The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1788-10-30 00:00:00

NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND GENERAL THURSDAY,
PORTSMOUTH: By JOHN MELCHER,
GAZETTE THE ADVERTISER.
OCTOBER 30, 1788.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN MARKET-STREET.
"WHEN ANGRY NATIONS PART IN LEAGUES OF PEACE, LET PRIVATE FEUDS AND CIVIL DISCORDS CEASE."
An Account of the Conversion of the Reverend Mr. John Thayer, late by a Protestant Minister, at Boston in North America, who embraced the Roman Catholic Religion at Rome, on the 25th of May, 1783; written by himself. To which are annexed several extracts from a letter written to his brother, in answer to some objections, &c.
THE Public Papers have already announced the Conversion of a Protestant Minister wrought at Rome, at the time of the miracles of Venerable Labre. I am that Protestant converted to the faith: and being led to it by a very special providence, like the blind man in the gospel miraculously healed, it gives me pleasure, and I think it my duty, to publish the mercies of a bountiful God, to whom I am indebted for the light and life of grace. Both my conversion, and my solemn abjuration at Rome, were public. Passing afterwards into France, I related my story, or rather that of Divine Providence in my regard to a great number of respectable persons, who wished to learn the particulars of it. I was afterwards strongly solicited by some friends, to send it to the press, for the edification of Christians, and for the greater glory of God. Yielding to their reasons, and authority, I now, by their advice, give it both in English & in French in favour of those who only understand one of those languages.
I was born at Boston of a family in easy circumstances. I was brought up in the Protestant Religion, the only prevailing, and almost the only known in New-England. At first I had refused to study, but at the age of sixteen, by reflection, and a certain desire of improvement, I entreated my parents to put me to school. By dint of application, I repaired lost time, and by the help of a good teacher, made a tolerable repaid progress. At the conclusion of my studies, I was made a Minister of the Puritan sect, and exercised my functions for two years, applying myself to the Holy Scripture, and to preaching. In the mean time, I felt a secret inclination to travel; I nourished the desire, and formed a resolution of passing into Europe, to learn the languages which are most in use, and to acquire a knowledge of the constitution of states, of the manners, customs, laws and government of the principal nations, in order to acquire, by this political knowledge, a greater consequence in my own country, and thus to become more useful to it. Such were my human views, without the least suspicion of the secret design of Providence, which was
preparing for me more precious advantages. I embarked for Europe and arrived in France the end of the year 1781. I remained there ten months, totally taken up in studying the language, in reading the best authors, and instructing myself in the principles of Government; I was there attacked with a fit of illness, and as I feared, that it would be attended with serious consequences, my first concern was to forbid any Catholic Priest should be suffered to come near me. Such was my attachment to my own sect. After my recovery, I spent three months in England, attentive as in France, in observing the manners and customs of the country. I was desired to preach; I complied, but it being observed that my doctrine did not agree with that of the persons before whom I spoke, I replied that I had taken it from the gospel. It is on this that all the sects, however opposite to each other, establish their various systems; a striking proof of the necessity of a living authority to fix its true sense! I returned to France, with an intention of passing from thence to Rome, constantly bent upon the same pursuits; and as it may easily be imagined, strongly prejudiced both against the nation and the religion of that country, which had been represented to me in most odious colours. However, during my stay in France I had formed a less unfavourable idea of the Catholic Religion, and my intercourse with the Italians contributed also to remove my prejudices against them. In our passage from Marseilles to Rome, we were becalmed, and obliged to stop some days at a little port called Port Ercole. The Marquis D'Elmoro, a respectable old Gentleman, received me without any recommendation to him, and treated me with the kindness and affection of a father: his house, his table, his library were at my service, and when we parted, he made me promise to correspond with him. I had the happiness, wherever I went to meet with the Italians of the same character, and all with whom I have concerned, have shewn the same eagerness to oblige me, especially the worthy and virtuous family in which I lodged at Rome, and in which I found myself as in the centre of my own family. Such goodness, such cordiality to a stranger, to an avowed Protestant, at once touched and surprised me. This Religion, said I, is not so unsociable, and does not, as I have been told, inspire sentiments of aversion and intolerance to those of a different persuasion. Thus, from day to day, I condemned the unjust prejudices, which had been
suggested to me, and God disposed matters at a distance to bring me to the happy term, at which I am arrived. My first concern at Rome, was to visit the most celebrated master pieces and monuments of antiquity, which attract the notice of strangers; among others the Rotunda or Pantheon, a Temple formerly consecrated to the worship of all the false deities of Paganism, but at present dedicated to the honour of the Blessed Virgin and of all the Saints. At the sight of this superb edifice, I was struck with an idea, which appeared to me sublime, and which I thought might furnish the subject of an elegant discourse, if the Catholic Religion were true. The following is, in substance, the idea which occurred to me at that time. "This Temple, formerly consecrated to the worship of false gods, now become the Temple of the true God, the cross of Jesus Christ raised on the wrecks of all the idols, collected to form for it, a more glorious trophy, and from thence exhibited to the whole world; this city, formerly the mistress of the universe, and the capital of the Pagan world, now become the capital of the Christian world; these, I say, are living and lasting monuments of the triumphs of Jesus Christ over the strong-armed, and of the establishment of his strong Empire upon the ruins of that of Satan. Yes, it was worthy of God, to make the centre of idolatry, the centre of the true faith; the first city in the world, the capital of this kingdom; in short, this famous school of all arts, this celebrated city, which draws the attention of the curious and strangers from all parts of the world, the school of truth, and the common centre of union among all those who believe in Jesus Christ: then nothing would be wanting to the exterior glory of his Religion, and to the visibility of his Church which he undoubtedly intended to exhibit to the eyes of all mankind; it would then be truly a City built upon a mountain, so exposed to the sight of all the world, that it could not be concealed." This idea pleased me much, and as I was fond of the eloquence of the pulpit, I wished it were true, to be able to treat so beautiful a subject. This first ray of light should have led me farther; but as yet, it was no more in my eyes than a pleasing fancy, which I relinquished to attend to the purposes I had formed.
I learnt Italian much sooner, and with much more facility, than French; and in a short time was able to read the best authors in that
language. According to my intention, I studied at the same time, the constitution and actual state of Rome. From time to time however the Catholic Religion returned to my mind; and although it made no part of my plan of studies I was desirous nevertheless to instruct myself thoroughly in its principles, during my stay in that city; for the same reason that I should have wished to know the Religion of Mahomet, had I been at Constantinople. I was far from suspecting that my own was false, or at least from thinking of embracing another; I only wished to know the doctrine of Catholics from their own mouths, that I might not impute to them what they did not avow themselves. In this design I addressed myself to several Ecclesiastics, and according to my custom of adapting my conversation to each one's profession, I entered on the topic of Religion; but they had more piety than light, and seeing me a determined Protestant, they condemned me without informing me, and we parted equally discontented, they with my attachment to my errors, and I with their zeal, which did not appear to be according to knowledge. On the whole my only intention was to learn their opinions, not to be disabused of my own; and I thought of nothing more than to satisfy my curiosity; but thanks to that admirable Providence which made all conduce to my good; as the desire of travelling had led me to the centre of light, without my knowledge, so the desire of instructing myself, brought me to the knowledge of the truth without any intention. After having often sought for an opportunity of conversing with some person well informed, both able and willing to instruct me thoroughly in the Catholic doctrine, I met with two Ecclesiastics in a place which I was accustomed to frequent. I entered into conversation with them, and declared who I was and what I wanted. At that time I thought with respect to the Jesuits, as all other Protestants do; but yet, I told them I should be glad to form an acquaintance with some of them. I know, said I, that they are cunning designing men, but are celebrated for their learning; and while I profit by their lights, I will carefully guard myself against their subtlety. The two persons with whom I was then conversing were of the society of Jesus: my frankness did not displease them; they declared themselves for what they were, adding that they would not undertake to give me the instructions I desired, but would refer me to an

man, who could satisfy my desires. In effect they introduced me to one of their Brethren, who was well known in Rome, and much distinguished for his learning and piety. "Sir," said I, when introduced to the gentleman, "I may possibly have conceived some false notions of your Religion, as all the knowledge I have of it, is taken from the report of its enemies; if this be the case I wish to be undeceived, for I would not entertain a prejudice against any person, not even against the Devil. Yet do not think of converting me, for certainly you will not succeed." This blunt introduction did not prevent him from receiving me with a gentleness and affability which could only be the effect of true charity. He consented to have some conferences on Religion. At first he exposed in order all the articles of the Catholick doctrine; which exposition lasted some days. I listened with attention, and without interrupting him; but on my return home never failed to set down in writing the difficulties and arguments which seemed to combat each one of these dogmas and articles. Though many difficulties occurred to my mind I could not but remark a wonderful harmony through the whole system of the Catholick Religion, and a wisdom which seemed to have something divine. When he had finished his exposition, I proposed in my turn, my difficulties and doubts; and when we spent above three months in discussing these articles. I was often times at a loss for a reply, because I was candid in the discussion, and sincerely meant to instruct myself, and not to cavil; yet many obscurities and embarrassments still remained, which I was anxious to remove; and as this respectable man could only give me a few leisure hours, and at intervals; to fill up the vacant time between our conferences, I had recourse to another Jesuit, who had not less zeal or less knowledge. He began with me in a manner which surprised. "We will not" said he, "enter on this subject at present; Go say the Lord's prayer thrice, and return to me on such a day." I could not refrain from smiling at the singularity of this reception, and replied, "I am not yet a member of your Church, and already you impose on me a penance" We parted; but reflecting afterwards, that prayer, far from misleading, must be of real service to me, and that a Religion which teaches to begin by prayer an enquiry into its tenets, must be confident that they are established on solid proofs, I complied with what he had prescribed, and met him on the day appointed. I was already acquainted with the Catholick doctrine; he had nothing more to do, than to clear up those points, concerning which I still had my doubts. As I proposed my difficulties on each of these heads, he pointed out the passages in the best Theologians and Controversists, where they are treated at large; he procured me their works, and I read them with attention.
(To be continued.)
From late European Papers received by the Brig Hero, Capt. Thompson, in 35 days, and the Brig Maria and Eliza, Capt. Blunt, in 42 days from London, we have selected the following late European Intelligence.
VIENNA, August 6.
On Saturday last Marshall Laudohn received his Imperial Majesty's orders to prepare to take on him the command of the army in Croatia.
Intelligence is received from the army in Transylvania, that on the 17th of July last, Colonel Schultz, of Szeklers Hussars, who occupied the pass of Bozza, being informed that a corps of the enemy, to the number of 10,000 men, with artillery, were in motion on the side of Valeny, towards Konigberg, he went to reconnoitre them, when he found that they had already pushed their advanced posts to Lobkowitz Schantz, and that about 6000 horse and 2000 foot were encamped with their right wing extending to the mountains of Tattaz, whilst their left was covered by the forest situated within the Austrian frontiers, which determined Col. Schultz to distribute his corps at the several forts on the Line, and to pass the night under arms.
The next morning advice was received of the enemy having begun to intrench themselves near Lobkowitz Schantz; and at the same moment their detachments were seen advancing, along the mountains in such great numbers, that the Austrian advanced guard were forced to retire on all sides to the main army.
About two o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy's van approached the front of the Austrians, whilst another Turkish detachment filed off towards the forest, and the greatest part of the cavalry dismounted, and fixed 51 standards in the ground.
The fire of the artillery and Musquetry having continued for some time on both sides, a party of the Austrian cavalry at length put the Turkish infantry to flight. But the enemy being continually reinforced from a corps de Reserve, which they had left in the rear, they renewed the attack with the greatest fury, which lasted the whole night.
In the morning of the 19th, Col. Schultz being reinforced by a squadron of the Hussars of Leopold Tuscan, under the command of Count Willhorsk, the Turks were totally defeated, compelled to abandon their camp, and to retreat to Valeny; a violent storm, and the approach of night, preventing the Austrians from pursuing them.
The loss of the Austrians in this action was six men killed, and 32 wounded; whilst that of the Turks amounted to 103 men left dead on the field, 5 taken, and 27 horses killed. They had sent away the preceding day 76 men killed, and carried away with them 19 wagons filled with the dead, and about 300 wounded; so that their whole loss may be computed at 400 killed and 300 wounded.
By the last accounts from Chotzym we learn, that the provisions in that fortress having been entirely destroyed by the fire from the
batteries, the Prince de Cobourg and Gen. Soltikow, on the 26th of July, summoned the place to surrender; but the garrison having desired a delay of three days for deliberation, and a suspension of hostilities, their request was complied with.
CHATHAM, August 20.
Besides the Powers of the North, those of Spain and Naples are arming. The Spanish Fleet is out, and the Neapolitan Fleet is getting ready as fast as possible.
All accounts from the North agree, that the city of Petersburg is in the utmost confusion. The Swedes are approaching on one side, and the Russians are expected on the other.
Letters of Reprisal having been issued at Petersburg against the Swedes; the Russians have seized on thirty Swedish ships that happened to be in their ports.
Nineteen of the Swedish vessels were arrested at Petersburg, and seven at Riga.
L O N D O N,
Aug. 21. Advices are received from Calcutta, that upwards of 600 recruits lately landed in India from Europe, for the purposes of being distributed among the Company's European forces, have been refused by the officers appointed to examine, and declared unfit for the service. The inconvenience which this step occasions, is much easier conceived than described.
Lord Dorchester, Governor-General of America, has sent home lately from Quebec a plan for establishing two settlements in the interior parts of Canada, near the Lakes Brigon and Carleton, from whence a communication might be made to James's bay. It has been hinted that a colony of convicts might be advantageously settled in that part of America.
It is said, that the Spaniards, notwithstanding an apparent cordiality with the English court, have strictly forbidden all supplies to be furnished to our garrison of Gibraltar.
The letters received by the mail from New-York and Halifax contain very large orders for goods, to be got ready as soon as possible, and the mails from the Leeward Islands and America have brought over very capital remittances for the merchants here.
The Duc de Richelieu and Cronfac, Peer and first Marshal of France, died at Paris the 7th instant, aged upwards of 92 years.
One would imagine Great-Britain was exhausted of men by the late impolitic war, and that upon the peace establishment taking place, there were no supernumeraries to discharge; for officers of the two battalions lately added to the 60th regiment are recruiting in Germany, and are allowed seven guineas for every man landed, and approved of at Landguard Fort; for men raised by officers in Great-Britain only five guineas are allowed, so that there must be either a want of economy in Government, a scarcity of men in this country, or German flesh and blood bears a superior price to British.
The expence of transporting these recruits to Chatham from Landguard Fort, is five shillings per man.
It is a bad thing in private life to have a turbulent neighbour.
Such a one sets a whole district in a flame. In public matters the observation holds equally good. The English, the Dutch, the Germans, the Danes, have all experienced this from the French by turns; and the Swedes and Russians are now undergoing a trial of it, through the machinations of this restless and insidious people.
August 26.
Europe is now so involved in war, that it is not easy to determine on which side to direct the attention. Between Russia, the Emperor, and the Porte, upwards of 900,000 men are in the field ready for all the horrors, devastation and mischief of an eagerly contested war. Sweden has taken hold of the opportunity to attack Russia both by land and sea, and in both has been opposed—Denmark and Prussia seem to look on, as ready to join this convulsed tumult of nations. The voice of peace and mediation is no more heard, and alliances are forming to promote, not to prevent the destruction of thousands, or stem the current of human blood.
The advantages of the several contests have hitherto been pretty nearly divided between the contending powers. The Empress has been successful against the Turks by sea, but on land her progress is retarded by a numerous, brave, and resolute force, capable, if not of attack, or open fight, at least of defence. The Captain Pacha's necessary retreat, however, from the mouth of the Dnieper, leaves the important fortress of Oczakow at the mercy of the Russian army, and it is probable they will soon be able to reduce it.
A report was spread on Saturday of an engagement between the Russians and Swedes, in which the latter gained a very important victory, carrying off 4000 prisoners, among whom was general Mousschin Pouschin, and that the Grand Duke of Russia had retired to Wybourg, where he was blockaded by the Swedes—but no confirmation has been received, nor indeed any account has been received with authenticity.
The first engagement we may expect to hear confirmed, is that between the Russian and Swedish fleets near Hoogland, where they were within sight of each other when the last accounts came away as mentioned in the Gazette of Saturday.
The following is given as an exact return of the forces now employed, respectfully, by the Turks, the Austrians, and the Russians. They are all computed at more than 900,000 combatants.
The regular infantry of the Turks, encamped at present, or in the different garrisons, amounts to 132,000 men, of whom 110,000 are Janissaries, 10,000 Topyes, or Artillerists, 60,000 Bashaw's guards, and 6,000 sappers and miners.
The Saphis paid out of the public exchequer are to the number of 12,000. They reckon 132,000 Timariots, 18,000 heavy cavary, 40,000 Segbans; in all 202,000 horsemen.
If to these we add the soldiery of Cairo, the volunteers, and the Tartars, who consist of a body of at least 100,000, we shall find that the whole number of the Turkis troops is 434,000 men.

The Austrians have on the frontiers 275,000 men, of whom at least 245,000 are in the field, without reckoning the regiments that are on the march to join their armies.
The number of Russian troops employed in the present war, cannot be reckoned less than 200,000, so that in the fear of war, we shall find not much less than a million of fighting men.
Extract of a letter from Madrid, dated Aug. 10.
"It is no longer a secret that our Court espouses the cause of the Grand Seignor, though nothing in an hostile way is intended against the Russians. The Chevalier Count de Galvez, who is made Plenipotentiary to the Court of Petersburg, has it in commission to offer an accommodation, in which his Catholic Majesty undertakes the office of mediator, and we expect this will not be rejected on the part of the Empress."
Aug. 23. By a ship just arrived from Malta, we learn that the Levant sea swarms with corsairs, carrying black flags; &c that on the 19th of June, seven French frigates, two Spanish and one Dutch, sailed from that island in order to cruise in the said sea.
We further learn, that all the Maltese vessels are disarming, except some galleys which are in Sicily, waiting for a supply of biscuit.
That France means war, it is now believed; even our Ministers are, by this time, pretty well informed. Whether they chuse to credit the information they have received depends upon the preference they may give to the interest of the public, or themselves. The King of Prussia knows, and expects it.
The first angry gun that is fired upon the continent of Europe, between Russia and Holstein, precipitates England and Prussia into the war:—Or, the first motion that is made by the Danes to support the Russians.
It is reported on the continent, that 12,000 Hessians, 4,000 Brunswick wickers, and the Prussian troops in Westphalia, are to form an army under the command of the Duke of Brunswick; and that the design is to make a diversion in favour of the Swedes.
Aug. 26. An idea of a speedy dissolution of Parliament gains ground even amongst those people who are interested in that event, and canvasses are actually begun in several of the counties. The present Parliament, however, it is thought will meet in the usual time, pass the annual laws, and do some other business ex necessitate , and then dissolve. The principal reason assigned for this measure is the possibility of Great-Britain being involved in a war before the natural death of the Parliament. In that case, opposition always gains strength, and though they may not in the present instance be able to overturn the Ministry they may embarrass them a great deal more than in times of peace.
The extremes of the Baltick are covered with hostile fleets; and the Danes are preparing to add one more to the number; which, before this time, has most probably proceeded on its voyage.
An army of 60,000 Prussians are marching to the Frontiers of Poland.
The French are going on with their military preparations, with astonishing assiduity. It is all art in their agents here, to keep us amused with tales of their difficulties, distresses, insurrections, &c.
The French marine is in fine condition; their army in better.
The Spanish fleet have been out some time.
The Portuguese have a fleet out. The French are equipping with diligence at Toulon.
All the powers in the Mediterranean, Venetians, Neapolitans, &c. are equipping fleets.
The French are detaching as largely as they can to the East-Indies. For this purpose they avail themselves of the return of Tippo Saib's ambassadors.
Policies are opened in the city "to pay 15 guineas to take 100, if there is war in eight months."
Aug. 29. The last foreign mail is not near so particular in regard to the intentions of Denmark in the present embroiled state of the North, as some private intelligence seemingly of very authentic nature, a few days before gave us reason to expect; all it says, is that there appears a predilection in that Court in favour of the Russians; but it is generally believed, that recent advices to government from Mr. Elliot, the British Envoy at Copenhagen, are much more explicit: And that from what we have been able to learn of their contents the resolution of Denmark to support the Empress remains no longer a matter of doubt.
Aug. 30. By an express that arrived on Thursday night at the Marquis of Carmarthan's office, advice was received, that on Monday evening last his Most Christian Majesty was pleased to send a letter of dismission to the Archbishop of Sens, his Majesty's principal Minister, and to Monsieur La Moignon, Keeper of the Seals; and that Monsieur Necker was reinstated in his office of Director General of the Finances. The immediate cause of the Prime Minister's dismission was the disorder and confusion his edicts of the 16th & 18th inst. have occasioned, and which made it absolutely necessary. His dismission was particularly sudden, nor was it expected until three days preceding, by the best informed people: It was followed by that of the whole party who have so strongly advised the King to contend with his Parliament. The foremost of these were, the Comte de Brienne, Minister of the War Department, and M. de La Moignon, Keeper of the Seals, now displaced.
It is generally believed in Paris, that the Marshal de Castries will be nominated Prime Minister, in the room of the Archbishop, and that several other important changes in administration will immediately follow.
The change was so well received in Paris, that the French stocks rose instantly 15 per cent. and its enlivening effects was visible upon our Royal Exchange yesterday, on the countenances of all the merchants, &c. who have commercial connections with France.
Most probably the political event above stated, will accelerate the meeting of the States-General of the French Kingdom.
The King of France has nominated the Comte De la LUZERNE, Secretary for the department of the Marine.
BOSTON, October 29. The following paragraph is in a report of a committee of Congress appointed to inquire into the department of Finance.
"Your committee were desirous to discover in what manner the large sums of money received in France, have been accounted for,—but the subject of this inquiry seems to be involved in darkness."
  Livres. f. d.   The amount of the general receipts is— 47,111,859. 12 8   Of this sum there has been lent over or drawn for and expended in America, Salaries of foreign ministers, 26 246,727. 5 5   1,160,183.   27,406,910. 5 5 
There remains, 19,704,949. 7 3 The documents for the expenditure of this balance have never been produced at the Treasury—They must be in France if there are any such papers. A full inquiry into the premises now claims the attention of the Board of Treasury—Some time must be expended in making the necessary investigation, but the result may be of important service to the United States. "
By the above report it appears, that the amount of sales of western land, is—
  Dollars   The first four ranges of townships, The contract with Sergeant and Cutler 170,090   Ditto with Mr. Symmes 2,993,154   571,537 
3,740,681 There is one particular in the abovenmentioned report, which is honourable to our State and New-Hampshire, that is, that their accounts with the United States, have been settled and approved of.
PORTSMOUTH, October 30.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in New York, dated October 14.
"There is a considerable stir in different parts of North-Carolina, in favour of the new Constitution. It is the opinion of several gentlemen from that State that another Convention will be called upon the subject. I have this day seen two letters from different parts of that State: These mention a number of gentlemen, members of the late Convention, who have since lost their election for assembly men the ensuing year, for no other reason than because they had voted against the Constitution. Others who had been in the court the preceding year, were dropped at the election for the same reason.—The people of many counties had become dissatisfied at the non adoption of the Constitution, and clamoured loudly for another Convention. This spirit is not confined to the counties that have been uniformly federal, it prevails much in these counties, whose delegates in the late Convention voted against the Constitution."
The number of Negro Slaves bartered for in one year on the coast of Africa, from Cape Blanco to Rigo Congo, by the different European nations, is, as we are informed by a respectable merchant once engaged in the traffick, nearly as follows:—Great Britain 53,100. America 6,300. France 23,500. Holland 11,300. Portugal 8,700 Denmark 1,200; in all 204,100. These are brought by barter for European and Indian manufactures, upon, an average at 15l. sterling each, amounting in sterling money to 582,000l.
Died since our last, Mr. Stephen Weeks, aged 44 years; also a child of Mr. Halladay's; both of this town.
Scholar's Ball.
Mr. Flagg
RETURNS his most grateful acknowledgements to the LADIES and GENTLEMEN of this town, for the very polite attention and great encouragement he has received since his residence here, and begs leave most respectfully to inform them, that he intends opening an
Evening School
for ladies and gentlemen during the ensuing season, on the same terms as in the season past (wood and candles excepted).—He intends having a SCHOLAR'S BALL, on Thursday the 6th of November next, for their improvement, and hopes the proficiency they have already made under his tuition will meet the approbation of those who shall honor him with their company on the occasion. The scholars will dance from 6 till 9 o'clock, after which a BALL will commence for the company, who will be attended with the greatest politeness. Particular care will be taken to have good music.—Scholar's tickets at 2s. and others at 3s. each may be had of Mr. Flagg, at Capt. Furnas's.
Should ladies or gentlemen wish for private instruction, Mr. Flagg will be happy to wait on them at their houses.
Portsmouth, Octo. 29.
Just Printed, And ready for Sale at this Office, Wholesale and Retail, as cheap as in Boston, a variety of Almanacks
For the Year
1789.
Among which are SEWALL's, which so rapidly run through two additions the last year.
Imported in the HERO, Capt. Thompson, from LONDON, A general Assortment of
GOODS
For all seasons, and to be Sold very low for Cash
Samuel Hill,
At his Store in Portsmouth, North of the Market, —VIZ.—
  Blankets, Colchester and Drapery Baizes, Flannels, Duffs, Lamb-Skins, Coatings, Forest Cloths, Plains, Kersies, Serges, Serge Denim, Velvets, Corduroys, Satinets, Lastings, Florentines, Broad Cloths, Trimmings of all sorts, Worsted Hose, Bolting-Cloths, A general assortment of hatters trimmings, Plated Bitts and Spurs, Warming-Pans, Frying-Pans, Shovels & Tongs, Nails of all sorts, 10 by 8 & 9 by 7 Window Glass, A general assortment of Hard-Ware, A few Boxes Tin-Plates, Looking-Glasses, A general assortment Crockery and Glass-Ware, Sleigh-Bells, of different sizes,  Camblets, Cambleteens, Poplins, Crapes, Calicoes, Shawls, Silk, Linnen and Cotton Handkerchiefs, Irish Linnens, Checker'd ditto, Bed-Ticks, Black Modes, Gauzes, Cambricks, Lady's silk and leather Gloves and Mitts, Bibles and Testaments, Spelling-Books, Pslters, Primers, Writing-Paper, Powder and Shot, Sheet & Bar-Lead, German Steel, English and Nova Scotia Grind-Stones, A general assortment of London Pewter, Brass-Kettles, Copper Teakettles Copperas, Allum, Brimstone, A general assortment of Painter's Colours and Linseed Oil.  
May be had at the same place, West-India and New-England Rum, Sugar, Molasses, Cotton, Green and Bohea Tea, Loaf Sugar, Philadelphia Iron, Iron Ware, Potash Kettles, Dye-Woods, and many other articles, too many to enumerate in this Advertisement.
N. B. Cash, or any of the above Goods given for Potash, Beeswax, Flaxseed and Furs. Portsmouth, Octo. 26.
ALL persons that have any demands upon the estate of MATTHEW STANLEY PARKER, late of Wolfborough, deceased, are desired to exhibit the same, and those indebted to make payment, to HENRY RUST, Administrator. Wolfborough, October 10, 1788.
NAVAL OFFICE. Port of Piscataqua, October 30, 1788. ENTERED from Ship Lady Scammelman, Grant, St. Croix. CLEARED for Schooner Industry, Fredrick, New York.
Several favors received from our correspondents are unavoidably omitted 'till our next.

Parnassian Spring.
The FALL of the LEAF.
SONS of men, averse from teaching, Turn unto the woods your eyes, Hear the lessons they are teaching, They'll instruct you to be wise.
Where is now their boasted glory, Leaves with which they did abound? See them scatter'd all before you, Lying with 'ring on the ground. Doctors skill'd in myriads pages, Seeking truth tho' void of fame, Wise and venerable sages, Here's a moralizing theme.
Blooming virgins, charming creatures, Blessed with a comely face, Boast not of your fading features, Summer gives to winter place.
Youths, though full of manly graces, Know those flow'rs will swiftly waste, Time shall blight them on your faces, Ye shall feel cold winter's blast.
Sons of sport, with joy abounding, To your mirth the woods reply, We, so late with songs reounding, Now in mournful silence lie.
Griping misers, greedy wretches, We your very safe express; We are strip'd of all our riches, They forsake us in distress.
Reverend fires, with age grown hoary, Think not life shall still remain; See in us your fading glory, Falling ne'er to spring again.
Learn, O man, that grandeur's fading, Honours, like our leaves decay; We were happy, both, in Eden, Now we swiftly fade away.
Then seek out that land eternal, Where the tree of life doth grow: There the leaf is ever vernal; There no winter tempests blow.
THE CHOICE.
SWEETNESS of soul, a feeling heart, Unstain'd with vice, unskill'd in art; A gen'rous, sympathetick mind, Capacious, lib'ral, and refin'd; An understanding large and free From the least trace of pedantry: A person neither gross nor spare, Eyes blue, hair brown, complexion fair; Cheeks red, teeth white, and breath most sweet;
In dress not gay, but simply neat; A hand and foot well form'd and small, A figure good, a person tall; Industrious, prudent, and a mind With pure benevolence refin'd.
This is the character I'd chuse, Here would I centre all my views, With her I'd walk life's dreary road, With her I'd seek my father, God; With her improve each talent given, And find a rich reward in heaven,
THE VALUE OF TIME.
A moment we may with, When worlds want wealth to buy. LIFE, like the days of the season, is short. Time, like the shadow upon a dial, is fleeting, and hastening to be gone, and an awful eternity approaching, which must be either a state of happiness or misery, according to the waste or redemption of the precious NOW.
From these considerations we may learn the inestimable value of our passing moments, and the danger of delaying suitably to improve them, while we feel, if I may so express myself, the propriety of the poet's observation and excellent advice, in the following lines: Time wasted is existence, us'd is life; Part with it as with money, sparingly;
Buy no moment but in purchase of its worth, And what its worth, ask Death Beds, they can tell.
Should the reader wish for directions in the improvement of his time, I would earnestly recommend the ensu- ing couplet from Mr. Pope's Essay on Man, as a daily rule for practice: Make every day a critick on the past, And live each hour as though it was your last.
THE RURAL CHRISTIAN.
Continental and State Securities NEGOTIATED BY
Nath'l A. Haven
At his STORE in Market-Street, where may be had as usual,
A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF
Drugs, Medicines, & Gro- ceries, at the lowest Cash Prices.
Portsmouth, October 20, 1788.
TO BE SOLD
A valuable small Farm in Portsmouth, containing about 30 acres of choice land, well fenced, and good buildings, viz. A GOOD double DWELLING- HOUSE, completely finished, two BARNs, a CYDER-HOUSE, MILL, &c. complete, a STABLE, and the farm UTENSILS, as carts, plows, &c. together with the stock of CATTLE on the farm;—also, 4 or 5 acres of PASTURE land, within half a mile of said farm, that is joining land of Capt. Swards;— being well fenced.—For further particulars inquire of WILLIAM FURNALD, living on the premises.
N. B. The aforesaid land was that which formerly was called Cotton's, and also, that of Clark's garden, and orchard; and will produce in common years—from 60 to 70 barrels of cyder, 30 to 45 tons of hay, 150 bushels of Indian corn, &c.
L Y M A N,
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors & own- ers of land in the township of Lyman, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1787, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber on or before the second Wednesday in December next, so much of their land as will pay the same together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue at ten o'clock in the forenoon on said day, at my dwelling-house in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
Certificates. Silver.
   s. d. s. d. q.     Amos Perkins 1 10 2 3 2   Timothy Peck 2 3 2 9   Edward Cutts 2 3 2 9   Reuben Bradly 2 3 2 9   Joseph Breecher 2 3 2 9   Timothy Ruggles 2 3 2 9 2   Timothy Bradly 1 10 2 3   Hezekiah Tuttle 2 3 2 9  
SAMUEL WAY, Constable. Lyman, October 10th, 1788.
THE Commissiones appointed to receive and examine the claims against the estate of JONATHAN MOULTON, late of Hampton, Esq. deceased; give notice that six months from the 16th day of October instant, are further allowed for that purpose, and that they will attend the business at the late dwelling-house of the de- ceased, in Hampton, on the last Thurs- day of this, and the five following months.
Hampton, October 17th, 1788.
Just Imported, And to be Sold BY
Thomas Sheafe
At his Store at the north end, adjoining his wharf,
A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF ENGLISH GOODS, Suitable for any season:
ALSO,
West-India Goods, German
Steel, Philadelphia Iron, Bohea and Souchong Tea, a few hogheads St. John's Stone Lime, &c. &c.
Notice to the Proprietors of Mason's Patent.
WHEREAS an assessment has been made on said Proprie- tors according to their respective interests in the lands lying between the curve line of said patent, and a straight line lately run by the order of the General-Court, agree- ably to an act of the General- Court, passed at their session in June last; which assessment with a warrant to collect the sums therein mentioned, has been committed to me the subscriber chosen by said Proprietors to collect the same: They are hereby notified that I shall give attendance for the pur- pose of receiving said sums of said Proprietors at my house in Port- mouth, for three weeks succes- sively from this time; and if any Proprietor shall neglect payment for the space of fourteen days from the last of said weeks, so much of said delinquent Proprietor's lands within the limits aforesaid, either common or severed, or both, will then be advertised for sale, as will pay his, or her part, or pro- portion of said tax and reasonable incidental charges as the said act directs, and the money will be accordingly levied by such sale, unless prevented by payment.
JOHN PEIRCE, Collector.
Portsmouth, October 15th, 1788.
CHICHESTER.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in the township of Chichester, in the county of Rockingham, that at a legal meeting held by adjournment at Hamp- ton, on the 25th day of January, 1786, and ratified and confirmed at a meeting held by adjournment on November 24th, 1787, in order to pay the money borrowed to carry on the lawsuits against the town of Barnstead, and and other debts of the proprietors, there was a tax of eight shillings lawful money assessed on each lot in the first, second and third division, and four shillings and six pence on each lot in the fourth division of lots in said town, and the same is committed to me the subscriber to collect by the fourteenth day of November next, and if any person or persons neglect to pay the same, so much of his or their land as will pay the same together with incidental charges will be advertised for sale, as the law directs.
THOMAS JOHNSON, Collector. Chichester, October 24th, 1788.
State of New-Hampshire, Rockingham ss.
THE subscribers appointed com- missioners to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Mr. RICHARD WAL- DRON, late of Portsmouth, deceased, represented insolvent; give notice that they shall attend for that purpose at the Post-Office, in said Portsmouth, on the last Monday of this and the five following months, from three to six o'clock, P. M.
ELISHA HILL, SAMUEL SHERBURNE, JEREMIAH LIBBEY,
Portsmouth, September 20, 1788.
C A N A A N, State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the Proprietors and owners of lands in the township of Canaan, in the county of Grafton; that at a legal meeting of the Proprietors, held in said Canaan, on the 25th day of December, 1786; a vote was passed to raise a tax of sixty pounds lawful money, to be assessed on each hundred acre lot of each Proprietor's right in said town, for to pay for making a state road in said town; also, another vote was past to lay a tax of one shilling and six pence on each hundred acres in the town, for to pay for settling the lines of said town; that unless they pay said tax and cost to me the subscriber on or before the 25th day of December next, so much of their lands as will pay the same together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at ten of the clock in the fore- noon, at the dwelling-house of Major Samuel Jones, in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
N. B. The rates and divisions with the sum due on each division in each rate is as follows.
   £. 60 rate. 1/6 rate.     1st 100. 2d 100. 3d 100. s. s.d. 1st 100. 2d 100. 3d 100. s. s.d.   G. Harris, right 8 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9   Ebenezer Harris 4 9 1 6   Joseph Babcock 8 1 6   Amos Wolworth 4 9 7 1 6   Joseph Eames 4 9 1 6   Ebenezer Eames 2 5 1 6 9   Ebenezer Peck 1 6 4 9 1 6   Allen Whitman 6 1 6   J. Spencer 3 1 6   J. Larthrop 2 5 5 9   Clement Daniels 1 6   J. Chamberlain 6 4 9 1 6   B. Chamberlain 9   D. Chamberlain 1 6   Rich'd Sparrow 3 1 6 1 6 1 6   George Harris 6 9   William Fox, jr. 1 6   Israel Kelodge 6   Aaron Cody 6 1 6   Nathaniel Cody 1 6 1 6   John Tribble 6   Samuel Dodge 4 9 1 6   Thomas Gates 6   Thomas Minor 3   Joshua Rathburn 1 6   Samuel Dodge, 3d. 6 1 6   Ephraim Wells 6 1 6   Josiah Gates, jr. 2 5   R. Randall 1 6   Jabez Jones 1 6   James Nevens, Esq. 1 6 4 9 6 5 1 6   Capt J. Wentworth 5 1 6   T. W. Waldron 8 1 6   Thomas Porter 8 6 4 9 1 6 1 6 1 6   J. Newmarch, Esq. 1 6 1 6   Mill Right 1 6 1 6   Govern'r's rights 1 6 1 2 0 9 8 3 0 3 0 3 0  
DANIEL BLASDEL, Proprietors (Collector). Canaan, October 16th, 1788.
BLANKS of all sorts printed and sold at John Melcher's Printing- Office, in Market-Street, very cheap.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper at TWO SHILLINGS and THREE PENCE per quarter (which has a very extensive circulation) are taken in by the Publisher, at his Printing-Office in Market-Street, Portsmouth, where Advertisements are received, the favours of Correspondents carefully attended to, and Printing performed reasonably.—This paper contains a copy of all the Laws of this State, passed since January 1787.