Secretary of Legation at the Hague, expressive of the readiness and desire of the French Directory to renew the negotiation with the United States.
3d. An answer thereto.
4th. A letter from the Secretary of State, in consequence thereof, informing Mr. Murray, the American Minister at the Hague, that the President had commissioned Chief Justice Ellsworth and Mr. Henry, in conjunction with himself (Mr. Murray) to treat with the French Republic, but that the two former gentlemen would not depart from America until the President had received full and unequivocal assurances that the ministers of the United States would be honourably received, as from a free, powerful and independent nation.
5th. Copy of a letter from Mr. Murray to Mr. Talleyrand, with the above notification.
6th. Answer thereto, dated Paris, May 12, 1799, assuring Mr. Murray, that the Directory law, with pleasure, a disposition in the United States to an amicable accommodation, which they much regretted must be postponed until a remote period, on account of the time it would necessarily take in conveying such assurances across the Atlantic—That every prerogative which could be granted, should be given to the American Ministers, and that one or more Ministers should be appointed on the part of the French Republic, to promote reciprocal harmony and good understanding.
The several documents were ordered to be printed for the use of the members.
Mr. Livingston moved the appointment of the usual standing committees, of Claims; of Elections; of Revisal and Unfinished business, and Commerce and Manufactures.
Mr. Bayard moved the following resolution viz.
That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill to establish an uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States.
Five members were appointed.
Mr. Otis moved the following:
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to consider whether it is expedient to make any, and if any, what provision for the relief of persons now confined in prison for debt, and to report by bill or otherwise.
He said he made the motion in consequence of an act for that purpose, of prescribed continuance, which had been suffered to expire during the recess of Congress.
Three members were appointed.
[Adjourned.]

FRIDAY, December 6.
Edwin Gray, Esq. from Virginia, and William Barry Grove, Esq. from North-Carolina, appeared this-day, were qualified, and took their seats.
Messrs. Dana, Sumpter, Kittredge, New, Henderson, Gordon and Bailey, were appointed a committee of election.
Messrs. D. Foster, Macon, Brace, Morris, Imbry, Hanna, and I. C. Thomas, were appointed a committee of claims.
Messrs. S. Smith, Sewall, Waln, Rutledge, J. Brown, T. Davenport and Taliaferro, were appointed a committee of commerce and manufactures.
Messrs. Griswold, Evans and Dent, were appointed a committee of revised and unfinished business.
Messrs. Bayard, Marshall, C. Goodrich, Sewall and Harper, were appointed a committee, in pursuance of a resolution passed yesterday, to bring in a bill for the establishment of an uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States; and
Messrs. Otis, Bird and Stone, were appointed a committee, in pursuance of a resolution passed yesterday, to report what provision ought to be made for persons confined for debt.
A letter from his excellency Gov. Wood, of Virginia, was read, inclosing a return of the members elected to represent that state in the House of Representatives of the sixth Congress of the United States—referred to the committee of election.
Mr. Harrison moved the following resolution, which was ordered to lie on the table, to wit.
"Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to enquire, and report by bill or otherwise, whether any, and what alterations, are necessary to be made in the judicial establishment of the territory of the United States north-west of the river Ohio."
Mr. Marshall, from the committee appointed to draft an address in answer to the speech of the President of the United States, at the commencement of the present session, reported the same, which was committed to a committee of the whole on Monday next, and ordered to be printed.
Mr. D. Foster presented a petition of Seth Nelson, for Samuel Brown, praying to be allowed three years pay, due said Brown, for his services as a soldier during the late war. Referred to the committee of claims.
Mr. Livingston, from the committee to whom was referred the letter of Mr. Trumbull, reported the following resolution, which was adopted by the House:
"Resolved, That the two elegant prints offered by Mr. Trumbull, be accepted; and that the Speaker be instructed to write an answer, expressive of the pleasure with which this House has observed his genius and talents exerted in the patriotic task of celebrating the events which led to his country's independence, and dedicated to the memory of those heroes who fell in its defence."
On motion of Mr. Bayard, the President's Speech was referred to a committee of the whole on the state of the union.
And then the House adjourned till Monday morning, 11 o'clock.
STRENGTH OF AMSTERDAM.
[The expedition against Holland exciting much political speculation, the following remarks on the strength of Amsterdam will not be thought uninteresting.]
THE attack which the Duke of Brunswick made on Amsterdam in 1757, was successful, and it did infinite credit to his military genius, and the promptitude with which he seized on and improved an oversight in the defence of the republican party. The account which a most acute and able historian gave of the posture of the country, and its natural as well as acquired sources of defence, will be interesting at this moment, when a second attempt is to be made upon it by a Prince of the same illustrious house. The Duke of Brunswick made his approach to it on the south side. The Duke of York proceeds in the opposite direction: but the nature of the country is the same on both sides. The writer of the historical part of the Annual Register gives the following statement:
"The city of Amsterdam, through its peculiarly inaccessible situation, its artificial strength, with the courage and number of its inhabitants, had, in the severe wars of the 16th century, risen superior to the designs and genius of Don John of Austria, and the Duke of Parma, the greatest generals, and at the head of the best officers and troops then in the world. With equal fortune, in the 17th century, it successfully resisted the mighty power of Lewis the Fourteenth, then at its meridian height, and baffled all the attempts of a Luxemburgh and a Conde, similar generals, at the head of similar troops, but with greater armies. All attempts on it have accordingly been long considered as impracticable and visionary; and it has been held, that nothing less than such a frost as would congeal both the salt and fresh waters of the country, could render it liable to the approaches of an enemy; who must likewise have a presence of the event, his preparations made, and his forces on the spot, to profit of the occasion; while a sudden thaw would not only overthrow the design, but possibly be the means of overwhelming the invading army."
"Besides the difficulties opposed by a very narrow country, every where intersected with dykes, and commanded by sluices capable of laying it suddenly under water, it is covered on the east and north, and shut in from the ocean, by that admirable natural defence, the Zuyder Zee, whose sands, shallows and narrow inlets, render it impracticable to the designs of an enemy, and badly admit the navigation even of their own flat vessels, constructed for the purpose. A long, irregular, crooked branch of the Zuyder Zee, passes from east to the westward, until it ap-
proaches within a few miles of the German or North Sea, when suddenly making an angle to the right, it passes northward, and terminates in the open country. Amsterdam lies on the south of this inlet, which is called the Ye, and is not only effectually covered by it for several miles in the opposite direction, but it nearly, as we shall see, closes up the approaches to it from the west. For the Haerlem Meer, a lake about 16 miles long, and half as broad, lying to the south and southwest of that city, the land which separates that end of it from the Ye, is in no part above three or four miles over, but in one place, called, from its situation on the road to Haerlem, Half Wegen, these two great bodies of water actually communicate; and here, by the erection of flood-gates of an enormous size, the waters of the Ye are prevented from being discharged into the Haerlem Meer; an event which would occasion a great part of the province of Holland, to the distance of near thirty miles, to be overflowed, as the level of the sea at high water is evidently above that of the lake, and of the adjoining country."
"The only road by land to Haerlem, and the country to the westward, is carried over these flood-gates; and it will be easily seen, that Half Wegen, from its situation, is capable of being rendered a post of great strength, and must be of the greatest importance with respect to the security of Amsterdam. No pains were accordingly spared by the republican party, in order to its being fortified in the best manner. For this purpose, they committed the place into the hands of a French officer of some distinction; who had the charge of constructing these works and batteries, which he was finally to defend. They besides rendered the approaches on the Haerlem side as difficult as possible, by destroying the bridges, cutting down trees, making deep ditches across the road, and laying the country under water; so that all access to Amsterdam on that side was held to be utterly impracticable, however bold or formidable the enemy."
"The country to the southwest, south and southeast of Amsterdam, was generally composed of low rich meadows, surrounded and intersected by numberless wet ditches; and these meadows being lower than the surface of the adjoining waters, were easily overflowed by breaking the dykes of the Amstel, the Vecht, and the Nieuw Meer. Though these inundations were not in general very deep, yet they served, through the number of undiscordable ditches which they concealed, to render the meadows totally impassable to an army. In this situation of the country, the only possible method of approaching Amsterdam, was along the roads that run on the top of the dykes; but even these seemed in a great measure impracticable to an army that was to advance in the face of an enemy: for, besides that the water was in many places nearly on a level with the dykes, they were in general so narrow, that very few men could march abreast; and not above one, or at the most two pieces of ordnance, could any where be brought to bear at one time upon the defensive batteries."
This narrative will show our readers that his Royal Highness the Duke of York, though commanding an army of near 50,000 men, has a most arduous task to accomplish, and particularly as the season most unfortunately favours the defences of the country. He has, however, the advantages of the Zuyder Zee open to him, and he may undoubtedly collect an immense number of flat bottomed boats, by which to approach the city on that, its most vulnerable side. Here, however, he will have to encounter all the ability of the best French engineers, who have had time to erect batteries, and to prepare for such an attack. But even if Amsterdam and all the peninsula should fall, it is to be considered what further movements our army could make at this season of the year. The French, then desperate, might totally inundate the country. The writer whom we quoted above, describes their power of doing so in the following passage:
"It can scarcely pass unobserved, by those who know the nature of the country, that Amsterdam upon the occasion passed over one source of defence, which would have effectually secured them from the immediate designs of their enemy. This was no other than the rendering the inundation perfect; for by letting the waters of the Ye flow into the Haerlem lake, at Half Wegen, the dykes as well as the fields would have been laid under water in such a manner as to render all approach to the city impossible. But as this was the last, so would it have been a most desperate resource, and such as could scarcely be warranted by any thing less than the approach of so barbarous an enemy, that extermination, or massacre, were the expected consequences of his success. For a very great part of the province of Holland would not only have been ruined for the present by the inundation, but the beggary would be entailed for some years upon the people, through the length of time, and the very great expence, which a second recovery of the land from the dominion of the water would occasion. Such a measure would likewise exasperate all orders of the people in so great a degree, both in the towns and in the country, all suffering severely under the common calamity, that the republican party could scarcely hope after to exist among them. From these causes, and from a seemingly well-founded reliance on the security offered by their present barrier, Amsterdam did not yet resort to this last and dismal extremity."
A WELL POINTED EPIGRAM.
From Anna Hathherewaye to her Willy.
ALTHOUGH doth Willy promise fayre, Off man's deceits i must beewaye.... Full well i know their arts and wyles, And frownes doe oft succede their smyles. My maydenne name once stunje awaye, Nee longer Anna HATH HEERE WAVE!
Late Foreign Intelligence.
By Capt. Prince, from Liverpool, arrived at Portland.
French official Articles.
Result of the operations of the army of Helvetia, on the 25th and 26th of September.
THE 24th of September, the 3d division of Lelorge passed the Limant—the camp of the enemy was carried. The same day the enemy were repulsed under the walls of Zurich.—1000 killed, 3000 prisoners.
The division of Gen. Mortier, and the reserve command by Gen. Klain, attacked Zurich in front, beat the enemy and took some prisoners.
The 26th of September, the division of Gen. Lelorge penetrated the enemy in all points, and entered Zurich; 4000 killed, 2000 prisoners, among whom are three Russian generals; 3000 wounded. The third division of Gen. Soult passed the Linth between the Lakes of Zurich and Wallenstadt. It attacked the enemy that and the following day, and completely beat them—3000 killed, among whom were Gen. Hotze, and the chief of his staff.
Total killed, 8200—prisoners, 5000—wounded, 6500. The whole, 19,700.
We have besides taken from the enemy six standards and 150 pieces of cannon.
Copy of a letter from Gen. MASSENA, to the Executive Directory.
Head-quarters at Zurich, September 26.
The army entered Zurich combatting—the 3d division passed the Linth between the Lake of Zurich and that of Wallenstadt. The enemy are in full retreat, and I am pursuing them.
(Signed) MASSENA.
LONDON, October 10.
It is reported with great confidence in the political circles, that a negotiation was actually on foot at Berlin, for the re-establishment of the Stadtholder; and that the King of Prussia interposed himself with great zeal to bring it about. The French were not greatly inclined to the measure, and required only that a guarantee should be given that they should not be disturbed in Belgium. On this footing, the cession of Holland on the one side, and of their conquests in Italy on the other, would have been the basis of a general peace.
This, however, was not acceptable to the courts of London and St. Petersburg. They would not accept by compromise what they had resolved to accomplish by force; and in the confidence of success in their intended descent, they compelled the King of Prussia to relinquish his mediation, and to adhere to his neutrality. The fact is not improbable, when we consider the success that has attended the operations of the allies through the whole of the campaign, and the belief that was generally entertained, that the Dutch people would be almost unanimous in declaring for the Stadtholder as soon as a landing should be effected. In the case of negotiation, we would have been without possession of the Dutch fleet, which by some fresh rupture and unforeseen contingencies, might afterwards have come to be at the disposal of the French Republic.
From BRUXELLES, October 4.
"Letters from the frontiers of Westphalia announce, that since the war of seven years, no one remembers to have seen such formidable preparations for war. The commissaries are making enormous purchases of provisions of all kinds. The principal magazines are established at Minden, Ham, and Rees; troops are continually arriving not only from the banks of the Weser, but from the interior of Prussia. The Prussian army of observation will be composed of four divisions, each of ten thousand. All the regiments forming this army will be put on the full war establishment. It is still pretended that the Prussian troops will immediately occupy the states of his Prussian Majesty, situated on the left bank of the Rhine, which the French troops will evacuate."
HOLLAND.
It seems to be the determination of the ministers to persist in the plan of the attack upon Holland, and therefore more troops must be immediately sent to keep up the ranks of our army, and improve the advantages we have gained.
In the engagement of Alkmaar, the British artillery being left at one time of the action exposed to a great part of the enemy, were taken prisoners; but two troops of English cavalry attacked the assailants with such spirit, that they put every one of them to the sword, and regained the artillery, with very trifling loss.
The inhabitants of Alkmaar (says a letter from Holland) actually refused permission to the retreating and defeated army to pass through their town, and shut their gates against them, which were gladly opened to the Duke of York, on the 3d of October.
It is stated that the British and Russian forces made 4000 prisoners.
BREST FLEET.
A letter from on board the Boadicea, of 38 guns, dated off Brest, on Monday last, the 2d instant, relates that captain Keats had just ran into Brest water, to nearly within gun-shot of the batteries, by which means he was enabled to count forty-seven sail of the line, and fifteen frigates, with sails bent, and to all appearance in every respect ready for sea. Other vessels were in a state of preparation, and one ship seemed ready, except her foremast, which had been taken out, but which could be replaced and rigged in a few hours.
The appearance of the combined fleet by no means accords with the recent accounts of mutiny and extensive desertion; though to these causes alone can we rationally attribute their long continuance in port, when the necessity of our resisting left our trade and territory open to
their desperate and vindictive enterprizes. We congratulate the country upon their inactivity, whatever was the cause: and have now only to wish that they will give our fleet the meeting.
By the ship Polly, Capt. Grozier, arrived at Boston, in 55 days from Liverpool.
English Dates to OCTOBER 14.
Official Letters of the Duke of York, to the Hon. Henry Dundas, Sec'y of State.
[From the Courier of Oct. 14.]
Head-Quarters, Alkmaar, October 7, 1799.
SIR,
THE enemy, after the action of the 2d, having taken up the position between Beverwyk and Wyk-op-Zee, I determined to endeavour to force them thence before he had an opportunity of strengthening by works the short and very defensible line which he occupied, and to oblige him still further to retire, before he could be joined by the reinforcements which I had information were upon their march.
Preparatory, therefore, to a general forward movement, I ordered the advanced posts which the army took up on the 3d inst. in front of this place, of Egmont-op-te-Hoof and Egmont-op-Zee, to be pushed forward, which operation took place yesterday morning. At first little opposition was shewn, and we succeeded in taking possession of the villages of Schermerhoorn, Acher Sloot, Limmen, Baccum, and of a position on the Sand Hills near Wyk-op-Zee: the column of Russian troops under the command of Major Gen. D'Essen, in endeavouring to gain a height in front of their intended advanced post at Baccum (which was material to the security of that point) was vigorously opposed, and afterwards attacked by a strong body of the enemy, which obliged General Sir Ralph Abercromby to move up in support with the reserve of his corps.
The enemy on their part advanced their whole force; the action became general along the whole line from Limmen to the sea, and was maintained with great obstinacy on both sides until night, when the enemy retired, leaving us masters of the field of battle. The conflict however has, I am concerned to state, been as severe, and has been attended with as serious a loss (in proportion to the numbers engaged) as any of those which have been fought by the brave troops composing this army since their arrival in Holland. The gallantry they displayed, and the perseverance with which they supported the fatigues of this day, rival their former exertions.
To General Sir Ralph Abercromby, and the other general officers in command of the brigades in the action, as also to Colonel McDonald, my warmest acknowledgments are due, for their spirited and judicious exertions during this affair; nor ought I to omit the praise due to Col. Clephane, commanding four companies of the 3d, and one of the Coldstream regiments of guards, who, by a spirited charge, drove two battalions of the enemy from the post of Acher Sloot, making two hundred prisoners. I have sincerely to regret, that in the course of the action, Major General Hutchinson received a musket-shot wound in the thigh, which, however, is not serious.
I have not yet received any reports of the killed and wounded, but am apprehensive that the number of the British is not less than 500, and that the loss of the Russian troops, as far as I can understand, amounts to 1200 men. I shall, as early as circumstances will possibly admit, transmit particular returns.
The loss of the enemy upon this occasion has been very great; and, in addition to their killed and wounded, five hundred prisoners fell into our hands.
I am, &c. FREDERICK. The Right Hon. Henry Dundas, &c. &c. &c.
Head-quarters, Schagen Brug, Oct. 9, 1799.
SIR,
I have already acquainted you with the result of the action of the 6th inst. which terminated successfully to the allied arms, and at the same time pointed out the necessity of the movement which produced this affair.
From the prisoners taken upon the 6th inst. I learnt the certainty of the enemy having been reinforced since the action of the 2d, by two demi-brigades, amounting to about 6000 infantry, and of their having strengthened the position of Beverwyk, and fortified strongly in the rear of 2 points, which it would still be necessary to carry before Haerlem could be attacked.
It ought also to be stated, that the enemy had retired a large force upon Purmerind, in an almost inaccessible position, covered by an inundated country, and the ditches from which were strongly fortified, and in the hands of the enemy; and further, that as our army advanced, this corps was placed in our rear.
But such obstacles would have been overcome, had not the state of the weather, the ruined condition of the roads, and total want of the necessary supplies arising from the above causes, presented difficulties which required the most serious consideration.
Having maturely weighed the circumstances in which the army was thus placed, and having felt it my duty on a point of so much importance to consult with Gen. Sir Ralph Abercromby and the Lieutenant Generals of this army, I could not but consider, and their opinion was unanimous on the subject, that it would be for the benefit of the general cause to withdraw the troops from their advanced position, in order to wait his Majesty's further instructions.
I must request you will again represent to his Majesty the distinguished conduct of his army, which, whilst acting under the pressure of uncommon difficulties, never for a moment ceased to be actuated by the noblest feelings for the success of the public cause, and the honour of the British arms.

As there are many points resulting from our present situation upon which you may require particular information, and such details as cannot be brought within the compass of a letter, I have thought it necessary to charge my secretary, Col. Browrigg with this dispatch, who will be able to explain fully all matters relating to this army.
I transmit a return of killed, wounded and missing, of his Majesty's and the Russian troops, in the action of the 6th instant. I most heartily lament that it has again been so serious, and that so many brave and valuable men have fallen. I am yours, &c.
FREDERICK.
Right Hon. HENRY DUNDAS. Returns of the English and Russians killed, wounded and missing, in the action of the 6th. 473 killed, 1450 wounded; and 603 missing.
PARIS, October 8.
A letter from Basle, of the 1st instant, says, that the greater part of the French forces which were between Riechen and Lorrach, had received orders to march towards the upper part of Switzerland. The Austro-Russians are in full retreat, in order to repass the Rhine near Diefenbach. A new affair yesterday took place beyond the Thur, the issue of which is not known.
Certain intelligence had been received from Basle, that the Austrians had repassed the Rhine near Constance, and that the French troops had entered the city soon after. The Russians had already passed the Rhine near Schaffhausen. Thus the Archduke comes too late with his reinforcements, and finds Switzerland entirely evacuated, and wholly in the power of the French.
Suwarrows, with 24,000 Russians, had succeeded in possessing himself of St. Gothard, and had repulsed the brigade of General Gudin, which guarded that important post, as far as the Lake of Lucerne. But having been apprised that Gen. Lecourbe was marching against him, Suwarrows retired by Llang and Dillens, to the Grisons, and the French again possessed themselves of St. Gothard.
Masena was on his march against Suwarrows, who is without artillery, having been obliged, on account of the badness of the roads, to transport his artillery from Italy to the Tyrol, by which road it was to come into the Grison country.
It was reported that a French column, commanded by Gen. Menard, had taken possession of Schaffhausen.
Several battalions march along the Rhine towards Nimeguen. They were detached from the banks of that river. When all these troops shall have arrived at their destination, the combined French and Batavian army, commanded by Gen. Brune, will amount to about 50,000 men, and may then assume the offensive, though that of the enemy be equally numerous, and still expects large reinforcements.
It is more than probable that Sir Sidney Smith was shut up in Aboukir, and that he is now a prisoner with Buonaparte.
The most gratifying reports are circulated respecting the state of our affairs in Helvetia. It is even said that Suwarrows is entirely surrounded, with sixteen thousand men, in the defiles of the Grisons, and that he will be obliged to surrender.
We are assured that the French shot on the field of battle all the Swiss emigrants taken with arms in their hands.
Madame Wickham is among the prisoners taken at Zurich.
Six thousand regular troops will in a few days arrive in La Vendee, to extinguish the beginning flames of revolt.
We are informed from the frontiers of Gallia, that the army of sixty thousand men, assembled there, have begun their march under the command of general Lacey, in order to repair to Switzerland, to which General Suwarrows is proceeding with the Russian army from Italy.
The Court of Spain has just given orders for a great number of troops, and particularly cavalry, to file off towards Estramadura, as it is supposed that the English and Portuguese are meditating an attack in that quarter.
BERNE, September 29.
Masena, whole attack, long ago concerted, had been prepared by the passage of Muller to the right bank of the Rhine, caused two bridges to be thrown over the Limath on the 3d of this month; one below Brook, with a great deal of parade, to attract the attention of the enemy; and the other above Baden, where he concentrated the greater part of his troops.
This stratagem succeeded beyond our hopes: The Russians advanced in a mass towards the first point, where they believed the attack serious. They quitted the point of Baden, and being then entirely turned, threw themselves in disorder into Zurich, to the number of 3 or 4000. The French general then sent an officer of his suite to summon the city to surrender; but as the officer was detained, he threatened to burn the city, and the citizens, alarmed, opened their gates. The carnage which had been made at the beginning of the action was resumed, because the Russians, when they recovered from their first confusion, fought still like lions. They barricaded themselves in the houses, from which they fired on the French. This fury continued for several hours, at the end of which our troops were entirely masters of the field of battle.
Since the capture of Zurich, the Russians seem to have entirely lost their senses. Their generals and officers took no measures to secure a retreat. Each battalion wandered about at hazard, and fell in succession under the swords of the French. Each individual, ashamed of being beat, seemed more occupied with the desire of avenging his defeat, than of repairing it.
The hospitals throughout the whole line are encumbered with wounded, both friends and enemies; and their number is so great, that our minister of the interior has given orders to send 400 carriages to remove them to the hospitals of the second line.
Dispatch from Buonaparte.
Buonaparte, member of the institute, commander in chief, to the Executive Directory.
Head-quarters at Alexandria, 10th Thermidor, July 28, 7th year of the Republic.
I announced to you by my dispatches of the 21st Floreal last, May 20, that the time appointed for the disembarkation had determined me to quit Syria. The disembarkation took place indeed on the 23d Messidor, July 11. A hundred sail, a great part of which were ships of war, appeared before Alexandria. The enemy landed on the 24th at Aboukir, with their artillery, and took possession with great intrepidity of the fort of Aboukir. They covered the right of their army by the sea, and their left by the Lake of Mahie. I departed from my camp near the Pyramids on the 27th, arrived on the 19th of July at Romanihe, and marched against Berethi. On the 7th, at six in the morning, I was in sight of the enemy. General Murat commanded the advanced guard. I caused the right to be attacked by Gen. Lasne, who commanded the left. Gen. Lasne supported the advanced guard. The two hostile columns were separated by a beautiful plain, and our cavalry found means to cut them off entirely from each other. The right column had no other way of safety than by throwing themselves into the sea, in order to get to their boats, which were lying at the distance of three quarters of a league from the shore. All those who composed it were drowned. It was the most horrid spectacle I ever beheld. I then attacked the second column, which was protected by a village, a redoubt, and strong intrenchments, and flanked by nearly 30 gun boats. Gen. Murat forced the village. Generals Lasne and Feuciers attacked the redoubts, and the cavalry completed their defeat. We made a dreadful slaughter of the enemy. The chief of the 60th demi-brigade, and Bernard, captain of the grenadiers, have covered themselves with glory. Those who were not mowed down by the sword, threw themselves into the water and were all drowned. I then caused the fort of Aboukir to be invested, where the reserve was, and in which the most active of the fugitives had taken shelter. To spare the effusion of blood, I caused six mortars to be brought, in order to bombard the fort. The shore, which the preceding year was covered with the bodies of the French and English who perished at Aboukir, was strewed with more than 6000 of the enemy. Not a man of this army shall escape when I have taken the fort, which will soon be the case.
Two hundred standards, all the baggage, forty field-pieces, Effis, the Pacha of Natolia, commander in chief of this army, and the cousin of the Turkish ambassador at Paris, and all his officers, are in our hands. We had one hundred men killed, and five hundred wounded. Among the former are Adjutant-Generals Lecure, Duvi-vier, Cretin, and my aid-de-camp Gulbert. The two former were excellent officers of cavalry, the third was the best officer of engineers, a body who contribute so much to the success of battles, and where the least fault may be attended with the most fatal consequences. I had great friendship for the fourth. Gens. Murat, Feuciers and Morandje, have been wounded. The success of this battle, which will have so much influence on the destiny of the republic, was principally owing to the general of brigade, Murat. I beg you will confer on him the rank of general of division. General Beyssiere, at the head of the guides, maintained the reputation of his corps.
General Junot had his clothes bored like a sieve with balls. I shall send you a list of the soldiers who have distinguished themselves most. I have presented Gen. Berthier, in your name, with a poignard of a new manufacture, on account of the services which he is continually performing for the republic. (Signed) BUONAPARTE.
Relative to the Armies.
LONDON, OCT. 12.
Yesterday a French cartel from Gravelines arrived at Dover, by which we have received French Journals one day later in date than those which came to hand yesterday.
The following Telegraph dispatch is given in the Bien Informe of the 8th.
Telegraph Communication, by the Line of Strasbourg. From Massena.
"October 5.—Six in the evening. Suwarrows is entering the canton of Glaris, and attacking Lecourbe.—On my side, I am closely surrounding him.
"6.—Suwarrows defeated—Ten thousand Russian prisoners—a decisive victory."
Domestic Articles.
RALEIGH, November 10.
On Friday last Col. Benjamin Williams, of this city, was elected Governor of this state for the ensuing year, by the General Assembly; and on Friday last, in the presence of both Houses of the Legislature, he took the necessary oaths of qualification.
NEW-YORK, December 7.
Extract of a letter from an American gentleman in Spain, dated September 25.
"As respects the order in favour of the American commerce, admitting our vessels with the produce and manufactures of any country, I would not advise you to place implicit confidence therein; for from what I can understand, English manufactures will not be admitted."
SALEM, November 13.
FROM BREMEN.
The ship Sally, Capt. Patterson, belonging to Beverly, has arrived at Portsmouth from Bremen, which she left the 19th of October. We have heard no public news by this arrival. We have seen a letter, of the 12th of October, from the house of Van Staphorst and Co. of Amsterdam, by which it appears that that city had not then been taken by the Anglo-Russians; but
no mention is made in it of the military operations, or of political matters.
From the 1st to the 26th of September, 32 failures took place in Hamburg, amounting to upwards of 38 millions marks banco; and since those, the principal banker of the city failed for 18 millions, and demands four months to extricate himself, which the merchants assented to. The failures still continue.
A letter from Bremen, of October 1, speaking of the commercial gloom which is extended all over Europe, in consequence of the failures at Hamburg and London, says, "It is almost impossible to draw a picture of the general diffidence. Trust and confidence are banished, and never was discredit carried to such a pitch as at this gloomy period." It adds, that only two or three failures, of little consequence, had happened at that place.
BOSTON, December 16.
It is reported, by the way of Norfolk, that the Governor of Jamaica has issued a proclamation, annulling the treaty lately concluded with Toussaint, and authorizing the capture of vessels trading to St. Domingo.
This report, it is suggested, arose from a local regulation of that Governor, prohibiting English vessels entering the ports of St. Domingo, except they are admitted under English colours.
We last evening received a letter from Beverly, mentioning that Capt. Patterson had arrived there from Bremen, which he left about the 18th October, and reports there having been a hard fought battle in Holland, about the 8th or 10th of October, in which the allied forces had been beaten and suffered great loss, and that it was the general opinion at Bremen they must quit Holland.
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18.
Through some mistake made on the road, in the exchange of Mails, the one due from the westward on Monday evening did not arrive, as usual, which deprives us of the pleasure of laying before our readers any late Congressional intelligence. We hope, however, that the lengthy details of late European occurrences, presented in this day's paper, will prove interesting, and in some measure compensate for the deficiency.
An attempt was lately made to rob the State Treasury of South-Carolina. The villains, in endeavouring to effect their purpose, had set fire to the state-house. Both these intentions were happily frustrated by a timely discovery.
A cutter, loaded with coffee, prize to the U. S. brig Norfolk, Capt. Bainbridge, has arrived at New-York. The frigate Bolton, Capt. Little, was in company when she was taken.
It is a fact, the evidence of which will one day appear, that the French Directory, little more than a year since, offered to the British government to conclude a peace, on condition of their receiving 1,000,000. Sterling for their private purses—England to retain all her conquests, and the Island of St. Domingo to be ceded to her. [Gaz. U. S.]
In the course of the domiciliary visits ordered by the central administration of the Lower Rhine, there were seized many church ornaments, which a few days before had been sold as national moveables; thus these kind of effects, daily seized and sold, afford to the public treasury a product as inexhaustible as it is novel. [Paris pap.]
   Comparative amount of exports from the following cities:     From Philadelphia, in 1797, 8,000,000   New-York, do. 5,500,000   Baltimore, do. 2,500,000   From New-York, 1798, 13,000,000   Philadelphia, do. 10,000,000   Baltimore, do. 10,000,000   From Baltimore, 1799, 16,610,000  
NEW-YORK, Dec. 14.
By the arrival of Capt. Foster, from St. Jago, in 20 days, we are favoured with the following:—On the 5th of November, the Boston frigate, Capt. Little, chased on shore a French ship called the Egyptian, mounting 40 brass guns, and carrying 250 men; and on the 7th, took a small lugger, with swivels and muskets, carrying 30 men.
LONDON, Oct. 10.
Mr. H. Jackson, one of the Irish state prisoners, with two unmarried daughters, his second son, and property to the amount of 50,000 l. on the 30th ult. embarked at Dublin for America. His eldest son remains, and conducts the foundry and iron business.
The English cruisers off Malta have captured a number of vessels from Tripoli, in Syria, that have been in the habit of conveying provisions, &c. to the French garrison in that island.
Married,
On Sunday evening last, Capt. MARTIN PAGE, to Miss PRUDENCE BULLOCK.—Capt. DAVID HICKS, to Miss ROSAMOND SEAMANS.
At Attleborough, Mr. DAVID SMITH, to Mrs. LUCY TYLER, late of Providence.—Rev. SAMUEL WATSON, of Barrington, to the amiable Miss MARTHA BICKNELL, daughter of Capt. Thomas Bicknell, of Attleborough.
Died,
In this town, suddenly, in an advanced age, Mr. BENEDICT TABER.
At Cranston, in the 85th year of her age, Mrs. MARY CORN, relict of the late Mr. JOHN CORN.
At Savannah, Mrs. HOPE WALL, wife of Col. WILLIAM WALL, formerly of this town.
At Alexandria, Col. JOHN FITZGERALD, a very distinguished character in the American revolution.
At Philadelphia, on the 9th of October, Capt. JOHN WALL, of Wickford, in this state.
Port of Providence.
ENTERED.
Sloop Rising Sun, Rhodes, Alexandria; sloop Humbird, Oza, Bristol; sloop Cordelia, Anthony, New-York; sloop Warwick, Russell, New-York.
CLEARED.
Schooner Nabby, Franklin, New-York; sloop George, Bailey, Charleston; sloop Welcome, Thornton, Edenton; sloop Juno, Trowbridge, New-York; schooner Zerviah, Rhodes, Norfolk; schooner Eliza, Northup, New-Providence; sloop George, Young, Cape-Bravo; schooner Lucy, Smith, Havana.
POSTSCRIPT.
Late last night, after this paper was ready for press, we were handed the Mercantile Advertiser, printed at New-York on Saturday last, from which we have extracted the following, brought by an arrival at New-York from St. Sebastian's, in 47 days:
PARIS, October 12.
Maseraudo has been charged by the King of Spain, to concert with the Executive Directory every thing that concerns the disposition of the Spanish squadron now in our ports. He had received upon this subject absolute powers. This power thus gives us a new proof of her good faith in the alliance she has contracted with us.
October 15.
Buonaparte's Return!
A message of the Executive Directory of yesterday, contains the following particulars respecting Buonaparte:
"The Directory announces to you, citizen Representatives, with pleasure, that they received news of the army of Egypt. General Berthier, who landed the 9th instant at Frejus, with the general in chief, Buonaparte, the Generals Lasne, Marmon, Murat and Andreossi, and the citizens Monge and Bartholier, informs, that they have left the French army in the most favourable situation.
Cries of "Vive la Republique" were heard from every part of the hall—Caret in a discourse celebrates the victories of the French armies—he sings praises to general Buonaparte, Massena and Brune—he finishes by demanding that the Council should declare that the French army in Batavia have not ceased to deserve well of their country.
October 16.
Buonaparte passed some days at Corsica, where he was visited by the officers of health, who presented him a certificate of dispensation from the quarantine. He is expected to-morrow at the Directory.—Tallien has lost an eye, and is at Malta, with many other of the deported. Buonaparte went on board a frigate, which was escorted by three others. His health is somewhat impaired—he will rest 2 or 3 days at Frejus. Lucien and Joseph Buonaparte have gone to meet him.
It is impossible to describe the despair of the army when they heard of the defeat of the fleet at Aboukir. Every one indulged the most fatal conjectures. The countenance of Buonaparte, always firm, and always immovable, restored hope and confidence to the army.
His name alone is worth, in this country, an army of 50,000 men. This reputation, and this invincible ascendant, are not more due to the glory of his arms, than to his profound policy.
The army of the Grand Vizier will not probably go into Egypt.—It is pretended that the Porte intends to dismiss him, but that he proposes to declare himself independent, and thus render himself master of Syria; and to assure the possession of this vast province by a treaty with the French Republic, by the mediation of the general in chief Buonaparte.
There is also in circulation another version of this report. It is said that Buonaparte brings a treaty of peace with the Grand Signior, and that the army of the Grand Vizier is going to attack the Crimea in the southern provinces of Russia. These stories are considered extraordinary; but the name of Buonaparte has been hitherto connected with events so unforeseen, and results so astonishing, that we can no longer measure by the scale of probability, any of the events directed by his genius. Telegraphic Dispatches of October 12. Gen. Massena to the Directory.
I have completely beat the enemy; and driven them beyond the Rhine—2000 men have been killed and wounded, and 1000 made prisoners—six stands of colours, and many cannon have been taken—among the killed was found a general of the corps of Conde.
The New-York paper referred to above contains, likewise, a letter from Gen. Massena, to the French Directory, dated at Zurich, October 9, confirming the intelligence communicated by means of the telegraphs, of his having been completely victorious over the Austrians and Russians opposed to him. This letter concludes thus:
"The result of these different battles is, about 18,000 prisoners, of which 8000 are wounded, and could not be carried away by the enemy—more than 100 pieces of cannon, 13 stands of colours, 4 Generals taken prisoners, 5 Generals killed (among whom was Gen. Hotze) the retaking of Gothard, of Glaris, and of all the vallies that enter into it. Finally, the total loss of the enemy, in these different affairs, is more than 30,000 men."
Sales at Auction.
Without Reserve, will positively be Sold, At the AUCTION ROOM of Benjamin Hoppin & Co.
On SATURDAY NEXT,
 TWELVE boxes and casks of Havana Brown SUGAR,  14 barrels first quality Surinam ditto.  10 ditto Cape ditto,  4 Hogheads Jamaica RUM,  3 Barrels GENEVA,  8 Chests BOHEA TEA,  1 ditto HYSON ditto.  ALSO, Sundry Articles of DRY GOODS.
Sale commences at TEN o'clock.
The above Goods will be sold on 45 days credit. December 18.
WANTED,
A JOURNEYMAN TAILOR. One who understands his business will receive good wages. Likewise wanted, A LAD, about 13 or 14 years of age, as an Apprentice to the Tailoring business.—Apply to JOSEPH TABER, Dec. 18.

Original Poetry.
THE ROYAL ARCH.
WHEN orient Wisdom beam'd serene; And pillar'd strength arose; When Beauty tinged the glowing scene, And Faith her mansion chose;
Pale Envy wither'd at the sight, And frowning o'er the pile, Call'd Murder up from realms of night, To blast the glorious toil.
Concealment from sequester'd Love, On sable pinions flew, And o'er the sacrilegious grave Her veil impervious threw.
At length, through Time's expanded sphere, Fair Science speeds her way; And warm'd by Truth's refulgence clear, Reflects the kindred ray.
THE LAY PREACHER.
And behold, among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding.
THE royal son of David drank wisdom from the copious fountain of experience. The story of his life presents a striking moral to the sons of pleasure; and his pointed aphorisms evince, that even indulgence itself was made subservient to his improvement, and that he extracted instruction from sensuality.
Who has trodden the round of dissipation, and will not acknowledge, that Solomon has correctly depicted its scenes, carefully pointed out its snare, and faithfully displayed its consequences?
The subtle arts and crafty devices of the "strange woman" are not a subject of easy description. Her lips "drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil."
The great Socrates might feel himself instructed and delighted by the brilliant wit, the courtly elegance, and polished manners of an Athenian courtesan; and Pericles might derive lessons of eloquence from the persuasive wisdom of a Grecian harlot;
The man who travels the by-path of secret licentiousness, though he may avoid the ignominy attendant upon open debauchery, cannot escape the pangs of conscience, and the decided condemnation of the upright man.
his seduced victims, may be shrouded by artifice from the inspection of the world, neither power nor cunning can conceal them from the piercing scrutiny of the "mind's eye."
There is no transgression more shameless, known among men; than the visitation of the public stews. He who is in habits of this nature scorns, indeed, the hypocrisy of concealment;
The man of genius and the man of rank are not unfrequently noticed within the walls of the brothel. These examples, with weak men, may sanctify the practice.
In short, the secret debauchee, and the avowed libertine; the covert destroyer of female innocence, and the frequenter of the stews, must submit to endure the bitterest execrations of moral honesty, and the unqualified contempt of the lovers and supporters of public decency;
The Lay Preacher of Pennsylvania.
ANECDOOTE.
An honest Boniface, on the Birmingham-road, who kept the sign of the Bear, finding trade flourish and fortune smile upon him, at last determined to change his sign for one of more congenial gentility.
For SALE, by
Wanton Steer,
Opposite the Long Wharf.
THE best kind of MOLASSES, SUGAR and COFFEE, from Cape-Francois, in hogheads, barrels and bags, on the lowest terms for cash or short credit.
December 11.
Prince G. Wright,
Ladies' and Gentlemen's fashionable Hair-Dresser, TAKES the liberty, in manner the most profoundly respectful, to inform the ladies and gentlemen of Providence, and its vicinity, that he still continues business at the old stand, opposite Mr. Nathan Angell's.
Mr. W. having, by travel and unwearied application, much improved his natural happy talent of adding beauty and dignity to the "human face divine," presumes to say, that he is not to be excelled in any the most difficult branches of FASHIONABLE HAIR-DRESSING.
Mr. W. has taken great pains, in his selection of powders, pomatums, &c. to procure those of the most exquisite flavour, and in other respects the best of their kinds.
Ladies and gentlemen waited upon at their own houses—wigs made for either, in the newest and best manner, and at moderate prices.
Recently arrived, a variety of TASTY ALTERNATIONS.
The public's devoted PRINCE G. WRIGHT, L. G. F. H. D. December 11.
Just Published, And for sale by J. CARTER, at the Printing-Office opposite the Market, wholesale and retail,
THE NEW-ENGLAND ALMANACK, OR
Lady's and Gentleman's DIARY, for the Year of our Lord 1800. By ISAAC BICKERSTAFF, Philom. Containing, besides the usual astronomical calculations and tables (which are very accurate) a variety of useful and entertaining matter.
For Charleston (S. C.) THE brig HERMES, JOHN EARLE master—to sail the 18th of this month. For freight or passage, apply to the master on board, or to Capt. WILLIAM EARLE, South End. December 4.
Four Dollars Reward.
STRAYED or stolen from the subscriber, a black MARE, about fourteen hands and an half high, and four years old. Said mare has a white spot on her forehead, and a white spot near the left shoulder—has large ears and thin mane, and is a natural trotter.
Forty Dollars Reward.
DESERTED on the night of the 20th ult. from the ship Tyre, Samuel Brown, master, a seaman named BENJAMIN BUTLER, about six feet high, dark complexion, pitted with the small-pox; and a man by the name of ISAAC LEWIS, who said that he was from Connecticut, about five feet ten inches in height.
SAMUEL G. ARNOLD and Co. Providence, December 4.
Dancing and French Language Academy.
Mr. DESFORGES
Respectfully informs the ladies and gentlemen who have honoured him with the tuition of their children, and the public in general, that he intends opening his Dancing-Academy at the Exchange Coffee-House, on the third Monday of December, on the same terms as before, viz. two lessons a week, and eight dollars per quarter.
Having had several applications from gentlemen of this town, Mr. Desforges proposes teaching the FRENCH LANGUAGE likewise, and will devote four evenings in the week for the instruction of those who wish to acquire that very useful accomplishment.
Mr. D. evermore anxious to please all his employers, has the honour to acquaint them, that in order to remove the objection which has been made against the dancing-hall mentioned in his first advertisement, the ladies will receive their instructions at his own house, in the most central part of this town. December 4.
For SALE by Pitts and Chedel,
At their store, opposite the store of Amos Atwell, Esq; GOOD Surinam Molasses, by the hoghead Sugar, by the hoghead and barrel Bohea Tea, by the chest Hylon and Souchong, by the dozen or smaller quantity A few hogheads of good Rum. October 23. (t. f.)
For SALE, by Amos Maine Atwell,
CONNECTICUT Salted Provisions of the best Qualities, and in excellent shipping order, viz. Prime Beef, Prime Pork, Mels 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 centum. October 30. (t. f.)
ALL persons having any demands against the estate of EBENEZER JENCKES, late of Providence, merchant, deceased, represented insolvent, are hereby notified to exhibit the same for allowance, within six months from the date hereof, to the subscribers, who are duly appointed commissioners to receive and examine the same. JOHN ROGERS, RICHARD JACKSON, jun. YOUNG SEAMANS.
All persons indebted to said estate, are requested to make payment to DAVID LEONARD BARNES, Adm'r. Prov. Dec. 2.
Benjamin Thurber
Has just received a handsome assortment of GOOD S,
Suitable to the season, which are now for Sale, at his Store, at the Sign of the Bunch of Grapes. Please to call and see them.
AMONG THEM ARE, SCARLET, crimson, blue and London brown broadcloaths; London brown, blue and green serges; forest-cloth, lamb-skin and coarsing, very cheap; swandown, nankeens, florentines, lergedenims, crimson, scarlet and green baizes; blankets, black, yellow, red and white English flannels; morseus, russels, plain and striped calimancoes, durants, shalons, plain and striped wildbores, bengals, crapes, dimities, mulinets, India cottons, a great variety of mullins, jappets, Irish linen, sheeting cotto, towcloth, bed ticking, yellow canvas, cambricks, lawns, a large assortment of camels hair, silk and chintz shawls; black Barcelona and bandano handkerchiefs; a variety of fancy patches, chintzes and calicoes; English and India lustings of various colours; English and India satins of all widths, modes and many other silks for bonnets, silver grey, Persians, long and short silk gloves, a great variety of black and white laces, fashionable ribbons, white and coloured kid gloves, mens and ladies hose, a fresh assortment of womens Morocco and florentine shoes, mens womens and boys fur hats, muffs, furs, trimmings, house paper, writing ditto.
Brafs kettles, warming pans, candlesticks, London and Bristol pewter, knives and forks, shovels and tongs, metal tea pots, patent lamps, elastic needles, fadrons, bellows, coffee mills, looking glasses, glass, China, Liverpool and Delf ware; cotton and wool cards.
Hylon and bohea tea, by the dozen, warranted; pepper, cinnamon, nutmegs, ginger, mustard, Spanish float and French Indigo, warranted; long and short pipes, per gross, salt petre by the pound or dozen.
Molasses, sugar, coffee, best Boston chocolate and shells, raisins, flour, cod fish, with many other articles, very cheap for cash only. Nov. 13. 10 w.
A fresh Supply of GOODS.
SAMUEL AMES,
At the west end of the Great Bridge, Has just imported, by the Minerva, from London, and the different vessels from Liverpool to Boston, and now offers for sale, at the lowest prices for cash,
BEST superfine Broadcloths and Kersimere, with fashionable Buttons, and Cape Velvets A great variety of Swandown Waistcoating Marseilles and Sattin for do. White, Yellow, and Black Swanskins and Flannels Yellow, red, crimson and green Baizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10-quarter Rose-Blankets, of a superior quality Best stout Devonshire Kersley, light and dark Coatings German Seres A variety of Worsted, Cotton and Silk Hose Men's and Women's Silk and Leather Gloves Mens' fashionable black Beaver Hats 5 dozen of Umbrellas, assorted (English manufacture) Rabb'd and plain Wildbores Rabb'd and plain Pelsells and Russells Best double Morseus Durants and Tammies A variety of fashionable & black India and English Lustings and Satins Modes Sarfennets Tiffanies Gauzes Ribbons Tapes Bobbins and Threads Diapers Table-Cloths Brown Hollands Plailias Russia Sheetings Ravens Duck.
ALSO, A great variety of Calicoes, Chintzes, Mullins, Shawls, Handkerchiefs, and almost every article usually called for in an English Goods shop. October 23. (8w.)
Cooley's genuine Pills,
Prepared by Samuel Cooley, of Bolton, 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, Rheumatism, Erysipelas, Gravel, Piles, Scurvy, Dizziness 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 contagious air, remove obstructions of any kind, by dissolving and discharging the morbid matter, help digestion, restore a lost appetite, a sure relief 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 themselves made weaker, as is common to other physic. 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 body 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 PORT, Providence. August 21. (t. f.)