The New Hampshire gazette (Portsmouth [N.H.]), 1797-03-18 00:00:00

THE New Hampshire Gazette.
HERE TRUTH IS WELCOME—CANDOUR GUIDES THE WAY.
PORTSMOUTH: (NEW-HAMPSHIRE)—PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY MORNING BY JOHN MELCHER, PRINTER TO THE STATE, AT HIS OFFICE CORNER OF MARKET STREET, WHERE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THIS PAPER, ADVERTISEMENTS, AND ARTICLES OF INTELLIGENCE ARE THANKFULLY RECEIVED.
Vol. XLI.—Numb. 2103.]
SATURDAY, March 18, 1797.
[9s. pr. Annum.]
From the American Daily Advertiser.
DIRECTIONS
For preventing Calamities by
FIRE.
Recommended to all HOUSE-KEEPERS, to be pasted up in their Kitchens, or other parts of their Houses.
1. KEEP your Chimnies and Stove pipes clean by sweeping them at least once every month.
2. Never remove hot ashes in a wooden bucket, or a wooden vessel of any kind, and look well to the ash hole.
3. After sweeping a hearth, see that the hearth brush does not retain any particles of fire, before you hang it up in its usual place.
4. Oblige all your servants to go to bed before you, every night, and inspect all your fire places, before you retire to rest.—For fear of accident, let a bucket of water be left in your kitchen every night. The writer of these directions once saved his house from being consumed by fire, by this precaution.
5. Do not permit a servant to carry a candle to his bed room, if he sleeps in an unplastered garret.
6. Cover up your fire carefully every night in ashes. Let the unburnt parts of the billets, or chunks of wood be placed next to the hearth, by which means no sparks will be emitted from the wood. Pour a little water upon the burning ends of the wood which are not completely covered by the ashes. Place before the fire a fender made of sheet iron. This contrivance was well known in England many years ago, by the name of a coverside. It has lately received from a top being added to it, the name of a hood.
7. Remove papers and linen from near the fire when you leave it, to a remote part of the room.
8. Shut the doors of all the rooms in which you leave fire at night. By thus excluding the supply of fresh air, you will prevent a flame being kindled, should a coal or spark fall upon the floor, or upon any other combustible matter in the room. The smoke that would issue from this smothered fire will find its way into every part of the house, and by awaking the family, may save it from destruction.
9. If sickness, or any other cause should oblige you to leave a candle burning all night, place it in such a situation as to be out of the reach of rats. A house was once destroyed by a rat running away with a lighted candle for the sake of the tallow, and conveying it into a hole filled with rags, and other inflammable matters.
10. Never read in bed by candle light, especially if your bed be surrounded by curtains.
11. Strictly forbid the use of segars in your family at all times, but more especially after night. May not the greater frequency of fires in the United States than in former years, be ascribed in part to the more general use of segars by careless servants and children? There is good reason to believe a house was lately set on fire in Northumberland county, by a half consumed segar, which a negro woman suddenly threw away, to prevent her being detected by her master in the unhealthy and offensive practice of smoking.
In case of fire, attend to the following directions, to prevent, or restrain its terrible consequences.
1. Do not open the room or closet door where you suspect the fire to be, until you have secured your family, and your most valuable effects, nor until you have collected a quantity of water to throw upon the fire, the moment a fresh supply of air excites it into a flame. Where water cannot conveniently be had, try to smother the fire by throwing two or three blankets over it. A British sea Captain once saved a king's ship by throwing himself with a spread blanket in his arms, upon a fire which had broken out near the powder room. He was pensioned for life, for this wise and meritorious act.
2. In case it be impossible to escape by a stair case from a house on fire, shut the door of your bed-chamber, & wait until help can be brought
to secure your escape from a window.
3. If safety does not appear probable in this way, wrap yourselves up in a blanket, hold your breath, and rush thro' the flames. If water be at hand, first wet the blanket.
4. To prevent fire descending from the roof, or ascending from the first story, form by means of blankets, a kind of dam on each of the intermediate stories, near the staircase, that shall confine the water that is thrown upon the roof, or into the windows. It will effectually check the progress of the fire downwards or upwards in brick and stone houses.
5. To prevent fire spreading to adjoining houses, cover them with wet blankets.
6. To extinguish fire in a chimney, shut the door and windows of the room. Throw a quart, or more of common salt into the fire. Hold, or nail a wet blanket before the fire place. If these means fail, throw a wet blanket down the chimney from the roof of the house.
There is a method used in some countries of glazing chimnies when they are built by burning common salt in them, which renders them so smooth, that no foot can adhere to them. Chimnies so constructed can never take fire.
Ladders are commonly used as the means of conveying persons from the windows of houses on fire. Would not a long and stiff pole, with a rope fixed at its upper end, be more portable, and convenient for this purpose?
The famous Mr. John Westly when a child, was taken out of a window in his father's house whilst it was in flames, by one man standing upon the shoulders of another. This practice may be used to rescue persons from the first story of a house on fire, where other means cannot be had with sufficient convenience or expedition.
A WATCHMAN.
To the foregoing useful hints let us add one or two more.
If your bed is supported by a cord, disengage one end and throw it out of the window, while the other end remains fast to the bed post, and slide down upon the cord.
If no sufficient cord is at hand, tie two corners of the sheets on your bed fasten one end to a bedpost, which may be hauled to the window, or to a large chair, or any other object at hand, and slide down by the sheets. This may break the force of the fall and even make it easy. Indeed where is the harm in keeping a rope of sufficient length and strength nailed fast to the inside of the window case in every bed room in upper stories, handsomely rolled up? It would not offend the eye, and the lives of the family may hang continually on such a cord.
If driven to the necessity of leaping from an upper story, first throw down the bed and all the clothes at hand, and leap upon them. This precaution may save life and limbs.
On Aereal Castle-Building.
He dreams of riches, grandeur, and a crown: He wakes and finds himself a simple clown.
ROWE.
ALNASCHAR was a very idle fellow, that never would set his hand to any business during his father's life. When his father died, he left him to the value of an hundred drachmas in Persian money. Alnaschar, in order to make the best of it, laid it out in glasses, bottles, and the finest earthen ware. These he piled up in a large open basket, and having made choice of a very little shop, placed the basket at his feet, and leaned his back against the wall, in expectation of customers. As he sat in this posture, with his eyes upon the basket, he fell into a most amusing train of thought, and was overheard by one of the neighbours, as he talked to himself, in the following manner: "This basket," says he, "cost me at the wholesale merchant's an hundred drachmas, which is all I have in the world. I shall quickly make two hundred of it, by selling it in retail. These two hundred drachmas will in a very little time rise to four hundred, which of course will amount in time to four thousand. Four thousand drachmas cannot fail of making eight thousand. As soon as by this means I am master of ten thousand, I will lay aside my trade as a glassman, and turn jeweller. I
shall then deal in diamonds, pearls, and all sorts of rich stones. When I have got together as much wealth as I can well desire, I will make a purchase of the finest house I can find, with lands, slaves, eunuchs, and horses. I shall then begin to enjoy myself, and make a noise in the world. I will not, however, stop there, but continue my traffic till I have got together an hundred thousand drachmas. When I have thus made myself master of an hundred thousand drachmas, I shall naturally set myself on the footing of a prince, and will demand the grand Vizir's daughter in marriage, after having represented to that minister the information which I have received of the beauty, wit, discretion, and other high qualities which his daughter possesses. I will let him know, at the same time, that it is my intention to make him a present of a thousand pieces of gold on our marriage night. As soon as I have married the grand Vizir's daughter, I will buy her ten black eunuchs, the youngest and the best that can be got for money. I must afterwards make my father-in-law a visit with a great train and equipage. And when I am placed at his right hand, which he will do in course, if it be only to honour his daughter, I will give him the thousand pieces of gold which I promised him; and afterwards, to his great surprise, I will present him with another purse of the same value, with some short speech; as, Sir, you see I am a man of my word: I always give more than I promise."
"When I have brought the princess to my house, I shall take particular care to breed in her a due respect for me, before I give the reins to love and dalliance. To this end I shall confine her to her own apartment, make her a short visit, and talk but little to her. Her women will represent to me, that she is inconsolable by reason of my unkindness, and beg me with tears to care for her, and let her sit down by me; but I will still remain inexorable, and will turn my back upon her all the first night. Her mother will then come and bring her daughter to me, as I am seated on my sofa. The daughter, with tears in her eyes, will fling herself at my feet and beg of me to receive her into my favour. Then will I, to imprint in her a thorough veneration for my person, draw up my leg, and spurn her from me with my foot in such a manner, that she shall fall down several paces from the sofa."
Alnaschar was entirely swallowed up in this chimerical vision, and could not forbear acting with his foot what he had in his thoughts: So that unluckily striking his basket of brittle ware, which was the foundation of all his grandeur, he kicked his glasses to a great distance from him into the street, and broke them into ten thousand pieces.
This is a humorous ridicule upon the foolish vanity of building castles in the air, and idly wasting that time in empty flattering schemes, which might have been usefully employed in attending our proper business.
PROPOSALS.
By William Cobbett, Book-Seller, of Philadelphia,
FOR PUBLISHING
A NEWSPAPER,
TO BE ENTITLED,
Porcupine's Gazette
AND
DAILY ADVERTISER.
METHINKS I hear the reader exclaim: "What! have we not Gazettes enough already?" Yes, and far too many: but those that we have, are, in general, conducted in such a manner that their great number, instead of rendering mine unnecessary, is the only cause that calls for its establishment.
The gazettes in this country have done it more real injury than all its open enemies ever did or can do. They mislead the people at home and misrepresent them abroad. It was these vehicles of sedition and discord that encouraged the colonies in the West to rebel; it was they that gave rise to the depredations of Britain, by exciting the people to such acts of violence against that nation, as left her no room to doubt that we were determined on war; and it was they, when an accommodation had been happily effected, that stirred up an opposition to it such as has seldom been witnessed, and which was overcome by mere chance. These gazettes it was, that, by misrepresenting the dispositions of the people, encouraged the French to proceed from one degree of insolence to another, till at last their minister braves the President in his chair, and a bul-
lying commander comes and tells us that his only business is to seize our vessels, in violation of a treaty, by virtue of which alone he claims a right to enter our ports: and it is these gazettes that now have the impudence to defend what their falsehood and malice have produced.
I shall be told, that the people are to blame; that they are not obliged to read these abominable publications. But they do read them; and thousands who read them, read nothing else. To suppress them is impossible; they will vomit forth their poison; it is a privilege of their natures, that no law can abridge; and therefore the only mode left, is, to counteract its effects.
This must be done, too, in their own way. Books or periodical publications in the form of books, may be of some service, but are by no means a match for their flying folios. A falsehood that remains uncontradicted for a month, begins to be looked upon as a truth, and when the detection at last makes its appearance, it is often as useless as that of the doctor who finds his patient expired.
The only method of opposition, then, is to meet them on their own ground; to set foot to foot; to dispute every inch and every hair's breadth; fight them at their own weapons, and return them two blows for one.
A gazette of this stamp is what I have long wished to see, but I have wished and expected it in vain. Indignation at the supineness of others has at last got the better of all diffidence in my own capacity, and has determined me to encounter the task.
CONDITIONS.
I. PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE shall be of the usual size, and the subscription Eight Dollars a year, to be paid at the expiration of each half year.
II. Advertisements will be inserted at half the usual price, which will always be required in ready money.
III. The Censor, containing those pieces from the gazette that may appear worth preserving in a more portable form, with such amplifications and amendments as time may give rise to, shall be published monthly, and each subscriber shall be entitled to a copy, delivered with his paper at the end of the month.
IV. If a sufficient number of subscribers be obtained, the first number of the gazette shall appear on, or before, the 5th of March next.
N. B. A subscription-book is now open at my shop, opposite Christ Church, whither gentlemen in the country, who wish to subscribe, are requested to send their names.
Subscriptions are taken at Boston, by Mr. James White, book-seller; at Salem, by Mr. Debey, post-master; at New Haven, by Mr. Beers, book-seller; at Newbury Port, by Mr. E. Blunt, book-seller, at New York, by Mr. S. Champbell, book-seller; at Baltimore, by Mr. G. Hill, book-seller; at Chester Town (Maryland) by Mr. James Arthur, post-master; at Easton, do. by Mr. Greenbury Neale; at Frederick Town, do. by Messrs. Isaac and John Mentz; at Richmond, Virginia, by Messrs. Pritchard and Davidson; at Norfolk, by Messrs. Rainbow and Hannah; at Charleston, by Mr. Young, book-seller, and Jeremiah Libbey, Esquire, post-master, Portsmouth, N. H.
FITZWILLIAM.
NOTICE is hereby given to all the proprietors and owners of land in the township of Fitzwilliam, that there is a tax of one dollar, nine cents and nine mills assessed upon each lot of land in said township, subject to taxes and committed to me the subscriber to collect; I hereby call upon all the said proprietors and owners of land to settle said tax with me by the 25th day of May next, or their lands will be posted for sale as the law directs.
SAMUEL PATRICK, Collector. Fitzwilliam, March 7, 1797.
THOSE persons who have been so obliging as to take charge of subscription papers for printing the Laws of the State of New-Hampshire, will very much oblige the Printer by returning them to his Office in Portsmouth as soon as possible. The books will be ready for delivery in a few weeks.
March 11.
Samuel Hill
HAS FOR SALE, ABOUT six hundred
quintals very good Jamaica Fish; seventeen barrels Salmon, in good order; one ton Butter, and a quantity of Peas and Beans.
Portsmouth, March 7, 1797.
REMOVED.
Oliver Briard.
RESPECTFULLY informs the public that he has removed to the store lately occupied by Mr. Samuel Larkin, next door South to Messrs. Dean & Blake in Market-Street, where he has for sale
An assortment of GOODS which will be sold at the lowest cash prices.
Portsmouth, Feb. 4, 1797. [6w.]
BOARDERS.
THREE or four boarders may be very conveniently accommodated in a small family in the centre of the town, on reasonable terms; for further particulars apply to the Printer hereof.
TICKETS.
WHOLE and quarter Tickets in the 3d Class of Dartmouth College Lottery, for sale at J. MELCHER'S Printing-Office and Book Store, Market Street, Portsmouth, where the prizes drawn to the tickets sold there will be paid on sight.
Thomas Sparhawk
Informs the public that he has opened a Store in Daniel-Street, at the Corner of Ark-Lane, where he has
FOR SALE, A general assortment of West-India GOODS and Groceries.
Portsmouth, March 10, 1797.
FOR SALE, BY John Noble & Co.
At their Store at the North End,
TWENTY Hhds.
Molasses. Three Hhds. Rum. A Bell weight about 200. Portsmouth, March 2, 1797.
REMOVED.
William Leverett
INFORMS his friends and customers that he has taken the corner brick-store on Spring-Hill, formerly occupied by Mr. Wm. Greenough—where he shall be happy to supply his friends and customers as usual, with WEST-INDIA
Goods & Groceries
of every kind, which he keeps constantly for sale upon as low terms as can be purchased. The articles warranted good.
Portsmouth, March 1, 1797.
ALL persons are hereby cautioned against trading or dealing with GEORGE LANG of Greenland, yeoman, he being legally adjudged to be incapable of taking care of himself and his estate, and under Guardianship.
EBENEZER JOHNSON, Jr. his Guardian. Greenland, March 1, 1797.

CONGRESS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MONDAY, Feb. 27.
THE Bill authorizing the receiving of Evidences of Public Debt, as pay for U. S. Lands; and the Bill for suspending the Act, laying a duty on snuff and refined sugar, were passed. Also, the Spoliation-Claim Bill; An amendment intended to interdict the aid of government, when appeals were made, in cases where condemnation was consequence of contraband articles found on board, was negatived. A lengthy report, on the depredations by French cruisers, &c. which our commerce had experienced, together with the measures for obtaining redress which had been adopted, was received from the Secretary of State and ordered to be printed. A favorable report on the petition of the Marshal for Maine District. A report, placing certain persons on the pension list; A bill for extending the time for receiving on loan the domestic debt of the U. States; and a Report for additional relief to American Seamen, were all referred to committee of the whole.
TUESDAY, Feb. 28.
A Committee of conference on a disagreement between the Senate and House, on the subject of balances due from individual States, reported, that they could not accommodate that difference and recommended adherence to their respective determinations. A report for paying to GEO. SMITH and J. ROBERTSON, the monies they had advanced for their redemption from Algerine slavery—was referred to a select committee. The report stated, the average expense of the ransom of each man, at 236 dollars. A message was received from the President, returning the military establishment-bill, with objections, principally to the striking out of the dragoons, he thought them necessary. Referred to committee of the whole. Decision on the bill amendment to the act authorizing the building of the frigates, was postponed to the next Congress. The bill laying certain additional duties, was received from the Senate with amendments, which were agreed to; they added white to cotton goods, Velvets and Velverettes, of every kind, and on Muslins and Muslins two and an half per centum. And also, that to per cent. should be paid on these articles when imported in U. S. Vessels. The duties commence after Dec. next. The Post Office bill, was amended, and passed; One of the amendments was that George Washington should have the privilege of franking letters during life.
WEDNESDAY, March 1.
A report in favor of certain refugees from Newfoundland, who, at the time the French attacked that place, had fled from thence in haste, were extremely poor, and whose small vessels had been seized for the tonnage duties, was accepted. On considering the President's Message received yesterday, the act regulating the Military Establishment, was lost—and a new one, conformable to the President's suggestions, was brought in. An act in addition to the bill for the relief and protection of American seamen passed: The additional act is merely a justification of certain proceedings and arrangements of the President, under the original act. The House voted to adhere to their motion of disagreement with the Senate on the act relative to State balances.
HARTFORD, March 6.
The following is the substance of a letter from a gentleman in Philadelphia to his friend in Connecticut.
YOU mention that the democratic talk is, that the French have been wronged; that the treaty with Britain infringes the treaty with France &c. You pretty well know my sentiments upon this subject. The French have not been wronged. Our government has not been partial to Britain; nor does the treaty with Britain, in the least, infringe upon any stipulation whatever, contained in our treaty with France. The truth is, that ever since the first organization of our present government, there has existed a party in it, who have been aiming at its destruction; various causes have contributed to increase the numbers of this party, until they are now become very numerous, and I might add dangerous too. At the commencement of the European war, it was thought proper, by our executive, for America to assume a neutral position, in respect to all the belligerent powers. This was therefore done, and has been as yet maintained against the most violent opposition. All the disappointed in fortune or politics, the rapacious, discontented, and ambitious have, from time to time, united and co-operated with the ant federal party, in this opposition, and every faculty of the soul has been exerted, and every source of intrigue has been resorted to, in order to give a wrong direction to public opinion, and thereby bring about a change in our administration; effect an abandonment of our neutrality, and fling us into the scale of France; and make a common cause, and participate with her in the war against the combined powers. This violent party spirit was so predominant and active in the days of Genet, that the president was, contrary to his wishes, under the absolute necessity of treating with Great-Britain, in order to preserve our neutrality, and prevent our plunging into an immediate war. As that treaty has, at present, defeated the object of the party, it is rational to expect, that every possible exertion will be made to cause a violation of it. For this purpose, it is, that their efforts are renewed with redoubled force and violence, and nothing, which malice can suggest, will be left untried to effect their purpose. I am possessed of incon-
testible evidence, that the discontents of France are excited and fomented by our own citizens, and that the measures, which they are now pursuing against America, were set on foot by the insinuations and excitements of the same party (all native Americans.) You must know, that there are a great number of Americans in Paris, men of enterprise who, by taking advantage of the fluctuating state of property there, have acquired vast sums, and have become deeply interested in the revolutionary national funds. In proportion to their property, thus situated, is their anxiety for the success and permanency of the French government. This anxiety stimulates in them a desire, that America should embark in her cause, and abandon her neutrality, in respect to other powers; and as it is undoubtedly for the interest of France, to combine all the commercial part of the world against Britain, thereby eventually to destroy her overgrown commercial strength, and reduce her naval force, they have been easily wrought upon, by those parasites, to believe that the same enthusiasm actuates the great mass and body of the people here, as it does there, and that our country, if not checked by the executive, would, at any time, be ready to embark in the glorious cause of regenerating the world, by revolution and king killing. An active party, in America, has constantly co-operated with those sycophants in Paris; while France, on the other hand, has not been wanting on her part, to give every possible aid and support to both those parties, and by her peculiar refinement in intrigue, to carry on the business in America, of diverting the public mind from the true interest of the country, and proselyting it to her own cause. By the combined influence of those parties, was set on foot that system of policy, pursued by Genet, and which rendered it absolutely necessary to treat, or fight with Great-Britain. By the same agency, was all the opposition to the treaty itself excited, and the same agency is now exerted, to effect a violation of it on our part. Some specious pretext must always be made use of to effect public measures. The first was, that the president, and administration, in America, were under British influence, and endeavoring to assimilate our government to that of England. Every democratic newspaper teemed with publications of this kind, and every designing knave, or stupid dupe, proclaimed it. This was to excite jealousy in the people; to rouse their passions, and prepare them to participate in that wild enthusiasm which reigned in France.
Democratic societies were set on foot, to censure public measures, and thereby encircle that jealousy; while hiring printers were continually publishing inflammatory pieces, to excite in the Americans that enthusiasm. When negotiations, which had become absolutely necessary were set on foot, though the measure itself could not be reprobated, yet the president was condemned, as having acted unconstitutionally, in the appointment of the agent, and British influence and British bribery was reiterated from one end of the continent to the other. The treaty you know was condemned, as being the worst of things before it was seen, and Jay was criminated as a traitor before it was known what he had done. The clamor was so great, which was raised by those French partizans, that they mistook their own noise for the public voice, and actually supposed, that the great mass and body of the people would support them in a violation of the treaty after it was fully ratified, in not making the necessary appropriations to carry it into effect. They however at last discovered their error, and being borne down by the torrent of public sentiment, were induced to make the appropriations, through fear of public censure only. Here the French nation would have given over the pursuit; no further noise would have been made about the treaty; French intrigue and French influence would, for a time at least, have ceased, and we should have been left in peace to have observed our neutrality, had it not been for our own citizens. But a man of superior talents from Boston; several Carolinians who had accepted commissions under Genet, together with a swarm of speculators, all deeply interested in the French funds, and being at Paris, renewed the attack. They made themselves conspicuous by every species of censure, upon the President and government of the United States; insinuated that the treaty with Great Britain would throw the United States, a corps perdu, into the arms of Britain; that America would soon be totally lost to France; and that, unless it could be overturned, France must consider America as an infallible ally of Britain against her.
These insinuations, being continually reiterated by Americans, and contradicted by no one, gave an alarm, and wrought upon the French directory. Under a pretext that the treaty was injurious to France, and a violation of our neutrality in respect to her, which before was never thought of, the French government renewed its co-operations with those detestable partizans, who, constantly corresponding with the ant federal and jacobin party in America, were able once more to set all the ant federal and anti-neutral wheels in motion. As the only means, by which they could effect their object, was to divide and separate the people from their government; to alienate their affections from, and excite their prejudice against the president and his administration, their whole artillery was, at once, levelled against that great fortress of American liberty, peace, and happiness. Under the auspices of the French government, Thomas Paine, the great and efficacious pamphlet writer, was employed to attack the private as well as public character of the president, and censure his whole administration; in short, to represent him in the most odious light that was possible to be done by the art of man. The system of terror, by which the French heretofore managed their internal
affairs, was now to be adopted, in respect to her foreign relations. A det was to be recalled, and Mangarett, who was over here with Genet, was to succeed him. A different language, from what we had before experienced, was to be held out to America. French generosity & American ingratitude were to be sounded with a sigh, while French indignation & vengeance justly provoked, was to break upon us with the terrific sound of thunder.—Depredation, with a tenfold vengeance, was to be commenced upon our commerce, and A det was to be informed of all those plans and operations, that he might be ready to shape his political course accordingly, and act upon occasion as necessity, in the course of events, should require. The system of politics thus settled, the order of the French directory, to take all neutral vessels, bound to or from English ports, though kept a secret to all but those partizans in France, was issued to all the officers of the navy.—Paine, then an inmate in the house of Mr. Munroe, the American minister in France began his pamphleteering against the president; but left this conduct should implicate Mr. Munroe; he soon retired to SURRENA, a small village a little distance from Paris, where he has since compleated his work of malignant scandal. All this was done previous to the resignation of the president, and the object was to drive him from the administration; bring in one of their own party; or establish a directory in his stead, that would be ever under their influence. In concert with that policy, as soon as the resignation of the president was announced. A det's note to the secretary of state, notifying the order of the French directory, was published. Soon after his vindication of the conduct of France, and Thomas Paine's pamphlet by way of a letter to the president, were ushered forth. The depredations on our commerce actually commenced, and every ant federalist, jacobin, and French partizan in America, groaned out in the most melancholy strains, Oh! French generosity abused! American ingratitude! partiality for Britain! our dear sister republic wronged! and nothing under heaven could atone for the crime but to make Mr. Jefferson our president. But, thank God, their first step is not gained. America has proved that she is still free, and Adams will be our president. The depredations however continue. Those groans are still to be expected, and every act of violence, on the part of France, will be attributed to the cursed British treaty, which was rendered absolutely necessary by the measures of that party, who are now reprobating it. You may rely upon it, that the French now extend their views to the establishment of a directory instead of a president in America, as thereby it is supposed their influence would become compleat. At any rate, they are determined to drive us into a war with England, or totally destroy our commerce.—And they will have all possible support from the joint influence of those partizans in France and America. We may therefore prepare ourselves to experience every evil, short of an actual war; but that we shall not have. For I think we shall abandon commerce, before we shall go to war with either party. And when France sees that she cannot force us into a war with England, I think she will not urge it on against herself, should the war in Europe however continue, and France be still successful in extending her conquests, no calculations can be made upon the bounds of her ambition. You will soon feel the effects of it, for as our revenue depends on our commerce, and that commerce is now sacrificing to French ambition and party zeal, it has become absolutely necessary to lay a land tax.
I would inform whom I received the information of the facts I have here stated, would it not expose, to the vengeance of an unprincipled party, in a foreign court, a meritorious and faithful servant of the public. Yours, &c."
PHILADELPHIA, March 2.
Accounts of the sailing of the Brest fleet are in circulation; they are founded on the following circumstances. A gentleman arrived here at New-York, left Bourdeaux on the 10th December. It was then understood at Bourdeaux, that the Brest fleet was on the point of setting sail. On the 14th in the night the vessel in which the informant sailed passed through a large fleet and at break of day was pursued for some time by a frigate, which however, gave over the chase, which was leading her at a distance from the convoy. This fleet, it is supposed was that from Brest; it consisted of six sail of the line, six or seven frigates, and sixty or seventy sail of transports, and was steering south. Its destination is probably the CAPE OF GOOD HOPE, which would fall an easy prey to any considerable armament, since the force there has been weakened to strengthen the English in the Indies.
MARCH 3.
With this day the illustrious Washington closes his Political Career.—Every friend to his country will, on the occasion, adopt the energetic language of inspiration and say,
“WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.” (Fennu's Gaz.)
Yesterday arrived in this city from his residence in Virginia, THOMAS JEFFERSON, Vice-President elect of the United States. The company of artillery under the immediate orders of Capt. Shaw, welcomed that tried Patriot with a discharge of 16 rounds from two 12 pounders; a flag was displayed from the park of artillery bearing the device, “JEFFERSON the Friend of the People.”
MARCH 4.
According to the principles laid down in our Federal Constitution, the period of the service of GEORGE WASHINGTON in the office of President of the
United States, terminated with yesterday, and this morning commenced the term of four years for which JOHN ADAMS is elected to the same important and honorable station;—and THOMAS JEFFERSON to that of Vice President.
The House of Representatives in like manner “ceased from their labors,” after an evening sitting, and the executing of a considerable quantity of public business.
One third of the Senate completed their tour of duty yesterday, and the members chosen in their room, enter this day on their functions: the Constitution provides for the first meeting of every Congress, the 1st Monday in December, unless in special cases, in consequence of a new law passed for the purpose, or by the special authority vested in the President, they could not meet before that time; it is however expected, that both Houses will be speedily called together, the state of foreign relations, point out the wisdom and foresight of the purpose.
The ceremonial of induction to the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Offices, will take place this day at 12 o'clock, in the Representatives Chamber, the Senate having been required by the late President to attend for that purpose.
East-India News.
CALCUTTA, Oct. 28.
The Madras Courier, of the 11th inst. arrived yesterday, from which we have extracted the following authentic account of the late naval action, which no doubt will be highly gratifying to our readers:
On the 5th inst. arrived his majesty's ship Victorious, Capt. Clarke, and during the ensuing night, his majesty's ship Arrogant, Capt. Lucas, from the coast of Pedier.
By the above arrivals, we learn, that the squadron of French frigates commanded by rear admiral Seguy, which lately appeared on this coast, has proceeded to the eastward, and near the Straits of Malacca, had fallen in with, and captured the Union Grab, Capt. Lance, and the ship Ann, Capt. Kitson.
Captain Kitson was landed on the coast of Pedier, and the two ships dispatched, under care of an officer, for the Isle of France.
On the 3th ult. his majesty's ships Arrogant and Victorious fell in with the French squadron, between Pulo Rondo and Point Pedier. Seven sail were counted from the mast head, to windward, and at a considerable distance.
On the morning of the 6th, the French squadron was again in sight. The six frigates standing towards our ships and the seventh sail, (seen on the preceding day) standing a different course: She is described as a very large handsome ship, and is imagined to have been the Favorite, Capt. Mears. The Victorious and Arrogant now wore round, and flood towards the enemy, four of whose ships were considerably ahead of the two others. Light airs of wind approaching almost to a calm, prevailed; the frigates, however, affected a junction, and flood after the action began.—An action, which in all probability would have ended in the complete defeat of the enemy, had a sufficient breeze prevailed for the working of the British ships—unfortunately the light winds which had hitherto continued, died away, and a dead calm succeeded. The helm became useless; nor could our guns be brought to bear upon the enemy with the desired effect. The action, however, continued with great spirit on both sides; the frigates hoisting out their boats in the very heat of the fire, and towing their heads round; so that their broadsides were brought to bear; this it is to be observed, could, not have been effected but by light ships, it was altogether impracticable with a ship of 74 guns.
After the continuance of the action for nearly three hours, a light breeze sprang up, and the enemy (whose damage must have been great, and whose loss of men must have been very considerable) bore away under every sail which would draw, or be assisting to their escape from his majesty's ships.
Killed, Wounded. Victorious, 17 56 Arrogant, 7 17
Among the killed, we have to notice an officer—Lieut. Hobbeworth, first lieutenant of the Arrogant.—Capt. Clarke, of the Victorious, is among the wounded, he having received a violent contusion on the thigh in the beginning of the action.
The damage sustained by his majesty's ships is considerable. The lower masts of the Victorious are shot through in many places, and it is imagined beyond all possibility of repair; her topmasts are wounded, her standing and running rigging much cut, and many shot have taken place in her hull. At the conclusion of the action, she had several feet water in her hold. The Arrogant has also suffered much in her mast, rigging, and hull.
Two of the enemy's ships, were so much damaged as to be ungovernable, and were taken in tow, so soon as the French line (which had been closely formed) was broke, by a signal from the admiral's ship. The rudder of one of the frigates, appeared to have been shot away, unhung.
September 23.
Yesterday arrived the American ship Diana, last from the Isle of France; by her we learn, that the subject of the liberation of the slaves on the island is again on the tapis; the point under consideration seems to be, whether the emancipation shall be immediate or gradual.
The General Small, cutter, left the Cape on the 27th August, and arrived at Madras on the 4th inst. bringing intelligence of the arrival at the Cape of Admiral Pringle, on the 1st of July, who left England on the 1st of May; also of the arrival of the fleet of Indianmen.
Letters received in town from the Mauritius, dated the 6th ult. mention a ship
called the Belrefagio having been taken by the French:—She was bound from Lisbon to Bengal, and had a cargo amounting to 500,000 piastres on board, 300,000 of which was in specie.
BOSTON, March 13.
From PHILADELPHIA.
On Saturday the 4th of March, the Senate of the United States being convened by a previous order of the late President of the United States, Mr. Jefferson appeared, and the necessary oath being administered to him, by Mr. Bingham who had been elected President pro tem, after Mr. Adams had retired; he took his place as Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.
At twelve o'clock the Senate went down to the room of the Representatives and having taken their seats. The President elect came in attended by the Judges of the Supreme Judicial Court of the United States, the Secretaries of State, foreign Ministers, &c. and preceded by the Sheriffs and other Peace Officers of the City. He placed himself in the Speakers chair.
The President elect, after being for some minutes seated, arose and made an elegant and learned Address to the Senate, and to the audience, in which he paid a just and respectful attention to his virtuous predecessor who attended there as a private citizen. The oath was then administered to him according to the Constitution, by the Chief Justice of the United States.
The President then retired in the same manner; he was dressed in a plain suit of cloaths, and walked to and from the place of inauguration.
The Senate then appointed Mr. Langdon and Mr. Sedgwick, to wait on the President, and to inform him that the Senate was ready to adjourn, unless he had any communications to make; and having reported that he had none, the Senate adjourned without day.
It is said, that a question for an EMBARGO was taken in the Senate of the United States on Thursday the 3d instant, which was decided in the negative by a majority of one vote.
The Senate of the United States have received a notification from the President, convening them to meet at Philadelphia, the 11th inst.
The Senate of the United States have agreed to and ratified the Treaty between the State of New-York and the Indians of the 7 nations.
PITTSBURGH, Feb. 25.
There is no foundation whatever in the report of Mr. Ellicott and his party, and Capt. Sparks, being killed by the Indians. From what we learn, the report was circulated by a person from Gallipolis or some of the settlements on the Ohio.
We are told of rumors, in the country, of two families being killed on Beaver Creek by the Indians—this can readily be accounted for—some speculating scheme being in view, to fabricate a few falsehoods to answer purposes, is considered as no crime.
On Saturday last, the Legislature of this Commonwealth finished their winter session, and were at their request adjourned, by and with the advice of the Governor and Council, to the Tuesday preceding the last Wednesday in May next. During their session, 61 public and private Acts were passed, and received the signature of the Governor.
A nest of thieves and incendiaries, infest this town. Several robberies have been committed within these few days. On Thursday morning, the house of Capt. Enoch Rust, in Prince-Street, was broken up, and entered by three incendiary robbers, and rifled of some valuable effects. One of the villains entered a room where a ton of Capt. Rust lodged, demanded what his money was and threatened him with death if he refused the information. The young man leaped from his bed, seized the ruffian, and in the scuffle with him, so overpowered him, that with the assistance of his father he was secured, and is now in gaol. The other villains made their escape, carrying with them several articles which have since been recovered. From several circumstances it is supposed the robbers intended setting fire to the house after they had pillaged it.—The wretch apprehended goes by the name of Stewart—and had been but a few days released from prison. A second one has undergone an examination, and is also committed. A clue is discovered for detection of the whole.
On Tuesday evening, the house of Mr. Solomon Homes was entered, and robbed of a trunk containing about nine hundred dollars, and several valuable papers. The trunk was found the next day with all the papers. The money was gone.
TO BE SOLD, AT AUCTION, At the New-Hampshire Hotel, On WEDNESDAY, 29th instant, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon.
FOUR pipes Hollands Gin, at 30 days credit; a number pieces Check Linen and Hair Ribbons; a quantity of Room Paper, and sundry other articles for ready money.
JACOB WALDEN, Auctioneer. Portsmouth, March 16, 1797.
FOR SALE AT Robert Taylor's Store, In Duck-Street.
BRIDPORT Canvas No. 2, 3, 4 & 7, of superior quality, on reasonable terms, for cash or approved credit. March 17, 1797.

PHILADELPHIA, March 6, 1797. ON SATURDAY Morning, the Senate of the United States, being convened, THOMAS JEFFERSON was sworn in as Vice-President of the United States, and President of the Senate. On which he addressed the Senate, as follows:
Vice President's Speech.
Gentlemen of the Senate, ENTERING on the duties of the office to which I am called, I feel it incumbent on me to apologize to this honorable House, for the insufficient manner in which I fear they may be discharged. At an earlier period of my life, and through some considerable portion of it, I have been a member of legislative bodies, and not altogether unattentive to the forms of their proceedings. But much time has elapsed since that other duties have occupied my mind: in a great degree it has lost its familiarity, with this subject. I fear that the house will have but too frequent occasion to perceive the truth of this acknowledgement. If a diligent attention, however, will enable me to fulfil the functions now assigned me, I may promise that diligence and attention shall be sedulously employed. For one portion of my duty I shall engage with more confidence, because it will depend on my will and not on my capacity.
The rules which are to govern the proceedings of this house, so far as they shall depend on me, for their application, shall be applied with the most rigorous and inflexible impartiality, regarding neither persons, their views or principles, and seeing only the abstract proposition subject to my decision. If, in forming that opinion, I concur with some and differ from others, as must of necessity happen, I shall rely on the liberality and candor of those from whom I differ, to believe that I do it on pure motives. I might here proceed, and with the greatest truth, to declare my zealous attachment to the Constitution of the United States, that I consider the union of these states as the first of blessings, and as the first of duties, the preservation of that constitution which secures it. But I suppose these declarations not pertinent to the occasion of entering into an office whose primary business is merely to preside over the forms of this house: & no one more sincerely prays, that no accident may call me to the higher and more important functions which the constitution eventually devolves on this office. These have been justly confided to the eminent character which has preceded me here, whose talents and integrity have been known and revered by me through a long course of years, have been the foundation of a cordial and uninterrupted friendship between us; and I devoutly pray he may be long preserved for the government, the happiness, and prosperity of our common country.
Soon after the Senate removed to the chamber of the H. of Representatives: Where, at an early hour, a vast concourse assembled. The ladies added brilliancy to the scene, and many of them were accommodated in the Members' chairs. About 12 GEORGE WASHINGTON entered, but before he had half crossed the floor, a thunder of applause burst forth from every quarter of the house—on the entrance of JOHN ADAMS like marks of approbation were expressed.
Chief Justice Elsworth, Judges Cushing, Wilson and Iredell being seated at the table, the President Elect advanced & made the following speech:
THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH.
WHEN it was first perceived, in early times, that no middle course for America remained; between unlimited submission to a foreign Legislature, and a total Independence of its claims; men of reflection, were less apprehensive of danger, from the formidable power of fleets and armies, they must determine to resist, than from those contests and dissensions which would certainly arise, concerning the forms of Government, to be instituted, over the whole and over the parts of this extensive country. Relying, however, on the purity of their intentions, the justice of their cause, and the integrity and intelligence of the people, under an overruling providence, which had so signally protected this country from the first, the Representatives of this nation, then consisting of little more than half the present number, not only broke the chains which were forging, and the rod of iron which was lifted up, but frankly cut asunder the ties which had bound them, and launched into an ocean of uncertainty.
The zeal and ardour of the people, during the revolutionary war, supplying the place of government, commanded a degree of order, sufficient at least for the temporary preservation of society. The confederation which was early felt to be necessary, was prepared from the models of the Batavian and Helvetic confederacies: the only examples which remain with any detail and precision in history, and certainly the only ones which the people at large had ever considered. But, reflecting on the striking difference, in so many particulars, between this country and those where a courier may go from the seat of government to the frontier in a single day, it was then certainly foreseen by some who assisted in Congress at the formation of it, that it could not be durable.
Negligence of its regulations, inattention to its recommendation, if not disobedience to its authority, not only in individuals, but in States, soon appeared, with their melancholy consequences; universal languor, jealousies and rivalries of States; decline of navigation and commerce; discouragement of necessary manufacturers; universal fall in the value of lands and their produce; contempt of public and private faith; loss of consideration and credit with foreign nations; and at length, in discontent, animosities, combinations, partial conventions, and insurrection, threatening some great national calamity.
In this dangerous crisis, the people of America were not abandoned by their usual good sense, presence of mind, resolution or integrity—measures were pursued to concert a plan, to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty. The public disquisitions, discussions and deliberations issued in the present happy constitution of government.
Employed in the service of my country abroad during the whole course of these transactions, I first saw the Constitution of the United States in a foreign country. Irritated by no literary altercation, animated by no public debate, heated by no party animosity, I read it with great satisfaction, as a result of good heads, prompted by good hearts; as an experiment, better adapted to the genius, character, situation and relations of this nation and country, than any which had ever been proposed or suggested. In its general principles and great outlines, it was conformable to such a system of government, as I had ever most esteemed, and in some states, my own native state in particular, had contributed to establish. Claiming a right of suffrage in common with my fellow-citizens, in the adoption or rejection of a constitution which was to rule me and my posterity, as well as them and theirs, I did not hesitate to express my approbation of it, on all occasions, in public and in private. It was not then, nor has been since, any objection to it, in my mind, that the Executive and Senate were not more permanent. Nor have I entertained a thought of promoting any alteration in it, but such as the people themselves, in the course of their experience should see and feel to be necessary or expedient, and by their Representatives in Congress and the State Legislatures, according to the Constitution itself, adopt and ordain.
Returning to the bosom of my country, after a painful separation from it, for ten years, I had the honor to be elected to a station under the new order of things, and I have repeatedly laid myself under the most serious obligations to support the constitution. The operation of it has equalled the most sanguine expectations of its friends; and from an habitual attention to it, satisfaction in its administration and delight in its effects, upon the peace, order, prosperity and happiness of the nation. I have acquired an habitual attachment to it, and veneration for it.
What other form of government indeed can so well deserve our esteem and love?
There may be little solidity in an ancient idea, that congregations of men into cities and nations, are the most pleasing objects in the sight of superior intelligences: But this is very certain, that to a benevolent and human mind, there can be no spectacle presented by any nation, more pleasing, more noble, majestic or august, than an assembly like that which has been so often seen in this and the other chamber of Congress, of a government, in which the executive authority, as well as that of all the branches of the legislature, are exercised by citizens selected, at regular periods, by their neighbours, to make and execute laws for the general good. Can any thing essential, any thing more than mere ornament and decoration be added to this by robes and diamonds? Can authority be more amiable or respectable, when it descends from accidents, or institutions established in remote antiquity, than when it springs fresh from the hearts and judgments of an honest and enlightened people? For it is the people only that are represented: It is their power and majesty, that is reflected and only for their good, in every legitimate government, under whatever form it may appear. The existence of such a government as ours, for any length of time, is a full proof of a general dissemination of knowledge and virtue, throughout the whole body of the people. And what object or consideration more pleasing than this can be presented to the human mind? If national pride is ever justifiable or excusable, it is when it springs, not from power or riches, grandeur or glory, but from conviction of national innocence, information and benevolence.
In the midst of these pleasing ideas, we should be unfaithful to ourselves, if we should ever lose sight of the danger to our liberties, if any thing partial or extraneous should infect the purity of our free, fair, virtuous and independent elections. If an election is to be determined by a majority of a single vote, and that can be procured by a party, through artifice or corruption, the government may be the choice of a party, for its own ends, not of the nation, for the national good. If that solitary suffrage can be obtained by foreign nations by flattery or menaces, by fraud or violence, by terror, intrigue or venality, the government may not be the choice of the American people, but of foreign nations. It may be foreign nations who govern us, and not we the people, who govern ourselves. And candid men will acknowledge that in such cases, choice would have little advantage to boast of, over lot or chance. Such is the amiable and interesting system of government (and such are some of the abuses to which it may be exposed) which the people of America have exhibited, to the admiration and anxiety of the wife and virtuous of all nations, for eight years, under the administration of a citizen who, by a long course of great actions, regulated by prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, conducting a people, inspired with the same ardent patriotism and love of liberty, to independence and peace, to increasing wealth, and unexampled prosperity; has merited the gratitude of his fellow-citizens, commanded the highest praises of foreign nations, and secured immortal glory with posterity.
In that retirement which is his voluntary choice, may he long live to enjoy the delicious recollection of his services, the
gratitude of mankind; the happy fruits of them to himself and the world, which are daily increasing and that splendid prospect of the future fortunes of his country, which is opening from year to year. His name may be still a rampart, and the knowledge that he lives, a bulwark against all open or secret enemies of his country's peace.
This example has been recommended to the imitation of his successors, by both houses of Congress, and by the voice of the Legislatures and the people, throughout this nation.
On this subject it might become me better to be silent, or to speak with diffidence, but as something may be expected, the occasion, I hope, will be admitted as an apology if I venture to say, that if, a preference upon principles, of a free Republican Government, formed upon long and serious reflection, after a diligent and impartial enquiry after truth; if, an attachment to the Constitution of the United States, and a conscientious determination to support it, until it shall be altered by the judgments and wishes of the people, expressed in the mode prescribed in it:—if, a respectful attention to the constitutions of the individual States; and a constant caution and delicacy towards the state governments; if, an equal and impartial regard to the rights, interests, honour, and happiness of all the states in the Union, without preference or regard to a Northern or Southern, a Eastern or Western position, their various political opinions on non-essential points, or their personal attachment to it, a love of Science and Letters and a will to patronize every national effort to encourage Schools, Colleges, Universities, Academies, and every institution for propagating Knowledge, Virtue and Religion among all classes of the people: not only for their benign influence on the happiness of life, in all its stages and classes, and of society in all its forms; but as the means of preserving our constitution from its natural enemies, the spirit of Sophistry, the spirit of Party, the spirit of Intrigue, the profligacy of Corruption; and the pestilence of foreign influence, which is the angel of destruction to elective governments; if a love of equal laws, of justice and humanity, in the interior administration; if an inclination to improve agriculture, commerce and manufactures, for necessity, convenience and defence; if a spirit of equity and humanity towards the aboriginal nations of America and a disposition to ameliorate their conditions, by inclining them to be more friendly to us, and our citizens to be more friendly to them; if an inflexible determination to maintain peace and inviolable faith, with all nations and that system of neutrality and impartiality among the belligerent powers of Europe, which has been adopted by this Government, and solemnly sanctioned by both houses of Congress, and applauded by the Legislatures of the States and the Public opinion, until it shall be otherwise ordained by Congress; if a personal esteem for the French Nation, formed in a residence of seven years, chiefly among them, and a sincere desire to preserve the friendship which has been so much for the honour and interest of both nations; if, while the conscious honour and integrity of the people of America, and the internal sentiment of their own power and energies must be preserved, an earnest endeavour to investigate every just cause and remove every colourable pretence of complaint; of an intention to pursue, by amicable negotiation, a reparation for the injuries that have been committed on the commerce of our fellow-citizens by whatever nation; and, if success cannot be obtained to lay the facts before the legislature, that they may consider what further measures the honour and interest of the government and its constituents demand. If a resolution to do justice, as far as may depend upon me, at all times and to all nations, and maintain peace, friendship, and benevolence with all the world; if an unshaken confidence in the honor, spirit and resources of the American people, on which I have so often hazarded my all and never have been deceived; if elevated ideas of the high destinies of this country, and of my own duties towards it, founded on a knowledge of the moral principles and intellectual improvements of the people, deeply engraved on my mind in early life, and not obscured but exalted by experience and age;—and, with humble reverence I feel it to be my duty to add, if, a veneration for the Religion of the people, who profess and call themselves Christians, and a fixed resolution to consider a decent respect for Christianity, among the best recommendations for the public service, can enable me, in any degree to comply with your wishes, it shall be my strenuous endeavor that this sagacious inquisition of the two Houses shall not be without effect.
With this great example before me; with the sense and spirit, the faith and honor, the duty and interest of the same American people, pledged to support the constitution of the United States, I entertain no doubt of its continuance in all its energy, and my mind is prepared, without hesitation, to lay myself under the most solemn obligations to support it, to the utmost of my power.
And may that Being, who is Supreme over all, the Patron of Order, the Fountain of Justice, and the Protector in all ages of the world, of virtuous Liberty, continue his blessing upon this Nation and its Government, and give it all possible success and duration, consistent with the ends of his Providence.
The Chief Justice then administered the oaths of office, to the President, who repeated them with energy. Soon after he, the Vice-President and George Washington, retired, and were escorted to their respective homes amidst the roar of artillery, and the continued plaudits of their fellow-citizens. Thus ended a scene, the parallel of which was never before witnessed in any country—which forms a new era in our history, and in the history of Republican
Freedom—to which we must commit the glorious subject.
In the evening all was American festivity and social joy. Between two and three hundred Merchants gave a splendid banquet at O'Callaghan's hotel to Gen. Washington, consisting of near four hundred covers of the choicest viands Nature produces, and served up in the most elegant style.—Beside the Principal Guest, the heads of Departments, officers of the army, foreign ministers, &c. were present. Music and Painting enlivened and adorned the scene.—The reading a veil discovered to the seated company, an emblematic painting of AMERICA on a pyramid of 16 ascents, with her appropriate accompaniments.—At her side was an Altar dedicated to Public Gratitude, over which she held a scroll inscribed "Valedictory." At the foot of the Altar lay a plumed Helmet and Sword, a signal of Gen. WASHINGTON, large as life, appeared descending the steps, pointing with one hand to the emblems of power which he had resigned, and with the other to a beautiful view of Mount Vernon. A number of American toasts were given. The Hon. Mr. Willing, presided, and Messrs. Fitzsimons, T. W. Francis, Vaughan, Nicklin, Harrison, and T. L. Moore, served as stewards on the occasion. The hospital, &c. shared the remains.
BOSTON, March 15.
Corroborative Foreign Article.
LISBON, Jan. 2.
Lord Shelburne has left Paris, and arrived in London, without coming to any conciliatory terms with France. [The War-like preparations are active throughout Portugal.—Impressments and requisitions heavy, and large bodies of troops continually marching to the frontiers. An invasion from Spain is expected: and the French Republic, notwithstanding its declarations, will abet the aggrandizing schemes of the Spanish Court.]
Unprecedented Spoilation.
We learn from Salem, that by the arrival there of a barque from St. Eustatia, information has been received that the new ship Eliza, Capt. Hodges, owned by Mr. Joseph White, of and from Salem, bound to Canton, in China, with fair and perfect papers, and laden with a small quantity of lumber, and above 40,000 dollars in cash, has been captured by a French corvette in lat. of the Cape de Verd islands, and sent for St. Domingo for trial. This is the most alarming capture we have heard of.
Yesterday came on, before the Supreme Judicial Court now sitting in this town, the trial of John Stewart, indicted for burglariously entering the dwelling-house of Capt. ENOCH RUST, as mentioned in the last CENTINEL. After a fair and patient hearing of the evidence, and counsel for the culprit (Messrs. Otis and G. Blake) the jury at 4 o'clock found a verdict of guilty. Sentence is not yet passed. Two black fellows plead guilty to indictments for petit larceny.
PORTSMOUTH, March 18.
It is suggested that the votes for Governor will be divided between the present Governor and the Hon. John Langdon, Esq.
At the special request of a number of gentlemen, the Post-Master-General has ordered the mail to be transported three times a week from this town to Boston, it commenced on Wednesday last, will arrive here on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 o'clock, A. M. and be sent from the office here on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at 1 o'clock, P. M. until the 15th of April next, at which time the summer establishment again takes place, viz. the mail to arrive here on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 o'clock P. M. and to be sent from the office at 9 o'clock, in the evening of each day for Boston.
Thursday last arrived here one of the packets that ply between this place and Boston, Capt. Fernald, the failed from Boston on the 5th of March for this port, with a valuable freight on board, but meeting with a very heavy gale put into Cape Ann and came to anchor, but the wind blowing so high, could not ride the gale out, was obliged to put away to sea without cables or anchors, the vessel being very much strained, leaked, all hands (being three) to the pump two nights and two days with only a few rations and biscuit in their pockets to support them, finding they could not longer stand to the pump, all of them being frozen, the Captain first threw his own goods over, to preserve those on freight, finding the water still gaining on them, were for the preservation of their lives and the freight below obliged to clear the deck to light the vessel; remained several days in a distressing situation, the wind blowing a mere hurricane, the vessel loaded with ice, & they covered with it near two inches thick, when the gale abated; on the 13th they arrived at Portland, where they met with very kind reception from the people, was supplied with cables and anchors and some help, which brought them home to their friends which bid them a hearty welcome on Friday last. The Captain has frozen both of his hands very much, and one of his feet.—Mr. Hiram Coffin has frozen both of his feet very much indeed, and it is feared he will lose them.—a young man (a son of Mr. Charles Grace) has frozen one of his feet, but to appearance not so badly as the others.
MARRIED —In this town, Capt. Joseph Gannett, to Miss Sally Hutchings. DIED —In Grenada, Mr. John Staples of Kittery, and Mr. Edward Goodwin, of this town.
On the morning of the 10th inst. departed this life, in the 77th year of his age, the Hon. JOHN SHERBURNE, Esq. As the circumstances of his departure, were not in the ordinary course of such events, a sketch of the particulars may not be uninteresting. After a night of undisturbed repose, he awoke in the morning at his usual hour, enquired of his servant concerning the state of the weather, gave some directions respecting his domestic affairs, and soon after arose, and having partly dressed, laid himself again on the bed, turned upon his side and instantly expired, without a struggle or a groan. It is not to the columns of a Newspaper that the memory of Mr. Sherburne will be indebted, he will live in the hearts of all who knew, or shall hear of him, so long as unflained integrity, unbounded charity and universal benevolence are respected by mankind. Early in life he was engaged in public business, and for a long series of years was unanimously elected a Representative for Portsmouth, in the Legislature of the Province—he filled an important seat in the judiciary department, and altho' at the commencement of the late Revolution, he was a mandamus Councillor, under the King—he was nevertheless an early, decided, active, and uniform opponent of the unconstitutional attempts of the British Cabinet to enslave his country. The affairs of the town and church also claimed and had a large share of his time and service.—To differs of every kind, he was ever feelingly alive. Hospitality dwelt under his roof, and charity was the keeper of his door. A professor of rational christianity, he practised those divine precepts of its author, about which modern christians preach. Altho' he lived far beyond the age of man, he was not thro' the whole period of his long life confined by sickness a single day. Having paid the debt, which all, but the immortal, owe;—his remains were on Wednesday last, followed by a long train of mourning relatives, and amidst an unusual concourse of citizens, conveyed to the abodes of the dead.—He lived the life of the righteous, and happy will those be, whose end shall be like his.
ENTRY at the CUSTOM-HOUSE, DISTRICT OF PORTSMOUTH, N. H. CLEARED FOR Brig Ranger, Moore, Ireland.
AN EXCELLENT CHOICE OF House Lots.
***** FOR SALE. A number of House Lots In Portsmouth:
VERY pleasantly situated on Broad Street, Jeffries-Street and Middle Road; belonging to the heirs of the estate of David Jeffries, Esquire, deceased; any person desirous of purchasing an agreeable situation for building may be accommodated on reasonable terms; for particulars enquire of JOHN GODDARD. Portsmouth, March 16, 1797.
Dancing-School.
Mr. Maurice,
AFTER returning his most sincere thanks to the ladies and gentlemen of the town of Portsmouth, for the encouragement given him the last summer, begs leave again to tender his services, and assures them he will use his utmost abilities to instruct their children in the very polite accomplishment of dancing, and will pay every attention to their manners and behavior while under his tuition, on the terms following, viz.
1st. For the first quarter six dollars , and for the second, and of those that have before attended his school one guinea each , per quarter.
2d. Two dollars of which to be paid at entrance.
3d. The school to commence on the first Saturday of April next, at the Assembly-Room, at three o'clock in the afternoon, and to be continued Thursdays and Saturdays, from three o'clock to sunset.
Mr. MAURICE informs the ladies that he intends if encouragement offers, to open a Music-School, will teach them the Fortièpiano at their houses, or at his Music-School, where he will furnish those who wish with a Fortièpiano to learn on; the school will be kept from six to twelve o'clock in the morning, two days in each week. Likewise
Informs those young gentlemen who wish to be instructed the Violin, that he will if encouragement offers, teach them two evenings in each week at his Music-School, which will be opened as soon as twelve scholars apply. Further particulars may be known by applying to Mr. MAURICE, at Mr. Jotham Rindge's, foot of Daniel-Street, Portsmouth. March 18, 1797.
For Philadelphia
And back to this port. THE sloop Nancy, George Wiggin master, will sail the 29th inst. wind and weather permitting, for freight or passage apply to Leigh & Bowles store, No. 1, high-street. Portsmouth, March 27, 1797.

On the lowest terms.
A complete assortment of Books and Stationary
Are just received and for sale
By J. Melcher
At his Printing-Office and Book Store, Too large to enumerate in an advertisement,
Among which are, A LARGE assortment of Writing Paper, from 12/ to 42/ per ream.
Ink Powder, black and red, warranted of the best kind, or the money returned, per dozen or single paper. Dutch Quills and Pens.
Account Books of all sizes and prices. Record Books. Wafers, red. Sealing Wax. Slates and Slate Pencils.
Cyphering Books, made of the best of paper. Copy Slips. Writing Books, made of the best of paper, with the necessary rules in Arithmetick printed upon the inside of the covers.
Ink Chisels and Ink Stands of various kinds. Black lead Pencils.
Webster's Spelling-Book, Webster's 2d part, Webster's 3d part, American Preceptor, Perry's Spelling-Book, Dilworth's Spelling-Book, Child's Companion, Ticknor's Exercises. Pfalters.
Pike's Arithmetick. Pike's abridgement. Schoolmaster's assistant. Vinal's Arithmetick. Bonycastle's Arithmetick. Young Man's Companion. Short Arithmetick.
Dwight's Geography (a small book for schools.) Child's friend (4th vol.) Young lady's Accidence. Primers, per dozen and retail. Art of Speaking. Dana's Selection. Dramatic Dialogues: Perry's Dictionary, per dozen & retail. Entick's Dictionary. Morse's Geography, 2 vols. Morse's abridgement. Paley's Philosophy. Davidson's Virgil. Duncan's Logic. Ward's latin Grammar. Ash's English Grammar. Usher's English Grammar. Philadelphia latin Grammar. Alop's Fables (Latin and English.) Clark's introduction to making latin. Coderius. Eutropius. Erasmus. London Vocabulary. Accidence. Catechism of nature. Children's small diverting and instructing history's & picture Books of all sizes and prices, per dozen and retail. Watt's Psalms and Hymns, per doz. and retail. Bibles of various sizes per dozen and retail. Testaments per dozen and retail. Seaman's Daily Assistant. Shipmaster's Manuel. Playing Cards, Harry the 8th and Merry Andrew per doz. and retail. Ready Reckoner. Love on Surveying. Law of Bailments. Nisi Prius Cates. Probate Laws. Justice's Assistant. Young Clerk's Magazines (book of useful forms.) Conductor Generalis. Every man his own Lawyer. Cheselden's Anatomy. Buchan's Domestic Medicine. Worcester Collection. Federal Harmony. Hollioke's Collection. Law's Collection. Looking Glass for the mind. Mason on self knowledge. Mason's Student and Pastor. Complete Letter Writer. Smith's Hymns per dozen and retail. Church Prayer Books. Token for Mourners. The Foresters, (a new edition) Lendrum's History of American Revolution. Carver's Travels. Cook's voyages. Franklin's life. Evening Amusements for the ladies. Chesterfield's Principles of Politeness. Riddle Books. Fortune Teller. Song Books.
With as large a collection of BOOKS as can be found at any place in town, all of which will be sold very low for cash down, or at a short credit.
Hard-Ware Goods.
H. & B. PENHALLOW
Have imported from London, Bristol and Liverpool, and by the Commerce from Amsterdam,
A large addition to their former assortment of
HARD-WARE.
Among which are,
A GREAT variety
of Cutlery, Iron-Mongery, Ship, Chandlery, Sadlery, Cabinet and Brass Foundry Wares; Horsemen's Pistols, Hangers and Broad Sword Blades.
—ALSO—
Brass, Pewter, Shot, Lead, Anvils and Vises; German Mill-Saws; Cross-Cut, Whip and Cabinet Joiners-Saws; Holland-Scales; Drawing-Knives and German Gimblets of all sizes; Sheathing and Drawing-Nails; Brads and Tacks.
—LIKEWISE—
Sheet Iron; Carpenters, Carvers, Cabinet-Makers and Shoe-Makers Tools; Mahogany and Gilt Frame Looking-Glasses; Painters-Colours and Brushes; 6 by 8, 7 by 9 and 8 by 10 Crown-Glass, &c. &c.
All which will be disposed of, on the lowest terms for cash, at their Store in Market-Street. Portsmouth, February 3, 1797. [6w.]
R. Taylor,
Head of Buck-Street,
SIGN OF THE BARREL
AND SUGAR-LOAVES,
HAS FOR SALE,
WEST-INDIA Rum by the hog-shead, barrel or gallon.
French Brandy by the pipe, bbl. or gal. Holland Gin per ditto.
N. E. Rum by the barrel or gallon. Lisbon Wine by the pipe and quarter cask.
A few casks Malaga Wine. Bohemian Tea by whole and half chest. Hyson Tea by the chest, dozen or pound.
Excellent Cotton by the bale or pound. Loaf Sugar, Molasses, fresh Rice. Chocolate, Crown and Bar Soap. Raisins by the cask or retail.
A quantity of fresh Lemons & Oranges. Cinnamon by the pound or ounce. Nutmegs by the pound, ounce or retail.
Sugar Plumbs, Almonds, Citron and Lozenges. English bottled Mustard. Excellent Florence Oil in flasks. Poland Starch, Ginger, Pepper, Pimento. 3cwt. real Spanish Indigo.
A few dozen pots patent Varnish for furniture, which by applying a little to the furniture, after being first well clean'd, it will give it an excellent gloss.
Excellent Segars; Roll Tobacco by the quantity or single roll; Smoking Tobacco; Corks by the gross.
A few handsome Japan'd Waiters. A few elegant Looking Glasses with gilt frames, to be sold as low as five dollars each.
Skill and Son's inestimable, curious and rich Sauces with which gravy for almost any kind of dish may be made in two minutes.
A number of boxes 8 by 10 and 7 by 9 Window Glass.
4d, 6d, 10d and 20d Nails. A variety of Toys too tedious to enumerate.
Excellent Flour by the bbl. or retail. Old Cheese equal to English. Common ditto.
A large quantity of Crockery, consisting of Liverpool and India China in complete sets.
Pancy and pencill'd Pitchers; a few sets of India China at one dollar per set.
Sallad dishes, Flower Pots, Tea Pots of various kinds, Cream Pots, Bowls, Tea Cups and Saucers, Sugar Dishes, &c. &c. —All of said crockery will be sold at prime cost.
Wine and Beer Glasses by wholesale and retail. Spermaceti Oil.
A few of Miles' Patent Lamps remain unfold with directions for trimming them; those who have purchased said Lamps not having the directions, by applying to said store may be supplied with them.
If any of the above articles are found upon trial, not to be as recommended, I hereby promise to take back such goods and return the money. R. TAYLOR.
REMOVED.
Joseph Haven
Has removed to the New Brick Store (middle apartment) on Spring-Hill,
Where he has opened a large assortment of
European and India
GOODS,
For sale at the lowest rate. Portsmouth, Sept. 15, 1796.
Dartmouth College Lottery. Class Third.
THE MANAGERS of Dartmouth College Lottery offer to the Public a SCHEME of the third Class, consisting of six thousand Tickets at four Dollars each—the amount of which they have divided into Prizes of the following value—subject to a deduction of 12 1/2 per cent.
SCHEME.
Prizes. Dollars. Dollars. 2 of 1000 are 2000 3 500 1500 10 200 2000 30 100 3000 40 50 2000 80 20 1600 122 10 1220 1335 8 10,680 1622 24,000 4378
6000 Tickets at 4 Dollars are 24,000
In compliance with the wishes of a large proportion of Adventurers in the former Classes, the Managers have divided the Prize of 3000 Dollars into 30 Prizes of 100 Dollars each; have increased the number of intermediate Prizes; and have substituted 8 Dollars instead of 6 Dollars for the lowest Prize. With these alterations, joined to the laudable design of the Lottery, they anticipate a complete sale.
This Class will positively commence drawing at Concord, on Tuesday the 13th of June next—and when completed, a List of Prizes will be immediately published, and the Prizes paid on demand.
JONA. FREEMAN, } Managers. BENJ. CONNER, } Wm A. KENT. January 13, 1797.
FOR SALE AT
Bayley's Variety Store,
Sign of the
Spinning
Wheel,
Daniel-Street.
FORTY pieces low
priced blue Broad Cloths, twenty-five pieces blue twill'd Duffels, being a consignment direct from the Manufacturer, will be sold at 25 per cent from the sterling cost. His remaining stock of
English GOODS
will be sold remarkably cheap, Genuine superfine Broad Cloths at 27/ per yard, and all other goods equally as low.
A new assortment of Beverly Manufactured Cotton Bed Ticks, of a superior quality, warranted not to shed feathers.
Sam'l Hill
Has for sale a quantity of fresh
Clover and Herds Grass
SEED,
at a very low price—ALSO
English & W. I. Goods
as usual at the lowest prices,
N. E. Rum & Molasses
by the quantity. Portsmouth, March 1, 1797.
TO BE SOLD,
A lot of land
In Cross-Street,
THIRTY by 48 feet,
opposite the widow Dennie's; and a lot near the North-School, adjoining Mr. Perkins Ayers, 31 by 94 feet, with a small neat house on it, and a privilege of an excellent well. For conditions apply to
JACOB WALDEN. Portsmouth, Feb. 15, 1797.
J. FROST
INFORMS the public
in general, that he has opened a small assortment of GOODS, which he will sell on such terms, that a modest purchaser will not complain.
N. B. If encouragement is given he will open a large assortment in the season following.
Durham-Falls, Feb. 24, 1797.
The Phillips Exeter Academy.
ALL persons indebted to the trustees of the Phillips Exeter Academy are requested to make payment to the subscriber.
Those whose obligations are of long standing, and those who have neglected to pay interest annually, are particularly called upon to make payment before the last day of March next, such as neglect this notice must not complain if they are compelled by law to fulfil their promises.
J. T. GILMAN. Exeter, Feb. 15, 1797.
George Doig
Begs leave to inform his friends and the public in general that he has removed to the westerly apartment of the new Brick Store, in Ladd's-Street, late-ly occupied by Messrs. Lang and Brierley, where he carries on the Painting Business in all its various branches, viz.
COACH, sign, heraldry, house and ship painting; gilding; glazing;
also mixes and prepares oil and colors for town or country, on the shortest notice and the smallest favors thankfully acknowledged.—Has for sale all sorts of water colors prepared in shells; India Ink and Camel's hair Pencils, as cheap as in Boston.
N. B. Wanted a smart active LAD from 13 to 15 years of age as an apprentice to the Painting business, good encouragement will be given; one who has a taste for drawing will be preferred. 6w.
State of New-Hampshire Rockingham ss.
To Thomas Leavitt, Esq. one of the justices of the peace, in and for said county, and clerk to the proprietors of the township of Tamworth, in the county of Strafford in said State.
THE undersigned owners of more than one sixteenth part of said township of Tamworth, request that you notify and warn the proprietors, owners and grantees of land in said township, to meet at the dwelling-house of Col. Stephen Mason in Tamworth aforesaid, on Thursday the 30th day of March next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, to vote and act on the following articles, matters and things, viz.
1st. To choose a moderator to govern said meeting.
2d. To choose a proprietors clerk.
3d. To choose and appoint assessors and collector, with necessary powers.
4th. To ratify and confirm any former votes or grants heretofore passed or made by the proprietors.
5th. To pass all necessary votes to confirm or to regulate all former pitches made upon certain lots or parcels of land; and to sever and divide the common and undivided land or dispose of a part or all of said common land, as they may judge best for their interest.
6th. To settle and adjust all accounts and demands against the proprietors.
7th. To settle with any person either by compromise or otherwise as they may think best, who have taken up or settled on any lands, without leave or consent of the proprietors, and to appoint agents with full power to prosecute any person who has or may trespass on any of the land belonging to the proprietors.
8th. To see what sum of money they will vote to raise to discharge the debts of the proprietors.
9th. To vote and transact all such other matters and things as may be thought best for the interest of the proprietary.
THOMAS COGSWELL, BRADBURY CILLEY. February 1, 1797.
State of New-Hampshire Rockingham ss.
(L.S.) In compliance with the aforesaid written request to me made, I do hereby notify and warn all the proprietors, owners and grantees of land in said township of Tamworth, to meet at the time and place, and for the purpose mentioned and set forth in the aforesaid request.
Given under my hand and seal at Northampton, in the county and State aforesaid, this 3d day of February, 1797.
THOMAS LEAVITT.
Attend and save Cost.
ALL persons indebted to the Printer hereof for Newspapers, &c. whose accounts have been more than one year standing, especially those who have not paid any thing for Newspapers for many years, are earnestly requested to call and have their accounts settled, or the printer will be under the disagreeable necessity of putting their accounts in suit without further notice.
FOR SALE AT
No 17, on Portsmouth-Pier,
By Thomas Manning,
WEST India Rum per hhd.
or barrel; St. Ubes, Figuera and Rock SALT.
COALS.
THIRTY Chaldrons
excellent Liverpool COALS, to be sold cheap for cash; apply to
William Neil,
Who has for sale a large quantity
Fresh RAISINS,
by the cask and retail. March 10, 1797.
Morning-School.
A MORNING-SCHOOL will be opened on Monday 20th inst. at the North School-House by Mr. PAYSON, for the instruction of Masters and Misses in the useful branches of Spelling, Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, & English Grammar.
Mr. PAYSON conceives it unnecessary to remind parents of the salutary advantages children derive by early receiving an education, the expense being trifling and the time such as can be no way inconvenient to misses in general. He assures them, that no pains shall be wanting on his part, and the strictest attention will be paid, to improve the morals as well as cultivate their understanding. He further requests those parents who may befriend him with the charge of their children's instruction, to make application previous to the time appointed for opening the School.
J. & J. Goddard
Have imported in the last vessels from England, a large and very
General assortment of
Hard-Ware
GOODS,
Which they are selling on the most reasonable terms
By Wholesale and Retail,
At their Store in Market-Street, Where may be had
A FEW Hogheads
of Rum and Pipes of Brandy, both of a superior quality.
Sherry, Lisbon and Malaga Wines; Brown Sugar; Hyson, Souchong and Bohemian Teas.—ALSO—
20d, 10d, 6d, & 4d, Nails; Bar and Sheet Lead; Shot of all sizes; Painters Oil and Colours; Window Glass, &c. &c.
District of New-Hampshire, to wit,
Be it remem-
bered, that on the twenty-fourth day of January, in the twenty-first year of the Independence of the United States of America, NOAH WORCESTER of the said District hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as author, in the words following, to wit, "The natural teacher, or the best Spelling Book for little children. By Noah Worcester, A. M. minister of the Gospel in Thornton, New-Hampshire."
In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United States, entitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and books to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned."
JONATHAN STEELE, Clerk of the District of New-Hampshire: A true Copy of Record, Attest, JONATHAN STEELE.
Ozias Silsby
GIVES notice to his
friends who have received the Newspapers from him, for six months ending the last of March inst. that their accounts will then be ready for settlement—Those who have been punctual and continue so to be will receive his most grateful thanks; and those who are indebted by note or account prior to the commencement of the last six months are requested to attend to the matter without any delay—If these are trifles they may be easily settled, and in the end will amount to something valuable to him who wishes punctuality might be observed by ALL his customers.