Jenks's Portland gazette (Portland [Me.]), 1799-12-23 00:00:00

JENKS' PORTLAND GAZETTE.
PUBLISHED BY ELEZER ALLEY JENKS, PRINTER OF THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES, FOR THE DISTRICT OF MAINE.
[NUMBER 37.]
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1799.
[VOLUME II.]
Miscellany.
ACCOUNT OF THE STRENGTH of AMSTERDAM.
[From an Edinburgh paper, Sept. 27.]
THE attack which the Duke of Brunswick made on Amsterdam in the year 1787, 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 accurate 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 an 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 long 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 like wise 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 sea, whose sands, shallows, and narrow inlets, render it impracticable to the designs of an enemy, and barely admit the navigation even of their own flat vessels constructed for that purpose. A long, irregular branch of the Zuyder sea passes from east to the westward, until it approaches 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 nearly, as we shall see, closes up the approaches of it to the west. For the Haerlem Meet, a lake about 16 miles long, and half as broad, lying to the south and south-west 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 Meet; 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 the 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 south west, south, and south east 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 New Meer. Though these inundations were not in general very deep, yet they served, through the number of undiscovable 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 which run on the top of the dykes; but even these seemed in a great measure impracticable to an army to advance in the face of an enemy; for, besides, the water was nearly in many places on a level with the dykes, they were in general so narrow that very few men could match 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 shew 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 favors the natural defences of the country. He has, however, the advantage of the Zuyder sea 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 this 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 rendering the inundations perfect; for by letting the waters of the Ye into the Haerlem Lake at Halt 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, thro' 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 to 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 afforded by their present barrier, Amsterdam did not yet resort to this last and dismal extremity."
EXTRACTS.
[From Discourses on Davila.]
This mournful truth is every where confest'd, Slava rises Worth by Poverty depress'd.
IF we attempt to analyze our ideas, still further, upon this subject, we shall find, that the expressions we have hitherto used, attention, consideration and congratulation , comprehend with sufficient accuracy, the general object of the passion for distinction, in the greater part of mankind. There are not a few, from him who burned a temple, to the multitude who plunge into low debauchery, who deliberately seek it by crimes and vices. The greater number, however, search for it, neither by vices nor virtues: But by the means which, common sense and every day's experience shews, are the most sure to obtain it; by riches, by family records, by play, and other frivolous personal accomplishments. But there are a few, and God knows but a few, who aim at something more: They aim at approbation as well as attention; at esteem as well as consideration: And at admiration and gratitude, as well as congratulation and wonder united. This last description of persons is the tribe out of which proceeds your patriots and heroes, and most of the great benefactors to mankind. But for our humiliation, we must still remember, that even in these esteemed, beloved and adored characters, the passion, although refined by the purest moral sentiments, and intended to be governed by the best principles, is a passion still: And therefore like all other human desires, unlimited and insatiable. No man was ever contented with any given share of this human adoration. When Cæsar declared he had lived enough to glory; Cæsar might deceive himself, but he could not deceive the world, who saw his declaration contradicted by every action of his subsequent life. Man constantly craves for more, even when he has no rival: But when he sees another possessed of more, or drawing
away from himself a part of what he had, he feels a mortification arising from the loss of a good he thought his own: His desire is disappointed: The pain of a want unsatisfied, is increased by a resentment of an injustice as he thinks it: He accuses his rival of a theft or robbery, and the public of taking away, what was his property and giving it to another. These feelings and resentments, are but other names for jealousy and envy; and altogether they produce some of the keenest and most tormenting of all sentiments. These fermentations of the passions are so common and so well known, that the people generally presume that a person in such circumstances, is deprived of his judgement, if not of his veracity and reason. It is too generally a sufficient answer to any complaint; to any fact alledged; or argument advanced, to say that it comes from a disappointed man.
There is a voice within us, which seems to intimate, that real merit should govern the world: And that men ought to be respected only in proportion to their talents, virtues and services. But the question always has been, how can this arrangement be accomplished? How shall the men of merit be discovered? How shall the proportions of merit be ascertained and graduated? Who shall be the judge? When the government of a great nation is in question, shall the whole nation choose? Will such a choice be better than chance? Shall the whole nation vote for senators? Thirty millions of votes for example, for each senator in France! It is obvious that this would be a lottery of millions of blanks to one prize, and that the chance of having wisdom and integrity in a senator by hereditary descent would be far better. There is no individual personally known to an hundredth part of the nation. The voters then must be exposed to deception, intrigues and manoeuvres, without number, that is to say, from all the chicanery, impostures and fallacies imaginable, with scarce a possibility of preserving real merit. Will you divide the nation into districts, and let each district choose a senator? This is giving up the idea of merit, and aggrandizing the honor and the trust to an accident, that of living on a particular spot. An hundred or a thousand men of the first merit in a nation may live in one city; and none at all in several whole provinces. Real merit is so remote from the knowledge of whole nations, that were magistrates to be chosen by that criterion alone, and by an universal suffrage, difficulties and venality would be endless. The difficulties arising from this source are so obvious and universal, that nations have tried all sorts of experiments to avoid them.
As no appetite in human nature is more universal than that for honor, and real merit is confined to a very few, the numbers who thirst for respect, are out of all proportion to those who seek it only by merit. The great majority trouble themselves little about merit, but apply themselves to seek for honor by which they see they will more easily and certainly obtain it; by displaying their taste and address, their wealth and magnificence; their ancient parchments, pictures, and statues, and the virtues of their ancestors; and if these fail, as they seldom have done, they have recourse to artifice, dissimulation, hypocrisy, flattery, imposture, em-piricism, quackery and bribery. What chance has humble, modest, obscure and poor merit, in such a scramble? Nations, perceiving that the still small voice of merit was drowned in the in-solent roar of such impostures; and that they were constantly the dupes of impudence and knavery, in national elections, without a possibility of a remedy, have sought for something more permanent than the popular voice to designate honor. Many nations have attempted to annex to land, presuming that a good estate would at least furnish the means of a good education; and have resolved that those who should possess certain territories, should have certain legislative, executive and judicial powers, over the people. Other nations have endeavored to connect honor with offices; and the names and ideas at least of certain moral virtues and intellectual qualities have been by law annexed to certain offices, as veneration, grace, excellence, honor, serenity, majesty.—Other nations have attempted to annex honor to families, without regard to lands or offices. The Romans allowed none but those who had possessed curule offices, to have statues or portraits. He, who had images or pictures of his ancestors, was called noble. He who had no statues or pictures but his own, was called a new man. Those who had none at all, were ignoble. Other nations have united all those institutions: connected lands, offices and families—made them all defend together, and honor, public attention, consideration and congratulation along with them. This has been the policy of Europe; and it is this institution which owes her superiority, in war and peace, in legislation and commerce, in agriculture, navigation, arts, sciences and manufactures, to Asia and Africa. These families thus distinguished by property, honors, and privileges, by defending themselves have been obliged to defend the people against the encroachments of despotism. They have been a civil and political militia, constantly watching the standing armies, and
courts; and by defending their own rights, liberties properties and privileges, they have been obliged, in some degree, to defend those of the people. But there were several essential defects in this policy: one was that the people took no rational measures to defend themselves, either against these great families or the courts. They had no adequate representation of themselves in the sovereignty. Another was that it never was determined where the sovereignty resided—generally it was claimed by kings; but not admitted by the nobles. Sometimes every baron pretended to be sovereign in his own territory; at other times the sovereignty was claimed by an assembly of the nobles, under the names of States or Cortes. Sometimes the united authority of the King and the States was called the sovereignty. The common people had no adequate and independent share in the legislatures, and found themselves harassed to discover who was the sovereign and whom they ought to obey, as much as they ever had been or could be to determine who had the most merit. A thousand years of Baron's wars, causing universal darkness, ignorance and barbarity, ended at last in simple monarchy, not by express stipulation, but by tacit acquiescence, in almost all Europe; the people preferring a certain sovereignty in a single person, to endless disputes about merit and sovereignty, which never did and never will produce anything but aristocratical anarchy; and the noble contenting themselves with a security of their property and privileges, by a government of fixed laws, registered and interpreted by a judicial power, which they called sovereign tribunals, though the legislation and execution were in a single person. In this system to control the nobles, the Church joined the Kings and common people.
The progress of reason, letters and science, has weakened the church and strengthened the common people; who, if they are honestly and prudently conducted by those who have their confidence, will most infallibly obtain a share in every legislature. But if the common people are advised to aim at collecting the whole sovereignty in single national assemblies, as they are by the Duke de la Rochefoucauld and the Marquis of Condorcet; or at the abolition of the Regal executive authority; or at a division of the executive power, as they are by a posthumous publication of the Abby de Mably, they will fail of their desired liberty as certainly as emulation and rivalry are founded in human nature and is separable from civil affairs. It is not to flatter the passions of the people to be sure, nor is it the way to obtain a present enthusiastic popularity to tell them that in a single assembly, they will act as arbitrarily and tyrannically as any despot, but it is a sacred truth, and as demonstrable as any proposition whatever, that a sovereignty in a single assembly must necessarily, and will certainly be exercised by a majority as tyrannically as any sovereignty was ever exercised by Kings or Nobles. And if a balance of passions and interest is not scientifically concerted, the present struggle in Europe will be little beneficial to mankind, and produce nothing but another thousand years of feudal fanaticism under new and strange names.
DR. JOSEPH PRIESTLY,
has lately published a volume containing letters to the inhabitants of Northumberland, &c, in defence of his character: The following is a transcript from the table of contents, namely: "Letter 1, of my situation as an alien: 1. 2, of my French citizenship, and French principles: 1. 3, of my right to treat of subjects of civil policy, and the advantages I have had for acquiring knowledge of this kind; 1. 4, of what I have done with respect to the policy this country; 1. 5, of the intercepted letters and of the French revolution; 1. 7, of my religion; a defence of Mr. Cooper and myself, in answer to a misrepresentation of an application to the President."
ACROSTIC
On PRESIDENT ADAMS.
PROUD of her theme, the male cotwines fresh bays, Retunes her lyre to thy immortal praise. Engag'd from earliest youth in Freedom's cause, Stern foe to arbitrary men and laws, In modern lore well read, with antient fill'd, Deep in the politics of Europe skill'd; Enrich'd with talents vast and unconfin'd, Noble thy manners, simple, yet refin'd. The PATRIOT's spirit with the STATESMAN's mind.
Just Heaven! can such a character have foes? Or one be found his measures to oppose? His Predecessor, glorious, good and great, Nor even an Angel could escape this fate. ADAMS! proceed, to thy lov'd country true; Defend her rights; her interest still pursue! A sure reward thy arduous toils shall crown; More durable than temporal renown. Stable as fate; and fix'd as heaven's high throne!

National Legislature.
Sixth CONGRESS of United States. FIRST SESSION.
SENATE—DEC. 9.
THE following Answer to the President's Speech, passed the Senate.
To the President of the United States.
ACCEPT, Sir, the respectful acknowledgements of the Senate of the United States for your speech delivered to both Houses of Congress at the opening of the present session.
While we devoutly join you in offering our thanks to Almighty God for the return of health to our cities, and for the general prosperity of the country: we cannot refrain from lamenting that the arts and calumnies of designing men have excited open rebellion a second time in Pennsylvania; and thereby compelled to the employment of a military force to aid the civil authority in the execution of laws. We rejoice that your vigilance, energy and well-aimed exertions have crushed so daring an opposition, and prevented the spreading of such treasonable combinations. The promptitude and zeal displayed by the troops called to suppress this insurrection deserve our highest commendation and praise, and afford a pleasing proof of the spirit and alacrity with which our fellow citizens are ready to maintain the authority of our excellent government.
Knowing as we do, that the United States are sincerely anxious for a fair and liberal execution of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation entered into with Great Britain; we learn with regret that the progress of adjustment has been interrupted by a difference of opinion among the Commissioners. We hope, however, that the justice, moderation and the obvious interests of both parties, will lead to satisfactory explanations, and that the business will then go forward to an amicable close of all differences and demands between the two countries. We are fully persuaded that the Legislature of the United States will cheerfully enable you to realize your assurances of performing on our part, all engagements under our treaties, with punctuality and the most scrupulous good faith.
When we reflect upon the uncertainty of the result of the late mission to France, and upon the uncommon nature and extent of the war now raging in Europe; which affects materially our relations with the powers at war, and which has changed the condition of their colonies in our neighborhood; we are of opinion with you, that it would neither be wise nor safe to relax our measures of defence, or to lessen any of our preparations to repel aggression.
Our inquiries and attention shall be carefully directed to the various other important subjects, which you have recommended to our consideration; and from our experience of your past administration, we anticipate with the highest confidence your strenuous co-operation in all measures which have a tendency to promote and extend our national interests and happiness.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
DECEMBER 9, 1799.
The House went into a Committee on the Answer to the President's Speech—Mr. Dent in the chair. Mr. Gregg moved to strike out the words in the second paragraph, "to be seduced by the arts and misrepresentations of designing men," as he said there had not been official proof of the fact laid before the House. He denied the assertion, and was supported by Mr. Smilie. The propriety of the sentence was advocated by Messrs. Rulledge, Marshall, Harper; and the answer was reported to the House, without amendment, and adopted, as follows:—
To the President of the United States.
SIR,
WHILE the House of Representatives contemplate the flattering prospects of abundance from the labors of the people, by land and by sea, the prosperity of our extended commerce, notwithstanding interruptions occasioned by the belligerent state of a great part of the world, the return of health, industry and trade, to those cities which have lately been afflicted with disease, and the various and inestimable advantages, civil and religious, which, secured under our happy frame of government, are continued to us unimpaired, we cannot fail to offer, up to a benevolent Deity, our sincere thanks, for these, the merciful dispensations of his protecting providence.
That any portion of the people of America, should permit themselves, amidst such numerous blessings, to be seduced by the arts and misrepresentation of designing men into an open resistance of a law of the United States, cannot be heard without deep and serious regret. Under a constitution where the public burthens can only be imposed by the people themselves, for their own benefit, and to promote their own objects, a hope might well have been indulged that the general interest would have been too well understood, and the general welfare too highly prized, to have produced in any of our citizens, a disposition to hazard so much felicity, by the criminal effort of a part, to oppose, with lawless violence, the will of the whole. While we lament that depravity which could produce a defiance of the civil authority, and render indispensable the aid of the military force of the nation, real confidence is to be derived from
the promptness and fidelity with which that aid was afforded. That zealous and active co-operation with the judicial power, of the volunteers and militia called into service, which has restored order and submission to the laws, is a pleasing evidence of the attachment of our fellow citizens to their own free Government, and of the truly patriotic alacrity with which they will support it.
To give due effect to the civil administration of government, and to ensure a just execution of the laws, are objects of such real magnitude as to secure a proper attention to your recommendation of a revision and amendment of the judiciary system.
Highly approving, as we do, the pacific and humane policy which has been invariably professed and sincerely pursued by the Executive authority of the United States, a policy which our best interests enjoined, and of which honor has permitted the observance, we consider as the most unequivocal proof of your inflexible perseverance in the same well chosen system, your preparation to meet the first indications on the part of the French Republic, of a disposition to accommodate the existing differences between the two countries, by a nomination of Ministers on certain conditions, which the honor of our country unquestionably dictated, and which its moderation had certainly given it a right to prescribe. When the assurances, thus required of the French Government, previous to the departure of our Envoys, had been given through their Minister of Foreign Relations, the direction that they should proceed on their mission, was, on your part, a completion of the measure, and manifested the sincerity with which it was commenced. We offer up our fervent prayers to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the success of their Embassy, and that it may be productive of peace and happiness to our common country. The uniform tenure of your conduct through a life useful to your fellow citizens, and honorable to yourself, gives a sure pledge of the sincerity with which the avowed objects of the negotiation will be pursued on your part, and we earnestly pray that similar dispositions may be displayed on the part of France. The differences which unfortunately subsist between the two nations, cannot fail, in that event, to be happily terminated. To produce this end, to all so desirable, firmness, moderation, and union at home, constitute, we are persuaded, the surest means.
The character of the gentlemen you have deputed, and still more, the character of the government which deputed them, are pledges to their country, that nothing incompatible with its honor or interest, nothing inconsistent with our obligations of good faith or friendship to any other nation, will be stipulated.
We learn with pleasure, that our citizens with their property, trading to those ports of St. Domingo with which commercial intercourse has been renewed, have been duly respected, and that privateering from those ports has ceased.
With you, we sincerely regret that the execution of the VIth article of the treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, with Great Britain, an article produced by a natural spirit of amity and justice, should have been unavoidably interrupted. We doubt not that the same spirit of amity, and the same sense of justice, in which it originated, will lead to satisfactory explanations; and we hear, with approbation that our Minister at London will be immediately instructed to obtain them. While the engagements which America has contracted by her treaty with Great Britain, ought to be fulfilled with that scrupulous punctuality and good faith to which our government has ever so tenaciously adhered; yet no motive exists to induce, and every principle forbids us to adopt a construction which might extend them beyond the instrument by which they are created. We cherish the hope that the government of Great Britain will disclaim such extention, and by cordially uniting with that of the United States, for the removal of all difficulties, will soon enable the boards appointed under the VIth and VIIth articles of our treaty with that nation, to proceed and bring the business committed to them respectively, to a satisfactory conclusion.
The buildings for the accomodation of Congress, and of the President, and for the public offices of the government, as its permanent seat, being in such a state as to admit of a removal to that district by the time prescribed by the act of Congress, no obstacle, it is presumed, will exist to a compliance with the law.
With you, Sir, we deem the present period critical and momentous. The important changes which are occurring, the new and great events which are every hour preparing in the political world, the spirit of war which is prevalent in almost every nation with whose affairs the interests of the United States have any connection, demonstrate how unsafe and precarious would be our situation, should we neglect the means of maintaining our just rights. Respecting, as we have ever done, the rights of others, America estimates too correctly the value of her own, & has received evidence too complete, that they are only to be preserved by her own vigilance, ever to permit herself to be seduced by a love of ease or by other considerations, into that deadly disregard of the means of self defence, which could only result from a careless as criminal as it would be fatal, concerning the destinies of our growing republic. The result of the mission to France is, indeed, Sir, uncertain. It depends not on America alone. The most pacific temper will not always insure peace. We should therefore exhibit a system of conduct as indiscreet as it would be new in the world, if we considered the nego-
ciation happily terminated, because we have attempted to commence it, and peace restored because we with its restoration. But, Sir, however this mission may terminate, a steady perseverance in a system of national defence, commensurate with our resources, and the situation of our country, is an obvious dictate of duty. Experience, the parent of wisdom, and the great instructor of nations, has established the truth of your position, that remotely as we are placed from the belligerent nations, and desirous as we are, by doing justice to all, to avoid offence to any, yet nothing short of the power of repelling aggressions will secure to our country a rational prospect of escaping the calamities of war or national degradation.
In the progress of the session, we shall take into our serious consideration the various and important matters recommended to our attention.
A life devoted to the service of your country, talents and integrity which have so justly acquired and so long retained the confidence and affection of your fellow citizens, attest the sincerity of your declaration, that it is your anxious desire to execute the trust reposed in you, as to render the people of the United States prosperous and happy.
DEC. 10.
Mr. Thatcher presented a memorial from the ship owners of Wells, and Arundel, that those places may be rendered a distinct port of entry, was referred to the Committee of Commerce.
The Committee of Ways and Means were directed to bring in a bill, to provide for a new census of inhabitants in the U. S.
A resolution was laid on the table for the appointment of a Committee, to consider of providing for the punishment of persons detected in attempting to alienate the affections of any Indian Nation, Tribe or Chief from the United States; or exciting them to hostility or violation of treaties.
Collectors returns of registered and of unregistered seamen, were read.
A Committee was appointed to consider of alterations in the Post Office Law.
The hour assigned having arrived, the House formed a procession, preceded by the Speaker, and waited upon the President with their answer to his speech; which was politely received, and the following reply made.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.
THIS very respectful address from the representatives of the people of the United States, at their first assembly, after a fresh election, under the strong impression of the public opinion and national sense, at this interesting and singular crisis of our public affairs, has excited my sensibility and receives my sincere and grateful acknowledgements.
As long as we can maintain, with harmony and affection, the honor of our country, consistently with its peace, externally and internally, while that is attainable, or in war, when that becomes necessary—assert its real independence and sovereignty, and support the constitutional energies and dignity of its government—we may be perfectly sure under the smiles of Divine Providence, that we shall effectually promote and extend our national interests and happiness.
The applause of the Senate and House of Representatives, so justly bestowed upon the volunteers and militia, for their zealous and active co-operation with the judicial power, which has restored order and submission to the laws, as it comes with peculiar weight and propriety from the Legislature, cannot fail to have an extensive and permanent effect, for the support of government, upon all those ingenious minds, who receive delight from the approving and animating voice of their country.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, Dec. 10, 1799.
DEC. 11.
A report from the Commissioners of the sinking fund, was read and ordered to be printed.
A Bill was ordered to amend the Act directing the valuation of houses and land, &c.
Certain papers relative to a Mr. Cutting's services in Europe, in relieving American Seamen, were ordered to be printed.
Messrs. Craik, Harrison and Bird, were appointed a Committee to consider of the Judicial establishment of the N. W. Territory.
Messrs. Thacher, Wood, New, Claiborne and Grove, were appointed a Committee relative to Post Offices.
A resolution was submitted for appointing a Committee to consider of alterations in the law prohibiting the slave trade.
DEC. 12.
Mr. Otis moved the following resolution, which was agreed to by the House;
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed, whose duty it shall be, to make enquiry into the state of the naval equipments ordered by former acts of Congress: to consider whether any, and what other naval force may be necessary for the protection of the commerce of the United States, and for the support of its flag; and whether any and what alterations might be made in the law relative to the navy of the United States.
Mr. D. Foster called up the resolution which he laid on the table on Tuesday, relative to the slave trade; and the same having been read, was agreed to by the House. Adjourned to Monday.
PRESIDENT'S REPLY to the Address of the Senate.
Gentlemen of the Senate.
I thank you for this address. I wish you all possible success and happiness.
ations on the means which have a tendency to promote and extend our national interests and happiness—and I assure you, that in all your measures, directed to those great objects, you may, at all times rely with the highest confidence on my cordial co-operation.
The praise of the Senate so judiciously conferred on the promptitude and zeal of the troops called to suppress the insurrection, as it falls from so high authority, must make a deep impression, both as a terror to the disobedient and an encouragement to such as do well.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, Dec. 10, '99.
Articles of News.
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC.
IMPORTANT SUMMARY.
From a New York paper—Dec. 13.
AT a late hour last night, we met the ship Argus capt. Main, coming up, in 47 days from St. Sebastians. From our correspondent, we have received Paris papers to the 16th Oct. We lament that we have only time to announce immediately their important contents. These papers give the official details of Massena's operations from the 15th of Sept. to the 8th of Oct. by which it appears that on the 25th Sept. he passed the Lent at Dietikon, beat Gen. Korsakoff, and summoned Zurich to surrender—the terms were not accepted, and the town was taken by assault. In the mean time Suwarow had advanced to act in concert with the armies lately attacked by Massena, but finding them defeated, avoided an action by keeping the mountains. Here he was however attacked, left 2000 wounded, a part of his artillery, and almost his whole baggage. In the mean time, Korsakoff, informed of Suwarow's situation, hastily assembled a corps, composed of the remainder of his army and that of Hotze, the Bavarian contingent, and that of Conde, attempted to march to the Thur, and from thence to Zurich. Massena attacked him, forced him to repass the Rhine with loss. Massena, in these battles, states, that he has taken 18,000 prisoners, more than 100 cannon, and 13 stands of colours—that four Generals have been taken, and five killed. Loss of the enemy in toto, more than 30,000 men.
A Paris article of Oct. 16, says, Moreau is here—Buonaparte is expected this evening.
Frankfort, it is said, was taken by the French Oct. 15.
Mr. Nicholas, brother to the famous, is elected to the United States Senate, by the legislature of Virginia.
The six seventy-fours, ordered by Congress, will be built immediately—at Norfolk, Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, and Portsmouth.
NAVAL ARTICLES.
From Philadelphia, Dec. 12.
Capt. Parker who arrived here yesterday morning from St. Kitts, informs; that on his passage out, off the island of Nevis, he was boarded by a boat from the United States brig Pickering, the crew of which informed, that the Pickering had the same afternoon captured a French privateer schr of 18 nine and six pounders, which she had sent to St. Bartholemews.
The crew of the boat further informed Capt. Parker, that the Pickering had lost 3 men in the action, and that the first broadside from her had killed 20 of the privateer's crew.
Capt. Thompson, of the brig Eliza, arrived at New York, mentions, that a seaman had been hung on board the U. S. brig Pickering, at St. Kitts, for killing the steward.
Captain Burroughs, arrived at Boston, from St. Kitts, informs, that the U. S. Brig Pickering, in chasing a French privateer lately, sprung her foremast and carried away her main-top-mast.
BALTIMORE, DEC. 10.
By the arrival of Captain Foster, in 20 days, from St. Jago, we learn the following: On the 5th Nov. 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 fowlers and mulets, and carrying thirty men.
HOUSE AND LAND TAX.
By an abstract of the valuation of houses and lands in the State of Massachusetts, made pursuant to an act of Congress, we find that
The number of dwelling houses included in the valuation is 50,449. Their value with the out-houses and lots appurtenant thereto, is 25,003,216 dollars.
The number of dwelling houses, with their out houses, of a value not exceeding 100 dollars, 18,733; and the number of acres of land included in the valuation, 7,831,028. Their value, 62,587,332 dollars and 80 cents. Massachusetts proportion of the direct tax is 260,435 dollars, 31 cents, 2 mils. Of this sum, there will be raised on Dwelling Houses, 80,866 dollars, 3 cents, 2 mils. This leaves to be assessed on lands and houses valued at 100 dollars and under, 176,569 dollars, 28 cents: the value of these houses and lands being 62,587,332 dollars, 80 cents, a tax of 2 dollars, 82 cents, 1 mill and 1/6th of a mill, on 1000 dollars, will produce the sum required. 18,733 dwelling houses, valued at 100 dollars and under, are not included in the valuation of houses, but are taxed with the lands; and 675 dwelling houses, together with 13 millions, 384 acres of land, are totally exempted from the tax.
Number of Houses of the 1st class, from 100 to 500 dollars value, 28,771   2d. From 500 to 1000 dollars, 7,409  3d. From 1000 to 2000 dollars, 3,378  4th. From 2000 to 4000 dollars, 694  5th. From 4000 to 6000 dollars, 143  6th. From 6000 to 10,000 dollars, 33  7th. From 10,000 to 15,000 dollars, 13  8th. From 15,000 to 20,000 dollars, 5  9th. Above 20,000 dollars, 1 

Portland,
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, '99.
DIVISION LINE.
A Committee of the Court of Sessions for this county, consisting of Messrs. Samuel Freeman, Isaac Parsons, and William Gorman, Esqrs. are to meet a Committee of the Court of Sessions of Kennebec, consisting of Messrs. Daniel Coney, William Brooks and Nathan Fairbanks, Esqrs. on Friday the 3d of January next, at the house of Mr. Rowe, innholder at Pejepscot Gore, in order to settle the Divisional Line of said counties.
"On Saturday evening last, intelligence was received that the Schooner Farmer of this port, Richard Morley master, was driven on shore at Cape Cod, on the night of the 17th inst. and that the whole crew had perished. We are now happy to announce that the intelligence was premature. By an express we learn, that after the wreck, the master and all hands took to the boat, and arrived safe on shore. The Schooner has since drifted into Barnstable Bay, 20 leagues distant from the place where she was left."
A letter from Cape Francois, Nov. 10, says, "An earthquake has sunk one third of the city of Gonaives."
The SALLY, which arrived at Beverly from Bremen, brought dispatches for Government from our Consul there.
Monroe is elected Governor of Virginia.
MR. JENKS, I WISH you to publish the following extract from the Philadelphia Gazette. The reader will see that it relates to a publication of CARNOT, one of the French Directory, who in the purification of the Fructidorian expedient was expelled. This Carnot was in his time the reputed contriver of the vast invasion of the German Empire, and of the descent of Buonaparte upon England. We have not his pamphlet; but I think if Americans require any further proofs of French animi or FRENCH REPUBLICANISM, they may find some in this little extract. If one particle of doubt should rest upon its authority in the opinion of one honest man, the whole pamphlet shall be sent for and published.
AN AMERICAN.
M. CARNOT'S Defence of his own Conduct.
THE ex-director Carnot, or, as he calls himself, the constitutional director, published in March last, an answer to the Report of Bailleur, in the name of the Special Commission made in the Council of Ancients, upon the conspiracy of the 4th September, 1797. This answer, leaving the conspiracy out of the question, is of the greatest importance, as it not only unmasks the hypocrisy of his colleagues, but as it ascertains and explains their particular objects and policy with regard to foreign states and peace. The recriminations of Carnot, who exults openly in the regicide, and the war he has made against all sovereigns, are of little consequence. Whether he or Reubell is the greatest villain, is not of any public importance that we can discern. But the designs of one or both parties in the Directory against the republics of Holland and America, are of the highest moment, and we lose no time in giving them the greatest publicity in our power. Mr. Adams will doubtless take them into the fullest consideration; and perhaps they are not altogether unworthy of the attention of General Daedels: "I wished," says Carnot, to give to the Duke of Parma some portion of the Papal territory and the Modenese, in exchange for Louisiana and Florida, which the King of Spain would have ceded to us with a view of obtaining for the Infant a more considerable establishment. I saw a double advantage in this exchange; 1st, THAT OF REPUBLICANIZING A VAST AND BEAUTIFUL PORTION OF AMERICA, WHICH WOULD HAVE GIVEN US SO GREAT AN INFLUENCE OVER THE UNITED STATES; 2dly, of opposing a more formidable barrier to the House of Austria in Italy, &c. Florida we see was to republicanize the United States, in the same manner that Geneva has republicanized the poor Republicans of Switzerland. But the designs of the Directory against Holland are less speculative and remote. The only point in contest between Bailleur, and Carnot is to whom they are to be ascribed—whether Reubell or Carnot is entitled to the honor of them.
Carnot, according to Bailleur, maintained, "That it was necessary to sacrifice Holland; that its fate was indifferent to France, and that the Republic ought not to be uneasy if England and Prussia were a part of its possessions. Let them fight each other," said he, "as long as they will; there is no great harm in that, for though"—Carnot does not deny this deliberation, but he shifts the story from his own brows to those of Reubell. "When we were discussing," says he, "in what manner Holland should be admitted into the Treaty with Malmesbury at Lisle, Reubell delivered a furious tirade against the Batavian nation. He said, "it was altogether attached to the Stadtholder—that it had constantly betrayed us—that it was a Nation of Shopkeepers—that it had placed all its interests in England—that it had no wishes but in favour of the English; that it only fought an opportunity to deliver itself up to the English, and that Admiral Lucas had just sold them his fleet at the Cape of Good Hope—that whatever Holland could acquire in riches or prosperity, it was evident it could only turn to the detriment of France. There was in short not one policy to follow with regard to Holland,
it was to hold it in the most absolute dependence; to subdue it to a passive obedience; to treat it as a conquered country.
"Do you think," says Reubell, in the course of the argument, "that it is for Holland that I want the restitution of the Cape and of Trincomale? It is first necessary to retake them; for that it is necessary that the Dutch should furnish money and ships. After that, I will easily make them perceive that these Colonies belong to us."
We trust, [says the London Editor] the Congress of America, the Councils, and even the Directory of the Batavian Republic, but, above all, the Admirals, Officers, and Seamen, will seriously take these important discoveries of the Constitutional Director Carnot, into consideration, before or after they shall have failed from the Texel.
Several interesting Foreign and Domestic Articles prepared for this day's Gazette, are unavoidably omitted.
Attention!
THE PORTLAND FEDERAL VOLUNTEERS are desired to meet at the Center School House, on Tuesday evening next, at six o'clock, with arms. A punctilious attendance is requested, as business of importance is to be laid before the Company. By order of the Captain, WILLIAM HUDSON, O. S.
Dec. 25.
Festival of St. John.
THE Portland Lodge of Free Masons, intend to celebrate the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, the 27th instant, and dine at Union Hall. Tickets to be had of the Secretary.—Sojourning Brethren are invited. By order of the Right Worshipful WOODBURY STORER. JOSEPH C. BOYD, Secretary. N. B. Dinner at 2 o'clock.
FRESH WINTER GOODS.
Just received, and now ready for Sale By William Codman, AT HIS STORE IN FISH STREET.
A LARGE and fashionable assortment of Staple & Fancy piece Goods. too extensive to be mentioned particularly in an advertisement—Containing almost every article that is necessary or useful at this season of the year.
ALSO—A VARIETY OF Hard-Ware Goods,
 as usual.  4d. 6d. 10. & 20d. Nails.  Brads of all sizes, 6 by 8, 7 by 9, and 8 by 10.  Window Glass, Sheet and Bar Lead, Paints of all kinds.  Linseed Oil, Russia Sheetings & Ravens Duck.  Iron Kettles and Pots of all sizes.  An assortment American manufactured Paper Hangings.  Russia Bar Iron, Sweden's do. of all sizes, flat and square, Haback and heart & club Steel, 10d. Nail Rods, Hyson and Souchong Teas, of an excellent quality.  Loaf and Brown Sugar, Rice, Sweet Oil, Chocolate, Surinam Cotton, &c, &c. 
Likewise, for Sale as above, WHOLESALE & RETAIL,
1st, 2d, and 4th proof Brandy, 2d and 3d proof West-India Rum; New-England Rum; Bohea Tea, fresh and of a superior quality; Malaga Wine, by quarter-cask only.
As every attention was paid to the purchase of the above Goods in order to have them laid in on the lowest terms, they will be sold very low for cash. Dec 25.
West-India Goods & Groceries.
Nathan Bond,
Has for Sale at his Store in Middle-Street, near the BANK, the following articles of the first quality, and upon reasonable terms for cash or country produce.
 MADIRA, Port, Sherry, Lisbon and Malaga, Couiac & French Brandy, Gin, N. E. W. I. and Cherry RUM, Porter, Vinegar, Cider, Molasses, Clove water, Snakeroot, Bitters, Ditto, in papers, Loaf, Brown & Powder'd SUGARS, Coffee, Chocolate, Hyson, Souchong & Bohea TEA, Shells, Groat and Twing's cash Biscuit, Mace, Nutmegs, Cloves, Allspice, Whole & ground Pepper, Ginger, Almonds, Currants, Citrons, Hair Powder, Pommatum.  Fresh jar and cask Raisins, Windior and Frofisher's shaving Soap, Bar do. Starch, Split Peas, per keg or qt. Spermaceti, mould, & dipt Candles, Cheese, Butter, Salt Pork, per bbl. or lb. Fig, pigtail, & smoking Tobacco, American & Spanish Segars, Pipes, Basket Salt, Double refined Salt Petre, New, Fine and Superior and country Flour per bbl. or lb. Oatmeal, Rice, Ground ditto, Blackball, Shoe Brushes, Spanish Float, French and Carolina Indigo, Mustard, Spermaceti & Sweet Oil, Cotton and Wool Cards per dozen or single, Snuff, Water, Corks, Wine Glasses, &c, &c. 
And an assortment of Confectionary. Also—A few patent Agitable Lamps. Attendance till 7 o'clock in the evening. Dec 25.
Jedediah Jewett, INFORMS his friends and the public in general, that he has opened store in Mr. DERRING's range of New Buildings, No. 2, FISH-STREET, where he offers for sale, a handsome assortment of European, West-India & Hard-Ware GOODS. Dec. 25.
Fresh Drugs & Medicines.
NOW OPENING FOR SALE,
By John Coe,
At the shop lately occupied by Mr. JEWETT, in Fish-street, a large and extensive assortment of DRUGS, PATENT MEDICINES, &c. of a genuine quality;—all of which will be sold as cheap as can be purchased in Boston, or at any shop in the State. Among which are—
 SENNÆ; Mannæ; Crem Tartar; Flower Sulpher; Glauber's Salts; Ipecac; Jalap; Red Bark; Rhu Barb; Magnesia; Sago; Pearl Barley; Gentian Orange Peel; Animony; Calomel; Camomile Flowers; Lemontie Elechary; Camphire; Opium; Myrrh; Aloes; Liciorice, stick and juice; Cascarilla Bark; Oil of Vitrol; Aquafortis; Blue Vitrol; White Vitrol; Ground Madder; Alum; Copperas, &c. 
Dr. Lee's celebrated Billious Pills, Anderson's Pills, Hooper's Pills, Essence of Peppermint, British Oil, Godfrey's Cordial, Bateman's Drops, Turlington's Balsom of Life, Stoughton's Elixir, Cephalic Snuff, Royal Tooth Powder, Tooth Brushes, Pungent Smelling bottles, Court Plaster, &c, &c. Tinctures, Elixirs, Salves and Ointments, of all kinds.
Country Physicians may be supplied with large or small quantities. Medicine Boxes for Seamen prepared in the best manner at the shortest notice. Constant attendance will be given, and every favor gratefully acknowledged. Portland, Dec. 25.
Shoe Store, In Fish-street, opposite the Brick Store.
NATHAN PRATT,
Respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has for sale a general assortment of LEATHER, BOOTS, Men's, Women's and Children's SHOES, wholesale and retail.
MEN'S half Boots, ditto half Jacks, Men's No. 1 Shoes, Common calf-skin ditto, Neats Leather do. Boys' do. do. Women's Morocco Slippers of different colours, Fancy and Kid do. Cloth do. Leather lined and bound do. Misses' Morocco & Leather do. do. Children's Leather and Morocco Shoes, &c, &c.
ALSO, Sole and Upper Leather; Calf-skin, Cordovan and Sheepskin, whole and half Boot Legs; Russet calf-skin tops; Vamps and Counters, &c, &c. LIKEWISE,
 Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Sugar, Raisins, Cotton wool, Red Wood, Pepper, Allspice, Ginger, Poland Starch, Copperas, Tobacco, Snuff, cotton and wool Cards. Ad. 2d. 10d. & 20d. Nails, &c.  N. B. The above articles will be sold on the most reasonable terms for cash, or country produce. Dec. 25. 
Take Notice.
THE Copartnership of WHITNEY and CAPEN, is this day dissolved by mutual consent!—All persons that are indebted, or have any demands on said firm, are requested to call on William Capen for settlement.
William Whitney, William Capen. Portland, December 16th, 1799.
Take Notice.
ALL persons who are indebted to the firm of PURINTON & HANSON, by Book, Accounts or Notes of Hand, are requested to make payment on or before the first day of April next;—otherwise their accounts and notes will be put in suit—none are to be excepted.
MESHACH PURINTON, SAMUEL HANSON. Durham, December 16, 1799.
To Amos Harley, Clerk of the Proprietors of a tract of Land, lying in the town of Poland, in the county of Cumberland, confirmed to John Bridgham and other persons, by a Refuse of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in February the ninth, 1798.
WE the subscribers, being five of the proprietors, judging a proprietors meeting to be necessary, do hereby request you to call a meeting of said proprietors, to be holden at the house of Capt. Jonathan Nash in said Poland, on Tuesday the twenty-first day of January next at nine o'clock in the forenoon, to act on the following articles, viz.
 To choose a moderator for said meeting.  To see whether they will continue the power of their present Committee to give deeds to and receive money of the settlers on the grant premises, until the ninth day of February next.  To see whether they will choose a committee to pay to each proprietor his respective sum of money, as set forth in the Grant.  To see whether the proprietors will agree that any proprietor may receive money of any of the settlers living on the Grant aforesaid, so far as their claim may extend, by receiving their committee for the same.  To see whether the proprietors will divide the remainder of their unsettled land; and to act on any other article they shall judge necessary when met. 
 James Harley,  Amos Dwinel,  Benjamin Beal,  Samuel Pool,  William True. 
PURSUANT to the foregoing application to me directed, I do hereby notify and warn the proprietors of the above described Land, to meet and assemble at the time and place mentioned in the foregoing application, and for the purposes therein expressed. Amos Harley, Clerk. Dated at Poland, Dec 25th, 1799.
Susannah Babson, MILLINER.
(Directly under the Columbian Hall, near Mr. Cutter's Tavern.)
BEGS leave to offer her services to the Ladies of Portland, and its vicinity, and to solicit their patronage in the line of her profession. She offers for sale, among other articles, the following, viz.
 Ladies' fine beaver hats—with habands, cords and trimmings to match. Fancy colored do. Children's do. Fashionable turbans, wreaths, and caps. Fine black fustian for ladies' cloaks, with trimmings for do. Artificial flowers. Plumes and feathers. Book mousel. Wire do. Milliner's black and white lawn. Black and white gauzes. Wide and narrow laces. Mourning do. Edgings, Netting. Camel's hair shawls—some do. of an elegant pattern. Fine and common pocket handkerchiefs. Lute strings. Modes. Plain and variegated ribbons of every width. Ladies' and children's mitts. Do. fine cotton hose of a superior quality. Ladies' and misses' fancy morocco shoes, pumps and slippers. Cloth do. Shoe bows. Glove ties. Linnen. Buckram. Wire. Pashboard. Sewing silks. Twists. Threads. Tapes. Tafts. 
Gentlemen's handsome morocco caps, trimmed with fur—very comfortable for the season. Ladies' sleighing do. Gentlemen's plain and fancy colored fine silk hose ditto Cotton ditto worsted White flock. Black do. Military do. Cockades. Hair ribbon.
Gilt necklaces. Eardrops. Pendants, Mourning do. Smellings bottles. Courtplaister. Cosmetics. Tooth powder. Silver thimbles. Inkstands. Pocketdo. Wafers. Needles. Pins. Bobbins.
Ladies' Robes, Cloaks, Head-dresses, &c. done in the prevailing fashions, and the smallest favors promptly attended to. Portland, Dec. 25, 1799. (t. f.)
Now opening and for Sale, By Boardman & Little,
At the New Brick Store in Fifth Street,
An assortment of GOODS, consisting of the following articles, viz.
 SUPERFINE, fine and low priced Broadcloths; dark and light-blue Cassimere; black, white, drab, striped, mixed and printed ditto; Coat, ing, twill'd and plain Lambkins; green, yellow, crimson and white Baize; yellow and white Flannels; Duffles; Forest Cloths; Plains; tolanette and swan-down Waistcoating; rose and plain Blankets; Carpeting; Sailor's Caps; twill'd and plain Velvets; Thicksets; hair and worsted Plush; satin Lastings; Calamancoes; Durants; Taminies; patent Worsted Hose; silk & cotton and cotton do. Marcellies, book, tambor'd, jacquet and plain Mouselins; black do. Dimities; white Ginghams; a variety of Calicoes; cotton Cambrics; linen do. ekinuz Shawls; purple do. plain and striped Satins; Modes; black Gauze; Irish Linens; long Lawns; cotton Checks; linen do. Ladies' fashionable silk Gloves; bandano and black silk Handkerchiefs; cotton and linen pocket ditto; men's silk and leather Gloves; hair and other Ribbons; Galoons; Sewing silks; Tapes; Edgings; black, blue, white and colored Thread; Bobbin; Twists; Quality and shoe Bindings; men's, women's and boys' Hats; Oil-cloths, &c. 
 Winfor Soap; fashionable Tea Trays; Bread Baskets; Cannisters; Decanter Stands; a large assortment of Knives and Forks; Iron Spoons; tea do. steel Snuffers and Trays; Pen-knives and Cutters; Razors and Cases; Shears and Scissors; Shovels and Tong; brass Kettles; a general assortment of Hollow Ware, and Dogs; ro by 8 and 9 by 7 Glass; Dutch Looking Glasses; Warming-Pans; Frying Pans; block-tin Teapots; Bellows; Spectacles; floor, hearth, cloth and shoe Brushes; brass Handles and Escutcheons; lock, chest and other Locks; door and table Hinges; Wood Screws; steel plate Hand-Saws; fish do. Chisels; Gouges; Plain Irons; Compasses; Iron Squares; Augers; Files; Thumb Latches; brass Cocks; brass Nails; Curry Combs; shoe Knives, and Hammers; Awls; Ink-Stands and powder; Sieve Bottoms; Gimblets; nail Hammers; hunting and sleigh Whips and Thongs; worsted and linen Webbing; Stirrups; Bits; plated and common Spurs; inlaid and flat belt Buckles; saddle Strainers; saddler's Hammers; Pincers; cart-wagon and chaise Boxes. 
Also, a very good assortment of Crockery and Glass Ware.
Hyson, Souchong and Bohea Teas, French Brandy, of the first quality, W. I. Rums, Gin, Molasses, Sugar, Coffee, and a large number of other articles, too numerous for an advertisement.
The above articles will be sold on the lowest terms for Cash or country produce. Portland, Dec. 16, 1799.
REMOVAL.
S. Patten,
INFORMS his customers and others, that he has removed to Mr. DERRING's range of New Buildings, three doors below Mr. KENT's, in Fifth-street, where he has for sale a general assortment of
Books and Stationary, AND English and West-India Goods.
Weatherwise's, Jenks's, & Thomas's ALMANACKS for 1800, by the gross, dozen or single.
Just received, a great variety of Ladies' and Gentlemen's MOROCCO POCKET-BOOKS, from 3/9 to 2/6. Thread Cakes, &c, &c.
Stamp Paper, as usual.
N. B. Cash given for Old Ink, Canvas, Linen and Cotton & Linen RAGS. Portland, Dec. 16.
Daniel Kent,
INFORMS his customers and others, that he has entered into partnership with Mr. BECKETT, who has lately returned from Europe; and that the TAILOR'S BUSINESS will be carried on by
Kent & Beckett,
at their shop in Fifth-street, opposite Mr. DERRING's range of buildings; where a continuance of custom is requested in the line of their business, and thanks returned for past favors. KENT & BECKETT. Portland, Dec. 10.

Beetry.
A SONG;
SUITABLE FOR THE SEASON.
B ACCHUS, burnisher of souls, Accept a large libation; Let generous bumpers, flowing bowls Perfect us in potation.
Drain the glass, the goblet drain; Drown a noble each sorrow; To night begin all care and pain, And thinking of tomorrow.
Venus, frown not, while we pour Our wine in copious measure; Each crimson drop to thee is more Than Mexic's miny treasure.
Drain the glass, &c.
The monk, who mopes in cloister'd cell, May write, and rave, and bellow; At night, with rosy, romping Nell, He's quite another fellow.
Drain the glass, &c.
The sparkling thought, the joke, the glee, Shall all our features lighten; So for my song, the burden be, Lets brighten, lads, lets brighten.
Drain the glass, the goblet drain; Drown a noble each sorrow; To night be gone all care and pain, And thinking of tomorrow.
Scraps.
CHARACTER OF A TERMIGANT.
By SHAKESPEARE.
S HE speaks poignards, and every word flabs. If her breath were as terrible as her terminations, there were no living near her; the would infect the north star. I would not marry her though she were endowed with all that Adam had left him before he transgressed. She would have made Hercules have turned spit; yea, and have cleft his club to make the fire too. Should she come this way, will you command me any service to the world's end? I would go on the slightest errand to the an- tipodes, that you can devise to send me on. I will fetch you a toothpick from the fortheth inch in Asia; bring you the length of Priest John's foot; fetch you a hair of the great Cham's beard, do you any embassage to the pigmies, rather than hold three words of con- ference with the harpy."
From a London Paper.
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 more of congenial gentility. He accordingly took down the Bear, and put up the great popular hero and warrior, general Suarrow. A neighbor of his being about to open a public house, took the opportunity of setting up the discarded bear. Business followed the old sign in such abundance, that the General was nearly deserted. The landlord of the latter, hurt at seeing his rival flourish from the fame of his old sign, put over the head of the General, in large characters, "The old original Bear."
WONDERFUL TREE OF MEXICO; CALLED METE.
THERE grows a tree at Mexico, in South- America, called mete, which the inhabitants plant, and dress, as vines are done. It has forty kinds of leaves, which serve for many uses; for when they are tender, they make of them conserves, paper, flax, mantles, mats, shoes, girdles, and cordages.
On the leaves grow certain prickles, so strong and sharp, that they use them instead of faws; from the root of this tree comes a juice like syup, which if you settle, it will become honey; if you purify it, it will become sugar. You may also make wine and vinegar with it. The rind toasted heals hurts and sores; and from the top boughs drops a gum, which is an excel- lent antidote against poison.
PYTHEUS, the daughter of Aristotle, be- ing asked what is the most beautiful colour, answered, that of MODESTY.
MAXIM.—A man of wit would be often at a loss, were it not for the company of fools.
POTATOES.
ONE of the beneficial uses of potatoes, not generally known (says a London paper) is, that the starch of them, quite fresh, and washed only once, may be employed to make size, which, mixed with chalk, and diluted in a little water, forms a very beautiful and good white for ceilings. The size has no smell; while ani- mal size, which purifies so readily, always exhales a very disagreeable odour. That of potatoes, as it is very little subject to putrefaction, appears from experience to be more durable in tenacity and whiteness; and for whitewashing should be preferred to animal size, the decomposition of which is always accompanied with unhealthful exhalations.
Almanacks for 1800.
JUST PUBLISHED, and for sale at JENKS' BOOK-STORE, THE Farmers', Merchants' & Mechanics' ALMANACK,
OR, Register of Maine.
For the Year 1800.
This Almanack contains a larger quantity and greater variety of useful, entertaining and curious matters, than any Almanack ever before published in Maine.
Country traders, and others supplied on reasonable terms.
ALSO FOR SALE AS ABOVE,
Wholesale and Retail—(136 per Gross)
A New Astronomical Diary;
OR, AN
ALMANACK;
For 1800.
ADAPTED TO MAINE.
FOR SALE.
A Convenient House-Lot, in Temple Street, containing three rods fronting said street and four rear.—Inquire of the Printer.
Dec. 2.
Strayed or Stolen,
FROM the subscriber, at Kennebunk, about the 18th Nov. a dark brown HORSE, with a small star in his forehead, one white hind foot, and a small scar on the right side of his back: he is be- tween fourteen and fifteen hands high, four years old.
Whoever has taken up said Horse, and will return him to the subscriber, shall be hand- somely rewarded—If stolen, twenty dollars will be given for apprehending the thief, by applying to
Noah Walker, or Aaron Hovey.
Kennebunk, Dec. 21, 1799.
A LL persons who are indebted to the Subscriber, must settle within thirty days, or their Notes and Accounts will be put in suit Jonathan Winslow.
Saccarappa, Dec. 10, 1799.
An Apprentice,
I S wanted at the Hair-Dressing busi- ness. One will find good encouragement by applying to
MOSES ADAMS.
Dec. 9, 1799.
T HE subscribers, having been duly appointed as Commissioners to receive and ex- amine the claims of the several Creditors to the Estate of SAMUEL WALDO, late of Portland in the county of Cumberland, Mer- chant, deceased—hereby give notice to said creditors, that they will attend them for that purpose, at the dwelling house of Samuel Freeman, Esq. in said Portland, on the third Mondays of this and the five following months.
Dated the 7th day of December, A. D. 1799.
Sammuel Freeman, Woodbury Storer, Ebenezer Mayo.
N OTICE is hereby given, that the Subscriber has been duly appointed Administra- tor de bonis non upon the Estate of ELIJAH WEARE,
late of Northport in the county of Cumberland, Mariner, deceased, and given bond as the law directs: All persons concerned are hereby notified to exhibit their claims, or make immediate payment to
Enoch Anderson, Admin.
Freeport, December 3d, 1799.
Cincinnati.
T HE Standing Committee of the So- ciety of Cincinnati, of the Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, agreeably to the Votes of the Society—Hereby give public Notice, to such of their brethren as are re- duced to necessitous circumstances—the Widow and Orphans of others, who may be in like circumstances, that all applications for relief or assistance, may be made on or before the third Wednesday in January next, to any individual of the said Committee, who will communicate the same, and their respective circumstan- ces will be duly considered. The names of the Com- mittee are as follows, viz.
General Lincoln, Captain Fowle, Doctor Eustis, Captain Green, Thomas Edwards, Robert Williams, General Jackson, Major Alden, General Winlow, Doctor Hart, Colonel Tudor, Major Frothingham, Doctor Townend, John Callendar, Colonel Perkins, Colonel Lee, and Captain Johnson, Samuel Armstrong, Re- corder.
Boston, Nov. 30, 1799.
TAKEN up adrift, on Friday last, Two Buoys.
with CHAINS upwards of forty feet long.—Those who are authorized to receive them may have the same by paying cost and charges—Apply to
Benjamin Jordan, and Charles Staples.
Cape-Elizabeth, Nov. 29.
Boarding.
T HREE or four gentlemen may be accommodated with eligible boarding, in a pri- vate family, upon reasonable terms.
Portland, Dec. 25.
TO BE LET,
A Commodious DWELLING-HOUSE, situated in Back-street, containing four rooms on the ground floor; together with convenient out-houses, a good garden, and a well of excellent water.—Inquire of the Printer. Portland, Dec. 16.
FRESH GOODS.
FRYE POOR,
Has just received, at his Store in Middle-Street, SUPERFINE , navy blue, and black Broadcloths; black, white and mixed Cassimere? Ratateens, Lambkins, Coatings, Plains, Duffsils, Serges striped and figured Swansdown, spotted Swanskins, white, yellow, green, and black Flannels, red, white, green, and yellow Baizes, rose Blankets, Shalloons, Moreans, Du- rants, Tamnies, Wildbores, Camblets, Bedtickings, cot- ton and worsted Hosiery, red and green worsted Caps, brown Hollands, Linens, 3/4 and 4-4 wide Calicoes Gingham, Copperplate furniture, Chintz, book, jac- onet, and tambored Muslins, black Muslins, book and jaconet mouselin Handkerchiefs, Dimities, Cambricks, silk Shawls and Handkerchiefs, chintz and purple Shawls cotton and linen Handkerchiefs, silk velvet Caps, black Gauze, black, and coloured Lustrings, black silk Laces, white thread Edgings, ladies' and gentlemen's black and white silk Gloves, kid and beaver do. fancy kid, morro- co, and cloth Slippers, men's fashionable Hats.
W. I. Rum, Brandy, Gin, Madeira, Sherry, Lisbon, & Malaga Wines, young Hyson, Hy- son-skin, Southong and Bohea Teas, Coffee, Toat & brown Sugars, Currants, preserved Prunes, Nutmegs Mace, Cassia, Allspice, Ginger, black Pepper, Cayenne do. Mustard, table Salt in Sackets, Whining, Castor Soap, Cake do. Almonds.
4d. 6d. 8. 1od. 2od. and sheathing Nails, 2d. 3d. 4d. and 5d Brads, Frying Pans, Coffee Mills, Bed Screws, flock Locks, ring and knob Locks, cupboard do. brass Nails, few pair brass Chafing Dishes, brass Candelicks, Knives and Forks, pen and jack Knives, elastic Knitting Pins, Shovels and Tongs, cotton and wool Cards, floor Brushes, chaise and horse Whips.
Hollow Ware, blue & white Ware, Tea Trays Pewter.
A few bottles & boxes of Essence of Pearl, and the Pearl Dentifrice for Teeth and Gums, Teeth Brushes, Smoking Bottles, liquid True Blue, Hair Powder, &c.
Fresh RAISINS.
Also, at the above Store, The FARMER'S ALMANACK, by Robert B. Tho- mas, and the Almanack by Isaiah Thomas. Portland, Nov. 21.
Samuel Swett,
INFORMS his friends and customers, that he has just received from Boston, and has for sale at his store in Poland, a large assortment of European, West-India, & Hard-ware GOODS,
which he is determined to sell as low, for as can be purchased in Portland.
Poland, Nov. 12.
Moses Adams, HAIR-DRESSER,
INFORMS his friends and customers, that he has taken a Shop in Fifth-street, next door to Robert Cross, where the greatest attention will be paid to all who please to favor him with their custom. Portland, Nov. 25.
William Haskell,
R espectfully informs his friends and the public that he has removed from the Shop where he formerly worked to one in Union-Street, just below Mr. How's brick store, where he continues to carry on the
Cabinet Making Business
in its various branches—He returns his hearty thanks for their past favors, and solicits the continuance of them. Punctual attention will be given and all favors acknowledged. Portland, Nov. 25.
Portland, December 6, 1799.
T HE Selectmen appoint the follow- ing persons as Measurers of Wood and Bark, viz. William M'Lellan, Moses Noyes, Henry Wheeler, John Thrasher, Moses Lunt, David Noyes, Asa Plummer, William Waterhouse, and state their fees as follows, viz.
Five Cents a Load, for what is brought in town b-
land. For what is brought in by water and piled or corded on a wharf or on the land in Ranges, at the rate of three cents a cord, for any quantity of five cords or more —For any quantity under five cords and more than one cord, at the rate of four cents a cord—and for any quan- tity of one cord or under, four cents.
Attest, SAMUEL FREEMAN, Chairman.
T HE Subscribers, appointed Com- missioners, by the Hon. Jonathan Bowman, Esq. Judge of Probate, for the county of Lincoln, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the Estate of
PAUL REED,
late of Boothbay, Gentleman, deceased; and six months being allowed for that purpose, hereby give notice, that they will attend the business of their appointment, at the dwelling house of William M'Cobb, Esq. in Booth- bay, on the last Friday of this and the five following months, from 3 to 5 o'clock, P. M.
WILLIAM COBB, JOHN LEISHMAN.
T HE Subscribers, appointed Com- missioners by the Hon. Jonathan Bowman, Esq. Judge of Probate, for the county of Lincoln, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the Estate of
PADSHALL KNIGHTS,
late of Boothbay, mariner, deceased, and six months be- ing allowed for that purpose, hereby give notice that they will attend the business of their appointment at the dwelling house of William M'Cobb, Esq. in Boothbay, on the last Friday of this and the five following months, from 3 to 6 o'clock, P. M.
William M'Cobb, John Leishman.
N OTICE is hereby given to the nonresident proprietors and owners of the fol- lowing lots of Land, lying in the town of Bethel, county of York, that their lots of Land are taxed in a State County and Town, School house and Road tax, in the bills committed to me the Subscriber, Collector of said town, for the year 1798—to collect in the following re- spective sums, viz:
   No. Lots. Range. State Tax. County Tax. School house tax. Road tax.   D. C. D. C. M. D. C. D. C. D. C. D. C.    29 3 0 1 6 0 22  2 2 1 1 6 0 22  30 1 1 1 6 0 22  23 2 1 1 6 0 22  18 4 1 1 6 0 22  13 8 1 1 6 0 22  32 5 1 1 6 0 22  17 1 1 1 6 0 22  6 4 1 1 6 0 22  27 9 1 1 6 0 22  13 3 1 1 6 0 22  13 9 1 1 6 0 22  4 2 1 1 6 0 22  30 2 1 1 6 0 22  27 2 1 1 6 0 22  23 10 1 1 6 0 22  19 6 1 1 6 0 22  3 2 1 1 6 0 22  24 1 1 1 6 0 22  5 1 1 1 6 0 22  25 2 1 1 6 0 22  15 7 1 1 6 0 22  23 1 1 1 6 0 22  33 3 1 1 6 0 22  21 8 1 1 6 0 22  30 4 1 1 6 0 22  14 10 1 1 6 0 22  30 8 1 1 6 0 22  8 4 1 1 6 0 22  28 8 1 1 6 0 22  16 1 1 1 6 0 22  10 9 1 1 6 0 22  33 1 1 1 6 0 22  1 8 1 1 6 0 22  20 4 1 1 6 0 22  15 6 1 1 6 0 22  3 5 1 1 6 0 22  16 2 1 1 6 0 22  2 1 1 1 6 0 22  12 5 1 1 6 0 22  3 6 1 1 6 0 22  18 8 1 1 6 0 22  28 6 1 1 6 0 22  16 9 1 1 6 0 22  11 6 1 1 6 0 22  14 3 1 1 6 0 22  24 4 1 1 6 0> 0 22  24 2 1 1 6 0 22  7 4 1 1 6 0 22  14 2 1 1 6 0 22  29 9 1 1 6 0 22  29 1 1 1 6 0 22  32 3 1 1 6 0 22  10 5 1 1 6 0 22  12 3 1 1 6 0 22  25 8 1 1 6 0 22  8 7 1 1 6 0 22  27 6 1 1 6 0 22  4 1 1 1 6 0 22  1 6 1 1 6 0 22  30 3 1 1 6 0 22  30 5 1 1 6 0 22  14 9 1 1 6 0 22  1 5 1 1 6 0 22  17 6 1 1 6 0 22  12 3 1 1 6 0 22  21 6 1 1 6