The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1787-10-27 00:00:00

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE AND GENERAL
[N. H. State
Seal.]
[VOLUME XXXII.—No. 1624.
GAZETTE, THE ADVERTISER.
S A T U R D A Y,
P O R T S M O U T H : By JOHN MELCHER,
O C T O B E R 27, 1787.
PRINTED and PUBLISHED in MARKET-STREET.
“WHEN ANGRY NATIONS PART IN LEAGUES OF PEACE, LET PRIVATE FEUDS AND CIVIL DISCORDS CEASE.”
M E S C E L L A N Y.
From the PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE. IMPORTANT QUERIES.
LET every well wisher to his country carefully consider the following questions, and answer them according to the feelings which his particular situation has excited, without having recourse to those abstruse reasonings and jealousies, which are rather calculated to confound than inform. Let him reflect for a moment whether the surmises of persons, whose personal interest and importance are likely to be affected, ought to be put in competition with the deliberate, cool, dispassionate determination of men selected by the several states, for the sole purpose of forming a federal constitution, whose interests as men, and as citizens, are at least of equal consequence with those who wantonly carp at their productions. Let it then be asked—
1. Whether in the present situation of public affairs, it is not absolutely necessary that some form of government should be immediately established for the United States, distinct from that which is formed by the confederation?
2. Whether it is possible that any plan or form of government devised by men can be perfect, and entirely pleasing to every state in the union, and to all the inhabitants of each state?
3. Whether the Constitution framed by the late Convention ought not to be adopted by the several states, as the only mean of extricating the people from the distresses which they at present labor under, especially as it contains a provision for a mending any defects which may be discovered therein?
4. Whether, if the Constitution now offered should be refused, there is any probability of obtaining another more generally acceptable?
5. What will be the consequence of a refusal of this Constitution ? What will become of our public creditors? How will our commerce be regulated, our people employed, and poverty, and extreme distress be prevented? Will not ANARCHY take place, and the people, driven to despair, seize upon each others property, and at length submit to some aspiring chief, who, by taking advantage of our situation, will become a King or a Tyrant.
6. Will the distresses of the people be much longer submitted unto, that men who are feeding upon the public property, and who do not partake of their sufferings, may amuse themselves in speculations about government, whilst they are indifferent to the calamities they thereby occasion?
7. Are not the amazing number of writs and executions returnable to every court, and the trifling sums for which valuable real estates are sold by the sheriff, alarming proofs of our ruinous situation?
8. Does the proprietor of houses and lands, although his rents are reduced below what they were in the cheapest times, receive them regularly, and are not his tenants, from the general distress frequently two and three quarters, and sometimes a whole year in arrear, and do they not afterwards often remove without being able to pay any thing?
9. What are the profits arising from trade and commerce, and whence happens it that so many of the respectable class of citizens who seek their living thereby become bankrupts?
10. Upon what do the widows and orphans subsist, whose property is immersed in the public funds, and whose husbands and fathers give up their all to save their country?
11. Ye TRADESMEN, who formerly by your diligence and industry were enabled to enjoy the comforts as well as the necessaries of life,
say, how many of you do now find as much employment as will produce a bare subsistence for your apprentices,—and even of this pittance, how many of your employers are able to pay you with punctuality?
12. Ye LABOURERS, recount the many days which you spend in idleness, “because no man giveth you to work;” and that in the season of the year when most is to be done, and from which you have been accustomed to lay up fuel and other necessaries for an approaching winter?
13. Where is the man, be his fortune what it may, unless he partakes of the public stock , who does not experience the effects of this general calamity.
QUERIST.
On the Federal Government, No 1.
IT is impossible for an honest and feeling mind, of any nation or country whatever, to be insensible to the present circumstances of America. Were I an East-Indian, or a Turk, I should consider the singular situation of a part of my fellow creatures, as most curious and interesting. Intimately connected with the country, as a citizen of the union, I confess it entirely engrosses my mind and feelings.
To take a proper view of the ground on which we stand, it may be necessary to recollect the manner in which the United States were originally settled and established.—Want of chraity in the religious systems of Europe and of justice in their political government were the principal moving causes which drove the emigrants of various countries to the American continent. The Congregationalists, Quakers, Presbyterians and other British dissenters, the Catholics of England and Ireland, the Hugonots of France, the German Lutherans, Calvinists, and Moravians, with several other societies, established themselves in the different colonies, thereby laying the ground of that catholicism in ecclesiastical affairs, which has been observable since the late revolution: Religious liberty naturally promotes corresponding dispositions in matters of government. The constitution of England, as it stood on paper, was one of the freest at that time existing in the world, and the American colonies considered themselves as entitled to the fullest enjoyment of it. Thus when the illjudged discussions, of latter times in England brought into question the rights of this country, as it stood connected with the British crown, we were found more strongly impressed with their importance and accurately acquainted with their extent, than the wisest and most learned of our brethren beyond the Atlantic. When the greatest names in parliament insisted on the power of that body over the commerce of the colonies and even the right to bind us in all cases whatsoever, America, seeing that it was only another form of tyranny, insisted upon the immutable truth, that taxation and representation are inseparable, and while a desire of harmony and other considerations induced her into an acquiescence in the commercial regulations of Great-Britain, it was done from the declared necessity of the case, and with a cautious, full and absolute saving of our voluntarily suspended rights. The parliament was persevering, and America continued firm till hostilities and open war commenced, and finally the late revolution closed the contest forever.
'Tis evident from this short detail and the reflections which arise from it, that the quarrel between the United States and the parliament of Great Britain did not arise so much from objections to the form of government, though undoubtedly a better one by far is now within our reach , as from a difference concerning certain important rights resulting from the essential principles of liberty, which the constitution preserved to all the subjects actually residing within the realm. It was
IMPORTED
In the last Vessels from LONDON,
AND TO BE SOLD BY
Samuel Hill,
Opposite the Market,
—VIZ—
BroadCloths  BoilingCloths
 Serges, Plains,      Spectacles, Bibles,  Forest Cloths,      Spelling Books,  Kerseys, Coatings,      Psalters,  Trimmings of      White and check  all sorts,      Linens, Dowlas,  Colchester and      Bedticks, Chintzes  Drapery Baizes,      and Calicoes,  Flannels, Duffils,      Silk, Linen and  Blankets,      Cotton Hand-  Camblets, black      kerchiefs,  and olive Vel-      Modes, Sarfnets,  verets,      and Ribbonds,  Corduroys Tam-      Case Knives and  mies, Durants,      Forks, Cutteaus,  Ruffs, Lastings,      Penknives,  Sattinets, Serge-      Locks and Hinges  Denims,      of various sorts,  Calimancoes,      Desk Furniture,  Dorseteens,      Files, Pewter,  Poplins,      Frying & Warm-  Worsted Hose, of      ing Pans,  various sorts      Window Glass,  Worsted Caps,      Nails of all sorts,  Beaver and Castor      German Steele,  Hatts,      English & Nova-  Writing Paper of      scotia Grind-  various sorts,      Stones,  Cartridge and Bon-      Powder and Shott  net Paper,      Brimstone, Cop-  Ink-Powder,      peras, Allum,  Cod Lines, and  Hooks, 
May be had at the same place,
West-India and
New-England Rum,
by wholesale and retail,
Sugar, Chocolate, Bohea Tea, Salt, Dye-
Woods, best of Philadelphia Iron,
Iron Hallow Ware,
Pot-Ash Kettles,
A few VERY ELEGANT
Ladies Beaver Hatts,
of different colours,
very richly mounted,
and many other articles, too numerous
for an Advertisement.
Cash, or any of the above Goods given for
Pot & Pearl Ashes,
Shipping Furs & Bees Wax.
Portsmouth, October 17, 1787.

not asserted by America that the people of the island of Great Britain were slaves, but that we, though possessed absolutely of the same rights were not admitted to enjoy an equal degree of freedom.
When the declaration of independence completed the separation between the two countries, new governments were necessarily established. Many circumstances led to the adoption of the republican form, among which was the predilection of the people. In devising the frames of government it may have been difficult to avoid extremes opposite to the vices of that we had just rejected; nevertheless many of the state constitutions, we have chosen, are truly excellent. Our misfortunes have been, that in the first instance we adopted no national government at all, but were kept together by common danger only, and that in the confusion of a civil war, we framed a federal constitution now universally admitted to be inadequate to the preservation of liberty, property, and the union. The question is not then how far our state constitutions are good or otherwise—the object of our wishes is to amend and supply the evident and allowed errors and defects of the federal government—Let us consider awhile, that which is now proposed to us—let us compare it with the so much boasted British form of government, and see how much more it favours the people and how completely it secures their rights, remembering at the same time that we did not dissolve our connexion with that country so much on account of its constitution as the perversion and mal-administration of it.
In the first place let us look at the nature and powers of the head of that country, and those of the ostensible head of ours.
The British king is the great bishop or supreme head of the established church, with an immense patronage annexed. In this capacity he commands a number of votes in the house of lords, by creating bishops, who, besides their great incomes, have votes in that assembly, and are judges in the last resort. They have also many honorable and lucrative places to bestow, and thus from their wealth, learning, dignities, powers and patronage give a great lustre and an enormous influence to the crown.
In America our president will not only be without these influencing advantages, but they will be in the possession of the people at large, to strengthen their hands in the event of a contest with him. All religious funds, honors and powers, are in the gift of numberless, unconnected, disunited, and contending corporations, wherein the principle of perfect equality universally prevails. In short, danger from ecclesiastical tyranny, that long standing and still remaining curse of the people—that sacrilegious engine of royal power in some countries, can be feared by no man in the United States. In Britain their king is for life—in America our president will always be one of the people at the end of four years. In that country the king is hereditary and may be an idiot, a knave, or a tyrant by nature or ignorant from neglect of his education yet cannot be removed for “he can do no wrong.” In America, as the president is to be one of the people at the end of his short term, so will he and his fellow citizens remember, that he was originally one of the people; and that he is created by their breath—Further, he cannot be an idiot, probably not a knave or a tyrant, for those whom nature makes so, discover it before the age of thirty five, until which period he cannot be erected. It appears we have not admitted that he can do no wrong, but have rather presupposed he may and will sometimes do wrong, by providing for his impeachment, his trial, and his peaceable and complete removal.
In England the king has a power to create members of the upper house, who are judges in the highest court, as well as legislators. Our president not only cannot make members of the upper house, but their creation, like his own, is by the people through their representatives, and a member of assembly may and will be as certainly dismissed at the end of his year for electing a weak or wicked senator, as for any other blunder or misconduct.
The king of England has legislative power, while our president can only use it when the other servants of the people are divided. But in all great cases affecting the national interests or safety, his modified and restrained power must give to the sense of two-thirds of the legislature. In fact it amounts to no more, than a serious duty imposed upon him to request both houses to reconsider any matter on which he entertains doubts or feels apprehensions; and here the people have a strong hold upon him from his sole and personal responsibility.
The President of the upper house (or the chancellor) in England is appointed by the king, while our vice-president, who is chosen by the people through the electors and the senate, is not at all dependent on the president, but may exercise equal
power on some occasions. In all royal governments an hopeless infant or an unexperienced youth, may wear the crown. Our president must be matured by the experience of years, and being born among us, his character at thirty five must be fully understood. Wisdom, virtue, and active qualities of mind and body can alone make him the first servant of a free and enlightened people.
Our president will fall very far short indeed of any prince in his annual income, which will not be hereditary, but the absolute allowance of the people passing through the hands of their other servants from year to year as it becomes necessary. There will be no burdens on the nation to provide for his heir or other branches of his family. It is probable, from the state of property in America, and other circumstances, that many citizens will exceed him in shew and expense, those dazzling trappings of kingly rank and power. He will have no authority to make a treaty without two-thirds of the senate, nor can he appoint ambassadors or other great officers without their approbation, which will remove the idea of patronage and influence, and of personal obligation and dependence. The appointment of even the inferior officers may be taken out of his hands by an act of Congress at any time; he can create no nobility or titles of honor, nor take away offices during good behavior. His person is not so much protected as that of a member of the house of representatives for he may be proceeded against like any other man in the ordinary course of law. He appoints no officer of the separate states. He will have no influence from placemen in the legislature, nor can he prorogue or dissolve it. He will have no power over the treasury of the state; and lastly, as he is created through the electors by the people at large, he must ever look up to the support of his creators. From such a servant with power so limited and transitory, there can be no danger, especially when we consider the solid foundations on which our national liberties are immovably fixed by the other provisions of this excellent constitution. Whatever of dignity or authority he possesses, is a delegated part of their majesty and their political omnipotence, transiently vested in him by the people themselves for their own happiness. AN AMERICAN CITIZEN.
L O N D O N, August 7.
Extract of a letter from Leghorn, July 4.
“The plague still continues to rage on every part of the coast of Barbary, so that all communication from hence is stopped; and two armed vessels are stationed to cruise at the mouth of our port, to prevent any vessels from those parts coming into this harbor.”
A dreadful murder was committed a short time since in the South of France, on the body of the venerable Marquis d’Allanville, by a man servant who had lived with him upwards of 26 years. Avarice prompted the wretch to the commission of the horrid deed, and the manner in which he did it is rather extraordinary. It was the custom of this old Nobleman to retire to bed every evening at nine o’clock, and on the morning of the day in which the murder was committed he had sold an estate, and had the purchase money in his bed-chamber. The wretch went to the bedside, and asked his master if he had said his prayers? To which he replied “Yes,” and, with great affection added, “and I did not forget you Ferdinand in my prayers.” This had such an effect on the fellow that he laid aside his intention, and had recourse to brandy, as a stimulus to harden him; on being intoxicated, he again went to the bedside, and with a razor cut off the Marquis’s head; but such was his agitation when he recovered his senses, that he voluntarily confessed the horrid deed, and gave himself up to justice.
B O S T O N, October 20.
On Wednesday last, the Hon. General Court met at the State House in this town—and on Thursday his Excellency communicated the new Constitution to them, which with his Excellency’s speech, was committed to a large and respectable Committee of both branches.
From the very handsome manner in which our worthy Governor speaks of the new Constitution—and from the observations of several respectable gentlemen of the Legislature, yesterday on it, we anticipate an early day being fixed on by the General Court for the meeting of our Convention—that this State may have the great honor and singular happiness of being the first to adopt a system, second to none in the world.
S H I P N E W S.
THE Constitution fleet, consisting of thirteen ships appearing off the harbor of Boston, all the ships at their moorings were dressed, and a most cheerful salute was fired. One squadron moored at a little dark cove on the south-side of King-Road, hoisted their signals, as if they were the only
pilots on the coast, appointed to conduct the fleet in. The rest of the ships, including the Admiral, Vice-Admiral and Commodores, contended that this squadron were not appointed pilots on this occasion, but that they were laid by in disgrace, for having run the ship Massachusetts down in a gale of their own brewing the last year. However,
The SALEM, a very particular ship, having more head than bold, came to sail, but soon run aground on a mud bank, and bilged—this ship always sailed by the needle of cunning, and had a track of her own—she shuns the channel of wisdom, marked on the chart of experience, and never yet made a good cruise—When she found herself aground, she broke her casks of powder, and threw them into the water, that the fleet might not find the way in.
The R—y a ship which had formerly belonged to the enemy, attempted to come to sail; but his ship is so constructed that she never sails a knot, unless other ships are before her heaving the lead, she therefore came to anchor on seeing the Salem aground.
The FORLING frigate came to sail at the first sight of the fleet, but being a taunt rigged vessel, and not having depth of hold sufficient enough to take in ballast, she overset in the channel of conceit, and wrecked the GENERAL, an old good first-rate ship, which was unwise enough to follow her deviating and unexperienced track.
The boat called the CRAZY PILOT had rum in bulk, in her hold, and could not come to sail—in the afternoon she is always on her beams end. The motions of the rest of this useless squadron, were not observed—but more may be heard of them hereafter.
The TRIM and the TULLY, two ships in the government’s employ, went out to conduct in the welcome fleet by the most easy channel, and in such a manner as to prevent their getting aground, or running down other ships, or running across one another—whereupon the SALEM and the FORLING, with the muzzles of their bow chaces but just above water, kept up a fire after, but did not injure them.
We hope soon to see this important fleet well moored in the road of the United States—but are very sure that the useless squadron will retard their access to their desired haven.
IMPORTED
In the last Ships from London, And to be Sold by
Abel Harris,
next door north of the Market,
G O O D S
suitable for the season, consisting of
L OW priced W orsted Hose Broad Cloths, Buckram, Serges, Coatings, Silk and Cotton Frizes, Duffils, Handkerchiefs, Swankins, Dowlas Sheeting, Half-Thicks, Yard wide \frac{3}{4} & \frac{1}{4} Bath Beaver, Linnens, Colchester and Check’d ditto, Drapery Baize, Calicoes, Mullins, \frac{1}{2} & \frac{3}{4} Blankets, Clear and Spotted Olive Corduroys, Lawns, Cambricks, Black and olive Bed-Ticks, Tapes, Velvets, Shalloons, Paper, Sealing Wax, Tammies, Durants, Wafers, Calimancoes, Ink-Powder, Slates, Cambleteens, Knives and Forks, Poplins, Crapes, Pen-Knives, Princess-Stuff, Scissors, Lastings, Iron Candlesticks, \frac{3}{4} Ell and \frac{1}{2} Modes, Warming Pans, Black and coloured Pelham and Snaffle Sewing Silk, Bits, Small death-head Girt and Sircingle Buttons, Twists, Webb, Qualities, Nutmegs, Shoe Bindings, Cinnamon, Black Plumes, Currants, Ginger, Large & No 4 Pins, Pepper, Indigo, Worsted Mitts, and Powder & Shott, Gloves, &c. &c.
Cash and a generous price, given for Shipping
Furs, Bees Wax & Pot-Ash.
Portsmouth, October 26.

L O N D O N, August 28.
The politics of this country bear a very different aspect within these eight days. Our Cabinet had before sent their ultimatum to France—that we shall support the establishment of the Stadtholder as in 1747; and Prussia had declared that she will not treat on the subject of Holland, unless England is an arbitrator. To this France has refused to agree, and threatens, that the moment the King of Prussia enters Holland, she will march a much larger force to the support of the patriots there. In the mean time our Court is determined to abide by the last ultimatum , which declares, that the Stadtholder shall be supported with the whole force of this country. It was only on the last resolutions of France, that Mr. Pitt joined the rest of the Cabinet in this determination.
Private letters received yesterday upon Change from Amsterdam, mention several persons of property having been lately confined there, on a suspicion of having furnished the Stadtholder with money, and carrying on a prohibited correspondence.
Private letters from Brussels inform us, that every thing was in motion in Brabant and Flanders, and that the inhabitants and Monks were employed in the exercise of arms; that the peasants ran in throngs to change their spades for muskets, and scythes for swords, by which it follows of course, that no one occupies himself either in commerce or trade of any kind. They have got already at Brussels 600 horse and 3000 foot armed, and in uniforms.
It is confidently asserted, that the British Court has entered into a Treaty of Amity and Alliance with the Courts of Petersburg and Vienna.
In consequence of the resolution taken by France to assist the Dutch Patriots, orders are issued there for the immediate assembling an army of forty thousand men, to be drafted from the different garrisons, and to meet on the frontiers of French Flanders. Application has been made to the Bishop of Leige, for leave to march through his territories, which it is said has been granted.
Advices from Holland say, that the first battalion of the 2d regiment of Waldeck has deserted the service of the States of Holland to follow the banners of the Prince of Orange; they took away the money, chest, colours, &c.
It is stated, upon good information, that the Stadtholder has at present a well-appointed army of 30,000 men; and the best officered of any in Europe.
Yesterday his Majesty's Ship Narcissus arrived in the Downs, from Woolwich, being ordered round to Portsmouth immediately, where she is to get her full complement of men, and hold herself in readiness to sail at a few hours notice.
Two more seventy-fours are ordered round to Portsmouth from Chatham.
Four new frigates, three of which are at Portsmouth, and the other at Plymouth, are ordered to be commissioned, and got ready for sea immediately.
The Contractor, for supplying the Navy with beds, it is said, has received an order to turn out 1500 a week, and that his order is 25,000 beds.
Extract of a letter from Dunkirk, Aug. 21.
"A circumstance has just occurred, too interesting to escape notice. The troops that were coming to the frontiers of French Flanders are stopped in their present position. The foragers are ordered to suspend their operations, and all is at a stand. This is said to be owing to some representations of the emperor's ambassador at Paris."
NEW LONDON, October 10.
Arrived, Schooner Polly, Smith, in 20 days from Cape Francois. Left at the Cape about 80 sail of American vessels—Horses selling from six to two and half Joes—Cattle at three and four Joes per head—Money scarce—Molasses very high.
PHILADELPHIA, October 13.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Paris to his friend in Baltimore, dated August 6, 1787.
"The account of the public revenue having been laid before the several boards, it has been found that the interest of the American debt had been very irregularly paid, of which it was impossible for the boards not to make mention. In this delicate juncture, the Marquis de la Fayette gave a very satisfactory account of the solidity of the American debt, saying, no debt contracted by England, France or any other European power, could be founded on so good a basis, &c. I hear that the notables have spoken of the American debt with great delicacy, apologizing for the want of payment: But how can our American brethren reconcile it to their feelings: to be so deficient in punctuality?"
B O S T O N, October 26.
On the 16th instant, Congress appointed the honourable Samuel Holden Parsons, John Armstrong, junior, and James M. Varnum, Esquires, to be judges in the western territory of the United States.
His Excellency the governor, with advice of council, has been pleased to appoint Thursday, the 29th day of November next, to be observed, throughout this Commonwealth, as a day of public thanksgiving and praise.
The same authority have been pleased to grant a fortnight's reprieve to John Shean, who was to have been executed yesterday, for burglary.
It is remarkable, says a correspondent, that the state of Virginia first opposed the power of the British parliament to tax America—the first instructed her delegates to make the motion for the declaration of independence in Congress, and to her immortal honour be it recorded—the first by the lips of Mr. Maddison (her young Washington for patriotism) proposed the measure of the federal convention, which 'tis likely will terminate in the salvation and establishment of the union and liberties of America.
SUBSTANCE of the Debates in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday last, on the Subject of calling a State Convention.
Ten o'clock being the time assigned by the honorable house for considering the question, whether the house would concur with the senate in a resolve to call a Convention, according to the recommendation of Congress, for the acceptance of the newly proposed plan of Federal Government: Mr. Parsons, moved for the orders of the day, when the resolve, which was sent down from the senate, was opened and debated.
Dr. Kilham rose, and argued very warmly upon the impropriety of being in a hurry about a measure of so much consequence to the community; and said, that he understood many people thought the new system would not go down, if not suddenly pushed—which was one reason why he was against the measure. He observed upon the right the legislatures had to appoint the late Convention, upon the commission under which our members went to the Convention, and upon the question, how far they had abided by that commission.—Dr. Kilham, dwelt some time also, upon the right of either Convention or people to abrogate the old Confederation, unless in the way stated in the articles themselves.
Mr. Parsons and Doctor Jarvis, in what they observed, appeared to express the sense of the house, that so far as Doctor Kilham slid into the merits of the proposed government, so far he was out of the question, which was, in fact only, whether the house would concur with the senate, to call the Convention. General Brooks made a more particular reply to Doctor Kilham's observations, and pointed out clearly, that what the Doctor had said, was matter, much better to be before the Convention, than before that house; and that the Doctor was premature, as he was zealous in his reflections upon the subject.
Mr. Dawes rose and said, that he should not have arisen, but to combat one idea of Doctor Kilham, which he thought had not been observed upon by the other gentlemen, which was, "that an adoption of the New Constitution, would be an unjust breach of the old compact." Mr. Dawes remarked, that he was sorry Doctor Kilham disputed the people's rights so warmly; and that the Doctor was so much against the people's being permitted to think for themselves. Mr. Dawes said, that as to the clause in the old Confederation, that it could not be annulled or altered, but in a certain way; he thought it not unlike that law of the Romans, which contained a clause prohibiting any future repeal—but which succeeding legislatures soon found a way to annul, by repealing that very prohibitory clause. Mr. Dawes ridiculed Doctor Kilham's expectation of civil war and misery being the consequence of only nine states acceding to the new measures; and said, that some writers had thought that the house of Hanover was brought to the English throne by not more than a third of the people, and yet that civil liberty never flourished higher than in the administration of that house; whereas, he said, "the probability was, that the proposed government would take place, if at all, by the wishes of almost all the people of all or most of the states."
Many other observations were made by the above and other gentlemen, but we have neither recollection nor opportunity to add further, only that the question for a concurrence being put, it passed in the affirmative, by a majority of 129 out of 161 voters.
By this resolution, the Convention is to meet at the Court-House in Boston, the second Wednesday in January. The senate had determined the meeting at an earlier period, but this was over-ruled in the house, in consideration of the necessity of sufficient time being allowed to the people to consider and digest a system of government, with which the prosperity and happiness of the people of this country, is so ultimately connected.
The members of the Convention are to be chosen in the same manner, by the same description of persons, and to receive the same pay as representatives, with this difference, that the sums due to them in consequence of their services, are to be defrayed from the public treasury, out of any money that shall be there, anterior to the sitting of the Convention, from any unappropriated funds under the controul of government.
The words of this resolution correspond exactly with the words of the resolution of the Federal Convention, and of Congress, empowering the respective legislatures to call a Convention; and this mode of expression, we suppose, is wisely calculated to prevent those difficulties that might otherwise have arisen.
We hear from Virginia, that on the arrival of Mr. Mason (one of their delegates in Convention) at Alexandria, he was waited on by the mayor and corporation of that town, who told him, they were not come to return him their thanks for his conduct in refusing to sign the federal constitution; but to express their abhorrence to it, and to advise him to withdraw from that town within an hour, for they could not answer for his personal safety, from an enraged populace, should he exceed that time.
P O R T S M O U T H, October 27.
All accounts seem to agree, that it is the British policy not to suffer the Americans of the United States to have any intercourse with or reap the least possible advantage from their West India Islands; if so, it is high time, says a correspondent, we also take care of ourselves. If the British West Indies are to be of no benefit to the Americans, it is just these Islands should be starved into more compliance, by a total prohibition of our produce being exported there in British bottoms.
The salary allowed by Congress to the Governor of the western territory of the United States, is one thousand dollars per annum, together with the pay and emoluments of Superintendent of Indian Affairs, which amount to about eight hundred dollars per annum.
The salary of the Governor's Secretary is seven hundred and fifty dollars per annum.
A farmer in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, who had exactly 16 sheep, sold one of them to a butcher last week, and gave as a reason for it, that he did not wish to have any thing on his plantation, that would remind him of the 16 addressing Assemblymen, that refused to concur in calling a Convention.
N A V A L - O F F I C E.
PORT OF PISCATAQUA, Oct. 27, 1787.
   E N T E R E D, F R O M.     Ship Polly, Nixon, London.   Ship Admiral Parker, Skinner, ditto.   Ship Ann, Grave, Bristol.   Sloop Endeavor, Louger, Tobago.   C L E A R E D, F O R.   Schooner Swallow, Palmer, S. Carolina.   Brig Lovely Lass, Newby, Barbados.  
The Merry F E L O N
A Felon going to execution on a cold day, and coming to a pond near Tyburn, desired the cartman to stop, that he might speak with the sheriff; who being come to him, he said thus—'Mr. sheriff, I am now going to leave the world, and am loth to conceal any thing which may do others good: I confess that the last robbery I committed was on this spot, and being closely pursued, I threw a large purse of money into this pond.' The people hearing him tell this to the sheriff, notwithstanding the coldness of the weather, ran into the pond to search for the money; which they did for a long time, till they were weary, as was also the sheriff with staying; whereupon he came again to the fellow, and asked him if he was not mistaken? No, says he, my intention was to have some mirth and sport before I was hanged—I have now had my desire, in seeing the people wet and cool themselves for nothing—you may now drive on when you please.
A House to be Sold cheap, And on terms easy to the purchaser, Being the House wherein Charles Waters lives, together with
The Lot on which it stands, well situate in Pitt-Street.
For particulars apply to
Daniel Humphreys,
Portsmouth, October 26.

Parnassian Spring.
UNIVERSALISM.
WHEN seas shall waste, and skies in smoak decay, "Rocks fall to dust, and mountains melt away, "In adamant chains shall death be bound, "And hell's grim tyrant feel th' eternal wound," But all his children reach fair Eden's shore, Not e'er to see their father Satan more. The tot'ring drunkard shall to glory reel, And common strumpets endless pleasures feel. Blest are the haughty, who despise the poor, For they're entitled to the heav'nly store. Blest all who laugh and scoff at truth divine, For bold revilers endless comfort find. Blest are the clam'rous and contentions crew, To them eternal rest and peace are due. Blest all who hunger and who thirst to find A chance to plunder and to cheat mankind. Such die in peace; for God to them has giv'n To be unjust on earth, and go to heav'n. Blest is the wretch whose bowels never move With gen'rous pity, or with tender love; He shall find mercy from the God above. Blest all who seek to wrangle and to fight, Such mount from seas of blood to worlds of light. Go riot, drink, and ev'ry ill pursue, For joys eternal are reserv'd for you! Fear not to sin, till death shall close your eyes! Live as you please, your's is th' immortal prize. Old Serpent hail! thou mad'st a just reply, To mother Eve, "Ye shall not surely die!" But reader stop! and in God's holy fear With sacred truth these tenets first compare: Our Saviour's Sermon on the mount peruse, Read with attention and the bane refuse.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors or owners of land in the town of Barnstead, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1785, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, on or before Wednesday the 7th day of November next, that so much of their respective lots as will pay the same together with incidental charges, will then be sold at public vendue at ten o'clock on said day, at the dwelling house of Captain Charles Hodgdon, innholder in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
   No. first division s. d. q.    112 John Brock 3 4 0  120 Thomas W. Waldron 2 11  51 John Downing 2 2  73 Samuel Thompson 2  77 Paul Gerrish 2 2 3  71 Joseph Downing 2 2  72 James Nutter 2 2 3  76 Shadrack Walton 2 2 3  80 Ebenezer Wear 2 2 3  81 John Frost 2 2 3  82 Capt. John Gilman 11  83 John Dame, jr. 2 2 3  94 Samuel Nutter 2 2 3  96 Benjamin Downing 2 2 3  104 Josiah Downing 3 4  108 Joseph Faybens 2 8  50 William Fellows 2 2 3  55 John Downing 2 2 3  56 John Dame 1 8  57 Ebenezer Stephens 2 2 3  59 Thomas W. Waldron 2 2 3  65 John Decker 2 2 3  7 Thomas Leighton 1  20 John Wolingsford 2 2 3  33 George Jeffrey 2 2 3  41 George Walton 2 2 3  42 Nathaniel Morrel 2 2 3  second division  108 Henry Allard 8  102 Herrison Downing 4 10  Mathies's, Commons 1 4  59 Thomas Gerrish 4 10  71 William Furbur 4 8  73 Richard Downing 1 6  81 Mathew Plant 8  86 John Faybens 4 8  96 Paul Gerrish 3 4  94 Nathaniel Morrill 3 4  Jonathan Warner, commons 8 2  
BENJAMIN NUTTER, Collector. Barnstead, October 15, 1787.
State of New Hampshire:
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors and owners of land in Hawke, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1782, that so much of their land will be sold at public vendue, on Thursday the 8th day of November next, at ten o'clock, A. M. at the dwelling house of the widow Mary Sanborn in said town, as will pay the tax and charges unless prevented by previous payment. State tax. war & county.
   l. s. d. l. s. d.     Samuel Stewart 2 12 6 0 14 0   William Fifield 7 6 2    PETER ELKINS, Constable. Hawke, October 15.
State of New Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors or owners of land in the town of Barnstead who have not paid their tax for the year 1786, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber on or before Thursday the 8th day of November next, that so much of their respective lots as will pay the same toge her with incidental charges will then be sold at public vendue, at ten o'clock on said day, at my dwelling house in said town, unless prevented by previous payment.
   s. d.    The first division,  111 James Jeffrey 4 6  112 John Beck 6 8  113 Benjamin Bickford 6 8  120 Thomas W. Waldron 6 8  51 John Downing 4 4  75 Thomas Trickey 4 5  77 Paul Gerrish 4 5  79 Nicholas Pickering 4 6  71 Joseph Downing 4 4  72 James Nutter 4 6  70 Jotham Odior 4 6  76 Shadrack Walton 4 6  80 Ebenezer Wear 4 6  82 John Gilman 1 1  83 John Dame 4 6  87 John Rindge Esq. 4 6  89 Thomas Bickford 4 6  91 John Gee Pickering 4 6  94 Samuel Nutter 4 6  95 Jethro Furbur 4 6  44 Samuel Rawlings 4 6  99 John Faybens 4 6  100 Jethro Bickford 5 4  104 Isaiah Downing 6 8  50 William Fellows 4 6  53 Nicholas Pickering 4 6  55 John Downing 4 6  56 John Dame 3 4  57 Ebenezer Stephens 4 6  59 Thomas W. Waldron 4 6  38 Thomas Pickering 5 0  62 Levi Furbur 4 0  63 ditto 4 0  65 John Decker 4 6  8 Samuel Shackford 4 11  31 Benjamin Adams 4 6  39 Joseph Nutter 5 0  42 Nathaniel Morrill 4 6  
Second division of lots
  102 Herrison Downing 8 0  103 Zebulon Dame 9 9  106 Benjamin Adams, Esq. 10 8  116 Limuel Bickford 8 0  Commons Jona has Warner 250 acres, 16 4  Commons 40 acres, Francis Mather 2 9  26 Benjamin Adams, Esq. 8 9  65 Joseph Adams 10 10  71 William Furbur 9 0  74 Henry Muncey 9 0  83 Richard Wibornd 8 0  86 John Felyans 9 0  89 M ses Dame 5 4  60 Stephen Jones 10 0  105 James Jeffrey 8 0  42 John Hodgdon 8 6  94 Paul Gerrish 7 0  82 J tham Odior 9 4  99 Samuel Dame 10 0  27 William Murcey 6 0  28 Levi Furbur 6 8  100 John Walingford 11 0  101 Bart. Richards 10 0  107 Capt. Smith Emerson 10 8    JOSEPH TASKER, Collector. Barnstead, October 8, 1787.
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors or owners of land in the township of Acworth, who are delinquent in paying their taxes for the year 1786, that unless they pay the same to me the subscriber, collector of said taxes, on or before the 26th day of November 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 in the forenoon, at my dwelling house in Acworth, unless prevented by previous payment.
   N R Q ty s. d. q. d. q s. d. q    Alexander Clark 3 3 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  ditto 3 4 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  W'm Pearse 16 3 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  ditto 16 4 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  Thomas Davis 15 6 100 0 2 0 0 0 1 3 3  Thomas Cragge 2 6 10 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 2  Stoddard 4 4 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  Eben'r B ridge 4 1 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  Varling Stoddard 3 2 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  N'l Butterfield 16 2 100 1 3 1 5 1 1 3 3  Timothy Dustin 14 1 50 0 7 3 2 3 0 8 8  Will'm Pa ker 18 6 100 0 11 1 3 3 0 8 3  ditto 17 6 100 1 0 1 4 1 1 0 3    MOSES LANKESTER, Constable. Acworth, September 24, 1787.
State of New Hampshire,
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors or owners of land in Salisbury, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1784 and 1786, that so much of their land will be sold as public vendue, on the third Wednesday in November next, at two o'clock in the afternoon, at my dwelling house in said town, as will pay the taxes and charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   specie cer't. county. cer't.   1786 1786 1786 1784   Q'ty s. d. s. d. s. d.    John Darling 30 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 0  Joseph Greely 1/2 80 7 9 2  ditto 100 7 9 2  ditto 30 2 3 1  Moses Quimby 80 10 1 1 3  Jonathan Greely, jr. 30 2 3 1  Ebenezer Long 30 2 3 1 4  Joseph Eastman 100 1 5 1 9 4 2 5  ditto 30 2 3 1 4  Nathaniel Ladd 100 1 3 1 6 4  Samuel Webster 30 2 3 1  Ben Wadly 9 10ths 100 4 10 6 1 1  ditto 1/2 60 4 6 2  ditto 30 2 3 1  Samuel Eastman 80 1 6 1 10 5  William Calef 100 10 1 3  ditto 80 1 6 1 10 5  ditto 30 2 3 1  Joshua Webster, jr. 30 2 3 1  Samuel Winslow 1/2 100 3 4 1  ditto 1/2 80 6 8 2  Elisha Sweat 1/2 60 2 3 1 8  ditto 30 2 3 1  David Greely 80 1 3 1 6 4  ditto 1/2 60 6 8 2  ditto 30 2 3 1  Joseph Bean, jr. 1/2 60 4 6 2 8  ditto 30 2 3 1 4  Tho's Wallingsford 30 2 3 1 4  Jonathan Sanborn, jr. 80 2 2 5 6  Meserve & Others 80 2 2 5 6  Samuel Bean 30 2 3 1  Abraham Green 80 1 1 4 4  ditto 30 2 3 1  Jacob Quimby 80 2 5 3 7  ditto 30 2 3 1 4  Jacob Gale 120 2 2 2 9 6  Jotham Odiorne 50 1 1 1  one third paid 30  John Sanborn, gore 60 2 11 3 8 8  Will'm Parker, Esq. 100 1 6 1 10 5  ditto 80 2 6  Joseph Clefford 1/2 80 paid 5d 1/4 1 5    JOSEPH FRENCH, Constable. Salisbury, October 1, 1787.
A variety of  BLANKS For sale at this Office.