The New-Hampshire gazette and general advertiser (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1790-10-07 00:00:00

New - Hampshire Gazette, and the General Advertiser.
Containing the Laws, &amp;c. of the United States, as well as those of this State passed since 1787, with a variety of other matters both useful and entertaining.
PORTSMOUTH: Printed by JOHN MELCHER, at his Office in Market-Street, at nine shillings per Annum.
In our last we copied a piece from the Dover paper, said to be The Honorable Judge PICKERING's Charge to the Grand Jury at the opening of the Supreme Judicial Court in that town, but since find it to be a copy taken and handed to the Press without the least knowledge of the Judge, and proves to be very inaccurate:—we are now happy in having it in our power to present our readers with
A correct copy of the Honorable Judge PICKERING's Charge to the Grand Jury at the opening of the Supreme Judicial Court at Dover, the 14th ult.
Gentlemen of the Grand Jury,
IN performing this branch of my duty, I shall endeavour to explain the nature and design of your office—to point out the objects of your attention—and some general rules by which your enquiries ought to be directed.
By the original contract of government, the price of protection by the united force of individuals, is obedience to the united will of the community, or in other words, the end of all rightful government is the good of the governed: Whoever, therefore, wilfully attempts to defeat this end, aims a blow at the root of the tree, the very foundation of the social compact, and merits a punishment adequate to the malignity of his offence.
A power to punish offences against the being or well being of society, must be vested in every government; otherwise the aggregate body would have less power than the individuals of it; in a state of nature—be totally unable to protect themselves, or to guarantee to the virtuous, obedient subject the unmolested enjoyment of his natural and civil rights. In a world like ours, it is necessary to punish the vicious in order to protect the virtuous. This power being common to every government, the principal difference between a free and a despotic one, as to their code of criminal laws, consists in the mode of enquiry, evidence, trial and punishment of offences.
In some countries, the rack, inquisition and torture are the mode of enquiry, the confession of the culprit thus extorted, the evidence, and the accusers both judges and jury. After this solemn farce of a mock trial, a shocking apparatus of death and torment ensues, at the sight of which, all our better feelings would revolt! A celebrated writer in favor of the rights of humanity, treating of the impolicy and cruelty of such conduct, proposes this problem—"the force of the muscles, and sensibility of the nerves of an innocent person being given, it is required to find the degree of pain necessary to make him confess himself guilty of a given offence." It is our felicity to live in a more enlightened country, and under a constitution which says "no man shall be compelled to accuse or furnish evidence against himself;—nor shall he be held to answer for any crime, or offence until the same be fully and plainly, substantially and formally described to him."—The institution of a Grand Jury is the most effectual check to arbitrary power and oppression. The origin of this office lies deeply buried in the obscurity of antiquity, its vestages however, may be traced to the earliest ages of British jurisprudence; and the institution itself is perhaps co-eval with the first dawn of civil liberty. Though its rise be obscure, the necessity and wisdom of the institution are apparent. For what greater security could necessity invent, or wisdom contrive for the subject, than this—that he should not be convicted of any capital offence at the suit
of government, unless by the unanimous voice of twenty-four of his equals and neighbours; that is, in the first place by twelve, at least, of the Grand Jury assenting to the accusation, and afterwards by the whole Petit Jury of twelve more, finding him guilty on his trial. In order to secure this transcendant privilege agreeably to the spirit of our constitution; the Grand Jury ought to be thoroughly persuaded of the truth of a bill before they find it; and not to rest satisfied with remote probabilities—a doctrine which might be applied to very oppressive purposes. This rule is not only warranted by the constitution, but enforced by your oath; the first part of which makes it your indispensable duty, "diligently to enquire, and true presentment make, of all such matters and things as shall be given you in charge."
Now a diligent enquiry must imply a thorough investigation of the truth of the facts alleged, and a true presentment or indictment, that the same is founded on satisfactory evidence, not on remote probabilities or bare suspicion.
Whoever is not a stranger to the motions of his own heart, must have often experienced the powerful influence that prejudice or interest has on the mind in forming a judgment of men or things; therefore, to excite your vigilance to guard the avenues of the heart against these formidable foes to impartiality, your oath further requires, "that you should present no man for envy, hatred or malice; neither should you leave any unrepresented, for love, fear, favour, affection or hope of reward;—but that you should present things truly as they come to your knowledge, according to the best of your understanding."
Secrecy being highly necessary to the proper discharge of your office, your oath enjoins it as a very important part of your duty—without which your enquiries in many cases would prove fruitless. Were you to reveal the state's secrets, or your own, it would afford an opportunity to offenders not apprehended, to fly from the hands of justice, and escape with impunity. In vain is the legal net spread in the sight of any such bird. Secrecy in your proceedings is not only necessary to detect the guilty, but to protect the innocent. If any malicious accusation therefore should be exhibited to you, it ought to remain a perpetual secret in your breasts; for a disclosure might fix an indelible stain on the character of the accused, by which means the innocent must be injured, and the satanic malice of the accuser partly gratified. Your oath is solemn—your task arduous—but your duty plain.
This being a court of supreme criminal, as well as civil jurisdiction, has cognizance of all offences against the constitution and laws of the state; but your enquiries are confined to offences committed within the body of this county—such as treason, petty treason, misprision of treason, murder, manslaughter, arson, rape, offences against nature, burglary, robbery, theft, forgery, perjury, riots, routs, unlawful assemblies and breaches of the peace; the not repairing high ways, the not providing for the support of public schools as the law requires; in short to all crimes misdemeanors and breaches of the peace committed within this county.—The reason given by Solon for not providing a law against parricide, might be assigned for not compelling a free and enlightened people to keep schools, namely, that he thought it impossible any could be guilty of so unnatural a barbarity. One would conceive it e-
qually necessary to make a law requiring a parent to love his children; for the same affection duly regulated, would prompt him to provide for their instruction, this is a duty every parent owes to his offspring—every citizen to his country—and every man to his God. If a child should be bro't up without a common education, it is more than probable he must drudge through life, become the servant of all—the dupe and sport of the crafty and designing. Though knowledge alone, may better the head more than the heart, yet without it the heart cannot be good. An early and good education is the most probable mean to preserve a child from the devious paths of vice, and lead him in those of rectitude—"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
Having glanced at the natural and moral consequences of this cruel neglect, let us for a moment advert to the political. If knowledge and learning generally diffused thro' a community, be essential to the preservation of a free government, then the want of these must inevitably prove its destruction. Where ignorance prevails, tyranny triumphs; for the truth of which, we have the concurrent testimony of ancient and modern history, confirmed by our own observation. Can we then neglect the education of the rising generation, the hope of our land, when their and our all, so greatly depends upon it! Let us rouse from our supineness, and emulate each other in promoting the means, and cherishing the interest of literature! Did America ever need men of learning and knowledge more than at the present juncture? or will the period shortly arrive when she will no longer want such characters to fill the various departments in the national or state governments? Let it never more be said that New-Hampshire, who has distinguished herself for her bravery, will soon lose her weight in the political scale, and with it, her liberty through her inattention to this momentous object—the education of her rising offspring.
Having gained a rank among the nations of the earth, and purchased our liberties at an immense expence of blood and treasure, let us exert our selves to transmit both unimpaired to a well informed posterity, with a rational prospect, that they will bequeath the same, as an inestimable pearl to theirs, and to generations yet unborn. Gentlemen you will now retire, and, I trust, under a serious sense of the importance of your office, and with a fixed resolution faithfully to discharge the duties of it. If in the performance of your duty, any difficulties should occur, the court will endeavour to remove them.
ANSWER.
Strafford, ss. To the Hon. JOHN PICKERING, Esquire, Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature for the state of New-Hampshire.
THE Grand Jury for the body of the county of Strafford, beg leave to congratulate your honor upon your appointment of Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature within this state.
The addition of a gentleman to the bench, whose legal and political abilities—whose justice and impartiality are so universally known and allowed, cannot fail of exciting joy in the breast of every citizen.
The Grand Jury would take this opportunity of returning you their sincere thanks for the learned, and elegant charge you have been pleased to deliver
er them, in which the nature and design of their office is so fully displayed, and the necessary directions for regulating their enquiries so clearly delineated—they wish to assure your honor, and the court, that according to the best of their understanding they shall strictly adhere to the solemn oath they have taken, and discharge the arduous trust reposed in them, with diligence and fidelity.
They would beg leave to assure you, of their warmest wishes for your restoration to health, and their most ardent desires that you may long continue as great an ornament to the bench, as you have heretofore been at the bar.
By order, and in behalf of the Grand Jury. THOMAS SHANNON, Foreman.
REPLY.
Gentlemen of the Grand Jury, YOUR kind felicitations on my appointment to the office of Chief Justice, and benevolent wishes for the restoration of my health, demand my most unfeigned thanks.
I am happy to find my charge approved by so very respectable an inquest—I shall be more so, if it affords you any assistance in the performance of your duty, which was the great object I had in view.
ON SWEARING.
TO say nothing of the impiety of profane swearing, it is a most unmanly and useless vice, and has a most malignant aspect on the interest of civil society. Profaneness is as poor an evidence of wit and sense of courage and of good breeding, as it is of solid goods. The dregs of mankind are as great adepts in this art as the pretended gentlemen. And as to the tendency which profane swearing has to introduce perjury, and otherwise injure the interest of society, it is thus expressed by a lively writer: "If the devil himself was to study and contrive a way for the disarming of mankind of that natural reverence and veneration they have for oaths, and bringing them without much scruple of conscience to swear any thing, at any time, whether true or false, as their own interest might tempt them to it, he could not pitch upon a more effectual one than this, to make oaths familiar to them upon all occasions, and to bring them into customary use in ordinary conversation. That man, who can swear an hundred times a day, when there is no reason for it, I cannot imagine what regard he can have for an oath, when he is called upon to give it, where there is reason."
ANECDOTE.
THE late Lord Chesterfield happened to be at a rout in France, where Voltaire was one of the company. Chesterfield seemed gazing at the brilliant circle of the ladies, when Voltaire accosted him, saying, "Well, my Lord, I know you are a good judge; which are most beautiful, the English or the French ladies?"—"upon my word (replied his Lordship, with his usual presence of mind) I am no connoisseur in paintings." Some time after this, Voltaire being in London, happened to meet at a nobleman's rout, with Lord Chesterfield, where a Lady in company, prodigiously painted, directed her discourse to Voltaire, and entirely engrossed his whole conversation. Chesterfield came up, and tapping him on the shoulder, said, "Sir, take care you are not captivated."—"My Lord, (replied the French wit) I scorn to be taken by an English ship under French COLOURS."

State of New-Hampshire.
In the year of our Lord, 1790.
AN ACT
To empower the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Rockingham, to be holden at Portsmouth on the fourth Tuesday of April, 1790, to take cognizance of, and give judgment in an action wherein WILLIAM JAMES , of Bristol, in the County of Bristol, and Kingdom of Great-Britain, Merchant, was an appellant against George Meserve , of Portsmouth, in the Province of New-Hampshire, Merchant, appellee.
Whereas James Sheafe, Administrator of the estate of said George Meserve, deceased, and George Wentworth, Supply Clap and others, Creditors to said estate, have petitioned the General Court of this State setting forth, that in the year 1768, George Meserve, Esq. now deceased, being then greatly embarrassed in his affairs, conveyed his estate to Daniel Pierce, William Parker and William Torrey in trust, in order that it might be by them equally divided among his Creditors; Two of the said Trustees have since died, and the other, a refugee, is now a resident in England, by which events, the conveyance, if ever valid, is now become inoperative and the design of the said Meserve frustrated.
In the year 1769, William James, of Great-Britain on a demand against Samuel Messatt and Company, recovered Judgment at the Inferior Court by default for upwards of £1500 Sterling, and levied his execution on the estate of the said George Meserve, who was at that time out of the country; immediately on his return he reviewed his action at the Inferior Court, and there reversed the Judgment, and he recovered also at the Superior Court, and at the then Court of appeals, before the Governor and Council, from which Judgment the said James appealed to the King in Council, in Great-Britain, which appeal was never prosecuted to final Judgment; said Meserve being all this time in possession of the said estate, neglected to take out Execution at the Court of appeals and leaving it on the estate of the said James, took from him by his execution, from which omission and from the conveyance in trust, it now remains doubtful whether said estate can be sold as said George Meserve's property—Wherefore they prayed that the said Administrator may be enabled by an act of this Court to make sale of the estate of the said Meserve, agreeably to a licence he has received from the Judge of Probate, & to give a good title of the same to the purchaser, in order that the estate may be settled and the Creditors may be paid their just demands, or relieve said petitioners in such other way as said General Court may think fit, which prayer appearing reasonable,
Therefore—
B E it enacted by the Senate, and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the legal Representatives of the said William James have leave to enter and prosecute said appeal made to the King of Great-Britain in Council, at the Superior Court of Judicature, to be holden at Portsmouth, in and for the county of Rockingham, on the fourth Tuesday of April next, on or before the third day of the Court sitting, and upon failure or neglect, on the part of the legal representatives of the said appellant to enter and prosecute said action, that the administrator of the said George Meserve , be, and hereby is empowered to file a complaint at said Court, and have affirmation of the last former judgment for reversal, with additional damages and costs, and that the said Superior Court be, and hereby is empowered and directed to take cognizance of said action, and give judgment and issue execution thereon in the same way and manner as though said action had regularly come before said Court, upon action of review in the ordinary course of law.
Provided nevertheless, That said Petitioners cause this act to be published in the New-Hampshire Gazette three weeks successively, six months prior to the sitting of said Superior Court in April next.
State of New-Hampshire.
In the House of Representatives, June 12th, 1790.
THE foregoing bill having been read a third time, passed to be enacted.—Sent up for concurrence.
THO'S BARTLETT, Speaker.
In Senate, June 15th, 1790.
THIS bill having been read a third time, voted that the same be enacted.
JOSIAH BARTLETT, President.
A true copy.
Attest, J. PEARSON, Sec'ry.
L O N D O N, Aug. 9.
Gambling Policies were yesterday opened at Lloyd's Coffee-house, offering ten guineas premium to receive one hundred should a war with Spain take place in three months.
The Leopard of 50, and Thames of 32 guns, are ordered to Nootka Sound, and will certainly sail for their destination in a few days.
Orders have been signed at the Admiralty, and sent off to the different ports of Great Britain and Ireland, to withdraw the press-warrants, and for the officers to return home with their accounts to the Board.
Capt. Salisbury of the Brig Margaret arrived on Tuesday from Brest, in fourteen days; was there eighteen days, during which time, four soldiers armed were stationed on board his ship, and two more constantly attended him on shore. When he left Brest Road, there were twelve sail of the line, eight frigates, several sloops, one armed ship, and one store ship, all completely manned and stored; likewise eight sail of the line more fitting out with all expedition, as the people even wrought on Sundays.
Captain Harrison, of the Isabella, from Nantes, arrived at Liverpool, speaks of the perfect unanimity of all ranks of people that were present at the celebration of the Revolution, in the Capuchin Gardens, near Nantes, where upwards of 6000 burgeses and soldiers dined together. Also confirms the fitting out of men of war at the ports of Brest and L'Orient, at which places 30 sail of the line are now ready for sea. During his stay at Nantes, 900 men were drafted from thence, for the purpose of manning them.—War, by the majority of the people, is not at all desired, especially with England, and no character hold they in so great a veneration as that of an Englishman. And, a few days before she sailed, a courier had arrived there from Brest, with an account of the captain of one of the King's frigates sent on a cruise from that port, summoning all his officers, and commanding them to take the national cockades from their hats, which they instantly refused, confined him and brought the vessel back to Brest, where he is now in gaol.
Friday fresh bills for manning the Navy were stuck up in every part of the city, notwithstanding the prevailing idea of general accommodation.
The younger Mr. Drake, of Agincourt, has been a fortunate traveller through the land of Matrimony—His first wife brought him 50,000.—His second was Miss Ives, of Norwich, from whom the children will inherit at least 150,000.—He is now said to be preparing for the third journey, and if the burden be as heavy, there is no doubt that the yoke will be as easy.
August 6.—Intelligent men attribute the present concessions on the part of Spain, in the first place to the spirited preparations which our ministry were carrying on to vindicate the honor and dignity of the nation; and, in the second place, to Spain having been disappointed in the hopes she entertained of being able to procure the assistance of France in virtue of the Family Compact. There is, therefore, reason to hope, that peace may be established, and our right to the navigation and territory in dispute be fully acknowledged; for though it be possible, it is not probable, that France will rashly engage in a quarrel to support Spain in her unjustifiable pretensions.
There is certainly a just ground for considering the Declaration signed by Count Florida Blanca, as ominous of peace, and the Cabinet certainly considered them in this view, or they would not have been published; but the marked reservation touching the question of EXCLUSIVE RIGHT to form a settlement in Nootka Sound, leaves the grand question still undetermined.
Intelligence from Cadiz speaks positively of the Spanish squadron having sailed from that port, on the 8th ult. and consisted of twelve ships of the line besides frigates. Their destination was unknown, but it was generally supposed that they were bound for America.
This morning orders were sent from the War-office, to the different houses of rendezvous, not to impress any more sailors, until they receive further orders.
Intelligence has been received at Portsmouth, from a channel that can admit of no dispute, that there are twenty-five sail of the line, with three Admirals flags, ready for sea at Brest. Ten more are getting ready with all possible dispatch, and a very short time will convince the world that France is determined to take a decided part in the approaching war, that cannot be avoided.
The marching of the Austrians thro' France—the twenty thousand Sardinian troops now hovering on the confines of that kingdom—the fears of the National Assembly, and their inconsiderate conduct in permitting the troops of their Queen's brother to enter their territories—their arming of the Spaniards—the perilous state of the Netherlands—all present such a crisis, as fills the mind with awe, and leaves room for the boldest speculations with respect to its consequences!
We are authorised to say, that preliminaries are settled between Austria and Prussia, including Poland and the Porte; and that accounts of their being signed may be daily expected.
Of these, one condition will undoubtedly be a peace between the King of Hungary and the Grand Signior, and that the former shall not assist Russia directly or indirectly.
Russia, though not included, deprived of the co-operation of Austria, harassed by the incursions of Sweden, her influence in Poland overturned, and all her motions narrowly watched by Prussia, must soon accept of terms more conformable to justice, and the tranquillity of Europe, than to her ambition.
The late advantage gained over Sweden is much less important than at first imagined. In the victory of July 3, two Russian ships, of 100 guns each, were lost or destroyed, five line of battle ships disabled, and the greater part of the fleet so roughly handled as to be in no condition to act without going into port to refit.
Some short time since, a gentleman who lodged in New Bond-street, being confined by illness a considerable time, his servant was daily accosted by a man whose sole business was a constant enquiry after the health of his master;—when the gentleman was recovering, his servant acquainted him of this stranger's civility; curiosity induced him then to try who he was; when lo, he turned out to be an undertaker.—It was then agreed between the master and servant to make him a proper acknowledgment for his politeness. The servant was accordingly instructed to say, 'his master was dying,' and then in a few days, 'that he was dead.' The instructions were obeyed; the Undertaker paid his devoirs to the servant, with a present of two guineas. On being informed he got the job, he was next introduced to take measure of the corpse, to which he was proceeding with a face as hypocritical as Judas Iscariot's , when suddenly the dead alive jumped up, gave him a hearty horsewhipping, and kicked him down stairs.
SPANISH FLEET.
The Mutine cutter, which arrived at Plymouth on Friday last, brings certain intelligence, that after cruising
eleven weeks off Cadiz to observe the motions of the Spanish fleet—
The beginning of last month, their force consisted of thirty-five sail, frigates included, with six flags; besides a squadron of five ships, which is now sailed with a broad pendant, consisting of one ship of 84 guns, two of 74, two of 64, and a frigate.
The course they steered indicated an intention of going to the West-Indies.
A tar in the neighbourhood of Wapping, who has lately opened a Tobacco-nist's shop, has the following notice upon a board in the window:
FULL many a gale I weather'd out Before this port I made; And having worn my canvas out, My anchor here I've laid. No winds for favour I invoke, To spare, or fill my sail; But only beg my friends would smoke, And blow a pleasant gale.
P L Y M O U T H, Aug. 7.
Last evening, arrived the Mary of this port, James Bennet, master, from Oporto, in fifteen days with wine; who says, that the Portuguese in general seem not to have the least inclination to support the Spaniards, in case of a rupture with England; and that, two days before he sailed, the Queen of Portugal signified to the Ambassador from the Court of Madrid, that she was determined to take no part in a war against Great-Britain; but that she would with pleasure be a mediatrix to bring on a reconciliation between the two Courts.
Capt. Bennet says, he saw no Spanish ships of war at sea, and that he passed the port of Corunna without molestation.
M A D R I D, July 12.
In consequence of the news of the departure of the English squadron, our Court immediately sent orders to Cadiz for our's to sail, and it is now at sea. Pressing orders have also been issued for the equipment of ten more ships of the line, and for the embarkation of the regiment of Cantabria, which, according to letters from Cadiz of the 6th inst. has embarked on board two ships of the line, a frigate, and a hulk, which are bound to Porto Rico, with a great quantity of ammunition on board. These preparations shew that the Spaniards, though they have little dependence on France in regard to the Family Compact, are no way inclined to yield in the least point.
E D I N B U R G H.
INTELLIGENCE FROM LONDON.
Wednesday, August 4.
The expectation of a general peace, among mercantile men at least, becomes daily more sanguine.—Stocks rose one per cent. yesterday, and as much today. Yet, if you ask any man, who seems to be the most firmly persuaded, that there will be no war, on what information or appearances he grounds his opinion, he will be hardly able to tell.
The affairs of Europe are indeed so critically situated, the interests and inclinations of the several powers so complicated and involved, that almost every day presents a new appearance of things, or a new fund of political speculation.
The great question of Peace or War can only be answered by conjecture.—The unusual and impenetrable secrecy observed at the public offices must prevent, for the present, any actual information on the subject.
It is the general opinion, however, from a variety of circumstances, that the commencement of hostilities is at no very great distance.
The Stocks keeping up so high may be attributed in some measure to the confidence monied men have in the Minister, rather than to any other cause.
MONDAY, AUGUST 9.
The preparations for war go on precisely as before the arrival of the Spanish Declaration. The first account of it brought many able-bodied seamen from their hiding places, under a persuasion, that all was over, who were carefully

picked up by the press gangs on Friday night and Saturday.
The report of the bounties to seamen being discontinued, originated in a misapprehension of the Proclamation in Saturday's Gazette, importing only, that bounties shall not be paid in Great-Britain to seamen entering in Ireland, the Irish Parliament having voted money for that and other purposes of equipment.
Lord Howe sailed yesterday morning for Torbay, from St. Helen's with the division of the grand fleet lately detained there.
Nothing warlike, however, can be attempted immediately, because, having accepted the Spanish Declaration as satisfactory, we cannot justify hostilities without new ground; and before that can be taken, should the Spaniards be inclined to give it, the fighting season will be over.
Without knowing whether Mr. Pitt means to take the broad ground pointed out by Mr. Fox, or to imitate the temporizing policy of former Ministers, respecting the undefined claims of Spain, it is evident, that we are to have an armed negotiation.
The accounts from the Continent, respecting the complexion of the negotiations at Reuchenbach, are still favorable to peace.
From the following letter it would appear that peace is yet at a distance, as that very morning there had been a hot impress in the river, and many able hands picked up:
Admiralty, Aug. 7, 1790.
"SIR,
"The armament goes on as usual, and indeed this very day several officers have been added to the number already employed to press wherever they can, and protections are still granted, as if no Extra Gazette had appeared."
August 14. —The agreement of Spain to make restitution for the vessels captured at Nootka Sound, was considered at once, as a proof of their inclination for peace, and a kind of acquiescence to our claim of settlement and navigation in those seas. Since the signing, however, of their declaration by the Count Florida Blanca, it appears as if this concession was merely illusory, and made to gain time; it being now assured, that their fleet sailed from Cadiz on the 20th ult. consisting of thirty ships of the line and ten frigates, but where bound to, remains yet a secret. Should Jamaica or Gibraltar be the object, both these places are happily secured against any impression that can be made upon them by any enemy; and as for other British possessions of inferior note, our fleet, which will doubtless follow soon, will be able to provide sufficiently for their safety.
August 17. —From the continuance of the press, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights last, with the daily putting ships into commission, the prospect of a war again opens on the most intelligent politicians.
A letter from Madrid, dated July 19, says, "We learn from Cadiz, that our fleet sailed from thence on the 15th, in all sixty sail."
Seven thousand troops and four months provisions are on board."
E X E T E R, August 18.
Yesterday the whole of the fleet, consisting of 31 sail of the line, besides frigates, sloops, coasters, &c. in all about 50 sail, left Torbay, under the command of Lord Howe, and proceeded down channel. What may be the particular destination of the fleet, it is impossible, with certainty, to ascertain. The most probable conjecture seems to be, that it is at present to make a cruise in the Bay of Biscay, merely for the purpose of exercising the men. Perhaps, however it may have still a higher object—to quicken by its formidable power the stagnating negotiations of the tardy Spaniards; or in case of an inclination on the part of France to fulfil the Family Compact, to prevent a junction of their fleets, and of course their co-operation. Whatever may be secretly its object, its move-
ment at this particular juncture may probably excite awe in most of the cabinets of Europe.
Monday the Zebra sloop of war arrived here; the Captain of which reports, that he passed through a Spanish fleet, consisting of 36 sail of the line, and a number of frigates, &c. off Cape St. Vincent.
T O R B A Y, Aug. 17.
This morning his Lordship threw out the signal for sailing.—Preparations were immediately made by every ship in the fleet.—By ten o'clock, A. M. many of them were unmoored; and at three, P. M. the whole fleet was clear of the Bay.
An officer, from a vessel arrived in the offing, went yesterday on board the Queen Charlotte, with intelligence that they had seen the Spanish Fleet, a few days before, in the Bay of Biscay, and that it consisted of upwards of thirty sail of the line, besides frigates, &c.
Six o'clock, P. M.—The whole fleet have now doubled the Start; the wind has veered considerably to the Northward, and they are now standing down Channel with a fine breeze.
Each Captain has sealed orders, and from their course, when they passed Bury-head, they seemed bound westward. It is believed their destination is to cruise between Brest and Cadiz.
N E W-Y O R K, Sept. 25.
Notwithstanding the reports of an amicable settlement of the differences between England and Spain, the ship George, Capt. Hunter, which arrived here on Tuesday last, from St. Andero, in Spain, and which place he left the 8th of Aug. brings an account of a hot press for men, and of the most active preparations for war at that place.
Notwithstanding the accounts from Spain of the sailing of their fleet on the 20th July—it appears by Capt. Watson's report that the English fleet was laying at Torbay the 17th August; and intelligence by him also states that Mr. Pitt had informed the Lord Mayor of London that all differences between the two powers were compromised.
B O S T O N.
October 5. —At a meeting of the inhabitants of this town yesterday, to give in their votes for a Representative for Suffolk District:—
The Hon. Fisher Ames , Esq. had 1203 Benjamin Austin , jun. Esq. 213 Thomas Dawes , jun. Esq. 128
In Dedham, Mr. AMES, had 62 out of 67—Milton, 32 out of 38—Roxbury, 83 out of 90—Dorchester, 45 out of 48.
In Charlestown, Middlesex District, the votes were for
Hon. Nathaniel Gorham , Esq. 156 Elbridge Gerry , Esq. 40
SPANISH INTELLIGENCE.
Capt. SKINNER, who arrived here on Saturday, last, in 40 days from Cadiz, informs, That the Spanish Fleet, consisting of 26 line of battle ships, sailed the 20th of July—That at the time of his sailing, August 22, there were 10 more ships of the line, besides frigates, at anchor in Cadiz-Bay—and that the most unremitted exertions were making to fit and man others.
Capt. Skinner likewise informs, that two days before he left Cadiz, a ship of the line and three frigates, with troops, failed to reinforce the garrison at Ceuta, the Moors having laid siege to it.
The Brig Revolution, Capt. Coffin, from Amsterdam, which arrived here this day, passed through the British fleet off Sicily. It consisted of 30 sail of the line.
The British ships of war, now in commission in England, are, 4 of 100 guns—8 of 98, 1 of 80, 35 of 74, 6 of 64, 2 of 50, 3 of 38, 5 of 36, 11 of 32, 8 of 28, and one of 20, Total 54 of the line, and 30 frigates.
It is said in the British news papers, that the English fleet has failed merely for the purpose of manœuvring, and practising the new signals which Lord Howe has introduced into the navy.
P O R T S M O U T H, October 7.
On the 4th ult. the dwelling-house of Samuel Griffin, Esq. of Packersfield, was set on fire by means of some hot ashes being put away in a leach tub, and notwithstanding the utmost exertions, the house, with part of the household furniture was consumed.
We hear from Richmond, that Mr. Jonathan Gaskill, late a Representative from that town to the General-Court, put an end to his existence by cutting his throat, in a most shocking manner, from ear to ear.
The new Parliament of Great-Britain, which was to have met 10th August, is prorogued to 12th October.
We are informed that the last purchase of final settlements made by the Treasurer of the United States, was at 12/6 on the pound, N. York currency.
Alexander White and Richard B. Lee, Esq's are re-elected Federal Representatives in Virginia and William B. Giles, Esq. is elected for the district of Peterburgh in that State.
Monday the 18th instant is fixed on by the Managers of New-Castle bridge Lottery for commencing drawing the third Division of the second class of said Lottery.
PRELIMINARIES OF PEACE
Have been signed between the Emperor and the Turks , by the mediation of Prussia. Hostilities are to cease immediately, and Austria is not to assist Russia in future. The Porte pays 10,000,000 dollars to Prussia, and receives unconditionally all the places taken by the Austrians. Prussia is, however, to assist Austria, in reclaiming the Belgic provinces, on condition, that Leopold shall grant them a general amnesty, and restore them their ancient constitution.
RUSSIANS and SWEDES.
Since the battle near Revel, the Russians and Swedes have had two naval actions. In the first the Swedes lost seven sail of the line besides frigates, and about 5000 men. In the second, fortune favoured the Swedes, who destroyed and took five frigates, and twenty gallies, galliots, &c.—made prisoners of the Prince of Nassau's Flag Captain, 110 officers, and 2000 men; and suffered very inconsiderably. This last action, in which the King himself commanded, in person, was fought the 9th of July. The gallies, &c. mounted from 12 to 30 pounders—about 30 each.
The King of Prussia means to attack the Empress of Russia, and force her to put an end to the War with the Turks and Sweden.
There is a strange idea that prevails in the world, that wars are necessary at the return of different periods in the age of a nation; and on this principle there are those who justify a pleasing anticipation of this most capital of all misfortunes: It will however be generally found on examination, that this insensibility to the misery of our species, arises from an unprincipled love of gain—for what are wars in general, but robbery and murder on an extensive plan?—
The two principal inducements to all the wars which have deluged the world in blood, have been avarice and ambition. The first has given rise to predatory excursions, and extending the limits of particular States and Kingdoms: The latter has led to that species of war, which, while it diverted the attention of the people from contemplating their domestic misery, enabled the tyrants of the earth to rivet the chains of slavery—and extend the limits of their despotism: Hence wars, however successful, and however advantageous to individuals, are always a losing business to the people.
Cash given for New-Hampshire State Notes by S. Clapp. Portsmouth Oct. 6.
T O B E L E T,
A convenient Tenement for a small family, being one end of a two Story House pleasantly situated, — Enquire of the Printer.
ENTRIES at the Custom-House of this district.
C L E A R E D FOR Ship Rainbow , Salter, West-Indies. E N T E R E D FROM Brig George , Moore, Plymouth. — Hero , Edwards, Leith. — Patty Wentworth , Miller, Havre. — Mary-Ann , Gerrish, Hispaniola.
P U R S U A N T to a Resolve or Act of Congress of the 10th day of May, 1780, relative to the destruction of Loan-Office Certificates by accident; notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that on the 2d day of January 1780, the house occupied by the subscriber in market-street, Philadelphia, took fire and was consumed, in which was lodged a number of Loan-Office Certificates, all which were destroyed by the said fire, among which the following, viz.
May 21, 1778, No. 209 to Joshua Wentworth, issued from the Loan-Office for the State of New-Hampshire for 300 Dollars.
If any person hath any objection why the said Certificate should not be renewed, agreeably to the Resolves of Congress, they must make them before the expiration of three months from the date hereof. JOHN HOLKER. Philadelphia, October 2, 1790.
State of New-Hampshire.
N O T I C E is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in Loudon, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1789, that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber, on or before the 28th day of October, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the house of the subscriber, in said town, at 10 o'clock, A. M. on said day.
Old hundred acres.
   State. ind.co'y   No. s. d. s. d. d.     S. Smith, 95 acres, 99 1 2 1 8 3   Jona. Woodman, 135 0 11 1 3 2   New Hundred acres.   E. Tibbetts, 80 acr. 96 0 8 1 0 2   Samuel Hill, 100 3/4 0 4 0 5 1   John Hayes, 119 2 8 3 9 5   Joseph Tibbetts, jr. 133 1 1 1 6 2   Joseph Chesley, 162 1 2 1 8 3   Joseph Perkins, 179 0 9 1 1 2   Daniel Davis, 183 0 11 1 3 2   Arch. M'Fedris, jr. 191 1 1 1 6 3    JONATHAN SMITH, Constable. Loudon, Sept. 26, 1790.
State of New-Hampshire.
N O T I C E is hereby given to the non-resident proprietors and owners of land in the town of Loudon, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1790, that unless they pay said taxes to me the subscriber, on or before the 21st day of October, so much of their land as will pay the same, together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the house of the subscriber, in said town, at 10 o'clock, A. M. on said day.
First Division of 100 acre lots:
   S. tax. C. tax   No. s. d. d.     Joseph Mason, 74 0 5 2   Joseph Hussey, 75 0 5 2   William Jenkins, 79 0 7 3   Sam'l Smith, 95 acres, 99 0 7 3   William Glines, 128 0 7 3   Thomas Willey, 134 0 6 2   Jonathan Woodman, 135 0 6 2   Abraham Matthews, 136 0 7 3  
Second Division of 100 acre lots.
   John Hayes, 119 1 9 6   Elias Critchett, 129 0 11 4   Ichabod Chesley, 130 0 7 3   Joseph Davis, jun. 131 0 7 3   Joseph Tibbetts, 133 0 7 3   Paul Wentworth, 3rd 156 0 4 3   Joseph Chesley, 162 0 7 3   Ebenezer Stevens, 166 0 5 3   Joseph Eastes, 167 0 7 5   Abraham Matthews, 169 1 0 2   Joseph Perkins, 179 0 4 2   Daniel Davis, 183 0 5 2   Archib. M'Fedris, 191 0 7 3   Lt. Edmund Leavitt, 201 0 6 2  
JOSEPH SMITH, Constable. Loudon, Sept. 24, 1790.

CHICHESTER. — State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the proprietors or owners of the lots of land in the several divisions in said township, that the amount of the sum set down against each lot in each of the divisions hereafter mentioned, being a tax of eight shillings, L. M. on each lot in the first, second and third divisions, and four shillings and six pence on each lot in the fourth division of lots in said township, being a tax agreed upon, granted and voted by the proprietors and other legal voters at their meeting holden at Hampton by adjournment, January 25th, 1786, and ratified and confirmed at a meeting holden by adjournment, November 14th, 1787, in order to pay the money borrowed to carry on the lawsuit against Barnstead and other debts of the proprietors, the same being committed to the subscriber with a warrant to collect the same, therefore unless the same is paid to me the subscriber, so much of each proprietors right or share will be sold at public vendue at the dwelling house of John Cram, Esq. in Pittsfield, on the 2d day of November next, at ten o'clock, A. M. as will pay the same with incidental charges unless prevented by previous payment.
Orig'l proprietors. [Lots in 1st division.
   No. R. s. James Leavitt N. R. s.     Samuel Marston 4 1 8 12 7 8   Owner unknown 2 1 8 Col. Shadrick Walton 16 7   Theodore Atkinson 26 1 8 John Wentworth 18 7   Jonathan Philbrick 28 1 8 Owner unknown 22 7   John Frost 30 1 8 Ditto 24 7   William Peperill 34 1 8 Moses Blake 26 7   Capt. J. Gilman 1 2 8 Benjamin Cram 28 7   Stephen Sanborn 3 2 8 Christopher Page 3 8   Joseph Taylor 5 2 8 Peter Gilman 5 8   Jotham Odiorne 7 2 8 Archibald M c Fedris 7 8   John Prescott 9 2 8 Cyprian Jaffrey 9 8   Thomas Pierce 11 2 8 John Webster 11 8   Minister Whipple 13 2 8 Benjamin Gamblin 13 8   Jonathan Cushing 17 2 8 John Gilman, Esq. 15 8   Ebenezer Stevens 19 2 8 John Downing 17 8   William Staniford 25 2 8 Nicholas Gilman 21 8   Owner unknown 27 2 8 George Frost 23 8   Winthrop Hilton 29 2 8 Nathaniel Weare 27 8   Jonathan Garland 33 2 8 Lots in 2d division.   Peter Weare 1 3 8 Owner unknown 2 1   Hezekiah Jenners 2 3 8 Nathaniel Gookin 3 1   Richard Waldron 3 3 8 Capt. John Gilman 5 1   Owner unknown 4 3 8 Charles Stuart 6 1   Joseph Dearborn 6 3 8 Jonathan Cushing 8 1   Owner unknown 9 3 8 Joseph Redman 10 1   George Jaffrey 10 3 8 Ebenezer Stevens 11 1   Owner unknown 11 3 8 Winthrop Hilton 12 1   Ditto 13 3 8 Ebenezer Weare 14 1   John Redman 14 3 8 Nathan Longfellow 15 1   Ditto 15 3 8 Abraham Drake 19 1   Joseph Frost 16 3 8 John Sherburne 20 1   Benjamin Thomas 1 4 8 Jabez Smith 21 2   Ephraim Dennett 3 4 8 Christopher Page 22 2   James Davis 4 4 8 Jarvis Ring 28 2   Thomas Cram 6 4 8 Shubael Sandborn 32 2   Joseph Taylor 8 4 8 Jethro Tilton 33 2   John Redman 11 4 8 George Jaffrey 34 2   Nathaniel Lock 12 4 8 John Prescott 35 2   Hunking Wentworth 13 4 8 Theodore Atkinson 36 2   Jarvis Ring 14 4 8 Nathaniel Lock 39 2   Benjamin Sandborn 15 4 8 William Staniford 44 3   Charles Stuart 16 4 8 William Odiorne 46 3   John Dearborn, jr. 17 4 8 Hunking Wentworth 52 3   George Jaffrey 2 5 8 Nathaniel Drake 55 3   Charles Treadwell 4 5 8 Josiah Moulton 69 4   6 5 8 John Frost 70 4   Jethro Tilton 8 5 8 Samuel Thing 73 4   John Plaisted 10 5 8 Charles Treadwell 88 4   Nathaniel Healey 12 5 8 Cyprian Jaffrey 88 4   14 5 8 Nathaniel Weare 90 5   18 5 8 Ephraim Dennett 92 5   Nathaniel Drake 24 5 8 John Downing 93 5   Peter Weare, jr. 26 5 8 Benjamin Gamblin 98 5   28 5 8 Capt. Currier 99 5   Richard Wibird 3 6 8 Benjamin Sanborn 101 5   Capt. Paul Gerrish 9 6 8 John Gerrish 108 5   John Sherburne 11 6 8 Bradstreet Wiggin 111 5   Joshua Wingate 13 6 8 112 5   Ebenezer Weare 15 6 8 John Batchelder 113 6   Jabez Smith 17 6 8 Benjamin Thomas 116 6   Benjamin Lampery 19 6 8 Jonathan Philbrick 117 6   John Batchelder 21 6 8 Col. Tho's Westbrook 123 6   Nathaniel Gookin 23 6 8 Samuel Palmer 124 6   Benjamin Perkins 2 7 8 Benjamin Perkins 125 6   John Tuck 4 7 8 John Cushing 126 6   Josiah Moulton 6 7 8 Minister Whipple 127 6   Andrew Wiggin 8 7 8 Benjamin Thomas 128 6   John Jenners 10 7 8 John Batchelder 131 7   John Robinson 132 7  
   N. R. s. Thomas Webster N. R. s.     133 7 8   Bradstreet Wiggin 134 7 8   William Odiorne 135 7 8   John Sweet 136 7 8   George Jaffrey 137 7 8   The above lots are below the River, and the following list is the lots lying above the River.   Third division.   Richard Wibird 1 1 8   Owner unknown 2 1 8   Shadrick Walton 3 1 8   John Cram 6 1 8   A. M c Fedris 14 1 8   William Wentworth 15 1 8   Benjamin Cram 17 2 8   Edward West 18 2 8   Jabez Smith 19 2 8   Owner unknown 20 2 8   Ditto 21 2 8   Hezekiah Jenners 24 2 2   William Staniford 25 2 8   John Sweet 26 2 8   John Downing 27 2 8   Winthrop Hilton 28 2 8   Jethro Tilton 29 2 8   William Peperill 30 2 8   Peter Weare 31 2 2   James Leavitt 34 3 8   John Sherburne 35 3 8   John Tuck 36 3 8   Jonathan Eaton 37 3 8   Richard Waldron, jr. 38 3 8   William Fellows 39 3 8   Joseph Dearborn 40 3 8   John Jenners 42 3 4   George Jaffrey, jr. 43 3 8   Thomas Pierce 44 3 8   Pain Wingate 48 4 8   James Jaffrey, jr. 49 4 8   James Jaffrey 50 4 8   James Davis 51 4 8   Nathan Longfellow 52 4 8   Hunking Wentworth 53 4 8   Jotham Odiorne 54 4 8   George Frost 55 4 8   John Redman 63 5 8   John Wentworth 64 5 8   John Gilman, Esq. 67 5 8   Jacob Fruse 68 5 8   Nathaniel Gookin 69 5 8   Benjamin Gamblin 70 5 8   Daniel Weare 71 5 8   Ebenezer Weare 73 5 8   Benjamin Lampery 74 5 8   Benning Wentworth 77 5 4   Samuel Gilman 79 6 4   Jarvis Ring 81 6 8   Jeremiah Sanborn 82 6 8   Samuel Tibbetts 84 6 8   John Frost, Esq. 85 6 8   Joshua Wingate 86 6 8   Theodore Atkinson 87 6 8   John Dearborn 88 6 8   John Webster 89 6 8   Thomas Cram 90 6 8   Samuel Thing 91 6 8   Capt. Currier 92 6 8   Cyprian Jaffrey 93 6 8  
   List of three lots drawn in stead of lots in third division: The names of the original proprietors are as follow—   No. R. s.     Christopher Page 17 0   Jonathan Garland 18 0   John Prescott 19 0   Lots in 4th division   No. R. s.d.   Zebulon Hilliard 59 9 4 6   Zebulon Hilliard 60 9 4 6   Owner unknown 61 9 4 6   Ditto 62 9 4 6   Ditto 63 9 4 6   Ditto 65 9 4 6   Zebulon Hilliard 58 10 4 6   Zebulon Hilliard 59 10 4 6   Owner unknown 61 10 4 6   Ditto 62 10 4 6   Ditto 63 10 4 6   Ditto 64 10 4 6   Ditto 65 10 4 6   Ditto 66 10 4 6   Ditto 68 11 4 6   Ditto 69 11 4 6   Ditto 70 11 4 6   Ditto 71 11 4 6   Ditto 72 11 4 6   Ditto 74 11 4 6   Ditto 77 12 4 6   Ditto 78 12 4 6   Ditto 79 12 4 6   Ditto 80 12 4 6   Owner unknown 81 12 4 6  
These lots lie on the southwesterly side of the 1st division.
   No. R. s.d.     Owner unknown 3 1 4 6   Ditto 7 1 4 6   Ditto 8 1 4 6   Ditto 9 1 4 6   Ditto 10 1 4 6   Ditto 12 1 4 6   Ditto 13 1 4 6   Ditto 14 1 4 6   Ditto 16 1 4 6   Ditto 17 1 4 6   Ditto 18 1 4 6   Ditto 19 1 4 6   Ditto 20 1 4 6   Ditto 21 1 4 6   Ditto 22 1 4 6   Ditto 23 1 4 6   Ditto 24 1 4 6  
The two following lots lie on the westerly side of Morrill's
   No. R. s.d.     Owner unknown 23 3 4 6   Ditto 24 3 4 6  
Two lots lying one above and the other below the Great-Suncook River.
   No. R. s.d.     James Garland 0 0 4 6   Hook 82 0 4 6   139 0 7 8  
P. Morrill's land equal to five lots in the 1st division
Governor Shute's 500 acres of land equal to ten lots
THOMAS JOHNSON, Collector.
Chichester, August 30, 1790.
DEERFIELD. — State of New-Hampshire.
NOTICE is hereby given to the non-resident owners of land in Deerfield, who have not paid their taxes for the year 1789, that unless they pay said taxes the subscriber, on or before the 28th day of October, so much of their land as will pay the same together with incidental charges, will be sold at public vendue, at the house of Benjamin Butler, innholder in said town, at ten o'clock, A. M. on said day.
 No.
R.
Q'ty.
s. d.
State & County
Non im land.
imp. Specie</