The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1787-12-26 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND GENERAL WEDNESDAY, PORTSMOUTH: By JOHN MELCHER,
[VOLUME XXXII.—No. 1633.] GAZETTE, THE ADVERTISER, DECEMBER 26, 1787. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN MARKET-STREET.
"WHEN ANGRY NATIONS PART IN LEAGUES OF PEACE, LET PRIVATE FEUDS AND CIVIL DISCORDS CEASE."
Mr. WILSON's excellent SPEECH. (Concluded from our last.)
HAVING made some remarks upon the nature and principles of civil society, I shall now take a cursory notice of civil liberty, which is essential to the well-being of civil government. The definition of civil liberty is, briefly, that portion of natural liberty which men resign to the government, and which then produces more happiness than it would have produced if retained by the individuals who resign it;—still however leaving to the human mind, the full enjoyment of every privilege that is not incompatible with the peace and order of society. Here I am easily lead to the consideration of another species of liberty, which has not yet received a discriminating name, but which I will venture to term Federal liberty. This, Sir, consists in the aggregate of the civil liberty which is surrendered by each State to the national government; and the same principles that operate in the establishment of a single society, with respect to the rights reserved or resigned by the individuals that compose it, will justly apply in the case of a confederation of distinct and independent States.
These observations have been made, Mr. President, in order to preface a representation of the state of the union, as it appeared to the late Convention. We all know, and we have all felt, that the present system of confederation is inadequate to the government and the exigencies of the United States. Need I describe the contrasted scene which the revolution has presented to our view? On the one hand, the arduous struggle in the cause of liberty terminated by a glorious and triumphant peace; on the other contention and poverty at home, discredit and disgrace abroad. Do we not remember what high expectations were formed by others and by ourselves, on the return of peace? And have those honorable expectations from our national character, been realised? No!—What then has been the cause of disappointment? Has America lost her magnanimity or perseverance? No. Has she been subdued by any high handed invasion of her liberties? Still I answer no; for, dangers of that kind were no sooner seen, than they were repelled. But the evil has stolen in from a quarter little suspected, and the rock of Freedom, which stood firm against the attacks of a foreign foe, has been sapped and undermined by the licentiousness of our own citizens. Private interest and public anarchy have been scarcely
felt or understood by a people who have dearly achieved it.
Shall I, Sir, be more particular, in this lamentable history? The commencement of peace, was likewise the commencement of our distresses and disgrace. Devoid of power, we could neither prevent the excessive importations which lately deluged the country, nor even raise from that excess a contribution to the public revenue; devoid of importance, we were unable to command a sale for our commodities in a foreign market; devoid of credit, our public securities were melting in the hands of their deluded owners, like snow before the sun; devoid of dignity, we were inadequate to perform treaties on our own part, or to compel a performance on the part of a contracting nation. In short, Sir, the tedious tale disgusts me, and I fondly hope, it is unnecessary to proceed. The years of languor are over. We have seen dishonor and destruction, it is true, but we have at length penetrated the cause, and are now anxious to obtain the cure. The cause need not be specified by a recapitulation of facts; every act of Congress, and the proceedings of every State are replete with proofs in that respect, and all point to the weakness and imbecility of the existing Confederation; while the loud and concurrent voice of the people proclaims an efficient national government to be the only cure. Under these impressions, and with these views, the late Convention were appointed and met; the end which they proposed to accomplish, being to frame one national and efficient government, in which the exercise of beneficence, correcting the jarring interests of every part, should pervade the whole, and by which the peace, freedom and happiness of the United States should be permanently ensured. The principles and means that were adopted by the Convention to obtain that end, are now before us, and will become the great object of our discussion. But on this point, as upon others, permit me to make a few general observations.
In all governments, whatever is their form, however they may be constituted, there must be a power established, from which there is no appeal; and which is therefore called absolute, supreme and uncontroulable. The only question is, where that power is lodged?—A question that will receive different answers from the different writers on the subject. Sir William Blackstone says, it resides in the omnipotence of the British Parliament, or in other words, corresponding with the practice of
that country, it is whatever the British Parliament pleases to do: So that when that body was so base and treacherous to the rights of the people as to transfer the legislative authority to Henry the eighth, his exercising that authority by proclamations and edicts, could not strictly speaking be termed unconstitutional, for under the act of Parliament his will was made the law, and therefore, his will became in that respect the constitution itself. But were we to ask some politicians who have taken a faint and inaccurate view of our establishments, where does this supreme power reside in the United States? They would probably answer in their Constitutions. This however—though a step nearer to the fact, is not a just opinion; for, in truth, it remains and flourishes with the people; and under the influence of that truth we, at this moment, sit, deliberate and speak. In other countries, indeed the revolutions of government are connected with war, and all its concomitant calamities. But with us, they are considered as the means of obtaining a superior knowledge of the nature of government, and of accomplishing its end. That the supreme power therefore, should be vested in the people, is, in my judgment, the great panacea of human politics. It is a power paramount to every constitution, inalienable in its nature; and indefinite in its extent. For, I insist, if there are errors in government the people have the right not only to correct and amend them, but likewise to tally to change and reject its form; and under the operation of that right, the citizens of the United States can never be wretched beyond retrieve, unless they are wanting to themselves.
Then let us examine, Mr. President, the three species of simple governments, which, as I have already mentioned, are the monarchical, aristocratical and democratical. In a monarchy, the supreme power is vested in a single person: In an aristocracy, it is possessed by a body, not formed upon the principle of representation, but enjoying their station by descent, by election among themselves, or in right of some personal or territorial qualification; and lastly, in a democracy, it is inherent in the people, and is either exercised by themselves or by their representatives. Each of these systems has its advantages, and its disadvantages. The advantages of a monarchy are strength, dispatch, and unity: Its disadvantages are expense, tyranny and war. The advantages of an aristocracy are experience, and the wisdom resulting
from education: Its disadvantages are the dissention of the governors, and the oppression of the people. The advantages of a democracy are liberty, caution, industry, fidelity, and an opportunity of bringing forward the talents and abilities of the citizens, without regard to birth or fortune: Its disadvantages are dissention and imbecility, for the assent of many being required, their exertions will be feeble, and their councils too soon discovered.
To obtain all the advantages, and to avoid all the inconveniences of these governments, was the leading object of the late Convention. Having therefore considered the formation and principles of other systems, it is natural to inquire of what description is the Constitution before us? In its principles, Sir, it is purely democratical: varying indeed, in its form, in order to admit all the advantages, and to exclude all the disadvantages which are incidental to the known and established constitutions of government. But when we take an extensive and accurate view of the stream of power that appear through this great and comprehensive plan, when we contemplate the variety of their directions, the force and dignity of their currents, when we behold them intersecting, embracing, and surrounding the vast possessions and interests of the Continent, and when we see them distributing on all hands, beauty, energy and riches, still, however numerous, and wide their courses, however diversified and remote the blessings they diffuse, we shall be able to trace them all to one great and noble source, THE PEOPLE.
Such, Mr. President, are the general observations with which I have thought it necessary to trouble you. In discussing the distinct propositions of the Federal Plan, I shall have occasion to apply them more particularly to that subject, but at present, I shall conclude with requesting the pardon of the Convention for having so long intruded upon their patience.
A N E C D O T E.
An Adjutant at Quebec, who was prodigiously hated by the private Men, was shot there, by several of them at once, and the Lieutenant Colonel coming up, and the Adjutant being yet alive, ask'd him what happen'd to him? He said he was shot in several parts of his Body, and believ'd he had received thirty Bullets, and that it would not vex him if it was from the enemy he had received them, troth Kushee, lays the Colonel, they were na your Friends, who shot you.

L I V E R P O O L, Oct. 11.
By a letter from Amsterdam, to a gentleman in this town, that city surrendered at discretion, the 5th instant, to the Duke of Brunswick.
RUSSIAN and TURKISH WAR.
VIENNA, [Germany] Sept. 15.
LETTERS from Hermanstadt say, that the Turkish fleet having failed towards Oczakow, had taken four large Russian ships of war, and afterwards failed towards the coast of Taurida.
L O N D O N, Sept. 12.
We can assure our readers, from the best authority, that money is at present so exceedingly scarce in Paris, that bills accepted by the first houses there, are not discounted under the enormous interest of twelve per cent. A more striking proof of the different situations of the two countries need not be given, than the common discount of bills on our own exchange is only five per cent. and that there never was more money in circulation than at the present period.
A letter from Brest, informs us, that Dr. Franklin is arrived there very unexpectedly, after a short passage from Philadelphia; and, after being conducted through the dock-yard by several noblemen of distinction, set out with one of them for Paris. [Such is the authenticity of English news.]
A letter from Truro in Cornwall, says, that the crew of the Prince William Cutter, landed there the 28th ult. in order to impress some sailors, when a body of miners assembled together, armed with bludgeons and other weapons, and a smart battle ensued; but the crew being overpowered with numbers were obliged to retreat to their cutter without carrying off a man. Several of the miners were wounded, but not dangerously.
It is said that a very serious revolt had taken place in St. Domingo, that the Intendant had been massacred, and that M. de la Luzern the governor had narrowly escaped the same fate.
On Wednesday last two gentlemen from the African committee, waited upon the Admiralty Board, to represent the dangers they apprehended to some homeward bound ships, as well as to their vessels in the river, now preparing to proceed to Africa, when Mr. Stephens informed them, that it was their Lordships intention to provide immediate convoys for their protection.
Couriers are almost daily passing between the courts of Versailles and Madrid; and it is now generally believed by the best informed men, that Spain will enter into the designs of France.
Oct. 9. Ten ships of 44 guns, are under orders of equipment en suite, to carry over troops and stores for the reinforcement of the garrisons in the West-Indies, coast of Africa and America.
If a war was probable the Duke of Dorset would not have set out for Paris, which he did on Saturday last, nor would Monsr. Barthelemy have been presented on Friday, in his new character of Minister Plenipotentiary.
D U B L I N, Sept. 12.
A very curious discovery engages the learned world at present. It is said that Monsr. de Guignes, who understands Chinese perfectly well, has discovered that the Chinese characters and Egyptian Hieroglyphics are the same. As those characters are mentioned by Herodotus, the oldest historian, to be undecypherable when he was in Egypt; this discovery, if it be well founded, must throw a curious light upon the most ancient records, that time can boast.
By a gentleman just arrived here from England, on whose veracity we have every reason to place the most implicit reliance, we have re-
ceived the particulars of the following phenomenon in nature.—A gentleman, who returned from Brighton a few days ago, in his way to town, stopped at an inn at Godstone, in Surry; in the course of conversation, Mr. Cole, the landlord, informed his guest, there was a prodigy to be seen in the town, truly worthy of the inspection of the curious. The gentleman's curiosity was prompted to view the extraordinary spectacle mentioned by his host, who immediately accompanied him to a neat house near the town, the residence of a respectable farmer; upon entering which, a child was shewn him, evidently from appearance on the verge of death.—This, Sir, said Mr. Cole, is the wonder I spoke of; and however the circumstance may stagger credibility, it is a fact, which can be fully authenticated by a gentleman of the faculty, who attends it, and many other persons of reputation, that this child has languished in its present state for nineteen weeks , without, taking any nourishment whatever. The gentleman's surprise may be better conceived than described: a strict enquiry was immediately made into the truth of this assertion, which, upon the examination, was found exactly to correspond with the above relation. Let those who are versed in the secrets of nature, endeavour to account for this her greatest mystery.
An Englishman, has been sent to the Bastille from Troyes, under pretence of having tampered with the Parliament, and officially obtruded intelligence against M. de Calonne.
STATE OF HOLLAND.
Extracted from the late authentic accounts, before the present troubles.
POPULATION. From the last accounts (which were laid annually before the prince of Orange) by the tax-office at the Hague, it appears that there were 4,875,000 souls in the United Provinces.
Revenue. The amount of the Dutch revenue at the time was as follows, viz.
  £. sterl.   Internal excises 3,860,000   Customs 470,000   Poll-taxes 230,000   Conquered districts 95,500   East-India Company 126,000   Bank of Amsterdam 60,000   Other miscellaneous articles 310,000   £. 5,151,500 
Army. In general the Dutch keep up a standing force of about 40,000 men, all Germans, Swiss, or French refugees; but they have augmented it lately to the following number:
  Horse and dragoons 6 300   Infantry 43 000   Artillery 4,000   53,300 
Navy. When the last report from the Prince of Orange, there was almost no navy at all, in a condition fit for sea; but they have since been very diligent to put their marine on a more respectable footing. At present it consists of
  1 ship of 74 guns.   1 — 70   14 — 60   12 — 50 reckoned of the   10 — 46 line.   5 — 40   16 — 30 
And it is believed by those who have the best intelligence, that in the space of a year they can have ten sail more of the line ready for sea. They could man a fleet of fifty sail of the line if they had ships, but not without greatly distressing their trade.
Trade. It is an error to think, as many do, that the Dutch have only a remnant of their former com-
merce. The fact is, it was never better than at present; their East-India commerce is exactly what it was. Their fisheries have improved, and their trade to the Baltic very great: The whole commerce of Holland is supposed to yield a superlucration of national wealth, not short of eleven millions sterling per annum.
Manufactures. Of every kind (except bleaching) have declined so much, as to be among the poorest of their resources. They have very few fabrics that they work for exportation.
Government. This has sustained a great change within forty years. The form is democratical; but it is become almost a pure aristocracy; perhaps the government is more formidable on that account.
There is no country in the world where nobility are so scarce as in Holland; the whole province of Zealand affords only three: the Stadtholder, as Prince of Orange, and the Marquises of Flushing and Ter Vuer.
ST. PIERRE, (Martinico) Aug. 30.
On Thursday last, we were threatened, from the morning, with the weather that too often in this time of the year, ruins these colonies. The wind shifted frequently from the east to the north east and north, and west to the south west and south. It went through almost every point of the compass, with violent gusts. It settled at the south and created a prodigious swell, which soon became fatal to our road.—We saw perish before our eyes, four coasting sloops, and four schooners, an American sloop and schooner, seven passage boats and two lighters. One mulatto sailor was the only victim of the disaster in the road. Six passage boats from Port Royal, and three from Lementen, were also lost. In general, the plantation of this colony have suffered but very little, except from the loss of provisions.
THE INTERESTS of this and every other STATE in the UNION.
IT is the interest of the merchants to encourage the New Constitution; because commerce may then be a national object, and nations will form treaties with us.
It is the interest of the mechanics to join the mercantile interest; because it is not their interest to quarrel with their bread and butter.
It is the interest of the farmer; because the prosperity of commerce gives vent to his produce—raises the value of his lands—and commercial duties will alleviate the burthen of his taxes.
It is the interest of the landholder; because thousands in Europe, with moderate fortunes, will migrate to this country, if an efficient government gives them a prospect of tranquility.
It is the interest of all gentlemen and men of property; because they will see many low demagogues reduced to their tools, whose upstart dominion insults their feelings, and whose passions for popularity will dictate laws, which ruin the minority of the creditors, and please the majority of debtors.
It is the interest of all public creditors; because they will see the credit of the states rise and their securities appreciate.
It is the interest of the American soldier, as the military profession will then be respectable, and the Floridas may be conquered in a campaign. The spoils of the West-Indians and South-America may enrich the generation of Cincinnati.
It is the interest of the lawyers who have ability and genius; because the dignities in the Supreme Court will interest professional ambition, and create emulation which is not felt now. The dignities of the state court, a notary, or the prosecutor of a bond, will not aspire to, which has cheapened their value. Men also have enjoyed them with-
out professional knowledge, and who are only versed in the abstract and learned science of the plough.
It is the interest of the clergy; as civil tumults excite every passion—the soul is neglected, and the clergy starve.
It is the interest of all men, whose education has been liberal and extensive; because there will be a theatre for the display of talents, which have no influence in the state assemblies, where eloquence is treated with contempt, reason overpowered by a silent vote.
It is not the interest of those who enjoy state consequence, which would be lost in the assemblies, of the States.—These insects and worms are only seen on their dung-hill. There are minds, whose narrow vision can look over the concerns of a state or town, but cannot extend their short vision to Continental concerns. Manners are essential in a government; and where the union is represented, care should be taken to impress the other states with respectable opinions; and if this becomes a principle, they must remain at home, and not presume to these national dignities.
A S O N G,
By General ROBERT HOWE. H ARK! hark! sweet lass! the trumpet sounds, 'Tis honour calls to war; Now love I leave, perhaps for wounds— And beauty for a scar. But, ah! suppress those rising sighs, Ah! check that falling tear; Lest soft distress, from lovely eyes, Create a new born fear. My life to fame devoted was, Before my fair I knew; And if I now desert her cause, Shall I be worthy you? It is not fame alone invites, Though fame this bosom warms; My country's violated rights Impel my soul to arms.
E P I G R A M.
T WO Lawyers, when a knotty cause was o'er, Shook hands, altho' they wrangled hard before. Zounds, says the Client that was cast, pray how Are you such friends that were such foes just now? Thou fool, says one, we Lawyers tho' so keen, Like sheers, ne'er cut ourselves, but what's between,
The following is an account of some of the modes of punishment inflicted by the present dey of Algiers.
A LL those who are convicted of a conspiracy or treason are impaled; that is, a sharp spit run up their body, on which they are left to writhe in torment till they die; others are bound hand and foot, and cast from a high wall or tower, upon an iron hook whereon they are sometimes flaked by the belly, head or other parts of the body, where they sometimes languish many days till death puts an end to their tortures. Many are tied with a rope about their middle, and with four sharp spikes, fastened to a cross against the city wall, they are torn alive piecemeal, others are brayed to pieces in a mortar.
They have another mode of punishment, which exceeds every idea of Indian barbarity. Two hooks are fixed to a gallows, the one fastened to a short, the other to a long chain. The malefactor is forced up the ladder with the executioner, who thrusting the hook through his left hand, hangs him by it on the shortest chain; then the longest, he fastens him by the sole of his right foot, where he hangs some days in the most insufferable torment, till he dies.
State of New-Hampshire.
P UBLIC notice is hereby given, that the hearings on the petitions which were to have been heard on the second and third weeks of this session, be postponed to the first days of the second and third weeks of the next session of the Court.
Attest JOSEPH PEIRCE Portsmouth

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 12.
Delaware State Convention.
The Deputies of the State Convention of Delaware met at Dover, on Monday the 3d instant, and a house being formed, they elected James Latimer, Esq. President. On Thursday they ratified the Federal Constitution by a unanimous vote, and on Friday EVERY member signed the ratification as follows,
"We the Deputies of the people of the Delaware State in Convention met, having taken into our serious consideration, the Federal Constitution, proposed and agreed upon by the deputies of the United States, in a General Convention, held at the city of Philadelphia, on the 17th day of September, 1787, have approved of, assented to, ratified and confirmed, and by these presents, DO, in virtue of the power and authority to us given for that purpose, for and in behalf of ourselves and constituents, fully, freely and entirely approve of, assent to, ratify and confirm the said CONSTITUTION." Extract of a letter from Mr. Jay, dated New York, 1st Dec. 1787.
"I thank you for your obliging letter of the 24th ult. enclosing a paragraph respecting me in Mr. Oswald's paper of the same date. You have my authority to deny the charge of sentiments it imputes to me, and to declare, that in my opinion, it is advisable for the people of America to adopt the constitution proposed by the late Convention. If you should think it expedient to publish this letter, I have no objections to its being done. JOHN JAY."
On Friday the 23d ult. Thomas F. Batchelor put an end to his existence by hanging himself in Third-street near South street. He had before made some attempts to kill himself particularly swallowing a large dose of poison, which however was not efficacious.
And about a week before the above, a man near the same place, stabbed himself in the breast with a knife, of which he soon after died.
NEW-YORK, Nov. 28.
A letter from a respectable mercantile house, dated Cork, October 13, says, that WAR is inevitable—and that in consequence of this belief—American produce had taken a very considerable rise.
It is rumoured, that in consequence of the apparent certainty of a war, our good neighbours, at the eastern extremity of the continent, have already began to fit out privateers!—How would these picaroons sing, oh be joyful, could they but have a KNAB at the muskito fleets of the United States.
By a vote of the Ohio Company, one hundred settlers are to be sent on to their lands this fall and winter. These settlers are to be supplied with provisions to the settlement—on their arrival at Pittsburg, to be taken into the pay of the Company, at 4 dollars per month, and to continue in pay till May next; the payment of their wages to be in lands—computing their monthly wages to purchase public securities at the rate they may be procured when their service expires, and estimating the lands at the rate the Company purchased of Congress. Each man must provide himself with a good musket, bayonet and cartridge box—and if they provide an ax and hoe, and mechanicks their necessary tools, they will be transported gratis.
We hear a number of families will set off from this neighbourhood, in a few days to settle on lands of the Ohio Company.
BOSTON, December 24.
Wednesday arrived here the Schooner Jack, Capt. Sargent, in 59 days from Croisic, in France. The Captain informs, that at that port, every thing wore the aspect of war—that though an considerable town, 1100 troops were marched in for its defence—that the cannon were mounted, &c. That reports were, that
Amsterdam had surrendered—that an English frigate was continually cruising off Brek—that his Most Christian Majesty had demanded of the Court of Berlin that the troops be withdrawn from Holland.
By Capt. Avery, who arrived here in a brig from Halifax, on Thursday, we learn, that preparations for a speedy war, were making at that place—that the officers of the troops were recruiting the regiments to the war establishment &c. Extract of a letter from a gentleman in New-York to his friend in this town, dated the 6th instant.
"By letters last night from Philadelphia, we have certain accounts that the Convention of Pennsylvania, have adopted the Federal plan of Government on the 12th instant. The votes on this occasion, were 43 to 22—I hope your State will also soon set us a good example."
An advertisement in a Halifax paper of Nov. 29, mentions, that the insurance on goods to that place, in consequence of the expected war, had advanced to TWENTY-FIVE per cent.
Our accounts make it, that one hundred and twenty federal men, are already chosen as delegates to the Convention of this State.
Saturday evening last, between 7 and 8 o'clock, four armed foot-pads, made an attack on Mr. Caleb Coolidge, as he was on his way from Cambridge to this town. The circumstances of this piece of villainy are nearly as follows:—Mr. Coolidge having come from Providence that day, quitted the stage at Roxbury, where he took a horse to carry him to Cambridge, he having business there, which occasioned his departure from the direct road to Boston. Soon after he left Cambridge, he quitted the horse, and dismissed the boy who came thus far with him to carry the horse back. Thinking himself out of danger, he came along down the road, singly, and on foot, without any interruption, till within about a mile and an half of Charles-river-bridge, where he was stopped by a man, whom Mr. Coolidge took to be an Irishman. The fellow bid Mr. Coolidge stand, which he did; and on being ordered to deliver his money he hesitated a moment, and the fellow persisting in his demands, Mr. Coolidge, with a stout stick, struck him over the head, which laid the miscreant to the ground. Immediately, as Mr. Coolidge was going away, three other scoundrels, whom he did not suspect were so near, came up and forced from him his watch, pocket book, and cash, to the amount of 253l. with which they made off.
As it must be pleasing to the public to hear of the success of the benevolent measures of the Humane Society of this State, a correspondent informs, that in the night of the 14th inst. six persons, viz. Capt. Phil. Haskell, Messrs. Joseph Plumber, Ephraim Ellery, John Bishop, and two others names unknown, of a shollop, belonging and bound to Cape-Ann, were shipwrecked on Ramhead, off Lovell's Island, and owed the preservation of their lives, under Providence, to the shelter they received in the House erected on that island by the Humane Society, for the relief of distressed seamen, and to the necessaries for warming and drying themselves found therein.
PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 26.
It said by Milton, (says a correspondent) the trappings of a monarchy would support a republick; but it might be said the trappings of our American Republicks would support a monarchy. There are upwards of 2000 men employed in the legislative part of our thirteen governments only, and ten times that number in the executive part of them, all of whom are maintained by the publick. Besides the expence of this little army of rulers, their wisdom decreases in proportion as their numbers encrease—hence the folly of some of our constitutions and most of our laws—for in 2000 people there will always, in a country so young as ours, be a greater proportion of ignorant men than in 100 or 50. It is to be doubted, whether the most populous kingdom in Europe could furnish 2000 men sufficiently enlightened to make legislators. These facts should prepare us to adopt the simple frugal and wise federal government which is now prepared for us. It will lessen all the expenses of our political house keeping, and at the same time, give us much more rank and consequence with our neighbours, with
whom we are obliged to keep company. It will enable us to support government, and pay our debts by imposts and excise, without unequal and oppressive land taxes, which are so injurious to agriculture;—and lastly, it will extinguish state parties, which are so detrimental to social happiness.
Some timid, or perhaps INTERESTED politicians, have expressed apprehensions, that the federal government will not be adopted by the states or the people. Such persons do not know, or recollect, the good sense of the Americans, who, under less pressing circumstances, in the year 1775 adopted the resolutions of Congress, and in the year 1776 the declaration of Independence. For neither of these were the citizens of America half so well prepared, as they are now for a vigorous federal government. It is probable some of the states will object to it, and certain factions, composed of salary and perquisite men, may object to it in all the states: But, as was the case with the resolutions of Congress and the declaration of Independence, truth and the publick safety will finally prevail over self interest and faction, and America will be the delight of her friends and citizens, and the envy, admiration and example of the whole world.
Until we manufacture more, it is absurd to celebrate the fourth of July as the birth day of our Independence. We are still a dependent people, and, what is worse, after all the blood and treasure we have expended, we are actually taxed by Great-Britain. Our imports help to fill her revenue, and to pay the interest of a debt contracted in an attempt to enslave us.
The General Court of this state, after having ordered a convention to meet at Exeter on the second Wednesday of February next to consider of the expediency of adopting the Constitution recommended by the late Federal Convention, concluded their session, and adjourned to the third Wednesday of January next, then to meet in this town.
The following unhappy accident, lately happened in Sanborntown, in this state, a Mr. Jewett of Stratham, a man naturally of a very weak constitution, having pastured some cattle at his brother's in Sanborntown, proceeded to said town to drive them home, but on his arrival, was so disordered in his mind as to be totally deprived of his reason, and his conduct was so alarming, as to induce his brother to keep him confined in one of the rooms of his house, with watchers—he however, eluded the vigilance of his watchers, put on his surcoat over his shirt, the rest of his cloaths being off, and made his escape, search for him was immediately made, seven days after he was found at the extreme part of the town a corpse. It is supposed he rambled from one part of the town to the other, as he was often heard of, and perished with cold. He has left a sorrowful widow and six children to bemoan his end.
NAVAL-OFFICE, Port of Piscataqua, December 25. ENTERED, NONE. CLEARED FOR Brig Nancy, Frost, West-Indies. Schooner Betsey, Salter, ditto. Brig Mary-Ann, Gerrish, ditto. Ship William, Pearse, ditto.
THE commissioners appointed by the hon. Judge of Probate for the county of Strafford, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Meshech Drew, late of Madbury, in the county Strafford, atorefsaid, husbandman, deceased; do hereby give notice, that the hon. Judge of Probate hath been pleased to grant the further time of six months to said creditors for bringing in their claims and proving their debts, from the 9th day of October, 1787; therefore said commissioners will attend for said purpose at the house of Silas Drew, innholder, in Barrington, on the last Monday of this and the four following months, from 2 to 7 o'clock, in the afternoon. Madbury, Dec. 14.
Samuel Bean,
HAVING contracted with the Publick to convey the Mails once every week from Portsmouth to Concord, by the way of Exeter and Haverhill; will leave the Post-Office at Portsmouth, every Thursday at 2 o'clock, P. M. and arrive at Exeter that evening; on Friday morning will set out from Exeter, and arrive at Haverhill in Massachusetts; from thence proceed to Concord, in New Hampshire; and return from Concord and arrive at Portsmouth on Wednesday evenings—Any gentlemen that incline to take either of the New Hampshire papers, may be regularly supplied by said Bean, and any business entrusted to his care, shall be faithfully attended to.
He informs his present customers, that the time for which he engaged to supply them with the papers, will expire next week, he therefore expects those who are indebted to him and are desirous of having their papers continued, will make immediate payment.
Take Notice!—Those who are desirous of being supplied with the Newspapers in future, will do well to attend to the following directions:—They will please to send a line directed either to him or to the printer of the paper they wish to have, with THREE SHILLINGS inclosed (being one quarter's advance) This done, they may depend upon being served with the greatest fidelity.
Said Bean puts up at Col. Brewster's Coffee-House Tavern,—in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth, Dec. 21.
State of New Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Middletown, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1782, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the 24th day of January next, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue at 10 o'clock, A.M. on said day, at the dwelling house of John Kenniston, in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
   N Qty. s. d.    Stephen Roberts 46 26 2 1  Samuel Varney 49 25 2 1  Benjamin Evans 78 30 2 6  Andrew Marshall 39 100 8 3  Thomas Beckford 73 100 8 3  Joseph Conner 63 20 1 8  Law lot 61 100 8 3  George Hanson 76 107 8 3  Andrew Horn 64 26 2 1  T. Wallingford, Esq. 43 60 5 0  Bedfield Plummer 75 100 8 3  Benjamin Roberts 38 100 8 3  Benja. Wentworth 99 100 8 3  Richard Goodwin 83 100 8 3  Benjamin Mason 94 26 2 2  Thomas Varney 89 100 8 3  John Kelley 20 100 8 3  Nathaniel Austin 10 20 1 8  Jotham Odiorne 74 100 8 3  Samuel Clemments 80 100 8 3    JOHN KENNISTON, Constable. Middletown, Dec. 12.
WANTED TO EXCHANGE for Land in the country,
ABOUT 30 acres of good Land, SITUATE about one mile distant from the North parish in Portsmouth, is well watered, consists of mowing, pasturing & tillage, with a young orchard, house and a good well of water.
Apply to the Printer hereof.
Best English Frying-Pans, Of a superior quality to any heretofore imported, To be sold by the dozen, or single, By James Norie, next door to Mr. Bowles's, —Daniel Street, Portsmouth:— Also,—all sorts of TIN WARE at the lowest prices. Cash given for Kinglass.

A few copies of the United States Constitution, as recommended to Congress by the Federal Convention, may had at this Office.
(Fitzwilliam.)
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Fitzwilliam, who have not paid their state and county taxes for the year 1785, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the third day of January next, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of Samuel Barnard, in said town at ten o'clock before noon, unless prevented by previous payment.
   N. R. s. d. q. d. q.     Col. Stoddard 16 2 0 10 2 1 1   Aaron Woodbury half 8 2 0 4 2 0 2   Nathan Pearce 8 3 0 8 3 1 1   James Read half 2 5 0 4 0 0 2   Col. Stoddard 2 6 0 8 0 0 2   ditto half 3 6 3 1   ditto half 23 6 2 2 1 3 0   Thomas Carter 14 9 2 4 0 3 0   Col. Stoddard half 17 9 0 10 2 1 0   — Smith 10 9 1 9 0 2 1   John Stevens 1 10 8 1   Col. Stoddard 20 10 4 8 6   ditto 21 10 2 4 3   Solly and March 3 11 1 5 2 1 2   Heirs of George Libbey 10 11 8 1   Abel Larrance 20 11 1 5 2 2 2   Nathan Brooks 10 12 1 3 1 1 2   James Read 15 11 2 4 3  
BENONI SHIRTTIFF, Collector.
Fitzwilliam, Dec. 1, 1787.
(Marlborough.)
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Marlborough, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1785, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the second Tuesday in January next, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue at the dwelling house of Major Richard Roberts, in said town, at ten o'clock before noon, unless prevented by previous payment.
   N. R. s. d. q.     James Lyons 9 4 0 6   Thomas Cochran 59 0 1 8   Robert Wilson 5 3 2 4   ditto 6 3 2 6   Jonathan Warson 15 0 0 4   Samuel Morrison 43 0 2 6   Samuel Allinson, jr. 4 6 4 3   Robert Allin 7 1 2 4   ditto 97 0 1 10   ditto 98 0 1 2   ditto 13 7 1 5   Thomas McClary 100 0 1 9   John Morrison 9 2 0 6   John Wilson 12 0 0 6   Hugh Montgomery 1 8 2 4   John Moore 78 0 2 7   Samuel Wilson 46 0 1 2   David Morrison 80 0 0 2   Samuel Allinson 1 6 0 7  
DANIEL CUTTING, Constable.
Marlborough, November 30, 1787.
(Weare.)
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Weare, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1786, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber on or before Tuesday the 15th day January next, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the dwelling house of Jesse Woodbury in said town, at ten o'clock before noon, unless prevented by previous payment.
   N. Acres s. d.     3d Range   Elizabeth Fowler 59 60 1 0   North end   John Knap 61 120 2 6   5th Range   William Greenleaf 99 50 1 0   North end   6th Range   John Eaton 20 60 1 8   North end   Gore   Thomas Wallingford 10 110 1 10   East end  
THOMAS WORTHLY, Constable.
Weare, November 27, 1787.
(Jaffrey.)
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Jaffrey, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1783, that unless they pay the same to me subscriber, on or before the first Tuesday in February 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, A. M. on said day, at the house of Samuel Adams, innholder in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
   No. R. s. d. q.     Joseph Blanchard, Esq. 4 2 13 1 0   Jonathan Odiorne 8 4 6 6 0   Jonas Welch half 6 9 7 10 0   Samuel Philips, Esq. 2 4 19 7 0   Jeremiah Towns 11 10 5 3 0   John Usher 0 0 2 7 0   Thomas Bryant 10 5 2 7 0   Jonathan Hubbart 0 0 2 7 0   Solomon Cuttler 7 9 5 2 0   Joshua Cook 3 1 13 1 0   John Hart 5 3 13 1 0   John McAllaster 4 1 13 1 0   Enoch Hale, Esq. 9 1 6 6 2   Enoch Hale, Esq. { 5 1 } 12 8 0   { 6 1   Samuel Kittridge 7 2 6 6 2   Elias Elliot 8 2 6 6 2   Benjamin Winn half 7 7 6 6 2   Simon Davis half 9 5 6 6 2    JOSEPH CUTTER, Collector. Jaffrey, November 27, 1787.
(Stoddard.)
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Stoddard, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1786, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before the first Tuesday in February next, so much of their lands as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue at ten o'clock before noon, on said day, at the dwelling house of Israel Towne, in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
   Lot Range State Specie Con'ty Facile State tax   p. q. d. q. s. d.     John Chamberlin 21 10 80 1 3 3 2 0   Josiah Willand w. e. 14 5 22 0 2 0 1 0 1   Eben'zer Pierce E. N 19 5 40 0 7 2 1 0 6   Evans & Joslin's do. 12 15 40 0 6 2 0 3 0   Moses Genison 10 13 80 1 3 3 2 0   Col. Stoddard's heirs 8 15 80 1 3 3 2 0   11 14 80 1 1 0 1 2   20 8 80 1 3 3 2 0   East end 24 6 80 0 7 2 1 0   East end 28 2 22 0 3 1 0 1   27 2 80 0 9 3 1 0   16 6 80 0 3 3 0 2   Sarah Richardson 1 14 80 1 1 0 1 2   Heirs T. Cummings 9 5 80 1 1 0 1 2   half 8 4 40 0 6 2 0 3   Nath'l Richardson 2 14 80 1 1 0 1 2   James Dunn 26 13 80 1 3 3 2 0   4 12 80 0 7 2 1 0   22 4 80 1 1 0 1 2   Nath'l Cummings 6 14 80 1 3 3 2 0   J. Blanchard's heirs 4 14 80 1 3 3 2 0   27 3 80 1 3 3 2 0   18 3 80 1 3 3 2 0   Thomas Spaulding 3 13 80 1 3 3 2 0   Capt. Joseph Read 16 2 35 0 6 2 0 3   Reuben Kidder 8 14 80 1 1 0 1 2   Hugh Willson 5 14 80 1 3 3 2 0   Mathew Thornton 27 9 80 1 3 3 2 0   26 2 80 1 1 0 1 2   East end 15 15 80 1 3 3 2 0   Cl. Stoddard's heirs 23 2 30 0 8 0 1 0   28 7 80 1 1 0 1 2   12 5 80 0 3 1 0 0   9 4 80 1 3 3 2 0   Jona. Blanchard 28 3 80 1 3 3 2 0   Hugh Willson 15 3 80 0 9 3 1 0    WILLIAM TOWNE, Collector. Stoddard, Dec. 3, 1787.
ALL persons that have any demands on the estate of RICHARD WALDRON, late of Portsmouth, deceased, are desired to exhibit their claims, properly attested, to the subscribers, executors to the last will and testament of said deceased, and all persons indebted to said estate are desired to make payment as soon as possible.
SARAH WALDRON, HALL JACKSON.
Portsmouth, December 3, 1787.
N. B. As a speedy and final settlement of the above estate is determined, the creditors are earnestly requested not to delay their claims.
Almanacks,
For the year 1788,
May be had at this Office
For 1/6. by the single dozen.
THE commissioners appointed to examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of the Honorable JOHN WENTWORTH, late of Dover, in the county of Strafford, deceased, represented insolvent, give notice that a further time of six months from the 22d of November last, being allowed for the creditors to exhibit their claims; they will attend for that purpose on the second Tuesday of this, and the five months next ensuing, from 2 to 6 o'clock in the afternoon, at the late dwelling house of said deceased in Dover aforesaid.
MOSES WINGATE, } Commissioners. WILLIAM KING, } December 3.
State of New-Hampshire.
WE the subscribers being appointed commissioners by the hon. Charles Johnson, Esq. judge of probate, &c. for the county of Grafton, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Col. Timothy Bedel, late of Haverhill, deceased, and six months being allowed for that business, hereby give notice that we will attend the same on the last Monday in December next, and on the first Monday of the five following months, from 10 o'clock, A. M. to 2 o'clock, P. M. at the house lately occupied by Amos Fisk, innholder in said Haverhill.
ASA PORTER, } Commissioners. JAMES WOODWARD, } ANDREW CROCKER. } Haverhill, November 15.
THE subscribers being appointed commissioners to receive and examine the claims of the creditors to the estate of Amos Pease, of Dover, in the county of Strafford, husbandman, deceased, represented insolvent, and six months being allowed for that purpose; notice is hereby given, that they will attend on that business, at the house of Jonathan Gage, innholder in Dover, on the first Monday in December next, and on the first Monday in each of the five following months, from two to six o'clock, P. M. on each of said days.
No accounts will be allowed, unless properly attested. JOSHUA WINGATE, } Commissioners. JOSEPH DREW, } Dover, November 24.
PURSUANT to a warrant directed to me the subscriber, do hereby give notice to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the township of Conway, who are delinquent in paying the proprietary tax committed to me to collect in the year 1785, assessed for the purpose of building bridges and making roads through said town, amounting to twenty-four shillings on each right, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, at my dwelling house in said Conway, on or before the second Monday in January next, so much of their lands as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at 12 o'clock on said day, at the house of Col. Andrew McMullen, innholder in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
JOSHUA HEATH, Collector. Conway, November 24, 1787.
WE the subscribers being appointed by the Hon. Joseph Badger, Esq. judge of Probate, for the county of Strafford, to receive and examine the claims of the several creditors to the estate of Solomon Perkins, late of Rochester, represented insolvent; six months being allowed for that purpose, give notice that we will attend that business on the first Monday in December next, and on the first Monday of the five following months, from two to six o'clock, P. M. at the dwelling house of Simon Torr, innholder in said town.
AARON WINGATE, } Commissioners. SIMON TORR, } Rochester, November 22.
BLANKS of all sorts for sale at this Office, at the lowest Boston prices.
requested to make immediate payment to the subscriber, the MOODY BEDEL, Administrator. November 26.
All persons indebted to the estate of Col. Timothy Bedel, late of Haverhill, in the county of Grafton, and state of New-Hampshire, deceased, intestate, are hereby requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator. Portsmouth, November 28.
All persons having any demands on the estate of Mr. Noah Parker, late of Portsmouth, deceased, are requested to exhibit their claims, and all who are indebted to said estate are desired to make payment to JEREMIAH LIBBEY, Attorney to the Administrator. Portsmouth, November 28.
FOR SALE, cheap, and payment made cash. A GENTLE SLEIGH, Apply to the printer hereof.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper, at Two Shillings and Three Pence per quarter, exclusive of postage, 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.