The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1799-10-02 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. 40. ]
WEDNESDAY, October 2, 1799.
[ Vol. I. ]
Secretary PICKERING'S Letter.
The public mind has been lacerated by the ex parte account of the ill treatment Capt. Giles received on board the British frigate Daphne , Capt. Matson. As evidence that "one story is frequently good only until another is told," we give a letter of the Secretary of State, on the subject, and leave the public to decide whether the words of Capt. Giles, or those of Capt. Matson, are most to be relied on.
Department of State, Philadelphia, 13th August, 1799.
SIR, I LATELY received from the President of the United States your letter to him of the 29th of last month, inclosing your protest relative to the treatment you say you received from the Captain of the British ship of war Daphne , whilst sailing under his convoy from St. Vincent to St. Christopher's.
As Captain Truxton, in a letter dated at Basse Terre, in the latter island, 7th May, '99, forwarded to me a representation of that occurrence, I shall state from it such of the facts and observations as lead one to think that your account is not only extravagant and partial, but that every thing connected with the affair of a nature disagreeable to yourself, was the consequence of your own improper behaviour.
Of the character of Captain Matson, who commanded the Daphne at the time alluded to, Captain Truxton speaks in the most favourable terms, from his own knowledge. "It is but justice (he says) for me here to say, that Capt. Matson is one of the most modest, gentleman-like men I ever was acquainted with: In fact, his character is that of a man being mild to a fault." "There are not two opinions any where of Capt. Matson, with respect to his correctness and friendly deportment."
The Captain of the ship Thomas , of Baltimore, having stated in a letter to Capt. Truxton the ill usage you said you had received from Capt. Matson, he (Capt. Truxton) enclosed the letter in a note to Admiral Harvey, who recalled Capt. Matson (then going to windward on service) by signal, and sent him on board the Confédération , to render Capt. Truxton an explanation relative to the complaint against him. Capt. Matson's relation of the transaction was to the following effect:
"That previous to sailing with the convoy from St. Vincent, he had ordered his first lieutenant to issue the printed signals to the British ships, bound to England; and to the Americans, which were going with them only a short distance, certain written signals for tacking, &c. But through mistake the lieutenant had delivered out the printed signals to three American masters. On this mistake being discovered, Capt. Matson ordered the printed signals to be taken from the latter, and the written signals to be issued in their stead. Nothing could be more reasonable or proper than this exchange, as the convoy consisted of 300 sail, of immense value, which in the long route they were prosecuting would have been exposed to evident danger, by the signals falling at the commencement of their voyage into the enemy's hands. Accordingly two of the three Americans, who had them, made the exchange with civility and satisfaction. But (it is stated that) on the officer's coming on board your vessel for that purpose, you abused him. This being reported to Capt. Matson, he remarked, that if you were out of humour, it must be owing to the want of a proper explanation: He therefore sent for you. On coming on board the Daphne , it is stated that you "shamefully abused Capt. Matson, frequently damned him, and said that they (the British) were worse enemies to America than the French, &c. &c. which obliged Capt. Matson to desire you to go out of his ship, telling you that you were in liquor; but you went on abusing him; when at length he ordered one of his men to start you from the quarter deck into the boat, and accordingly a seaman took up the end of the windlass-bowling, a piece of nine thread ratline, and gave you a few strokes over your shoulder." Capt. Matson adds, that he would never have permitted this to be done, had not your abuse been intolerable, and all his other efforts to get you out of the ship proved ineffectual.
What serves to confirm the foregoing explanation, whilst it evinces Capt. Matson's favourable disposition towards our countrymen, is the following declaration made by him in a formal letter he wrote to Capt. Truxton on the business in question:—"I declare to you upon my word of honour, that the account alluded to (the account of your treatment, given to Capt. Truxton by the Captain of the ship Thomas , of Baltimore) is false, and that nothing could be more remote from my heart, than to do any thing that could in the most distant manner appear as an intentional insult to an American subject, with whom it has been my constant and inviolable study to cultivate that harmony and good friendship which so happily subsist between the two countries."
Thus much an impartial view of the subject has obliged me to state to you. There are some British naval officers, whose treatment of Ameri-
can citizens admits of no excuse or palliation; while others conduct with justice, humanity, and the liberality of gentlemen. These two very different classes ought not to be confounded. The latter honourable distinction appears to belong to Capt. Matson. His anxiety to wipe off the reproach which your story was calculated to fix on his character, while it evinces his great sensibility, is a confirmation of his innocence. Of Admiral Harvey's attention to the rights of American citizens, I have had uniform proofs; and his prompt recital of Capt. Matson to answer to your complaint, merits a particular acknowledgment. I am, Sir, your obedient servant.
TIMOTHY PICKERING.
Capt. EBENEZER GILES, Beverly.
FOR THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
The Adelphiad, No. XIX.
POLITENESS, though not strictly one of the moral duties, is obligatory on every member of society. It means nothing more than a decent respect for the manners and principles of another. Diversity of opinion is no excuse for its violation; neither will a total want of it in others, justify a neglect of it in ourselves. We must behave like gentlemen, if some our neighbours will act the part of brutes. It is no sacrifice of principle, no dereliction of sentiment, to behave with decency and attention to those whose manners we may inwardly despise and abhor.
Lord Chesterfield was a fawning and despicable sycophant, and his letters partake of that quality. Every one can perceive the difference between a decent respect and the most servile adulation. If the son of Lord Chesterfield required one half of the directions which his father gave him, he must have been one of the veriest blockheads that ever human nature produced.
It frequently happens, that when some are taken piping hot from the college, they have too much of the literary bully in their composition. Every expression in the company, proper or not, must be weighed in the scales of criticism—and found wanting: Every sentiment, however harmless, however just, must run the gauntlet of censure and observation. The consequence is, that the company will sneer off into a circle by themselves, and leave the moping son of science like an old piece of worthless furniture, in the corner of the room. I should recommend to such characters to read, if it would not be thought unfashionable, a chapter in the bible, where this just principle is laid down, that there is a time for all things. Here we have a remarkable instance how ridiculous genius, good sense, and perhaps rectitude of character, may be, when they are not burnished by politeness.
After all, the sacrifice is so small, and the advantage so great, that no reasonable being can hesitate long what line of conduct to adopt. Pedantry, of all things in company, is the most ridiculous.
The conversation having one evening taken a turn on the tender and pathetic scenes which the ancient writers exhibited, a lady, distinguished for her good sense, correct taste, and ease of deportment, read the following lines from Pope's Homer, as a remarkable instance:
"Thus having spoke, th' illustrious chief of Troy Stretch'd his fond arms to clasp the lovely boy: The babe clung crying to his nurse's breast, Scar'd with his dazzling helm and nodding crest. With tender passion each fond parent smil'd, And HECTOR hasten'd to relieve the child: The glittering terrors from his brows unbound, And plac'd his beamy helmet on the ground; Then grasp'd the child, and lifting high in air, Thus to the Gods prefer'd a parent's prayer:— 'O thou! whose glory fills th' eternal throne, 'And all ye deathless powers, protect my son!'"
"Stop there," said a certain pedant, who had been long sweltering in the study of Greek—"Mr. Pope has not done justice in his translation, and wants the fire and spirit of the original." He then eased his stomach of ten or twenty Greek lines, which seemed long to have oppressed it—entered into a long analysis of the nature of the Greek language, and asserted its infinite superiority to ours. A loud and general peal of laughter succeeded, and after he had flourished for some time, he shrunk up like an oyster in the shell, and was silent for the rest of the evening.
For my own part, I am perfectly willing that such characters should march out with all the honours of war. I am willing, in a debate among Grecians, that this gentleman should be allowed the whole length of his cable to swing in; but I think it ridiculous to prepare for action, to hoist the bloody flag, and to display the number of his guns, when no enemy appears. Such conduct rather indicates cowardice, and a distrust of our own strength, than bravery and valour.
All kind of learning is good in its place; but out of it, only serve to expose its possessor to ridicule and contempt. From this cause has originated in a great measure the common and hackneyed lamentations that learning and science are so universally neglected—and neglected they
ought to be, unless they can be introduced in their proper places.
One can hardly imagine how much politeness less off and embellishes every other qualification. A man who possesses this will meet with a thousand nameless decencies and attentions—his company will be courted, and he will always be worn in the front of our esteem. Instead of being made use of as a dictionary, merely to find the meaning of a word, his judgment will be the standard to which we all will appeal. Without it, in company, every other qualification is useless. It is certainly no more than retributive justice, if we will not pay attention and respect to the manners and principles of others, to receive the same treatment in return. O.
SAVANNAH, August 30.
The following intelligence is received from St. Mary's, dated the 23d of August.
On the morning of the 21st inst. three vessels came over the bar of St. Mary's, and anchored at nearly an equal distance between Cumberland and Amelia islands—they proved to be two privateers from Providence, and a prize sloop; one of the privateers is a schooner, mounting ten guns, and between 60 and 70 men, chiefly blacks, commanded by an Italian, named Miller. The other is a kind of galley, with one large lateen sail, mounting one 12 pounder, and about 40 men, commander named M'Gee; they have the well known Providence privateersman Tom Johnston on board, as their spy and pilot.
These vessels, on coming in, hoisted on board the galley a French national flag, with the American flag over it, as if prize to the Schooner who had American colours at her main topmast head. These intended deceptions had the desired effect, for the Spanish commandant on Amelia, Captain Martineus, and the captain of the Spanish galley, then laying in view, imprudently went in their boat along side of the privateers (supposing them friends) and were detained prisoners. A few hours after this, the crews of the privateers went in boats and took possession of the Spanish galley, mounting a 24 pounder and several swivels, without a gun being fired, as there were but eight men on board the galley, and these ignorant of what had taken place. The Spanish post on the island fell of course, not having more than ten men, and not a single piece of artillery at the place.
The next day, the commanders of the privateers suffered the whole of the Spanish prisoners to depart for St. Augustine. The British flag is now flying on Amelia, and I am told that these worthy descendents and followers of Kid and Blackboard intended to establish a rendezvous there.
The whole of this transaction is considered, by most people here, as a very wanton piece of business, and highly injurious to this country, as it will be the means of breaking up the present settlements on Amelia, and as far as St. John's, and removing settlers the most favourable to America.
The principal object of these privateers, was to have fallen in with the ships from New-York, with their cargoes, two of which had arrived at Amelia, and re-shipped their cargoes on board American vessels, and had failed for New-York. I find they would have taken the American vessels, had they fallen in with them. Another of these ships, that put into Charleston, was expected.
These circumstances were known to the before-mentioned Johnson, who arrived here in a sloop from New-Providence, about a month past, under colour of taking a load of cattle from St. Simon's. He returned to New-Providence, and brought these plunderers; but finding the vessels gone from Amelia, one of the privateers proceeded to Charleston bar, and sent her boat with Johnston to town, where he found that the ship had sailed two days before for Amelia; on this she pushed back to where they now are. The ship does not appear, and from the time she has been out, it is believed she is taken, as the Lark British sloop of war was cruising for her. These privateers took a Danish Schooner that was lately at Savannah, called the Little Tartar, loaded with coffee, bound to Florida, and sent her to New-Providence. The prize sloop is from St. Augustine, bound to Savannah, Sifton, master.
How long these privateers will be allowed to remain at Amelia, or what will be their future movements, is uncertain with us here, as it is the general wish of the inhabitants to know nothing of them, whilst we remain undisturbed by them.
Political Miscellany.
From the LONDON DAILY ADVERTISER.
FOR a long time there were only two factions existing in France—that of the Directory, and that of the Jacobins; for as to the royalists of all sects, they form no more than an opinion.
After the Directory had made its own use of the Jacobins, to produce the revolution of Fructidor, (4th September) it quickly employed the immense power which its triumph gave to it, to restrain and even to enslave the Jacobin faction, by which means it obtained it. After that came the shackles imposed on the liberty of the press,
the military regime introduced nearly throughout the room of the constitutional; the displacing, in upwards of forty departments, of the constituted authorities, formed in the year before by the primary assemblies; the exclusion from the legislative body of more than fifty deputies, nominated by the electoral assemblies; and finally, afterwards, so many acts of arbitrary power such as transportation, imprisonments, removals, &c. without any formal trial, or by vexatious proceedings.
The oppressed faction bore with the utmost impatience, for three years, the yoke of the Directory, the caprices of its jealous policy: But the reverses which rapidly succeeded within these three months past, have weakened, in the public opinion, the terror inspired by the power of the Directory: The Jacobins never failed to charge on the Directory, the disasters, combined with the late elections, in which they had the majority, have added to their importance, and made their enterprises more daring. Having by these means acquired a great preponderance in the councils, they dexterously availed themselves of the dangers, both external and internal, to resume their ascendancy over the Directory: the latter became then less absolute, and the legislature more independent. The Directorial orators sink into silence, and yield the tribunal to the anti-directorial speakers. The galleries, restrained for the last two years, resumed their former practice only to applaud the latter, and to insult the Directory. It was observed, that there were numerous and frequent conventicles of deputies in opposition, in which were prepared and concerted the motions and operations which were to take place in the councils. The resurrection of the popular societies set afloat, petitions and addresses in the name of collective bodies, so long suppressed, were renewed and received. Two successive and very energetic addresses may deserve remark, coming from Grenoble, and containing a melancholy picture of the dangers of the state, a severe censure on the administration, and inviting some great measure to be taken for the salvation of the country. All this was evidently concerted with the party which triumphed.
From that time every sitting of the council of Five Hundred has been marked by some attempt of the Jacobin party, towards such independence as would restore the supreme exercise of power to the legislative body, and reduce the Directory to the functions of Executive Commissioners. This caused the message of the 5th of June, to the Directory, complaining of its silence on the dangers from without and within; and that Proclamation to the French people, containing an energetic censure of that depression under which the government has held the pure patriots, at the same time that it proscribed the real friends of liberty. Afterwards, in the sitting of the 7th, a commission was instituted to prepare fit laws to secure the free exercise of the rights of the people, individual liberty, and to ascertain the responsibility of ministers: Thence, in fine, proceeded the restoration of the freedom of the press, placed on the order of the day with vehemence, and supported by such superiority of numbers as to make the result such as never could be doubtful.
The storm finally burst on the 16th. The Directory not having answered the demand sent them ten days before, for making a report on the republic, the two councils voted their sittings permanent until they should receive a satisfactory answer. The Directory, adopting the same measure of permanence, was desirous of deferring it. This delay was considered by the council as the means of preparing to put in execution a conspiracy against the legislative body, and talked of defensive and armed measures, insisting on the measures. At length came the message from the Directory. In this the legislative body saw nothing else but a denunciation of the two councils, for not having furnished the Directory with pecuniary means to insure the triumph of the armies abroad, and from its disunion with the Executive Power, fomenting the troubles and agitations in the interior.
War was then immediately declared between the two. The crimes of the Directory, in the eyes of the councils, are for having formed against the national representation a conspiracy, all traces of which it meant to erase, by burning an immense number of papers in the office of the general police—for having retained in place, notwithstanding the repeated complaints of the legislative corps, guilty ministers—for enormous speculations, and keeping agents guilty of scandalous dilapidations of the treasures of the state—of having afforded its protection to the plunderer of Italy and Switzerland, which dishonoured the great nation in the eyes of the Universe, and excited the indignation of all people against it.
While this was passing, the three Directors personally denounced, endeavoured to divert the storm by sending in their resignation. Treillard, as having been elevated to that dignity before the expiration of the year, which the Constitution requires to elapse between quitting the Legislative body, and becoming a member of the Directory. Merlin, as a miserable lawyer, more fit to follow the windings of chicane than to conduct the affairs of a mighty Empire. La Revelliere Lepaux, as a fanatic, whom attention to his new religion has made lose sight of care for

the affairs of Government. The denunciation of the Directors was followed by that of the Ministers—of Scherer, who after paralyzing the armies by dilapidating, and suffering to be dilapidated, the funds destined for their support, took upon himself the command, only to be beaten by the enemy—of F. de Neufchateau, who made himself the instrument of the Directory in displacing the constituted authorities formed of the patriots—Ramel, for having presented false statements of the Finances, and concealed the real causes of the deficit. The three Directors were immediately replaced by three Ultra Revolutionists—Gobier, Ex-Minister of Justice under the Convention—Roger Ducos, one of the most furious Ex-Conventionalists—the Ex-General Moulin, who had a subordinate command in the war of La Vendee. A Committee has been appointed to enquire whether the denounced Generals should be put upon their trials, and it will be a difficult matter for Scherer and Reubell, whose scandalous increase of fortune has so much attracted the attention of their enemies, to escape from being capitally punished.
These first acts of the victorious party, were followed by the nomination of General Mabron to the command of the armed force of Paris; by the acquittal of General Championet and other officers who were under trial by a Military Commission appointed by the Directory; by the proposal of different measures, not yet decreed, tending to a prodigious reduction of the authority of the Executive power, and an augmentation of that of the Legislative—by measures for putting the frontiers in a speedy state of defence against any foreign invasion—by the restoration of The Journal des Hommes Libres , a kind of periodical manifesto of the terrorists, systematically edited by a committee of the jacobin faction, and which the former Directory proscribed at four times when it was resumed.
After this explanation it must be evident, that the late revolution in Paris is altogether jacobin. That of the 18th Fructidor (4th of September) was the work of a Directorial insurrection against the Legislative—this of the 28th Prairial (16th June) was the effort of an insurrection of the Legislative body, against the Directory. It is remarkable, that in proportion as the theories of revolutions come to perfection, they become less sanguinary. At the time of the convention, matters were only decided by battles and proscriptions; that of Thermidor produced barbarous and savage transportations; in the late one, the retreat of the Directors and the displaced ministers, resembles the disgrace of Ministers under the former government—they retired to the country places. Will the present end in the same tranquillity? That cannot be expected, after the animated and violent debates which produced a revolution, to be peaceably terminated. What we may build some presumption upon is, on the lassitude under which that nation seems to suffer from the effusion of blood and the proscription of its inhabitants. What influence is it likely to have on the enemy abroad? That we shall consider in our paper to-morrow, as our limits this day would be insufficient for that purpose. As to the effects it may produce in the interior, we have only a fresh proof that, in so volcanic a nation as France, a representative can never be more than a convulsive government, and that to pretend to establish a solid and permanent peace with a government founded on so fickle a basis, is no better than to attempt to erect a citadel upon a moving sand, and convincing us by the revolution which has just taken place, that the powers of government, placed in the hands of a numerous assembly, more necessarily become more democratic, consequently more bordering upon anarchy, and farther removed than before from that concentrated authority, which alone can give solidity and energy.
Latest Foreign Intelligence.
By the ship Packet , Capt. Trott , arrived at Boston from Liverpool.—Eighteen days latest.
Of Buonaparte and his Army.
ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, August 3. From Sir Sidney Smith to the Lords of the Admiralty.
“ACRE, May 3. THE enemy have made two attempts since yesterday morning to force the two English ravelins, but were repulsed with loss. The works have new cannon, &c. mounted on them, and are nearly completed. We have thus the satisfaction of finding ourselves, on the 46th day of the siege, in a better state of defence than we were the first day the enemy opened their trenches, notwithstanding the increase of the breach, which they continue to batter with effect; and the garrison having occasionally closed with the enemy in several sorties, feel a greater confidence that they shall be able to resist an assault, for which they are prepared.
W. SIDNEY SMITH.”
From Sir Sidney Smith to the Earl St. Vincent.
“Tigre, under the walls of Acre, May 2. The enemy continue to make the most vigorous efforts to overcome our resistance in the defence of this place.—The garrison has made occasional sorties, protected by our small boats on their flank, with field-pieces, in which the most essential service has been performed by the officers who commanded them.
“Yesterday the enemy, after many hours heavy cannonade from thirty pieces of artillery brought from Jaffa, made a fourth attempt to mount the breach, now much widened; but were repulsed with loss. The Tigre moored on one side, and the Theseus on the other, flank the town walls; the gun-boats, launches, and other rowing boats continue to flank the enemy's trenches to their great annoyance. Nothing but desperation can induce them to make the sort of attempts they do, to mount a breach practicable only by scaling-ladders, under such a fire
as we pour in upon them; and it is impossible to see the lives even of our enemies thus sacrificed, and so much bravery misapplied, without regret. Our loss is as per list enclosed, and we have therein to lament some of the bravest amongst us. Capt. Wilmot was shot on the 8th ult. by a rifleman, as he was mounting a howitzer on the breach; his loss is severely felt.
“We have run out a ravelin on each side of the enemy's nearest approach, in which the marines of the Tigre and Theseus have worked under a heavy and incessant fire from the enemy, in a way that commands the admiration and gratitude of the Turks, as it is evident the flanking fire produced from them contributed much to save the place yesterday. Col. Phillippeaux, of the engineers, who protected and superintended the execution, has fallen a sacrifice to his zeal for this service; want of rest, and exposure to the sun, having given him a fever, of which he died this morning; our grief for his loss is excessive, on every account. Col. Douglass supplies his place, having hitherto carried on the work under his direction, and is indefatigable in completing it for the reception of cannon. I must not omit to mention, to the credit of the Turks, that they fetch the gabions, fascines, and those materials which the garrison does not afford, from the face of the enemy's works, setting fire to what they cannot bring away. The enemy repair in one night all the mischief we do in the day, and continue within half pistol shot of the walls, in spite of the constant fire kept up from the ramparts, under the direction of Lieut. Knight.
“I hope I need not assure your lordship that we shall continue to do our duty to the utmost of our power, in spite of all obstacles; among which, climate, as it affects health, and the exposed nature of our rocky anchorage, are the most formidable, since they are not to be overcome, which I trust the enemy are by our exertions. I am, &c.”
W. SIDNEY SMITH.” Right Hon. Earl St. Vincent, Commander in Chief, &c.
[Here follows a list of the British killed and wounded, viz.—Major Oldfield, Capt. Wilmot, 1 midshipman, 6 seamen and marines killed—3 lieutenants, 3 midshipmen, 1 boatswain's mate, 1 serjeant, and 25 seamen and marines wounded.]
From Sir Sidney Smith to Admiral Blanket, British commander in the Red Sea.
“Tigre, St. Jean d'Acre Bay, May 16. Buonaparte, finding his popularity and his resources diminish in Egypt, made an incursion into Syria, in hopes to make himself master of the treasure amassed by Chezar Pacha. [Sir Sidney then gives a detail of Buonaparte's progress, of his own arrival, the capture of the French flotilla and stores, which we have before particularly stated: He then proceeds] “The town of Acre standing on a rectangular point of land, in the form of a square, of which two sides are washed by the sea, his majesty's ships could afford the protection of their guns to the garrison, and to the working parties detached from them, to throw up two ravelins, which taking the enemy's nearest approaches in flank, have considerably impeded their operations. It would be endless to enter into the detail of the events of this most singular siege; suffice it to say, we have been within a stone's throw of each other for near two months. The enemy having very early made a lodgment on the crown of the glacis, and mined the tower forming the inland angle of the town-wall (which is composed of curtains and square towers, after the manner of the 12th century) Buonaparte having transported cannon from Jaffa, and effected a breach the 14th day of the siege, attempted to storm, and was repulsed; since when, he has made no less than eleven desperate attempts to carry the place by assault, in each of which he has been unsuccessful, and obliged to retire with the loss of the flower of his army, and eight general officers killed and wounded. The army, totally dispirited and worn down with fatigue and disease, refused to mount the breach any more over the putrid bodies of their companions; they were consequently paraded yesterday, and furnished with shoes and water-gourds to enable them to cross the desert again. My emissaries in the French camp inform me that Suez is mentioned there as the object of Buonaparte's speculation, though without any hopes of a disguised, diminished, an exhausted army ever reaching it, at least in a state to act offensively. It is, however, my duty to notify this possible intention to you for your government. I am taking measures to cause an active and harassing pursuit. I trust to hearing from you by all possible opportunities through Egypt, as well as by way of Aleppo. I shall of course endeavour to keep you informed of what passes on this side the Isthmus.—I have the honour to be, &c.”
(Signed) W. SIDNEY SMITH.”
“P. S. Jaffa, May 30, 1799.—I wrote to you via Aleppo, on the 6th inst. I am enabled to send this duplicate of my letter by the good offices of Ismael, Pacha of Jerusalem, whom I have the satisfaction of joining here, in pursuit of Buonaparte's beaten and retreating army. He was obliged to raise the siege of Acre, on the 20th: knowing his intentions as above mentioned, I preceded his van column as far as Gaza, in his march along the beach, and harassed it where it turned inland, but not unmolessted by the Arabs. The pride of the vanquished ci-devant conqueror not allowed him to make the natural overture in favour of his wounded, after having closed all intercourse by an insolent letter to me, for fear of the consequences of the general defection of his army, he carried these poor wretches to this place by land, where it being found impracticable to carry the worst further, they were embarked on board all the vessels to be found here, together with his 12 and 3-pounders, cannon and howitzers, which were found too heavy for land-carriage in the sand. These vessels were sent to sea, to proceed to Demietta, without water, provisions, or seamen to navigate them, which I must attribute to precipitation and want of arrangement, rather than any thing else. Be this as it may, those
poor wretches who could move, decided to flee for us, in perfect confidence of our affording them the good offices of humanity, in which they were not disappointed. We are thus put in possession of the 12 pounders by which the first breach was made; as to the 24, 18, and mortars which made the last, they lay scattered along the road with the dead and dying, the whole way between Acre and this place. The remnant of his mighty host is creeping towards the confines of Egypt; in such a state, that if the grand army could but come up with them, they would fall an easy prey. Buonaparte trusts to meeting reinforcements from Grand Cairo; but I have, I hope, found occupation for the portion of his army left there; so that whatever part of his force reaches Suez, it cannot be formidable to India. Be pleased to forward a duplicate of this letter to Capt. Wilson, at Judda, for the information of the government in India. I have the honour to be, &c.”
(Signed) W. S. SMITH.
CONSTANTINOPLE, (Turkey) JUNE 23. Sir Sidney Smith has made several attacks on Jaffa, (the ancient Joppa) and the French after losing 2000 men, have evacuated it: Buonaparte's army, reduced to 6000, is retreating across the desert towards Cairo, pursued by Ghezai and Sir Sidney, while numerous Arabs ferret him in his progress. A corps of Turks have marched from Damascus to attack him; and report states, that the Pacha of Egypt has possessed himself of Cairo.
French Armies in Italy.
GENOA, JULY 5. Gen. Macdonald has arrived here from Spezzia, after a few hours passage, and joined Gen. Moreau. [Spezzia, or Spezia, is in Tuscany.]
PARIS, JULY 29. The junction of Macdonald and Moreau, is officially announced. [On this subject, the “True Briton” of August 3, says, “The manner in which Macdonald has effected his junction with Moreau, is precisely that which we pointed out: He sent, as we predicted, his artillery and baggage, which have fallen into the hands of the English, by sea. Tuscany is thus entirely delivered from the French, for it is not to be supposed that the garrison left at Leghorn can make a long resistance, and this was the object which the Austrians were partially desirous to effect. They can now join their forces in one powerful mass, excepting the corps left to besiege Mantua, and they will have relatively a much greater superiority over Macdonald and Moreau united, than they had before the junction of those two Generals. They will also have gained the great advantage of communicating with the Mediterranean; the garrisons of Ancona and Perugia, and all the French that may remain in the south of Italy, must besides be inevitably lost. A letter from Strasbourg of the 24th, gives an account of the situation of the army of Marshal Suwarrows, about the middle of last month. It was then supposed to be 60,000 strong, and since that time it must have received additional reinforcements.”]
LEGHORN, JULY 12. Last night all the French officers embarked for Genoa. It is reported they are taken by the English, together with the vessels which carried Macdonald's equipage, &c. The French are preparing to evacuate this place. Part of the troops have marched towards Moreau's quarters.
MOREAU'S ARMY.
VIENNA, JULY 17. Gen. Moreau's army is partly posted between Ultri, Savona, Vado, and Loano; with posts on the mountains, and between Bochetta and Scravelle. Gen. Colli, with several thousand men is in an entrenched position. The city of Genoa has no French garrison: The armed citizens mounted guards themselves, and strictly refused them entrance. It is said the English have landed at Genoa. The government had concluded in the beginning a kind of capitulation with Lord Nelson, to prevent a bombardment, and stipulated not to suffer any Frenchmen in that city. From the preceding it is pretty clear, Genoa has been evacuated by the French—and the following articles from that city, seems to confirm the fact, as it is untinged with French rouge.
“GENOA, JULY 15. (late) According to letters from Italy, there can be no doubt but Naples is possessed by the Cardinal Ruffo's army.”
ARMIES IN SWITZERLAND.
FRANKFORT, JULY 20. Gen. Haddick, with his corps and 6000 Russians, will join the army of the Archduke; who only waits for that reinforcement, and the 35,000 Russians, to attack Massena, who will share the fate of Moreau.
ZURICH, JULY 15. The Archduke will keep his position in Switzerland, either till the French are driven from Italy; or the arrival of the third auxiliary corps of Russians. The army is plentifully supplied from Swabia.
STRASBURGH, JULY 24. “Massena is certainly superior in force to the Archduke, and it causes great surprise that he has not yet attacked him. The Archduke's head quarters have retrograded from Kloten to Flsch, two leagues, and Gen. Hotze's from Zurich to Kloten. The advanced guard is on the Limmat.—Massena's park is at Otten, where he will fix his head-quarters.”
SUWARROW'S ARMY.
STRASBURGH, (France) JULY 24. Suwarrows's head-quarters are between Tortona and Alessandria.—His right extends beyond Coni; his centre between Tortona and Alessandria, on the Bomida; and his left beyond Bobbio. His van is at Nori, and the valley of Orba. His army is 60,000 strong, composed of Vassilovich, Froelich, Zopf, Bellegarde, and Kaim's divisions of Austrians; and Prince Pankrazion and Rozenberg's divisions of Russians.
Gen. Ott's corps marches for Rome and Naples, to countenance the Russian and Turkish troops, landed on the coast of the Adriatic, and who are besieging Ancona; and Cardinal Ruffo's posts at and near Naples. On the 9th of July, Gen. Ott took Fort Urbanno, in the Bolognese. The spoils were 30 pieces of cannon, great quantities of ammunition, and 700 prisoners.
AUXILIARY ARTICLES.
All the Roman territory, except Ancona, is purged of the French.
Naples was entered by Cardinal Ruffo, June 13.—He has taken St. Elmo, Capua and Gaeta.
The Senate of Florence has resumed its functions, and invited the Grand Duke to return.
Alessandria is besieged by Gen. Melas, who on the 7th of July, finished the third battery against the citadel; and would speedily open the trenches against it.
MANTUA.
Gen. Kray is carrying on the siege with vigour. He has been strongly reinforced—has summoned the French commander to surrender, which he has refused. He has carried by assault the gate and tower of Cereta.
Moreau, we understand, has left Italy, and is to command an army on the Rhine.
Suwarrows in one of his dispatches says, “I have defeated Macdonald, and I will completely route Moreau.”
Capture of another French Squadron.
LONDON, JULY 27, 1799.
The Gazette of last night contains a letter from Capt. Markham, of the Centaur, announcing that the squadron under his command had taken the French squadron under the command of Rear-Admiral Perre, on its passage from Jaffa, in Syria; to Toulon. The captured squadron, is as follows:—La Tunon, Ad. Perre, Capt. Porquerot, 40 guns, 18 pounders, 500 men. La Courageux, Capt. Buille, 22 guns, 12 pounders, 300 men. L'Alceste, Capt. Barree, 36 guns, 12 pounders 300 men. La Salamime brig, Lt. Sandry, 18 guns, 6 pounders, 120 men. L'Alerte brig, Lt. Dumay, 14 guns, 6 pounders, 120 men.
FRANCE—Internally.
PARIS, JULY 27.
COUNCIL OF ELDERS, JULY 26. The Council decreed, that no political clubs should sit within the jurisdiction of the Councils.
The Club of the Menage was denounced, as wanting to restore the reign of terror. “They long (said Courtois) to bring us back to the time when it was said, “with our four travelling guillotines, it will be necessary for us to have three years before we can bring the revolution to a period.” Do not then permit another body of men to form a government within a government, and let us unite into an impenetrable phalanx, round the Constitution of the 3d year.” This speech was ordered to be printed; and a Committee raised to report on the murderous designs and threats of the club at the Menage.
THE CLUB DU MENAGE.
This true Jacobin Society, on the 18th July, swore never to disunite. On the 19th, a member declared, that the question to establish a constitutional King, or more properly, absolute monarchy, was then agitating in the heart of Paris, where the definitions of the Republic were confided “to perfidious and artful Ministers”—“Tyrants without genius, talents or knowledge.” He concluded by moving “an Address to the Legislative body, desiring that a law might be passed for restoring to the National Guard, their arms, pikes and cannon, and disarming all the Royalists of the Republic, and all the enemies of the Revolution.” Unanimously agreed to. On the 20th, a new oath was taken against Royalty. On the 21st, F. de Neufchateau, was denounced. On the 22nd, Drouet denounced the Inspector-General. On the 24th, a member, after denouncing the Ambassadors and others, said, “I am shocked to see a Rewbell still occupy a seat in the Council of Elders.” Picquenedard attempted to censure the attack on Rewbell, but was cried down. Ricord observed, that “moderation in a republic is the same as cowardice in an army.” On the 25th the meeting, in reference to a non-official message from the Commissioner of the Council of Elders, directing them to retire, resolved, “that they will only retire from this place, when they shall be legally compelled to that measure.”
After the decree of the Ancients the hall of the Menage was shut up and guarded. The club then adjourned to the Convent of the Jacobins; where they continued their outrageous and vindictive proceedings. “When” says Merchand, “I compare our present situation with that in which we were yesterday placed, I perceive that at the Menage we were strong, but here we are still stronger.”
COUNCIL OF FIVE HUNDRED.
JULY 20. Garrau brought forward the project relative to the organization of the National Guard. The following is the basis of the project:—“The organization shall be made within 10 days from the promulgation of the law, and every citizen, and the sons of citizens possessing the qualities required by the Constitution, shall be inscribed in the muster-roll of that guard, from the age of 16 to that of 60. The National Guard shall be formed into legions, battalions, and companies; it shall elect its officers, and have the following motto on its standards, “The French People, Liberty or Death.”
SEPT. 21. The five next days were principally occupied in debate on the word anarchy , which it was proposed should be expunged from the oath to be taken by each of the National Guard; and at length the following form was

agreed to:—"I swear fidelity to the Republic, and to the Constitution of the year 1793. I swear to resist to the utmost of my power, the re-establishment of Monarchy in France, and that of every species of tyranny."
FRENCH TURNOVERS.
Citizen Rheinhard replaces Citizen Talleyrand as Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Directory highly applaud the unremitted zeal, civility and information of Citizen Talleyrand. "As my brother if I'm a rogue."
Citizen Robert Lindet replaces Citizen Rameau, as Minister of Finance.
Citizen Cambacérès is appointed Minister of Justice.
Prudhomme's Journal states, that the King of Prussia secretly "signed his accession to the coalition."
Domestic Articles.
FRANKFORT, August 22.
By a gentleman who arrived in town last evening we are informed, that those villains who broke the Danville jail, (the HANS) have added two more murders to their black catalogue of crimes, since our accounts of last week: they went into a house belonging to a Mr. Graves, killed him and his son, and took the bodies from the house and threw them over the fence in some weeds, where they were found two or three days after, by the smell.
Three men were killed about 12 days since by the Indians on the post road up the Ohio river, between Muskingum and Sciota; this information is said to be brought by the post, who saw two of the bodies scalped.
A gentleman who arrived in town yesterday from Bourbon, says, accounts were just received there, that the Indians had killed upwards of 300 people on Mad river; what degree of credibility is due to this account we cannot say, as we did not see the gentleman, and do not know from what source the report came to Bourbon.
PITTSBURGH, September 14.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in New Orleans, to his friend in this place, dated July 23, 1799.
The Yellow-Fever rages here to a very alarming degree—Governor Gayoso, died of it a few days ago; he is greatly lamented.
"No market for American produce."
From the BALTIMORE GAZETTE.
INTERESTING!
By the arrival of the Schooner Moncreiff, Capt. E. Pearce, in 22 days from Surinam, we are politely favoured by Capt. Pearce with the following intelligence. On the 12th of Aug. an English fleet, under the command of Lord Seymour, vice admiral of the blue, consisting of five line of battle ships, of 98 guns (the admiral's) and one of 74, with six frigates, and as many transports (the land forces under the command of lieutenant general Trigg) made their appearance off the mouth of Surinam river, and sent a flag of truce, to the governor, demanding possession of Surinam and its dependencies in 24 hours, on the following terms, as near as Capt. Pearce recollects:
The colony and all its dependencies, forts on the river, &c. to be delivered to the English.
The Dutch and Spanish soldiers to march out from the forts with the honours of war.
That no alteration would be made in the government, and that all Dutch property should remain in the situation it was then in.
That no American property should be molested afloat or on shore, and the Americans should be privileged to trade there, but only allowed to take in return produce to the amount of one third cargo, except molasses.
The governor demanded 48 hours to consider on it; (and laid an embargo on all vessels in port at which time several were ready for sea) the term of 48 hours was allowed, and at the expiration of which time the governor sent a flag of truce down to the admiral, which concluded the capitulation.
On the 21st, the admiral landed at Paramaribo, and took possession of the fort there, being the last one. On the 22d, Capt. Pearce went on board the frigate Amphitrite, in which the admiral came up, in order to get permission to proceed to sea. The admiral informed him he should not be detained but a day or so, as he was informed some French vessels that were in port, had, within a few days, hoisted American colours, he would send an officer on board all the vessels in port first, to examine their papers, and those that were clear should be allowed immediately to proceed to sea. The admiral behaved with the greatest politeness, as well as all the officers. On the 24th captain Pearce called on the admiral, who gave him his passport; and on the same day gave several other Americans their passports, who were detained as well as captain Pearce, from the time the English first made their appearance off the river.
Capt. Pearce also informs, that the United States sloop of war Portsmouth, commodore M'Neil, and the brigantine Scammel, Capt. Pearce, were in port. The Portsmouth had been stationed off the river Surinam for several weeks, in order to keep in port a French ship of 20 guns, called the Hussar, Capt. Pelatier—about the time the English appeared off the river, captain Pelatier, of the Hussar, gave the ship up to commodore M'Neil, who put on board his first lieutenant, and upwards of 100 men, and took the Frenchmen out as prisoners, and put them on board the Portsmouth and Scammel. When the English came in port, commodore M'Neil (dressed in his uniform) went in his boat to go along side the Hussar, in order to give his lieutenant some orders, when a captain of one of the frigates ordered him twice at his peril not to go along side of the French ship, of which commodore M'Neil took no notice. The third
time the captain of the British frigate ordered one of his men to fire a musket at commodore M'Neil, which M'Neil took no further notice of, further than turning his head round, told the British captain to fire again, which he did twice, but neither ball did any injury. Commodore M'Neil proceeded to the ship Hussar, gave his lieutenant some orders, and immediately went on shore at New Port, to see the admiral. While M'Neil was on shore, the same British Capt. was coming to the Hussar, when the lieutenant ordered him on his peril three times not to come any nearer than he was. The British captain took no notice of the order. The lieutenant ordered one of his men to fire on the British captain, which he did. The boat immediately put back.
By what captain Pearce could learn, the admiral was much displeased at the captain's proceeding. Some agreement was entered into by Lord Seymour, the admiral, and commodore M'Neil, on account of which, commodore M'Neil gave the ship Hussar up, with all the prisoners.
Providence,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2.
Capt. Crocker, arrived at Boston in 48 days from Hamburg, a few leagues east of the Grand Bank, fell in with the ship Castor and Pollux, Capt. Spence, who sailed from the same place 8 days after Capt. Crocker. Mr. T. Geyer, of Boston, went on board and read some of the latest papers, and made a memorandum of the news—by which it appears, that Leghorn has been evacuated by the French: That Rome is occupied by the allies: That Mantua has surrendered to the Imperial troops, and that some advantages have been gained by the army of the Archduke in Switzerland.
A Hamburg Paper of Aug. 8, says, "The Barbary Powers, Tunis and Tripoli, have declared war against the Danes and Swedes." This is not official.
Robert Lindet declines the appointment to the Department of Finance; but the Directory are endeavouring to press it upon him.
On Sunday a ship arrived at Salem, from Cadiz in 37 days. We have not heard of any political news received by her. The ship Mount-Vernon, from Salem, arrived at Cadiz, in 18 days: after engaging and beating off a French privateer.
Capt. Butler, arrived at Baltimore from Port Republicain, informs, that the war between Toussaint and Rigaud is pursued with the utmost severity—that each has offered a premium for the head of the other—that Toussaint has 9000 men surrounding the Mole, intending to take it by storm—that privateers cruise against the vessels of each partizan's adherents, who never give quarters—That Toussaint put 200 mutineers to death, who were surprised by one of his scouting parties—and that a war of extermination appears to be the order of the day in that devoted Island.
BLANCHARD, the well known Aeronaut, has inserted the following curious announce or advertisement, in several of the French journals: "Having been entrusted with affairs of importance, by several commercial houses concerned with North-America, and entertaining myself a strong desire to revisit that country, I have determined to construct an aerial fleet, and an in-submergible boat, with which I hope to cross the great ocean in the course of 7 or 8 days. Several of the aerostates, forming a part of this fleet, are to be seen in the garden of the Hotel formerly belonging to the English Ambassador."
COMMERCIAL INFORMATION.
A letter from Savannah, of the 6th instant, mentions, "That the British, in order to prevent the French and Spaniards from facilitating their trade under neutral, and confining them to their own colours, and in order nearer to determine neutrals by their colours, that from the 1st of Oct. next, none but vessels built by the country the colours of which they bear, will be considered as neutrals—those vessels already under neutral colours are exempted, but will be narrowly examined."
THE COMBINED FLEETS.
The last accounts received in England left them steering across the Bay, northwardly.—The English were augmenting their channel fleets; and praying for the speedy appearance of the Mediterranean, from which they had not heard.
On Wednesday last the British Packet Marquis of Kildare, Capt. Reading, arrived at New-York, in 56 days from Falmouth. He informs that when he left there, news was hourly expected of an engagement between the fleets.
An arrival at Salem from Cadiz brings news that the French, Spanish and English fleets had passed Ferrol, the latter one day after the others. Ferrol is at the southerly and westerly entrance of the Bay of Biscay, and 3 or 4 days sail from Brest.
THE ENVOYS.
We can assure the public that the Envoys to the French Republic, have received orders, and are now preparing immediately to embark for Europe. Centinel.
Sixteen deaths were reported at the Health-Office, New-York, for the 24 hours ending the 24th inst. and eleven for the 24 hours ending the 25th inst.
At a meeting in Philadelphia of the Committees from the different Banks, held on Wednesday last at 12 o'clock, the report from the Board of Health and the different Physicians of that city, appeared so favourable that the committee have not thought it necessary to continue their meetings.
PROCLAMATION.
Toussaint Louverture, general in chief of the army of St. Domingo, to the cultivators and people of colour, led astray by the enemies of France and true liberty.
Citizens! Brothers! and Friends!
I WILL not enter, my brothers, into a detail of the manoeuvres which malevolence has to this time employed to turn aside your opinion, and to deceive your confidence; you have learnt by yourselves to what lengths the desire of domineering, the wish of commanding, can carry those perfidious men. The greater part of them idle spectators of the contest, which had existed between the English and the republicans of St. Domingo, did not second your courageous efforts, which have forced the enemies of France to a shameful flight. Yet scarcely have you obtained those brilliant successes; scarcely are the English departed, before they are seen arming themselves, and forming an impious coalition to overthrow the government of St. Domingo; to annihilate your lawful chiefs; to seize on the government, and to forge for you the irons of a new slavery. Behold the fruits of the criminal machinations of one man: The majority of the people of colour, who ought to know their political existence, was attached to the liberty of the blacks, have been blind enough to let the fallacies of Rigaud seduce them; they have espoused his cause, and undertaken his defence. With them the desire of reigning has predominated over the welfare, arising from a submission to the law, and legal authorities. Behold nothing, my friends, in the odious conduct of those perfidious men, but an avowed design to destroy St. Domingo—the constitution which assures to you the immovable enjoyment of your rights—a declared will, to sap to the foundation the national authority; and finally to introduce an independence which for a length of time they have nourished in their hearts, of which they do not fear to throw the odium on a man, who has braved every danger to preserve to France this valuable part of the French Republic.
Cameleon like, see them assuming two forms; at one time to lead astray the blacks, and at another, to deceive the people of colour: they stop at nothing to gain their criminal ends—the destruction of the whites, the annihilation of the French government, the slavery of the blacks, and to sway without reserve the people of colour. Behold what are their intentions! what are their projects! what is the result of the libertine attempts!
But I swear by yourselves, my friends, they will never arrive at the perversion of the established order. Whilst the sacred fire of pure republicanism animates our souls; whilst the gratitude which we owe to France inspires us; we shall know how to avenge her rights, and to make her enemies repent their temerity.
For me, every moment, which for this long time I have dedicated to the establishment of your happiness, shall be employed to extirpate your new enemies, to maintain the constitutional order in all the extent of this colony under the French Republic.
I invite the municipal administration of each commune to enlighten the understanding of their fellow-citizens, who may be feeble enough to be swayed by the men possessed of those destructive principles; and order all commanders of said communes to redouble their vigilance, to stop their emissaries and accomplices wherever their command shall extend. (Signed)
TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE.
Done at Port de Paix, 30th July, 7th year of the French republic, one and indivisible.
The fate of France appears to be somewhat doubtful. Parties are violent and greatly agitated; and a change of councils seems not in the least to bring them nearer to union and tranquillity. Distant as we are from that country, it is not possible to know the strength of parties, and what prospect there is of the restoration of monarchy. It is however by no means improbable, that an effort will be made to restore a king, under some constitutional limitations. It is supposed the purchasers of the national domains, as the confiscated lands have been called, will all be opposed to the restoration of monarchy. But it is not certain nor probable that, in case of such a change, the estates of the clergy, especially of the regular clergy, would be restored; and it is far from being improbable that the anarchy, instability of laws, and above all, the abominable crimes and tyranny of the Directory, which far exceed any thing experienced under the monarchy, may have convinced the great body of the people in France of the inexpediency of attempting a permanent republic in that country.
One thing is very certain, that the experience of France will have a powerful influence in checking the spirit of revolution in Europe and America. Nothing can be a juster comment on the absurd theories of Rousseau and Godwin, which have been so much admired. France is a prominent proof that such theories are utterly impracticable; and that they necessarily lead to the full exercise of all the depraved passions of mankind—to robbery, murder, and every species of licentiousness. France is a proof also that republics are not always the lamb-like things they are represented to be; but often times the most violent and ferocious tyrannies. In short, the philosophic madmen who have raised this tempest in Europe, and who are falling its victims, have done more than all the Sachaverells and Burkes that have lived, towards reconciling the people of Europe to their old forms of government.
The combined powers, on their part, grow insolent, as their enemy is depressed. The tyranny exercised by Great-Britain on the seas increases with her successes; and should a peace take place, favourable to her wishes, we shall find our trade more restricted by Great-Britain than by all the other powers of Europe. With blocking ports and navigation laws, permanent and temporary, the conditions on which our ships may pass unmolested, are so multiplied, that it is hardly possible for the honest merchant to know where he can send a cargo, without risque of seizure and condemnation. The friends of government look with impatience for some bold and manly effort of administration, to rescue our commerce from this degraded state. [Com. Adv.]
IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.
EXTRACTS,
"ARRE DE ST. PIERRE."
"I have read with pleasure, says this benevolent politician in the public papers, that on the 4th of April, 1724, the parliament of England passed a bill, by which any prisoner for debt, who does not owe to the same person above one hundred pounds shall be discharged from prison, if he makes over to his creditors, all the estate, goods and chattles he is worth; that in consequence of this merciful act of parliament upwards of one hundred thousand persons were set at liberty; and that in the last years, by an act of parliament making the sum necessary for their liberation only fifty pounds, twelve hundred thousand debtors were discharged from prison.
"By the same regulation adopted in France, says the Abbe, that country possessing a third more inhabitants than England, eighteen thousand debtors, would be liberated, and as we may put nearly a shilling English a day to the profit a man would make of his talents, what an immense addition of wealth would accrue to the public, as well as what means of comfort to individuals?
"It is remarked in honour of the Portuguese civil jurisdiction, no man can be imprisoned for debt; his property to the last penny must be given up to his creditors, but his person is free, together with the clothes he wore at the time of his being apprehended to answer to the interrogatories of his judges.
"In Turkey and Egypt, no person is imprisoned for debt; there are no prisons to be found for that purpose; and the disciples of the Prophet cast it as a reflection upon modern Europe, and a refinement of theirs, to imprison a man for debt."
On Monday morning, the 23d ult. the U. S. ship of war Adams, commanded by Richard V. Morris, Esq; failed from New-York on a cruise. The Constitution, of 44 guns, Capt. Talbot, was spoken the 16th ult. in lat. 32: 19, long. 54: 59; all well. She had a New-London sloop in tow.
The Salem frigate was launched on Monday last. Numerous spectators were present at the scene—and every thing connected with the transaction, gave them the most perfect satisfaction.
For continuation of the Laws of Congress, see the half sheet accompanying this day's Paper.
Married,
On Sunday Evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Wilson, Mr. Nicholas Northrop, jun. to Miss Martha Burroughs, both of this town.
Mr. Samuel Croft, of this town, to Miss Betsey Aubrey, of Somerset.
Died,
In this town, on Saturday last, Oliver R. Warner, Esq; of Newport, in the 71st year of his age.
On his passage from St. Marks, after an illness of 3 days, much regretted, Mr. John Goffe, jun. a very promising youth, in the 18th year of his age.
Port of Providence.
ENTERED.
Brig Celia, Martin, Elshneur; sloop Lydia, Potter, Surinam; sloop Sophia, Mitchell, Cape-Francis; brig Sally, Spooner, Surinam; Schooner Delight, Young, St. Martins; sloop Friendship, Godfrey, New-York.
CLEARED.
Sloop Maria, Comstock, Hudson; sloop Rebecca Hicks, Warren; sloop Polly, Pearce, Bristol; Little Charlotte, Allen, Surinam; sloop Lydia, Warner, Charlestown; sloop Comet, Smith, New-London.
THE Subscriber informs the Public, that he holds his office as ATTORNEY AT LAW, in the chambers opposite the Market-House (occupied by James Fenner, Esq; clerk of the Court of Common Pleas) where he is ready to serve those who may think fit to employ him in the line of his profession, to the best of his abilities.
JONATHAN RUSSELL.
October 2.
BY a vote of the Directors of the PROVIDENCE LIBRARY, the Proprietors of said Library are once more requested to meet at the Council Chamber on Saturday the 12th of October, 1799, at 8 o'clock, P. M. on business of importance to the Library.
October 2.
WANTED,
A Convenient TENEMENT for a small family, within ten minutes walk from the Bridge—Enquire at this Office. October 2.
WANTED,
A good Man Servant.
ONE of good character and suitable qualities, may hear of a situation. Apply to Sept. 18. NICHOLAS BROWN.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. October 1, 1799.
THE Creditors of SABIN LEWIS, of Gloucester, in the county of Providence, Trader, are hereby notified to appear (if they shall think fit) at the General Assembly to be held at South-Kingstown on the last Monday in October instant, then and there to shew cause, (if any they may have) why his petition for the benefit of the act for the relief of insolvent debtors ought not to be granted.
By order,
SAMUEL EDDY, Secretary.

Selected Poetry.
CONVIVIAL SONG,
Sung at Windsor (Vermont) on the evening of the FOURTH of JULY.
Composed on the occasion—By R. TYLER, Esq;
TUNE—"Here's to our noble fellows, Boys."
C OME fill each brimming glass boys, Red or white has equal joys, Come fill each brimming glass, boys, And toast your country's glory; Does any here to fear incline, And o'er Columbia's danger whine, Why let him quaff this gen'rous wine, He'll tell another story.
II.
Here's WASHINGTON , the brave, boys, Source of all Columbia's joys, Here's WASHINGTON , the brave, boys, Come rise and toast him standing; For here's the hero, firm and brave, Who all our country's glory gave, And once again he shall so save, Our armies bold commanding.
III.
Here's to the gallant Tar , boys, Whose cannon's roar our foes annoys, Here's to the gallant Tar , boys, His country's cause defending; For warlike TRUITON 's noble name, Like Nelson 's shall extend his fame, And loud through all the earth proclaim His glory, never ending.
VI.
Here's to our native land, boys, Land of liberty and joys, Here's to our native land, boys, Your glasses raise for drinking; And he that will not drink the toast, May he in France of freedom boast, There dangling on a lantern post, Or in the Loire be finking.
V.
Here's to our Vermont Fair , boys, Pledges bright of fed'ral joys, Here's to our Vermont Fair , boys, Fill high to love and beauty; For while we toast their glowing charms, Their virtue ev'ry bosom warms, We'll die to guard them safe from harms, It is a fed'ral duty.
VI.
Here's to Vermont State , boys, And all her manly rustic joys, Here's to Vermont State , boys, Columbia's brave defender: For while our pines ascend on high, And while our mountains mock the sky, Our independence, liberty, We never will surrender.
VII.
Here's to the sage of Quincy , boys, Legal head of all our joys, Here's to the sage of Quincy , boys, Who guards us while we're drinking; For while we quaff the boozy wine, And sense and tiply mirth combine— With temp'rate head he sits sublime, And for our good is thinking.
VIII.
Now come join hand in hand, boys, Mystic type of fed'ral joys, Now come join hand in hand, boys, Like brother, brother greeting; For while our union we pursue, 'Tis I and he, and you and you, Our pleasure all may yet renew, At our next fed'ral meeting.
LONDON, July 28.
THE QUAKERS.
THE EPISTLE from the Yearly Meeting, held in London, by adjournment, from the 22d to the 31st of the fifth month, 1799, inclusive—To the Quarterly and monthly meetings of Friends, in Great Britain and Ireland.
Dear Friends,
A FTER some serious investigation, into the present state of our Religious Society, wherein we humbly trust that the gracious head of the church hath not been wanting to cement our minds in the bond of his love, and from time to time to refresh us together, we again salute you; and inform you, that at this our large annual Assembly, a concern has been felt, extending to every branch of the family. We desire it may be bound up in the same precious cementing union, that so not any thing which has a tendency to scatter, may be suffered to prevail. To this end, may it be the chief care of all to dwell near the power, by the assistance of which, un sanctified self is reduced and denied; then will the wisdom which is from above, be exalted, and brought into dominion.
The account of sufferings brought up this year from the various parts of this nation, amount to 7178l. and those from Ireland to 771l. chiefly for tythes, priest demands, and those called church rates; also for various demands, on account of the militia and other warlike measures with which, from a conviction that we ought not to be active in promoting the destruction of the precious, yea, invaluable lives of mankind, we scruple to comply.
We have this year received epistles from four only of the yearly meeting on the American continent; namely, the Carolinas, &c. Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The last, having met at the usual time of its sitting during the prevalence of a contagious and highly mortal fever, adjourned to the 12th month last. By this disease, thousands of the inhabitants of Philadelphia were quickly removed out of time. Let us, in reverence of soul, avoid too nice an inquiry into the moral causes of such dreadful calamities; but seek, with unremitting solicitude, an entrance, through the strait gate, into that narrow, but not untrodden path, which alike leads to blessedness through every dispensation of the Lord's unerring providence.
Friends, we in this land do not live un-surrounded by manifold dangers; nor in an age in which we can dispense with any part of the whole armour of light. The increase of mortality in a country brings the body in jeopardy; but it often arouses the careless, and drives the awakened mind into closer communion with God. But it is the peculiar property of many of the contagious vices and vanities, with which these countries abound, that they lull to security the incautious, even though once aroused; and point their infection at the well being of the soul.
By what means, then, shall we expect preservation? Our belief, dear Friends, is that it will depend on frequent recurrence to our first principle, even to the saving power of Christ Jesus our Lord, revealed in the heart. "This" said our Redeemer when personally on earth, "is life eternal, to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." But this, Friends, is not trivial nor momentary acquirement. Many of you know that it must be waited for in singleness of heart; and that the important pursuit of the heavenly knowledge should regulate the tenor of our lives. Where then, judge ye, would any find leisure for those amusements, in which some in profession with us are reported to waste much of their time; This meeting has repeatedly testified against vain sports, and places of diversion, as so many allurements tending to draw the mind from its watch, and to lay it open to further temptation. The best recreation of a christian is the relief of distress; and his chief delight, to promote the knowledge, and to exalt the glory, of his Heavenly Master; and this is most effectually done under his holy influence, by a life of faith, purity and general benevolence. False principles too as well as wrong practices, may have their advocates for a time; but the unspotted lives of the faithful, remain to be their best refutation. Let none then start aside at the magnitude of the object, nor be too much dismayed because of the little progress they seem to themselves to make in the way of holiness; but trusting in the Lord, who "giveth power to the faint," let us all press after ability to comply with the Apostolic advice, "be ye holy in all manner of conversation."
We have received accounts this year, as well as in preceding years, that divers persons have joined our society by conviction. For you of this description we feel a tender care, that after admittance into membership, you may not measure yourselves by the standard of others; nor take up a rest short of the true rest. Seek rather an increase in the heavenly principle which comes by Jesus Christ, the true and holy pattern for his flock. Thus only, will your union with us contribute to your advantage; and thus only will the increase of numbers produce an increase of the joy.
Now turning our attention to the church in its more collected capacity of monthly and quarterly meetings, we perceive that weakness and languor continue to pervade the deliberations of some of them, on the important concerns of the Society; and often prevent the due and timely support of that Christian discipline, which we have long experienced to be, under providence, as a wall of preservation. Nevertheless, we believe we can alone discern that there is a gradual increase of care in many places; and that the quickened sensibility, with which the minds of numbers of our brethren are graciously endowed, has made many things burthensome, which in times of negligence, scarcely have been noticed; and to this we attribute many of the complaints now contained in the answer to the queries. Our desire therefore is, that such upright minds
may be encouraged to persevere. That which shews the disease, must be looked to for the remedy. Hold on, then, your way, beloved friends—and may the Lord give you all the discernment, skill, forbearance, and fortitude, which are requisite for the impartial and seasonable discharge of the trust which he commits to you.
Finally Friends, collectively and individually, farewell! May all our meetings be held with weight, as in the immediate presence of the heavenly President; may the aged among us be examples of every Christian virtue, and evince, by the calmness of their evening that their day has been blest. May the middle aged not faint in their allotted stations; but, together with their elder and younger brethren, firmly support, yea exalt, their several testimonies which we are called to maintain. And, Oh! may the beloved youth, the tender objects of our care and of our hope, bend early and cheerfully under the forming power of truth, that thus, each standing in his allotment, the harmony of the building may be preserved, and we may truly grow up into an holy temple for the Lord.
Signed in behalf of the meeting, GEORGE STACY, Clerk.
PLYMOUTH, August 4.
The Triton frigate, of 32 guns, J. Gore, is arrived from the Mediterranean. She brings the following intelligence; cruising on the 21st ult. off Cádiz, in company with the Emerald frigate, saw the combined French and Spanish fleets, consisting of 40 sail of the line and 6 frigates, put to sea from thence; they steered a N. W. course, in order to double Cape St. Vincent, from which circumstance, not a doubt is entertained but their destination is Ireland. Capt. Gore immediately dispatched the Emerald to Gibraltar, in quest of Lord Keith, and crowded all sail himself for England, with this important information for government.
LONDON, August 10.
Yesterday a court of directors was held at the East-India house, for the purpose of reading overland dispatches, confirming the account of the victory obtained over Tippoo, on the 6th of March, at Seederseere; and also the re-capture of the Otterley, by the Nonsooch.
Advices from Constantinople, dated June 25, confirm the flight of Buonaparte from Acre, and state that the French General was mortally wounded. Above 1000 French were found dead in the camp before Acre.
Capt. Davis, aid-de-camp to Lord Mornington, who had volunteered his services, fell very early in the action between La Sybille and La Forte. Capt. Cooke is stated to be severely wounded. Our loss was three killed, and nineteen wounded.
This morning the Hamburg mail due on Wednesday last reached town. It brings an account of the evacuation of Tuscany by the French, in the night between the 16th and 17th ult. they having left behind them all their heavy ordnance and magazines.
The Vienna Court Gazette of the 24th ult. states the reported junction of the remains of Macdonald's defeated army with Moreau, in the environs of Genoa.
The siege of Mantua is pushed with great vigour by Gen. Kray, and the commandant had been summoned to surrender, which, however, he had refused. As the fire of the besiegers however had, from their near approach to the garrison, become extremely effective, there is a prospect of the speedy surrender of that important place.
This mail has brought us the particulars of the evacuation of Leghorn by the French. The French Minister, who fled by sea in an American vessel, was taken by one of our cruisers.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. September 24, 1799.
THE Creditors of JOHN FULLER , of Providence, in the county of Providence, Baker, are hereby notified to appear (if they shall think fit) at the General Assembly to be holden at South-Kingstown on the last Monday in October next, then and there to shew cause, (if any they may have) why his petition for the benefit of the act, entitled, "An act for the relief of insolvent debtors," ought not to be granted.
By order, SAMUEL EDDY, Secretary.
To be Sold,
A CHAISE and a good Family HORSE; with a complete harness, and a handsome SLEIGH. For particulars, apply to Mr. R. MORAN , at Pawtuxet, or to A. TESTE , of Providence. September 18.
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.
John G. Francis,
BOOT and SHOE-MAKER,
Respectfully informs his friends and the public, that he keeps his shop directly opposite Capt. Daniel Bucklin's, in the Main street, where he carries on his business in all its various branches, and in the latest fashions from Europe. After many years experience in his business, he has found out a new method of keeping the elasticity in Boots, till they are quite worn out, and warrants them to fit the leg, be it ever so badly shaped.
He has got Boot-legs and Seal-skins, manufactured in New-York, which he will warrant to be good.
N. B. He also makes Ladies' Boots and Shoes, of the newest fashion, and in the neatest manner. August 21. (t. f.)
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. (t. f.)
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.
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.
COLLEGE SEAL.
THE person who borrowed the COLLEGE SEAL last year, and did not return it, will much oblige the subscriber, by returning it immediately, as no diplomas can be completed without it.
JONATHAN MAXCY.
R. I. College, Sept. 11.
FRESH FLOUR.
JUST ARRIVED, FRESH Superfine FLOUR, Pilot and Ship BREAD, for sale by BUTLER and WHEATON. Also for Sale, Corn, Swedish Iron and Cordage. September 11.
To be Sold,
A FARM, pleasantly situated in the town of Mendon, in the county of Worcester, within half a mile of the Meeting-House, on the road leading from Providence to Worcester, containing one hundred and seventeen acres of good LAND;—consisting of mowing, ploughing, pasturing and wood land; with a House, Barn and a good Orchard. Said farm is well watered and well fenced.—For further particulars, enquire of
EBENEZER CHAPIN, jun. living on the premises.
Mendon, August 20, 1799.