Fowle's New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser ([Portsmouth, N.H.]), 1785-08-12 00:00:00

FOWLE'S NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER.
AUGUST 12, 1785.
F R I D A Y, P O R T S M O U T H: By MELCHER AND OSBORNE,
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN PAVED STREET.
VOL. XXIX.] "OPEN TO ALL PARTIES—INFLUENCED BY NONE:—WE AIM ONLY TO BE JUST." No. 1502
For the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE. Messieurs MELCHER and OSBORNE,
The pamphlet which I send herewith, contains such observations on the Trade between America and the West-India Islands, as seem to me well worthy a place in the public papers, and I doubt not your publishing them will gratify more than
ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS.
The pamphlet above mentioned, is introduced with the following Title-Page and Advertisement.
THOUGHTS on the late Proceedings of Government respecting the TRADE of the WEST INDIA ISLANDS with the UNITED STATES of NORTH AMERICA. By BRIAN EDWARDS, Esq.
Quis furor iste novus? quo nunc, quo tenditis, inquit, Heu miseracives? non hostem, inimicaque castra Argivum; vestras spes uritis. VIRG. Lib. 5.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T.
The most material of the facts stated in this pamphlet, were collected by the author during his residence in the West-Indies, previous to the beginning of the late war. His situation there, afforded him means of information, not always attainable; and he endeavoured to avail himself of it, for a purpose very different from that of a hasty and temporary publication. Some late measures of government, particularly the proclamation of the twenty-sixth of December last, renewing among other regulations, the restrictive proclamation of the second of July preceding, induced him, in judging of its propriety, to recur to the materials in his possession; and conceiving that a clear and accurate knowledge of every part of our ancient commercial system with America, is at this time essentially necessary, he ventures in this manner to submit his thoughts on a very important branch of it, to the wisdom of our ministers, and the judgement of an enlightened public. Unconnected with party, he writes with the freedom of history: he trusts with impartiality: he hopes without offence. And although he has not the folly to suppose that the name of an undistinguished individual like himself, can add weight to his opinions; yet as he finds it necessary to animadvert on the writings of others who have avowed themselves to the world, he has thought it his duty, as an honest man, to give his name also to the public.
B. EDWARD S.
Westbury-House, Hants, 10th Feb. 1784.
TRADE between NORTH-AMERICA and the WEST-INDIES.
THERE is this essential difference attending the conduct and determinations of private persons, and of persons in power: The mistakes of the former, however gross and dangerous, seldom spread their consequences beyond the individual himself, and the small circle to which he belongs; whereas those of the latter are often co-extensive with the interests of a whole people. A single error in the councils of a publick minister may involve in it the fate of nations, and the welfare of posterity. We have all been melancholy witnesses to the truth of this remark; and can bear testimony, from our own remembrance, of the fatal effects that one eminent mistake in the conduct of a great and able statesman has produced: The revolt of three millions of our fellow subjects: The dismemberment of the empire, and accompaniment of impending dangers, from which death seems our only refuge.
It is not wonderful, therefore, that our administration with such an example before them, at once a lesson and a terror to the whole world, should, in a case so unprecedented as the settling a commercial intercourse with our late fellow-subjects, now a great and independent nation, have displayed unusual timidity and caution. That their intentions were good, I have not a doubt; but I think it may be questioned whether the dread of doing too much, has not had too powerful an influence on their councils; for in desperate cases temporizing expedients are not always the safest line of conduct. To me, indeed, the governing principle of what ought to be the conduct of Great-Britain, on the present occasion, appears sufficiently obvious. The basis of every permanent commercial alliance between distant nations is mutual advantage, founded on mutual confidence. Surely then it is our interest and our duty to endeavour, by softening animosity, to restore that confidence which we have unhappily lost. Although we cannot receive ALL the great benefits which we have wantonly and
foolishly thrown from us, let us not, in the peevishness of disappointed ambition, neglect the recovery of such as are still within our reach. By an enlarged and liberal policy on our part, passions and prejudice will at length happily subside, and then, and not till then, will interest have its natural bias on the mind of America. Trade will no doubt, in such case, revert in a great degree to its antient channels; and that separation which has rudely torn from the robe of Majesty one of its brightest ornaments, may not ultimately prove essentially fatal as is now apprehended. Thus (allied to us, as they still are, by the dearest ties of consanguinity) let us hope that Americans will yet prove themselves, as they have hitherto proved, our best friends and customers in peace, and in war our firmest allies. The propriety of this doctrine, I presume to think, is not less justified by the precepts of christianity, than by the maxims of sound policy and commercial experience.
But we are now assured by men of high rank and great authority, that such generosity is not only unnecessary but dangerous; for that, in spite of American resentment and independency, this kingdom must necessarily possess as much of their commerce as we will to retain*. If this be indeed the case, what a dreadful monument of human infirmity does Great-Britain exhibit to the world! And what have we to console ourselves with, for the millions we have expended, and the blood we have spilt? We have dismembered the noblest empire in the universe;—and for what? To make assurance sure!—to possess ourselves of an object already our own, and of which nothing it seems could have deprived us!
I have indeed ever thought and said, and ever shall think and say, that the war between America and Great-Britain, was conceived in wickedness, and continued through insanity; but I had hopes, after the discipline we have undergone, that at length we were nearly cured of our delirium; for we have been blistered and blooded, pumped, purged, and chained to the earth. Nevertheless there are, I am sorry to find, a considerable party in the nation, who appear to me to be still labouring under some unlucky ascendancy; for they tell us, that the only method which now remains of improving and extending a commercial intercourse with our late brethren, is to treat them in all respects as a foreign people; to shut our ports against them, as aliens and strangers; to make them sensible, that having renounced the duties, they have renounced also the privileges of British subjects. The Americans, we are gravely assured, will be far from taking such conduct amiss; nay they will even applaud us for it, and consider it as a convincing proof of our liberality, and friendship towards them †.
Fortunately among each of the great parties that are now contending, some for the preservation, and others for the attainment of power; there are a few who argue more consistently on the subject. Mr. Burke, with his usual comprehensive discernment, has expressed a generous indignation against all prohibitory systems; and the accomplished minister ‡ in the direction of our finances, brought into parliament ¶ a provisional bill for the re-establishment of a commercial intercourse between this kingdom and America, founded on every beneficial and on enlarged principles; and which, had it passed into law, would, I am persuaded, have tended in its consequences, not to the injury of our trade and navigation, as was apprehended, but, in a very eminent degree, to the support and encouragement of both.
A change of administration taking place soon afterwards, this bill was rejected. Nevertheless, I will not presume hastily to condemn the measure which was adopted in the place of it. I allude to the act which empowers his Majesty in council to regulate the trade with America in such manner as shall be thought most expedient and salutary. It seemed not unreasonable, it must be owned, that some engagement should be required on the part of America, in return for certain indulgencies, which she will probably expect from Great-Britain; and I take for granted, that considerations of this nature induced parliament to vest a discretionary authority in the privy council; but notwithstanding this display of prudence (perhaps of wisdom) it does not appear that the authority thus in-
* See the debates in Parliament, March 7, 1783. See also "Observations on the Commerce of the American States, by Lord Sheffield. The aim of his Lordship's pamphlet throughout is to support this doctrine.
† Lord Sheffield's Observations, p. 2. ‡ Mr. Pitt. ¶ March 1783.
trusted to administration has been productive of any of those beneficial effects which were expected from the exercise of it. One of its first fruits was the proclamation of the second of July; a measure which I venture to pronounce (if it be meant as a permanent regulation) was founded on the grossest misinformation, and is fraught with the most serious consequences; of the danger of which, however, I firmly believe its advisers had not, nor yet have an adequate conception*.
(To be continued.)
* The proclamation was renewed 26th of December, 1783; yet few men are better acquainted with the true interests of the West-India Islands, the importance of their trade, and their dependance on external support, than the Right Honourable Gentleman (Mr. Fox), at that time secretary of state, who supported the act in the House of Commons on which this proclamation is founded. I say this from no other motive than the love of truth; for I am wholly unknown to the Right Honourable Gentleman; but I have frequently, from the gallery of that House, heard him display so rich a fund of correct and most valuable information on those subjects (as he did particularly on an application of the sugar refiners in February, 1781, for a reduction of the duties on foreign sugar) as convinces me that on the present occasion (if indeed he advised the proclamation) he has suffered his own most excellent judgement to be biased by that of less enlightened or interested men. As the reader may wish to refer to the proclamation at large, it is hereunto added.
At the Court at St. James's, the 2d of July, 1783.
P R E S E N T,
The King's Most Excellent Majesty in Council. WHEREAS by an act of Parliament passed this session, intitled, "An act for preventing certain instruments from being required from ships belonging to the United States of America, and to give to his Majesty, for a limited time, certain powers for the better carrying on trade and commerce between the subjects of his Majesty's dominions, and the inhabitants of the said United States," it is amongst other things enacted, that during the continuance of the said act, it shall and may be lawful for his Majesty in Council, by order or orders to be issued and published from time to time, to give such directions and to make such regulations with respect to duties, drawbacks or otherwise, for carrying on the trade and commerce between the people and territories of the said United States, as to his Majesty in Council shall appear most expedient and salutary; any usage, or custom to the contrary notwithstanding; his Majesty doth therefore, by and with the advice of his privy council, hereby order and direct, that pitch, tar, turpentine, hemp, and flax, masts, yards, and bowsprits, staves, heading, boards, timber, shingles, and all other species of lumber; horses, neat cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry, and all other species of live stock and live provisions; peas, beans, potatoes, wheat, flour, bread, biscuit, rice, oats, barley, and all other species of grain, being the growth or production of any of the United States of America, may (until further order) be imported by British subjects in British built ships, owned by his Majesty's subjects and navigated according to law, from any port of the United States of America, to any of his Majesty's West-India Islands; and that rum, sugar, molasses, coffee, cocoa nuts, ginger and pimento, may, (until further order) be exported by British subjects in British-built ships, owned by his Majesty's subjects, and navigated according to law, from any of his Majesty's West-India Islands, to any port or place within the said United States, upon payment of the same duties on exportation, and subject to the like rules, regulations, securities and restrictions, as the same articles by law are or may be subject and liable to, if exported to any British colony or plantation in America: and the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, are to give the necessary directions herein, as to them may respectively appertain. Steph. Courteill.
The act on which this proclamation was founded, expiring the 20th of December, 1783, it has been renewed this present session, and declared to be in force until the 20th of April, 1784. The reader will observe, that those important articles, beef and pork, salted fish, lamp-oil, &c. are prohibited altogether from the United States, even in British ships, navigated according to law.
Warrantee and Quit- claim blank Deeds, Court and Justices Blanks, &c. &c. may be had at this Prin- ting-Office, on the shortest notice.

P A R I S, April 29.
We have accounts from India, that the Dutch at Batavia are building 15 sail of the line, which fleet is designed to render the Dutch forces respectable in the Indian ocean. Every one there is charmed to see the republic of the United Provinces augmenting their forces by sea and land. The alliance which will be concluded upon between our court and that power, immediately after settling of their differences with the Emperor, will form such a union of forces and resources, as will put both powers out of danger from the designs of any sovereign of Europe to their disadvantage.
M A Y 31.
Political news is scarce; the exchange of Bavaria is what chiefly amuses our politicians at present, and it is said the Emperor, has offered the Duke de Deux Ponts the title of King of Burgundy, with the Netherlands, if he will give into his measures; and it is thought many powers would not object to the exchange, particularly the United Provinces, although they have a right to oppose any such convention as they are by the barrier treaty the Austrian Netherlands may be disposed of without their consent. Yet it is thought they would have no objection to remove so powerful a potentate as the Emperor from their frontiers. On the other hand France, Prussia, and the Italian Princes, will no doubt oppose any exchange of territory from taking place between the Elector and the Emperor, for the latter being once possessed of Bavaria, could enter the heart of those countries almost at pleasure.
They write from Brest that they have completed the pieces of timber prepared for the construction of six men of war of the line. These pieces, carefully numbered and deposited in magazines, may, each set, form a ship in less than a month's labour. This new order is imitated from the Venetians.
H A G U E, May 25.
The negotiations at Paris are interrupted.—The French Ambassador has presented a secret memorial to the States-General. War appears now to be as certain as peace was supposed to be a few days since. In a short time the veil which has concealed the real state of affairs will be drawn aside. At present all is darkness and confusion.
N A S S A U, (Bahamia) June 25.
Since the beginning of March last, more than thirty sail of American vessels have been seized and condemned in the islands Martinique and Guadalupe. So very strict is the French government to prevent the introduction of American flour into their islands, that every store in Guadalupe was searched, and 3000 barrels being found, they were condemned. This extreme rigour is in compliance with orders from the French Ministry, occasioned by the repeated remonstrances from the commercial cities, stating the ruinous consequences that must accrue as well to the agriculture as to the trade and marine of France, from allowing the American States a free intercourse with the Antilles.
L O N D O N, July 6.
The present Minister (Mr. Pitt) has so far pledged himself to the American sufferers and claimants, on the force of their confiscated fortunes, that it will not be in his power to retract and abandon them to the hard fate they were confined to by the peace with, and Independence of the United States of America. Certain it is (from the best authority) that the amount of almost all the largest claims are allowed by the Commissioners at certain sums, which it is thought will greatly exceed the expectations that had been formed, although in some degree, falling short of the amounts given in, and it is imagined, that a certain sum will be paid down to each claimant, and the remainder paid off in annual instalments.
JUNE 8. The accounts of the present drought in France are truly singular. In the internal provinces of that kingdom, not only ponds and lakes are dried up, so that the peasants are in want of drink for their cattle, and thereby reduced to the necessity of killing and disposing of them; But the canal of Bourdeaux, between San Sangtoigne and Chateaux de Mir, is so low that barges cannot pass.—The fruits of the earth are dried up, and they have a terrible prospect of grain and the vintage, unless rain falls shortly.
BERMUDA, alias SOMERS'S ISLANDS.
By his Excellency WILLIAM BROWNE, Esq. Captain General, Governor, Commander in Chief, and Vice-Admiral of these islands.
A P R O C L A M A T I O N.
WHEREAS information has been laid before his Majesty, importing, that the owners or masters of certain ships belonging to and employed by the citizens of the United States of North America, have, by collusive means been furnished from the West-Indies with British registers, which have enabled them to carry on a trade with his Majesty's colonies and islands, contrary to the spirit and intention of the several orders of his Majesty in Council, which have been issued for the regulation of the intercourse between the said colonies and islands in the said United States; and whereas the Right Hon. Lord Sidney, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State, has signified to me his Majesty's commands (in a circular letter) that I cause strict inquiry to be made, whether any such transaction shall have passed within the islands under my government, and that I use such means as will prevent a future abuse of that nature; I have therefore thought fit, by this my proclamation, to give notice thereof to the good people of this government, that they may know how much his Majesty expects an exact conformity to the spirit and intention of his orders aforesaid, and (as they will answer the contrary at their peril) that they abstain from a transaction which his Majesty will consider as prejudicial to the trade and commerce of his faithful subjects.
Given under my hand, and the great seal of these islands, the 26th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1785, and the 25th year of his Majesty's reign.
By his Excellency's command, HENRY TUCKER, Jr. Sec'y.
N E W - Y O R K, July 22.
Capt. Benjamin Newton, master of the sloop Betsey, arrived at Philadelphia from New Providence, (last from Cat-Island) informs that he could not obtain permission to enter, land or sell his cargo at New-Providence. That he presented a memorial to Governor Powell, wherein he stated, that he is a British subject, and a native of that island; that having formerly had connections in trade on the continent, he had come hither to settle his accounts, and having balances due to him, in order to facilitate the collection of them, he had purchased a sloop, loaded her with the produce of that port, and proceeded to his native country, where he prayed his Excellency's permission to land and sell his cargo, and qualify his vessel according to law. To which the Governor was pleased to give the following short answer, viz. "That he must return to the place from whence he came." Upon which he asked leave to refit his vessel for sea; but the Governor refused it, and referred him to the custom house, where upon application he was refused by the officers, and referred back to the Governor: and finally, all the indulgence he could obtain was leave to remain two days for the purpose of refitting his vessel, for proceeding from thence.
We are credibly informed, that the brig George, Capt. Bernard, from this port, and two other vessels, from Nantucket, on a whaling voyage, touching at St. Lucia, were seized by order of the French government.
From Baltimore we learn, that the state of affairs there is truly distressing—money vastly more scarce than here—credit sunk—and hardly any business doing.—People seem pretty unanimously to wish for a paper medium, which though perhaps it might not be a radical cure, would at least prove a temporary succedaneum, until some effectual steps could be taken to turn the balance of trade in favor of America.
J U L Y 25.
We take this as the earliest opportunity, of presenting our readers with the following authentic copy of the proceedings of the audience given on the 2d instant by the honorable Congress, to the Encargado de Negocios of Spain.
There were present—the states of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South-Carolina and Georgia.
And according to order, Don Diego Gardoqui, Encargado de Negocios of Spain, was admitted to an audience.
Being introduced by the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and announced to Congress, he delivered a letter of credence from his Catholic Majesty, a translation of which was read as follows:
To our Great and Well beloved Friends, the United States of North-America.
Great and Beloved Friends,
DESIRING to give you proofs of the good will and consideration with which we regard you, and to provide that our respective subjects should enjoy from their mutual intercourse and commerce all the benefit which can be produced thereby; I have named the Commissary of my Royal Armies, Don Diego Gardoqui to go and reside near you, in quality of my Encargado de Negocios, on account of the satisfaction I have in his good conduct. I hope he will avail himself of it, to render himself acceptable, and that you will give entire faith and credit to all that in my name he shall say to you, and that you will admit and treat him in a manner consistent with your good correspondence.
I pray God, great and well beloved friends, to preserve you in his holy keeping.
St. Ildefonso, 27th September, 1784.
(signed)
C A R L O S.
And underneath JOSEPH MONINO.
He also delivered a commission from his Catholic Majesty, giving him the said Don Diego Gardoqui, Encargado de Negocios, near Congress, full power to treat with the person or persons, whom the Congress shall equally authorise, and adjust and sign whatever articles, compacts and conventions may be conducive to the regulations of the points therein alluded to, and of others which shall be conducive to the enjoyment of those important and beneficial objects;—and that there may always be and subsist a good understanding, friendship and union, between the crown of Spain and the United States of North-America, with a promise to approve, ratify and fulfill whatever it shall be, by him stipulated and signed.
The translation of this being read to Congress, the Encargado de Negocios addressed Congress as follows.
Mr. PRESIDENT,
IT gives me very sensible pleasure, from the manner by which I am honored, that the same disposition prevails here, which induced my royal master to send me hither.
Permit me to assure you, sir, that my best endeavours shall not be wanting to render the continuance and issue of my mission as satisfactory to both countries as this commencement will, I hope, give pleasure to the King my master, and is agreeable to me."
July 28. A printer, in London, going home late, was stopped by the constable, who asked him what he did out so late, and what was his name? "My name says he, is Twenty shillings." "Where do you live says he, out of the King's dominions." "So says the constable where have you been?" Says he again, where you would have been with all your heart. " "It may be so, says the constable, but where are you going?" "Where you dare not go for your ears." "I do not intend it, but you shall go to the Compter." The next morning he was
brought before a magistrate, who check'd him for answering the constable so crossly. "Sir, says he, it was partly the truth. As the first question, my name is Mark Noble. To the second, I live in Little Britain. To the third, I had been drinking a glass of good punch. And to the last, I was going to bed to my wife."—So for the joake's-sake he was dismissed without fees.
A U G U S T 1.
By a gentleman lately from Canada, we learn, that it is the opinion of the best informed persons in that country that the western posts will be given up the ensuing spring.
We hear from Richmond, that a gentleman, just arrived from the back country, informs, that, very lately, a family settled in Powle's Valley were attacked by some Indians, and two men and four children killed.
Captain Read, from Liverpool, lately arrived at Philadelphia, he has brought back with him the logwood and mahogany he carried from thence, being prevented landing it at that port, as they had orders not to permit any thing from the United States, that was not the growth or produce of one of them. This shews the disposition of Britons, they being determined to harass the trade of America, by every stratagem in their power, and, depending on our divided state, and the inability of Congress to retaliate, make their boasts that they can insult us with impunity.
A L B A N Y, July 14.
We daily receive from the country, alarming accounts of the mischiefs done by mad dogs—several persons have died of their bite, and the lives of others despaired of; this has occasioned an ordinance of the corporation, directing all the dogs in this city to be killed within two days, which we hope will prevent the disorder extending to these parts.
N E W P O R T, July 30.
The Bishop of Landaff, in a Sermon preached before the House of Lords in England, Jan. 30, 1785, has the following liberal sentiments.—"America, as a limb connected with the British body politick, might have been starved for ages; and, stunted in its growth, might have been robbed of its proper nutriment, and kept cold and comfortless, that the heart might be kept fat and warm. But, unquestionably, it is for the benefit of our species, that all such connections should be broken; that infant states should be allowed to increase to their full maturity, and to establish their own independent legislatures, in order that the earth may be replenished with inhabitants, and the blessings of civil liberty enjoyed by all mankind. There is natural justice and moderation in this kind of reasoning: it suits not the despotick views of particular states, but is calculated to promote the general happiness of the human race; and he is quite a stranger to the benignity of the Christian religion, and deserves not to feel the freedom of the British constitution, who wishes to aggrandize his own country by bringing that of slavery on other men."
N O R W I C H, July 28.
General Haldimand is expected every hour in Canada: And we hear from good authority, that a number of engineers, who lately arrived from England at Quebec, passed, a few days since, through Montreal, on their way to the posts on our frontiers; but whether their object is to inspect and repair the works in that quarter or to view and lay out ground for new ones within their own jurisdiction, we leave the public to conjecture.
P R O V I D E N C E, August 4.
We beg leave to lay before our readers the following extract of a letter from North Carolina, of July 10,—the contents of which, we presume, are far more interesting to the inhabitants of this country, than the account lately published of the superb dresses exhibited in London on the birth day of the Queen of England:—
"A paper currency has generally taken place of gold and silver here, and it circulates on equal footing therewith; it has already had the good effect of ridding the country of those foreign adventurers who flocked here with their goods at the conclusion of the late war, and with these people the state has got rid of great quantities of foreign commodities, which we can do very well without; this circumstance has turned the attention of the inhabitants to domestick manufactures; and it is now common to see our ladies of the first character habited in pretty cottens, with handsome muslin aprons, kenting handkerchiefs, and thread laces, all of their own country manufacture; many of our gentlemen of rank have also appeared in jeans and cotton stripes of an excellent quality, manufactured among us from cotton of our own growth."
In addition to the above we are informed, that bedspreads, or counterpanes, are made in Virginia and North-Carolina, from cotton the growth of those States, not inferior in beauty to those imported from abroad. Are not our southern fellow citizens highly deserving of imitation, in such instances of publick spirit, industry and oeconomy? We would particularly recommend the patriotism and ingenuity of their ladies, as examples, which our fair countrywomen would derive honour and praise from copying. An American woman, attired in apparel the production and fabrick of her own country, (if not the work of her own hands) must appear infinitely more amiable in the eyes of her gallant countrymen, than when flaunting in all the gaudy tapings and tinsel finery of foreign nations.
St. George's Lime.
The very best
S T. GEORGE'S LIME, by the Hoghead or smaller Quantity, to be sold by ABNER BLASDEL, Portsmouth, July 21, 1785.

PRESBURG, (Hungary) April 25.
THE Emperor has declared Carlabago a free port, and it is in consequence to enjoy the same privileges and advantages as are at present granted to the other free ports on the confines of Austria and Hungary.
V I E N N A, May 4.
A courier lately arrived here with very important dispatches from Peterisburg, which, it is said, are as follows:—That the Empress leaves it intirely to our monarch to conclude (without regard to any political consideration whatever) an accommodation with the Dutch, or to obtain satisfaction by force of arms, if the Republic persist in their obstinacy. In all cases, his Imperial Majesty may be assured that the Empress of all the Russias is resolved to support, with all her forces, whatever resolution the Emperor may judge proper to take as the most conformable to the welfare of his subjects. In fine, the Empress declares that she will never depart from her resolution to render our monarch all the service, which not only their reciprocal alliance, but also repeated proofs of the most sincere friendship which she had at different times received from the Imperial court, may require.
L O N D O N, June 4.
Common Fame has honored his Majesty with the visit of an Ambassador from his lost subjects the inhabitants of the United States (to grace his Royal birth day) who it seems has produced his credentials to the Secretary of State!—His Excellency ought not only to produce his own credentials from Congress, but also the credentials of Congress itself, certifying the power and authority of that body to treat and conclude treaties for the thirteen United States, collectively and individually, and to enforce what they may stipulate for as well as against them. The Provisional Articles of Peace are a standing monument of the propriety and necessity of this precaution.
When the Congress by their Agents had treated with, and obtained of our Agents every thing they could with for, and it came to our turn to require something in return, and a very small something too;—Oh! then it could not be granted! Why? Because CONGRESS HAD NO POWER but to recommend to the respective Legislatures the matter contended for! Men of common sense and common honesty, in their right senses, would have turned upon their heels, and told them to go and get full powers to treat, to stipulate, and to perform their engagements; till then the treaty must be suspended, and what had already passed must stand for nothing. To the astonishment of all the world, they concluded the treaty with these powerless gentlemen, on behalf of their powerless masters, without a single stipulation in favour of the parent country, or even a rational expectation of any favour whatsoever! Let not this blunder of all blunders be repeated in the face of the whole nation.
KINGSTOWN, (Jamaica) June 4.
We learn that several British vessels from the coast of Africa have lately called at the Spanish island of Trinidad, where they were permitted to dispose of their cargoes, and which they did to considerable advantage, receiving specie in payment, from whence they proceeded to Barbadoes, to purchase loading for their vessels: should this trade continue to be permitted for a length of time, it must necessarily prove highly beneficial to the owners, and many vessels will in consequence be diverted into this channel, that were intended for the British islands or America.
C H A R L E S T O N, (S. C.) July 12.
Extract of a letter from New-York, June 26.
“There is no money here to be let. It is said, there are men who buy money, in preference to letting it, for fear of legal tenders and paper money: it is also said, that several thousands have been sent to Great-Britain, to be let out at five per cent. We must learn to be honest in America, or we shall never have any credit. Mr. Boudinot told me that a Dutch farmer brought 3000. to his brother, to let out at six per cent, but on hearing of a villainous law passed in Jersey, like to what some people meant to pass in Carolina last winter, he took it away, saying, it had been buried three years, and should be again buried, rather than put out to interest where legislatures interfered in private contracts.”
B A L T I M O R E, July 22.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in London to his correspondent in this town, May 7.
“There has been this day the greatest fire in Horsely-down, that has been known since the great fire in London. Several vessels and other craft lying at the wharves were consumed. The India Company had two vessels and a warehouse full of tea burnt. The loss in warehouses of hemp and corn, and other goods, with houses, &c. is valued at 700,000.”
N E W - Y O R K, July 25.
Several dogs having ran mad in Albany, and places adjacent, and bit a number of persons and cattle, who died in the most excruciating torments; the magistrates have issued an order for the total extirpation of the canine species in that city, in consequence of which hundreds of them have been shipped from Albany and landed here, no doubt, brought that alarming disorder with them, as men died the night before last in the bowery, raving mad, by the bite of a dog, and others in the neighbourhood is lying at the point of death, from the same cause.
Congress yesterday elected ARTHUR LEE, Esq. a Commissioner of the Board of Treasury.
The result of the negotiation between the Emperor and the Dutch is a matter of doubt as ever. There are not, by the best accounts we have, such vigorous preparations making on either side as to appear decisive for
war: and yet we hear of enough to prevent too sanguine hopes of a peace. The advice by the last mail have contributed nothing to clear up the uncertainty. —They clash so much with each other, that the writers of them seem to be as much in the dark, as to the true state of things, as we are ourselves. We must, therefore, wait a little longer for the development of time, that great revealer of secrets.
W O R C E S T E R, August 4,
From Upton we have malancholy intelligence, that two or three of the persons who were lately bitten by a mad dog, as mentioned in a former paper, died last week, subjects of all the horrors resulting from this fatal disorder. The skill of eminent physicians proving ineffectual.
Congress, it is said, have now in contemplation, a plan for regulating the commerce of the United States; and as soon as they are empowered by the several States for the purpose, we may expect our commercial affairs to wear a more pleasing appearance.
N E W B U R Y - P O R T, August 10.
Such was the desolation in Georgia in the late war, that at the close thereof, there were not more than 300 inhabitants in the whole State and now there are upwards of 3000 male inhabitants in a single county there.
A correspondent who has read the pamphlet just published at this office, respecting the appearing of the Devil to two men, acknowledges it to be one of the most surprizing accounts he ever met with, which came so well attested, and earnestly recommends it to the perusal of every one, especially such as entertain the least doubt of the Grand Enemy of mankind ever making his appearance visibly to the inhabitants of this world.
P O R T S M O U T H, August 12.
Since our last, a vessel from Shelburne arrived here, with British goods on board; which the owners would fain have palmed upon the inhabitants of this place, without paying the duties, as by a law of this State made and provided, are laid on all British commodities; but being interrupted in their smuggling trade , they were pleased to weigh anchor, and set sail for some other port.
Another vessel, we are informed, was hovering off the Shoals at the same time, bound upon the same errand; but upon information of her partner's cold reception , shaped a different course.
One of the above vessels is reported to have had a considerable sum in specie on board, to purchase provisions for the inhabitants of that barren country, lately and properly called New-Scotland; who are now experiencing “all the horrors of starvation.”
On Monday last the dwelling-house of Samuel Jenness, Esq. at Rye, accidentally caught fire, by a spark lighting on the roof, and was entirely consumed: Fortunately the most valuable of the effects were saved.
DIED Mr. Henry Seward, aged 48; a child of Mr. William Martin's.
Died at Berwick, on the 6th Instant, in the 68th year of her age, after a short illness of five days, attended with excruciating pain, which she sustained with admirable patience and resignation to the will of Heaven, Mrs. MARY HILL, the truly amiable and virtuous relict of Capt. ELISHA HILL, formerly of said Berwick, deceased. She was the mother of 15 children (12 of whom survive her) and 63 grandchildren. We wish the best of Heaven's blessings to attend them, and that they may imitate their parents in every thing amiable, excellent, virtuous and praiseworthy, and finally join them in the enjoyments of the Heavenly world.
M A R I N E L I S T.
P O R T of P I S C A T A Q U A, August 12.
E N T E R E D,
Schooner Betsey, Salter, from St. Eustatia C L E A R E D,
Sloop Adonis, Marshal, for West-Indies. Brig Nancy, Peirce, Cape Francois. Brig Altrea, Salter, West-Indies
Samuel Bowles
Has for SALE, at his Shop, just below the State-House in Portsmouth, A large Assortment of Beaver, Beaveretts, Castor, and Felt
H A T S,
from Number 1, to Number 38; Prices from 2s. to 42s. a Variety of Fans by the Dozen or Single; a few elegant japan'd Tea Trays, Jacks, Candlesticks & Canisters; Bohea Tea per Hundred, Dozen, or single Pound; with a Variety of English and West-India GOODS.
Men's, Women's and Children's Shoes, of all Sizes; and a Number of other Articles, which he will sell as Cheap as at any Shop in Portsmouth.
T O B A C C O.
I HAVE just received from Virginia a quantity of Excellent Tobacco, which is ready for Sale by the Hbd. or Retail.—Also, N. England Rum, pr. the Cask, of a very good Quality—Choice Behea Tea pr. dozen (warranted good) Naval Stores, &c. &c.
N. McIntire.
Portsmouth, August 5, 1785.
T O B E S O L D, A few C A S K S of Excellent Fresh Raisins, By SAMUEL PENHALLOW, jr.
A very Elegant New CHAISE, with Harness compleat, to be Sold, for which Certificates will be received in payment. Apply to MELCHER & OSBORNE.
To be Sold at Public Vendue,
On Tuesday the 30th Day of AUGUST inst. at Two o'clock P. M. at the House of GEORGE LIBBEY. Inholder in Greenland, about SIXTY ACRES of choice LAND, with a HOUSE, BARN and a good ORCHARD on the same, pleasantly situated on Winnecott River, together with a Tide MILL on said River, lately the property of JOHN JOHNSON and WINTHROP JOHNSON of Greenland:—Any Person inclining to Purchase, may view the Premises and know conditions of Sale by applying to DAVID SIMPSON or JOSEPH WIGGINS. Greenland, August 10, 1785.
ALL Persons having any Demands against the Estate of EPHRAIM FOLSOM, late of Durham, deceased, are desired to exhibit the same to EPHRAIM PICKERING, Esq. of Newington, Attorney to DOROTHY FOLSOM, Executrix of the last Will of the deceased; and all Persons Indebted to said Estate, are requested to make speedy Payment to said Attorney. August 8, 1785.
(Heniker.)
State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners of land in Heniker, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1784, that so much of their lands will be sold at public vendue, on Thursday the 1st day of September next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, at the house of Timothy Gibson, Esq. inholder in said town, as will pay the taxes and charges, unless prevented by previous payment.
   Acres. N. R. War Tax. State.   s. d. q. s. d.    John Logan, jr. 100 5 1 2 2 1 2 5  Daniel Lesley, 6 3 9  James Wilson, 100 7 1 1 3 0 1 5  William Holmes, 87 10 1 1 3 0 1 5  John Duncan, 100 11 1 1 3 0 1 5  Ministerial Lot, 100 13 1 1 6 3 1 9  Law Lot, 100 19 1 1 3 0 1 5  John Logan, jr. 100 6 2 1 10 2 2 1  John Barr, 100 17 2 1 6 3 1 9  Ditto, 100 9 5 1 6 3 1 2  Robert Cockran, 100 18 2 1 3 0 1 5  George Duncan, 100 19 2 1 3 0 1 5  Hugh Wilson, 50 3 3 0 11 1 1 1  Nathaniel Aiken, 38 1 4 0 7 2 0 9  Ja. Wilson, south 100 6 4 1 10 2 2 1  John Scoby, 100 18 4 0 10 2 2 1  Alex. M'Murphy 100 19 4 1 6 3 1 9  James Humphrey, 50 4 6 0 11 1 1 1  James Ewen, 50 18 6 0 11 1 1 0  John Taggot, 40 11 8 0 6 0 0 7  John M'Colin, 50 18 9 0 7 2 0 8  George Duncan, 50 19 9 0 11 1 1 1  Common Land, 100 9 11 1 3 0 1 5  Ditto, 100 6 12 1 3 0 1 5  Joseph Bell, 38 7 11 0 6 0 0 7  Law Lot, 100 11 12 1 10 2 2 1  John M'Colin, 100 19 12 0 7 2 0 8  William Eayrs, 100 9 4 1 10 2 3 1  Joseph Wilson, 50 10 8 1 3 0 1 5  W. Rogers, south 18 11 11 0 4 2 0 4  James Smith, 100 10 2 1 10 2 2 1  Robert Livingston, 25 9 7 0 5 2 0 6    JOSEPH AMSDEN, Collector. Heniker, August 2, 1785.
To be SOLD, ONE half of a new DWELLING HOUSE, all finished outside, with a good Cellar, well stoned, and a good Stack of Chimnies; the inside unfinished; 32 feet fronting the Street and about 70 or 80 deep, leading back to Capt. Jackson's, being the next House to the late Deacon Marshall, deceased; which, with the Priviledge of a good Well, will be disposed of on reasonable Terms. Inquire of REUBEN SNELL.

A R O N D E L A T. Celebrating AMERICAN INDEPENDENCY.
S C E N E,
A Dome, furnished with emblematic sculpture, and in the centre of the scene the statue of General Washington, standing upon a pedestal, decorated with honorary motifs and transparent foilage.
C H O R U S.
Sisters of the tuneful throng, Nobly elevate the song; 'Tis Glory calls and Liberty, To hail our Independency!
To Schuylkill's flow'ry bank repair, Ev'ry sportive grace is there; Sprightly dance and revelry, To hail our independency!
"Sisters of the tuneful throng," &c.
There the tales of triumph found, Tales, that sooth the Vet'ran's wound! Of wondrous toils by land and sea, To gain our Independency!
"Sisters of the tuneful throng," &c.
From Saratoga's glori'ous field, Bring the standard! bring the shield! With drums and martial symphony To grace our Independency!
"Sisters of the tuneful throng," &c.
From York-Town heights, or Princeton plain, Lead the fallen captive train: 'Tis God-like triumph thus to see The foes of Independency!
"Sisters of the tuneful throng," &c.
But now the din of war is past, Tyranny has spent its blast! The olive, twin'd with laurel, see! To crown our Independency!
"Sisters of the tuneful throng," &c.
The youth that by Minerva led, Bravely for his country bled, To love may fondly bend the knee, To Love and Independency.
"Sisters of the tuneful throng," &c.
While Venus makes such worth her care, "None but the brave deserve the fair!" And science greets the great and free, The child of Independency!
"Sisters of the tuneful throng," &c.
Come then Sisters! come away! A debt of gratitude to pay; Behold the shrine! prepare the crown, To deck the brow of WASHINGTON.
"Sisters of the tuneful throng, Sweetly elevate the song; 'Tis Glory calls and Liberty, To hail our Independency."
-----
Curious ANECDOTE.
A N odd country fellow, who was married to a termagant, going one Sunday to church, heard the minister preach from these words, "Take up your cross and follow me."—Dobson was extremely attentive: and soon as church was done went home, and taking his wife on his back, ran as fast as he was able after the parson; who seeing how the fellow was laded, asked him the reason. "Why what the plague, cries Dobson, has your Reverence forgot already? Did not your worship bid us take up our cross and follow you? And I am sure this is the greatest cross I have in the world, an please ye."  -----
HILLSBOROUGH, fs.
N OTICE is hereby given to the Owners of non-resident Land in Raby, who are delinquent in paying their Taxes and incidental Charges, on or before Wednesday, the Sixth Day of October next, so much of their Land will be sold at Vendue, on said Day, at the House of Capt. Samuel Douglass, Inholder in said Raby, at One o'Clock, Afternoon, as will pay said Taxes and Charges: The Taxes are as follow:
   Names. No. Acres. State-Tax. War-Tax.   f. d. q. f. d. q.     John Davidson, 100 7 6 1 11 0 2   Simeon Gillson, 58 1 0 1 4 5   Abraham Morse, 60 3 9 2 5 6 1   Common Land, 50 2 9 2 5 6 1   Com. Land, No 1 where Pattin lives 150 10 10 0 14 3 3  
JAMES MCINTOSH, Constable.
Raby, Aug. 8th, 1785.
A strayed PIG was taken up about two Months ago in the Cornfield of Samuel Norris, near Peverly's Hill, not being ring'd or having a Yoke on. The Owner may have said Pig again, paying Charges, and telling the Marks, by applying to said Norris. Portsmouth, August 1. 1785.  -----
State of New-Hampshire, Grafton, fs.
W E the Subscribers being appointed Commissioners, by the Honorable Charles Johnston, Esq. Judge of the Probate Court in said County, to receive and examine the Claims of the several Creditors of the Estate of John Young, late of Hanover, in the County aforesaid, Esquire, deceased, represented insolvent, and six Months from the Date hereof being allowed for that Purpose; do hereby give Notice, that we shall attend that Business, on the third Tuesdays of the six following Months, from Ten of the Clock in the Morning, to Five in the Afternoon, each of said Days, at the Dwelling-House of Mrs. Fisk, Inholder in Haverhill, in said County, except the Third Tuesday of November, at which Time we shall attend at the Dwelling-House of Col. Ebenezer Brewster, Inholder at Hanover aforesaid.
ASA PORTER, EZEKIEL LADD, DANIEL STEVENS, } Commissioners
Haverhill, 28th of July, 1785.
A PPPLICATION having been made to me the Subscriber, by more than half the Proprietors of the Township of SAVILLE, formerly so called, but now incorporated by the Name of WENDELL, to meet at the House of Capt. William Brewster, in Portsmouth, on Tuesday, the 231 day of August inst. then and there to act upon the following Matters: 1st. To choose a Moderator. 2d. To receive the Report of the Committee for settling the Treasurer's, Collector's and other Accompts. 3d. To appoint a Committee to join with the Committees of certain other Proprietries, to establish the Eastern Boundaries of their several towns, and if necessary, to apply to the General Assembly for Relief. 4th. To see if the Proprietors will abate any Taxes due from those Proprietors, who are now actually settled in said Town, and to give orders to the Collector, not to make sale of any of their Lands. 5th. To consider on a Memorial from some of the Inhabitants, respecting the irregularities of their Lots, thro' the inaccuracy of the Surveyor who laid them out; and to impose some Person to quiet the Minds of any who are affected thereby, by conforming to the Proposals made by them. 6th. To consider on some effectual Means to oblige Delinquents to pay their arrearage Taxes. 7th. To see if the Proprietors will exchange with Mr. John Gardner, or others, any drafted Lots for some common Land of the same Quantity, or otherwise. 8th. To see whether the Proprietors will give away to the Inhabitants a certain Lot, of about 50 Acres, for the Benefit of the Roads, and Meeting-House, and such other Purposes as the Inhabitants may think most conducive to the Interest of the Town. And lastly, to appoint any other Committees or Officers necessary for the Proprietors Service. The said Proprietors are requested to attend at said Time and Place, for said Purposes, and that the Meeting may be as full as can be conveniently.
JOHN WENDELL, Proprietors-Clerk.
PORTSMOUTH July, 14, 1784.
ON TUESDAY,
The 16th of August inst. will be sold at PUBLIC VENDUE , at the House of Capt. Jeremiah Clough, Inholder in Canterbury, at Two o'Clock, Afternoon,
A F A R M,
in said Canterbury, about one Mile north of the Meeting-House, containing about 90 Acres of choice Land, with a good DWELLING-HOUSE and BARN thereon; said Farm is well accommodated with good Pasturing, Mowing, Orcharding and Tillage. The Premises may be viewed any time before the Sale, by applying to Nicholas Mariner , who is a Tenant upon the same. Conditions will be known at Time and Place of Sale. August 1, 1785.
T O B E S O L D,
At Public Vendue, on Tuesday the 16th Day of August inst. at Mr. Gage's, Inholder in Dover, at Four o'Clock, Afternoon,
Sundry House-Lots,
on Dover Landing, very commodious for Trade, together with several valuable Lots of out LANDS, &c.
A LL Persons indebted to the Estate of George Knight late of Durham, in the County of Strafford, joiner, deceased, are desired to make immediate payment, and all Persons having Demands on said Estate, are desired to exhibit them for Settlement, to the Subscriber, Executrix of the last Will and Testament of the said Deceased. SUSANNAH KNIGHT. DURHAM, July 26, 1785.
T O B E S O L D,
At PUBLIC VENDUE, at the House of Mr. WILLIAM BREWSTER , on Thursday the 18th of August, at 12 o'Clock, A. M. (by Licence from the Judge of Probate)
FOUR Rights of LAND, in the Townships of Gilmantown, Piermont, Errol, and Morristown, being Part of the real Estate of DANIEL SHERBURNE , late of Portsmouth, Merchant, deceased, represented insolvent.
NATHANIEL SHERBURNE, Executor.
PORTSMOUTH, July 7, 1785.
To the PUBLIC.
THE Subscriber, having lately returned to this Town from the State of Massachusetts-Bay, has resumed the Practice of the Law here, and opened an Office next Door to the Post-Office;—where all kinds of Conveyances and Agreements will be carefully drawn: Advice in Questions of Law or Equity will be attentively given: and other Business falling within the Line of the Profession conducted with a purposed view to the Principles of Justice, Honour and Humanity.
DANIEL HUMPHRYS. PORTSMOUTH, July 15.
[New-Boston.]
N OTICE is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in New-Boston, county of Hillsborough, and State of New-Hampshire, that so much of their respective lands will be sold at public vendue, at the house of John Mc Laughlen , jun. inholder in said New-Boston, on Monday the 22d day of August next, at one o'clock afternoon, as will pay said taxes with incidental charges, if not prevented by previous payment. The taxes due are for the year 1783, and the several lots are taxed in the following manner, viz.
   No. Acres. War Tax. State Tax.   f. d. q. f. d. q.     John Ervine, 109 150 1 15 0 0 10 6   Edw. Durant's heirs, 92 150 1 15 0 0 10 6   John Maverick, 112 150 1 2 6 0 6 3   Rufus Green, 24 50 0 7 6 0 2 9   do. 62 80 0 12 6 0 3 9   Daniel Lowrings, 90 150 1 10 0 0 9 0   Daniel Parker, 23 50 0 7 6 0 2 3   Thomas Willson, 111 150 1 2 6 0 6 9   Blanchard & Col. Meiservey, 15 50 0 7 6 0 2 3   Ro. Willard & G. Jaffrey, 10 50 0 10 0 0 3 0   Tho. Cochran, 2 50 0 7 6 0 2 3   Will. Woodbury, 39 50 0 12 6 0 3 9   John Whipple, 78 150 3 15 0 1 2 6   James Crombie, 38 200 3 15 0 1 2 6   John Spooner, 3 124 1 7 6 0 8 3   James Townshend, 82 150 1 15 0 0 10 6   Joseph Wright, 47 70 0 10 0 0 3 0   Gilbert Warner, 98 150 2 5 0 0 13 6   Benj. Clark's heirs, 9 150 3 7 6 1 0 3   do. 100 150 2 10 0 0 15 3   do. 53 50 0 5 0 0 1 6   William Spikeman, 18 150 3 7 6 1 0 3   do. 97 150 1 5 0 0 7 6   do. 15 50 0 5 0 0 1 6   R. Walker's heirs, 50 0 12 6 0 3 9  
JONATHAN GOVE, Constable.
NEW-BOSTON, June 1, 1785.
State of NEW-HAMPSHIRE, Strafford, fs.
THE Proprietors of the Town of Wakefield, are hereby notified, that a Meeting of said Proprietors is to be held at the Meeting-House in said Wakefield, on Tuesday the 23d Day of August next, at Two o'Clock, P. M. then and there to act on the following Articles, viz.
 1st. To choose a Moderator to regulate said Meeting.  2d. To choose a Committee to settle and adjust all Proprietors Accompts.  3d. To see what the Proprietors will do further to the Meeting-House.  4th. To see what the Proprietors will vote towards the Settlement or Support of the Minister now about to settle in said Town.  5th. To see what money the Proprietors will vote to be raised on each Right in said Town, to pay all Proprietors Debts that are or may be contracted by said Proprietors.  6th. To choose all Proprietors Officers that may be thought needful, and to transact any thing at said Meeting, that the then convened may think proper.  All concerned are desired to attend at Time and Place aforesaid.
By Order of the Assessors, JOHN GAGE, Proprietors Clerk. DOVER, July 12, 1785.
T O B E L E T, (on reasonable Terms)
A SHOP, situate in Buck-Street; also, to be sold, a Shop, in Congress-Street. For further Particulars enquire of the Printers.
SUBSCRIPTIONS for this Paper, at Four shillings & six pence for six Months (exclusive of postage) are taken in at the Printing-Office in Portsmouth and Exeter, where Essays, Letters of Intelligence, Advertisements, &c. are received, and all kinds of Printing performed expeditiously, and at a reasonable rate.