The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-11-13 00:00:00

The Providence Journal.
AND
TOWN AND COUNTRY ADVERTISER.
Published on WEDNESDAYS, by JOHN CARTER, JUN. Printer of the LAWS of the UNITED STATES for the State of RHODE-ISLAND, &c. At the NEW PRINTING-OFFICE, West Side of the great Bridge, PROVIDENCE.
[ No. 46. ]
WEDNESDAY, November 13, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
The Advertiser, No. XXV.
I HOPE my fair readers will not think me guilty of any severity of remark, if I should now and then endeavour to censure some of their follies. They must overlook the frailties of a gouty old batchelor, who cannot relish very well the fashionable amusements. Age and the gout will generally make a man peevish and fretful. My own family know how to overlook my little resentments, if my pipe or tobacco box is misplaced. If I attempt to censure the manners of my friends, they immediately exclaim— Old Squareshoe has a touch of the gout to-day. —Not long ago, an unlucky rogue pinned a piece of paper on the hinder part of my wig, with this inscription— Here goes the Moralit. —By accident it happened that I was introduced into a room full of company on that day. After strutting about for some time, they all saluted me by the title of the Moralit. Is it possible, said I, that my character for morality should be so universally known, when I have not the honour of an acquaintance with any gentleman present? My dear Sir, replied one of them, arrogate to yourself no credit on that account, you carry all your morality as a porter carries his burden, on your back.
A lady, the other day, in a very polite billet, informed me that she had found my miniature; I opened it, and found it to be a death's head . Jack Foppling sent me a card of invitation to a dance, when he knew I could dance much better on my head than my feet. I deliberately put on my spectacles, and after translating the bad spelling into English, lighted my pipe with his card of invitation. Thus we old batchelors must keep watch, and, in the vulgar style, look out for breakers. I should therefore advise every man of my fraternity, to marry in his own defence; for the ladies regard a batchelor with as much abhorrence as they do a spider.
My correspondents have been so obliging as to furnish me with several hints, which I shall endeavour to improve in proper season. Letitia has given me a transcript of her journal, before she was confined in the hospital of the mental physician, and since her departure from it. This the mental physician observed, after composing the muscles of his countenance, and adjusting his chin, cravat, &c. would shew that his hospital had produced very salutary effects. In deference to the length of his understanding, and his face, I have here transcribed both, for the public perusal.
"Waked early in the morning—weather very foggy—slept till eleven o'clock—laid in bed till twelve—got up and breakfasted at one—about two o'clock took a game of whist with Clotilla—turned off the maid for not putting on my cap in the fashionable style—saw my lover and my lap dog at four—Mr. Squamish of opinion that the bible is not suitable for young girls to read—received a card of invitation to the ball at five—resolved not to go with Mr. Simple.—Memento, to wear more powder in my hair at the next ball—set down to work on my gown at six, eyes too weak to work—finish the novel of Charles and Teresa—at seven alter my resolution, and go to the ball with Mr. Simple—music bad—dance with Mr. Simple—drink a glass of lemonade—Mr. Modish looked divinely—has an elegant snuff box—Memento, scoops almost out of fashion—go home at half after one; fire out—go to bed at two and sleep soundly till twelve next morning.
LETITIA CLACKET.
The other journal runs in these words— "I arose from my bed at five, and took a morning walk before breakfast, found the air temperate, healthy and serene, and felt sensations which my heart never experienced before.—The sun rose slowly from the east, illumined the dewdrops and shot a trembling ray upon the water. How many happy hours have I lost by my own indolence—how much superior is this beautiful landscape, to all the gildings of fashion—the hall of nature is now open—yonder splendid light is hung in the center of heaven to enlighten it—the feathered musicians have begun their notes, and all nature seems to dance and exult. I have been reflecting how much we deprecate the blessings of Providence. The commonest things in nature are the greatest blessings, and yet we overlook them. Were it not for the sun we should grope in darkness—vegetation would cease, and mankind would stand shivering in the blast of an eternal winter. Yet how few, when they behold the morning sun, think of these multiplied blessings.—At ten o'clock attended divine worship—there is a tranquil pleasure attending divine service, which has nothing of rant and enthusiasm to tincture and defile it. It seems no more than a voluntary sacrifice of some part of our time, to the munificent Father of the Universe.—At twelve o'clock I retired home, and assisted my aged mother in her household concerns.—At nine on Monday morning, my mother was taken with a violent asthmatic complaint. I watched attentively the progress of the disorder, and after some applications, found her much relieved. May her life long be preserved to her children. I can but exclaim in the words of my favourite poet—"
"Me let the tender office long engage, To rock the cradle of repining age; With lenient art, extend a mother's breath, Make languor smile, and sooth the bed of death."
So fervently prays her affectionate daughter, LETITIA.
The following is an extract of a letter from an old acquaintance now on the very point of matrimony, respecting the final cause of beauty.
"Female beauty, innocence and virtue, are such ornaments to the cause of religion, that Providence seems to have placed them here, as its own representatives. Little do the fairest part of creation think how splendid their examples may be. Female beauty, of itself, is strong and almost irresistible; but when arranged on the side of virtue, is next to omnipotence. Were I a beggar, the sweet drops of compassion, shining in the orbs of female beauty, would be to me a greater luxury than all the wealth which the mines of India could bestow. Donations, large and liberal, may proceed from some sordid principles of nature; but the tears of compassion only flow from the sluices of the heart. This partakes of the celestial nature, and proves to a demonstration that the soul is immortal. We love beauty—Providence seems to have concentrated all that is beautiful, in woman. Female beauty awakens ten thousand anxious desires and sensations, which before, the heart never felt, and the understanding never knew. We feel anxious for the health, the security, the welfare, the prosperity, the temporal and eternal felicity of the object. These celestial cords bind more strong than fetters of adamant."
"Providence seems not only to have strewed the thorny path of life with violets and primroses, but has likewise placed beauty in the centre; to entice us to heaven. Milton, whose genius transcends our warmest admiration, has, with great elegance and emphasis, spoken of those passions which beauty excites. He supposes that the angels in heaven feel the sweet sensations of love. Adam asks Raphael—"
"Love not the heavenly Spirits, and how their Love Express they?"
"It may here be remarked how delicately the angel avoids a direct answer to this question, and at the same time, how strongly he intimates his opinion—"
"To whom the Angel, with a smile that glow'd Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue,
Answered, Let it suffice thee that thou know'st Us happy, and without love no happiness."
It is obvious from this, that Jack is on the high road to matrimony. I have only to wish that he may experience the truth of his own observation, and that his honey-moon may be at the full—during life.
FROM THE FARMER'S MUSEUM.
"And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept."
WHENEVER the course of my reading leads me to the simple and the pathetic, I generally inspect the book of Genesis. To the uncommon merit of that portion of holy literature I have already, more than once, borne the fullest testimony. The beauties of the bible appear in radiance at the beginning. Picturesque scenes, described in terms the most plain, the most concise and easy, charm in every chapter. The magnificent, the sublime, the terrible, the pathetic, are successively exhibited to the enchanted reader, who wonders how objects of such interest can be shewn in a style so unadorned. For men generally employ swelling words and cumbrous and pompous imagery to convey ideas of grandeur and elevation. Not so the fine writers of Palestine: More modest than JULIUS CÆSAR, more simple than XENOPHON, sublimer than HOMER, sweeter than VIRGIL, the orientals possess the surprising and constant power to represent the highest thoughts by the humblest expressions.
For several evenings past I have read with equal diligence and delight, the domestic history of Abraham and his family. No memoirs, no romances, even from the charming pens of Fielding, Cervantes, Richardson or Radcliffe, rival the wonderful interest of the story of that amiable Jew.
I will select and amplify one incident, for the sake of those injudicious loungers, who either never read the bible, or unwarrantably assert that it is a dull book.
Under the fierce suns of the East, the passion of love glows with peculiar ardency, and a bold voluptuousness is sanctioned by prescription, and the laws. To "the pale unripen'd children of the North," a plurality of wives appears to be an unnecessary, as well as criminal, infraction of the ordinances of constancy. But from the earliest periods of Asian history, polygamy has been a general indulgence, or a tolerated vice; and apologists for the passions find, or make climate the source of immoderate love. In Canaan, Abraham complied with the custom of the country, and two females shared the affections of the father of the faithful. But the mischief of such an arrangement appeared, even
in a quarter where fashion made it lawful, and jealousy and rage soon defaced the domestic economy of the patriarch.—From the angry reproaches of Sarai, and the incessant repinings of Hagar, as well as from other circumstances of family misfortune, Abraham might learn that one woman was quite enough to quench or to kindle the passions of a philosophic Hebrew.
But this is rather digressive, and I hasten to the chief circumstance in the narrative contained in the text.
Hagar, the handmaid of Abraham's wife, and the successor to her conjugal rights, having deeply offended her mistress, is compelled to quit the dwelling of her lover and her master. Her son, Ishmael, who appears to be an unlucky urchin from the beginning, was observed by the jealous and sharp sighted Sarai to have contracted a habit of mockery. Eager for a pretext to mortify a rival, and vexed at the boorishness of her boy, she intreats her husband to dismiss the "bond woman and her son;" and adds that the latter should never be co-heir with Isaac. Abraham, though grieved at his harsh banishment, finds it prudent to comply, and, after furnishing the maltreated Hagar with a slight provision for her journey, ejects the unfortunate girl, who reluctantly leaves the early scene of her servitude, and gloomily wanders in the wood of Beer-sheba.
Those acquainted with the natural history of Judea need not to be reminded that it is a parched region, and that on its extended plains, or in its deep forests, the want of water is frequently experienced. While the wretched mother and the wailing child were groping their way through the tangled thickets of the wilderness, the pittance of water which a weak female could support on her shoulder was soon imbibed by the two feverish and thirsty travellers. Solitary, spiritless, overloured, unrefreshed, Hagar and her offspring are now "ready to perish." Despair seizes the agonized mother; and she casts the darling, the expiring Ishmael "under one of the shrubs." Here the sacred painter executes one of the most beautiful portraits of maternal tenderness that ever was designed; and I challenge the hard-hearted to view it without tears. For such was the excess of regard felt by Hagar for her son, that though confident of his instant dissolution, she could not bear the sight of her poor boy, gasping not only for the waters of the fountain, but for the breath of life. His situation was indeed pitiable. Perishing in a desert; his pillow a thorn, his covering the rised leaves of a shrub, and the screaming of the night bird his funeral dirge. This was too much for the susceptible heart of Hagar. "She went and sat her down over against him, a good way off, as it were a bowshot." The reason of this apparent neglect is immediately assigned: "For she said, let me not see the death of the child."
A lover and man of humanity would willingly traverse the wood of Beer-sheba, and dare its scarcity of moisture, and its gloom of foliage, to find and relieve a woman of so excellent a heart. This Hagar was certainly one of the best of the good girls of antiquity. The historian says she was an Egyptian slave. Her mind was free as air. Servitude had not deadened her heart. She was truly a fond mother; and, if I ever have a family, I will purchase, as an incitement to domestic virtue, the picture of Sarai's handmaid. When I read the above story, even my nerves, calmed by years, and hardened by discipline, convulsively vibrate; and tears moisten the cheeks of an old man: An image of maternal tenderness always excites my attention; and I bear cheerful testimony to facts innumerable, proving that fond anxiety for offspring was not confined to the females of Palestine. I am a competent witness, for I have a mother: A sickly infancy nurtured into health, a giddy and dangerous season of childhood and youth, carefully devoted to letters, attest the salutary cares, and persevering affections of a wise and amiable woman. Whatsoever things are lovely and of good report in these sermons, must be ultimately referred to a mother's attention to the education of the author. By her he was incited to read good and brilliant books; and by her he was inured to a life of literary labour.—Happy if he can live to see her hopes even partially responded, and to hear, from no false or flattering tongue, that her son is useful and eminent.
THE LAY PREACHER.
Miscellany.
From the (N.Y.) COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER. BARRUEL AMENDED.
THE Abbe Barruel has, with great labour, compiled and published, in 4 volumes, the "History of Jacobinism." The great objection to his work is, that instead of unfolding the principles of MAN, which originate all Jacobinism on earth, and giving the whole history of its effects, he has limited his investigations to one branch of the evil. He traces Jacobinism to the slave Curbius or Manes, who, in the 3d century, founded the Manichean sect; and after-wards through the Knights Templars, the Albigenes, the Masons, the Philosophers of the present century, the Illuminati, to the Jacobin societies in France, which have filled that country with blood and carnage.
There may be some truth in all this, although no man will believe that these sects have been connected by a system of continued associations; and with regard to the Albigenes and some other sects, the author is guilty of gross calumny. Many of the sectaries who have dissented from the Romish Church, have been distinguished for their quiet, peaceable behaviour, and have evidently had no other object in view than to reform the most gross errors and abuses.
But Barruel has never once probed the evil to the bottom.
Jacobinism is a new word, but its meaning is definite and well understood. It consists in an opposition to established government and institutions, and an attempt to overthrow them, by private associations, or by violent and illegal means.
The principles which give rise to Jacobinism are found in the human heart, and are as old as man; nay, more, if we can make any thing of the few hints in Revelation on the rebellion of the angels, these principles infected the higher orders of creation, before the world was made. Certain it is, that not a spot on the globe has ever been exempt from the principles of Jacobinism.
The source of the evil is pride. Every man thinks his opinions and his claims are the best founded, or at least as well founded as those of his neighbour. He thinks he knows as much as any man, or rather more; that he has as good claims to riches, notice, fame, rank and office; and he is firmly persuaded that he could govern a country or a city better than his neighbours.
The traits of man are universal; the consequence is, no man will bear a superior or a rival without a portion of jealousy first, and finally of discontent. The man who has wealth, office, talents, and the notice attached to them, is first envied, and afterwards hated by men who have not these advantages. The difficulties attending the acquisition of these enjoyments, often prevent those who are destitute of them from open attempts to pull down those who possess them; but the wish and the spirit to make the attempt are always in existence, and always in operation. No man ever enjoyed any of the extra blessings of life, who had not numbers around him, who would strip him of them, if they could do it with safety; no man is elevated without being surrounded with men who think they are as well entitled to elevation, and who would pull him down, if they could, and take his place.
Here is the origin of Jacobinism. It springs from natural pride, and the passions resulting from it, envy, hatred, ambition. In short, all Jacobinism is founded on discontent. And as the passions above mentioned are inherent in man, Jacobinism must have been coeval with him. Such is the fact. The History of Jacobinism is therefore no more than a relation of all the different modes in which the principle of pride has been operating ever since the creation.
Whether the sketches of a rebellion in heaven, by the angels "who kept not their first estate," are to be understood in a literal sense, according to common opinion, or are merely a divine allegory intended to depict the character of man, is not material in this place. Suffice it to say, that the relation furnishes an illustrious picture of the natural principles which give origin to Jacobinism. A large number of beings, headed by a discontented demagogue or angelagogue, Satan, become uneasy with the government over them. Democratic meetings were held in heaven, to contrive means of dethroning God Almighty; plans were formed in secret, for it will be observed that secrecy is the main ingredient in crime and Jacobinism; a civil war was commenced in the celestial regions, and a bold effort made to wrest the sceptre from the king of heaven. This story, which has been the basis of an excellent poem, is full of practical truth, and Milton's Paradise Lost is the finest satire upon Jacobinism in the English language.
No. II.
THE second instance of Jacobinism on record, is related in the third chapter of Genesis. My polite and fashionable readers must excuse me for citing the bible as an authority; for no book extant furnishes more useful lessons on this subject.
Man was no sooner made and placed in paradise with an agreeable companion, and surrounded with blessings, than that Arch-Jacobin, Satan, either the old devil, who raised the insurrection in heaven, and the father of the sect, or one of his pupils and emissaries, began to envy the quiet, tranquil life of Adam and Eve, and to plot their ruin.
It may seem a little strange, what motive could induce Satan to wish to destroy the happiness of the first pair, as it does not appear that he had any expectations of enjoying paradise himself, after he had ousted them. It is true that in many instances, the Jacobin who attacks the possessor of wealth and office, does it because he wishes and expects to obtain the same advantages; but the History of Jacobinism furnishes parallel instances of men who plot day and night to ruin the happiness of others, when they have no idea of ever coming into possession of it themselves. That is, they do mischief for the sake of mischief. They don't like to see any man above themselves; and when they cannot

rule themselves, it is the next gratification of their malicious wishes to see others brought down to a level with their own situations.
Now mark the scheme of the arch-democrat, Satan, to effect his purposes. He assumes the shape of that subtle beast the serpent. Ah, this is Jacobin to a tittle. If a Jacobin has a plan to carry, he is sure to approach the people he means to betray, in the insidious shape of a friend to the people—a friend to liberty. This is the serpent-form in which all democratic tricks are recommended to modern Eye—the people.
The next step was to attack Eve, when alone. Mark that, my readers. The old intriguer set the example, which has been followed by all Jacobins ever since, of beginning his attack on the person most credulous, most easily deluded by his fascinating speeches, and when absent from her husband, who might detect his insidious wiles. Just so modern Jacobins and democrats take the unsuspecting people in their work-shops, or assemble them in close rooms, where no eye can penetrate—no listener can be present to detect their schemes and contradict their misrepresentations.
Now see how exactly this old Devil marked out the plan of intrigue which has been since pursued. He begins by holding up to view an object of desire, which was prohibited under penalty of death; and then contradicting God, who had denounced the crime and declared the penalty. That is, he declared God had deceived them—the prohibited fruit was desirable, and if they should eat of it, they would not die.
This is democracy to perfection. The modern Satans, in the disguise of serpents, pretended friends of liberty, begin their attacks on government, by telling the governed, that their rulers have deceived them; that they are tyrants, enacting laws which are not necessary, which abridge their liberty and pleasures, and if they eat of the forbidden fruit, they shall not die; that is, they may violate the laws with impunity.
The whole story of the fall of man, whether literally true, or an allegory designed to represent the beginning and progress of evil in the human heart, is a sample of Jacobinism. The "forbidden fruit," was restraint imposed on man for his safety and happiness—or in other words, a prohibition of all moral evil. The object of Satan was to tempt man to reject that restraint. Well, what is all Jacobinism but the same thing? Government is restraint—it confines men to their duties, and prohibits whatever will annoy their neighbours. The Jacobin holds up liberty, and equality, and the rights of man, as the temptation to induce the people to throw off restraint. And what is the consequence? Why, they are "driven from Paradise." That is, they rob, steal, plunder and cut throats—They turn a paradise into a hell upon earth.
Now comes the flaming sword which points every way to prevent the refugee transgressors from returning to Paradise. Just so, in the political fall of nations, where restraint is removed, crimes succeed; injury treads upon the heels of injury, till every man finds an enemy at his door—Then, to close the catastrophe, the flaming sword, RATION, is planted to guard every avenue against returning peace and confidence, Quod erat probandum.
VERY LATE
Foreign Intelligence,
By the brig Trial, arrived at New-Bedford from Scotland.—London dates to Sept. 21.
Taking of Tippoo Sultan's Capital, and his Death.—Official.
LONDON, September 23.
MADRAS GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY.
Wednesday, May 15, '99.
THE following copy of a letter from Lieut. General Harris to the Right Hon. the governor-general, dated Seringapatam, 7th of May, 1799, is published by his lordship's authority: J. WEBBE, Sec. to Gov.
MY LORD, On the 4th inst. I had the honour to address to your lordship a hasty note, containing in a few words the sum of our success, which I have now to report more in detail.
The fire of our batteries, which began to batter in breach on the 30th of April, had on the evening of the 3d inst. so much destroyed the walls of the citadel which it was directed, that the arrangement was then made for assaulting the place on the following day, when the breach was reported practicable.
The troops intended to be employed were stationed in the trenches early in the morning of the 4th, that no extraordinary movement might lead the enemy to expect the assault, which I had determined to make in the heat of the day, as the time best calculated to insure success, as the troops would then be least prepared to oppose us.
Ten flank companies of Europeans, taken from those regiments necessarily left to guard our camps and our out-posts, followed by the 24th, 33d, 73d and 74th regiments, and three corps of grenadier companies, taken from the troops of the three Presidencies, with 200 of his highness the Nizam's troops, formed the party for the assault, accompanied by 100 of the artillery, and the corps of pioneers, and supported in the trenches by the battalion companies of the regiment De Meuron, and four battalions of Madras Sepoys. Col. Sherbrooke, and Lieut. Colonel Dunlop, Dalrymple, Gardiner and Mignan, commanded the several flank corps; and Major-General Baird was entrusted with the direction of this important service.
At one o'clock the troops moved from the trenches, crossed the rocky bed of the Cavery under an extremely heavy fire, passed the glacis and ditch, and ascended the breaches in the bastions and rampart of the fort, surmounting in the most gallant manner every obstacle which the difficulty of the passage, and the resistance of the enemy, presented to oppose their progress. Major-General Baird had divided his force for the purpose of clearing the ramparts to the right and left. One division was commanded by Col. Sherbrooke, the other by Lieut. Col. Dunlop; the latter was disabled in the breach; but both corps, though strongly opposed, were completely successful. Resistance continued to be made from the palace of Tippoo, for some time after all firing had ceased from the works; two of his sons were there, who, on assurance of safety, surrendered to the troops surrounding them; and guards were placed for the protection of the family, most of whom were in the palace.
It was soon after reported that Tippoo Sultan had fallen. Seyed Scheh, Meer Sadee, Seyed Gotar, and many other of his chiefs, were also slain. Measures were immediately adopted to stop the confusion at first unavoidable in a city strongly garrisoned, crowded with inhabitants and their property, in ruins from the fire of a numerous artillery, and taken by assault. The Princes were removed to camp. It appeared to Major-Gen. Baird so important to ascertain the fate of the Sultan, that he caused immediate search to be made for his body, which, after much difficulty, was found late in the evening, in one of the gates, under a heap of slain, and soon after placed in the palace. The corpse
was the next day recognized by the family, and interred with the honours due to his rank, in the mausoleum of his father.
The strength of the fort is such, both from its natural position and the stupendous works by which it is surrounded, that all the exertions of the brave troops who attacked it, in whole or in part, is impossible to say too much, were required to place it in our hands. Of the merits of the army, I have expressed my opinion in orders, a copy of which I have the honour to inclose; and I trust your lordship will point out their services to the favourable notice of their king and country.
I am sorry to add, that on collecting the returns of our loss, it is found to have been much heavier than I had at first imagined. On the 5th inst. Abdul Khalee, the elder of the Princes formerly hostages with Lord Cornwallis, surrendered himself at our out-posts, demanding protection. Kerim Sareb, brother to Tippoo, had before sought refuge with Meer Allum Behauder. A Cawle Namah was yesterday dispatched to Fatch Hyder, the eldest son of Tippoo, inviting him to join his brothers. Fatch Hyder and Meer Kummer Odeen Khan have also been summoned to Seringapatam—and as far as I have received, I expect them shortly, as their families are in the fort.
This moment Ali Reza, formerly one of the Viziers from Tippoo Sultan to Lord Cornwallis, has arrived from Meer Kummer Odeen Khan, to ask my orders for 4500 horse, now under his command. Ali Reza was commissioned to declare that Meer Kummer Odeen would make no condition, but rely on the generosity of the English.
Monsieur Chapue, and most of the French, are prisoners. They have commissions from the French government. I have the honour, &c.
GEORGE HARRIS. Killed.—Europeans, 70.—Natives 13. Wounded, do. 203. do. 24. Missing, do. 4. do. 2.
Private letters received by the same conveyance, mention that immense treasure has been taken at Seringapatam.
It is rumoured, that the Jupiter, of 60 guns, Commodore Lockhart, with a squadron of frigates, has fallen in with the French squadron on their return to the Mauritius, driven them ashore, and destroyed the whole of them.
The East-India House is to be splendidly illuminated this evening, and the East-India brigade are to fire a feu-de-joie on their own ground.
It is asserted, we know not on what authority, that several British officers, supposed to have died in the prisons of Hyder Ally and Tippoo, were found still living in the dungeons of Seringapatam.
The successful termination of this short war secures to us the sovereignty of India. The Nabob of Arcot, who once shared the Canaric with Hyder Ally, is no longer powerful, and the Mahrattas alone possess extensive territories, and a considerable military force. But the Mahrattas are attached to us, and even if they were not, the destruction of Tippoo would effectually prevent them from risking a contest.
Further Success of the British in Holland.
London Gazette Extraordinary.
Downing-Street, Sept. 16, '99. A Dispatch, of which the following is a copy, was this morning received from Lieut. General Sir Ralph Abercromby, K. B. at the headquarters of the Right Hon. Henry Dundas, one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State.
Head-Quarters, Schager Brug, Sept. 11, 1799.
SIR, HAVING fully considered the position which the British troops had occupied, on the 1st instant, and having in view the certainty of speedy and powerful reinforcements, I determined to remain until then on the defensive.
From the information which we had received, we were apprized of the enemy's intention to attack us, and we were daily improving the advantages of our situation.
Yesterday morning, at day-break, the enemy commenced an attack on our centre and right, from St. Martin's to Potten, in three columns, and apparently with their whole force.
The column of the right, composed of Dutch troops, and under the command of Gen. Daendals, directed its attack on the village of St. Martin's.
The centre column of the enemy, under the orders of Gen. de Monceau, likewise composed of Dutch troops, marched to Crabendam and Ijsselstein.
The left column of the enemy, composed of French, directed itself on the position occupied by Major-General Burrell, commanding the second brigade of guards.
The enemy advanced, particularly on their left and centre, with great intrepidity, and penetrated with the head of their columns to within 100 yards of the post occupied by the British troops. They were, however, every where repulsed, owing to the strength of our position, and the determined courage of the troops. About 10 o'clock the enemy retired towards Alkmaar, leaving behind them many dead and some wounded men, with one piece of cannon, a number of wagons, pontoons and portable bridges. Col. McDonald, with the reserve, pursued them for some time, and quickened their retreat.
It is impossible for me to do full justice to the good conduct of the troops.
The two brigades of guards repulsed with great vigour the column of French which had advanced to attack them, and where the slaughter of the enemy was great.
It is difficult to state with any precision the loss of the enemy; but it cannot be computed at less than 800 or 1000 men; and on our side it does not exceed, in killed, wounded and missing, 200 men. Exact returns shall be transmitted herewith. I have the honour to be, &c. R. ABERCROMBY.
Right Hon. HENRY DUNDAS.
LONDON, September 16.
Letters from Deal this morning say that yesterday failed the Nemesis, Resource, Adventure, Weymouth, Royal, Admiral, Trufly, Sheerness and Dordrecht ships of war, with transports, and about ten thousand troops (the 1st and 2d divisions) for the Texel. Remains a fleet of transports with cavalry, for the Texel.
Yesterday arrived in Ozeby Bay, on the coast of Suffolk, the Dutch fleet, taken in the Texel, consisting of 12 sail of line of battle ships.
Prior to the ships before mentioned leaving the Texel, the marines were landed from all the English ships to do garrison duty, to enable the regular troops to join the main army.
Such of the Dutch sailors who declared for the Stadtholder, were drafted out of the respective ships before the fleet sailed.
Deal, Sept. 10. This morning his Royal Highness Prince William of Gloucester embarked on board the Nemesis frigate, for Holland.
THE FLEETS.
LONDON, Sept. 16.
His Majesty's ship Monarch, of 74 guns, arrived yesterday in the Downs, from Lord Bridport's fleet, to resume her station in the North Sea. She left the Channel fleet last Friday at eight o'clock in the evening, all well, off Brest. The ships from Plymouth had joined, and his Lordship had with him an invincible fleet of 40 sail of the line.
The five Spanish ships which had come out of Rochefort, have escaped the vigilance of Sir J. B. Warren, and have got into L'Orient. The two Squadrons were in sight of each other, but the Spaniards were so far to windward, that it was impossible to cut off their retreat.
PARIS, September 4.
On the 15th of last month, 19 priests were sent off from the prisons of Lyons for Oleron, in four carts, with chains about their necks.
A letter from Toulouse states, that a column of rebels which took refuge at St. Clar de Lomagne, a small town near Lectoure, has been cut to pieces. The Republicans were not satisfied
with the victory, but put to death the men, women, and children of the village, and then burnt the place.
SEPT. 5. The Directory has ordered the editors and printers of the following Journals to be arrested: Bulletin officiel des Armées Coalisées, La Parisienne, La Quotidienne, Le Courier de Paris, Le Démocrate, Le Miroir, La Feuille du Jour, Le Necessaire, Le Hommes Libres, Le Grondeur, and Le Defenseur de la Patrie.
It is said that we too have a secret expedition on foot, and that it will be commanded by Benadotte.
The anniversary of the 4th of September was celebrated this day in the Decadary Temples, and the Champ de Mars. Sieyes, the president of the directory, pronounced an harangue upon the occasion.
On the preceding evening the Directory issued another order, the object of which was, to apply the law of the 5th September to the proprietors and editors of the journals arrested yesterday. The place of their banishment is Oleron. They were allowed (two months to repair thither, in conformity with the law of the 5th of September, 1798; and those who shall not within that time make their declaration, are to be placed on the list of emigrants.
It is Delmotte who commands at Brest in the absence of Bruix.
Macdonald is at this moment at Paris, and has already had a conference with the Minister of War.
SEPT. 7. The Pope has been interred at Valence; quicklime was thrown into his grave, which consumed his remains.
French Armies, &c.
Moreau, after the battle of Novi, had at first resolved to quit his post, and to retreat to Savona; but having learned how much the enemy had suffered, he renounced his first design, and determined to cover the Genoese territory. We shall remain on that part on the defensive, at least until the arrival of Champolion, who will bring with him a reinforcement of 30,000 men to join him, from his army of the Alps.
Our army of the Rhine advances into Germany without meeting with any great obstacles. It has exacted contributions from several towns on its route.
It appears that the Austro-Russians have taken Tortona, and that they threaten Coni. But Champolion has thrown provisions into the latter place, as well as into Fenestrelles.
Our troops have crossed the Rhine in the neighbourhood of Spires, in several places, and after having joined a corps of 8000 men, encamped before Mannheim; the army advanced into the Valley of the Neckar.—The head quarters, at the date of this intelligence, were before Heilbrunn. The army is more than 30,000 strong.
Twenty thousand men who have joined the army of Massena, make his army amount to 100,000 fighting men. We expect every moment a terrible and decisive battle.
The attack of Philipbourg is begun by this time. The siege will be covered by an army of 30,000 men.
Paul I. has ordered a new levy in his dominions of 180,000 men, in order to repair the losses which his armies have experienced in the present campaign.
The minister at war has particularly enjoined the Commander in Chief of the army of England to keep a vigilant eye upon the department of the Maine and Loire. He at the same time instructed him to form a column of two or three thousand men, with a train of light artillery, to be ready to act as occasion may require—to keep that body of men in continual activity, and to direct it against every point where the brigands may attempt to assemble, in order to crush it effectually.
The Spanish Minister has demanded, in the name of his court, that the body of the Pope should be embalmed, and delivered to him, to be sent to Rome to be interred. But that superstition should not get possession of it, the administration of Valence have caused him to be interred, and lime thrown into his grave.
Army of Italy.
Extract of a letter from Suchet, General of Division, and Chief of the Staff, to the Minister at War.
AUGUST 27.
"The loss of the enemy in men very much exceeds ours, and amounts, from his own confession, to 8000, 1500 of whom have been left upon the field of battle, 1250 taken prisoners, with General Lufignan and 28 officers, and the remainder wounded, and unable to fight.
Thus, after 14 hours of obstinate fighting, the French army would have remained in possession of the field of battle, had not the minds of the soldiers and the General officers been affected by the loss of their brave commander.
"The successes obtained by Gen. Klenau have raised the courage of our troops; and the greater part of them now desire to engage the Russians, whom they have had an opportunity of knowing and conquering during the whole of the battle of Novi."
(Signed) SUCHET. (Counter-signed) BERNADOTTE."
Head-quarters at Corregliano, Aug. 24.
Since the unfortunate day of the 15th of August, the enemy, to our great astonishment, has made no preparation to follow us; and we have resumed our positions in the mountains of Liguria. The citadel of Tortona, having lost all hopes of succour, capitulated yesterday.—The enemy left but a very few troops between Alessandria and Tortona. They marched with the main body towards Asti, which showed their design to besiege Coni, the only strong place of which we are in possession in Piedmont. They have also detached a corps of 20,000 men against General Grenier, who has come down with part
of the army of the Alps into the environs of Suza.
We cannot long maintain ourselves in the position which we now occupy: In the first place, our army is not sufficiently numerous, and run the risk of being entirely destroyed; on the other hand, the mountains of Liguria are very barren, and the cavalry and the artillery horses perish daily, owing to bad food. The hay is very bad, and for three months past oats have altogether failed us. Genoa can no longer afford us any assistance. The government of that place is alarmed at the approach of the Austrians.
One of the Directory has attempted to take flight; another has given in his resignation. The workmen and sailors are patriots, and will see our departure with grief; but the merchants, whose commerce has been on the decline for these four years past, are anxiously desirous of the arrival of the English, from whom they hope to obtain a free trade. These considerations are not those which are most powerful. Our army is in want of every thing, and the treasury is empty. A sum of 300,000 livres, which was on its way from France, and which was expected with the greatest impatience, was stopped at Savona by Gen. St. Cyr, in order to discharge the pay of his army, which was four months in arrears. This Gen. was compelled to this measure by the discontent which the two divisions which he commanded have loudly testified. The contractors, who are not paid, and who are daily cheated by the bills which are given them on the treasury of Paris, will no longer do their duty. Drafts have lately been given them which have not been paid; and several soldiers have been obliged also to receive them. It appears as if every thing conspired against this army.
French Army of the Rhine, &c.
LONDON, Sept. 19.
The Hamburg mail due on Sunday arrived last night. The most important intelligence brought by it is from Switzerland and the Rhine. The French have crossed the Rhine, in order to divert the attention of the Archduke, and to oblige him to divide his forces. They are now advancing in two columns of nearly twenty thousand men each to Durlach and Heilbronn, and seem to threaten the Archduke by Schaffhausen, while Massena is to attack him in front. His Royal Highness therefore has quit Switzerland with a large part of his army, and has marched to Donaueschingen, in order to check the progress of the French army, in which the accounts from Frankfort say he has been successful. Gen. Hotze commands the Austrians and Russians in the absence of the Archduke. But Hotze, with an army so inferior to Massena's, can only act strictly on the defensive—he is waiting anxiously for the reinforcements from Italy under Gen. Kray. Lecourbe is again marching against Coire.
The French, it is obvious, have no idea of maintaining themselves in Suabia—they will probably retreat as the Austrians advance. An article from Dieburg mentions, that they were completely defeated by the Austrians six leagues from Heidelberg; but by forcing the Archduke to march into Suabia, they expected that Massena will succeed in obliging the Austrians to evacuate Switzerland.
The Archduke has issued a new circular letter to the Princes of the Germanic circles, calling on them for their contingents. The letter observes, that the present is the most favourable moment for Germany to recover its ancient frontier.
In the electorate of Mentz, the people have unexpectedly risen in mass, driven the French back to Offenbach, and threaten the city of Mentz, which, as well as Cassel, is declared in a state of siege.
Of Prussia.
The determination of Prussia to remain neutral is confirmed, and Saxony, in following the example of Prussia, has explicitly declared to the Diet that she will take no part in the war of the Empire.
Another Embassy is to proceed to Berlin—the Count Bellegarde has been appointed ambassador from the Emperor of Germany, and Prince Galitzin from the Emperor of Russia. Whether the object of the two powers is again to urge his Prussian Majesty to enter into the war, we know not; a Russian army of 120,000 men is said to be raising on the frontiers of Poland.
September 17.
Extract of a letter from an officer on board one of the British ships in the Texel, dated Sept. 11.
Seven thousand Russian troops, all fine stout healthy fellows, were disembarked here yesterday, and to-morrow will march with 2000 British troops, to join the main army, who are now intrenched up to the chin, in the neighbourhood of Alkmaar. The town has been summoned to surrender, but refused, and therefore we are in hourly expectation of hearing that it is taken. Gen. Sir Ralph Abercromby has had a very severe action with the French and Dutch, near Enkhuizen, which town we have taken. The prince of Orange, with 5000 Dutchmen, who have volunteered for the Stadtholder, and call themselves the prince of Orange's life guard, are now there. We are ordered to proceed with the Dart and Arrow sloops of war, and the Fury bomb, up to Amsterdam, with 900 volunteer seamen, who are to land and attack the forts, while we bombard the town. We have no other news at present.
September 21.
Downing-Street, September 19.
A dispatch, of which the following is a copy, was this morning received from Field-Marshal his royal highness the duke of York, at the office of the Right Hon. Henry Dundas, one of his Majesty's principal secretaries of state.
The Helder, North Holland, 14th Sept. 1799.
SIR, I have to acquaint you with my arrival at

this place yesterday evening, having failed from Deal on board the Amethyst frigate on Monday morning the 9th inst.
Upon coming on shore, I had great satisfaction in witnessing the disembarkation of eight battalions of Russian auxiliary troops, consisting of 7000 men, under the command of Lieut. Gen. D'Hermann, which had arrived from Revel in the course of the preceding day and yesterday morning. I afterwards saw these troops upon their march towards the position occupied by the British near Schagen; and I have great pleasure in assuring you that, from their appearance in every respect, the most happy consequences may be expected from their co-operation with his Majesty's arms in this country; Lieut. General D'Hermann seems to enter most heartily into our views, and I form very sanguine hopes of receiving essential assistance from his zeal and experience.
I understand that Sir Ralph Abercromby has made you acquainted with his having repulsed the enemy in an attack made upon him on Tuesday last. I proceed to join him at his quarters at Schagen immediately.
I have had the pleasure to meet the Hereditary prince of Orange here. His Serene highness is occupied in arranging into corps a large body of deserters from the Batavian army, and volunteers from the Dutch ships of war, which have proceeded to England. Every assistance shall be given to his Serene highness to render these corps an efficient addition to our force. I am Sir, yours, FREDERICK.
LONDON, September 20.
On Tuesday evening his Majesty's sloop L'Espiegle arrived in Yarmouth Roads, with dispatches from the British army in Holland. L'Espiegle left the Texel on Sunday night last.
Eleven thousand troops, British and Russians, were to move forward on Monday from the Helder, to join the main army, and 5000 more were preparing to disembark. The whole were in the highest health and spirits.
All the letters yet come to hand, express the most sanguine hopes of Amsterdam being very speedily in our possession, if the French, in their retreat, did not inundate the country, for which, by accounts received from the head-quarters of the British army, it was apprehended they were making preparations.
It is natural to suppose, however, that this is a measure which the great majority of the Dutch would rise up to oppose; and it is a measure of all others calculated to unite that people against the common enemy of civilized society; for the people of Holland must be convinced, that by adopting so desperate a measure as that of a general inundation, the French did not consider not only the future welfare, but the present existence of a great proportion of the inhabitants of Holland.
We know nothing more calculated to open the eyes of what the French call the Batavian people; than this measure of destruction which they meditated against them. The idea of such a measure being in contemplation, however, was accelerating the landing and march of our troops, for it was conceived possible that we might press upon the French so fast, that they might not be able to accomplish their murderous and diabolical designs.
The Juno frigate, commanded by captain Dundas, had been lightened, for the purpose of her sailing up as near as possible to Amsterdam, and she was to be accompanied by all the gun and other vessels of force that could be adapted to the navigation of the Zuyder Zee. Vice-Admiral Mitchell, whose judgment and spirit are equal to every emergency, was himself to command this armament; with his flag displayed on board the Juno.
By accounts daily received by those who flock in to range themselves under the flag of the Hereditary Prince of Orange, there is every reason to suppose that the main body of the Dutch troops at Amsterdam and Rotterdam will, at the approach of the combined force, join the Orange flag.
Our army had remained quiet in their position till Sunday morning last. When the reinforcement reached them, which would be on Monday last, they were expected to advance.
September 31.
Yesterday afternoon Major Dalton arrived with dispatches from the army in Holland, dated Tuesday last, at which time no action had taken place subsequent to the defeat of the French and Dutch upon the 10th inst. The French, it is said, had began to cut through several of the dykes in the country round Alkmaar, Haerlem and Amsterdam, probably with the view of preventing the advance of our troops. This measure will not, however, prevent the intended operations against the latter place, as it is to be attacked from the sea, and the gun-vessels and light ships are in a state of forwardness for the business.
Alkmaar, which at present so much engages the public attention, is about twenty-three miles to the northward of Amsterdam.
MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES.
The famous strong pass, called the Bochetta, is again mentioned in some accounts to have been taken on the 18th, and the allies, it is added, had entered Genoa on the 21st ult. at which time an English squadron was cruising before that city.
A letter from the commander of the Danish naval force in the Mediterranean, contains the disagreeable intelligence, that the Dey of Tripoli had declared war against the Hanse Towns, Hamburg, Lubeck and Bremen, and that a Tripoline corsair has already captured off Alicante two Danish ships, and sent them to Tunis, under the pretence of their cargoes being Hamburg property.
In the palace of Tippoo Saib, in Seringapatam, was found a treaty he concluded with the French, which is sent home by the governor-general. In this is a stipulation, that Tippoo should divide with the enemy the English ships that should be captured, and also the different sea ports on the coast of Malabar and Coromandel.
We have great reason to believe that the Chouans are again in great force; and very active, though secret preparations, are making in a certain quarter, for powerful succour to be sent them. The Directory have published throughout Paris a proclamation, in which they endeavour to alarm the people with the idea
of the return of royalty. In this proclamation, both the danger and the exhortation to provide against it, are stated in the most general terms. The Directory, however, do not appear to rely for the support of their authority merely on their powers of conscription.
Letters from Venice state, that a conclave is to be held either in that city or Padua, for the election of a new Pope.
No less than three or four candidates are mentioned for this dignity!
By the Thetis sloop of war, which arrived at Plymouth on Tuesday from Minorca, after a very short passage, we are informed that a report was circulated there and generally believed, that Buonaparte had at last surrendered to Sir Sidney Smith. From many circumstances, it was thought very probable, and what had long been expected there to take place.
By the London Gazette, inserted in the foregoing columns of this paper, our readers will see that Parliament, which had been prorogued to the 29th of October, is now called to meet on Tuesday the 24th of this month.
Various conjectures are afloat respecting the cause which has produced this unexpected measure. The London Star of Tuesday last has the following remarks upon it:—
This sudden and unexpected measure has made a very strong impression on the public-mind, and has occasioned a considerable fall of the stocks; since it is ascribed to some important movements in the cabinets of the coalised powers, upon which our ministers do not choose to act without the concurrence of Parliament. We have good reason, however, for believing, that the chief object of this measure is to get a bill passed to enable government to send an additional number of militia to Holland. We know from very respectable authority, that it has been in contemplation some time to augment our continental army with 30,000 troops collected in this manner, especially as it does not appear that his Prussian Majesty will take any part in the delivery of Holland. A report was even circulated yesterday, that our minister at Berlin had been ordered to quit that city, from which it was inferred that hostilities would soon follow. At Ratibon, on the 25th ultimo, the king of Prussia declared, as elector of Brandenburg, "That he would not depart from his neutrality, and that he would take no part of a war of the empire."
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13.
The General Assembly of this State met at South-Kingstown on Monday the 28th ult. and adjourned on Saturday following to the last Monday in February next, then to convene in this town.
The Legislature having been chiefly employed in the trial of petitions, and other business of a private nature, very little public business was done during the session.
The petition of the Society of Friends, praying an exemption from military duty, and paying the annual commutation therefor, which was postponed at the last session, was taken up, and voted out by a very great majority—there being nine votes in its favour, and about fifty against it.
The bill for the establishment of free schools, which had also been postponed at the last session, was taken up and passed in the House of Representatives, by a great majority—it being near the close of the session, the Senate did not act on the bill—of course it lies over.
A Jacobin print, published in Virginia, says, "It is all nonsense to expect a peace with France while a New-England administration guides the political rudder." Birth was given to this Virginian brat before the determination to send the envoys was known; perhaps the opinion will now be changed. This is a solemn truth, however, that more evil is to be dreaded should any individual of the administration descend from New-England politics, than can be readily sketched; and equally true it is, that if any individual New-England man has stepped aside from that path which has led the New-England States to political eminence and rank, the sentiments of the great body of well informed men in those states remain unchanged; and when such sentiments as they possess cease to have dominating influence in our councils, the bond of union will rapidly approximate to dissolution. [Alb. pap.]
PHILADELPHIA, November 6.
Extract of a letter from Lisbon, dated 18th September, 1799. "We have had the Insurgent frigate here for a few days: the appearance of so fine a ship under the American flag, recalling the glorious heroism by which she was added to the American navy, has greatly exalted the American character, and will, no doubt, render our government more respectable and our navigation more safe—all nations will be disposed to show more respect than they have hitherto done, for a flag which waves over such a ship."
"Yesterday, Mr. Smith (attended by Mr. Bulkeley, the consul of the United States) and his secretary, went on board the Insurgent to breakfast with captain Murray; the regulations of the port not permitting a salute, every other mark of respect was shown—on the minister's arrival the yards were manned, the officers and marines were drawn up on deck, and presented their arms, while the music played the President's march. After breakfast, and Mr. Smith had visited every part of the ship, the men were exercised at the great guns, and went through all their manœuvres; among others, those of the pile men or boarders, all of which were performed with great skill and activity—on the minister's departure the yards were again manned, and the officers drawn up on the poop gave three cheers, which were repeated by the whole crew, and answered by the minister and the company in the boat, who returned to Lisbon highly gratified by the excellent discipline, good order and fine appearance of the crew, and the gentlemanly deportment and judicious regulations of the gallant captain and his brave officers."
"I introduced captain Murray to the British captains of men of war, and they have exchanged signals."
BOSTON, November 11.
Capt. Foster, arrived on Tuesday, in 20 days from Cape François, contradicts the report of the death of Rigaud, or that he had been wounded. He held his own at Aux-Cayes, and has been joined by the mulattoes in force.
Capt. Moses Barnard, of the brig Lydia, of this port, who had been carried into France by a French privateer, writes his owners from Bourdeaux, June 28th. "That the Pigou has been liberated, and several of our vessels have been cleared—one in particular at Nantz, which had no role d'equipage. At this moment they seem to have relaxed their system of depredation towards us in some degree. The court of Cassation (High court of Appeal) at Paris, has determined several causes in favour of Americans, which the inferior tribunals had condemned."
TAKE NOTICE.
If there be any persons by the names of JOHN LATHERS and JOHN ANDREWS, now living in the vicinity of this town, or elsewhere, of natural birth; or natural heirs to the said John Lathers and John Andrews, they are notified to call on BENJAMIN BARKER, of Scituate, Massachusetts, or on ORADIAN BROWN, of this town, where they may hear something to their advantage. 13th 11th Month.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.
Trenton, October 16, '99.
Sir, Having on the receipt of your letter of the 19th of last April, relative to the case of Leroy Hopkins, detained in the British service as an impressed seaman, transmitted copies of it and of its inclosures, to the American agent in London, as the most certain means of obtaining Hopkins' release—I have this day received a letter from the agent, dated London, August 18, 1799, of which the following is an extract:
"In the case of Hopkins (meaning Hopkins) for whom the governor of Virginia has interested himself, I have to observe, that application was made for him so long ago as the 13th of July, 1798, in consequence of the representation of a Mr. Reynolds, a relation of his, and I have received a promise that orders would be given for his discharge, but it appears this was not done. However, immediately on the receipt of the proofs of his citizenship, I sent them to the admiralty, and I have received positive assurances that orders have been given for his discharge. I have the honour to be, &c."
TIMOTHY PICKERING. His Excellency JAMES WOOD, Esq. Governor of the State of Virginia, Richmond.
It is with pleasure we learn that Capt. Troup has resumed his former command in the United States navy.
The quarterly meeting of the Society of the Federal Adolph will be held in the College Chapel, at 3 o'clock this afternoon.
MARRIED,
Yesterday morning, by the Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, Mr. THOMAS AMORY, merchant, of Boston, to Miss ELIZA BOWEN, daughter of Dr. William Bowen, of this town.
Mr. ROBERT S. PACKARD, merchant, to Miss JANE STEWART, daughter of Mr. Archibald Stewart.
DIED,
Miss BETSY WRIGHT, daughter of Mr. Aaron Wright, in the 18th year of her age.
At Smithfield, Capt. JOHN JENCKS (son of Henry) in the 49th year of his age.
At Charlestown, suddenly, by the fall of a stick of timber, Mr. DAVID TOWNSEND, in the 25th year of his age, greatly lamented by all who knew him.
"That life is long, which answers life's great end." At Albany, in the 24th year of her age, after a short but distressing illness, Mrs. ELIZABETH SPALDING, the amiable wife of Mr. John T. Spalding, and daughter of Robert McClallen, Esq.
Benjamin Thurber
Has just received a handsome assortment of G O O D 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 broadcloths; London brown, blue and green serges; forest cloth, lamb-skin and coating, very cheap; swandown, nankeneens, florentines, serge denims, crimson, scarlet and green baizes; blankets, black, yellow, red and white English flannels; moreens, russells, plain and striped camancoes, durants, shaloon, plain and striped wildbores, bengals, crapes, dimities, muslinets, India cottons, a great variety of muslins, lappets, Irish linen, sheeting ditto, towcloth, bedtickling, yellow canvas, cambricks, lawns, a large assortment of camels hair, silk and china shawls; black Barcelona and bandana handkerchiefs; a variety of fancy patches, chintzes and calicoes; English and India lustrings 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 furr hats, muffs, furr trimmings, house paper, writing ditto.
Brass kettles, warming pans, candlesticks, London and Bristol pewter, knives and forks, shovels and tongs, metal tea pots, patent lamps, elastic needles, sadirons, bellows, coffee mills, looking glasses, glass china, Liverpool and Delft 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.
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. The author, in his preface, gives a concise account of the old and new files, reasons for abolishing the old file, and why there cannot be another Leap-Year till 1804.
Augustus Larned
HAS FOR SALE, MESS and prime Beef, in barrels and half barrels. Mefs and prime Pork do. warranted good. 20 Hogsheads of good flavoured Rum. Sugar in barrels. Firkins of Butter. Surinam Coffee in bags. Turks-Island Salt. November 13.
A Meeting of the Providence Association of Mechanics and Manufacturers will be held at the State-House on Monday evening the 18th inst. November 13.
William Blodget, jun.
At STORE No. 9, CHEAPSIDE, Has just received from New-York and Boston a large, general and complete supply of Fall and Winter G O O D S, Of the most fashionable, best and durable kinds, now opening for sale, at prices remarkably low for CASH, viz.
POINT kersey blankets, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11-quarter robe ditto; shirting and sheeting mullins, some extremely fine; Irish linen, 7-8ths and yard wide, from 1s. 6d. to 9s. per yard; real London west end superfine broadcloths, Yorkshire ditto, scarlet, green, London brown, smoke, black, light and dark grey, drab, light and dark fancy mixed, olive, and every other kind to suit the most difficult taste; blue broadcloths of every description, from 7s. 6d. to 39s. per yard; plain, stamped and embossed calimancoes of every kind; an extensive supply of fancy nable plain and striped velvets, English satins and lustrings, fashionable Madras handkerchiefs for turbans, silk shawls, cambricks of superior qualities, a complete supply of camels hair shawls, with and without fringes, remarkably low priced; mourning fringed ditto, superfine fashio-ble length kid gloves, long and short white, purple, green, lead, straw and flesh coloured; ribbons, plain, patent, and common worsted hosiery at all prices, patent silk, of every description, black, white and blue, with and without lace clocks; blue, light and dark mixed ladies habit-cloths; fine coatings for ditto; a very complete and large assortment of 9-8ths London prints of superior qualities, calculated for every fancy, including the very fashionable Nelson plaids, laurel and ball; hair powder, lilly and citron pot and roll pomatum; cotton and twig whips; gilt, plated, pearl and steel coat and vest buttons; Suwarrows ball do. buff and various other colours queen and Genoa cord; black flags, 7-8ths, yard wide and 5-qr. black silk handkerchiefs; fancy coloured ditto, brown linens, oilcloths, worsted, furr, beaver and fawn gloves; coatings of all kinds, pound and pack pins, threads, tapes, bobbins, flannels, white, yellow, green, black, red, and some remarkably fine; 3 and 6-qr. baize of every kind, dimities, long lawns, plain and sprigged book and jaconet mullins, linen handkerchiefs, plaid, camels hair vests, ribbed and plain; a great variety of calimancoes, double glazed durants, single ditto of every colour, shaloon and russells, green, garnet, brown and mulberry wildbores; rattinees, ferrits and ribbons, fearnought cloths, superior qualities and common fashionable morocco dhats, edgings, carpets and carpetings, rugs, playing cards, tooth powder and brushes, stocks, dressing combs, court plaster, glove tyes, penknives, segar boxes, ink stands, a few plated, of very tally patterns; morocco thread cases with instruments, umbrellas, and various other articles. For the MILITARY:
An elegant and handsome assortment of gilt eagle-headed swords, of approved metal; a great variety of dirks, a large supply of epaulets, from 6 to 30 dollars a pair; best English beaver fiercely-cock'd hats, gold and silver laces, field and subaltern officers' sabres, pistols, navy blue broadcloths and cassimeres; also white and red, of the best kind. They will be sold in large or small quantities, at very favourable prices.
N. B. A generous price, in cash, will be paid for 500 casks of FLAX-SEED. November 13.
For Sale,
THE fast sailing schooner JOLLY ROBIN, about 67 tons, now lying at Mr. Halsey's wharf.—For further particulars, enquire of the master on board, or of Mr. Halsey, in case of her removing to another wharf. She is exceedingly well built, and has been employed in the fishing business. November 13.
Painter's Colours, Dye-Stuff, &c.
A vast variety, wholesale and retail, by Samuel Brown, A little north of the State-House (Providence)
WHO expects a large additional assortment in the spring.—He wishes to purchase a quantity of FLAX-SEED, to be delivered if possible in all the present month, and will accept of it in small parcels.
He executes ornamental PAINTING and GILDING of many kinds, with accuracy and attention, and wants as an assistant, a lad of ingenuity. Such an one will meet with favourable terms. November 13. (4w.)
At a meeting of the Directors of the Providence Library, November 2, 1799.
VOTED, That a tax of one dollar be assessed on each right, that the same be collected by the librarian, and paid on or before the 1st day of February next into the hands of the treasurer, for the purpose of repairing the books, procuring others, and such incidental expenses as the board may order.—That no proprietor have the use of any books until this assessment be paid, and all books heretofore reciepted for, and not returned, be also paid for, or the books returned.
Voted, That all persons claiming rights in the Providence Library exhibit their claims to THEODORE FOSTER and WILLIAM RICHMOND, Esquires, on or before the 1st day of February, A. D. 1800, and that no person be allowed to take a book out of said library until their rights are so ascertained, and that the two last votes be published in the Providence newspapers. PARIS J. TILLINGHAST, Pro. Clerk. November 13.

Selected Poetry.
SEPTENNIAL DIVISION OF TIME.
THE seven first years of life's a man's break of day, Gleams of short sense a dawn of thought display: When fourteen springs have bloom'd his downy cheek, His soft and bashful meaning learns to speak. From twenty-one proud manhood takes his date; Yet is not strength complete till twenty-eight; Then to his five and thirtieth, life's gay fire Sparkles, burns bright, and flames in fierce desire; At forty-two his eyes grave wisdom wear, And the dark future dims him o'er with care With forty-nine, behold his toils increase, And busy hopes and fears disturb his peace; At fifty-six cool reason reigns entire; Then life burns ready, and with temperate fire. But sixty-three unbends the body's strength Ere the unwearied mind has run its length; And, when from seventy, age surveys her last, Thir'd she stops short---and wishes all were past.
SPEAKER ONSLOW.
MR. Onslow being principally raised to the chair by the interest of Sir Robert Walpole, that great man presided there with the same integrity as he did in every other situation of life. This, though highly credible to his character, was not so agreeable to his patron, who expected some returns more su- table to his political views; he gave several hints of this himself, occasionally to Mr. Onslow, to no purpose; he at last commissioned his brother, Horace Walpole, the well known tool of the minister, to take the first opportunity of delivering his opinion more roundly to him. The brother accordingly complied, and received this answer; "that although he considered himself as under particular obligations to Sir Robert Walpole, he had a certain feeling about him whenever he sat in the Speaker's chair, that he could by no means consider himself of any party whatever."
Horace, who did not understand this nice sensibility, sneeringly said, "Why all that may be true, Mr. Onslow, but permit me to tell you the following story:
"A gentleman of my acquaintance married a fine young girl, some years ago, with a very handsome fortune; but it so happened, that on the night of his marriage his friends so imprudently plied him with the bottle, that he lay all night by his bride without once being in a state of recollection that he was married. In the morning he barely recollected the circumstance; but finding himself as much deranged by a headache, as he was the night before from inebriety, he turned round to the bride, and in a gaping accent accosted her with 'Well my dear, how do you feel yourself this morning?' 'Feel myself! (said the lady, smarting under all the indignity of her neglected situation) pray, Sir, do you think my father gave 20,000l. for such a question?'"
THE Subscribers having entered into a co-partnership, under the firm of Bowers and Bucklin , request all who are indebted to either, to make immediate payment.
CALEB BOWERS. JOHN C. BUCKLIN.
They have just received a very extensive assortment of DRY GOODS, which they offer for sale, at a very small advance, at No. 1, Cheapside. November 6.
Rhode-Island District.
BY virtue of a warrant from the Hon. BENJAMIN BOURN, Esq. Judge of the District Court for Rhode-Island District, Notice is hereby given to all persons concerned, that a libel is filed in said Court by William Bradford (the 3d) and others, against the sloop Good-Intent, her tackle, apparel, furniture, &c. (as the same lies in the port of Bristol) for wages, alleged to be due to the said William and others, seamen on board said sloop---and that trial will be had upon said libel at a District Court to be held in Providence, on the twentieth day of November instant, at ten o'clock in the morning.
W. PECK, Marshal.
Providence, Nov. 4, 1799.
Just published, and for sale, at the GOLDEN BEE-HIVE , THE SECRETS OF MASONRY, illustrated and explained in a Sermon preached at South-Kingstown, by the Rev. Brother ABRAHAM L. CLARKE, at the installation of Washington Lodge, No. 2, on Monday the 23d of September, A. L. 5799: in which an ample apology is offered to the ladies for their non-admission. October 30.
Wanted,
A YOUNG woman with a good breast of milk. One of a good character, who can be well recommended, may hear of a place by applying at this office. October 16.
Rufus Greene,
Bookseller and Stationer, Second shop westward of the Great Bridge, South side of the street,
SOLICITS the patronage of the public, and respectfully informs them, that he has just received, and now offers for sale, a small assortment of
BOOKS,
consisting of a variety of authors, in history, voyages, travels, philosophy, divinity, law, physics, geography, navigation, architecture, miscellaneous, poetry, &c. &c.
Webster's 1st and 3d Parts, by the grocer, dozen or single; Alden's 1st and 2d ditto; Pike's Arithmetic, by the dozen or single, Morse's Geography, ditto; Morse's Gazetteer, ditto; Perry's Dictionary, ditto; Psalm-Books, Primers, and a great variety of children's books.
ALSO,
A general assortment of Stationary, different sizes of Writing-Paper, by the ream or quire; plain and gilt Letter-Paper, Wafers, Quills, Inkstands, Inkpowder, Message Cards, &c. &c.
He likewise carries on the Book-binding business. Accompt-Books bound to any pattern at the shortest notice. Old Books rebound; and he keeps constantly on hand Accompt-Books of a variety of sizes and sorts, wholesale and retail. 6th 11th Month.
Joseph Taber,
TAILOR,
Respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he has taken the shop next to Mr. William Blodgett's; where he carries on his business in all its various branches. Those who will please to favour him with their custom, may depend on every thing in his line of business done to their satisfaction.
N. B. He also makes ladies' Habits and Spencers in the newest fashion and neatest manner. Nov. 6.
TOBACCO.
24 Hhds. of very excellent TOBACCO, just received, and for sale, on liberal credit, by
Brown and Ives.
They have on hand,
FRESH BOHEA TEA,
in whole, half and quarter chests, by the quantity or single chest, on very accommodating terms.
ALSO,
St. Petersburg HEMP, RUSSIA DUCK, and a quantity of CODFISH. October 30.
NEW GOODS.
William James,
(On the west side of the Bridge, Providence) Has just received, by the latest arrivals from London, a new supply of FALL and WINTER GOODS, which he now offers for sale, at the lowest prices for cash---viz.
SUPERFINE, middling and coarse
 Broadcloths  Superfine Cassimeres  Forest Cloths  Striped and spotted Elastic Cloths  Fine and coarse Plains  Devonshire Kerseys  Coatings  Colour'd Flannels  Baizes and Duffles  Camblets, Cambleteens  Wildbores, Crapes, Russells  Caimancoes, Shallons, Moreens  Taboreens, Durants and Tammies  Fashionable Swansdown Waistcoating  Patent worsted, and silk and worsted Hosiery  Velvets, Thicksets and Plushes  Lastings, Satinets and Florentines  English and India Lustrings  Black and colour'd Sattins  Modes, Sarfennets  Tiffanies and Persians  Fashionable dark and light Chintzes and Calicoes  Dark mourning do.  Muslinets and Dimities  Striped and plain Jacomet Muslins  Book do.  Long Lawns  Cambricks and Lawns  Platillas, Brown Hollands, Diapers, Piquet, Cyprus, crape and plain Gauzes  Widows' Crape  Muslin, Chintz and Purple Shawls  Muslin and Lawn Handkerchiefs  Black and white Millinet  Barcelona and Bandano Handkerchiefs  Linen and Cotton do.  Black Muslin and India Cottons  Ravens Duck, Russia Sheeting  Bedticks  6, 7, 8, 9 and 10-quarter Rose-Blankets 
ALSO,
 A large variety of Fur Trimmings  An assortment of Morocco and Cloth Shoes  Ladies' long and short Silk Gloves  Gentlemen's worsted and Silk do.  Sewing Silk, Twist, Threads, Bobs, Tapes, &c. 
ALSO,
An assortment of Hard Ware, &c. &c. October 30. (6w)
Wanted,
AN Apprentice to the Shoemaking Business. One of good character, and who can be well recommended, may have a place by applying to JOHN G. FRANCIS. October 9.
New, Fancy, and Staple Goods.
Just received, by Caleb Bowers,
And now opened for sale, at his Cash Store, No. 1, Cheapside, an extensive assortment of English and Scotch GOODS,
CONSISTING OF
 REAL blue and black Sedan Cloths  London superfine do.  Yorkshire do.  Middling and low priced do.  Navy Blue  White, buff and scarlet Cassimeres  Imboss'd and plain do.  Coatings  Duffles  Plains  Serges  Baizes  Flannels  Devonshire Kersey  Farnet  Swansdowns  5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11-quarter Rose Blankets  Common and ingrain Scotch Carpets and Carpeting  Stair do.  Camel's-hair Shawls, with and without fringes  Linens  Cambricks  Mullins  Gentlemen and ladies' Beaver Gloves  Do. lin'd with fur  Fur Trimmings  Muffs and Tippets  Gentlemen's Hats, of the newest taste  Ladies' patent satin do. with bands and plumes  Fancy Ribbons  Chappel Needles  Scotch Threads  Superfine and common patent Hose  Knotted do.  Plain and ribb'd do.  Marble do.  Ribb'd outsize do.  Black do.  Black and white gauze do.  Silk and worsted do.  Chintz and purple Shawls  Fancy kid and Morocco Shoes  Kid Gloves  Black and white silk do. with every other article usually called for in the dry goods line, at the lowest cash prices. 
October 30.
Amos Maine Atwell,
CONNECTICUT Salted Provisions of the best Qualities, and in excellent shipping-order, viz. Prime Beef, Prime Pork, Mess Pork, and one Hog pork. Also, 20 Furkins of Butter, 7000 feet 1 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. (t f) October 30.
FUSTICK.
George W. Hoppin,
Has just received and for Sale, at his Shop near the Long Wharf,
A QUANTITY of FUSTICK, Likewise, GENUINE DRUGS, MEDICINES and DYE STUFFS, of almost every description, too numerous for an advertisement.
Family prescriptions put up in the neatest order. Medicine Chests for sea, put up at the shortest notice. October 30.
Havanna Segars.
Just received, and for sale by JOSEPH J. TODD,
70,000 real Spanish Segars, supposed to be superior to any imported for some years past. Price by the thousand, 10 dollars; by the hundred, 1 dollar 25 cents. October 30.
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 Kersemeres, with fashionable Buttons, and Cape Velvets  A great variety of Swansdown 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 Kersey, light and dark Coatings  German Serges  A variety of Worsted, Cotton and Silk Hose  Men's and Women's Silk and Leather Gloves  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)
Take Notice.
WHEREAS the Freemen of the Town of Providence, in Town-Meeting legally assembled on the 27th day of August, 1799, directed a tax of twelve thousand dollars to be assessed on the rateable property of the inhabitants of said town; and the subscriber having been duly appointed to collect the same, takes this method respectfully to inform all concerned, that for the purpose of receiving the several sums which have been assessed on them respectively, he will attend at the office of NATHANIEL SEARLE, Esq; in the Market-House Chamber No. 2, during the first ten days of December next, Sundays excepted, from nine to twelve o'clock, A. M. and from two to four o'clock, P. M. agreeable to the order of said meeting. JESSE WHITMORE, Collector. October 30. 1799.
For SALE by Pitts and Chedel,
At their store, opposite the store of Amos Atwell, Esq GOOD Surinam Molasses, by the hogshead Sugar, by the hogshead and barrel Bohea Tea, by the chest Hyson and Souchong, by the dozen or smaller quantity A few hogsheads of good Rum. October 28.
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 POPE, Providence. August 21.
Sugden's Specific,
For the Cure of Sprains and Bruises. THE afflicted who are labouring under the painful accidents of SPRAINS and BRUISES, may be assured of being afforded permanent relief, by an immediate application of the above Specific, used agreeably to the printed directions, which will be given on purchasing the Specific; and which ought to be particularly observed in its application.
As one of the strongest proofs of its efficacy in the above complaints, the inventor has been politely favoured with the patronage of the following medical gentlemen; and who have been pleased publicly to recommend it, as follows: "WE the undersigned, Physicians of Providence, Rhode-Island, having given Sugden's Specific a trial, do venture to recommend it to the Public, as proving eminently serviceable in the cure of Sprains and Bruises."
AMOS THROOP, PARDON BOWEN, BENJAMIN DYER."
N. B. The above Specific is sold by Dr. Benjamin Dyer, and Dr. Amos Throop, in 8-ounce phials, provided with tin cases for the safety of travellers and mariners, at 6/ each; and without tin cases, at 5/. July 31. 18w.
To be Sold or Let,
ON REASONABLE TERMS, A Large and commodious four story HOUSE, in Westminster-street, adjoining the Theatre, with a good store, convenient for the retailing business.
Also, to Let,
The STORE in front of the House where the subscriber now lives, opposite the Town Pump, BENJAMIN TALBOT. (t. f.)
July 17.
For SALE, by Abbott and Ingals,
At their Tan-Yard in North-Providence, FOUR thousand dried HIDES, in excellent order, very reasonable for cash or short credit.
They want to purchase,
OAK BARK,
For which the highest price in cash will be given. May 29. (1f)