The Providence journal, and town and country advertiser (Providence [R.I.]), 1801-09-09 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. 141.]
WEDNESDAY, September 9, 1801.
[Vol. III.]
NOTICE.
THE subscribers having been, on the 27th day of August last, legally appointed Commissioners, to receive and examine the claims against the Estate of RICHARD BROWN, late of Providence, in said county, mariner, deceased, represented insolvent:—Hereby give notice, that six months is allowed from the date, for the creditors to bring in their claims to us; those who neglect will be precluded according to law.
JOHN SMITH, 2d.
SILVANUS G. MARTIN.
N. B. All indebted to said Estate, are requested to make immediate payment to ABBY BROWN, Administratrix.
September 2.
TRUE BLUES.
At the Golden Bee-Hive,
DARK blue Nankeens, of the first Quality, long Pieces; usual coloured ditto, short Pieces;
A Variety of
Piece and Hard Ware GOODS in general, among which are Women's extra longblack, white and coloured Silk Mitts and Gloves; Cotton ditto, Dimities of various Stripes, and very low; a good Assortment of 4-4 and 7-8 Linens, ditto 9-8 Sheeting, ditto Russia bleached, Linen and Cambric Pocket Handkerchiefs, a pretty Assortment of Thread Edgings, Men's black and other coloured Silk Hosiery, common 4-4 Carpeting, Venetian and Wilton Stair ditto—Also
SALT, very fine and white, per Bushel, and in Casks of 8 Bushels.
Genuine Spanish Float Indigo, per Hundred or Pound; choice Muscadet Box Raisins, Currants, Figs and Almonds.
Black Morocco Skins, per Dozen or single, of various Sizes.
Wedgwood's approved Ink-Pots, assorted Sizes; India Rubber, black Lead Pencils, Memorandum Books, a Variety of Japanned and Brass Lamps, best Roman Fiddle Strings.
And at the CROCKERY SHOP of
J. F. JENKINS,
A general Assortment of Crockery and Glass Ware, with which are a Variety of Flower Pots.
Likewise,
DEARBORN'S
Truly just Patent Balances,
A late and important Improvement,
Being a Consignment,
Of all Sizes, for weighing from Ounces to Tons (Use authorized by Law.)
Comparative view of their cost with that of Scales and Weights.
   Scales, &c. Patent Balance.     Beam to weigh 30 cwt. Beam of 30 cwt. at 2 dolls. 60,00   60 wts. of 50lb. each at 15s. each. 3 brass cafe wts. of 32 lb. each, at 5 1-2 dolls. 16,50   1 pair of Scales with chains 1 do. of 16lb. 3,00   Triangle 3 12 per cent. wts. for 32 lbs. 4,00   1 for 16 lbs. 1,00   1 brass balance wt. 1,25   1 scale and skid 12,00   1 set of right angles 7,00   1 guard 1,00   225 105,75   Saving in favour of Patent Balance 119,25   225,00  
N. B. Should Scales and Weights become such lumber in consequence of the introduction of BALANCES to general use, that they may be purchased for half their present value, still the concerned, fearless of them as rivals, contemplate a rapid demand for the Patent Balances, from the ease, accuracy and dispatch of their operations, as well as great saving in labour, transportation and scaling; and from the great expence and difficulty in the W. Indies of weighing bulky articles, merchants may find them a valuable article for exportation (profit being their object.)
The Brass Weights will be made to agree with the standard of any country for which they are designed, and Hay Weights may for that use be supplied with the Beam, Weights, and additional conveniences.
Providence, August 26, 1801.
From the FARMER'S MUSEUM.
A LETTER, ON THE GENIUS AND DISPOSITION OF AMERICANS.
To the Editor of the Farmer's Museum.
SIR, THE little notice taken by Americans of those who devote their hours to useful science and ornamental literature, has been long a matter of complaint, at home and abroad. Excuses have met the acerbity of disappointment, and flattery smoothed the wrinkles of want; yet nothing like national spirit, even in the form of straggling patronage, has awoke the pride of drowsy speculation. The eye of plodding industry cannot be diverted from solid gain, by the music of Apollo or the reasoning of Minerva, while Plutus continues the idol of the people, and lusty ignorance holds the first seat in the synagogue. Did prudence and economy deter from patronage, where is the voice that would murmur? but when a love for gaudy equipage, horrid romances and muck-worm philosophy, eats up the bread of industry, and squanders the portion of honest labour—who will not wag their head, and ask, "what news from Genoa?" As citizens of the most fertile and flourishing country in the world, we ought not to speak so loud our own disgrace, since the importance of a national character to the United States was colloquially discussed at the last Cambridge Commencement. This was one of the best satires on the versatility of our political sentiments, and inattention to home-bred merit, ever publicly expressed, by a grave seminary of science. While the whole soul is wrapped up in commercial speculation; and trade and parade are considered the sumnum bonum of life, it cannot feel the importance of national union, or national measures, unless they coincide with its own prosperity. We reason abstractedly, confinedly and selfishly, hence the man; who fortuitously lost property, during the aggressions of Britain, is ready to oppose every governmental measure, tending to pacification, or intercourse with that country. So also those who have suffered by the depredations of France, hold that nation in such abhorrence as to detest accommodation. From these sources has sprung the party spirit, which disgraces our country. The mind, cased up by these narrow prejudices, and bounded by the log-book, ledger, invoice, and policy of insurance, cannot judge aright on political questions; and will be as likely to war against the good of the community, as against the errors of diplomacy. Artful and discontented men, aware of the weakness of the human mind, under these miserly delusions, have tampered with our passions, and sown the seeds of bitterness and jealousy throughout the union. Of their fruit we have all more or less partaken; so that few men are unaffected with political phobia, which discovers its virulence on the simplest public question. The only remedy for this disease, is general information; a deliberate perusal of our constitution; a survey of the two last administrations; a recurrence to the best authors on the laws of nature and nations, &c. &c. A love of science mingled with the love of gain will do much, in reconciling the people to the staid maxims of ancient policy, and the sober wisdom of experience. It will correct the errors of atheistical theorists, the mad projects of political adventurers, and the false statements of intrigue.
As soon as the love of science is cultivated, by preferring the man of wisdom to the man of money, genius will bring her labours to the Lyceum, and literature receive an establishment adequate to its support. When once wealth predominates over science, we become sensualists, epicures and atheists; discarding every employment, which does not lead to splendour and preferment. Its effect on republican liberty is too evident for annotation. In modern republics, political writers are the only authors that receive encouragement; save those who have written on the rudiments of science. One, who blends the useful with the agreeable, cannot (at present) expect patronage; it is not the vocation of Americans to cultivate polite literature and the classics. They are too much absorbed in commerce, speculation and politics. Not even a Magazine can flourish in New-England; and until this year we have had nothing like a Review. In New-York there is one attempted; its appearance is promising; but it bears the marks of haste and party spirit; but such is the temper of the times.
When an author is dependent on the vox populi , on the sovereign people, for an impression of his labours, adieu to modesty and merit. For without ardent friends, or servile solicitation, his work will remain in manuscript. The attempt has been too frequent for apology; and the flower, which was born to blush unseen, still wastes its fragrance in the desert air.
In old countries, these things are managed with more honour and profit; their booksellers are well-bred scholars; men who have honoured their universities; not bound books, but studied them. To them authors present their works, as to critics and patrons; if they are meritorious, immediate impressions and liberal price is their reward. Without such patronage genius must live obscure, or turn mendicant to avoid penury.
Figure to yourself an author, with hat in one hand, "A Proposal for Publishing," in the other, running from bookseller to printer, from printer to stationer, from stationer to barber's shop—and the picture is an American. It is a fact, with but few exceptions, that belle lettres publications in this country have been money from the author's pockets. The mystery is simple and plain; no printer or bookseller undertakes a publication, without indemnity from the author; and having secured his pay, leaves the work to find its way into the city, or die in the hands of the publisher. But if a novel, romance, or voyage, is imported, every newspaper rings the changes of adulation.
"Would it not make a modest author dare To draw his table-book within the Square And fill with notes, when lolling at his ease, Mecenas like, the happy rogue he sees Borne by six wearied slaves in open view, Who cancell'd an old Will, and forg'd a new; Made wealthy at the small expence of signing With a wet seal, and a fresh interlining!"
DAYDEN'S JUVENAL.
Your's with sentiments of esteem, PETRONIUS.
Late from Europe.
By arrivals at Boston and Portland—London dates to July 31.
LONDON, June 26.
INVASION.
BY land, certainly our most vulnerable side, the precautions against the enemy have been peculiarly gratifying. The Lord Lieutenants of the Maritime Counties have received directions to cause the cattle, public magazines, stores of corn, and provisions of every description, to be removed further into the interior. The principal points along the eastern coast have been strengthened by reinforcements of engineers and horse artillery. A considerable number of cannon and light field pieces have been sent into that quarter from the Tower. An encampment, which will in a very short time consist of 15,000 men, has been commenced near Chatham, from which, by its favourable situation, the troops will be enabled to act with promptitude in several points, according to the exigency of the case; and the military force at Dover, both in militia and regulars, has been greatly augmented. The volunteer corps have in several parts expressed their eagerness to perform the duties of the troops of the line; and as this offer will no doubt become a general measure, it will leave at the disposition of government a very large body of well disciplined men in immediate readiness to take the field. The patriotic example will be given to the rest of the Kingdom by the Metropolis, and we learn that in the course of the present week; the services of the volunteers both in London and Westminster will be substituted for those usually performed by the guards and the other regulars. At Colchester, there is an effectual force of no less than 6000 men, and the volunteer corps of Suffolk and Essex have offered to assemble at their customary place of rendezvous in case of actual invasion. The arms of all the Midland corps have been actually inspected; and we are informed by several correspondents, that a similar degree of vigilance and activity pervades the more distant counties. With these means of defence, we must not forget to combine the glorious results that must be derived from the magnanimity of the national spirit and character in the hour of dangers. Should such an hour approach, we understand it is in the contemplation of government to issue a proclamation, requiring all persons of a certain age, and under particular circumstances, to take up arms.
PARIS, July 19.
French Official account of a naval action.
Rear-Admiral Lenois, with three sail of the line, the Formidable and Indomptable, of 80, the Defaix, of 74; and the Marion, of 18 guns, after having given chase to the enemy's ships which were cruising on the coast of Provence, appeared before Gibraltar, at the moment when a British squadron of six sail of the line had arrived there. On the 14th of July, Rear-Admiral Lenois had anchored in the bay of Algiers, expecting to be attacked next morning. In the night he landed the General of Brigade Devieux, with
a part of the troops, to man the batteries in the harbour. On the 15th, at 8 A. M. the cannonade commenced against the six English ships, which came without delay, and brought their broadsides to bear within gun-shot of the French ships. The battle then began to be warm. The two squadrons appeared to be equally animated with the resolution of conquering.
If the French squadron had some advantage in its position, the English squadron had double the force, and several 90 gun ships. The English ships, the Hannibal, 74 guns, had placed herself between the French squadron and the land. It was half past eleven. This was the decisive moment. For two hours the Formidable, on board of which Rear-Admiral Lenois was, made head against three English ships of the line. One of the ships of the English squadron, which was stationed with her broadside to one of the French ships, struck her flag at three quarters past eleven. An instant after the Hannibal, exposed to the fire of the batteries of three French ships, which poured broadsides upon her from both sides, also struck her flag. At half past 12 the English squadron cut their cables and made sail. The Hannibal was towed by the Formidable. Of her crew of 600, 300 were killed. The first English ship of the line which had struck her flag, was disengaged by a great quantity of gun-boats, and other embarkations sent from Gibraltar. The battle covers the French with glory, and proves what they can do.
Rear-Admiral Lenois is at Cadiz, with the Hannibal, to repair it. [Moniteur.]
ANCONA, June 22.
A very bloody sea fight must have taken place near Borletta. We yesterday heard a very heavy cannonade for eight hours, and saw flames on the skirts of the horizon, from which we conclude that several ships had been blown up. Of the details and the issue of this engagement we are still completely ignorant.
Capture of Gantheaume's Squadron.
VIENNA, July 11.
By letters from Sicily, we learn, that within these 3 days there has been much talk of an engagement having taken place between the English squadron under Vice-Admiral Warren, and the French under Admiral Gantheaume. It is reported they met off the coast of Southern Calabria, at the distance of some leagues from Cape Sportivento; that the action did not last long, but that the French ships of the line and frigates struck their flags, and surrendered to superior force.
This intelligence has been received by the master of a small vessel arrived at Terranuova, a port situated on the southern side of Sicily. He had deposited with the customary forms, that at the moment of his departure from Malta, he saw the English squadron arrive there; consisting of thirteen ships of the line and some frigates, bringing in the enemy's ships, on which the British flag was flying. The letters from Terranuova positively assert, that the master of the vessel had offered to the governor of the town to confirm by an oath the truth of the intelligence he had brought, and to undergo the most rigorous punishment should it be found false.
[Gazette de Hamburgh.]
STUTGARD, July 19.
The German Journal speaks of the approaching descent on England with as much certainty and interest as the English themselves. They have already placed at the head of this important expedition, Generals Massena, Augereau, Lannes, and Bernadotte. They besides announce the formation of a permanent war Council, of which Gen. Moreau is to be President.
AMSTERDAM, July 20.
Our fleet is still ready to sail at the Texel; and at Helvoetsluys Gen. Angereau has resumed the command of the French troops in pay of our republic. He is expected daily at the Hague.
HAGUE, July 20.
Letters from Hamburgh say that his Prussian Majesty has acceded to the Convention concluded between Russia and Great-Britain.
PARIS, July 26.
Citizen Talleyrand Perigord, Minister for foreign affairs, arrived yesterday from the waters of Bourbon l'Archambault. He immediately resumed his functions.
LONDON, July 31.
Private advices from Paris mention, that not only a committee of emigrants has been taken up at Barcuth, but a Cisalpine officer, named Tourdo, has been brought from the army of Italy, and is confined in the Temple, on suspicion of having fomented an intrigue to overturn the government of France, and murder the Chief Consul.

British Official Account from Egypt.
LONDON GAZETTE, July 21. Head-Quarters, Camp near Alkam, June 1.
MY LORD, I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that the French abandoned the position of El Affon the 7th of May, which we occupied the same evening, and on the 9th we advanced to Rhamanich, where the French were posted with upwards of 3000 infantry and 800 cavalry. We at first imagined that they might have endeavoured to have maintained that position, but our corps on the eastern bank of the Nile having got into their rear, took the fort of Rhamanich in reverse, which probably induced the enemy to retire in the night between the 9th and 10th, leaving a garrison in the fort, which surrendered in the morning, amounting to 110 men, commanded by a Chef de Brigade; we also took the same day about 50 cavalry and 3 officers, coming from Alexandria. As the enemy retired towards Cairo, it became necessary to follow them, in order to cover the army of the Grand Vizier, and to secure a junction with the expected reinforcements from India. Nothing happened of any importance until the 14th, when we fell in with a valuable convoy of stores on the Nile. They had come from Cairo down the canal of Menouff, which joins the Damietta and Rosetta branches of the river. From this circumstance, they knew nothing of the retreat of General La Grange from Rhamanich. About 150 prisoners fell into our hands, and several heavy guns, some of them intended for the defence of Alexandria. The convoy in itself was very valuable, and is a great loss to the enemy. We found on board all kinds of clothing, wine, spirits, &c. &c. and about 5000l. in money. On the 17th, when encamped at Alkam, we were informed by the Arabs that a considerable body of French, coming from Alexandria, were advancing towards the Nile, near the spot where the boats of the Captain Pacha then were. The cavalry were immediately ordered out, with two pieces of cannon, under the command of Brigadier-General Doyle, supported by his brigade of infantry. Colonel Cavalier, who commanded the French convoy, as soon as he perceived the boats of the Captain Pacha, suspected that our army must be near, and therefore retired into the Desert, where we followed him. The cavalry came up with him, after a march of about three hours. A flag of truce was sent in to them, by Major Wilson, of the Hompesch, requiring them to surrender, on condition that their private property should be respected, and that they should be sent to France by the first convenient opportunity. With these terms they complied, and laid down their arms. They amounted, in all, to about 600 men, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, together with a considerable portion of the dragoon corps, one 4 pounder, and 550 camels. The prisoners taken are all Frenchmen, and of the best troops they had in Egypt. On the 17th of May the enemy retired from the fort of Lisbet, on the Damietta branch, and formed a junction with about 200 men whom they had at Barlos; this fort they also evacuated, and embarked in five small vessels, four of which have been taken and carried into Aboukir Bay; the fifth endeavoured to escape towards Cyprus, but a Turkish frigate was left in chase of her, so that it is more than probable she has shared the same fate. The garrisons of the two forts consisted of about 700 men; so that in all we have taken, from the 9th to the 20th, near 1600 men, which makes a considerable diminution of the enemy's force in this country. The French made a most extraordinary rapid march from Rhamanich to Gizer, where they arrived on the 13th, and immediately crossed the river Boulos. On the 15th they marched to attack the Grand Vizier's army. His Highness anticipated their intention, and made a formal movement with a considerable body of cavalry on the night between the 15th and 16th. The armies remained for some hours in presence of each other, when the Ottoman troops attacked at about eight o'clock in the morning, and after an action of about seven hours the French retired, having lost between 300 and 400 men killed and wounded. They were nearly the same people who had retreated from Rhamanich, and were about 4000 or 4500 men.
I have the honour to be, &c. J. H. HUTCHINSON.
SWEDEN and GREAT-BRITAIN.
STOCKHOLM, June 30. A flag of truce was sent on the 17th inst. to Lord Nelson—with the following letter from Admiral Cronstedt:
"Carlscrona, June 17." "ADMIRAL." "With the most gracious approbation of the king my master, I have the honour to signify to your Excellency, that according to the latest accounts from St. Petersburg, his Excellency Lord St. Helena has arrived there, and that the negotiation gives reason to believe and hope, that the present differences will soon be adjusted in an equitable and pacific manner."
"I am hereby afforded a new opportunity to assure your Excellency of my sincere and high esteem."
"CRONSTEDT." Vice-Admiral Pole, who has succeeded Lord Nelson as commander of the British fleet in the Baltic, returned to this letter the following answer:
"On board his Britannic Majesty's ship the St. George, in Kings Bay, June 21."
"ADMIRAL." "I this morning received your letter of
the 17th. On this occasion I cannot but lament that I do not understand the Swedish language, and especially, as I am consequently in doubt whether your letter has been rightly translated to me. I am, however, sufficiently acquainted with its contents, to entreat you to assure his Swedish Majesty, in my name, that I acknowledge with the greatest pleasure his gracious condescension in informing me that Lord St. Helena is arrived at Petersburg, and that it may be expected that the negotiations carrying on there will soon be concluded on the most friendly, equitable, and durable conditions, as is the wish of the King my master, and of his whole kingdom."
"On my arrival here on the 18th instant, Lord Nelson returned to Britain. The state of his health renders it necessary that he should retire from the service for a time."
"I intreat you, Admiral, to accept my sincere wish that a perfect unity may soon be restored between the two nations which we have the honour to serve, and to permit me to assure you of the high esteem with which I am,
"CHARLES M. POLE, Vice-Admiral."
LONDON, July 14.
Last night we received Paris Journals of the 10th instant. They throw no light whatever on a very serious dispute said to have taken place between Buonaparte and Moreau, with respect to the disposal and application of the contributions levied by the French army in Germany. The latter has published a letter, in which he enters into a refutation of the charges brought against him by the agents of government, and vindicates himself from the imputation of embezzlement and peculation.—We have received a printed copy of this letter, which has made much noise at Paris, though none of the Journals have had the temerity to reprint it. It confirms the intelligence of the state of the French finances. The embarrassments felt so severely in April, were asserted by the official Journal to have been occasioned in a great degree by the heavy expenses of the army of the Rhine—an expense which it was no doubt concluded the public would cheerfully bear, since it procured a continental peace. But Moreau felt his character attacked by this assertion, and published the letter alluded to, by which it appears, his army, during the whole of his triumphant campaign, did not cost France a livre.—Moreau's letter is unquestionable evidence of his having had a slight misunderstanding with the French government, but he conducts himself with moderation; his letter is written with much modesty, and he encourages none of the parties who intrigue in politics. Neither did the army of Italy cost France any expense worthy of notice (except the introductory expenses of the army of reserve) during the campaign. France not only conquered, but existed on the resources of her enemies, and it is probable that the return upon her of the army of the Rhine, the maintenance of the armies and fleets at Brest, Rochefort, &c. have exhausted the Treasury, and produced the embarrassments, as a remedy for which violent means have been resorted to. The Chief Consul, conscious that the best support of his armies and power must be derived from foreign countries, anticipated the plunder of Portugal, as one of the most favourable resources of finance and perhaps he will still have it.
July 28. The Paris papers contain an account that Gantheume had returned to Toulon, after having landed a body of troops in Africa.
July 30. The Chief Consul has ratified the treaty with Portugal.
M. Otto has left England.—His abrupt departure has occasioned much conversation.
The Paris papers mention that the Swiftsure of 74 guns, Admiral Bickerton's flagship, commanded by Capt. Hallowell, has been taken in the Mediterranean.—A mistake, doubtless, for the Hannibal. They add, that the Jason of 36 guns has been wrecked off the coast of France.
PUBLISHED BY DESIRE.
To the Citizens of the State of Rhode-Island.
"Though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels, and have not CHARITY, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
ST. PAUL. WITHIN a few days past there have arrived here from the southward several brethren of the regular clerical order of Hospitallers of St. Paulinus , which order is established on the top of a mountain called St. Bernard, which is the highest of the ridge of mountains called the Alps, which divide Switzerland from Italy. The cause of the voyage of these indefatigable men to these states, is to obtain assistance from the charitable and humane, that they may be enabled to continue in those acts of humanity, which their order has so long been celebrated for.
That the citizens of this state may fully understand the object of their mission, it may not be amiss to say a few words on the nature of the institution they belong to. Several hundred years ago, a venerable clergyman, who had passed several times between Switzerland and Italy, observed that in passing the Alps, which are constantly covered with snow, many fatal accidents happen to travellers, particularly when crossing the mountain since called by him the Great St. Bernard, where, when the snow fell, the small path (for the road is but a path) was so hid, that the traveller either wandered till he was frozen to death, or fell into a dreadful cavity, and was never afterwards heard of. To prevent these accidents, this pious man, by his exertions, obtain-
ed funds sufficient to establish a monastery on the top of this dreadful precipice, and to support a brotherhood or order, whose sole business it should be to patrol the roads for 32 miles on each side of the mountain, to show the road to each traveller they met, and if he was in distress, to bring him to the convent, where he was treated with the greatest hospitality for three days, and then piloted down the other side of the mountain; or if he was frost-bitten, to convey him to their hospital, where he was carefully attended until his recovery or death.—From the day of its institution until the present time, this order has been continued in this pious and benevolent calling: and such were the happy effects experienced from the labours of the brethren, that the merchants of Switzerland and Italy contributed sufficient sums annually for all their wants. But the scene is changed; the fatal war which has raged for some years past in Europe, has not spared this benevolent institution; for the little town of St. Bernard, in the Vallais, on which the convent of St. Camilles depended, was laid in ruins by contending armies, which have also put a stop to all trade between Italy and Switzerland, France, &c. by which means the sources formerly relied on, have failed them. In this dreadful situation, the venerable prior of the order, Father Andreas Boccarelli, has sent several of his order to the United States of America, to implore the assistance of its generous inhabitants, to enable him to repair the convent and hospital, and to continue to give assistance to the distressed traveller, and infirm poor.
It may be said, that as this is an institution founded under the authority of the Catholic Church, it should look for assistance from the supporters of that church; but to such let it be known, that these men, who have devoted their lives to the service of humanity, know no distinction in men; the Christian, the Turk and the Jew, when in distress, are treated equally alike; their convent is open to every unfortunate man, be his religion what it may.
Benedict Doro and Michael Lagnitare are two of the Missionaries now here:—They keep an exact list of the names of every person who is kind enough to assist the purpose of the mission; which will be faithfully recorded in the books of the convent. It may be pleasing to those who contribute to think, that what they give will not be unnoticed; and that some time hence, when they or their descendants may have occasion to pass over this otherwise inhospitable mountain, they will visit the convent, and will there see their own or their ancestors' names mentioned as benefactors to this useful institution.
That the public may be assured that the brethren of the order now here are what they pretend to be, it is only necessary to say, that their passports are in the most authentic form, and have been acknowledged as such by his Excellency James Munroe, Governor of Virginia; John Marshall, Esq.; Secretary of the department of State of the United States; James Maddison, Esq.; of the same department; by his Excellency John Drayton, Governor of the State of South-Carolina; Thomas Gibbons, Esq.; Mayor of Savannah; A. Jones, Esq.; Intendant of Augusta; Henry Urquhart, Esq.; Magistrate of Wilmington; his Excellency Thomas McKean, Governor of Pennsylvania; his Excellency Richard Howell, Governor of New-Jersey; Samuel Bishop, Esq.; Mayor of New-Haven; Richard Law, Esq.; Mayor of New-London; Thomas Seymour, Esq.; Mayor of the City of Hartford; G. Clinton, Esq.; Governor of New-York; Richard Vairick, Mayor of the city of New-York; Caleb Strong, Esq.; Governor of the State of Massachusetts; and Arthur Fenner, Esq.; Governor of Rhode-Island, &c.
For the PROVIDENCE JOURNAL.
MR. CARTER, HAVING for some time taken the Providence Journal , I have been highly pleased with the correctness of its orthography. You have, it seems, adopted that mode of spelling, practised by most writers in England; where, it is to be presumed, the English language is written and spoken with as much propriety, at least, as in any part of the world. Rightly judging, that the English would be likely to spell their own language properly, you have followed their method; and not, like some editors, been led by the whims of two or three language-makers in America. You have not, like some, made use of the Latin words, labor, honor, humor, &c. instead of the English labour, honour, humour ; nor have you strangely mutilated the words neighbour, savour, behaviour , by writing them neighbor, savor, behavior . But there is one word which, I am sorry to observe, you have of late Websterrized: and that is the name Buonaparte ; which you have, of late, began to write Bonaparte . What can be your motive for so doing, I am not able to say. Whether it is out of complaisance to a few other editors, or whether the First Consul now writes his name in that manner. If he has lately began to write his name Bonaparte , he undoubtedly means that the Great Nation , as well as other nations, should take all he has done in good part . For it cannot be supposed, that the Websterrized or Pearsonian influence, so circumcribed even in America, has ever extended itself across the Atlantic. In writing the names of persons and places , we should retain the most ancient orthography; and we ought to do the same in writing other words , unless they have undergone an alteration in their spelling by universal consent. Nothing can be more ridiculous, than for a Geographer to write the District of Maine , the Mecamee , the Missouree ; instead of the District of Maine , the Miami , the Missouri ; or
for an Arithmetician to write drum, dime, mile , instead of crackum, dime, mille , merely because such words are pronounced according to the former spelling. If they were written in the latter way, we should, probably, see the propriety of their use, by knowing from what they were derived; but if in the former way, we should be left entirely in the dark respecting them. If we know that dime in French means a lithe , or tenth , we are sensible that the same word may be made use of to signify a tenth part of a dollar; and if mille in Latin means a thousand , that word may be made use of to signify a thousandth part of a dollar. But if those words were written in the other way, we should not be able to tell from what they were derived.
PHILOLOGUS.
Domestic Intelligence.
PHILADELPHIA, August 27.
Edward Burd, Esq. Prothonotary of the Supreme Court, has commenced an action against the editor of the Aurora , for a libel, in charging him with having packed a jury.
NEW-YORK, September 3.
From Capt. Wyer, of the brig Happy Couple , arrived here yesterday in 42 days from Gibraltar, we learn, that an engagement had taken place between a British squadron, which had sailed from thence a short time previous, and a French and Spanish fleet from Cadiz, in the course of which, two Spanish ships of the line blew up. The issue of this engagement was not exactly known. The British ship Hannibal , of 74 guns, had ran aground in the Bay of Algeciras in another engagement with some French ships and was captured.—Nothing from Egypt that could be depended upon.
Capt. W. left at Gibraltar two Tripolitan corsairs, one of 23 the other of 14 guns. Coming out, spoke the United States frigate Philadelphia , waiting for them.
SALEM, August 31.
Extract of a letter from Capt. Ambrose Martin, of the Schooner Raven, to his owners in Massachusetts, dated Leghorn, June 8, 1801—received via Bilbao.
"I am only waiting for the arrival of two armed American vessels from Naples, which will probably be here in one or two days, and will add greatly to our force, which at present consists of the following vessels, viz:
"Ship Columbus , Commodore Wain, of Alexandria, 12 guns; Happy Couple , of New-York, 6 ditto; Schooner Washington , of Philadelphia, 4 ditto; and my own vessel, (the Raven ) ditto. The other vessels at Naples are, one ship of 18 guns, and a brig of 10 guns. The whole force of the Tripolitans is, 1 ship of 28 guns, 1 bark of 20, 1 brig of 14 guns, 3 polacres of 10 each, and 2 row-galleys of 4 guns each—manned with about 800 men. In all probability, the above force will be separated, and I think we have nothing to fear from an attack by any of them."
"Mr. Cathcart, our Consul, arrived here from Tripoli the 2d inst. He informs that war was declared on the 14th ult. and that the Bashaw had given his word of honour that no vessel should be captured under 40 days from the declaration of war; but he thinks the Bashaw's word is not to be depended on."
BOSTON, September 5. OFFICIAL—OF TRIPOLI.
Mr. Thayer, arrived since our last from France, has communicated for public information several circulars of Mr. Cathcart, late Consul of the United States at Tripoli, on the state of affairs with that regency.—The first is dated at Tripoli, the 11th May, wherein the Consul expresses his expectation of an immediate declaration of war, and describes the Tripolitan naval force which can put to sea at once to consist of one 28 gun ship, with 200 men; one brig and two polacres of 14 guns and 100 men each: The following is a copy of another circular:
GENTLEMEN, In addition to my circular of the 11th inst. I am sorry to inform you, that our flag-staff was cut down upon Thursday the 14th inst. and war was declared in form, by the Bashaw of Tripoli, against the United States of America.
You will please to give every possible publicity to this circular, and transmit a copy thereof to the department State. I shall depart from Tripoli, bound to Tunis, in a few days, where I shall remain to wait the President's orders. I am, gentlemen, &c. JAMES L. CATHCART. Tripoli, May 15, 1801.
To THOMAS AFFLETON, Esq. Consul of the United States of America to Leghorn. Quarantine, at Leghorn, June 2, 1801.
SIR, As I find several of my fellow-citizens in this port, who seem determined to fail, notwithstanding their being informed of war being declared by the Bashaw of Tripoli against the United States of America, I conceive it my duty to inform them through your office, of the actual force of that Regency, which was ready to sail on the 24th of May, and the consequence attending the capture of any of them.
First,—Should any of our fellow-citizens be unfortunately captured, they would be kept as hostages, in order to force our government to comply with terms wholly incompatible with the honour and interest of the United States; and which, I am of opinion, our government will reject with disdain.
Second,—If, on the contrary, our fellow-citizens should defeat them, and sink two or

three of their cruisers, they will render an essential service to their country, as we shall be enabled thereby to conclude a peace with Tripoli upon our own terms, and the other Regencies will probably be intimidated in some measure from breaking with us.
Third.—The Bashaw of Tripoli has pawned all the honour he has, that he will not capture any of our vessels until the expiration of forty days, to commence from the 14th of May; but I am persuaded that if any of his squadron falls in with any of our vessels, even before that period expires, they will capture them, and if they are valuable, they as certainly will be condemned; nevertheless I recommend to our countrymen to act upon the defensive only, until the expiration of said period; but should the Tripolitans fire the first gun, to exert themselves to the utmost in order to inspire these people with a high idea of American intrepidity, and to realize the idea I have already inspired them with, that the Americans were a superior race of men to the Caffrati of Naples, and that they would never take any of our property, without its first being disputed to the utmost.
Fourth.—The actual force of Tripoli, ready for sea on the 24th of May, was, first, the Admiral, an American built ship, coppered, deep-wafted, yellow sides, with a white streak, muzzle of the guns red, low, paltry, green stern, with flowers festooned above the windows, painted white, and a white woman-head, heavy rigging, and looks at a distance like a Spaniard. She is commanded by Peter Little, alias, Morad Koise, an English renegade, mounts 18 nine-pounders on her main deck, 6 fours on her quarter-deck, two bow chasers and two stern chasers, which are placed in such a manner that the taffarel is cut down very low, and is a good mark to know the vessel by. She is manned with 200 men, and carries 28 guns. Second, a Swedish-built bark, which is fitting out at Moltha, and is to carry 150 men and 20 guns, 6 pounds. Third, a Swedish-built brig, which is fitting up in a hurry, and carries 14 guns, 4 pounds, has a great deal of stuff, and has the Johannes Von Berk painted above her cabin windows, and a white woman-head. Fourth, two polacres of 18 guns each, one of which is black, the other yellow sides, and a Bermudian poop, painted red; their guns are 4-pounders, and they carry 100 men each. Two quarter galleys built at Malta, the one rowing 28 oars, the other 24; carry 4 guns each, and from 70 to 100 men each, are calculated to keep under the stern and rake in a calm; in a fresh breeze are of no service, may easily be known, by having extraordinary large lateen sails. The whole force of Tripoli consists of seven sail of vessels, carrying 160 guns, 4, 6 and 9-pounders, and 840 men, very badly equipped. They have more vessels, but have no people to man them. Their mode of attack is, first, to fire a broadside, and then set up a loud shout, in order to intimidate their enemy, they then board, if possible, with as many men as they can, armed with pistols, large and small knives, and probably a few blunderbusses: if you beat them off once, they seldom risk a second encounter, and three well directed broadsides will insure you a complete victory. The capture or sinking of the Admiral is of such importance that it will not only insure us a permanent peace upon our own terms, but will probably effect a revolution in Tripoli favourable to our interest in the whole of the Barbary States. From viewing the importance of the object meant to secure, should a battle ensue, I am persuaded that every worthy son of Columbia will exert himself to the utmost of his abilities, and will sooner submit to death, than slavery, the continuance of which probably may be for many years, which God in his infinite mercy forbid. I request Mr. Appleton to furnish the masters of all the American vessels in port with a copy of this letter, to make it circular in all the ports in the Mediterranean, Lisbon, London, and Hamburg, and to transmit a copy thereof to the Department of State. I am, with sentiments of the greatest esteem, yours, &c.
JAMES L. CATCHART.
P. S. The Admiral is reputed a coward, seldom goes near a vessel that looks warm; a few wooden guns, waist and quarter-cloths, would be of service, and in case of action, boarding nettings ought not to be omitted.
Captain Atkins, arrived at this place in 43 days from Lisbon, informs, that intelligence was received there of an action having been fought in the Mediterranean by the admirals Warren and Gantheume, which after a smart conflict terminated in the capture of four French sail of the line. The other 3, with a frigate, escaped, and got into Algiers Bay; that the British squadron off Cadiz, under Sir J. Saumarez, receiving intelligence of the three ships getting into that bay, left its station and went after them; that Sir James found them at anchor close under the batteries, and attacked them and the forts; that he soon silenced the latter, and obliged the French crews of the three ships to abandon them; one was got off, the other two drove on the rocks and bilged; that the French then flew to the batteries, and kept up a tremendous fire on the British, which injured their shipping very much, and killed a number of men. After the action, a signal was made from the rock of Gibraltar for a fleet of 6 sail of Spanish ships of war, which Sir James set sail for immediately. The British line of battle ship the Hannibal was lost by getting ashore.
The American squadron, under Commodore Dale, arrived at Gibraltar the 1st of July.
We have not heard of the Maryland, Capt. Rodgers, at any American port. She was spoke at sea, the 18th of August; but
the New-York papers do not agree in the information received from her.—The most authentic account appears the one which states, that neither Mr. Dawson nor Mr. Paine were on board; and that the treaty was not ratified when she sailed, July 17th.—The accounts from London, via Portland, are later—they mention, that the treaty had been ratified.
The trial of Captain Little, before the General Court-Martial, we learn, was closed last evening. The result will not be known until after the President's fiat is pronounced on it.
Providence.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.
On Wednesday last was celebrated, in this town, the Anniversary Commencement of Rhode Island College. The processional train was formed, as usual, and at 10 o'clock, A. M. moved to the Baptist Meeting-House. After prayers by the President, the following exercises were exhibited:
FORENOON.
Music.
1. Salutatory Addresses, and an Oration on Noble Blood. By Andrew Picken. 2. An Oration, on Religious Establishments. By Lucius Bolles. 3. An Intermediate Oration, on the Influence of Superstition on the human Mind. By Enoch Brown. 4. An Oration, in Latin, on the Propensity of Mankind to Society. By Ezra Leonard. 5. An Oration, on the Impartial Administration of Justice. By Lemuel Bishop. 6. An Oration, on the Necessity of Union to support the Peace and Happiness of Society. By Jonathan Nye. 7. A Poem. By Philo Washburn. 8. A Discussion of the comparative Advantages of Theology, Natural Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, and History. By George Barstow, Enoch Brown, James Lesley, and Robert Sterry. 9. An Oration, on Literature. By George W. Perkins. 10. An Oration, on Democracy. By Gad Tower. 11. Dialogue, on Profession. By Andrew Picken, George W. Perkins, Samuel Dexter, and Lemuel Bishop.
Music.
AFTERNOON.
Music.
1. An Intermediate Oration, on Religion, considered as the basis of Civil Government. By George Barstow. 2. An Intermediate Oration—"Equality of Rights, consistent with the good Order of Society." By James Lesley. 3. A Dispute on this Question—"Is it reasonable to sacrifice Convenience to Fashion?" By William Blanding, Joseph Cheney, Samuel Dexter, and Samuel Medbury. 4. An Intermediate Oration, on Slander. By Robert Sterry. 5. An Oration, on the Influence of the Female Character on Society. By Lucius Cary. 6. Valedictory Addresses, and a Poem. By J. Mason Williams.
Music.
An Address was then delivered to the Graduates by the President.
The Degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on the following young gentlemen, alumni of the College:
George Barstow, Lemuel Bishop, William Blanding, Lucius Bolles, Enoch Brown, Joseph Cheney, Samuel Dexter, Ezra Leonard, James Lesley, Samuel V. Medbury, Moses Noyes, Jonathan Nye, George W. Perkins, Andrew Picken, Robert Sterry, Gad Tower, Philo H. Washburn, Alfred Williams, J. Mason Williams.
The Degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the following, alumni of this College:
Benjamin Allen, Morrill Allen, Lucius Cary, Jabez P. Fisher, Theodore Foster, John Fessenden, Joseph Litchfield, Calvin Park, John M. Roberts, Paraclete Tew, John Sabin, Otis Thompson, Alvan Underwood.
The Honorary Degree of Master of Arts was conferred on
David R. Williams, Esq. of Charleston, South-Carolina, and on Holder Slocum, Esq. of Dartmouth, Massachusetts; also, on Dr. Paul Metcalf, of Wrentham, and Mr. Isaac Robinson, of Nottingham-West. Henry Giffett, Master of Arts in Harvard College, was admitted ad eundem in this. The Degree of Master of Arts was conferred on the Rev. Calvin Chadwick, of Dartmouth College.
The Degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on the Hon. Benjamin Bourne, Judge of the Circuit Court; and also on Samuel Eddy, Esq. Secretary to the State of Rhode-Island.
A Prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Stillman, closed the exercises of the day.
One Joseph Inman has been committed to gaol at Casine, charged with the murder of Oliver Holmes.
The execution of the sentence of death on Fairbank, will take place at Dedham.
DURHAM, and those of his accomplices in liberating FAIRBANKS from Dedham gaol, who are or may be taken, will be tried in that town in February next.
Extract of a letter from a Salem gentleman, dated Copenhagen, July 6, 1801.
"Russia and England have adjusted their differences, and it is said without the former having gained a single point. The Danes are quite vexed at it—but they must follow suit, having submitted their negotiations to the Court of St. Petersburg."
A young man, lately made a Justice of the Peace for the city and county of Albany, by Messrs. Spencer and Co. was asked what would be done with the man who committed Suicide. The Squire answered, with much magisterial gravity, that he must be confined in the State-Prison, to hard labour, during life! [Alb. Cent.]
Married.
In this town, on Wednesday evening last, by the Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, Mr. Henry P. Franklin, of New-York, merchant, to Miss Hannah C. Allen, daughter of the late Captain Paul Allen, of this town.
Dr. George W. Hoppin, to Miss Mary Philbrooks, daughter of Captain Philbrooks.
Died.
In this town, Mr. Job Danforth, jun. an industrious and worthy citizen.
At a meeting of the Agricultural Society, at Providence, on the 3d of September, 1801, the following gentlemen were elected officers for the ensuing year, viz.
Jabez Bowen, President. Samuel Elam, Vice-President. George Champlin, Treasurer. Olney Winsor, Secretary. Thomas Arnold, Corresponding Sec'y.
Voted—That Samuel Elam, Daniel Lyman, Nicholas Taylor, Joseph Cundell, Christopher G. Champlin, Asahel Robbins, and William Hunter, for the county of Newport; Jabez Bowen, Moses Brown, Asa Arnold, Joseph Jenckes, James Brown, Hosea Humphrey, John Innes Clark, and Thomas Arnold, for the county of Providence; Samuel F. Potter, Peter Phillips, Elisha R. Potter, Daniel E. Updike, and William Marchant, for Washington county; Ray Greene, Christopher Greene (son of Christopher) and James Rhodes, for the county of Kent; William Bradford, Benjamin Bourne, John T. Child, Joshua Humphrey, and Joshua Bicknell, for the county of Bristol; be Committees to collect information, and to correspond on subjects of the Society.—That the Committee for the county of Newport meet at the Court-House in Newport, on the first Saturday in each month;—that for the county of Providence, on the second Saturday in each month;—that for the county of Washington, on the last Wednesday in each month, at the Academy in Wickford;—that for the county of Kent, on the third Saturday in each month, at the Court-House, in East Greenwich;—that for the county of Bristol, on the second Monday in each month, at Coles' Hall, in Warren;—and that the Committee in each county, after their first meeting, may adjourn to such other day in each month, and to such other places, as they may think proper. And that Asahel Robbins, William Hunter, Thomas Arnold, Moses Brown, Elisha R. Potter, William Marchant, Ray Greene, James Rhodes, Benjamin Bourne, and John T. Child, be the Committee for Publications.
Voted, That the Corresponding Secretary forward Circular Letters to the different Agricultural Societies in the United States, informing of the institution of this Society, and requesting copies of their publications from time to time, and assuring a reciprocal communication.
Voted, That the proceedings of this meeting, together with the Rules and Regulations of the Society, be published in the Providence Gazette, with a request to the other Printers in the State to give them a place in their papers, for the encouragement of a Society instituted for public utility and improvement.
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE, AND OTHER USEFUL ARTS, IN THE STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1st. That a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary, be annually appointed; and those who are, and shall hereafter be appointed, shall continue in office until others are chosen in their place.
2d. That a majority of the members present at any regular meeting may elect officers, receive new members, appropriate the funds for the purposes of the institution, and transact other business: Provided always, That seven members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum, to transact any kind of business, except an adjournment.
3d. All elections to be by ballot, when required by one or more members.
4th. In the absence of any of the officers, the members present to choose such, for the time being, as shall be necessary.
5th. Members admitted are to pay into the Treasury Two Dollars, at the time of their admission, and half a Dollar annually afterwards.
6th. The objects of investigation shall be Agriculture, Manufactures, and Arts, with such subjects of enquiry as may tend to elucidate the principles and effects of Vegetation and Patrefaction on Animal Life.
7th. A Committee in each county in the State shall be annually appointed, for the purpose of collecting more effectual agriculture
and other information, and to correspond on the subjects of the institution in the recess of the Society, as occasion may require.
8th. Every year the Society shall appoint a Committee of Publications.
9th. Corresponding or honorary members may be chosen.
10th. The Treasurer or other members may receive donations, and the Treasurer shall receive and record them.
11th. The Secretary shall scrutinize information and intelligence, to prevent deception or imposition.
12th. Other Rules and Regulations may in future be instituted by a majority of members present, at a legal meeting, as occasion may require.
13th. The Society shall have two stated meetings annually, one at Newport, at 5 o'clock, P. M. on the day of the General Election; and one at Providence, the day next after Commencement, at 4 o'clock, P. M.—and may adjourn to other times and places, as shall appear necessary.
14th. Special Meetings may be called by the President, Vice-President, or either of the Secretaries, with the advice of six members.
15th. Public notice to be previously given of the times and places of holding meetings.
A true Copy, extracted from the minutes: OLNEY WINSOR, Secretary.
THEATRE—Providence.
THIS evening September 9, will be presented, a much admired Play, from the German of Kotzebue, called
LOVERS VOWS, OR, THE NATURAL SON.
Frederick Fribourg, a young Gentleman, his first and only appearance. To which will be added, a much admired Comic Opera, called
ROSINA, OR THE REAPERS.
Turks-Island Salt, LANDING from on board the Schooner Jerusha, and for sale, by CHARLES SHELDON, South End: Sept. 8.
Young Seamans
HAS just received, by the Schooner Mary, from Bourdeaux, and offers for sale, on liberal terms, 30 pipes old French Brandy, of an excellent flavour 40 casks of Claret Wine, 24 bottles each 40 cases do. 40 boxes of Cordials, 12 bottles each 120 baskets Anniseed 140 bags of Corks 1 hoghead Verdegreafe 4 boxes fashionable Paper-Hangings. September 9.
A large range of Stores.
TO BE SOLD OR LET, A LARGE range of Stores, formerly the property of Messrs. JOSEPH and WILLIAM RUSSELL, merchants. They are, perhaps, better calculated for Wholesale Stores or Auction-Rooms, than any in Providence. Enquire of the Printer. September 9.
Take Notice.
LOST, on Thursday last, a black leather POCKET-BOOK, containing 35 dollars in Bank Notes, one Due-bill on SIMON ALDRICH, to the amount of 60 dollars, and one Note on Mr. SAMUEL YOUNG. Whoever will return the said Pocket-Book to the Subscriber shall receive Five Dollars reward. JOSEPH NEWELL. Smithfield, September 8.
WHEREAS a Commission of Bankrupt, under the Hand and Seal of the Hon. DAVID L. BARNES, Judge of the District Court for the District of Rhode-Island, is awarded and issued against EZRA FARRAR, late of Upton, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Trader; and he being declared a Bankrupt, is hereby required to surrender himself to us the undersigned Commissioners, on the 5th and 26 instant, and on the 17th Day of October next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon of each day, at ALPHEUS ANNIDON's Golden-Ball Inn, in Providence, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his Estate and Effects; when and where the Creditors are to come prepared to prove their debts, and at the second meeting to choose Assignees; and at the last meeting the said Bankrupt is to finish his examination, and the Creditors are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate. All persons indebted to the said Bankrupt, or that have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the said Commissioners shall appoint.
PARIS J. TILLINGHAST, JOSEPH JENCKES, GEORGE R. BURRILL, Com'rs. Sept. 4.

Selected Poetry.
From the COMMERCIAL GAZETTE.
TO LAURA.
WHEN Zephyrs and the Spring are gone, From ev'ry grove and verdant lawn, Then Flora, melancholly, sighs, The Rose expires—and pleasure flies.
But when again soft Zephyr blows, And Spring, with new-born lustre glows; Then ev'ry grove and verdant plain, Is drest in happiest smiles again.
So, lovely LAURA, far from thee, (Who art the breeze of Spring to me) My heart is fill'd with pensive sighs, The Roses fade, and pleasure flies.
But when again thy smiles I see, My heart is fill'd with love and thee; On Dove's wings fly along the hours, And all my paths are strew'd with flow'rs. LORENZO.
From PLUTARCH'S MORALS.
OF CURIOSITY, OR AN OVER BUSY INQUISITIVENESS INTO THINGS IMPERTINENT.
(Continued from our last paper.)
NOW this Curiosity being an affectation of knowledge in things concealed, must needs proceed from a great degree of spite and envy; for men do not usually hide, but ambitiously proclaim, what is for their honour or interest to be known; and therefore to pry into what is industriously covered, can be for no other purpose, than that secret delight curious persons enjoy in the discovery of other men's ills, which is spite; and the relief they gather thence, to ease themselves under their tormenting resentments at another's prosperity, which is envy; both which spring from that savage and brutal disposition, which we call ill-nature. But how ungrateful it is to mankind, to have their evils enquired into appears from hence; that some have chosen rather to die, than disclose a secret disease to their Physician. Suppose, then, that Needham or Lower, or the immortal Willis, when he was upon earth, should have gone about from house to house, enquiring whether any there had a fistula in ano, or cancer in utero, to be cured; although such a curiosity as this might in them seem much more tolerable, from the charity of their design, and the benefit intended by their art; yet who would not rebuke the saucy officiousness of that quack, who should, unsent for, thus impudently pry into those privy distempers, which the modesty, or perhaps, the guilt of the patient could blush, or abhor to discover, though it were for the sake of a cure? But those that are of this curious and busy humour, cannot forbear searching into these and other ills too, that are of a more secret nature; and which makes the practice the more exceedingly odious and detestable, the intent is not to remedy, but expose them to the world. It is not ill taken, if the searchers and officers of the customs do inspect goods openly imported; but only, when with a design of being vexatious and troublesome, they rip up the unsusppected packets of private passengers; and yet even this they are by law authorised to do, and it is sometimes to their loss, if they do not; but curious and meddlesome people will be ever enquiring into other men's affairs, without leave or commission, though it be to the great neglect and damage of their own.
It is farther observable concerning this sort of men, how averse they are to living long in the country, as being not able to endure the quiet, and calm of a retired solitude. But if by chance they take a short ramble to their country-house, the main of their business there is more to enquire into their neighbour's concerns than their own; that they may know how other men's fruit-trees are blasted, the number of cattle they have lost, and what a scanty harvest they are like to have, and how well their cider keeps; with which impertinent remarks having filled their giddy brains, the worm wags, and away they must to the town again. Now a true bred rustic, if he by chance meet with any news from the city, he presently turns his head another way,
and in his blunt language, thus reflects upon the impertinence of it;—
One can't at quiet eat; nor plough one's land; Somuch us country-folk they bear in hand, With tales; which idle rascals blow about, How Kings (and well, what then) fall in and out.
But the busy cit hates the country, as a dull, unfashionable thing and void of mischief; and therefore keeps himself to the town, that he may be among the crowds that throng the courts, exchange, and wharfs, and pick up all the idle stories that are dropt in the coffee-house. Here he goes about pumping, What news do you hear? Were not you upon the Exchange to day, Sir? The city is in a very ticklish posture, what do you think of it? In two or three hours time we may be altogether by the ears. If he is riding post, he will light off his horse, and even hug and kiss a fellow that has a story to tell him; and stay ever so long, till he hears it out. But if any one, upon demand, shall answer no news! He replies, as in a passion, what, (says he) have you been neither at the Exchange or coffee-house to day? Have you not been towards the Court lately? Have you not heard anything from those gentlemen that newly came out of France? It was, methinks, a good piece of policy among the Locrians, that if any person coming from abroad, should but ask concerning news, he was presently confined for his curiosity; for as cooks and fishmongers with plenty in the commodities they trade with, so are inquisitive people that deal much in news, ever longing for innovations, alterations, variety of action, or any thing that is mischievous and unlucky; that they may find store of game for their restless all nature to hunt and prey upon. Chaconas also did well in prohibiting by a law, that none should be brought upon the stages to be exposed, unless it were for adultery, or this malignant sort of curiosity. And indeed there is a near affinity between these two vices, for adultery is nothing else but the curiosity of discovering another man's secret pleasures, and the itch of knowing what is hidden; and curiosity is (as it were) a rape and violence committed upon other peoples privacies.
And now as the accumulation of notions in the head usually begets multiplicity of words; for which reason, Pythagoras thought fit to check the too early loquacity of his scholars, by imposing on them five years silence from their first admission: so the same curiosity that is thus inquisitive to know, is no less intemperate in talking too, and must needs be as ill-spoken, as it is ill-natured. And hence it is, that curiosity does not only become a restraint to the vices and follies of others, but is a disappointment also to itself; for all mankind is exceedingly shy of inquisitive persons, no serious business is consulted of, where they are; and if they chance to surprize men in the negotiation of any affair, it is presently laid aside as carelessly, as the house-wife locks up her fish from the cat, nor (if it be possible to avoid it) is any thing of moment said, or done in their company; but whatever is freely permitted to any other people to see, hear, or talk of, is kept as a great secret from persons of this busy impertinent disposition; and there is no man but would commit his letters, papers and writings to the care of a servant, or a stranger, rather than to an acquaintance, or relation of this busy and blabbing humour.
By that great command which Betterton had over his curiosity, he resisted the solicitations of a lustful woman; and, though it were to the hazard of his life, abstained from opening the letters, wherein he was designed to be the messenger of his own destruction. For curiosity and adultery (as was intimated before) are both vices of incontinence; only they are aggravated by a peculiar degree of madness and folly, beyond what is found in most other vices of this nature. And can there any thing be more foolish than for a man to pass by the doors of so many common prostitutes that are ready to seize him in the streets; and to beleaguer a nunnery, or attempt a breach upon the lodgings of some coy and recluse female that is far more costly, and perhaps far less comely too, than a Hackney, Triobolo-
lar strumpet? But such is plainly the phrensy of curious persons, who despising all those things that are of easy access, and unenvied enjoyment, such as are the diversifications of the Theatre, the conversation of the ingenious, and the discourses of the learned: must be breaking open other mens letters, listening at their neighbours doors, peeping in at their windows, or whispering with their servants; a practice which (as it deserves) is commonly dangerous, but ever extremely base and ignominious.
(To be continued in our next.)
PORTER and BRANDY.
John Ward,
Near the Market, Providence, HAS just imported a parcel of Hibberts' best London Porter, and Brown Stout, which he will sell by the quantity, single cask or dozen.
He has also just received,
A few pipes 4th proof Spanish and Cogniac Brandy, and has at wholesale and retail, Madeira, Sherry, Port, Lisbon, Malaga and Teneriffe Wines, a few Hhds. St. Croix Rum, Loaf Sugar, and Brown Sugar in Hhds. and Bbls.—Also Hyson, Souchong, Young Hyson, and Bohea Teas. August 26.
Bowers and Bucklin, Importers of English GOODS, No. 4, WATER-STREET,
Have just received, and now opened for sale, ONE box low priced 4-4 Irish Linens One bale Yorkshire Broadcloth and Cambric One case gentlemen's fashionable Hats One trunk Damask Table-Cloths, assorted, from 5-4 to 10-16; Also for sale, at the above store,
India Lute-strings Naukeens China, in Tea and Coffee Sets And Souchong Tea. August 26.
GROCERIES,
Just received, and now ready for sale by Samuel Brown, A little north of the State-house, Providence. Among them are the following, which are genuine:
WEST-India and New-England Rum Cherry Rum Brandy and Holland Geneva Loaf and brown Sugars Hyson and Bohea Tea Coffee and Chocolate Pepper, Allspice, fresh Raisins, Cinnamon, Cassia Buds, Pearl-fles, &c. ALSO,
Drugs, Medicines, Painters' Colours and Dye Stuffs; all of which are to be sold on the most moderate terms. He will let the Store Chamber of the store he occupies.
Ornamental Painting and Gilding of various kinds, executed with accuracy and attention; and all favours thankfully received. August 26. 6w.
For SLE, by William N. Rhodes, 30 Casks Hyson } 20 do. Souchong } T E A. 40 do. Bohea New-England and West-India Rum by the hoghead or barrel; Loaf and brown Sugars; Coffee in hogheads or by the hundred. Cash and the highest price given for Flax-Seed and Oats.
Take Notice.
THE Creditors to the Estate of ELAZER BALLOUE, of Gloucester, in the county of Providence, deceased, are informed, that one year from the seventh of February last is allowed by the Honourable Court of Probate for exhibiting claims against said estate:—Therefore, all who have any, are requested to exhibit them within that time, and all who are indebted to the estate are called upon to make payment to the subscribers.
PHEBE BALLOUE, } Administrators. JIRAH BALLOUE, } Gloucester, August 25.
LOOKING-GLASSES.
THE subscriber has just received an assortment of Elegant Gilt-Frame LOOKING-GLASSES, with glass pannels, and ornamented tops, of the latest fashions, as low as can be bought in New-York or Boston.—Prices from 20 to 65 dollars the pair. SAMUEL AMES. July 29. (12 w.)
WHEREAS a Commission of Bankrupt is awarded and issued forth against GIBSON FROST, late of the county of Worcester, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, usually residing in Providence, Trader, and he being declared a Bankrupt, is hereby required to surrender himself to us, the undersigned Commissioners, on the twentieth day of August instant, and on the third and seventeenth days of September next, and on the first day of October next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon on each day, at ALPHEUS AMMIDON'S Golden-Ball Inn, in Providence, and make a full discovery and disclosure of his Estate and Effects; when and where the Creditors are to come prepared to prove their debts, and at the second meeting to choose Assignees; and at the last meeting the said Bankrupt is to finish his examination, and the Creditors are to assent to or dissent from the allowance of his certificate. All persons indebted to the said Bankrupt, or that have any of his effects, are not to pay or deliver the same but to whom the said Commissioners shall appoint. PARIS J. TILLINGHAST, } Commissioners. JOSEPH JENCKES, GEORGE R. BURRILL, August 20.
Twenty-Five Dollars Reward.
ON Friday the 7th inst. the subscriber lost a Black Horse, with one of his hind feet white, and about thirteen and a half hands high, a well carraiged horse, 5 years old, a natural trotter, rather thin of flesh, with a single weltsed Saddle, double reined bridle, and a Ciringle, to a certain man who called his name WILLIAM READ, to go to Bristol, to be gone not to exceed twenty-four hours. Said Read is about thirty years of age, and about six feet high, short dark hair and black eyes, well proportioned, and tolerable likely. He had with him one other horse, which he called his own, about fifteen hands high, a little lame in his off hind leg, of a light bay colour, a pair of black Saddle-Bags with a small brass lock on one end, and a blue Surcingle. He also had in his possession two Watches, one of which he shewed to the Inn-holder, where he tarried while in town, on the outside case of which was inscribed, "Dr. William Little, 1797." He had on when he went away, a blue coat, buff-leather pantaloons, and half boots. Whoever will return said Read and the property to the subscriber, so that he may be brought to justice, shall be entitled to the above reward. STEPHEN SMITH. Providence, August 12.
Joseph Mason
Informs his Friends, THAT he has removed to Capt. SAMUEL GODFREY'S House, at the South End, where he will be at all times ready to attend the calls of those who may please to employ him in the line of his profession. He will keep constantly on hand a good assortment of Medicines, and will put up Medicine Casks for ships, and private boxes for officers and seamen, with particular directions, on reasonable terms, and on the shortest notice. July 29.
A good Farm for Sale,
AND to be sold on liberal terms. Said farm contains upwards of Two Hundred and Forty Acres of Land, in the town of Brimfield, State of Massachusetts, county of Hampshire, on the road to Brookfield, from Providence, with a large Dwelling-house, two Barns and Sheds; said Farm has a good proportion of mowing, ploughland, and pasturing, with an orchard, and is well furnished with excellent wood and water. It is desired that those who wish to purchase, would come and view said farm, and the owner declares on his honour that he will sell on reasonable terms. For further information enquire of the subscriber, living on said farm. ALEXANDER SESSIONS. Brimfield (Massachusetts) July 11.
Grinnell and Taylor
Respectfully inform the public, and their good customers in particular, that they have just received a general assortment of Painters Colours, &c. viz.
LONDON white lead, dry or ground in oil, per cwt. or lb. Spanish white, stone yellow, red lead and Spanish brown per do. Prussian blue, first, second and third qualities; Veneer red, vermilion, king's yellow, white vitriol, gold leaf, copal varnish, ivory black, umber, lampblack, Dutch pink, rose pink, drop lake, strewing small litharge, verdigrease per sack or lb. copperas, alum, brimstone, red chalk, pumice stone, rosin, patent yellow, English and Russia glue, linseed oil, per bbl. or gall. spirits turpentine, black and bright varnish for vessels use, painters brushes and tools of various sizes, marking brushes, large and small camel hair pencils, window and china putty, window glass 16 by 12—15 by 11—14 by 10—12 by 10—11 by 9—10 by 8—9 by 7 and 8 by 6. The above articles are of an excellent quality, and are sold as low as can be purchased in this State.
They continue the painting business at their Store opposite the Bank lane; where colours are prepared at short notice, and all favours gratefully received. N. B. They earnestly solicit all persons that have been indebted to them more than one year, to call and settle the same without delay. June 17. 8w.