Fowle's New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser ([Portsmouth, N.H.]), 1786-01-20 00:00:00

FOWLE's NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, AND THE GENERAL ADVERTISER. The seal is circular with a decorative border. The outer ring contains the text "SIGILLUM" at the top and "SIS 1784." at the bottom. The inner part of the seal features a landscape scene with a rising sun, mountains, and a ship on the water, though the details are partially obscured by the printing process.
F R I D A Y,
J A N U A R Y 20, 1786.
P O R T S M O U T H: By MELCHER AND OSBORNE,
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN PAVED STREET.
VOL. XXX. ]
"OPEN TO ALL PARTIES—INFLUENCED BY NONE:—WE AIM ONLY TO BE JUST."
No. 1527
A SET of RESOLUTIONS.
T O live and to die in the public profession of the religion in which one was born and bred. To avoid all prophane talk and intricate topics. To endeavour to get the better of the intrusion of indolence of mind and body, those certain harbingers of enfeebling age. Rather to wear out, than to rust out. To rise early, and as often as possible to go to bed before midnight. Not to nod in company, nor indulge repose too frequently on the couch in the day. To waste as little of life in sleep as may be, for we shall have enough in the grave. Not to give up walking ; nor to ride on horseback to fatigue. To continue the practice of reading, pursued for more than fifty years, in books of all subjects, for variety is the salt of the mind as well as of life. Other people's thoughts, like the best conversation of one's companions, are generally better and more agreeable than one's own. Frequently to think over the virtues of one's acquaintance, old and new. To admit every cheerful ray of sunshine on the imagination. To avoid retrospection on past friendship, which had much of love in it, for memory often comes when he is not invited. To try to think more of the living and less of the dead ; for the dead belong to a world of their own. To live within one's income, be it large or little. Not to let passion of any sort run away with the understanding. Not to encourage romantic hopes nor fears. Not to drive away hope, the sovereign balm of life, though he is the greatest of flatterers. Not to be under the dominion of superstition or enthusiasm. Not wilfully to undertake any thing which the nerves of the mind or body are not strong enough for. Not to run the race of competition, or to be in another's way. To avoid being jostled too much in the street, and not be carried even by curiosity itself into a large croud. To strive to embody that dignified sentiment "to write injuries in dust, but kindnesses in marble." Not to give the reins to constitutional impatience, for it is apt to hurry on the first expressions into the indecency of swearing. To recollect, that he who can keep his own temper may be master of other's. If one cannot be a stoic, in bearing and forbearing, on every trifling occasion, yet it may not be impossible to pull the check string against the moroseness of spleen or the impetuosity of peevishness. Anger is a short madness. Not to fall in love now on the precipice of three score, nor to expect to be fallen in love with. A connexion between
summer and winter is an improper one. Love, like fire, is a good servant, but a bad master. Love is death, when the animal spirits are gone. To contrive to have as few vacant hours upon one's hands as possible, that idleness, the mother of crimes and vices, may not pay its visits. To be always doing of something, and to have something to do. To fill one's time, and to have a good deal to fill up, for time is the materials that life is made of. If one is not able by situation, or through the necessity of raising the supplies within the year, or by habit (for virtue itself is but habit) to do much ostentatious good, yet do as little harm as possible. To make the best and the most of every thing. Not to indulge too much in the luxury of the table, nor yet to underlive the constitution. The gout, rheumatism, and dropsy, in the language of the spectators, seem to be hovering over the dishes. Wine the great purveyor of pleasure, and the second in rank among the senses, offers his service, when love takes his leave. It is natural to catch hold of every help, when the spirit begin to droop. Love and wine are good cordials, but are not proper for the beverage of common use. Resolve not to go to bed on a full meal. A light supper and a good conscience are the best receipts of a good night's rest; and the parent of undisturbing dreams, Not to be enfeebled by the flatulency of tea. Let the second or third morning's thought be to consider of the employment for the day; and one of the last at night to enquire what has been done in the course of it. Not to let one's tongue run at the expence of truth. Not to be too communicative nor unreserved. A close tongue, with an open countenance, are the safest passports through the journey of the world. To correct the error of too much talking, and restrain the narrativenes of the approaching climacteric. To take the good natured side in conversation. However, not to praise every body, for that is to praiſe no-body. Not to be so inquisitive and eager to know secrets, nor be thought to have a head full of other people's affairs. Not to make an enemy, nor to lose a friend. To aim at the esteem of the public, and to leave a good name behind. Not to be singular in dress, in behaviour, in notions nor expressions of one's thoughts. Never to give bad advice, and strive not to set a bad example. Seldom to give advice till asked, for it appears like giving something superfluous to oneself. To be affectionate to relations, which is a kind of self-love, in preference to all other acquaintance. But not to omit paying
the commanding respect to merit, which is superior to all the accidental chains of kindred. Not to debilitate the mind by new and future compositions. Like the spider, it may spin itself to death. The leisure of the pen has created honourable acquaintance, and pleased all it has wished to please. To resolve not to be too free of promises, for performances are sometimes very difficult things. Not to be too much alone, nor to read, nor meditate, or talk too much on points that may awaken tender sensations, and be too pathetic for the soul. To enjoy the present, not to be made too unhappy by reflection on the past, nor to be oppressed by invincible gloom on the future. To give and receive comfort, those necessary alms to a distressed mind. To be constantly thankful to Providence for the plenty hitherto possessed, which has preserved one from the dependance on party, persons, and opinions, and keep one out of debt. The appearance of a happy situation, and opportunities of tasting many worldly felicities, (for content has seldom perverted itself into discontent) has induced many to conclude, that one must be pleased with one's lot in life ; and it occasions many to look with the eye of innocent envy. To resolve more than ever, to shun every public station and responsibility of conduct.—To be satisfied with being master of oneself, one's habits, now a second nature, and one's time. Determined not to solicit unless trampled upon by fortune, to live and die in the harness of trade, or a profession. To take care that pity, humanity is not here meant, does not find one out in the endurance of any calamity. When pity is within call, contempt is not far off. Not to wish to have a greater hold of life, nor to quit that hold. The possible tenure of existence is of too short possession for the long night that is to succeed : therefore not a moment to be lost. Not to lose sight, even for a single day, of these good and proverbial doctors—diet—merryman—and quiet. Lastly, not to put one's self too much in the power of the elements, those great enemies to the human frame ; namely —the sun—the wind—the rain—and the night air.
ALMANACK,
of all Kinds—to be sold by
Alford Butler,
—By the Groce, Dozen, or Single—
A L S O,
Record Books,

H A G U E (Holland) Oct. 26.
By accounts from Vienna, the articles of peace seem to meet the Emperor's approbation. He has presented M. de Vergennes with a snuff-box set with brilliants, valued at 30,000 florins and a bill of exchange to the same amount. The Count de Mercy has received a present of equal value, and the Prince de Kaunitz 100,000 florins.
L O N D O N, October 28.
Extract of a letter from Paris.
Mr. Hesse has presented a memorial to the Academy of Sciences, containing a new construction of common and repeating watches. He proves in the clearest manner that the principles on which such neat and handsome watches have been made, have very much contributed to the improvement of taste, but that they are entirely prejudicial to the science in general; he contends, that the flat form now used is not near so well calculated to answer the precision and the due proportion required in watch-making as the others. The Academy were perfectly satisfied with the reasons given by this able horologigrapher."
M. L'Ange has invented an economical lamp, which gives a pleasing and steady light without the least smoke. It is pronounced to surpass Argand's invention. All the oil that is consumed becomes useful to the production of the light, which is at least equal to twenty candles. The Academy attribute this effect to a small glass funnel adapted to the lamp, by which the light is multiplied; it seems very probable, as it grows dim when the funnel is taken off, or any other substituted in its stead."
The Swedish Court has concluded a new treaty with the Algerines, as well for the advantage as security of the Swedish ships in the Mediterranean, by virtue of which treaty the King of Sweden is to send a considerable present to the Dey, to consist of artillery, arms, ammunition, and warlike stores.
Notwithstanding all that has been said on the subject, and the continual proofs of the inefficacy of our penal laws; yet, they still continue in statu quo and the science of thieving increases of course. Surely, something ought to be done, to prevent the eternal disgrace of hanging such numbers of our fellow creatures, without the effect producing either terror or reformation.
It is justly observed, that every man has his hobby-horse: There is a very old man (not a prisoner) in the King's Bench, aged upwards of seventy eight years, his name William Thomas, who has acted as the head waiter at the tap in the Bench, for a number of years past; and for the space of more than twenty years last past, has kept his coffin in his room by him, in that place, which stands on one end, and is partitioned off with slight shelves, one of which is for his tea, sugar, china, &c. and in the other part he always keeps very good rum, brandy, wine, cakes, &c. for the very purpose that those who attend his funeral, whenever it happens, may refresh themselves.
The Protestants of Germany, both Calvinists and Lutherans, till of late, maintained against each other a spirit of intolerance, replete with as much acrimony and virulence, as they formerly experienced from the Papists; but now, whether the liberal temper displayed by the Emperor has taught more enlarged sentiments, or whether the true light of the Gospel begins to be more clearly diffused, and men see that the great principle of Christianity is a continued series of kindness to all their fellow-creatures; certain it is, that the Lutherans, who are the established church, in the territory of the Duke of Sax-Meiningen, have, within these few months, offered the use of their churches to the Calvinists; and the Calvinists, who are the ruling sect in the dominions of the Duke of Brunswick, have offered to accommodate, with their churches and sacramental plate, their fellow-subjects of the Lutheran persuasion. At Cologn, where the Romish religion prevails, a Protestant clergyman dared not to shew his face; but now, if a Protestant is taken ill, and desires to be attended by a minister of his own faith, the minister is immediately sent for, and treated with the utmost respect.
Fur muffs of an enormous size are the present rage. The hermit's beard is nothing in comparison; the larger they are, the more fashionable; so that a lady will now dispute the point of proceeding in taste, according to the magnitude of her muff !
Their majesties returning from London lately to Windsor Castle, to their post chaise, at their being set down, a number of children surrounded the carriage to see the King and Queen; amongst them was a very fine boy, that morning put in breeches for the first time. His Majesty instantly fixing his eye on the chearful countenance of the child, asked him, "Who's boy he was?" The boy replied, "My father is the King's beef-eater." Then said the King, "Down on your knees, and you shall have the honour to kiss the Queen's hand; to which the boy replied, "No, I won't kneel, because I shall dirt my new breeches." Their Majesties made the boy a present of five guineas.
By a letter from Paris, we are informed, that as Cardinal de Rohan was walking a few days ago up and down within the precincts of the Bastille, totally absorbed in thought, he advanced to a part of the Castle which prisoners are never permitted to approach; the sentinel called out to him twice to return; the Cardinal not hearing him, but chancing to turn his eye towards him, saw that the soldier had levelled his piece at him, on which the Prelate fainted away, perceiving the danger he was in.
Nov. 5 A gentleman who has read the Calcutta gazette, of the 14th of April, brought by the St. Anne, arrived at Port l'Orient, from Pondicherry, relates, that a rumour prevailed at the French and English settlements, that the famous Tippoo Saib, King of the Mysres, and son to Hyder Alt, late sovereign of that part of India, was poisoned in a dish of coffee by one of his concubines; but the dose either not being sufficiently strong, or working slow, this
Prince had time to call in a Persian physician, who immediately administered an antidote which saved his life. That the unhappy woman being discovered, Tippoo Saib's Council, in the absence of their master, who was confined to his bed, condemned her to be burnt by a slow fire; which sentence being a few days after ratified by the Prince in person, she was placed in a pile of wood, so contrived, as to admit the flames to one piece of timber at a time. This barbarous execution is said to have continued two hours before the wretched creature, who was consumed by inches, breathed her last.
Guttony. A short time since the Duke of Queenbury made a bet of a thousand guineas, that he would produce a man, who would eat more at one meal than any Sir John Lade could find; the bet being accepted, the time was appointed, but his Grace not being able to attend the exhibition, he wrote to his agent to know what success, and accordingly received the following note:
"My Lord, "I have not time to state particulars, but merely to acquaint your Grace, that your man beat his antagonist by a pig and an apple-pie... J. P."
In a country like Great-Britain, whose commerce is extended to almost every part of the globe, and whose envied greatness was even raised from a state of barbarism by that enterprising spirit of commerce, which hath hitherto pervaded the whole nation, it is astonishing, that no attempt hath been made before, to open a trade to the discoveries made on the North-West Coast of America by that ornament of his country, Capt. James Cook. Never was a discovery made, of greater importance than this part of America; and had that great navigator survived this expedition, long ere this would, this country have poured her manufactures into every part of that continent.—No country can hold out a more sure or inexhaustible source of wealth, than King George's Sound, and Cook's River, in their furs, which abound in the greatest numbers, particularly that most valuable of all others, the Sea-Otter. This article alone is of importance sufficient to claim the utmost exertions of a commercial nation; the uncommon estimation in which they are held at Japan, and the other rich and populous islands contiguous to the opposite continent, would be a temptation of so great a magnitude, as even to open a direct trade with the Japanese islands. Dr. Thuenburg says, in so high estimation are the Sea Otter skins held at Japan, that he hath known them fell from 250 to 500, nay, even 600 dollars per skin: at China, Capt. Cook's people sold them as high as 120 dollars per skin. Were a few well-established and protected factories made on the coast between Cape Blanco and Cook's River, we might completely secure the trade of the whole continent. Exclusive of the uncommon value of the fur trade, it would be an inexhaustible mart of manufactures of this country of every description, which might be poured into all the rich islands on the coast of Asia; the Mexican and Guatimala coast, and Terra Firma, as far as Panama, nay, even as far as Peru and Chili, would be within the circle of our commerce, and would gladly open their ports, either directly or by other means, to receive the manufactures of England, when it is considered, that the most valuable fur, brought to this country are sold to the Russians, who transport them by their caravans to China, a distance of 4000 miles) and that the Chinese afterwards dispose of them to the Japanese islands and coast of Asia which are not more than five or six weeks sail from George's Sound. Of what immense advantage must it be, to open a direct communication between the continents, even for the disposal of that single article of furs alone!—The discerning eye of the Imperial Joseph saw it in its true light and gave the utmost assistance to his subjects to make the attempt. He purchased and fitted out a ship in the river Thames, for the sole purpose of encouraging his subjects to attempt to establish a trade of such promising advantages to his country: this ship failed to Trieste to take in her cargo; but the unfortunate failure of the Imperial Company put a stop to it for that time.—France hath been two years in fitting out; and, but for a dispute between the Minister and merchants, they would have some months ago.—America hath not been behind-hand: some merchants of Charleston and London fitted out a large ship, at a very great expense, in the river Thames, which was to sail under American colours; but the death of the conductor and director of the voyage put an end to that enterprise.—The Portuguese flag hath had it in agitation.—Russia's commercial Empress hath made a noble attempt, an undertaking which will ever be an ornament to her illustrious reign; no expense hath been spared to ensure success; at this instant, she hath near nine hundred people, collected from all quarters of the globe, for their abilities, under the direction of one of our officers, a Mr. Billings, traversing the dreary regions of the North of Russia, in their road to Kamchatka, where they are to make establishments for the opening a direct communication between the two continents.—That the commercial genius of Great-Britain should remain a silent spectator of the attempts of other nations to avail themselves of the advantages of such important discoveries; that the companions of the immortal Cook, for want of encouragement from their countrymen, should be necessitated to accept the invitation of foreigners to conduct their flag to so valuable and promising a source of commerce, appears
astonishing indeed! But we have now the utmost satisfaction in assuring our readers, that, under the patronage of the present Ministers, there is every probability of Great-Britain at last reaping the advantage of her own discoveries; as we cannot entertain a doubt but the two ships, the King George and Queen Charlotte, just sailed, will be the first upon the coast; and if their plans are well laid, and they are enabled to make proper establishments, there cannot be a doubt of their opening a source of commerce of astonishing magnitude.
Compte d'Estaing was at first in the Mousquetaires de la Garde du Roi; he was afterwards Colonel of a marching regiment (Rouerge) and then made Camp Marechal; he then entered into the marine service, and, after a voyage to China, was made in 1777, Vice-Admiral. The Compte has been about twenty years in the sea-service. There are now three naval officers in France, who are decorated with the blue ribbon—the Compts d'Estaing, de Guichen, and the Bailli de Suffrein.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 27, 1785. To the Honourable the Representatives of the Free-men of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met.
The memorial of the Religious Society of Free Quakers, in the City of Philadelphia. Respectfully Sheweth.
THAT we observe with concern there are considerable efforts making to establish theatrical entertainments in this city, notwithstanding the law prohibiting them, passed by a former house. We cannot stand by, and besilent spectators, whilst so great an evil is impending over the people, but conceive it to be our duty to join with Christian brethren of other religious societies, in shewing our disapprobation of all such delusive entertainments. Altho' many arguments occur to us against those exhibitions, yet as divers members of your honorable house have spoken well against them, we conceive it not necessary for us to be very particular, but beg leave to say, we consider theatrical entertainments in general to be a perfect contradiction to the spirit of the Christian religion, many plays being indecent and profane; and we apprehend that the stage, even under the best regulations, will tend to draw away the minds of the young and inexperienced into a love of dissipation and sensual pleasures. Suffer us also to say, that it is an observation founded on wisdom and justified by experience, that the more we indulge our vices and passions, the less concern we must have for the interest of our country, and the prosperity of the public.
We therefore pray the honorable house, as guardians of the rights, and examples of the morals of the people, will discountenance the same.
Signed on behalf of said Religious Society, by Joseph Warner, John Piles, Jehu Eldredg, Jonathan Schofield, Edward Riffets, Jacob Lalun, John Claypoole, Samuel Crispin, jun. Christopher Marshall, Joseph Stiles, Isaac Howell, Peter Thompson, Moses Bartram, Jacob Karcher, Richard Somers, Samuel Whetherill, Samuel Crispin.
NEW-YORK, January 4. Extract of a letter from Savannah, in Georgia, dated November 24.
"I mentioned in my former letter, that the Commissioners from Congress had met the Indians at Goldington, and that the Indians had returned satisfied; this was the then report. Since that, Mr. Telfair, one of the Commissioners appointed by this State, has arrived here from the treaty. It seems in the commission of the Georgia agents, they were directed to protest against any proceedings of the Congress Commissioners that might militate against the rights, privileges and sovereignty of the State.—Two kings, or head men, only met. In the articles of the treaty it was mentioned, that Congress claimed an exclusive right to the soil.—That secondly, if a white man should trespass upon the Indians, the white man should be sent to Congress, who were to point out the mode of trying him. To these two articles the Commissioners for the State of Georgia made a protest, and broke up the Congress of the Continental Commissioners. A few days after seventeen kings, or head men, from the upper and lower creeks, met the agents of this State, who were empowered to treat with the Indians; they did so, and obtained a cession of country from them in addition to what they had already granted, by running a temporary line from the Canouchie to the head of the southern branch of the St. Mary, giving a tract of land of about sixty miles by forty. After this the Indians returned home, without entering into any treaty with the Commissioners from Congress."
A correspondent observes, that the infatuation which possesses many of the people of this State, for Theatrical Exhibitions , is truly alarming. Some were led to imagine that the friends of the drama were principally confined to this city; but, alas! the delirium appears to have spread far and wide. And, strange to tell! the honest, sober Dutchmen of Albany , who were once distinguished by industry and a laudable parsimony, are now plunging into that very species of luxury and folly, which stamps upon the metropolis, an indelible stigma.
MIDDLETOWN, Jan. 3. We are desired to publish the following Paragraph as it is a known truth, and will be a gratification to the curious, and may prove of real utility.
Within the course of three weeks past, a child, who immediately after his birth measured between 21 and 22 inches across his shoulders, was born in this town, and both mother and child now enjoys as good a share of health as is usual in so short a time after child-birth.

By this Day's Mail!
L O N D O N, Nov. 7.
The accession of the Elector of Hanover to the German confederacy is perhaps an unfortunate event, in the system of continental politics, as ever happened for the interest of Great-Britain; that measures having totally alienated the Court of Petersburg from that of London, and induced the Empress of Russia to conclude a commercial treaty with France, which the Court of Versailles had long in vain solicited.
We hear that the great Frederick has given his Electoral Highness the most positive assurances of support against his enemies, in case his accession to the German confederacy should draw upon him the resentment of other European powers.
K I N G S T O N, (Jamaica) Nov. 16.
The great increase of the French navigation and trade is owing to their underselling most West-India commodities, especially sugars, cotton, indigo and all West-India goods, by which France has now become the greatest market in the world, which is not to be wondered at, says a correspondent, when we consider their outward bound cargoes cost them twenty per cent. less upon an average, than our outward bound cargoes do us; consequently they can afford to undersell us in all their returns.
We hear from America, that their utmost endeavours have proved ineffectual to induce the French to suffer them to import their commodities into the West-India islands. Their complaints against England have therefore lost more than half their energy, since if their good and great ally will not suffer them to be the carriers between France and her colonies, we, who undoubtedly have not the same ties, ought not to encourage them.
There has been so great a mortality among the Spanish troops in East and West-Florida as to leave those places almost defenceless; and they have been obliged to thin the garrison at the Havannah, to supply the necessary detachments for the Floridas.
N E W - Y O R K, January 9.
We hear Agents have lately been sent to the piratical towers of Algiers and Morocco. Mr. Lamb, late a Captain in the American army, is deputed to the former, and Mr. Barclay to the latter. These gentlemen are now in Europe; and we have reason to hope the commerce of the United States will soon feel the good effects of their mission in lowering the present exorbitant rates of insurance.
On Wednesday the 28th ult. Congress resolved, That the Board of Treasury be, and hereby are declared to be vested with full authority to superintend and examine the conduct of all officers employed in the department of the treasury, and of the several Commissioners appointed, or that hereafter may be appointed for the settlement of the publick accounts, as well those of the five great departments, as those authorised to adjust the accounts between the United States and individual states. And in case any of the said officers, or Commissioners, shall unnecessarily absent themselves from their respective offices, or shall engage in any business inconsistent with, or that may hinder a constant discharge of the duties of their several appointments, it shall be the duty of the Board of Treasury to make immediate report thereof to Congress, that such measures may be adopted thereon, as justice and the publick interest may require.
It deserves to be known, that in consequence of the will of the late Lord Chesterfield, in which he forbids his son to visit Venice on account of the gaming, the republick have actually prohibited all games, and there is now no publick faro, hazard, or other game of chance permitted.
C H A R L E S T O W N, Jan. 17.
We hear from Reading, that on Friday evening last, a Mrs. Emerson, of that place, being alone, dressing some victuals, fell (supposed to have been a fi) into the fire, and, before any person came into the room, was burnt to death.
B O S T O N, January 19.
We have accounts from Broad-Bay, on the eastern shore, which mention, that on the evening of the 25th ult. Capt. Morton, in a schooner from this town, bound to Muscongus, struck upon Damas Cove, and was lost; by which accident six persons out of thirteen were unfortunately drowned, viz. Capt. Morton. Capt. Hector McNeil, of this town, a woman, and three of the hands.
We hear from Salem, that the following disastrous accident happened there on Monday last:—Mr. Joseph Loring, a young man of that place, by trade a cooper, put a hand grenada (supposing it to be a solid iron shot) into the fire to heat, in order with it to melt some ice, but the grenada bursting as he took it out, wounded him in such a manner as entirely to deprive him of his left hand, and the middle finger of his right hand, he was also much hurt in other parts of his body—but is however in as fair a way to recover, as could be expected.
This Day the Company of MELCHER and OSBORNE, being mutually dissolved, all persons having any demands upon the late Company are desired to exhibit the same for adjustment, and all those indebted are once more requested to make immediate payment to the late company, John Melcher.
Portsmouth, January 20, 1786.
Messrs. Printers,
WHILE we look up to our Political Fathers, in the fullest confidence that they will repeal those acts which remain as violating monuments of our constitutional rights, the basis of which (already too imperfect) let us as fully rely that the same noble spirit of patriotism and sound policy, which distinguished them in the passing of others, will not desert them when any attempts are made to obtain a repeal of such, originate from what quarter they may. In this class the navigation act stands foremost, the salutary effects of which we are already made sensible of. Our papers are no longer filled with accounts of seizures made of our vessels in the British islands, whose hungry officers may be compared to fishermen, who, waiting the arrival of a school, draws their nett; and so long as we were allowed to make use of two sets of papers, our merchants would risk the deception to the ruin of our navigation. To this it may be objected, that the merchant has an undoubted right to hazard his property in what manner he pleases—granted; and the legislature have also a right to make it an honest one, and to regulate trade in what manner they please. This species of commerce, so mean and dishonourable, cannot be justified in a single instance, and had continued, would have been an eternal disgrace to the State, whose merchants would have been honoured with the appellation of thieves, reaping where they had not sowed. We have been told, that previous to the passing of this act, our harbours were filled with vessels; this, allowing it the force of truth, was against us; as we were generally paid in rum and gauze for our produce, never the cash, nay, very often these superfluities amounted to treble our exports, when a large balance, in cash, for our parts; this evil then is prevented by this act, and this opposite good succeeds it, our vessels now make their voyages to the French islands, and return in general with cash, for their pay, and if it is continued in force, we shall (by the help of a little British politick (which seem to threaten our destruction in refusing to supply us with buttons) solid advantages by exchanging our customers. Notwithstanding the great loss sustained by the county of Stafford, which by the way, if true, is Rockingham's gain; admit this, and another arithmetical question arises, if the county of Rockingham gains 40,000 dollars, what will the whole State; there is equal absurdity in the one as in the other, for the county of Stafford is the only one engaged in the lumber-trade. The facts are these: the scarcity of cash has reduced the prices of lumber and all other property, excepting the articles of cotton, coffee, and sugar (which, if authority will permit us to purchase, this disgraceful commerce may indeed be procured on advantageous terms) and many vessels which loaded at this port in the year 1784, belonging to the Massachusetts, now procure their lumber within themselves, better in quality and properly surveyed, agreeable to an act of that State; but although the policy of Great-Britain has taken from us the root of all evil, this good comes out of it; certificates can now be obtained at a discount of fifty per cent. whereby we are enabled to pay our taxes much easier than in 1784, and when the lumber-act is in force, which makes it our interest to be honest, our neighbours will give us the preference in loading their vessels, where convenience makes it necessary; but what need of arguments to persevere in continuing an act of such public utility; are not the earnest entreaties of our political friends abroad, who have enforced them with an opinion, that a steady, firm, and strict adherence to it, will have the greatest influence with the British cabinet, in bringing about a commercial treaty, sufficient to encourage us? or shall we sacrifice our national spirit, and suffer ourselves to be insulted in the grossest manner, thereby becoming the scorn and ridicule of the world, and a reproach to the rising generation, to gratify a passion unworthy the character of men. It does not require much sagacity to perceive that by permitting the British to be our carriers, they never will suffer us to become theirs. Our rulers have too much wisdom not to discern things, from which we are led to believe they will abandon an act replete with so much good sense, at a time when the other States are following their laudable example.
A FRIEND to COMMERCE.
A N E C D O T E.
SWIFT, like many who jest freely on others, could not bear a retort. Dining one day at a public dinner of the Mayor and Corporation at Corbe, he observed that Alderman Brown, father to the Bishop of that diocese, fed very heartily without speaking a word, and was so intent upon that business as to become a proper object of ridicule. Accordingly he threw out many successful jests upon the Alderman, who fed with the silence of a still sow, neither seeming to regard what the Dean said, nor at all moved by the repeated bursts of laughter at his expense. Toward the latter end of the meal, Swift happened to be helped to some roasted duck, and desired to have some apple-sauce on the same plate; upon which the Alderman bawled out, 'Mr. Dean, you eat a duck like a goose.' This unexpected sally threw the company in a long continued laughter, and Swift was silent the rest of the day.
ALL persons to whom the late Hon. MARK HUNKING WENTWORTH, Esq. was indebted are desired to call and receive payment; and all who are indebted to said deceased are requested without further notice to settle the demands against them, as the most speedy settlement of the estate is intended.—TO BE LET, the CRANE WARE-HOUSE of the deceased, with the WHARF whereon it stands, now occupied by Thomas Martin, Esq. and a STORE near liberty bridge, in the occupation of Mr. George Howe, with the WHARF thereto belonging.
ELIZABETH WENTWORTH, Execu'x. Portsmouth, January 19, 1786.
P O R T S M O U T H, January 20.
Though the sun is now retired to distant climes, and nature is wrapped in the deepest gloom of winter; yet is not all joy banished from the tranquil scenes of a country retirement. The inhabitants of the village spend the evenings of this dreary season in pleasing recitals of their former acts.—Placed in a circle round the genial fire, they listen to the artless narrative of age, and breathe a silent wish that the former manners would again return, when the door of the opulent was set open to the needy, and hospitality resided in the mansions of the great.—Sometimes the tale of sheeted ghosts beguile the time, and arrest the fancy with such powerful charms, that the stealing hour of timely rest is forgotten, and midnight approaches before the narratives are concluded.—Happy, thrice happy, would it be for the votaries of more noisy joys, did they spend their time in innocence like these;—the morning would not then wake them, only to feel the pains of languor and disease, nor would they require the help of art to brace up the debilitated and slackened nerves. Little do they think the heavy debt they are accumulating, and how dearly they must soon pay for their transient joys.
Carver's travels mention the punishment for adultery among the Noudowessy Indians, to be by the husband's biting off his wife's nose; then a separation immediately takes place, and the children if any are equally divided. Mr. Carver says he was an eye witness to this mode of punishment, while among them.
A letter from Berlin, of a late date, states, that his Prussian Majesty has, within the last six months, EXPENDED 1,000,000 crowns in draining marshes, repairing publick buildings, establishing manufactories, settling colonies, relieving distress, and in other purposes of true philanthropy and extensive policy.
The above letter states, that no person whatsoever is suffered to kneel in the King's presence, when he gives audience, as his Majesty is of opinion that such acts of humility should be made to the Deity alone.
Bill of Mortality for the town of Exeter, 1785.
Number of deaths, 27.—Under one year 4; between 1 and 3, 3—between 3 and 5, 1—between 20 and 25, 2—between 25 and 30, 2—between 35 and 40, 1—between 40 and 45, 3—between 55 and 60, 2—between 60 and 65, 1—between 65 and 70, 3—between 70 and 75, 1—between 75 and 80, 1—between 80 and 85, 1—between 85 and 90, 2.—Died of Phthisic and slow Fever 1—Infirmities of Old Age 4—Dropfy and Consumption 4—Child-Birth 2—Dropfy 1—Convulsion Fits 1—Cancer, Fever and Mortification 1—Quinsy 3—Drowned 2—Paralatic 1—Cholera-Morbus 1—Putrid Fever 1—Nervous Fever 1.
MARINE LIST.
PORT of PISCATAQUA Jan. 20.
ENTERED, none.
CLEARED,
  Brig Altria,  Salter,  for  Hispaniola.    Brig Abigail,  Peirce,   West-Indies.    Sloop Sally,  Stacy,   Ditto.    Ship Triton,  Lewis,   Ditto.    Brig Nancy,  Peirce,   Cape Francois.  
State of New-Hampshire.
PUBLIC notice is hereby given that a petition hath been preferred to the General Court, by Oliver Lawrence and Benjamin Cumings, setting forth, that they were bondsmen for Samuel Cumings, Esq. late of Hollis, an absentee, to the judge of Probate for the county of Hillsborough, for the just settlement of the estate of his father Samuel Cumings, late of said Hollis, Esq. deceased—and that the said Samuel was ordered by the decree of the said judge of Probate, to pay to Benjamin Cumings, the youngest son of said deceased, his equal portion out of his said father's estate, and that said Samuel went off and was considered as an absentee, and never paid said Benjamin Cumings his portion, and his estate declared confiscate to the State, by reason of all which the said Benjamin hath never received his portion, and your petitioners stand liable to pay the said Benjamin's portion, with interest ever since the date of said decree. They also say that it is represented to them that Capt. Leonard Whiting of said Hollis, hath preferred a petition to the General Court, praying to be restored to law for the recovery of a debt that the said Samuel owed him, they also further say, that it is in their power to shew that the prayer of the said Whiting's petition ought not to be granted;—Wherefore they prayed for a day of hearing on the matter before the General Court; upon which petition the General Court ordered that the petitioners be heard thereon, before them, on the second Thursday of their next session, and that in the mean time the petitioners cause the substance of the petition and order of Court thereon to be published three weeks successively in the New-Hampshire Gazette, that any person or persons may then appear and shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer thereof may not be granted. Attest,
JOSEPH PEARSON, D. Sec'y.
Exeter, January 2, 1786.

Parnassian Spring.
MERRY and WISE.
By Lady Dorothy Dubois, eldest Daughter of Richard, the last Earl of Anglesey.
LET who will complain of the troubles they meet, They're matter of laughter to me; A dash of the bitter the sweet makes more sweet, I therefore contented will be. If Fortune looks kindly, I'll bask in her smiles; If frowning—my comfort is still, That life's but a span, and good-humour beguiles The time, be it bad as it will. My friend proves unfaithful, I'll seek out a new, Nor trouble my head about that; I'll pity the changeling, I'll honour the true, And cheerfully laugh and be fat. What tho' I a coach and six horses can't have, To which I've a very good right, A pair of good legs hath kind Providence gave, With a heart that's both honest and light. My frame's not unwieldy, 'tis active and found; My appetite not very great; A scanty provision sufficient is found, If cleanly and wholesome, to eat. Let epicures feast on their turtles for me, Their ortolans, pheasants, and sturgeon; With Frenchify'd dishes, high sauces, and be A prey to the doctor and surgeon; With all kinds of wines let them pamper their taste, Nor ought to their palates deny; If they to their latter end willfully haste, Themselves are to blame, and not I. On dress, pomp, and grandeur, I fix not my mind, They're matters unworthy a care; Beneath those fine trappings we oftentimes find The pangs of remorse and despair. Gay Pleasure's a phantom exceedingly fair, Which vainly we hope to embrace; We grasp at a substance, she melts into air, And leaves not behind her a trace. Then why should we make such a pother about What no one could ever attain? Tho' the sweet illusion is tempting, no doubt, Till banish'd by old age and pain. But soon we the idle pursuit of her charms, By dear-bought experience, despise; Then blooming good-humour still dwell in my arms; My motto be—MERRY AND WISE.
[ New-Bradford. ]
State of New-Hampshire,
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors or owners of land, lying in New-Bradford, that so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue, on Tuesday, the 14th day of February next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. at my dwelling-house in said town, as will pay the taxes together with incidental charges, unless prevented by previous payment.—The tax is for the year 1784.
   Unknown N. 36 3/. id.    35 1 3  40 2 2  30 2 2  72 2 2  102 2 2  61 2 2  56 1 1  87 2 2  91 1 1  78 1 1  79 1 1  45 2 2  
WILLIAM CLEMENTS, Collector of Taxes for New-Bradford. New-Bradford, December 23, 1785.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, Rockingham, ss.
THE Inferior Court of Common Pleas, by Law to be held at Portsmouth, within and for the County of Rockingham, on the first Tuesday of February next, will then be adjourned to Tuesday the 28th Day of said February, of which all Jurors and others concerned are to take Notice.
By Order of Court, N. EMERY, Clerk.
N. B. The Court of General Sessions of the Peace will be held at Portsmouth, on the second Tuesday of February next, the Day by Law for holding the same. Exeter, Dec. 29, 1785.
TO BE SOLD, BY
John Penhallow, jr.
At his STORE on LONG WHARF, Flour, Bar-Iron, Tar, Turpentine, Pitch, &c. &c.
Portsmouth, Jan. 13.
State of New-Hampshire.
THE subscriber being appointed collector of taxes for the propriety of the township of Warren, in the county of Grafton, in said State, doth hereby give notice that the assessors of said propriety have committed to him a list and warrant, dated 6th inst. to collect a tax of six shillings in specie, and eighteen shillings in certificates (such as are received for state taxes) on each original right in said township, subject to pay taxes, and that if said taxes are not paid to me at my house in South Hampton, in the county of Rockingham, and State of New-Hampshire, by the twenty-eighth day of March next, so much of the undivided land of each delinquents share, as also so much of the five hundred acres reserved or granted to his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq. called two shares, will be advertised for sale to pay said taxes and charges as the law directs:—Also the delinquent rights in a former tax will be advertised for sale at the same time.
PHILLIPS WHITE.
South-Hampton, December 21, 1785.
STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
THE Subscriber being appointed Collector of Taxes for the Proprietors of the Township of Wentworth, in the County of Grafton, in said State, doth hereby give Notice, that the Assessors of said Propriety have committed to him a List and Warrant, dated the sixth Instant, to collect a Tax of One Pound, Four Shillings, in Specie, and Seven Shillings in Certificates (such as are received for State Taxes) on each Original Right in said Township, subject to pay Taxes, and that if said Taxes are not paid to me at my House, in South-Hampton, in the County of Rockingham, and State aforesaid, by the Twenty-fifth Day of March next so much of the undivided Land of each Delinquent Share, as also so much of the Five Hundred Acres reserved or granted to his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq. called Two Shares, will be advertised for Sale, to pay said Taxes and Charges, as the Law directs; also the Delinquent's Right in a former Tax, will be advertised for Sale, at the same Time.
PHILLIPS WHITE.
South-Hampton, Dec. 21, 1785.
PURSUANT to the Orders of the United-States, in Congress assembled, the Post-Master-General has entered into a contract for the conveyance of the Mails by Stages, from Portsmouth in New-Hampshire, to Savannah, in Georgia, and from the city of New-York to the city of Albany. The times of their arrival at this Office are as follow, viz. from November 1st to May 1st, on Tuesday and Friday, at 12 o'clock at noon: From May 1st to November 1st, on Monday Wednesday and Friday, at 8 o'clock in the evening.—And in two hours after, the Mails are to be made up and forwarded. The Post-Master requests that gentlemen will deliver their letters in season at the office, as the utmost punctuality is required of him in this particular.
Post-Office, Portsmouth, Jan. 12, 1786.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident Owners of Land in the following Towns, viz. Grantham from 1776 to 1785, Holderness from 1780 to 1785, Epping for 1780 and 1781, Windham for 1782 and 1783, New Ipswich for 1781 and 1783, Petersborough Slip, Allenstown, Conway and Wilton for 1783, Thornton for 1783, and 1784, Jeffery, Sutton, Canaan, Andover, Fitzwilliam, Rochester, Sandbornton, Barnstead, Washington, Camels Gore, Loudon, Hanover, Wendell, Northumberland, Hancock, Bolscawen, Croyden, and Tamworth for 1784, Wentworth, Warren, Moultonborough, Hillsborough, Washington, Acworth, Antrim, Heniker, Rindge, Stoddard, Fishersfield, and Fitzwilliam for 1785, that their Lands in said Towns are taxed for the Years aforesaid, and if they are not paid within eight Weeks from the first Publication of this Advertisement, to the Collectors or Subscriber, they will be advertised for Sale.
THOMAS ODIORNE, Receiver of Non-Residents Taxes.
Exeter, Dec. 30, 1785.
Whereas I, the Subscriber, John
Henry Hyner, have this Day been informed that a Man by the Name of JOHN MOROTTO, had offered to dispose of a Note of Hand, given by me, the said Hyner; said to have been given for almost Two Hundred Dollars; which Note must be a Forgery, as I never owed the said Morotto, nor ever gave him my Note of Hand—Therefore I forewarn all Persons from purchasing any such Note, for I will never pay the same.
JOHN HENRY HYNER.
Boston, Nov. 14, 1785.
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have Demands against the Estate of JOHN GIDDINGE, Esq. late of Exeter, deceased, are requested to call and settle the same with
MEHITABEL GIDDINGE, Admin'trix.
Exeter, Jan. 13th, 1786.
ALL Persons indebted to, or that have Demands against the late Company of GIDDINGE and BROOKS, are requested to call and settle the same with
SAMUEL BROOKS, jun'r.
Exeter, Jan. 13, 1786.
John Goddard,
Has opened his Shop directly opposite the Printing-Office in Paved-Street, where he has for Sale,
A very general Assortment of Drugs & Medicines,
—ALSO—
Madeira, Sherry, Port, Lisbon, Teneriff, Claret, Frontiniac, and Malaga WINES,
Linseed Oil, Painters Brushes, and an Assortment of Painters Colors and Dryers, Loaf and brown
Oatmeal, Rice,
Sugar, Pepper, Allspice, Ginger, Rum, Brandy, Gin, Flour, Indigo, Starch, Olive and Florence Oil, Coffee, Chocolate, Nails, Hyson, Congo and Bohea, Glass, Powder and Shot, Tea, Redwood, Logwood, Raisins, Currants, Figs, Fultick, Allum, Copperas, Olives, Capers, Almonds, Pearl-Asb, Castile and Tamarind, Citron, common Soap, Preserves, Cinnamon, Writing Paper, Cloves, Mace, Nutmegs, Bar IRON, &c. &c.
The above articles will be sold on the most reasonable terms, and Indian Corn, Rye, Wheat, Oats, Flour, Pork, Butter, &c. will be received instead of cash for any of them.
Portsmouth, Dec. 1, 1785.
Taken up just above Sullivan's
Fort (so called) in the Ice, a fourteen Feet Moses Boat; painted yellow and black, with two yellow Stars on her Stern. The Owner may have said Boat again by applying to Andrew Yeaton of New-Castle, paying Charges. New-Castle, Jan. 3, 1786.
All persons indebted to Timothy
Balch, Western Post-Rider, for the New-Hampshire Gazette, or for any business transacted for them, since he has rode post, are earnestly requested to settle and pay him their respective balances, and thereby enable him to discharge the Printers demands, which have been justly due a long while, and ought to have been discharged, they having called on him for a settlement, he hopes his customers will enable him to obey them, by immediately discharging their arrearages.
MELCHER and OSBORNE.
Timothy Balch, Western Post-rider,
respectfully informs his customers and others, who may have any kind of business to transact within his circuit, that the same, if intrusted with him, shall be transacted with fidelity and dispatch.—He expects to arrive, very regularly at Portsmouth, once a fortnight, on Fridays, and leave the same on the Saturdays following:—Letters or messages of any kind, left at the Printing-Office in Paved-Street, will be duly attended to, and punctually communicated to Mr. Balch, by the publick's humble servants, MELCHER and OSBORNE.
The Subscriber having been so of-
ten imposed on, by ill-minded Persons, frequenting the North-Mills, hereby informs his good Customers, and others, that may occasionally call to have their Grain ground, that unless their Bags are marked with the Owners Name at large, he shall not hold himself accountable for any that may be taken away, whether by mistake or otherwise, which has frequently been the Case of late. SETH WALKER, Miller. Portsmouth, Dec. 12, 1785.
TO BE SOLD
By John Nelson, of Gilmantown,
A good FARM,
pleasantly situated on the province road, containing one hundred and eight acres, being more or less, having a good house and barn thereon, and an orchard with 237 trees; said farm is well wooded and watered, and near two meeting houses.—Blacksmith and Mills in the first parish.
Just Published, and now ready for sale, At the Printing Office in Paved-Street,
Melcher and Osborne's
New-Hampshire Sheet-Almanack,
for the Year of our LORD, 1786.
The advantage as well as convenience of such an Almanack is too apparent to need any comment.
Joseph Peirce, of the Gore, in the County of Strafford, his several FARMS in said Gore, and in Barnstead adjoining. For Particulars, apply to him, or to the Printers hereof.
Portsmouth, December 27, 1785.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this paper, at Four shillings & six pence for six Months (exclusive of postage) are taken in at the Printing-Office in Portsmouth and Exeter, where Essays, Letters of Intelligence, Advertisements, &c. are received, and all kinds of Printing performed expeditiously, and at a reasonable Rate.